"Your mother is doing well, you don't need to worry about her constantly," Madam Yun said softly. "Wherever she is, she can manage."
Qi Zhenzhen knew Madam Yun was trying to spare her any trouble.
"When you have free time, don't just busy yourself with needlework. The estate has a needlework room; why do you need to do everything yourself? You'll strain your eyes, and that would be troublesome. The Old Madam doesn't necessarily need you to send her needlework; spending more time talking with her would be good too. As people age, they sometimes long for company," Qi Zhenzhen said. "The Old Madam has a different regard for you, not because of me or Yi Ge'er, but because of your unassuming nature."
Madam Yun seemed thoughtful.
After a pause, she nodded and replied, "Alright."
They chatted for a while longer, and then Madam Yun urged Qi Zhenzhen to go back and rest. "Come and talk to me again when you have time. You've had a long day of travel. Take a bath before you sleep and get some good rest."
"I've only been here a little while," Qi Zhenzhen said, reluctant to leave.
"Not a little while; you've already had a pot of tea," Madam Yun chided. "We live in the same estate; it's not as if we won't see each other."
Seeing that it was indeed getting late, Qi Zhenzhen stood up to leave.
"Is the second young lady leaving so soon? Won't you sit here a while longer? I had already instructed the little maids to make some snacks," the long-faced maid said eagerly.
"Thank you for your trouble. I ate a bit too much at the Old Madam's place just now, so I won't have any. You all can eat them yourselves," Qi Zhenzhen said kindly. "My concubine mother has a gentle disposition; please look after her well and don't let anyone bully her."
"Of course. I am the concubine mother's maid, so I naturally must protect her. Besides, with the second young lady as her backing, who would dare provoke her? The second young lady is a favorite of the Old Madam, and in our estate, the Madam herself listens to the Old Madam," the maid said ingratiatingly. "This servant will rely on the second young lady in the future."
Qi Zhenzhen frowned almost imperceptibly and, with forced patience, said, "The estate has the Marquis, the Madam, and the Old Madam to make decisions. Everything has its rules; it's not up to me."
The maid chuckled, "The second young lady need not be so modest."
"Sister Hong Tao, it's getting late. We'll talk again next time. My young lady is tired from her journey and needs to go back to rest," Fei Xu said coolly.
"Look at me, wanting to get closer to the second young lady, and I've delayed her rest," Hong Tao said, feigning a slap to her own cheek. "Second young lady, travel safely."
After leaving Ting Lan Courtyard, even the usually calm and composed Fei Xu couldn't help but complain, "Why did the concubine mother keep such a maid? Look at her, she doesn't seem like a maid but more like a mistress. Just now, she was subtly trying to pry into your daily affairs, and her fawning manner, I truly can't stand it."
"Since Father assigned her to Concubine Mother, she must have some capabilities. We need to be cautious in dealing with her," Qi Zhenzhen instructed. "Let's observe first. If she proves to be restless, I am not someone to be trifled with."
Fei Xu nodded. "This servant understands. I will tell Er Xi to keep an eye on her."
The two returned to Long Xiang Courtyard, where Er Xi and Zhang Fangcao were standing under the corridor.
"Er Xi, you haven't arranged a place for Fang Cao to stay?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"I have, but she insists on working with me," Er Xi replied helplessly.
Qi Zhenzhen smiled and stepped into the room. Qi Xuanxuan was sitting on the couch, her eyes hazy, her head nodding.
"You'll catch a chill sleeping here," Qi Zhenzhen said softly as she approached Qi Xuanxuan. "Get up and go back to your room to sleep."
Qi Xuanxuan's hazy eyes suddenly widened. "Second Sister, why have you been gone for so many days? I missed you so much."
Er Xi interjected, "Third Miss, it hasn't been many days, only a few. Our young lady will be married after the New Year and won't be living in the estate anymore, nor will she be able to return often. You must adapt quickly."