Qi Zhenzhen first returned to Longxiang Garden and instructed Erxi to take people to the front yard to deliver the spicy rabbit. She herself carried a jar of spicy rabbit to Tinglan Garden.
As Madam Yun disliked spicy food, she only brought one jar for her to try.
"Second Miss, you've finally arrived. Ever since we learned of your return to the manor, Madam has been anticipating your arrival. Waiting and waiting, you've finally come," a maid with a long face said as soon as they entered the room.
Qi Zhenzhen looked at her a few times, finding her unfamiliar.
"Second Miss, I am newly assigned to serve in this room." The maid spoke swiftly, explaining herself before Qi Zhenzhen could ask.
Qi Zhenzhen nodded slightly. Feixu took out a sachet and placed it into the maid's hand, then pulled the maid along to go outside.
"What are you doing? I still need to serve in the room," the maid said, struggling out of Feixu's grasp with displeasure.
"Our young lady and Madam haven't seen each other for a long time and have many intimate words to share. How can we servants interfere? When service is needed, the masters will naturally call for someone," Feixu frowned, wondering how such an ill-mannered maid could be assigned to serve in the room.
The maid then obediently followed Feixu out.
"Mother, where are the maids who used to serve here?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"They were dismissed." Madam Yun's brows furrowed slightly, then she smiled, saying with a light heart, "Those two were people from the Madam's side. When Concubine Ruyan came to speak with me, they were wearing a large amount of musk. Ruyan felt unwell at the time. Coincidentally, your father came over. After an interrogation, he made the decision to dismiss them."
Qi Zhenzhen frowned. She wasn't a three-year-old child to believe whatever Madam Yun said.
Madam Yun spoke so casually, as if this incident had no impact on her. How could that be possible?
Qi Tianming rarely set foot in Tinglan Garden, so how could he have happened to come over?
A large amount of musk would only affect someone who was pregnant if it was worn close to the body or if they inhaled it for a prolonged period. How could it cause an episode after just one or two sniffs?
The maids were Madam Yun's personal attendants. When something happened, Madam Yun would be the first person suspected.
Under such circumstances, how could Madam Yun not feel wronged?
Since she wasn't mentioning it now, it meant she didn't want Qi Zhenzhen to worry. Seeing that she was fine, Qi Zhenzhen could only let it go.
"Was that maid who just came in brought in at that time?"
"Your father sent her," Madam Yun said indifferently. "She's diligent and efficient."
Was this a form of surveillance? Was he distrustful of Madam Yun?
The maid appeared honest, but her words were far from it. The first thing she said upon entering was clearly meant to sow discord between her and Madam Yun. What about waiting and anticipating? Wasn't she implying that Qi Zhenzhen hadn't visited Madam Yun immediately upon her return, showing disrespect?
The Old Madam was an elder. By all reason and sentiment, Qi Zhenzhen should have paid her respects first upon her return.
Next, there were Qi Tianming and the younger Madam Qin. If she had truly visited Madam Yun first, it would have been problematic. Wouldn't the entire manor then say she was uncultured?
Indeed, every step was a trap.
"Let's not talk about this anymore. Aunt Yu asked me to send her regards. Mingyue will be moving to the capital to live soon. The Lin family is also doing well. I'll take you back to visit when there's an opportunity," Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile. "Our manor is almost built. We can move in when the apricot blossoms bloom next year. Then I'll persuade Grandmother to come along, and you can accompany her."
Madam Yun's face showed a look of longing. Life in the manor was far less carefree than it had been in Xinghua Village.
If she could return, she certainly wanted to.