Qi Tianming, as a father, found time to have a heart-to-heart talk with Qi Mingzhu. The Old Madam also chose a day to personally visit the Minister's mansion with Qi Mingzhu, staying for a good half-day. After that, at any banquets or similar events, the Old Madam continued to bring Qi Mingzhu along. Anyone paying even slight attention to the Marquis's mansion noticed that the eldest young lady seemed like a completely different person, displaying proper decorum and conduct that left no room for disdain.
During this period, the Old Madam also had a long, intimate conversation with Qi Zhenzhen.
It was primarily about Qi Mingzhu's marriage, which was originally intended for Qi Zhenzhen, and the Old Madam felt a lingering sense of guilt.
As for Lu Chen, beyond a fleeting initial curiosity, Qi Zhenzhen harbored no particular thoughts about him.
She had also heard Qi Yi's opinion: Lu Chen was a man of cold disposition and vast knowledge, making him an excellent mentor and friend, but not a suitable match. At least, in Qi Yi's eyes, the Lu family was not comparable to the Duke's mansion, and Lu Chen was not comparable to Gu Sinian.
Qi Zhenzhen suspected Qi Yi's judgment was based on preconceived notions, but she couldn't deny that Gu Sinian was exceptional. She could only console herself, thinking that the Lu family had no relation to her, so why ponder it so much?
However, living under the same roof meant some things were unavoidable, even with deliberate avoidance.
Lately, the servants had been discussing the Lu family because they had sent many gifts.
Most of the gifts were ancient books and calligraphy, which Qi Tianming greatly appreciated. He became even more attentive to the Lu family's young master, who was staying at the mansion, and would take him along to any social engagements. Lu Gongzi, with his talent and wisdom, gradually gained a reputation.
The Lu family's gifts were impeccably presented, even extending to Yun Shi and her two children, who each received a valuable gift.
Noble families always reciprocated. Given the value of the gifts, Qi Zhenzhen sought out the Old Madam to inquire whether these items should be considered communal property. It would be awkward if they couldn't offer suitable return gifts later, as it wouldn't do to accept gifts while acting as if nothing had been received when it came to reciprocation.
"Take what is given to you. The Lu family likely feels some guilt, and such generous gifts also serve as compensation. As for the return gifts, you don't need to worry about it; your father is in charge. Do you think he's so incompetent that he can't even offer gifts of equal value?" the Old Madam said without hesitation. "You, girl, worry far too much."
"It's not that your granddaughter worries excessively; which family sends gifts that don't even spare the concubine and illegitimate daughters? And such valuable ones at that!" Qi Zhenzhen grumbled. "If your granddaughter doesn't think more, what if a mistake is made?"
The Old Madam sighed. "You've been wronged. Let's not dwell on that. Is your planned return to Xinghua Village happening in the next few days? Have the gifts for the return journey been prepared? Before you leave, send a message to the Crown Prince, asking him to come over. This old woman has something to discuss with him."
"In three days," Qi Zhenzhen replied. "If you wish to see him, summon Yi Ge'er. He is close with the Crown Prince."
The Old Madam nodded. "Yi Ge'er is a good lad, and he will be your support in the future. His friendship with the Crown Prince benefits both him and you."
It wasn't that Yi Ge'er only became friends with Gu Sinian after returning to the Marquis's mansion. Qi Zhenzhen had only recently learned that Yi Ge'er's martial arts were taught by her, but his internal martial arts were imparted by Gu Sinian. In Yi Ge'er's words, Gu Sinian could be considered his half-master.
The day before their departure, Gu Sinian accompanied Qi Yi to Zhaohui Hall.
The servants attending the room were dismissed. Qi Zhenzhen had initially hoped to overhear their conversation but found no opportunity.
Gu Sinian stayed in Zhaohui Hall for a full hour before leaving.
Er Xi, whom Qi Zhenzhen had sent to Zhaohui Hall to gather information, reported that the Crown Prince had been invited into the room, and even the young master couldn't enter. The attending servants were also dismissed, so he didn't know what the Old Madam and the Crown Prince had discussed. However, Er Xi saw the Crown Prince leaving with a faint smile on his lips, suggesting the conversation had pleased him.
What exactly had been said?
Qi Zhenzhen was very curious. After pacing around the room a few times, she went to the small kitchen and busied herself for a while, making some rice noodles. She garnished them with shredded chicken, shredded cucumber, and chopped scallions, drizzled them with fragrant vinegar, and topped them with chili oil. She packed it into a food box and eagerly headed to Zhaohui Hall.
"Grandmother, your granddaughter made some fresh food. Would you like to try it?"
The Old Madam's face was filled with a warm smile. "Let Grandmother see what kind of fresh food it is."
She was in an exceptionally good mood. The Duke's mansion's Crown Prince was truly a fine person, completely unlike the rumors outside. Not only that, but the young man had also personally expressed his deep affection for Zhenzhen, promising to treat her well in the future and put her old grandmother's mind at ease.
The Old Madam enjoyed spicy food, and seeing the red oil drizzled over the dish delighted her.
Upon tasting it, the sour and spicy flavors spread through her mouth, complemented by the refreshing shredded cucumber, tender shredded chicken, and the aroma of the rice noodles. It was truly irresistible.
"It's quite delicious," the Old Madam praised sincerely after finishing a bowl of rice noodles. "Now, tell me, what do you want to ask me?"
Qi Zhenzhen smiled. "Your granddaughter is just curious about what you said to him."
Qi Zhenzhen openly admitted her thoughts.
"I just said a few words, instructing him to put in some effort and take good care of you and Yi Ge'er," the Old Madam said leisurely.
"Did you only say that?" Qi Zhenzhen pressed, unwilling to give up.
"The Crown Prince praised you to Grandmother, saying your tea ceremony skills were very impressive," the Old Madam added. "And he also mentioned that this marriage was decreed by Master Yuanjue as a match made in heaven. He also said he would definitely treat you well in the future, so I, this old woman, could rest assured."
Qi Zhenzhen blushed slightly. This man was truly adept at coaxing people.
Whether it was true or not, the listener had already believed it.
Well, so be it. It was for the best, at least her beloved relatives thought he was a good person and could be at ease.
The next morning, Qi Zhenzhen and Qi Yi bid farewell to the Old Madam and set off on their journey back to Xinghua Village.
As soon as they left the capital, they encountered Gu Sinian, Zhang Xiaoniu, and others who had been waiting for them.
Lifting the carriage curtain, Qi Zhenzhen saw the horse beside Zhang Xiaoniu. It was clearly her own horse. After being confined to the Marquis's mansion for several months, it was finally time to return to Xinghua Village, and traveling by carriage felt too tedious.
With nimble movements, she jumped down from the carriage, tore and tied her skirt hem, and Qi Zhenzhen mounted the horse. Her actions were swift and clean, displaying a heroic and spirited demeanor.
Qi Yi, inside the carriage, looked resentful. He scanned around, but there were no empty horses, meaning his sister could ride, but he couldn't.
"In two more years, I'll gift you a fine horse," Gu Sinian said calmly.
"Crown Prince, you must keep your word; don't deceive me just because I'm young," Qi Yi's eyes lit up. He had been coveting the Crown Prince's steed for a long time. To have such a magnificent mount in the future, the thought alone made him excited.
Qi Zhenzhen glanced at Qi Yi, then at Gu Sinian, and with a single sentence, she appeased him. She was capable; she had thought Yi Ge'er might sulk.