Lu Qingshui could tell she was under a lot of pressure and feared the Xun family. After all, she had been a maid to Xun Wan Niang, enduring her scolding and beatings, and already harbored fear towards the Xun family. Moreover, she had agreed to the Xun family's terms and was now secretly preparing to go back on her word, so feeling pressure was only natural.
Qi Zhenzhen comforted her softly, "Don't worry, I'm still waiting for you to help out at my place."
Lu Qingshui looked at Qi Zhenzhen gratefully, her apprehension easing slightly.
"Tomorrow, the Song family will go to the county yamen to beat the drum and announce their grievances. At that time, the Xun family will send someone to pick you up. Whatever they say then, just lower your head and agree," Qi Zhenzhen instructed. "When you're in court and the county magistrate questions you, just tell the truth."
Lu Qingshui nodded, "Okay."
Qi Zhenzhen didn't linger at the Song family's residence. Once everything was arranged, she returned.
The noodle shop was bustling with business. Zhao Fenglin and Zhang Xiaoniu were incredibly busy, while Yingzi at the counter was also swamped with customers.
Not only were people coming to eat noodles, but many were specifically buying the various braised delicacies, and they were arriving in an endless stream.
Qi Zhenzhen walked behind the counter and helped with collecting money and making change, relieving Yingzi of much of the pressure.
"Our braised dishes are selling really well now, even better than that shop in the county town that claims to have a hundred-year-old braising stock," Yingzi said with a hint of pride, collecting money and talking to Qi Zhenzhen.
Qi Zhenzhen nodded and smiled slightly. Of course, her old braising stock had been improved over generations, so its flavor was naturally superior to anything made casually. Furthermore, people had grown accustomed to one flavor, and when a new, excellent flavor emerged, it was easily accepted.
As darkness fully enveloped the surroundings, only a few patrons remained in the noodle shop, enjoying small cups of wine and braised dishes. Zhao Fenglin occasionally chatted with them, suggesting they were regular customers.
With no more tasks outside, Qi Zhenzhen entered the kitchen. Lin Ruixue was sitting on a stool, while Zhang Erniu was massaging her shoulders.
Upon seeing Qi Zhenzhen enter, Lin Ruixue became nervous and abruptly stood up, stammering, "Zhenzhen, we, I, he..."
"Auntie, will I have to change how I address you from now on?" Qi Zhenzhen asked, her big eyes looking at Lin Ruixue and then at Zhang Erniu, her tone filled with surprise.
Lin Ruixue's face flushed red, and she lowered her head. Zhang Erniu winked at Qi Zhenzhen, who pretended not to see, staring intently at them. She was somewhat surprised that Zhang Erniu had managed to win her over so quickly; she had expected it to take more effort.
"Erniu is a good man," Lin Ruixue managed to say, before fleeing the room.
Zhang Erniu chuckled foolishly. Qi Zhenzhen gave him a sidelong glance, "You're quite fast, aren't you?"
"I also have to thank Li Shan for causing trouble. My few days in jail weren't in vain," Zhang Erniu said with a touch of pride. "I listened to you, pretended to be meek for a few days, and just lay on the kang. Ruixue made me special meals every day and would come in to sit and talk with me. Huzizi came back once, and after learning about this, he secretly found me and asked me what I thought. I told him directly that I cared for Ruixue and would treat her well."
Qi Zhenzhen was now somewhat surprised. Huzizi had actually asked such a thing? Or had he noticed something earlier?
"Huzizi agreed?"
Zhang Erniu nodded, "Huzizi said he would study hard and strive for official recognition. If I treated Ruixue poorly, he certainly wouldn't let me off."
Even with threats, it was truly...
"Huzizi is right. If you treat my aunt poorly, you won't have to worry about Huzizi; I won't let you off easily either," Qi Zhenzhen said sternly. "You know I mean what I say."
Zhang Erniu felt a chill down his spine and nodded repeatedly, "Your aunt is so wonderful, I can't wait to treat her well, how could I treat her poorly? What about you, will you have to change how you address me from now on, calling me Uncle?"
"Only after you officially marry her can I change my address. While my maternal grandparents aren't displeased with you, you still need to show your sincerity."
"I won't take a single copper coin from the money earned at the noodle shop; it will all be used for the betrothal gifts. I won't take any of the money earned in the future either; it will all go to Ruixue," Zhang Erniu quickly promised.
"These words aren't for me to hear; you need to say them to my maternal grandparents."
After speaking, Qi Zhenzhen left the kitchen and went to Lin Ruixue's room.
Although Qi Zhenzhen now called Lin Ruixue "Auntie," Lin Ruixue had treated her as an equal since they started the kimchi business, discussing matters with her and treating her as a peer.
"Zhenzhen, do you think this will work out?" Lin Ruixue's face no longer held shyness, but instead, a deep unease.
"Auntie, what do you think isn't working out?"
"I'm a discarded woman, cast out, and I have a son. Erniu is about my age, but he's never been married. It was due to family circumstances before, but now that Erniu can earn money, it's not impossible for him to find a young girl of fifteen or sixteen," Lin Ruixue said anxiously, this being something that had weighed on her heart.
"Then what kind of person do you think Brother Zhang Er is? Is he impulsive? Does he make decisions on a whim? Is he irresponsible?" Qi Zhenzhen asked in return.
Lin Ruixue waved her hand, "No, no, he's very thoughtful in his actions. Although his temper can be a bit fiery, he's definitely not that kind of person. He's rough on the outside but delicate on the inside, and he's very good to me and Huzizi. Not only that, but he's also very attentive to Auntie Lu and the others."
"Then that's that. Since Brother Zhang Er isn't that kind of person, it means his decisions are well-considered. Furthermore, Auntie, you shouldn't put yourself down. Being cast out isn't your fault; Li Shan is a scoundrel who mistook a pearl for a fish's eye. It has nothing to do with you. Life is long, and who hasn't encountered a few scumbags?"
Lin Ruixue was amused, feeling that what Qi Zhenzhen said was absolutely true.
"You absolutely cannot keep this from your maternal grandparents. Say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done," Qi Zhenzhen added. "After the Song family's matter is resolved, we'll see if you go back there, or if I'll send a message for my maternal grandparents to come over."
"Have them come over. If we go back, this noodle shop will have to close," Lin Ruixue quickly said.
"What's wrong with closing? Consider it a break. Does any business that's open guarantee that there won't be any issues?"
"It's fine to inform them now. It's not too late to close the shop when we're actually handling the arrangements."
Qi Zhenzhen pursed her lips, "Auntie, do you really think that after you tell my maternal grandparents about this, they'll allow you and Brother Zhang Er to live under the same roof before the formal wedding?"
Lin Ruixue thought about it and realized it was true. Regardless of whether her parents agreed, the established customs didn't allow for such a situation.
"Perhaps we should keep this a secret for now?"
"Do you think Brother Zhang Er would agree? I'd bet that if you could invite my maternal grandparents here today, he'd be happy to hold the wedding banquet tomorrow."