"Regardless of what she did before, if she harms Mother and my younger brother now, I will definitely make her pay the price she deserves," Qi Zhenzhen squeezed Yun Shi's hand.
She had promised to protect Yun Shi and Qi Yi, and she always kept her word.
"Mother just hopes you two will be well. If you can avoid them, then avoid them," Yun Shi said.
"If others do not offend me, I will not offend them."
Yun Shi knew Qi Zhenzhen's stubborn nature and that she wasn't one to simply endure. Moreover, since Qi Zhenzhen had always acted with discretion, she didn't say anything further, letting her have her way.
Two days later, something happened in the Yanbo Pavilion. Ru Yan's cat, which was pregnant, miscarried. It was said that the miscarriage occurred after eating the tonic sent from the kitchen.
Logically, that bowl of tonic was for Ru Yan to consume, but she had no appetite at the time and left it there. Who knew that the Persian cat, being greedy, would knock it over and eat almost all of it.
However, after about fifteen minutes, the cat began to howl as if it were mad and scratched two maids.
An outside doctor was called, and from the remaining tonic, a significant amount of abortifacient was detected.
Qi Tianming, who highly valued the child in Ru Yan's womb, was furious and thoroughly investigated the matter. The investigation concluded that a cook from the main kitchen was responsible. This cook was the daughter-in-law of the distant nephew of Qin Momo, who served Xiao Qin Shi.
Although the cook insisted that Ru Yan had a bad temper, often scolded her, and even had her daughter beaten, she felt resentful. Believing that Ru Yan was living a life of luxury solely because of her pregnancy, she decided to make her lose the child and her favor.
The cook did not implicate Qin Momo or Xiao Qin Shi before her death. The cook did not survive and lost her life, bringing a conclusion to the incident.
Jinghua Courtyard.
"That little slut has such clever methods!" Xiao Qin Shi exclaimed, furious.
Qi Mingzhu happened to be there and found it somewhat inexplicable. After all, the incident did not involve Jinghua Courtyard, and her mother had suffered no losses. Why was she so angry?
"Mother, you are still pregnant, don't be so angry. Father didn't believe them; it was just a farce," Qi Mingzhu said unhurriedly.
"What do you know? Your father didn't say anything on the surface, but in his heart, he must have blamed Qin Momo for this. Everyone in the manor knows that Qin Momo is my wet nurse and the person I trust the most! Although the cook didn't implicate us, given her relationship with Qin Momo, who would believe her? Everyone would surely think I used some means to force the cook!" Xiao Qin Shi gritted her teeth. "I truly underestimated that slut."
"Madam, there will be future opportunities," Qin Momo comforted. "The most important thing right now is your health, which is paramount. It won't be too late to settle accounts with them after you give birth to the legitimate son."
Xiao Qin Shi's expression shifted. The anger gradually subsided, and she calmed down. "Momo is right! Keep track of these matters, Momo, and we will settle them slowly. Speaking of which, Mingzhu, how is your wedding dress embroidery progressing? Is there anything you particularly desire? Mother will include it in your dowry."
Qi Mingzhu's face flushed. "It's already finished. The Lu family is a scholarly family. Mother, could you help me find more rare and unique books for my dowry? When I arrive at the Lu family, I can present them as gifts to the elders. Catering to their preferences will help me quickly establish myself in the Lu family."
Xiao Qin Shi nodded with satisfaction. "Qin Momo, look, in just a few days, our eldest daughter has changed like a different person and understands household affairs. Rest assured, Mother will handle this and find many rare books for you."