For the Yun clan, those days spent in the countryside were initially difficult, but later became rare moments of relaxation and happiness. The friendships she formed with Lin Ruixue and others were a tender spot in her heart.
"Mother will also write letters with you," Yun shi said softly. "Later, Mother will invite Aunt Yu to visit the manor."
"Mother should go out and socialize more," Qi Zhenzhen said after thinking. "Now that you are a secondary wife and manage the household affairs of the Marquis's manor, you should represent the manor in interactions with other families. Otherwise, when Yi Ge'er comes of age for marriage, you'll be at a loss. Also, Xuanxuan's marriage will be your responsibility in the future."
Regarding the lotus appreciation banquet, the Changping Marquis's manor was qualified to attend. Later, she asked Ruining, and it turned out an invitation had been sent to the Changping Marquis's manor. However, Yun shi replied that she was unwell and could not attend.
The Old Madam was not feeling well.
As for Xiao Qin shi, unless Qi Mingzhu had some great fortune that would benefit her birth mother, she would likely never be unsealed in this lifetime.
Therefore, Qi Zhenzhen sincerely hoped that Yun shi would become a qualified mistress of the household.
"I..." Yun shi lacked confidence.
"Mother, in the eyes of outsiders, your daughter is married very well. So, I am your confidence," Qi Zhenzhen said slowly. "In the future, Yi Ge'er will be successful, and he will also be your confidence."
"In the past, all matters of the Marquis's manor were handled by the Marchioness..."
"Don't worry, those who wish to befriend the Marquis's manor will not disrespect you. As for those who do disrespect you, you don't need to compromise. The madams of all the families are astute, and Father has just been commended by His Majesty!"
The implication was clear: no one would foolishly speak up for Xiao Qin shi.
Yun shi nodded hesitantly, "Alright, I'll listen to you."
Qi Zhenzhen also mentioned going to Taihe Temple. Yun shi instructed her to donate more incense money to pray for the Old Madam.
After they talked for a while, Qi Yi arrived.
The former young boy had grown taller, still looking like a young lad.
"Eldest Sister," Qi Yi called out excitedly.
Before his Eldest Sister married, he didn't see her every day, but he didn't feel like he missed her then. After she married, for some reason, he always felt as if his Eldest Sister didn't want him anymore.
"Are you getting used to the training grounds?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"When I first went, those people thought I got in through my brother-in-law's connections and weren't very friendly towards me," Qi Yi said with a hint of pride. "In that place, strength is paramount. After a few sparring sessions, everyone accepted me."
"As simple as that?" Qi Zhenzhen asked with a smile.
Qi Yi looked a bit guilty and shrunk his neck. "I suffered a little at first, but I persevered."
"Didn't Xiao Niu protect you?"
"He sent me wound medicine."
This meant he didn't help on the spot but took care of him afterward.
"You went there to train yourself, so it should be like this," Qi Zhenzhen said.
Yun shi looked pained, but she knew this was beneficial for Qi Yi and not harmful, so she didn't impulsively tell him not to go.
"Has brother-in-law said when he'll be back?" Qi Yi asked.
"There's no news yet. Why, do you miss him?"
"Not really. It's just that Xiao Niu Ge said brother-in-law has another good place, and I want to try it." Excitement flickered in Qi Yi's eyes. "Xiao Niu Ge said he hasn't been to that place yet, and now I can win three out of five matches against Xiao Niu Ge."
Qi Zhenzhen had a rough idea of what place he was referring to. After getting married, Gu Sinian had confided in her that among his subordinates, besides those trained in the training grounds, there was another group trained in the mountains. Compared to the training grounds, the training in that place was more brutal, almost a matter of life and death. Emerging from that place, it was no exaggeration to say they could fight a hundred.