Gu Changwei arrived at the Qin family's residence in a furious mood, his disgust unconcealed. "Don't think that just because A'Xin is kind, you can do whatever you want from now on. Qin Tingxue, I'm telling you, if anything happens to A'Xin, don't blame me for forgetting our years of connection. And you, as a junior, should know your place!"
Qi Zhenzhen lowered her head, appearing demure. Gu Changwei was her father-in-law, and she could only listen.
However, Madam Qin scoffed, her tone laced with sarcasm, "Connection? Duke, how come I don't know we have any connection between us?"
Gu Changwei snorted, "For all these years, you've held the position of the principal wife. Isn't this compensation enough? Because you occupied the principal wife's position, A Ya still carries the title of a son born to a concubine. Qin Tingxue, one cannot be too greedy."
The smile on Madam Qin's lips deepened. "Duke, rest assured. From now on, I will firmly hold the position of the principal wife. Even if you wish to take it back, you'll have to see if I agree."
At this point, the two had completely fallen out.
Madam Qin had expected to feel sad, but in reality, her heart was as calm as still water, undisturbed by any ripples.
Her nonchalant demeanor only enraged Gu Changwei further. After uttering a few more harsh words, he slammed the door and left.
"Mother." Qi Zhenzhen looked at Madam Qin with some worry and unease.
"This is also a good thing. I'll have peace from now on. It's just that you've been implicated and suffered consequences. Don't worry, Mother will protect you well in the future." Madam Qin patted Qi Zhenzhen's hand. "Enough of this. Tomorrow we have to attend the banquet. Are you all prepared?"
Qi Zhenzhen replied, "Everything is ready."
Madam Qin gave a few more instructions before sending Qi Zhenzhen back to Qingfeng Courtyard.
As soon as she sat down, Erxi eagerly relayed the gossip circulating outside about Dong Ningxin to Qi Zhenzhen. It was then that she realized what methods the Old Madam had used to force Dong Ningxin's compliance. Indeed, the older the ginger, the spicier it is.
"If the rumors are true, then this Concubine Dong is also ruthless," Fei Xu commented after listening.
"Yes, can someone the Duke values so highly be simple? After all, our Duke has always had Dong Ningxin's sister in his heart. Also, regarding the poisoning incident of the former Madam, although no evidence was found, it cannot be unrelated to Dong Ningxin. If she weren't ruthless, how could she have done such a thing?" Qi Zhenzhen said calmly. "Just watch, the days of peace are still far from over."
The next morning, after getting ready, Qi Zhenzhen went to Madam Qin's courtyard. Not long after she sat down, Lin Fangruo also arrived. The two sisters-in-law accompanied Madam Qin for breakfast and then boarded a carriage together for Prince Rui's mansion.
A line of carriages was already parked outside Prince Rui's mansion, with maids and servants waiting at the entrance.
The Lotus Banquet was attended not only by ladies but also by gentlemen.
While named a lotus appreciation event, it was essentially a large-scale matchmaking gathering. It provided unmarried men and women an opportunity to meet. If they took a liking to each other, their families would communicate, and if suitable, a marriage would be arranged.
"Madam Duke, Madam Heir." A round-faced maid greeted them with a smile. "This servant has been instructed by my郡主 to welcome the two Madams."
Qi Zhenzhen recognized her as one of Ruining's attendants.
Completely ignored, Lin Fangruo's heart immediately felt unpleasant. When she was still a maiden, whenever she attended such events, even if she wasn't the center of attention, she had never been so overlooked. Now...
Lin Fangruo knew very well that it was all because Gu Siya was the son of a concubine. No matter how much people praised Gu Siya's talent outside, his status was inherently lower!