Lin Fangruo carefully observed the expression of Madam Da Qin, her eyes filled with undisguised anticipation. The power of a steward was not to be underestimated; even if she only received a portion, her status within the mansion would become more stable.
Madam Da Qin glanced at Concubine Dong Ningxin with a half-smile and slowly said, "Concubine Dong's thoughtfulness is indeed thorough. Yes, Fangruo has been married for over half a year, and it is time she helped manage household affairs."
Lin Fangruo felt a surge of joy, though she kept it hidden. She curtsied to Madam Da Qin and said, "Fangruo listens to Mother."
Dong Ningxin breathed a sigh of relief, glad that not everything had been taken back by Qin Tingxue.
The Old Madam cast a deep look at Madam Da Qin, saying nothing. Leaning on the arm of Nanny Li, she left the hall and returned to her own courtyard.
"Madam, the tokens are locked in my courtyard. I will go fetch them and bring them to you," Dong Ningxin said.
Madam Da Qin nodded and left with Qi Zhenzhen.
Dong Ningxin watched Madam Da Qin's retreating back, took a deep breath, and turned to Lin Fangruo, "Fangruo, come with me."
Gu Siya opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing. She flicked her sleeves and left.
"Fangruo, you must persuade A Nian more. This matter, I was also caught off guard. Rest assured, even if I have children, you and A Ya will always be my first priority," Dong Ningxin coaxed Lin Fangruo.
Lin Fangruo kept her head lowered, not allowing Dong Ningxin to see her expression clearly. "Concubine, please rest assured. I will properly persuade my husband later." In her heart, she scoffed, *Does she take me for a three-year-old? If you have your own children, how could you still focus on me and my husband?*
Back in her courtyard, Dong Ningxin pulled Lin Fangruo and chattered on, saying little more than that she would stand by them and help Gu Siya obtain everything he desired.
"Fangruo naturally believes what Concubine says. Concubine has been tired for a while and should rest. Father will surely come to Concubine's side after he finishes his work, and I shouldn't disturb you. I will take my leave. If Concubine has any instructions later, just send someone to find me," Lin Fangruo said.
Dong Ningxin was also eager to share this good news with Gu Changwei, so she did not detain Lin Fangruo.
Meanwhile, Madam Da Qin was in a cheerful mood. She invited Qi Zhenzhen to have tea and eat snacks. "The cook in my courtyard was brought from my family home. She has the skills of Jiangnan. How do you find the food, Zhenzhen?"
"The presentation is exquisite, and the taste is excellent," Qi Zhenzhen smiled. "Yipin Zhai has a chef from Jiangnan, but his cooking is still a little less than Mother's."
Madam Da Qin's lips curved into a smile. "Sister Liu is from Jiangnan. She came to the capital to find relatives but was unsuccessful. Lacking the funds to return home, she was bullied by ruffians. Your grandmother encountered her and helped her. Sister Liu had no relatives left in Jiangnan, so she stayed in the capital and signed a labor contract with the household. Later, when I married, she came with me. Since Zhenzhen enjoys eating, I will have Sister Liu go to your courtyard to serve you."
Qi Zhenzhen waved her hand. "Why go through so much trouble? From now on, if I want to eat, I'll come to Mother's courtyard to freeload. Or, does Mother find me bothersome and not want me to come?"
Madam Da Qin chided, "How could I not want you to come? My place is always so quiet; I wish you would come over more often to chat."
"Then it's settled. I will come to Mother's place every day from now on."
Qi Zhenzhen's nature was more rational; she had never spoken so coquettishly with Concubine Yun before. Speaking so affectionately to Madam Da Qin now was to prevent Madam Da Qin from dwelling on Dong Ningxin's pregnancy. As the principal wife, she was bound to feel unhappy when a concubine became pregnant.
Madam Da Qin also sensed Qi Zhenzhen's intentions and was deeply touched by her thoughtfulness.
However, Dong Ningxin's pregnancy had no impact on Madam Da Qin. She had long since given up on Gu Changwei, so why would she care?