“It’s Qi Mingzhu,” Qi Zhenzhen stood up and curtsied.
Qi Mingzhu dodged, her voice sharp, “Oh, I was wondering who was so capable of making Grandmother laugh heartily. It turns out to be the Marquis’s wife.”
Qi Zhenzhen was not angered by these words. She had done what she should, and had not been disrespectful. As for what Qi Mingzhu said, did, or her attitude, she did not care.
Qi Mingzhu was further incensed by Qi Zhenzhen’s attitude, “Qi Zhenzhen, don’t think you can disregard etiquette just because you’re the Marquis’s wife. You’re returning home today, why didn’t you pay respects to Mother? Are you openly disregarding Mother? Disrespecting your stepmother is a great act of filial impiety.”
“Oh?” Qi Zhenzhen picked up her teacup and took a slow sip. “Father specifically instructed that Mother violated the family rules and is currently confined. He told me not to disturb her self-cultivation. Does sister mean I should disregard Father’s instructions?”
Qi Mingzhu’s face contorted. She hadn’t expected her father to protect Qi Zhenzhen so much. Indeed, Qi Zhenzhen was now married into the Protector Duke’s mansion, a prestigious match that brought considerable honor to the Changping Marquis Mansion and her father. How could her father not value her? Thinking of herself, her mother was confined, making it difficult to see her. Her long-desired marriage might also be lost. She was the legitimate daughter of the Marquis mansion, the one who was supposed to be in a high position, so why was her life worse than that of Qi Zhenzhen, a concubine’s daughter?
Oh, she was no longer a concubine’s daughter. Father had elevated Madam Yun to the status of co-wife. Now, the household management fell to her, and she handled all social engagements. Everywhere, people addressed her as Madam Yun.
Looking at Qi Zhenzhen leisurely sipping her tea with a serene demeanor, Qi Mingzhu’s anger burned even brighter.
If it weren’t for the return of them, mother and son, how could these things have happened?
If not for Qi Zhenzhen, Lu Chen would surely have liked her!
Her and her mother’s lives were ruined by them.
Her mind clouded by rage, Qi Mingzhu grabbed the teapot and threw it at Qi Zhenzhen.
Feixu, standing beside Qi Zhenzhen, was the first to react. She lunged to shield Qi Zhenzhen, using her own back to block the teapot thrown by Qi Mingzhu.
The scalding hot tea drenched Feixu, and a suppressed cry escaped her lips.
The scene was chaotic. Granny Fang directed people to restrain Qi Mingzhu, fearing she might do something more extreme.
“Erxi, quickly go to Hundred Herbs Hall. If Luo Wanqing is there, invite her over. Be sure to explain clearly that Feixu was scalded by the boiling tea!” Qi Zhenzhen’s voice was stern. “Qi Mingzhu, I told you, if you don’t provoke me, we can coexist peacefully. But if you provoke me, I will not stand idly by.”
Qi Zhenzhen’s demeanor was icy, her eyes showing undisguised ferocity. Qi Mingzhu shivered under her glare. “You, you’re unharmed, aren’t you? She’s just a maid. Is it worth it for you?”
Yes, she was just a maid. What did it matter even if she died? Thinking this, the fear in Qi Mingzhu’s heart gradually subsided, and she even felt Qi Zhenzhen was making a fuss over nothing.
“A maid? Is a maid destined to suffer?” Qi Zhenzhen’s voice was cold, like the depths of winter. “In my heart, a maid is far more important than you. Besides, I haven’t lost my memory. You were going to throw that teapot at me just now. If Feixu hadn’t stepped in, this pot of boiling water would have been splashed all over my face. You intended to harm me, and you think I won’t hold you accountable?”