From Yun shi's account, Qi Zhenzhen was fairly certain that the day's events would not end peacefully.
"Mother, Grandmother needs attendance," Qi Zhenzhen said.
"Alright," Yun shi nodded.
There was no use in worrying more; they would serve the Old Madam with peace of mind and wait for Qi Tianming's return. Then, the matter could be brought into the open, and the right and wrong would be decided.
Yun shi went to Zhaohui Hall, and Qi Zhenzhen returned to Longxiang Courtyard.
Er Xi and Fei Xu greeted her. "Madam Qin is too noisy. We stuffed her mouth with cloth and locked her in the storeroom," Er Xi said. "Da Feng Novel Network."
"Don't skimp on her three meals a day, lest someone find fault," Qi Zhenzhen instructed. "Also, they aren't locked up together, are they?"
Er Xi replied, "They are not locked up together. Madam Qin is in a room by herself, and the rest of them are locked in three separate rooms. We've used all four storerooms in our courtyard to prevent them from colluding."
Qi Zhenzhen nodded. "Good. Then there's nothing else to say. We just need to wait for Father to return."
Qi Tianming returned two days later. As soon as he entered the manor, someone reported the events of the past few days to him.
He ignored his concubine Ru Yan, who was in labor, and rushed straight to Zhaohui Hall.
"Mother, your son is unfilial, causing you such suffering," Qi Tianming said, kneeling by the couch with emotion.
The Old Madam still spoke unclearly, and Madam Fang relayed her words, "How did the mission go?"
"The mission went very smoothly. I reported back to the palace and received the Emperor's praise," Qi Tianming quickly replied.
Hearing this, the Old Madam's expression was one of relief.
Madam Fang continued to relay, "Your wife and Ru Yan have both given birth, both boys. You should go see them."
Qi Tianming did not rush to see the children. Instead, he meticulously questioned Madam Fang about the events that had transpired in the manor during his absence. Madam Fang recounted everything that happened in Zhaohui Hall, while Qi Zhenzhen explained what happened in Ru Yan's courtyard.
As Princess Qin of Jun was present in Jinghua Courtyard, they did not know the specifics of what happened there.
As expected, Qi Tianming's expression turned grim.
The Old Madam mumbled a few more words.
"The Old Madam said that the Marquis should handle the situation as he sees fit," Madam Fang relayed.
Qi Tianming's brows furrowed deeply. He stood up, glanced at Yun shi, and said, "A Lan, take good care of Mother here. Zhenzhen, come with Father."
First, he went to Longxiang Courtyard to pick up Madam Qin and the others, then he selected two people from Ru Yan's courtyard. Qi Tianming did not even have time to see Ru Yan and the child before heading directly to Jinghua Courtyard with his entourage.
Princess Qin of Jun and Qi Mingzhu were both in Jinghua Courtyard.
"Your son-in-law pays his respects to his mother-in-law," Qi Tianming said, cupping his fists.
Qi Zhenzhen also paid her respects to Princess Qin of Jun properly.
Princess Qin of Jun's eyes were sharp. "Marquis, what is the meaning of this aggressive arrival? Aren't you afraid of startling your wife and child?"
Qi Tianming replied with a forced smile, "As soon as I returned, Zhenzhen told me that she had locked up Madam Qin. Madam Qin is an old servant from the Prince of Jun's manor. This girl of mine, not knowing the gravity of her actions, was reprimanded by me. Aren't I sending her back now?"
After being locked up for two days, Madam Qin remained defiant and refused to eat. She looked quite disheveled now.
"So, how does the Marquis intend to deal with the second young lady who does not show respect to her paternal grandmother?" Princess Qin of Jun asked coldly.
"Zhenzhen is young and acted improperly. I have already reprimanded her," Qi Tianming said.
"Young? The second young lady is already betrothed. Do you think a mere excuse of being young will get her out of this?" Princess Qin of Jun, having not gained any advantage from Qi Zhenzhen, was holding her temper and would not easily let the matter go.