"During the time you were away, Eldest Sister was quite pleased with herself. The people in Mingzhu Garden are so arrogant, they don't pay anyone any mind," Qi Xuanxuan said indignantly. "Especially after Eldest Sister attended a few poetry gatherings and was said to have won first place, receiving much praise. Eldest Sister was very proud, with a smile on her face all day. It wasn't until that young master Lu repeatedly sought out Grandmother and Father that Eldest Sister's smile became strained. I heard that Eldest Sister went to Lu Chen's courtyard, and after only a quarter of an hour, she ran out covering her face. However, I can't be sure if this is true, because someone mentioned it that day, and afterward, no one spoke of it again. Even the person who initially brought it up claimed it didn't happen."
The servants in the manor would not dare to speak without basis, meaning this incident must have occurred, but they were immediately ordered to keep silent.
Lu Chen's actions had hurt Qi Mingzhu. In this regard, should Qi Zhenzhen perhaps be grateful to Lu Chen? After all, Qi Mingzhu had always been at odds with her. But Qi Zhenzhen disdained Lu Chen and his methods. Lu Chen was already betrothed to Qi Mingzhu and openly resided in the Marquis's manor. Everyone in the household knew he was the future son-in-law. His actions had damaged Qi Mingzhu's reputation and the Marquis's honor, and they had put her in a difficult position as well.
Who had said this Lu Chen was a responsible person? With such behavior, no one with a normal mind would act this way.
"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. Tell me, Eldest Sister, what have you been doing in the manor these past few days?" Qi Zhenzhen asked her.
"Besides embroidering handkerchiefs, I've been accompanying Grandmother in her courtyard, and I also went to keep Concubine Yun company. And..." Qi Xuanxuan hesitated, "I also secretly went to see my mother. I brought her food, and I gave her my saved allowance. My mother's living conditions are very poor, worse than when I was there initially. She is also sickly. Eldest Sister, it pains me to see her. What mistake did my mother commit to be confined in that courtyard all this time?"
Qi Zhenzhen didn't know about this either. She had investigated before, but when the servants in the manor spoke of Concubine Xiang, they were as tight-lipped as gourds. At most, they would vaguely say she did not please the masters.
"Xuanxuan, Eldest Sister is also powerless in this matter," Qi Zhenzhen said apologetically. "Perhaps, when you get married in the future, Father will allow Concubine Xiang to come out to save face for you."
Seeing the little girl was in a very bad mood, Qi Zhenzhen could only offer her a glimmer of hope.
"Really?"
As expected, Qi Xuanxuan's spirits immediately lifted upon hearing this, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling.
Qi Zhenzhen nodded. It would still be six or seven years before the little girl got married, and things could always change.
"I will visit my mother more often from now on and give her more support," Qi Xuanxuan said excitedly.
"Xuanxuan, Grandmother and Father have placed Concubine Xiang under house arrest. If you visit occasionally, they will turn a blind eye if they find out, as Concubine Xiang is your birth mother. The bond between mother and daughter is inseparable. However, if you visit frequently, and Grandmother and Father find out, they might start to overthink things," Qi Zhenzhen advised.
Qi Xuanxuan pondered, "Does Eldest Sister mean that Grandmother and Father have their reasons for confining Concubine Xiang, and these reasons have made them very angry? Currently, Grandmother and Father treat me very well. If I frequently visit my mother, they will be saddened. Is that it?"
Qi Zhenzhen nodded, "That's exactly what I mean."