After dinner, Gu Sinian accompanied Qi Zhenzhen to visit Madam Qin.
When they first returned, they hadn't had a proper chance to talk. Although Qi Zhenzhen had informed Madam Qin of Gu Sinian's situation when he returned to the capital to report, she couldn't help but ask again.
After Gu Sinian answered her questions one by one, Madam Qin finally felt completely at ease.
Gu Sinian took the opportunity to mention the old madam's request for people to return to the manor. Madam Qin nodded, "It is indeed time to go back. Zhenzhen is pregnant, and it will be more convenient for her food, clothing, and daily necessities to be in the manor. Zhenzhen, you don't need to overthink it. After we return, Mother will protect you well and take good care of you."
Once the decision to return was made, Madam Qin busied herself with packing. Qi Zhenzhen went to inform Madam Yu and Song Mingyue. Upon learning that Zhang Xiaoniu was on his way back, Song Mingyue and Madam Yu decided to return to the capital together, to tidy things up and wait for Zhang Xiaoniu's arrival.
As Master Yuanjue had been in seclusion, Qi Zhenzhen and Gu Sinian could only leave him a letter.
Amur wore a dejected expression at the thought of leaving. While staying at Taihe Temple, he could be by Xuanxuan's side every day. However, upon returning to the capital, she would go to Marquis Changping's manor, and he would go to his uncle's princely residence. Although he could still go out freely, Xuanxuan could not. Even if he was good friends with Qi Yi, it wouldn't be appropriate to visit Marquis Changping's manor every few days. The thought of having to wait until Xuanxuan came of age to marry filled Amur with despair.
After everyone had packed, Gu Sinian went to bid farewell to the abbot, and the group descended the mountain.
Due to the presence of a pregnant woman and a newborn child, their return journey was slow, and they only saw the city gates in the distance late in the afternoon.
Qi Xuanxuan was sent back to Marquis Changping's manor by Amur. Gu Sinian and Qi Zhenzhen escorted Song Mingyue and Madam Yu home before finally returning to the Duke of Protectorate's manor.
The Duchess's return to the manor caused quite a stir. Soon, Dong Ningxin received the news.
During Madam Qin's absence from the manor, her days had been incredibly comfortable. Although the old hag disliked her, she had the Duke's backing, and everyone in the manor, from top to bottom, catered to her. Dong Ningxin wondered why Madam Qin hadn't died outside. While thinking this, she stroked her belly. "Don't worry," she thought, "I have my support now." With this thought, Dong Ningxin lay down on the couch with a clear conscience, not bothering to pay her respects to Madam Qin immediately.
The group went to Yan Nian Yuan to pay their respects to the old madam. The old madam first reprimanded Madam Qin, essentially saying that as the mistress of the household, she was too indulgent of her own whims, which was not good. She hoped that upon her return, Madam Qin would properly manage the household affairs and not let those of low standing run rampant. Then, the topic shifted to arranging a suitable companion for Gu Sinian. She did not state it directly but hinted indirectly at Qi Zhenzhen, who pretended to not understand, infuriating the old madam.
After leaving Yan Nian Yuan, Madam Qin comforted Qi Zhenzhen, saying that with her there, she would not allow her to suffer such grievances.
The next day, Madam Qin summoned the manor's stewards to report.
These stewards were astute individuals. When Madam Qin first left, they were all dutiful. However, as time passed, they all began to have their own ideas. The Duke disliked his wife, and the Duke favored Concubine Dong, who was now pregnant and therefore extremely honored. It was possible that Concubine Dong would be the one in charge in the future. Therefore, they naturally needed to curry favor with her quickly to secure their own future.
Thus, when reporting, each of them showed a lack of respect.
Madam Qin observed this calmly, making a mental note of everything. After everyone had finished speaking, she did not dismiss them. Instead, she said with a composed expression, "It's already this late, why isn't Concubine Dong here to pay her respects?嬷嬷, take some people to see what's going on."