Two days later, Gu Sinian brought Li Nuan's letter to Qi Zhenzhen, informing her that she and Madam Qian were staying well at Taihe Temple, and that Qi Zhenzhen need not worry, also thanking Gu Sinian for his efforts.
Only then did Qi Zhenzhen feel completely at ease.
Gu Sinian became busy, and Qi Zhenzhen couldn't even see him all day.
By the time he returned at night, Qi Zhenzhen was already asleep, and when he left in the morning, Qi Zhenzhen hadn't seen him.
Perhaps fearing she would overthink things, Jinrong stayed with Qi Zhenzhen for most of the day.
"Cousin instructed me to keep you company and not let you overthink. He also wants me to remind you to rest on time and to watch over you while you sleep," Jinrong said with a look of helplessness. "I'm a princess, yet Cousin treats me like a little maidservant."
"How could I be so fragile? Your cousin is making a mountain out of a molehill," Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile.
"Cousin-in-law, you should just be secretly happy. Where in the capital can you find another man like my cousin who dotes on his wife so much? He truly cherishes her like a treasure," Jinrong said teasingly.
"Don't worry, you'll definitely find a consort who treats you this way in the future," Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile. It was only after seeing Jinrong's mood completely lift these past few days that she dared to tease her like this.
As they were talking, Feixu came in from outside.
"Madam, the wife of the Marquis of Changping requests an audience."
"What?" Qi Zhenzhen thought she had misheard.
"The wife of the Marquis of Changping requests an audience. She has already been invited to the flower hall."
Upon confirming it was Madam Qin, Qi Zhenzhen felt a bit bewildered. Why would Madam Qin suddenly come to find her? The last time she heard about Madam Qin was in relation to Qi Mingzhu and Qin Xuan. After Qi Mingzhu entered the Prince of Qin's mansion, Madam Qin had become even more low-key. Since she didn't have to manage household affairs, she basically stayed in her own courtyard. This was all relayed to her intermittently by Madam Yun. Madam Qin was even very polite to Madam Yun on the surface.
So, why would Madam Qin suddenly come to her door?
Qi Zhenzhen couldn't recall having any acquaintance with Madam Qin, let alone one that would warrant visiting each other.
But since she was already here, it wouldn't be polite not to see her.
Changing into a dress for receiving guests, Qi Zhenzhen, accompanied by Feixu and Erxi, walked towards the flower hall.
Madam Qin was distractedly drinking tea. Seeing Qi Zhenzhen approaching from a distance, she quickly stood up and walked a few steps towards the entrance.
"Greetings, Mother," Qi Zhenzhen curtsied to Madam Qin. Regardless of anything else, she now held the title of嫡母 (di mu - formal mother by marriage), so the proper courtesies must be observed.
Madam Qin, however, hurriedly supported Qi Zhenzhen, "We are family. You are with child, why are you being so formal?"
Qi Zhenzhen actually detected a hint of sincerity in Madam Qin's tone?
"Courtesy must not be neglected. You are the嫡母," Qi Zhenzhen said.
"I know you have always been a well-behaved child who adheres to rules," Madam Qin praised Qi Zhenzhen.
This made Qi Zhenzhen even more confused. What exactly was Madam Qin looking for her for?
"It is thanks to Grandmother and Mother's good teachings. How is Grandmother? Is Father busy lately? Has my mother managed the household affairs without any mishaps?" Qi Zhenzhen followed up by inquiring about the elders, and specifically mentioned Madam Yun managing the Marquis's household affairs.
After hearing this, Madam Qin's eyes and face remained surprisingly calm, showing no signs of annoyance.
"Everything at home is well. Your grandmother is well, your father is well, and your mother is well." What confused Qi Zhenzhen even more was that Madam Qin answered her questions with a pleasant expression.
Someone tell her, what was going on?