"Jinrong has arrived," Madam Da Qin said, surprised and pleased to see Jinrong.
"Aunt, please don't be displeased that Jinrong has come to the manor without notice," Jinrong said with a smile.
"You child, are you being formal with your aunt?" Madam Da Qin chided. She also asked about Consort An's well-being in the palace, for she was truly grateful to Consort An. Gu Changwei had always intended for Dong Ningwan's son to inherit the title of heir, and had even submitted several memorials to that effect. If it weren't for Consort An, their mother and son would not have been tolerated in this manor.
Although the Old Madam had treated her well, how could a daughter-in-law compare to a son?
Madam Da Qin never demanded that Gu Sinian act according to her wishes on a daily basis. Only regarding Consort An, Madam Da Qin required Gu Sinian to honor Consort An as he honored her.
"Mother Consort misses you very much and asked you to visit her in the palace when you have time. She said she misses the days when you were together in the manor," Jinrong said with a smile. "Didn't Mother Consort give you a palace pass? She has no one to confide in in the palace. She is so lonely and bored. Unlike me, she can't even come to stay with you for a few days."
"Alright, I will definitely visit the Consort more often from now on," Madam Da Qin agreed. She had lived a secluded life before, but from now on, she would live comfortably and as she pleased. She would do what she wanted, and no one could force her to do what she didn't want to do.
Madam Da Qin did not keep Jinrong for long. When she asked about her accommodation, Gu Sinian said that Qi Zhenzhen had already arranged it. Madam Da Qin asked no further questions.
Upon seeing Qi Zhenzhen, Jinrong's smile gradually faded. Qi Zhenzhen gave Gu Sinian a look, and he went to the small study, leaving the two of them alone.
"Cousin-in-law, my heart aches," Jinrong said, tears welling up in her eyes. "It hurts so much."
Qi Zhenzhen had Jinrong rest her head on her lap and gently patted her back. "There, there. Some things can't be kept inside. Just say them out loud."
"He clearly said he liked me too," Jinrong did not hide anything from Qi Zhenzhen.
This statement greatly surprised Qi Zhenzhen. "You have been in private contact with the sixth son of the Yan family?"
"After we met last time, I met him again. I begged Yan Qi for help," Jinrong felt a little guilty. If her mother consort knew about this, she would be very sad.
"How many times have you met? Did he overstep his boundaries with you?" Qi Zhenzhen asked nervously.
"We've only met twice, and he has abided by propriety. We just talked," Jinrong replied honestly.
Qi Zhenzhen breathed a sigh of relief. "What can I say to you? How can you be so bold? If anyone found out about this, your reputation and your aunt's reputation would be ruined. Fortunately, the matter of the sixth son of the Yan family and that fisherman's daughter has been exposed. He was in the wrong first, so the sixth son of the Yan family would not dare to bring this up. Otherwise..."
"He is not that kind of person!" Jinrong defended Yan Laoliu.
"My foolish girl, do you really understand what kind of person he is? You developed an affection for him because of his brave actions. With this affection in front of you, you see everything about him as good. This is what is called 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder.' All his actions are beautified in your eyes. Let's not talk about his bravery. Your cousin said that the sons of the Yan family are all good fighters on the battlefield. They are loyal to the emperor and patriotic, truly outstanding young men. However, when it comes to matters between men and women, you cannot conclude that he is a good man to entrust your life to just because he is a hero," Qi Zhenzhen said earnestly.
Jinrong remained silent.