Qi Mingzhu couldn't help but laugh, and as she laughed, tears welled up.
"Yes, yes, we are sisters," Qi Mingzhu said slowly and firmly.
"Laughing and crying, so strange," Qi Zhenzhen pretended not to understand Qi Mingzhu's inner turmoil. "Since you're here, shouldn't you offer some tea and snacks, sister? I'm pregnant now and get hungry easily."
"Yes, yes, it was my oversight. Fusu, go bring some of the pastries that the Old Madam often ate in her room when we were at home," Qi Mingzhu said.
After the pastries were served, it was Qi Zhenzhen's turn to be surprised. They were the same ones she used to make for her grandmother when she was unmarried. Her grandmother loved them, and she loved them too.
"Am I not allowed to have people around me learn to honor grandmother when you get to honor her all day?" Qi Mingzhu said somewhat unnaturally. "It's just that I don't have the opportunity."
Qi Zhenzhen put on an expression of sudden realization, but before she could say anything, Qi Mingzhu spoke again, "Why am I telling you this? It's all in the past. Try them and see if they're worse than yours?"
Qi Zhenzhen ate a piece of her favorite white jade red bean roll. "Mmm, not bad. The bean paste is delicate, the sweetness is just right, and the glutinous rice is cooked perfectly."
"Eat more if you like it. There's a whole plate," Qi Mingzhu pushed the plate closer to Qi Zhenzhen.
Qi Zhenzhen took another piece. "I suddenly miss grandmother. Sister, shall I take you back to see grandmother?"
Qi Mingzhu froze for a moment, her smile bitter. "You go see grandmother, and give her my regards. I can't go back in my current status."
"Didn't you just say it's all in the past? If you go back, grandmother will definitely be happy," Qi Zhenzhen said.
"Really?" Qi Mingzhu's eyes held a flicker of hope.
"You know grandmother's temper better than anyone else. She's cold on the outside but warm on the inside," Qi Zhenzhen said. "You are grandmother's嫡孙女 (di sun nü - legitimate granddaughter). How could grandmother truly blame you?"
"But I'm a concubine now, how can I leave the manor so casually?" Qi Mingzhu was tempted but knew her current status.
"As long as your maternal grandmother and aunt don't stop you?" Qi Zhenzhen felt there was no problem at all. "If you beg them, they'll think you're sentimental. If you always stick to your place, they might even grumble."
Seeing Qi Zhenzhen's determined look, Qi Mingzhu found her courage. "Okay, I'll go beg my maternal grandmother and aunt. If they agree, I'll go back with you. Oh, and Father..."
"No matter how angry he is, you are still his cherished legitimate daughter whom he doted on for many years. Moreover, your arrival at the Prince's manor was all thanks to Father's efforts. You know the attitude of the Crown Prince's wife back then." Qi Zhenzhen said.
Regardless of Qi Tianming's character, he had indeed done his best for Qi Mingzhu.
Qi Mingzhu calmed herself. Yes, at most, her father would scold her to vent his anger.
"Go quickly, I'll eat some more pastries," Qi Zhenzhen urged.
Qi Mingzhu suppressed her apprehension and mustered her courage, heading to the Princess's courtyard.
As Qi Zhenzhen had said, the Princess agreed to her request without any hesitation and even had people prepare many valuable gifts for her.
"Maternal grandmother, I'll go to my aunt's courtyard to inform her," Qi Mingzhu's eyes welled up with tears.
"Your maternal grandmother has already agreed. Even if your aunt is unwilling in her heart, she'll have to keep it to herself. You don't need to go," the Princess said.