The arrangement was nothing special. Instead of a cabinet against the wall by the kang, a storage shelf was built, displaying interesting pieces of wood Qi Zhenzhen had found while in the mountains.
There was also a small woven bamboo basket filled with dried grass, holding several bird eggs of different colors.
The bird eggs were also collected by Qi Zhenzhen in the mountains. The yolk and white had been eaten, leaving only the shells, which were washed and painted before being used as decorations.
On the outer wall hung two bows. By the window, a tatami area was built, with a low table in the center. Surrounding it were floral cushions made by Madam Yun. On the opposite side, against the wall, stood a full-height cabinet used for clothes.
"If you like it, you can come visit often," Qi Zhenzhen said, pulling Song Mingyue to sit on the tatami to talk.
Song Mingyue gave her a playful glare. "You're always running off into the mountains. When I come to find you, you're never home. I might as well spend time with Aunt Qi. Zhenzhen, your mother is truly gentle. She always speaks softly, and she's so beautiful, and she's read so many books. Oh, and she's very skilled with her hands. My mother says the brocade hairpins your mother made for us are even prettier than the ones sold at the general store, they look so real."
Qi Zhenzhen glanced at the brocade hairpin adorning Song Mingyue's hair and felt a pang of guilt. Her mother had made a total of eight, four for her and four for Song Mingyue.
Song Mingyue had been wearing hers every day since receiving them. She had indeed kept hers in a box. For this, her mother had admonished her countless times. What girl didn't love flowers?
Qi Zhenzhen's hair was tied high, styled into a bun, making her look neat and capable, convenient for any activity.
In the capital, at the Protector Duke's mansion, Qingquan Courtyard.
Gu Sinian was lying half-reclined on the bed. The light from outside filtered through the paper window onto his face, casting a faint shadow that obscured his expression.
His mind replayed the scene of his father reprimanding him—
"It was my birthday, and you were out gallivanting with Qian Yuanbao. The heir of the dignified Protector Duke's mansion, you've disgraced the faces of your ancestors for generations! My Gu family is unfortunate; how could we have produced such a scoundrel like you!"
"You put effort into women, and you might even produce offspring. What use is it to put effort into men? Not only can you not produce anything, but you've also disgraced your father's name!"
"You're all my sons. Look at your elder brother; he's diligent in everything and much less of a worry than you!"
Each word struck Gu Sinian's heart like thunder.
He was impulsive, he was upset, and he blurted out, "Then Father, depose me as the heir."
His chest was struck by a heavy punch from his father, landing precisely on his injured spot. His father was a military man, rarely matched in his martial arts. Gu Sinian spat out a mouthful of blood. It should have hurt terribly, but he felt no pain at all.
His father left in a furious rage. His elder brother then comforted him gently, his expression calm, but Gu Sinian saw the mockery in his brother's eyes.
He didn't even know how he managed to return to his own courtyard.
Gu Sinian sighed deeply. In the end, he couldn't compare to his elder brother.
His father's preferred heir was also his elder brother, so why was he still clinging to this position? He was merely disliked by everyone.
Perhaps if he gave up this position, his father might look at him more, and show more pity for his mother.
"Young Master." A sudden voice pulled Gu Sinian back from his thoughts. It was Gu Qing, his head attendant.
"What is it?" Gu Sinian asked coldly.
"A letter has arrived from Xinghua Village," Gu Qing said, presenting a letter sealed with red wax.
Gu Sinian blinked, taking a moment to register. Xinghua Village, it was that thin girl.
After returning to the capital, he had sent someone there. He himself wasn't sure of his intentions; he just felt that the girl was very lively and he wanted to know about her daily life.
The person he sent was literate but lacked literary flair. The entire letter was like a mundane account—
"Miss Qi went into the mountains. She came out two hours later carrying a spotted deer and took it to the butcher in town, receiving six taels of silver. The butcher insisted on giving Miss Qi a cut of pork belly and two large bones with meat."
"Miss Qi instructed the Zhang brothers in their training, tying iron blocks to their legs."
"Miss Qi performed a set of peculiar boxing moves, and Zhang Erniu was defeated by her."
"That boy from the Du family is very close to Qi Yi. Miss Qi is very gentle towards him."
"Zhang Xiaoniu stopped Miss Qi and told her he liked her."
"The Qi family's house is built."
Gu Sinian imagined Qi Zhenzhen's life based on these snippets, and a smile gradually appeared on his lips. She truly was an extraordinary girl, vibrant and lively, and also rather bold.
Seeing their young master's expression become more lively, Gu Qing finally breathed a sigh of relief. He had heard that if a person dwells too much on certain matters, they can become obsessed. It would be such a pity if their young master, who was like an immortal, became obsessed.
A thought suddenly entered Gu Sinian's mind: what would his life be like if he were to become a simple village man?
Madam Yun, Qi Zhenzhen, and Qi Yi saw off all the guests for the day. The three of them returned to their rooms with joy. The main hall was piled with many items, all of which were gifts brought that day.
The Song family was represented by the village elder Song and his wife, along with Song Mingze, and Song Mingyue's family of three, totaling six people.
They also brought the most gifts.
Village Elder Song and his wife brought a set of exquisite woven bamboo baskets, from large to small, seven in total. The largest could be used for drying things, while the smallest would be good for holding steamed buns during meals.
Both Madam Yun and Qi Zhenzhen really liked this gift.
Song Mingze presented a calligraphy piece: "The sword's edge is sharpened by grinding, the plum blossom's fragrance comes from bitter cold." The strokes flowed like clouds and water, subtly hinting at mastery.
Qi Yi loved it and took it, saying he would hang it in his room.
Song Mingyue gifted a sachet she had sewn, embroidered with lotus flowers. Well, Qi Zhenzhen examined it, and it was quite lifelike. Song Mingyue had only started learning embroidery from Madam Yun this month, so this was already quite good. Qi Zhenzhen felt she was much better than herself. She always felt awkward holding an embroidery needle; she felt more comfortable holding a burning stick. When Song Mingyue had asked Qi Zhenzhen what she liked, she had casually mentioned lotus flowers, so this gift was clearly aimed at her.
A token of affection, Qi Zhenzhen took it and tied it to her waist. Whether it looked good was not important; practicality was.
There was also a set of foot basins and bath basins, sent by Aunt Song.
Additionally, there was a door curtain, indigo blue with embroidered auspicious characters, sent by the Du family mother and daughter-in-law. Du Xiang brought a handwritten book, which was also taken by Qi Yi.
The Zhang brothers brought a large jar of wild honey and some dried goods found only in the mountains.
Everyone had put thought into their gifts; at least, nothing was given that would displease them.
Qi Yi rushed back to the east wing with the gifts. From today onwards, he had his own room. His elder sister had also had a desk and bookshelf made for him, telling him to study hard from now on. Qi Zhenzhen had intended to go back to her room as well but was stopped by Madam Yun. Madam Yun held out her hand to her, and in her palm lay three bright red stones. "Zhenzhen, where did these come from?"