Qi Zhenzhen stayed at the Princess Rui's residence for a full two hours. Apart from meals, Princess Rui spent the rest of the time talking about Gu Sinian and the Da Qin family. What she said was all new to Qi Zhenzhen, giving her a deeper understanding of Gu Sinian, while also leaving her with some doubts.
Everything Princess Rui said about Gu Sinian was so good that it was impossible to associate him with a preference for men.
However, she learned this matter from Gu Sinian himself, so it shouldn't be false.
What kind of person was he? Undeniably, Qi Zhenzhen was filled with curiosity at this moment.
"In short, if my Rui Ning hadn't been so slow-witted, I would have definitely betrothed this child, Nian, to her," Princess Rui concluded with a final statement.
Rui Ning rolled her eyes, "Mother, you clearly dislike me and say I'm not worthy of Brother Nian."
"You still think you're worthy?" Princess Rui's dismantling was ruthless.
Rui Ning pouted, "Am I your biological daughter? You always dislike me so much."
Qi Zhenzhen exchanged a smile with Yan Qi. The relationship between Princess Rui and Rui Ning was truly enviable. If they weren't extremely close, how could mother and daughter joke around like this?
When it was time to leave, Princess Rui gifted Qi Zhenzhen several pieces of jewelry. She also asked Qi Zhenzhen to bring gifts to Li Nuan and Li Rou, thanking Li Nuan for her scented pills, which she greatly enjoyed.
Yan Qi, who had been staying at Princess Rui's mansion for the past few days, accompanied Rui Ning to see Qi Zhenzhen off.
"Rui Ning, I have something to ask you," Qi Zhenzhen said in a low voice. "I didn't find an opportunity to ask when I was at your mother's place earlier."
"Are you asking about Brother Nian?"
Qi Zhenzhen waved her hand, "No, I'm asking about Qian Yuanbao."
"Second Sister, are you concerned about the rumors between him and Brother Nian?" Rui Ning frowned slightly.
Qi Zhenzhen nodded and shook her head. If the Old Madam hadn't revealed that the Qian family fancied Li Nuan, Qi Zhenzhen would have truly felt indifferent. But now that Li Nuan was involved, she felt it was better to understand more. Princess Rui had vehemently stated that Gu Sinian had no such unhealthy habits, and Qi Zhenzhen's mind was now wavering. Perhaps Qian Yuanbao was also a guise for Gu Sinian? After all, someone like Qian Yuanbao, who couldn't tolerate the scent of rouge on women, would be a very useful shield. In the public eye, the person Gu Sinian truly protected wouldn't have to endure gossip.
That's right, wasn't it rumored at the time that Gu Sinian neglected Qian Yuanbao for a new lover? The so-called new lover might be the person Gu Sinian had always wanted to protect.
"The Qian family fancies Sister Nuan," Qi Zhenzhen didn't hide it from Rui Ning and Yan Qi. "As you know, given the Qian family's conditions, Sister Nuan's family will definitely agree. Sister Nuan has a gentle personality, and I hope she can have a satisfactory marriage."
"You also said that the Li family would definitely agree, so regardless of whether Qian Yuanbao is good or bad, Li Nuan will have to marry into the Qian family," Yan Qi analyzed calmly. "So no matter how thoroughly you investigate, you can't change this matter."
Qi Zhenzhen gave a bitter smile, "Indeed. But knowing yourself and your enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles. What kind of person Qian Yuanbao is will determine what attitude Sister Nuan takes towards him. If he's a good person, she can invest more effort. If he's not, then she should maintain superficial courtesy, keep her thoughts to herself, and protect herself from getting hurt."
Yan Qi looked thoughtful and gave Qi Zhenzhen a deep look, likely not expecting her to say such a thing.
"He's frivolous and carefree, yet quite intelligent. He's proficient in everything from food and drink to entertainment. Also, as you know, there are rumors about him and Gu Sinian," Yan Qi said. "The Qian family's businesses are spread throughout Da Feng, and it's said to be all his doing. Oh, and I heard that His Majesty treats him like his own nephew. His Majesty detests effeminacy, yet both Gu Sinian and Qian Yuanbao are highly favored by him."
So did the last sentence imply that Gu Sinian and Qian Yuanbao were not a couple?
So Gu Sinian was truly using Qian Yuanbao as a shield to protect that unknown male courtesan.
Qi Zhenzhen was very happy, happy for Li Nuan.
Qian Yuanbao had a strange ailment; he couldn't tolerate the scent of rouge on women.
Yet, Li Nuan's handmade scented pills had a scent that he could tolerate.
Qi Zhenzhen couldn't wait to rush back and share the news with Li Nuan, to make Li Nuan happy too.
Upon returning to the Marquis's mansion, Qi Zhenzhen paid her respects to the Old Madam. After only a few words, she hurried back to Longxiang Garden and went straight to Li Nuan's room.
Li Nuan was busy rolling scented pills, with a row of evenly sized pills laid out on a wooden tray.
"Zhenzhen, you're back? Sit," Li Nuan beckoned Qi Zhenzhen.
"Sister Nuan, I have something to tell you."
Li Nuan signaled to the maids serving in the room. The young maids bowed and withdrew, not forgetting to close the door behind them.
Qi Zhenzhen sat beside Li Nuan, "I heard from Princess Rui Ning and Miss Yan that the Qian family and Qian Yuanbao. The rumors outside should be false, meaning Qian Yuanbao probably doesn't prefer men, and the marriage with the Qian family is a good match."
Li Nuan also looked delighted, "Does that mean the rumors outside about the Heir are also false?"
Li Nuan put down the scented pills she was holding and excitedly clasped Qi Zhenzhen's hand, looking as if she was happy for her.
"Probably," Qi Zhenzhen vaguely replied. "Let's not talk about me for now, let's talk about you. Are you especially happy after hearing this news? Qian Yuanbao can tolerate the scent of the pills you make; this is a destined good marriage."
Li Nuan's cheeks flushed, and she shyly lowered her head, "I'm afraid someone as handsome as him has high standards and won't fancy me."
Qi Zhenzhen placed her hands on Li Nuan's shoulders, "I see a rosy glow on your face, and you look as charming as a fairy descending to earth. You'll definitely captivate Qian Yuanbao so much that he can't look away."
The two sisters brainstormed together, their laughter echoing.
In the evening, someone was sent from the Old Madam's courtyard, stating that the Qian family had sent venison in the afternoon. It had been stewed for two hours, resulting in tender meat and rich broth, which was very delicious. They invited Qi Zhenzhen and Li Nuan to join them.
"I didn't see the Qian family sending things to our mansion before. This time, it's probably thanks to Sister Nuan," Qi Zhenzhen winked at Li Nuan.
Li Nuan gave her a playful glare, "Even with food, you can't shut your mouth. You're so stingy."
The sisters went to Chaohui Hall together. Qi Xuanxuan and Li Rou were already there.
"Has Father not come?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"They sent a lot, and it's already been sent to the front courtyard. Your father is eating with Brother Yi, Brother Zheng, Brother Yu, and Lu Chen from the Lu family. We also sent some to Jinghua Garden. Your elder sister sent word that she's eating with her mother, so she won't be coming. The stewed venison has also been sent to your maternal grandmother. The maid who delivered it said she's in a bad mood and probably doesn't have the appetite to eat." the Old Madam said.
Qi Zhenzhen pursed her lips and smiled, "I heard venison is incredibly delicious, a rare delicacy from the mountains. The Qian family is truly impressive to be able to procure such a thing. Grandmother, please order the meal to be served. My mouth is watering. I heard many interesting things at Princess Rui's mansion today. Once we finish eating, I can tell you all about it."
She directly skipped over the topic of Madam Lu.