Qi Zhenzhen hummed in response, thinking something had happened. It was fine if it didn't work out. Just as she was about to say it was alright, she remembered how much the Old Madam had been looking forward to this matter. If she seemed too indifferent, it wouldn't be appropriate.
After a moment's thought, Qi Zhenzhen adjusted her demeanor, looking a little downcast. "Grandmother, these things are all about fate. If it didn't work out, it must be because our fate wasn't strong enough. Please don't be too sad."
The Old Madam felt even more guilty towards her granddaughter. If any other child had encountered such a situation, they would have cried and fussed. Yet, this one was so sensible that she was comforting her instead, which truly tugged at her heartstrings.
"Zhenzhen, your grandmother just feels sorry for you. The Qian family may not be officials, but their businesses span across Da Feng. They are practically as wealthy as a nation. Marrying into the Qian family means your life would be comfortable. Moreover, the Qian family has no in-laws, only an old madam who is about my age. Even if she can manage affairs now, she won't be able to for many more years. By then, you'll be the one in charge. You are so clever, I believe you can certainly manage your life well." The Old Madam spoke with increasing regret, lamenting how such an excellent marriage had been ruined.
"Don't worry, Grandmother. You already said I'm clever, so no matter who I marry in the future, I'll be able to manage my life well," Qi Zhenzhen replied.
The Old Madam was convinced that Qi Zhenzhen was just trying to comfort her and felt even more guilty. Without further delay, she told Qi Zhenzhen about the Qian family's failed engagement and the impending marriage with the Duke's Mansion, so that Qi Zhenzhen would be mentally prepared.
Although she had an agreement with Gu Sinian, hearing that she was to marry him so abruptly still unsettled Qi Zhenzhen. Her lips parted slightly in surprise.
Gu Sinian had handled the entire matter, assuring her he would resolve it properly. She hadn't expected it to be resolved so perfectly.
Seeing Qi Zhenzhen remain silent, the Old Madam grew more convinced that she was unwilling. She anxiously said, "Otherwise, we can break off this engagement. Your father can take the blame for offending the Duke's Mansion. Although the Duke's Mansion has more power than our Marquis Mansion, they can't force anyone, can they? If this matter escalates, it will surely affect your reputation. But that's nothing compared to your life in the future. After a couple of years, when no one pays attention to this matter anymore, you can marry into a more ordinary family."
The Old Madam suddenly felt this plan was feasible and became quite excited. "I'll go talk to your father right away."
Qi Zhenzhen stopped the Old Madam. "Grandmother, Father is determined to elevate our Marquis Mansion's status. How could he possibly agree to this? Even if he reluctantly agrees, he'll harbor resentment, and our lives might not be too comfortable. What about my concubine mother and my brother..."
Qi Zhenzhen's meaning was clear. Even if this matter was suppressed this time due to the Old Madam, it would leave a knot in her father's heart, affecting their future interactions and the lives of Yun Shi and Qi Yi.
"Grandmother, there's nothing wrong with the Duke's Mansion," Qi Zhenzhen said softly.
The Old Madam became agitated. "The Duke's Mansion holds high power and status, which is indeed very good. But Gu Sinian... they say Gu Sinian is a homosexual and has a violent temper! He's a very difficult person to get along with!"
Homosexual, Qi Zhenzhen knew about that. As for a violent temper? She hadn't seen any evidence of that. They had interacted a few times, and he seemed quite amiable. Therefore, rumors were unreliable.
"Grandmother, are these things you're saying true?" Qi Zhenzhen asked. "If all of this is true, then after I marry, I will simply do my duty, harbor no illusions, and focus on protecting myself."
The Old Madam shook her head. "They are all rumors, but rumors don't come from nowhere. If only one or two people say it, it might not be credible, but if everyone says it, then it's likely true."
"But it's also possible that someone deliberately spread such rumors!" Qi Zhenzhen countered.
The Old Madam then thought of Qian Yuanbao. The other person involved in the widespread rumors with Gu Sinian was him. However, the Old Madam of the Qian family had indeed assured her that her grandson was definitely not homosexual. In that case, what about Gu Sinian?
After pondering for a while, the Old Madam couldn't figure out the truth behind the rumors of homosexuality.
So, what Zhenzhen said was also possible: someone deliberately tarnished Gu Sinian's reputation. Because he was close to Qian Yuanbao, he was unfairly labeled.
This meant there was another possibility: if all of this was a deceptive facade, then Gu Sinian might actually be a good person. In that case, Zhenzhen would have stumbled into a good marriage by chance?
The Old Madam was delighted and quickly shared all her speculations with Qi Zhenzhen.
Qi Zhenzhen inwardly scoffed. The rumors about him being homosexual were true; there was no doubt about that. But she couldn't tell the Old Madam, so she could only nod. "Perhaps your luck is good, and it's just as Grandmother guesses?"
In any case, as long as the Duke's Mansion didn't go back on their word, there was no room for retraction. Worrying was useless; she could only accept it.
"I've spoken to your father, and your wedding will be conducted with the specifications of a legitimate daughter. Additionally, before your marriage, we will petition for Yi Ge'er to be granted the title of heir apparent, and your concubine mother will also be elevated in rank to become a co-wife." The Old Madam shared the benefits she had secured with Qi Zhenzhen.
This was like a surprise gift package. Even though Qi Zhenzhen had remained very calm, she was now excited.
"Once she's elevated to co-wife, she'll be the legitimate second madam of our Marquis Mansion. For any matters, the Marquis Madam won't be able to handle them herself; she'll have to listen to your father's decisions. With Yi Ge'er becoming the heir apparent, he will be a pillar of support for you and your mother. With Yi Ge'er around, the mansion will surely value you, and the Duke's Mansion won't be able to bully you casually."
The Old Madam had thought of everything, and this genuine affection moved Qi Zhenzhen greatly.
"Don't get too happy too soon. The Marquis Madam has the County Prince's Mansion behind her, so she likely won't give up easily. Moreover, your father and I have also agreed that if she can give birth to a legitimate son, the title of heir apparent will naturally go to that son." The Old Madam added.
Qi Zhenzhen could understand this point. However, pregnancy wasn't something that could be controlled. Did one just get pregnant when they wanted to? It was unlikely. If that were the case, why would the Marquis Madam only have Qi Mingzhu? She was probably the one who most desperately wished to conceive again.
The Old Madam continued to nag Qi Zhenzhen about how to handle things once she went to the Duke's Mansion. Seeing that Qi Zhenzhen listened attentively to everything, she felt much more at ease.
Three to four days later, Madam Da Qin visited again, conveying the Duke's Mansion's intentions. Their excuse was that they had re-examined Qi Zhenzhen's birth date against Gu Sinian's, declaring it a top-tier match, and thus the Duke's Mansion would grudgingly accept the marriage.
For Qi Tianming, this outcome was excellent.
For Madam Xiao Qin, however, it was rather unfortunate.
This meant that Yun Shi would become a co-wife, and that little bastard would become the heir apparent of the Marquis Mansion. If she wanted to take any action against these two, it would be exceedingly difficult.