"Tell your grandmother, did you know the Heir Apparent long before?" the Old Madam asked abruptly.
Qi Zhenzhen's heart skipped a beat, but her expression remained calm. "Yes. The imperial court was building a temporary palace on Tiger Tooth Mountain, and the Heir Apparent was in charge. Many people in Apricot Blossom Village knew him, and because the village women cooked and mended clothes for the craftsmen, they interacted a bit more."
The Old Madam looked deeply at Qi Zhenzhen. Seeing her composed demeanor and lack of panic, the lingering doubts in her heart vanished. She felt a bit foolish, thinking too much. If Zhenzhen had harbored ambitions of climbing the social ladder, it would have been far easier to approach Gu Sinian when they were in Apricot Blossom Village.
"The Heir Apparent sent a message to our manor saying he's going to Apricot Blossom Village and asking if Yi Ge'er would like to go," the Old Madam said. "Your father is treating it like a major enemy... I've advised him, this is merely a coincidence. Besides, the Duke's manor initially proposed marriage to Mingzhu, not you."
Qi Zhenzhen understood that Marquis Changping suspected Gu Sinian intended to use this matter to threaten him.
"The Heir Apparent is probably not that kind of person. When we were in Apricot Blossom Village, your granddaughter saw him interacting with the villagers. He was upright, and the villagers respected him greatly. I also saw how the craftsmen respected him immensely," Qi Zhenzhen said after some thought. "Of course, this might just be an act."
"Grandmother asks you, why didn't you mention this when you learned you were to marry the Heir Apparent?"
Qi Zhenzhen remained silent, her head bowed.
The Old Madam sighed deeply. "You don't trust your grandmother."
Qi Zhenzhen shook her head. "Your granddaughter was just guessing. Grandmother doesn't like it when I talk about my time in the countryside. Besides, knowing the Heir Apparent, your granddaughter feels it was just a coincidence. He was there on the Emperor's orders to oversee the construction; it was not something anyone could have influenced. Therefore, there was no deliberate intention behind it."
The Old Madam reached out and held Qi Zhenzhen's hand. "Grandmother now hopes the Heir Apparent took a liking to you from the moment he first saw you. That way, your married life can be harmonious and happy."
Qi Zhenzhen pursed her lips and smiled. "Grandmother, nothing in the world is perfect."
"Let's not talk about that. Grandmother is not that pedantic. Since you are betrothed to the Heir Apparent, take this opportunity to cultivate your relationship and let him know your good qualities. Perhaps you can win him over?" the Old Madam advised. "Men, most of them, like women to be gentle and considerate."
Qi Zhenzhen nodded, indicating she had noted the Old Madam's instructions.
The Old Madam then had Granny Fang bring out a box of silver ingots. "You shouldn't forget those who have been kind to you and your mother in the past. Later, I'll have Granny Fang prepare some fabrics as well."
"Grandmother, I don't lack these things."
"What is given to you is for you."
Qi Zhenzhen knew the Old Madam had a stubborn disposition, so she didn't refuse further.
After leaving Chaohui Hall, Qi Zhenzhen went to Tinglan Courtyard to inform Yun Shi about Xiao Niu and Song Mingyue's impending marriage, and also told her about the Old Madam's questions.
"Your grandmother wasn't angry, was she?" Yun Shi asked nervously.
"Grandmother was probably a little disappointed, but she also knows these were things that happened before we returned to the manor, things she didn't want us to mention," Qi Zhenzhen said. "If Grandmother asks Mother about these matters again, Mother should have a clear idea. Father might also inquire."
Yun Shi nodded. "If asked, I will answer with careful consideration. Will you be staying for a few days?"
"I don't know yet. It depends on the Heir Apparent? Yi Ge'er will also be going, and Father is very willing for Yi Ge'er to interact more with the Heir Apparent. Does Mother have anything she wants to send back, or any messages to convey?"
"Mingyue is getting married, so I need to prepare a dowry gift. Xiao Niu is getting married, so I also need to prepare a gift. And your maternal grandmother's side, we can't neglect them either," Yun Shi said. "Can you carry them? If not, we can convert them into silver."
"I can definitely carry them."
"Alright, then I'll prepare them as soon as possible."
"It's not very urgent, no need to rush."
Because she needed to purchase some gifts, Qi Zhenzhen had an opportunity to go out. Although the Old Madam had given her a token, she still had to inform her legitimate mother first.
Young Madam Qin was quite amiable and even asked if the money Qi Zhenzhen was bringing was enough, and if her attendants were familiar with the shops outside. If not, she offered to assign someone to accompany her.
Qi Zhenzhen smiled and thanked her, saying everything was arranged.
Young Madam Qin praised Qi Zhenzhen's steady temperament a few times and then dismissed her.
Accompanying her were Li Nuan and Li Rou, who had received permission from the Old Madam.
They were originally going to bring Li Qing as well, but Li Qing herself was unwilling to go out, so that plan was dropped.
As for Qi Xuanxuan, the Old Madam said she was still too young and insisted she stay in the manor. The little girl pouted, looking very unhappy. Qi Zhenzhen promised to bring her sugar figures and candied hawthorn when she returned, which finally coaxed a smile from her.
In addition to the accompanying guards, the Old Madam, for the sake of safety, had naturally sent Granny Fang along.
Qi Zhenzhen brought Er Xi and Fei Xu, while Li Nuan and Li Rou each brought a maid.
The carriage left from the back gate of Marquis Changping's manor. After exiting the alley, the coachman drove towards the bustling streets.
The streets were filled with noise and activity, sounding very lively. Qi Zhenzhen couldn't help but lift the curtain to look outside.
"Second Miss, you'll be able to see the sights outside once we arrive. It's not proper for you to do this. Look, neither of the cousin young ladies are looking outside," Granny Fang, who was outside the carriage, said in a low voice.
Qi Zhenzhen stuck out her tongue and quickly lowered the curtain, sitting up straight.
Li Nuan covered her mouth and giggled. "Is this your first time out, Sister? The first time I was allowed out of the manor alone, I was just like you. Our Yungui is far less prosperous than the capital!"
The implication was that Qi Zhenzhen didn't need to feel embarrassed; everyone reacted similarly the first time they went out.
After about a quarter of an hour, the carriage stopped.
Granny Fang lifted the curtain and had the three young ladies put on their veils before helping them down one by one.
The so-called veils were a thin layer of gauze covering the face, intended to conceal their features. Unmarried young ladies were required to wear them when going out.
Jinxiu Workshop.
The place was filled with women, indicating excellent business.
"This Jinxiu Workshop is the most favored ready-to-wear shop among the noble ladies and wives in the capital. The clothes here are exquisite and beautiful. The Old Madam instructed that all three young ladies should pick out two outfits for themselves," Granny Fang said, leading them inside.
Immediately, young women in uniform greeted them and led them to a private room on the second floor.
After serving fragrant tea and pastries, someone soon arrived with catalogs.
This was clearly a high-end service, with one-on-one attention, suggesting that the service industry in ancient times was developing well.
"Buying clothes here is truly an enjoyable experience!" Qi Zhenzhen said as she flipped through the catalog.
"Everyone who comes here has status, so it's only natural to be more considerate," Granny Fang replied. "In other ready-to-wear shops in the capital, disputes and arguments can occur, but it's rarely seen here because everyone chooses their own items. Once the styles are selected, you leave your measurements and address, and someone will deliver them within three days."