Seeing Qi Zhenzhen's understanding, the Old Madam was completely relieved.
"What 'talented young men with elegant demeanor,' those are just titles given by outsiders, mere superficial things. I see that young master Lu has clear eyes. When he was looking at the calligraphy and paintings, the woman in the painting was beautiful and captivating, yet he showed no disrespect. This point can show that he is an upright person," the Old Madam said.
"Grandmother, you think highly of him?" Qi Zhenzhen asked in confusion. "Shouldn't you be saying something negative about him at this time, so that I don't develop any feelings?"
The Old Madam chided Qi Zhenzhen, "You girl. Yes, Grandmother should say something that shouldn't be said behind someone's back. As the legitimate son of the Lu family, he must be well aware of the engagement. After your father introduced you to each other, there was no ripple in his eyes. Such a person either disdains this marriage or is deep-thinking, able to conceal his thoughts at such a young age. But later, when he saw the calligraphy and paintings, he was very excited. From this, it can be seen that he is not deep-thinking."
Qi Zhenzhen understood the Old Madam's words, which meant that Lu Chen disdained the marriage, and that's why he was indifferent upon seeing her, the person involved.
No matter what, there was no possibility between her and him. Thinking too much would only bring her unnecessary trouble.
"Don't worry, Grandmother. Your granddaughter is open-minded and won't dwell on this matter," Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile. "Let's think about how we can eat beef."
The Old Madam was amused, "You girl, do you really want to eat it that much?"
"I do."
"The Khorchin are a nomadic people, their entire tribe makes a living by raising cattle and sheep. The cattle they raise are not the draft cattle of our Great Feng, but a more robust black cattle. People in the West Market often transport them to sell. If you want to eat it, tell the procurement officers to buy some. You've made me, an old woman, want to eat some stewed beef brisket too." The Old Madam said.
Qi Zhenzhen happily hugged the Old Madam, "Grandmother, you are the best."
After Qi Tianming escorted Lu Chen away from Chaohui Hall, he directly went to Baishi Courtyard, which was very close to Qi Yi's Qingsong Courtyard. Since Lu Chen had come to seek refuge, he could not let him stay in the guest room indefinitely. Baishi Courtyard was empty, so Qi Tianming designated it as Lu Chen's residence.
"It's cleaned regularly and is very clean. This courtyard is also quiet, suitable for diligent study. I'll inform the steward later. If you need anything, just ask. Nephew, don't be too formal, just treat this place as your own home," Qi Tianming said, patting Lu Chen's shoulder.
"Thank you, Uncle," Lu Chen replied gratefully.
"You are new here and unfamiliar with the Marquis's mansion. Although you have a book boy to take care of you, it's ultimately not enough. I'll send two more people to manage the chores in the courtyard so that you can study with peace of mind," Qi Tianming thought for a moment and then said, "The meals in the mansion are usually eaten by each courtyard separately. The main kitchen prepares them, and people from each courtyard go to collect their food. If you like any particular flavors, you can ask someone to tell the main kitchen. Studying consumes energy, so you mustn't neglect yourself in terms of food."
Lu Chen's mind suddenly recalled what Qi Zhenzhen had said outside Chaohui Hall about the delicious beef brisket. The little girl had acted like a stranger towards him today, which was truly heartbreaking. Had she forgotten him? Back then, she had followed him, calling him "Brother Lu" one after another. Several years had passed, and the little dumpling had grown into a young lady.
"Nephew?"
When the man suddenly fell silent and stood there in a daze, Qi Tianming couldn't help but call out to him.
Lu Chen collected his thoughts, "Does Uncle have any other instructions? Your nephew is listening."
"There's nothing else. It's the same as I said, treat this place as your own home," Qi Tianming added one more time.
"Your nephew will."
After Qi Tianming left Baishi Courtyard, he originally intended to go to his study to work. Halfway there, he changed his mind and went to Jinghua Courtyard.
"Why has the Marquis come at this hour?" Madam Qin greeted him with joy. "The small kitchen has just made some pastries, let's try them together."
Qi Tianming nodded, sat on the couch, and spoke directly, "Lu Chen has arrived. I've arranged for him in Baishi Courtyard. I took him to pay respects to the Old Madam just now, and Zhenzhen was also there!"
Madam Qin's heart tightened, but she showed no outward reaction. "Didn't you say it would take another ten days to half a month? Why is he here early?"
"I didn't ask about that. Now that he's here, why ask?" Qi Tianming said. "I observed him closely and spoke with him. He is indeed a good person."
"Does the Marquis think he is a suitable match for our Mingzhu?"
Qi Tianming hesitated, "Naturally, he is a good match."
But he also matches well with Zhenzhen, Qi Tianming added in his heart.
"I knew it," Madam Qin said joyfully. "I must quickly send someone to inform Mingzhu. She can't keep staying at the Prince's mansion."
"She should come back. She's already of age for marriage, and still goes to the Prince's mansion to stay. What will outsiders think?" Qi Tianming said indifferently. "When she returns, you should also discipline her well. Don't let Mingzhu learn from that young lady of the Li family and secretly go to see people. The ladies of our Marquis's mansion are noble, and they must not be looked down upon."
"You are right, Your Highness. Your concubine has noted it."
"I have other matters to attend to, so I won't sit here any longer. Later, at Baishi Courtyard, you should instruct people to be attentive and not neglect him," Qi Tianming reminded her again.
"Don't you trust me with my duties? He is the future son-in-law, how could I possibly neglect him?"
After Qi Tianming left Jinghua Courtyard, he felt increasingly guilty towards Madam Yun. Regardless of anything, this marriage was originally arranged for Zhenzhen, but now it was to be broken off for Mingzhu. This was unfair to Zhenzhen and also unfair to Madam Yun.
Qi Tianming's steps unconsciously led him towards Tinglan Courtyard. This matter could not be hidden forever, so it was better for him to tell her in person, which would also be an explanation to Madam Yun.
Madam Yun was flustered upon seeing Qi Tianming. Ever since she returned to the Marquis's mansion, she had only seen the Marquis a few times at the Old Madam's place. Now that he had suddenly arrived, she didn't know what to do.
Qi Tianming saw Madam Yun's nervousness and felt a pang in his heart. She was still the same person, but how he felt? Qi Tianming was completely unsure of his current feelings for Madam Yun. Did he not love her anymore? No, that was impossible. He had racked his brains for her back then.
"Please sit, Your Highness. Is there something you need?" Madam Yun invited Qi Tianming.
"Do you mean I can't come here without a reason?" Qi Tianming frowned.
"No, it's not like that," Madam Yun explained in a panic. "Your Highness did not send word before coming, so I was a little surprised. I don't know if Your Highness's taste has changed over the years. If it hasn't, I'll brew you some tea. If it has, could Your Highness tell me what you like now, so I can prepare it?"