Although Madam Lu attended the birthday banquet, she had no opportunity to get acquainted with those families. How did she arrange a match for Li Qing? Thinking that Er Xi had reported Madam Lu frequently entering and exiting the Jinghua Courtyard, Qi Zhenzhen guessed that this matter must be related to Madam Qin.
However, matchmaking is not something that can be exaggerated or embellished casually; it requires a high degree of accuracy. Given Li Qing's disposition, which family would take a liking to her?
According to Li Qing's temperament, such a good thing would definitely be publicized. This time, she was very tight-lipped and did not mention which family it was.
"Second Sister, what are you spacing out about?" Qi Xuanxuan waved her hand in front of Qi Zhenzhen's eyes several times. Seeing that Qi Zhenzhen did not react, she could not help but speak.
"Ah? I wasn't spacing out, I was just thinking about what Sister Qing said. Sister Nuan, did Grandmother mention anything about Sister Nuan's marriage prospects? From her bragging just now, it seems she has found someone?" Qi Zhenzhen asked Li Nuan.
Li Nuan was also puzzled, "Grandmother hasn't mentioned this matter! But I know Grandmother has always wanted our paternal grandaunt to arrange a good marriage for Qing'er, someone from a good family with a good character. Could it be that Grand Aunt has agreed to this matter?"
"Unlikely, Grandmother is not a foolish person," Qi Zhenzhen said. "If it were Sister Nuan, Grandmother would definitely not refuse. As for Sister Qing..."
A mocking smile played on Qi Zhenzhen's lips. "According to Grandmother's requirements, those would be noble families or families with a long history. My grandmother knows best what kind of requirements those families have for their daughters-in-law. Sister Qing doesn't fit the bill, so why would she trouble herself?"
Li Nuan's face reddened slightly, "When it comes to matchmaking, any good opportunity would be prioritized for Qing'er, as she is the legitimate daughter."
"With her personality, even if she marries into a good family, her life might not necessarily be good. She's too ambitious, arrogant, and always thinks others are fools," Li Rou pouted. "Let's not talk about her. Whether she marries well or poorly has nothing to do with us. Sister, you don't really think that if she marries well, she'll help us two, do you? She'd rather we live worse than her our whole lives!"
Li Nuan sighed. She still felt a little uncomfortable. As daughters of the Li family, their treatment was always vastly different.
Qi Zhenzhen patted Li Nuan's hand, "Good sister, don't let trivial matters spoil your mood. I believe you are a fortunate person."
Li Nuan lowered her head and smiled faintly, continuing to carefully roll the fragrant balls.
The four sisters busied themselves for most of the day and finally finished making what they wanted.
They also found some boxes and packed them one by one, ready to be taken along when they went out to visit.
Two days later, a post arrived from General Shen's mansion, addressed to Qi Zhenzhen.
Qi Zhenzhen was a little surprised. She remembered the person, but at the birthday banquet, they were merely acquaintances. Why would she send her an invitation to visit?
When the Old Madam learned of this, she even specially sent Madam Fang to deliver a set of jewelry, asking her to dress up nicely when she went out. Since Qi Zhenzhen had no maids attending her, she also specifically said that Madam Fang would accompany her that day.
This was the first invitation Qi Zhenzhen had received since returning to the Marquisate of Changping. The Old Madam was concerned about her and also worried that she might behave improperly and embarrass the Marquisate.
Being the daughter of a general, Qi Zhenzhen guessed that she preferred martial attire over feminine dresses.
This was because at the birthday banquet, although Shen Zhi Xin was dressed very demurely and ladylike, it always seemed a bit out of place.
After some thought, Qi Zhenzhen personally drew a Q-version illustrated booklet of "Mu Guiying Takes Command" as a gift. Due to time constraints, she only drew a part of it.
She also made a cloth doll of Mu Guiying and Yang Zongbao, sewing fragrant balls inside with a clear bamboo leaf scent.
On the day she went out, Qi Zhenzhen also wore a neat riding outfit, deerskin boots, and her dark hair was tied into a bun, adorned with only a hairpin.
This time, besides Madam Fang, Qi Zhenzhen planned to bring Fei Xu and Er Xi.
Fei Xu was well-behaved and steady, while Er Xi was clever and possessed good martial arts skills.
Before leaving, she specifically went to the Old Madam's Chaohui Hall and listened to the Old Madam's instructions before preparing to depart.
At the decorative gate, Li Qing stood there with a maid, seemingly waiting for Qi Zhenzhen.
"Second Sister, are you going out to visit?" Li Qing asked with raised eyebrows.
Qi Zhenzhen nodded, "Yes."
"Why didn't Second Sister invite me along? You are the young lady of the Marquisate, the hostess. Shouldn't you think of me, a guest, first in everything you do? I don't have many good friends in the capital either. Shouldn't Second Sister take me to meet more people?" Li Qing's tone was imperious.
Qi Zhenzhen was surprised and turned to ask Fei Xu, "Did I hear that correctly? Sister Qing is asking me to take her out?"
Fei Xu nodded, "Miss did not mishear. That's what the cousin said. But I haven't heard of any young lady who goes out uninvited! This is very impolite. Isn't Cousin the one who pays most attention to etiquette?"
Li Qing also knew that this was inappropriate, but she had not made friends with any respectable young ladies, and no one had invited her out. She had originally thought of opportunities to go out with Qi Mingzhu to meet more daughters of noble families, but Qi Mingzhu had gone to stay at Prince Qin's mansion and it was unknown when she would return.
"I heard that Second Sister is also going out to visit for the first time. As an elder sister, I should be there to guide you, lest Second Sister doesn't know the rules on her first outing and embarrasses our Marquisate. That would not be good," Li Qing said earnestly.
Our Marquisate?
Qi Zhenzhen chuckled. "Sister Qing, I remember you are a daughter of the Li family. How did you suddenly become a daughter of our Marquisate? Do Father and Mother know about this? Does Grandmother know?"
She has even abandoned her own family, truly...
"Cousin, you should hurry back. People from the outer court often pass by the decorative gate, and there are often men from outside. You are a pampered guest, and it would not be good if you were bumped into," Madam Fang said calmly. "If you want to go out, you can ask Madam to arrange it. The capital is bustling, feel free to wander!"
Madam Fang was a favored person by the Old Madam. When her own grandmother spoke to Madam Fang, she was always polite. Li Qing did not dare to be presumptuous. Knowing that she could not go out with them, she could only stomp her foot and leave resentfully.
Madam Fang helped Qi Zhenzhen into the sedan chair, and they passed through the outer court to the entrance of the Marquisate.
The carriage was waiting, respectable and proper, with the Marquisate's emblem on a corner of the body.
"Momo, please sit in the carriage with me," Qi Zhenzhen said.
As soon as she finished speaking, Fei Xu and Er Xi quickly helped Madam Fang into the carriage.
"Second Miss, this is not proper."
"Momo is no different from an elder to Zhenzhen. If you don't sit, how can Zhenzhen feel comfortable sitting by herself?" Qi Zhenzhen said sincerely.