Madam Qin found herself unable to do anything about Qi Mingzhu, so she gave Madam Qin a meaningful glance.
Madam Qin understood Madam Qin's intention. She sent out the servants attending in the room and gave those who needed a talking-to a thorough scolding.
"Mingzhu, Mother has found a suitable family for you," Madam Qin decided to reveal the news to Qi Mingzhu first.
"Which family is it?"
"The eldest son of the Lu family in Jiangdong, Lu Chen, nineteen years old. He is a candidate who is good in every aspect," Madam Qin said. "He has good character, a good family background, and is capable. He is proficient in everything from zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and his knowledge is extraordinary. He is a talented scholar from Jiangdong. Moreover, he is handsome and is said to be like a banished immortal."
Qi Mingzhu's apricot-shaped eyes sparkled, and a faint smile played on her lips. "Lu Chen from Jiangdong?"
"Mingzhu, you know him?"
"I have a collection of poems, which includes some of Lu Chen's works. He is truly talented, and I admire him greatly," Qi Mingzhu suppressed her excitement. "If..."
As her daughter, Madam Qin understood her perfectly. She was very satisfied with Lu Chen.
"Although he is good, Mother did not think highly of him at first. After all, Jiangdong is very far from the capital, and Mother was afraid you would be wronged if you went there. But things are different now. Lu Chen is pursuing the path of imperial examinations. He was the top scholar in the provincial examination of Liangjiang Prefecture back then! I heard your father say that after passing the examination, he did not immediately challenge the metropolitan examination but went into seclusion for a few years. It is said that he traveled extensively and has now returned and is preparing to enter the capital for next year's metropolitan examination," Madam Qin said. "Your father thinks highly of him, saying that with his talent, he will surely have a great future."
Qi Mingzhu's eyes lit up. "Of course. Lu Chen's poetry is excellent, so how could he not be successful?"
"But, but someone in our family was betrothed to the Lu family earlier." Madam Qin said.
"What?" Qi Mingzhu's face looked strange. The joy on her face had not yet faded, and it was replaced by surprise, making her look rather comical.
Qi Mingzhu was not foolish. The betrothal was definitely not for her. If it were, her mother would not have gone to such lengths to tell her.
"Is it Qi Zhenzhen?" Qi Mingzhu asked through gritted teeth.
Madam Qin sighed. "When your father was on good terms with the head of the Lu family, his entire mind was on that vixen, Yun Shi. I don't know how that vixen bewitched your father to the point of betrothing that little vixen over the legitimate eldest daughter. Mother didn't think the Lu family was that great back then, but who knew that after so many years, the Lu family would become so prosperous."
"Since it's Qi Zhenzhen's marriage, why are you telling me you've taken a liking to Lu Chen? Are you asking me to snatch your half-sister's man?" Qi Mingzhu's face showed anger. She considered herself refined and could not accept such a thing.
"What snatching? Can Qi Zhenzhen, a country girl, be worthy of the legitimate eldest son of the Lu family? Only my Mingzhu is worthy of such a person. I told your father, and he also thinks this marriage is not appropriate," Madam Qin said nonchalantly. "So, don't feel any pressure. There's no such thing as snatching."
Qi Mingzhu shook her head firmly. "No, I disagree. If this gets out, will I still be able to live?"
"The marriage contract doesn't have names written on it. It was just a verbal agreement back then. You are the legitimate eldest daughter. Anyone would think this marriage was for you. Who would betroth their legitimate eldest daughter to a concubine's daughter first?" Madam Qin reasoned. "So, don't overthink it. Do you want the Duke's mansion's marriage instead of the Lu family's?"
Madam Qin then revealed the matter of the Duke's mansion, which she had been hiding, having taken a liking to Qi Mingzhu.
Qi Mingzhu's face turned pale, and she spoke with a slight stutter. "I don't want Gu Sinian. Mother, go and tell Father. If he dares to betroth me to the Duke's mansion, I will die!"
"Oh, my dear little ancestor, calm down. What's all this talk of dying? Mother carried you for ten months and raised you so big, is it for you to die? Aren't you stabbing Mother in the heart?" Madam Qin said anxiously. "Don't do anything foolish. Mother is here. How could Mother let you go to that den of wolves and tigers?"
"Although my father dotes on me, in his eyes, the Marquisate's glory comes first! What if he fears offending the Duke's mansion and cruelly agrees? Besides, that Gu Sinian likes men. If I marry him, won't I be destined to live alone in an empty chamber forever? The scandal about him and the Qian family's young master and that male prostitute not long ago is still being talked about from time to time. At that time, wouldn't I also become a joke?" Qi Mingzhu's eyes were filled with tears. "Mother, I've made my stance clear. If you marry me to him, I would rather die."
Madam Qin held her tightly, comforting her with great affection. "You don't need to worry. Mother has a plan for this."
Qi Mingzhu's acceptance of Madam Qin's words about the Lu family was implied. She had always admired Lu Chen's talent. After hearing this, she could hardly control her thoughts and began to yearn for their future life together, with red sleeves adding fragrance to the lamp and mutual respect.
Meanwhile, Qi Zhenzhen made several lifelike vegetarian dishes under the Old Madam's praise.
There was a whole roasted chicken, a whole fish, braised pork belly with distinct layers of texture, and a crystal shrimp.
The cook who was usually responsible for the Old Madam's meals was filled with excitement throughout, wishing she could kowtow to Qi Zhenzhen and call her master. Any one of these vegetarian dishes could be considered a signature dish, yet the second young lady generously shared all her techniques, meticulously explaining each step to ensure she learned them. This kindness was something she would repay for a lifetime.
After the grandmother and granddaughter finished their meal, Qi Zhenzhen finally left Chaohui Hall.
"The Old Madam's gaze towards Miss has changed," Fei Xu's clear voice also carried a hint of joy. She was genuinely happy for her young lady. She was now the head maid by Miss's side and shared in her prosperity and adversity. Miss had not hidden her situation from her. It was not easy for a concubine's daughter, who had been away from home for years, to establish herself in the mansion. The most convenient way was to find a reliable backer, and that was the Old Madam.
"The revolution has not yet succeeded, and comrades must continue to strive," Qi Zhenzhen playfully quoted a famous saying from a later generation. Amidst the confused glances of Fei Xu and Lian Bei, she walked briskly towards Tinglan Courtyard.
"Sister Fei Xu, what did Miss mean by that just now?" Lian Bei asked Fei Xu in a low voice.
"It probably means that in the matter of pleasing the Old Madam, it has just begun. Although the effect is good, we cannot be complacent and must continue to work hard," Fei Xu thought for a moment and explained. Qi Zhenzhen, who was ahead, heard this and turned back with a smile. "Fei Xu's explanation is quite good."
Qi Zhenzhen went straight to the main room, where Madam Yun was doing needlework.
"Auntie, have you been busy all afternoon?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
Madam Yun shook her head. "Not at all. I've been resting and working intermittently."
The round-faced maid who was serving tea pouted. "Second Miss, Auntie has been busy all afternoon. I asked her to rest, but she wouldn't. Even Sister Qingshui persuaded her, but Auntie didn't listen."