Qi Zhenzhen was silent for a moment. "You don't need to worry about this. You send a letter to the border and tell the Qian family to cooperate with me."
"Naturally."
Qi Zhenzhen did not linger at the Qian family's residence, but hurried back to the Marquis's mansion and went directly to the Old Madam's courtyard.
Half an hour later, Qi Zhenzhen left with Er Xi. Subsequently, news spread that Qi Zhenzhen had displeased the Old Madam and was sent to a manor to reflect, though no one knew which manor it was.
This news naturally reached Madam Xiao Qin.
"This is truly gratifying. That little slut was just arrogant because the Old Madam supported her. Now that she's angered the Old Madam, she's been kicked out," Madam Xiao Qin's face was filled with undisguised excitement.
Nanny Qin, standing beside her, hesitated to speak. This matter was clearly not that simple. Over the past six months, the Old Madam's close relationship with the second young lady was not just for show; their affection was very deep. In such a situation, how could they have suddenly fallen out? She had sent someone to inquire, but could not find out anything. Therefore, she felt even more that this matter was not as it seemed.
However, seeing Madam Xiao Qin's happy expression, Nanny Qin suppressed her doubts. She would inquire more privately and speak after she had a grasp of the situation.
After Qi Tianming returned to the mansion, he was summoned by the Old Madam to Chaohui Hall. No one knew what was said, but many people witnessed Qi Tianming leaving Chaohui Hall in a furious rage and going to Tinglan Yuan to scold Concubine Yun. Everyone in the mansion knew that the second young lady had displeased the Old Madam. The Marquis, being filial, could not reprimand the second young lady, so he went and scolded Concubine Yun. Concubine Yun was truly unlucky. After enjoying a few days of good fortune, she was implicated by her own daughter and lost the Marquis's favor.
Li Nuan and Li Rou went to Chaohui Hall several times to plead for Qi Zhenzhen, but were all turned back by the Old Madam. Later, the Old Madam even issued an order that since the Li family had now settled in the capital and they had been living in the mansion for quite some time, it was time for them to return. When Tang Shi came to pick them up, she apologized to the Old Madam. The Old Madam, in front of everyone, said that Li Nuan and Li Rou had put the cart before the horse and had wasted her affection. Then she sent away all the members of the Li family's second branch. Even Li Yu, who lived in the front courtyard, was not spared and was sent away along with them. However, the Li family's eldest branch remained unharmed and continued to live in the Marquis's mansion.
Madam Bai was very pleased and specifically saw Madam Wang off.
"Sister-in-law's family is reunited. Eldest sister-in-law congratulates you. However, I heard that Second Brother has always been managed by Tang Shi. I wonder if you will have a role to play after you return."
Madam Wang was not angry and replied with a smile, "Hasn't Eldest sister-in-law seen Eldest Brother for a long time? It's truly pitiful that you are not by his side to take care of his life. Perhaps the people serving him are trying to guess his intentions and are recommending themselves. It's possible that Eldest sister-in-law might be pregnant after returning."
Madam Bai was so enraged that she wanted to rush forward and tear Madam Wang's mouth, but she could only endure it in front of everyone.
Seeing Madam Bai's frustrated appearance, Madam Wang felt much more comfortable. She spoke kindly to Tang Shi, "Don't listen to Eldest sister-in-law talking nonsense. You and I are both people by Second Master's side, so what's the difference between you and me? You managed the household affairs before, and you will continue to manage them from now on. I will have leisure."
Tang Shi was somewhat apprehensive. Although she had heard her two daughters talk about Madam Wang's transformation, she was still a little uneasy. She only said that she would obey Madam Wang's instructions.