Qi Zhenzhen's serious demeanor amused Madam Yun. Although her daughter was sensible and capable, Madam Yun still saw her as an unmarried girl, not even of age yet.
To hear such words from a child, while wanting to laugh, also filled her with deep emotion.
"Alright, Mother remembers. Zhenzhen, you must also remember, now and in the future, in Mother's heart, no one is more important than you and Brother Yi. Mother's words remain the same: she doesn't pursue love or romance anymore. Her only wish is for you two to be well. If you live smoothly and happily, Mother will be content," Madam Yun said earnestly.
Qi Zhenzhen nodded, "Don't worry, Brother Yi and I will be fine."
Madam Yun smiled with satisfaction, "By the way, why hasn't Brother Yi returned yet?"
"Don't worry, the Heir has people arranged for him. Besides, his martial arts practice has been quite effective lately. When he's out, as long as he doesn't encounter particularly formidable individuals, he can protect himself. Furthermore, Father has been informed, and he said that boys shouldn't be overly sheltered; it's good for them to see more of the world," Qi Zhenzhen replied.
Madam Yun nodded, "You two know what you're doing, so Mother won't worry unnecessarily. Just remember one thing: this is not like the countryside anymore. Everything is being watched, so you must ensure there's nothing for those people to pick on."
A respectful voice from outside, Hong Tao, announced, "Concubine Yun, Qiong Zhi from Concubine Ru Yan's side has come to say that Concubine Ru Yan will be visiting you at Tinglan Courtyard shortly."
A hint of displeasure flickered across Madam Yun's brow. "I understand. Please have someone prepare."
"Mother, tell me, does Ru Yan still visit often?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"Not very often, only occasionally," Madam Yun replied.
"Does she really take everyone else for fools? After the huge scene she caused here last time, normally she should be avoiding Tinglan Courtyard like the plague. Yet now..." Qi Zhenzhen sneered.
"Regardless, she is currently favored by your father. It's not a major issue, so Mother will tolerate it," Madam Yun knew Qi Zhenzhen's temperament and feared she might do something to displease Ru Yan. If Ru Yan then whispered in the Marquis's ear, it wouldn't be good for Zhenzhen.
"Don't worry, Mother, I know my limits," Qi Zhenzhen said dismissively. When they had first returned, Ru Yan had shown them kindness. Regardless of her motives, she was grateful, but that didn't mean she could be easily manipulated.
Before long, Ru Yan and her entourage arrived, a rather grand procession.
Ru Yan looked remarkably well, her figure plump. Her previously small, delicate face had grown rounder, and her waist seemed to suggest she was five months pregnant.
If she remembered correctly, Ru Yan had only been pregnant for about three months?
"Greetings, Sister, greetings, Second Miss," Ru Yan said slowly, paying her respects to Madam Yun and Qi Zhenzhen. "My body is heavy now, so every movement is slow. If I have been remiss, Sister and Second Miss, please bear with me. Ru Yan means no offense."
Madam Yun smiled peacefully, indicating she didn't mind.
Qi Zhenzhen also offered a meaningful smile, looking directly at Ru Yan.
Ru Yan found Qi Zhenzhen's gaze unsettling and instinctively felt a little intimidated. For some reason, she felt an inexplicable lack of confidence when facing this young Second Miss. However, considering her current pregnancy and the Marquis's attitude towards her, Ru Yan subtly lifted her chin, displaying a hint of arrogance.