Li Nuan hesitated, "Really?"
Qi Zhenzhen nodded affirmatively, "Of course it's true. Let's put it this way, if the Qian family's old madam and Qian Yuanbao were just casually looking for someone to entertain guests for the Qian family, why would they have gone to such lengths to bestow the title of county princess upon you? The rank of county princess is not high, but it's not something that can be obtained casually. For families like the Li family, unless they have rendered great service or made outstanding contributions, their children might receive such a title. Clearly, the Li family does not currently possess such capability. The Qian family's action indicates that they value you greatly."
Li Nuan finally breathed a sigh of relief. Ever since she learned about this marriage, she had been in a state of apprehension, fearing it was all a dream that would vanish in an instant.
"Furthermore, how Qian Yuanbao treats you, can't you feel it yourself?" Qi Zhenzhen teased with a wink.
Li Nuan's face instantly flushed red.
How did Qian Yuanbao treat her?
Naturally, exceptionally well.
So well that Li Nuan felt as if she were dreaming. At least, no one had ever treated her so kindly before.
Exquisite trinkets that young ladies liked were sent to the Marquis's manor almost continuously, eventually reaching her hands.
She studied the art of incense, and there was never a shortage of rare ancient formulas and precious incense materials.
There were also the rare ancient books sent to Li Rou, and the assistance provided for his father's career.
In Qi Zhenzhen's words, Qian Yuanbao was never a person to be excessively kind. The reason for showing such care to her family, besides "loving the house and its occupants," was none other.
Yes, he had been silently expressing his feelings, yet she had been wallowing in self-pity and doubting him. It was truly wrong of her.
Seeing Li Nuan's expression gradually firm up, Qi Zhenzhen breathed a sigh of relief. People like Li Nuan, once their knots are untied, will not dwell on them. She would have to find Qian Yuanbao to claim credit another day. Otherwise, if Li Nuan remained a timid ostrich, it would be Qian Yuanbao who would be sad.
"Thank you, Zhenzhen," Li Nuan said sincerely.
"What will you give me as thanks, sister? How about giving birth to a little baby soon after you get married?" Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile. She and Gu Sinian had a contractual marriage, each taking what they needed, and she probably had no chance of becoming a mother.
Li Nuan gave her a reproachful look and pretended to hit her, "If you want a baby, go have one yourself."
Qi Zhenzhen dodged with a laugh, "You won't have a choice then. Why is the Qian family's old madam so eager for Qian Yuanbao to get married? Isn't it to hold a great-grandchild? So, I can escape, but you can't."
After they had been playfully bickering for a while, Fei Xu walked in, "Second Miss, Cousin Miss, Princess Ruining is here. She's already on her way to Longxiang Garden, and she should be arriving soon."
As soon as Fei Xu finished speaking, Ruining's crisp voice could be heard, "Qi Zhenzhen, you big liar."
Qi Zhenzhen stuck out her tongue. She had originally sent an invitation to Prince Rui's manor, agreeing to visit Ruining. However, Gu Sinian had gone to the border and requested various things, forcing her to postpone her visit to Prince Rui's manor. Now that Ruining had come looking for her, she felt guilty.
"Your Highness, I was wrong," Qi Zhenzhen obediently admitted.
Ruining sat on the couch, glaring at Qi Zhenzhen indignantly, "Tell me, where were you wrong?"
"I shouldn't have prioritized romance over friendship," Qi Zhenzhen said seriously.
Ruining was stunned. She had been planning to tease Qi Zhenzhen about this matter, but she had admitted her fault right away. How could she possibly continue? Indeed, she was the most cunning.
"Brother An Nian left days ago, why haven't you come to find me yet? Yan Qi has been confined by her elders these past two days, and there's no one to play with me," Ruining said with a pout. "You're doing well here, with Sister Nuan accompanying you, you're not lonely. Have you thought about me?"
Her small face scrunched up, Ruining complained aggrievedly.
"This is truly my fault. I originally planned to find you as soon as Brother An Nian left, but there were many family matters, and it got delayed. Alright, don't be angry anymore," Qi Zhenzhen appeased her.
Ruining pouted, looking as if she wouldn't be appeased so easily.
Seeing this, Qi Zhenzhen quietly instructed Fei Xu. Fei Xu smiled and turned to leave. Shortly after, she returned with people carrying some food.
"Here, this was specially prepared for you. I was planning to send it to you these past two days. Now that you're here, there's no need to send it specially," Qi Zhenzhen said.
Looking at the novel snacks served, Ruining capitulated without backbone. Anger, compared to delicious food, naturally had to take a backseat. Besides, she wasn't truly angry; if she were, she wouldn't have come.
"What is this?" Ruining asked curiously, pointing at the red, oily rabbit heads.
"Spicy rabbit heads."
The ones brought back from Xinghua Village had already been finished. Qi Zhenzhen had ordered people to purchase rabbit heads and make them again.
"Rabbit heads?" Ruining was very surprised. She had eaten rabbit meat before; the manor's kitchen occasionally prepared rabbit meat dishes. But she had never seen rabbit heads before. "Can these be eaten?"
"Ruining, these things may not look good, but they taste absolutely amazing," Li Nuan introduced enthusiastically. "Of course, that's assuming you can eat spicy food."
Ruining nodded like a pecking chicken, "Of course I can eat spicy food."
After feasting, Ruining let out a satisfied sigh, "I never knew rabbit heads could be so delicious. If Yan Qi were here, she would definitely be happier than me. She loves spicy food to death."
"Are you not angry anymore?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
Ruining smiled heartily, "On account of the delicious food, I forgive you. However, this little bit isn't enough."
"Don't worry, I've prepared quite a lot for you. Take some back for the Princess Consort to try. Also, there's some for Yan Qi, can you take it with you when you leave?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"No problem," Ruining agreed while picking up her teacup and taking a sip, exclaiming, "What newfangled thing is this?"
A faint milky aroma and tea fragrance, combined with just the right amount of sweetness, created a unique and delightful taste.
"It's not newfangled at all, just milk tea. I've improved the original recipe," Qi Zhenzhen replied.
Ruining's eyes sparkled as she looked at Qi Zhenzhen with admiration, "Sister Zhenzhen, how can you be so amazing? You can make beautiful beaded flowers and so many delicious things."
Li Nuan smiled, "You know very little. Your Sister Zhenzhen knows countless things."
Ruining blinked her eyes, "Sister Zhenzhen, can I stay here with you?"
"If the Princess Consort allows it, I naturally have no objections."
Ruining sighed deeply, "That's definitely impossible. My mother is currently making me learn etiquette. She rarely lets me go out, let alone stay overnight. I don't care, Sister Zhenzhen, from now on, whatever delicious food you make, you must send me a portion. Otherwise, I will..."
Ruining's eyes darted around, then she lowered her voice and pointed at Qi Zhenzhen's chest, "I'll tell Brother An Nian that you haven't developed..."