Qi Zhenzhen secretly observed Qin Tingxue, seeing her pale face and unsteady form. She quickly steadied her, "Mother, are you alright?"
Qin Tingxue withdrew her thoughts, calmed her breathing, and forced a smile. "You worry too much, I'm fine. I just remembered some unpleasant things."
"Worry harms the body. Mother, what's past is past. Cherish the happy memories. As for the unpleasant ones, just seal them away," Qi Zhenzhen said. "After all, life is about moving forward."
Although she didn't know why Qin Tingxue was suddenly uneasy, Qi Zhenzhen could vaguely guess that the only thing that could make Qin Tingxue unable to forget was the entanglement with Gu Changwei in the past. Otherwise, her mother-in-law wouldn't be so preoccupied. She wondered if her mother-in-law was still fixated on what she hadn't obtained, or if she regretted her past efforts.
Qi Zhenzhen thought, perhaps she regretted her efforts.
"Mother, the weather is getting hotter, and people tend to get restless. I heard Ah Nian say that Taihe Temple is located halfway up the mountain, and it's very cool during peak summer. Many ladies from the capital who can't stand the heat go there to escape the summer. I heard that Taihe Temple's vegetarian meals are very famous, and if you're lucky, you might even hear Master Yuanjue expounding the scriptures," Qi Zhenzhen said.
Taihe Temple? It was indeed a good place. Before she was married, she used to stay at Taihe Temple for a few days every summer. After getting married, due to the strained relationship with Gu Changwei and fearing gossip if she went out, she hardly left her home.
"Good," Qin Tingxue nodded.
Since they were going for a short stay, they needed to pack their belongings, and the date was set for three days later.
Taking advantage of this time, Qi Zhenzhen returned to Changping Marquis Manor.
When she went to pay her respects at Chaohui Hall, she learned that the Old Madam had caught a cold.
"It's been three or four days. We've invited a physician from Baicao Hall, and she's taking medicine, which has had some effect. The physician advised a light diet, and because of this, she's been throwing tantrums at the old servant from time to time." Fang Momo couldn't help but complain when she saw Qi Zhenzhen.
"Why didn't you send word to the Duke's Mansion?" Qi Zhenzhen looked at the Old Madam's sallow face, feeling very concerned.
"The Old Madam said it wasn't good to make you run back and forth," Fang Momo said.
"Why wouldn't it be good? The two residences are not far apart. I can't come back every day, but if my grandmother is sick, I should be here," Qi Zhenzhen said. "My mother-in-law treats me very well; she won't be unhappy if I come back."
"Who said you absolutely had to come back? It's just a cold." The Old Madam's speech had become clearer through deliberate practice. Fang Momo was getting old and timid, making a small issue seem like the sky was falling. Look, how good is Grandmother's spirit? Cough...
Qi Zhenzhen quickly helped Li Shi steady herself and gently patted her back.
"It's not that Fang Momo is making a fuss; it's that you don't take care of yourself. Catching a cold can easily lead to a cough, and a light diet is necessary, otherwise, it can lead to phlegm and worsen the condition," Qi Zhenzhen said softly.
"It's just a slight chill..." The Old Madam, having caught her breath, whispered.
"But you can't be careless."
"I'm taking medicine."
"Dietary compliance is very important."
An old child, an old child. Indeed, as people age, their tempers become more childlike, bargaining for everything. Qi Zhenzhen patiently persuaded her until she finally agreed to a lighter diet.
"I will take good care of myself. I've seen you married, but I haven't seen you have children yet. I must stay healthy so I can help you raise them," the Old Madam said cheerfully.
Qi Zhenzhen didn't blush and said generously, "Then it's settled, you can't go back on your word!"
"Don't worry, I always keep my word," the Old Madam said, her eyes narrowing into a smile. "You need to put in some effort."