The Old Madam, hearing Fu Su's words, breathed a sigh of relief. This was for the best.
Since Zhen Zhen's maid was the one injured, punishing Ming Zhu's maid served as a form of recompense to Zhen Zhen. However, Ming Zhu's temperament…
"This is not enough. Ming Zhu, your actions were too impulsive. Grandmother will also punish you by having you copy the family rules one hundred times and confining you for a month. Do you have any objections?"
With Little Qin Shi now imprisoned, she would likely never be released unless something unforeseen occurred. As her grandmother, she couldn't simply ignore Ming Zhu. She hoped that the disposition, warped by Little Qin Shi's upbringing, could be slightly corrected. Otherwise, Ming Zhu's life would be ruined.
Qi Ming Zhu felt stifled, but she kept her emotions hidden. Instead, she spoke with apparent sincerity, "Grandmother is doing this for my own good, I understand. Please don't worry, I will diligently copy the family rules and reflect on myself, cultivating my character. Second Sister, I apologize again here. I hope you won't dwell on my past foolishness. Let us remain good sisters from now on."
As she spoke, Qi Ming Zhu stepped forward and took Qi Zhen Zhen's hand, appearing genuinely remorseful.
"I've said it before, as long as Eldest Sister doesn't provoke me, I will never provoke her," Qi Zhen Zhen replied faintly, suppressing her disgust.
"Just watch me from now on!" Qi Ming Zhu vowed earnestly.
The Old Madam understood the truth that changing one's nature is as difficult as changing the course of a river. Therefore, she did not take Qi Ming Zhu's promises to heart.
"Alright, since the matter is resolved, you should return quickly. Fang Momo, Fu Su no longer needs to fetch hot water. Twenty strokes of the cane; you will personally oversee the punishment," the Old Madam said calmly.
Fang Momo acknowledged the order and left with her attendants.
Qi Ming Zhu did not linger either and followed them out.
"Zhen Zhen, Grandmother is sorry to you for today's affair," the Old Madam beckoned Qi Zhen Zhen to sit beside her. "But no matter how excessive her actions, she is still your father's daughter."
Qi Zhen Zhen pursed her lips and smiled, "Grandmother, please don't blame yourself. I understand."
How could she not understand? For over a decade, Qi Ming Zhu had been doted upon by Marquis Chang Ping and the Old Madam. They had feelings for her, and such feelings couldn't simply be discarded.
"I will keep a close eye on her and ensure she does not err again. Your father and I are currently considering potential matches, and I believe we will soon find a suitable marriage for her," the Old Madam continued.
It seemed that Qi Ming Zhu's engagement to the Lu family was truly off. It was likely that Qi Ming Zhu had also realized this, which fueled her rage and led to her actions.
Qi Ming Zhu's outburst had left the atmosphere feeling peculiar, and the Old Madam's eyes showed signs of fatigue.
"I will help Grandmother to the inner chambers to rest. We will come to see you again at Grandmother's side for lunch," Qi Zhen Zhen said.
A maidservant attending to Madam Yun helped carry Fei Xu towards Ting Lan Yuan.
"Mother, Fei Xu should not be moved for the next few days. Let her recuperate here with you for now. When she has recovered, she can return to the Duke's mansion," Qi Zhen Zhen said to Yun Shi.
"Alright, I'll have someone prepare a room," Yun Shi agreed.
"Er Xi, you will return to the Duke's mansion shortly to bring Xia Yu here. Let Xia Yu keep Fei Xu company and also help look after her."
"Madam, it's not necessary. I'm fine. There's no need to trouble yourself. The medicine from Bai Cao Tang is very effective; I don't feel any pain now," Fei Xu said urgently.
"How can you not feel pain? Your entire back is scalded! In the past, even a small patch of skin on my hand being scalded hurt terribly!" Qi Zhen Zhen exclaimed. "You should rest and recover properly. I'm not abandoning you."