The next morning, after breakfast, Qi Zhenzhen and Gu Sinian went to Madam Qin's courtyard.
"The steward has prepared everything. They are waiting at the side gate. Don't waste any more time here, hurry and go," Madam Qin said with a smile, urging them on.
Various gifts, filling two carts, were ready.
"Why did Mother prepare so many things?"
"Mother is doing this to give you face! The more elaborate the return gifts, the more it shows you are valued," Gu Sinian said with a smile.
Qi Zhenzhen's eyes curved, and she smiled sweetly, "I'll make sure to cook more delicious food for Mother later."
"That's right, Mother really liked those snacks you made before," Gu Sinian said.
Snacks? Qi Zhenzhen didn't recall giving Madam Qin any snacks.
Seeing her confusion, Gu Sinian realized he had let slip something he shouldn't have.
However, they were already married, so there was nothing to hide.
"Most of the things Xiao Niu brought back, I brought them over," Gu Sinian said. "Mother likes to eat these, so I took them to show my filial piety. Mother even asked where I bought them! She wanted to send servants to buy them. I vaguely said I bought them from a farmer and mentioned that the person who made them was a girl. Later, when the two families were arranging the marriage, I confessed to Mother. Mother immediately said that since you make such delicious food, your heart must also be very good. She said that one couldn't make such delicacies without a good heart."
At this moment, Qi Zhenzhen felt a surge of emotion, touched by Madam Qin's attitude towards her and by Gu Sinian's actions that had already fostered a good impression of her in Madam Qin's heart.
"A Nian, thank you," Qi Zhenzhen said, tilting her head up.
Gu Sinian looked at her rosy lips and, unable to resist, lowered his head, capturing them and savoring the taste.
Qi Zhenzhen struggled, but Gu Sinian wrapped an arm around her, pulling her into his embrace. Only when they were both struggling for breath did he break the kiss.
Qi Zhenzhen clutched her chest, breathing heavily, and glared at Gu Sinian in annoyance, "How could you do that!"
Without looking in a mirror, Qi Zhenzhen knew her face must be flushed and her lips slightly swollen. They were about to arrive at the Marquis's mansion; how could she face anyone like this?
Gu Sinian gently rubbed Qi Zhenzhen's lips with his finger. "It was my fault; I couldn't control myself for a moment. When we get off the carriage, I'll hold you, and you can bury your head in my chest. That way, no one will see."
Qi Zhenzhen gave him a reproachful look. What kind of idea was that? It would be even more embarrassing! People's imaginations were very vivid; who knew what they would speculate about why she needed Gu Sinian to hold her even on their return visit!
"I'll settle the score with you later," Qi Zhenzhen huffed. Then, she rummaged through a cabinet and pulled out a veiled hat.
At the entrance of the Marquis's mansion, Granny Fang, along with a group of servants, was waiting. "The Old Madam has been mentioning it since early this morning. They've finally arrived."
"Has Grandmother been well these past few days?"
"She's been very well. She takes her medicine on time every day, and the physician from Bai Cao Tang comes to give her acupuncture daily. I also urge the Old Madam to walk around in the courtyard every day. Now, she can walk by herself with a cane," Granny Fang said with a smile.
"Doctor Luo said that as long as she exercises diligently, she will get better and better."
As they spoke, the group arrived at Chaohui Hall. Qi Zhenzhen and Gu Sinian knelt to pay their respects to the Old Madam.
"There's no need to kowtow. Granny Fang, quickly help them up," the Old Madam said hurriedly.
"Since your granddaughter is now married, it is only proper to kowtow to Grandmother," Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile.
Gu Sinian added, "Your grandson-in-law is very grateful that Grandmother facilitated this marriage. I have long wanted to kowtow to you."
The Old Madam's smile widened, "I knew A Nian was a good one, and now I see I wasn't mistaken. I won't keep you here. Your father and mother are waiting for you. Go and see them before coming back to talk with me."