"Mother, Big Sister-in-law is returning home. What about you?" Madam Wang asked, smiling at Madam Lu.
Madam Lu raised her head, her cloudy eyes flashing with a sharp glint. "The journey is long, and I am old. Naturally, I cannot endure such hardship. Zheng'er still needs to remain in the capital to participate in the imperial examinations. Who will accompany him?"
Madam Wang pouted. She knew the old madam would not leave easily. Over the years, she had come to understand the old madam's character. While she favored the eldest branch and doted on its children, she prioritized herself and her own interests above all else. Initially, Li Qing had a chance to turn things around, so Madam Wang cooperated with the eldest branch, offering suggestions and assistance. Now that Li Qing could no longer find a good marriage and bring her benefits, Madam Wang naturally lost interest.
One had to admire such straightforward decisiveness.
"Then, Mother, are you returning to the Marquis's mansion, or will you stay with us in the second branch?" Madam Wang inquired.
Could the second branch's residence compare to the Marquis's mansion?
"I will do as Mother wishes. Our second branch is established in the capital now. If Mother needs anything, just send someone to inform us," Madam Wang said solicitously.
Madam Lu's heart ached. It was as if she was constantly being reminded that the eldest branch had lost out.
Li Qing and Madam Bai had been dealt with. Although the punishment was not immediate, they would have plenty to worry about once they returned to Yunnan and Guizhou. Madam Wang was very satisfied with this outcome.
...
"Venerable Master Yuanjue has set a date. The sixth day of the sixth month is an auspicious day," Gu Sinian said softly, deliberately falling a step behind to walk alongside Qi Zhenzhen.
Qi Zhenzhen looked straight ahead, her expression calm. "Has the Young Marquis's health improved?"
"You used to call me Ah Nian," Gu Sinian said, sounding a little wronged.
Since confessing his feelings, Qi Zhenzhen found that Gu Sinian had become a completely different person in her presence. Yes, he had transformed from a cool and aloof type to a clingy one. Honestly, she found it a bit difficult to accept.
"When will Physician Luo return?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"In early April. It's only a few days away," Gu Sinian replied.
"Has she found the necessary medicinal herbs?"
"She should have found them."
Qi Zhenzhen breathed a sigh of relief. Luo Wanqing had said that as long as she obtained those herbs, the蛊 (gu) worms in Gu Sinian's body would be mostly harmless. For days, she had been uneasy about this matter, as蛊 (gu) worms were truly mysterious.
"Young Marquis, you should go that way. This side is where the female guests are dining. It is not appropriate for you to be here," Qi Zhenzhen stopped and said to Gu Sinian, who was following her closely.
"Then I will escort you to your seat before leaving."
Gu Sinian had specifically escorted the second daughter of the Marquis's mansion to the banquet. Throughout the entire process, his expression was gentle, and he even helped the second daughter with her chair. Who was it that said the Young Marquis was tired of the second daughter? Who was it that said this marriage would not happen? If things were truly not going well, would the Young Marquis be so concerned about the second daughter? He had even specifically asked those seated with the second daughter to look after her. He was clearly watching her as if she were his most prized possession. No, the Young Marquis was on better terms with the Qian family and should have been dining with them. Why was he at the Li family's banquet?
The ladies and young ladies present understood. The second daughter of the Qi family had excellent methods, and the Young Marquis of the State Duke's mansion was devoted.
The fifth day of April.
Qi Zhenzhen had left the mansion early. She had to admit that having her own mother manage the household affairs was very convenient. Early this morning, Erxi had said that someone from the Young Marquis's side had come with a message in the latter half of the night, saying that Luo Wanqing had returned.
Upon arriving at Hundred Herbs Hall, she indeed found Luo Wanqing.
"Sister Wan, was your journey smooth?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
Luo Wanqing teased, "Is my sister asking about my well-being, or are you worried about that scoundrel Gu Sinian?"