On the way back, Qian Yuanbao felt increasingly uneasy. What was Gu Sinian's intention?
A flash of inspiration struck him, and he slapped his thigh, understanding. He had mentioned earlier that Qi Zhenzhen called Ah Nuan "sister." After he married Qi Zhenzhen, she would have to call him "brother-in-law." Now that he had inexplicably become Ah Nuan's brother, wouldn't she have to call him "brother" too?
What a sly fox! How come he never managed to get the better of him?
Qian Manor.
"Old Madam, they're back, they're back! The young master's wedding procession has returned," Baifu reported, rushing in.
Only then did Old Madam Qian's suspended heart relax. "Where are they?"
"They'll be here in another quarter of an hour. They said they were delayed at the Li family's place. We'll have to wait for the young master to return to know the specifics," Baifu said.
"Good things take time. A delay is a delay," the old lady said nonchalantly. "You and the housekeeper should properly attend to the guests in the front courtyard. Don't neglect them."
"Certainly, Old Madam, you can rest assured."
At the Li residence, Tang Shi and Li Su went to entertain guests, while Madam Wang led Li Rou and Qi Zhenzhen to meet Madam Lu and the others. Gu Sinian had stayed behind, intending to spend more time with Qi Zhenzhen. Naturally, he refused Li Su's invitation to the front courtyard for the feast, saying he would join them after things were settled here.
"Sister-in-law, this matter was our fault, but no serious consequences have occurred. What is the meaning of you detaining us?" Bai Shi spoke.
"Sister-in-law, your words are quite dismissive. You pick up something heavy only to put it down lightly. Are you implying that our second branch has no one and can be bullied at will? If it weren't for Zhenzhen and the others' quick thinking today, you would have succeeded in your scheme. How would we account for ourselves to the Emperor, and how to the Qian family? As my second brother-in-law mentioned earlier, the consequences were dire; the entire Li family was almost ruined due to your selfish desires," Madam Wang retorted sarcastically.
"You also said 'almost'!" Bai Shi argued weakly.
"We must teach you a lesson. Otherwise, what if you act foolishly again and harm others in the future?" Madam Wang snorted coldly.
Bai Shi looked to Madam Lu for help. Madam Wang clearly didn't take her seriously anymore. She and Qing Yatou could only place their hopes on the old madam. As long as the old madam was supportive, today's matter could be glossed over.
Madam Lu sat in her chair, her head bowed, as if everything had nothing to do with her.
"Mother, please say something. What should we do? We are all family. Sister-in-law is being relentless and aggressive now. Isn't she trampling on our family ties?" Bai Shi said aggrievedly.
"What can I do if she wants to trample on me?" Madam Lu said impatiently. "If you ask me, this matter is not entirely the fault of others; it's because you two were too foolish. Everything was ready, and you still messed it up. Since that's the case, you must have the courage to bear the consequences. I would like to intervene, but she clearly won't listen to me. I'm old, old, and I don't have the energy to manage your affairs anymore."
Bai Shi's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't believe Madam Lu had said that. She was washing her hands of the matter, doing nothing?
"Exactly, exactly. One must accept their age. At your age, you should be eating, drinking, and enjoying yourself. Children and grandchildren have their own fortunes. Can you worry about them your entire life?" Madam Wang said earnestly after hearing Madam Lu's words.
Madam Lu glanced at her and snorted.
"Mother, are you really not going to manage us anymore?" Bai Shi was greatly alarmed.
"Sister-in-law, how can you be like this? We've already said that Mother is old and should enjoy her retirement. You're still forcing her to worry. What are your intentions? Do you perhaps not want Mother to live comfortably?" Madam Wang pinned a charge on Bai Shi.