Qi Zhenzhen did not stay long with Ru Yan, finding an excuse to leave.
She made a round at Chaohuitang and saw that the Old Madam seemed to be in good spirits. She then recounted everything Qi Tianming had said to her.
The Old Madam was not surprised. She mumbled a few words, and Fang Mom took it upon herself to relay them, "Your father is not a foolish man. In the past, he paid no mind to the affairs of the inner courtyard because he believed they had no impact on the Marquis's future. Now that he has come to his senses, he will naturally not be easily fooled. It is also Xiao Qin Shi's excessive behavior. As the legitimate mistress of the Marquis's manor, she prioritizes the Prince's manor in everything. The affection between her and your father was lost due to her own actions. And this fake pregnancy, such a despicable tactic, it's a wonder she could think of it. Do you think your father is too tolerant of this matter?"
Qi Zhenzhen hummed in agreement.
"Madam is, after all, of the imperial family. For the sake of imperial dignity..." Fang Mom spoke on behalf of the Old Madam.
The Old Madam nodded.
Although the process of this matter was unpleasant, the outcome was not too bad.
Therefore, Xiao Qin Shi was destined to get away with it. Although she received a reprimand, it would not be severe. However, through this incident, her cheap father had seen through Xiao Qin Shi's character. Whether her future days would be easy or not depended on Xiao Qin Shi's capabilities. Qi Zhenzhen felt it would likely not be an easy task. The main reason was that her cheap father was now very opinionated and did not wish to be forced into becoming an appendage of the Prince Qin's manor.
"Grandmother, please rest well. You must not overthink things," Qi Zhenzhen said softly. "The Heir has mentioned that Physician Luo will be back in the capital within half a month at the latest."
The Old Madam needed to focus on resting, so Qi Zhenzhen did not disturb her further and left after sitting for a short while.
The next morning, before Qi Zhenzhen had even risen, she heard faint sounds from outside. After tidying up, Fei Xu came in to say that several stewardesses had come to pay their respects.
The pace of this action was quite swift. It was likely they had received news that her cheap father intended to let her mother manage the household affairs. Unable to openly curry favor with her mother, they were taking a roundabout approach and coming to her.
Qi Zhenzhen disdained such opportunists who swayed with the wind.
"Send them away," Qi Zhenzhen said slowly.
Fei Xu also disliked such people and was unwilling for her young lady to waste her thoughts on them.
After breakfast, Qi Zhenzhen, as usual, first paid her respects at Chaohuitang and then went directly to Tinglan Yuan.
"Zhenzhen, what should I do?" Yun Shi asked with a worried expression. "How can I manage the household? Why am I suddenly tasked with it?"
"Grandmother is ill, and regarding Jinghua Yuan, it depends on when Father can forgive. Concubine Xiang has not left her courtyard for many years. As for Concubine Ru Yan, in Father's words, she is not capable of taking on such a responsibility. Moreover, she has just given birth and has not even completed her confinement month. Where would she have the energy? Mother comes from a prominent family and has children by her side, making her a good candidate to manage the household. Most importantly, Mother does not contend or scheme and has no selfish motives," Qi Zhenzhen explained methodically. "Therefore, Mother cannot avoid this matter."
Yun Shi had genuinely never thought about managing the household. She only wished for a peaceful life.
"Mother, you don't need to worry too much. After the incident at Jinghua Yuan, Father has already warned the subordinates. Those people are shrewd and know what they should and should not do. Managing the household has its established procedures. You just need to follow them. Besides, didn't Mother say that when you were at home, you helped Grandmother manage the household?"