Qi Zhenzhen's words of comfort helped Yun Shi clear her mind considerably. Although managing the household was troublesome, as her daughter had said, after the incident in Jinghua Courtyard, the Marquis had dismissed some people and reprimanded others. Taking over now wouldn't be too difficult. She didn't have any scheming intentions; she would simply manage according to the established procedures. Moreover, managing the household had its advantages. She would be aware of every movement within the mansion, which would help her protect her daughter and son in the future.
Thinking this, Yun Shi even felt a surge of determination. "Zhenzhen, don't worry, Mother will manage the household well."
Yun Shi's first task as the manager of the household was to arrange the funeral for the 'legitimate young master' born to Xiao Qin Shi.
Since the child had died within a few days of birth, it was considered very inauspicious. He could neither be buried in the Marquis's ancestral grave nor could a grand funeral be held. It was only according to the rules and procedures, with the household servants putting in their best efforts.
In Jinghua Courtyard, Xiao Qin Shi's eyes were bloodshot. She smashed several items to vent her pent-up anger.
"Qin Momo!" Xiao Qin Shi shouted, gasping for breath as she sat on the couch.
A small maidservant waiting in the corridor hurried in and said cautiously, "Madam, after Qin Momo was beaten with the staff, the Marquis sent someone to send her back to the Prince of Qin's mansion."
Xiao Qin Shi clenched her fists under her wide sleeves. "Su Yu, Su Xue?"
"They were sent back with Qin Momo as well."
Xiao Qin Shi named a few more people, and as expected, they had all been sent away.
It turned out that all the people she had brought with her had been sent back. This was clearly an attempt to isolate her!
Xiao Qin Shi gritted her teeth. "Why aren't you coming to serve me? This madam wants to return to the Prince of Qin's mansion."
"Madam, when the Marquis left yesterday, he said that you are not feeling well and should not move around outside. He instructed you to rest well in your courtyard. All household matters are now managed by Madam Yun."
Xiao Qin Shi was stunned. "Madam Yun? What Madam Yun?"
"The Marquis has elevated the concubine Yun from Tinglan Courtyard to the status of a co-wife. Everyone in the mansion now calls her Madam Yun, as instructed by the Marquis," the little maidservant said fluently.
She, the legitimate daughter of a Prince of Qin's mansion, a county princess personally conferred by the Emperor before her marriage, and now the mistress of the Marquis's mansion, had been confined. The wretched woman she hated the most was now being honored as a co-wife and acting as the mistress managing the household.
"Qi Tianming, you are truly ruthless!" Xiao Qin Shi roared.
The servants in Jinghua Courtyard were all arranged by Qi Tianming. They did not neglect Xiao Qin Shi's food, clothing, or living arrangements. If she wanted to do anything else, those people had received prior instructions and would not obey. As for Yun Shi, she was never one to kick someone when they were down. She often reminded her subordinates not to neglect Jinghua Courtyard. For a time, when the servants in the mansion spoke of Madam Yun, who didn't praise her for her magnanimity?
The days passed unhurriedly, and the wedding day of Qian Yuanbao and Li Nuan was fast approaching.
As Li Nuan's close confidante and good sister, Qi Zhenzhen naturally could not miss the day of presenting wedding gifts. She arrived at the Li mansion early in the morning.
Qi Zhenzhen brought a complete set of exquisite jade hair ornaments as a wedding gift, which were of considerable value.
Among those who came to present gifts were Li Nuan's close friends, the wives of some of Li Su's colleagues, and some relatives from the Li family who could make it.
Everyone watched Qi Zhenzhen's generous display with their own thoughts. They all knew that she was the Marquis's illegitimate daughter who had only returned not long ago. Although she was betrothed to the Duke of Protector's mansion, her original wedding date had passed, and no new date had been announced. Everyone was speculating whether this marriage would actually happen. Now that she had appeared so prominently and was so generous, it was bound to make people wonder. After all, if she were living a miserable life, she probably wouldn't be able to produce such fine items.