As noon approached, Qian Yuanbao arrived, followed by Qian family servants carrying a large water vat filled with lively fish. They said these were shad, unique to the season and extremely delicious. Fearing the Li family's cook might not know how to prepare them, they even brought a chef.
Madam Wang was quite fond of Qian Yuanbao now, showing the doting affection of a mother-in-law for her prospective son-in-law.
"You child, making such a fuss over a few fish. Couldn't you have just tied them with a grass rope and sent someone to deliver them?" Madam Wang chided.
"These fish are freshest when cooked immediately after being caught," Qian Yuanbao replied. "Aunt, my grandmother is visiting a temple today, and no one is home at our estate. May I have a meal with you?"
There was no reason for Madam Wang to refuse. "Do I not know you? Go ahead, go find Yu-ge'er to accompany you. The two young ladies from the Qi family are also here today; you all know each other, so there's no need for avoidance."
Qian Yuanbao's face lit up, and he happily went to find Li Yu.
Madam Tang looked helpless. "Eldest sister, why did you let them meet privately again? This isn't proper. Which unmarried young couple meets so often? Elders always try to prevent it, yet you're practically pushing them together yourself."
"If you ask me, you're overthinking things. The wedding date is already set, what's wrong with them meeting?" Madam Wang said dismissively. "It's not like they're meeting in secret; this is at our estate, with so many eyes watching. How could Nuan-girl be at a disadvantage? As for propriety, we don't need to be so strict at home. If the couple cultivates their feelings more before marriage, their life together will be more harmonious."
In arguments, Madam Tang had always been unable to best Madam Wang. In the past, when their relationship was hostile, she would avoid her whenever possible. Now that they were getting along peacefully, Madam Tang suddenly realized that Madam Wang was not the same person she had known before.
"Alright, stop looking like you have something to say but can't. I know what you want to say, but this is our home, and everyone here is our kin. Nuan-girl has her maids with her, and today Zhenzhen and Xuanxuan are here, as is Rou'er. There's nothing to worry about!" Madam Wang said. "Stop dwelling on this matter. Come, let's go to the kitchen and see how the Qian family's chef prepares this shad. I've heard this fish is very rare; if not for Nuan-girl's good fortune, we likely wouldn't get to eat it."
Qi Zhenzhen was not surprised to see Qian Yuanbao. Li Nuan had mentioned earlier that Qian Yuanbao visited frequently, always finding an excuse to drop by under the guise of delivering gifts.
"Thank you for what you did a few days ago," Qian Yuanbao said, looking somewhat excited upon seeing Qi Zhenzhen.
Qi Zhenzhen knew what he was referring to and simply smiled faintly. "I did it for myself."
Qian Yuanbao's eyes darted around, and he put on a knowing expression. "Yes, for yourself. However, I still want to say thank you, truly."
Qian Yuanbao had been friends with Gu Sinian since childhood. Gu Sinian was lazy and unwilling to practice martial arts diligently, but whenever Qian Yuanbao was bullied, Gu Sinian would step in and defend him, always acting as if it were a casual favor. Later, as the Qian family's business grew, some people, thinking him young and easily bullied, tried to take advantage of the Qian family. It was Gu Sinian who used his status as the heir of the Duke of Protectorate's estate to support him, making those shadowy figures retreat. In essence, Gu Sinian was both a brother and a friend to him. When he heard about Gu Sinian's predicament, Qian Yuanbao wished he could have taken his place. He had also considered going to the border himself, but his martial arts were too poor, and the secret guards said he would only be a hindrance. At this critical juncture, Qi Zhenzhen volunteered to go to the border and ultimately brought Gu Sinian back. Qian Yuanbao was grateful from the bottom of his heart and wholeheartedly approved of Gu Sinian's choice. To find a wife like her, it was no wonder Gu Sinian had been so boastful then.