"Second brother, so reserved, actually cares for someone. Your wife must be a beauty of unparalleled grace, a rare treasure indeed." A teasing voice sounded near Qi Zhenzhen's ear.
From the way the speaker addressed Gu Sinian, Qi Zhenzhen knew this must be the eldest daughter-in-law of the Gu family, Lin Fangruo, daughter of Minister Lin of the Ministry of Personnel.
Gu Sinian had told her about this woman. She appeared to be the gentlest and most well-mannered person, diligently paying her respects to her mother-in-law every day after her marriage. It was only after Madam Qin injured herself that this custom was excused. It was said that in less than half a year of marriage, she had earned an excellent reputation within the estate.
Qi Zhenzhen, however, did not believe her to be a friendly person, especially since she was married to Gu Siya.
Gu Siya's ambition for the title of heir was common knowledge in the Protector Duke's estate. With this ambition between them, no one would believe these two brothers were anything but rivals.
Therefore, although her tone was gentle, her words were not friendly. "A beauty of unparalleled grace" – wasn't she implying that Qi Zhenzhen relied on her looks to win affection?
"How do I not know Ah Nian to be a reserved person?" Qi Zhenzhen asked, feigning confusion. "My grandmother and father have always praised Ah Nian, saying he is gentle and polite, and accomplished at a young age, a truly exceptional young man. Grandmother and father told me I was fortunate to be his wife."
Lin Fangruo's smile froze. Her own father had initially favored Gu Sinian. She had refused the match, however, deeming his reputation poor. Later, she met Gu Siya, who was as gentle and refined as his name suggested, making him her ideal match. But at that time, Gu Sinian was clearly a dissolute youth, associating with Qian Yuanbao and frequenting places of ill repute. Who could have known that all of that was merely a facade?
"Perhaps Ah Nian's reserve is selective," Lin Fangruo said awkwardly.
Selective? Heh.
"Perhaps Eldest Sister-in-law is right," Qi Zhenzhen continued unhurriedly. "For those who deserve his genuine attention, he naturally wouldn't put on a reserved demeanor."
The implication was clear: his reserve was for those who were insignificant. If she found Ah Nian reserved, it was because she was insignificant to him.
After a pause, Lin Fangruo spoke again, "Junior Sister, you are truly an interesting person."
"I dare not claim to be interesting, I am merely straightforward. Eldest Sister-in-law, I tend to speak without much consideration. If I have offended you in any way, please bear with me given that I have only recently joined the family." Qi Zhenzhen said.
"From now on, we are family. What need is there to speak of bearing with each other?" Lin Fangruo replied. "Junior Sister, I will not stay to accompany you any longer. Many guests have arrived today, and Mother is frail. I must go and assist her."
"Thank you for your trouble, Eldest Sister-in-law. I will be fine with the maids accompanying me here." Qi Zhenzhen was eager for Lin Fangruo to leave.
As the footsteps faded, Qi Zhenzhen breathed a sigh of relief. She had only just arrived, and some people were already impatient.
"Miss, this Eldest Madam appears gentle, but her eyes are full of schemes. I fear she is not a kind person," Fei Xu remarked.
"Fei Xu!" Qi Zhenzhen's voice rose slightly.
"Miss, do not worry. The wedding attendant has gone out, and everyone in the room now is one of ours. There are no maids serving in the Heir's chambers," Fei Xu said cheerfully. She had initially thought she would have to adjust to the maids in the Heir's chambers, but upon arrival, she discovered that the Heir had no personal maids serving him. This fact alone made Fei Xu think even more highly of Gu Sinian. After all, maids were typically for serving ladies and young mistresses; it was more appropriate for a man to have male attendants.
"Regardless, we are new here. We must be discreet when necessary," Qi Zhenzhen said.