“Get away from me,” Qi Zhenzhen mumbled.
Although her body ached and she didn’t want to move, today was her first day as a new bride, and she had to pay respects and serve tea to the elders. Being late would not be good.
“Mother sent someone to say we don’t need to rush and can go over at half past chen shi,” Gu Sinian said. “It’s only half past mao shi now, you can rest a little longer.”
The thoughtfulness of her mother-in-law touched Qi Zhenzhen deeply, but serving tea and paying respects wasn’t just for the mother-in-law; it was also for the Old Madam and the Duke of Huguo. It was better to be early than late. As a junior, waiting for elders was a virtue, but making elders wait was impolite.
“You’re already awake, let’s get up. We need to wash up and have breakfast.”
Seeing the fatigue in her eyes, Gu Sinian was reluctant to wake her.
“Husband, what time did eldest sister-in-law serve tea to the elders?” Qi Zhenzhen asked.
Gu Sinian thought for a moment, “It seemed to be around mao shi.”
“As daughters-in-law, we are most easily compared,” Qi Zhenzhen said.
“Then we’ll rest after we’ve paid our respects,” Gu Sinian no longer stopped her. “What will you wear today? I’ll help you get dressed.”
“Let Fei Xu and Er Xi come in to help,” Qi Zhenzhen decisively refused Gu Sinian. If she really let him help, she might not be able to get dressed.
Gu Sinian quickly dressed himself and went out to call Fei Xu and Er Xi in.
Looking at the marks on Qi Zhenzhen’s body, Er Xi grumbled, “His Highness the Heir is truly something, how can he be so ungentle? These marks will likely take days to fade.”
“His Highness the Heir likes our Madam so much, it’s hard to control himself on their wedding night,” Fei Xu said.
As they helped Qi Zhenzhen get dressed, the two of them whispered.
Qi Zhenzhen knew they were concerned about her and didn’t stop them, letting them talk.
After getting ready, Er Xi went out to instruct someone to set the table, while Fei Xu prepared to help Qi Zhenzhen to the outer room.
Gu Sinian strode in, “You go help Er Xi and the others set the table.”
Saying this, he personally stepped forward to help Qi Zhenzhen, being very attentive.
Qi Zhenzhen glanced at him sideways and snorted.
Gu Sinian was not annoyed, and with a smile, he helped her sit down.
The meal was quickly set. Gu Sinian picked up a crystal shrimp dumpling and placed it on the small plate in front of Qi Zhenzhen. “This is the shrimp dumpling you like. It’s just out of the steamer, eat it while it’s hot.”
After speaking, he ladled a bowl of chicken soup for Qi Zhenzhen. “This is what Mother specifically asked someone to stew for you to nourish yourself. It just arrived, and she told you to definitely have some.”
Under Gu Sinian’s careful service, Qi Zhenzhen ate very comfortably, her lips curling up slightly, forming a smile. Seeing this, Gu Sinian immediately made up his mind that from now on, they would eat without maids serving them, just the two of them.
The two of them left Qingfeng Courtyard one after the other, with Fei Xu and Chun Feng following.
At first, Qi Zhenzhen lagged a step behind Gu Sinian. After walking a few steps, Gu Sinian stopped and waited for Qi Zhenzhen to walk alongside him. Then, he reached out and took her hand before continuing forward.
Fei Xu and Chun Feng exchanged glances and slowed their steps in unison, following from a distance.
Qi Zhenzhen wanted to break free, but Gu Sinian held her very tightly, and she couldn’t. She could only let him lead her.
Soon, the two arrived at Songhe Courtyard.
Granny Li, who served the Old Madam, was waiting at the courtyard entrance. Upon seeing the two, she smiled and led them inside.
“What time is it? Why haven’t the Heir and the Heir’s wife arrived yet?” A complaining voice was heard before they even entered the door.
Granny Li whispered, “The Duke has brought Concubine Dong along.”