Da Qin Shi had never felt so utterly at ease.
Dong Ningxin's face and eyes were filled with hatred. It was a gnashing, teeth-gritting hatred, extreme yet helpless.
"Alright, Auntie Dong, you may go back. Don't forget your morning and evening greetings from now on. Our Duke is very particular about rules, and as his favorite, you must set an example," Da Qin Shi said, in good spirits.
Dong Ningxin gritted her teeth and responded with a "yes," then stood up, rubbing her aching waist. "This concubine takes her leave."
"A Nian, tell me, when will the Duke come to demand an explanation?" Da Qin Shi asked.
"He's been very busy lately and likely won't have much energy to deal with this matter," Gu Si Nian said blandly.
He had always thought his father didn't care much for fame or fortune. After all, since achieving merit on the battlefield, his father hadn't led troops into battle again, merely showing up at the Ministry of War daily, living a leisurely life. How was it that after half a lifetime, he had suddenly become ambitious?
He hadn't realized his father harbored resentment towards the Emperor, and thus intended to take a risk this time, seeking merit by supporting the dragon?
His taste wasn't very good, though. Why did he fancy Li An?
He wondered what expression his father would wear when things went wrong.
And his good brother, thinking of seizing the heir's position. Did he truly believe he could succeed? He would rather see the Dukedom ruined than let him have his way.
"Mother, have you considered what Zhen Zhen told you?" Gu Si Nian asked.
"I don't want to tarnish your and Zhen Zhen's reputation. Let it be. Here, I can still help you keep an eye on them," Da Qin Shi said calmly.
"Mother, you know we don't care much about reputation. Before, you suffered, and now, your son doesn't want you to suffer anymore," Gu Si Nian said earnestly.
Da Qin Shi looked at Gu Si Nian, then at Qi Zhen Zhen. Their proposal was very tempting.
But for a divorce, she lacked the courage.
"You must let me think about it again," Da Qin Shi said with difficulty.
"Alright, Mother, think about it again."
—
Gu Si Nian, holding Qi Zhen Zhen's hand, returned to Qingfeng Courtyard. Midway, a嬷嬷 (nanny) serving the Old Madam arrived. "Wife of the Heir, the Old Madam requests your presence."
Gu Si Nian's brow twitched almost imperceptibly. "Let's go, I'll accompany you."
The 嬷嬷 stopped Gu Si Nian. "Heir, the Old Madam said that you have official duties. You should attend to them and need not come to pay respects."
Gu Si Nian instinctively wanted to refuse, but Qi Zhen Zhen tugged his sleeve. "Heir, please attend to your official duties. I will go and keep the Old Madam company. The Old Madam has always treated me very well, Heir need not worry."
After speaking, she nodded to the 嬷嬷. "嬷嬷, let's go."
Gu Si Nian stood there for a moment, then decided not to follow directly. Instead, he planned to time it, and after Zhen Zhen had been inside for the duration of one cup of tea, he would find an excuse to fetch her. As for what the Old Madam said, she could say what she pleased, but what they would do was up to them.
The Old Madam summoning Qi Zhen Zhen could only mean trouble.
When she returned yesterday, she had tried to probe indirectly, but Qi Zhen Zhen pretended not to understand. So, she couldn't be blamed for not showing courtesy. She would tell her directly; she didn't believe she would dare to defy her elders.
"These are the servants I've prepared for A Nian. Granddaughter-in-law, take them back with you and figure out how to arrange them," the Old Madam stated directly.
Qi Zhen Zhen blinked her eyes. "Old Madam, Qingfeng Courtyard has enough servants. Adding these would likely exceed the courtyard's capacity. Currently, the Emperor advocates for frugality, and the Heir is highly favored by the Emperor, so he naturally must set an example. If the servants are to be this grand, and it reaches the Emperor's ears, it might affect the Heir's future."