Qi Zhenzhen breathed a sigh of relief, fearing Qi Yi would refuse to accept this fact.
"Mother, Brother Yi, Hongdou, I'm going to see Xuanxuan," Qi Zhenzhen stood up and smiled slightly. "We haven't seen each other since we returned from Taihe Temple. I got used to the pastries she made at Taihe Temple, and I miss them terribly now."
Madam Yun knew that Qi Zhenzhen intended to give them mother and children some privacy, and also knew that she had a good relationship with Xuanxuan, so she didn't stop her.
It was Qi Yi who, after a moment of hesitation, called out to Qi Zhenzhen as she walked to the door. "Sister..."
Qi Zhenzhen stopped and did not turn back. "No matter what, I will always consider you my brother, and I believe you think the same way."
Qi Yi was very dependent on Qi Zhenzhen. It was she who broke through their predicament. His ability to practice martial arts, to study, and to develop a resilient character were all related to her. She was his elder sister, and more importantly, a good teacher and friend.
Hearing Qi Zhenzhen say this, Qi Yi felt reassured. "I do think so."
After Qi Zhenzhen left, Madam Yun's suppressed tears flowed down like a flood, holding Qi Yi in one arm and Hongdou in the other. These were her son and daughter, and they were now all by her side. It was truly wonderful.
"You two must remember well that she has shown us mother and children immense kindness. At that time, without her, we mother and children would have likely returned to the underworld. You must remember this kindness firmly. In the future, no matter what happens, when she needs help, neither of you shall retreat. Brother Yi, you must work hard. The responsibility of the Changping Marquis's mansion will soon rest on your shoulders. If you do not improve, how can you become a support for your two elder sisters in the future? The heir of the Protector Duke's mansion holds high power. If you fall too far behind him, and he bullies your sister, how can you stand up for her? And your sister Hongdou, although the entire Marquis's mansion now acknowledges her status as an adopted daughter, outsiders will always look down on her. Only with you, her own brother, being strong can she have someone to rely on," Madam Yun said with a serious expression.
Qi Yi nodded heavily. "Mother, rest assured. In the past, my sisters looked after me. In the future, I will surely become their support. I will strive to improve and not waste my time."
Madam Yun patted Qi Yi's hand with relief. "Your sister Hongdou's matter should not be known by others. Let it be known only to us mother and children. You must remember this firmly."
Qi Yi was not a child and understood the seriousness of the matter. If even a small detail leaked out, it was possible that both sisters would be considered monsters and lose their lives for nothing.
"What about Father..."
"Keep it a secret! Only Mother, you, and your two elder sisters know."
Qi Yi said solemnly, "Alright."
Qi Zhenzhen was in Qi Xuanxuan's room, sitting on the couch by the window. On the small table in front of her was a plate of red bean and white jade rolls, with a layer of white glutinous rice skin and a layer of soft red bean paste, both beautiful and delicious.
"Xuanxuan's cooking is still the best," Qi Zhenzhen said with satisfaction.
"If Second Sister likes them, I'll have someone send them to you every day," Qi Xuanxuan said with a smile.
"You can't eat them every day, otherwise, even the most delicious things can become tiresome," Qi Zhenzhen waved her hand.
"Amur wanted to eat them every day, but I scolded him and sent him away," Qi Xuanxuan said with a pout. "How is it that for Second Sister, they can become tiresome?"
Qi Zhenzhen said seriously, "Amur is fond of you. It's not just that your cooking is delicious; even if it were not, he would eat it with joy and never tire of it. Do I need to tell you this logic?"
The smile on Qi Xuanxuan's face slowly disappeared. She cupped her chin with her hands, her eyes filled with unspoken thoughts.
"What's wrong?" Qi Zhenzhen asked her.