Qi Mingzhu lay comfortably on the chaise lounge while Fusu tidied the items sent by the County Princess.
"Eldest Miss, there's another box of gold bars," Fusu said, clearly surprised.
"Mm, store them well. Whether for us or the children in the future, they will be useful," Qi Mingzhu said faintly. "As for the jewelry, pick a couple of inconspicuous pieces to wear. Thank you for this, Fusu."
Fusu quickly put down what she was holding and knelt on the footstool. "Eldest Miss, I acted on my own accord. Please punish me."
Fusu had now thought it through clearly. Since she had made up her mind to follow Qi Mingzhu closely from now on, she naturally had to put her first in everything. She had kept the matter of sending a message to the Marquis's wife from Qi Mingzhu. Although it was for Qi Mingzhu's own good, it was still acting without authorization.
Seeing that Fusu had a clear understanding, Qi Mingzhu smiled. "I'm not blaming you. However, in the future, for any matter, I hope we can discuss it together. In this manor, you are the only one I can trust. Although my maternal grandmother dotes on me, who knows if this affection will last? Therefore, I can only rely on myself. What I didn't understand before, Qi Zhenzhen made clear this time. If I want to be well, for my child to be well, and for my mother not to worry about me, what I can do is to please my maternal grandmother and win over my cousin's heart. Only then can my aunt not mistreat me at will."
Fusu was very grateful to Qi Zhenzhen. If it weren't for her, who knew when Eldest Miss would have come out of her stubbornness?
Lu Jingning appeared kind on the surface, but in her heart, she wished to see Qi Mingzhu dead. When Qi Mingzhu was self-abandoning, Lu Jingning had watched with great amusement.
From today onwards, she would not give Lu Jingning any opportunity. Whatever amusement Lu Jingning had derived from her in the past, she would now return in kind.
"Fusu, I remember you are an excellent cook," Qi Mingzhu said.
"I can make a few delicate small dishes, and they taste quite good. If Eldest Miss wishes to eat them, I will make them right away."
"No need for you to make them, teach me, and I will make them," Qi Mingzhu said leisurely. "My cousin works hard at his studies. There's nothing else I can do, but making a few delicate and delicious small dishes to send to my cousin is my heartfelt intention."
"Eldest Miss, you've never cooked before... this..." Fusu was a little worried.
"If I haven't done it, I'll learn. There's no reason I can't learn," Qi Mingzhu's attitude was firm.
Unable to dissuade her, Fusu could only help her into the small kitchen.
For her first time cooking, she naturally couldn't attempt anything too delicate or complex. Porridge, a few refreshing small dishes, served with silver-thread rolls.
After toiling for over half an hour, Qi Mingzhu finally managed to prepare the dishes under Fusu's guidance. Their appearance was acceptable, and the taste was edible. For a first attempt, as Fusu put it, she had a lot of talent. Of course, one couldn't overlook the red marks on her hands from being scalded, which clearly indicated she was a novice.
Packing everything into food boxes one by one, Qi Mingzhu and Fusu headed towards Qin Xuan's study.
Coincidentally, they encountered Lu Jingning and her maid at the entrance.
"Your concubine greets Madam. Madam, peace be with you," Qi Mingzhu respectfully bowed to Lu Jingning.
"Qi Yiniang, please don't be so formal. We are family, and you are with child. There's no need for such courtesies. Is Qi Yiniang bringing food for the husband? What a coincidence, I've also made his favorite dishes to bring over. Shall we go in together?" Lu Jingning said with a smile and a gentle tone.
"My concubine's cooking is crude and cannot compare to Madam's," Qi Mingzhu curtsied to Lu Jingning. "Your concubine shall take her leave first."
The smile on Lu Jingning's lips deepened. "Does Qi Yiniang truly not wish to come in?"