Qi Xuanxuan was accustomed to obeying Qi Zhenzhen, and with the Old Madam also giving her a look, she, though still reluctant, took two steps towards Qi Mingzhu and curtsied, "Greetings, Eldest Sister. Eldest Sister, I hope you are well."
While there was some reluctance, compared to Qi Xuanxuan's usual respectful greeting of "Eldest Sister" in the past, Qi Mingzhu felt today's greeting was superior.
"Third Sister, this is for you. Do you like it?" Qi Mingzhu quickly gestured for Fusu to hand Qi Xuanxuan a small wooden box.
"Xuanxuan, Eldest Sister's craftsmanship is extraordinary. Open it so I can see too," Qi Zhenzhen said with a smile.
Qi Xuanxuan then opened the box. It contained beads of various colors, finer than those Qi Zhenzhen had used to make hair ornaments for Qi Xuanxuan. This gift was very thoughtful.
"Thank you, Eldest Sister. I like it very much," Qi Xuanxuan said.
"It's good that Third Sister likes it. If there's anything else Third Sister likes, you can tell Eldest Sister, and Eldest Sister will help you find it," Qi Mingzhu said.
"Not at the moment," Qi Xuanxuan replied, then paused before adding, "If there is in the future, I won't be polite with Eldest Sister."
Qi Mingzhu smiled, a happy smile, "We are sisters, there's no need for politeness."
The Old Madam was very pleased. As the matriarch of the Marquis's estate, she naturally wished for harmony within the family. It was good to be able to put aside past grievances.
"Grandmother, your granddaughter wishes to see my mother," after sitting for a while longer, Qi Mingzhu stood up and said somewhat nervously.
"You should go and see your mother. Go ahead. By the way, your father should be finishing his busy work soon," the Old Madam said.
"Your granddaughter understands," Qi Mingzhu replied.
Now, Madam Qin had moved out of the main residence and into the more secluded Bamboo Garden. It was located a bit out of the way, but the environment and furnishings were not lacking. A young maid from the Old Madam's courtyard led Qi Mingzhu to the place. Upon arrival, Qi Mingzhu also signaled for Fusu to give the maid a few silver ingots.
After thanking her, the young maid left happily.
Qi Mingzhu stood outside for a while, her emotions complex. The Bamboo Garden, after all, could not compare to the courtyard her mother had lived in before.
"Eldest Miss?" the gatekeeper, an old woman, seemed unable to believe her eyes.
Qi Mingzhu nodded.
The gatekeeper, excited, ran inside shouting, "Madam, Eldest Miss is back."
Before long, Madam Qin, her face filled with excitement, emerged from the house. She stared fixedly at Qi Mingzhu, as if disbelieving, and asked the嬷嬷 beside her, "Madam Zhao, am I not seeing things?"
The嬷嬷 accompanying Madam Qin now was assigned by Qi Tianming. She did not act arrogant due to Madam Qin's predicament but served her diligently. Although Madam Qin did not consider her a confidante, she relied on her greatly. It was this嬷嬷 who advised her when she sought help from Qi Zhenzhen.
"Madam, you are not mistaken. Eldest Miss has returned," Madam Zhao said.
"My child," Madam Qin exclaimed, taking a few quick steps forward. Qi Mingzhu also hurried forward. Fusu, beside her, anxiously followed, fearing Qi Mingzhu might stumble.
Seeing her mother, Qi Mingzhu's eyes also reddened. The grievances she had held in her heart vanished the moment she saw Madam Qin.
"Mother, you have suffered," Qi Mingzhu choked out.
"Mother is the legal wife, how could she suffer? My child, it is you who has suffered," Madam Qin sobbed uncontrollably. "Mother has always longed to see you and prayed before the Buddha daily. I never expected that the Buddha would indeed hear my prayers. I will offer more incense to the Buddha later!"
"Madam, Eldest Miss is with child. She must not be tired. Let us welcome her into the house first, and then we can talk properly."