The carriage stopped at the entrance of the Changping Marquis's mansion. The coachman set up a horse stool, and Erxi was the first to jump down, helping Qi Zhenzhen alight.
The people at the Changping Marquis's mansion saw Qi Zhenzhen, then looked at the carriage, which was from the Qin Prince's mansion.
They rubbed their eyes, not seeing things wrong.
Why was the Marquis's heir's wife arriving in the Qin Prince's mansion's carriage?
"What are you standing around for? Hurry and announce that the eldest young lady is back," Qi Zhenzhen called out loudly.
Qi Mingzhu was a concubine, so she couldn't be addressed as "Eldest Madam." Qi Zhenzhen had simply used the title Qi Mingzhu had before she was married.
The two young servants at the gate exchanged glances, both surprised. The eldest young lady had gone to be a concubine, and the Marquis had said at the time that he would act as if he had no such daughter.
"Just go in and announce it. Whatever happens, I'll take responsibility. Oh, and leave a few people behind. The eldest young lady brought many gifts back, help them carry them in," Qi Zhenzhen said.
As they spoke, Qi Mingzhu also alighted from the carriage.
She had heard everything Qi Zhenzhen had said and was feeling a bit apprehensive about whether she could enter the Marquis's mansion's gates.
The servants at the gate, having received Qi Zhenzhen's assurance, no longer hesitated. The Marquis's heir's wife was a favorite of the Old Madam, and the current manager of the Marquis's mansion was Madam Yun, the heir's wife's own mother. What did they have to fear?
Qi Mingzhu successfully entered the mansion.
At the垂花门 (chuí huā mén - a decorative gate with hanging flowers), she met Madam Yun, who had come out to greet them upon hearing the news.
Under Madam Yun's astonished gaze, Qi Mingzhu curtsied, "Greetings, Madam Yun."
"Mother, why are you still stunned? Big sister and I are exhausted from the journey," Qi Zhenzhen chimed in.
"Zhenzhen, you and the eldest young lady should go to the Old Madam's first. I'll have someone clean the eldest young lady's courtyard," Madam Yun said, recovering her senses.
"Does Father know we're back?" Qi Zhenzhen asked.
"He's in his study handling official duties and has already sent someone to inform him. Your father has been quite busy lately and may not be able to spare time for a while," Madam Yun said. "I've also sent word to Madam. She must have received the news by now. The Marquis has lifted Madam's confinement, so the eldest young lady will..."
Qi Mingzhu was very surprised, as she hadn't known about this.
"Let's go to Grandmother's first," Qi Zhenzhen said.
Qi Mingzhu nodded, holding Fusu's hand, and followed Qi Zhenzhen towards Chaohui Hall.
The Old Madam sat by the window, her eyes fixed on the door latch.
The curtain was lifted, and Granny Fang entered.
"They're on their way and will be here soon," Granny Fang said. "They are all pregnant, so they can't walk fast. Don't worry."
"Why would I be worried? You old hag, you always talk nonsense," the Old Madam chided.
"Yes, yes, you're not worried. It's this old servant who's anxious. This old servant has been looking forward to it, sending little maids to greet them again and again," Granny Fang said with a chuckle.
The Old Madam spun the hand-held object in her hand and turned her head away, not looking at Granny Fang.
However, her gaze kept drifting towards the door.
Granny Fang pretended not to see it. The Old Madam was becoming more and more like a child.
After about fifteen minutes, the curtain was lifted, and Qi Zhenzhen entered first, with Qi Mingzhu following behind her.
"Grandmother, Big sister and I have returned to see you," Qi Zhenzhen said as she performed a bow.
Qi Mingzhu, however, knelt directly before the Old Madam, unable to speak.
"Why are you standing there like fools? Hurry and help the eldest young lady up! Why are you kneeling? It's not a festival, and you won't get a red envelope for kneeling," the Old Madam's tone was not good, seeming impatient, but her eyes were red-rimmed.
Granny Fang and Fusu worked together to help Qi Mingzhu up. Qi Mingzhu felt a little flustered.
"Big sister, I can't believe your body is sturdier than mine. I'm exhausted, and you can still stand! Hurry and come sit! There's plenty of space here by Grandmother!" Qi Zhenzhen called out to Qi Mingzhu.