"Come and sit," the old matriarch said, seeing Qi Mingzhu hesitate.
Qi Mingzhu then walked over, somewhat excitedly, and sat beside the old matriarch.
"You're with child, you must walk steadily. Rushing about like this, aren't you afraid of falling?" the old matriarch said sternly. "One by one, none of you give me any peace of mind."
"Yes, yes, yes, we are young and ignorant, and must rely on Grandmother to guide us," Qi Zhenzhen said, shaking the old matriarch's hand.
Qi Mingzhu still felt restrained in the old matriarch's presence, thus appearing somewhat reserved.
Nanny Fang brought in several kinds of pastries, including peach blossom crisps, which Qi Mingzhu loved. Qi Mingzhu's heart warmed. She knew the old matriarch disliked peach blossom crisps, and they were not usually made in Chaohui Hall. The fact that they were specifically served now showed that, regardless of her outward demeanor, the old matriarch still cared for her granddaughter.
It was a pity that she had been so foolish in the past.
"Your father still cares about you," the old matriarch said. "Don't resent him in your heart. Now that you're back, go and pay your respects to him. In the future, if anyone bullies you, send Fusheng back with a message. Although our Marquis's mansion cannot compare to their Prince's mansion, we are not to be bullied easily."
"Mm," Qi Mingzhu said, her eyes brimming with tears, and nodded heavily.
"You and Zhenzhen are sisters. Let bygones be bygones, and get along well from now on," the old matriarch said.
Qi Mingzhu choked back a sob and nodded. "Grandmother, please rest assured. I am the elder sister, and I will definitely take good care of my second sister from now on."
Qi Zhenzhen had never seen Qi Mingzhu like this. She had always been aloof and proud, not deigning to pay attention to others. Now, she was saying she would take good care of her.
As she was thinking this, a clear voice called out, "Grandmother, has Second Sister returned?"
As soon as she spoke, Qi Xuanxuan entered the room.
Holding up her skirt with both hands, her breathing unsteady, it was clear she had run over.
The old matriarch put on a stern face. "How many times have I told you, a lady must have the bearing of a lady. When you walk, the tips of your shoes shouldn't even show, yet here you are, revealing your entire shoe."
Qi Xuanxuan was not afraid and smiled brightly. "Granddaughter heard that Second Sister has returned, and was eager to see her, which is why I was a bit hurried. Usually, doesn't granddaughter follow Grandmother's words and remain lady-like and composed?"
Previously, Qi Xuanxuan had also been very reserved in the old matriarch's presence, unable to relax. Later, after Qi Zhenzhen had a heart-to-heart talk with her, and with the old matriarch's genuine affection, she gradually became more at ease, even more adept at pleasing than Qi Zhenzhen had been.
"You little rascal, you're already engaged, and still like this," the old matriarch chided. "Be careful, if Amuer finds out, he might break off the engagement."
Qi Xuanxuan said charmingly, "Granddaughter wishes he would break it off, then granddaughter could stay with Grandmother forever."
"Listen, listen to what you're all saying. If others hear this, won't they say our Marquis's mansion doesn't know how to raise girls?" the old matriarch chided.
"Let others say what they want, granddaughter won't pay attention to the gossip. Right, Second Sister?" Qi Xuanxuan affectionately took Qi Zhenzhen's hand.
As for Qi Mingzhu beside them, she acted as if she didn't see her.
Qi Mingzhu felt a bit awkward, and knew in her heart that Qi Xuanxuan's attitude was understandable.
"Eldest Sister returned with me. On the way, she said she brought you a gift," Qi Zhenzhen said.
Then, she whispered, "Don't make Grandmother angry. Also, those matters were decided by the elders..."