There was no way around it. She could earn money, ensure they had food and clothing, and protect them from being bullied. But if they wanted to stand out, without relying on the Changping Marquis’s estate, their only hope was for Qi Yi to succeed through his studies. This was something Qi Zhenzhen couldn't help with. She could only try her best to befriend those who might have prospects on this path, forging a good connection to provide Qi Yi with future assistance.
For dinner, Qi Zhenzhen made a rich bone broth and fresh noodles, then delivered them to Du Xiang's temporary lodging.
Zhang Erniu was out for his usual exercises and wasn't in the room.
Du Xiang sat propped up against his pillows, dressed in a robe. Seeing Qi Zhenzhen enter, he felt an involuntary nervousness.
He had heard from Uncle Zhang Er that it was Miss Qi who had rescued him from the mountain. When saving someone, there must have been physical contact. He was a scholar and knew how important a girl's reputation was. She had disregarded her own reputation to save him, perhaps…
Thinking of her gentle demeanor every time she saw him, Du Xiang felt a fire ignite within him.
"My mother asked me to bring this to your room. You're still weak, so don't come down," Qi Zhenzhen said, placing the table on the kang and setting out the bowls and chopsticks. "Eat more to keep warm."
With that, Qi Zhenzhen turned to leave.
"Miss Qi, please wait," Du Xiang called out, his voice tense but clear. With no one else present, it was easier to speak.
Qi Zhenzhen looked back, confused. "Is there something?"
"I, my life was saved by you, so, that means, that means…" Du Xiang's voice grew softer and softer, almost inaudible.
Qi Zhenzhen didn't understand. "Means what?"
"That I belong to you," Du Xiang declared, steeling himself. "Miss Qi, please rest assured, I will study diligently, achieve fame, and not disappoint your kind intentions."
Belong to her? Not disappoint her intentions?
Qi Zhenzhen suddenly recalled Gu Sinian's mention of "offering oneself in return for kindness." Why were all the men in Da Feng resorting to this? "Offering oneself" was a trope from plays. And even then, it was usually a maiden offering herself. A grown man offering himself was just bizarre.
Seeing Du Xiang's bashful expression, Qi Zhenzhen shivered. She couldn't let him misunderstand.
"Du Xiang, please don't misunderstand. The reason I went into the mountains to save you was, firstly, I couldn't bear to see your mother and grandmother mourning a child they outlived. Secondly, I am very familiar with the terrain of Huya Mountain. Thirdly, you are an excellent scholar and will surely have a bright future. It would be too regrettable to die like this. And lastly, I had a selfish motive. I know you study to make a name for yourself, and I believe you will succeed. I simply wanted to build a good relationship with you," Qi Zhenzhen stated truthfully. "Brother Yi will also be taking the imperial examinations. I hope, based on this connection, you two can support each other in the future."
The blush on Du Xiang's face gradually faded. He felt mortified. He had been so embarrassing, misinterpreting the young lady's feelings and getting it all wrong, causing such a ridiculous misunderstanding…
"It was my presumption, Miss Qi. I will forever remember your life-saving grace. If Brother Yi ever needs anything in the future, I will not stand idly by," Du Xiang said earnestly, cupping his hands.
Seeing that his demeanor was normal and he wasn't dwelling on his earlier words, Qi Zhenzhen finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Take good care of yourself."
As Qi Zhenzhen left, Du Xiang also let out a sigh of relief. From now on, he needed to be even more cautious with his words and actions, never making assumptions about anything, lest he invite ridicule or trouble.
Du Xiang recuperated at the Qi family's home for two days. After Physician Mo examined him and confirmed he was fine, he returned to his own residence.
Two days later, Du Xiang's mother-in-law and Aunt Du visited together. Besides bringing two taels of silver, they also brought many gifts. They expressed their profound gratitude to Qi Zhenzhen. Their thanks were sincere; for them, Du Xiang was their pillar of support, the continuation of the Du family line. Moreover, they knew how dangerous it was to venture into the mountains to search for someone in such weather, and that Qi Zhenzhen herself could have been lost in the mountains.
How could such kindness be repaid with mere words?
They accepted the gifts, but Qi Zhenzhen refused the silver. However, the Du family's mother and daughter-in-law were insistent. Qi Zhenzhen finally said, "Brother Xiang has already promised me a reward after he passes the imperial examinations. How can I accept money from Grandma Du and Aunt Du? You should keep the money to support Xiang'er's studies."
Hearing Qi Zhenzhen's words, the Du family's mother and daughter-in-law could only put the silver away. After a brief stay at the Qi residence, they took their leave.
After walking for a while outside the Qi family's gate, the Du daughter-in-law nervously asked, "Mother, what reward did Xiang'er promise Zhenzhen? And after he passes the examinations?"
Du's mother-in-law glanced at her daughter-in-law and said slowly, "Whatever Xiang'er has promised, you must not interfere. Miss Qi saved Xiang'er's life. You must understand that without life, nothing else matters."
"The fortune teller also said Xiang'er will have a great future and will surely pass the examinations. What if, what if Qi Zhenzhen asks Xiang'er to marry her?" the Du daughter-in-law frowned.
After her son passed the examinations, he was meant to marry a daughter from an official family, someone who could match her Xiang'er and help his future career. But if Qi Zhenzhen used the life-saving grace as leverage, wouldn't that block Xiang'er's path?
Du's mother-in-law looked deeply at the daughter-in-law she had chosen, filled with disappointment. Besides being obedient, there was nothing commendable about her. She also bore responsibility for Xiang'er's venture into the mountains; as a mother, she couldn't even look after her son properly. If it weren't for Miss Qi's risky journey into the mountains, and if her precious grandson hadn't been so lucky, she wouldn't be seeing him now.
She hadn't settled that score yet, and here she was, worrying about Xiang'er's future after passing the examinations.
When choosing a wife, one should choose a virtuous one. If the Qi family's young lady had such intentions, she would not object. Aside from anything else, consider the Qi family's circumstances in previous years compared to now. All of this was not the result of Yun Shi's efforts, but the credit of Miss Qi. Their Du family was a commoner family with no foundation; what they needed was a mistress who was capable of managing affairs.
Du's mother-in-law narrowed her eyes. She would ask Xiang'er about his intentions later. If Xiang'er had agreed to what his daughter-in-law was worried about, then she would make the decision to finalize the matter, lest someone else snatch her up first.
"Don't you worry about this matter. Xiang'er has always been a sensible child. As a man, once a promise is made, it must be kept, especially when the other party is a life-saver. Don't forget this point; without life, everything is empty," Du's mother-in-law said expressionlessly.
"We have also expressed our sincere gratitude and never forget Zhenzhen's great kindness. But we can't sacrifice Xiang'er's future because of this, can we?" the Du daughter-in-law argued.
"Are you saying your son's life is only worth those two taels of silver and those few gifts? Moreover, the Qi family didn't even accept the two taels of silver!" Du's mother-in-law said with a cold, displeased tone.