A simple lunch featuring crab as the main dish became extraordinarily lively due to Zhu Changle's presence. Naturally, the rule of not speaking while eating was only observed to the extent of swallowing before talking.
After escorting her grandmother back to rest, she quietly checked on her eldest brother, feeling relieved that his fever hadn't returned. She then tiptoed away to find Dingding.
"Fourth Young Miss," called a voice.
Seeing Lady Qin standing in the corridor, Zhu Changle looked around, wondering... was she waiting for her?
"Does Second Sister-in-law need something?"
Lady Qin curtsied, "The Young Mistress sent me to apologize on her behalf to the Fourth Young Miss."
Zhu Changle resisted the urge to jump onto the roof, instead scuffing her toe on the ground, "It's... it's nothing."
"The Young Mistress knows she's been excessive these past days, speaking without thinking. She asks the Fourth Young Miss to forgive her this once, considering we're family."
Lady Qin dabbed at her eyes, choking up as she continued, "This is the Young Mistress's first pregnancy, and it's been extremely difficult. Traveling so far while eight months pregnant has taken its toll on her body, making her irritable. Now that she's settled, she deeply regrets her earlier words. If she weren't so weak and bedridden, she would have come to apologize in person."
"That's not necessary," Zhu Changle waved her hands repeatedly after patiently listening.
Qiuli approached from the long corridor, "What's going on?"
Changle ran over and grabbed his sleeve, half-hiding behind him. Realizing this wasn't appropriate, she slowly moved out from behind him.
"Well, Lady Qin, please tell my Second Sister-in-law that I don't mind. Tell her to take care of her health, there's nothing to forgive."
Lady Qin's eyes lingered on the sleeve Changle was holding, but she verbally agreed. She then presented the item she had been holding with both hands, "The Young Mistress says she hasn't properly welcomed the Fourth Young Miss since her return. This is a small gift from her as your sister-in-law. Please, Fourth Young Miss, you must accept it."
"There's no need for this. She's my Second Sister-in-law after all. Just tell her to rest and recover."
"Please accept it, Fourth Young Miss. Only by accepting can you ease the Young Mistress's guilt."
As Lady Qin made to kneel, Zhu Changle quickly took the box, "I'll take it, I'll take it. Please thank Second Sister-in-law for me."
"Of course, I'll convey your message," Lady Qin curtsied again before leaving.
Zhu Changle looked at the box in her hands, feeling it burn. She lifted Qiuli's sleeve and pushed the box into his hands.
"Help me out here."
Qiuli turned the long box in his palm. Given its shape, it was likely a hairpin or similar ornament. Glancing at Zhu Changle's practical hairstyle, he commented coolly, "Not a very thoughtful gift."
Changle shrugged. The image of her mother immediately came to mind, startling her into looking back. Phew, thankfully her mother wasn't around, or she'd have been scolded.
"Come on, let's go talk to Dingding."
Dingding was examining the lining of his clothes, wondering where to start without being noticed. Hearing footsteps, he quickly put them down, crossed his legs, and pretended to sip tea.
Zhu Changle saw through his act immediately and eyed him suspiciously, "What mischief are you up to?"
"What mischief could I possibly be up to?" Dingding coughed nervously, then noticed the box in Qiuli's hand and quickly changed the subject, "What's that?"
"I haven't opened it yet! Quick, Qiuli, let's see what's inside."
Qiuli flicked the box open slightly with his finger, pulled it out to look, and found no surprises.
Zhu Changle held the hairpin up to her head. It seemed to be a dangling ornament, but where on earth could she wear such a thing?
Dingding laughed, slapping the table, "You didn't buy this yourself, did you? Are you trying to make me laugh to death, Zhu Changle?"
"It's from Second Sister-in-law."
Touching her long hair tied at the top with a band, Zhu Changle gave up quickly. Although it was a kind gesture from her sister-in-law, she really had no use for it. She'd give it to her mother later, so it wouldn't be a waste of the sentiment.
Dingding had no fondness for Madam Xu, and hearing the gift's origin, he immediately suspected ulterior motives. "What's she up to? Don't tell me she's seeking reconciliation."
"Reconciliation would be normal. We've traveled together all this way, she must have realized by now that I'm not one to cause trouble. Besides, my second brother isn't on her side anymore, not to mention my mother and grandmother. You'll see, my mother is definitely going to set some rules for her."
Zhu Changle sat down, pouring a cup of water for Qiuli and then for herself.
"You're not going to speak up for her just because she gave you a gift, are you?" Dingding frowned. "Is that why she's trying to butter you up?"
"My grandmother is actually a very traditional person, but she has one great quality: she won't make others suffer the hardships she's endured. But she also absolutely won't let us grandchildren go through what my father went through."
Zhu Changle played with her teacup. "Second Sister-in-law caused discord between us siblings, which is something grandmother won't tolerate. If my mother doesn't do something about it, she won't be able to face grandmother. This isn't about whether I smooth things over or not, and I won't try to. Although it felt good to hit my second brother, it also hurt me to do it. I hope I never have such an opportunity again in my life."
Qiuli took the cup from her hands and refilled everyone's cups.
"She's in confinement after childbirth now, so setting rules won't be urgent. Whether her reconciliation attempt is genuine or not, I'll be away traveling for a while anyway, so it's best if we see less of each other."
"Do you have to be so accommodating? Where's your Little Demon spirit?" Dingding felt sorry for his friend being constrained by such a person at home. It wasn't like beating up someone you disliked outside; at home, you couldn't scold or hit this person, and given their status, you even had to yield to them. It was frustrating no matter how you looked at it.
"I do feel a tiny bit uncomfortable," Zhu Changle admitted.
She demonstrated "a tiny bit" with her pinky finger, then realizing it was Qiuli's gesture, she grinned and showed it to him.
"Master says there's no such thing as everything going smoothly. If you encounter something unpleasant, go do something pleasant instead. When you're in a good mood, everything seems better. So, let's do something else. The inner courtyard affairs will be handled by those who understand them better. I'm not that wise."
"No need to be wise. Brute force trumps all," Qiuli said. His palm lifted slightly, and the teapot on the table rose into the air. Following Qiuli's movements, it poured tea into all three cups before settling back on the table.
Levitation!
Zhu Changle and Dingding exchanged stunned looks. Where on earth did this guy come from?
Zhu Changle leaned in close to Qiuli, examining him carefully. "Qiuli, is the skill you practice some kind of eternal youth technique? The secret to immortality? Should I be calling you Great Ancestor instead..."
"Whack!"
Qiuli's fan came down on her head.
Zhu Changle rubbed her head as she sat back down. Oh well, she'd better find something pleasant to do instead.
"Dingding, quick, tell me what information you've uncovered."
