Looking at the still-sickly Second Madam before her, Nanny Su suddenly felt a chill down her spine.
This matter seemed different from what they had imagined…
For Qi Yue, the affairs of Marquis Dingxi’s mansion were now irrelevant.
The residence Wang Tongye had arranged was on the most prosperous East Street, with Qianjin Hall to the left and the prefectural yamen to the right—bustling yet quiet, and extremely safe and convenient.
The small courtyard had three main rooms and two side rooms. The furniture inside couldn’t be called new, but everything was clean and showed signs of habitation.
Qi Yue, who had never been particular about accommodations, liked it immediately.
“Please thank Master Wang for me,” she said happily.
Yuan Bao didn’t let the Wang family’s maids and matrons touch Qi Yue’s bundles, carrying and shouldering them all inside by himself.
“Everyone go do what you’re supposed to do,” Nanny Zhou smiled.
The three matrons, two maids, and two manservants who had followed in all responded and naturally went about their business—some to the kitchen, some to the gatehouse, as naturally as if they were at home.
Qi Yue watched in amazement.
“This really isn’t necessary,” she smiled.
“Miss Qi needs someone to serve her,” Nanny Zhou insisted, pointing to the two maids and introducing them—this one was called Cui Zhi, and this one was called Ning Bi.
“I appreciate your kindness,” Qi Yue smiled. “But right now I want to be alone and quiet. With too many people in the house, I’d have to socialize and talk, which wouldn’t be comfortable.”
Only then did Nanny Zhou stop talking and fell silent.
Of course—how could she have only now thought of what this Miss Qi had just experienced!
Divorce! Any other woman would either be devastated or acting like a madwoman at this moment. Only this Miss Qi appeared too normal—so normal that people around her forgot what was happening at this moment.
“Yes,” Nanny Zhou quickly bowed. “Then let Cui Zhi stay, and keep one matron and one man to guard the gate.”
Having said this, she left with the others without allowing Qi Yue to refuse further. Qi Yue said nothing more, nodded, and thanked them.
“Don’t go near Miss Qi unless necessary—let her be comfortable alone…” Nanny Zhou pulled Cui Zhi aside outside the door and whispered, “…but you must also be alert and watch Miss Qi carefully…”
These seemingly contradictory words were very clear to a maid who had worked in great households.
Cui Zhi nodded.
“Don’t worry, Nanny. I heard that Miss Qi had previously…” she made a gesture at her neck and lowered her voice. “I won’t be as stupid as the maids in Marquis Dingxi’s household…”
Nanny Zhou nodded with satisfaction and left with her people in the carriage.
Cui Zhi went inside and saw Qi Yue standing under the eaves, observing the courtyard with a leisurely demeanor. She quickly lowered her head and approached.
“This servant will help you organize your luggage,” she requested.
Qi Yue nodded.
“Thank you,” she said, not refusing.
Cui Zhi said “I wouldn’t dare” and went inside.
In the courtyard, Yuan Bao was holding a broom and sweeping the already clean ground.
This child refused to leave no matter what—well, let him stay. A’Ru would feel at ease too.
“Yuan Bao,” Qi Yue said. “Bar the door.”
Yuan Bao responded with a “yes,” happily threw down the broom, and closed the door.
Night gradually fell, enveloping heaven and earth.