Upon entering the main chamber, the two Mommas stepped forward and introduced themselves.
The one who had answered earlier was Huang Momo, the Second Young Miss of the Lu Family of Lanzhou and currently the most capable stewardess serving Lu You Xin, the head of the Lu Family of Lanzhou.
The other, Deng Momo, originally came from a scholarly family in Lanzhou. After her family fell into decline, she sold herself into servitude and joined the Lu Family. She was highly regarded by the late Old Madam and was responsible for teaching etiquette and discipline to the younger generation of the Lu Family of Lanzhou.
If it were merely about daily care, this Aunt Lu could have sent a few ordinary maids or elderly servants. But these two held special positions—how could Qin Guan truly order them around?
Having clearly learned their identities, Qin Guan now understood Aunt Lu's intentions.
One was a stewardess to serve as her support, the other a discipline Momma overseeing the manners and conduct of the young ladies of the clan. By sending these two instead of coming herself, it was evident she wanted to see whether this princess consort could live up to the status of Yan Chi's wife.
Naturally, Qin Guan disliked being looked down upon, but considering Aunt Lu's standpoint, she didn't feel resentful. However, even before meeting her, she was already being tested. Who knew what difficulties awaited when she finally met Aunt Lu in Jianzhou?
Qin Guan sighed inwardly and straightened her posture even more.
Although it was their first time meeting Qin Guan and Yan Chi, Huang Momo and Deng Momo were old acquaintances with Xun Niang. After exchanging greetings and introductions, they tactfully withdrew. Seizing the opportunity to help Xun Niang prepare the evening meal, they privately inquired at length. Unlike the stern and rigid Deng and Huang, Xun Niang was much more amiable and naturally praised Qin Guan repeatedly. Deng and Huang grew uneasy; stepping out of the kitchen, they whispered to each other.
"This princess consort comes from a marquis' household but grew up in Jinzhou during her childhood. Her parents passed away early, and she likely lacked proper guidance afterward. Her appearance is indeed commendable, and her demeanor isn't lacking either, but her true intentions remain unknown to us."
After Deng Momo spoke, Huang Momo frowned and said, "From what we just saw, His Highness holds her in high regard. This marriage was bestowed by the current Empress Dowager. You're aware of the affairs in Prince Rui's royal residence—the previous prince's demise surely had its reasons. Now our His Highness has been accused of treason; the emperor's intentions are clear. The marquis' household remains in the capital. Although the princess consort has followed His Highness south, we must carefully discern whether her loyalty is genuine or feigned. This is what Second Young Miss worries about most."
Deng Momo nodded. "I understand. I will do my utmost. But... you've also noticed how much His Highness values the princess consort. Even if we uncover something, I fear His Highness might not heed us...Huang Momo narrowed her eyes and sneered coldly. "The Eldest Young Miss left only this one descendant, and our Second Young Miss has remained unmarried to this day... His Highness is not just His Highness—he is also the legitimate young master of our Lu Family's maternal line. To protect this bloodline, Second Young Miss is capable of anything."
In the main room, Yan Chi held Qin Guan's hand and said, "Aunt sent a letter not long after Father's incident. She intended to come to the capital but was tied up with clan affairs. Later, when we reached Chuzhou, she sent a second letter. Learning we were heading south, she offered to send people to assist. At the time, I wrote back declining."Along the journey, Yan Chi spent each day reading numerous letters and sending out many replies. He typically only informed her of news from the capital and arrangements in Shuoxi and Jianzhou. Unless she asked, he did not elaborate in detail—matters concerning military affairs were beyond her full comprehension, and Qin Guan was naturally not one to pry proactively.
"Then why didn’t you tell me at the time?" Qin Guan stared wide-eyed at Yan Chi.
Yan Chi smiled. "It’s been over four years since I last saw my aunt. Her temperament is somewhat eccentric. Unless something major happened to us in the capital, she wouldn’t take the initiative to seek us out. At the time, she wrote saying she wanted to assist us, but I was unwilling to involve her in danger. I had no idea she would go to Jianzhou. I assumed that after my refusal, she would remain in Lanzhou, and we wouldn’t meet for some time. Who would have thought she would have people waiting for us here?"
"Most of Prince Rui’s properties are officially registered. The places we’ve stayed during our journey south are largely the dowry properties from my mother’s time. These estates still have former members of the Lu clan managing them. My aunt must have followed this trail, deducing that we would inevitably stop here."
Yan Chi spoke calmly and gently, but Qin Guan listened with growing alarm. "So, just knowing you were heading to Jianzhou, she sent people to wait for you here?"
Yan Chi nodded. "Yes. In my letter, I didn’t say much, only advising her not to worry. This matter is too significant, and it’s not worth involving the Lu clan."
After a pause, Yan Chi continued, "My aunt is now the head of the Lu clan. She’s nearly forty and has remained unmarried her entire life. You must understand—in times like these, it’s incredibly difficult for a woman to remain unwed for half her life, especially while bearing such heavy responsibilities. So, I had no intention of seeking her help."
Qin Guan had heard Yan Chi speak of this second young lady of the Lu clan before, but now, seeing the people she had sent, she felt truly astonished.
As Yan Chi had said, in this world, a woman remaining unmarried was as difficult as climbing to the heavens. Not only would she face ridicule, but it also defied clan traditions and etiquette. Forget societal norms—even her own parents and brothers would not approve. Qin Guan frowned and asked, "Why did she choose not to marry?"
Yan Chi shook his head. "I don’t know much about the affairs of the Lu clan. From what I can remember, I’ve only met her a few times. The first time I saw her, she was already the head of the Lu clan. My maternal grandfather had only two daughters. She could have taken a husband into the family, but all these years, she stubbornly hasn’t."
Qin Guan frowned, her curiosity about this Aunt Lu growing.
During the evening meal, Deng Momo and Huang Momo personally attended to Qin Guan and Yan Chi.
Normally, Qin Guan and Yan Chi did not require attendants during meals—at most, Fuling would be present. But now, with two strangers suddenly added, not only Qin Guan but even Yan Chi felt somewhat uncomfortable. Moreover, Deng and Huang’s service was meticulous: every dish Qin Guan wished to eat was served by Huang Momo, and every bowl of soup was ladled and placed beside her hand. Qin Guan, being waited on like this, almost felt as if she were incapable of using her own hands. Not only that, but Deng Momo stood to the side like a stern deity, her gaze repeatedly falling upon Fuling and Baiying. She frowned when she saw Fuling’s hand tremble slightly while serving tea, and she frowned again when Baiying presented a dish with the fish tail pointed toward Yan Chi…
Under her watchful eyes, Baiying and Fuling hardly dared to breathe.Qin Guan felt uncomfortable, and Baiying and Fuling were even more ill at ease. Fuling in particular had never properly learned etiquette. Now, thinking of herself as Qin Guan's personal attendant, she wanted to perform everything flawlessly. Yet she was ordinarily careless and absent-minded by nature, and Qin Guan was not a demanding mistress, which had indulged her into becoming rather undisciplined. Watching Deng Momma's posture—hands clasped before her, back ramrod straight, body taut as a green bamboo—Fuling grew self-conscious.
Though Qin Guan and the others remained composed, Yan Chi ultimately found the situation inappropriate. Setting down his silver chopsticks, he spoke gently, "There's no need for you two Mommas to wait on us here. You may go converse with Xun Niang and rest."
Deng and Huang exchanged a glance. Huang Momma said, "We dare not disobey, but before departing, the Second Young Lady instructed us to ensure His Highness and the princess consort's daily needs are meticulously attended to, just as we would care for her."
Qin Guan continued sitting quietly, sipping her soup, but Yan Chi fixed his gaze on Huang Momma. When Yan Chi wasn't smiling, he carried an inexplicably intimidating presence, let alone when he stared intently as he did now. Huang Momma's heart immediately tightened with nervousness. Putting down her spoon, Qin Guan smiled and said, "You two Mommas are Aunt's most capable aides. We appreciate her kindness but wouldn't dare impose such personal service from you—that would show disrespect from us juniors. His Highness is accustomed to battlefield simplicity, and I've never made strict demands of my attendants since my maiden days. So there's no need to worry about our daily routines being improper. It's late, and we must continue our journey tomorrow. Please go dine and rest now."
While Yan Chi remained silent yet sharp-eyed, Qin Guan's gentle words gave Deng and Huang an elegant exit. Huang Momma forced a slight smile, "Yes... The princess consort is most considerate. We thank Your Highness and the princess consort. In that case, we shall take our leave."
Without further delay, Deng and Huang bowed and withdrew.
The moment they left, Fuling let out a long sigh of relief.
Qin Guan shot her a reproachful glance before serving Yan Chi more broth. Smiling, she remarked, "It seems Aunt is quite concerned about us."
Yan Chi accepted the bowl with a resigned sigh. "My aunt's temperament is somewhat... Well, you'll understand when you meet her in Jianzhou. If she treats you with any neglect, just tell me. I won't allow anyone from the Lu family to wrong you."
Qin Guan blinked. "Do I seem so easily bullied?"
Yan Chi reached over to wipe a drop of soup from her lips. "Of course not. But I haven't seen Aunt for many years, and my father once said her determination rivals any man's—she's exceptionally formidable."
Qin Guan raised an eyebrow, uncertain whether to feel curious or wary.
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