Free Web NovelChapter 1015: Chapter 1006: Time (2)
She thought for a moment and still went to the Marquis Jinxiang Mansion to tactfully tell Madam Ruan about Ruan Jingliu’s situation. She initially thought Madam Ruan was aware, but surprisingly, Madam Ruan was also shocked and asked, "I truly didn’t know, this Bosong is indeed quite reckless in his actions."
Xiqiu smiled and said, "...I should not have intervened, but you know Jingliu’s personality, so I decided to come and ask for your help."
"Rest assured." Madam Ruan patted her chest and said, "When the Marquis returns, I’ll ask him what should be done about this matter, and I’ll send you a message tomorrow." She paused and added, "...Please tell Jingliu, though I didn’t like her much before with her stubbornness and refusal to listen to advice, regardless of her father’s passing, now that I’ve gotten to know her a bit more, my sentiments have altered slightly. Though I still can’t say I like her, she differs somewhat from my previous assumptions. Even if you hadn’t brought this up, I would still manage this affair."
"Thank you." Xiqiu finished speaking with a smile and said, "I hope her relationship with her siblings improves... Sister Jingliu truly has a hard time."
Madam Ruan smiled and nodded.
Indeed, after seeking Madam Ruan’s assistance, she came the next day personally to report to Xiqiu, "...The Marquis is indeed aware of this matter, but he perceives it differently. He thought Bosong had invited Jingliu to stay for a few days, arranging accommodations for her in Tongzhou. He didn’t delve into the details and didn’t anticipate she might misunderstand, which resulted in all these problems."
Whether it’s as Madam Ruan explained no longer mattered; Xiqiu smiled and nodded, saying, "Thank you very much." She went on to ask, "And now, what arrangement has the Marquis made?"
"The Marquis merely said, if she is unwilling to return home, let her be!" Madam Ruan added, "She can stay in the Capital peacefully. If Bosong comes searching for her again, tell him to come to me. That child sometimes doesn’t understand and keeps doing foolish things."
Since Madam Ruan expressed it this way, Xiqiu was delighted to appreciate the kindness, "I genuinely must thank you this time; I’ll quickly tell Sister Jingliu; she’ll surely be pleased." She paused and added, "Stay for lunch at the mansion; it’s been long since we’ve had a chat." freёweɓnovel.com
Madam Ruan covered her face and laughed, "Then I’ll gratefully accept."
The next day, Xiqiu had Tiancheng convey this matter to Ruan Jingliu, who merely nodded and didn’t say much else. Two days later, upon hearing that Ruan Bosong had visited the Marquis Jinxiang Mansion, Xiqiu only learned of it afterward. The Marquis reprimanded him, just saying, "...She is already married; you neither fetched her back when you could, now realize it? What were you thinking then?"
Ruan Bosong hung his head trying to defend himself but dared not; the Marquis continued, "Do you know who came to me for this?" Ruan Bosong was momentarily stunned, and the Marquis said, "Fourth Madam Xiao." He then tapped Bosong’s forehead, "She hasn’t done much, yet over the years, what’s needed to be known is known and has spread. Now, bringing her back serves no purpose; leaving her in the Capital, becoming like sisters with Fourth Madam Xiao only holds advantages for you."
"But!" Ruan Bosong raised his head intending to explain, but the Marquis interrupted, "No more talk, now that you’ve obtained official duties, focus on that. The Emperor wishes to assign someone to govern Datong, prepare yourself!"
Upon hearing this, Ruan Bosong’s eyes lit up. Before even checking in at the government office, he had an assignment ready, elated and eager, lest the assignment be retracted. He responded promptly, "I will prepare at once!"
Two months later, Ruan Bosong indeed proceeded to Datong, with spectacular fanfare.
Qin Yuanfeng disappeared, leaving no trace; Ruan Jingliu still sent someone to inquire at Mrs. Qin’s, only hearing that Old Master Qin had passed away a few days earlier. All powers within the Qin Family were transferred to First Master Qin, who gained control of all shops and properties under the Xuan Hall name.
Qin Yuanfeng remained missing without a trace, neither dead nor alive! ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm
She quietly worked, though doubts lingered in her heart, she kept them hidden.
The weather grew hotter, and Han Cheng returned triumphantly from Liaodong, unsurprisingly, Xiao Yanyi didn’t accompany the army back.
Xiqiu listened to what Fourth Master Xiao said, "He went alone outside the border!" She sighed upon hearing it. They exchanged no more words, leaving the Grand Dowager distressed to tears, filled with worry.
At the end of May, Han Cheng, following the Imperial Decree, married Second Miss Fang. Xiqiu sent a gift but didn’t visit; Fourth Master Xiao attended the wedding reception, returning to say Han Cheng was heavily intoxicated and possibly unable to consummate the marriage!
Xiqiu helplessly smiled, feeling sometimes Han Cheng seemed like a child, acting as per his whims.
In July, Madam Jiang gave birth smoothly, having a daughter, chubby at six and a half pounds. Xiqiu loved dearly, reluctant to let go, named her Xing.
During the full moon celebration, the Tong Mansion hosted a grand event, inviting opera troupes to perform all day, filling the house with joy and excitement.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approached, last year Xiao Yanyi said he would return by this festival, yet, arriving at this date, only a letter was received. He’s still outside the border, unsure if he’ll return after New Year’s. The Grand Dowager sighed with the letter, thinking to send someone to find him, but Fourth Master Xiao was busy, and Xiao Yanting needed to stay with the still-ailing Fifth Madam at home.
They had to abandon the idea, only dispatching a letter urging him to stay safe.
In December, Princess Consort Ying gave birth to a daughter in the palace, named Hong by the Emperor, with the title of Minjia...
For this, Le Xiu specially sent a document out, which Xiqiu received and couldn’t stop sighing. The palace welcomed two beauties who conceived successively; she showed it to Fourth Master Xiao, expressing helplessness, "...When will such worries end?"
As long as Min remains in the palace, things aren’t finalized; nothing stands assured. She continued with worry, though fortunately, a Princess was born to Princess Consort Ying; otherwise, uncertain developments would occur.
No turning back, only progressing cautiously step-by-step, despite exhaustion, at least things ran smoothly.
Time flew, reaching Xing’s second birthday, followed by the autumn examination where Tong Minzhi successfully became a scholar, although ranks were not eminent and lagged behind, considering his age, it was already quite an achievement. Pleasures came in succession at the Tong Mansion, even the First Master appeared breezy while walking.
Xiqiu was pleased too, arranging tables at Hongyan Building and sending them to Qianshan Academy, inviting Tong Minzhi’s peers and mentors to dine.
Tong Minzhi chuckled, eyes sparkling.
