Free Web NovelChapter 1018: Chapter 1009: Twists and Turns (1)
Tong Xiyu also returned and was speaking in Madam Jiang’s room, so Xiqiu greeted her and went to Madam Xia’s room first.
"Madam." Madam Xia was sitting dazed on the Arhat Bed, her mind heavy with thoughts. Seeing Xiqiu enter, she stood up immediately, "Sixth Lady, why have you returned?"
She invited Xiqiu in, then holding Xiqiu’s hand, she asked, "Is it something about your Twelfth Sister?"
"No." Xiqiu shook her head with a smile, "Kun and Zhi are doing very well with Mr. Ji; he praises her for studying earnestly." As she spoke, she glanced at the bed, where scattered needlework lay to the side, and asked, "What are you working on, Madam?"
Madam Xia turned back and picked up a small garment, a bright red jacket made from Shu brocade with tiny plum blossoms embroidered on the surface. She smiled and said, "It’s for Xing!" After saying that, she placed it aside.
Xiqiu took it and looked over it, showing her fondness, then smiled and said, "So bright red with indigo lining actually looks nice." She held it against herself and said with a smile, "I still remember Zhi wearing big clothes, and now he’s grown so much."
Madam Xia watched Xiqiu, who was holding the bright red jacket lovingly, paused and tightly gripped her hand, hesitatingly asking, "...Have the medicines taken for two years improved your health?"
Xiqiu paused, realizing what Madam Xia was referring to. She put down the jacket and said with a smile, "...Improved greatly; even my leg hasn’t hurt in the past two years."
Madam Xia looked at her, heart aching, then gently touched her face to comfort her, "You’re still young; we’re not in a hurry." Saying this, she blushed, "Look at Madam, at this age, having a Twelfth Miss..."
Xiqiu pursed her lips and laughed, knowing Madam Xia misunderstood her, thinking she liked girls but felt regretful since Xiqiu hadn’t had any physical reactions after the miscarriage. She shook her head and said, "I’m fine, just thinking Zhi is too independent; it would be nice to have a girl to raise by my side. Just a thought, if it doesn’t happen, it’s no matter; let it be."
Seeing that Xiqiu seemed genuinely unconcerned, Madam Xia felt relieved and said with a smile, "I’m glad you’re thinking this way." After a pause, she asked, "Did you return for something specific?"
"For Seventh Brother’s matter." Before Xiqiu finished speaking, Madam Xia’s eyes brightened, as she’d been worried about this for some days, "Is there news?"
Xiqiu shook her head and explained the situations of each family’s daughter to Madam Xia. Madam Xia listened thoughtfully before hesitantly saying, "I’ve heard this Miss Zhao is good."
"How so?" As a mother, her view on her children’s marriage differs from others.
Madam Xia replied, "Miss He is a few months older, somewhat... unsuitable." Though Tong Minzhi has gained fame, he is merely a scholar, and his background is still as it is. Although the He Family is only seventh-rank Ministry of Communication, they can’t look down on him, Madam Xia explained awkwardly, "When Seventh Young Master was born, a fortune-teller said he must never marry someone older, or the household would be unsettled."
Due to this reason, Xiqiu, though disagreeing, did not object to Madam Xia’s view, nodding, "Don’t worry; nothing has been decided yet. According to what sister-in-law said, she might want to involve an official matchmaker and inquire further to carefully find Seventh Brother a match."
Madam Xia was taken aback by these words but soon smiled and nodded, "That’s good, let’s look further." It’s hoped Tong Minzhi can marry a woman knowledgeable, adept in household management, and not disdainful of his status. Appearance is secondary; a harmonious couple ensures stability.
Madam Xia’s typical motherly views made Xiqiu feel sad; if Tong Minzhi was born of the main wife, now having a title, he wouldn’t need to be so cautious in marriage.
"Sixth Lady." Xiuzhi entered from outside, smiling, "First Young Madam requests you." fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
Xiqiu nodded, stood up, and said to Madam Xia, "Don’t overthink, marriage is about fate; as long as they lead a peaceful life, nothing else matters." Madam Xia nodded in agreement, intending to speak, but Xiqiu understood her meaning and smiled, "Don’t worry, I’ll discuss it with sister-in-law."
Madam Xia smiled, sending Xiqiu out.
Xiqiu went to Madam Jiang’s place, and upon entering, saw Tong Xiyu sitting aside, wearing an embroidered jacket in bright red, with a Willow Braid and some face powder, making her look quite pale, her eyes were red. Seeing her enter, she stood and slightly bowed, greeting, "Sixth Sister." Her voice heavy with nasal tones.
Xiqiu paused, Tong Xiyu’s manner made it clear she had been crying.
"Sit down." Madam Jiang glanced at the bowed Tong Xiyu, subtly shook her head at Xiqiu, inviting Xiqiu to sit, "Visited Madam Xia?"
Xiqiu sat and affirmed, then glanced at Tong Xiyu. Tong Xiyu had regained composure, looking at Xiqiu with a forced smile, "Wasn’t aware of Sixth Sister’s return. It’s been a while since Zhi was seen, is he well?"
"He’s well, besides being with Mr. Ji, he’s practicing martial arts in the backyard." Xiqiu said with a helpless smile, "...He’s busier than I am."
Tong Xiyu smiled, pursing her lips, "He resembles Sixth Brother-in-law, surely will be accomplished in both letters and martial arts."
"Hopefully not stirring up trouble." Xiqiu shook her head with a smile, asking politely, "Are Old Madam Lou and Madam Lou doing well?"
Tong Xiyu nodded, "They’re both fine." Her mood faded, standing up, "There’s something at home; I’ll return first."
Madam Jiang and Xiqiu stood with her, Madam Jiang smiled, "Let me see you off." Tong Xiyu nodded, greeted Xiqiu, and left with Madam Jiang.
After some time, Madam Jiang returned, unable to help but sigh and shake her head. Xiqiu asked, "How’s Eighth Sister?"
Madam Jiang sighed, "Mentioning this, it’s not a big deal." She shook her head, "The concubine in her room is pregnant, forcing her to raise her status; she’s upset, crying after mentioning it."
Hearing this, Xiqiu couldn’t help but sigh. Tong Xiyu has been married into the Lou Mansion for nearly three years; her room raised two concubines, one last year had an illegitimate son, the newly raised concubine this year is also pregnant, yet her main position is still inactive, understandably causing her distress.
The fortunate aspect is that Old Madam Lou and Madam Lou remain open-minded, advising her not to rush, though their words say so, the second household lacks descendants. The previous First Madam left no children; Tong Xiyu remains inactive. Old Madam Lou sought Tong Xiyu’s approval before raising a concubine who gave birth to a son the same year; the newly raised one was Tong Xiyu’s choice, originally a maid with her, and Xiqiu vaguely remembers who but accompanied her dowry. Now pregnant and raised to concubine status seemed right.
She understood, fearing the favored first concubine led her to elevate the maid into a concubine to secure her favor, yet unexpectedly, the maid also became pregnant.
