Free Web NovelChapter 993: Chapter 988: Farewell
Bustling at the Zhou Residence for half a month, Madam Zhou’s coffin was moved to Puji Temple. On the day of the send-off, Tong Xiyan cried, insisting on going to bid farewell to Madam Zhou. Kneeling in front of the spirit hall, she held Nian, crying like a tearful person, Xiqiu and Madam Jiang held her, Madam Jiang said: "Filial piety resides in the heart, your mother-in-law’s spirit will know, you must take care of your child and yourself."
After Madam Jiang finished speaking, she signaled Zhou Bohan with her eyes, Zhou Bohan came forward to help her up, speaking softly: "I will see Mother off, you take Nian back and rest." After pausing for a moment, he added: "When you recover, I’ll accompany you to visit Mother."
Tong Xiyan wiped her tears, turning her head back three times with every step out of the spirit hall.
Round white paper money fell onto the thick snow, and Madam Zhou was taken to Puji Temple.
Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao took a carriage back to the residence. Due to Tong Xiyan’s emotional state and the continuous days of the funeral, their mood inevitably fell. Leaning on Fourth Master Xiao’s shoulder, she sighed: "Fourth Sister marrying such a good mother-in-law like Madam Zhou, and Lord Zhou cherishing her, I hope her life goes smoothly without shedding tears for other matters." With another sigh, she continued: "...seeing her today, I feel sorrowful too."
When Lady passed away, she didn’t seem as sad; perhaps because she wasn’t Madam Zhou’s daughter originally, but received her motherly love, making her feel even more touched.
"Lord Zhou is stable and meticulous, Fourth Aunt will surely be happy and smooth in the future." Fourth Master Xiao comforted her along her words, then said: "I’ve applied for leave tomorrow, let’s return to the Marquis Mansion together."
Upon hearing this, Xiqiu sat up, remembering that Xiao Yanyi and Han Cheng might be departing tomorrow, she asked: "Is Second Brother leaving?"
"Yes." Fourth Master Xiao nodded: "The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue are ready, and the relief supplies for Hu-Guang have set off."
Xiqiu lowered her gaze, nodded: "Then let’s take Zhi along tomorrow." Both of them then became engrossed in their thoughts without speaking.
The next morning early, Xiqiu helped Zhi dress, then wrapped him in a cloak, and the family went to the Marquis Mansion.
The front of the Marquis Mansion had guards and attendants prepared, bowing as the Governor Mansion’s carriage arrived. The carriage proceeded into the yard of the Marquis Mansion, switching to the Clear Curtain Small Oil Car to go into the Grand Dowager’s courtyard.
"Fourth Master, Fourth Madam!" Ziwei was carrying breakfast into the door when she saw Fourth Master Xiao and Xiqiu arriving, she knelt and greeted. Xiqiu asked: "Is Mother up?"
Upon hearing this, Ziwei nodded: "The Grand Dowager didn’t sleep last night, got up early and is sitting in the Warm Pavilion."
Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao exchanged a look, then both brought Zhi inside. Upon entering, Xiqiu patted Zhi’s shoulder, and Zhi immediately ran into the Warm Pavilion: "Grandmother!" He threw himself into the Grand Dowager’s arms: "I missed you so much, did you miss me?"
Xiqiu entered with Fourth Master Xiao and saw the Grand Dowager sitting low-spiritedly on the edge, her eyes were red, holding tea and daydreaming. Seeing Zhi, her face finally showed a smile, she put down the tea and embraced him: "Missed, Grandmother misses our Zhi every day." freēwēbηovel.c૦m
Zhi raised his head, displaying a sweet smile: "I knew Grandmother missed me, so I didn’t sleep in this morning, didn’t practice martial arts, just came with Mother to see you."
Seeing his quirky and clever demeanor, the Grand Dowager couldn’t help but laugh, pinching Zhi’s cheek, then looking at Fourth Master Xiao and Xiqiu: "Sit down!"
Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao sat down opposite, not seeing First Madam and Xiao Yanyi.
The Grand Dowager said: "Coming so early, you haven’t had breakfast?"
"Indeed!" Xiqiu smiled and nodded: "We thought to come here to catch a meal." After speaking she looked at Zhi, who then nodded properly: "Grandmother’s food is the best."
Actually, the family had already eaten when they came.
The Grand Dowager’s mood finally improved somewhat, she turned back to Ziwei: "Check if the Marquis is ready, bring Yuzhen, Xing, and Sheng over."
Ziwei acknowledged, and instructed someone to invite Xiao Yanyi and First Madam. free𝑤ebnovel.com
After a while, Xing and Sheng entered, upon seeing Sheng nestled next to the Grand Dowager happily, they sensibly went over to cheer up the Grand Dowager. The three children gathered, making the Grand Dowager beam with joy.
"Heard Father entrusted you with household affairs?" Xiqiu asked in a low voice, looking at the approaching Xing, who nodded, appearing somewhat insecure: "But I always can’t seem to learn..."
