Free Web NovelChapter 997: Chapter 991: A Joyous Occasion (Part 3)
"No problem." The First Madam replied indifferently, seemingly unwilling to discuss further, as she helped the Grand Dowager into the courtyard. Xiqiu had already noticed the First Young Madam Tang weaving through the crowd, laughing and chatting like a spring breeze. Upon seeing the Grand Dowager and Xiqiu enter, she hurriedly approached with a full smile to greet them, saying, "Grand Dowager." Then she rose to greet Xiqiu, "Fourth Madam."
"In the blink of an eye, you’re going to be a mother-in-law." The Grand Dowager chuckled, "I still remember the family introduction banquet when you first joined, time really flies."
First Young Madam Tang laughed heartily and took the Grand Dowager’s arm, saying, "Indeed, I’m going to be a mother-in-law, but you, old lady, haven’t changed a bit. You still look as young as you did ten years ago." The Grand Dowager pretended to pinch her lips, "...You can talk your way into flipping black and white, even becoming a mother-in-law without any decorum."
First Young Madam Tang laughed constantly, turning back to speak to Xiqiu, "Fourth Madam, you came at the perfect timing, we were just saying we were one short for a game. Second Young Madam Lou doesn’t know how to play; we were waiting for someone who does."
"I don’t know how to play either!" Xiqiu covered her face and laughed, "Mother always says playing cards with me is equivalent to giving away money." First Young Madam Tang continued, "It’s fine, I’ll sit beside you in a while."
Talking and laughing, the group entered the house. Xiqiu noticed that the First Madam never smiled, maintaining a mild expression and avoiding looking at First Young Madam Tang, while First Young Madam Tang seemed to be avoiding something too. ƒгeewebnovёl.com
Could it be that the sisters-in-law had another conflict?
Upon entering the main hall, many people were already seated inside. Both those familiar and unfamiliar stood to greet Xiqiu and the Grand Dowager; the Grand Dowager waved her hand with a laugh, "Please, sit down, sit down!" Madam Xu approached with a smile to the Grand Dowager, saying, "It’s been a while since you’ve come out."
"Old age is catching up," the Grand Dowager chuckled, "Is everything well at home?"
Madam Xu nodded, replying, "Everything is well!" She then greeted Xiqiu, "Since the Grand Dowager hasn’t been out and about, we haven’t seen you either. I’ve been wanting to visit your place, worried it’s inconvenient for you, but I’ve been thinking about it constantly and it’s quite distressing for me."
Xiqiu chuckled lightly, "I’ve been looking forward to your visit!" She continued, "I usually don’t go out much. Next time you’re free, just feel free to come by."
Madam Xu nodded as Old Madam Lou beckoned them over. Xiqiu and the Grand Dowager went inside, where Old Madam Lou sat in the seat of honor, with Tong Xiyu standing behind her, and Madam Lou was nowhere to be seen. Old Madam Lou said, "I was just about to send someone to fetch you, worried you might not come!"
"Since you are here, of course, I will come," said the Grand Dowager. First Young Madam Tang interjected, "Even if you didn’t send for her, I would have sent someone." She then personally supported the Grand Dowager’s seat and served tea to her.
The Grand Dowager and Old Madam Lou chatted as the First Madam accompanied them. First Young Madam Tang secretly tugged at Xiqiu’s sleeve, signaling her with her eyes, "I would like to introduce you to someone."
Xiqiu raised an eyebrow, a bit curious. First Young Madam Tang, with a slight mysterious air, took Xiqiu’s hand and led her to the other side. Xiqiu scanned the crowd, seeing several familiar-faced ladies but unable to recall their names immediately. At the end, First Young Madam Tang stopped, saying, "Let me introduce you." She smiled as she spoke.
The lady opposite stood up, roughly around forty years old. Xiqiu looked surprised as she saw the lady rise and greet her, "Fourth Madam!"
"Madam Fang!" Xiqiu returned the greeting with a smile, "I didn’t expect to meet you."
First Young Madam Tang pursed her lips into a slight smile, "It turns out you already know each other." She then pointed to a fourteen or fifteen-year-old girl beside Madam Fang, introducing her, "This is Second Miss Fang."
Xiqiu looked at Miss Fang; although she wasn’t tall, her features were finely shaped, not exactly beautiful but appeared very capable and smart, resembling Madam Fang in some ways. She nodded with a smile, saying, "So it’s Second Miss Fang, nice to meet you!"
Second Miss Fang lowered herself to greet, her cheeks slightly flushed, yet she directly looked at Xiqiu, observing her, replying, "My sister used to mention Fourth Madam when she was at home. I didn’t expect to meet you today; it’s Huihui’s good fortune!"
Xiqiu chuckled lightly, finally understanding why First Young Madam Tang specifically introduced her to Second Miss Fang. It seemed this Second Miss Fang was the prospective future Madam Han.
She chuckled inwardly, exchanged a few words with Madam Fang, and then left with First Young Madam Tang. First Young Madam Tang said, "Han Cheng is close with our Old Fourth, you’re bound to interact more with them later, best to get acquainted now."
Xiqiu knew the situation in the Han Mansion, but there was uncertainty about whether Miss Fang would have the time to come out once married, "You’re considerate, indeed." She glanced at the clock, "Is it almost time for the procession?" Hearing the firecrackers start outside.
"Yes, it’s time." First Young Madam Tang quickly said to Xiqiu, "I’ll go and check the front!"
Outside, the sound of firecrackers came intermittently. Standing at the door, Xiqiu watched the maids and servants going in and out, suddenly thinking, when Zhi eventually reached the age for marriage, would she be as frenzied as First Young Madam Tang?
What kind of bride would Zhi marry?
Thinking about this, she couldn’t help but laugh. Zhi wasn’t even four years old yet...
"Fourth Madam!" Suddenly, someone called her from behind. Xiqiu turned to see Miss Fang standing confidently behind her. Xiqiu smiled, "Second Miss Fang."
Second Miss Fang showed no sign of bashfulness, her natural demeanor reminiscent of the warm and cheerful First Miss Fang. Second Miss Fang said, "Fourth Madam might as well call me Wenhui, calling me Second Miss seems too distant." She smiled gently.
Xiqiu maintained a smile, nodding in agreement.
Fang Wenhui then said, "I heard the Marquis and Lord Han went to Liaodong together; does Fourth Madam know when they will return?"
Truly open-minded, caring about her future husband’s affairs even before the marriage was secure. Xiqiu replied, "If there are no delays, they should return by April or May next year." Pausing for a moment, she added, "But it’s not certain."
Miss Fang considered thoughtfully, murmuring something softly, but Xiqiu didn’t hear it. Then Miss Fang asked, "The Governor Mansion and the Han Mansion often interact; have you heard of a concubine within the Han Mansion?"
"Hmm?" Xiqiu raised her eyebrows, "I’ve heard of her. Why?" Had she perhaps gone to the Fang Mansion to cause trouble again?
Fang Wenhui showed no unusual expression, just a curious look, "Because you and my sister are close friends, I won’t hide this from you. I’m quite curious about this concubine, wanting to inquire through others, but worried about being laughed at for my impertinence. I figured I’d ask you directly." Although she spoke with some shyness, her manner remained dignified and articulate.
It seemed that this Second Miss Fang had a deeper intrigue compared to the First Miss Fang, "It’s not as severe as you make it sound, not a matter of shame or not..." Fang Wenhui’s eyes brightened, looking at Xiqiu she asked, "Fourth Madam, do you think I should ask?"
