Ruan Pingrong smiled and said, "It’s Fourth Aunt." Fourth Madam was changed to Fourth Aunt.
Old Madam Lou and Madam Lou arrived, Xiqiu supported Old Madam Lou into the courtyard. She asked, "I heard Second Madam is pregnant? Is she well, how many months along?"
"Just over two months, haven’t heard of any discomforts." Xiqiu replied with a smile, Old Madam Lou smiled and patted Xiqiu’s hand, saying, "Your mother-in-law seems nice now, but you wouldn’t believe how fiery she was when she was young..." The unfinished sentence left Xiqiu puzzled with no idea how to respond. Old Madam Lou continued, "You’re young, handling household affairs just months after getting married, it is a bit much for you." After a pause, she said, "But experiencing challenges helps; everyone’s been through this."
Xiqiu nodded in agreent, Madam Lou on the side said, "Mother, Fourth Madam is quite capable. She handled household affairs back at her maiden ho; she’ll be adept with these matters in no ti."
Old Madam Lou seed quite surprised, nodded with a smile and sighed repeatedly, "That’s wonderful, truly wonderful..."
Xiqiu escorted them into the courtyard, with Bihuai reporting from behind, "Madam Ren and Third Young Madam Ren have arrived."
"Go ahead with your duties." Old Madam Lou said with a smile, "Visit often so you know the way!" Xiqiu smiled and nodded, Madam Lou added, "I’ll send you an invitation in a few days. The twelfth is my mother-in-law’s birthday, you must co then."
Though Madam Lou and Xiqiu were of the sa generation, the age difference was considerable, so Xiqiu couldn’t be too familiar.
"I’ll definitely co, definitely co!" Since the Grand Dowager’s birthday hasn’t passed, it coincided with Xiao Yanzheng’s wedding. She explicitly instructed everyone not to make it troubleso anymore. Everyone dared not unravel her birthday celebration and planned to discuss it next year.
Tong Xiyang assisted Madam Ren as they approached, Xiqiu greeted Madam Ren, "Madam Ren!" Then turned to Tong Xiyang, "Third Sister."
"Sixth Sister." She paused, strange as if a furry vest was intentionally wrapped over an ice layer.
Madam Ren laughed amicably, "Isn’t managing household affairs difficult?" She paused and looked at Tong Xiyang, "I’m going in, stay behind to assist Fourth Madam, you can help inside and out."
Xiqiu raised her brow in surprise that this mother-in-law pair acted differently today as if the sun rose in the west, "How could I impose, Third Sister is a guest too!"
"It’s fine, we’re like family, no need to stand on ceremony." She let go of Madam Ren’s arm, "I’ll accompany Mother inside to greet the Grand Dowager, then co out to keep Sixth Sister company."
Madam Ren appreciated her, nodded as they entered the courtyard.
Chunliu returned, reported to Xiqiu, "Young Master Xin and Young Master Sheng are in Young Master Min’s room, they found Nine Rings sowhere and are each dismantling one to play."
Xiqiu felt reassured and nodded, asked, "Are all the attendants still around?"
Chunliu nodded, "Yes, Lianqiao and a few are guarding outside, Erquan is standing in the courtyard... the maids and servants are all present."
"That’s good!" Xiqiu paused and then said, "Have Nanny Cen personally make the midday al and serve it, do you know that?"
Though Chunliu didn’t know why Xiqiu was being extra cautious today, having always been level-headed and prudent herself, she dared not be negligent, thus sending a young maid to inform Nanny Cen.
Madam Jiang is pregnant, passed on congratulations through Nanny Qiu to the Grand Dowager, Tong Xiyan’s mother-in-law’s health was erratic due to catching cold frequently, she also stayed away...
Tong Xiyang indeed ca out to help her manage, smiling as she said, "I heard from Fourth Sister that you helped her connect, got Doctor Wen from the Prince Manor to check?" The tone changed from the earlier warmth, returning to the previous manner without Madam Ren.
Xiqiu still felt this version of Tong Xiyang was more genuine, nodded and replied, "Yes."
Tong Xiyang sneered, didn’t say anything further.
Just then, Madam Huang arrived, Xiqiu went up to greet with a smile, Madam Huang brought along two young ladies, one about thirteen or fourteen, the other a bit younger. After each presented their respects, Xiqiu accompanied Madam Huang to the Grand Dowager’s room, everyone was chatting with the Grand Dowager, and after tea they moved to the main hall for a al.
The Grand Dowager, Old Madam Lou, Madam Ren, and other high-ranking guests shared one table.
Madam Qian, Madam Ruan, First Young Madam Tang, Madam Lou, and others sat at another table.
Tong Xiyang sat with several young ladies at yet another table.
Xiqiu busied herself with inside and outside tasks, softly approached the Grand Dowager to inquire, "Mother, I had two tables set up inside, we can play two rounds of leaf cards."
The Grand Dowager nodded, turned to speak with Old Madam Lou, "Haven’t played in a while, since there aren’t many people today, let’s enjoy ourselves. On the actual day when it’s crowded, we won’t have such leisure."
The wedding day would naturally be very crowded.
Old Madam Lou agreed, "That’s good, I ca with pockets today."
The Grand Dowager chuckled, pointed at Old Madam Lou, "You’re never tired of it, already calculating others’ silver before the ga has begun."
Everyone laughed, Madam Qian playfully remarked across the table, "Don’t worry, with pockets open, there’s bound to be soone sending silver into it today!" While glancing at First Young Madam Pang...
First Young Madam Pang’s eyes glanced around, promptly stood up with a cheerful reply, "As long as neither Old Madam nor esteed Madams mind, I’m more than willing to supply the silver."
The crowd laughed, disregarded the taboo of not talking during als, Madam Lou whispered to Old Madam Lou, "Mother, your health isn’t well..."
Old Madam Lou’s face darkened, Madam Lou fell silent, the Grand Dowager asked with concern, "What happened, why haven’t you ntioned it before."
"It’s nothing, it’s nothing!" Old Madam Lou waved off casually, "Doctor ntioned so deficiency in vital energy, excessive liver fire, I’ve taken several prescriptions and feel much better."
"That’s good, that’s good, do take care of your health." The Grand Dowager breathed a sigh of relief.
Xiqiu noticed Old Madam Lou glancing indifferently at Madam Lou, who couldn’t help but shrink back a little.
Xiqiu sighed silently, went out to arrange things.
In the afternoon, prepared two tables for the leaf card ga for a few madams, placed various snacks beside, then turned to inquire about the two Miss Huangs, Xiqiu learned the older one was the aunt, the younger one was the niece.
Seeing they appeared to be similar in age, Xiqiu was glad she kept her comnts brief.
Asked for Xiao Yanzheng to be found, as the main focus today, she should make an appearance in front of the madams, afterwards accompanied several young ladies to tour the courtyard, then the Plum Garden in the backyard. Although without plum blossoms, the birch forest was quite cool and the scenery was nice!
Until the afternoon, when Xiqiu had refreshnts and fruits brought up, Old Madam Lou woke from a nap in the Grand Dowager’s room, repeatedly saying she would not play anymore...
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