Xiqiu’s eyes turned red, and she said, "Since becoming a daughter-in-law a few months ago, Mother has treated with the sa affection as my second younger sister. I am unable to repay this kindness and yet... I am truly ashad before Mother."
The Grand Dowager said nothing, motioning for Xiqiu to sit on her left. Her expression looked slightly better than in the morning: "Your mother’s health isn’t good either. I’ve heard from the Grand Aunt that it’s quite serious. You should pick so items from the storehouse to send back to her as a show of filial piety."
Xiqiu stood up and said, "Thank you, Mother!"
The Grand Dowager nodded.
Right then, the Second Madam and Xiao Yanyi entered one after the other. The Second Madam had changed her clothing, yet her face still appeared a bit pale compared to usual. Xiao Yanyi still wore yesterday’s clothes, with stubble on his chin and dark circles under his eyes, looking particularly haggard!
Xiqiu stood up and greeted them, "Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law!"
The Second Madam was startled when she saw Xiqiu, and her gaze fell on the table, her face changing again and again.
Had she actually handed over the household managent voluntarily? She had co to confess to the Grand Dowager?
"What happened to Fourth Sister-in-law?" the Second Madam blurted out.
The Grand Dowager motioned for Ziwei to help the Second Madam sit down. Before Xiqiu could respond, the Grand Dowager spoke, "This silly child insists it’s her fault that Xing was poisoned due to her negligence, and she’s demanding punishnt for herself, even stating she wants to copy the Lotus Sutra forty-nine tis. There’s truly nothing that can be done with her!"
Holding the teacup, the Second Madam’s hand trembled, though she feigned calmness as she lowered her head to drink the tea, but beneath her calm surface was a chilling coldness!
Indeed, she had co to confess. How cunning, to proactively admit her faults to the Grand Dowager rather than shirking responsibilities. She even handed over the household managent and planned to copy Buddhist scriptures!
How sneaky!
Realizing this, she was taken aback yet again, her eyes lingering on Xiqiu’s face, a secret alarm rising in her heart. Could it be that she had realized the incident was her doing, hence actively taking such asures as a preemptive move against her?
Impossible, how could she know these things were her doings.
Not even Xiao Yanyi or Fourth Master Xiao knew.
How could she know?
The Second Madam silently shook her head, dismissing her thoughts.
She must have stumbled upon the truth by accident. Calming herself, she realized she had to drop her current plans and think of another strategy.
In a quick-thinking mont, the Second Madam’s expression softened, and she looked at Xiqiu with feigned sympathy: "Why did you have to go this far, Fourth Sister-in-law? It was all an accident, no one could have predicted Qiuping would dare to do such a ridiculous thing!" She paused, then added, "Fourth Sister-in-law, there’s no need to bla yourself. She confessed and none of us hold you at fault." She finished by looking at the silent Xiao Yanyi: "What do you say, Marquis?"
Xiao Yanyi paused, his gaze falling upon Xiqiu. Seeing her head bowed with an expression of calm, yet knowing how much wrong she had suffered during this ordeal, his heart pained as he nodded without thinking, "Indeed!"
The Second Madam’s eyes flickered, she smiled and said, "Fourth Sister-in-law, you hear that? Even the Marquis has said it, you did nothing wrong in this matter."
Xiqiu looked up at the Second Madam and responded guiltily, "It’s because of Mother, Second Brother, and Second Sister-in-law’s magnanimity. Even though I am wrong, regardless of your forgiveness, I cannot forgive myself."
The Second Madam and the Grand Dowager both sighed!
"Second Sister-in-law, I still have so blood swallows and sea cucumber, I’ll have them sent to you later. You were frightened last night, so you should take good care of your body." Xiqiu looked at the Second Madam earnestly, worried lest she should harm her health due to last night’s events.
The Second Madam froze, a cold smile forming in her heart. She dared not consu the things Xiqiu sent.
Just as Ziwei brought a kettle to refill everyone’s tea, Xiqiu stood up and took the kettle, saying, "Let , let !" She said while lifting the kettle to pour tea for the Grand Dowager, who nodded. Then Xiqiu turned and poured tea for Xiao Yanyi, her movents slow and graceful...
The Second Madam watched, feeling the distance between Xiqiu and Xiao Yanyi standing so close to be particularly glaring.
Without waiting for her to speak, Xiqiu lifted the kettle and took the Second Madam’s cup. She turned to Chunliu and instructed, "Second Sister-in-law is pregnant and cannot drink strong tea like this. Quickly change it for so honey red tea!" Having said that, she passed the cup to Chunliu.
Chunliu complied and went to the tea room with the cup.
The Second Madam hurriedly waved her hand, "No need, no need." Her nervous appearance causing both the Grand Dowager and Xiao Yanyi to glance at her, the Second Madam then smiled and said, "I’m not fussy about what I drink. There’s no need to trouble yourself, Sister-in-law. I had already drunk plenty of tea in my room earlier, so it doesn’t much matter if I drink or not now!"
If she weren’t picky about tea, why did she previously argue over whether to use porcelain or enal cups for brewing green tea?
"This won’t do." Xiqiu still insisted Chunliu go to the tea room.
The Second Madam’s expression changed, her brows knitting tighter, and she carefully scrutinized Xiqiu, only to see a face full of humble intent, devoid of any hidden agendas. Her suspicions grew even deeper.
"Let her do it." The Grand Dowager nodded and said, "She feels guilty in her heart." Then turned to Xiqiu, "You really are."
Xiqiu bowed her head.
In a flash, Chunliu returned with tea, placing it on the tea table in front of the Second Madam.
"Second Sister-in-law, have a taste." Xiqiu even seed to deliberately appear ingratiating: "I heard from soone that honey red tea nourishes people during pregnancy."
The Second Madam dared not drink it and quickly waved her hand: "Fourth Sister-in-law has put thought into this." She said with an apologetic tone: "I’m feeling a bit uncomfortable again, I’m afraid I might vomit, better hold off to avoid dirtying Mother’s place."
Xiqiu’s good intentions t with constant refusals, causing Xiao Yanyi to frown.
Judging others by one’s own standards!
"Is Second Sister-in-law alright?" Xiqiu appeared worried: "Let Sister Jingliu take a look at you. This is no trivial matter."
The Grand Dowager also asked with concern: "Xiqiu is right. If you’re feeling unwell, hurry back to rest. We mustn’t take it lightly."
The Second Madam nodded and replied, "Then I’ll head back first." And with that, she prepared to rise.
Zitan wasn’t present, and the maids by her side were not as attentive, hesitating for a mont. But Bihuai stepped forward quickly ahead of the others to support the Second Madam: "Allow to assist you."
The Second Madam’s hand trembled, covering her belly.
No matter how many thoughts crossed her mind, her belly was vulnerable. Even with a strong will, she couldn’t be completely unbothered.
Xiqiu gave an approving glance at Bihuai.
"No need, Miss Bihuai." The Second Madam smiled, pushing Bihuai’s hand away, and turned to her maids: "Quickly, co and help ."
The maids stepped forward to support the Second Madam, and Bihuai withdrew to the side.
Chunliu secretly shot a glare at Bihuai, thinking she was currying favor with the Second Madam!
The Grand Dowager looked at the Second Madam with so doubt. The Second Madam bowed to both the Grand Dowager and Xiao Yanyi and said, "Then I will take my leave first."
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