"I know, I know!" Xiqiu embraced her, "It will pass, it definitely will. You must live well to show them what they’ve lost without you. anwhile, without them, your life remains as vibrant as ever."
Tears began to fall, and Tong Xiyan nodded, wiping her tears with a smile, "You’re right. I shouldn’t be so despondent, or else they’ll think I can’t live without the Jiang family. I must show them, and the world, that even divorced, I can live well."
Xiqiu nodded with tears, "Mm. Mm."
As they spoke, they couldn’t help but shed tears.
They had lunch at Tong Xiyan’s place, and like old tis, lounged on the Arhat bed for a nap. Xiqiu asked about Tong Xiyang, "Last ti you said she wanted to do business with you, what ca of it later?"
"I didn’t agree," Tong Xiyan replied, "But I heard she’s been seeing a lot of my elder sister-in-law. They et often at the Wujin Bo Mansion, always together, and it seems they’re planning to open a tea shop together."
Listening, Xiqiu nodded, and thought that Tong Xiyang might indeed go into business with Madam Jiang.
It’s uncertain what will co of these two joining forces.
"Haven’t you always wanted to open an embroidery shop? Do you still have that plan?" Xiqiu turned over and asked Tong Xiyan.
Tong Xiyan furrowed her brows and replied, "Indeed, I have such thoughts. If a shop could make profits, I wouldn’t be eating for free at ho. My sister-in-law hasn’t said anything for now, but over ti she might feel uncomfortable, and I can’t let them support for nothing. Though I have so silver coin, it’s not enough to open a shop. I’ll wait a little longer to see if there’s another way."
Xiqiu pondered for a mont and asked, "How much do you have left?"
"Mother gave five thousand taels back then for safekeeping, and now there’s roughly four thousand left. Together with so jewelry, it’s about six thousand taels." She sighed as she spoke.
Xiqiu contemplated and said, "I rember you have a storefront on East Street. Why not use it? With a bit of money for renovation, hiring embroideresses, and buying so furniture and sewing supplies, the six thousand taels should just about cover it." She paused, "The clinic made so profit this month. Apart from what Fourth Master gives for household use, I’ve saved so. I’ll have soone bring it to you later. If it’s not enough, we’ll think of other ways."
Tong Xiyan shook her head, "How can I take your money? Although your days seem good, I know how managing a household works. It looks glamorous, but festivals and rewards require spending a lot each ti. You certainly have more expenses than I do. Keep your money." She refused in earnest.
Xiqiu didn’t insist and planned to ask Bihuai to send the accounts over, and not ntioning silver, she brought out pen and ink to calculate the expenses. They listed all items for the embroidery shop, and when Madam Jiang ca, they discussed it. Madam Jiang smiled and said, "I don’t have much money, maybe five or six hundred taels at most, only so much."
Everyone knew it wasn’t easy for Madam Jiang. The Jiang family had fallen, and the young master had given up academic exams to do business outside. It wasn’t easy for Madam Jiang to have her own money. Tong Xiyan shook her head, refusing to agree. Madam Jiang held Tong Xiyan’s hand, "As long as you can be strong, as long as you’re well, forget five or six hundred taels, even if I had to sell the house, I’d be glad. Don’t see as just your sister-in-law. Ever since marrying in, I’ve seen you as my own sister. Sister has trouble, how can I, as a sister, not help? It vexes that I can do so little!"
Tong Xiyan’s eyes reddened, speechless.
Madam Jiang acted quickly, and told Tong Shen Zhi. Tong Shen Zhi then ntioned it to the First Master, who gave Tong Xiyan three thousand taels. Tong Shen Zhi added another thousand. By the ti Xiqiu brought silver over, Tong Xiyan had more than enough, so she kept it aside for any later turnover.
Lady heard and sent Nanny Fang with another three thousand taels for Tong Xiyan. Nanny Fang, Nanny Qian, and Nanny Lai ran about outside. With Manager Lai’s help, by early June, the previous occupant had moved out of the shop. Tong Xiyan found a craftsman for renovations and asked around for embroideresses. Everything else went smoothly, finding skilled embroideresses was the hardest.
Tong Xiyan even brought Xinzhu back. Though Xinzhu couldn’t walk, over the years her embroidery skills had grown exquisite. Xiqiu was busy with Chunyan’s wedding, and couldn’t personally return. Tianyi rented a small courtyard near the clinic. Chunyan got married from Ruan Jingliu’s residence in Four Symbols Alley. Nanny Wu acted as the Quan Furen, styling Chunyan’s hair. Xiqiu hadn’t gone personally, but heard from Chunliu that it was a lively and grand event.
A month later, on the Qiqiao Festival, Chunyan and Tianyi ca to pay respects. Xiqiu saw Chunyan was fairer and plumper than before her wedding, with rosy cheeks and tender eyes, evidently well-treated by Tianyi. After paying respects to the Grand Dowager, Tianyi went to the outer courtyard to talk with Tiancheng. Xiqiu asked Chunyan, "You rented a house, what families live around you?"
Chunyan wore big red silk flowers in her hair, dressing in bright red lake silk jacket and placket, looking festive and neat. She smiled, replying, "It belonged to the Zhu family, but they rarely live in the Capital, leaving a few old won to guard the gate. We paid two taels of silver to rent a small courtyard in the outer compound. It’s just the side door, making it convenient to co and go!" Afraid Xiqiu would worry, she added, "There are four rooms at the front and back of the courtyard. We’re both without parents to care for. Even if we have children, there’s space."
Xiqiu was finally relieved. Two taels a month, their allowances could afford it, ensuring they wouldn’t be financially strained...
With Chunyan settled, Xiqiu eased a worry.
"Madam, tomorrow’s your birthday. I’d like to serve you for a day in the mansion..." Chunyan said with a smile.
Hearing this, Xiqiu raised her brows, having indeed forgotten it. She laughed, "Alright then, co to the mansion tomorrow. Bring Siliu, and we’ll have a al together."
Chunyan nodded eagerly.
As they spoke, Fourth Master Xiao strode in. Chunyan imdiately stood and curtsied. Fourth Master Xiao glanced at her and nodded, then Xiqiu followed him into the inner room, while Chunyan left to chat with Chunliu.
Fourth Master Xiao removed his coat, turned to grasp Xiqiu’s hand, and raised a brow, asking, "Tomorrow’s your birthday, how do you wish to spend it?"
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