"Grand Dowager, the al is ready!" Ziwei lifted the curtain and entered with a bright smile. The Grand Dowager, upon hearing this, said, "Let’s go, it’s ti to eat."
Eating at this hour was indeed a genuine midnight snack. She smiled and said, "It’s been so many years since I’ve eaten at this hour." After speaking, she looked at Zhi, who was dozing off in Xiqiu’s arms, and said, "You all shouldn’t go back today, just rest here. The old courtyard has been prepared. If it’s too much trouble, just stay with for the night, and we’ll see in the morning."
Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao exchanged a glance. She then said, "Then let’s stay in our previous courtyard."
The Grand Dowager nodded with a smile and said, "Let’s eat." After speaking, she sat down and turned to Xing, saying, "Eat less; you’ll be going to bed soon and don’t want to have an upset stomach."
"Got it." Xing responded, exchanging glances with Sheng. Both were so hungry that their stomachs stuck to their backs. As soon as the Grand Dowager started to eat, they buried their heads in their bowls. Xiqiu watched with a smile and said, "Eat slowly."
Everyone quietly enjoyed the midnight snack. Fourth Master Xiao, holding Zhi, said goodbye to the Grand Dowager with Xiqiu: "You should rest early." The Grand Dowager nodded, watching Ziwei escort Xing and Sheng to bed.
Xiqiu, Fourth Master Xiao, First Madam, and Xiao Yanyi left together, parting with Xiao Yanyi at the gate. Xiao Yanyi headed straight to Lingbo Hall. Xiqiu paused, looking at Yanyi’s retreating figure, feeling a chill in the air. She sighed slightly, turning to First Madam, "Thank you for taking care of the household affairs."
"We’re family, no need for such words," First Madam softly responded, "I only hope for all of us to be safe."
Xiqiu took First Madam’s hand, nodding, "Having a sister-in-law like you is a blessing from my previous life." She smiled slightly, "Thank you."
First Madam glanced at the sleeping Zhi, shook her head with a smile. No words were needed between them.
Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao returned to their forr courtyard. The maidservants and old won there ca to greet them. After exchanging polite greetings and little chatter, Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao settled Zhi in before sending soone to inform Chunliu at the Governor Mansion, so they wouldn’t worry at ho.
After freshening up, the couple lay in bed. Xiqiu looked around and saw that everything was quite clean. She smiled and said, "It’s been a while since we stayed here; it feels a bit unfamiliar now."
Fourth Master Xiao, holding her in his arms, said gently, "Then we’ll co back more often."
Xiqiu nodded with a smile, snuggling close to him.
Old Madam Shen, after reassuring the Empress, exhaustedly returned to the Shen Mansion. Many people awaited her, these were people who held positions in the court thanks to the Shen family, benefited from Shen Ji, or had dealings with Shen Mansion, as well as the mansion’s advisors...
They hadn’t yet received news of the Emperor’s return to the capital tonight.
There was a lively discussion about how to handle the situation. The palace fire seed to have brought hidden conflicts to the surface. Lord Tong and Xiao Yanyi were certain to take action, as were Lord Wu, Count Chengyi, and Count Shouning... the strength of these individuals wasn’t to be underestimated.
They had to find a solution to suppress the situation before the Emperor returned to the palace.
As soon as Old Madam Shen entered, everyone fell silent. Once she was seated, soone ca forward and said, "Old Madam, I suggest that the Empress write a letter in advance, reporting all the court and harem matters of these past days, and bring up the injury of the Eldest Prince, so as to overshadow the Fourth Madam’s affair. What do you think?"
Before Old Madam Shen could speak, another voice objected, "That won’t do. The Emperor must already be aware of the court’s affairs over these days. What we urgently need to do is to highlight the incident in Fujian; once we find evidence, all involved will be ousted, caught unawares."
With this statent, the hall erupted in noise again. Each had their suggestions, convinced they had the right solution, yet all were just empty words.
Old Madam Shen held her teacup, glancing over each face before looking at the white banner hung at the door. Calculating the days, Shen Ji’s body ought to return soon...
The next day when Xiqiu woke, it was already near noon. Chunliu and Bihuai entered with smiles, their eyes a little red, "Madam, you’re awake. Fourth Master has gone to court, and asked us to let you know." Chunliu spoke while pulling back the curtains, "The Grand Dowager said you should sleep in. She’s taken Zhi over."
Xiqiu got up, feeling as though she’d returned to the days at the Marquis Mansion three years ago, missing only Chunyan and Biwu. She got out of bed to freshen up and asked, "How has the family been these days?"
"Nothing of note, though everyone’s been worried about you, losing appetite and sleep." Bihuai said, casting a glance at Chunliu, "Jin Yiquan’s wife is expecting, and I was really afraid her worrying might cause harm. Luckily, you’re alright."
Xiqiu paused from washing, gazing at Chunliu with joyful surprise, "You’re expecting? How long now?"
"The doctor said less than two months." Chunliu blushed and replied shyly, "Don’t listen to Bihuai’s nonsense, I’m fine, really no problem at all."
But Xiqiu dropped the cloth and took Chunliu’s hand, saying, "This is your first child. It’s not up to you to say if everything’s fine." She pressed Chunliu into a chair, "Is Yiquan in the outer court? Go find him, have him take you ho to rest and take care of the baby."
"I’d rather not." Chunliu shook her head, "I’m really alright, please let stay for a few more days."
"Listen to ." Xiqiu insisted, then turned to Bihuai, "Go find Yiquan and have him take Chunliu ho."
Bihuai agreed with a smile, saying to Chunliu, "Just listen to Madam, so she won’t worry." She then went out to instruct a maid to call Yiquan in.
Once Xiqiu was dressed and grood, Yiquan was already in the courtyard. Xiqiu smiled and said, "I’m fine now, you should take Chunliu ho to rest, wait until after the baby is born to co by."
"Madam." Yiquan replied, lowering his head shyly, "She’s worried about you, and so am I. Could we stay a bit longer?"
Xiqiu firmly replied, "You’ve seen I’m perfectly well. You can visit often if you wish."
Yiquan hesitated and looked to Chunliu, who kneeled in front of Xiqiu, "Madam, I’ll leave the mansion, but please take care of yourself. If you need , send Bihuai to fetch ."
"You’re carrying a child and should know better. Get up." Xiqiu helped Chunliu to her feet and said, "Let’s pay respects to the Grand Dowager before you leave."
Chunliu and Yiquan agreed.
They went to the Grand Dowager’s room and found Xuan and Zhi playing in the main hall. Xuan saw Xiqiu and sweetly called out, "Auntie." Xiqiu smiled, walked over, and picked Xuan up, "Our Xuan’s back! Did your mother co back as well?"
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