Chapter 1075: Chapter 1065: Five Steps (2)
Zhi jumped up and down: "Let me hold, let me hold." He cozied up to Fourth Master Xiao.
Xiqiu watched the father and son reenact this scene again and could only smile wordlessly.
"What’s that smell?" Zhi stopped fighting Ying for attention, wrinkled his nose, and went looking around: "Why does it smell so bad?"
Chunliu smelled it too, sniffing around the room: "I smell it too." She sniffed towards the bed and leaned closer to Gong: "It’s coming from here." She went to hold Gong.
Xiqiu was puzzled; Gong usually woke up whenever he needed to relieve himself, but today he hadn’t. She and Chunliu unwrapped the swaddle and indeed saw a spot of yellow on the diaper. Chunliu laughed and said: "The boy pooped." She turned around to fetch water to wash the bottom and change the diaper.
As soon as the diaper was uncovered, the room’s odor intensified, and Zhi couldn’t bear it and quickly shouted, "Open the windows for some air." He bolted out of the room, not even bothering to hold Ying.
Xiqiu laughed and looked at the culprit who was making everyone dizzy from the smell, still sleeping comfortably.
After settling the two children, Fourth Master Xiao sat down next to Xiqiu. Xiqiu asked, "I want to discuss something with you." Fourth Master Xiao nodded slightly, saying, "What is it?"
Xiqiu smiled and said, "After the period of mourning, I want to arrange Bihuai and Su Quansheng’s wedding. Do you think it’s feasible?"
Fourth Master Xiao had just met Su Quansheng and had an impression of him; although he seemed honest, his eyes weren’t dull, so he should be a thorough person. He nodded, "You handle it then."
Seeing him not object, Xiqiu called Nanny Cen inside: "During this time, I’ve been pregnant and in confinement, so I haven’t managed household matters." She paused and said, "Among the original maids beside me, only Bihuai hasn’t settled down yet. Another year is about to pass, so I thought it better to take advantage of this time while you’re home, and we’re both free to settle her matters."
Nanny Cen was delighted to hear this and laughed, "This is wonderful news! We’ve secretly been guessing who you’re planning to match Bihuai with."
Xiqiu could see Bihuai’s thoughts clearly and knew she wouldn’t oppose without asking. She said, "You handle this matter. Send someone to Shandong to inform Su Dazhuang about Bihuai’s background and situation. If he has no objections, we’ll go ahead; if he does, let him come to me directly."
"There’s no reason he would object." Nanny Cen pouted, "Our Bihuai, whether in looks or status, is more than a match for Su Quansheng. Getting such a good daughter-in-law, their Old Su Family’s ancestral graves must be smoking."
Xiqiu chuckled and said to Nanny Cen, "Some prefer meat, some prefer vegetables; ask anyway, it can’t hurt."
Nanny Cen nodded and went out to busy herself.
Xiqiu wanted to call Bihuai in for a chat but felt that Fourth Master Xiao’s gaze had been on her since earlier. She couldn’t help but glance at him suspiciously: "What are you looking at, Fourth Master?"
When Nanny Cen came in, he was already seated, and now Xiqiu asked, he leaned closer, hugged her, and laughed, "You looked beautiful when you were speaking just now."
Rarely hearing him use such sweet words in such a tone, Xiqiu was taken aback and laughed, "Did you eat honey this morning, Fourth Master?" Fourth Master Xiao feigned a furrowed brow, pinched her nose, and said, "Naughty." Unable to resist, he sought out her lips and kissed them.
Though worried someone might intrude, Xiqiu still clung to his neck to respond to his kiss. Since her pregnancy, they had only been intimate during the middle term; after confinement, she intended to nurture her body, thus deliberately avoiding him. He restrained himself, feeling she might not be well after childbirth.
Moved by his kiss, Xiqiu couldn’t help but gently push him away: "It’s broad daylight now."
Fourth Master Xiao’s gaze turned dark and profound, intensely focused on Xiqiu, making her feel a tad embarrassed. Yet she couldn’t nod now and softly said, "I’ll serve you tonight..." Her voice was low, dainty, and bashful, her head slightly lowered revealing a stretch of snowy skin, a great temptation for the current Fourth Master Xiao, who became increasingly stirred.
Embracing her, Fourth Master Xiao buried his head in her neck. After a moment, Xiqiu felt his breathing gradually calm. She heard him whisper in her ear, "Let’s make up for these past days."
Xiqiu gasped, realizing it was nearly half a year. If they made up for it, she feared she’d end up bedridden for three days.
Seeing her retreating expression, Fourth Master Xiao laughed heartily, kissed her cheek joyfully, and said, "Just teasing you." Wouldn’t want the meat scared away before getting a taste.
Xiqiu also laughed lightly, nudging his shoulder.
After this interlude, Fourth Master Xiao originally planned to catch up on sleep but now dared not. Fearing he couldn’t restrain himself, with so many people at home watching, afraid Xiqiu might feel awkward, he leaned against the bedhead, talking with her.
"Sister Jingliu sent word that she spoke with Second Master Qin." After Xiqiu finished, Fourth Master Xiao asked, "Hmm." Xiqiu continued, "Second Master Qin returned to Xuan Hall the next day, but it seems the negotiations didn’t go well." For the past two days, Xuan Hall has been quite lively yet shows no sign of resolution.
Seeing Fourth Master Xiao didn’t ask further, Xiqiu inquired about Chen Hui: "One matter, will the Emperor decide to deal with Marquis Taiping?" Referring to his indiscriminate slaughter of innocent civilians.
"Not just one thing," Fourth Master Xiao said lightly, "The Ministry of Justice listed twenty-three charges against him, from selling private salt to embezzling taxes, each clear with solid evidence."
Xiqiu wasn’t surprised; historically, whether officials or vassal kings, the best ways to amass wealth were embezzling tax funds and selling private salt. Embezzling taxes involved many people, as no single person could manage it alone, increasing risk. If anyone slipped, it could backfire on them.
Selling private salt was different; in any era, salt was a restricted item, only the government could sell it. Even selling ten pounds of salt could result in beheading, yet selling private salt remained highly tempting due to its profitable and straightforward nature. Thus, anyone wishing to accumulate wealth only needed connections and power, without needing many accomplices. Selling private salt was the best option.
So Chen Hui selling private salt was no surprise to her.
Now it depended on how the Emperor would decide. Chen Hui held a noble title granted by the Emperor, and having recently been rewarded for suppressing bandits, how the Emperor would relinquish this face to decide on Chen Hui was crucial. Moreover, it wasn’t just this layer of issue; Chen Hui was tied to the Second Prince. Even if the Emperor didn’t consider him, he must consider the Second Prince.
Tong Minzhi closed his book and looked at Mrs. Chen, seeing her staring dazedly at the tea cup in her hand, lost in thought: "What’s wrong?" Tong Minzhi reached out to hold her hand.
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