Chapter 1092: Chapter 1082: Childbirth (4)
The palace’s martial law was lifted so quickly, which already indicates a lot of issues.
Xiqiu was silent, thinking of Min. From today, he is the Crown Prince of Great Zhou, the future Emperor, carrying more burdens and responsibilities, yet he is so young, at an age that should be carefree, but now he has to endure so much... She sighed with pity, not saying a word.
That afternoon, the entire city was covered with royal proclamations announcing the major affairs of the Imperial Family, causing a stir in the Capital, and there was jubilance all over the court. Especially in Marquis Jinxiang Mansion, although no one dared to openly flaunt, privately they were all rushing to curry favor and ingratiate themselves. The Crown Prince lacks an external family and was raised by Consort Le, their relationship is like mother and son. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, Consort Le will certainly become the Empress Dowager. If not now, then when?
In contrast, the Governor Mansion was much quieter. Xiqiu said to Fourth Master Xiao, "Big brother asked if we wanted to go live in Fujian or Songjiang for some time. I did not respond and said to wait for your return to discuss." Tong Shen Zhi was very considerate. Now that Min has become the Crown Prince, it might seem unrelated to Fourth Master Xiao in others’ eyes, but it is different in the Emperor’s view. Whether the Emperor fears Fourth Master Xiao or not, they must make a gesture.
But Xiqiu disagreed; it’s better to stay in the Capital. Like how the Emperor treats the Second Prince, staying under his watch renders him more at ease.
As expected, Fourth Master Xiao replied, "When parents are alive, one should not travel far," with a smile. "Second brother is not here, we naturally need to be with mother to fulfill our filial duties."
Xiqiu nodded with a smile, "I’ll go tell big brother tomorrow."
The next day, after visiting Ruan Jingliu, Xiqiu went to Tong Mansion. Just as First Master was resting, she greeted Madam Jiang and went to First Master’s study.
First Master sat behind the desk, holding a chicken-blood red stone, carving something with intense focus.
"Father." Xiqiu paid her respects and walked over.
First Master always loved carving, but has been too busy recently. Today, he was particularly interested in taking out the half-carved seal.
"Qiu’er." First Master put down the knife, Xiqiu handed him a handkerchief to wipe his hands, and he asked with a smile, "Why have you returned? Do you have business?" Looking spirited.
Xiqiu sat opposite him and replied, "Yesterday, the conversation with big brother, I discussed with Fourth Master, and feel it’s better to stay in the Capital for now. The Grand Dowager’s health is not good; if we leave, it will be just sister-in-law left..."
First Master wasn’t surprised; he drank tea and nodded, "I already knew." As he spoke, he looked at Xiqiu and said, "After careful consideration and discussion with your big brother, we also believe it is best for you to stay in the Capital."
Xiqiu nodded slightly, shifting away from the topic, asking First Master, "I heard you caught a chill the other day. Are you better today? Let your daughter take your pulse."
"No need, I’m already fine." His long beard and white face looked like an ethereal sage, "People get sick as they age, but it’s just a common cold. Don’t worry." He seemed unconcerned.
First Master is now nearly fifty and previously had good health. However, since joining the Cabinet, perhaps due to worrying too much over state affairs, he has often felt unwell, making Xiqiu worried.
Seeing his reluctance to discuss further, Xiqiu refrained from speaking more, but her mind still lingered on inviting Ruan Jingliu once she was out of confinement and recovered, to take his pulse.
After leaving First Master’s place, she visited Madam Xia and Mrs. Chen. Mrs. Chen didn’t know about Min’s situation, but both Madam Xia and Tong Minzhi knew and didn’t mention it, though their faces were happy. Mrs. Chen thought they were pleased because the court had established the Crown Prince, bringing stability to politics, and didn’t inquire further.
Madam Jiang received Xiqiu for a meal, exuberantly chatting. Tong Shen Zhi is Min’s Assistant Lecturer. When Min ascends the throne, even without their private relationship, he has the title of Crown Prince’s Tutor, securing his future in officialdom.
Over two days, the ladies in the Capital heard Xiqiu’s health was improving and sent invitations to entertain her, which Xiqiu declined entirely.
Fourth Master Xiao invited a construction team to build a pavilion in the backyard. To avoid gossip, Xiqiu took the children to Marquis Mansion every day, accompanying the Grand Dowager and invited Xiao Yanzheng back, joining in with the game of mahjong, while the kids were joyously playing nearby, enveloping the mansion in happiness.
On the day of Ruan Jingliu’s child’s full month celebration, Xiqiu attended the banquet at Qin Mansion. Returning in the same carriage with Madam Jiang, they stopped at Tong Mansion and before Madam Jiang could alight, Nanny Qiu hurriedly lifted the curtain and anxiously said, "First Young Madam, you finally returned."
Mrs. Jiang paused, asked, "What’s wrong?" Nanny Qiu paid respects to Xiqiu and Mrs. Jiang, saying, "The nanny from Count Shouning Mansion has been waiting for you for an hour." whispered lowly, "Seems it’s concerning Madam Tong Xiyu."
What could be wrong with Tong Xiyu’s pregnancy?
Could it be a miscarriage?
Both Mrs. Jiang and Xiqiu’s expressions changed, and Nanny Qiu anticipated their thoughts, shaking her head and saying, "Madam Tong Xiyu’s health is good. I discreetly inquired some servants sent to Count Shouning Mansion..." She hesitated, "Seems something happened with Second Master Lou."
How could it be concerning Tong Xiyu and also trouble with Second Master Lou?
Xiqiu and Mrs. Jiang found themselves bewildered.
Suddenly, a chill raced through Mrs. Jiang’s heart, reminded of Second Master Lou’s emaciated figure like that of a bamboo stick. She turned back, holding Xiqiu’s hand, "It’s still early. Come sit with me for a bit."
The children were at the Grand Dowager’s side, no worries there. Xiqiu thought for a moment and nodded, "Okay."
They disembarked the carriage and headed to the inner courtyard.
Comments