Chapter 1095: Chapter 1085: The Incident (3)
She looked towards Madam Jiang and asked, "Did the Old Madam say how this matter should be handled?" They were in the wrong, so they had to ask for Shouning Bo Mansion’s opinion, even if it meant letting her return, it wouldn’t be excessive.
"The eighth sister is pregnant, and nothing can be done to her, so she’s confined to her courtyard under house arrest." Madam Jiang paused and added, "However, although Second Master Lou’s life is not at risk, his body is worn out and needs careful nurturing. The Old Madam intends to send him to another residence to recuperate and return once he has recovered."
Effectively separating the couple.
However, such a disposition by the Lou family left both Tong Mansion and herself speechless.
As for Tong Xiyu, this time she lost face completely in front of Old Madam Lou and Madam Lou. Even if she bore a son in the future, her days in the mansion would not be easy. Since she knew this would be the result, yet didn’t dispatch anyone to ask Madam Jiang for help, she must have felt guilty herself.
Xiqiu did not sympathize with her. She only felt that since they frequently interacted with Shouning Bo Mansion, and with Grand Dowager and Old Madam Lou being deeply acquainted, she pondered for a while and said to Madam Jiang, "Since the eighth cousin is going to recuperate, it shouldn’t matter where he goes..." Madam Jiang looked at Xiqiu, not understanding her meaning. Xiqiu paused and then said, "Last time you saw the eighth sister, didn’t she mention that the eighth cousin was close to Vice Minister Hu, involving in the matter of repairing the Jiangnan Road embankment?"
"Are you saying?" Madam Jiang understood Xiqiu’s meaning. Xiqiu nodded and said, "Make a connection with Marquis Jinxiang Mansion, and arrange for the eighth cousin to directly take a position in Jiangnan. First, the climate there is good for recuperation, and secondly, it gives him something to do so he won’t have idle thoughts."
Moreover, the embankment repair is handled by designated personnel in the Ministry of Industry, so even if Second Master Lou goes, he won’t have to manage it on the front lines, which is perfect for recuperation.
"That’s a good idea." Madam Jiang nodded incessantly, "I’ll go back and discuss it with my father. If we can secure a position for Second Master Lou in the Ministry of Industry, the Lou family would surely be less angry..." As she spoke, she seemed restless and eager to go back and discuss it with First Master.
Mrs. Chen hesitated for a moment, looking at Xiqiu with uncertainty, "If this matter can be handled, it would indeed be excellent... But, will Marquis Jinxiang be willing to help?" Marquis Jinxiang is currently the most illustrious figure.
She didn’t know about the private relationship between Marquis Jinxiang and them.
Madam Jiang covered her face and smiled, reassuring Mrs. Chen, "Don’t worry, Sixth Lady and Madam Ruan have a very good relationship."
Mrs. Chen trusted her and relaxed.
In the evening, Madam Jiang tactfully informed First Master about the matter at Shouning Bo Mansion and shared Xiqiu’s suggestion with him. First Master was furious upon hearing it, throwing several days’ worth of engraved seals to the ground, smashing them to pieces, and cursed, "This disgrace of a son has done something so shameless!" He then pointed at Madam Jiang, "Go and fetch Madam Mei for me."
Madam Mei was in high spirits. Her daughter was the second daughter-in-law at the Uncle Mansion, and now she was not only deeply affectionate with Second Master Lou but also pregnant, so how could she not be pleased? Her demeanor in the mansion had changed, and she spoke confidently with Madam Xia and Madam Luo.
Upon hearing First Master wanted to see her, she thought he wanted to see her specifically, so she tidied up and went to the study. But as soon as she stepped in, an ink stone was hurled at her. She dodged swiftly, narrowly avoiding it, but still got ink splattered on her skirt and face, making her look extremely messy.
First Master couldn’t scold his married daughter, but he could scold his concubine. He berated her harshly, "This is the good daughter you raised! I thought she had a gentle disposition, even though she couldn’t bear children; she had her mother-in-law’s care and I felt pity for her. But I never expected she would resort to such vile means as those of an actor to compete for favor!"
First Master rarely lost his temper at home, but whenever he did, it was because of a significant matter, and his actions were always alarming.
Madam Mei, not knowing what was going on, tried to defend herself, but seeing First Master’s terrifying expression, she fell to her knees, crying and pleading, "What has happened to make you speak of eighth sister like this and vent your anger on me, my lord?"
Seeing her like this only fueled First Master’s anger more, confirming in his mind that Madam Mei had corrupted her daughter, "Don’t pretend to be dumb with me. You can’t escape involvement in this matter." He continued, "There is no place for you in this household anymore. Pack your things and head to the villa tomorrow, and don’t show yourself before me again!"
Madam Mei realized the seriousness of the situation and cried out in fright, rushing forward to plead, "I am your woman. You can punish me as you see fit, but even in a government trial, the case is presented with reasons and evidence. To pass such a severe judgment without explanation is truly unjust to me!"
First Master kicked her aside and pointed at her, "Fine, you want to know the reason." He called Madam Jiang, who was avoiding the situation outside, to come in and said, "You come and tell her."
Sighing, Madam Jiang came in. As a daughter-in-law, she was not in a position to interfere with her father-in-law’s handling of his concubine, but she had no choice but to explain the situation to Madam Mei.
Hearing it, Madam Mei was terrified, her body starting to shiver.
When Xiqiu learned of Madam Mei being sent away to the villa, it was already noon the next day. She didn’t have any fondness for Madam Mei, and besides, First Master didn’t wrongly accuse her; Tong Xiyu’s current situation had a lot to do with Madam Mei.
A few days later, Madam Jiang sent Nanny Qiu to inform Xiqiu that Second Master Lou’s temporary assignment had been confirmed. Though it was only temporary, being in charge of the embankment construction was a lucrative task, and Count Shouning immediately agreed to it, even sending First Master a gift in thanks.
Tong Xiyu was now pregnant, and since the Old Madam was wise, she would be fine for now. As for what would happen in the future, Xiqiu didn’t want to concern herself with it. If she could do such a thing, she should have thought of the consequences. Besides, she hadn’t sent word to Madam Jiang, whether to call for grievance or sympathy, she said nothing as if the matter had nothing to do with her.
The parties involved didn’t care, so why would they get involved?
Xiqiu decided to leave the matter aside.
These two days, the court situation also returned to normal. The Emperor recovered, and because of the grant of princely titles to the two Princes, the Second Prince opened Prince Ning Mansion on East Fourth Street. The Third Prince, being still young, remained in the palace. As for Min, it was heard that after this Mid-Autumn Festival, he will also move out of the palace to establish the Crown Prince Mansion.
Once he had his own mansion, he would be free to move around, which made Xiqiu happy for him. With a mansion, he could also nurture some advisors and recruit talents, which could only benefit him.
By July, the pavilion in the back garden was finally repaired. Madam Ruan and Madam Qian invited Xiqiu to come watch the flowers, and said to her, "With the camelias blooming so beautifully, why don’t you invite a few madams to enjoy them together? You haven’t mingled outside for quite some time, and this gives everyone a chance to chat."
Xiqiu didn’t respond immediately. That evening, she discussed it with Fourth Master Xiao, who was indifferent and said, "Going too far is as bad as not going far enough. We live a regular life in the capital and should socialize a bit, without constantly stepping on eggshells being overly cautious."
"Alright then," Xiqiu smiled, "I’ll discuss it with mother and my sister-in-law."
Fourth Master Xiao nodded, and the next day, Xiqiu went to discuss with Grand Dowager and First Madam, choosing July 12th, avoiding her own birthday.
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