CHAPTER 103: CHAPTER 103: OFFENSE (3)

Lord Liu’s eyes revealed a hint of pride!

Xiqiu stepped aside and looked at Tong Shen Zhi and Xu Tianqing. She saw Xu Tianqing walking quietly beside Tong Shen Zhi, listening intently to others with a smile on his face. What surprised her was Tong Shen Zhi’s expression. Although it wasn’t as pleasant as Xu Tianqing’s, it was different from the rigidness he showed at home. Instead, he bore an expression similar to the First Master’s, with humble and approachable manners, yet an aloof demeanor that garnered respect.

She marveled at how, whether it was a gentleman like the First Master, a shrewd official like the Second Master, or a strict scholar like Tong Shen Zhi—anyone who could stand firm in officialdom had their own unique way of dealing with people and things!

The group chatted as they walked out of the courtyard.

Then Xiao Yanyi came out from the study and instructed the waiting servants in the courtyard, "There’s nothing to do here; go follow and attend to them!" As a man of high status, his orders were not to be defied.

In the blink of an eye, the large study courtyard was left with only Xiqiu behind the bushes, Xiao Yanyi at the entrance, and Tong Xi locked in the side room.

It was then that Xiao Yanyi leisurely went to the side room, opened the door, and let Tong Xi out. The two walked towards Xiqiu’s direction.

At this moment, Xiqiu had already emerged from the woods. From afar, she curtsied to Xiao Yanyi, "Thank you, brother-in-law!" Tong Xi also joined her in bowing to Xiao Yanyi!

Xiao Yanyi smiled widely and said, "You’d better go back quickly! I heard Mother-in-law is looking for you." As he spoke, he took a book from behind him and handed it to Tong Xi, "If Mother-in-law asks, just say you came to the outer courtyard to find me. I will explain later!"

Tong Xi and Xiqiu were both surprised. Tong Xi took the book and saw the title elegantly written as "Li Zhenqing’s Poems." Xiqiu raised an eyebrow secretly, not expecting him to be so meticulous.

They thanked Xiao Yanyi gratefully and bid farewell, "We’re heading back then!" Xiao Yanyi nodded slightly, and Xiqiu and Tong Xi left the courtyard together.

Xiao Yanyi stood on the steps, watching their backs, and sighed deeply!

Lady was standing in the East Cross Courtyard, her face grim, and anger surged in her heart. She glared coldly at Madam Wang and said, "Wang Fangzhi, I don’t care what tricks you’re playing, but don’t try to be clever with me!"

Madam Wang laughed behind her sleeve, looking fearless, "Ma’am, it’s been years since you called my name; it sounds really intimate." She was the First Master’s serving maid back then, and only after Lady married in and was pregnant after two years did the First Master take her in. Before that, everyone in the mansion called her Fangzhi!

Madam Wang continued, "Ma’am, this time you have wronged me. My maid indeed saw the two young ladies come to the East Cross Courtyard."

Lady snorted coldly, "It better be that way!"

There was no longer any pretense between them. Ever since the First Master returned, Madam Wang’s plans had all collapsed! She remembered how Madam Xia was neglected for six years, and the First Master never looked at her. She didn’t want to end up like Madam Xia. She tried every means to win him back, but the First Master listened only to Lady, believing nothing she said. He even blamed her for being greedy and thoughtless when her child died, not believing that Lady was behind it. That was the son she had hoped for for ten years, carefully protected; how could she have made such a mistake!

She pored over medical books, showing the pages to the First Master, thinking he would stand up for her, at least scold Lady. But no, he didn’t say a word against Lady and accused her of sowing discord between his wife and concubines, telling her to reflect on her mistakes behind closed doors!

Even more unbearable was the First Master’s decision, without even consulting her, to betroth the Third Miss to Shandong, to that Lord Hong, who was about to retire, and his son, Young Master Hong, who was disabled. How could the Third Miss live there, with such old burdens above and young ones below?

Moreover, the marriage was chosen by Lady, and after so many years of fighting, no one knew Lady better than her. That Young Master Hong was certainly more than just a crippled leg!

She absolutely couldn’t let the marriage of the Third Miss be dictated by her. All her efforts over the years were just so she could stand her ground in Tong Mansion, so that the Third Miss wouldn’t end up like her, so she could escape the confines of Tong Mansion and live above others.

If the First Master wouldn’t help her, she would take matters into her own hands!

The two stood at the door, waiting for the maids to return with news. The oppressive tension was palpable, making Nanny Fang, who had hurried over, stand nervously by Lady’s side, fearing that Madam Wang might do something reckless!

She recalled how Madam Wang had immediately apologized to Lady as soon as she returned from the opera, saying the Fourth Miss had been severely scalded. The other madams, upon hearing this, were very worried and all wanted to visit the Fourth Miss...

Lady couldn’t refuse, nor could she reject the other madams’ goodwill. Besides, she was also worried, though suspicious, but ultimately out of concern for Fourth Miss, she stopped the opera and sent word to the First Master in the outer courtyard, accompanying the madams to the West Courtyard herself.

Upon entering the courtyard, they saw Nanny Duan and the Maid Siliu, who served the Sixth Miss, sitting together at the door. The two displayed anxious looks upon seeing the madams, and Nanny Duan stepped forward, curtseying, "Lady!" then greeting the madams, "Good day, madams!"

Their suspicious demeanor and hesitant responses caused Lady to furrow her brow, "How is the Fourth Miss? Why aren’t you serving inside, sitting here instead?"

Nanny Duan was taken aback, lowered her head, and said, "The young miss is fine. Her leg is a bit red. The Sixth Miss applied medicine herself and fed her medicine until she fell asleep. Seeing no issues, this maid and Maid Siliu decided to sit here for a while."

Lady looked at Madam Wang with deep meaning, nodding, "Go brew some tea, and bring snacks and fruits for the madams visiting the Fourth Miss."

Cold sweat almost broke out, feeling breathless, but Nanny Duan calmed herself, addressed Lady and the madams, "Lady, madams. Since the Fourth Miss just fell asleep, I’ll go in and wake her shortly."

The madams were insightful; when a servant dared to block the madams at the door, it meant either Madam Tong lacked discipline or there was something amiss inside. Madam Yang subtly urged Nanny Duan, "No need to hurry!" She turned to Lady and said, "Since she’s sleeping, knowing that the Fourth Miss is alright is enough. We don’t want to disturb her rest."

Madam Liu also chimed in, "As long as she’s fine, let her rest well."

Lady’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, showing a trace of displeasure towards Nanny Duan.

Second Lady smiled and interjected, "Nanny Duan is an elder in the household; if she says it’s fine, it probably is. Sixth Miss is always reliable, and with her watching over, we can rest assured. If we’re not going in, let’s go back and enjoy the opera!"