CHAPTER 127: CHAPTER 127: SACRIFICE (2)

Tong Minzhi was secretly delighted, and his voice also conveyed a sense of joy.

Tong Shenzhi slightly furrowed his brows. He thought this Mr. Zhao was a bit too eager in teaching the students, but remembering that this person was found by the Second Master, he suppressed his doubts and nodded, saying, "You are still young, don’t rush to learn new knowledge. A solid foundation is the essence."

Tong Minzhi nodded repeatedly, "I understand."

The First Master also nodded slightly, his gaze moving from Tong Shenzhi to Tong Minzhi, agreeing, "Your elder brother is right. Knowledge is not acquired in a day; you shouldn’t be anxious." After speaking, he said to Tong Shenzhi, "If you have time, visit the academy to see this gentleman."

Though the words were not explicit, it was clear that the First Master shared the same thought as Tong Shenzhi. Tong Shenzhi hummed in agreement but said no more, and the First Master also held his teacup to drink tea...

Tong Minzhi was quietly disappointed, lowered his face, Xu Tianqing embraced Tong Minzhi, gently patted his shoulder, quickly glanced at Xiqiu, and saw her frowning, her fingers slowly rubbing the cup holder. Her expression seemed peaceful, but he sensed this Sixth Sister exuded a coldness that kept people at a distance.

He felt a chill in his heart and understood where Xiqiu’s feelings came from. She always cared most about Tong Minzhi, yet the First Master remained indifferent to him. If it were Tong Shenzhi or him earlier, the First Master would certainly inquire a bit, but for Tong Minzhi, he merely gave a slight admonition and said nothing more.

As his thoughts turned over, it took no more than a sip of tea’s time. He suddenly lifted his head and jokingly teased Tong Minzhi, "I remember during enlightenment, just the Three Character Classic teacher explained it for more than a year. You’ve only just started and the teacher is already talking about the Ritual Records. Does this mean you learned well, so the teacher is giving you special care?"

Tong Minzhi, unaware of Xu Tianqing’s intention, only thought he was trying to smooth things over to avoid awkwardness. Blushing, he replied, "I’m dull and inept; how could the teacher give special care... Perhaps each teacher’s teaching sequence has differences in emphasis and detail!"

"Is that so?" Xu Tianqing looked at Tong Shenzhi again, "Who enlightened you, Big Brother? Was it this same Mr. Zhao?"

Tong Shenzhi’s gaze shifted, then he shook his head without replying. Instead, the First Master’s action of holding the teacup stalled. When Tong Shenzhi was young, he was still an official in the Capital, teaching him to write during leisure, starting his enlightenment at three. Compared to Tong Minzhi... he indeed...

Xiqiu’s grip tightened, and then tightened more. Though both were sons, their status and treatment were worlds apart.

"Don’t mention Mr. Zhao," Lady suddenly interjected, cutting off the conversation: "The gentleman invited by the Second Master must be good." The topic was successfully cut off by Lady. She smiled slightly and looked at Xu Tianqing, "Any news from Shandong?"

Since the last incident involving the concubine, there has been no news for over a dozen days. Although Lord Hong had little direct connection with Lord Xu’s career path, Lady feared the concubine blamed her, so she sent several letters, but none were replied to.

"No." Xu Tianqing said with a smile, "Just that Madam Yang sent me some local specialties."

Lady was taken aback. Xu Tianqing didn’t know about Madam Yang’s affairs, but she was well aware. Madam Yang’s visit to Tong Mansion wasn’t due to familiarity with the concubine but was entrusted by Hong Mansion to evaluate the prospective bride. Now, with the marriage plans between the two mansions canceled, she was secretly interacting with Xu Tianqing, for what reason?

Xu Tianqing, always having a keen and sensitive mind, noticed the change in Lady’s expression and added an explanation: "Madam Yang said she was entrusted by my mother and didn’t mention anything else."

Lady let out a sigh of relief and smiled, "That’s good. Making connections with more people in the officialdom is beneficial for your future career." She paused and looked at the First Master again, "Do you have any more instructions, Master?"

The First Master furrowed his brow slightly and waved his hand, Lady said, "It’s getting late. You should all return and rest."

The children rose in succession to bid farewell to the First Master and Lady. Just then, Zijuan rushed in from outside with a pale face. Lady’s gaze tightened, and Nanny Fang had already stepped forward to stop Zijuan, scolding: "Didn’t you see the First Master here, coming in so rashly?"

Zijuan couldn’t care less. Trembling uncontrollably, she knelt in front of Lady.

Xiqiu looked at her attire, a large patch on the honey-colored skirt was wet for some reason. She raised her gaze and stepped back without saying a word.

Lady furrowed her brows and asked, "What’s the matter?"

Zijuan seemed stupefied, her words were stiff, speaking one word at a time: "Master, Lady... Xiu... Xiuzhi, jumped into the river!"

"What?" Lady was startled, her face darkened, "How is she now?" The First Master’s brow also twitched. For a moment, he didn’t recall whose maid Xiuzhi was, but the name felt somewhat familiar.

Zijuan kneeling, thought of Xiuzhi’s appearance, felt a sense of despair, like mourning a fox’s death after the rabbit’s demise... Her eyes turned red, and tears fell: "She was saved by a servant by the Second Master’s side while he was visiting the Master, and they just sent her to the East Cross Courtyard. She is still unconscious. Seeing her face... so pale, I fear... she may not survive." She paused and looked at Xiqiu, "When Madam Xia saw Xiuzhi being carried back in, she fell into the courtyard, knocked her head, and fainted too. The Second Master called for someone to fetch the doctor."

A maid causing such turmoil, even alarming the Second Master, Lady scolded coldly: "If she’s not dead, why cry like this? Go quickly!"

Zijuan was stunned, her face turned white as she was supported by Zizhu to rest.

Xiqiu lowered her head, saying nothing, not expecting the concubine, knowing the ins and outs, to still have fallen ill!

"Mother!" Xiqiu walked to Lady’s side, speaking softly, "Xiuzhi accompanied the concubine for over ten years. Now, with her age to leave the mansion, she probably couldn’t bear the thought..." Lady’s gaze sharply turned to her, eyes slightly narrowed. Xiqiu showed a faint bitter smile: "We don’t know how she is, I wish to go see her!"

Lady pondered slightly, revealed a satisfied expression, and patted Xiqiu’s hand: "Since you’re familiar with her, it’s best you go. Also advise your concubine; since it’s a rule to follow." It would be one thing just for Xiuzhi, but with Madam Xia also ill, Lady, as the matriarch, could reasonably visit to see the sick, though not going was also understandable. If Xiqiu went, it would naturally be a favor done in front of the First Master, which Lady was pleased to do.

Xiqiu nodded seriously, "I understand, mother." With that, she turned her head and knelt before the First Master, "I take my leave." Turning her face, a tear fell before the First Master.

The First Master’s expression froze, already understanding what happened and with whom it was related. He looked at Xiqiu, trying to cry yet holding back, and thought of Madam Xia’s appearance...