CHAPTER 24: CHAPTER 24: RESTLESSNESS

Tong Xiyang was extremely angry, but he maintained a calm exterior as he sat down, his intelligent eyes constantly drifting towards Xu Tianqing.

Xu Tianqing was engaging in conversation with Tong Quanzi while discreetly keeping an eye on Xiqiu. He noticed her turning around to instruct old Mrs. He about something, then she got up and left for a moment before returning to her seat. As soon as she sat down, he stood with his wine cup and said, "Sixth Sister, today’s banquet is exquisite and unique, full of cleverness. Sixth Sister, you’ve worked hard!" With that, he downed his drink in one go, waiting for Xiqiu’s reaction.

Xiqiu barely perceptibly furrowed her brow but still stood up, curtsied, and responded politely with a smile, holding her wine cup, "It wasn’t my doing, I dare not claim credit!" This was her way of ending the topic.

Disappointment flashed across Xu Tianqing’s eyes, while Tong Quanzi, on the other hand, banged the table and said, "Sixth Sister, there’s no need to be modest. If it weren’t for your resourcefulness, how would those crude old women and maidservants have such insights? You deserve credit, no need for modesty. Accept our thanks!"

Though young, he was quite robustly built, with thick eyebrows, looking earnest when he smiled and full of confidence when he spoke loudly, instantly drawing everyone’s attention.

Even Tong Shen Zhi chimed in: "Indeed!"

Under such circumstances, Xiqiu couldn’t say much more and could only finish her wine in one go. "Let’s not toast me, Fourth Sister is the true host today!"

She thought that by saying so, everyone would turn to speak with Tong Xiyan, but unexpectedly, Tong Quanzi banged the table in appreciation: "Didn’t expect Sixth Sister to handle her wine so well; let me toast you too!" As if sitting wasn’t satisfying enough, he circumvented the table and squeezed in beside Xiqiu.

If it had been Tong Minzhi, Xiqiu would have easily scolded him, but she couldn’t say much to Tong Quanzi, so she had to manage him: "It’s still quite cool this spring, better drink less, Third Brother!" If anything happened in her courtyard, she would be completely responsible.

Tong Quanzi wouldn’t comply: "Sister, don’t be like an old granny, being overly cautious isn’t fun!"

Xiqiu was speechless, rubbing her forehead and sighing!

Just then, Xu Tianqing came over, pulling Tong Quanzi with a laugh: "Being a real man, how can you pour wine for the ladies? If you want to drink, come, cousin will accompany you!"

Tong Minzhi also came along to drag Tong Quanzi to another side: "Third Brother, don’t you feel ashamed, competing with ladies over wine!"

Tong Quanzi cared a lot about face. Being told off like that, he blushed instantly, and the three of them pulled each other back to their seats.

Xiqiu just breathed a sigh of relief.

Just as she sat down, Xu Tianqing winked at her, signaling that she shouldn’t mind.

Xiqiu nodded back at him, expressing her gratitude.

The two exchanged a silent glance, yet it made Tong Xiyang’s expression change several times, raising his head to drink another cup alone, filled with unspeakable anger.

Xiqiu turned her head and called for Siliu: "Go and ask the kitchen to prepare some sobering soup, and tell the little attendant by Third Young Master’s side to bring over a cloak." Siliu responded and left.

Tong Xiyan came over and said something to her in a low voice. Xiqiu pursed her lips and smiled, and the two of them went into the main room one after the other: "Thank you for today." Tong Xiyan held Xiqiu’s hand, looking at her earnestly.

Xiqiu smiled gently and pushed her into the restroom, not wanting to accept her thanks: "Go ahead, so they won’t have to wait!"

Tong Xiyan smiled and shook her head as she went in, and teased her by twisting her arm: "Looks like I’m not in a hurry, but you’re rushing."

"Yes!" Xiqiu turned to instruct Sixing to prepare water and then helped Tong Xiyan straighten her attire again. As they were about to leave, they saw Tong Xiyang standing prettily at the side: "Didn’t Sixth Sister say there’s also a table set in the bamboo grove? Now that we’ve enjoyed the wine, why not move to the bamboo grove to add some elegance!"

Xiqiu had no objections and looked at Tong Xiyan.

Tong Xiyan furrowed her brow but, being the host today, couldn’t refuse: "I’ll go ask Big Brother. If no one minds, we can move there." Saying this, she intended to bypass her and ask Tong Shen Zhi.

Unexpectedly, Tong Xiyang turned eagerly, "Sister, you don’t need to move, just rest a while. I’ll run the errand!" She turned, not heading for Tong Shen Zhi, but started discussing with Tong Quanzi instead.

Tong Xiyan and Xiqiu exchanged glances.

Tong Quanzi loved action. Hearing this, he immediately shouted, "Let’s go, enjoy the breeze, play the qin, and write poetry in the bamboo grove!" Then he remembered something and yelled: "I’ve just learned some boxing moves, let me show you!"

Tong Minzhi was having so much fun today without any restraints, he clapped his hands enthusiastically: "Let’s watch Third Brother’s boxing!" With that, they hopped excitedly towards the grove, gossiping with excitement.

Even Tong Shen Zhi had no choice but to go: "Bring some maidservants around for safety." A group abandoned the courtyard and moved to the bamboo grove.

Tong Xiyang turned her face, her eyes fixed on Xu Tianqing’s handsome and tall back, her smile reaching her eyes.

Xiqiu furrowed her brow and shook her head. Although Tong Xiyang had always been somewhat condescending, she maintained the grace and restraint of a noble lady. However, since Xu Tianqing’s arrival, Tong Xiyang had become eager, and at the banquet earlier, her eyes barely left Xu Tianqing. No matter what he said, she always found a way to join the conversation, so eager it was.

After some thought, Xiqiu turned and called over Chunliu: "Do you remember what I instructed you about the other day?"

Knowing the importance, Chunliu nodded, "This servant will lead the maidservants and guard all over the grove right away."

This couldn’t happen in her courtyard!

Amid the bamboo grove, green leaves swayed gently in the wind, producing a rustling sound. Tong Xiyu, the Eighth Miss, was dressed in a peach blossom-patterned overcoat. Her face was charming like a budding flower. Her slender fingers danced skilfully on the zither strings, the music ethereal and echoing in the grove, serene, calm, and captivating!

As the tune ended, the echoes lingered, and everyone was engrossed!

Tong Quanzi, who was never good at appreciating music, forced himself to say: "Not bad, not bad, haha..."

Tong Xiyu blushed, stood and curtsied, having the instrument carried away.

Earlier, Tong Xiyang suggested that the Eighth Miss play a tune to liven things up. Everyone was enthusiastic, so they brought the zither, leading to what just happened!

Xiqiu found it impressive, showing that Tong Xiyu had put in real effort!

"Eighth Sister’s zither skills are remarkable, leaving a lasting impression. I wonder what Sixth Sister plans to showcase?" Tong Xiyang laughed behind her sleeve, her gaze mockingly falling on Xiqiu.

What could she do? Aside from knowing a few words and embroidering flowers anyone could, what else could she do?

Xiqiu really wanted to pry open Third Miss’s mind to take a look. Although they were all siblings here, they were not entertainers performing for a full house, vying for fame and adoration, like a performer hoping for a high price. How could she come up with such ideas?

"Being dull, I don’t know any skills, better not to embarrass myself. So as not to be secretly laughed at by maidservants and old women, if word spread later, it would drag your reputations down too."

Her cheeks blushed slightly, as if she truly feared disgracing herself!