CHAPTER 290: CHAPTER 290: MARRIAGE PROPOSAL (2)

Madam Xia smiled slightly, and the four of them entered the courtyard one after another. Once inside, Madam Xia gifted the second child a welcoming present, and the room was filled with laughter as they played with the child. When Fugui came to the second gate to fetch them, Chunliu and Chunyan went to send off Siliu. Madam Xia chatted with Xiqiu: "There’s been a lot going on these days, and the Master is worried about Second Master’s affairs. I haven’t even mentioned Seventh Young Master’s business to the First Master yet..."

Since being brought back, Second Master had fallen ill. Though she hadn’t entered his room, she had heard that Second Master had become so thin he was nothing but skin and bones, unrecognizable compared to the once vibrant Second Master who walked with such spirit. Now he resembled a sick old man beyond recovery, eyes filled with hopeless desolation.

Xiqiu could understand how Second Master had become like this. Since entering the imperial examinations, he had experienced smooth sailing and achieved great success, earning high ranks in the Advanced Scholar Palace Examination and being appointed as a scholar, performing better than the First Master. He had steadily ascended from the Hanlin Academy to a position in the Cabinet, becoming the youngest Cabinet Minister of the current era, basking in glory and favor... But in a single night, all of this was shattered like a bubble, blown away and never to return. He had fallen from the clouds into the mud, becoming a prisoner. Such a dramatic rise and fall would be difficult for anyone to accept in such a short time.

Xiqiu sighed and said, "There’s no rush. I heard Father plans to leave in three months, is that true?" The new Emperor’s ascension naturally meant that major officials and Generals from various regions had to return to the Capital to pay homage. However, the Ren Zong Emperor’s ascension had been too sudden, and only ten days had passed, with only seven or eight officials having reached the Capital. Further, those further away, such as the General of Liao State, would only arrive by next month. Therefore, Ren Zong granted a three-month deadline. Although the First Master wasn’t among these people, the Envoy of Hu-Guang Governor was about to reach the Capital, so as a subordinate, the First Master was surely expected to greet them.

"Yes!" Madam Xia said, her face full of smiles. "I too want to stay in the mansion and keep you company!" If it were possible, she really didn’t want to leave, leaving Sixth Miss and Seventh Young Master in the mansion. Although Lady was unwell, her former influence still persisted, making it difficult to establish a firm foothold, not to mention that Sixth Miss wanted to completely control the Tong Mansion... If only the First Master could stay in the mansion, even if Lady felt aggrieved, she would have to restrain herself!

Xiqiu understood Madam Xia’s concerns, and she smiled to reassure her, "You needn’t worry about me, just go to Yongzhou with the First Master. I have my own plans!" Then she added, "There’s no rush with the matter of Seventh Brother going to Qianshan Academy either, let’s discuss it after some time." Hearing that Jiang Shilin was parachuted into the Ministry of Personnel, she was startled. Having vowed to stay out of the bureaucracy, Third-Ranked Scholar Jiang broke his vow and astonishingly sat in the position of Vice Minister, becoming one of the new Emperor’s favored officials. To this, she could only sigh with regret, wondering what Lady would think now that Third-Ranked Scholar Jiang, whom she looked down upon, had become a vital minister of the hot, new Emperor, while Young Master Zhou had just entered the Hanlin Academy this year. Although one couldn’t predict his future success, for now, Jiang Shilin’s prospects seemed very promising!

Madam Xia nodded and stood up, prompting Xiqiu to ask, "Why not have lunch here before you head back?" Madam Xia shook her head, "I’ll take a look in the kitchen. Your father said there are honored guests visiting the mansion today!"

Recently, colleagues who came to the Capital to report on the First Master’s duties often visited to check in on him. Xiqiu didn’t take it to heart and nodded, "Go ahead, Aunt." Madam Xia glanced at her, words lingering unspoken. Sixth Miss was already fourteen, and though they wouldn’t mention it due to the late Emperor’s mourning this year, next year... Next year, she would come of age. She had to bring this up with the First Master!

Madam Xia got up and headed to the kitchen, where she overheard the women inside discussing, "He’s a real talent, tall with good looks. Hard to believe someone so young is already a First Rank official, and rewarded with such a grand mansion. It’s said to be the former residence of the Sixth Prince, a direct imperial prince’s living quarters! The late Emperor considered the Sixth Prince’s youth and the mansion was splendidly built because Lady Hua gave birth to him. Its beauty and décor are unparalleled in this Capital!"

"Isn’t that the truth? There’s an old saying, don’t underestimate the young and poor... How true that is!" Listening, Madam Xia wondered to herself and heard one of the women say, "Now, the Marquis Mansion is fresh out of the oven, truly piping hot... Sigh!" What a pity that the Tong Mansion lost such a good match.

With that, the voices stopped, and Madam Xia, now understanding whom they spoke of, furrowed her brow and turned to the First Master’s study in the outer courtyard. Sure enough, she saw two unfamiliar servants standing at the study’s door. She glanced over and then returned to her own courtyard.

Inside the study, the First Master was speaking, "Please sit, Great Governor!" The First Master saluted Fourth Master Xiao with a cupped fist gesture and let him take the principal seat, intending to sit in the lower position himself. However, Fourth Master Xiao, breaking his usual reserved and aloof demeanor, waved his hand, "Lord Tong, there’s no need to be so formal. Considering our relationship, I should call you Uncle." Saying this, he insistently sat in the lower seat.

The First Master was about to say more, but since Fourth Master Xiao had already seated himself, he could only take the main seat. After the servant served tea, the First Master smiled, "I’m not sure what instructions the Great Governor has for this humble official?!"

Fourth Master Xiao sipped his tea and, instead of replying directly to the First Master, shifted the topic, "I saw Xing in the mansion yesterday. Though his stature isn’t tall yet, he is quite sturdy and can even greet people verbally. Uncle, when you have time, you should visit the Marquis Mansion and see Xing as well."

After all, he’s Xing’s grandfather. Hearing Fourth Master Xiao mention Xing, the First Master’s eyes lit up. Since Xing’s birth, he hadn’t seen him: "Thank you, Great Governor. When I find the opportunity, I will surely visit the Marquis Mansion." Though the First Master wasn’t overly cautious in his words, he still spoke after careful consideration.

Upon these words, the room fell silent. The First Master secretly wondered why Fourth Master Xiao had come to the Tong Mansion, just as he was about to ask, Fourth Master Xiao unexpectedly spoke, "I’ve come today with a request for Uncle!"

Finally getting to the point, the First Master felt relieved and asked, "The Great Governor has shown kindness to the Tong Mansion. If you need anything from this humble official, it’s an honor for me. Please instruct freely, and if it’s within my power, I will certainly do my utmost!" His tone was entirely that of a civil servant.

Fourth Master Xiao’s eyes flickered slightly, and he directly said, "I wish to marry your Sixth Miss." This was said clearly, without beating around the bush.

The words struck like a thunderbolt; the First Master almost dropped the teacup he was holding. He turned to look at Fourth Master Xiao in disbelief, and seeing this, Fourth Master Xiao stood up from his seat, looked at the First Master with sincerity, "I wish to marry your Sixth Miss." He repeated the sentence once more.

It was the First Master’s first time having such a long conversation with Fourth Master Xiao. When their families were related by marriage, Fourth Master Xiao rarely resided in the mansion and had little interaction, often just nodding when meeting outside. The First Master never anticipated that Fourth Master Xiao’s purpose for visiting today was this!