CHAPTER 297: CHAPTER 297: ENGAGEMENT (5)

Xiqiu recounted everything that happened at Puji Temple to Madam Xia. Madam Xia was incredulous: "So, it was the young master who saved you?" Xiqiu nodded. Madam Xia suddenly stood up. No wonder Fourth Master Xiao came to the Tong Mansion to propose without any reason. She really thought the Grand Dowager felt guilty toward the Tong Mansion, so since the marriage for the Marquis was not successful, they let Fourth Master Xiao marry a young lady from the Tong family to compensate the Marquis Mansion’s regret.

It turned out not to be the case at all. She turned to Xiqiu and said, "So, you’re saying he developed these intentions after that incident?" Considering the timeline, he was not in the Capital for long, only returning after the New Year, and shortly after returning, he came to propose. That means the young master must have taken a liking to Sixth Miss back at Puji Temple.

Xiqiu blushed and shook her head. That night, she was only focused on venting her suppressed discontent and forgot to ask him many things. Since she had no choice, and would have to marry one day, perhaps Fourth Master Xiao was her best choice compared to others.

"From what you say, the young master doesn’t really match the rumors outside..." she paused, then continued, "But what about keeping a mistress, and isn’t that child still living at the Marquis Mansion?" In other families, it’s not uncommon for a young master to have one or two concubines before marriage, and having them by Fourth Master Xiao’s side would not surprise Madam Xia. However, one thing is taboo, which is to not raise a concubine before the legitimate wife enters, nor allow an illegitimate child to be born first to prevent confusion in future inheritance and distribution of family wealth.

Madam Xia’s worry was not unfounded, it’s just that the child was already a fact. Besides, Xiqiu always believed that child was not Fourth Master Xiao’s. But if that child was truly born the night the Second Prince Consort gave birth, why, even after the Emperor ascended the throne for half a month, hasn’t there been news of her retrieving the child?

She frowned deeply, suddenly recalling when Ren Zong stormed the Imperial City, he did so shouting to avenge his Imperial Concubine and legitimate heir. When people heard it, they also criticized the Third Prince for disregarding brotherhood and kinship... If so, then if Min at the Marquis Mansion was really that child, does that mean he must stay at the Marquis Mansion forever, even if he recognizes his ancestors and returns to the family, it couldn’t be now, and he couldn’t return under the title of legitimate heir?!

Suddenly, she was overwhelmed with sorrow. What was the fault of the young son, this battle for heirship took his mother, and now even his father couldn’t acknowledge him.

Madam Xia saw her in a daze, thinking that she, too, was filled with worry and apprehension for her future, hurriedly pressed down her own thoughts, turning to comfort Xiqiu: "Don’t think too much, once you marry, you will be the legitimate mother. Whether he is legitimate or not, he can’t surpass your children. Even if there’s a conflict in the future, others can’t blame you." After saying this, she swiftly changed the topic, afraid Xiqiu would overthink: "I’ve discussed with your father, this time I won’t go to Yongzhou with him. I’ll stay in the mansion to help you prepare your dowry."

Xiqiu raised her eyebrows at her. Madam Xia’s face turned red as she leaned closer to Xiqiu’s ear and said, "Your father gave me a silver note of five thousand taels last night. I think it should be enough to prepare your dowry." Lady’s side cannot be relied upon, First Master is well aware, which is why he left the silver with Madam Xia before leaving, for her to personally arrange Xiqiu’s dowry.

Xiqiu was astonished. When Tong Xiyang got married, the Marquis Mansion presented forty-eight boxes of betrothal gifts. Lady returned with fifty-six boxes, but Nanny Qian told her Lady only spent about three thousand taels from start to finish, which included money for two villages and a shop. Now, First Master giving her five thousand taels all at once for her marriage, does this mean her dowry would be even more substantial than Tong Xiyang’s?!

"Luckily, there is more than a year left. Even though it’s not plentiful, with this time, it’s possible to prepare," Xiqiu held Madam Xia, eyes moist: "Madam, why don’t you and Seventh Brother come live with me? I will discuss it with him about moving to the Governor Mansion so that we can be together every day. I trust you more that way."

Madam Xia chuckled softly at Xiqiu: "Who marries with their stepmother and brother in tow, only you could think of such a thing!" She laughed, covering her mouth for quite some time, eyes filled with mirth: "Don’t worry about me and Seventh Young Master in the mansion. In this half year, I’ve thought a lot, before, I was too cowardly and selfish. In the future, I won’t let you and Seventh Young Master be bullied by others anymore... Besides, if you move to the Governor Mansion, you can never mention it again. Since the Grand Dowager intends for you to live at the Marquis Mansion, you should respect her wishes, she is to be your future mother-in-law, you must always honor and obey her, do not speak things contrary to her will."

"I’ll remember!" declared Xiqiu seriously, nodding. As they continued to chat in the room, suddenly Chunliu ran in, face pale, speaking urgently to Xiqiu: "Miss, something’s not right, someone from the Zhou family is here!" Xiqiu was taken aback and asked: "Did they say what the matter was?" They’ve just sent back Dragon Boat Festival gifts, could it be the wedding date is having issues again and needs to be changed?!"

"It’s that Young Master Zhou himself, and he brought along the matchmaker from the last time who set the wedding date, it’s like...seems like he came to break the engagement."

Upon hearing this, Xiqiu instantly stood up: "Break the engagement?" Chunliu nodded earnestly, Xiqiu and Madam Xia exchanged a glance, Madam Xia’s expression darkened: "If that’s truly the case, poor Fourth Miss is truly unfortunate..."

With Lady and Nanny Fang present, the Zhou family surely wouldn’t find breaking the engagement easy. Nonetheless, it’s hard on Tong Xiyang; this series of torments truly worries me she might do something foolish.

"I’ll go see Fourth Sister." After bidding farewell to Madam Xia, Xiqiu hurriedly took Chunliu to Tong Xiyan’s room. As soon as they entered, Daiju and Daijuan eagerly approached, grabbing Xiqiu’s arm: "Sixth Miss, please go see Fourth Miss, she’s been both crying and laughing there, we can’t help but feel anxious watching!"

Xiqiu’s expression grew stern, she squinted and glanced at Daijuan, who immediately lowered her head, realizing she had misspoken. Xiqiu scolded, "The matter isn’t yet settled, do not speak nonsense in front of Fourth Sister!" After instructing, she proceeded to head towards the room but suddenly turned to Daijuan: "Go to Lady’s room and see if they’ve gone, find out what was said."

Daijuan, intimidated by Xiqiu’s authority, nodded with her head lowered and quickly left the courtyard.

Xiqiu entered and found Tong Xiyan sitting in a chair with her back to the entrance. Entering, Xiqiu was taken aback to see Tong Xiyan laughing and crying at the teacup in her hands, muttering words, showing no reaction to Xiqiu’s presence. Xiqiu’s heart skipped a beat, hurriedly approaching and calling: "Fourth Sister, what’s wrong?" She called several times, yet Tong Xiyan remained unresponsive, staring vacantly at the teacup as though it was something amusing!

Holding her hand, Xiqiu pressed down on the teacup in her hand, asking, "Fourth Sister, what’s wrong, it’s me, Xiqiu."

Deprived of her sight of the teacup, Tong Xiyan’s gaze finally shifted, glancing listlessly at Xiqiu, before lowering her head once more, grappling silently with Xiqiu for the teacup!