CHAPTER 324: CHAPTER 324: THE WEDDING (PART 4)

Xiqiu thought for a moment, then whispered a few words into Madam Xia’s ear. Madam Xia’s face flushed as she spat, "You little girl, you have no shame at such a young age." Xiqiu laughed and said, "After I get married, Seventh Brother will inevitably feel lonely in the mansion by himself. If he could have another brother or sister, he’d be delighted."

The happiest, of course, would be the First Master!

Madam Xia lowered her head to look at the account book and did not reply immediately, but her face showed little happiness. She never thought of having more children with the First Master. Compared to the deep affection of the past, now being with him not only lacked the previous feelings, but often stirred up disgust in her. Seeing him reminded her of those hard times the three of them endured. Some things are imprinted in the heart, and even if one chooses not to regard them, it doesn’t mean they can be erased...

Xiqiu understood her feelings, but this was ancient times, and there was no concept of divorce. Even if there were, a concubine had no right to propose it. Since there was no choice and no escape, why not try to adapt and make oneself more comfortable?

After having dinner with Madam Xia, Xiqiu saw her back to the East Cross Courtyard, and they ran into the First Master outside the courtyard gate. He stood with his hands behind his back, watching them with a smile. Madam Xia paused in her steps, and Xiqiu quietly grasped her hand, whispering, "Madam, the past can’t be erased or changed, but we can’t live in the past forever. Isn’t the future more worth looking forward to?!"

She truly hoped that after she left the Tong Mansion, Madam Xia and Tong Minzhi would live well together. For them to find happiness, the only person they could rely on was the First Master!

Madam Xia pondered for a moment, then nodded slowly and said, "Be careful on your way back." Xiqiu smiled and nodded, "Understood!"

Saying this, she curtsied to the First Master from a distance and returned to her courtyard with Chunyan and Chunliu. After washing up, she said to Chunyan and Chunliu, "You’ve been working hard these days; don’t take night shifts tonight, go rest."

After some thought, Chunyan replied, "I’ll take the night shift tonight. I’ll sleep in the outer room; it’s inconvenient for the young lady to be without someone around." Xiqiu waved it off, saying, "It’s not cold, and if I’m thirsty, I’ll get up and pour myself a drink. Just keep the tea warm on the stove."

Insisting, Xiqiu left Chunyan with no choice but to move the stove to the outer room. She also placed a tea bowl by Xiqiu’s bedside, carefully warming the bed with a soup warmer before leaving.

Xiqiu shut the door herself, turned towards the bed, but was startled to see someone standing in the dim corner of the room. The lights did not reach the figure—a tall, erect silhouette standing there, hands behind his back. She gasped and instinctively stepped back. At this moment, the figure stepped out from the shadow.

The dim light partially illuminated him. He was wearing a thin, slightly old jiaao that she had made herself, covered in dust from travel. Long whiskers grew down the sides of his cheeks, covering the face except for a pair of long, phoenix eyes that watched her quietly. Xiqiu froze and blurted out, "Grand Governor!"

Fourth Master Xiao walked slowly towards her, a faint smile of satisfaction in his eyes. Once she confirmed it was him, Xiqiu asked in surprise, "Wasn’t the army supposed to enter the Capital in three days? How did you arrive early?" It was known that, without an imperial edict, a governor should not enter the Capital on their own. Violations could result in demotion or military punishment!

Fourth Master Xiao listened and smiled broadly but asked, "Are you concerned about me?" He crossed over in two or three steps, his eyes shining as he repeated, "Are you concerned about me?"

Xiqiu was taken aback and suddenly wondered if her concern was a bit unnecessary... so she changed the topic: "It’s almost time for the curfew; how will you leave the city?"

Fourth Master Xiao suddenly laughed loudly, and Xiqiu felt like the ceiling began to shake. She changed her expression and tried to stop him, "Hey, keep your voice down, do you want everyone to know that Grand Commander Xiao snuck into the Capital and broke into the boudoir at night?"

Fourth Master Xiao was unfazed, his bearded face full of exuberance and confidence: "Since we’re about to be married, what does it matter if they know!"

Xiqiu sighed speechlessly; these rules and etiquettes had always been meaningless to him!

Fourth Master Xiao finally stopped laughing, his gaze falling on Xiqiu’s head. A Mutton Fat Jade hairpin was prettily tucked in her hair bun. He nodded with satisfaction, "It suits you perfectly!" He then handed her an identical black wood box. Xiqiu raised an eyebrow, "A hairpin?"

Fourth Master Xiao also raised an eyebrow slightly, as Xiqiu suspiciously accepted the box and opened it to reveal a box full of various gemstones and Dongzhu pearls the size of fingernails, apparently worth a fortune. Xiqiu looked at him in shock and asked, "Spoils of war?" Such items were famously hard to buy, even with money.

Fourth Master Xiao nodded candidly, and Xiqiu asked, "For me to keep?" War was like that—prisoners, spoils, and enemy heads on the battlefield were soldiers’ silver and welfare. As the commander, the governor would naturally be well gifted, not to mention capturing the leaders of the Twelve Tribes of Mongolia this time.

Fourth Master Xiao nodded again, casually adding, "There are more that are inconvenient to carry; I’ll give them to you in a few days." This was granting her the authority of managing the household before she even entered it.

Xiqiu looked down at the box in her hand, her heart warming. She had accepted this marriage, knowing some things were beyond her control and couldn’t be changed. She had imagined countless ways she and Fourth Master Xiao could interact and prepared herself mentally. Though she had two lifetimes, she had never experienced married life, so she was still anxious and anticipated, even if there would be no grand promises. At least it would be more free than at the Tong Mansion, without the anxiety for survival, no need to painstakingly calculate every step. For these, she was willing to adapt. But among the countless scenarios, she never expected he would treat her this way.

Lowering her head, feeling a complex mix of emotions, full of questions she was unsure how to begin asking.

Fourth Master Xiao, seeing her expression fluctuate, thought she was worried about the wedding, and said, "It doesn’t matter if the date passes; I’ve asked the Astronomical Bureau to choose another auspicious day. It won’t take long!"

As if she couldn’t wait! Xiqiu’s face flushed instantly, her eyes covered with a mist that made them hard to see through, as if she wanted to speak but held back. Fourth Master Xiao’s gaze darkened slightly as he turned his head, looking down at the table, his voice a bit hoarse, "Won’t you offer me a cup of tea? I’ve just arrived in the Capital and haven’t had even a sip of tea or food!"

Xiqiu was taken aback, realizing that he had only arrived in the Capital that afternoon. He must have been busy meeting colleagues, arranging prisoners to camp outside the city, and dealing with crowds of citizens. He must have been busy beyond measure, not having time for himself. She furrowed her brows and said, "Wait for me here." With that, she placed the box on the table and opened the door.

Fourth Master Xiao watched her retreating figure, a barely noticeable smile appearing beneath his beard.