CHAPTER 334: CHAPTER 335: ENTERING THE PALACE (3)

The Grand Dowager nodded: "Then you all go, come back for the meal!"

Xiao Yanyi also stood up, bid farewell to the Grand Dowager, and said to the Second Madam: "I will go to the government office after leaving the palace, might be back a bit later." The Second Madam replied with a smile: "Understood." She affectionately stood up and tidied his clothes: "Take your time on the road."

The Grand Dowager watched, and a smile reached her eyes.

Fourth Master Xiao strode towards the door, Xiqiu performed a ceremonial bow, waited for Xiao Yanyi to exit first, and then followed both of them out.

Standing at the doorstep, she exhaled a long sigh...

Outside the carriage, Xiqiu instinctively boarded the carriage behind, as she heard Fourth Master Xiao mention having matters to discuss with Xiao Yanyi en route, presumably not sharing a carriage with her. But before she settled, the carriage curtain lifted, and Fourth Master Xiao had already entered. Xiqiu showed surprise, while Fourth Master Xiao casually said: "The matters can be discussed later."

Was he indicating that the matters with Xiao Yanyi could be postponed?

She smiled slightly, took the teapot from the secret compartment to pour him a cup of tea. The carriage began moving slowly, outside Xiao Yanyi stood by the carriage, slightly lowered his gaze watching the lead carriage with some consideration, his servant asked: "Marquis, shall we proceed now?"

Xiao Yanyi moved his gaze, then turned and boarded the carriage.

First, they headed to the Empress Dowager’s palace; the Empress Dowager was not the Emperor’s biological mother, but it is said she once favored the Emperor, so there was no objection when the Emperor took the throne, and she was titled Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager resembled the Second Madam in appearance, with very fair skin and a high nose, elegantly and gracefully seated at the top. She looked at Xiqiu and smiled: "This must be Fourth Madam Xiao." Fourth Master Xiao respectfully replied: "Indeed!"

The Empress Dowager looked at Xiqiu and said: "Gentle in appearance, composed and graceful!" She nodded with a smile: "She is truly a beauty!"

Xiqiu responded humbly: "Your Highness, you flatter!" The Empress Dowager then asked: "You have just entered the household, have you seen your Second Sister-in-law?"

"I have seen her." Xiqiu replied respectfully: "The Princess was very amiable!"

The Empress Dowager’s smile softened a bit, she laughed: "She has always been good-tempered since childhood, never causing me any worry, always striving for the best!"

Indeed, speaking about one’s own granddaughter brings a special warmth, Xiqiu conversed with some complimentary words.

The Empress Dowager finished speaking and then asked Fourth Master Xiao: "Yesterday, I heard you and the Imperial Uncle plan to set up the Caoxing Company in Tongzhou?"

Fourth Master Xiao raised his eyebrows slightly and replied: "In a moment of interest, I did mention it, and we did contribute some money and organized people to execute it, but recently being occupied with our matters, it hasn’t been prioritized... Maybe we need the Commandery Prince to speak, otherwise, just the two of us might continue delaying indefinitely." He sighed and shook his head.

Prince Rong is the Empress Dowager’s grandson!

The Empress Dowager’s eyes brightened, she smiled and asked: "Did you say the Commandery Prince is involved?" She seemed quite pleased: "Although the Caoxing Company declined somewhat after past events, the recent situation seems promising, you all should try. If facing difficulty in addressing it with the Emperor, I will speak on your behalf."

Fourth Master Xiao showed an expression of gratitude, clasped fists to the Empress Dowager: "That would be wonderful, if approved by the Emperor, things might proceed more smoothly."

The Empress Dowager was satisfied and smiled.

They talked further about the Caoxing Company, the Empress Dowager decided: "I will arrange someone to take you all over!" Fourth Master Xiao was to meet the Emperor while Xiqiu was to thank the Empress on the other side.

Xiqiu rose to her feet and bowed her head, thanking the Empress Dowager, then followed a palace female official dressed in honey-colored overcoat to the Empress’s palace.

The Empress was of average height, with deep eyes carrying a foreign charm, her figure was curvaceous, and when she smiled, two dimples appeared, blending maturity with a hint of sweet charm, showing no evident signs of pregnancy, possibly due to lesser months.

She smiled and granted Xiqiu a seat, observed Xiqiu and said: "I’ve heard for some time that Grand Commander Xiao arranged a marriage, returning from Liaodong with injuries, hastening to the Astronomical Bureau to select an auspicious date, I have been curious for quite a while, today I finally see you in person!"

There was no intention of mockery, only pure curiosity.

Xiqiu blushed, bowing her head, listening, secretly alarmed, Fourth Master Xiao injured? She was unaware, that night he appeared without any abnormalities...

The female official at the Empress’s side chuckled softly behind her hand: "Madam, the Governor’s wife is shy."

"Let’s not speak of it!" The Empress laughed: "Grand Commander Xiao has a deep connection with The Princely Heir Shen, seeing Fourth Madam Xiao, I feel a sense of familiarity." Then she instructed the female official: "Go, bring the incense Emperor gifted me yesterday."

The female official responded and went to the inner room.

The Empress continued: "Received just yesterday, the fragrance is quite refreshing, you may take some back as my gift to you."

Xiqiu stood up, displaying a timid expression: "Yesterday, Your Highness also granted me several items!" The Empress appeared generous: "It’s nothing, you must visit the palace frequently, I feel close when I see you!"

Xiqiu nodded: "I fear Madam might grow weary of me."

The Empress turned her gaze, laughing: "Feel free to visit, if anything arises that’s inconvenient, send someone to inform me in the palace, The Princely Heir Shen received much care from Grand Commander Xiao in Liaodong, don’t stand on ceremony between us!"

"The Princely Heir holds nobility, and Grand Commander Xiao’s care is expected, besides, I heard from the household maids that The Princely Heir is exceedingly brave..." The Empress appeared quite pleased, laughing behind her hand: "Such sweet words."

Just then, someone rushed in from outside the hall: "Your Highness, the Emperor has arrived!"

The Empress stood up welcoming, Xiqiu followed the female official behind a curtain to avoid.

Fourth Master Xiao visited the Emperor, now the Emperor arrived at the Empress’s, suggesting Fourth Master Xiao might be waiting for her somewhere? Xiqiu glanced at the female official, who remained dutifully standing with her head bowed, decided against premature farewell.

The Emperor spent approximately a tea’s worth of time, later a female official entered the room and bowed respectfully to Xiqiu: "Fourth Madam Xiao, the Empress has left with the Emperor, and asked me to inform you not to wait." She then handed over the Black Wood Gilded Box: "This is the incense gifted to you by the Empress."

Xiqiu respectfully accepted it with both hands, said: "I thank the Empress for her gift." She then turned to the female official: "Much obliged!"

The female official said nothing, smiled and remarked: "I shall escort you out, Grand Commander Xiao is waiting outside for you." Xiqiu nodded and followed the female official out of the palace gate, passed two corridors and saw Fourth Master Xiao afar conversing with Xiao Yanyi, upon her approach they paused speaking, Fourth Master Xiao inquired: "Everything fine?"

Xiqiu nodded, then bowed to Xiao Yanyi: "Marquis!"

"We shall discuss back at home." Xiao Yanyi also examined Xiqiu thoroughly before turning around and walking ahead.