CHAPTER 342: CHAPTER 343: TESTING THE WATERS (PART 2)

Without waiting for Xiqiu to speak, she sighed deeply: "However, this flower tea is still best made at home. The tea I usually drink is made by Qiuniang..." Then she turned the topic and asked Xiqiu: "Surely Fourth Sister-in-law has heard about Elder Sister-in-law planning to build a flower house in the mansion?"

Xiqiu just nodded, waiting for the Fifth Madam to continue speaking.

The Fifth Madam continued: "Fourth Sister-in-law knows about the flower house being planned, but does she know there are hidden matters involved?!"

Hidden matters? Xiqiu lowered her head and slowly took a sip of tea, showing no curiosity but instead instructed Chunyan: "Go wrap some Yang Mei Preserves for Fifth Madam." Chunyan responded and went out.

Fifth Madam’s face stiffened as she listened, and she smiled graciously: "Thank you, Fourth Sister-in-law." After speaking, she watched Xiqiu, who was smiling while drinking tea, and her gaze paused. She furrowed her brows before continuing: "To say that Elder Sister-in-law is building a flower house, I am naturally happy for her. Elder Sister-in-law is quite lonely, with no one to accompany her. With flowers and plants to keep her busy, she can have some company... But when it comes to building this flower house, families like ours have to be careful with its location."

As she spoke, she looked at Xiqiu, smiling and lowering her voice: "The Marquis Mansion was originally the residence of a Prince from the previous dynasty. Later, when Emperor Gaozu founded the Zhou Dynasty, the residence changed hands multiple times until our Marquis acquired it... It’s said that the Prince was a great lover of Feng Shui, and the layout of the house adheres to those principles. We must not violate this Feng Shui layout, or else... the fortunes of the Marquis Mansion might be at risk."

Xiqiu’s expression remained steady, though inside she was frequently furrowing her brows. Wasn’t it said that she had invited someone to set up a Feng Shui Formation? Why is it now involved with a Prince from the previous dynasty?!

Fifth Madam saw Xiqiu’s silence and suspiciously remarked: "Fourth Sister-in-law, Feng Shui is something one might as well believe in. We can’t take it lightly."

Xiqiu sighed with a puzzled expression: "What Fifth Younger Sister-in-law said, I do not quite understand... Since this matter is as significant as you say, have you spoken with Mother or Second Sister-in-law?"

Fifth Madam showed a worried look and clasped Xiqiu’s hands in distress: "I came to discuss this matter with you!" She frowned, full of helplessness: "This mansion is managed by Second Sister-in-law, but she holds a noble identity and doesn’t generally concern herself with mundane matters. When I mentioned this to her, she thought I was overthinking... Tell me, isn’t this Feng Shui issue related to the prosperity of offspring for the entire Marquis Mansion?"

"The offspring issue? What do you mean by that?" Xiqiu asked with slight surprise.

Fifth Madam replied mysteriously: "The Prince back then was troubled by a lack of offspring, so when he built this garden, he specially arranged a Feng Shui Formation. After that, the Prince had two legitimate sons, six illegitimate sons within three short years, and the Prince Mansion thrived with people. Later, when it came into the hands of the Old Marquis, the Marquis had four legitimate sons and one illegitimate son, and the family was bustling with people too... But look now, there are only three children in the entire mansion, and Elder Sister-in-law has been childless for decades. Second Sister-in-law has been married for two years and has not conceived. Isn’t that due to Feng Shui issues? Later, a learned master who visited the mansion said that Mei Garden, built afterwards, disrupted the original layout, affecting the mansion’s fortunes."

"To be frank, Fourth Sister-in-law, the reason I insisted on moving back then was this, but then the master built an extra courtyard in front of your quarters to stabilize the layout. After that, I bore Sheng, and Second Sister-in-law... no, the late Second Sister-in-law conceived. You see, one has to believe in such matters."

Xiqiu smiled at Fifth Madam and nodded: "But what does this have to do with Elder Sister-in-law building a flower house?"

Fifth Madam took a sip of tea and continued: "Elder Sister-in-law wants to build a flower house in the southeast corner because it’s close to her garden, but it disrupts the layout. You tell me, isn’t there a connection?"

So, if the First Madam were allowed to build a flower house, it would likely disrupt the Feng Shui layout of the Marquis Mansion, potentially preventing her from having children.

Xiqiu pondered and nodded thoughtfully: "If that’s the case, Younger Sister-in-law should discuss this with Mother; I do not understand... and dare not make arbitrary comments!"

Such a low-born concubine’s daughter lacks sophistication!

Fifth Madam thought of Xiqiu as Tong Xihua’s sister and secretly twisted her handkerchief, while smilingly saying: "Fourth Sister-in-law is right. I just wanted to discuss it with you. Tomorrow, let us go together to talk to Mother. Elder Sister-in-law is in such a state now that we, as young sisters-in-law, must accommodate a bit more... But if Mother were to speak, it would be more effective than us speaking ten times."

So that was the real intention. Xiqiu smiled at Fifth Madam, appearing somewhat undecided: "Younger Sister-in-law, I cannot give you a reply right now. How about I ask Fourth Master tonight and then let you know if that’s feasible?"

Fifth Madam was taken aback; her purpose of speaking with Xiqiu was to probe. If Xiqiu agreed, she would have no footing with First Madam and would have no choice but to ally with her. If she refused, it would be easier; behind this matter was still Second Sister-in-law, whom she planned to isolate Xiqiu with, making it difficult for her to stand her ground in the mansion!

But she never expected Xiqiu to want to consult Fourth Master. If Fourth Master got involved, the situation would change drastically.

Fifth Madam curbed her displeasure and forced a smile, nodding: "Indeed, Fourth Sister-in-law has just married and must naturally discuss things with Fourth Master. It’s just... Fourth Master is busy, and today is his last day off. Tomorrow, he’ll be off to the government office again, so Fourth Sister-in-law must be considerate of him."

"You’re right, Younger Sister-in-law!" Xiqiu laughed as she lifted a cup of tea: "Men toil day in and day out, so we women must be more considerate at home."

Fifth Madam narrowed her eyes slightly and stood up with a smile: "That’s settled then. I await your reply, Fourth Sister-in-law. It’s getting late, so I’ll head back first."

"I won’t keep you then, Younger Sister-in-law." Saying that, she also stood up: "Let me see you off!"

After Fifth Madam left, Chunyan came in looking puzzled: "Madam, I can’t understand Fifth Madam’s meaning. If she’s so concerned about this matter, why doesn’t she speak directly with the Grand Dowager? Why insist on involving you, and circle around it like such a big loop!"

Xiqiu sat on the large kang by the window, picked up her needle and embroidery work, and without raising her head, replied: "She’s just testing me!" She paused and then added: "Keep an eye out and inquire about the situation when the Teng Family caused a commotion here back then, and what they were disputing over."

Chunyan nodded thoughtfully: "I will remember!"

As she was speaking, Fourth Master Xiao returned from the study, so Xiqiu put down her needlework and greeted him: "Fourth Master, have you had dinner?" Saying so, she personally helped him with his outer garments.

Fourth Master Xiao held her hand and nodded: "I had a little in the study." His gaze turned to the embroidery hoop on the kang: "What are you working on? Why are your hands so cold?"

Xiqiu blushed and withdrew her hand, glanced at Chunyan busy tidying the tea set, then settled Fourth Master Xiao onto the kang and personally poured him a cup of tea: "Just now, Fifth Younger Sister-in-law came by and chatted outside for a while."