CHAPTER 391: CHAPTER 393: DISPUTE (PART 1)

First Young Madam Ren then turned her gaze to Xiqiu and Tong Xiyan, following Madam Jiang’s lead: "Fourth Lady, Sixth Lady." Xiqiu and Tong Xiyan both saluted First Young Madam Ren. First Young Madam Ren singled Xiqiu out with a glance, and secretly marveled in her heart at how much Sixth Miss had changed over the past two years. Although she was pretty back then, she was just a naive young girl. Now, as she looked at her fully grown facial features, dressed in a bright red overcoat with double golden flower patterns and a gauze skirt in Qiuxiang color. Her hair adorned with a gold thread ruby hairpin, flanked by two Kingfisher feather hairpins on each side; ruby earrings hung from her ears, and coral beads adorned her wrist. Her gentle smile brought warmth like a spring breeze, brightening the surroundings, and exuding a sense of elegance and grace, maturity and composure...

First Young Madam Ren looked on, finding it difficult to turn her gaze away.

She glanced at the main room, recalling Xiqiu’s purpose for visiting two years ago. At that time, her mother hesitated, feeling that Sixth Miss was presumptuous for hitting her half-sister. Yet, she believed that Sixth Miss would never strike in someone else’s mansion unless truly provoked.

Nevertheless, her mother insisted on listening to Madam Chen, and switched to the Third Miss. Now, having brought the bride into the home, she noticed that the Third Miss, whether in dealing with others or in wisdom, could not compare to the Sixth Miss before her.

Perhaps this is what people often call fortune; the Sixth Miss’s marriage faced many hurdles. She repeatedly heard Tong Xiyang’s sarcastic mentions of her sister, locking into Shandong Hong Mansion, yet cursed Young Master Hong to death, held an ambiguous relationship with her cousin, and even forced her cousin away...the tales were hardly flattering.

But later, the Sixth Miss married into the Xuanning Marquis Mansion. Grand Commander Xiao was utterly undisturbed by her status, with a grand ten-mile red bridal procession, marrying her into the mansion, rumored to be fond of her greatly.

What else could this be if not fortune?

Considering Tong Xiyang’s behavior at her in-law’s, slandering her sister as such, now that she’s in trouble, isn’t she still relying on her sister to stand up for her?

First Young Madam Ren thought of this and quietly smiled to herself.

She then remembered her own mother-in-law waiting inside, glanced at Xiqiu, and happily said: "Look at me, with the pleasure of having the in-law’s madam and lady here, I forgot my manners. Please come inside and have a seat; mother is still waiting for you."

Madam Jiang smiled and replied: "I trouble you, First Madam Ren." With that, she followed First Young Madam Ren into the main room.

The Countess, dressed in a light-colored wide-sleeved overlay coat with longevity patterns, sat high above. Upon seeing them enter, she displayed a subtle smile.

Xiqiu, Madam Jiang, and Tong Xiyan saluted the Countess. The Countess smiled and said: "In-law Madam and Fourth Miss, Sixth Miss, come sit down."

The title was different again, but like First Young Madam Ren, she ignored that they were married, or deliberately disregarded their husband’s family identities.

Xiqiu responded with a gentle smile and took a seat on the left side.

"I heard the mother-in-law has been ill, has she improved now? The mansion has been busy, thinking of visiting but couldn’t find a suitable time." The Countess kindly asked, smiling at Madam Jiang.

Madam Jiang accepted the tea cup offered by the maid, sipped, and replied: "Thank you for caring, the medication has worked recently, and the doctor said after more rest, she will be fine."

"That is good," the Countess nodded smilingly: "Recently, the Count caught a cold, and the Empress Dowager sent some Lingzhi and Panax notoginseng from the palace. I’ll package some for the mother-in-law later."

Madam Jiang smiled slightly: "I wouldn’t dare trouble you, keep them for yourself. Sixth Sister recently sent some over, so we don’t lack any, no additional trouble for you."

The Countess was momentarily surprised but showed no displeasure, nodding slightly and glancing at Xiqiu, who smiled gracefully and dressed in a dignified manner in a bright red overcoat, signifying her status as a Second-rank Lady without displaying overt opulence. Her presence induced mild astonishment, recalling the Sixth Miss of the Tong Family who had cowered behind First Madam Tong, seemingly timid two years ago.

In just two years, she had blossomed into even more striking beauty, exuding the dignified elegance befitting those of noble birth...they say appearances reflect the heart, and it is heard that Fourth Master Xiao dotes on her, the bond between them growing stronger.

Once carefree Fourth Master Xiao, who used to be even more unruly than the third sibling’s antics, now after court duty returns home, reportedly taking leisure time to accompany her viewing her dowry estate, even setting a banquet at Hongyan Building, seemingly genuinely captured by this little consort daughter, longing for a stable life.

She again pondered about Ren Jun before and after marriage. She did not seek a stunningly beautiful wife nor a high-born aristocracy to enforce family prestige, but a daughter-in-law who might anchor her son’s heart, akin to Fourth Master Xiao’s focus on his official career to uphold family honor. Even if not, to cease past antics and live peaceably would be satisfactory.

Yet, upon observation now, Ren Jun has not restrained post-marriage, becoming even more reckless. The concubines were elevated into the household one after another, producing sons and daughters continuously, yet the legitimate wife, having finally gotten pregnant, lost it just like that...

Reflecting on this, the Countess tightened her grip on the tea cup.

Xiqiu subtly raised an eyebrow, acknowledging that Madam Jiang was cleverer than she imagined. Whether Lingzhi or Panax notoginseng, though precious, were obtainable, what the Countess pointedly referred to was the status of the Ren Mansion, while Madam Jiang countered by invoking the Xuanning Marquis, giving deference without being overly conspicuous. For now, they have not confronted Tong Xiyang; aware of specifics and intents, uttering overly firm words can backfire if Tong Xiyang does not reciprocate the courtesy, lest they become outsiders brimming with nothing.

Thus, Madam Jiang adeptly reminded the Countess of Tong Family’s stature without diminishing her dignity.

Xiqiu nodded discreetly.

The Countess took a sip of tea, smilingly addressing Xiqiu: "Thank you Sixth Miss and Fourth Miss for accompanying. Indeed, matters aren’t easy with the third wife’s family." Without blames towards Tong Xiyang, her words harbored fondness, and she again asked: "Is the Grand Dowager in good health?"

"Very well," Xiqiu replied with a smile: "Mother instructed to send her regards to you when I see you, saying it’s uncomfortably chilly to venture out in winter. Otherwise, she would have posted an invitation for you to visit the mansion early; with the weather cold, fewer outings make gatherings seem bleak."

"Indeed!" The Countess agreed with a smile: "Perhaps I’m old now; this hand warmer cannot leave my side for a moment, making outside ventures unappealing, and even if attended, it’s just causing trouble." She paused and continued: "I’ve been thinking too, waiting for warmer weather to visit the Grand Dowager."

Xiqiu smiled in reply: "Mother would certainly be delighted."

Tong Xiyan grew impatient; she wanted to see Tong Xiyang immediately. She frowned upon the Countess and said: "Madam, is Third Sister in the room? I want to take a look." She stated directly.