CHAPTER 403: CHAPTER 405: THE FAMILY DIVISION (PART 5)

Xiqiu put down her needlework, laughed, and lightly tapped Chunyan’s forehead, saying, "You’re almost turning into Siliu." Chunyan giggled, "It’s true what they say, ’Those who associate with ink get black.’ I’ve certainly proved the ancient saying!"

The two laughed together, just as Biwu came in carrying a stack of folded clothes. Seeing the smiles on Xiqiu’s and Chunyan’s faces, she asked, puzzled, "What are Madam and Sister Chunyan talking about to be so happy?" She put the clothes away in the bedroom cabinet and came back out.

Chunyan teased her, "What were we talking about? We were saying how yesterday Second Madam sent half a basket of sea crabs over, and Madam doesn’t like them. She’s thinking of giving them away."

Biwu’s eyes brightened instantly, and she eagerly approached Xiqiu, asking, "Madam, don’t you like crabs?" Xiqiu, playing along with Chunyan, nodded regretfully, "No, I don’t like them. No one else here does, either, so I thought of sending them back home, for Concubine, Seventh Brother, and the Eldest Young Madam to share."

"I do, I do!" Biwu immediately raised her hand, "I would go through fire and water for Madam." She blinked her eyes with a look of loyalty.

Chunyan laughed so hard she clutched her belly and fell onto the couch, and Xiqiu was there with a big smile. Chunyan pointed at Biwu and turned to Xiqiu, saying, "Madam, did you see that? The one who’s most like Siliu isn’t me, it’s definitely her."

Xiqiu laughed, and Biwu scratched her head, chuckling sheepishly.

After lunch, Xiqiu took a nap and got up washed. Just then, Chunliu came in with a worried expression, saying, "Madam, someone from the Teng Family has arrived, and the Grand Dowager requests your presence."

Xiqiu’s expression darkened upon hearing this. Considering the time, it was about right for someone from the Teng Family to come.

She tidied herself up, changing into a crimson overcoat with peony patterns embroidered subtly on it. Chunliu draped a silver-grey fur cloak over her, and the two of them, under an umbrella, walked through falling snowflakes like goose feathers, heading to the Grand Dowager’s room.

Just at the courtyard entrance, they saw Fifth Madam in a rose overcoat squatting, talking to Sheng. Sheng occasionally turned his head to look around, clearly not wanting to listen to her.

Fifth Young Master stood in the hall, his head bowed, full of anxiety and distraction.

Seeing Xiqiu enter, Fifth Madam only glanced at her sideways, sneering as she said, "Sister-in-law," and then fell silent.

But Sheng broke free from Fifth Madam and ran to Xiqiu, looking up with a smile, "Aunt, when will you take Min to your place to play again? Can you take me along next time?"

Xiqiu smiled at Sheng, tall and thin. He looked a lot like Fifth Young Master, with a round face but a slender frame. So despite his chubby face, he was generally quite lean. She replied with a smile, "When Aunt goes, I’ll be sure to take Sheng along."

Sheng nodded eagerly, smiling, "Then let’s link fingers." He said, stretching out his small hand.

A year older, indeed different. Xiqiu smiled as she stretched out her finger to hook with Sheng’s.

"Whoever lies is a puppy!" Sheng declared.

Xiqiu was about to respond with a smile when Fifth Madam rushed over, yanking Sheng by the arm, scolding, "What nonsense are you spewing? Always babbling away. Apologize to your Aunt now."

Sheng was startled, his eyes quickly turning red. He pushed Fifth Madam away and ran into the room, calling for the Grand Dowager, "Grandmother, Grandmother!"

Fifth Madam looked awkward, glanced at Xiqiu, lifted her skirt, and chased after him.

Xiqiu raised an eyebrow, took off the cloak outside, and with Chunliu and Bihuai guarding the entrance, entered the room, greeting Xiao Yanting, "Fifth Brother!"

Xiao Yanting stood, his eyes scanning Chunliu and Bihuai at the door before turning back to Xiqiu with a hint of disappointment in his gaze. Awkwardly, he gestured toward the Warm Pavilion, "Mother... is inside."

It’s someone from the Teng Family, and he couldn’t stop it, nor could he avoid it, so he stayed in the main hall?

"Fifth Brother, please sit." Xiqiu nodded to him and turned into the Warm Pavilion.

Xiao Yanting stood back, looking at Xiqiu’s maid at the door, sighing silently.

He originally wanted to ask Fourth Madam to give Chunyan to him, but hadn’t expected that incident to happen, harming Chunyan. Now, whenever he saw Fourth Madam, he felt guilty and couldn’t bring himself to ask her. Moreover, Fifth Madam had done such things to Tong Xi in the past, and surely Fourth Madam held deep resentment toward him...

Now, he only hoped Chunyan could leave the manor safely and find someone who treated her well to marry, which would give him some peace of mind.

Xiqiu entered the room to find Sheng no longer there.

First Madam and Second Madam each sat beside the Grand Dowager. Opposite them, with Fifth Madam, was a woman who appeared about thirty-something, wearing a wide-sleeved cheongsam in an imperial concubine color with golden velvet borders, layered over a red jiaao. Her hair was adorned with a Jade Zan Phoenix Hairpin and a Mutton Fat Jade Jasmine Hairpin, along with a gold plum blossom and filigree jewel flower, shining brightly and elegantly.

She turned to Xiqiu, raised her pointy chin, and asked the Grand Dowager with slightly raised eyebrows, "Who is this?"

The Grand Dowager introduced, "This is the wife of the fourth household." Xiqiu bowed to the Grand Dowager, and greeted First Madam and Second Madam. The Grand Dowager then addressed Xiqiu, "This is First Young Madam Teng."

Xiqiu nodded at First Young Madam Teng, who glanced at her, her gaze shifting sharply, before standing to give Xiqiu a slight bow. Xiqiu returned the gesture with a half-bow.

"Sister-in-law, please sit," Second Madam said with a smile. "I didn’t see you yesterday when you returned. There’s something I wanted to discuss with you." Xiqiu smiled and replied, "I came back late yesterday and didn’t have the chance to greet you. I hope I haven’t delayed anything important for Second Sister-in-law."

Second Madam smiled and replied, "It’s nothing urgent; we can talk about it later." Xiqiu nodded, smiling. The Grand Dowager added, "Since it’s snowing outside now, you all should stay for dinner. I’ll have Nanny Wu set up the hot pot this evening. We’ll enjoy it here together." The Grand Dowager looked at Lady, asking, "What do you think?"

"With this weather, a hot pot would be perfect," Lady said calmly, while Second Madam added, "By chance, the Prince Manor sent some mutton yesterday. I’ve had it sliced; we can have it for the hot pot tonight."

"That’s a great idea," the Grand Dowager smiled.

Xiqiu, also smiling, said, "Mutton is warm and nourishing, perfect for winter. I’ll have someone bring some sliced beef, and we can also prepare some shrimp paste..."

The four of them, mother-in-law and daughter-in-laws, continued chatting about the evening hot pot, a harmonious scene, each with a smile on their face.