CHAPTER 418: CHAPTER 420: SECOND WIFE (PART 2)

It was the Marquis’s concubine, Teng Qiuniang.

Bihuai turned her gaze and met Biwu’s eyes, a look of alertness rising within them.

"Madam Teng." Xiqiu nodded slightly, appearing distant and cold.

"Fourth Madam." Teng Qiuniang smiled warmly: "It’s been a while since I last saw Fourth Madam. I’ve been meaning to visit but seeing you’re always busy, I dared not disturb you rashly. I’m here to pay my respects."

Xiqiu listened and furrowed her brows, realizing Teng Qiuniang had changed significantly from two years ago. Back then, regardless of her stubbornness or recklessness, there was still a youthful innocence and simplicity in her temperament. But now... she was completely a woman of the inner chambers, her gaze during interactions full of calculation.

She didn’t like it, so her smile grew even fainter: "It’s only a trivial matter. We’ll have opportunities to meet in the garden later." She paused, then said: "I have matters to attend to, farewell." With that, she sidestepped Teng Qiuniang and headed towards the courtyard gate.

Teng Qiuniang, however, called out from behind her: "Fourth Madam." Seeing Xiqiu stop and turn back to look at her, she smiled sweetly and curtsied to Xiqiu: "Back then, the pair of Mandarin duck embroidered pillowcases Madam sent were exquisite and priceless. I’ve never had a chance to properly thank you!" She finished, her gaze lifted towards Xiqiu, full of sincerity.

The pillowcases were initially intended as a gift for Tong Xiyang’s wedding. However, due to an incident at the Marquis Mansion involving Teng Qiuniang, she instructed Sixing to deliver them as a congratulatory gesture, without expecting acknowledgment—just a reflection of her mood at the time.

"No need." Xiqiu smiled and said: "I made them myself, so they’re not considered precious." Saying this lightly, she turned and left the courtyard.

As Teng Qiuniang watched Xiqiu’s departing figure, she angrily clenched the handkerchief in her hand. Her personal maid Xiuhong whispered: "Madam, weren’t we going to greet the Madam?"

"I know!" Teng Qiuniang snapped, asking coldly: "Is there any news from my elder sister’s side?"

"No." Xiuhong paused before adding: "The Master reprimanded the Fifth Madam, and both the Fifth Madam and Master have been confined by him for half a month. I’ve been several times but can’t see anyone."

Teng Qiuniang looked unwilling, gritting her teeth while Xiuhong whispered: "Master asked me to tell you to whisper in the Marquis’s ear... He’s arranged to meet with the Marquis several times, but has been refused each time. Now, you’re the only one left in the mansion. You must find a way to let the Master meet the Marquis." Pausing, Xiuhong continued: "Master also said, you should pay more visits to the Fourth Madam. These chaotic affairs have their root in the Tong Family. If Fourth Madam forgives Fifth Madam, everything would be resolved."

Listening, Teng Qiuniang frowned in anger, looking back far into the distance at Xiqiu who had already left, recalling that two years ago, they both stayed at the Xiao Mansion as guests. In terms of status, she was the legitimate daughter of the Teng Mansion, undoubtedly more noble than her. Yet, unexpectedly, fate played its tricks, and in a blink of an eye, a small concubine daughter became the Fourth Madam of the esteemed Xuanning Marquis Mansion, and the wife of the influential Great Governor. Whereas she...

Could only remain unseen within the back courtyard.

Be close to the Fourth House? She recalled Xiqiu’s cold and distant attitude earlier, and a sarcastic smile curled on her lips.

Entering the room, Second Madam was calculating accounts with her personal nanny. Teng Qiuniang smiled and saluted to Second Madam, greeting: "Madam!"

Second Madam glanced at her, nodded slightly, and pointed to a stool in front of her: "Sit." She then turned back to her account book.

Teng Qiuniang perched on the side, quietly watching Second Madam. After about the time for two cups of tea, Second Madam spoke to her nanny: "Tell the kitchen to follow this account book when purchasing. It’s acceptable to relax a little this year, but not beyond previous years."

The nanny received the order and nodded: "I’ll pass it on immediately." With that, she took the account book and nodded to Teng Qiuniang, who promptly stood up and saluted the nanny. After escorting the nanny out, she smiled and seated herself once again.

Second Madam took a sip of tea and asked: "You came now, is something the matter?"

"Nothing much." Teng Qiuniang smiled: "It’s the end of the year, and I thought to come see if I could offer any help."

Second Madam glanced at her casually, then took a sip of tea, smiling: "Your health isn’t good, so rest easy in your room. If there’s anything needed, I’ll send someone to get you." The implication was clear: stay indoors unless necessary.

"Yes." Teng Qiuniang’s eyes flickered, smiling: "I was just concerned about your health. I’ve helped manage accounts back at my maternal home, and know a bit about bookkeeping..."

Second Madam squinted, holding her teacup without responding, clearly ungrateful for Teng Qiuniang’s offer.

Teng Qiuniang showed a hint of embarrassment, bowed her head and stood up: "Since there’s nothing needed here, I’ll take my leave." She then curtseyed to Second Madam and turned to leave.

At this moment, a maid announced through the curtain from outside the room: "The Marquis has returned."

Teng Qiuniang’s eyes brightened, quickly moving forward to lift the curtain. Second Madam also stood up, casting a cold glance at Teng Qiuniang, as Xiao Yanyi strode in. Second Madam approached and politely greeted Xiao Yanyi: "The Marquis has returned."

Teng Qiuniang bowed, addressing: "Marquis!"

Xiao Yanyi nodded to Second Madam, then noticing Teng Qiuniang was also there, nodded slightly before letting Second Madam escort him to the inner room to change clothes. After they emerged from the washroom, Teng Qiuniang still stood by the door.

Second Madam looked at Teng Qiuniang, her expression maintaining a cheerful facade, as she took the tea handed by the maid and offered it to Xiao Yanyi: "Marquis, you’re back early today."

"Mm." Xiao Yanyi replied flatly, then asked Second Madam: "Are the mansion affairs very numerous? If it’s overwhelming, you may bring Housekeeper Hu in to assist."

Touched by Xiao Yanyi’s concern, Second Madam appeared quite pleased. She smiled and assured him: "At the moment, it’s manageable. Last month, I arranged most matters, so now it’s mainly listening to reports from each steward; the most troublesome part is the accounts. But with Nanny Hu’s help, it’s manageable." She paused, then added: "Moreover, I also have my Fourth sister-in-law’s assistance, which relieves quite a significant burden."

Xiao Yanyi raised an eyebrow at this, asking: "Your Fourth sister-in-law, what did you have her do?"

Second Madam replied without hesitation, smiling: "Didn’t I see some silver trees in the Prince Manor last year? They looked festive yet not ostentatious, so I asked Manager Rong to procure some for us this year. But arranging those trees and matching their colors requires careful consideration. I cannot spare the time nor trust the maids to do it haphazardly, so I entrusted my Fourth sister-in-law with the task."