CHAPTER 54: CHAPTER 54: WHAT SHE SEEKS (2)

Thinking of this, Madam Luo looked at her with pity: "That Third Young Master Ren is truly..." As if unable to find a better adjective, Madam Luo shook her head and said, "There’s not a single maid in the Man Mansion that he hasn’t touched, even those in the Countess’s rooms. Although the Third Madam didn’t leave a legitimate heir, there are three illegitimate sons in the mansion, and as many as six or seven illegitimate daughters." She leaned in closer and whispered, "Not only that, he also has a penchant for... the unconventional..."

"Sixth Miss, I know you have always been wise. I often think if the Fifth Miss were alive, she would only be a year older than you. I also see you as a daughter. Today, I am speaking sincerely: no matter what, you must avoid this marriage!"

Xiqiu’s complexion changed slightly; so that’s what it is. If it were simply a matter of being frivolous and lewd, it wouldn’t explain why Third Young Master Ren has been a widower for three years without remarrying. In the Great Zhou, it’s not uncommon for men to have illegitimate children, so it wouldn’t be considered a big deal. But having such a peculiar penchant, even the smaller households wouldn’t be willing to marry off their daughters to him... No wonder Xu Tianqing hesitated while speaking... But why would Madam Luo tell her all this?

A person not involved suddenly comes to speak from the heart...

Thoughts raced, but she lowered her head with a blushing face and said, "I don’t understand what you mean, Madam Luo. Third Sister and Fourth Sister haven’t decided yet; it’s not my turn anyway!"

Madam Luo looked at Xiqiu in surprise, the hint of pity turning into complexity during the emotional shift. She became a bit skeptical of the simply twelve-year-old girl before her, her gaze slightly shifting as she said, "It doesn’t matter if you understand or not, as long as you remember it, Sixth Miss."

Why is she considering her in this way... What does she want?

In a flash, Xiqiu understood Madam Luo’s intentions. She raised her head, her cheeks flushed slightly, and expressed her gratitude, "But still, thank you, Madam Luo. Third Sister has Madam Wang protecting her. My own madam is always ailing and knows little about the affairs in the mansion. If you hadn’t told me, I fear no one else would have mentioned it at all. I will remember this by heart."

Still just a child! Whatever unpleasantness Madam Luo felt vanished. "Sixth Miss, no need to be polite with me. I view you like I did the Fifth Miss!"

At this time, Xiuzhi came in, carrying a tea tray and presenting the tea: "Sixth Miss, Maid Zijuan is asking when you’ll return." Xiqiu personally served it to Madam Luo: "Please have some tea, Madam!" Madam Luo received it, vastly different from the earlier polite detachment.

Xiqiu looked at Xiuzhi with a smile: "Inform Maid Zijuan that I’ll be leaving shortly!" She smiled lightly, but there was no joy in her eyes. Xiuzhi’s face turned solemn, replying, "I will inform her," and then retreated.

Madam Luo’s gaze moved slightly, seeing Xiqiu still seated; she appeared so tender and pitiful, her large eyes sincerely looking at her: "You and my madam live next door. I serve Lady and can’t come often. I hope Madam will visit her from time to time to chat, so you both can keep each other company!"

Madam Luo’s eyes lit up; Sixth Miss didn’t let her down. Her smile became genuinely warmer: "Of course. I only fear that Sister Xia would be annoyed by my chatter, so I dare not come daily!"

"How could that be!" Xiqiu giggled, sipping her tea: "Madam is forthright, and my madam is not much of a talker; it’s a perfect match for entertainment!" She pointed to the adjacent courtyard of Madam Wang: "Now that Madam Wang is pregnant, and with my madam sick, fearful of passing the illness, you two can avoid some of it by staying together!"

A flash of resentment swept through Madam Luo’s eyes, disappearing quickly: "That’s exactly the point! Sixth Miss is straightforward too, much like me."

"In that case, I entrust my madam to you!" She stood up and bowed solemnly.

Madam Luo replied, "Sixth Miss, you’re too polite. Sister Xia and I naturally look out for each other!"

Having said all they needed to, Xiqiu smiled and said, "It’s getting late. I still need to visit Lady, so I’ll take my leave first!" Madam Luo also smiled, standing up: "Since Sister Xia is resting, I won’t keep you!"

The two stood at the doorway, as Xiqiu turned to Madam Luo, thoughtfully saying, "Though it’s spring, the nights are still quite cold, and the cross-courtyard Hanging Flower Gate is located right next to the alleyway, where the wind is particularly strong. It’s best to keep the door shut tight!"

Madam Luo was taken aback, looking at Xiqiu in shock. What did these words mean? Sixth Miss wouldn’t mention this for no reason; it surely implied something, but she couldn’t quite figure it out.

Lost in a jumble of thoughts, Xiqiu had already opened the door and led the maidservants out of the courtyard.

She lifted her foot, wanting to follow and ask her clearly, but hesitated. Cooperation meant equal strength and mutual benefits. Showing weakness before a twelve-year-old girl was something she couldn’t afford to do.

Thinking it over, Madam Luo also stepped out of the door, returning to her own courtyard.

Upon passing through the Hanging Flower Gate, she reached Zhui Garden, where Nanny Fang stood at the door. Seeing Xiqiu, she smiled and approached: "Lady is sleeping. Shall Sixth Miss return tomorrow?"

Zijuan also curtseyed and returned to her duties.

Xiqiu glanced at the bedroom to her left and said to Zijuan, "Take care, sister!" Then she looked at Nanny Fang: "Please inform Mother that I’ll return tomorrow." Nanny Fang escorted her out with a smile, casually asking, "Is Madam Xia in good health?"

The two chatted as they left the courtyard. After a short while, Nanny Fang returned to the main house, where Lady was lying half-awake in bed. Hearing the noise, she didn’t open her eyes, lazily asking, "What did they say?"

Nanny Fang laughed and said, "It’s still the old ailment, no improvement in sight. Just that sleep hasn’t been very peaceful these days, and her spirits are low... She mentioned meeting Madam Luo in the courtyard and chatting for a bit."

Lady’s brow furrowed, a gleam of insight in her eye: "Go, call Zijuan over."

Zijuan had been waiting at the door. Hearing Lady’s voice, she immediately lifted the curtain and entered.

Meanwhile, Xiqiu walked on the cobblestone path, flanked by evergreen trees sprouting new branches, luxuriantly thriving in the lantern’s dim shadows. Siliu, holding her arm, worriedly whispered in her ear, "Miss, Madam Luo is quite cunning. She must have ulterior motives for showing you kindness. We should keep our distance."

Xiqiu’s lips curled into a smile, her brows lightly showing amusement, "Ulterior motives? What do you think she most desires now?"

Siliu paused, frowning for a while and then speaking uncertainly, "Children? First Master’s favor? Wealth?" If it were Madam Wang, she’d know her greatest desire is for a son; even Madam Mei wishes for Eighth Miss to marry into a good family, but Madam Luo... she couldn’t be sure.

Xiqiu laughed, shaking her head: "You’ve got it wrong. What she most desires now is just one thing: stability!"

Stability has many forms, yet in the current Tong Mansion, none is easily attainable.

Madam Xia neither competes nor fights, staying indoors yet still in people’s thoughts. How much more for someone like Madam Luo who stands out, how can she expect stability?