CHAPTER 84: CHAPTER 84: SHIFTING TIDES (PART 5)

In terms of marriage arrangements by order of age, Lady had no objection and nodded in agreement.

The First Master originally wanted to inquire about Madam Wang’s situation and how Madam Xia ended up going to the temple for fasting, but seeing Lady in a good mood, he swallowed his words.

The two talked for a while until suddenly the courtyard door was banged loudly. Shortly after, Nanny Fang entered with a grim expression, giving the First Master an odd look. The First Master discontentedly demanded, "What on earth is the matter, being so secretive?"

Lady furrowed her brow at her demeanor: "What can’t be said? Who is knocking on the door?"

Nanny Fang lowered her face, her tone peculiar as she replied, "It’s Nanny Qiu from Madam Wang’s side, saying Madam Wang has hanged herself!" She paused before adding, "But the maidservant in the room saved her. Now she’s unconscious, and I’m here to request Lady to take the token to call for a doctor."

The First Master was startled and immediately stood up from the kang, then he remembered Lady was still there and coughed, saying, "What are you waiting for, hurry up and get the doctor!"

Lady smirked internally, though her face showed tension, quickly fetched the token from the Dobao Pavilion and handed it to Nanny Fang, then said to the First Master, "She’s always been unwell. Why don’t you go and take a look, too?" She wanted to see what Madam Wang would stir up.

The First Master nodded thoughtfully, and Lady fetched his coat to drape over him, personally seeing him out: "If anything happens, send someone to inform us. Nanny Fang has the key to the storeroom, and I’ll have her go over later to attend to things."

The First Master cast a long look at Lady, nodded, and with his attendant, hurried off to the East Cross Courtyard.

The First Master stayed the whole night, unaware of what transpired, only returning to Zhui Garden for breakfast the next morning before heading to the government office, his face remaining solemn throughout the meal. Lady dismissed the maids and asked, "How is Madam Wang?"

The First Master frowned, his expression dour, yet he remained silent.

Lady paused while serving the First Master soup, but her face maintained a smile: "It’s good she’s okay. Ever since her miscarriage, she hasn’t been robust. I noticed she was less spirited than before. How many doctors have been changed without finding the problem, and now this has happened again." She sighed and continued: "The young girl was kind to send something back. Madam Wang liked it and asked me for some. I indulged her, thinking she was with child, not expecting at her age she’d be like a child, greedy for Kexin’s treats, resulting in this outcome. I meant well but did a disservice." She looked slightly guilty.

The First Master’s expression softened as he glanced at Lady. Lady’s eyes gleamed as she clasped his hand, comforting him: "We’ve been married for many years; your children are my children. How could I not feel for them as you do? I feared she was unstable and specially invited Master Puning for a ritual, afraid I was overlooking something... Master... there’s a long future ahead, and Madam Wang isn’t old..."

Her words were sincere, and the First Master’s complexion gradually improved, finally grasping her hand back: "I know it hasn’t been easy for you these years, many thanks for your patience!" Sharing his sentiment successfully moved the First Master.

Lady’s eyes turned red, yet she smiled again: "With those words from you, no matter how tired, it’s worth it!" She wiped her tears, fetched the First Master’s official robe for him, and insisted on crouching to put on his boots. The First Master pressed both hands and said: "Such things shouldn’t be done by you, let the maid handle it."

Lady blushed slightly but persisted in putting on his shoes: "We’ve been living apart in different places, seeing each other rarely. Even though I want to do something for you, I can only think of it in my heart. Now, with this opportunity, how can I entrust it to others?"

The First Master looked at her moved, recalling moments from over the years, and half-embraced Lady, whispering to her.

After a night of turmoil, with hanging and crying, Lady’s few words resolved it easily. Nanny Fang smiled beyond the curtain.

In the afternoon, Nanny Fang informed each of the young ladies, and after tidying herself, Xiqiu, accompanied by her maid, returned to Zhui Garden after more than half a month.

In the Warm Pavilion, Lady was seated at the head of the kang. Nanny Fang was holding an account book, while Zijuan was busily calculating with an abacus. Upon seeing Xiqiu enter, they both stopped.

Xiqiu knelt before Lady: "Mother!" She smiled and nodded toward Nanny Fang and Zijuan, who returned her greeting.

Lady acknowledged with a nasal sound and continued speaking with Nanny Fang: "Deliver personally to Xuanning Marquis Mansion and Wujin Bo Mansion, for the other households, let the womanfolk take a trip."

Nanny Fang glanced furtively at Xiqiu standing quietly aside and nodded: "I understand. I’ll take some people to inventory the items and have everything sent before noon."

Xiqiu glanced at the account book on the table, where some pastry names were scattered, then looked at several neatly packaged boxes in the corner—likely specialties brought back by the First Master, and Lady was sending some to friendly households.

Nanny Fang led the young maids out, and Zijuan collected the abacus and followed them.

Now, only Xiqiu and Lady remained in the room.

Lady’s gaze languidly fell on Xiqiu, casually gesturing to the embroidered stool at her feet: "Sit down!" She leisurely took a sip from her teacup and said, "Stay for lunch this afternoon; your father will be back later."

Xiqiu lowered her eyes and replied, "Yes!" Then she accepted two blue cloth bundles from Sixing, her hands respectfully offering them to Lady: "The Women’s Training you instructed me to copy, I have finished." She unfolded one blue cloth, placing it respectfully on the table, and then opened another: "While I was idle, I made a gauze skirt for you."

Lady glanced at the table, seeing neatly stacked manuscript paper with neat and energetic handwriting she recognized as Xiqiu’s. In another package was a brown-red gauze skirt, with fine, tight stitching along the hem, indicating significant effort. Lady’s gaze moved from the table to Xiqiu’s face, her tone carrying an indistinct emotion: "Just leave them there." She paused and asked, "During this half-month of confinement, have you understood the reason?"

Xiqiu maintained a slight sideways stance and nodded at Lady’s question: "I understand now." She slightly raised her head, her gaze meeting Lady’s: "Mother’s intentions for me were good, and I’ve repeatedly let you down. I was wrong!" Tears fell as she spoke.

Lady sighed, "Don’t cry." She suddenly reached to hold Xiqiu’s hand: "You were always so composed, yet at that crucial moment, you recoiled! Do you know what you lost the other day at Count Wujin’s Mansion besides face?"

Xiqiu’s body tensed, her large eyes filled with tears, gazing at Lady in confusion, not understanding her meaning.