CHAPTER 92: CHAPTER 92: CHAOS (PART 2)

The invitations were sent to several houses, as Lady preferred not to make a fuss. Only two or three families were invited, and on the day of the gathering, besides a few colleagues invited by First Master in the outer courtyard and Xu Tianqing having invited Jiang Shilin and a scholar surnamed Qian, in the inner courtyard, Marchioness Xuanning had to manage the household and was unavailable, leaving only Fifth Madam, who was pregnant, to attend with a concubine.

Tong Xihua instructed someone to lead Xiao Yanyi to the study to see First Master and arranged for Fifth Madam to rest in Lady’s room at Zhui Garden, letting a few sisters accompany her, while she herself stayed with Lady to welcome guests at the entrance.

Fifth Madam had a round face, big eyes, and a petite figure. She wore a pomegranate-red overcoat and a moon-white skirt with embroidered edges. Her hair was styled in a round bun adorned with a gold filigree red ruby hairpin, along with a clear and translucent jade comb. Her belly was not yet very noticeable, just slightly plump. If Xiqiu hadn’t heard earlier that she’d been married into Marquis Xuanning’s household for three years, she would have thought she was only about thirteen or fourteen years old.

The concubine who accompanied her followed behind obediently with lowered eyes.

Tong Xiyang was acting quite out of the ordinary today. Such things would usually see her at the forefront, but now she was pale, sitting on a stool with a lowered head as if suppressing something, the whole demeanor appearing very somber.

Xiqiu raised an eyebrow, recalling that Madam Wang had been bedridden for days. Could it be true as rumors suggest that she would never recover?

Seeing Tong Xiyang unmoved, Tong Xiyan took the lead and approached with a smile, "Fifth Madam!"

Xiqiu also stood up, and everyone paid their respects to Fifth Madam. Tong Xiyang’s response was slow, mechanically following the others and offering a curtsey to Fifth Madam.

Tong Xiyan smiled as she helped Fifth Madam’s arm, escorting her to sit on the huanghuali chair.

"Thank you, Fourth Miss!" Fifth Madam smiled at Tong Xiyan. They had met a few times, and Tong Xihua often mentioned her in the mansion, so she wasn’t unfamiliar with Tong Xiyan. Compared to before, she seemed to have grown taller, and her demeanor had shifted from childhood to a more composed and shy young woman.

"Fourth Miss should visit the mansion more often. I often hear Grand Dowager mention you, but you never come."

Tong Xiyan replied bashfully, "To be honest, with this body of mine, I don’t feel quite right whenever spring comes around, so I don’t dare go out, for fear of spreading illness. Now that I’m feeling better, I dared to come." Although allergies aren’t contagious, she had no better excuse. She didn’t want Fifth Madam to worry, especially now that she’s pregnant and mindful of these things.

Fifth Madam smiled broadly, "We’re family, Fourth Miss, no need to be so distant!" Her gaze shifted to Tong Xiyu, "Eighth Miss, it’s been a few months, and you’ve grown so much. You’ll surely be a beauty in the future!"

Tong Xiyu lowered her head, blushing halfway across her face!

Fifth Madam covered her sleeve, laughing as she turned to Xiqiu, "Sixth Miss, there’s something I wish to request from you!" Her eyes were all smiles as she looked at Xiqiu.

Xiqiu slightly raised her brows, smiling back, "Fifth Madam, if you have something you need me for, just ask, there’s no need to be so formal." Fifth Madam also beamed, "Last time I saw the dress my second sister-in-law wore, I knew Sixth Miss was skillful. I’ve been thinking ever since, planning to ask when I see you next to make me some outfits." She touched her not-yet-large belly, "This is Second Sister-in-law’s nephew, also your nephew!"

Xiqiu couldn’t help but admire Fifth Madam. This was only their second meeting, yet her friendliness and attitude made it seem as if they’ve known each other for ages.

"Sure!" Xiqiu laughed, "Whatever material and color Fifth Madam needs, you can send a nanny to tell me later; I’ll make it for you! Just worried my basic skills might not meet your expectations!"

"No way!" Fifth Madam laughed and held Xiqiu’s hand, "I’m more than happy that Sixth Miss is willing; how could I possibly be picky? As for the material, I’ll send it over later; I mustn’t make you put in the effort and the resources yourself!"

Tong Xiyan joined in with the fun, "I see, Fifth Madam didn’t come to listen to the opera today, but to put Sixth Sister to work!"

Everyone laughed aloud, Xiqiu also pursed her lips and laughed softly. Fifth Madam looked at her, and her eyes flickered thoughtfully. No wonder First Young Madam Ren described Sixth Miss as gentle and well-mannered, with outstanding looks. If not for that incident, she’d likely have been Third Young Madam Ren by now...

Fifth Madam privately wondered, given how Xiqiu is, how could she act out of decorum and behave inappropriately at the Marquis Mansion?

Pondering this, Fifth Madam glanced at Tong Xiyang again, and immediately a hint of amazement appeared in her eyes. Tong Xiyang was wearing a crimson overcoat, her hair styled in a peach blossom bun adorned with a gold step shake with inlaid jewels and some rose-red fluffy flowers. She was about the same height, young, yet exuded a womanly charm, every movement showing a captivating demeanor...

It dawned on her, the Countess settled for Third Miss after failing to secure another match, not expecting Lady’s unwavering refusal. It seems the Tong Mansion isn’t as peaceful as it appears....

As Tong Xiyang noticed Fifth Madam evaluating her, she awkwardly smiled, awkwardly taking the tea prepared by Zizhu and serving it to Fifth Madam. Fifth Madam graciously accepted the tea with a smile, "Third Miss, why aren’t you speaking today? You don’t look very well, is there something wrong with your health?"

Tong Xiyang’s eyes flickered as she glanced nervously at her sisters around her, quickly assuring, "No!" After a moment’s pause, realizing she might have seemed rude, she added, "I just didn’t sleep well last night!"

Fifth Madam just smiled, "That’s good to hear!" Just at that moment, the curtain was lifted, and a young woman walked in. Several young ladies rose to greet her, curtseying, "Aunt!"

Fifth Madam’s gaze shifted, instantly recognizing the woman’s identity and smiling to greet her, "Second Madam Tong!"

Second Madam was dressed in a yanhui-colored overcoat, with jingling hairpins, making a grand entrance. Behind her was Eleventh Miss Tong Xijia, who had long been absent from such events, and Xiqiu greeted Tong Xijia again. She was Second Household’s concubine-born daughter, the same age as Tong Xiyu, although slightly smaller in stature, her character similar, so upon seeing her, Tong Xiyu cheerfully approached, "Eleventh Sister!"

Tong Xijia courteously greeted everyone, then sat beside Tong Xiyu, chatting quietly.

Today, Third Miss was unusually reserved, so the task of engaging with the elders fell to Fourth Miss. She joked, "Where is Third Brother today?"

Second Madam and Fifth Madam sat on either side in the chairs, and Second Madam replied after accepting tea, "How could he sit still? He’s already gone to the outer courtyard!" She also inquired to Tong Xiyan, "Where did Sister-in-law go?"

Tong Xiyan replied, "She’s outside with my sister greeting the guests since my father has colleagues’ families visiting."

Second Madam nodded thoughtfully. First Master had been assigned elsewhere for a long time; most of his colleagues in the capital were Second Master’s connections. Perhaps Second Master invited several dignitaries from the Ministry of Personnel to firmly establish First Master’s position through this opportunity as well.