Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 677 - 679: Entering the Palace (3)

What does the First Madam want to say?

What has she found out, or what is she insinuating?

A gatekeeping woman at the East Corner Gate died? The West Corner Gate at the Marquis Mansion is more frequently used, while the East Corner Gate is less so. A gatekeeping woman there suddenly died in the middle of the night. Is the First Madam trying to tell her that someone sneaked into the mansion at midnight, was discovered by this gatekeeper, and then silenced?

Who could it be? It’s self-explanatory. She heard Min mention that the Third Madam possesses martial arts skills. When the Third Madam arrived at the mansion that day, she saw the whip tied around her waist. Since she often carries it, she must be proficient with it, so was the First Madam indicating that the Third Master or Third Madam went out at midnight? As for what they were doing, it’s uncertain, but she intends to remind Fourth Master Xiao to pay attention to their actions.

In the evening, Xiqiu and Min finished their dinner, and Fourth Master Xiao returned. However, he did not immediately come back to the inner courtyard. Instead, he asked Tianjing to notify them that The Princely Heir Shen, Count Dongchang Qian Zhong, and Lord Han Cheng had come, and they were discussing matters in the outer study. Xiqiu asked, "Did they drink?"

"They drank. The Princely Heir Shen seemed somewhat drunk, but Fourth Master was fine!" Tianjing replied.

Xiqiu nodded and instructed Nanny Cen, "Take Ziyang to the kitchen and have the women stoke the stove to prepare some sobering soup to send over." Nanny Cen obliged, and Xiqiu then told Tianjing, "It’s cold with the alcohol; add more heat to the stove in the study."

"Understood," Tianjing acknowledged, then left with Nanny Cen.

Fourth Master Xiao returned at midnight, and as soon as Xiqiu felt the chill beside her, she woke up, seeing him lie down cautiously next to her. Half-asleep, she called out, "Fourth Master!"

"Did I wake you?" Fourth Master Xiao kissed her cheek and held her in his arms.

Though he had just entered the bed, his body seemed like a natural furnace. In no time at all, he was warm and radiating heat. Xiqiu moved closer to him and said, "Did The Princely Heir Shen and Lord Qian leave?"

"Hmm," Fourth Master Xiao nodded, gently stroking her waist and stomach. She was no longer sleepy, so she moved out of his embrace and said, "Chief Lei came to the mansion today, conveying the Empress Dowager’s decree, summoning me to the palace at 7 a.m. tomorrow."

Fourth Master Xiao was not surprised. Listening, he nodded and said, "I already knew about this, go confidently tomorrow. I’ll handle everything else—you need not fear!"

Xiqiu raised an eyebrow and asked, "Has Fourth Master taken care of everything?" Hearing this, Fourth Master Xiao nodded, saying, "Go without worry, don’t be nervous." After a pause, he continued, "Drink less water in the morning, but make sure to eat a little something to hold your stomach. If you feel uncomfortable, call out immediately, never endure it."

Xiqiu’s eyes turned slightly, as if understanding Fourth Master Xiao’s intention, and she immediately nodded in agreement.

Smoothing her hair, Fourth Master Xiao whispered softly, "Don’t be afraid!" Xiqiu nodded, knowing that she had to let the Empress Dowager succeed once; since the month was still early and the fetal position stabilizing, her movements were agile. If summoned closer to delivery, being made to kneel and bow could be even more dangerous than addressing it now.

Xiqiu spoke of the matters Tong Xiyan had brought to her today: "...I remember you talked about someone being killed, saying it was resolved, so why is it being brought up again?" after a pause, she added, "And the saline mines—does it relate to the salt mine held by Prince Rong?"

Fourth Master Xiao pinched her nose, sighing, "Such a clever girl." After a pause, he spoke slowly, "Indeed, it’s the salt mine in Prince Rong’s hands. It seems this person left under the guise of Ren San but is actually targeting Prince Rong. Otherwise, Ren Jun, with dozens of lives in his hands, would be known to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion. How could they not mention the saline mine? Anyone with insight would know a salt mine involves many people. If he’s bold enough to report, he must be resolute, for even if one Ren Jun dies, those behind him won’t let him off for self-preservation."

Xiqiu furrowed her brows and nodded, responding, "I too thought as much, so I wanted to ask Fourth Master, who dares to do such a thing? Could it be the Shen Family?"

"No!" Fourth Master Xiao shook his head with certainty, "This morning, the Emperor wants me and Shen Ji to investigate this matter." Meaning the Emperor believes that both Fourth Master Xiao and Shen Ji are not involved. However, upon hearing this, Xiqiu was still surprised, "Did Fourth Master accept?"

Fourth Master Xiao patted her head and said, "Of course not; Ren Jun and I have an in-law connection." After a pause, he added, "The Emperor has appointed Lord Zhou, Lord Fan from the Ministry of Justice, and Lord Cheng from the Imperial Censorate to go to Liaodong in five days to investigate the matter thoroughly."

"Is there any information pointing to who’s behind this?" Xiqiu paused, then asked, "Is the contract my second brother signed with Prince Rong found?"

Looking down at her, Fourth Master Xiao showed admiration and smiled, "Did Fourth Aunt tell you?" Xiqiu nodded, "I know you don’t want me worried, but now that I know, don’t hide it from me anymore."

Fourth Master Xiao pondered for a moment, holding her softly, "This is a far-reaching case that involves several cabinet ministers. Now the court is in an uproar because of this matter, and investigating it won’t be easy." After a pause, he continued, "As for that contract, my brother and I are still looking into it secretly, but we’re sure the contract is neither in Prince Rong’s nor the Empress Dowager’s hands."

Xiqiu became more perplexed about whose hands held the contract and what their purpose was, whether it was to blackmail Xuanning Marquis Mansion when the time was right or if there were other intentions?

It was like a sword hanging overhead, uncertain of when it might fall, leaving one on edge, unable to find peace.

"Rest assured," Fourth Master Xiao comforted her, "No matter who it is, this matter is like a fire wrapped in paper; it can’t be suppressed long. We’ll wait him out!" He looked confident.

Xiqiu, seeing him so assured, breathed a sigh of relief; Fourth Master Xiao wouldn’t say such things unless he was certain.

Cuddled together, her hand lay on her stomach, and he softly asked, "Was he well-behaved today? Did he misbehave?"

"No, he was especially quiet today." Xiqiu smiled, "This child has good sense."

Fourth Master Xiao also smiled. Xiqiu suddenly recalled the First Madam’s words and relayed them to Fourth Master Xiao, "...Does Sister-in-law know something? Is there any movement on Third Brother’s side?"

Fourth Master Xiao listened without replying, but his eyes narrowed. He said, "Before the year ends, have your mother come here to stay for a while."

Xiqiu, taken aback, looked up at Fourth Master Xiao, gradually understanding that Xiao Yancheng must have engaged in recent matters, but how deeply she dared not guess.