Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 735 - 736: Labor Pains (Part 2)

The First Madam paused and replied, "I understand." After thinking for a moment, she added, "Perhaps we should bring Xing back and hold the mourning ceremony for Second Sister-in-law together..." As she spoke, she glanced at Xiqiu, "It’s just that it’s been some time, and it’s somewhat inappropriate!"

"Let’s go ahead with it; surely her spirit wouldn’t mind." The Grand Dowager said, looking at Xiqiu, "It’s thanks to you that Xing’s been taken care of during this time; let him stay with you a bit longer. I’ve not been feeling well these days, and I’m afraid he’d be frightened to see me like this!"

The sudden whitening of hair, like a deflated balloon face, would certainly make sensitive Xing worry and scare himself.

"Yes, as you wish; please take care of yourself and don’t worry about Xing." Xiqiu said and then brought up matters concerning Mr. Song with the Grand Dowager, "Having classes over there hasn’t disrupted his studies."

The Grand Dowager nodded appreciatively and patted Xiqiu’s hand, "You’re still the most thoughtful one." After saying this, her eyes lowered slightly, with no further movement.

Her hands rested on her lap, her face serene, unresponsive, as if she had fallen asleep...

Xiqiu, the First Madam, and Xiao Yanzheng had never seen the Grand Dowager like this. The three of them were taken aback; Xiao Yanzheng’s eyes reddened in astonishment, trembling fingers reaching to check the Grand Dowager’s breath. Xiqiu couldn’t help but tense up, while the First Madam walked over to await Xiao Yanzheng’s "result."

"Asleep...asleep?" Xiao Yanzheng showed a face full of disbelief but couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. Uncertain, she looked towards the First Madam and Xiqiu, "Mother... seems to be asleep."

Xiqiu frowned tightly. She vaguely recalled during her internship days, often seeing elderly folks asleep in the hospital corridors, such lonely silhouettes cast in the long hallways, looking particularly solitary and desolate. She glanced at the Grand Dowager and had no choice but to accept the fact that the Grand Dowager had aged considerably after this incident!

The First Madam’s gaze paused, glanced at Xiqiu and Xiao Yanzheng, and said, "Help her lay down." Then turned to Ziwei, who had just entered with tea, and instructed, "Fetch a lightweight blanket."

Ziwei was stunned for a long while seeing the Grand Dowager’s appearance, "Oh... oh... the servant will go right away." She absentmindedly placed the tea cup on the table and then ran out in a daze.

The First Madam and Xiao Yanzheng gently placed the Grand Dowager flat on the couch, removed her shoes and socks, and as Ziwei returned with the blanket, they helped cover her and removed the hairpin from her head...

Xiqiu stood quietly to the side, watching the Grand Dowager sleep soundly like a child, tears finally falling uncontrollably.

"Fourth Sister-in-law," Xiao Yanzheng approached and hugged Xiqiu, leaning on her shoulder while sobbing, also looking at the Grand Dowager, "What’s wrong with Mother."

Xiqiu patted Xiao Yanzheng, comforting her, "It’s nothing, perhaps just tired from the long journey." As she spoke, she took Xiao Yanzheng’s hand, "Let’s go outside and let Mother sleep for a while."

Xiao Yanzheng nodded and left with Xiqiu, while the First Madam, having settled the Grand Dowager, turned to Xiqiu and said, "Wait a moment, Fourth Sister-in-law, I have something to discuss with you." Saying so, she also exited with the two ladies.

The three of them went to sit in the adjacent room. Xiqiu looked at the First Madam, and the First Madam paused for a moment, "I want you to go back and inquire about the specific customs and who should be invited for the Second Madam’s mourning ceremony at the Tong Mansion..."

In theory, a formal invitation should be extended, but the First Madam, who never cared much for these formalities, was good enough to ask. Xiqiu nodded and replied, "I’ll send someone tonight to ask Father." Seeing the First Madam nod, Xiqiu smiled and said, "Thank you, Eldest Sister-in-law. I’ll send Xing back in advance once a date is set."

"Alright." The First Madam nodded approvingly.

Xiao Yanzheng sat quietly, looking anxious. Xiqiu held her hand, comforting, "Don’t overthink. Mother’s age occasionally causes a lapse in vitality, and she has been rather busy lately; rest will do her good."

"Mother would never behave like this before!" said Xiao Yanzheng, as if suddenly realizing the Grand Dowager’s age. Her eyes reddened, and she tightly clenched her fists, "Her whole head of silver hair... she’s only fifty."

Xiqiu also sighed, saying, "Tomorrow, Sister Jingliu and I will come and check her pulse; once that’s done, we’ll know exactly how Mother is doing. Don’t overthink it!" The First Madam listened and nodded, "According to Second Brother, Mother was well throughout the journey, without discomfort, except casually calling Nanny Wu’s name!"

In her heart, she still couldn’t accept Nanny Wu’s death.

Xiqiu thought of Nanny Wu’s smiling face, recalling how she always shared amusing stories with the Grand Dowager, treating everyone in the mansion fairly, never favoring anyone or speaking ill. She had expected Nanny Wu to accompany the Grand Dowager in her later years, but never anticipated such a tragedy!

The three sat facing one another when Nanny Tang’s face briefly appeared outside. The First Madam said to Xiqiu and Xiao Yanzheng, "I have things to attend to; you two sit for a while." Then, after some thought, she added to Xiao Yanzheng, "With me and your Fourth Sister-in-law here, you can return if you’re free!"

"Eldest Sister-in-law!" Xiao Yanzheng’s face showed displeasure, frowning.

Xiqiu was quietly curious, hearing the First Madam say, "Go back!" With that, she turned and left.

Xiao Yanzheng sat there feeling frustrated. Seeing her, Xiqiu asked, "What’s wrong? Did something happen?" Could it still be about the First Master of Pang Family?

"It’s still about Father-in-law!" Xiao Yanzheng confirmed, speaking about the First Master of Pang Family, "Since spring began, many people are strolling around with birdcages, raising parrots and thrushes, and for some reason, Father-in-law has taken a liking to it too. In the span of half a month, he’s acquired more than a dozen birdcages and birds. That’s not all; regardless of the cost, we can manage it, but he’s even started holding bird-watching gatherings at home, inviting some fallen scholars, idle officials, and even shopkeepers in from outside..."

The more Xiqiu heard, the more she found the First Master of Pang Family quite fascinating. She listened to Xiao Yanzheng continue, "Some people with status behave, but others, pardon my frankness... once they’ve drunk, they wander around the courtyard. It would be forgivable outside, but recently someone had the audacity to enter my yard after drinking... How am I supposed to tolerate such things!"

It probably turned into quite the scene. Xiqiu looked at Xiao Yanzheng and asked, "What did Master Pang say about it?"

"What else could he say?" Xiao Yanzheng curled her lip, but beneath it, a hint of sweetness lingered. She pouted and said, "He plans to send them back to Guangxi in a couple of days."

Xiqiu was taken aback, glancing at Xiao Yanzheng uncertainly, "Send them back?"