"I don’t know," Fourth Master Xiao furrowed his brow and said, "I met her also because of Divine Doctor Zhang, only knowing she is not an ordinary woman; I didn’t pay much attention to other matters." Xiqiu sighed as she listened to him, "She said she was going out for a month on business last month, and it’s been over a month now without any news. I don’t know if something happened to her."

Fourth Master Xiao set down his teacup and, seeing Xiqiu’s worried expression, said, "If you’re concerned, I’ll send someone to look for her tomorrow. I heard she’s been having some dealings with the second young master of Tongxuan Hall recently..." Xiqiu was startled to hear this; this was the third time she’d heard about this person from Tongxuan Hall...

"Don’t worry, she’s often out and about and much more astute than you imagine," Fourth Master Xiao smiled, trying to reassure her, "...I’ll let you know as soon as there’s news."

Xiqiu had no choice but to nod.

At that moment, a whimper came from Zhi on the bed, as if he was dissatisfied with the two engrossed in conversation and ignoring him. The more he whimpered, the louder he got, prompting Xiqiu to laugh and look at him, "What’s wrong?"

Zhi was staring intently at the jade hairpin swaying in her hair. Xiqiu touched the hairpin on her head and shook her head, saying, "No need to look, you can’t play with this."

Zhi, seeing that Xiqiu had taken the hairpin away, pouted immediately. Fourth Master Xiao, seeing this, stretched out his long arm, scooped Zhi up, tossed him in his hands, and then held him tightly in his arms, saying, "Why so unhappy?" He never actually let go. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Xiqiu, seeing this, pulled on Fourth Master Xiao, "No... that’s too dangerous." She was startled into a cold sweat, but Fourth Master Xiao was full of smiles as he looked at Zhi, "Your mother says it’s dangerous, what do you think?"

Zhi opened his eyes wide, appearing very excited!

Fourth Master Xiao raised his eyebrows at Xiqiu, as if to say, ’Your son’s feelings are different from yours.’ He then tossed Zhi up again. Zhi stared straight up, grinning widely, not crying at all but looking like he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

Xiqiu patted her chest, "Alright, alright, if you keep playing with him, he won’t want to sleep." Saying this, she reached to hold Zhi. Fourth Master Xiao, looking very happy, said to Zhi, "Mother doesn’t agree, so let’s play another day."

Xiqiu took him into her arms, and when Zhi saw he couldn’t play anymore, the smile on his face gradually faded, and his eyes remained fixed on Fourth Master Xiao, not looking at Xiqiu.

"See," Xiqiu sighed, "now he’s not focused on you."

Fourth Master Xiao laughed heartily, pecked Zhi on the face, and said, "Listen to your mother..." Then whispered in Zhi’s ear, "Even your father has to listen to her, let alone you!"

"Fourth Master!" Xiqiu couldn’t help but glare at him upon hearing this, "How can you speak to a child like that?"

Fourth Master Xiao laughed even more merrily, hugging the mother and son, "Why don’t we go to the villa for a few days? It’s hot now, perfect for a little retreat."

Xiqiu shook her head, "Better not, I’m not at ease leaving Min alone at home." Then she remembered what Grand Dowager said, and told Fourth Master Xiao, who nodded without comment.

The two then lulled Zhi to sleep, and Xiqiu, leaning against Fourth Master Xiao’s chest, softly asked, "Are you going to send off my eldest brother tomorrow? I heard he has invited colleagues to the house." No grandeur, just a few familiar faces bidding farewell.

"Of course, I’ll be going," Fourth Master Xiao nodded, "Do you have anything you’d like me to convey?"

Xiqiu thought for a moment and realized there was nothing she needed to say to Tong Shen Zhi. He always handled things cautiously, with nothing to worry about. On the contrary, she was more concerned about Madam Jiang; this would be a three-year separation from her husband, and it wouldn’t be easy for her alone with the children, "I’ll go with you."

"Alright!" Fourth Master Xiao nodded.

The next day, Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao first went to the Ren Mansion, then returned with Madam Jiang to the Tong Mansion, where they met Tong Shen Zhi. Tong Shen Zhi mentioned Tong Xiyang, "She said she’s not going to Pingliang... she’ll wait for Ren Jun in the Capital. As for the treatment, the Emperor has granted permission; they might choose a place to settle first and get the illness treated."

As expected, Tong Xiyang refused to accompany him to Pingliang.

After exchanging a few words, Tong Shen Zhi and Fourth Master Xiao went to the outer yard, where people from Hanlin Academy and the court arrived one after another. Xiqiu and Madam Jiang went to see Kun, who could already sit up, had grown four teeth, was a chubby little guy always ready to smile, and was very different from the composed Tong Shen Zhi, quite active indeed, grabbing onto things as soon as one let their guard down, trying to stand... someone had to be on watch constantly.

They talked for a while, but an unexpected guest arrived in the outer yard. When she heard Fourth Master Xiao mention it that evening, she asked in surprise, "... Lord Zhou went too?"

Fourth Master Xiao dismissed it lightly, nodding, "He and Shenzhi both work at Hanlin Academy, naturally he would go to the send-off."

Xiqiu looked thoughtful.

The next day, there was still no news of Ruan Jingliu. The people Fourth Master Xiao sent to inquire hadn’t returned. Xiqiu sent Grand Dowager and Xing back to the Marquis Mansion, and Mr. Song also moved back. Fourth Master Xiao once again put the matter of finding a new tutor for Min on the agenda.

At the end of May, Xiqiu, with Zhi and Min, were strolling in the courtyard in the evening when Ruan Jingliu barged in energetically.

"Xiqiu!" she came in with a smile. She was slightly thinner than before, her skin a bit tanned, but her eyes were bright and full of spirit.