"There’s something," Fourth Master Xiao hesitated, as if afraid Xiqiu would mind. Xiqiu raised her eyebrows and looked at him, asking, "What is it?"

Fourth Master Xiao paused and said, "It’s about Lord Jiang." Another pause, then he continued, "He’s set a date to marry a second wife next month."

Upon hearing this, Xiqiu was taken aback. Jiang Shilin is getting married? If Tong Xiyan finds out, who knows what she’ll think. After a moment, she reasoned it was expected. In Great Zhou, widowers are rare. Although Jiang Shilin had taken Miss Mei as a concubine, in the eyes of others, he’s still a widower. Even though Old Madam Jiang’s reputation in the Capital isn’t good, it doesn’t hinder Jiang Shilin from marrying, especially since he’s highly regarded by the Emperor, with a boundless future ahead.

"Whose daughter is he marrying?" Xiqiu paused before asking.

Fourth Master Xiao thought for a moment and replied, "It’s said to be a legitimate daughter from the side branch of Marquis Huaining, from the third household." After another pause, he said, "Her father donated to become a fourth-rank Imperial Censor, now holding a sinecure, living off the family estate." Without the halo of the Marquis of Huaining, they would be considered an average family.

He explained it this way for a reason. Marrying a second wife is different from marrying a first wife; the threshold is not as high, family backgrounds just need to be acceptable. But whether or not the Marquis of Huaining has declined, there’s still the title. Even as a legitimate daughter from a side branch, she’s from a family of merit. However, daughters from such families often look down on officials like Jiang Shilin, who lack background. Once such a person retires, their descendants have no benefits. That’s why people often say, "Marry high, daughters; marry low, daughters-in-law," indicating a perspective and a reminder of each other’s status and family connections.

The legitimate daughter from the side branch of Marquis Huaining, marrying a fifth-rank official as a second wife.

It seems Old Madam Jiang will boast across the Capital that this Miss Ma stands much higher than Tong Xiyan in terms of status.

Xiqiu raised her eyebrows and chuckled softly, "Well, congratulations to Lord Jiang. Finding such a good match so quickly."

Fourth Master Xiao made no comment but held her in his arms and gently asked, "Should we go back to check on your fourth aunt?" Xiqiu couldn’t help but sigh, leaning against Fourth Master Xiao’s chest and murmuring, "... I wonder how Fourth Sister will feel when she knows."

The next day at Tong Mansion, Tong Xiyan and Madam Jiang sent off Tong Shenzhi, reluctantly entering the door. Madam Jiang turned back to Tong Xiyan and said, "You don’t need to worry about Nanny Fang’s affair. I’ve instructed Nanny Qian to handle it personally. Don’t worry; the place is chosen, and it won’t disappoint her."

Tong Xiyan nodded, her expression still not looking well. She whispered to Madam Jiang, "I understand, sister-in-law. I’m not feeling well, I’ll head back first." Madam Jiang, looking at her cautiously, asked with some concern, "Where do you feel unwell? Should we call a doctor?"

"No need." Tong Xiyan waved her hand, "I’m just a bit tired, I’ll feel better after some rest." Without another glance at Madam Jiang, she returned to the West Courtyard.

Once in her room, she closed the door without attending to anything else, sat by the bed, and tears began to fall. She remembered what Xinzhu said last night, "... it’s all over the place, but you didn’t know. They say it’s next month’s date, and the Long Street’s Tianhong Embroidery Studio is hanging red nuptial cloths..."

Tianhong Embroidery Studio was opened by Tong Xiyang and Madam Jiang. Tong Xiyan understood that the Jiang family’s grand wedding preparations for Jiang Shilin were to embarrass her, to let the world see that Jiang Shilin divorced her but married a legitimate daughter from a Marquis Mansion. What an honor this must be.

Indeed, she felt humiliated, humiliated for having once recklessly followed Jiang Shilin. Back then, what was wrong with her, not realizing he was the kind of man who liked the new and disregarded the old, with a heart as thin as paper... but it’s too late to think about these things now.

She let out a long sigh, wiped her tears, and leaned against a pillow embroidered with red overlapping lotus flowers. Her face was as pale as paper, in stark contrast to the vibrant lotus flowers, becoming a greater irony.

Covering her face, tears seeped through her fingers, only feeling the old wounds in her heart being slowly torn open, the numbness overlaid with fresh blood once more.

Outside the room, Daiju anxiously tapped on the door, fearful she might do something foolish. The Fourth Miss had done foolish things before, and thinking about it now still sent shivers down her spine.

After a long while, Tong Xiyan finally opened the door. Her eyes were red, but her expression was extraordinarily determined. "Tell Manager Lai that we’ll accept the Tongxuan Hall order." Daiju was taken aback. She didn’t know about the store’s affairs, but seeing the Miss having made a decision and seemingly gathering herself made her particularly happy. "I’ll go inform Manager Lai immediately."