Tong Xiyan sat down in the main hall, and soon Manager Lai hurried in. Although the affairs of the Embroidery Shop were not under his management, many things had to pass through his hands to be decided. Upon entering, he confirmed by asking, "Miss, the quantity of that order is so large, I’m afraid we won’t make it in time."

"If we can’t make it in time, then recruit more embroideresses," she said, narrowing her eyes. "No matter what, we must take this order!"

Manager Lai hesitated, but seeing that Tong Xiyan seemed to have made up her mind, he thought over it and reluctantly nodded. "Then I’ll immediately put up a notice to recruit more embroideresses." The orders from Tongxuan Hall were being scrambled for by several businesses. He knew why Tong Xiyan insisted on taking it: because the embroidery shop of the Third Madam had also bid, and seemed determined to get it.

Manager Lai said no more and retreated out.

By July, the Jiang Family lavishly married Miss Ma, and it was said that Old Madam Jiang was extremely pleased. The next morning, during the recognition of kin, she held only onto Miss Ma, looking at her for over half an hour, and the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law got along extremely well. Jiang Shilin watched, feeling bitter, said nothing, and after a two-day rest went to report at the government office.

Xiqiu merely chuckled upon hearing this and talked to Ruan Jingliu about the recent bustling order from Tongxuan Hall in the Capital: "How could they order so many clothes all at once, all the same style and so demanding on craftsmanship..." She paused and added, "Aren’t they in the herb business? How did they get into embroidery?"

"Hmph!" Ruan Jingliu showed disdain. "They took over the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, saying they’ll open the largest brothel in the Capital by the end of the year." The Drunken Immortal Pavilion was seized, so the building was naturally vacated. However, due to the prime location, many businesses were eyeing it, unexpectedly falling into the hands of Tongxuan Hall.

Xiqiu sighed with admiration; their business scope was truly extensive.

"There’s something you might not know," Ruan Jingliu lightly said. "Your fourth and third sisters are both bidders this time, among the lowest bid companies, and it’s quite the stalemate."

"Fourth sister?" Xiqiu was taken aback. "She’s also competing on price?" Ruan Jingliu nodded in affirmation.

Xiqiu seemed to understand what Tong Xiyan was thinking, likely seething as well. If she could seize the order, it would be a manifestation of her determination and defiance against Tianhong Embroidery Studio co-managed by Tong Xiyang and Madam Jiang.

She discussed it with Fourth Master Xiao that evening. Fourth Master Xiao wasn’t surprised and said, "I’ve heard that even today the Emperor asked about Tongxuan Hall, questioning if I knew the owner. I replied that I had only heard of them, not acquainted."

Xiqiu offered tea to Fourth Master Xiao, asking, "Why is the Emperor concerned about this? Could there be any hidden motives behind it?"

Fourth Master Xiao shook his head, replying, "It’s not evident yet," implying that he was still observing the situation. He then mentioned Mr. Ji: "Mr. Ji will arrive in the next couple of days, so send someone to tidy up the outer courtyard."

"Understood," Xiqiu replied with a smile. Mr. Ji had written back last month agreeing to tutor Min at their residence, but the timing was set for October. She hadn’t expected him to set out so early. She thought for a moment and said, "I’ll offer him the same as Mr. Song’s retainer, and additionally assign him two young attendants. Does Fourth Master find this acceptable?"

Fourth Master Xiao had no objections and nodded. "Take care of these matters as you see fit." Xiqiu nodded and delightedly called for Min. "Mr. Ji will arrive in the next few days. Tomorrow, let Mr. Song know, and refrain from attending his classes for the following days."

"Mr. Ji?" Min was reluctant to part with Mr. Song, "Then can I still go and see Mr. Song in the future?"

Xiqiu nodded in response, saying, "Of course." She paused and added, "However, when Mr. Ji arrives, you must respect him as much as you respect Mr. Song, understood?"

Min nodded repeatedly.

Two days later, Mr. Ji indeed arrived. Xiqiu glimpsed him through a screen and found him much younger than expected, barely in his twenties or thirties, with fair skin and a friendly smile. He chatted with Min for a bit without inquiring about his studies, and in front of Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao, he even discussed a few pieces of music with Min, who bravely played a piece. Mr. Ji nodded and praised him with a smile.

He was very approachable and not as stuffy as the typical old scholars. Xiqiu’s first impression of Mr. Ji was quite positive, but she knew further observation was needed over time.

In contrast, Fourth Master Xiao was very satisfied. He never advocated for rote learning of rigid texts and preferred a more relaxed, enjoyable teaching style.

With Min officially starting his tutoring, Xiqiu had Tianjing listen in on two lessons from outside the window. Tianjing later reported, "While listening, I couldn’t help but smile; Mr. Ji truly is a fascinating person."

Xiqiu, still concerned, went personally to the outer courtyard to eavesdrop, catching Mr. Ji explaining an ancient story about the renowned general Wu Qi who "killed his wife for a generalship." Mr. Ji remarked, "He had courage and strategy but lacked propriety, righteousness, virtue, and faith; no matter how great his talents, the world would scorn him!"

Xiqiu nodded in agreement, and then, accompanied by Chunliu and others, returned to the main room.

Fourth Master Xiao smiled at her and asked, "What do you think? Are you satisfied?" Xiqiu recounted what she had heard to Fourth Master Xiao. "Since his scholarship is praised by Lord Qian, it should be good. But I am more interested in his character — defining Wu Qi as he did suggests he’s not someone driven by quick gains or purely profit-driven."

Fourth Master Xiao chuckled without a word, looking at Xiqiu. "To satisfy you, my dear, is truly no small feat!" Xiqiu laughed, playfully chiding, "Fourth Master only knows how to tease me."

"You silly girl," Fourth Master Xiao chuckled softly, turning to see Zhi, who was struggling to lift his head, his little face thoroughly red from exertion. He frowned, asking, "Will this not harm him?"

Xiqiu laughed, waving her hand dismissively, and crouched by the bed to kiss his bald forehead, replying to Fourth Master Xiao, "Practicing more will aid in skeletal development."

Fourth Master Xiao neither agreed nor disagreed, watching Zhi with affection.

Fortunately, Zhi was diligently cooperating with his mother. After resting and breathing heavily for a moment, he continued his efforts. Fourth Master Xiao, unable to let him continue, said, "Let’s let him rest for a bit," as he picked up Zhi into his arms. Surprisingly, instead of being relieved, Zhi, upon leaving the bed, began to pout and looked as if he was about to cry.

Xiqiu pursed her lips with a soft laugh, saying to Fourth Master Xiao, "He’s rather enjoying practicing lifting his head now. Fourth Master, it seems you dote on him in vain."

Fourth Master Xiao laughed as well, placing Zhi back on the bed, watching as he alternated between raising his head and resting. After a little while, Xiqiu picked him up. "He’s all sweaty," she said, calling Mrs. Zhou to her. "Take him for a bath, please."

Mrs. Zhou nodded and carried Zhi out the door.

As Mrs. Zhou left the room, Bihuai lifted the curtain, popping her head in to report, "Fourth Master, Madam, Fourth Miss has arrived."