Xiqiu smiled, "He can turn over now..." and kissed Zhi on the face, "Zhi is awesome." She then moved the rattle further away to tease him, "Come and get it..."

Zhi shifted his body and changed from lying on his side to lying on his stomach!

Xiqiu moved to another side, encouraging him to turn over again. Zhi cooperated perfectly, and Xiqiu enjoyed the fun endlessly. Fourth Master Xiao watched them play joyously, unable to resist a smile.

After a while, Zhi seemed tired, stretched out his little legs, and lay down, giving up. He cried immediately, looking unhappy.

Xiqiu chuckled, picked him up, "Are you hungry?" Zhi wriggled around in her arms, and Xiqiu glanced at Fourth Master Xiao. He coughed and went to sit on a chair while Xiqiu fed Zhi inside the curtain.

The milk wasn’t abundant, but Xiqiu was satisfied. Zhi often wasn’t full, and when placed on the bed, he would fuss and refuse to sleep. Helpless, Xiqiu called Mrs. Zhou to feed him again. Fourth Master Xiao frowned at her, "This boy, who knows whom he resembles!"

Xiqiu laughed, recalling Grand Dowager ’s words about Fourth Master Xiao, teasing, "Mother says he’s just like his father."

Fourth Master Xiao raised his eyebrows, coughed lightly, but didn’t continue the discussion.

Tongxuan Hall’s business was booming, and Tianhong Embroidery Studio gained fame rapidly after landing the deal. Xiqiu heard from Tong Xiyan that Tong Xiyang personally appeared at the embroidery shop, expanded the business, and rented the shop next door. Now, there are forty to fifty embroideresses there.

Contrarily, Tong Xiyan’s business declined significantly, and he often came to Xiqiu to complain.

In August, First Master’s transfer order officially arrived, indeed as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry. Xiqiu was delighted upon hearing it and took Zhi and Min to return to Tong Mansion that very day.

First Master was sitting in the main hall drinking tea when he saw Xiqiu enter, his gaze first falling on Zhi. Xiqiu greeted First Master with a smile, "Congratulations on your promotion, Father."

"We are family; no need for formalities." First Master looked invigorated, and Xiqiu seemed to see the brilliance on his face from years ago. He stepped up to Xiqiu, "Zhi."

"Call Grandfather," Xiqiu held Zhi. By now, Zhi could lean against Xiqiu’s shoulder, and he turned leisurely towards First Master upon hearing his voice, brightening First Master’s eyes, "Let Grandfather hold him!"

Seeing First Master’s beautiful beard, Zhi appeared very interested. First Master extended his hand to hold him, and Zhi naturally accepted it. But once on his hand, before First Master could speak, Zhi grabbed First Master’s beard with both hands. Xiqiu was startled, "Zhi, let go!"

How could Zhi listen? He held on tightly.

First Master was unconcerned, laughing, "It’s rare he likes Grandfather’s things." He paused and turned to his servant, "Go get the scissors and cut some beard for him to play with."

"That’s inappropriate." Xiqiu waved her hand, reaching to retrieve Zhi, when Tong Xiyan came in, seeing the two tangled together, laughed amusedly, "Father, even Zhi finds your beard attractive. Cutting it would be such a pity." Walking over, she suggested, "If you like it, shall Aunt Clip some hair for you to play with?"

Xiqiu glared at her jokingly and, in a hurry, grabbed a short feather duster from the corner to lure Zhi.

Finally, Zhi’s attention was drawn to the colorful feather duster, and he let go of First Master’s beard.

First Master stroked his beard, smiling, and looked down at Min standing aside, who then greeted, "Hello, Grandfather!"

First Master paused, his expression suddenly halted...

Seeing First Master’s expression, Min showed confusion and unease. Xiqiu’s eyes flicked with a smile, "Father, I heard from Sister-in-law that the family won’t hold a banquet? Though we must observe mourning, inviting some familiar families wouldn’t be amiss... It’s a joyous occasion, after all."

First Master took a deep look at Min, naturally turned his gaze away, and waved his hand with a smile, "It’s a big event for you, but maybe insignificant to others; better to keep it low-key!" Staying as low-key as ever.

Xiqiu and Tong Xiyan exchanged smiles as First Master sat back in his seat. Tong Xiyan laughed, "Brother sent a letter early this morning, offering congratulations to Father." First Master raised an eyebrow, "His news sure arrives fast!"

Just then, Madam Jiang brought Kun over. Kun, who had grown six or seven teeth, was soon to have his first birthday. This time, he was intent on grinding on the floor, no matter how Madam Jiang coaxed him. She looked helpless, "That’s the way he is, can’t sit still for a moment."

"Let him be." First Master looked at Kun and then at Zhi, laughing, "Let them play together." Then he said to Madam Jiang, "Bring Twelfth Miss over too."

The three were similar in age; although there was a generational gap, it didn’t hinder their interaction.

Standing lined at the kang, Xiqiu, Madam Jiang, and Tong Xiyan observed as many small toys were placed on the bed. Kun wore a simple short coat of bamboo-style, with large eyes, short limbs, holding onto the cabinet corner bit by bit, grinding out; Tong Xihua, in a white hibiscus coat, stretched her legs and crawled in snail fashion; Zhi lay sprawled direct, grabbing a toy, sucking noisily without moving.

Behind them, Madam Xia was tense, fearing Tong Xihua’s quick hands would harm the other two children, "Better let me hold her. Her hands are quick, whatever she grabs, she’ll throw."

"We’re watching." Madam Jiang smiled, "Don’t worry."

Unsettled, Madam Xia was reassured as Xiqiu took her hand, smiling, "They’re too young to throw with much force; just relax!" Hearing this, Madam Jiang nodded in agreement.

Madam Xia remained watchful, standing aside nervously.

Madam Luo came over with a smile, holding Madam Xia, "Sixth Lady is here; you can relax." She led Madam Xia aside, her eyes turning on Zhi’s little face, "It’s good for Twelfth Miss to mingle more with her nephews." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Knowing what Madam Luo said was right, Madam Xia sighed. As they spoke, Madam Luo reacted suddenly, rushing forward to the bed, and Madam Xia saw Tong Xihua’s foot dangling off the side. She broke into a cold sweat and hurried over with Madam Luo.

Before Madam Luo could approach, Tong Xiyan had already lifted Tong Xihua with a smile, turning to Madam Luo, "We’re all here, why be so tense?"