"I heard from Fourth Madam that the embroidery shop’s business is doing well. Have you been managing it all along?" Madam Zhou’s expression was indifferent, not showing any warmth, as she stood side by side with Tong Xiyan, speaking softly and gently.

Previously, due to the marriage matter, Tong Xiyan felt a bit resistant towards her. But now, with her mindset more tranquil, interacting with Madam Zhou, she actually found her rather pleasant. Madam Zhou spoke in a low and refined manner. Tong Xiyan nodded, saying, "Father feared I would feel restless and overwhelmed staying idle at home, so he asked me to do some tasks to distract myself. They’re all insignificant matters."

"How could they be?" Madam Zhou smiled lightly and said, "When I was your age, I knew nothing and spent my days spinning around the house. Now I want to do something outside but lack the energy." She seemed to admire the idea of women engaging in business: "It’s not necessarily for those worldly things, just to pass the time!" She elevated the mundane interests.

Tong Xiyan felt a bit embarrassed, her cheeks slightly pink: "... It’s not as good as Madam says."

Madam Zhou gave her a meaningful glance and smiled faintly. At this moment, Madam Ruan approached with Le Xiu: "Sister-in-law." She bowed to Madam Zhou: "I have something to discuss with you. I was planning to visit you, but I happened to run into you here today. Perhaps later we can go to my place for a chat? Wasn’t Bohan supposed to come today too? We can go together in a while."

Tong Xiyan felt this was a personal matter, so she bowed and took her leave: "I will go see Zhi. Please, you two continue talking." She nodded towards Le Xiu.

Madam Zhou nodded, and Madam Ruan glanced at Tong Xiyan, then at Madam Zhou, showing a pondering expression.

Tong Xiyan withdrew and went to stand beside Madam Jiang. Madam Jiang handed the Nine Rings back to Kun and instructed Nanny Qiu. Then she quickly glanced at Madam Zhou and asked Tong Xiyan in a low voice: "Is that Madam Zhou?"

Tong Xiyan nodded slightly. Madam Jiang sized up Madam Zhou again.

Xiqiu, holding Zhi, took away the knife he was holding: "Don’t hurt yourself." Tong Minzhi waved his hand, saying: "Sister, don’t worry, the knives here have been specially treated by Third Brother; they won’t harm him." He giggled, approaching Zhi: "Once your third uncle knows, he’ll surely be so delighted he’ll dance with joy."

Knowing the knife was safe, Xiqiu didn’t insist on taking it from Zhi. She looked at Tong Minzhi, thought of Tong Quanzi jumping around, and smiled.

Grand Dowager and First Madam walked over cheerfully, affectionately touched Zhi’s little face: "I still have a fine long sword on my side, left by your grandfather. Once you grow up, I’ll pass it on to you!" First Madam chimed in: "There’s also a bow at Grandfather’s side. He cherished it greatly during his lifetime, and I have kept it. I’ll have someone bring it over too."

Xiqiu glanced at Grand Dowager and First Madam, understanding their intention was to comfort her. To her, she honestly had little expectation for Zhi; she just hoped he could grow up safely by her side, not become a wastrel, learn to navigate life, and have a happy family, live harmoniously. That’s her greatest wish.

She also knew that the ceremonial first-grab didn’t really predict his future path. Even if he chose a certain path in the future, she wouldn’t interfere. Her wish wasn’t an obsession. If Zhi truly loved what he chose, she wouldn’t force him. Most importantly, she wanted him to be happy under their protection and remain joyful and healthy even when he stepped outside, doing what he loved.

She sighed quietly. Life stretches over several decades; she already has a husband who might go to the battlefield anytime, walking a fine line between life and death. If another addition follows suit, as a wife... and a mother...

Shaking her head, she felt she was thinking too far ahead, then smiled, saying to Zhi: "Did you hear that? Grandmother and aunt have given you the best things." A smile appeared on her face.

Grand Dowager and First Madam secretly sighed in relief and smiled.

Xiao Yanzheng held onto Xiqiu’s arm and said to Xiqiu: "Fourth Sister-in-law, don’t worry. Mother always says when I was little, I grabbed a spoon at the ceremony, but I’ve never cooked once till now..." He laughed: "It can’t be taken seriously."

Grand Dowager pointed at Xiao Yanzheng with a look of helplessness: "You’re the most mischievous."

Everyone laughed, and Xiqiu said to Grand Dowager: "Shall we have the feast served?" Grand Dowager nodded slightly.

Xiqiu handed Zhi over to Mrs. Zhou and went out to arrange the feast, and soon maidservants entered to tidy up the tables and chairs.

Madam Lou was conversing with First Young Madam Tang, with Second Young Madam Lou standing obediently behind her, maintaining a gentle smile regardless of the conversation, appearing both serene and graceful. Grand Dowager nodded approval as she watched, gesturing to Second Young Madam Lou. Second Young Madam Lou whispered a few words to Madam Lou before softly moving to Grand Dowager’s side to bow. Grand Dowager cheerfully took her hand: "Sit beside me." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

Second Young Madam Lou obediently sat down next to Grand Dowager. Grand Dowager looked at her fondly: "We haven’t seen each other for half a year, you’ve surely lost weight again." She patted her hand: "You should relax more, otherwise your mother-in-law and grandmother will be worried."

Second Young Madam Lou bowed her head, showing a guilty expression: "I daydream about recovering and feel remorseful when my grandmother and mother worry, but my health shows no sign of improvement despite daily medication."

"You worry too much." Last year, Second Young Madam Lou had a miscarriage, and her health declined further. Grand Dowager sighed: "You should learn from your grandmother, once you understand something, set it aside and don’t dwell on it. People live carefree that way. You cannot let worrisome thoughts persist."

"I understand." Second Young Madam Lou’s eyes reddened, she lowered her head: "I won’t overthink things anymore."

Grand Dowager felt comforted, nodding: "You’ve thought so for a long time, carefully nurture your health. Once your health improves, everything will get better."

Second Young Madam Lou nodded slightly.

Madam Lou came over and sat on Grand Dowager’s left-hand side. She glanced at Madam Xu and Madam Huang, who were speaking, then looked at her daughter-in-law, saying to Grand Dowager: "You’re right, I’ve advised this child many times, but she doesn’t listen, always confines herself." Though she sounded reproaching, her tone was still affectionate.

Second Young Madam Lou glanced at her mother-in-law, tears fell quickly and she wiped them away. At this moment, Zhi, led by Mrs. Zhou, moved towards Grand Dowager and suddenly leaned on Second Young Madam Lou’s lap. Second Young Madam Lou was startled, quickly supporting Zhi: "Be careful."