Xiqiu understood the implication of First Young Madam Tang’s words. It wasn’t necessarily that Lord Tang wanted to return, but rather he disagreed with First Master Tang selling the ancestral property. She didn’t speak, just looked at First Young Madam Tang, who sighed and said, "I took some free time today to discuss this with Aunt, but who would’ve thought she disagrees as well," looking utterly helpless.

The concerns of First Young Madam Tang and First Master Tang were reasonable. That side is unstable right now, and since they’re people with land holdings, if something happens in Wei Hui, a family of merit like theirs would be the first to suffer. A minor mishap might be bearable, but they’re afraid the Emperor might have other plans, thus causing them unnecessary trouble.

However, this was ultimately Tang’s family affair, and she wasn’t in a position to say much, so she smiled and said, "You’re aware of the temperament of our elder sister-in-law. I’ll certainly convey your words, but I can’t guarantee that my advice will be heeded."

"Hearing you say this puts my mind at ease. I’ll count on you then. I’ll visit again during the Grand Dowager’s birthday." With that, she bowed to Xiqiu, who returned the salute, and then she got on her sedan chair and left.

Turning around and glancing towards the main hall, she saw the First Madam sitting there coolly, looking pensive, obviously not as high-spirited as earlier.

Madam Jiang, Tong Xiyan, Xiao Yanzheng, Xiuzhi, along with a few children, went back to nap, while Tong Minzhi took Min and Xing to the back courtyard.

Smiling, she entered to find Madam Shen discussing children’s matters with the Grand Dowager. Seeing Xiqiu come in, she said with a helpless smile, "The Princely Heir is drunk in the outer courtyard; they’re making a ruckus out there and have just fetched a few more jars of wine."

"I’ve ordered to prepare some hangover soup; it should be delivered shortly." Xiqiu replied as she sat down next to the Grand Dowager, "If you’re still worried, I can send someone over to move the Princely Heir to Fourth Master’s study for a rest, to spare any further commotion!"

"You’re too kind," Madam Shen shook her head with a smile, "He’s just like that, can’t handle drinking but can’t resist it when he sees wine!" she sighed, "Especially when he’s with Lord Han, he never ends up sober after drinking."

Han Cheng and Qian Wenzhong were well-known for holding their liquor.

Xiqiu then sent Nanny Rong to the outer courtyard.

Madam Shen then stood to take her leave, "Wen is still outside; I’ll take him back first, so his father doesn’t get drunk and leave him alone." Xiqiu personally accompanied Madam Shen to the outer courtyard.

When Xiqiu returned, the Grand Dowager and the First Madam were heading outside. The Grand Dowager asked, "Have they rested yet over there?"

"No," Xiqiu smiled and said, "a few more officials arrived, and they’re drinking now." The Grand Dowager then walked inside with Xiqiu, asking, "Who are they?"

"I didn’t see, but according to Tianjing, it’s brother-in-law, Lord Qian, the Princely Heir Shen, Lord Lou, as well as Lord Zhou, Lord Jiang, Lord Han, and Lord Qian..." and a few others she didn’t recognize, "Lord Qian also invited Mr. Ji over for a chat, and Mr. Ji is there now."

"That Qian Zhong!" The Grand Dowager chuckled and shook her head, "Still such a child, never grows up."

After a few more words, the Grand Dowager and the First Madam went to the back courtyard to rest, while Xiqiu, watching the First Madam about to speak but then holding back, had a feeling that things were not as simple as First Young Madam Tang claimed. Otherwise, the situation wouldn’t be so strained between her and the First Madam.

Seeing them off, Xiqiu instructed Nanny Cen and Biwu to tidy up the main hall, then went into the side room, where she found Madam Jiang, Tong Xiyan, and Xiao Yanzheng speaking softly, with three children sleeping in a row on the rose bed. Seeing her enter, Xiao Yanzheng asked softly, "Have mother and the elder sister-in-law left?"

"Mother and elder sister-in-law went to the back to rest, and everyone else has left," she said as she walked over and sat down next to Tong Xiyan. Xiao Yanzheng then stood up, "I’m going to talk with mother, I won’t be returning tonight," she said with a laugh as she went out the door.

Tong Xiyan watched Xiao Yanzheng with envy and said with a smile, "She’s just the same as before, even more open and easygoing now."

Indeed, Xiao Yanzheng’s temperament had improved, she used to be reserved and reticent, but now she was lively and cheerful; it was because she had gained confidence. Previously, she felt inferior due to her illness, but now, no longer feeling inferior, she was naturally more open-minded.

Also, it might have something to do with Pang Guibin’s affection for her.

"It will only get better," Madam Jiang smiled and said, "No need to envy others, I just think our family’s sisters-in-law are the best."

Tong Xiyan and Xiqiu both laughed, looking at Madam Jiang, "Elder sister-in-law, this is like the seller boasting about their own goods!" The three sisters-in-law chuckled softly.

In the afternoon, after the Grand Dowager woke up, she, the First Madam, and Xiao Yanzheng took Xing back to the Marquis Mansion. When Xiqiu saw them out, several people were already passed out drunk in the outer courtyard. Tianjing came back to report, "Fourth Master said he’s fine and for you not to worry, but Third Uncle got drunk and is resting in the study now."

Xiqiu nodded and instructed Tianjing, "Have someone keep watch over Third Uncle, and help him when he wakes up to wash and drink water." Tianjing acknowledged and withdrew.

Tong Xiyan sighed and shook his head, "Third Brother is just like that, as soon as he touches alcohol, he drinks excessively," pausing, he continued, "Not at all like our family."

Madam Jiang laughed, "They say a nephew takes after their uncle, but I don’t recall anyone like this in Lord Yan’s family." Xiqiu couldn’t help but laugh as well, then started talking about Second Master and Second Lady, "I heard they’re having a great time in Baoding and even sent lots of specialties at the end of the year."

"Yes!" Madam Jiang nodded in agreement, "Plus, Eleventh Sister has gotten engaged in Baoding, to a local gentry family. Though they hold no rank, their family is well-off. The wedding is planned for the year after next, and Second Lady wrote to invite us to attend."

Tong Xijia! The same age as Tong Xiyu, now Madam Mei and Tong Xiyu must be even more anxious. Speaking of Tong Xiyu, Xiqiu asked Madam Jiang, "Why didn’t you bring Eighth Sister along?"

"Madam Mei is ill, and she’s afraid to leave, but she plans to come with me for the Grand Dowager’s birthday." Madam Jiang replied.

Xiqiu nodded, knowing that Tong Xiyu now only felt comfortable with Madam Mei, and if something happened to Madam Mei, it would be as if she’d lost her refuge.

While the three of them were talking, Tianjing, speaking through the curtain, reported, "Madam, do you want to check on Third Master? He’s been vomiting quite badly." Hearing this, Xiqiu exchanged a glance with Madam Jiang and anxiously asked, "How come he’s vomiting? How is he now?"

"He keeps throwing up, something seems off. Should we call a doctor?"

Xiqiu had already lifted the curtain and stepped out, "Then quickly call the Imperial Physician." She frowned, "If that doesn’t work, bring in Nurse Zhang."

Tianjing nodded, complying promptly and leaving in a hurry.