Xiqiu glared at him and was about to speak when Bihuai called through the door, "Madam, Nurse Zhang has arrived."

Fourth Master Xiao’s eyebrows lifted, and his expression became serious.

Xiqiu chuckled and replied to Bihuai, "I know, let her wait in the side room for a moment." Once Bihuai left, Xiqiu smiled at Fourth Master Xiao, tiptoed to kiss his cheek, blushing faintly, and whispered, "Fourth Master, just wait a few more days..." She affectionately touched his cheek and said, "In a few days, Lady’s funeral rites will be held, and I want to invite Master Puning to perform a ritual at our residence. What do you think?"

Fourth Master Xiao’s gaze gradually cleared, and he pulled her into his arms, responding softly, "Good!" He paused and added, "Why not bring Xing over here to avoid another ceremony over there." Xiqiu agreed as she had the same thought.

"You should go now; she must have some purpose for coming at this time." Fourth Master Xiao reluctantly let go of her and asked, "Where’s Zhi?"

Xiqiu adjusted her dress and replied, "He’s playing in the Warm Pavilion. When Kun and Twelfth Sister left this afternoon, he cried a lot, feeling quite downcast. He’s just a bit better now."

Fourth Master Xiao said nothing more, nodded, and turned towards the clean room, while Xiqiu opened the door to go to the side room.

Ruan Jingliu, dressed in a light blue overcoat embroidered with orchids, sat upright on the rose bed. Upon seeing Xiqiu enter, she couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows. Xiqiu, wearing a hibiscus-white overcoat with no accessories, had a blushing face and moist eyes, with slightly swollen lips, looking quite ambiguous.

Ruan Jingliu lowered her head to drink tea and chuckled softly.

Xiqiu approached, suspiciously sat beside her, and raised an eyebrow, asking, "What’s making you so happy?"

Ruan Jingliu waved her hand, smiling, "Nothing!" Then she shifted the topic directly to Xiqiu, "I heard Zhi grasped a knife?"

"Yes," Xiqiu acknowledged as she accepted the tea Bihuai brought, shaking her head with a smile. Ruan Jingliu responded, "I noticed his swift and agile movements; he’s bound to be a good martial arts prospect in the future."

Remembering Fourth Master Xiao’s stories of the hardships endured during his martial arts training as a child, Xiqiu held reservations about the topic. Sensing her thoughts, Ruan Jingliu smiled and said, "Even if you’re reluctant now, it’s of no use. If he can endure it, it’ll be a good thing, in my opinion."

Xiqiu nodded, then asked Ruan Jingliu, "Madam Zhou secretly asked me today why she hasn’t seen you recently." She sighed and shook her head, "Avoiding things like this isn’t a solution."

Ruan Jingliu’s expression didn’t change, but her tone became somewhat indifferent, "Taking it one day at a time, I have no interest in other matters." She looked at Xiqiu and smiled again, "The medicines collected from several manors sold well this year. Some types were soaked in my medicinal liquid, allowing Sixth Master Luo to sell them at a seven or eightfold higher price, better than ordinary ones."

Xiqiu had already heard from Tianyi and, upon hearing Ruan Jingliu mention it again, laughed, "I think we should have Sixth Master Luo keep an eye out for any vacant shops so that we can open another store. This way, it would be easier for you both."

"Why are you thinking of opening a branch now?" Ruan Jingliu put down her teacup, showing interest.

Xiqiu smiled, "I didn’t agree last time because I thought the timing wasn’t right. We didn’t have supply channels, and as a new store, there were many uncertainties. Now, your reputation in the Capital is well-known." She paused and continued, "You are a living billboard."

"You really know how to calculate." Ruan Jingliu said casually, then nodded after thinking for a while, "I’ll have Sixth Master Luo keep an eye on store vacancies in the Capital and inform Tianyi when there’s news."

Xiqiu nodded, then remembered the woman Madam Ruan brought today and recounted it to Ruan Jingliu, "...she’s said to be her mother’s niece."

Ruan Jingliu frowned as she listened and, after a while of contemplation, replied, "I’ve never heard of her, but judging by the intention, there might be another purpose." She added, "Her maternal grandfather is the Salt Transport Commissioner, the legitimate second son of Fujian Zhongshan Marquis Le’s family. Based on your description and her age, Le Xiu should indeed be her legitimate niece."

Xiqiu listened attentively but felt there was no resemblance between Le Xiu and Madam Ruan. She turned the thought around in her mind, realizing that it’s normal not to resemble a non-biological child.

Hearing Zhi’s cry from the other room, Ruan Jingliu stood up, "I’ll head back now. You go comfort Zhi." As she was about to leave, Xiqiu walked beside her, saying, "You should still come during the day if you need anything. I’d be uneasy with you and Wan’er traveling at night."

Ruan Jingliu, however, was indifferent, smiling, "It’s just a few steps. Besides, it’s quite lively outside now—you just don’t realize because you don’t go out."

Xiqiu indeed hadn’t been out and had no reply, so she nodded with a smile, "Be cautious, then." She turned to Wan’er who was waiting nearby and said, "Don’t let your mistress wander around at night."

Wan’er covered her mouth with a light laugh, "Mistress only comes here; she usually doesn’t go out otherwise."

Ruan Jingliu had already stepped down the stairs.

Xiqiu watched her leave the courtyard before turning back to the Warm Pavilion, where Fourth Master Xiao was inside. Zhi was crawling over him, laughing gleefully, and when he saw Xiqiu approaching, he waved his hand, "Mom, mom!"

"Zhi," Xiqiu walked over and took his hand, "It’s not allowed to climb all over your father." As she spoke, she tried to pull him down, but Zhi looked unwilling, glancing at Fourth Master Xiao as if seeking help. Fourth Master Xiao remained indifferent, raising an eyebrow while looking at him, "Call me Dad!"

It was clear that if he called, they would keep playing together.

Zhi pouted, looking at his father.

Xiqiu couldn’t help but laugh, watching father and son in a staring contest. She shook her head and, holding Zhi softly, said, "Let’s go take a bath, then it’s bedtime. No more playing."

Zhi didn’t want to go and reached out to Fourth Master Xiao. As Xiqiu carried him towards the door, Zhi’s lips quivered, and he started to cry...

Fourth Master Xiao’s gaze shifted slightly. Seeing his father unresponsive, Zhi cried pitifully, his little mouth trembling and tears streaming down. Yet Fourth Master Xiao remained still; as Xiqiu reached the door, in sudden anxiety, Zhi called out, "Dad!"

Out of nowhere, he called for his dad.

Xiqiu paused, filled with delight, and Fourth Master Xiao stood up, looking at his son, "What did you just call?"