Fourth Master Xiao nodded in agreement.

In the evening, Xiqiu asked Tiancheng to invite Tong Quanzi. As soon as he entered, he played with Zhi for quite a while and then said proudly, "When you grow up, Uncle will find you an even prettier curved knife." He patted the one hanging at his waist daily: "Even prettier than Uncle’s!"

Zhi liked him and Tong Minzhi very much, and nodded cheerfully without any restraint as he listened to him speak.

Xiqiu had something to discuss with him, so she asked Mrs. Zhou to take Zhi outside and said to Tong Quanzi, "Sit down, let’s talk." Tong Quanzi sat opposite her, and Xiqiu repeated Fourth Master Xiao’s words to him: "...Consider it for yourself, and you should also consult with Second Uncle."

Tong Quanzi was taken aback, staring at Xiqiu without responding for a long time. Seeing his reaction, Xiqiu knew her worries were in vain.

Sure enough, Tong Quanzi jumped up, drew the knife at his waist, and swung it around, running two laps in the room. Once he excitedly stopped, he looked at Xiqiu with undisguised delight: "I don’t need to consult father; I’ve already discussed it with him. I manage my own matters." He paused and added, "Where is the Grand Commander? I’m going to find him!"

"Wait a moment," Xiqiu called out to him: "I have no objection to you going, but you must write a letter informing Second Uncle, and when you join the military, you must act according to protocol and not impulsively break rules. The military is not like a martial arts school where you can do whatever you want; if you violate military discipline, there will be military law to deal with."

Tong Quanzi immediately patted his chest when he saw Xiqiu frowning with concern, saying, "Rest assured, I know what I’m doing." With that, he strode outside to find Fourth Master Xiao: "I’ll write a letter to father tonight, so don’t worry." With that said, he was already out of sight at the door.

Xiqiu stood at the door, watched Tong Quanzi excitedly leaving, sighed deeply, but still felt uneasy, and asked Nanny Cen to go back to tell Madam Jiang about it so she could inform First Master.

No matter how much she worried, the matter of Tong Quanzi going to the military camp was quickly settled, and he was to depart at the end of the month. Accompanying him were two fellow disciples from the military officer circle, who were also recommended by Fourth Master Xiao to join the military camp. Both were from humble backgrounds who had worked hard to get where they were, and having them around Tong Quanzi made Xiqiu feel a bit more at ease.

Madam Jiang also had Nanny Qiu deliver a message saying First Master was aware and had written to Second Master; however, Second Master had not yet responded, although he probably couldn’t stop it.

Xiqiu instructed Nanny Cen: "It’s cold in Xuantong in winter. Regardless of what Second Lady and Eldest Sister-in-law have prepared, have the people from the sewing room rush to make several sets of leather clothing in the next two days, then make three cotton-padded jackets. Shoes, socks, pants, and undergarments cannot be neglected. Make as many as possible, as he trains hard every day, sweating profusely, and they will wear out quickly. It’s best to be prepared."

"I’ll immediately send someone to get the sizes from Young Madam’s place and give the order!" Nanny Cen replied and withdrew.

Xiqiu didn’t have time to manage Tong Quanzi’s affairs and only heard Tong Minzhi say that he had been busy these days bidding farewell to friends in the Capital circle, returning home drunk every day, even First Master couldn’t do anything about him.

Grand Dowager’s birthday arrived, and Xiqiu discussed with Fourth Master Xiao: "This is the first birthday Mother celebrates since I joined the family, and I don’t know what gift to give." She looked troubled.

Fourth Master Xiao then recalled the outfit she wore at the last birthday celebration, and learned later from private conversations that she had made it herself. So he suggested, "You might consider making an outfit for Mother. Your skills are excellent, and she will surely like it."

"I thought about that, but haven’t had time to do it due to being busy recently. Now it’s too late to start, I’ll have to find another solution." She paused and added: "...It always seems like clothing is too light as a gift."

Fourth Master Xiao pondered, but felt a bit helpless. Xiqiu was continually preoccupied and couldn’t think of anything suitable, until Chunliu reminded her: "Didn’t you embroider a screen with blooming flowers last year when you were pregnant? You could ask Tiancheng to find someone to make a frame for it. There is an empty space on the Kang in Grand Dowager’s Warm Pavilion, and the screen would fit perfectly."

"You even thought of the placement." Xiqiu thought it was a good idea. Grand Dowager surely wouldn’t lack rare stones and antiques, and it was too late now for custom clothes and shoes. She had spent five or six months embroidering that screen... She nodded, saying, "Take it out and have Tiancheng measure the size, and quickly have someone craft a frame." She paused and added, "I remember Nanny Cen mentioned there’s still a piece of sandalwood in storage, use that piece!"

"Understood!" Chunliu responded, took people to the storage to find Xiqiu’s embroidered screen, and then had Tiancheng measure it for the base and frame.

On the day of Grand Dowager’s birthday, Xiqiu gave Mr. Ji a day off. Early on, she dressed Zhi and Min in matching outfits: bright red short coats and royal blue corduroy trousers, with black satin shoes embroidered with silver fish playing with pearls. The two looked alike, Min was calm and composed, and Zhi was innocent and lively, very noticeable standing together.

Accompanied by the two children in a carriage, Fourth Master Xiao rode along, entering the second gate of the Marquis Mansion. The gatekeeper women stopped to greet them upon seeing the two children and congratulated Xiqiu. Xiqiu let Chunliu prepare some silver ingots to reward them, chatting along the way into the inner courtyard.

First Madam waited with Xing early at the door. Xiqiu greeted her upon seeing her, saying, "Eldest Sister-in-law!" First Madam nodded: "Fourth Brother’s Wife." She then looked at Fourth Master Xiao standing with his hands behind his back: "Fourth Brother!"

Fourth Master Xiao slightly nodded.

Zhi, upon seeing Xing, immediately slid from Mrs. Zhou’s embrace and ran toward Xing with small steps, followed by Xiqiu: "Zhi, bow to your First Aunt."

Zhi halted, clasped his hands and bowed to First Madam as instructed, and First Madam smiled kindly, looking at Zhi with fondness: "When did you learn to walk?"

"It was only recently." Xiqiu noticed Xing holding Zhi, with Min guarding from the side, and turned to First Madam: "Thank you for your hard work, I haven’t been able to come and help."

First Madam not minding, shook her head: "It’s not much work, you’re busy in your mansion too, and Zhi needs constant attention..." She turned to invite Xiqiu inside: "Come in, Mother is waiting for you."

Xiqiu responded affirmatively, and said to Xing, "Xing, don’t you miss your Fourth Aunt at all? You haven’t called me."

"No!" Xing shook his head: "I always miss Fourth Aunt, but Mister’s coursework is intense, and I can’t go out." He lowered his head, looking deflated.

Xiqiu knew Mr. Song had scheduled more coursework for Xing than before. With Min not around, Grand Dowager leaving Sheng’s matters to Fifth Young Master, Xing felt lonely and lacked motivation.