"Who dares speak ill of you?" First Young Madam Tang affectionately took Xiqiu’s hand, "You can ask around, whoever mentions you is full of praise."

Xiqiu bowed to the Grand Dowager, Old Madam Lou, as well as to Old Madam Tang and Old Madam Huang. Old Madam Tang pointed at First Young Madam Tang and scolded, "If you know Fourth Madam is good, you should learn from her. You say you admire her, but I see no improvement in your actions." Then she turned to Old Madam Huang, "It’s all just lip service."

"Mother!" First Young Madam Tang laughed, "Please save some face for your daughter-in-law." She tugged on Xiqiu’s hand, "Look, ever since you came along, people seem to find me less pleasing to the eye every day."

Xiqiu covered her face and laughed, then glanced at the First Madam, who stood behind the Grand Dowager without any expression.

Meanwhile, First Young Madam Ma and Madam Jiang kowtowed to the Grand Dowager, with Ziwei leading them to seats at the back. Madam Qian and a few others looked at Madam Jiang, then turned to the silent Tong Xiyan, their eyes shifting. Madam Xu, beside them, waved them over, "Fourth Miss, Eighth Miss, come sit here, don’t worry about Fourth Madam and First Young Madam Tong, they have their own places."

Tong Xiyu and Tong Xiyan chuckled at the words, went up to kowtow to the Grand Dowager, and greeted the other ladies before sitting next to Madam Xu. Tong Xiyu sat behind Tong Xiyan.

Madam Jiang sat at the head of the room, while Old Madam Lou was busy with Kun, Zhi, Xin, and Min. The children chattered endlessly, and Old Madam Lou laughed heartily, occasionally teasing the children along with Old Madam Huang. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

A room full of women made a buzz even with a few words. First Young Madam Ma and Madam Jiang sat quietly at the back, sipping tea silently.

The main topic was the selection of courtesans in the palace, with many congratulating Madam Ruan on Le Xiu being awarded the fourth-rank noble by the Emperor. Though she had yet to be favored, it was an immense honor, and Madam Ruan returned the gestures with a gentle smile.

The fourth-rank, given the status of Marquis Zhongshan, wasn’t particularly special. However, staying in the palace by the Emperor’s side, Le Xiu was sure to be favored for her beauty sooner or later.

With these thoughts, she saw Madam Lou daydreaming and walked over with a smile, "How is Second Madam? Last time she mentioned visiting me, but it’s been a while, so I was thinking of sending someone to ask."

"She’s fine, but her health has been a bit off. Recently, she’s taken medicine from an Imperial Physician, so she hasn’t dared to go out. She often talks about you, saying she’ll visit once she gets better." Madam Lou spoke softly, holding Xiqiu’s hand, "Thank you for thinking of her. She’s always been solitary with few friends. Though you’re her elder, you’re close in age, so if you could advise her, I’d appreciate it."

"She understands everything but keeps it to herself." Xiqiu frowned slightly, "Don’t worry too much; she’s young and will get better as she grows."

Madam Lou sighed, "Thank you for your kind words."

First Young Madam Tang was chatting with Madam Qian and Madam Ruan when Madam Qian joked, "Why didn’t you bring Second Young Master out for a walk too? I haven’t seen him for years. I bet he’s as handsome as the First Young Master."

Proud of her child’s praise, First Young Madam Tang laughed, "If you want to see him, I’ll have his father bring him over for a visit." Madam Qian giggled, "I must get a good look. I still want those matchmaker shoes."

Nanny Tang looked surprised and glanced at Madam Ruan, "He’s only ten, still a few years away, yet you’re more eager to play matchmaker than his mother."

Madam Qian chuckled and continued chatting with Madam Ruan, each holding one of First Young Madam Tang’s arms.

Tong Xiyan and Madam Xu sat for a while, feeling an elusive gaze upon her, making her uncomfortable as if pricked by thorns. After sitting for some time, she set down her tea and quietly told Tong Xiyu, "You stay here a while; I’m going for a walk."

"Fourth Sister, do you want me to accompany you?" Tong Xiyu offered quietly, glancing over at Madam Jiang.

Tong Xiyan waved her off and stood up, "No need." Most eyes subtly followed her, then glanced at Madam Jiang.

Tong Xiyan awkwardly greeted Madam Xu and Madam Huang, with Madam Huang smiling, "I saw the flowers in the Marquis Mansion’s garden blooming. Fourth Miss, go take a look, and if you find any nice ones, bring a branch back for me." With a slight smile, she added, "There are people in the garden this time, let Fourth Madam know and bring a few maids with you."

"No need," Tong Xiyan laughed, "I’ve been here often and know my way around. I’m just taking a stroll in the courtyard, not going outside." After a pause, she added, "If I find any nice flowers, I’ll bring one back for you, playing the role of borrowing flowers to present to the Buddha."

Madam Huang chuckled, nodding, "Go on!" Madam Xu nodded at Tong Xiyan, turning to Madam Huang with a smile, "Being young is wonderful. I remember when we were like that, always wanting to go out." Their conversation eased Tong Xiyan’s awkwardness.

Tong Xiyan gratefully glanced at them and nodded to Xiao Yanzheng, who was watching her, before walking out alone.

Xiqiu saw Tong Xiyan leave alone, her heart filled with a slight curiosity. Tong Xiyu approached with a smile, whispering, "Fourth Sister felt stuffy and wanted to stroll in the garden." Xiqiu nodded, looking at Tong Xiyu, "There’s someone outside watching, it’s good for her to get some air." She said no more about Tong Xiyan.

Madam Lou glanced at Tong Xiyu, smiling, "Who is this..." Xiqiu took Tong Xiyu’s hand, introducing her, "This is my Eighth Sister, who usually stays at home embroidering and cooking, not often out and about."

Tong Xiyu stood and bowed to Madam Lou, who looked at her with a pleased expression, "No wonder people say the young ladies of the Tong Mansion are as beautiful as flowers!"

Tong Xiyu blushed and sat half-hidden behind Xiqiu.

Xiqiu laughed, "You flatter us too much; we’re really not that remarkable."

Just then, at the door, Madam Zhou entered with the help of a maid. Xiqiu and the First Madam exchanged glances and Xiqiu stood up to greet her, "You’ve arrived."

"I intended to come early, but I’m the last one," Madam Zhou said, exchanging greetings with Xiqiu, "I’ll go wish the Grand Dowager a happy birthday first." Xiqiu nodded with a smile, accompanying her to the Grand Dowager.

Tong Xiyan, with Daiju, left the room, wandering through the bustling courtyard. At the Grand Dowager’s side garden, four or five round tables were set up, and on the southern side of the garden, a stage draped in red cloth was visible, with costumed actors moving about. She avoided the crowd and made her way to Xiao Yanzheng’s former courtyard, sitting at a stone table. A clever maid served her tea, which she accepted with a smile, taking a sip and finally feeling more at ease.