Madam Jiang!

Tong Xiyan suddenly found it amusing. Once, that title belonged to her, but now it has fallen on another woman. Looking at her well-behaved and sensible appearance, she must surely win over Old Madam Jiang’s favor, and he must like her as well.

She shook her head mockingly, wondering why she was thinking about this now. Everything had passed; she was mourning the past alone with tears. He probably no longer even remembered what she looked like.

"Miss!" Daiju tentatively asked, "If you’re not feeling well, why don’t we tell Fourth Madam and return to the mansion first?"

Tong Xiyan’s heart stirred as she wanted to go back, but she wondered if leaving now would seem like she was fleeing in disgrace in other people’s eyes.

"It’s fine." Tong Xiyan hesitated but waved her hand, "It’s Grand Dowager’s birthday. Leaving now would inevitably seem rude." She sighed, "Let’s just sit here for a while, and after eating, we’ll go to the back to row a boat." That way, she could avoid some of it.

"Yes!" Daiju also sighed inwardly, wondering why it was so coincidental that the new Madam Jiang was here today. In such events, she wouldn’t have received an invitation due to her rank, but she didn’t expect her to come with First Young Madam Ma. Since all guests were welcome, Fourth Madam couldn’t drive guests away for personal reasons. Daiju thought for a moment but couldn’t help saying, "Miss, she came later, yet she’s not embarrassed. You have even less reason to feel awkward. Besides, ours was a separation, not a divorce. It’s her who should be embarrassed!"

Tong Xiyan laughed, looked up at Daiju, and said, "Why does it seem like this isn’t something you’d say, but rather something Sixth Sister would say?"

"Miss!" Daiju blushed, "Even at this time, you still tease your servant."

Tong Xiyan covered her face and laughed.

"Fourth Miss Tong." At this moment, a sudden voice interrupted their conversation. Tong Xiyan’s heart skipped a beat, turned around, and saw Madam Jiang walking in slowly, smiling as she said, "What a coincidence, I happened to meet you." Then continued, "What were Fourth Miss and the maid talking about that made you so happy?"

She enthusiastically approached.

Daiju and a few others’ expressions changed, as if they were facing a formidable enemy, surrounding Tong Xiyan.

Madam Jiang noticed this, and a hint of disdain flashed in her eyes.

Tong Xiyan stood up, forced a smile, and replied, "Just chatting casually!" Though she didn’t invite her to sit, Madam Jiang came over unceremoniously, looking at Tong Xiyan said, "May I sit down?"

Tong Xiyan paused, desperately wanting to refuse but still said, "Please sit." Madam Jiang had already sat down opposite her. Tong Xiyan glanced at Daiju and the others, who reluctantly stepped back, and Tong Xiyan returned to her previous seat. A maid brought tea for Madam Jiang, and Tong Xiyan smiled and said, "Madam Jiang, have some tea!"

Madam Jiang nodded slightly, "I can tell that Fourth Miss is very familiar with Fourth Madam and often visits Marquis Mansion. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be so acquainted." She looked around and said, "Looking at the furnishings in the courtyard, it seems like Second Miss’s bedroom."

Tong Xiyan didn’t respond, sipping tea intermittently, yet her heart was speculating about Ma Family’s intentions.

Xiao Yanzheng’s courtyard is at the right rear side of Grand Dowager’s yard. Unless someone visits often, it would be unlikely for them to walk here. But the Ma Family found this place, which couldn’t be merely a coincidence.

Tong Xiyan felt complicated; she was a bit nervous because the relationship between the Ma Family and her was too unique; she was also somewhat curious, wanting to know how things were between her and Jiang Shilin. This made her expression less cordial.

"I want to talk to Fourth Miss; could you guard the courtyard entrance?" Madam Jiang smiled back, with dimples sweetly at her cheeks. Daiju even had a moment of illusion, thinking this woman might be their Miss’s friend. Yet turning to consider their strange relationship, she couldn’t believe that Madam Jiang was genuinely as she appeared, obedient and cute.

Hesitatingly, Daiju looked at Tong Xiyan.

Tong Xiyan frowned slightly, nodded, and said, "You all find a place to rest; no need to guard constantly!"

Daiju obeyed and retreated, leaving Tong Xiyan to face Madam Jiang, smilingly asking, "What advice does Madam Jiang have?" Involuntarily, her tone carried a hint of caution. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"Haha." Madam Jiang smiled, "Fourth Miss needn’t be so defensive. I mean no harm." She presented the tea to show respect, then said, "I assume you’ve felt similarly, Fourth Miss."

Tong Xiyan slightly raised her eyebrows, as Madam Jiang looked at her meaningfully, feigning innocence. "Curiosity."

Tong Xiyan was noncommittal.

Madam Jiang tilted her head, unabashedly examining Tong Xiyan, "We’ve been in the boudoir for so many years, never meeting; yet fate brought us together." She chuckled lightly, "You know, I often heard the servants in the mansion mention you, even my mother-in-law brought you up when she was angry. Each time I heard, I couldn’t help but feel curious and wanted to see what you were like." Not mentioning Jiang Shilin; despite her casual words, they were carefully considered.

Tong Xiyan inwardly frowned, shaking her head as she replied, "That’s Madam Jiang’s business. I’m not curious; Jiang and I have no ties, so how you are, and what Jiang does, doesn’t concern me, nor am I curious."

This time Madam Jiang was slightly surprised, expecting Tong Xiyan to be meek and easy to bully, but didn’t anticipate her showing some temper. She smiled, "That’s true, the relationship between Fourth Miss and my husband is over, I spoke too much." She showed an apologetic expression, "Even he says the same, once heard two maids gossiping about you, and he got angry, punished them, and sent them away, saying in the future there will only be one Madam Jiang in the mansion, no former or future Madam. It made him angry." She covered her mouth and laughed, looking at Tong Xiyan, "Don’t you agree, those people ought to be punished!"

Tong Xiyan felt as if something had pricked her, the pain made her secretly gasp. She didn’t want to endure it anymore, and stood up suddenly, "I’m busy, excuse me, Madam Jiang, stay as long as you like!" With that said, she turned and walked out.

"Fourth Miss." Madam Jiang stood up with her, blocking Tong Xiyan’s path, her tone changed from before: "What’s your future plan, Fourth Miss?"

"What do you mean?" Tong Xiyan furrowed her brows; her complexion turned cold.

Madam Jiang showed a genuine suggestion, lowered her tone in reply, "Fourth Miss has separated and is at home; for the future, are you planning to marry again, or let the family feed you for free? Or maybe wisely return home directly?" She paused, looking at Tong Xiyan waiting for her response.