Jiang Shilin is at the Ministry of Personnel. After three years of mourning, Tong Shen Zhi returned to report and resume his post, making contact with Jiang Shilin’s side essential.

"No, I haven’t." Tong Shen Zhi paused: "After the mourning rites for mother, I went straight to report to the Ministry of Personnel. Father had already met privately with Lord Liu." 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Which means they avoided Jiang Shilin and went directly to his superior, Minister Liu.

Fourth Master Xiao didn’t say anything further, and couldn’t help but recall Han Cheng’s words from last night: "Two years ago, on the second young master’s birthday, an accidental encounter with Fourth Miss in the outer courtyard left a lasting impression. I initially thought she was a lady from another household, harboring some thoughts but not daring to hope. It turns out she is the Fourth Aunt. Regardless, I implore you, old Fourth, to discuss this with your wife and explore Fourth Aunt’s views. If this matter can be resolved, I will be eternally grateful and pledge to protect Fourth Aunt doubly, ensuring she suffers no further harm."

If Han Cheng and Fourth Aunt’s relationship indeed comes to fruition, any future interactions with Jiang Shilin in the court could become awkward.

However, Han Cheng doesn’t mind, and he’s unconcerned. Besides, he has no connections with them in the Ministry of Personnel. Thinking of this, he glanced at Xiqiu, who always considered Fourth Aunt’s affairs. If Fourth Aunt can find a stable and secure partner, her life without worries, Xiqiu would surely rejoice.

Noticing Fourth Master Xiao looking at her, Xiqiu returned a slight smile. Then she stood up and spoke to First Master and Tong Shen Zhi: "Father, I’ll go see if sister-in-law needs any help. You and brother and Fourth Master can continue chatting."

"Go ahead!" First Master nodded and added: "If you see Xing, bring them here directly."

Just as Xiqiu was about to leave, First Master’s servant was already announcing from outside: "Master, the Young Master is here!" Xiqiu turned back to see First Master sitting upright with anticipation in his eyes, looking towards the door.

"Fourth Aunt." Xing was dressed in a moon-white jacket, with a pearl crown on his head, showing the early signs of Xiao Yanyi’s elegance and charm. He entered with a smile and respectfully saluted Xiqiu with clasped fists, to which Xiqiu smiled and replied: "Hurry inside, grandfather and uncle are waiting for you."

"Yes!" Xing followed Xiqiu inside, only to see First Master looking at him expectantly. Xing smiled slightly and bowed deeply to First Master: "Grandfather!" Then he saluted Tong Shen Zhi: "Uncle!" Turning, he addressed Fourth Master Xiao: "Fourth Uncle!"

Tong Shen Zhi and Fourth Master Xiao nodded slightly, while First Master, more excitedly, beckoned him over: "Come, come here."

Xing walked over slowly, First Master clasped his hand, examining him thoroughly, nodding with satisfaction: "How’s your health?" Though the Imperial Physician said he wouldn’t live past five years, he was now seven. His complexion looked good, contrary to the physician’s dire diagnosis.

"Grandfather, my health is good, I’ve never felt unwell." Xing spoke softly and warmly, bringing a smile to First Master’s face. Nodding, he said: "That’s good!" He gestured to the chair beside him: "Sit and chat!"

Obeying, Xing sat down on the chair.

Xiqiu smiled slightly and left the room.

In the front courtyard, young girls and old women bustled back and forth. Seeing Xiqiu, they all stopped to crouch and greet her. Xiqiu nodded slightly as she exchanged greetings, then turned to head towards the East Cross Courtyard. Xiuzhi was already waiting at the door, grinning as she spotted Xiqiu approaching from a distance: "Sixth Lady!"

"Xiuzhi." Xiqiu walked over: "Is the Madam here?"

"She is, she is!" Xiuzhi nodded cheerfully: "She’s been waiting for you." She supported Xiqiu by the hand as they walked inside, smiling back at Chunliu and others, exchanging greetings.

Upon entering, Madam Xia was already at the doorway, smiling: "Sixth Lady." She greeted. Xiqiu sidestepped to address Madam Xia: "I’ve told you many times, when there are no outsiders, there’s no need for formality." With that, she linked arms with Madam Xia, who returned her smile: "How can that be? Proper conduct must not be neglected." She then looked back, puzzled: "Where is the young one?"

"Seventh Brother took him out to play." Xiqiu entered the room with Madam Xia. Xiuzhi poured tea for them, then spoke to Chunliu at the door: "Last month I made quite a few pockets. You take them, share among yourselves. You’re usually so busy, you don’t have time, so I embroidered some more."

"Sister Xiuzhi." Chunliu looked uneasy: "You always embroider things for us, and we never have anything nice to give you." Bihuai and Biwu following behind nodded in agreement.

Xiuzhi laughed: "Why be so polite among us? Come, sit in my room, a few days ago First Young Madam brought some red tea, the Madam didn’t like it so she gave it to me." With that, the four went to the side room.

Xiqiu and Madam Xia conversed softly for a long while, eventually mentioning Tong Xiyu: "Did Madam Mei engage the official matchmaker?"

"Yes, it happened in the past few days. Since they seldom go out, even the First Young Madam rarely does, who knows how long they might wait. So it’s better to ask the matchmaker to look around." She paused and sighed.

Knowing what’s been said, Madam Xia realized that undoubtedly First Master and Madam Jiang would be aware too... In households with official duties, children register with the matchmaker for ease of reference. Marriage is formalized with registration at the matchmaker’s office afterward.

What Madam Mei did isn’t considered out of line.

Xiqiu pondered and was about to speak when Zhi’s voice was heard from outside: "Mother, mother!" He ran in, followed by Min and Tong Minzhi, Tong Minzhi shouting from behind: "This little fellow, he runs so fast, I couldn’t catch up."

Min smiled dotingly as he entered with Zhi. Zhi dashed into Xiqiu’s arms first, then noticed Madam Xia watching with a smile. He grinned sweetly and called out: "Grandmother!"

"Not possible, not possible!" Madam Xia stood up nervously and saluted Zhi. Zhi looked puzzled at Madam Xia, then at Xiqiu, plainly confused why Madam Xia was so tense. Mother had clearly said that they could secretly call her grandmother when alone, but now that she’s called Madam Xia, why wouldn’t she be happy?

Min followed behind Zhi and saluted Madam Xia, who attempted to return the gesture, but Xiqiu stopped her: "Madam, there are no outsiders here, no need to be so formal!"

"Sixth Lady." Madam Xia sighed looking at her, Xiqiu sat her down: "You’re my biological mother; can this fact ever be erased!"

Madam Xia looked at Xiqiu, then at Zhi gazing curiously at her, and at Min smiling warmly at everyone. She turned to see Tong Minzhi grinning impishly. Her eyes turned red and tears began to fall.

"Don’t cry, grandmother!" Zhi cuddled closer, taking a handkerchief from himself, standing on tiptoe to wipe Madam Xia’s tears: "Don’t cry, don’t cry!" in his soft childish voice.

"Alright, alright, no crying!" Madam Xia hurriedly wiped her tears, smiling: "I’m just happy."