"Madam."

Xiqiu looked up towards the door; Nanny Cen came in with a frown. Upon seeing her, Xiqiu asked, "How was it? Were the things delivered? Did you see anyone?"

"I did see her!" Nanny Cen replied, looking at Xiqiu, "I delivered the gift, and it was the concubine who received it. She even invited me into the room for a chat. She appears to be in her early twenties, not particularly pretty but very tall and slender. However, when she walked, there was a certain briskness in her steps; she must be a straightforward person..." Nanny Cen paused for a moment, knowing what Xiqiu wanted to hear, then continued, "She had me for tea, inquired about the household’s situation, and mentioned she was grateful for the gift sent when Madam Han passed away. She said she would personally visit to express her thanks when there’s an opportunity."

Xiqiu furrowed her brows slightly and asked, "How was her demeanor when speaking of Madam Han?" Nanny Cen, without hesitation, replied, "She pressed a handkerchief to the corner of her eyes, seeming quite sorrowful." After a pause, she added, "I also noticed that Madam Han’s portrait was hung in her room. I was there for just a short while, but there was a constant stream of stewards in and out of the household, and the two little young masters of the Han family were running in and out as well..."

So, this concubine seems not only to have gained the trust of everyone in the Han Mansion but also the dependence of the two children. Madam Han has been gone for three years, yet she still can’t help but cry when mentioning her... 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

After her sister’s death, she lives in the Han Mansion as a widow and an outsider, yet she appears so at ease...

Clearly, this concubine is quite remarkable.

"Madam!" Nanny Cen didn’t know why Xiqiu was inquiring about the Han family matters but understood that there must be a reason, thus she lowered her voice and said with a somewhat peculiar tone, "When I went in, there was an unfinished robe on the concubine’s bed. It appeared to be the size not fitting for the young masters of the Han family..."

If not for the young master, then it must be for Han Cheng.

"I understand." Xiqiu nodded, "You’ve been busy all day; go and rest now!" Nanny Cen obliged, gave Xiqiu another glance, then left the room.

With a serious face, Xiqiu planned to sound out Tong Xiyan in the upcoming days. Putting aside the intricacies of the Han Mansion, in terms of Xiyan and Han Cheng’s conditions, they indeed make a good match... However, she knew her opinion wasn’t the final word; everything depended on Tong Xiyan’s intentions.

As these thoughts passed through her mind, Bihuai’s voice came from outside the door: "Fourth Master!" Immediately, the curtain was lifted, and Fourth Master Xiao walked in briskly. Xiqiu greeted him with a smile: "Fourth Master!"

"Did someone from the Empress’s side come by?" Fourth Master Xiao sat down on the edge of the bed and asked.

Xiqiu nodded, then relayed what Nanny Mao said when she came: "... She suggested bringing Zhi along, but with so many rules in the palace, I fear he may not adapt well." Zhi was often seen running around the yard; Xiqiu never restrained him in such aspects. It was fine in other places, but entering the palace was a different matter. Zhi might cause a scene, which could potentially leave a mark on his innocent heart.

Fourth Master Xiao frowned slightly, obviously not keen on taking Zhi into the palace either. He looked at Xiqiu, comforting her, "Tomorrow I’ll go with you. I’ll wait for you outside the palace. You take Zhi to Fengwu Palace to see the Empress and then bring him out; I’ll take him away, not letting him stay long!"

This arrangement indeed balanced duty and maintained good relations with the Empress, an optimal solution.

"Very well! Let’s do as Fourth Master suggests." Xiqiu finally exhaled with relief, confident now that being summoned by the Empress wouldn’t bring any danger to her. Whatever the circumstance, she didn’t mind as much as long as Zhi wasn’t harmed. She had no other worries.

As for Le Xiu, although she was closely connected with both Count Dongchang and Marquis Jinxiang, the palace intrigues and court disputes had no direct relation to them.

At least, not at present.

"Did you ask Lord Han today?" Xiqiu handed a cup of tea to Fourth Master Xiao and sat down beside him.

Fourth Master Xiao took the tea, nodded, and replied, "... Han Cheng was somewhat surprised..." He looked at Xiqiu, "He just said he would think carefully about the matter."

So, it seems he hadn’t even considered the concubine’s departure, or perhaps, in his heart, he had always intended for her to stay in the mansion for life?

Xiqiu didn’t speak; Fourth Master Xiao took her hand, furrowing his brows, "Do you think there’s a problem with this marriage proposal?"

"Not exactly." Xiqiu sighed, "By saying this, Fourth Master might think I am being demanding, especially since Fourth Sister is already a woman..." Fourth Master Xiao showed no sign of disagreement, waiting earnestly for her to continue. After a pause, Xiqiu said, "Whatever Lord Han’s status or character, I don’t find anything inappropriate. But the household’s situation is rather complicated; both concubines already have offspring, the legitimate son is nearly an adult, everyone has their own circles. With Fourth Sister’s temperament marrying into such a family, I fear she’d encounter some hardships."

In such families, if she had the means like Lady to manage the concubines, send the concubine away, and have the legitimate son taught by a tutor in the outer courtyard, with all matters followed through with due face, then the new wife would only solidify her hold over the household. But Tong Xiyan didn’t possess such authoritative means. If she were to marry into a simpler family, even if their status were lower, as long as there’s mutual warmth and shared interests between the couple, that would be more suited to Tong Xiyan’s life.

Fourth Master Xiao didn’t speak, and asked Xiqiu, "Invite Fourth Aunt over another day and ask her opinion. If she is unwilling or hesitant, then let’s put this matter to rest!" Xiqiu did have some valid points, but as a man, he disliked dwelling over marriage issues; either it should proceed or not, preferring decisiveness.

"I understand!" Xiqiu replied with a smile, just about to speak, when Zhi ran in from outside. Seeing Fourth Master Xiao, he immediately climbed onto his lap, wiping the damp mud from his hands all over him. Zhi laughed and said, "Father, when are we going to grandfather’s house again?"

Fourth Master Xiao raised an eyebrow, asking, "Hmm? Why do you want to go to grandfather’s house?" Zhi laughed in response, "I want to thank Seventh Uncle. The parrot he gave me is beautiful and really talks!" Having said that, he attempted to slide off Fourth Master Xiao’s knee, "I’ll go get it for you to see."

"Hold on!" Fourth Master Xiao grabbed him, "You can see the parrot later; your mother has something to tell you now, sit down first!"

"Oh." Upon hearing this, Zhi obediently climbed back onto Fourth Master Xiao’s leg and sat there steadily, looking at Xiqiu, "Mother, what do you want to tell me?"

Xiqiu chuckled softly, taking a cloth to carefully wipe his little hands, and gently said, "Tonight, we should go to bed early because tomorrow morning, mother will take you out." Hearing this, Zhi’s eyes lit up, he asked, "Where are we going? Is it to grandfather’s house?"

"No," Xiqiu said slowly, "It’s someplace you haven’t been to; a big, beautiful place with many people... " Zhi, curious, asked, "Are we going to the temple?" Xiqiu shook her head, "Listen to me, tomorrow when you go with mother, you must always stay by my side. Speak only when mother tells you to, and only do what mother instructs you to do. You are only to answer when someone asks you a question; if not asked, you mustn’t speak. Can you remember this?"