"Please don’t say anymore, it can only be said that Lord Zhou and Fourth Sister have no fate, there’s no one to blame." Xiqiu gently advised.

Madam Zhou shook her head and said, "I won’t say anymore, I won’t say anymore..." She sighed and shook her head, holding Xiqiu’s hand. "Bohan is now all alone, and with my poor health, I hope Fourth Madam would mediate for Bohan. So that before I die with closed eyes, I can see him with someone by his side, and I can leave in peace."

Xiqiu was taken aback, asking her to mediate? For whom?

Seeing Xiqiu silent with a look of puzzlement, Madam Zhou explained, "For Fourth Miss!"

Tong Xiyan?

Xiqiu was shocked, never expecting that Madam Zhou would have the idea of having Tong Xiyan and Zhou Bohan rekindle their past relationship. This...

"Fourth Madam, please do not be surprised." Madam Zhou chuckled gently. "Speaking of it, ever since Fourth Miss and Li separated, Zhi’er’s whereabouts became unknown, I’ve harbored this thought in my heart. However, firstly, the timing was immature, and secondly, I truly couldn’t bring myself to speak. Now that my days are numbered, I don’t care about keeping up appearances anymore."

"Madam Zhou..." Xiqiu found it indeed difficult to speak, pausing for a moment before continuing, "This matter, I fear I must return and consult with my father and Fourth Sister first, as I truly find it hard to give you an answer."

Madam Zhou nodded, "I understand, I understand, it’s somewhat difficult. Initially, it was our Zhou family who called off the engagement, letting Fourth Miss marry and then separated to return. All these issues arose because of us. If Lord Tong holds a grudge against us, I can understand. On Fourth Madam’s end, just help me get a hint of their thoughts. On another day, I will personally visit to propose marriage."

Xiqiu slightly nodded, replying, "This is also a joyous matter; I will ask my father when I return and discuss it with them, and will send someone to inform Madam immediately once there’s news." She paused again, adding, "However, whatever the outcome, it depends on Fourth Sister’s thoughts. It’s not that there’s a grudge against you, but because Fourth Sister is too deeply hurt. Even after years, she still..."

Madam Zhou nodded understandably, patting Xiqiu’s hand, "Really sorry for troubling you, asking you to run an errand amidst your busy schedule and to do things for me, I just..."

"Madam is too courteous," Xiqiu smiled and said, "I also hope Fourth Sister can be fine, have reliance... happy as I cannot be."

Madam Zhou chuckled gently, "Talking to Fourth Madam is always so comforting, you really can consider things from others’ perspectives." Then she asked, "It’s been two years since I last saw the boy; he must be three years old by now, I’d love to visit him."

"Yes, he’s three now, very mischievous all day, running around the courtyard." She paused and added, "Once you’re feeling better, do come over to my place for a visit."

Madam Zhou agreed, just as she was about to speak, a male voice sounded from outside, "Mother!"

Xiqiu was startled upon hearing this, while Madam Zhou grasped her hand and said, "It’s Bohan!" She continued, "I asked him to return, wanting you to take a look, to see if he’s suitable for Fourth Miss."

"This..." Xiqiu felt a bit awkward, while Madam Zhou pointed to a screen draped in white gauze behind the bed, "If you don’t mind, please have a seat behind it."

Xiqiu nodded and stood up, walking to sit behind the screen.

Then Madam Zhou responded to Zhou Bohan, "Come in." As the words fell, the curtain at the doorway was lifted by someone.

Xiqiu saw a man stride in, tall and a bit lean, exuding an aura of scholarly refinement. His features were gentle and approachable, with a poised and graceful demeanor. She recalled what Lady once said, "Young Master Zhou is gentle in appearance, articulate in conversation, and talented!"

In fact, Xiqiu wasn’t surprised; a son taught by a madam like Madam Zhou wouldn’t fall short. Besides, she had heard Fourth Master Xiao occasionally mention that Zhou Bohan was very well-liked among colleagues at the Hanlin Academy and was quite talented. Even Tong Shenzhi had once praised him.

As Xiqiu’s mind wandered, Zhou Bohan had already saluted Madam Zhou, turned, and stepped toward the door, lifting the curtain, his step paused as his gaze inadvertently shifted toward Xiqiu’s direction.

Xiqiu was startled. Did he know someone was behind? Or did he know what Madam Zhou’s invitation was for? What might be on his mind?

While she wondered, Zhou Bohan had already turned and stepped out.

Xiqiu walked out from behind the screen, and Madam Zhou smiled and said, "I’ve really been impolite today, too hasty and inconsiderate!" Xiqiu shook her head, indicating she didn’t mind.

Exchanging a few more words with Madam Zhou, Xiqiu, concerned about Ruan Jingliu waiting outside, took her leave and went out. As expected, Ruan Jingliu was standing outside the courtyard, gazing absentmindedly at a vibrant scarlet peony. She approached, "Sister Jingliu."

Ruan Jingliu turned her head to look at her, glanced in the direction of the main room, and said lightly, "Finished talking?"

Xiqiu replied affirmatively, and Ruan Jingliu suggested, "Let’s go." Xiqiu and Ruan Jingliu, with Nanny Zhou sending them out, left the Yimen and boarded the carriage.

Once on the carriage, Xiqiu asked, "What exactly is wrong with Madam Zhou?" Ruan Jingliu shook her head and looked at Xiqiu, saying, "I truly cannot diagnose clearly. However, judging by the pulse, the Imperial Physician’s previous judgment wasn’t inaccurate, this illness, at most, has half a year left."

"How can it be?" Xiqiu, whose concern was confirmed, sighed, "Is there really no way?"

Ruan Jingliu furrowed her brows, solemnly looking at her, "Well, there is! That would mean opening up the abdomen, taking a look inside!"

Xiqiu inhaled deeply, performing surgery—it sounds easy...

"So, the best we can do is to keep her spirits up, perhaps extending her days a bit." Ruan Jingliu said calmly.

Xiqiu leaned against the wall of the carriage, silent. Outside, the coachwoman asked, "Madam, shall we depart?"

Xiqiu softly replied in agreement, the carriage just about to move, suddenly a male voice called out, "Fourth Madam, Aunt, please wait!"

Xiqiu and Ruan Jingliu were both taken aback and soon realized it was likely Zhou Bohan. Ruan Jingliu glanced at Xiqiu, then responded, "Is it Bohan? What’s the matter?"

"Aunt," Zhou Bohan replied, "I rudely interrupt, but there are a few questions I wish to ask you two. It will give me some peace of mind after asking."

Ruan Jingliu gave a soft "Hmm," and Zhou Bohan directly asked, "Aunt, I’ve long heard about your medical skills, just want to know, about my mother... how much time does she have left?"

"Six months!" Ruan Jingliu replied solemnly.

Silence fell outside, and Xiqiu heard a long sigh. Then, Zhou Bohan spoke again, his voice trembling slightly, "Fourth Madam, I presumptuously ask, did my mother invite you today because of Bohan’s marital affairs?"

Ruan Jingliu also looked at Xiqiu, a bit surprised. Xiqiu paused and, after a moment of silence, replied, "Indeed, it was for Lord Zhou’s marriage." 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Another silence followed outside, until Zhou Bohan asked, "...Is it Forth Miss Tong?"