Fourth Master Xiao was clearly satisfied with her answer. He smiled, lowered his head to give her face a peck, and then held Xiqiu’s hand, saying, "Let’s go back, Zhi should be awake now." As though Xiqiu had wasted time.

Xiqiu was at a loss whether to cry or to laugh.

Han Cheng went all the way to Tong Mansion, just in time for the First Master to return from the government office. Han Cheng spoke with the First Master for a long while in the study. Tong Xiyan came back from the embroidery shop in a huff, and upon hearing that Han Cheng was there, she frowned, "Let’s go, I want to see!"

"Fourth Sister!" Madam Jiang frowned, pulling Tong Xiyan to sit on the chair, "What’s the use of you going? Lord Han knows nothing about this matter, what use is it to question him?"

Tong Xiyan couldn’t calm her anger and retorted, "Should I let you suffer for nothing?"

Madam Jiang sat beside her, holding Tong Xiyan’s hand, "Whether I suffer or not is really not important." She paused and continued, "The most important thing is, what do you really think in your heart?"

Tong Xiyan was stunned and looked at Madam Jiang, asking, "What does sister-in-law mean?"

Madam Jiang sighed, patting Tong Xiyan’s hand meaningfully, "Silly girl, it’s naturally about your thoughts on Lord Han. He truly cares for you, waiting for two years; how many men can do that? Moreover, his character isn’t bad, a general who keeps his word. If you marry him, I would be relieved, thinking he would surely cherish you as he says."

Tong Xiyan’s face slightly reddened, but Madam Jiang changed the topic, saying, "His family situation isn’t overly complex, except for the matter with the concubine..."

"Sister-in-law, you might as well tell me what you’re really thinking.

Madam Jiang paused, looking at Tong Xiyan, she said, "According to me, as long as Lord Han can send that concubine away far off, this marriage can be agreed upon. If not, even if there’s a slight reluctance, you should reconsider this marriage. Some men are decisive in major matters, but once tied to household concerns, they become indecisive. Such men, no matter how noble their status, require careful consideration."

"Sister-in-law," Tong Xiyan was silent for a moment, then suddenly looked at Madam Jiang, saying, "I want to meet him."

Madam Jiang was taken aback, thought for a moment, and nodded, "Alright, I’ll arrange it!" She paused and added, "But..." Tong Xiyan nodded, "I know, I know, I won’t speak rashly."

Madam Jiang then got up and headed out the door. Originally intent on telling Tong Xiyan about the Zhou family’s situation, but since Han Cheng’s matter was urgent, involving the Zhou family now would only complicate the issue. It’s better not to mention it for now. If Tong Xiyan settles with Han Cheng, it proves she and Lord Zhou are truly out of destiny. If she refuses Han Cheng, then they can reconsider the Zhou family’s marriage. Even if neither works out, she’s a lady of the Tong family. Even if she lives at home forever, they can support her. Besides, Tong Xiyan doesn’t need their support.

Tong Xiyan and Han Cheng met in the courtyard of the second house, a place with fewer people coming and going. Tong Minzhi and Tong Quanzi weren’t home, leaving only a few servants guarding the garden. With the second gate closed and the servants chased out, it was complete privacy. Madam Jiang sat inside Tong Shen Zhi’s former courtyards, able to see Tong Xiyan and Han Cheng as soon as she stepped out the door.

"Lord Han," Tong Xiyan saluted slightly, raising her head to gaze directly at Han Cheng, dressed in indigo attire with dark patterns, his steadfast features paired with a shadow of stubble on his chin. Standing with his hands behind his back, he naturally exuded the majesty of a horseman confronting enemies. Tong Xiyan nodded quietly; she had previously underestimated military generals, thinking they were illiterate and only adept at battlefield skirmishes. After meeting Fourth Master Xiao, her view gradually changed. Now with another military general appearing in Tong Mansion, her impression of them improved somewhat.

Han Cheng looked at her, too, Tong Xiyan wearing a pink and white Shu brocade overcoat with scattered floral patterns, adorned with a few red hairpins on her head, elegant and poised. Her hands were demurely held in front of her abdomen, her gaze slightly downturned, showcasing the demeanor of a respected young lady, unlike the women he usually encountered.

He thought of Xiqiu again; earlier, he hadn’t dared to look directly, only catching a glimpse out of the corner of his eye, confirming the sisters shared a markedly fine temperament.

"Fourth Miss," Han Cheng extended a humble gesture, hands clasped in respect, his gaze slightly averted, "It is an honor for me to meet Fourth Miss again today, truly fortunate."

Tong Xiyan didn’t care about his high-flown words and directly asked, "Lord Han, what brings you to my father’s presence at our residence today?"

Han Cheng’s reply was candid, without evasion or circumlocution, "This morning, my wife’s sister visited your residence to call on my sister-in-law. My wife’s sister is uneducated and ignorant, a coarse woman. I feared she might have spoken offensively, so I personally came to apologize on her behalf."

"Oh?" Tong Xiyan raised an eyebrow, "So, Lord Han is aware of what Madam Hong has said?"

Lord Han nodded, and Tong Xiyan’s expression suddenly turned cold, "So you knew. My sister-in-law was just saying you didn’t."

"How so?" Han Cheng was taken aback, utterly perplexed.

Tong Xiyan, now with a hint of displeasure, asked, "Let me ask you, is there a matchmaker between us?"

It was merely his proposal, without a matchmaker being invited. He shook his head, "No." Tong Xiyan further queried, "Is there a marriage certificate?"

That was even less plausible, Han Cheng shook his head.

Tong Xiyan snorted coldly, "So my father or brother, did they promise you this marriage?" Han Cheng continued to shake his head.

"In that case, what right do you have to let your sister come here and say such things? What qualifications do you possess?" She pressed him for an answer, "You clearly aim to ruin my reputation."

Sweat began to trickle down Han Cheng’s forehead, discomforted by Tong Xiyan’s pressing demeanor, he took a step back, flustered, "Fourth Miss is misunderstanding; neither my sister nor myself would ever intend such harm, I have nothing but genuine feelings for Fourth Miss."

Tong Xiyan hadn’t expected him to be so forthright, felt slightly embarrassed and coughed, dimming her earlier forcefulness. But thinking of Madam Hong again, she couldn’t help but say, "Genuine? If you’re truly so sincere, you should have brought a matchmaker and discussed the marriage properly instead of hastily pushing the idea with no auspicious timing addressed. What sincerity is this?"

Han Cheng felt a bit awkward, realizing Tong Xiyan was genuinely upset. He couldn’t help but ask, "Then what would it take for Fourth Miss’s anger to dissipate?"

Tong Xiyan pondered briefly, then flung her sleeve, "This anger will not dissipate; it may trouble Lord Han not to waste any more time in courting!" Finished speaking, she turned to return to Tong Shen Zhi’s courtyard; after all, meeting privately was already against propriety, with everything said she didn’t wish to linger!

"Fourth Miss," Han Cheng was completely at a loss. In his experience, if friends had a dispute, they would either fight or clear up matters, but he never imagined the conflict could remain unresolved, shrouded without clarity. He hurried a few steps, "Fourth Miss, please listen to my explanation."