It really is this matter.

Madam Jiang thought of Han Cheng; it had been three days without any news coming back, though she had heard a little about the happenings at Han Mansion. Madam Hong had not moved out and was still managing the household affairs, but Lord Han had taken leave these past few days and had been getting drunk every night...

No matter what hidden details lay in between, the three-day period she gave had already passed. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Madam Jiang sighed silently and looked at Madam Zhou: "There’s no need to talk about acting shamelessly; you’re making it sound too serious." She paused and added, "As you said, it’s their fate. If it can truly happen, it would be a wonderful thing." Then she took a sip of tea, rested for a moment, and looked at Madam Zhou: "However, since I am her sister-in-law, if this can be arranged, it’s my duty to manage it both inside and out. But if you want an answer from me, I truly cannot make that decision. Father-in-law’s intention is that Fourth Miss, after all, was hurt once. If she is to marry again, it must be her decision. We can only offer some guidance."

Madam Zhou nodded with a smile: "First Young Madam, you speak wisely!" She looked at Madam Jiang, "I wonder if I could meet Fourth Miss?"

Madam Jiang’s gaze paused for a moment before she nodded thoughtfully, "Then please wait a moment, madam, I’ll go and ask Fourth Sister to come over." Madam Zhou nodded, and Madam Jiang personally went to Tong Xiyan’s side.

After a brief moment, Tong Xiyan entered alone, her expression somewhat peculiar. She greeted Madam Zhou with a bow, saying, "Madam Zhou."

"Fourth Miss." She stood up and took Tong Xiyan’s hand, "There’s no need for formalities between us. Today is my presumptuous visit, sorry for intruding."

Tong Xiyan already knew Madam Zhou’s intentions, and the hand held by her was slightly stiff. She never expected Madam Zhou to propose again... She finally understood why Madam Zhou had invited Sixth Sister over last time, likely for this very matter?

Did Sixth Sister not inform her at the time because Han Cheng’s proposal had failed, and she did not want to put her in a difficult position, so she withheld the matter?

Thinking of Xiqiu, Tong Xiyan felt a warm glow in her heart. Looking at Madam Zhou, she replied, "Please sit, madam!"

Madam Zhou nodded and sat down beside Tong Xiyan, her satisfaction apparent as she observed her. She nodded approvingly and said, "I believe First Young Madam has already conveyed my intentions to Fourth Miss." Tong Xiyan’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she turned her face aside, nodding.

Madam Zhou breathed a sigh of relief, turning to place the redwood box she had brought onto the small table, taking out a key from her pocket to unlock it. Tong Xiyan looked over with a puzzled expression. Inside the opened box, everything was neatly arranged: seals, silver notes, deeds, and several account books.

Confused, she looked to Madam Zhou.

Madam Zhou’s expression turned solemn, "Fourth Miss, here is the entirety of our family assets, all the villas, shops, and the estate’s silver, as well as the account books for the past few years, all here." She paused before taking out a booklet with a red cover from inside: "This is Bohan’s appointment document; this is his personal seal..."

Tong Xiyan grew even more perplexed and asked, "Madam, what is this?"

Madam Zhou smiled and said, "I brought these today without any other intention. The documents and Bohan’s personal seal have always been in his possession. When he knew I was coming today, he asked me to bring them." She closed the box, locked it, held the key in her hand, and reached out to hold Tong Xiyan’s hand...

Tong Xiyan was startled, her hand stiffly pulling back slightly, as if realizing what she was about to do.

Indeed, Madam Zhou placed the key in her hand, "From today onwards, the management of this household is entrusted to you. I can assure you that if Fourth Miss agrees to give Bohan another chance, he will surely devote himself entirely to you, ensuring that you never suffer even the slightest grievance. Trust me!"

Holding the key felt like holding a burning hot coal: "This... this is unacceptable, Madam Zhou!" she said, attempting to put the key down.

"I know, Fourth Miss must still hold some resentment towards Bohan. Years ago, he made foolish decisions, making a grave mistake and causing lifelong regret, harming you in the process. Therefore..." She stood unwaveringly and was about to kneel before Tong Xiyan, who was startled and quickly stood up, bending over to support Madam Zhou: "Madam, your health is not good; quickly, take a seat to talk!"

Madam Zhou grasped Tong Xiyan’s hand in return and continued, "So, I beg Fourth Miss to give him a chance. Life is long, and who is without missteps? Though he erred, he has now come to his senses. Please, Fourth Miss, give him another chance." As she spoke, tears began to fall.

Tong Xiyan watched her, her own eyes reddening.

Madam Zhou reached out to wipe the tears from Tong Xiyan’s eyes, "You’re a child of misfortune too, with an unhappy marriage and a mother who passed away early. Yet for such a significant matter, there is no one to make decisions for you... Bohan as well, I am already nearing death, and once I’m gone, there’s only him left in this world... You’re both children of misfortune, and perhaps by comforting each other, you can find more warmth than with anyone else. It’s often said that those who have suffered know how to cherish more... Why not give each other a chance, Fourth Miss?"

Tong Xiyan was already crying, tears streaming down her face. Madam Zhou sighed and pulled her into an embrace, "How I wish to be your mother and shower you with love in place of Madam Tong, but I lack such fortune. However, if I could hear you call me ’Mother’ in my lifetime, I could die without regrets."

"Madam Zhou!" Tong Xiyan thought of her health, her heart aching painfully.

Madam Zhou released her, gently wiping away her tears with a handkerchief, and tucked the stray hair behind her ear. Softly, she said, "Believe me, dear child, you and Bohan will be the most suitable match."

Tong Xiyan looked up at her, and Madam Zhou gave her a faint smile, her smile filled with a mother’s love, acceptance, and endless patience for her child.

"Madam Zhou..." she murmured, and Madam Zhou handed the key back to her, holding her hand with a light smile, "Bohan is in the outer courtyard. Would you like to see him through the screen, to see if you are satisfied?"

Tong Xiyan’s face turned crimson.

Madam Zhou, holding her hand, led her out the door. First Master had already returned from the office, and Tong Xiyan accompanied Madam Zhou to the study. Standing in the courtyard, she saw First Master, changed into casual clothes, sitting high in the hall. Below, a young man was kneeling, his back straight, declaring in a powerful voice, "This junior dares not guarantee to give Fourth Miss a splendid future, nor to promise undying devotion, but I can assure you, as long as I, Zhou Bohan, live, I will use my utmost strength to protect her for life. As long as I, Zhou Bohan, live, I will never let her shed another tear!"

First Master did not speak, his gaze passing over Zhou Bohan, landing softly on Tong Xiyan from afar.