Zhi shook his head, saying, "Mom says I will start learning next year." He then asked Zhou Bohan, "Are you and my big uncle both at the Hanlin Academy?"

Zhou Bohan confirmed with a smile, "Yes, but your uncle’s rank is higher than mine." He seemed comfortable conversing with children.

Zhi nodded, no longer speaking to Zhou Bohan, instead surveying the study’s decorations. Zhou Bohan then asked Min about his studies. Zhi sat for a while before feeling restless, jumped off the chair, and with his head held high, asked Zhou Bohan, "Fourth Uncle, do you have something fun at home?"

Zhou Bohan blushed bright red at being called Fourth Uncle, somewhat awkwardly replying, "What do you want to play?"

Zhi waved his hand dismissively, "Anything is fine." He couldn’t sit still any longer, having been restrained all morning, now he could surely play with Fourth Uncle freely.

Zhou Bohan contemplated for a moment, then replied, "Behind the yard is East Mountain, I could take you guys mountain climbing, how about that?"

"Great!" Zhi nodded happily, "Mountain climbing is fun."

Min watched him with amusement, while Zhou Bohan glanced deeply at Min, contemplating something.

"Madam," Nanny Zhou entered, "The young master said he’s taking the two boys to climb the back mountain, asked me to inform you, they’ll be back shortly."

Madam Zhou furrowed her brows and looked at Xiqiu, who smiled, "That’s wonderful, Zhi should be jumping with joy."

Madam Zhou, seeing Xiqiu unbothered, relaxed and asked Nanny Zhou, "Did they take anyone along?"

"Seven or eight maids and servants are accompanying them." Nanny Zhou replied.

Only then did Madam Zhou relax, nodding, "You should go too, bring water and snacks, they’ll certainly be hungry after climbing." Nanny Zhou agreed and left.

Xiqiu looked at Madam Zhou, noting she seemed more spirited and slightly chubbier than before; clearly, busy with good tidings makes a difference.

"Let’s play leaf cards," suggested Madam Qian with a laugh, "We need to gather together." Madam Ruan agreed, and Madam Zhou looked inquiringly at Xiqiu, who nodded, "I’m not very good, afraid I’ll hold you back."

"We’re all amateurs," Madam Ruan chuckled in response. Madam Zhou then had a table and chairs brought, and the group started playing leaf cards in the room.

Madam Zhou laid a card down, asking Madam Qian, "I heard the Emperor granted a marriage to Lord Han yesterday, has the Imperial Decree been issued?"

Madam Qian laughed, "It was issued early morning, and now Han Mansion is bustling with excitement." Pausing, Madam Zhou stopped playing and asked, "Which family’s young lady?"

"Guess!" Madam Qian smiled, "I didn’t expect it either... it’s the legitimate second daughter of Lord Fang."

Xiqiu froze momentarily, could it be Madam Fang’s second daughter? Years ago, at the Wujin Bo Mansion, she saw Miss Fang, however, that Miss Fang had long since married far away, if it’s the second daughter, it must be Miss Fang’s younger sister.

What a coincidence.

Madam Zhou was similarly surprised but soon laughed, nodding, "Indeed, quite coincidental." She then explained to Xiqiu, "As a young noblewoman, you may not know, but the Fang family is considered a reputable family, originally from Hu-Guang. Years ago, Lord Fang achieved great success and became a student of Lord Wu, maintaining close ties over the years..." hinting at underlying connections.

Xiqiu suddenly understood—the Han Cheng Mansion maintained simple relations, having no marital ties within the Capital. Regardless of his close associations privately, he did not belong to any faction. However, in recent years, Han Cheng had achieved major accomplishments, an undeniably influential force. The Emperor entrusted his second wife to be selected by Lord Qian and Lord Wu, undoubtedly signaling to them, both intelligent men, cleverly interlinking seemingly unrelated names.

Thus, should Han Cheng marry, he acquires an external family, inseparable from its influence, and thereby gains factional alignment.

The Emperor’s intentions are profound.

Yet, what is his purpose? Is it truly to bolster Consort Le’s external familial power?

Xiqiu doubted it would be that simple.

Her thoughts raced, she suddenly realized Tong Shen Zhi was also a student of Lord Wu, could it be...

She shook her head, feeling she may be overthinking.

"Madam, you’ve lost again," Madam Qian pointed at Xiqiu’s cards, "You said you couldn’t play, yet I’ve lost quite a bit of silver."

Xiqiu smiled, pursing her lips, "You all let me win, I’m just playing randomly."

Madam Ruan handed silver to Xiqiu, while Madam Qian asked Madam Ruan, "Has Madam Le arrived? I planned to visit today, but was delayed by matters this morning!" Madam Ruan laughed, "Don’t worry, she’s not staying just for a day or two. I intend to have her remain past Mid-Autumn at least, visiting anytime won’t be disrespectful."

Madam Qian agreed, "Then I’ll wait a few days without concern." She laughed heartily. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Watching them converse, Xiqiu’s hands remained busy while her mind was abuzz, she asked, "I heard Chief Chang’s birthday is the day after tomorrow. I intended to gift him something suitable, but lack experience, won’t know what to give."

"That’s easy," Madam Qian replied with a laugh, "Chief Chang’s greatest hobby is collecting snuff bottles. Rumor has it his treasure cabinet displays many snuff bottles, any unique ones will be happily accepted."

"Is that so, I’ll search when I return."

In the afternoon, back home, Xiqiu recounted to Fourth Master Xiao about Han Cheng’s arranged marriage, "Is it Miss Fang?"

"Yes," Fourth Master Xiao nodded, "Both families felt it was time, so they’ve set it for early next year." Fourth Master Xiao sipped tea, then asked Xiqiu, "Did you visit Marquis Jinxiang Mansion today?"

Xiqiu confirmed, detailing her visit to Fourth Master Xiao, "...Madam Ruan offered plates of longan to Min and Zhi."

Fourth Master Xiao looked at Xiqiu with a smile, gently touching her head, remaining silent.

Xiqiu smiled too, "Longan is probably only available from Fujian around now!"

"Good to go out and about," Fourth Master Xiao nodded, noting an unspoken understanding with Xiqiu, a connection making him feel deeply fulfilled, watching her joyfully.

Xiqiu agreed, nodding, "Just exhausting!" feigning complaint, knowing she usually dislikes going out. Fourth Master Xiao took her hand, kissed it gently, "Where does it hurt? Let me rub it for you."

"Whenever speaking with Fourth Master, you always seem so frivolous," she laughed. Fourth Master Xiao commented seriously, "Massaging my wife’s hands is an honorable duty."

Xiqiu laughed, falling into his embrace. As Fourth Master Xiao held her, somewhat carried away, his ears pricked upon hearing footsteps outside, recalling Zhi’s behavior from before, he sighed helplessly.