"Fourth Master, are you also traveling with the royal escort?" Xiqiu sat down next to him, calming her emotions.

Since it was previously Han Cheng preparing the way, it seems the matter of traveling beyond the border has been entrusted by the Emperor to the Five Governor’s Mansion, and Fourth Master Xiao should indeed be accompanying the escort.

As expected, Fourth Master Xiao nodded and said, "Yes!"

Xiqiu heard this and remained silent. She didn’t feel unsafe, after all, with Fourth Master Xiao there, and being an escort, the security would be tight and thorough. She only speculated on the Emperor’s intentions for bringing Min along. As a ruler, the Emperor is always under scrutiny, and wouldn’t show overt closeness to Min in the palace. So is there another reason for taking Min beyond the border?

"Are the Eldest Prince and Second Prince both accompanying Lord Han?" Xiqiu turned to ask Fourth Master Xiao, who nodded and replied, "The other princes are still too young and inconvenient."

Xiqiu agreed, thought for a moment and said, "There’s not much time left since the decision has already been made, I shall prepare clothes for Fourth Master and Min."

"You handle it, just bring thicker clothes for Min. The weather over there changes suddenly!" Fourth Master Xiao said softly, then held Xiqiu’s hand with reluctance, "Going away for three months, wouldn’t you and Zhi move back to your mother’s place for a while? Otherwise, just go home, or I won’t be at ease."

Xiqiu thought for a moment, nodded and said, "Rest assured, the mansion has more than just us two. If necessary, I’ll take Zhi to stay with my mother for a couple of days." She paused and continued, "Besides, there’s still over a month left, I’ll think about it."

"Alright then," Fourth Master Xiao noticed she’d gained back the weight lost early this year, feeling somewhat relieved.

The next day, Min took a day off work, Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao brought the children to Tong Mansion. Upon entering, joy greeted them along with carriages from various mansions parked outside the side gate. The gate maid, recognizing Xiqiu’s carriage, cheerfully said, "Sixth Lady is finally back; Fourth Lady was just asking about you."

Tong Xiyan also returned, Xiqiu smiled and asked from inside the carriage, "Who else is here?"

The gate maid, eyes squinting with delight, had earned her yearly wage today, her hand tiring from receiving tips, thanks to First Master’s fortune: "I can’t remember everyone, but Manager Lai said almost half of First Master’s colleagues are here, even Lord Wu is present."

Xiqiu glanced at Fourth Master Xiao, smiling slightly, happy for Tong Family’s thriving reputation.

As expected, inside the second gate, maids and servants bustled about, all very busy. Madam Jiang, all smiles, was spinning around in circles. Xiqiu saw her from afar and called, "Sister-in-law."

"Sixth Lady," Madam Jiang wore a goose-yellow short jacket topped with a light green fringed gold overcoat. She walked gracefully over, Min and Zhi respectfully greeted her, Madam Jiang nodded with smiles at Xiqiu and said, "Go through the garden directly to the West Courtyard, all the ladies are there." Knowing Xiqiu dislikes socializing, especially with officials’ wives who mostly sent gifts rather than attending, she said, "There’s a lot of people up front; it’s better to rest in the West Courtyard, lest you find it hard to leave."

Xiqiu agreed, asking, "Is Fourth Sister back too?" Madam Jiang nodded, "I told her not to come, but she insisted, so her husband had her carried back on a sedan chair." After a pause, seeing Xiqiu alone with two children, she asked, "Where’s Sixth Son-in-law?"

"As soon as we entered, he was invited to the study," Xiqiu sighed helplessly, "We’ll head to the West Courtyard to avoid the crowd; can you manage all this yourself?"

Madam Jiang waved her hand dismissively, "There’s nothing I can’t manage. I’m used to it, plus I only handle the front; Madam Mei manages the kitchen, Madam Luo looks after tea and snacks; I’ve not much to do."

Xiqiu laughed lightly, Madam Mei, currently seeking favor from Madam Jiang, ought to do some tasks, and it’s good Madam Luo keeps herself busy.

Xiqiu brought Min and Zhi to the West Courtyard; the maid at the door led them to Tong Xiyan’s courtyard.

Tong Xiyan smiled happily, supported by a maid, standing at the door to welcome her. Kun and Tong Xihua stood beside her, Xiqiu glanced behind then paused, surprised upon seeing Tong Xiyang wearing a purple-red flower-patterned overcoat with seven or eight golden hairpins and hairpins shining brightly.

She froze, not expecting Tong Xiyang to be back; looking closely, despite makeup, her complexion seemed poor, with fine wrinkles around her eyes. Xiqiu was amazed and reluctant to acknowledge the deliberately dressed but still aged woman before her was once the proud and charming Tong Xiyang...

Tong Xiyu, a few steps behind, respectfully greeted her, wearing a pink jacket with a lotus-colored overcoat, subtly elegant. Xiqiu slightly nodded, then looked again at Tong Xiyan, who smiled and said, "Min, Zhi, come in!" and reached out to Min and Zhi.

Min smiled and nodded, leading Zhi along as they followed Xiqiu inside. Xiqiu smiled and said, "I didn’t expect you back so soon, not even three months; take care of yourself." She then nodded slightly at Tong Xiyang, who didn’t respond but turned to enter the Warm Pavilion first.

Xiqiu smiled and was unfazed.

Tong Xiyan held Zhi in one hand, Min in the other, responding to Xiqiu, "Such an important event, of course, I had to return, plus my husband personally sent me by sedan, it’s not a problem." She then lowered her head to talk to Min, "Take your brother and Twelfth Aunt to the study; it’s warm inside with the heated floors."

"Yes!" Min replied with a smile, taking hold of Kun’s hand, while Tong Xihua sweetly held Zhi’s hand; the four children went to the study. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Xiqiu and her sisters entered the Warm Pavilion, Tong Xiyang sat coolly, saying nothing, drinking tea. Tong Xiyu brought tea offered by a maid to Xiqiu, smiling and saying, "Sixth Sister, have tea." Xiqiu gratefully accepted, "Thank you, Eighth Sister."

Tong Xiyu shook her head and sat down on Xiqiu’s left.

Tong Xiyan sat next to Xiqiu, looking excited, "You won’t believe it; yesterday when I heard my husband’s news, I thought I was dreaming. If he hadn’t stopped me over road inconveniences at night and promised to send me back today, I’d have returned overnight." She clasped her hands together, chanting several Amitabha Buddha, "Our Tong Family has truly risen."

"Though it’s a happy occasion, your health is crucial. Fourth Brother-in-law was right to manage you," Xiqiu teased lightly, Tong Xiyan retorted, "You say that, but I asked him to manage me, else I’d ignore him." Her eyes brightened despite her words.