Xiqiu watched her with a smile that was like basking in the spring breeze. Seeing this, Tong Xiyan understood Xiqiu’s mood and held her hand without saying anything further, particularly in front of Tong Xiyang and Tong Xiyu, who might have more to mock in their hearts if they spoke more.

The two of them then discussed the First Master’s promotion. Tong Xiyu chimed in, "I heard from Big Sister-in-law that Lord Wu and several cabinet ministers have all come. Right now, the study is filled with high-ranking officials from the court." She looked genuinely delighted.

Originally cheerful, Tong Xiyan suddenly fell silent, and the atmosphere cooled a bit. Tong Xiyu looked embarrassed.

Xiqiu nodded with a smile and said, "Indeed, it’s also because Father and Brother have good relationships."

Tong Xiyu’s face finally lightened a bit. She glanced at Tong Xiyan, then turned to speak with Tong Xiyang, timidly asking, "Third Sister, you haven’t been back for a long time, how have you been recently?"

"Very well," Tong Xiyang glanced at her out of the corner of her eye, then turned her head to look out the window. Tong Xiyu, finding no success, hung her head and said no more.

Xiqiu casually glanced at the two of them and turned to ask Tong Xiyan, "How is Madam Zhou’s health?" Tong Xiyan shook her head and said, "At the end of last year, I thought she was doing quite well. I was lucky and thought that maybe, with all these joyful events one after another, she’d be better. But a few days ago, Nurse Zhang visited the house, and the news wasn’t optimistic. My husband and I are worried about this, afraid something might happen to Mother..." As she spoke, her eyes turned red.

"They say good people have good fortunes. Someone as kind-hearted as Madam Zhou will surely be fine."

Still, Tong Xiyan couldn’t help but wipe her tears and nodded, "All we can do is pray to the Bodhisattva for blessing, hoping she lives a long life." She touched her belly as she spoke, "... She hasn’t seen her grandchild yet."

Xiqiu let out a long sigh and was about to speak when Tong Xiyang coldly snorted and said, "You haven’t given birth yet; how do you know it’s a grandson?" speaking with a prickly tone.

Tong Xiyan furrowed her brow, ready to retort, but Xiqiu tugged on her hand and shook her head slightly. Tong Xiyan swallowed her displeasure. Meanwhile, Tong Xiyang stood up, looked down on the three sisters, and sneered, "There are many good things in life; how can they all fall on you alone?" She took a step and continued, "It’s better not to be too greedy in life." With that, she headed for the door.

Since marrying into the Zhou Family, Tong Xiyan’s temper had improved considerably, but now she couldn’t hold back. She stood up and said, "What do you mean, are you deliberately trying to needle me? You’ve been away for three years and just thought to come back. Is it because you saw Father got promoted and remembered that you are a daughter of Tong Mansion? Or do you have something to ask Father for help with again?"

Tong Xiyang turned her head coldly, her gaze icy: "So what if I did? I’m his daughter; it’s only natural for him to help me. If you’re uncomfortable with that, by all means, tell Father to disown me. I’d like to see if the newly appointed Lord Tong can afford that embarrassment." With a snort, she added, "I forgot to tell you, I’m a widow now. You’d better not get too close to me, lest you, one of the rare women remarried, end up the same as me, becoming a jinx to your husband."

"You!" Tong Xiyan’s face turned red with anger. Xiqiu, holding her back, thought Tong Xiyang’s words were too harsh and said angrily, "Third Sister, what’s the point of this? You’re alone and miserable outside; it’s not like we’re happy to see it. When you find another husband, we wouldn’t be jealous. Since we don’t keep in touch, let’s at least maintain outward appearances. A nodding acquaintance doesn’t ruin the bond of sisterhood. Why say such harsh things?" 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Tong Xiyang languidly turned her head to look at Xiqiu, sneering, "You don’t have to play the good person. I’m watching as you climb up step by step, waiting for the day you fall. Sixth Sister, you must take care." She then turned to look at Tong Xiyu, "A word of advice: don’t try to mimic others poorly. Looking at Xiqiu, "Someone else’s skills aren’t something you can grasp just by learning on the surface."

With that, Tong Xiyang left the room. Outside, a maid approached and asked, "Madam, shall we return?" Tong Xiyang replied with a smile, "To the front yard. Big Sister-in-law is so busy; I should lend a hand."

Tong Xiyan breathed heavily, gulping down a cup of tea. Tong Xiyu clutched a handkerchief, tears falling on her hands. Xiqiu pulled Tong Xiyan to sit down, "You always bicker with her but can’t win, and you end up getting angry with yourself." Then, looking at Tong Xiyu, she said, "Eighth Sister, don’t be upset. We’ve known her for more than a day. Don’t you know by now what kind of person she is?"

Tong Xiyu wiped her tears and said nothing.

"She’s gone too far. I thought she was so proud she didn’t even want her own family anymore. At the end of the year, when Big Sister-in-law sent New Year’s gifts, she didn’t turn down the silver. We had no complaints about her coming back today, and Big Sister-in-law was happy to have her over here. Yet she needles me with words. Does she really blame us for what happened to her?"

"Enough, cool down. You’re pregnant, after all." Xiqiu sighed inwardly. Tong Xiyang was truly a contradiction. If it were up to her temper, she would have disowned her family long ago. However, she had heard over the years that Tong Xiyang’s days were quite difficult, with a house full of children. Whether a concubine daughter gets married with dowry or a concubine son marries with a bride price, she has to manage everything. No matter how haphazard the match, she still needs to come up with several hundred taels of silver. Seven or eight children are no small sum either.

She hadn’t returned for three years. Even during this time, Madam Jiang kept track of the days for Nanny Qiu to visit, but unexpectedly, Tong Xiyang returned today, for whatever reason, and said such inexplicable things.

With the discontent brought by Tong Xiyang, Xiqiu had no mood for conversation. Tong Xiyu, dispirited, returned to her own room. Xiqiu and Tong Xiyan headed to the study, where Kun lay sprawled on the table with a pen, writing something unknown. Min stood beside him, smiling and guiding him, while Zhi and Tong Xihua were in the corner, practicing archery with a bunch of writing brushes, enjoying themselves immensely.

Seeing Xiqiu and Tong Xiyan enter, the children gathered around. Tong Xihua, chirping like a bird, entertained Xiqiu and Tong Xiyan, making them laugh heartily. Tong Xiyan lovingly pointed to the brushes scattered on the floor, "This one was a gift from Father, and that one from Big Brother...Why are they on the floor?" But she didn’t pick them up, only feigned displeasure at Zhi.

The culprit cheerfully replied, "Fourth Aunt, I didn’t give you any. I’ll send you one next time." Tong Xiyan chuckled, pinching Zhi’s little face, "Alright, Fourth Aunt will remember that."

In the outer courtyard, the First Master and other guests engaged in lively discussions, from the founding of the dynasty to next spring’s imperial examinations, from literary tales to distinguished gentlemen... Meanwhile, the mansion’s ladies were equally engrossed in their conversations.