CHAPTER 116: CHAPTER 116: IDENTITY (5)

Xiqiu acknowledged and took Siliu to First Master’s study. The last time was during the household opera; she stood inside, fearful of being discovered. Today, however, she entered confidently. Thinking of that time brought a faint smile to her lips.

Tong Xiyan mentioned that Jiang Shilin had gone to Fujian, leaving about ten days ago. Tong Xiyan was gloomy and downcast during this time. She feared she might become overwhelmed by her thoughts, but now, with tasks in hand, she can distract herself.

First Master’s study, similar to other courtyards in Tong Mansion, had a layout with three main rooms: the left side for guest reception and the right as the study. After First Master’s attendant delivered the report, Xiqiu lifted the curtain and entered, suddenly stunned. She knew of First Master’s habit of collecting books but hadn’t expected such a vast number—the abundance left her in amazement.

Bookshelves lined the surrounding walls, except one blank space occupied by a map of the Great Zhou region, beneath which sat First Master’s desk. He stood behind it, vigorously penning a calligraphic piece.

Xiqiu quietly stood at the doorway, waiting for him to finish writing and apply the seal before stepping forward to kneel respectfully. "Father." First Master raised his eyebrows slightly, and his gaze swept over her as he asked, "What’s the matter?" He recalled Xiqiu rarely seeking him out; during childhood, he wasn’t often in the mansion, and as she grew older, he saw her even less. Now, gazing at her graceful stance before him, her slender figure with eyes strikingly like those of Madam Xia evoked a touch of affection within him. He pointed to a huanghuali wood chair beside him, saying, "Sit and speak."

Xiqiu did not sit but handed over the bundle in her hands, smiling, "The temperature has been rising lately, and with Father’s trunks left in Yongzhou, I feared the needlework couldn’t be finished in time. I hurriedly completed it over several days. I wonder if it suits Father’s taste."

First Master’s gaze fell on the bundle on the table, his eyes clouded with an unreadable emotion. He nodded slightly, saying, "It’s considerate of you to think so comprehensively. You’ve worked hard." Saying nothing further, Xiqiu bowed again: "Since Father is busy, I shall take my leave."

Turning around, she lifted the curtain to leave. Suddenly, First Master called her back, pointing at the calligraphy he had just completed, "I just wrote this and am not very satisfied. I heard from your mother that you practiced calligraphy as well. Come and take a look."

Xiqiu raised an eyebrow, hesitating at the doorway, a shy smile appearing on her face. She turned and walked to First Master’s desk, tilted her head, and gazed intently at the freshly inked calligraphy on the desk, seemingly quite absorbed. After a moment, she said, "Though I occasionally practice calligraphy, my foundation is still thin... looking at it, I feel Father’s calligraphy is robust and vigorous. The sharp strokes are like blades, yet when soft, the sharpness is subtly restrained... I can’t discern much else."

It seemed as though she spoke casually, yet it also seemed as if she pondered deeply before speaking.

First Master was taken aback, his eyes reflecting doubt. His peripheral vision caught Xiqiu, who remained a daughter innocent of the world’s affairs. He shook his head inwardly, thinking how deeply ingrained his vigilance from years in officialdom was. She was merely his daughter, only twelve years old. He nodded slightly, smiling, "To say such things at your age is admirable. I didn’t expect our household to have talents beyond Fourth and Sixth Girls."

Was he joking with her? His tone even contained a hint of indulgence! Xiqiu froze momentarily, unsure how to respond, and seeing this, First Master’s expression turned pleasant...

Xiqiu’s eyes suddenly reddened slightly, lowering her head to look at First Master, revealing an awkward demeanor as she bowed to him, "I won’t disturb your calligraphy practice; I shall take my leave!" With these words, she turned to lift the curtain and before exiting, took out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes.

First Master watched Xiqiu’s retreating figure, pondering whether he had shown too little concern for his daughter.

His gaze fell on the bundle Xiqiu brought. He hesitated for a moment before opening it, revealing round cotton cloth shoes inside. They were simple and elegant, without excessive embellishments. During his time in Yongzhou, Xiqiu would send clothes, shoes, and socks each season, though the personal items were managed by Madam Wang. He would hand over what he received to her and soon forget about it...

He removed his shoes, putting on those made by Xiqiu, and walked two circles in the study, finding them nourishing for his feet and comfortable. He suddenly realized this was perhaps the first time wearing shoes made by Xiqiu.

Inside the bundle was also a bamboo green-colored daoist robe. He raised his eyebrows, unfolded the robe, and was suddenly stunned, his gaze locked on the corner of the robe. On the modest, elegant leaves, he recognized markings and technique only someone else could make.

He then unfolded two underwear pieces inside, finally confirming these items were not made by Xiqiu. First Master did not try them on further, instead sitting expressionlessly on the chair.

As night fell, in the East Cross Courtyard, Madam Luo was dining at Madam Xia’s place. On the table, Madam Luo had someone warm a bottle of wine, pouring a cup for Madam Xia, laughing, "Sister, after ten years, this is our first time dining together." Her tone carried some sarcasm and lament.

Madam Xia wore a light blue double-gold floral overcoat, paired with a light pink gauze skirt, with her hair adorned with pearl and jade hairpins alongside a plum blossom glass hairpin. Her ears were graced with sapphire coral earrings, radiating elegance and grace... She sat upright in the chair, smiling slightly at Madam Luo, "Sister, indeed, it’s our first meal together." Raising her cup to toast Madam Luo, "This cup I toast to you; if not for your covert assistance, the affair with Count Wujin wouldn’t have gone as desired."

"Don’t mention it." Madam Luo also raised her cup, born with almond-shaped brows, her eye corners slightly raised exuding a flirtatious charm beneath fury: "If not for Sixth Miss, how could I enjoy such pleasant days now?" Madam Xia then displayed a confused expression, to which Madam Luo explained, pointing at the empty courtyard of Madam Wang nearby, leaning towards Madam Xia with a smile, "On the surface, it appears Lady dealt with her, but how could such matters be hidden from me? Madam Wang feigned a siege on Fourth Miss, but she missed, only to be counterattacked. Her mistake was being overly ambitious, intending to expose Fourth Miss’s affairs to shield Third Miss. However, she didn’t anticipate Sixth Miss leaving here to head straight to Third Miss’s courtyard, leading to Lady and First Master witnessing Third Master Ren escorting Third Miss back. Were it not for this, how could First Master be so furious, punishing Third Miss while sending Madam Wang to the village?" She drank a cup herself, comforting Madam Xia, "But don’t worry, I’m tight-lipped, and won’t let out a word I shouldn’t."

Madam Xia’s face turned somewhat pale. Xiqiu hadn’t told her any of this, and Madam Luo’s revelations led her to recall Sixth Miss’s suggestion to visit Puji Temple. Just after she left, Madam Wang had a miscarriage. Could there be a connection?

She dared not think further, feeling deeply apprehensive inside.