CHAPTER 151: CHAPTER 151: MARQUIS MANSION (PART 1)

She smiled and bowed to Xiqiu, then said to Siliu, "Congratulations to the young lady."

Siliu stood up and returned the courtesy. Nanny Song then said to Xiqiu, "Miss, the Grand Dowager from the Marquis Xuanning’s household has sent her personal nanny over, and the First Lady has asked for you to come by."

Xiqiu was taken aback, put down the pen in her hand, and asked, "Did she mention what it was about?" Why would the Grand Dowager’s nanny be looking for her? What’s the matter?

Xiqiu changed into a pink overcoat, redid her makeup, wearing a delicate green jade hairpin on the left and a red plum silver lotus hairpin on the right, with pearl and gemstone earrings. Her look was simple yet with a hint of youthful charm. She, along with Nanny Song, Sixing, and Siliu, made their way to the outer courtyard.

The moment they entered, they saw a woman in her forties with a round face, looking prosperous and about as tall as Tong Xiyu, conversing cheerfully with the First Lady. "The Grand Dowager is thrilled! The moment she heard the news, she rushed over with us. After the Imperial Physician was done, she personally watched over the Second Madam as she took her medicine and fell asleep. Although the Imperial Physician said to confirm in half a month, our Grand Dowager, having given birth to five children, was already quite sure just by looking at the Second Madam. She even called over the Marchioness and gave instructions for a while, saying that food, supplies, and the servants’ conduct within the household should not be handled carelessly."

The First Lady smiled brightly in response, "The Grand Dowager is so considerate. Though Xihua has been married for years, with the Grand Dowager’s care at the Marquis Mansion, it’s like she’s still here with us, unchanged in her childlike ways. If it weren’t for the Grand Dowager’s presence, I would truly worry about her."

The nanny chuckled, "Please don’t say that. The Second Madam may appear childlike and spoiled around you, but in the household, she’s very capable. The Grand Dowager often mentions her, saying there’s no one in the whole mansion as articulate and straightforward as she is."

It seemed she was quite fond of Tong Xihua.

The First Lady was very pleased at heart. Seeing that Tong Xihua was doing well and favored by the Grand Dowager brought her immense joy.

"Mother!" Xiqiu seized the moment, had Daihe lift the curtain, and walked in. The First Lady saw her and introduced her to the nanny, "This is the Sixth Girl." She waved Xiqiu over, "Come greet Nanny Wu."

Xiqiu walked over gracefully and curtsied to Nanny Wu, "Hello, Nanny Wu."

"Sixth Miss," Nanny Wu politely supported Xiqiu, eyeing her gently, "Just as the Second Madam described, a true beauty." The First Lady interjected with a smile, "Don’t just take Xihua’s words to heart. In her eyes, all her sisters are heavenly beauties; her praises are endless."

Nanny Wu laughed, "It’s only because there’s closeness among sisters; otherwise, even the most celestial beauty might not seem so. It’s thanks to the First Lady’s excellent upbringing."

The First Lady laughed, while Xiqiu blushed slightly and lowered her head. Nanny Wu clapped her hands and said, "Look at my memory, I’m caught up in admiration for such beauty and forgot my duty." She took out a black lacquered gold-decorated Phoebe box and held it out, "This is a return gift from the Grand Dowager on behalf of our Second Madam. She said the cloak was exquisitely made, and you must have put a lot of heart into it. She sent this through me, and also invited the First Lady to bring the Sixth Miss and several other young ladies to visit tomorrow. It will just be family, having a meal and some fun together."

The First Lady’s brows knitted for just a moment before she smiled, "We would be honored, and we’ll definitely come by tomorrow!"

Nanny Wu nodded with a smile, "Great. We’ll wait at the mansion for the First Lady and the young ladies." She handed the box to Xiqiu, "Sixth Miss, you must come."

Xiqiu stepped forward to bow, "My elder sister has always been dear to me. Her affairs are mine, too. If, because of me, my elder sister gains more blessings and longevity, I’d do anything. Now, receiving a gift from the Grand Dowager, I wouldn’t dare show my face to her tomorrow."

"Sixth Miss, there’s no need for such words. Among sisters, a gift once given must naturally be reciprocated!" She handed the box to Siliu, who came with Xiqiu.

Xiqiu bowed again, lowering her head, "Yes!"

She had never met this Sixth Miss before, but upon meeting, she was secretly surprised. Such poise in an illegitimate daughter, without a touch of pettiness. Nanny Wu glanced at the First Lady, recognizing the scholarly background of the Tong Mansion. Each lady carried themselves with elegance and composure!

She nodded to herself approvingly.

The First Lady revealed a faintly satisfied smile at the corner of her lips.

"In that case, I won’t linger. I’ll await the First Lady at the mansion tomorrow." Nanny Wu bowed to the First Lady and smiled at Xiqiu, and the First Lady responded, "We won’t hold you back; let Nanny Fang see you off."

Nanny Wu laughed, and Nanny Fang came over to hold Nanny Wu’s hand, "Nanny is a busy person. Otherwise, it’d be rare for you to visit and sit with me."

"We’re all family, no need to be so formal!"

Xiqiu escorted the two to the door, watching as Nanny Fang and Nanny Wu walked away. She then turned back inside, where the First Lady had already returned to the inner room. She took the box from Siliu, entered the room without even glancing at it, and placed it on the table by the First Lady’s left hand, whispering, "Mother, please pass this to Fourth Sister. Now that I’ve received gifts over the others, I feel unsettled."

The First Lady raised an eyebrow, looking at Xiqiu, "This was given to you by the Grand Dowager. If you give it to your Fourth Sister and Eighth Sister, you’ll end up with nothing."

Xiqiu smiled gently at the First Lady, "We are sisters, sharing honor and disgrace without distinction. What belongs to one belongs to all. How could I be so selfish?"

Siliu looked at the box with concern. Usually, Sixth Miss accepted gifts for herself, like when the Fifth Madam had gifted her fabrics in return for some made garments. But today, she wanted to share the gift. It wasn’t like she hadn’t received fine things before; she just felt this wasn’t worthwhile!

The First Lady slowly sipped her tea, her gaze shifting from Xiqiu’s face to meet her eyes. She then smiled, "Both Fourth and Eighth Girls have their own. Since the Grand Dowager specifically gave this to you, keep it."

Xiqiu was momentarily stunned but then looked hesitant. At that moment, Nanny Fang returned after sending the guest off, and seeing Xiqiu, she understood the situation at once. She skillfully handed the box back to Xiqiu, smiling, "Sixth Miss, don’t fret. The Grand Dowager sent gifts for both Fourth and Eighth Misses to their rooms earlier. This one’s yours, take it!"

Left with no choice, Xiqiu accepted it.

The First Lady then said, "We need to go out tomorrow, so head back, get ready, and rest early!" Xiqiu nodded in agreement and left. Outside, Nanny Song was waiting, and the four of them headed down the little path.