CHAPTER 333: CHAPTER 334: ENTERING THE PALACE (PART 2)

Ziyang and Treasure Bead exchanged a surprised glance, hardly believing what they were seeing.

Since the Great Governor returned to the mansion, they had been sent by the Grand Dowager to serve him, and in all that time, they had never seen an expression other than coldness on the Great Governor’s face, not even when speaking with the Marquis or the Second Young Lady, let alone in such a gentle tone!

The two had just finished breakfast when Nanny Wu arrived, smiling warmly as she greeted them with a curtsey, "Fourth Master, Fourth Madam!" Xiqiu also stepped up with a greeting, "Good morning, Nanny!"

Nanny Wu looked Xiqiu up and down, noting the delicate features and the blush on her cheeks, her smile deepening with meaning as she nodded to Xiqiu before turning into the room. Seeing the original handkerchief on the bed, her face lit up with even more delight. She placed it into a red lacquered box with a Phoebe and azalea pattern, then came out smiling, "Congratulations to Fourth Master and Fourth Madam!"

Xiqiu blushed fiercely, lowering her gaze, while Fourth Master Xiao nodded expressionlessly.

Nanny Wu then addressed Xiqiu, "Fourth Madam, I must go report to the Grand Dowager, so I will go ahead!"

Xiqiu responded with a smile, "We are also going to pay our respects to the Grand Dowager. If you don’t mind, we can go together!" She looked towards Fourth Master Xiao, seeking his agreement.

Nanny Wu observed this and nodded discreetly, replying, "How could I refuse, how could I refuse!"

Fourth Master Xiao set down his teacup and stood up, hands behind his back, "Let’s go!" With that, Xiqiu walked alongside Nanny Wu, following Fourth Master Xiao, surrounded by maids and old women as they exited the door.

In the Grand Dowager’s room, Fifth Madam was bringing tea from outside and saw Fourth Master Xiao and Xiqiu entering in succession. She immediately smiled, "Fourth Brother, Fourth Sister-in-law are here, go in quickly, Mother is waiting for you both!"

Fourth Master Xiao did not speak. Xiqiu glanced at Fifth Madam, recalling how Tong Xihua used to chatter endlessly and the underhanded tactics Teng Qiuniang used. Smiling slightly, she nodded, "Fifth Sister-in-law!"

Fifth Madam’s eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled as she helped lift the curtain for them.

Xiqiu followed Fourth Master Xiao into the Warm Pavilion. Xiao Yanyi and Second Madam were seated below, with First Madam sipping tea at the right side of the Grand Dowager. Upon seeing them enter, First Madam acknowledged with a slight nod, as did Xiao Yanyi.

Both Fourth Master Xiao and Xiqiu performed a formal salute to the Grand Dowager, who awarded them a pair of phoenix and sun blue sapphire hairpieces, several sets of red hairpins, and two bracelets as meet-and-greet gifts. Xiqiu thanked the Grand Dowager and then paid respects to First Madam, Second Madam, Fifth Madam, and Xiao Yanyi. Only after a maid brought chairs and stools did Xiqiu sit down.

Fourth Master Xiao also took a seat next to Xiao Yanyi, who said, "I’ll accompany you to the palace later. I have matters to report to the Emperor as well."

Fourth Master Xiao nodded, accepting the tea offered by a maid, "Very well, I also have something to discuss with you. We can talk on the way!"

Xiao Yanyi nodded, saying no more.

The Grand Dowager’s face showed little emotion. Nanny Wu, noticing this, approached with the box, opened it in front of the Grand Dowager, who, upon seeing its contents, softened her expression and nodded, "Put it away." Nanny Wu smiled and took the box into the inner room.

Xiao Yanyi’s hand shook as he lowered his head to drink tea, causing a drop to splash onto his lapel.

The Grand Dowager noticed Xiao Yanyi’s action, and her brow furrowed slightly.

Second Madam cheerfully spoke, "Congratulations to Fourth Brother and Fourth Sister-in-law!" Xiqiu blushed, standing to return the courtesy.

The Grand Dowager turned to Fourth Master Xiao, "Afterwards, go to the palace to express gratitude, and the matter of acknowledging relatives can be discussed when you return." She seemed indifferent.

Xiqiu sat quietly, yet sighed softly in her heart.

Fourth Master Xiao furrowed his brows slightly and nodded, "Understood!" Then he looked towards First Madam, "Eldest Sister-in-law, regarding your suggestion a few days ago about building a greenhouse in the courtyard, I have informed Steward Liu. They will come after the sixth. If you’re unable to be present, let Fifth Brother represent you."

For matters of the Marquis Mansion, we could request the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which may cost more than hiring outsiders, but the materials would be superior. Why did First Madam ask Fourth Master Xiao to bring in external craftsmen?

Moreover, this is considered routine household management, and the outer courtyard affairs of the Marquis Mansion should be handled by Fifth Young Master, while the inner courtyard should be managed by Second Madam!

As she pondered, she raised her head slightly to look at Second Madam, indeed seeing a flicker of emotion quickly pass over the young madam’s face, hearing First Madam say, "Thank you, Fourth Brother. I’ll organize the blueprints and hand them to Fifth Brother in the next few days."

Fourth Master Xiao nodded slightly and said no more.

The Grand Dowager looked at First Madam with gentle eyes, smiling, "Very well, since you are fond of flowers and plants, with a greenhouse, you can indulge in activities you love."

First Madam smiled faintly, replying, "I like it because I have Mother’s support." Their exchange was as intimate as that of mother and daughter.

"Once the greenhouse is built, I will have flowers all year round to wear!" Fifth Madam covered her mouth, giggling, and gave Xiqiu a sidelong glance.

Xiqiu kept her head lowered, listening as if she wouldn’t easily join the conversation, behaving very obediently.

The Grand Dowager laughed, "Go and talk to your Eldest Sister-in-law, but don’t linger here with me!" Fifth Madam coyly nestled beside the Grand Dowager, "Mother plays favorites!" Then she turned to First Madam, "Eldest Sister-in-law, I’m reserving them ahead!"

"Fifth Sister-in-law, feel free!" First Madam nodded.

Xiqiu quietly wondered, noticing that the relationship between the Grand Dowager and Fifth Madam seemed much improved compared to two years ago!

Suddenly, she recalled what Fourth Master Xiao had told her... Before the Second Prince was reinstated, the Teng family had approached him...

Could it be because of this?

It seems she should ask Fourth Master Xiao about it carefully.

After exchanging a few words with Fifth Madam, the Grand Dowager turned to Second Madam, "Chengning, are you going to the palace today?"

Second Madam shook her head and replied, "With Grandmother’s health recovered, I don’t need to run back and forth. I’ve been focused on palace affairs lately, neglecting many matters at home, and it’s burdened Mother. I intend to stay at home the next few days to handle the backlog."

The Grand Dowager nodded and said nothing more.

First Madam glanced at Xiqiu, her eyes flickering slightly, before lowering her head again to sip tea.

Xiqiu seemed to be forgotten in the corner, yet she didn’t plan to actively engage with them. Firstly, everyone had their own agendas, and joining in now wouldn’t achieve anything. Secondly, she never acted without preparation!

Suddenly, Fourth Master Xiao stood up, brushing his sleeves, "The hour is late, I’m going to the palace!"

The Grand Dowager nodded, "Go, and return soon!" She added after a thought, casting a glance at Xiqiu, "In the palace, speak only when asked by the Empress Dowager, answer truthfully when questioned. Remain quietly seated if not addressed, and do the same if you meet the Empress."

Xiqiu kept her head lowered, obediently responding, "I will remember!"