CHAPTER 389: CHAPTER 391: PERSONNEL MATTERS (4)

"Fourth Master!" Xiqiu smiled, holding a box, thinking about the twenty thousand taels he gave to Madam Xia. Just as she was about to speak, Min’s voice came from afar...

When Min returned, Xiqiu had someone fetch fresh water for him to wash his face. The nurse carried him, and the group boarded the carriage. Fourth Master Xiao called Tianyi and said, "That Yunnan horse is yours now!"

Tianyi was taken aback but instantly delighted. He had coveted this horse for a long time. Fourth Master never relented, and he had racked his brains. Unexpectedly, today he got it so easily. Clearly, he took the right route through Fourth Madam.

Min, carrying the packed sticky rice lotus root from the Hongyan Building, got off the palanquin and dashed towards the Grand Dowager’s courtyard, stuffing it into her arms: "Grandmother, Grandmother, Min brings your favorite sticky rice lotus root."

The Grand Dowager, seeing his beaming expression and the paper package he was holding, smiled knowingly and asked, "Min, where did you have lunch with father and mother today?"

Min replied excitedly, "At the Hongyan Building. I even had lotus root sticky rice chicken." He was very happy.

The Grand Dowager looked at him and also smiled, "Was it delicious?"

Min nodded eagerly, "It was the most delicious sticky rice chicken Min ever ate."

The chef at the Hongyan Building is naturally not as good as the Marquis Mansion’s, especially knowing Min likes this dish. The matrons had perfected it, and Min said it was delicious only because he ate with father and mother.

Xing and Sheng ran out from inside. Having not seen each other for most of the day, the three children immediately came together, chatting excitedly: "I went to the Hongyan Building today, the food there is really delicious, the best I’ve ever had."

Xing and Sheng, upon hearing this, envied him and started asking questions: "Is there really a big goose in the Hongyan Building? I heard it has four floors; did you go up? Can you see the whole city?"

Sheng also asked, "Are there many people inside? Is it lively? Are there storytellers?"

Min proudly answered one by one.

At this time, Fourth Master Xiao and Xiqiu came in, seeing three little heads huddled together with Min enthusiastically describing the Hongyan Building, and Xing and Sheng asking various strange questions.

The Grand Dowager smiled with satisfaction, pointing to the nurse to change Min’s clothes. Upon seeing Fourth Master Xiao and Xiqiu enter, she smiled, "This is the first time I’ve seen the child so happy today."

Fourth Master Xiao frowned at Min, but to prevent him from scolding, Xiqiu quickly laughed and continued the Grand Dowager’s words, "Yes, he was holding the paper pack all the way, saying it was for grandmother."

Fourth Master Xiao moved his mouth but did not speak.

The Grand Dowager squinted with a smile, asking Xiqiu, "Have you checked the other house? Is there anything missing?"

Xiqiu replied truthfully, "Part of it was renovated earlier, inside and outside are not a worry, but it lacks furniture. We need to order furniture and have it made."

Thoughtful, the Grand Dowager pondered and said, "If you’re too busy, let Housekeeper Hu handle it. He’s reliable and well-connected, making people rest easy."

Same as Fourth Master Xiao had said, Xiqiu smiled and replied, "Thank you, Mother. I’ll list what’s needed and then ask Housekeeper Hu for help."

The Grand Dowager nodded and didn’t speak further.

Xiao Yanyi came in then, Xiqiu stepped aside and greeted him slightly, Xiao Yanyi nodded and greeted Fourth Master Xiao: "Shen Ji sent a servant over, asking dozens of times in the outer courtyard this morning..."

The Grand Dowager, puzzled, asked Fourth Master Xiao, "Is there something in the court?"

Fourth Master Xiao’s expression was grim, but his tone was light: "No, probably still about Tongzhou." Standing up, he said, "I’ll go check it out." He glanced at Xiqiu.

Xiqiu also stood up, took the cloak hanging at the corner, "It’s windy this time, Fourth Master should wear it."

Fourth Master Xiao stood still, letting Xiqiu tie the knots for him.

The Grand Dowager watched, her eyes filled with satisfaction.

Xiao Yanyi stayed behind, lowering his eyes to sip tea. The Grand Dowager’s gaze paused, and her face turned stern.

After Fourth Master Xiao left, Xiqiu turned back to the Grand Dowager, "Then I’ll head back first..."

The Grand Dowager smiled and nodded, "It’s been a long day, go ahead!"

Xiqiu bowed to Xiao Yanyi and left.

After Xiqiu exited, Xiao Yanyi stood up too. The Grand Dowager’s eyes hardened, "You’re not going anywhere. I have something to discuss."

Xiao Yanyi glanced at the door, didn’t speak, but sat back down.

The Grand Dowager sighed in relief.

The next day, the First Madam’s greenhouse was complete; Xiqiu found Housekeeper Hu. She didn’t really want his help, just recommendations for good craftsmen.

Within seven or eight days, Housekeeper Hu had already found people for the house in Yangpi Lane, so Xiqiu found Zhu Sancheng to guard it daily.

At the end of the month, Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao returned home to see off First Master. First Master smiled warmly, "Visit your aunt often. You’re not in the mansion, and the seventh is at school. She will surely feel lonely."

"Father, rest assured. I will often visit Aunt." Xiqiu smiled warmly.

Tong Xiyan held First Master’s arm, playfully said, "Daughter will write to father; you must return." First Master chuckled and nodded in agreement.

Tong Xiyang hadn’t returned; Xiqiu glanced at Madam Jiang, who lowered her eyebrows, following the crowd.

After seeing off First Master, Madam Jiang invited Tong Xiyan and Xiqiu to her room, where she served tea: "Sixth Lady, have some tea." Xiqiu thanked her with a smile, while Tong Xiyan impatiently asked, "Sister-in-law, what’s the matter with Third Sister?"

Madam Jiang sat across from them, frowning, "Ren Mansion sent a maid this morning, saying Third Lady had a miscarriage last night."

Tong Xiyan gasped, astonished, while Xiqiu wore a shocked expression, asking, "How could this happen? Wasn’t she resting all day at home for her pregnancy?"

Glancing at her beside Mommy, Madam Jiang signaled for her to leave and close the door, then said, "I heard that last night, Master Ren returned at midnight, perhaps drank a few drinks, quarreled with Third Lady, and even laid hands on her..."

Did Ren Jun personally cause the miscarriage of his own child?

Madam Jiang sighed, "It’s fortunate I stayed here today to send off Father; otherwise, I would have gone to Ren Mansion myself." She recalled First Madam’s expression when she mentioned it and knew that she alone would have to visit Ren Mansion.

No matter how much they disliked Tong Xiyang, to outsiders, they were still Tong sisters. Tong Xiyan furiously said, "This cannot be easily overlooked. Did Ren Family say anything other than reporting?"