CHAPTER 414: CHAPTER 416: GETTING STARTED (1)

As she got into the carriage, Xiqiu felt that the carriage was warmer than usual. She was quietly puzzled when a blanket fell onto her knees, and Fourth Master Xiao sat down beside her, placing a hand on her knee and asking gravely, "Didn’t we agree? Is it still painful?"

Xiqiu was taken aback, only then understanding why the carriage was suddenly much warmer and why he gave her a blanket.

She smiled at Fourth Master Xiao and replied, "It doesn’t hurt usually; it’s only when I stand for a long time or walk too much that it aches a bit. It’s no big deal anymore."

Fourth Master Xiao remembered asking her once before, and she had said the same thing back then...

"You should rest in the room when you’re free. You can entrust someone to inform me about the things in the mansion, and I’ll come over. That’s enough." As he spoke, his fingers gently pressed on Xiqiu’s knee, somewhat unskillfully massaging it.

It was a bit ticklish and uncomfortable, and as Xiqiu shifted, he held her knee again. She suppressed the ticklish sensation and told him what the Second Madam said today, "Second Sister-in-law asked me to help her, and I agreed."

After speaking, her large eyes looked uncertainly at Fourth Master Xiao.

The words of refusal caught in his throat suddenly, as he thought of how she meticulously managed things in the mansion. How could she refuse something the Second Sister-in-law requested? Just as when her sister-in-law asked her back to discuss matters, she couldn’t refuse!

He let out a deep sigh, and it was the first time Xiqiu heard him sigh.

She was dumbfounded, looking up at Fourth Master Xiao, who said, "Do what you can, and if it’s too much, talk to Mother."

Xiqiu breathed a sigh of relief, really fearing he would not agree, as she had already promised the Second Madam. To go back on her word would be unreasonable.

"The Governor’s Mansion had many social obligations the past two days, returning late. As the year ends, invitations come from everywhere, even the Emperor invited me for a meal twice, and it’s hard to refuse..." Fourth Master Xiao spoke casually, but there was a tone of guilt.

Xiqiu understood very well. He had always been surrounded by friends, and although the rumors described Fourth Master Xiao as a profligate, he valued emotions and righteousness greatly. Just as when he saved the Second Prince, it was not only a gamble on his far-sightedness for the future but also due to the bond with the Second Prince.

Xiqiu nodded with understanding, "There’s no need for Fourth Master to worry about me, but you drink often. You should watch your health."

Fourth Master Xiao raised an eyebrow slightly, carefully scrutinizing her. Seeing no displeasure in her expression, he was reassured. He had thought she would have felt uncomfortable these days and had been looking for a chance to talk, only to find out she casually addressed his concerns.

He nodded with a smile and earnestly said, "You should be more fierce!"

Xiqiu was taken aback, listening to Fourth Master Xiao, who said with a hint of laughter, "So others hear that I have a fierce wife and dare not detain me any longer."

Xiqiu laughed, looking at Fourth Master Xiao and said, "I do not think so; rather, I believe I should be more considerate, letting Fourth Master attend those feasts at the risk of returning drunk in the middle of the night each time..."

Fourth Master Xiao’s eyes brightened, and he playfully pinched her nose, "You clever one, forcing those wives to act as shrews, while you remain gentle and virtuous!"

Xiqiu covered her mouth with her sleeve and laughed, with her eyes shining like gems, "I’ve always been gentle and virtuous; it’s Fourth Master who wants me to become a shrew."

Fourth Master Xiao hugged her, letting out a joyful laugh.

When they returned to the mansion, the two had a meal at the Grand Dowager’s. She inquired about some matters but didn’t say much since there wasn’t any news. She urged them to quickly go back to rest.

The next morning, Tianyi hurried over. Fourth Master Xiao, intentionally or unintentionally, didn’t go to the government office early that day. He stood at the door, asking Tianyi, "Is there any news?"

Tianyi glanced at Xiqiu, who followed, with a peculiar expression on his face, "Found in Jiwei Mountain."

Xiqiu’s expression froze, listening as Tianyi continued, "The person is dead!"

Madam Wang died? Just like that?

She asked, "How did she die?"

"It seemed like she deliberately took a detour, trying to go from the south side of Jiwei Mountain to Puji Temple, but twisted her ankle after a fall and was trapped in the snow for a day and a night..." Tianyi explained slowly, cautiously watching Xiqiu’s expression, "She froze to death."

Xiqiu was taken aback. A day and night’s worth of suffering from hunger and cold?

Suddenly, she found it hard to believe. Madam Wang, who had once confidently and boldly charmed her way through decades of riches and glory, just died like that!

Was it a coincidence? She was sent to the village because of Tong Xiyang’s marriage, and now possibly, for the same reason, coming out from the village, only to lose her life.

She sighed, turning back to look at Fourth Master Xiao.

Fourth Master Xiao’s expression remained unchanged. He instructed, "Inform the Tong Mansion!" Tianyi responded and left.

Xiqiu returned to her room to sit down, feeling uneasy. Madam Wang had died. With Lady’s way of doing things, surely only a thin coffin would be found to bury her in an empty field, without expending effort for Madam Wang.

She recalled Madam Wang’s haughty demeanor when she strolled around the mansion boasting her pregnancy after returning from Yongzhou...

While thinking, a hand fell on her shoulder as she turned to look at Fourth Master Xiao, a bitter smile forming at the corner of her mouth. It was unclear whether she felt sorrow for Madam Wang or disillusionment for Madam Xia’s future.

"Do you wish to go back and see?" Fourth Master Xiao asked calmly.

Xiqiu shook her head, "No need." There was no need for arrangements in the mansion. If anything, Madam Jiang would surely send someone to inform her.

Xiqiu stood up, "Fourth Master, let me serve you breakfast." Fourth Master Xiao gave her a deep look, ensuring she was alright before replying, "Hmm." He then entered the inner room, where Chunliu had already set up breakfast with Bihuai. Fourth Master Xiao seated himself at the round table while Xiqiu came in to personally serve him some congee. She didn’t want to discuss Madam Wang any further, so she changed the topic, "Fourth Master, are you going to the government office today?"

Fourth Master Xiao looked at her and responded, "The year’s matters are nearly done, just waiting for the New Year. I’ll take these few days to rest at home." He said this casually, lowering his head to drink the congee.

"Just as well." Xiqiu smiled, "I wish to clear a bit of land behind the yard, and I wanted to ask Fourth Master’s opinion. Would you accompany me to take a look later?"

Fourth Master Xiao put down his bowl, raising an eyebrow at her, "Empty land? What for?"

Xiqiu lowered her eyes, slightly embarrassed, "I’ve read about many crops in the ’Four People’s Monthly Orders,’ but it’s book knowledge, and practicing is like building castles in the air. I want to get some seeds and try planting them in the yard after the New Year..."