CHAPTER 52: CHAPTER 52: HINTS

Lady raised an eyebrow, swallowed the rejection that was about to slip out, and after a brief pondering, said, "Go ahead, you haven’t seen her for some days. She’s also pitiful, keep her company and chat a bit." She then looked at Zijuan: "It’s getting dark, accompany Sixth Miss there, and on the way, retrieve some Huangqi and ginseng from the storeroom for Sixth Miss to take over."

Xiqiu curtseyed gratefully: "Thank you, Mother!" then nodded toward Zijuan: "Thank you, Sister."

Zijuan returned the courtesy, then proceeded out the door to fetch the items from the storeroom, holding them in her hands while walking alongside Siliu and Sixing, carrying lanterns in front.

Xiqiu had lived in the East Cross Courtyard for three years; in the first two years, she scarcely left this small Hanging Flower Gate. It wasn’t until the third year that she devised a way to leave, and after a year of managing, she finally acquired a courtyard like the other young ladies...

Though collectively called the East Cross Courtyard, the courtyards of the concubines were relatively independent, the first belonged to Madam Mei, the second to Madam Wang, followed by Madam Xia and Madam Luo.

Madam Xia was always honest, avoiding trouble whenever possible without taking the lead. Placed between Madam Wang and Madam Luo, both domineering figures, she had spent these years in constant apprehension, never living a day in peace.

Upon stepping into the courtyard, Xiuzhi greeted them: "Why has Sixth Miss come?" She curtseyed, then noticed Zijuan standing beside Xiqiu: "Hello, Sister Zijuan."

Xiqiu took her hand and asked, "I came to see how the concubine is doing; is her illness better?" She then looked at Zijuan: "Lady sent Sister Zijuan to visit the concubine as well."

"Thank you, Sister Zijuan!" Xiuzhi curtseyed and answered one by one: "The concubine had a bowl of porridge tonight, and her complexion seems better."

Xiqiu nodded.

Zijuan smiled at Xiuzhi: "Why is Sister Xiuzhi so polite with me? In those early years when I first came to the estate, I received many good things from the concubine. I still remember a time when I was hungry, and you brought the concubine’s yam pastry; we sat under the eaves and ate half a plate..."

Zijuan was tall and strikingly beautiful; Lady initially intended to send her to Yongzhou, but for some reason, it ended up being Zihuan!

Now she is most competent under Lady, adept and shrewd in dealing with people and matters.

Xiuzhi smiled while supporting her arm and continued: "Later, when the concubine found out, not only did she not punish us, but she also instructed the kitchen to make us another serving!" While speaking, her eyes darkened. At that time, Seventh Young Master had not yet been born, and the concubine’s days in the household were not as they are now...

Zijuan’s gaze flickered, smiling: "Now there are plenty of good foods, yet thinking back, those still seem the tastiest." She paused, looking at Xiqiu: "Please don’t laugh at us, Sixth Miss!"

Xiqiu smiled faintly, as if genuinely envious: "Why would I laugh at you? I’m too busy admiring you!"

"Sixth Miss has always been the kindest; why would she laugh at us?" A young maid had already lifted the curtain, and Xiuzhi welcomed them inside: "Please, have a seat while I inform the concubine." She said, moving toward the bedroom.

Zijuan held her back: "Don’t trouble the concubine to get up." She handed the items to Xiuzhi, then pulled her along, saying: "I rarely come by, stay and chat with me, let Sixth Miss go in and accompany the concubine."

Sixth Miss seldom visited the concubine, yet coming at this crucial moment, must have something to say to the concubine!

Feeling a tug at her heart, Xiuzhi glanced at Xiqiu. The latter quietly sipped her tea, prompting Xiuzhi to smile at Zijuan and say: "Sure, we haven’t chatted properly in a long time." She linked arms with Zijuan and turned to Siliu and Sixing: "You two, along with Sister Zijuan, come have some tea at my place, take a break from the busy day."

"I also have something I wish to say to Sister Zijuan." Siliu curtseyed to Xiqiu: "I’ll be next door, Miss, call for me if you need anything!"

Xiqiu nodded: "Go ahead!" She then smiled at Zijuan: "Thank you for waiting for me, Sister."

Zijuan smiled back, reflecting how challenging life was in this household. Though Sixth Miss held status, some things were more convenient for the maids... Sixth Miss was perceptive, and her future uncertain, perhaps soon needing her assistance.

Such opportunities, Zijuan was naturally willing to seize: "Look at what Sixth Miss is saying, I’m actually here hoping to slack off a bit with the concubine!" With that, the four laughed and left the room.

Once they left, Xiqiu lifted the curtain herself and entered the room. The furnishings were simple, almost devoid of decorations. By the window, items were neatly arranged on a large kang, with an embroidery hoop placed to one side; it displayed a half-completed design of prosperity and good fortune in red, with fine stitches and well-chosen colors, indicative of the concubine’s embroidery skill.

Xiqiu set down the embroidery hoop, lifted the inner curtain, and immediately spotted Madam Xia frowning, lying there in a yellow cotton gauze canopy. Her hair was impeccably neat, cascading down her side. The smokey rose overcoat she wore was tidy and fit, though her complexion was pale, her eyes and brows appeared refreshingly clear, showing no signs of someone bedridden for days.

She remained this way, even while sleeping, maintaining the most beautiful posture.

"Concubine!" Xiqiu strode over and took Madam Xia’s delicate hand, the temperature at her fingertips making Xiqiu frown slightly.

Madam Xia, startled, opened her eyes, momentarily stunned, unable to believe the person before her was real and not a dream. She moved her fingertips to confirm the tangible touch, then exclaimed in surprise: "Sixth Miss, what brings you here?"

Bitterness welled in Xiqiu’s heart, yet she smiled: "I persuaded Lady." She paused, carefully observing Madam Xia, a look of guilt appearing: "Initially, it was merely an excuse; I didn’t expect you to really be ill!"

Madam Xia clutched her hand, shaking her head: "Sixth Miss, please don’t overthink; it’s just my frail body." She gasped slightly: "How is Seventh Young Master? Xiuzhi said the fever broke, but I’m still uneasy. I dared not let her run to you often, fearing Lady would know and cause you trouble."

"He’s fine, the fever subsided last night. Today, Siliu checked on him; though he lacks energy, he’s eating now!"

Madam Xia breathed a sigh of relief, blurting out: "I dreamt of Second Young Master last night as well, about his age..." She realized her slip and hastily paused, clasping hands together: "Amitabha Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, may Seventh Young Master have great fortune!"

Xiqiu chuckled, holding Madam Xia’s hand and reassuring her: "It’s just a word, no need to be like this, Concubine."

Madam Xia nodded, recalling something as she sat up to seriously look at her: "You came to find me, is there something you need?" Ever since Xiqiu awoke from a serious illness five years ago, Madam Xia felt her daughter had changed considerably—more composed, reserved, and steadily handled affairs without once causing concern, inversely becoming her own worry.

Xiqiu glanced at the door, nodding: "With your illness, it might be better to request from Lady to stay in Puji Temple for a few days; the serenity there may help your recovery. If Lady inquires, just say due to unrest recently in the household, you’d like to spend half a month praying and reciting scriptures for the household’s peace."