CHAPTER 81: CHAPTER 81: SHIFTING TIDES (PART 2)

Lady observed that she indeed seemed more emaciated than before: "This is also what you should do, so don’t complain." She paused and continued, "However, dutifulness is dutifulness, but you should still take care of your own health. With so many people in the Marquis Mansion, you shouldn’t overextend yourself in everything. At the moment, having children is the most important thing. Even Fifth Madam is now pregnant. If you delay any longer, it would be inexcusable."

Tong Xihua was also anxious. The family of the Fifth has been plotting recently, wanting to urge her to persuade the Grand Dowager to divide the family assets while the Marquis is away. She refused them outright. The Fifth being born of a concubine with no privileges is only holding a nominal position at the Five Cities Military Department, earning a scant salary. Being extravagant, he lives a tight life and naturally wants to divide the family assets. They approached her because she has no children!

Hmph! Such petty tricks, daring to play mind games with her.

Tong Xihua didn’t want to discuss this topic and changed the subject while holding Lady’s arm, "I saw Nanny Fang going out when I came in. Where is she going?"

Lady, also not wanting to discuss old issues for fear of boring Tong Xihua, replied, "To deliver return gifts to Count Wujin."

Tong Xihua chuckled, "So has the Countess changed her mind again? I heard from Madam Chen that the Countess seemed interested in the lady from the Fang family. How come it has turned to us now?"

Lady replied, "Though Lord Fang holds a higher official position than the First Master, how can the Fang family compare with the Tong Mansion in terms of family wealth?!" She then laughed, "Your aunt wrote recently also mentioning a marriage proposal!"

Tong Xihua’s eyes lit up. If the marriage proposal for Sixth Sister is settled, then the Third and Fourth Sisters need to hurry up. "What kind of family?"

Lady detailed the affairs of the Hong Mansion to Tong Xihua, and she nodded repeatedly, "It’s good to be married far away. Young Master Hong is like that, let’s see how Madam Wang can still act proud in the future!"

"Let your aunt handle the initial contact, since it’s Lord Xu’s superior. It needs to be handled properly." Lady then turned to ask Tong Xihua, "Did you have any important matters upon returning home?"

Tong Xihua pursed her lips and smiled, "I did have something, but now that the marriage with the Wujin Bo Mansion is being reconsidered, I think it’s not quite suitable anymore, so let’s not talk about it."

Lady curiously asked, "What is it? Tell me about it."

Tong Xihua said, "A few days ago, Madam Qian from Count Dongchang came to visit the Grand Dowager, mentioning that a legitimate nephew of hers had reached marriageable age. I thought he sounded good at first glance and had someone investigate the Qian family’s background. I then learned that Madam Qian’s family is a branch of the Marquis Jinxiang. There is a Vice Minister Zhou at the Ministry of Revenue who is her brother, and her nephew is the legitimate son of her brother, who became a scholar last year and is planning to take the exam next year. According to Madam Qian, he is quite confident about it." She paused and added, "Madam Qian’s brother is the Magistrate of Hangzhou Prefecture. Second Young Master said that both Lords Zhou have reputable names in the officialdom. That Young Master Zhou is also well-regarded by Marquis Jinxiang and currently resides at the Marquis Mansion."

Though not from a noble family, this young man has academic accolades. As he has no privileges, he is diligent and hardworking, neither spoiled like playboys nor inexperienced like those from impoverished families. Also being a branch of Marquis Jinxiang, his family background is considered decent!

But one doesn’t know how he is as a person. Lady was somewhat interested. Regarding Tong Xiyan’s marriage, after much deliberation, she decided it was better to marry someone of equal standing. She was ill, and a simple person, being forced into a prestigious household might only lead to disrespect and mistreatment. It would be better in an ordinary household backed by the Tong Mansion; at least she would have some leverage!

Tong Xihua didn’t know Lady’s thoughts; she only felt that the Wujin Bo Mansion had a noble title. If Sixth Sister married there, regardless of Third Master Ren’s situation, she would be the Third Young Madam at the Uncle Mansion. For a concubine-born, marrying so well, it’s only natural the legitimate Fourth Sister’s marriage shouldn’t be lesser!

Besides, considering how talented Fourth Sister is, marrying into a small household would really belittle her intellect.

The mother and daughter each had their own thoughts. Lady said, "Is there a chance to meet that Young Master Zhou?"

Tong Xihua was taken aback, looking at her mother with surprise, "Mother, Fourth Sister is legitimate. You didn’t even agree to the proposal for cousin marriage from your sister. Why are you considering the Zhou family now?" Leaning against Lady, she said assuredly, "Please don’t rush. Even if Sixth Sister’s marriage is settled, it’s not like she’ll be wed anytime soon. Let’s carefully find a better match for Fourth Sister."

"What do you know!" Lady frowned, "Your aunt is my sister. I know her temperament best. If your sister were to marry there, who knows how she’d impose rules and possibly make her life difficult." She paused and spoke of Young Master Zhou, "Meeting him won’t hurt." She thought if unfit, they could simply drop the matter, but if he seemed suitable, they could subtly hint to Madam Qian. If it happened, it would ease her mind.

Tong Xihua felt she couldn’t persuade Lady, so she shifted strategies, "Mother, don’t rush. This matter still needs to be discussed once Father returns. After all, it concerns Fourth Sister’s marriage. If decided without informing Father, he might criticize you then."

Lady’s expression finally showed some softness. Tong Xihua realized she had swayed her and continued, "Fourth Sister is so outstanding. How can you bear to marry her into an ordinary household?" Suddenly, an idea struck her, and she blurted out, "Why not marry her to be my companion?"

Lady’s face turned stern, scolding, "What nonsense are you spouting, becoming more and more improper!"

Tong Xihua saw her reaction, understanding her misinterpretation and explained, "Where is your mind wandering? How could I bear to let Fourth Sister be our Second Young Master’s concubine!" She whispered with a smile to Lady’s ear, "Isn’t there someone unmarried at our place too."

She referred to Fourth Master Xiao.

Upon hearing this, Lady’s expression did not improve; it worsened instead, "You just said you wouldn’t let Fourth Sister suffer, yet Fourth Master Xiao is a notorious playboy, indulging in every vice. If your Fourth Sister follows him, how could it end well for her!" She recalled the scene outside Puji Temple that day, "That day he couldn’t avoid it, so he greeted me, but didn’t even speak to your elder brother. Even though we are in-laws, those eyes can drown a person."

"Puji Temple?" Tong Xihua raised an eyebrow, "Was it on the third of March?"

Lady nodded.

Tong Xihua furrowed her brow, showing a thoughtful expression. Lady asked, "What’s the matter?"

Tong Xihua hesitated, then waved it off, "It’s nothing, just curious what he was doing at Puji Temple." Lady disdainfully remarked, "What could those idle, indulgent young masters be doing at Puji Temple!"

"Alright, alright! I was just mentioning it." After all, it was her brother-in-law, and Tong Xihua dared not speak further. "Is Madam Wang behaving herself now? Is she still bothering you?"

Lady, not mentioning Fourth Master Xiao again, thought of Madam Wang, saying with disgust, "She’s lying in bed. The doctor checked her, said it’s a gynecological disorder, needs to rest quietly." It’s just as well, let the First Master look at her yellow, bloated, dirty appearance and be completely disheartened by her.