Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 431 - 433: Heart-to-Heart (1)

Xiqiu listened with a smile from the side. As a new bride, if the Grand Dowager didn’t introduce her, it would be inappropriate for her to go up and greet everyone. Suddenly, someone brushed her sleeve, and Xiqiu turned to see Madam Shen waving at her with an unfamiliar lady beside her.

Xiqiu’s gaze shifted as she noticed the Grand Dowager and the Second Madam happily conversing with several other ladies. She whispered a word to the First Madam’s ear as a greeting and then walked over with a smile. Madam Shen, who was newly pregnant, didn’t show yet, appearing somewhat plump. She smiled and said, "I’ve been looking for you. I said you should visit me, but you never did. I’ve been waiting at home every day."

Xiqiu replied with a smile, "Although the household matters are managed by my second sister-in-law, my abilities are limited, and even the small matters in the courtyard have occupied my thoughts. I’ve always wanted to visit but couldn’t find the time. When I have free time, I fear you might be busy, and thus, both sides have delayed until today." She glanced at Madam Shen’s belly and added, "I haven’t congratulated you yet."

With a smile, Madam Shen said, "I’ve just lightened up a bit, thinking I could rest and shed some weight, but who knew..." Her cheeks flushed, and she laughed, realizing there were others standing by, and added with a laugh, "See how forgetful I am, forgetting to introduce."

"This is Madam Han!" Madam Shen introduced Xiqiu and then turned to introduce Madam Han, "This is Fourth Madam Xiao."

Madam Han caught the cue with a smile, "I know. I could tell from a distance that this is Fourth Madam Xiao."

The wife of Right Army Commander Han Cheng!

Xiqiu also returned the greetings to Madam Han with a smile. Madam Han was very slender, with slightly dark skin and a particularly high nose, which made her look a bit stern, yet when she smiled, she had sweet dimples, making her seem like a different person when she smiled and when she didn’t.

"I have long admired your reputation and often hear people mention you."

Madam Han’s voice was somewhat coarse. She laughed and said, "I often hear my husband mention you, saying you’re poised and elegant, one of you is worth ten of me..." Her voice was loud, attracting the attention of people on both sides, causing Xiqiu to frown slightly, sensing that Madam Han’s words were somewhat inappropriate.

Fearing Xiqiu’s embarrassment, Madam Shen quickly said, "I think Madam Qian is here, let’s go and have a look."

Qian Wenzhong’s wife.

Xiqiu nodded and said, "I’m going to my mother’s side!" and added, "I’ll visit your manor some other day." Madam Han also nodded, "Sure, sure!"

So, Madam Shen pulled Madam Han along to another side.

Xiqiu returned to the Grand Dowager’s side and, seeing everything was normal, quietly sighed in relief.

Just then, Chief Eunuch Duan from the Empress Dowager’s side called everyone in. Xiqiu followed behind the First Madam into the main hall of Cian Palace and then went to the Empress’s palace. Since the Empress was pregnant and needed rest, fearing too many people might disturb her, everyone offered their respect from behind a curtain and then left the palace.

The Second Madam stayed in the Empress Dowager’s palace to talk, and later they would go to the Prince Manor. Xiqiu and the First Madam shared a carriage, the Grand Dowager took one back to South Arch alone. Before they even reached the palace, rewards from the imperial court had already arrived. Fourth Master Xiao went straight to entertain the eunuchs from the palace in the outer courtyard. The Grand Dowager waved her hand and said, "You all go and change your clothes, and come back for a meal later."

By the time Xiqiu returned after changing her clothes, Fourth Master Xiao was already in the Grand Dowager’s room. The Grand Dowager’s expression wasn’t good as she looked at Fourth Master Xiao and asked, "Is this all because of this matter?"

Xiqiu listened, feeling puzzled, and involuntarily looked to Xiao Yanzheng for an explanation. Xiao Yanzheng whispered closely to Xiqiu, "Count Wujin belched in front of the Emperor after drinking last night, and the Emperor joked by calling him a ’food sack,’ but Fourth Brother said, though it seemed like a joke, the Emperor’s face showed coldness. Count fainted as soon as he left the palace gate."

Xiqiu was stunned, thinking that during the festive season, having a drink last night and belching in the morning at most was a small breach of etiquette at the hall, and that the Emperor’s words seemed too harsh.

Thinking this, she saw Fourth Master Xiao glance at her sideways...

Perhaps afraid she’d overthink, since Count Wujin was Tong Xiyang’s father-in-law.

The Grand Dowager sighed, shaking her head, "... Count Ren is indeed getting on in years." The words seemed unconnected, yet their implication was quite profound.

With the spirits dampened, everyone had a meal at the Grand Dowager’s place and then returned to their rooms.

Xiqiu helped Fourth Master Xiao change his court attire and received the tea Chunliu brewed, placing it on the heated table.

Count Wujin was known for his shrewdness during the late Emperor’s reign and received much favor. Even though the Emperor wasn’t fond of him, he couldn’t be so averse to him either. Given Count Wujin’s cleverness, he had long learned to stay low and quiet, never speaking unnecessarily in front of the Emperor knowing he disliked those who talked too much.

Even if the Emperor disfavored him, he wouldn’t mock him in front of so many people—counting that Count Wujin was nearing fifty.

She felt perplexed and turned to ask Fourth Master Xiao, "Fourth Master, is Count Wujin also opposed to the Emperor lifting the sea ban?"

Fourth Master Xiao turned to look at her, nodded, "Ren Jun opened a Drunken Immortal Pavilion on East Street at the beginning of the year, and his partner is Prince Rong."

Hearing this, Xiqiu was taken aback. Ren Jun and Prince Rong were close, so the Emperor scolded Count Wujin intending to warn Prince Rong?

"The Emperor merely scolded. If he truly bore a killing intent, it would have been more than just a scolding." Fourth Master Xiao said blandly.

Xiqiu understood. The Emperor had just ascended the throne, and even if the Capital’s aristocrats intended to make a move, it wouldn’t be now.

Just at this moment, Chunliu entered and reported, "Fourth Master, the Marquis invites you to the Lingbo Hall."

Xiqiu looked at Fourth Master Xiao, noticing him frown imperceptibly. Fourth Master Xiao put down the tea cup and stood up, telling Xiqiu, "I will be back soon."

"Alright!" Xiqiu saw him off at the door, watched him leave, and turned to ask Chunliu, "Are things ready for returning to the manor tomorrow?"

Chunliu replied, "Everything is ready," and paused before adding, "Will Fourth Master be going back with you?"

Xiqiu heard this and slightly narrowed her eyes, feeling that Fourth Master Xiao had been acting oddly since yesterday, seemingly unhappy, but she couldn’t discern why. Everyone had been so busy these days, she hadn’t had the chance to ask him. He had gone to bed early last night, rose early this morning, and just when she thought to inquire more today, he had gone out again.

Arriving at Lingbo Hall, Xiao Yanyi was seated behind the desk. Fourth Master Xiao entered and sat opposite him. A servant served tea, and Fourth Master Xiao directly asked, "What’s the matter?"

Xiao Yanyi took a letter out from behind the desk, handed it to Fourth Master Xiao, and said, "Take a look."

Fourth Master Xiao received the letter expressionlessly, opened it, glanced quickly, and his face changed slightly as he asked Xiao Yanyi, "Is this information accurate?"

Xiao Yanyi’s expression was also somewhat uncertain, and he sighed, "There have been so many rumors over the years, it’s not certain."