Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 439 - 441: Avoidance (4)

Madam Hu was about forty years old, with thick eyebrows and rather delicate eyes, indicating that she was a beauty in her youth. She wore a sapphire overcoat with floral embroidery and a dark red velvet-bordered jacket underneath. She was short with slightly prominent cheekbones, giving her a somewhat sharp look.

She entered with a laugh, greeted the Grand Dowager, and then greeted everyone else.

The lively conversation in the room paused momentarily, and everyone looked at Xiqiu with somewhat strange expressions.

Xiqiu was secretly puzzled and didn’t understand why everyone was scrutinizing her when Madam Hu arrived.

Madam Hu also took a moment to glance at Xiqiu, her eyes openly assessing her.

Xiqiu grew increasingly suspicious.

The Grand Dowager smiled and said, "I didn’t expect you to come today. Were you in the Capital that year?" Madam Hu settled down with her tea and replied, "Yes. The two youngsters at home want to stay in the Capital to prepare for the exam. Although the exam is next year, many scholars are already heading to the Capital this year, and they wish to stay here to meet more people!"

"That’s good. Everyone is a fellow exam candidate, and they can exchange words when they meet. If they pass and serve in the government, they can support each other. It’s always good to know more people." The Grand Dowager casually remarked.

Madam Hu laughed, "Exactly as you said." Then added, "The two youngsters are diligently studying at home every day, and it’s heartbreaking to see. It’s nice if they can meet some friends and broaden their horizons."

The Grand Dowager nodded in agreement.

Everyone took their tea to drink, and there was a moment of silence. The Second Madam broke the ice with a smile, "I heard this year’s county exam is presided over by esteemed teachers from major colleges." She then glanced at Madam Qian and said, "I heard Mr. Qian plans to try the exam this year?"

Unexpectedly, the young Mr. Qian from Madam Qian’s family was going to take the exam this year. She had just mentioned he was only nine years old, which surprised her.

When the county exam was mentioned, thoughts turned to Tong Minzhi, and she listened closely.

Madam Qian laughed, "He’s just being mischievous. He barely recognizes a few words yet wants to take the exam; it’ll just be an embarrassment for our Qian Family. I don’t pay much attention to him; let him have his fun and gain some experience."

Before the Second Madam could respond, Madam Hu laughed and interjected, "Madam Qian is too modest. I heard from my two youngsters that the academy exams aren’t difficult. Any child who’s studied under a tutor for a few years can pass, so don’t worry. He’ll surely succeed."

Xiqiu frowned, finding it interesting how Madam Hu spoke. Since Madam Qian already said her son might not pass, whether out of modesty or honesty, she was leaving herself a way out to save face in case he didn’t pass. But Madam Hu’s comment added pressure; if Mr. Qian passed, it would be great, but if not...

Besides, the Qian Family was one of distinction, and the children’s participation in the exams was likely more for involvement than result; passing was irrelevant.

Sure enough, Madam Qian’s expression stiffened slightly, and the Second Madam laughingly said, "I’d say it’s better if Mr. Qian doesn’t pass. Otherwise, it’ll be even harder for those poor scholars who study diligently in closed rooms to find a living in the Capital. It’ll be a good deed, leaving others a path." She laughed.

With one sentence, the Second Madam relieved Madam Qian’s awkwardness. Madam Qian’s expression relaxed, and she smiled at the Second Madam, saying, "Everyone has their fate. If he doesn’t ruin his prospects, it’s Amitabha Buddha; how can he snatch others’ opportunities?"

Leaving Madam Hu isolated.

Madam Hu didn’t feel awkward and turned to chat with Madam Ruan.

Xiqiu drank tea with her head down and felt a gaze frequently landing on her, openly assessing her.

She frowned, growing more curious about Madam Hu.

After sending off the guests with the Second Madam, Xiqiu walked and said to Chunliu, "Find out who this Madam Hu really is." Chunliu paused, thought a bit, then nodded, "Madam, I think there’s no need to inquire; don’t we have an omniscient source in our room?"

Nanny Cen.

Xiqiu laughed, "I forgot about her." She said, and the group returned to the courtyard.

Fourth Master Xiao hadn’t returned, and Biwu poked his head out curiously at the door. Seeing Xiqiu return, his eyes brightened, and he ran over to whisper a few words in Xiqiu’s ear. Xiqiu frowned and said, "Close the courtyard gate and bring them to my room."

Biwu nodded while Chunliu followed Xiqiu into the room with confusion on her face.

Xiqiu sat in the chair, and the lightness in her expression had long faded. After a moment, Biwu and Chunyan entered with Treasure Bead, who had her mouth gagged and hands bound. Chunliu looked at the scene in shock, then stared at Xiqiu in surprise.

Ziyang timidly followed in from behind.

Treasure Bead was pushed to kneel by Biwu and glared at Xiqiu with eyes full of resentment.

"Unblock her mouth!" Xiqiu’s voice was calm and devoid of emotion, yet it commanded attention.

Biwu went up and pulled the cloth from Treasure Bead’s mouth, and with Ziyang and Chunyan, turned to guard the door!

With her mouth free, Treasure Bead spat and angrily glared at Xiqiu, saying, "Fourth Madam, what is this? I’ve already been dismissed from your service, I’m no longer part of the Fourth household, so Fourth Madam has no right to treat me like this now, right?"

Xiqiu smiled faintly, and regardless of her confusion over the situation, Chunliu wouldn’t allow a maid to speak this way, angrily shouting, "Whether Madam has the right to deal with you is Madam’s business; you’re just a servant girl. If you speak disrespectfully again, I’ll tear your mouth apart!"

Treasure Bead snorted coldly but didn’t speak further.

Xiqiu waved her hand at Chunliu and began, "Treasure Bead, while you were in my room, I may not have been close to you, but I never mistreated you. You ended up in the Grand Dowager’s room, and you must understand the reason more than anyone else. Since that’s in the past, I won’t pursue it. I now ask you something else, and you must honestly tell me."

"Fourth Madam, what are you talking about? Treasure Bead doesn’t understand!" Treasure Bead stood defiantly with her back straight and neck raised, appearing as though she wouldn’t yield regardless of what was said.

"Whether you understand or not, I don’t care." Xiqiu said with a gentle smile, "Soon, you’ll understand." She then asked, "When the two uncles from Tong Mansion visited, did you see them? If they gave you something to pass to me, where is it?"

Listening to this, Treasure Bead froze, her body stiffening, and the blood drained from her face bit by bit. She knew Xiqiu referred to the painting, which she had casually tossed into the bushes by the road that day. She believed she was now serving the Grand Dowager, and even if Fourth Madam was bold and skilled, she couldn’t do anything to her. Besides, whether she took the item or not was entirely her denial; who could prove it? Could they really invite the two uncles back and have them identify each maid one by one in the mansion?!