Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 445 - 447-448: The Academy (1)

She has no problem, yet she hasn’t conceived in two years!

Could it be an issue with Xiao Yanyi, or is it that their conjugal relations are too infrequent?

The Grand Dowager paused briefly, smiling as she responded to the Second Madam: "That’s good, as long as the health is fine, that’s the most important."

The Second Madam covered her sleeve and laughed: "But they still prescribed a few treatments for me, saying if I take them..." it will be easier to conceive.

The Grand Dowager had some thoughts in her mind, so she just nodded absentmindedly in agreement.

When Xiao Yanyi returned that evening, the Grand Dowager relayed the Second Madam’s words to him: "These days you either sleep in the outer court or stay in Lingbo Hall, it’s fine for a day or two, but how can it go on for long?"

Xiao Yanyi didn’t speak, and the Grand Dowager continued: "As for Madam Li, I know you’re not happy about it, but she’s already here. If you don’t like her, just leave her be, no need to torment yourself like this!"

"Mother," Xiao Yanyi said mildly, "I understand."

No further explanation.

"I know you’ve always been the one to listen to me the most. And I know you’re under a lot of pressure, but..." The Grand Dowager couldn’t continue, holding her forehead with a sigh.

Xiao Yanyi glanced at the Grand Dowager and said, "After the Lantern Festival, I plan to make a trip to Shandong!"

The Grand Dowager was startled, asking, "Is there something going on?"

Xiao Yanyi’s gaze flickered, avoiding the Grand Dowager’s eyes as he replied: "It’s something with the court, not a big deal." He had no intention of elaborating.

The Grand Dowager glanced at Xiao Yanyi and didn’t pursue the matter further.

Xiao Yanyi stood up: "I’ll head back now." The Grand Dowager nodded thoughtfully, adding: "Return to the main room."

Xiao Yanyi paused at the doorway and, after a moment, nodded and left the room.

The Grand Dowager watched his back and let out a long sigh.

Teng Qiuniang was standing at the door, with the candlelight in the courtyard flickering unsteadily. She looked across with a cold gaze, sneering: "The Marquis hasn’t rested in the room for days, even the main room. Surely, someone has been neglected."

Xiuyun draped a cloak over Teng Qiuniang, sneering as well: "With her status, no matter how beautiful, the Marquis wouldn’t favor her to the skies." She paused and continued: "It’s cold at night. Madam, you should head inside; the Marquis surely won’t be back tonight."

Teng Qiuniang felt a chill in her heart. While mocking Madam Shen, she couldn’t help but find herself laughable too. Wasn’t she the one standing here every night, waiting for that person to turn back and glance at her, willingly, even without affection?

Yet, night after night, not only did she not gain what she desired, but she also lost so much.

She turned and went inside, asking Xiuyun: "I heard Treasure Bead was sent to the estate by Fourth Master?"

Xiuyun nodded: "That girl is really unlucky, always running into Fourth Master." She shook her head sarcastically.

Teng Qiuniang sneered: "It’s not her bad luck, but Fourth Master listens to that person. The decision seems to be made by Fourth Master, but isn’t he following that person’s words?"

Xiuyun was silent, thinking of the gentle and obedient Fourth Madam.

Teng Qiuniang was about to speak when a young maid called through the curtain: "The Marquis has returned."

Teng Qiuniang immediately stood up, quickly adjusting her clothes, turning back to ask Xiuyun: "Is my hairdo messy?" 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

Xiuyun shook her head: "Not messy, not messy!"

Teng Qiuniang still said: "Quick, help me change into that pink overcoat and redo my Willow Braid."

Xiuyun swiftly helped her change clothes and redo her hair. The two took the lanterns and headed to the main room, but at the door, they encountered Madam Shen approaching with an octagonal palace lantern...

On the sixth day of the year, the accompanying maid of Xiqiu arrived.

"The New Year is over, and I’m eager to visit the estate to check things out. I don’t know the situation there, and going early would give me peace of mind," Zhu Sancheng said slowly, bowing his head, and continued: "This year’s snow was heavy, I heard many people froze outside the city over the New Year, I’m afraid if we leave late, the road would be bad."

After the New Year, the weather gradually improved, and disaster victims from outside also needed to return to their villages. The roads would be unsafe and difficult with so many people traveling.

Xiqiu nodded and replied: "Very well, you should go early. If there’s anything, have someone send back a message. If there are difficulties, don’t hold on. It may be tough for a year or two, but as long as we have the will and put effort in the right place, times will gradually improve."

Zhu Sancheng agreed with Xiqiu’s words, bowed, and replied: "I will remember Madam’s words."

Xiqiu then turned to Chunyan and instructed: "Fetch ten taels of silver for Mrs. Zhu as a travel bonus." Chunyan complied, went into the inner room, and after a moment, returned with a parrot green pocket and handed it to Zhu Sancheng.

Not only Zhu Sancheng, but even Zou Bochang and Jin Dairui were shocked. It was unheard of for a servant tasked with a mission to be given a travel bonus by their master.

Zhu Sancheng looked at the pocket in Chunyan’s hand in a daze, hesitating to take it. Xiqiu then said: "Take it, you’ll need money since you’re just going over there. Regardless of anything else, you have to live your life. We can’t suffer just for land!"

Zhu Sancheng bowed his head, respectfully saluted Xiqiu, took the pocket from Chunyan with both hands, and thanked: "Thank you, Madam, for the reward."

Xiqiu nodded and turned her gaze to Zou Bochang.

Since all three came together, he must also have something to say.

Seeing Xiqiu looking over, Zou Bochang stepped forward and responded: "I too wish to go to Shandong tomorrow and came to bid farewell to Madam."

Xiqiu nodded, advising: "I heard from Nanny Jin that the tenants there are not doing well. When you go, don’t make it difficult for them. If there are issues, write back." Chunyan also handed a pocket to Zou Bochang. Xiqiu continued: "The house over there is said to be somewhat dilapidated. After this winter’s several snowfalls, it might not be in good condition when you arrive, so find someone to repair it before staying."

Zou Bochang was secretly surprised at Madam’s detailed and thorough consideration. He recalled his previous request to go to Tongzhou, and Madam’s insistence on Shandong. Did Madam already decide on this long ago?

Cold sweat trickled down his back, and he was thankful he had adjusted to the situation without insisting. He had even considered returning to Tong Mansion to manage things, and if he couldn’t go to Tongzhou, staying in the Capital would be fine. Now he inwardly sighed, realizing that even if he went back to manage things, Madam’s decision would be unchanged.

Feeling a chill in his heart, he accepted the pocket from Chunyan with both hands, bowing his head and saying: "I will follow Madam’s instructions!" He added: "The Chief Steward from Grand Dowager’s estate, Steward Liu, met with me as instructed by Madam. We discussed matters of the estate, and Steward Liu mentioned he would accompany me to Shandong, once we’ve seen the land, to report back to Madam."

Xiqiu was pleased, asking: "Is Steward Liu going with you tomorrow?" Zou Bochang nodded in agreement.