Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 496 - 500: Handling Affairs (5)

Fourth Master Xiao returned from the government office and sat down with a somber expression. Xiqiu stepped forward from the kang bed to personally brew tea for him, and asked, "What’s the matter, Fourth Master? Is there trouble with the military camp?"

Fourth Master Xiao took a sip of tea, his furrowed brow relaxing a bit, and replied, "Huang Da has returned to the capital."

Xiqiu had heard from Fourth Master Xiao before; Huang Da is the General of Liaodong, and she had known from earlier conversations that the Emperor had issued a decree for him to return to the capital. It’s been over two months, so he should be arriving in the capital now.

"How does the Emperor plan to arrange his duties?" Xiqiu sat next to Fourth Master Xiao and asked.

Fourth Master Xiao shook his head and replied, "From what I see of the Emperor’s intentions, I’m afraid he wants to keep him in the capital. General Zuo from the West Mountain Camp is getting old and somewhat muddled these past two years, and the camp is becoming increasingly disorganized. If it hadn’t been for this mention of the military parade, perhaps it could have held on for a while longer. It seems the Emperor is resolute in wanting to make some changes now."

If the Emperor plans to underutilize Huang Da by placing him at the West Mountain, then he’d have had this intention two months ago. Huang Da, along with Fourth Master Xiao and Shen Ji, had once fought side by side against Mongolian soldiers in Liaodong, and even if it wasn’t meritorious, it was arduous. The Emperor promptly summoned him back to the capital to keep him under watch, while also replacing General Zuo who was left by the late Emperor. General Zuo had once served as a vice commander alongside the Old Marquis during the Miaojiang campaign, and being a veteran of three reigns; replacing him and suppressing Huang Da is bound to cause unease and concern among the military generals!

"Qian Wenzhong invited Han Cheng and Huang Da for drinks, but I made an excuse about business at the mansion and came back," Fourth Master Xiao said indifferently.

Qian Wenzhong and Han Cheng were both ministers who served the Emperor during his ascension. Inviting them for drinks now is likely related to this matter.

"The Emperor might consider the state peaceful now, feeling Huang Da’s talent is wasted in Liaodong, and since General Zuo is quite old, allowing him to retire and enjoy his twilight years might be a fitting use for each. Fourth Master shouldn’t worry too much."

This was meant to comfort him.

Fourth Master Xiao smiled and nodded, holding Xiqiu’s hand, "I’m fine, it’s Qian Wenzhong and Han Cheng who are a bit frustrated."

Even though they were conferred ranks along with Fourth Master Xiao, they’re different from him. Fourth Master Xiao is the Fourth Master of Xuanning Marquis Mansion and once saved the Emperor from near the Third Prince’s blade. His contributions and background are unmatched by the other two.

It’s understandable they feel uneasy.

Min, sitting on the kang, listened intently to their conversation, frowning slightly, feeling the Emperor’s actions were somewhat reckless but couldn’t pinpoint exactly how.

If he were in charge, with loyal ministers like them, one shouldn’t harbor doubts once employing them. If not assured, taking back military power would bring peace of mind, avoiding unsettling the people which might backfire.

He saw Xiqiu furrowing her brows, thought for a moment, and then tilted his head, saying, "Mother, can you look at what I’ve written, is it correct?"

Xiqiu turned to look at his writing, and indeed his characters were more structured than ever. Xiqiu smiled with satisfaction, touched Min’s head, and said, "Hmm, very well-written!"

Min, seeing her relieved brow and gentle smile, felt full of joy and lowered his head to continue his writing.

Fourth Master Xiao glanced at Min, his eyes slightly flickering.

Two days later, Nanny Qiu from Madam Jiang’s side arrived, smiling, "... First Master arrived at the mansion yesterday at 3 p.m., and First Young Madam said with the late hour, it would be inconvenient for the Madam to rush back, so she waited until this morning to inform you."

Xiqiu smiled and nodded, "Understood, I’ll tidy up and return to the mansion."

Nanny Qiu, all smiles, responded, "Then I’ll leave you to it, I must also visit the Marquis Mansion afterward, the Third Young Madam hasn’t been informed yet."

This implies Nanny Qiu went to Tong Xiyan first, then to the Marquis Mansion, and lastly to the Marquis Mansion?

Xiqiu smiled and had Chunliu see Nanny Qiu out.

She herself changed her clothes, bid farewell to the Grand Dowager, sent Chunliu to the school to ask Mr. Song for leave, and then took Min along with several maidservants back to Tong Mansion.

On the carriage, Min cheerfully asked, "Where did Grandfather return from?" Xiqiu smiled as she tidied Min’s clothes and took a comb to redo his hair, "From Yongzhou, remember to greet him properly when you see him; he likes polite and well-mannered children the most."

Min sat cross-legged in front of Xiqiu as her fingers slowly threaded through his hair, he sweetly replied, "I understand, Mother." After a pause, he added, "Mother, today the teacher praised me."

"Oh?" Xiqiu finished pinning his hair with a smile, "What did he praise you for?"

Min turned around with a smile, "The teacher praised my writing, said I’ve improved greatly!" Xiqiu’s brow lifted slightly, "Really? Then you must write more and practice more."

"Yes." Min nodded with a smile, "The teacher even asked who taught me to write, and I told him you taught me." He still remembered the surprised look on the teacher’s face.

Her handwriting wasn’t particularly beautiful, Xiqiu awkwardly changed the topic, "Soon, it will be Grandmother’s birthday, have you thought about what to gift her?"

Min’s attention indeed shifted, and with a serious look, said, "The three of us have been discussing this these days, but haven’t decided yet."

Xiqiu nodded with a smile, "No matter what you gift, Grandmother will certainly like it."

Min beamed and nodded.

Arriving at Tong Mansion, Nanny Qiu greeted them at the door, Xiqiu and Min alighted the carriage as Nanny Qiu cheerfully said, "The Third Young Madam and her husband have just arrived."

Unexpectedly, Tong Xiyang and Ren Jun also came, which was indeed surprising.

"Has Fourth Sister returned?" Xiqiu asked.

Nanny Qiu replied, "She returned early this morning; everyone is in Lady’s room waiting for you."

Xiqiu said no more, leading Min along with Bihuai and Biwu to the main room, while Chunliu went to visit Madam Xia.

Upon entering, she saw the First Master sitting at the head seat; months had passed, yet he looked spirited, sporting a beard like those popular among civil servants, with a smile and a hint of an immortal-like aura. Tong Shen Zhi sat to the left, with Ren Jun below him, across from them was Jiang Shilin, Tong Xiyang and Tong Xiyan sat on another side, with Tong Minzhi and Tong Quanzi seated next to Jiang Shilin.

Tong Xiyu and Madam Jiang were not present.

Xiqiu entered and saluted the First Master, addressing, "Father!"

The First Master took a good look at Xiqiu, nodded in satisfaction, then focused his gaze on little Min beside her.

"Greetings, Grandfather." Min greeted generously, making a deep bow towards the First Master.

"Is this Min?" The First Master beckoned him over, smiling as he asked, "Have you started your studies?"

Min clearly replied, "Replying to Grandfather, I started studying in spring, tutored by Mr. Song."