Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 500 - 504: Maternal Family (3)

However, people outside believe that it is Xiqiu who manages the Fourth Son-in-law, but they are unaware of how the Grand Dowager and the sisters-in-law in the Marquis Mansion think. If they also think this way, then Xiqiu’s days in the mansion will inevitably be full of hurdles.

"After Mother mentioned this, everyone seemed to not take it to heart, and moreover, everyone knows about the affairs of the Hu Mansion, so there’s probably nothing to criticize."

Madam Xia was still not at ease, but even in her unease, she could do nothing but compose herself and nod, saying, "As long as the Fourth Son-in-law treats you well, the Grand Dowager cares for you, and there is harmony among the sisters-in-law, then I can be at ease!"

These are the things a woman pursues her entire life; Madam Xia herself never hoped for much, but to have so many demands made of her now. Xiqiu understood her painstaking effort and smiled, nodding, "I will manage my own affairs carefully and not neglect etiquette with others. Rest assured, everything is going well."

"Then that’s good, that’s good," Madam Xia sighed repeatedly.

Xiqiu continued, "Seventh brother plans to take the prefecture exam next year. Once he earns a title and gets married and has children, I see you’ll have no choice but to worry day by day."

Speaking of Tong Minzhi passing the county exam, Madam Xia’s face broke into a smile, nodding, "I don’t wish for him to be immensely wealthy and noble, only that he is safe and secure, can find a place to stand, and then get married and live peacefully. If you and the Fourth Son-in-law can have children, then I would have no other wishes in this life."

Xiqiu leaned against Madam Xia’s bosom with a smile, nodding, "If you could have another daughter for me, that would be even better."

"You child," Madam Xia blushed and chided, "Always teasing me!"

Xiqiu then whispered, "Did Father come back last night and stay with you?" Madam Xia froze, blushed, and shook her head, "He was supposed to come, but halfway he was called away by Nanny Fang." She paused and added, "From what I see, Lady seems to intend to give Daihe a formal position."

So that’s why!

Daihe was crying so sadly just now, probably not unrelated to this matter.

She recounted what she heard in Madam Jiang’s room to Madam Xia, who sighed upon hearing it, "Back then Zijuan and Caitao also went through this kind of thing, facing death or expulsion..."

Xiqiu’s face also grew somber; Daihe went to plead with Madam Jiang, but Madam Jiang was the daughter-in-law after all. How could she interfere in the Lady’s affairs, she could only offer some advice!

Then they spoke of opening a shop, "You should often listen to the Fourth Son-in-law’s suggestions; he travels outside frequently and has a broader perspective."

Xiqiu nodded in agreement, and Madam Xia continued, "Nurse Zhang has always stayed in the Capital and hasn’t returned to Tongzhou?"

Xiqiu recalled what Chunyan said and thought aloud, "It seems that’s her intention." Madam Xia sighed, "She too is someone with a bitter fate."

At noon, after dining in the main room, the First Master called Xiqiu to the study, pointed to the opposite chair for her to sit, examined her carefully, and smiled, "You look well, is the Great Governor doing fine?" with an implied meaning.

He is, after all, her father, so naturally, he couldn’t speak with Xiqiu as freely as Madam Xia could about anything.

Xiqiu lowered her head and replied, "I’ve caused you worry." Then paused and added, "Fourth Master Xiao is doing well, going to court daily, busy with state affairs. Still, he’s been quite occupied these days due to military drills."

"This is a major issue." The First Master nodded, "The Emperor’s desire to review the troops is beneficial, and it also provides an opportunity to reorganize the Five Army Camps and the West Mountain Camp, as both are in a depressing state of disarray."

Which aligned with what Fourth Master Xiao had said.

Xiqiu nodded in agreement.

The First Master, somewhat unaccustomed to discussing politics with his daughter, switched topics, "How are the Grand Dowager and the Marquis?" Xiqiu nodded and replied, "The Grand Dowager is in good health, and the Marquis is well too." After a pause, she recounted the children’s progress since they brought in a tutor with the First Master, "Previously, it took Xing a whole morning to memorize poems, but now with Mr. Song here, he can recite ninety sentences of the Thousand Character Classic."

The First Master’s face was filled with smiles, "This child, he indeed resembles your elder brother. A nephew like his uncle!"

Xiqiu actually didn’t think so, but since the First Master said it, she smiled and nodded, "Yes, his temperament is good too; I’ve never seen him lose his temper, and the Grand Dowager is very fond of him."

"That’s good, that’s good." The First Master spoke with a faint expression of worry, instructing Xiqiu, "Though the Grand Dowager looks after him in the mansion, and it’s not for me to worry, his health has been frail since childhood. You must take extra care of him."

"Certainly," Xiqiu nodded and replied, "She calls me aunt, but she is also the bloodline left by my eldest sister, and I will do my best to look after her." She added, "With the Grand Dowager, Father needn’t worry."

The First Master nodded, pondered for a moment, then hesitated before changing the topic, "Though Min is a son of a concubine, he is also the Great Governor’s child. You should take care of him diligently too, without favoring one over the other!"

He seems to be inquiring if the Second Madam has any offspring, and if the Marquis has any decision regarding the Princely Heir position.

Even for the First Master, facing his own grandson, it’s hard not to be worried.

He didn’t bring it up, nor did Xiqiu, but she smiled and nodded, "Your daughter will remember your teachings." Then she added, "There are only three children in the mansion now, with so many people, so it doesn’t require much effort from me."

This subtly informed the First Master that the Second Madam didn’t have offspring.

The First Master glanced at Xiqiu with surprise, seeing her smile gently, he showed a look of gratitude and nodded, "Thinking like this reassures me."

The father and daughter continued to discuss the affairs in the mansion. Xiqiu recalled Fourth Master Xiao’s instructions from a few days ago, pondered for a moment, and decided to approach Tong Shen Zhi later. As a daughter, even if she inquired, the First Master likely wouldn’t discuss his ambitions and plans in depth.

After leaving the First Master, she sought out Tong Shen Zhi and relayed Fourth Master Xiao’s words. Tong Shen Zhi nodded, "I understand. After I discuss it with Father in a few days, I’ll have someone relay it to you."

Xiqiu nodded in agreement, knowing that having two capable sons-in-law in the mansion and Tong Shen Zhi being able to contribute, it was only due to Second Master’s past issues that tarnished his reputation with the Emperor. He hadn’t done anything improper himself, so as long as someone could mediate, staying in the Capital shouldn’t be a problem.

"Then I’ll await my elder brother’s message," Xiqiu smiled and said, "I’ll go chat with my sister-in-law."

Tong Shen Zhi nodded and went to the study, where Jiang Shilin and Ren Jun were still present.

In the afternoon, Fourth Master Xiao arrived, and the family had dinner together. The First Master appeared very pleased, drinking a lot of wine with Fourth Master Xiao, who kept a straight face accompanying him. Jiang Shilin poured wine for the First Master from the side, while Tong Shen Zhi sat by accompanying. Ren Jun, on the other hand, was left ignored, occasionally glancing at Fourth Master Xiao, as if a mouse seeing a cat, but as soon as Fourth Master Xiao’s wine cup was empty, he would seize the chance to refill it.