Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 501 - 505: Maiden Family (4)

There seemed to be some deliberate flattery.

Xiqiu couldn’t help but be secretly surprised.

When they returned to the mansion in the evening, Biwu, seeing Fourth Master Xiao go in to wash up, relayed the afternoon’s inquiries to Xiqiu: "I heard something happened at the Third Master’s tavern, like someone died there. The victim’s family is quite influential and is making a fuss, planning to file a grievance with the Emperor." Biwu added, "The other details the little maid doesn’t understand!"

The tavern is said to be opened by Ren Jun on the surface, but everyone knows that Prince Rong also has a share. If something goes wrong, surely Prince Rong wouldn’t just stand by. Judging from Tong Xiyang and Ren Jun’s demeanor, it seems they are asking Fourth Master Xiao for help, doesn’t it?

When Fourth Master Xiao came out, Xiqiu immediately asked him, "Did something happen at the Drunken Immortal Pavilion?" Fourth Master Xiao was just about to drink his tea, paused at the words, glanced at Xiqiu, and replied, "A guest died, the murderer was a servant at the tavern, there was a dispute, and he accidentally killed someone. The murderer has already confessed."

Xiqiu listened and still tilted her head to look at Fourth Master Xiao: "Wasn’t it said there’s a fuss, planning to file a grievance with the Emperor?" Fourth Master Xiao’s expression froze for a moment, then he suddenly smiled and said, "Filing a grievance isn’t something you can do just because you want to." After speaking, seeing that Xiqiu didn’t say anything, it was clear she was waiting for him to elaborate further.

She trusted Fourth Master Xiao wasn’t telling the whole truth, obviously intending to downplay the issue. Otherwise, why would Tong Xiyang and Ren Jun have such an attitude?

Half-said and half-left! Just a couple of days ago, they had a detailed discussion about such situations. Today, no matter what, Xiqiu wants him to change this habit.

Fourth Master Xiao’s eyes flickered, then he set the tea cup down, pulled Xiqiu onto his lap, and with a smile said, "Whatever the lady wishes to know, you may ask, and I will certainly leave nothing unsaid."

Xiqiu laughed involuntarily, then earnestly said, "I know nothing to ask about, it’s better if Fourth Master just tells me."

Fourth Master Xiao ruffled her head, smiling as he said, "The case has already been settled by the government office, and the murderer has confessed. The matter is over, what does the lady wish to know?" Xiqiu clutched at Fourth Master Xiao’s collar, asking, "Where was Ren Jun at that time?"

People who visit the Drunken Immortal Pavilion always have various backgrounds and connections. For a servant to have the nerve to kill a guest, surely there aren’t many such servants in the entire Great Zhou.

Fourth Master Xiao was taken aback, then affectionately touched Xiqiu’s nose: "You’re a clever girl!" He responded with the truth: "The servant indeed took the blame, and that guest was actually the husband of Ren Jun’s newly-married concubine’s original marriage. He came to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion seeking an explanation. Ren Jun wanted to settle with money, but the man only wanted his wife back, so the two had a dispute..."

Not only did they take the person, but they also killed him.

Xiqiu was furious for a moment, then calmed down, realizing there was nothing really to be angry about. With noble merit came cases of fatalities, who among them didn’t find someone to take the blame? Even if he confessed, would the Capital City Government dare to chop him with a tiger head chopper like Lord Bao?

As for filing a grievance, without some internal assistance, it wouldn’t succeed no matter how much one tried.

She smiled and shook her head, then asked, "What does this have to do with Fourth Master?"

"Hmm?" Fourth Master Xiao was taken aback, raised an eyebrow and said, "Not really, with Prince Rong backing it, I need not worry." After a pause, he added, "However, the other day, Count sent an invitation for me to come to the mansion, mentioning this matter. The Marquis Mansion is responsible for suppressing the issue, and they want me to obscure it before the Emperor, fearing someone might use this incident to trouble the Marquis Mansion."

So that’s how it is, no wonder Ren Jun had such an attitude.

"Did Fourth Master agree? Wasn’t there mention of Prince Rong?" After Xiqiu asked, Fourth Master Xiao replied, "I don’t need to worry about it, the other side is just making a fuss for money. As long as the Marquis Mansion pays, the situation can likely be minimized. Once others take the money, sign a document not to pursue it further, even if someone wishes to stir things up, it won’t be easy!"

Xiqiu listened and nodded with reassurance.

Fourth Master Xiao smiled and said, "Don’t let your mind wander." He continued, "From tomorrow, I’ll be at the military camp, returning later than usual at night. You don’t need to wait for me!" Fourth Master Xiao said casually.

Xiqiu nodded in agreement: "Understood, Fourth Master also take care of yourself, don’t overexert!" Fourth Master Xiao nodded.

The next morning, Xiqiu personally brewed ginseng tea for him, only letting him leave after he finished drinking. She then helped Min change into the spring shirt made by Madam Xia. Min laughed and said, "Mother, when are we going to visit Third Uncle and Seventh Uncle again?"

Xiqiu laughed and asked, "Do you like Third Uncle and Seventh Uncle?"

Min nodded with a smile: "Yes, I like not only Third Uncle and Seventh Uncle but also Grandfather, Grandmother, Eldest Uncle, and Eldest Aunt!" He spouted a string of titles in one breath, and Xiqiu replied with a smile, "I’ll take you back in a few days." Then she whispered softly: "The title ’Grandmother’ should be called secretly, if someone is around, Min mustn’t call her that, understand?" With Lady around, Madam Xia cannot be called ’Grandmother.’

Min obediently nodded and said, "Okay, I understand!"

Xiqiu embraced him, kissed his little face lovingly, and said, "Min is such a good boy!"

Min pursed his lips and smiled.

Xiqiu, however, put on a stern face, pretending to be unhappy, saying, "Hmm... Mother kissed Min, shouldn’t Min return the gesture too?"

Min was taken aback, clearly not understanding what Xiqiu meant by returning the gesture.

Xiqiu pointed to her own cheek with a smile and said, "Min should kiss Mother back."

Suddenly, Min’s little face flushed fully red, he lowered his head full of shyness, showing a look of helplessness!

Just then, Xing and Sheng ran into the courtyard, shouting, "Fourth Aunt, Min!" as they entered the door.

Min sighed with relief, the flush on his face gradually fading, as he cautiously observed Xiqiu’s expression from the corner of his eye.

"Min’s clothes look really nice!" Xing admired Min, glancing enviously at the thin, neat clothing. Because of his poor health, he couldn’t change to single-layer clothing before early April. This moment, he found the lightweight spring clothing exceptionally appealing.

Min turned his head and smiled, "It was made by Grandma, I think it looks great too!"

Upon hearing this, Xing’s face stiffened as he glanced at Xiqiu.

He and Min have the same maternal family, Xiqiu was afraid he might overthink, so she smiled and said, "Xing, if you want one too, how about Aunt makes one for you? Just as nice as Min’s."

Xing nodded eagerly: "Yes, I’d like a bamboos-and-pine color one, Aunt, please make it for me." Still in mourning, Xing mostly wore plain colors, only changing to bright colors during New Year or major festivals.

Xiqiu nodded in agreement, and Sheng also pulled Xiqiu’s hand: "I want one too, I want one too!"

"Alright, alright, everyone gets one!"

The two immediately cheered up, holding Min’s hand and laughing as they walked out the door. As Min walked, he kept turning back to look at Xiqiu, observing her expression.