Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 732 - 733: Awaiting Childbirth (Part 1)

There’s good news from Wei Hui: Han Cheng has conquered four counties in just twenty days, and the end of hostilities in Wei Hui is near!

As for the Min Family Army, they were initially as fierce as tigers, but once the news that Prince Rong was captured reached them, they seemed to lose their backbone, and their morale instantly waned. General Huang seized the opportunity to attack Yangzhou City, the Min Family’s stronghold.

There’s likely another fierce battle to be fought, but Xiqiu has never been worried about the extent of trouble the Min Family could stir up. A war needs both soldiers and generals, and even though the Min Family has been a scholarly family for a century, they’ve never produced a single military officer.

After hearing Tiancheng’s report, Xiqiu couldn’t help but smile. She then turned to him and asked, "Has the First Madam been informed about the Marquis Mansion?"

"I informed the First Madam, and she said she would send someone to Tongzhou today for support," Tiancheng replied with a nod and continued, "When I went, the First Young Madam Tang was also there!"

Xiqiu’s eyes flickered as she thought that with the First Young Madam Tang at the Marquis Mansion, even if the Fifth Madam wanted to stir trouble, she wouldn’t succeed.

"You may go now," Xiqiu stood up, planning to walk around the yard. With her due date approaching, she vaguely remembered the importance of exercise for childbirth. Tiancheng turned to leave, but Xiqiu called him back and instructed, "Find out where Fourth Master is right now."

"I will do that right away!" he said, leaving the room.

Xiqiu, supported by Bihuai, wandered out into the courtyard. Xiqiu asked, "Have you checked the outer courtyard? Are the two children doing well?"

"Mr. Song is lecturing, and when I went by, both kids were listening very attentively," Bihuai replied with a smile, helping Xiqiu out the door, "Madam, I think it would be best to raise Young Master Xin here with us. He seems to love being around you the most."

"He is the Princely Heir; when his mother and the Marquis return, he will have to go back," Xiqiu teased with a smile, "Since you love children so much, maybe I should marry you off early so you can have your own."

"Madam!" Bihuai’s face flushed red as she glared at Xiqiu playfully, "Madam, you are teasing your maid because you’re in a good mood!" She turned her face away awkwardly, "Besides, I’m not marrying."

Before Xiqiu could speak, a head popped in from outside the door, holding a sprig of apricot blossoms and jumping in to support Xiqiu’s other arm. Biwu asked curiously, "Who is Madam marrying off?"

Xiqiu laughed, pinching Biwu’s rounded little face, "Marrying you."

"Huh?" Biwu was taken aback and shook her head instinctively, "No, I’ve agreed with Sister Chunliu to braid our hair and stay by Madam’s side as the housekeeper all our lives. You can’t marry me off, marry Bihuai instead." She pointed to Bihuai, "She’s the one with a budding affection."

Raising an eyebrow, Xiqiu glanced at Bihuai, who shook her head vigorously, "No, no!" She reached out to pinch Biwu’s arm, "Talking nonsense, talking nonsense."

The two began to play around Xiqiu, and watching them frolic made Xiqiu very happy.

"What are you mischievous girls up to? Don’t injure Madam," Nanny Cen feigned anger as she ran in, quickly supporting the heavily pregnant Xiqiu, and scolded the two, "Go to the kitchen and bring the soup I stewed." These tasks were for the maids, and Nanny Cen was merely creating an excuse to send them away.

Bihuai and Biwu immediately stopped laughing, bowed to Xiqiu, and dashed out after each other.

Xiqiu turned to Nanny Cen and asked, "How is it?" Nanny Cen frowned and replied, "Still not eating or drinking; yesterday Chunyan managed to spoon-feed half a bowl of porridge after much persuasion." She paused and continued, "And the mute child suddenly disappeared last night; Nurse Zhang sent people to search for a long time but couldn’t find him."

Xiqiu frowned as well. Since waking up, Xu Tianqing had been like a lifeless puppet, sitting still and silent for days, staring blankly outside. The missing mute child had always seemed odd to her. She asked Nanny Cen, "Did he leave alone? Did Cousin say anything?"

Nanny Cen looked puzzled as well and replied, "I went there twice, and both times I saw the mute child guarding the door, but I never saw First Master Xu say a word to him. Even today, with the mute child missing, First Master Xu was unusually calm with no response."

Xiqiu nodded thoughtfully and further inquired, "How are Sister Jingliu, Chunyan, and Tianyi doing?"

"They’re all fine. Nurse Zhang said she’s been busy with an influx of patients at the infirmary. Once things settle in a few days, she’ll come to see you and advised you to stay active...," Nanny Cen relayed Ruan Jingliu’s messages and added, "Tianyi and Sixth Master Luo are planning a trip to Tongzhou, saying they want to check on the medicinal plants on your estate there."

Discussing the estate, Xiqiu felt she hadn’t been a proper owner, having left her dowry unattended there, though fortunately, the stewards were reliable.

They chatted while strolling slowly along the garden paths. With spring, the garden seemed clad anew, vibrant and lush, and looking at it made one’s heart feel brightened.

After having lunch in her room and taking a nap, Xiqiu found her mind preoccupied with Xu Tianqing. He couldn’t remain this way forever; though the Xu Family hadn’t been convicted, they had been stripped of their possessions. The two concubines were left with two children he didn’t know where they were living, leaving Xu Tianqing as the sole Xu. If he could pull himself together, he could return to handle Lord Xu’s affairs posthumously.

But if Xu Tianqing continued in his dejected state, the Xu Family would be truly finished.

She got off the bed as Bihuai entered to help her dress, and while they spoke, a voice called from outside, "Miss!"

It had been a while since anyone addressed her as "Miss." Hearing it, Xiqiu turned toward the door and saw Siliu rushing in with a beaming smile, "Miss!"

"Siliu." Xiqiu took Siliu’s hand and asked, "What brings you here? Did you bring the two children?"

"No, they were too restless, and I feared they might accidentally hurt Madam." Xiqiu shook her head with a smile and had Siliu sit down, asking, "Are Fugui, Nanny Lai, and Manager Lai well? Is there something urgent for your visit at this time?"

Siliu looked at Xiqiu’s round figure and smiled, "There’s nothing urgent; I’ve just been wanting to visit you but didn’t want to disturb your rest, so I hesitated to come." She paused and took out a peace charm from her bosom, "The other day, I went to Puji Temple to offer incense money for Sixing’s Long-lasting Lamp, and Master Puning asked me to bring this for you, as a blessing for your safety!"

Receiving the triangular peace charm into her hand, Xiqiu smiled and asked, "Is Master Puning doing well? I heard she also performed the ceremony for the Han Family’s rites recently. I wanted to invite her to the mansion, but she said performing rites wasn’t auspicious and didn’t come!" she said, shaking her head in mild resignation.