Chapter 216: Chapter 216: Frail Child (4)
Tong Xihua’s condition showed no improvement; he was still bedridden. Fortunately, though Xing was still not quite like other normal children, he had stabilized... Tong Xiyan’s marriage arrangement was finalized on February 2nd, exchanging birthdates with the Zhou Family and setting April 5th of next year as the date. Lady’s face finally showed some delight, but that joy faded away again after she visited the Marquis Mansion the next day!
Tong Xihua’s illness had worsened significantly.
On the day of Marquis Xuanning’s funeral, early in the morning, Xiqiu, Tong Xiyan, Tong Xiyu went alongside Tong Shen Zhi, Tong Minzhi, Lady, and Second Lady to the Marquis Mansion. That day was also the date for the triennial spring academic examination. The concubine had rushed from Shandong on February 2nd to accompany Xu Tianqing for the exams. Lady was particularly concerned about this year’s spring examinations as, besides Xu Tianqing, Young Master Zhou, who was now directly affiliated with the Tong Mansion, was also participating in this year’s tests.
During the back-and-forth at the Marquis Mansion, by the time everyone settled down, it was the day for the exam results to be posted. The concubine was already at the Tong Mansion early, sitting uneasily in Lady’s room. Tong Shen Zhi personally accompanied Xu Tianqing to view the results, and upon returning at noon, Xu Tianqing’s face was bleak. Tong Shen Zhi comforted him, saying, "You’re still young; you just entered the autumn exams last year. Not passing this year is within reason!" The stiff words of consolation made the concubine roll her eyes; feeling sorry, she pulled her son aside, comforting, "In my opinion, not passing can have its advantages. Look at Mr. Qian, who you often associate with. I think it’s better he didn’t pass. Though passing as a third-class Advanced Scholar, he can’t hold his head high in the imperial court in future. So, heed your mother’s words; don’t feel defeated. Aren’t there people who take the exams at an old age? This shows the difficulty of the spring exams; you’ve only attempted once—go back, study diligently, and in three years, mother will accompany you again!"
Xu Tianqing nodded slightly and said nothing, only mentioning he was tired and went back to his room to rest. Afterward, Xiqiu heard about Xu Tianqing’s failure in the exams and sent over a piece of embroidery, not crafted by her own hands but purchased from the Brocade Pavilion by Laiwang’s wife—a scene of the rising sun over East Mountain amidst a sky filled with the early morning glow, showcasing a scene of vibrant and thriving beauty. Upon receiving it, Xu Tianqing’s eyes immediately lit up, holding it with great fondness. This was the continuation of the matter. Once Xu Tianqing and the concubine left, Lady pulled Tong Shen Zhi and asked, "Did you see your brother-in-law’s name?" Tong Shen Zhi furrowed his brow and replied, "Saw it, second class thirty-seventh place!"
He did quite well!
"Amitabha Buddha!" Lady smiled, finally finding some relief in a good piece of news. Tong Shen Zhi, however, sat beside Lady, looking at her, saying, "When I returned to the mansion, I met aunt leaving. It sounded like she was invited by elder sister."
Lady was stunned, with a hint of surprise asking: "Your elder sister? What did she invite your aunt to the Marquis Mansion for? Could it be related to Xiao Yanyi’s title?"
Tong Shen Zhi shook his head, stood up and said to Lady, "I think you should make another trip to the Marquis Mansion and talk to elder sister. Brother-in-law is well aware of the title matter, and she should refrain from openly or covertly employing women’s tactics that might spoil brother-in-law’s plans!"
Lady’s expression wasn’t pleasant: "How can you speak of your elder sister that way? No matter her shortcomings, she’s still your sister." Tong Shen Zhi remained expressionless, nodded slightly, and said, "Understood." He then walked away with his hands behind his back.
Lady sat in the chair, silent for a long time.
After two days, Nanny Lin came again, saying Tong Xihua was unwell these days and to let a few sisters sit with him and chat for a bit. Lady thought he felt bored staying inside the room all day, so she nodded and agreed...
Xiqiu sat on the bed without hurrying to change clothes. She frowned, her demeanor somewhat uncertain. Sixing brought tea to her and softly asked, "Miss, is your leg hurting again? If so, maybe you should talk to Lady and let her allow you to rest at home for a day."
Xiqiu said nothing; if she did ask for a day’s rest, Lady would not deny it. But she found it odd: why would Tong Xihua, on a whim, send someone to invite her and Tong Xiyu over? Since Jiang Shilin left the Tong Mansion, Tong Xiyan seemed to have changed completely, not speaking to anyone, staying indoors all day. On the day of the engagement on February 2nd, she had anticipated Tong Xiyan might cause a scene, yet she accepted it quietly without saying a word, letting Lady fully relax and arrange for her, like Tong Xiyang, to stay in the room and embroider wedding gowns.
Tong Xiyan couldn’t leave freely; Tong Xihua must be aware of it. Yet still sending an invitation, clearly wanting to meet her and Tong Xiyu, what did he intend?
Except during the days of the Marquis’ funeral when she went to the Marquis Mansion, she hadn’t spoken with Tong Xihua due to the crowdedness. They had no common topic, and there was no way could she believe Tong Xihua invited them because she missed her and Tong Xiyu.
She sat anxiety-ridden while Sixing quietly retreated, running into Nanny Song arriving at the courtyard. Nanny Song came with a smile, asking: "Has Miss gotten up? Nanny Lin is still waiting."
Living to such a ripe old age, the more you live, the more muddle-headed you become. Nanny Lin waits for Miss, even though she is a matron by the side of the eldest aunt, but Miss is the master. How can one justify making her wait, could this be intentional to press Miss? Urging Miss to hurry!
Sixing frowned in displeasure, looked at Nanny Song, and replied: "I don’t know." She turned and went into the side room.
"What’s happening now!" Nanny Song smiled awkwardly, her gaze fell in the main hall, she lifted her hand and opened the curtain to walk inside, upon entering the Warm Pavilion she saw Xiqiu was cross-legged on the bed, pondering something, she hurriedly approached and called out: "My Sixth Miss, what hour is it now? Nanny Lin is still waiting for you." Eager to help Xiqiu change clothes, she reached for the teacup Xiqiu was holding and tried to assist her off the bed to dress.
Xiqiu slightly narrowed her eyes, looking at Nanny Song, who was suddenly startled, her body stiffened, and her hand froze in front of Xiqiu...
"It’s perfect timing, Mom." Xiqiu suddenly smiled faintly, telling Nanny Song: "I woke up with severe leg pain; I was about to tell mother, postpone a day visiting eldest sister. Since Mom is here, accompany me to talk with her."
"How can that be." Nanny Song blurted out: "Eldest Miss has specified today; how can it be postponed to tomorrow, not to mention, Nanny Lin personally came to invite; if the Miss doesn’t go, it would be inappropriate." After speaking, she realized missing something, muttering after a moment’s reflection, Xiqiu sat unmoving, watching her, Nanny Song suddenly enlightened, added: "If Miss’s leg is truly in intense pain, I’ll call for a soft sedan chair then, you wouldn’t need to walk to and fro, how about that?"
"It’s considerate of Mom to think so thoroughly." Xiqiu smiled, saying, "Then, Mom, please make arrangements."
Nanny Song, still frightened, exhaled, relieved; the look Sixth Miss had a moment ago was terrifying, it was like she could see right through someone, know what they were thinking, hear all they said. Having calmed, she smiled, saying: "Then I’ll call Sixing in to assist you." Saying this, she turned and exited the door, standing outside she patted her chest, exhaled, then briskly went to Sixing’s room.