Chapter 267: Chapter 267: Startled (3)
But since Madam Xia is going to Yongzhou, her best option might be to set sail from Tongzhou, or perhaps they are still in the Capital now.
A thought flashed by. Xiqiu grabbed Tong Shen Zhi’s sleeve and said, "If she knows you will search for her on the waterways, she might take a detour by carriage." As she spoke, she suddenly remembered that the First Master said they would set out in July. If the First Master returns to the Capital, and Madam Xia goes to Yongzhou, what will happen if they pass each other by: "Father said he’ll leave in July. Quickly tell him to wait a little longer!"
Tong Shen Zhi furrowed his brows and nodded slightly, "You don’t need to worry. I’ve received Father’s letter too; he said he would set out from Yongzhou on July 16th. I’ll write back today, there’s still time! I’ll have Father send people to search along the way, surely we can find them!"
Today is only the 6th of July; there are more than ten days left, just enough time!
Tong Shen Zhi said goodbye to Xiqiu, then returned to the mansion to send a letter to the First Master. The First Master was also shocked when he received it; he immediately dispatched people to search both on water and land. Meanwhile, Xiqiu was so anxious that she developed a fever blister at the corner of her mouth. Chunliu found a remedy to manage it, barely suppressing the symptoms, and Tong Shen Zhi sent another letter, urging her not to worry. He had secretly asked colleagues to dispatch guards to inquire along the way.
It was impossible for Xiqiu not to worry. Since the incident with the Second Prince, the situation has been unstable, with bandits becoming increasingly rampant. Recently, a large merchant ship from Songjiang traveled safely all the way from Yuhang, only to be completely emptied by water pirates near Tianjin Port and Dezhou. Similarly, several cargo ships near Jinan were also seized, all carrying goods like grain and cloth. The Third Prince was furious and demanded the Capital City Government investigate, but those things vanished as if sprouting wings, leaving no trace at all.
Now the Canal transport system is even more chaotic, leaderless!
In such a situation, a weak woman like Madam Xia, bringing the young Tong Minzhi on the road, is at risk not just from bandits, but even from one or two malicious people. The consequences are unimaginable.
By the Mid-Autumn Festival, Tong Shen Zhi came personally; the news was still the same. The First Master’s people reached the borders of Shandong, inquiring all along the way, but Madam Xia and Tong Minzhi seemed to have vanished from the world, leaving no trace. Siliu came with the festival gifts and brought letters from Tong Xiyan and Xiao Yanyi. The letter from Tong Xiyan was nothing but words of comfort, saying the Lady’s health was fluctuating, and the concubine had a serious illness; Xu Tianqing’s whereabouts remain unknown!
Xiao Yanyi mentioned Fourth Master Xiao’s wedding, saying the ten-mile red bridal procession of Princess Chengning astonished half of the city. She was thought to be haughty due to her noble birth as the legitimate Commandery Princess of the Emperor, yet surprisingly, she was not arrogant at all, treating others with affection and propriety. Xiqiu couldn’t help but smile as she read.
Xiao Yanyi, notoriously critical and cold towards others, even praised her. If even she has good things to say, the person must be truly remarkable. Xiqiu wondered what the Lady would feel upon hearing such words—glory and wealth meant for her daughter now belong to someone else, and apart from the mourning clothes on Xing, there’s likely no one who remembers Tong Xihua.
She also mentioned Fourth Master Xiao. Since leaving the Capital in February, he has yet to return. If not for sending a congratulatory gift for his brother’s wedding, they would have suspected if he was still alive; Fourth Brother has gone too far!
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the weather gradually cooled. Xiqiu was continuously beset by a high fever due to wind chill, dizzy for half a month. Both Tong Shen Zhi and Siliu visited, bringing many medicinal herbs, yet Xiqiu’s recovery was exceedingly slow, and she had become visibly thinner!
She slept fitfully every night; it’s been over two months now. Even despite the month-and-a-half journey to Yongzhou, they should have arrived by this time. But still, the First Master had sent no letter whatsoever. Groggily lying in bed, she dreamt of Madam Xia and Tong Minzhi’s bodies floating in the Canal, jolting awake in terror, cold sweat cascading down. Chunliu hurriedly lit a lamp upon hearing the commotion, and upon seeing Xiqiu’s pale face and trembling body, she knew the young miss must have had a nightmare. She held Xiqiu, comforting her: "Miss, Madam Xia and the Seventh Young Master will surely be alright. They must be simply delayed on their trip." Chunyan also brought tea to feed her, saying, "Yes, you must take care of yourself, lest Madam Xia and the Seventh Young Master are unharmed, and yet your health suffers instead."
Chunyan fed Xiqiu half a bowl of tea, then helped her lean against the cushion behind her: "You didn’t eat anything tonight. I’ve warmed silver ear and lotus seed soup on the stove; have at least some of it." Xiqiu shook her head, "I’m alright, you all go rest!"
Chunyan and Chunliu were worried, so they brought cushions inside and the two of them snuggled by the bedside to keep watch over Xiqiu.
On the Chrysanthemum Festival, visitors to the mountain increased. Xiqiu spent the whole day in her room and was summoned by Master Puning in the evening for lessons. Afterwards, she accompanied the Master in copying half a page of scripture before Chunyan supported her on the way back. "Miss, let me accompany you for a walk around the back mountain to aid digestion after dinner."
Xiqiu was inclined and nodded, "Very well!" Puji Temple usually had many pilgrims coming and going. The courtyard opposite was often filled up by noon, yet since most were official family women, they spoke and walked softly, lending an air of tranquility. Today, having spent the day indoors, Xiqiu indeed felt stifled. Chunyan supported her heading to the back mountain, and the two sat down by the Lotus Pool.
"Miss!" Spring after spring, Xiqiu had been feeling downhearted. Chunyan tried to cheer her up, "Siliu said their eldest and second can already sit, turn over, and roll." With a laugh, she added, "She often places them on the bed; in the time it takes to pour a cup of tea, the two can tumble off the bed to the floor. The two children don’t cry upon hitting the ground, but smile cheerily at her. Siliu is worried sick! She’s learned from experience and put thick padding under the bed, then lined several quilts around the bed edge. At first, it kept them safe, but within days, the little tykes managed to flip over the quilts and leap down!"
Xiqiu listened and smiled slightly, "Now it’s even a harder fall!"
Chunyan nodded, chuckling, "Indeed! She said, along with the nurse and two maids taking turns to watch, it’s exhausting beyond measure."
As Chunyan spoke, a sudden thought of Fourth Master Xiao’s children crossed Xiqiu’s mind—might they also be like Siliu’s eldest and second, able to sit, crawl, and somersault!
Chunyan finished speaking, tidying her collar, frowning, "Miss, let’s head back. It’s windy here, you’ll catch a chill!" Xiqiu wished to linger, shaking her head, "You head back; I’d like to stay a little longer!" Chunyan was worried, yet concerned for Xiqiu’s risk of catching cold. So she said, "Then I’ll get your cloak and be right back; just stay here, don’t wander off!"