The New Year was approaching in the blink of an eye; on the day of Laba, the palace sent Laba porridge. Xiqiu rewarded the servants in the mansion and then went to the Marquis Mansion with Zhi.

Grand Dowager had not been remembering things well these past two years. She often opened her mouth only to forget what she wanted to say, would sometimes be in a daze before recognizing the person in front of her, and her speech often lacked coherence.

Xiqiu couldn’t help but recall the year when Grand Dowager forgot about Xiao Yanzheng’s pregnancy, worry arising in her heart...

"Grandmother!" Zhi dashed into Grand Dowager’s arms, laughing sweetly: "I came to see you."

Grand Dowager laughed and hugged Zhi, kissed him on the cheek like she did when he was young: "You’re so grown up, still acting spoiled with your grandmother!" As she spoke, she looked at Zhi’s face, her eyes showing a fleeting moment of confusion, and then said to Ziwei: "Go and bring the warmed goat milk from this morning to Xing."

Xiqiu paused as she sat down, exchanged a glance with Mrs. towards Grand Dowager, who was smiling with no unusual expression.

Their faces slightly changed, and Zhi laughed and said: "Grandmother, you’re thinking of Second Brother, forgot me, I’m Zhi."

"Zhi!" Grand Dowager lowered her head again, suddenly realizing and slapped her forehead: "Oh no, my Zhi is here, see how forgetful I am!" After speaking, she kissed Zhi’s face again: "Grandmother hasn’t seen you in a long time, how is your mother doing?"

When asked about his mother, Xiqiu laughed and went over: "I’m here."

Grand Dowager laughed looking at Xiqiu, nodding: "You haven’t visited in some days, how is everyone at home?"

Xiqiu had come just the day before but didn’t reveal it, smiling: "Everything is fine, Seventh Brother’s marriage is settled, finally got some free time!" Grand Dowager nodded, remembering she had heard about Tong Minzhi’s marriage from Xiqiu, and asked: "How is it, which family’s miss is he marrying?"

Xiqiu exchanged a glance with Mrs., who remained silent, Xiqiu replied with a smile: "It’s the Third Miss from Dingyuan Bo Mansion, the wedding is next April."

Grand Dowager was stunned, then furrowed her brows: "...why the miss from Dingyuan Bo?"

"Just one of those fateful matches," Xiqiu said casually: "Heard she’s a wonderful girl, gentle in nature, with renowned skills in embroidery and cooking — a good match for Minzhi!"

Grand Dowager pondered this, then nodded: "That’s true, marriages indeed depend on fate." She then said to Mrs.: "Remember to prepare lavish gifts for the wedding."

"Already preparing," Mrs. laughed in agreement, beckoning Zhi over, who happily snuggled next to Mrs., who asked: "Is your studying intensive?"

Zhi shook his head: "Not at all, Mr. Ji’s teachings are very interesting and never tiring."

Mrs. nodded, filled with affection, while Grand Dowager praised: "Zhi really reminds me of his father and uncle when they were young, so smart and hardworking!"

Zhi proudly snuggled closer to Mrs., whose smile grew even wider.

"Mother," Xiqiu held Grand Dowager’s hand, "you shouldn’t praise him too much, he gets more and more smug." Grand Dowager waved her hand like a child, arguing with Xiqiu: "Children need encouraging; with confidence, he’ll only work harder, besides, our Zhi has self-control and won’t become arrogant!" She asked Zhi: "Isn’t that right?"

Zhi nodded vigorously: "Yes, yes!"

Grand Dowager and Mrs. both laughed at his antics.

"Did you go to the palace? Did you see Min?" Grand Dowager asked Xiqiu.

Xiqiu nodded, briefly recounting her visit and meeting with Min, adding: "He’s more mature, considers matters more thoroughly than before."

"That’s a relief, Min is the most endearing." Grand Dowager sighed, "Just worried about him lacking warmth there, not being good at communication, quietly suffering losses."

It couldn’t be helped; everyone must grow up, so Xiqiu could only offer comforting words to reassure Grand Dowager.

After some conversation, Ziwei brought in the Laba porridge, and Xiqiu looked at her. Early in the year, Mrs. had wanted her and Bilian to be placed outside, but both refused to leave; with Grand Dowager in poor health, it wouldn’t do to have unfamiliar maids around. Mrs. agreed, but they couldn’t remain in the mansion as maids forever, so they were paired with reliable men from the estate, both now married, yet still served Grand Dowager!

Xiqiu thought of Bihuai, who was of marriageable age.

After lunch, Xiqiu and Mrs., considering the fine weather, accompanied Grand Dowager for a stroll in the garden, walking unknowingly to the pavilion beside the birch forest. Grand Dowager, seeing the now desolate Lingbo Hall, suddenly felt tearful; Xiao Yanyi had been gone for nearly three years, with only his annual letter bearing unchanged contents.

Xiqiu worried it might sadden Grand Dowager, suggested: "It’s getting windy, let’s go back."

Grand Dowager nodded, silently heading back; just as they passed Mei Garden, Wan’s crisp laughter came from inside. A sharp-eyed maid at the door rushed in, soon a small figure burst out: "Grandmother, Grandmother!" holding onto Grand Dowager’s leg.

Wan was in a pink little jacket, puffed from layers, looking ever more adorable, with double spiral braids tied with red ribbons that blew into her face, she’d clumsily push away — very like Lianqiao, with very fine porcelain white skin, though somewhat frail, one breeze could make her sick for half a month.

"Have you had lunch?" Grand Dowager looked down at Wan, smiling, and Wan nodded: "Grandmother, Wan already ate, did Grandmother eat?"

"Grandmother ate too; since you’re free, come to my room for a chat." Grand Dowager held Wan’s little hand, Wan nodded eagerly, as her nursemaid came to lift her, Grand Dowager frowned and waved her hand: "She’s a big girl now, she won’t tire on this short walk." Leading Wan by the hand, she walked ahead.

Wan hopped along beside Grand Dowager, after a few steps, clutched her leg, pouting: "Grandmother, can’t go on." Released Grand Dowager’s hand and ran to the nursemaid, wanting a lift!

The nursemaid looked troubled at Grand Dowager, who waved: "Go back, don’t let her catch cold."

The nursemaid lifted Wan, bowed slightly to Grand Dowager and Xiqiu, as they left, Xiqiu glanced back, seeing the maid bringing a large red blanket, wrapped Wan warmly, hurrying back to Mei Garden.