Xiqiu lifted her foot and walked in, and only then did the people inside notice her. Madam Xia quickly wiped her tears and addressed Xiqiu, "I was just talking with Seventh Young Madam. Sixth Lady, please sit down."

Xiqiu nodded, glanced at Mrs. Chen, and Tong Minzhi came over just like in their childhood, "Sixth Sister came to see concubine, didn’t you?" After saying this, he helped Xiqiu to sit, "You’re expecting, so if you need anything just let us know."

Xiqiu smiled lightly without speaking; meanwhile, Mrs. Chen came over and bowed to Xiqiu, "Sixth Sister." Xiqiu nodded and smiled, "Everyone sit down, what are you standing for?"

Tong Minzhi and Madam Xia each took a seat, while Mrs. Chen hesitated and remained standing before Xiqiu.

"I’m expecting, so I can’t offer much help. Since you are newly wed, if there is anything missing in the room, don’t hesitate to speak to your sister-in-law. If it’s inconvenient over there, send someone to tell me. Don’t feel awkward; we’re all family, take your time to get familiar."

Mrs. Chen replied, "Thank you, Sixth Sister."

Xiqiu smiled lightly, her gaze falling on Mrs. Chen’s hands. Her nails were cut clean and tidy, fingers long and fair, yet her fingertips bore thick calluses, likely from years of embroidery. Observing her posture, although her head was bowed, her back was straight, showing only respect without subservience. Xiqiu felt more assured about this young woman.

Mrs. Chen seemed aware of Xiqiu’s scrutiny, yet remained still, not bashful or flushing like other women, simply standing quietly to be assessed.

After a moment, Xiqiu smiled and said, "Don’t stand anymore, come and sit down."

Only then did Mrs. Chen slightly move her feet and sit in front of Xiqiu.

Seeing Xiqiu’s smile was not as reserved as before, Madam Xia realized that Xiqiu felt assured with Mrs. Chen, and her worries eased. As a mother, she naturally hoped Xiqiu and Mrs. Chen would get along well, which would greatly benefit Minzhi in the future.

After talking for a while, Mrs. Chen and Tong Minzhi escorted Xiqiu and Fourth Master Xiao out, both walking side by side toward the outer courtyard. Though the inner courtyard had many rooms, none was suitable for a bridal chamber. Second Lady mentioned that Tong Quanzi didn’t know when he’d return, so she let Tong Minzhi set the bridal chamber over there.

Mrs. Chen followed half a step behind Tong Minzhi, the two silently returned to the courtyard. As soon as they entered, Maid Liufu greeted them with tea, and Mrs. Chen took a deliberate look at Liufu, mentally reviewing her details. She entered the household at eight years old and served in Tong Minzhi’s room for ten years, known for her cleverness and trusted by Tong Minzhi.

She further observed Liufu’s appearance, not particularly pretty nor tall, but with a warm, appealing smile.

Without showing any reaction, Mrs. Chen lowered her head to drink tea.

Seeing that Tong Minzhi needed to change clothes, Liufu casually said, "Allow me to help you." Saying this, she moved to assist Tong Minzhi, only then realizing the presence of another lady. Liufu awkwardly halted, but Mrs. Chen smiled and said, "Thanks, Maid Liufu, I was tired from walking and didn’t see my husband changing clothes."

Feeling awkward, Liufu smiled and proceeded to help Tong Minzhi with his buttons, then helped him into casual robes, bowed her head in a deep bow, and retreated.

Tong Minzhi sat down and took the tea Mrs. Chen served, "Liufu is a bit dull, if there’s anything she doesn’t do well, kindly teach her, Lady."

"How could that be?" Mrs. Chen laughed, "Maid Liufu does very well; there’s no need for me to teach her anything."

Looking at his wife before him, Tong Minzhi smiled and changed topics, "Tomorrow at the return-to-parent ceremony, we’ll need to bring something back. Prepare a list for Caixia to organize."

"Yes." Mrs. Chen nodded and replied, "I’ll prepare it shortly." Pausing, she asked, "Tonight, shall we cook in our room or go to Sister-in-law’s place?"

Setting down the tea cup, Tong Minzhi smiled, "I forgot to tell you about these things." He paused and then stood to lift the curtain, calling Liufu, "Explain the situation of the house to Lady."

Liufu bowed in response.

Mrs. Chen turned her gaze, nodded and smiled, "I’m quite new here, thank you, Maid Liufu."

"It’s what I’m supposed to do." Liufu bowed and detailed the house status, also introduced each residence, "There is a stove here with a servant prepared; First Young Madam means that if Lady wishes to dine there, you can. If it’s inconvenient to travel back and forth, especially worrying about crossing the bridge at night, then meals can be cooked here daily, sending a servant to fetch oil and rice each morning."

Mrs. Chen listened and nodded slightly, looking at Tong Minzhi, she asked, "Would dining at Sister-in-law’s place cause inconvenience for her?"

"No." Waving his hand, Tong Minzhi replied, "Sister-in-law is quite busy managing the household affairs, your dining with her would help her, too." Pausing, he added, "Sister-in-law is very nice, feel free to ask her if you need anything."

Mrs. Chen listened, contemplated for a moment, then decided, "Let us dine at Sister-in-law’s place." Cooking alone upon joining the household might make people think she is difficult to get along with and isolated.

Moreover, considering the number of household members, she needs to interact with everyone, not relying solely on others’ words.

Additionally, there’s the concubine, not quite a formal mother-in-law, yet with no proper mother-in-law in the household, she must be respected. At least for Sixth Lady’s sake, maintaining harmony is beneficial.

Having made her decision, Mrs. Chen instructed Liufu, "Please inform Sister-in-law that we shall begin dining there after the return-to-parent ceremony tomorrow, saving from cooking in two places, avoiding waste."

Liufu looked at Mrs. Chen in surprise, quietly forming an opinion of the new lady; once outside, she said to Caixia, "I think the trouble you worried about won’t occur, though this new lady may not be the best person, she is certainly very clever."

Caixia nodded, "That is good; we only need to handle our responsibilities, follow the rules, and not worry overly about other things."

Liufu glanced back at the room and nodded, refraining from further words.