The Grand Dowager and the First Madam sat together in the Warm Pavilion, and the Grand Dowager asked with a smile, "How’s the new daughter-in-law? Is everything alright?"

"Quite good." Xiqiu smiled, thinking of Mrs. Chen’s appearance. She didn’t have high expectations for her sister-in-law, maybe that’s why she felt quite satisfied. After a few days of observations and listening to Liufu talk about her actions in the mansion, Xiqiu found her to be a clever person, who cautiously keeps everything in balance, neither too much nor too little.

For someone like her, I don’t expect her to be too partial towards the Tong Family; but I never expected her to be. As long as she’s smart enough to know when to advance and retreat, and realizes who’s the reliable one for her future, it’ll be fine.

As for her feelings towards Tong Minzhi, humans aren’t unfeeling; couples bound together will naturally grow closer with time.

When I married Fourth Master Xiao, it wasn’t any different. After getting along, affection gradually developed, and with time, we became indispensable parts of each other’s lives.

I believe in Tong Minzhi and I also want to believe in Mrs. Chen.

"That’s good then," the Grand Dowager sighed. "Once married, only when you wholeheartedly live each day can it go smoothly." She shared similar thoughts with Xiqiu.

Xiqiu nodded in agreement and mentioned Xiao Yanzheng: "Xuan has started her studies, have you invited a female teacher to the mansion to teach?"

"Yes," the Grand Dowager nodded, "I’ve seen the female teacher too. She’s upright, though her background is a bit difficult... speaking of which..." She looked at Xiqiu with a smile, "She really resembles Nurse Zhang in some ways."

Xiqiu chuckled softly, and the Grand Dowager continued, "Look at me, I should call her Second Young Madam Qin now." She laughed and looked at the First Madam, "I haven’t sent a congratulatory gift, I’ll make up for it another day."

The First Madam smiled in agreement.

As they spoke, Nanny Cen announced from outside, "Madam, Second Young Madam Tang is here." Xiqiu was taken aback, glancing at the First Madam, who looked back at her calmly. Only then did Xiqiu say, "Quickly invite her in."

"What’s this girl doing here?" The Grand Dowager also showed a concerned look, thinking of the relationship between Ruan Pingrong and Le Yao, and worried that she might have come for Le Yao, especially since Tong Minzhi just got married, fearing it might create more trouble.

Before Xiqiu could speak, Ruan Pingrong had already lifted the curtain and entered, causing Xiqiu to hesitate. Ruan Pingrong was in formal attire: "Quickly come in and sit down."

"Grand Dowager, Aunt." Ruan Pingrong greeted both the Grand Dowager and the First Madam ceremoniously, and they both responded politely, then she greeted Xiqiu, who pulled her down to sit: "Why have you come, is something wrong?"

Ruan Pingrong accepted the tea offered by Lyuzhi and said with a smile, "I just came back from the palace and thought of visiting you. Ever since you became pregnant, I’ve wanted to come but couldn’t find the time." She glanced at the First Madam: "My mother-in-law caught a cold, has been in bed for half a month and hasn’t improved!"

"How did she get a cold? Didn’t she see the Imperial Physician? What medicine is she taking?" The Grand Dowager was surprised to hear that, as an older person, she was particularly concerned about illnesses.

Ruan Pingrong responded respectfully: "She saw the Imperial Physician and is taking medicine prescribed. It’s probably due to weakness; recovery would take some time, but it’s not serious. Just being cooped up is uncomfortable, and my mother-in-law usually loves excitement, so she’s a bit irritable."

The Grand Dowager was relieved and nodded: "Even if uncomfortable, it must be endured. She’s not young anymore, and her health can’t be neglected." Ruan Pingrong agreed.

The First Madam continued to sip her tea with little reaction.

Ruan Pingrong wasn’t surprised, turning to Xiqiu: "When I left the palace, I saw the Princes. They looked well and were playing kickball with the Third Prince." Xiqiu appeared delighted to hear news of Min, and asked for more detail: "Just him and the Second Prince? Is anyone accompanying them?"

"Along with the Fourth Prince, Fifth Prince, and two Princesses, but they’re all accompanied by nannies due to their young age, making the scene lively. It’s said the Princes have been frequently playing since spring began, strongly supported by the Emperor, who thinks it’s a good exercise." The Emperor, in recent years, usually suffered from a persistent cough each winter, worsening each year. But strangely, as soon as the weather warmed, he naturally recovered.

Seeing the Grand Dowager and Xiqiu’s concern for Min, Ruan Pingrong shared more palace happenings. While talking, she suddenly remembered something, laughed, and said: "I’ve been happily chatting, almost forgot the main reason for my visit." Then she paused and continued: "The Imperial Concubine asked me to convey to the Madam that regarding the marriage of the Seventh Master, her gift was sent by my mother on her behalf. She regrets not being able to attend personally and hopes the Madam will understand."

"Why would I mind?" Xiqiu replied with a smile. Ruan Pingrong then stood: "I’ve conveyed the message and won’t stay long; I have many matters at home, so I’ll return now."

The Grand Dowager nodded: "You’ve managed the household well!" After a pause, she added, "When your mother-in-law recovers, come sit with me."

Ruan Pingrong agreed, performed her farewells with the Grand Dowager and First Madam, then looked at Xiqiu: "Fourth Madam, could you see me off?" Implying she had something private to discuss.

"Alright." Xiqiu stood, informed the Grand Dowager, "Mother, I’ll walk Pingrong out." The Grand Dowager nodded, and Xiqiu and Ruan Pingrong proceeded out the door, but Ruan Pingrong didn’t intend to be accompanied beyond it. At the entrance, she asked, "On the day of the Seventh Master’s wedding, I originally wanted to attend, but considering Le Yao, I worried the Seventh Young Madam might overthink, so I didn’t go."

Understanding, Xiqiu patted her hand and smiled: "I understand your sentiment; we needn’t speak in such formal terms." Ruan Pingrong agreed, and with a look of resignation, said, "Le Yao has... finalized her engagement to be married next May."

Xiqiu breathed a sigh of relief, hoping Le Yao would recover and start anew, happy that: "That’s good. Being under the Marquis and Lady’s care, there’s some reassurance."

Ruan Pingrong hesitated briefly before Xiqiu asked, "What’s wrong?" Ruan Pingrong sighed: "She attempted suicide twice, once slashing her throat, another time trying to hang herself. Now, the entire Man Mansion lives in fear, and my aunt has been worried sick, falling ill herself. Although Le Yao has finally calmed, she’s still not eating or talking, just listlessly sitting around. I truly fear..."

How could it come to this, Xiqiu’s heart clenched as she realized that if anything happened to Le Yao, Tong Minzhi would be tormented for life. She suggested, "This can’t continue; maybe allow her to go out more, with ample company. Travel and experience might broaden her horizons and uplift her spirits."

"I’ll write to my aunt suggesting that. I hope Le Yao agrees to go out. I’m just afraid she won’t want to leave the house." After saying that, she glanced at Xiqiu apologetically, "Discussing these matters with you isn’t meant to be burdensome. It’s just that besides you, I don’t know who else to talk to. I care about her but feel helpless, leaving me anguished."

Feeling affected by Ruan Pingrong’s emotions, Xiqiu also felt troubled for several days, and only during Zhi’s birthday did her spirits slightly recover.