No outsiders were invited, just the two families having a meal together. Zhi received a pile of good things, happily hugged them, and asked Dongling to find a box to store them. He even pretended to register them like Xiqiu, causing everyone to chuckle.

Tong Minzhi saw no one else around and entered the Warm Pavilion with Xiqiu. "Sixth Sister." Xiqiu was startled and turned to look at him, asking, "What’s wrong?" seeing he seemed to have something to say.

"Nothing." Tong Minzhi lowered his head, looking a bit embarrassed. Xiqiu sat down while supporting her waist, "Do you have something to ask me?"

Tong Minzhi rubbed his hands, thought for a moment, and then replied, "Yes." After pondering for a long time, he hesitated and asked, "Do you have any news of Le Yao?"

Xiqiu didn’t speak, just looked at him. Tong Minzhi waved his hands, afraid she might misunderstand, "I don’t mean anything else... just... just asking."

"She’s engaged, the wedding is next May," Xiqiu said lightly. "The groom is being brought into the family; staying with her parents suits her personality, so it’s a good thing."

Tong Minzhi’s eyes lit up, and he let out a long sigh of relief, his previously tense expression relaxed, and he smiled, "That’s good, that’s good!" No one hoped more than him for Le Yao to have a good future.

Xiqiu noticed the expression on Tong Minzhi’s face and knew that he had completely let go of Le Yao.

After a while, Ruan Pingrong came to tell her that Le Yao had gone out traveling with her second brother. Although they hadn’t gone far, staying in the Jiangnan area was much better for her than staying home with wild thoughts.

With his mind settled, Tong Minzhi focused on his studies. This year was the triennial autumn examination, and next spring, in February, was the imperial examination, which would determine his fate. He often stayed in the study for several days or studied at the Imperial College. Though life was monotonous, it was very fulfilling.

Mrs. Chen continued to visit Madam Xia every day to pay her respects and got along well with Tong Xihua. Her embroidery skills were excellent, and she often guided Tong Xihua in sewing, which increasingly pleased Madam Xia.

When June came, good news spread—Mrs. Chen was found to be pregnant.

Madam Xia was overjoyed and cried upon seeing Xiqiu, who was also very happy. She found many fabrics and supplements at home to send over. Mrs. Chen lowered her head shyly, "The doctor says the pregnancy is stable, so there’s no need to worry, Sixth Sister." She looked at Xiqiu and said, "You’re also pregnant, please don’t run around for my sake. If you need anything, just instruct the maids to let them come to you."

"I’m perfectly fine." Xiqiu was indeed very happy. Having a child would make Tong Minzhi more mature and responsible. She looked at Tong Minzhi, who was grinning foolishly on the side, and said, "As long as you’re doing well, I’m willing to do anything with Madam Xia."

Mrs. Chen was moved and bowed to Xiqiu, her eyes brimming with tears as she looked at Tong Minzhi, and said to Xiqiu, "Don’t worry, Sixth Sister, my husband and I will live well." Madam Xia, nervous, helped her up, wiping away tears, "Be careful not to strain your back. We’re all family, and Sixth Lady truly cares for you; no need for formalities."

Xiqiu nodded with a smile.

As they talked, Liufu returned from outside, "Seventh Master, First Master calls you over." Upon hearing this, Mrs. Chen looked at Tong Minzhi, who calmly reassured her, "I’ll be back soon; you stay here with Madam Xia and Sixth Sister." Then he went out.

"It’s okay, it’s okay." First Master was always strict. As a newlywed daughter-in-law, Mrs. Chen was still somewhat afraid of First Master. Madam Xia comforted her, "It should be about you being pregnant, calling Seventh Young Master over for that."

Mrs. Chen was reassured and sat down to chat with Xiqiu and Madam Xia.

After a while, Tong Minzhi returned, and Madam Xia asked, "Did the Master call you over because of Seventh Young Madam?"

"Yes." Tong Minzhi handed a leather envelope to Mrs. Chen, "Father gave this, saying you should buy some things to nourish your health. Keep it carefully." Mrs. Chen was stunned, took the envelope with both hands, and upon opening it, saw three silver notes, each worth a thousand taels. She was surprised, "Father gave this?"

Tong Minzhi nodded with a smile.

Xiqiu was also momentarily stunned, surprised at First Master’s actions, but then was happy for Tong Minzhi!

Mrs. Chen, choking with emotions, put away the envelope, speaking softly with some guilt, "Since entering the family, I haven’t done much for it, and yet Father... I..." Tears fell down.

"Don’t overthink it." Tong Minzhi smiled, "Father said it’s your first pregnancy, and since you’ve just joined our family, you shouldn’t feel like an outsider. Just accept it; in the future, we’ll show him more filial piety."

Mrs. Chen nodded repeatedly.

Xiqiu and Madam Xia, seeing the couple’s deep affection, left them to speak privately and went to Madam Xia’s room.

Tong Minzhi helped Mrs. Chen to the bedroom, where they sat on the edge of the bed. Mrs. Chen looked up at Tong Minzhi, "Husband, this money you’ve accepted, what about my eldest brother?" Before she could finish, Tong Minzhi unabashedly replied, "No worries, when Father gave it to me, Eldest Brother was also present."

Mrs. Chen was taken aback, thinking of her family’s situation compared to Tong Mansion, and was deeply moved. No wonder people spoke of Tong Mansion’s harmony; in the few months since she married in, she felt it too—Madam Jiang’s grace and knowledge, Tong Shen Zhi’s tolerance and generosity, Madam Xia’s strict discipline, and even amongst Tong Xi, Kun, and Xing, the children loved each other...

There was no intrigue or rivalry, and everyone respected and cared for her, without any of the neglect or suspicion she once feared because of her status.

Moved in her heart, she nodded, "Then I’ll keep it carefully; inevitably, money will be needed when the child is born." Tong Minzhi stopped her, "I have money for when the child is born; for now, focus on your health, don’t worry about anything else."

"Husband." Mrs. Chen, moved, embraced Tong Minzhi, burying her head in his chest, speechless for a long time.

In the evening, Tong Minzhi went to the study to read, while Mrs. Chen leaned alone on her bed, touching her belly. She thought for a long time and, as if making a decision, called the maid keeping watch outside, "Go see where Liufu is and let her come in."

The maid complied and soon brought Liufu in. Mrs. Chen pointed to the stool in front of the bed, "Have a seat."

Liufu, unsure why Mrs. Chen had called her, sat half-nervously on the stool, looking at Mrs. Chen and asking, "Madam, is there something you need from me?"

"It’s nothing." Mrs. Chen smiled and said, "I’ve just arrived and haven’t quite understood the situation at home before getting pregnant." Despite saying so, her face still showed a blissful smile, "In the future, I’ll have to rely on you and Caixia to take care of things inside and outside."

But why call her alone? Liufu furrowed her brows in confusion.