Chapter 909: Chapter 907: Farewell (Part 3)

When the Grand Dowager returned, Madam Shen was indeed ill. At the second gate, she was supported by two old women, her face ashen and bloodless. In just ten days’ time, she had become so emaciated that Xiqiu was momentarily taken aback and said nothing. He nodded and said, "I’ve invited the Imperial Physician. Go back and recuperate; don’t let your thoughts run wild."

Madam Shen was too weak to speak, and she nodded. Her maid, Jinxiu, replied, "Thank you, Fourth Madam, for your care. I will accompany Madam back to rest."

The Grand Dowager stopped and turned to glance at Madam Shen, her eyes chillingly cold, but there was a smile on her face: "Go back. You’ve had a hard time these days."

Madam Shen acknowledged, looking somewhat timid, bowing her head as she was led back by the maid and old women.

"Mother." As the Grand Dowager was about to get into the carriage, Xiao Yanzheng’s carriage had already reached the Yimen gate. She lifted the curtain and stood on the carriage, supporting her belly: "You finally came back." She looked like she was about to jump down. Behind her, Xuan also peeked out: "Grandmother!" she called sweetly.

The Grand Dowager was startled: "Be careful, hold her steady." Saying this, she turned to receive Xiao Yanzheng.

However, Xiao Yanzheng was unconcerned, stepping lightly from the carriage with the help of an old woman, then turning to look at Xuan. The Grand Dowager, Xiqiu, and Mrs. walked over, frowning and saying, "You’re already grown, and with a child, what if you get hurt?"

Xiao Yanzheng took the Grand Dowager’s arm, laughing as she turned to greet Xiqiu and Mrs.: "Elder Sister-in-law, Fourth Sister-in-law!"

Xiqiu nodded, looking down at Xuan. Xuan, just beginning to walk, had large eyes like Pang Guibin’s, and fair, watery skin, looking quite adorable. She blinked at Xiqiu: "Hello, Fourth Aunt." Then looked at Mrs.: "Hello, Elder Aunt." and then rushed to the Grand Dowager’s leg: "Grandmother, hug me, hug me!"

The Grand Dowager finally smiled, happily taking Xuan’s hand, her face full of affection: "Our Xuan is so sweet; don’t be like your mother, getting less and less decorous as you grow up."

Xiao Yanzheng stomped playfully while holding her belly: "Mother!" She was full of smiles.

The group returned to the Grand Dowager’s room, and the Imperial Physician soon arrived, prescribing medicine for Madam Shen, saying it was a severe cold... Xiqiu listened without saying a word. By evening, Madam Shen started to have a high fever, babbling incoherently. The Grand Dowager hurriedly sent for the Imperial Physician again, who took her pulse and administered acupuncture...

But Madam Shen still passed away early the next morning.

The Grand Dowager seemed very sad, instructing someone to inform Old Madam Shen. The Shen family sent a stranger to look at Madam Shen’s remains, finding the arrangements perfect and without a flaw. She wiped her tears and said that Madam Shen was unfortunate and not blessed enough to serve the Marquis, sent a gift, and said nothing more.

Xiao Yanyi had someone purchase a coffin, found a burial site at West Mountain, and had Puji Temple hold a three-day memorial service.

From then on, the Shen family never inquired again nor spoke a word.

Xiqiu heard from Fourth Master Xiao that the Shen family invited the Imperial Physician who had initially treated Madam Shen back that day to inquire in detail about her illness.

Since the Grand Dowager took her to the other courtyard, she must have been thorough in her considerations. How could she leave any clue for the Shen family to follow up on?

Madam Shen’s matter was finally settled, but the issue of the Second Madam remained unresolved. Fourth Master Xiao said, "There’s no rush." Xiqiu also understood that as long as the Second Madam was around, the position of Marchioness Xuanning was hers, and no matter what the Shen family thought, they couldn’t make Xiao Yanyi divorce the Second Madam.

When the time was right, they would announce the Second Madam’s death.

"Mother." Min returned from school, taking a letter from his bag: "Chief De asked me to pass this to you."

Xiqiu raised a brow, took the letter; it was in Le Xiu’s handwriting. She opened it and read the contents, which conveyed heartfelt words from the initial shocking steps into the palace, the Emperor’s favor crowning the Six Palaces, to today’s declining facade, without hiding her inner grief and bitterness. After reading, Xiqiu sighed helplessly but was also powerless. Now that one was in the situation, it was impossible to extricate oneself. One must trade some things for wealth and glory, albeit she paid more than others.

She put away the letter, looking troubled. Min watched her and asked, "Mother, is the Imperial Concubine alright?" Xiqiu was candid with him, replying, "She spoke of the hardships people face in this situation, but there was nothing else noteworthy. She will be fine once she comes to terms with it in a few days."

Min nodded, replying, "She is very good, and the Emperor is very fond of her. Things will surely improve for her in the future."

Xiqiu smiled and nodded: "She is very attentive to you and has added several eunuchs at Wenhua Hall, fearing you might face grievances or hunger, having Chief De deliver food to you daily. This is commendable. If you have further contact, be kind to her." Min nodded: "I understand."

There was no need to reply to the letter. After some thought, Xiqiu instructed Nanny Cen to make mooncakes. The next day, she took them to the Marquis Jinxiang Mansion, meeting with Madam Le: "The day after tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Festival. The Imperial Concubine lacks nothing in the palace, so I made some mooncakes, each with a different flavor, to add some festive atmosphere."

Madam Le’s face showed displeasure. She forced a smile and said, "I was just about to visit the palace tomorrow to bid farewell to the Imperial Concubine; I can take them along."

Xiqiu thanked her, noticing her strange demeanor, and looked toward Madam Ruan. Madam Ruan smiled bitterly without explanation, pulling Xiqiu to sit: "You rarely visit; let’s chat."

Xiqiu sat down and asked Madam Le, "Weren’t you leaving after the Mid-Autumn Festival? Why are you going to say goodbye now?"

"Just missing home a bit; it’s better to return sooner, lest the canal freezes with cold and becomes impassable." Madam Le said blandly.

Xiqiu raised her eyebrows, nodded, and said, "You have a point, but a day or two more won’t make a difference. I wanted to invite you for a meal; you’ve been here for so many days and haven’t officially been invited over." She paused and asked, "Where is Yao? Why haven’t I seen her?"

Madam Ruan’s expression froze. She quickly glanced at Madam Le. Puzzled, Xiqiu also looked at Madam Le, finding her red-eyed, sitting quietly, drinking tea.

"What’s the matter?" Xiqiu puzzledly asked, "Has something happened?"

The question was barely out when Madam Le’s tears fell. She frowned and said to Xiqiu, "I’m not afraid of you laughing at me. It’s just that wretched girl of mine, always doing shameful things."

Why was this being said? Xiqiu furrowed her brows, full of doubt: "The more you say, the more puzzled I am. Yao is so well-behaved and sensible; I don’t accept you talking about her like that." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Madam Le angrily wiped her tears. Madam Ruan sighed and said to Xiqiu, "Yao, I don’t know who she’s been seeing, exchanging letters for more than a month. Her sister-in-law just found out yesterday..." She paused, then continued, "Her sister-in-law saw the letters she wrote, filled with sentiments, and when questioned, she said nothing but insisted on staying in the Capital, waiting to come of age and get married."