Xiqiu withdrew from the main hall and looked at Jinyu with confusion. Jinyu then replied, "Our Lady is in the side hall and invites you to come over for a chat."

"Hmm." Xiqiu glanced back at the main hall full of official family women, seeing the Empress talking with the lady beside her. She nodded at Madam Ruan, who understood her meaning and nodded back. Xiqiu then withdrew and went to the side hall.

"I pay respects to the Imperial Concubine." Xiqiu performed a curtsy. Le Xiu already welcomed her with a smile and assisted her, saying, "Fourth Madam, there are no outsiders here, no need for these formalities."

Xiqiu stood up and glanced at Le Xiu. She was wearing a palace dress with pink and white edges trimmed in bright gold, styled in the palace’s popular Chao Tian hairstyle, with a Phoenix Spreading Wings Six-sided Jade and Seven Treasure Bright Gold Hairpin on top of her hair. Several long red jade hairpins with pendants hung delicately on her shoulders, full of opulent elegance...

"Fourth Madam, please sit." Le Xiu pulled Xiqiu to sit down on a chair. "Actually, I don’t have much to say. I just wanted to take this opportunity to see you. I haven’t even thanked you for the Hundred Sons Painting you sent; it’s so lifelike."

"You’re too kind, Your Highness. My humble needlework is nothing worth mentioning." Xiqiu sat down and softly asked, "How is your health, Your Highness... I’ve only heard about your condition from Madam Ruan." Le Xiu looked at Xiqiu and said with a smile, "I’m just the same, nothing worth celebrating, but thank you for your concern." She spoke just as she did when they met at the Governor Mansion before: "If you have anything in the future, you can write a letter and have Min bring it in. Chief De visits every noon, so it’s quite convenient."

Xiqiu answered, nodding, "Yes!"

Le Xiu carefully examined Xiqiu and talked about Le Yao and Tong Minzhi: "I heard about it too. Both are young, and I think the aunt is a bit too anxious." She paused and continued, "Besides, I’ve seen the Seventh Master. Judging by his looks, knowledge, and future career, it wouldn’t be bad. Yao’s family background is good, but finding a husband isn’t about pedigree. I think it’s better to let them develop naturally, as long as they don’t break etiquette."

Xiqiu was taken aback, looking at Le Xiu deeply. She wasn’t sure if she said this because of her or genuinely didn’t care about the difference in social standing.

After exchanging a few more words, a female official passed by outside. Le Xiu turned her gaze and pulled Xiqiu, saying, "Rest assured with Min in the palace. As long as it’s within my ability, I will carefully look after him. The Emperor has praised him to me several times." She paused and quickly added, "One more thing, could you do me the favor of informing the Grand Commander? Recently, I heard the Emperor casually mention matters concerning Princess Chengning. I’m unsure of his intentions, but he should keep it in mind with the Marquis."

Xiqiu paused for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, I’ll inform the Fourth Master when I return. Your Highness, please take care of yourself; everything will improve."

"Rest assured with me. Even if I cannot have children of my own, I’ll adopt a little princess and raise her on my knee in the future. Through this matter, I’ve realized each person has their own destiny, and perhaps mine has reached its peak here; I won’t ask for more." She spoke lightly, then stood up, "You should return soon, or the Empress might inquire."

"Your Highness, take care." Xiqiu answered, turned around, and followed Jinyu back to the main hall.

Madam Ruan saw Xiqiu return, glanced up, and Xiqiu understood, returning to her seat. Madam Qian from Count Dongchang, turned to her and said, "We just talked about the front hall, where the Emperor was testing the Eldest Prince’s lessons, and he received high praise."

Xiqiu nodded slightly, "Thank you, madam." Madam Qian smiled softly and nodded, "You’re welcome." She then nodded towards Madam Shen.

Xiqiu followed her gaze and saw Madam Shen looking towards her. She smiled slightly and nodded in greeting, and Madam Shen smiled back.

Le Xiu entered through the front door, paid respects to the Empress, and sat two seats away, next to a woman in an orange palace dress. Xiqiu later learned that the woman was Consort Wen, the Second Prince’s mother!

In the low murmur of conversation, a eunuch outside replied through a curtain, "Reporting to the Empress, the Emperor has just issued another national policy, asking several princes and two reading companions to answer..."

The hall quieted down.

"Oh?" The Empress glanced at those below, looking at Xiqiu, Madam Shen, and Consort Wen, and asked, "How did it go?"

The eunuch replied, "The Emperor praised the Eldest Prince for being smart and decisive, the Second Prince for his kindness, Mr. Shen for his innocence, and Master Xiao for his unique perspectives!"

Hearing this, Xiqiu was startled again, glancing towards the Empress. She noticed her expression changed slightly before quickly returning to a smile, nodding, and said to the women, "It seems livelier up front compared to here." Not saying much more, she picked up her wine cup, "Come, let’s have a drink as well."

"Yes!" Everyone raised their cups, "Wishing Her Majesty good health!" They covered their faces with sleeves and drank up, then sat back down. 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Madam Qian slightly turned, looking straight ahead, and softly said, "Fourth Madam, you really taught Master Xiao well, even gaining endless praises from the Emperor." Praising the two princes and Mr. Shen was light and superficial, but praising Master Xiao was genuine.

Xiqiu held her teacup, lightly replying, "Madam flatters me; it’s the Emperor’s leniency allowing the child to speak freely."

Madam Qian couldn’t help but glance at Xiqiu, who remained modest and composed, and nodded silently.

The banquet continued until 7 p.m. When the moon had risen, everyone moved outside to enjoy it. Fireworks lit up above the gates of the Imperial City, illuminating the grand, splendid palace like daylight. Someone praised, "It feels like we are at the Yaochi Immortal Platform." As the words fell, everyone knelt by rank and thanked the Empress with sincere blessings.

The Mid-Autumn banquet finally came to an end.

Xiqiu, Madam Ruan, and Madam Qian from Count Dongchang left Fengwu Palace together. Madam Ruan asked, "Is the Imperial Concubine well? We didn’t have the chance to speak today."

"She looked in good spirits." Xiqiu replied, and Madam Ruan nodded, "Min shone brightly in the main hall today; he’s such an adorable child." Before Xiqiu could respond, Madam Qian spoke up, "Indeed, if I had ten such children, I’d be thrilled."

Xiqiu smiled under her sleeve and said to Madam Qian, "Each of Mr. Qian’s sons is outstanding; aren’t you boasting?" Madam Qian chuckled, "I wouldn’t dare!"

"Madam Ruan, Madam Qian, Fourth Madam!" Madam Huang walked over quickly, "I’ve been looking all over for you; you walk too fast." She turned back and waved to First Young Madam Tang, "Come on, your in-laws are over here."

First Young Madam Tang laughed, joining them. The group exchanged pleasantries as they headed outside.