Tong Xiyan also stood up to hold Tong Xihua’s hand.

Xiqiu knew they wanted to speak with their daughter, and since they felt too restrained around Madam Xia, she didn’t keep them and let Bihuai accompany Madam Jiang and Tong Xiyan to the garden.

"Sixth Lady," Madam Xia approached, taking Xiqiu’s hand and tenderly touching her face, saying, "You’ve lost so much weight..." Xiqiu gently held Madam Xia’s hand, softly saying, "I’m young and healthy, just need some time to recover."

Madam Xia sighed deeply, "How did this happen?" After speaking, she gently stroked the back of Xiqiu’s hand, where blue veins subtly appeared beneath her porcelain skin, making her heart ache. She wished she could bear the grievances for Xiqiu: "I copied scriptures for you and Zhi and will go to Puji Temple tomorrow to pray to Buddha for the safety of both of you."

This was her heartfelt intention. Xiqiu nodded and said, "Please also send my regards to Master Puning." Madam Xia nodded, adjusting the pillow behind Xiqiu, and added, "Lie down quickly; sitting like this for too long will make your back sore."

Xiqiu obliged and lay down, with Madam Xia sitting by the bedside, softly speaking to her about the events at home these past days: "...Recently, someone came to the manor proposing marriage to the First Master, whom he vaguely sent away, instructing Manager Lai to state that he would not remarry."

Xiqiu paused, then smiled, "Did the First Master really say that?" Madam Xia smiled and nodded, and Xiqiu finally relaxed: "This is good, as long as the First Master has no such thoughts, the household can remain peaceful."

Madam Xia also nodded slightly, touching Xiqiu’s face again, "Minzhi wanted to come, but I didn’t let him. He’s been staying in his room lately, and I don’t know what’s happening. He won’t say and only studies day and night. I’m really worried about him."

It was likely still because of Le Yao. She thought of how Le Yao looked determinedly at her before leaving, saying through gritted teeth, "Wait, I will definitely come back."

"Perhaps as time tightens, he’s getting anxious, but you needn’t worry." When two young people meet at the start of their emotional awakening, it’s uncertain if it will bring good or ill.

In the afternoon, Madam Jiang and Tong Xiyan, along with Madam Xia, had not left yet when Madam Ruan, Madam Qian, Madam Huang, and First Young Madam Tang also came, bringing various items and accompanying Xiqiu in conversation. It wasn’t until dusk that everyone dispersed.

Leaning against the headboard, Xiqiu casually flipped through a book, but couldn’t focus. She thought of replying to Su Dazhuang’s letter, yet with pen in hand, didn’t know what to instruct, only finding her mind blank...

Su Dazhuang’s letter mentioned Zou Bochang secretly returned to Baoding, yet hadn’t come back yet...

Apparently, he wouldn’t be coming back this time either. Xiqiu asked Bihuai to inform Siliu to tell Manager Lai that she couldn’t use such a servant and asked for Manager Lai to take him back.

The remaining matters, Manager Lai would know how to handle.

Min returned from the palace, first to his room to put down his bag and change into clean clothes, then hurried to Xiqiu’s room. Seeing him, Xiqiu smiled and asked, "How was today after several days, was everything smooth?"

"Quite smooth." Min nodded, sitting by Xiqiu’s bed, "Mother, how are you?"

Xiqiu nodded slightly, "Many people came today, it was lively." She looked at Min, sensing something different about him, and curiously asked, "Min, are you hiding something from Mother?"

Min paused, his expression shifted briefly, then he shook his head, "No, no, I’m fine."

He no longer mentioned Xiao Huaimin nor the topic of being a prince.

This was what Xiqiu found strange; his recovery was too quick and complete, as if the past days hadn’t happened. She looked at Min suspiciously.

"Your father has been busy these days, so I haven’t had the chance to discuss your issue with him. I planned to suggest that you stop attending the companion study at Wenhua Hall and write a memorial to try whatever is possible with the Emperor’s side. What do you think?" Xiqiu asked, watching Min for any subtle expression changes.

Min was stunned, then shook his head, "No need, Mr. Dai, Uncle, and Lord Wu’s lessons are all very good, and I’ve gradually adapted to life in the palace." After speaking, he paused and looked at Xiqiu, with a relaxed and happy demeanor: "I’d like to keep listening, and maybe I’ll stop when I no longer can, is that alright?"