The Fifth Madam still hasn’t awakened, despite trying everything without any response, the Fifth Young Master had no choice but to carry her back to the mansion, attending to her day and night.

Xiqiu sighed and said to Fourth Master Xiao, "Who would have thought? Their marital fight would escalate to such a situation." Then she paused and added, "Poor Sheng..."

Fourth Master Xiao remained silent, clearly dissatisfied with Xiao Yanting as well.

"Zhi is opening his school tomorrow, Fourth Master, get some rest early. There are many things to do for the teacher’s ceremony," Xiqiu said, putting down her teacup and standing up. The couple was exhausted from the recent events, and both went to wash up and rest without further mention.

The next day, Zhi, Kun, and Tong Xihua formally worshipped their teacher and officially opened the school in the outer courtyard. Coincidentally, it was also Tong Xiyan’s birthday, so Xiqiu instructed Chunliu to send gifts to the Zhou Residence.

Two weeks later, the martial arts instructor introduced by Tong Quanzi, Master Hua, entered the mansion. Being from the Capital, he didn’t need Xiqiu to arrange accommodation, coming to the mansion every day at 5 a.m. to practice basic skills with Zhi for an hour before leaving, and returning at 1:00 PM to train for another two hours.

This arrangement didn’t interfere with Zhi’s schoolwork, although it was somewhat tiring for him.

Xiqiu worried he might be too tired and inattentive, dozing off in Mr. Ji’s class. She secretly went to the outer courtyard to check, only to find Zhi sitting there listening attentively, finally putting her mind at ease, and then stopped restricting Zhi from learning martial arts.

By the end of February, the provincial exams began; Fourth Master Xiao personally escorted Tong Minzhi to the exam site. The results were released three days later, and he ranked eighth. Tong Minzhi, neither arrogant nor impatient, spent his days reading in his study. As expected, ten days later, he smoothly passed the county exams. On the day the results were announced, Xiqiu had Tiancheng check early; close to noon, Tiancheng returned with a smile, saying, "Madam, Seventh Master ranked third."

"Really?" Xiqiu smiled and immediately had Nanny Cen prepare the carriage, personally returning to the Tong Mansion. Madam Jiang, seeing her, was also pleased, smiling as she said, "I said yesterday that it wouldn’t be a problem for Seventh Brother to pass the county exam, but I didn’t expect he’d do so well."

"Don’t praise him too much, or he’ll become proud," Xiqiu replied with a gentle smile, going with Madam Jiang to the outer courtyard where Tong Minzhi was still holding a book, reading. Madam Jiang said, "Seventh Brother, aren’t you going to celebrate with your friends? Why are you staying home?" Tong Minzhi put down his book and smiled, "Father says it’s just the Scholar title now, we can celebrate when I achieve top honors someday."

Madam Jiang and Xiqiu exchanged a glance, unsure whether to feel joy or concern.

Time flew by, and soon it was the day the Emperor would travel. Xiqiu helped Fourth Master Xiao and Min prepare their luggage, worriedly advising, "Be careful on the road, especially with food, avoid raw and cold things. I’ve packed many dry rations, remember to eat if you’re hungry."

Fourth Master Xiao, smiling, replied to Xiqiu, "With the Emperor traveling, we cover only twenty or thirty miles a day, and each stopover is well-arranged. Meals will be ready in advance, you need not worry."

"It’s better to have it than not. You might be fine, but Min is still growing," she said before handing a package to Wuzhong, "Take good care of your master, don’t just indulge in fun and games. Remember that."

Wuzhong and Erquan nodded in agreement.

Still feeling uneasy, Xiqiu wanted to say more, but Min, holding her arm, smiled, "Mother, don’t worry, I’m grown up enough to look after myself. Besides, Father is with me, everything will be fine."

Xiqiu sighed and turned to Nanny Cen, "The medicine Sister Jingliu prepared is packed, although there’s an Imperial Physician accompanying, having medicine on hand is never a bad idea." Nanny Cen laughed and replied, "It’s already loaded on the carriage."

"Let’s go to mother’s place then." Holding one of Min’s hands and one of Zhi’s, Xiqiu left with Fourth Master Xiao, first heading to the Marquis Mansion to bid farewell to the Grand Dowager and Xiao Yanyi. The Grand Dowager gave a string of instructions, and the father and son listened silently.

When the time came, the family returned to their residence by carriage. Xiqiu asked Fourth Master Xiao, "Did I hear correctly that the Emperor left Shen Ji in the Capital temporarily?"

"Yes. The Empress hasn’t fully recovered, so the Emperor left Shen Ji in the Capital," Fourth Master Xiao answered. Xiqiu frowned again and asked, "How many imperial concubines are accompanying?"

Holding Zhi on his knee, Fourth Master Xiao patted his son’s head, "Consort Le and Noble Lady Ying are accompanying."

Oh, so Consort Wen was left in the palace, Xiqiu raised her eyebrows.

The carriage passed Long Street, where many citizens stood on both sides, eagerly waiting for the Emperor to grace them with his presence, creating a lively scene.

When they returned to the mansion, Nanny Cen had already prepared everything in the two carriages. Fourth Master Xiao, looking a bit shocked at how much Xiqiu managed to pack, said nothing despite his doubts. He took Min as Xiqiu requested to abandon the horse for the carriage. Standing by the carriage, Xiqiu advised Min, "Occasionally, your father might be busy with affairs. When you’re alone, call Erquan and Wuzhong to accompany you, and don’t wander off during breaks, understand?"

"Mother, I’ve got it," Min replied with teary eyes, "You and Zhi take care at home." Then he looked at Zhi, "Take good care of Mother."

Zhi nodded, "Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Mom," and waved to Fourth Master Xiao, "Dad, remember your promise to me."

Fourth Master Xiao nodded, "I will."

"Let’s go, the Emperor should be leaving the city soon." With that, he instructed the driver, "Go ahead." 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

The carriage started moving away, as Xiqiu held Zhi’s hand, watching Fourth Master Xiao and Min grow farther. She waved her hand, tears falling as she did.