Transmigrated Genius: Fragile Heiress Reigns Supreme-Chapter 617 - 619: Adding to the Family (4)

Fourth Master Xiao raised an eyebrow and shook his head, saying, "No. Recently in the court, aside from Lord Jiang being impeached, it’s the matter of the re-establishment of the Maritime Trade Bureau still on the agenda, the reinforcements of the river embankments on both sides of the Canal, and the flood disaster at Ligudu in Huaxian, Wei Hui Prefecture..." Fourth Master Xiao mentioned seven or eight matters, then paused and said, "In your view, Madam, which position should I aim for?"

Xiqiu furrowed her brows, and Fourth Master Xiao, seeing her concerned expression, smiled and said, "They respect you not only because you are Fourth Madam Xiao but also because they hold you in high regard. Among these individuals, there are none you cannot associate with; you should ease your mind appropriately."

Xiqiu sighed and nodded, not mentioning it again. In the middle of the month, two accompanying staff from two villages returned, and Xiqiu discussed with Ruan Jingliu the medicinal herbs to be planted in various places. Tongzhou would focus on goji berries, sea buckthorn, fumingzi, mint, and dendrobium, while a hundred-acre estate in Shandong was managed by Zou Bochang, planted with gallnuts, yellow bark, and so on. On another estate, given to them by Fourth Master Xiao, there was already a steward named Tan Zerong who, along with his eight-family members, had been guarding the estate their whole lives. Although the previous owner sold the estate, they stayed. They were originally going to the Capital to visit Xiqiu, but due to the distance and Fourth Master Xiao’s satisfactory previous visit, they decided to come at the year’s end. With several estates arranged, Xiqiu started preparing the Mid-Autumn Festival gifts for each mansion.

Tong Xiyan’s embroidery shop opened in July, hiring twelve embroideresses. Initially, they only took small orders, such as wedding dresses for young ladies in the outer mansion. Xiqiu also took silver for Nanny Qiu to order a dozen Xiangxi Embroidery handkerchiefs from the shop. When they were embroidered at the end of the month and delivered, the needlework and handiwork were indeed excellent, indicating this batch of embroideresses were all noteworthy.

She had Chunliu deliver each one according to the list of frequently visiting madams, keeping one each for the Grand Dowager, First Madam, and Xiao Yanzheng.

At the beginning of August, with the return of festival gifts, Xiqiu was busy with Mid-Autumn Festival matters every day. There was also a letter from Sister-in-law Hua in Yingtian, saying her brother would marry on the tenth of October. She and the Grand Dowager spent two days in the storeroom, finally selecting a pair of Mei Bottles from the previous dynasty as a wedding gift to send to Yingtian.

In the middle of the month, Prince Rong returned from Chengde. By the end of the month, the Princess Consort gave birth to a son. On the day of the third-day washing ceremony, Xiqiu did not go to pay respects as promised, but Fourth Master Xiao and Xiao Yanyi were invited to have drinks, returning to the mansion at midnight. Xiqiu helped Fourth Master Xiao wash up and asked, "What did you talk about?"

After washing his face, Fourth Master Xiao smiled with his eyes and said, "They said they met local merchants who have a salt mine!" He left the washroom and sat in the room.

"Fourth Master!" Xiqiu sat in front of him, "Did you and the Marquis agree?" The Great Zhou strictly forbids the private production of salt mines. It was just like the Teng Family’s private salt boat back then, which the Emperor used as an excuse to confiscate the Teng Family’s property. Although the Emperor had long held intentions against the Teng Family, this also shows the Emperor’s stance on the salt industry.

Fourth Master Xiao embraced her, gently stroked her back, and reassured her not to worry, replying, "My brother and I share the same view, we didn’t refuse directly, but we won’t participate either."

Xiqiu breathed a sigh of relief, realizing she was overly tense. Given Prince Rong’s sensitive position, the risks involved with private salt, how could Fourth Master Xiao and Xiao Yanyi not be aware? She thought for a moment and replied, "Perhaps Prince Rong wants you and the Marquis to buy shares, thinking that when things come to light, the law won’t punish a crowd. Otherwise, why would he dare let outsiders know about such private matters?"

Fourth Master Xiao looked at her approvingly and smiled, "Indeed, even if we know, when the time comes, we would be guilty of knowing and not reporting."

"What does Fourth Master plan to do?" Is it to inform the Emperor, or to help cover it up?

Fourth Master Xiao drank a sip of tea, shook his head, and said, "There must be many involved in secret, but as long as nothing happens, even if it’s discovered, it will cause turmoil in the court at the time..." Xiqiu immediately replied, "Fourth Master’s meaning is, since there are people involved, there must be those watching, so..." She didn’t finish the sentence, knowing that if there are people colluding, there are bound to be observers. If the situation gradually calms down, then it’s fine; however, if someone profits handsomely, there will be plenty of envious people. Besides, the Shen Family has been keeping a close watch on Prince Rong, so the Xuanning Marquis Mansion ends up as a spectator. As long as the Xuanning Marquis Mansion’s position is clear, naturally, someone will help them extricate themselves when the time comes.

"The Princess Consort gave birth to a son, the Prince Manor now is in storm and stress, and the Prince’s actions are too audacious." Xiqiu sighed and asked, "Is it true that the Empress Dowager is returning to the Capital for Mid-Autumn?"

Fourth Master Xiao nodded and said, "She has already set out and is expected to arrive in seven or eight days."

Xiqiu thought of the Second Madam, wondering what she might do.

The next day, she instructed Chunliu, "Pay more attention to the movements of the Second House, do not be careless with the Second Madam."

Chunliu, aware of the Second Madam’s means, naturally was extra cautious and replied, "I understand, ma’am."

As they were talking, a maid from the outer courtyard led Nanny Qiu in, who wore a dark green bijia, with a peony silver hairpin on her head, looking neat and tidy.

Every time Xiqiu saw Nanny Qiu, she felt anxious and asked, "Has something happened?"

Nanny Qiu, seeing Xiqiu’s expression, immediately smiled, curtseyed, and said, "Congratulations to Sixth Lady, it’s a great joy this time!" Xiqiu was taken aback upon hearing this, not knowing of any recent joyful events, so she asked, "What is the great joy?"

Nanny Qiu covered her face and giggled, "It’s Madam Xia!" Xiqiu and Chunliu exchanged puzzled glances, both unsure what Nanny Qiu meant. Seeing their confused looks, Nanny Qiu stopped keeping them in suspense and said with a smile, "Madam Xia was just found to be pregnant this morning, two full months!"

"Ah?" Xiqiu was stunned for a moment before confirming, "The concubine is pregnant?"

Nanny Qiu nodded eagerly, "The First Master is overjoyed and sent me to inform you right away, asking you to find time to visit." She laughed and said, "Please persuade Madam Xia, as she is so embarrassed that she refuses to leave her room."

Xiqiu finally smiled. She remembered when she joked with the concubine about giving her another younger sister, she blushed deeply. She didn’t expect her wish to come true so soon, although it wasn’t surprising. Madam Xia was only in her early thirties, still youthful and vibrant, so pregnancy was not unexpected.

She immediately nodded with a smile and said, "You go back and tell my parents and the concubine that I will return early tomorrow."

"Yes!" Nanny Qiu continued, "The First Young Madam says not to worry; with her at the house, you can be at ease." Xiqiu understood what Madam Jiang meant. While the First Madam may be incapacitated, isn’t Nanny Fang there? Even if another child is born, it won’t affect Tong Shen Zhi’s interests, but within the time the First Madam’s illness worsens, the news of Madam Xia’s pregnancy would infuriate her given her temperament.

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