"Yes." The maid thought she was happy and hastily added, "Miss came out first... Fourth Madam is indeed blessed."

Tong Xiyu’s expression gradually darkened.

Only then did the maid realize belatedly and quickly lowered her head, "Madam, let me find another dress for you to change into." She hurriedly withdrew, as if to escape, but just as she reached the door, she heard the sound of porcelain shattering behind her.

Tong Xiyu felt as if her heart was being clenched, and tears streamed down uncontrollably.

Why, why!

Why do some people long desperately for a child, and yet heaven does not grant it, while others are already so fortunate, and heaven seems to think it’s not enough and continues to favor them!

How can it be so unfair.

She silently shed tears in the room, while outside, the maid at the door was stopping several concubines who came to pay respects.

Tong Xiyu cried for a while, then forced herself to calm down, wiped her tears, changed into another dress, arranged the room, and invited the several concubines in. By the time they came in, her expression had already returned to normal. The concubines meticulously observed and knew that her sister had just given birth to twins, while she, a sister from the same family, had remained childless all these years.

Tong Xiyu could naturally guess what they were thinking. Despite striving to suppress it on the surface, inside she was already trembling with anger.

After tossing and turning the whole night, early the next morning, even before dawn, she had already packed up, got into a carriage, and left straight for Doctor Feng’s house.

Over the years, going back and forth, she had somewhat understood some aspects of gynecology. Doctor Feng said her body was normal, nothing particularly wrong, just that getting pregnant was slightly more difficult for her than for other women, but it was not impossible. If sexual intercourse happened more frequently or if the man’s timing lasted longer, her chances of conceiving were significant.

Such actions she used to be ashamed to do, fearing it might harm Second Master Lou’s health, but now she could no longer wait.

Upon entering the alley, Tong Xiyu stayed for about half an hour before coming out, now carrying a paper package in her arms.

In the evening, she personally went to the door to welcome Second Master Lou. Once the couple entered the room, Second Master Lou immediately asked her, "Are we going to the Governor Mansion to visit Sixth Aunt tomorrow?"

"Yes." Tong Xiyu smiled as she brought over the tea, "Tomorrow is the washing ceremony, I have prepared the gift."

Second Master Lou received the teacup and nodded, "Prepare the gift generously." After a pause, he added, "I remember last year, Grandmother rewarded you with two pieces of Lingzhi, brought back by Big Brother from outside the border. Take one with you when you visit tomorrow."

The two pieces of Lingzhi were very precious, she hadn’t been willing to use them. Despite feeling indignant, Tong Xiyu still nodded, "Husband thinks of Sixth Sister, I thank you on her behalf."

Second Master Lou pursed his lips and smiled, looking at her and saying, "We’re all family, no need for courtesies between you and me." He took another sip of tea, then felt his lips slightly dry, glanced at Tong Xiyu, and found her looking much more beautiful and charming than usual...

"Why are there two shadows?" Second Master Lou frowned, looking at the flickering figure of the woman before him. The two shadows danced and then suddenly overlapped. When he looked again, the face before him was no longer Tong Xiyu’s. He suddenly stood up, involuntarily walking over and hugging her, "Why is it you, why is it you..." He murmured nonsensically.

Tong Xiyu, held by him, blushed bashfully and whispered, "It’s me, husband, let me serve you to rest." Second Master Lou eagerly embraced her, lifted the curtain, and entered the room.

The next day was the washing ceremony for the two children. The room was filled with people, some invited, some not, some informed, some not. Madam Ruan, Madam Qian, Madam Xu, Madam Huang, as well as the present First Madam Tang and Ruan Pingrong, were there. Madam Han from the Han Mansion also arrived, visibly pregnant. The sisters of the Tong Family and Madam Jiang were naturally present, and Madam Xia and Madam Luo also quietly entered the courtyard through a side door, waiting in the back to greet everyone once the guests had left.

The First Madam was busy entertaining guests, while Madam Jiang stayed in the room conversing with several other ladies. Xiqiu, weak, lay on the bed, and Madam Ruan asked, "I heard this time the birth was very quick and smooth, right?"

Xiqiu glanced at Ruan Jingliu, who directly replied, "Her vitality was harmed, it may take careful nursing for three to five years to recover."

"How could this happen?" Madam Ruan was startled upon hearing this. Madam Han fearfully asked, "Is it because of having twins?"

Ruan Jingliu cast a glance at her and replied, "Not entirely. Fourth Madam’s body was already frail, the previous pregnancy had greatly exhausted her vitality. This time, the pregnancy period was difficult, and the delivery was not smooth, inevitably affecting her health." After speaking, she deliberately glanced at Xiqiu with a worried expression.

Xiqiu smiled slightly, "Don’t frighten Madam Han." She then looked at Madam Han, saying, "It’s nothing, it’s just an unexpected situation for me."

Madam Han looked nervously at Xiqiu. Sure enough, she saw Xiqiu’s pale, weak face, and felt a surge of fear in her heart.

Madam Jiang, listening from the side, was also taken aback. She glanced at Xiqiu and Ruan Jingliu. Earlier, before the guests arrived, she had heard Ruan Jingliu say that Xiqiu’s health was recovering well. How did things suddenly change like this? Moreover, with Xiqiu’s personality, she wouldn’t talk about such private matters with outsiders. Why was she behaving so unusually today?

Filled with curiosity, Madam Jiang couldn’t help but observe the other ladies in the room. At that moment, her sleeve was tugged, and when she turned, she saw Bihuai whispering in her ear, "Madam Chen, the Count Dingyuan’s wife, has arrived."

Putting her thoughts aside, Madam Jiang nodded and went out to personally greet this in-law.

Madam Jiang accompanied Madam Chen inside. Seeing her enter, those without titles like Madam Han stood up to greet Madam Chen, while others like Madam Ruan and Madam Qian nodded as a gesture of acknowledgment.

Madam Chen spoke loudly and squatted slightly, showing no special regard for anyone. She said, "It seems I’ve arrived late." Then she looked towards Xiqiu, "Fourth Madam, congratulations, congratulations!"

Xiqiu’s gaze landed on Madam Chen’s face, appearing to be in her thirties but looking a bit worn. Compared to the older Madam Ruan, it was hard to tell their ages apart. Her clothes were of the recent trendy patterns, her hair styled similarly, adorned with three or four golden hairpins that glittered as she walked in.

"Sorry to make you come all the way, Madam Chen, please have a seat." Unable to rise, she smiled and responded. Coincidentally, Bihuai brought a chair over. Seeing the seat was a bit distant, Madam Chen personally dragged it closer and sat right beside Xiqiu’s bed, blocking Madam Ruan and Madam Qian.

Madam Ruan’s expression changed slightly, while Madam Qian tugged her sleeve. Madam Ruan nodded slightly, indicating she knew the importance of the situation.

"Fourth Madam, you’re truly fortunate," Madam Chen chuckled. Xiqiu replied, "You’re too kind, Madam. What fortune can there be? Children are just debts to be repaid, which means Fourth Master and I will have to work harder."

"That’s how it goes," Madam Chen responded, "but while others struggle with one child at a time, you’ve managed to have twins in one birth, something others can only dream of."

Xiqiu smiled softly, "Madam, your words are indeed amusing."

Madam Chen glanced around and remarked on the room’s simple arrangement, "Why hasn’t it been properly decorated? Fourth Madam is too unconcerned."

Xiqiu was a bit surprised. Although Madam Chen was her in-law, Mrs. Chen was also her sister-in-law, but this was their first formal meeting. They weren’t familiar with each other, so her words were a bit much.

"We didn’t expect it to come early, and there was no time to prepare," Xiqiu smiled, considering the familial relationship, "After the full month, we’ll move back, no need to be particular now."

Madam Chen then asked about the children, "Where are the little ones? Why haven’t I seen them?"

In the interval of her speaking, the room had fallen silent; all the previously lively ladies now lowered their heads, sipping tea, avoiding looking at her.

Xiqiu also noticed, "They’re in the next room being taken care of by the nanny. They’ll be brought over for your viewing shortly." Madam Chen nodded and continued, "What names have been given?"

"The second is simply ’Ying’ and the third ’Gong’," names Fourth Master Xiao thought of last night. She found them agreeable, thus decided on Xiao Huaiying and Xiao Huaigong, which were smooth and easy to remember.

Madam Chen seemed puzzled and asked, "Ying? Which Ying?"

Madam Ruan, who had been silent until now, suddenly interjected, laughing, "It’s the Ying from the poem, ’Broken poles and mandarin duck rafts have nowhere to anchor, the river’s cold green hues linger on and on’." She glanced mockingly at Madam Chen, seemingly waiting for her to respond.

Madam Chen was taken aback, clearly unfamiliar with the poem.

Xiqiu looked at Madam Ruan, who secretly winked at her. It was only later that Xiqiu learned Madam Chen came from a poor family and had never studied. She only memorized some characters upon receiving a title and hiring a female tutor. According to Madam Ruan, Madam Chen, who couldn’t even fully recall her own name, wanted to flaunt her literacy publicly. Without being shown up, she’d really think they were easily bullied.

Listening, Xiqiu could only laugh along, feeling both amused and exasperated by Madam Chen.

At that moment, Madam Chen noticed the trace of contempt in Madam Ruan’s eyes. Her face stiffened, about to retort when Xiqiu had already laughed and said, "Bihuai, go see if the two midwives are ready."

Bihuai acknowledged, interrupting whatever Madam Chen was about to say, leaving her silent.