"Mother, the estate is quiet, Second Sister-in-law can recuperate peacefully there; perhaps it will even benefit her health."

Xiqiu helped Grand Dowager sit down, handed her the ginseng tea brewed by Ziwei: "Put your mind at ease, Second Brother is thoughtful in his actions and will surely have everything arranged well."

Grand Dowager held the tea and sighed, recalling the days when Princess Chengning would bring joy while sitting at her knees; there was a moment of darkness in her eyes: "Thinking back on her actions still makes me angry, arriving at this state is inseparable from her deeds. But people are always soft-hearted, seeing her like this brings a pang of unwillingness."

Xiqiu was taken aback upon hearing this, noticing that Grand Dowager has evidently pieced together the situation, she involuntarily looked towards First Madam.

First Madam shook her head almost imperceptibly.

No one told Grand Dowager? How did she know?

Feeling the exchange of glances between the two daughters-in-law, Grand Dowager explained: "No need to hide it from me, just because I’m old doesn’t mean I’m muddled."

With that, Xiqiu felt relieved, holding Grand Dowager’s arm: "We would never say you’re old; your brilliance is unmatched, even if First Sister-in-law and I were combined."

Grand Dowager finally regained some color in her face.

Just about to speak, Ziwei entered, lifting the curtain: "Grand Dowager, aunt from the other side sent someone to ask if anything happened, and whether they should come back." Upon hearing this, Grand Dowager waved her hand: "She’s pregnant, there’s no need for her to run back and forth. You should go with a maid and take some things over, explain the household matters so she won’t hastily return."

Ziwei agreed, nodding: "I’ll prepare a bit, and then go with the maid to Aunt’s Mansion."

Grand Dowager nodded slightly.

Once Ziwei had left, Grand Dowager looked at First Madam: "This time you shouldn’t be soft-hearted; that woman can’t stay." First Madam was startled, and replied: "Second Brother hasn’t raised alarm with her yet, the person remains in the mansion, and I was indeed thinking of discussing this matter with you." After speaking, she glanced at Xiqiu: "Consider how to handle the situation; should we notify Shen Mansion?"

Xiqiu understood that Madam Shen, after all, came from the Shen family. Handling this required careful consideration for Old Madam Shen’s and the Empress’s reputation, regarding not only how to manage it but also the method used, otherwise, the matter could be misunderstood publicly, and the Shen Family might have opinions of their own.

"It’s out of your hands now," Grand Dowager frowned, saying, "I have a grasp of the situation; I’ll handle it." Not planning to divulge her plan to Xiqiu or First Madam.

It was not until the next day that Xiqiu found out Grand Dowager claimed to be unwell and decided to stay at the other estate for several days, but First Madam and Xiqiu couldn’t leave, so she could only take along the mansion’s concubines to attend to her. Madam Wang being pregnant couldn’t go, therefore Madam Shen was tasked with accompanying Grand Dowager to the estate in West Mountain.

Xiqiu expressed her concerns to Fourth Master Xiao: "Mother’s health is poor; alone in that place worries me."

"Second Brother discreetly sent people along with her; there shouldn’t be any trouble," he replied, pausing then continued: "If you’re still worried, have Nanny Cen visit, it’d ease your anxiety at home."

Xiqiu agreed and sent Nanny Cen to the estate the next day. Upon returning, Nanny Cen reported: "Grand Dowager said she’s doing fine, the mountain is peaceful and has good air, she’s quite content." Then she looked at Xiqiu: "Don’t worry, Madam. I’ve checked thoroughly; everything needed was taken, and the maids and matrons are attentive. A few days stay shouldn’t be a problem." She paused: "At this moment, the mountain temperature is very comfortable."

Xiqiu didn’t worry about Grand Dowager dealing with Madam Shen, but was concerned about her health handling the matter. Hearing Nanny Cen’s reassurance, she finally felt more at ease, nodding, "It’s almost the Mid-Autumn Festival; prepare each household’s celebration gifts according to past records and have them sent out." She paused again, "Send two to Marquis Jinxiang’s place, since Madam Le is still at the Marquis Mansion."

Nanny Cen nodded: "I’ll prepare right away and bring the list for Madam to review tomorrow." Xiqiu nodded, adding, "Have Nanny Rong visit Yangpi Lane and check what Jin Dairui might still need; the wedding is soon approaching."

"Understood, Madam. Maid Chunliu’s dowry is ready too, would you like to see the list?" Xiqiu nodded, Nanny Cen handed it over, she glanced over and nodded, "This will do; we shouldn’t surpass Chunyan, lest she holds grudges against me."

Nanny Cen laughed: "Madam is always generous to the maids; if she harbors resentment, she deserves to be taught a lesson!" Xiqiu laughed lightly too, then thought of Mr. Ji: "Though his schedule is open until year’s end, he’s been visiting friends daily, but he still resides in the mansion, so our Mid-Autumn gift shouldn’t be lacking; remember our stipends."

"His autumn clothes were sent earlier; Mr. Ji expressed thanks for Madam’s kindness," Nanny Cen reported with a smile.

Xiqiu nodded, said nothing more, and Nanny Cen exited the room.

In the afternoon, Min returned, sharing with Xiqiu about events at Wenhua Hall: "The professor talked about economics today and mentioned the fishery tax..." Min spoke excitedly, and seeing his bright expression, Xiqiu smiled: "Who lectured today?"

"Mr. Dai," Min replied, taking out his bag: "I’ve taken notes and copied passages as instructed by Mr. Ji; he suggested reviewing them once I’m back."

Xiqiu smiled gently: "Mr. Ji stepped out, wait until he returns before showing him."

Min acknowledged, nodding.

"Saint hasn’t visited Wenhua Hall recently?" Xiqiu inquired as she extracted snacks leftover from Min’s bag and tidied his belongings. Min responded: "He hasn’t visited, but I heard he instructed the Ministry of Rites to host a banquet at the palace this Mid-Autumn Festival for the ministers, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs is preparing."

"Oh," Xiqiu nodded slightly, "Ever since the Emperor ascended, this is the first time for such an occasion." Min nodded: "With the current stable situation, I think it’s a good idea by the Emperor."

Xiqiu raised an eyebrow, asked: "Oh? Tell me why you think it’s a good idea."

Feeling that Xiqiu seemed to be testing him, Min blushed and lowered his head: "I... I can’t fully articulate it, but since Saint ascended to the Great Zhou’s throne, our strength has gradually flourished, which is largely thanks to his wisdom, though it wasn’t without cooperation from the ministers. Historically, monarchs were distinct in rewards and punishments; during Chengzong, thirteen noble titles were revoked, which the late Emperor restored to many due to merit. Yet Saint hasn’t made gestures to stir people’s hearts. Thus, hosting a grand banquet to celebrate with ministers could be considered as a way to win hearts."

Though his analysis was not profound, Xiqiu understood his intent; throughout history, kings had events that left an impact beyond measures, but since the Emperor’s ascendance, things have been consistently mild without boiling over. Min believes a ruler should gain the people’s trust through merit and exhibit decisiveness in rewards and punishments. If lacking such traits, they must show harmony and compassion towards their subjects, winning the ministers’ hearts from a different angle—an advantageous move indeed.