Chapter 209

Chapter 212: The New Year (Part 2)

Qiao Lianfang wore a rose-red brocade jacket with a "wan" character and cloud patterns, paired with a dark green skirt embroidered with plum blossoms, orchids, and bamboo motifs. Her jet-black hair was styled into a high chignon, adorned with a jade hairpin. Her posture remained as upright as ever, and her expression was as calm as usual, though a faint weariness lingered in her brow, as if she hadn’t slept well.

It seemed that Qiao Lianfang, like Qin Yi, had also slept restlessly!

Qiao Lianfang’s feelings for Lord Xu made it understandable that she might lose sleep upon hearing that he still remembered a concubine who had passed away more than a decade ago. But why was Qin Yi also troubled?

Was she reminiscing about the deep sisterly bond they once shared?

Or was she mourning her untimely death?

Or perhaps she was simply worried about how Xu Siyu’s arrival might affect Xu Siyu’s position?

As she pondered, a young maid entered and reported, "Madam, Lord Xu and the fifth young master are already awake!"

"Oh!" Eleven Miss quickly composed herself and instructed Amber with a smile, "Go and ask where breakfast will be set up."

Amber acknowledged and left.

Then Eleven Miss turned to Qin Yi and said, "Today is New Year’s Eve, and the fifth young master’s quarters haven’t been properly arranged yet. We’re also short-handed. I’m afraid I’ll have to trouble you, Qin Yi."

Qin Yi immediately stood up and replied, "Madam, rest assured. I’ll have my people help clean up the place right away."

Eleven Miss nodded and picked up her teacup. "Everyone may go now. Remember to come back early in the afternoon so we can all go to the elder madam’s for the New Year’s Eve dinner."

Everyone stood up and acknowledged her words.

Lady Wen, with a smile, approached Eleven Miss and said, "Madam, since I have nothing better to do, why don’t I help Qin Yi clean up the fifth young master’s quarters?"

Lady Wen also had a stewardess, a maid, two second-tier maids, and two young maids in her quarters.

"Of course!" Eleven Miss replied with a smile. "Many hands make the work easier. There will be fireworks tonight, so let’s finish this early so we can enjoy the New Year in peace!"

Lady Wen agreed with a smile and left with Qin Yi to Xu Siyu’s old residence, while Qiao Lianfang returned to her own quarters with Xiu Yuan.

Xiu Yuan brought Qiao Lianfang a cup of hot tea and said with a smile, "Miss, you can relax now. Lord Xu only went to Eleven Miss’s place as a formality."

Qiao Lianfang had only brought Xiu Yuan with her when she came, and the rest of her attendants were assigned by the Xu family. Thus, she usually only kept Xiu Yuan by her side, and there was no one else in the room.

Hearing Xiu Yuan tease her, Qiao Lianfang blushed and playfully flicked her handkerchief at Xiu Yuan. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

Xiu Yuan dodged and chuckled behind her sleeve, continuing to tease, "Miss, take care of yourself!"

Qiao Lianfang’s expression darkened at this, and her hand instinctively moved to her abdomen.

Xiu Yuan’s smile gradually faded as well. She quietly stepped closer to Qiao Lianfang and whispered, "Miss, don’t worry. This time, your dreams will surely be fulfilled."

Qiao Lianfang’s eyes reddened slightly. "I’ve taken the medicine, worn the charms... I’ve done everything possible. But my body just..." She clasped her hands together and bowed toward the west. "Merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva, if you grant my wish this time, I vow to build you a golden statue and offer incense day and night without interruption."

*

As soon as the three concubines left, Amber returned to report, "Lord Xu said breakfast will be set up in the study..."

Eleven Miss took Xu Siyu and Binju, who was carrying him, to the study.

At the door, they ran into Lv Yun, who was seeing off two maids from the fifth madam’s quarters.

The three maids curtsied to her, and Lv Yun quickly explained, "The fifth madam sent someone to deliver clothes for the fifth young master."

Fifth Lady has always been very considerate towards Xu Lingkuan.

Eleven Miss smiled and nodded at the two maids, feeling somewhat hesitant.

Could it be that she had arrived too early and they were still getting ready?

Just as she was about to ask Lv Yun, Hong Xiu lifted the curtain and came out: "My Lady, the Lord invites you in."

Eleven Miss smiled and entered the study.

Lord Xu and Xu Lingkuan were sitting on the large heated bed by the window, one on the left and one on the right. One was wearing a slightly worn but still elegant blue satin robe, and the other was dressed in a Buddha-green silk coat with white mink fur. Their expressions were calm, their brows relaxed, indicating that both were in good spirits.

Seeing Eleven Miss bring in Xu Sijie, Xu Lingkuan hurried forward respectfully to bow: "Fourth Sister-in-law!" His attitude was very respectful.

Perhaps it was because of what Lord Xu said last night...

Eleven Miss thought to herself, smiling as she returned the greeting. When she stood up, she saw Xu Sijie in Binju's arms, his bright eyes sparkling with joy as he looked at Lord Xu.

Looking again at Xu Lingkuan—he averted his gaze.

She couldn't help but sigh a little inwardly.

Perhaps this child really has no bond with Xu Lingkuan.

Thinking this, she had Xu Sijie bow politely and greet the two.

Lord Xu then inquired about Xu Sijie: "...Is everything arranged?"

"He is staying in Xu Siyu's old residence. Since it's almost the New Year, it's hard to find suitable servants. For now, he is being looked after by a few of my maids. After the Lantern Festival, we will find a few honest and reliable servants from the family to attend to him." Eleven Miss briefly explained.

Lord Xu nodded repeatedly, his unusually satisfied expression contrasting with his usual reserved demeanor.

Was he doing this for Xu Lingkuan's sake?

Thinking of what he had said to Xu Lingkuan yesterday, Eleven Miss couldn't help but wonder.

"Please take extra care with this matter," Lord Xu said to her in a polite tone. "Have the maids serve breakfast. Later, we will go to the ancestral hall to set up the offerings for the ancestral worship.

Traditionally, only men can handle the ancestral offerings; women are forbidden to touch them.

Eleven Miss smiled and responded, "Yes," then called for the maids to serve breakfast. After serving the two men, she took Xu Sijie to the elder madam's quarters.

Third Young Master, Third Lady, Fifth Lady, Xu Siqin, Xu Siyu, Xu Sijian, and Chun Ge had all arrived.

Seeing them enter, Fifth Lady immediately walked towards Xu Lingkuan: "Did Fifth Lord rest well last night?" Her eyes, however, were examining Xu Sijie in Binju's arms, her expression serious and somewhat inquisitive.

Eleven Miss couldn't help but smile wryly.

Xu Lingkuan nodded to his wife, whispered, "We'll talk later," and then stepped forward to greet everyone with a smile.

Fifth Lady hadn't looked closely yesterday, and when she wanted to later, she didn't get the chance. Now, upon closer inspection, she thought Xu Sijie resembled Lord Xu by three or four parts. Remembering what Nanny Shi had said yesterday, she felt somewhat reassured and stepped forward to greet Eleven Miss with a smile.

Eleven Miss returned the greeting, exchanged pleasantries with Third Young Master and Third Lady, and then, with Xu Sijie, followed Lord Xu and Xu Lingkuan to pay respects to the elder madam.

Lord Xu then took Third Young Master, Xu Lingkuan, and the younger generation to the ancestral hall. Third Lady had to prepare for the New Year's Eve dinner, and Eleven Miss wanted to check on the arrangements for Xu Sijie's residence. They left Fifth Lady to chat with the elder madam, and Third Lady and Eleven Miss bid farewell together, each going their separate ways.

Qin Yi's courtyard was arranged similarly to Qiao Lianfang's, but it was more spacious. Instead of flowers and plants, the center of the courtyard featured a rockery made of Taihu stones. Entering through the west-facing gate, there was a north-facing covered corridor leading directly to Xu Siyu's old residence. Xu Siyu's courtyard was even more spacious than Qin Yi's, with the main house facing south and three side rooms on each side. Between the back house and Qin Yi's main house was a green stone rain alley, forming a proper quadrangle courtyard.

Lady Wen accompanied Eleven Miss into the courtyard and pointed to the west wing: "This was originally the Gate of Good Fortune."

Meaning, if a door were opened here, one could directly access Xu Siyu's old residence without passing through Qin Yi's courtyard.

Eleven Miss remained noncommittal.

Let's wait until next spring!

By then, her own courtyard would be renovated, and this courtyard could also be renovated in passing.

Upon entering, they saw Qin Yi directing several young maids to hang curtains, while others were wiping the room dividers with cloths.

Hearing the noise, everyone paused their tasks to greet Eleven Miss.

Eleven Miss was a bit surprised to see that the room was almost fully arranged.

"Since it's almost the New Year, we just cleaned up a few days ago, so it was quite efficient," Qin Yi explained. "This afternoon, we'll bring in the cushions and bedding, so the fifth young master can move in."

Eleven Miss smiled and nodded, letting the maids continue cleaning. She, Lady Wen, and Qin Yi walked around the room, discussing where to add, remove, or place items, and before they realized it, it was already noon.

A servant from Lord Xu's household came over and said, "The Marquis and the fifth young master are having lunch in the outer courtyard, and they asked the lady not to wait."

Amber tipped the servant ten coins. Eleven Miss then smiled and said, "Since the Marquis isn't coming back, let's just grab a quick bite—we'll have a feast tonight anyway. Let's finish setting up the fifth young master's room early so we can go to the elder madam's sooner."

Lady Wen and Qin Yi smiled and agreed, had a quick bite at Eleven Miss's place, and finished tidying up the room by early afternoon. They planned to meet at the elder madam's at three in the afternoon, let Qiao Lianfang know, and then each returned to their rooms to freshen up.

Lord Xu and the others went to the ancestral hall, where the items for the ceremony had already been prepared by the officials in charge. They arranged everything according to the rites, had a quick lunch in the outer courtyard, and then returned to the ancestral hall to report to the ancestors. Lord Xu then wrote Xu Sijie's name into the family register, after which everyone dispersed.

Fifth Madam finally waited for Xu Lingkuan to return.

She served him with a smile as he changed clothes, casually saying, "What did you talk about? You talked all night. I was worried that the Marquis might scold you, or that you might be wronged... I didn't sleep well all night."

Xu Lingkuan's eyes showed a hint of guilt: "It's all my fault, making you worry!"

"Look at what you're saying, Fifth Master," Fifth Madam cooed, "It's just me overthinking things." As she spoke, she took the tea from the maid and handed it to him personally, smiling, "But I'm really curious, what did the Marquis tell you?"

Xu Lingkuan hadn't told his wife about the child because he always thought the matter had been resolved—he had paid Liu Huifang to raise the child.

He never expected it would cause so much trouble.

Especially after hearing his fourth brother's heartfelt words yesterday, he realized the magnitude of the trouble he had caused and the danger it brought to the Xu family.

When his wife asked him, he really wanted to tell her.

But remembering his promise to his fourth brother, "Forget about the child. Act as if it never happened. Even when questioning your own conscience, insist it's the fourth brother's child," he forcibly held back.

"Nothing much!" Xu Lingkuan took a deep breath, unconsciously straightening his back, "Fourth brother asked me to help him with something!"