Chapter 402

**Chapter 407: Stirrings (Part 2)**

Lady Eleven’s days were spent in a haze, her first task always eating, her second sleeping—there was no room for anything else.

The Dowager conferred with Nurse Du: “I think we’ll skip the opera this year. Instead, let’s invite a few female storytellers to perform at home. We wouldn’t want to disturb the baby.”

“That’s a fine idea, Dowager,” Nurse Du replied, though she had another concern. “But what excuse shall we give if the Fourth Lady doesn’t appear?”

“There’s nothing to fret over,” the Dowager chuckled. “We’ll only invite families we regularly associate with. If anyone asks, we’ll say Lady Eleven is unwell. Even if they wish to visit, once the storyteller begins, everyone will gather at Springview Hall. She can rest undisturbed—it won’t be an issue.”

Nurse Du smiled. “Then we’ll host the gathering on the third day of the third month. A midday meal in the flower hall, followed by storytelling, and everyone may disperse by nightfall.”

“Mm!” The Dowager nodded approvingly before returning to the subject of Lady Eleven. “I didn’t expect her pregnancy to be so difficult. Do visit her often when you can. Tell Nurse Song to prepare more sour and sweet snacks for her.” She added, “Summon Nurse Tian and Nurse Wan—they’ll need to assist her for a few days.”

Nurse Du agreed with a smile and set about making arrangements. When she returned to report, she found the Dowager directing Gejin in clearing out trunks.

“I estimate the child will arrive in autumn,” the Dowager said, pointing to several rolls of pristine Songjiang triple-weave cloth. “We’ll make two swaddling cloths from this; whatever remains can be used for nappies. It’s soft and warm.” She continued, “Still, I fear these few rolls won’t be enough. I’ve already asked Yuban to open my storeroom.”

Nurse Du was momentarily at a loss for words.

This was imperial-bestowed fabric—entire bolts of precious material, now to be cut into swaddling clothes and nappies for an unborn child…

Not wishing to dampen the Dowager’s enthusiasm, she suggested gently, “Perhaps it would be better to use it for small garments rather than swaddling cloths…”

Before she could finish, the Dowager waved her hand dismissively. “For small garments, we’ll use Huzhou’s famed silk…”

Just then, Yuban entered with four or five maids carrying various fabrics.

The Dowager beckoned Nurse Du over. “What do you think?”

Nurse Du examined the materials—dark blue dahuan cotton, Tangxi brocade, Wangdian silk, undyed painting silk… all as soft as eggshells to the touch. She fretted inwardly—what if Lady Eleven’s diagnosis was mistaken? Or if she gave birth to a daughter?

Still, she smiled and said, “You should at least keep a few bolts for yourself.”

“The imperial gifts come every year,” the Dowager laughed. “I’ll never use them all.” With that, she turned and entered the inner chamber, leaving the maids to organize the fabrics.

Nurse Du hurried after her. Lowering her voice, the Dowager said, “When Lady Eleven first arrived, I noticed that the elder madam (her stepmother) gave her dowry that was all gaudy fabrics for showy garments—not a single piece suitable for undergarments. I must provide some for her.”

Outerwear fabrics naturally had to be made into outerwear—something presentable, so when asked, one could say, “This is from my dowry.” Undergarments, no matter how fine, would never be questioned.

Since the elder madam was Eleven’s stepmother, Nurse Du held her tongue. “You’ve gathered quite a lot. Should I have them packed in trunks and sent over once there’s confirmation?”

“I’ve already instructed Yuban,” the Dowager said, settling onto the heated brick bed (kang). “We’ll also need to select a few deft-fingered and meticulous seamstresses to begin sewing the baby’s clothes. Especially cotton trousers—we’ll need several pairs.”

Nurse Du agreed with a smile, placing a bolster behind the Dowager and serving her tea. “I’ll choose the seamstresses tomorrow.”

At that moment, the Fifth Lady arrived with Xin Jieer.

The Dowager happily took Xin Jieer into her arms and asked Nurse Du to bring out some imperial plum cakes recently bestowed by the palace.

The Fifth Lady, watching the bustling maids, laughed. “What’s all this? It looks like you’re relocating the household!”

The Dowager broke off a piece of cake for Xin Jieer before replying, “Just clearing out some old things—some to be bestowed, some to be divided among the household.”

The Fifth Lady giggled, looping an arm through the Dowager’s. “How about bestowing us some tapestry-woven kesi silk for Xin Jieer’s winter cloak?”

“It’s only spring, and you’re already thinking of winter!” The Dowager bopped her lightly on the brow.

The Fifth Lady tilted her head and tittered.

Xin Jieer, nibbling on a pastry, giggled along.

A young maid came in and announced, “Madam, the Eldest Young Master and Third Young Master are back!”

“Quick, let them in, let them in!” The elder madam was overjoyed. “Weren’t they supposed to arrive in mid-March? How come they’re here by the end of February?”

The fifth wife laughed. “With smooth sailing, they arrived faster.”

No sooner had she spoken than Xu Siqin and Xu Sijian lifted the curtain and entered.

Both wore sapphire-blue robes with purple floral embroidery. Compared to when they left the capital, the seventeen-year-old Xu Siqin had grown sturdier, his demeanor more composed. The fourteen-year-old Xu Sijian had nearly caught up to his elder brother in height, though his expression remained lively and his eyes bright.

After paying their respects, Xu Sijian immediately rushed to the elder madam’s side and tugged at her sleeve. “Grandmother, how have you been? I’ve missed you so much!”

His antics sent the elder madam into peals of laughter.

“Yuge’s here in the capital too—now you two can go back to roof-climbing and mischief!”

Xu Siqin stood by, merely smiling, while Xu Sijian put on a serious face. “I’m all grown up now—I wouldn’t do that! If Second Brother wants to climb roofs, I’ll be sure to advise him against such mischief.”

The whole room burst out laughing.

Spotting the finely dressed little girl in the fifth wife’s arms, Xu Sijian realized she was fifth uncle’s beloved daughter and pointed at Xin Jieer with a grin. “This must be Second Sister, right?”

Xin Jieer, shy with strangers, had already hidden in her mother’s embrace, peeking out cautiously.

The fifth wife chuckled and urged her, “Go on, say ‘Third Brother’!”

Xin Jieer hastily murmured “Third Brother” before burying her face back into her mother’s arms.

Playfully, Xu Sijian tugged her finger and pointed at Xu Siqin. “This is Eldest Brother!”

Startled, Xin Jieer jerked her hand back and buried her head, ignoring him.

Seeing that the fifth wife didn’t force her daughter to greet him, Xu Siqin understood how doted upon this little sister was and quickly scolded his brother. “You’re not a child anymore—mind your manners in front of Grandmother!”

Xu Sijian paid no heed and simply grinned at his brother.

The fifth wife gently urged Xin Jieer to greet them. The little girl mumbled “Eldest Brother,” barely audible.

Not wanting to trouble the adults further, Xu Siqin responded with a smile.

The elder madam motioned to the stools the maids had set out. “Sit down and talk!”

The two brothers took their seats, and tea and snacks were served. The elder madam inquired about Third Young Master and his wife.

Xu Siqin gave a thorough reply. He mentioned that Third Young Master served as an upright official in Shanyang, well-loved by the people and maintaining excellent relations with his superiors. Third Young Master’s wife had opened a rice shop, which had seen both profits and losses over the years, but the work had been exhausting, so she closed it before the New Year. Old Gan had seen them safely back to the capital, using Lord Xu’s name card for safe passage, which allowed them to arrive ahead of schedule…

The elder madam nodded repeatedly and asked, “Have you seen your fourth uncle yet?”

Xu Siqin replied respectfully, “We came straight to you after stepping off the carriage and haven’t yet met Fourth Uncle.”

Properly, they should’ve greeted Lord Xu in the outer courtyard first, where he would inform them of his arrangements for them. Only then would they proceed to the inner quarters to greet their grandmother, aunts, and uncles. However, Steward Bai said Eleventh Miss had taken ill lately, and Lord Xu had been staying in the inner courtyard. They weren’t children anymore, and with Eleventh Miss’s illness being unclear, they felt it inappropriate to visit her directly and had come to the elder madam first. When questioned, Xu Siqin hedged, not wanting the elder madam to know that Lord Xu was with Eleventh Miss during the day.

In other words, they hadn’t seen him yet!

Lord Xu had already spoken with the elder madam about their return and made arrangements, but as this was a matter for the men, the elder madam couldn’t overstep. She told Madam Du, “Take the young masters to see the marquis.” To Xu Siqin and Xu Sijian, she added, “Now that you’re home, go greet your fourth uncle and aunt. Return here for dinner later.”

The brothers bowed and followed Madam Du to Eleventh Miss’s rooms.

Xu Lingyi placed Shiyi Niang on the bed, and she woke up.

"Qin Ge and Jian Ge have returned!" Xu Lingyi gently stroked Shiyi Niang's forehead and whispered, "I'll go take a look and come back right away."

Shiyi Niang sat up: "The children have traveled far; at the very least, I must see them."

Xu Lingyi hesitated.

Shiyi Niang smiled: "I'll just sit in the eastern wing room and have the children pay their respects to me there!"

After thinking for a moment, Xu Lingyi nodded. Once Shiyi Niang had put on an extra jacket, he carried her to the heated kang bed in the eastern wing room and settled her comfortably before heading to the main hall.

Amber and the other maids stepped forward to comb Shiyi Niang's hair.

Brothers Xu Siqin and Xu Sijian entered and greeted Shiyi Niang with bows.

"I've finally waited for your return!" Shiyi Niang smiled as she looked at the two brothers. "It's been several years since we last met; you've both grown into fine young men." She then turned to Xu Sijian and said, "Unfortunately, your fourth and fifth brothers are in class right now. They would be so happy if they could see you!"

Seeing Shiyi Niang leaning against a large bolster on the kang, although she wore a smile, the brothers couldn't help but notice the signs of fatigue on her face. Remembering how lively and teasing Shiyi Niang used to be, Xu Sijian, ignoring etiquette, anxiously asked, "Fourth Aunt, what's wrong with you?"

Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Shiyi Niang smiled and said, "I haven't been feeling too well these past few days." Then she quickly changed the subject, asking about the recent situation of Third Master and Third Madam.

Fearing his younger brother might say something inappropriate, Xu Siqin shot him a glare, signaling him to stay quiet, and then started chatting with Shiyi Niang instead.

Shiyi Niang couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Xu Sijian hadn't changed much, but compared to before, Xu Siqin had become more socially adept.

For some reason, she suddenly thought about how Xusi Yu had changed.

After exchanging a few more casual words, Shiyi Niang learned that they had been doing well in Shanyang and that the dowager lady had even arranged dinner for them. Smiling, she picked up her teacup—an indirect signal that it was time for them to leave.

"You can visit them again later when Zhun Ge and Jie Ge finish school."

The brothers politely stood up and took their leave.