Xiqiu seemed to understand something, and turned to look at the Lady. Sure enough, she was glaring at her with an angry face. Although she didn't speak, her hand outside the quilt was clenched into a fist, obviously quite angry!
Xiqiu was naturally not happy to come again, so she knelt down and saluted the Lady before withdrawing. Her curiosity about the contents of Fourth Master Xiao's letter grew more intense. It was not until near the New Year that she heard Tong Xiyan mention that Fourth Master Xiao's letter to the Lady was earnest, with tactful wording, thanking the Lady for taking care of Xiqiu. He promised to visit and give his proper thanks upon returning to Beijing from Liaodong.
He also mentioned that the Emperor held Tong Shenzhi in high esteem and asked the Lady whether Tong Shenzhi wished to stay in the Hanlin Academy, be posted elsewhere for training, or join the Six Ministries!
