Doted By The Regent King

Chapter 1672 - 1610: Annoyed

Madam Zhou let Qiu Xiang and the others assist her in changing into a plain and simple dress, and her pearl and jade jewelry was replaced with simple yet exquisite silver ornaments, which made her appear more elegant.

Even though her feelings for Zhou Xuennian had gradually faded over the years, with death extinguishing all lights, now that he had died, recalling that person’s face and past memories inevitably brought sadness.

Tears, drop by drop, fell into the warm tea.

He was her elder brother after all!

"Madam, please restrain your grief; you are still carrying a child," Qiu Xiang said, feeling her heart racing, with a sense of unease creeping in.

Madam was already showing signs of premature labor; if she became too sorrowful now, who knew what impact it might have?

Madam Zhou wiped her tears and said, "I merely spoke casually of it back in the day; who would have thought it would actually happen..." She sighed.

"Madam, Sister Zi Yu has arrived," Li Guo lifted the curtain, and Purple Jade stepped in.

Purple Jade curtseyed.

"No need for ceremony. How are they doing?" Madam Zhou asked.

Purple Jade replied, "Found some plain dresses for them to change into first. Nanny Cheng has also ordered the joyful decorations in the mansion to be taken down."

Regardless of the strained relationship, publicly, Zhou Xuennian was Madam Zhou’s elder brother and the young lady’s uncle. You might not feel close, but out of filial duty and etiquette when someone dies, you have to change into something plain to avoid criticism.

Both Purple Jade and Nanny Cheng agreed that even if one finds these rules disdainful, following them is harmless. It’s unnecessary to become adversaries with moralists; sometimes, superficial gestures can influence many things.

Thus, even the servants changed out of their exuberant red and purple festive attire, opting instead for something more subdued, considering he was their uncle and the mansion housed a pregnant woman.

Madam Zhou listened to Purple Jade’s explanation satisfactorily and said, "Pay attention to their meals; tell the kitchen not to send them meat."

"Madam, rest assured, it’s already been instructed," Purple Jade responded calmly. "I came to ask Madam whether we should arrange for Eldest Sister-in-law Zhou and the others to return home for the funeral immediately?"

Madam Zhou said, "Of course, they are close relatives and must return to attend the funeral."

Just as Purple Jade was about to respond, a maid reported the arrival of Miss Zhou and the others, prompting her to step aside.

"Mei Niang, your elder brother died unjustly; you must stand up for him! And also find Dajun!" Madam Lu cried out as she entered.

Madam Lu and Zhou Xiuer entered, both wearing light blue garments, with a white flower on their heads.

Looking at their attire, Purple Jade felt an intense discomfort and a strong urge to send them away immediately.

Their attire was simply unsuitable, being inappropriate for this mansion.

Madam Zhou inexplicably felt a sense of unease and nervousness, instinctively touching her prominent belly, and asked, "Regarding my elder brother, Purple Jade has explained clearly that it was a misfortune caused by a fight with fellow prisoners..."

"Such words, who believes them? Do you? I certainly do not!" Madam Lu abruptly interrupted. "How did your elder brother end up there? You know, don’t you? How could he be beaten to death—I’m certain it was Ma Datou’s cruel scheme; he bought thugs to have your elder brother killed. And Dajun, who knows whether he’s alive or dead now—oh, I’m so unfortunate, I’ve lost my husband and now my son too..."