I can't figure out what happened between the Second Madam and Xiao Yanyi, and where the Second Madam went.
Xiqiu returned to her room, various maids came to report; she was busy with the mansion's affairs all morning, then went to the backyard to check on the newly sprouted Panax notoginseng, and watered them with Chunliu and Bihuai. At noon, Min, Xing, and Sheng returned, and they had lunch together. It wasn't until afternoon that the Grand Dowager leisurely returned from the palace.
Fourth Master Xiao and Xiao Yanyi returned from the palace together.
Ziwei invited Xiqiu and the First Madam to the Grand Dowager's room. When she entered, the First Madam, Xiao Yanyi, and Fourth Master Xiao were already inside. The Grand Dowager had changed into casual robes. Everyone's expressions were somber, and Xiqiu went in to salute the Grand Dowager. The Grand Dowager pointed to a chair beside her and said, "You sit down and listen as well."
