Xiqiu followed Fourth Master Xiao half a step behind, and the three of them were led by the eunuch back to the Xuanning Marquis Mansion located at the South Arch.
Xiao Yanyi's carriage took a different path halfway, while Fourth Master Xiao and Xiqiu went to the Grand Dowager's room. The Grand Dowager was wearing glasses and looking at the accounts with Nanny Wu. Seeing the two enter, she removed her glasses and pointed to the chairs in front of her, saying: "Sit down." After Fourth Master Xiao and Xiqiu sat down, the Grand Dowager asked: "What was discussed at the palace?"
"Mentioned the Princely Heir Shen, and asked about the canal transport we discussed some days ago," replied Fourth Master Xiao.
The Grand Dowager squinted her eyes; she had just learned about it, yet the Empress Dowager already knew. She raised an eyebrow and asked: "What did you say?"
