Without Lianqiao, the Grand Dowager promoted Bilian to take Lianqiao's place.
"The Marquis is awake!" Bilian, who was petite and looked quite endearing, said, "He would like you to visit him."
The Grand Dowager stood up, her face full of joy, and nodded, "I'll go right away." She then instructed Xiqiu and Mrs. Shen, "Since he is awake, he is fine now. You can both go back and rest. You've been busy all morning."
Xiqiu and Mrs. Shen nodded in agreement.
The Grand Dowager went to Xiao Yanyi's room. In the afternoon, Xiqiu heard about Xiao Yanyi's actions. He insisted on moving to Lingbo Hall to live, did not allow the two concubines to serve him, and showed no reaction to Second Madam losing her title and being expelled from the Imperial Family. Yet, he had someone search the Second Madam's room. Xiqiu didn't know what he was looking for, but it seemed he didn't find it.
Xiao Yanyi also showed great interest in Zijuan's death, ordering a thorough investigation into the matter.
