Ninth Concubine’s funeral was handled quite grandly.

Though she wasn’t favored in life, she was after all Ninth Young Master’s birth mother. When Ninth Young Master was adopted under the Great Madam’s name, she benefited from it. Her funeral cost three hundred taels of silver.

More than ten times what Third Concubine’s funeral had cost a few years ago.

Third Concubine had merely been hastily bought a coffin so she wouldn’t be wrapped in a straw mat, but she hadn’t entered the Yang family’s private cemetery—she was simply buried at the mass grave site and that was that.

Ninth Concubine’s spirit was kept at the Yang residence for seven days before the coffin was transported to Baoji. Lixia heard the news from somewhere and told Seventh Miss that Ninth Concubine’s grave site had been decided—it would be in the small corner beside Concubine Wang from the old seventh branch, behind the Yang family ancestral hall. Though the location was remote, at least there would be a tombstone with her surname on it. In the future, when Ninth Young Master came to pay respects, he wouldn’t be unable to find his birth mother’s grave.

The Master even personally came to offer Ninth Concubine a stick of incense.

Once the Master came, the concubines naturally followed.

First Concubine and Fifth Concubine came together. Both held Seventh Miss’s hands and spoke words of regret.

“Ninth Concubine was beautiful, which is why her fate was so thin.” First Concubine was speaking with her eyes open and lying—Ninth Concubine’s looks among the Yang Manor’s concubines were only middling to poor at best.

Seventh Miss revealed a faint smile.

“Being able to bear children for the Yang family is Mother’s good fortune.” Her answer was flawless.

First Concubine looked at her with some surprise and a trace of appreciation.

After offering incense, Fifth Concubine wiped her eyes. “I never thought Ninth Concubine would go so early… Alas, when she first entered the manor to do embroidery, she was only eighteen years old.”

Ninth Concubine had originally entered the manor as an embroiderer. She had previously been engaged, but her betrothed died before they were married. After embroidering in the manor for two years, she was pulled into bed by the Master and gave birth to Seventh Miss and Ninth Young Master.

Fifth Concubine’s words were even more insidious than First Concubine’s. First Concubine only wanted to stir up Seventh Miss’s dissatisfaction with the Great Madam, but Fifth Concubine’s words subtly accused the Master of impropriety.

Seventh Miss lowered her eyes, about to say some words with needles hidden in cotton.

She thought of how at times like this, Ninth Concubine would always grip her hand. That ice-cold palm without a trace of warmth would silently warn Seventh Miss: when living under someone’s roof, one must bow one’s head.

Tears flowed from Seventh Miss’s eyes.

Both First Concubine and Fifth Concubine froze in unison.

They were both the Great Madam’s personal maids who had been elevated to concubines. Now they still often went to the main house to attend the Great Madam and spent much time with Ninth Young Master. They were quite familiar with him. When Ninth Young Master was younger, his temperament was very spoiled—if the servants below did anything slightly offensive, he would immediately start crying.

In private, First Concubine and Fifth Concubine often discussed: after all, he was Ninth Concubine’s seed—when he cried with his face full of tears and snot, it was exactly the same vulgar display as Ninth Concubine.

When Ninth Concubine was taken as a concubine, she cried all the way from home to when she got off the sedan chair, and from the sedan chair into the bridal chamber.

She cried with snot and tears everywhere. The Master was so disgusted that he slept in Third Concubine’s room that very night and didn’t even touch Ninth Concubine.

This joke had been passed around privately for many years.

But Seventh Miss didn’t cry like that.

Two lines of tears quietly slid down her cheeks. Her shoulders trembled, like forsythia flowers beaten by rain—frail and delicate, yet so refined.

First Concubine smiled. “Good child, don’t cry anymore. Be careful not to cry until your eyes swell—that wouldn’t look good.”

Seventh Miss took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped away the tears on her face. Her fair little fingers curved at the edge of the plain handkerchief—her hand looked like a newly bloomed white magnolia flower.

Seventh Miss’s demeanor was elegant, no less than Second Miss.

First Concubine narrowed her eyes slightly and smiled even more warmly.

“Though Ninth Concubine left early, she has you two children,” she pressed Seventh Miss’s shoulder, “grow up well, and your mother’s spirit in heaven can rest easy.”

Though First Concubine and Fifth Concubine had some standing, they had never had children. In the rear courtyard they were like rootless duckweed, able only to make a living by depending on the Great Madam. First Concubine’s words had a bit of self-deprecating meaning, though very deeply buried.

Everyone in the courtyard said First Concubine was actually a kindhearted person.

Seventh Miss realized that earning First Concubine’s kindness also had conditions.

“Thank you, First Concubine.” She said softly and curtsied to both concubines. The two concubines quickly stepped aside, not daring to accept her courtesy. “After I move to the main house, I’ll still need both concubines’ care and guidance.”

Fifth Concubine glanced at First Concubine and also put on an amiable smile.

“What care and guidance is there to speak of? If Seventh Miss has any matters, just come ask us.”

The two concubines said a few more polite words before leaving the South Side Courtyard.

It was still the first lunar month. Though the South Side Courtyard had a funeral, they only dared to take down the red and green auspicious decorations. What Seventh Miss wore was still a ginger-yellow jacket, with only a white flower pinned by her temple.

When Nanny Liang entered the courtyard, she saw Seventh Miss standing under the eaves staring blankly at the pattering winter rain.

“Seventh Miss.” She smiled before speaking, her round face full of amiability.

Seventh Miss quickly showed a smile too.

“How do you do, Nanny Liang.”

“How do you do, Seventh Miss.” Nanny Liang put away her umbrella, first washed her hands, went inside to offer a stick of incense before the memorial tablet, then came out and took Seventh Miss’s hand. “Seventh Miss has gotten thinner.”

“These past few days have been very busy.” Seventh Miss showed a trace of fatigue. “I haven’t been sleeping well at night either.”

Understanding flashed in Nanny Liang’s eyes.

Seventh Miss was still sleeping in the South Side Courtyard, separated from the mourning hall by only a curtain. She was barely seven years old… not sleeping well was quite normal.

Seventh Miss was indirectly asking when she could move to the main house. At such a young age, her words were quite tactful.

Nanny Liang smiled. “Could it be that Seventh Miss is particular about beds? If you still can’t sleep well tonight after moving to the main house, that would be troublesome.”

“I’m not particular about beds.” Seventh Miss said softly. Her voice was like spring breezes on the Jiangnan riverbanks—before one knew it, the listener’s lips would curl up. “It’s just that the weather has been unpredictably warm and cold, which is truly vexing.”

The corners of Nanny Liang’s mouth couldn’t help but be drawn up by that soft voice. “Ah, this year’s spring has come quite late.”

She asked Seventh Miss again, “Where is Seventh Miss taking her meals now?”

Nanny Liang and Nanny Wang were both favorites beside the Great Madam. Nanny Wang specialized in managing accounts, while Nanny Liang handled personnel appointments. After Ninth Concubine passed away, Seventh Miss’s three daily meals were changed to Xiaoxiangxue Kitchen. Lixia ran to Xiaoxiangxue Kitchen every day to bring food for Seventh Miss. Sometimes by the time she reached the South Side Courtyard, the dishes were completely cold.

Fortunately there was a small brazier to heat things up before eating, so it wouldn’t lead to stomach ailments.

Seventh Miss said lightly, “I go to Xiaoxiangxue Kitchen to eat now.” Not a single word of complaint.

The smile on Nanny Liang’s face grew wider.

“…She does have some depth.” She reported to the Great Madam after returning to the main house. “Left out in the cold for seven days, eating seven days of cold meals, yet acting as if she had fish and meat every day—not a single complaint.”

The Great Madam raised her eyebrows. “Oh.” What she feared wasn’t someone with depth, but that Ninth Concubine had raised an uncouth country miss, or had pampered Seventh Miss too much. Then the Great Madam would be in difficulty. “Did Fourth Concubine go?”

“First Concubine and Fifth Concubine went early this morning.” Nanny Liang smiled warmly. “The seventh and eighth branches also had maids or nannies go pay respects. But there’s been no movement from the fourth branch.” The people under Nanny Liang’s command were spread throughout the Yang household. When it came to being well-informed, even the Great Madam couldn’t match her.

The Great Madam sank into thought. What did Fourth Concubine mean by this? Before New Year’s she had been associating intensely with the ninth branch, but now that Ninth Concubine was dead, she wouldn’t even go show her face.

Playing the long game to catch big fish—Fourth Concubine might be preparing a major move.

“Madam,” Nanny Liang said again, “this old servant thinks… the timing is about right.”

Seventh Miss had already kept vigil through Ninth Concubine’s first seven days. One could see she was a girl with depth who could keep her composure, spoke and acted quite appropriately. She was qualified to enter the main house and be raised by the Great Madam. Having kept vigil through the first seven days, if she wasn’t brought to the main house now, Fourth Concubine would have grounds to complain to the Master.

The Great Madam relaxed her brow and glanced casually at the maids in the room. Lichun and Bailu sat facing each other by the bed, taking turns trying to coax Ninth Young Master out of bed.

Ninth Young Master just loved to sleep in. Taking an afternoon nap, he always slept until evening.

“Bailu,” she said. “Select a few people and move Seventh Miss’s trunks to the west side courtyard.”

Bailu crisply responded, stood up, and left the main hall. Her retreating figure was graceful and swaying, captivating even Nanny Liang’s eyes.

“Little Bailu has grown up.” She said with a smile. “She’s become a young lady.”

The Great Madam laughed and gave her a reproachful glance. “You certainly dote on her.”

Nanny Liang only smiled in accompaniment.

The Great Madam pondered for a moment and said lightly, “I think we should have her serve at Seventh Miss’s side… Pick whoever else is needed.”

In the Yang Manor, each daughter had two senior maids, four junior maids, one rough-work matron, and one managing nanny. Seventh Miss had always been in Ninth Concubine’s courtyard. She probably didn’t have many useful people around her.

When Bailu brought Seventh Miss to the west side courtyard, she only brought Lixia with her.

“Ninth Concubine’s side still needs someone to look after things.” With one light comment, Qiufeng was left behind.

Bailu became extra careful with Seventh Miss.

The west side courtyard had originally been Eldest Miss’s residence. After Eldest Miss turned ten and had her own courtyard, she moved to Baifang Garden, and this place was converted into the Great Madam’s wardrobe room. The Great Madam had several dozen trunks of clothes—the main hall couldn’t possibly hold them all.

Because the Great Madam’s order came suddenly, Seventh Miss’s trunks had to be piled outside the door first. Once the trunks inside were moved out, they could be moved in.

The peeling wooden trunks appeared conspicuously before the eyes of everyone in the main courtyard.

Even Old Lady Zhang who swept floors, the person with the least benefits in the main courtyard, couldn’t find such shabby trunks in her room.

Several parts mockery, several parts contempt appeared in people’s eyes as they looked at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss acted as if she didn’t notice and walked openly into the main hall to pay respects to the Great Madam.

Ninth Young Master was playing at painting with Fifth Miss. Second Miss had found a book and was leaning against the beauty couch reading it. The Great Madam smiled while chatting about family matters with Nanny Liang—a scene of domestic harmony that spoke for itself.

“Paying respects to Mother.” Seventh Miss curtsied.

The Great Madam looked toward her, saw the white flower by her temple, and frowned slightly. “You’ve come.”

“Yes.” Seventh Miss raised her hand to smooth her bangs and removed the white flower. “How do you do, Second Sister. How do you do, Fifth Sister.”

Second Miss’s eyes were glued to her book—she didn’t even lift them. Fifth Miss snorted. “Ninth Brother, your real sister has come.”

Ninth Young Master raised his head to glance at Seventh Miss, then lowered his head and laughed heartily at the little figure Second Sister had drawn.

By the end of the twelfth month, when Ninth Concubine’s illness had worsened terribly, Ninth Young Master came to see her once, but only looked from afar at the doorway. He immediately turned his head and cried in fear. His wet nurse quickly carried him away while soothing him all the way back to the main courtyard… Ninth Concubine hadn’t even clearly seen his face.

Seventh Miss’s eyes dimmed slightly.

The Great Madam first frowned at Fifth Miss’s words, but seeing Ninth Young Master’s coldness, she became happy again. She took a tag from the ebony wood rack and gave it to Nanny Liang.

“Have someone measure her later to make a few new outfits.” After thinking, she added, “Take a few of Fifth Sister’s outfits that have gotten too small, alter them first, and have her wear those for a few days until the new clothes arrive, then change.”

The meaning of these words was that she found Seventh Miss’s dress shabby, not like a girl raised in the main courtyard. Also, she didn’t want Seventh Miss wearing anything Ninth Concubine had given her.

Nanny Liang’s eyes quickly swept over Seventh Miss’s ears, neck, and wrists, then relaxed: Ninth Concubine hadn’t left Seventh Miss any valuable jewelry.

Then she felt somewhat heartbroken.

The jewelry on Third Miss and Fourth Miss could be exchanged for several hundred hectares of farmland, not to mention Second Miss and Fifth Miss. They were all Master Yang’s daughters, yet Seventh Miss didn’t look at all like a young lady from an official’s family. Looking at her dress, she seemed more like a little maid.

She acted like one too. What young lady would curtsy to executive matrons and servants?

She walked smiling to Seventh Miss and took her hand. “Having new clothes to wear, is Seventh Miss happy?”

Seventh Miss revealed an innocent smile and said softly, “Naturally I’m happy. Thank you, Mother. Thank you, Nanny Liang.”

The Great Madam couldn’t help but smile: this Seventh Miss was quite obedient.

Keeping such a person in her room, though also unavoidable, was still better to have someone with a good temperament—more worry-free than a bad one. If she were like Third Miss, the Great Madam would rather hand her over to someone else to raise.

“From now on we’ll be together every day. There’s no need to be so polite.” She said.

Second Miss looked at her mother, then at Seventh Miss.

A flash of contempt passed through her eyes.

Fifth Miss didn’t have such composure.

“Mother!” She shouted loudly with full vigor. “I won’t give my clothes to anyone!”

The Great Madam frowned and glanced at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss lowered her head to look at her toes, showing some awkwardness, but her spine remained very straight.

Seventh Miss had been raised single-handedly by Ninth Concubine. Just after her confinement month ended, Ninth Concubine took Seventh Miss to the old home in the northwest.

In that northwestern hometown, the local customs were simple and honest. Every day Ninth Concubine saw only country folk. After arriving in Suzhou, she stayed in the South Side Courtyard every day, rarely going out. From birth until now, Seventh Miss probably hadn’t been out more than a few times.

What about Fifth Miss?

She was the Madam’s own birth daughter, personally raised. When she was only two or three years old, she was taken out to play at Lake Tai. Every winter, she stayed at Xiangxue Sea for one or two months. Not to mention that over the years whenever female family members from large households came calling, Fifth Miss had to come out to accompany the guests.

By rights, comparing these two people, Fifth Miss should be the magnanimous and composed one, while Seventh Miss should be the petty and willful one.

But now it seemed reversed. Seventh Miss was calm and collected. Though somewhat embarrassed, she didn’t appear overly timid. And Fifth Miss? Willful and domineering…

The Great Madam sighed.

“You have more clothes than you can wear. Taking a few pieces to give your sister—how does that interfere with you?” Her voice was soft, but everyone heard the sharpness within it. Even Ninth Young Master stopped his brush to look over. “Why doesn’t Fifth Miss learn from your eldest sister?”

Though Eldest Miss Yang Yi was a concubine-born daughter, her mother died at birth. Being the eldest among these children, she had been raised under the Great Madam’s care from childhood. She always acted generously and appropriately, warm and caring toward her siblings. When she married last year, Fifth Miss was extremely reluctant to part with her and cried through several handkerchiefs.

At the mention of Eldest Miss, Fifth Miss fell silent. She sat down huffily and turned her head away from the Great Madam.

Nanny Liang quickly smiled and said, “Seventh Miss, the trunks over there have probably all been moved.”

Seventh Miss curtsied to the Great Madam, nodded to her sisters, then turned and left the main house with Nanny Liang.

She didn’t even glance at Ninth Young Master with the corner of her eye.

Ninth Young Master pursed his lips, feeling bored. He buried his head and painted again, drawing circle after circle.

“Fifth Sister, shall I paint a nine-linked ring puzzle for you?” he asked. His clear voice immediately broke the silent atmosphere in the room.

Fifth Miss squeezed out a smile, looked at Ninth Young Master’s painting, touched his head, and smiled. “Good, Little Ninth really cares for his sister.”

The Great Madam also smiled. Lichun chimed in agreeably, “Ninth Young Master knows how to care for people.”

The Great Madam’s eyes were full of comfort as she looked at these three children, though her mouth spoke lightly, “The children of our Yang family should naturally be this harmonious.”

Second Miss lowered her head to drink tea, the disdain in her eyes growing deeper.