Her guess was correct—in the following period, Fourth Concubine was indeed frequently brought along by the Master to socialize outside.

Nanny Wang greatly disapproved of her frivolous conduct, often complaining to Lichun that Fourth Concubine acted so unreliably that the Grand Madam’s reputation inevitably suffered along with her.

No one thought of Third Miss’s marriage prospects. Second Madam and Fourth Concubine had never been close and had no dealings—during this period, it was only when Second Madam sent some seasonal fresh fruits to the Yang household that Fourth Concubine also had someone send back some viburnum flowers.

Seventh Miss observed all this without revealing her thoughts.

Everyone was quite peaceful this month without any incidents. Third Miss seemed to have forgotten her quarrel with Seventh Miss—when they met, she was still warm and affectionate, full of “Seventh Younger Sister” this and that.

Soon it was May. From the Dragon Boat Festival onward, every morning after rising, Bailu would bring realgar wine to paint the character for “king” on Seventh Miss’s forehead. Recently whenever Lixia had free time, she twisted longevity threads—not only making exquisitely colored five-color cords to hang on Seventh Miss’s arms, but also suspending them at the head and sides of the bed to bless Seventh Miss with a hundred years of life. Nanny Wang and Lichun had discussed it—starting from the Dragon Boat Festival, they fumigated with mugwort and wormwood every day, making both inside and outside smell of mugwort’s intense yet refreshing fragrance.

Sixth Miss sent two sachets to the west side courtyard, one for Ninth Young Master and one for Seventh Miss. “I painstakingly made just these two—please don’t disdain them!”

Ninth Young Master and Seventh Miss had just finished eating. The two sat chatting in the main hall about matters at Ninth Young Master’s school. Seeing Sixth Miss arrive, they both stood up to greet her. Hearing her say this, they both said, “Thank you for Sixth Sister’s kind thoughts.”

The sachets Sixth Miss sent were indeed exquisite, containing peace talismans, auspicious coins, and realgar powder. The one for Ninth Young Master was embroidered with a monkey climbing a tree, while Seventh Miss’s showed a tiger dozing—both were cute and amusing patterns with fine embroidery, lifelike and vivid. Both loved them and kept turning them over to examine them.

Ninth Young Master discussed with Seventh Miss: “What gift should we give back to Sixth Sister? Sixth Sister’s hands are so skillful—I don’t know what would be appropriate to send.”

Seventh Miss, seeing how thoughtful he was, felt somewhat emotional. Disregarding Lichun watching from the side, she patted his head and said with a smile, “Anything is fine—it’s just for good luck.”

Ninth Young Master became very angry, holding his head and crying out, “Don’t pat my head! I’m not a child anymore!”

Lichun and Bailu laughed until they doubled over. Even Lixia in the east inner room and Xiaoxue in the west inner room laughed.

While laughing, Seventh Miss agreed, “Yes, not a child anymore. Ninth Young Master is an adult now.”

“Exactly.” Ninth Young Master puffed out his chest, very pleased. “I’m a man now. From now on, it’s my turn to pat your heads.”

Seventh Miss was smiling and about to say more when she saw Shuangjiang enter the west side courtyard.

Everyone’s laughter subsided.

Why was Fourth Concubine sending someone to the west side courtyard at this time? It was midday, and Nanny Wang wasn’t in the west side courtyard either.

Lichun descended the steps and walked to Shuangjiang’s side to inquire in a low voice.

Shuangjiang said a few words quietly to Lichun. Lichun looked back at Seventh Miss in surprise.

Seventh Miss frowned.

Unexpectedly, she recalled the scene of her unexpected encounter with Shuangjiang at Juba Immortals Hall.

Ninth Young Master looked at Seventh Miss somewhat uneasily with an inquiring glance.

His eyes, beyond being lively and spirited, always carried some melancholy—dark and lustrous like two small gemstones, bright and mysterious, making it impossible to guess his thoughts.

Yet Seventh Miss discerned the concern contained within.

Her heart warmed as she smiled and shook her head at Ninth Young Master, signaling him not to worry.

Lichun entered the room and whispered in Seventh Miss’s ear, “Mrs. Feng has come and is waiting outside the side gate…”

Ninth Concubine’s maiden family surname was Feng.

Ninth Concubine’s parents and younger brother had all died several years ago. The family circumstances had never been good to begin with—otherwise Ninth Concubine wouldn’t have had to work as an embroiderer to supplement the household income.

Now still living was Ninth Concubine’s sister-in-law, with a pair of children, who ordinarily relied on embroidery to earn their meals. Previously, they’d never approached the Yang household, until two or three years after Ninth Young Master was born when Mrs. Feng’s eyes became bad and she could no longer embroider. Only then was she forced to shamefully appear at the Yang household gate.

At that time Ninth Concubine was still in the Northwest. The Grand Madam hadn’t actually shorted them—every year in the twelfth month when they came calling, she’d always give ten or twenty taels of silver along with some medium-quality fabric to send them away. Last year in the twelfth month, Lixia had learned that the Grand Madam had additionally given a pair of gold bracelets.

A concubine’s family members didn’t count as the Yang manor’s proper relatives. Each time Mrs. Feng came calling, she had to seek someone at the back gate to report to the main courtyard. Sometimes when the Grand Madam was too lazy to see her, she’d have someone send things out and give them at the main gate without even offering tea.

However, now the Grand Madam wasn’t home. Managing the concubines was Fourth Concubine’s responsibility, so the servants at the second gate reported to Fourth Concubine—that was natural and proper, nothing to doubt. That Fourth Concubine sent Shuangjiang to inform Seventh Miss was also appropriate—when the Feng family came, they should at least tell Seventh Miss.

Why come calling again just at the Dragon Boat Festival? Could something have happened at home?

Seventh Miss couldn’t sit still. She looked at the curious-faced Ninth Young Master and gave him a meaningful look.

Ninth Young Master stood up yawning and entered the west inner room.

Only then did Seventh Miss have Shuangjiang come up the steps and cross the threshold, asking in a low voice, “Did they say what the matter was?”

A trace of disdain flashed in Shuangjiang’s eyes.

Though Fourth Concubine served as a concubine, her maiden family was fairly wealthy. Over these years the Master had also frequently visited them. Each time they came calling, it was in the capacity of the Master’s maternal family home, entering through the main gate and sitting in guest seats.

How could they be like the Feng family, skulking about and seeking someone at the back gate to report?

“Nothing in particular,” she answered quite reservedly.

Seventh Miss’s face reddened: nothing in particular meant they’d come to ask for money.

She’d never met Mrs. Feng. Ninth Concubine also hadn’t seen relatives in many years. Last year it had been Lixia who secretly went to the back gate to see Mrs. Feng once, bringing a few words of greeting for Ninth Concubine.

Now Nanny Wang happened to be away. There was nothing for it—she’d have to use her own private funds. Seventh Miss felt somewhat dejected, though it wasn’t about caring for this bit of money: when Nanny Wang found out and reported to the Grand Madam, the Grand Madam would think her heart leaned toward Ninth Concubine’s maiden family and she wasn’t close to herself. She’d only just arrived at the main courtyard—how could she withstand such turmoil?

“Fourth Concubine asks if Seventh Miss wants to see Mrs. Feng?” Shuangjiang’s tone was thick with disapproval.

Seventh Miss bit her lip and looked inquiringly at Lichun.

Lichun had something to ask of her—over this small matter, she wouldn’t obstruct.

“I’ll accompany Seventh Miss,” Lichun said with a smile. “When Nanny Wang and Madam ask later, we’ll have an explanation.”

Seventh Miss looked gratefully at Lichun, called Lixia to her side and gave some instructions, then entered the room to change into a bright outfit suitable for receiving guests.

“Why bother?” Walking ahead on the covered corridor, Shuangjiang curled her lip and remarked to Lichun, though her voice was loud enough for Seventh Miss to hear. “Just looking at Mrs. Feng’s clothes, even our third-rank maids going out could outshine her!”

Seventh Miss felt that truly, people from different families didn’t enter the same household—how similar were Shuangjiang’s words to what Third Miss had said?

Fourth Concubine was still quite attentive. Though she didn’t appear personally, she still led Mrs. Feng to Yurong Courtyard inside the side gate, which was used for receiving guests.

Yurong Courtyard had three sections and was quite spacious. Year-round someone maintained it for contingencies. Now it was peony and herbaceous peony season—a cluster of herbaceous peonies in the courtyard bloomed brilliantly.

Standing in the courtyard was a mother and son, both wearing blue cloth garments. Fortunately there were no patches. Mrs. Feng’s hair was graying, her eyes slightly squinted, with deep crow’s feet around them. The youth standing beside her appeared to be about twelve or thirteen.

This youth bore some resemblance to Ninth Young Master but was far more beautiful.

Though dressed shabbily, his skin was as white as the finest mutton-fat jade.

Hearing someone approach, the youth turned slightly.

Seventh Miss met his eyes and couldn’t help but freeze.

Those eyes were jet black and bright, brilliant as stars. Set in that jade-like face, they were indescribably beautiful.

Seventh Miss had never known a person could be this beautiful.

This youth merely stood there casually—despite coarse clothing and a constrained expression, he already outshone the alluringly gorgeous herbaceous peonies into the mud.

All the maids’ faces simultaneously flushed slightly.

Seventh Miss stopped at Yurong Courtyard’s entrance and gave Bailu a meaningful smile.

Bailu went forward to pull Shuangjiang along, beginning to praise her clothes, compliments pouring out like rapid-fire pearls.

Lichun smiled knowingly and also stopped at the entrance, singing in harmony with Bailu to praise Shuangjiang.

Seventh Miss entered Yurong Courtyard with Lixia.

Mrs. Feng knew it was Ninth Concubine’s daughter who’d come—she recognized Lixia.

She was about to curtsy.

Seventh Miss rushed forward several steps to support her, speaking softly yet urgently: “Please don’t do that.”

She looked back at Shuangjiang and Lichun. “Let’s talk under the corridor!”

With the Grand Madam away, they could enter the manor, but ultimately they weren’t proper guests. No one served tea or water. Yurong Courtyard was empty with no other maids—perfect for talking.

Mrs. Feng opened her hazy eyes and looked Seventh Miss up and down, up and down several times before wiping tears. “Very much like Ninth Concubine!”

Seventh Miss and Ninth Young Master actually resembled neither parent.

Seventh Miss smiled with pursed lips and curtsied to Mrs. Feng. “I’ve met you.”

Speaking of it, she was an aunt by marriage, yet couldn’t call her aunt. She wasn’t a proper guest nor a household servant—better to vaguely pass over the form of address.

Mrs. Feng hurriedly returned the courtesy. Though dressed shabbily, her manner was measured—one could see she’d received strict upbringing.

“My son, Feng Jin.” She wiped her tears in introduction.

Seventh Miss glanced at him. Feng Jin’s expression was somewhat constrained, yet it didn’t diminish his beauty at all.

“Elder Brother Feng.” She curtsied. Feng Jin returned it, his lips pressed together like spring’s newly fallen peach blossom petals. He didn’t speak, only gazed quietly at Seventh Miss.

His eyes revealed a dim pain, making his beauty like the deep drooping night sky, carrying faint oppression.

“During the major festival, I couldn’t even send someone to inquire—that’s my fault,” Seventh Miss apologized first. “Madam is currently out and not home. The steward Nanny Wang is also away. I could only steal this moment to meet, though it’s still been neglectful.”

Mrs. Feng understood the subtle message, her face inevitably bitter, but she still maintained politeness. “If meeting is inconvenient, quickly return so you don’t fall into disfavor with Madam.”

Seventh Miss understood—Mrs. Feng was crystal clear about the Grand Madam’s taboos.

“Though I’ve only been in the main courtyard a short while, I still have some spare money on hand!” She gave Lixia a meaningful look. Lixia brought out a small box from her bosom. “Has something happened at home? Whatever I can help with, please just say.”

Give money first, then ask questions—Mrs. Feng could more easily speak, and it showed genuine concern.

Mrs. Feng’s face flushed with shame as she indicated Feng Jin should receive the brand-new camphor wood box. “It’s not really… could be called a happy occasion, I suppose.” She tugged at Feng Jin awkwardly. “This child has been doing odd jobs while studying at a private school. This year in the spring examination, somehow he actually passed to become a tongsheng.”

In Great Qin’s imperial examination system, after passing county and prefectural exams, one became a tongsheng. After passing the院试 academy exam, one could be called a xiucai and receive two taels of silver monthly, plus exemption from taxes on several acres of fields. Among neighbors, one would be considered somebody.

“Congratulations! Elder Brother Feng is this year—” Seventh Miss was very pleased. From what she’d heard household servants mention, Old Master Yang had become a tongsheng at thirteen and xiucai at fourteen, regarded as a child prodigy at the time. Feng Jin appeared to be about twelve or thirteen.

“Thirteen.” Feng Jin answered calmly and quietly.

His voice was also very pleasant—slow and serene, refreshing to the heart, like the tinkling sound of mountain spring water.

Quite similar to Ninth Young Master actually.

Judging from his tone and manner, Feng Jin had gradually relaxed.

“Wonderful news!” Seventh Miss’s spirits lifted, understanding why Mrs. Feng had come calling again.

Feng Jin probably studied while doing odd jobs, relying also on the Feng family’s other daughter’s needlework to maintain the household.

Now that he’d passed to become a tongsheng, and still so young, Mrs. Feng naturally wanted him to advance further, at least achieve xiucai status.

Then this half year’s expenses would certainly become a problem… It was helpless desperation that forced her to shamefully appear at their gate.

She pulled Mrs. Feng’s hand, supporting her as they walked a few steps deeper into the corridor, saying in a low voice: “In the box are thirty taels of silver. Take it back and, using the Yang family name, purchase a few acres of fields. A year’s yield will be enough for the whole family to eat. If there’s surplus, buy a small maid to help you with tasks.”

Without a male household head, the Feng family could easily be deceived by second-rate scoundrels and ruffians… Having money wouldn’t be spent with peace of mind.

But using the Yang family name was different. In all of Jiangnan, no one dared lose face for the Yang family.

Mrs. Feng was very grateful, thanking Seventh Miss repeatedly. “Enough, enough! The Grand Madam… gives only about ten taels a year. I’d also intended to purchase some fields, but couldn’t save the money. With these thirty taels, I can buy ten acres, hire two people, and have surplus until autumn!”

Seventh Miss smiled.

Ordinary people clutching thirty taels might only buy ten acres.

Using the Yang family name, purchasing fifteen acres of excellent fields shouldn’t be difficult.

Though she hadn’t traveled outside, through immersion in Yang Family Village, Seventh Miss understood quite a bit about outside society.

She thought for a moment, then tactfully added: “If by chance it’s not enough… go to the servants’ compound in back and find Lixia’s mother, Mrs. Li. Have her relay a message to me… Don’t come calling in person again, especially bringing Elder Brother Feng! After all, he’s a tongsheng now—we can’t let him suffer such indignity.”

Though she’d never met Mrs. Feng, Ninth Concubine was her mother, so Mrs. Feng was her aunt by marriage. Half-blind yet having to come calling to meekly beg and request silver—her heart felt bad too.

Mrs. Feng was very grateful for Seventh Miss’s first statement, but disagreed with the latter. “Can’t spoil him. Must let him know the bitterness of begging from others so he’ll learn to treasure money… Sons must be raised strictly.”

Both were only sons—Ninth Young Master honored like gold and jade, dressed in brocade and fed delicacies, while Feng Jin had to accompany his mother to beg for handouts. Seventh Miss glanced at Feng Jin and sighed without saying more. She removed the longevity thread from her arm and placed it in Mrs. Feng’s hand. “Tie this for yourself… Before Ninth Concubine died, she still thought of you. If Elder Brother Feng truly passes to become xiucai and establishes a household, she can rest easy underground.”

Mrs. Feng wiped tears again. “Little sister-in-law’s life was bitter, so bitter.”

Seventh Miss had embroidery class that afternoon and couldn’t stay long. While talking with Mrs. Feng, she led her back to Feng Jin’s side.

“Wishing Elder Brother Feng success in his examinations,” she said with a smile.

Feng Jin’s eyes were very much like Ninth Young Master’s—both were gleaming black gemstones, mysterious and flickering, rippling and enchanting.

Only Seventh Miss could read Ninth Young Master’s emotions but couldn’t penetrate Feng Jin’s thoughts.

Feng Jin nodded to Seventh Miss, then bowed deeply.

Though he’d only said a few words, he wasn’t impolite at all.

Perhaps someone born as beautiful as Feng Jin could do anything without seeming improper.

“Seventh Miss.” Lichun called from the entrance with a smile. “It’s time for class.”

Nanny Wang would soon return to the west side courtyard too.

Seventh Miss felt somewhat flustered—in the short term, she didn’t want Nanny Wang to know about this.

“Take care of yourself!” She hastily instructed Lixia: “Properly see Mrs. Feng and Young Master Feng out, then go visit your home. I’m giving you half a day off.” Lixia had experienced too little after all—before Nanny Wang, she’d easily give things away. “I’ll return now, lest I be late and again…”

In front of Mrs. Feng, she didn’t want to say too much about Yang manor affairs, so she stopped herself, smiled at Mrs. Feng, and walked out of Yurong Courtyard.

Shuangjiang, Lichun, and Bailu clustered around her as they walked back together.

Seventh Miss had walked quite far when she looked back—Feng Jin was also just looking back at her.

Their gazes met. In that instant, Seventh Miss’s eyes seemed almost pained by Feng Jin’s extraordinary beauty.