When Seventh Miss arrived at Zhu Ying Pavilion, everyone was already there. Huang the Embroidery Mistress stood beside Third Miss, teaching her the pick stitch embroidery technique at a leisurely pace. Third Miss listened attentively and made no comment about Seventh Miss’s tardiness.

Sixth Miss, however, looked at Seventh Miss with concern, giving her an inquiring glance.

Once Seventh Miss had caught her breath, she smiled and shook her head at Sixth Miss.

Fourth Miss rarely turned around, but this time she did, giving Seventh Miss a look that mixed disdain with pity.

It seemed Fourth Concubine had not kept Madam Feng’s visit from her two daughters.

Seventh Miss threaded her needle somewhat absentmindedly and began working on her unfinished plum blossom screen, her hands moving even slower than usual.

She did not regret what happened at noon today. Living in a noble household, she often could not act as freely as she wished, but Madam Feng and Feng Jin were Ninth Concubine’s only living relatives.

If she could not even help them, what was the point of Ninth Concubine having given birth to her?

Ever since Ninth Young Master moved to the western side courtyard, her expenses had decreased considerably. As the First Madam’s precious darling, whatever he wanted to eat or use, he got—who would dare twist things around to demand rewards? This also benefited Seventh Miss. Even so, after giving those thirty taels to Madam Feng, she only had twelve taels of silver left.

It was not exactly a small amount. From what Madam Feng had said, an acre of good farmland now cost only about two taels of silver. Twelve taels could buy six acres—for an ordinary family, this was not an insignificant sum.

However, in the western side courtyard, all valuable items were catalogued with prices, easily costing dozens of taels. Her meager savings could not even cover breaking two or three teacups.

She herself had no need to spend money—food and clothing came from the household—but now that Feng Jin had passed the child student examination, Seventh Miss hoped he could attend a good private school and study properly for a year, then pass the scholar examination next year. Although becoming a provincial graduate afterward seemed rather illusory, a scholar could teach and had an official title—a lifetime of stability was within reach.

Calculating this way, thirty taels might not be enough!

After purchasing some farmland, finding a good private school would be stretching resources thin… She could not let young Miss Feng, whom she had never met, spend her days doing needlework to sell, repeating Madam Feng’s old path, could she?

Actually, if she could persuade the First Madam to intervene, a hundred taels would be nothing—just a matter of the First Madam loosening her purse strings. The clothes the First Madam wore cost one or two hundred taels, to say nothing of other things!

Although the First Madam treated her well, it was because she was useful and valuable to the First Madam.

During these months living in the main residence, Seventh Miss had gotten a fairly good read on the First Madam’s temperament.

She was a noblewoman without a particularly broad mind, but not entirely foolish either. On major matters of principle, she could see clearly and was not stingy with money. Since moving into the main courtyard, the First Madam had never really mistreated her—food, clothing, and supplies were all provided according to Fifth Miss’s allotment. After Seventh Miss had deflected Second Madam once or twice, the First Madam always gave her some face and some tangible benefits, either openly or subtly.

Rewards and punishments were fairly clear!

To make the First Madam compromise on the Feng family matter, she would need to establish a correspondingly significant achievement.

But in this deep mansion, where could she make such an achievement?

Seventh Miss could not help glancing at Third Miss, who was following Huang the Embroidery Mistress’s guidance, one hand pressing the embroidery frame while the other lifted upward, demonstrating the pick stitch technique.

She sighed and slowed her needlework.

What she needed to think about now was probably not earning merit, but atoning for her transgression!

In deep mansions, there were no secrets that could be kept. Even if Fourth Concubine wanted to sell her a favor by keeping Madam Feng’s visit quiet, the women at the second gate would still relay the matter to Nanny Wang through various channels.

Although she and Nanny Wang got along well, how could Nanny Wang not tell the First Madam?

Moreover, on the road to Yu Rong Garden, countless women and servants must have seen her. Comparing notes with each other, they would know she went to see Madam Feng. Even if she could work things out with Nanny Wang and Lichun, it would be utterly useless…

After finishing the embroidery lesson absentmindedly, Seventh Miss slowly packed up her embroidery frame while pondering how to proceed next.

When she left Zhu Ying Pavilion, though the sky was still bright, it was nearly dinner time. Seventh Miss looked around and spotted Bailu standing on the flagstone ground outside the pavilion, chatting and laughing with Jingzhe, who served Third Miss.

She narrowed her eyes. Before she could speak, Bailu approached with a smile.

“Fourth Concubine wishes to see you.” Bailu’s voice was not loud, but her manner was very meaningful.

Seventh Miss was startled.

Jingzhe also came forward to greet Seventh Miss. “Third Miss and Fourth Concubine are admiring flowers at Bai Yu Jin. Several peony plants are blooming magnificently! Would Seventh Miss like to see them?”

Seventh Miss had already regained her composure. “Yes, I should go take a look.”

Bai Yu Jin was near Xi Ke Residence where Fourth Concubine lived. To the east it connected to Ji Di Residence, to the north it led to Little Fragrant Snow, and it backed against an imposing artificial mountain. As it was peony season, the garden was filled with various potted plants—peonies and tree peonies. In the center of the flower beds stood a low, small pavilion where the Old Master would come to watch rain battering delicate flowers—a poignant sight.

Fourth Concubine sat alone in the small pavilion, gazing absently at a gorgeous smoke-purple peony.

Seventh Miss had Bailu and Jingzhe talk among the peonies while she approached Fourth Concubine quietly and deftly.

Fourth Concubine seemed not to notice her approach. She stared at the elegant and luxurious famous peony, her eyes dreamlike and hazy, misty as rain, revealing an unusual melancholy.

Fourth Concubine was indeed much more captivating than the First Madam.

“Fourth Concubine.” Seventh Miss was not overly enthusiastic, bowing to Fourth Concubine with some wariness.

Fourth Concubine came back to herself, revealing a smile, and courteously invited Seventh Miss to sit beside her.

The two sat facing each other in silence.

Fourth Concubine carefully studied Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss and Ninth Young Master looked almost identical, except that Ninth Young Master’s handsome cleverness became endearing fragility in Seventh Miss…

How did Ninth Concubine give birth to such a pair of treasures!

Only seven years old, yet with schemes rivaling adults. It was fortunate she was in the Yang household—if she had been born in another noble family and was a legitimate daughter, wouldn’t she turn everything upside down?

In the Yang household, no matter how many schemes and calculations she had, she could only make a living under the First Madam’s thumb!

Fourth Concubine refused to believe she had no grievances in her heart after all these years.

The Feng family’s predicament—she had witnessed it today. After all, Ninth Concubine had borne the Yang family’s only male heir. By any measure, she was a meritorious servant. Yet the First Madam not only oppressed her to an early death, but refused to care for her natal family…

Even someone without a temper would harbor resentment, let alone Seventh Miss, who did not appear temperless at all.

After deliberating repeatedly, she spoke. “Today’s matter, once it reaches the First Madam’s ears, will certainly bring you some inconvenience.”

Straight to the point.

Seventh Miss did not play dumb either.

“Even so, Madam Feng is Ninth Concubine’s only relative. I must show some care.” She said with a trace of guilt, “Truth be told, they are poor at managing—the Madam gives them rewards every year, but it all gets squandered away.”

Strike first to gain advantage, blocking Fourth Concubine’s excuse to criticize the Madam.

Fourth Concubine momentarily flashed a look of embarrassment.

Usually so quiet and reserved, yet at crucial moments, so formidable!

Still, she was only a seven-year-old girl—let her try to turn the world upside down!

“Third Miss is very inconsiderate!” She smiled and changed the topic. “A few days ago, she offended you. As her elder sister, she was in the wrong. Here, I apologize to you on her behalf!”

The topic changed abruptly, yet meaningfully.

If Seventh Miss had overheard the conversation between Second Madam and Fourth Concubine at Ju Ba Xian that day, she would know what Fourth Concubine was referring to.

Seventh Miss raised her head to study Fourth Concubine carefully.

Today Fourth Concubine wore something more splendid than her usual plain attire—a light red lake silk jacket over a bright blue Hangzhou silk robe. She looked considerably younger, with a hint of glamour. Though the mother of teenage children, she showed no signs of aging.

Her calm face was adorned with those misty eyes that were endlessly fascinating yet unfathomable.

She lowered her gaze to Fourth Concubine’s hands.

Slender jade fingers like spring bamboo shoots were twisting a peach-red brocade handkerchief. Though the fabric was sturdy, Fourth Concubine had wrung it terribly out of shape.

Seventh Miss felt as if she were walking through clouds and fog, each step landing on nothing solid.

She did not understand what about those few sentences overheard a month ago could be so threatening that Fourth Concubine would be this anxious… Her attire and body language both indicated that Fourth Concubine took this conversation very seriously.

“Fourth Concubine is too kind.” She showed confusion. “Actually, I live in the main courtyard and Third Elder Sister lives at Xi Ke Residence. We have little contact ordinarily.”

Fourth Concubine sighed, her face showing hesitation. She did not speak for a moment.

Seventh Miss asked tentatively and questioningly, “Your allowing Madam Feng into the manor today and sending someone to inform me—that was meant as a favor to Little Seventh. I understand that.”

Though phrased as a statement, it was also a probe. If Fourth Concubine acknowledged giving her a favor, then she could speak out her demands.

Fourth Concubine’s eyes brightened as she seized this opening. “Listen to what Seventh Miss is saying.” She covered her mouth with a charming laugh. “It was merely a convenient favor—even if the First Madam asks about it, this is Ninth Concubine’s last living relative. If Seventh Miss did not see her, once word got out, who knows how many harsh words there would be!”

Seventh Miss’s eyes lit up: Yes, this was also the best excuse. When the time came, she could have Lichun speak tactfully on her behalf, and the First Madam would likely calm down.

Moreover, the First Madam might not even mind such matters much. After all, even if Nanny Wang had been present, she would have given some silver. She had merely gone to meet them once—she had her reasons… She had been overthinking it!

As her expression brightened, Fourth Concubine lit up entirely. “Actually, I sought you out today because I have something I’d like to ask of Seventh Miss.”

Seventh Miss quietly waited for Fourth Concubine to continue.

“Third Miss is grown now, and it’s time to discuss marriage.” Fourth Concubine seemed a bit embarrassed. “As her birth mother, I cannot help but worry about it.”

Seventh Miss made a sound of acknowledgment without showing any excess emotion.

Fourth Concubine bit her teeth secretly, growing increasingly uncertain.

No one from the manor had sent messages to the capital these past days, so even if Seventh Miss had heard that conversation, she had not told anyone…

But exactly how much had she heard?!

“So when going out for social occasions, I began keeping an eye out for suitable families…” Her thoughts raced as Fourth Concubine spoke pitifully. “All from a birth mother’s devoted heart.”

Thinking of Ninth Concubine, Seventh Miss softened her expression.

Yes, in this matter, Fourth Concubine was beyond reproach. What mother did not hope her daughter would marry well?

“But the First Madam seems intent on obstructing,” Fourth Concubine lowered her head, “and I am merely a concubine who cannot speak up before the First Madam. I ask that Seventh Miss help…”

“Fourth Concubine, though I have little influence or voice,” she lowered her eyes, about to make a promise.

In that instant, she saw an irrepressible wave of fear flash through Fourth Concubine’s eyes.

Seventh Miss’s heart suddenly stirred.

What if—just what if…

What if the relationship between Second Madam and Fourth Concubine was not as she had guessed—not Fourth Concubine holding leverage over Second Madam?

What if there was an exchange of interests between them?

Second Madam’s interests in the Old Master’s manor—wouldn’t that be just one person…

Ninth Young Master!

Seventh Miss broke out in goosebumps. An icy current shot up her spine, making her shiver involuntarily and forcefully diverting the promise about to leave her lips.

“Though I have little influence or voice,” she smiled slightly, her tone somewhat unsteady, “I also know that whether for concubine-born or legitimate daughters, marriage arrangements must be handled by the Madam to be proper… A marriage arranged by a concubine will inevitably invite ridicule. At the husband’s family, there would be little face… Even if I speak for you before the First Madam, asking her to let you handle the marriage, for the Yang family’s reputation, the Madam will not agree. Moreover, I have little influence…”

The transition was not too awkward!

Upon hearing this, Fourth Concubine would not suspect she had overheard any conversation at Ju Ba Xian that day.

If Seventh Miss had not heard that conversation and did not know Second Madam was looking for matches for Fourth Concubine…

She would naturally believe Fourth Concubine’s nonsense.

Then, as a concubine-born daughter, declining this request would be quite normal. Fourth Concubine’s scheme, on the surface, was to have her speak favorably before the First Madam, asking the First Madam to step aside and let Fourth Concubine handle Third Miss’s marriage. But whether considering status or reputation, Seventh Miss could not possibly speak for Fourth Concubine.

If she had heard that conversation and knew Second Madam would take charge of Third Miss’s marriage arrangements, she might instead agree, doing a convenient favor—Second Madam would act when the First Madam had not returned to Suzhou, directly approaching the Old Master as matchmaker. Seventh Miss could agree first since she would not need to speak up anyway. Yet she could earn goodwill before Fourth Concubine, making future conversations more convenient.

If Seventh Miss were merely a somewhat scheming seven-year-old girl, how could she not reveal her hand?

Surprise showed in Fourth Concubine’s eyes, but in an instant, her eyes became misty again. Her jade fingers that had been twisting the handkerchief quietly relaxed.

Seventh Miss had heard nothing!

That trip to the washroom was probably just coincidence.

After all, just a little girl. Though having some schemes, she could not withstand a few rounds of coaxing before revealing everything… Even if she overheard a few leaked words, whether she could understand them was another matter entirely. Only seven years old—no matter how capable, how shrewd could she be? Even First Miss only became Fourth Concubine’s equal after turning thirteen!

Though she smiled, she showed some disappointment. “I was thinking that I’ve helped Seventh Miss several times, openly and covertly, and given Seventh Miss’s character, she would not refuse to help me with this… But I did not consider the bigger picture… How embarrassing before Seventh Miss. Please do not tell anyone about this matter.”

Her disappointment, shame, and subtle hint of claiming credit were all so realistic.

But Fourth Concubine’s shoulders had slumped down, and her lips held a trace of smile that revealed relaxation…

Seventh Miss felt cold inside.

For Fourth Concubine to have contended with the First Madam for years without losing ground, she truly had some ability.

“Fourth Concubine’s care for me—Little Seventh dare not forget it and will certainly not ruin your plans!” She glanced at the sky, showing some hesitation. “Dinner time is approaching, and Nanny Wang has probably returned to the western side courtyard…”

“Then I won’t keep Seventh Miss!” Fourth Concubine quickly stood up. Seventh Miss and she exchanged smiles. They left Bai Yu Jin together. Bailu and Jingzhe each helped one, one pair heading north, one pair heading south, walking in opposite directions.

Bailu carefully observed Seventh Miss’s expression but did not speak.

If Seventh Miss wanted to tell her something, she would naturally say it. If not, asking would be useless.

But as soon as Seventh Miss turned around, she revealed a pensive expression.