Nanny Wang’s scalp tingled.

Ninth Brother had been personally raised by the Great Madam from swaddling clothes.

Second Lady and Fifth Lady were his own sisters.

The Yang family had such a large estate… Without Xianxiu Workshop, given Ninth Brother’s temperament, he probably wouldn’t even bat an eyelid.

Seventh Lady was also Ninth Brother’s own sister. Knowing that the young cousin had bullied her, of course he would mention it to the Great Madam. This wasn’t any major matter…

The Great Madam was being too suspicious.

The Great Madam laughed at herself.

“I was frightened by Second Uncle!” She said with some self-consolation. “Back then, I raised him with the same kindness, and now…”

Nanny Wang sighed along with the Great Madam.

Nanny Liang entered the inner room with a smile.

“This servant saw the Sun family’s woman leaving earlier,” she said, standing before the Great Madam. “I suppose there’s news from the young master?”

“Yes, the dowry list has been submitted!” The Great Madam nodded.

Nanny Liang covered her mouth with a smile. “Then Third Lady’s scheming was all for nothing.”

Everyone looked at Nanny Liang, waiting for her to continue.

Nanny Liang explained, “Third Lady keeps running to Youhuang…”

Wasn’t it all for that dowry list?

Even if she couldn’t see the list, at least she could look at the items around Second Lady. Though most of the dowry was stored in the warehouse, the valuable gold and silver jewelry would naturally be kept close to Second Lady.

The Great Madam couldn’t help but feel angry. “She’s far too greedy. How does the fourth household teach their daughter? Not a trace of a young lady from a great household’s bearing.”

There were distinctions between legitimate and concubine-born daughters. Second Lady had made such a good match—her dowry would certainly be more substantial than Third Lady’s.

But Third Lady had to first see what good things Second Lady actually received before she could ask the Great Master for similar treatment.

Nanny Liang and Nanny Wang exchanged glances and hastened to agree.

After complaining for a while, the Great Madam found it boring and changed the subject, instructing Nanny Liang, “Go personally to Youhuang and watch them seal the dowry properly, catalog it, and move it to the small warehouse.”

“I’m afraid there’s no space left,” Nanny Liang said with difficulty.

The Great Madam couldn’t help but smile—the small warehouse was so full of items they could barely fit anymore… which meant she had abundant private savings.

No woman disliked accumulating private savings.

Her tone softened. “Squeeze things together and make arrangements! It won’t be long before it needs to be transported to the capital anyway.”

Nanny Liang agreed with a smile and turned to leave.

Nanny Wang observed this, secretly envious.

She simply couldn’t learn Nanny Liang’s skill at pleasing everyone.

While lost in thought, the Great Madam instructed her again, “Go to Xike Workshop and restrain Third Lady a bit. The Sun family will arrive soon, and with all the coming and going guests, if she loses face in front of people, it really will be impossible to arrange her marriage!”

This referred both to Third Lady going to Youhuang and to her discourtesy before the Li family.

Nanny Wang solemnly agreed and left the main courtyard.

The Great Madam then had some leisure time.

She carefully examined her hands.

These were a pair of fair and delicate hands. Though their owner was already over forty, the backs remained smooth and flat, showing no signs of aging.

Thinking again of Fourth Aunt’s slender jade fingers… she couldn’t help but smile coldly.

Seventh Lady was right—let her be smug for a few more days. Her current smugness would eventually transform into unspeakable bitterness in the future…

Sending Nanny Wang to Xike Workshop to play the villain wasn’t really to restrain Third Lady’s behavior, but merely to play the act to perfection.

The Great Madam smiled faintly, then felt somewhat reluctant.

After Second Lady married, the household would probably become quite lonely.

Fifth Lady couldn’t be relied upon—naturally stubborn and eccentric… In matters of the inner household, she was still a student who couldn’t serve as the Great Madam’s advisor.

Lichun entered quietly, carrying a fruit plate.

“Send someone to Yuhang to inquire after First Lady’s health,” the Great Madam instructed casually. “The peace talisman I requested at the Bronze Guanyin Temple last time should also be sent over!”

With Second Lady’s wedding imminent, the Great Madam still thought of First Lady. Clearly, she truly loved this concubine-born daughter.

Lichun lowered her eyes, gracefully turned, and left the room again.

The Great Madam watched her retreating figure.

Lichun wore a light red jacket with water-green silk trousers beneath a pale green skirt… As she moved, her waist and hips swayed—slender and graceful.

What a lovely creature!

The Great Madam suddenly recalled Seventh Lady’s words.

Her gaze gradually deepened.

Occupying the position of mistress, managing people was also a learned skill. Nanny Liang, Nanny Wang, Nanny Yao, Sister-in-law Cao… Sixth Lady, Seventh Lady, and the maids under her command—all needed to be placed in appropriate positions to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Lichun was the same.

How best to use her?

Nanny Liang entered the room again with a smile. “Everything has been arranged. We’re just waiting to load it onto the boats.”

The Great Madam hummed absent-mindedly.

“Do you think… Second Master’s household should have a few people added?” she asked casually.

Nanny Liang froze instantly.

#

A few days later, the young ladies didn’t even attend their morning lessons.

Though the wedding would be held in the capital, it was still a Yang family celebration. Throughout Jiangnan, families of note whose mistresses could visit in person all came. Those who couldn’t come sent steward women with gifts. The Great Madam naturally had to entertain them, accept the gifts, and then invite several concubine-born daughters out to meet people.

Such opportunities to show their faces naturally didn’t include the two young ladies from Xike Workshop. Fifth Lady, Sixth Lady, and Seventh Lady suffered for it. Sixth Lady simply stationed herself in the west side courtyard, and whenever visitors came, she would go out with Seventh Lady to meet the guests.

“Like singing girls selling smiles,” she complained quietly to Seventh Lady in private. “At one command, we must plaster on smiles and go entertain.”

Seventh Lady laughed heartily. “If you don’t want to go, trade places with Third Sister or Fourth Sister!”

“Third Sister is someone who will be betrothed—why would she need to come out and entertain?” Sixth Lady said dismissively. “And with Fourth Sister’s wooden temperament, even if I wanted to trade, the madam wouldn’t allow it.”

Fourth Lady was indeed somewhat lacking in social interactions.

Sixth Lady then asked Seventh Lady, “I haven’t had a chance to ask you—at Guangfu, did you have some disagreement with the Xu family’s young master?”

Seventh Lady felt slightly surprised.

This matter seemed like everyone knew about it.

“Why?” she asked calmly.

Sixth Lady didn’t suspect anything. “These past few times the young master has encountered you, hasn’t he glared at you viciously? As if he wanted to tear you apart. I’ve thought and thought, and only remember that at Guangfu, you seemed to talk with him briefly!”

Seventh Lady couldn’t help but smile. “Who knows what the young master is thinking? Perhaps he’s uncomfortable that he’s never managed to successfully bully me.”

Sixth Lady didn’t pursue it further, only said with some melancholy, “I don’t know when Madam Xu will depart. With the young master here, I don’t even dare swing on the swings.”

For Sixth Lady, this was the greatest worry.

Seventh Lady’s eyes curved with laughter.

Every time she talked with Sixth Lady, her mood improved.

“He mostly stays in Fifth Sister’s courtyard now and rarely goes to the garden,” she consoled Sixth Lady.

Sixth Lady pressed her lips together, showing a hint of a smile. “Cousin and Fifth Sister are quite close!”

Xu Fengji and Fifth Lady did indeed have a good relationship.

Without Madam Xu around and with few recent classes, Fifth Lady spent all day running to Yurong Court to play with Xu Fengji. Even Ninth Brother was greatly neglected.

Xu Fengji also frequently visited the east side courtyard to talk with Fifth Lady.

The two appeared somewhat like childhood sweethearts.

“They’re close in age and are blood-related cousins,” Seventh Lady said tactfully. “Being close to each other is nothing unusual.”

Sixth Lady just smiled and wouldn’t continue.

Though young, some words couldn’t be spoken casually.

Madam Xu’s exceptional fondness for Fifth Lady… the special rapport between Xu Fengji and Fifth Lady, the Great Madam’s regard for Xu Fengji—all could be interpreted in many ways.

However, until such matters were settled, even if one noticed the signs, it was best to play deaf and dumb, or else more trouble would arise.

Both Sixth Lady and Seventh Lady understood this principle.

While chatting idly, someone from the main courtyard came again to request they go to the hall to meet Madam Wang and Madam Zhang who had come to pay respects.

The Wang family had operated in Jiangnan for many years, so naturally they had clan members living in Suzhou. This Madam Wang’s husband ranked seventeenth and belonged to the sixth branch of the Wang family, which had never been particularly close to the third branch where Provincial Administration Commissioner Wang Guangmian belonged. Seventeenth Master had never taken office, relying only on the several hundred qing of fields, some businesses, and the Wang family name inherited from his ancestors. He spent his days in refined pursuits of poetry and literature, gaining some literary fame in Jiangnan. He had a close friendship with the great Jiangnan scholar Zhang Weiting. The two families frequently visited each other, practically like one family. Even when calling, they came together.

Though Zhang Weiting held no official rank, he was a renowned Jiangnan talent whose birth was noble. Even the Great Master dared not slight him. Therefore, though these two madams held no official titles, the Great Madam still wore a smile and personally summoned Fifth Lady, Sixth Lady, and Seventh Lady to pay respects to their elders and sit with them in conversation.

Madam Wang picked up the earlier topic. “Since entering the ninth month, Guangzhou has been completely out of stock. Now in Jiangnan, only Guangxi still produces some, but none of it is quality goods.”

The Great Madam and Madam Zhang both listened attentively.

“Hepu produces tens of thousands of taels’ worth every year, but this year I only heard that the Pearl King Niu family produced three hundred taels and then nothing more,” Madam Zhang said. “Thinking of Madam Yang’s character, Second Lady’s dowry must have pearls prepared long ago. I only mention it casually.”

The Great Madam nodded with a smile. “I did pay attention several years ago. Now Hepu pearls increase in price every year—buying early is better than buying late.”

“Madam Yang is shrewd.” Madam Wang pondered again. “I wonder if the Duchess of Pingguo lacks South Sea pearls…”

“Third Sister just departed from Guangfu this morning to return home,” the Great Madam smiled. “She should arrive around now. We’ll naturally meet and talk then. Madam Wang might as well ask her yourself.”

Madam Wang felt somewhat awkward and didn’t respond to the Great Madam’s words. Instead, she smiled and examined Seventh Lady. “This child does resemble Madam Yang’s Fourth Young Master somewhat.”

Ninth Brother actually ranked fourth. Unfamiliar families all addressed him as Fourth Young Master. Only close elders like Madam Li called him Ninth Brother.

Madam Wang didn’t know Seventh Lady was Ninth Brother’s twin sister, hence this remark.

The Great Madam was slightly uncomfortable but still smiled. “This is Ninth Brother’s twin sister. For the past several years, she stayed with her birth mother who was ill. Only this year did she come to the main courtyard to be raised.”

Externally, the Great Madam had always used this explanation.

Madam Wang then praised the Great Madam, “Truly a compassionate mother.” She smiled and asked Sixth Lady, “How old are you this year?”

Fifth Lady’s face showed slight displeasure.

Madam Zhang noticed and praised Fifth Lady instead, “You’ve grown even more radiant and beautiful.”

The atmosphere became harmonious. The Great Madam shared observations from the capital with the two madams, then asked Madam Zhang, “How much land did you acquire this year?”

Madam Zhang smiled and covered her mouth. “You flatter me. My husband, once he’s had some wine, is capable of anything. When he has spare money, he must purchase land and hide the deeds before he can rest easy.” She continued, “We only acquired forty or fifty more qing. Nowadays Jiangsu land is expensive, but Fujian offers good profits.”

When mistresses discussed household matters, they naturally had much to say, but the young ladies could hardly pay attention. Fifth Lady sat bored and restless. The Great Madam noticed and said kindly with a smile, “You may all withdraw!”

Madam Wang also asked the Great Madam, “If Fourth Young Master has time, please have him come out to meet us. Last time I wanted to see him, but he happened to be ill. It’s been a year since I’ve seen him. And Third Young Lady… I hear she’s grown even more outstanding!”

“He’s playing in the garden. I’ll send someone to summon him,” the Great Madam said, as if she hadn’t heard Madam Wang’s latter sentence. “There’s also the Xu family’s young master at home. Shall I invite him out to meet you?”

Madam Wang and Madam Zhang exchanged glances. Madam Wang was about to speak when Fifth Lady, having grown impatient, rose first to bow to the two madams.

Sixth Lady and Seventh Lady had no choice but to also rise and leave the main hall.

Sixth Lady asked Fifth Lady, “Sister, where are you going?”

“Cousin was sitting idle and bored, so he came to my room to play shuanglu. We’re only halfway through a game!” Fifth Lady was quite good at shuanglu and invited Sixth Lady, “Will you play too?”

Sixth Lady rolled her eyes and said, “I’m not very good at it, and I’m feeling tired. I think I’ll return to Little Fragrant Snow to sleep for a while.”

Fifth Lady didn’t mind and entered the east side courtyard first. Only then did Sixth Lady pull Seventh Lady excitedly. “Come on, let’s go swing on the swings at Little Fragrant Snow!”

Her spirits were high and her eyes bright—where was any trace of fatigue?

Seventh Lady couldn’t help but smile. Thinking she hadn’t been to Baifang Garden in many days, she nodded with a smile. “Quietly now, don’t let Fifth Sister see, or she’ll blame you for making excuses.”

Sixth Lady rolled her eyes dismissively but said nothing more.

Living in the main courtyard, it was best to be cautious with words and actions.

The two entered Baifang Garden and happened to see a newly assigned young maid serving Ninth Brother coming out of the garden carrying an armful of chrysanthemums.

Seventh Lady casually stopped her with a smile. “Go to the west side courtyard and tell Sister Bailu that Sixth Lady and I have gone to Little Fragrant Snow to swing. We’ll return to the courtyard by dinner time.”

The young maid quickly curtsied. “I’ll deliver the message right away.”

Sixth Lady watched her enter the main courtyard before asking Seventh Lady, “Is she newly promoted to serve Ninth Brother?”

“Yes, also the daughter of a main courtyard steward,” Seventh Lady nodded.

Positions serving Ninth Brother were the best assignments in the Yang household. Keeping the benefits within the family, everyone competed to send people in. Though this maid looked ordinary, she probably had several powerful backers.

Sixth Lady gave the young maid an extra look. “What’s her name?—She somewhat resembles Nanny Yao.”

“She’s Nanny Yao’s granddaughter.”

The two chatted as they crossed the small bridge over Wanhua Stream.

They happened to encounter one of the Three Xias.

“Oh, it’s Sixth Young Lady and Seventh Young Lady,” she greeted with a smile. “Seventh Young Lady rarely comes to Baifang Garden!”

Seventh Lady looked carefully but couldn’t tell which Xia this was. She could only nod vaguely and say with a smile, “We came to swing.”

“Ninth Brother is also inside picking flowers,” the triplet pointed out to Seventh Lady. “Near Zhuying Terrace.”

Just then, the young maid from earlier rushed back into the garden and collided with Seventh Lady. “Seventh Lady, have you seen Ninth Brother? The Great Madam is looking for him.”

This was fortuitous timing. The triplet smilingly gave the young maid directions. Sixth Lady and Seventh Lady continued chatting as they entered Little Fragrant Snow. They pushed each other on the swings, laughing.

Sixth Lady swung high—her upper body cleared the courtyard wall, and her silver-bell laughter scattered through the plum grove.

After a while, the two young ladies sat side by side on the swing, whispering secrets.

“The madam sent someone with things for Eldest Sister again,” Sixth Lady said with curved eyes. “Eldest Sister must be seven or eight months along now! It’s a pity she can’t come to see Second Sister off.”

“The madam truly treasures Eldest Sister like a pearl or jewel,” Seventh Lady couldn’t help but sigh.

Sixth Lady looked at Seventh Lady with a smile.

“I don’t think you’ll fare badly either!” she said cheerfully.

Neither spoke for a moment.

“However, I’d rather live in Little Fragrant Snow,” Sixth Lady said to herself. “Though it doesn’t compare to the main courtyard, Little Fragrant Snow isn’t bad either.”

Seventh Lady gazed toward Seventh Aunt, who was leaning against the corridor talking with a maid.

From a distance, she could only see Seventh Aunt’s silhouette. She bowed her head slightly, her beautiful face full of smiles. In the warm afternoon sunlight, she exuded deep tranquility.

Seventh Lady suddenly envied Sixth Lady.

In the deep courtyards of great households, having a place like Little Fragrant Snow was no small blessing.

Just as she was about to speak, she heard a frightened cry from the distance.

It sounded like one of the three sisters’ voices.

Both Seventh Lady and Sixth Lady froze.

The three sisters of Huansha Cottage were always quiet. Now even Little Fragrant Snow could hear her voice…

Seventh Aunt also straightened.

“Go see what happened,” came Seventh Aunt’s soft voice from the courtyard.

Daxue left Little Fragrant Snow with a smile and circled into the artificial mountain.

Sixth Lady and Seventh Lady also lost interest. The two entered the courtyard together.

“I wonder what happened!” Sixth Lady muttered. “There are still guests in the main courtyard. If this becomes a big commotion and the madam loses face, she’ll be angry again.”

Seventh Aunt glanced at Seventh Lady.

Seventh Lady’s expression remained composed, as if she hadn’t heard the presumption in Sixth Lady’s words.

“Sounds from Baifang Garden probably won’t carry outside,” Seventh Aunt said slowly. “It’s probably nothing serious!”

These three sisters of Huansha Cottage had always been favored. Even Fourth Aunt had to be courteous to them. Who would trouble them?

Sixth Lady relaxed and pulled Seventh Lady. “I’m always eating and drinking at your place. Today have some Suzhou-style snacks at Little Fragrant Snow.”

The Great Madam was from the north, so Sister-in-law Cao naturally excelled at northern cuisine. But most residents of Baifang Garden were southern beauties, and the main kitchen employed Suzhou cooks. Because they had to serve the Great Master, their skills matched Sister-in-law Cao’s, and some snacks were famous throughout Jiangnan.

Seventh Lady followed Sixth Lady inside. While admiring Sixth Lady’s embroidery, she casually cracked rose-flavored melon seeds.

Before long, Daxue’s hurried footsteps rushed into the courtyard.

“By the time I arrived, everyone had scattered. I only saw some blood on the ground! Not much, but frightening!” she said breathlessly. “I heard several women say it seems the young master caused some incident.”