Second Madam entered the east side room, still talking with Fifth Miss.
“…That Second Young Master from the Quan family—I saw him once some years ago. He’s become even more transcendent.”
Fifth Miss smiled dismissively without speaking.
Lichun hurried into the west inner room to invite Second Miss inside.
Just now while Quan Zhongbai hadn’t left, Second Miss couldn’t run around everywhere.
“What did the young divine physician say?” Second Miss entered the room and asked Seventh Miss with concern.
Seventh Miss repeated Quan Zhongbai’s words with a beaming smile. “…He said there’s nothing serious. In ten days to half a month, he should recover.”
Both Second Miss and Fifth Miss breathed sighs of relief.
But a trace of shadow passed through Second Madam’s brows.
Seventh Miss noticed and couldn’t help being somewhat surprised.
Though Ninth Brother’s injury wasn’t minor, it absolutely couldn’t be said to threaten his life.
If Second Madam was developing schemes again over this, wasn’t she being rather frivolous? Madam Xu was still sitting in Yurong Courtyard!
Before they’d exchanged more than a few words, Madam Xu personally came to the main hall to see Ninth Brother.
Hearing Second Miss’s account, her expression greatly relaxed. She affectionately embraced Ninth Brother. “Good that you’re fine! Third Aunt can rest easy now!”
“Haven’t yet thanked Third Aunt for stepping forward to invite Elder Brother Quan!” Ninth Brother was also very well-behaved.
Medical resources were scarce in ancient times. Even a family as noble as the Yangs couldn’t possibly have divine physicians constantly on standby. For an injury like Ninth Brother’s—neither major nor minor—if they hadn’t been able to invite Quan Zhongbai and had found some other doctor, the results might not have been so good.
“This is nothing.” Madam Xu dismissed it. “You’re our family’s only precious seedling. We can neglect anyone but not you!”
Second Madam smiled in agreement.
Before long, she rose to leave. “There are so many matters at home… Eighth Miss has developed a cough again.”
Neither Madam Xu nor Second Miss pressed her to stay.
From start to finish, Second Madam had stayed in the main courtyard less than half a hour.
“She really has changed her ways!” Madam Xu discussed with the Grand Madam.
The Grand Madam had just met her son-in-law and still wore a smile.
“If she truly changes, that would be best!”
After all, they were blood cousin sisters. If Second Madam could truly abandon thoughts of adoption and wholeheartedly reconcile with the Grand Madam, it would save the Grand Madam much trouble.
Madam Xu nodded thoughtfully.
She took her leave from the Grand Madam. “…Originally planned to travel to the capital with Second Miss. It would be good to look after each other on the road.”
The Grand Madam was naturally polite. “Stay through New Year before returning!”
After some back and forth, Madam Xu naturally insisted on leaving with Second Miss. The Grand Madam could only respectfully comply.
After the two agreed on a return date, Madam Xu asked the Grand Madam, “Is the Sun family son-in-law satisfactory?”
The Grand Madam’s face involuntarily filled with smiles.
“Third Sister, don’t laugh at me. A mother-in-law viewing her son-in-law—the more she looks, the more she approves. From appearance to conversation, the Young Marquis is excellent!”
“If even Father appreciates him, how could there be any doubt?” Madam Xu laughed heartily. “Didn’t I tell you? This match won’t be wrong.”
“Truly a one-in-ten-thousand good family.” The Grand Madam sincerely thanked Madam Xu. “If not for Second Sister, Third Sister, and Elder Brother vigorously promoting this, Second Miss probably couldn’t have secured such a good family!”
Though the capital had many nobles, families like the Suns—where the Young Marquis himself was talented and handsome with upright character and excellent learning, and the family consistently enjoyed imperial favor—weren’t easy to find.
“Given Second Miss’s character, she’s hardly unworthy of the Young Marquis.” Madam Xu was protective. “Unworthy in looks? Unworthy in temperament? To be blunt, though the Sun family’s assets are abundant, they probably can’t assemble such a dowry!”
“Once in the capital, I’ll need Third Sister to look after her more.” But the Grand Madam was somewhat worried. “Right upon entering the household she’ll be managing affairs, and domestic matters are so complicated…”
The two sisters talked back and forth, becoming more congenial. Yesterday’s unpleasantness seemed long dissolved.
#
With Ninth Brother out of danger, everyone breathed easier.
Marriages in great aristocratic families had elaborate ceremonies to begin with. Second Miss was also marrying far away, with many matters requiring current consultation with the Sun family. There were also the constant stream of officials’ wives coming to offer congratulations and gifts, all requiring entertainment.
The Grand Madam was so busy her feet barely touched ground. The several nannies in the main courtyard were also constantly coming and going. Madam Xu and Second Madam frequently came to help the Grand Madam.
The Grand Master discussed with the Grand Madam. “Let’s move Ninth Brother somewhere else!”
Though the main hall wasn’t small, Ninth Brother’s usual east side room was outside the Grand Madam’s east reception room.
The Grand Madam’s constant comings and goings inevitably disturbed his rest.
With the legitimate daughter’s marriage imminent, what the Grand Master kept in his heart was still Ninth Brother…
The Grand Madam couldn’t spare energy to fuss over it and agreed.
Then she became somewhat troubled.
Second Miss’s Youhuang Residence was definitely no longer suitable, and besides, there was no place for Ninth Brother there now.
Originally, Fifth Miss’s east side courtyard would have been just right.
But Fifth Miss had just been disciplined and had lost face before the Grand Master. The Grand Master was looking for a reason to punish her—sending Ninth Brother there now would be inappropriate.
Seventh Miss still had suspicion not yet cleared… Even the Grand Madam had no time to interrogate Ninth Brother. She planned to thoroughly investigate this matter after the wedding.
By then Madam Xu would have left too, so there’d be no fear of breaking the jar while trying to catch the mouse!
Sending Ninth Brother to the west side courtyard now—wouldn’t that give Seventh Miss a chance to coordinate stories?
The Grand Master observed the Grand Madam’s expression.
For a moment he couldn’t restrain himself and let out a cold laugh.
Even if Ninth Brother deliberately stood up for Seventh Miss, so what?
The Grand Madam’s maternal relatives were all more outrageous than the last.
Instead of properly disciplining her family, she worried about Ninth Brother and his twin sister’s bond…
“Send him to the west side courtyard!” He made the final decision.
Though the Grand Madam felt it inappropriate, for the moment she couldn’t find a better candidate.
Ninth Brother was thus moved to the west side courtyard. Though the Grand Madam had no means to spare attention, she still dispatched Lichun and Lidong, and borrowed Bailu from Seventh Miss’s side and Guyu from Fifth Miss’s side—gathering four head maids to take turns attending Ninth Brother day and night.
These four head maids had all come from the Grand Madam’s quarters—their backgrounds were clean, well-known and trusted, tested over many years…
Seventh Miss gradually felt relieved.
The Grand Madam still valued Ninth Brother greatly. Even at such a busy time, she didn’t forget to plan for Ninth Brother’s safety.
Since Xu Fengjia had caused such a major incident, he rarely left Yurong Courtyard.
Fifth Miss had nowhere to turn. Not daring to seek anyone in Yurong Courtyard, she could only run to the west side courtyard three times a day—partly to visit Ninth Brother, partly to show the Grand Master.
What happened at Huansha Pavilion that day had become a mystery even Seventh Miss couldn’t solve.
For the first few days, Fifth Miss was still cautious. She didn’t dare raise her voice around Ninth Brother, always looking pensive.
After a while, Ninth Brother cleared everyone out and spoke privately with her. Fifth Miss then reverted to form—talking and laughing loudly, actually making the usually quiet west side courtyard particularly lively.
Seventh Miss didn’t know what Ninth Brother had said to Fifth Miss.
Though Ninth Brother cared for her greatly, they weren’t without secrets between them.
#
Soon it was late October.
Second Miss’s dowry had already been arranged. On October twenty-first it would be sent ahead to the capital.
All of Suzhou City was stirred up.
Though the Yang family had their own dock, that small waterway couldn’t accommodate the large ships carrying the dowry. They had to use carts to transport it to the dock first, unload and load the large ships bound directly for the capital.
Moreover, the accompanying dowry needed to parade ostentatiously to the in-laws’ home to flaunt the bride’s family wealth.
Gold and jade ruyi… landscape arrangements carved from whole jade blocks… all prominently displayed.
The procession actually attracted thousands upon thousands of onlookers. The dock was packed inside and out, even squeezing over ten people into the water.
The Grand Master specifically coordinated with the water patrol, dispatching four ships to escort the dowry to the capital. He also sent word to the River Transport Guild leader, ordering him to watch over it along the route.
“These past years from south to north, the harvests haven’t been good. The south is better off, but our northern common people face constant crop failures. With rent collection so harsh, some are driven to family ruin and death!” Madam Xu quite agreed with the Grand Master’s caution. “Better safe than sorry. With the River Transport Guild smoothing the way up and down, no one will dare target our family.”
When she said this, the sisters were all sitting in the main hall.
Second Miss was fine, but Third Miss showed surprise.
“I thought the realm was at peace now!”
With everyone busy with Second Miss’s wedding, matters at Xike Workshop had quieted down for the time.
After all, without the Grand Master’s backing, Fourth Aunt couldn’t cause much trouble… At this critical juncture with Second Miss about to marry, with Fourth Aunt’s cleverness, she wouldn’t distract the Grand Master.
Third Miss had recovered her cheerful appearance, daily wearing a beaming smile.
“The realm at peace!” Madam Xu and the Grand Madam exchanged glances and both laughed.
Seventh Miss couldn’t help smiling too.
Fifth Miss pursed her lips, leaning toward Seventh Miss’s ear.
“Ignorant.” She quietly disparaged Third Miss.
Third Miss glanced at Fifth Miss, her cheerfulness faltering somewhat.
Still Madam Xu stepped in to smooth things over.
“The north can’t be called peaceful now. It looks like war may break out again.” She looked at the Grand Madam. “Your Yang family has deep roots in the northwest. You probably know even more clearly.”
The Grand Madam had no intention of avoiding the topic.
“You young misses in your deep courtyards, living in luxury daily—how would you know the common people’s suffering!” She shook her head. “The north has seen years of warfare, scorched earth for thousands of miles… Only Jiangsu and Zhejiang are peaceful. Jiangxi, Yunnan—which year doesn’t see rebellions?”
The young misses all listened intently.
Even the aunts listened with rapt attention.
Information transmission was inconvenient in ancient times. Female family members of great households couldn’t go out for months or years on end. Limited knowledge was natural.
“The south is ultimately prosperous. The north can’t even muster rebellions anymore. When famine strikes, people starve to death—where would they find the strength to rebel!” Madam Xu discussed the western conflicts with the Grand Madam. “These two years even if war doesn’t break out…”
The young misses looked at each other, all feeling their clothes had lost their luster.
Fifth Miss also asked Seventh Miss, “If the north is so poor, was your life difficult?”
Though Fifth Miss was somewhat willful, having recently acted with guilty conscience, she didn’t dare be arrogant. Seventh Miss wasn’t one to press advantages either. These days in the west side courtyard, seeing each other constantly, the two had gradually grown familiar.
“The Yang family is after all a great clan. The Baoji area is relatively peaceful—not too difficult.” Seventh Miss smiled and answered softly. “Actually we rarely went out either, so we didn’t really know the conditions outside.”
Sixth Miss also curiously sidled up to Seventh Miss.
Seventh Miss didn’t avoid anything.
She’d always been grateful to be born into a wealthy family. Though life in the early years couldn’t be called luxurious, at least there was no worry about food and clothing.
In this era, if born into a poor family…
She didn’t dare think further.
Someone entered from outside to report: The Wang family from Fujian had sent someone to present gifts and pay respects to the Grand Madam.
Third Miss immediately became somewhat uncomfortable, quietly staring at her toes without speaking.
The Grand Madam glanced at Third Miss, imperceptibly exchanging a look with Madam Xu.
A trace of amusement flashed through Madam Xu’s eyes.
“Since it’s the Wang family’s messenger, you should withdraw!” the Grand Madam instructed Second Miss.
Third Miss became somewhat anxious.
Precisely because it was the Wang family’s messenger, Third Miss couldn’t withdraw.
Before formally proposing marriage, the Wang family always needed to send someone to see Third Miss. Otherwise, if word got back about an unattractive ugly girl, where would the Wang family’s face be?
Fourth Aunt’s eyes also flickered.
But the Grand Madam had spoken. The daughters all rose and filed out. Third Miss couldn’t very well linger.
She could only fall to the back of the group with a heavy heart, just happening to meet face-to-face with the Wang family’s woman who’d come to pay respects.
“Third Sister!” Fourth Miss turned to speak with Third Miss. “Want to discuss something with you!”
The two talked while turning into Baifang Garden.
Sixth Miss saw this and turned back to whisper to Seventh Miss, “Real sisters are wonderful. Usually so quiet, but when things happen they know to help their sister.”
Fourth Miss had indeed rarely shown such cleverness.
Seventh Miss only smiled without responding. Fifth Miss invited Sixth Miss, “Shall we go see Ninth Brother together?”
Sixth Miss rolled her eyes.
“Let’s go together! Ninth Brother alone in bed must be very bored.” Seventh Miss said warmly.
Only then did Sixth Miss smile. “Alright, lately Baifang Garden has been so noisy, people constantly coming and going. Let’s hide in the west side courtyard for some peace.”
Several people entered the west side courtyard to see Lixia standing in the corridor talking with Shangyuan.
With Bailu assigned to Ninth Brother’s room, Shangyuan had more opportunities to distinguish herself.
Usually when Lixia couldn’t attend to everything, Shangyuan was promoted to serve indoors, occasionally getting chances to speak near Seventh Miss.
This girl had a steady temperament. Though somewhat simple, she excelled in reliability. After some interaction, she’d developed friendship with Lixia.
Seeing several Yang daughters enter, both came forward.
“What were you talking about so happily!” Fifth Miss asked with a smile.
“My parents sent some messages for me.” Lixia answered openly while lifting the curtain for Fifth Miss.
Fifth Miss didn’t mind, pulling Sixth Miss into the west inner room. Soon Ninth Brother’s laughter came from within.
Lixia gently tugged Seventh Miss’s sleeve.
Seventh Miss was somewhat puzzled and went with her into the east inner room.
“Madam Feng sent someone with word that the prefectural examination results were posted.” Lixia couldn’t hide a trace of excitement. “Young Master Feng passed the scholar examination.”
Seventh Miss couldn’t help being somewhat shocked.
Don’t be fooled by how common the term “scholar” seemed—in reality, in Great Qin, many scholars remained mere students their entire lives. Though the scholar degree was minor, it already placed one in society’s middle class, among the gentry.
Passing the scholar examination meant entering the prefectural academy to study, focusing on preparing for the provincial examination… If one passed the provincial exam, that made one a recommended man with qualification to purchase office. When Eldest Miss’s husband Li Yixing came proposing, he held scholar degree, studying day and night at home to pass the provincial exam and earn the Li family status.
Who’d have thought that at such a young age, Feng Jin could pass the scholar examination!
She was immediately delighted. “What ranking? Stipend student or supplement student?”
Stipend student meant receiving monthly grain from the state—a prefecture typically had only dozens. Supplement students were scholars beyond those ranks—still scholars, but receiving no grain.
“First place!” Lixia answered happily.
But Seventh Miss froze completely.