How could the top position in the academy examination be so easily obtained?

If Feng Jin possessed such brilliance, he would have emerged as a rising star long ago, wouldn’t he?

While it was true that by the provincial and metropolitan examinations there would be no room for favoritism—from entering the examination hall to grading papers, everything followed fixed procedures, and even the chief examiner couldn’t easily manipulate things—academy examinations at this lower level were different. The top position largely depended on the likes and dislikes of the chief examiner and educational commissioner.

Of course, whether these so-called preferences included personal connections was something no one could say for certain… However, over the years, the scholars who achieved top position in the academy examinations mostly had some connection, however slight, with the chief examiner. Even if there was no connection before the exam, there would likely be one after.

Having lived in the Yang family for so long, Seventh Miss understood these matters.

Take Shaanxi, for example—for so many years, they had never allowed anyone outside certain families to take the top position. Every year, the top position went to either the Yang or Gui families… Could anyone believe there was nothing suspicious about this?

No matter how brilliantly talented Feng Jin might be, he couldn’t transcend these unwritten rules.

So who had pulled strings behind the scenes?

Seventh Miss found herself burdened with yet another worry.

However, Feng Jin achieving the top position was ultimately a good thing.

She smiled and entered the west inner chamber.

Fifth Miss was discussing Quan Zhongbai with Sixth Miss and Ninth Young Master.

“…I encountered ladies and madams from the Quan family while in the capital.” Fifth Miss had gained quite a bit of experience from her trip to the capital. “Worthy of being imperial relatives indeed—their bearing from head to toe cannot be compared to the official wives we usually associate with.”

“How do they compare to our family?” Sixth Miss’s eyes began to sparkle.

Women, from old to young, none could resist gossip.

Fifth Miss smiled. “That depends on who you’re comparing them to.” She couldn’t help revealing a hint of superiority. “Capital families put on grand airs, but when it comes to actual foundations, how could they match the provinces?”

Everyone understood this principle—in the capital, positions were prestigious but profits meager; in the provinces, far from the Emperor, profits were abundant. With the Great Master’s starting assets when he first entered office, if he had built his career in the capital, the Yang family would probably still be poor and destitute.

Ninth Young Master praised Quan Zhongbai: “His conduct is elegant and free-spirited, with the lingering charm of the Wei and Jin dynasties.”

“The Quan family is different from ordinary noble houses after all! Second Young Master Quan’s maternal grandmother is the Grand Princess Yining… He’s been raised in luxury and privilege since childhood.” Fifth Miss recounted what she’d seen and heard in the capital. “I heard the Emperor is very fond of Second Young Master Quan, often summoning him to the palace for company, and has personally praised him saying, ‘Among all our countless children, none compare to Quan residence’s Zhongbai.'”

To receive the Emperor’s personal commendation was an enormous honor.

“I heard Second Young Master Quan has already secured an excellent match!” Sixth Miss also said. “When I was with Mother, I heard Lady Li mention to her that it’s Third Miss of the Da family.”

The Da family was Noble Consort Hui’s natal family. They had been quite prominent in recent years, so a marriage alliance with the Quan family wasn’t surprising.

The two families were already closely connected…

“I’m not clear about that.” Fifth Miss apparently wasn’t very familiar with the Quan family’s private affairs. “The Quan family rarely goes out socially. In all my time in the capital, I only saw Lady Quan once. However, with his reputation as the young divine physician, I’m afraid only families of considerable standing would be worthy of his talent.”

Having gained imperial favor, whatever Quan Zhongbai did in the future would have exceptional support. Even if he couldn’t inherit the Quan family’s noble title, obtaining a hereditary position through grace wouldn’t be difficult. He was also a man of outstanding appearance—how could there not be families wanting to form marriage alliances with him?

Seventh Miss felt a slight melancholy in her heart.

She suddenly recalled Quan Zhongbai’s instructions.

“I hope Miss Yang will take good care of herself, smile more when you have leisure, and think of happy things!”

Although he had no special relationship with the Yang family, and even less connection with herself, a concubine-born daughter.

Yet the concern and sympathy when he spoke were so genuine!

As if he could understand all her grievances and helplessness without a single word being spoken.

Seventh Miss became somewhat lost in thought.

Ninth Young Master noticed and subtly changed the subject.

“He’s already twenty-four or twenty-five, and we still haven’t met brother-in-law! Could it be we’ll only see him on the wedding day?”

Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss both giggled.

“You probably won’t see him this time. Second Brother-in-law will only come to fetch the bride that day, and we can steal a few glances through the window.”

Fifth Miss and the younger girls could watch the excitement through the window and recognize what their brother-in-law looked like.

Sixth Miss sighed again. “Our family has few brothers, so even the wedding celebration will be rather quiet. With Ninth Young Master unable to get out of bed, we can only have Cousin serve the door-blocking wine!”

“If even Cousin weren’t here, we wouldn’t have anyone to serve the door-blocking wine.” Fifth Miss also said. “Having few people just isn’t lively. Last time when the Li family married off their daughter, Mother took me to the wedding feast. Over twenty brothers and sisters gathered together to serve the door-blocking wine, frightening the groom until his face turned deathly pale and he drank himself into a stupor.”

According to Jiangnan customs, regardless of status, when marrying, door-blocking wine must be served to the new groom. This wine service also had its intricacies—some mischievous brothers-in-law arranged the bowls with variety, this one sweet, that one sour, this one strong, that one mild. The groom had to drain several bowls with an unchanging expression to prove his sincerity in taking a bride. Some refined families would have the groom compose poetry while drinking to display his talents—the variations were endless.

“When Eldest Sister married, was it also Ninth Young Master who blocked the door?” Seventh Miss was somewhat surprised.

When First Miss married, Ninth Young Master was only five years old and probably couldn’t handle door-blocking duties.

“At that time, we borrowed the Li family’s Tenth, Eleventh, and Twelfth Brothers to accompany Ninth Young Master!” Fifth Miss giggled. “Who knew those little rascals, seeing the wine, all had their eyes light up. When no one was paying attention, the four of them drank seven or eight bowls, each with red faces and thick tongues. Who knows who was blocking whose door!”

Sixth Miss laughingly made a shaming gesture at Ninth Young Master.

Ninth Young Master’s face flushed red. “This time I definitely won’t steal any wine!”

“You have a scar on your face. Even if you can withstand the wind now, you may not be able to serve wine.” Seventh Miss gently persuaded Ninth Young Master. “Better rest well!”

Ninth Young Master’s wound had mostly closed, leaving a deep red scar. According to the diagnosis of several young masters from the Ouyang family, in about three or four months it would no longer be visible. Both the Great Madam and Seventh Miss felt quite fortunate.

Ninth Young Master touched his face. “Hmph, if I can’t do it this time, there will be several more times!”

Everyone exchanged glances and couldn’t help laughing. “This time isn’t even over yet, and you’re already thinking about next time?”

#

On the morning of October thirty-first, Lady Li sent several young masters to the Yang family early.

“More people make it livelier!” She smiled and exchanged pleasantries with the Great Madam.

“Troubling these young masters again.” The Great Madam reciprocated with courtesy, then had the Li family young masters go find Xu Fengjia to play.

“Why don’t I see Ninth Young Master?” Lady Li inevitably asked.

The Great Madam made an excuse that Ninth Young Master had caught a cold and deflected the question.

Lady Li smiled slightly, didn’t press further, and asked about Second Miss. “Tomorrow she’ll be married—she must be feeling somewhat anxious now!”

The Great Madam was somewhat between laughter and tears. “She’s still quite composed! Haven’t seen any reluctance to part…”

“The makings of a household matriarch!” Lady Li couldn’t help clicking her tongue. “Ordinary young ladies who haven’t seen the world—when it comes time to marry, which one isn’t tearful?”

“Alas, in families like ours, we cannot indulge her willfulness.” The Great Madam was inevitably somewhat somber. “Unlike humble households who can focus entirely on doting on their children.”

With the actual day approaching, the Yang household became quiet instead. The Great Madam invited Lady Xu and Second Madam over, and the four ladies sat down to chat.

The young misses then left the main hall and went into Youhuang Residence to talk with Second Miss.

Second Miss was now at leisure. Apart from a set of hand-embroidered wedding garments kept by her side, all other dowry items had been sent to the capital, so she no longer needed to work on needlework.

The layers upon layers of books in Youhuang Residence had also been emptied and sent away by ship.

Seeing this, Fifth Miss couldn’t help feeling sorrowful and shed tears.

Seventh Miss also felt somewhat empty inside.

Although Second Miss was usually quiet and reserved, not someone easily approached, having her present was like having a backbone—knowing that at critical moments, Second Miss would come forward to take charge.

By rights, with Second Miss at home, Seventh Miss had less room to operate and should have hoped for Second Miss to marry far away soon.

But seeing the empty chamber, Seventh Miss instead felt melancholy.

Soon, only she and Fifth Miss would remain among the ladies in the main courtyard.

With the Great Madam’s cold temperament… and Fifth Miss’s hot temper, no matter how Seventh Miss thought about it, the road ahead seemed difficult.

She then became alert again.

Human hearts know no satisfaction!

Hoping for summer rain after spring winds—having ten parts, one wants a hundred parts.

Why not think about how after Second Miss married into the capital, with parents-in-law above and younger sisters-in-law below, a whole household would need attending to?

Back in Yang Family Village, Seventh Miss could never have dreamed of having such a prosperous life today…

Who was born to be carefree and at ease? Everyone had to work diligently forward on life’s path! Even those born to nobility like Xu Fengjia and Quan Zhongbai—didn’t they have their own troubles?

“What’s there to cry about?” Second Miss was caught between laughter and tears, handing the handkerchief in her hand to Fifth Miss. “Wipe your tears!”

Fifth Miss sobbed and took the handkerchief, covering her face. “In the future, I won’t be able to be with Second Sister often!”

Sixth Miss was also infected and her eyes reddened.

Third Miss and Fourth Miss both showed sympathetic expressions.

These young ladies had no deep grudges between them. Having lived under one roof for over ten years, they naturally had some affection.

“Alright, alright,” Second Miss rarely showed a helpless expression. “In the future when I’m in the capital, there will be plenty of opportunities for us sisters to meet!”

She nodded to Xiaohán.

Xiaohán left the room and soon returned carrying several boxes.

“Since we’re sisters!” Second Miss smiled. “I have nothing precious, but these are keepsakes for each other!”

In ancient times, communication was inconvenient. Cases like the Great Madam, who married and only returned to her natal home once after twenty-some years, were common.

Medical conditions were poor, and often separation in life became separation by death.

Faced with life and death, the little discord between sisters suddenly seemed very small.

Second Miss had prepared different gifts for everyone. For Seventh Miss, it was a small lined jade-handled wolf-hair brush.

“It’s one I commonly used!” Second Miss said with a smile.

Seventh Miss carefully tucked it into her sleeve.

Fifth Miss also received a famous brush. Third and Fourth Misses received jewelry, while Sixth Miss received a set of excellent Hunan embroidery.

The sisters sat briefly, and when lunchtime arrived, they all took their leave.

Second Miss asked Fifth Miss and Seventh Miss to stay and share lunch with her.

The lunch was very simple—just a few vegetable dishes, not necessarily more sumptuous than Little Xiang Snow’s fare. None of them had their minds on the food anyway. They ate a few bites casually and all set down their chopsticks.

Second Miss then gave Xiaohán a look.

“Seventh Sister, just sit for a while.” She stood up and led Fifth Miss out of the west wing.

She must be going to the main room to talk!

Bailu went into Ninth Young Master’s room, and Lixia and Shangyuan were temporarily being rather obedient. Seventh Miss had no maid with her.

Xiaohán kept Seventh Miss company with idle chatter.

“Have you seen the groom on behalf of your young lady?” Seventh Miss asked Xiaohán with a smile.

This wasn’t anything improper. Sometimes when the groom came calling, if the young lady couldn’t conveniently appear, she would often send her personal maid out to size up the groom—whether pouring tea or water, she would make a turn near the groom to assess his character.

In ancient times without photography, cloistered daughters could only rely on such sources to gain some idea of their future husband’s appearance.

Xiaohán smiled and shook her head. “Second Miss values propriety… When the groom came calling several times, she wouldn’t let us go look! She said if we accompanied her in the dowry and the groom recognized us, that would be too embarrassing.”

Seventh Miss laughed along with her.

Even someone as composed as Second Miss had a young woman’s concerns.

“However, the tea-serving maids in the outer courtyard did send word inside, saying the groom is a fine figure of a man, more martial-looking than even Cousin and Ninth Young Master…” Xiaohán seemed very happy for Second Miss. “A good match for our Second Miss!”

“That’s good then.” Seventh Miss nodded.

Although Second Miss couldn’t be said to have devastating beauty, she was indeed quite lovely—though this loveliness carried a touch of coldness.

As the two were talking, Fifth Miss entered the west wing.

“Second Sister is calling you in!” Fifth Miss’s eyes were red-rimmed.

Seventh Miss entered the study alone.

Second Miss sat before the now-empty desk, staring blankly at a small tea cup painted with blue-and-white peonies.

“Second Sister.” Seventh Miss called softly.

Second Miss snapped back to awareness and smiled, inviting her to sit. “Have a seat!”

Though a brazier burned in the study, the bare empty walls made the room feel rather cold.

Seventh Miss carefully sat down before Second Miss.

The chair cushion still held warmth—Fifth Miss had just sat here listening to Second Miss’s instructions.

Second Miss drifted off again before slowly beginning to speak.

“The eldest son of the Feng family achieved top position in the academy examination.” Her tone was concise and direct. “You probably don’t know this good news yet?”

Seventh Miss hesitated.

Second Miss had already smiled.

“So you already knew!”

She had still shown her hand after all.

Seventh Miss sighed inwardly.

These few tricks of hers might work on the Great Madam, but she couldn’t fool Second Miss.

“Yes!” She frankly admitted. “Madam Feng sent me word.”

Second Miss showed no displeasure.

Indeed, given Seventh Miss’s relationship with the Feng family, if the Feng family had good news and didn’t proactively share it, that would be rather ungrateful.

“I imagine Father mentioned it to Educational Commissioner Zhao.” She continued unprompted. “Otherwise, with quite a few sons from prominent families taking the examination this year, no matter how excellent Young Master Feng’s essays, the top position wouldn’t necessarily fall to him.”

Seventh Miss suddenly understood—the Great Master had personally made the request… As long as Feng Jin’s essays weren’t too poor, passing as a scholar was assured.

However, even with someone making requests, one still needed real ability to achieve top position; otherwise, Jiangnan’s scholars were not to be trifled with.

It seemed Feng Jin truly had some intelligence.

“I’m grateful for Second Sister’s care!” She couldn’t hide her gratitude.

Second Miss had such a knowing attitude—it certainly wasn’t without reason. She just didn’t know how much of a role Second Miss had actually played in this matter.

“Father has long had thoughts of promoting the Feng family.” Second Miss was nonchalant. “I merely mentioned it two or three times. From now on, it will depend on whether Young Master Feng proves worthy of cultivation.”

If Feng Jin was talented, the Great Master would naturally continue his patronage. The Feng family was, after all, Ninth Young Master’s birth mother’s family. If Feng Jin proved capable, it would benefit Ninth Young Master.

Seventh Miss only smiled without speaking.

But inwardly she was somewhat surprised.

She had always known only that Third Miss was favored. She hadn’t expected Second Miss’s words to carry such weight with the Great Master.

“Alas,” Second Miss rarely showed melancholy. “In this whole household, you’re the only one I can count on!”

With the Great Madam’s temperament and Fifth Miss’s disposition… After First Miss and Second Miss successively married out, the only reliable one would be Seventh Miss.

Even though Seventh Miss was still young, they could only place their hopes in her—as for the others, there was no point even hoping!

“You’re still too young now! You’ve only mastered steadiness…” Second Miss seemed to muse aloud. “Deep residential compounds are filled with cunning people… You don’t yet have the ability to contend with Fourth Yiniang. In the coming years, don’t be anxious. Whatever presumptuous things Fourth Yiniang does, you should persuade Madam to endure. Once Ninth Young Master grows up, we’ll see how much longer she can remain arrogant.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but admire her.

Indeed, deep residential compounds were filled with cunning people.

Despite all her caution and efforts, in Second Miss’s eyes, she had only achieved steadiness.

Today’s conversation was laying out the approach for the coming years.

Be steady, keep a low profile.

She was speaking of Seventh Miss, but also of the main courtyard.

Second Miss was always like this—straightforward and impersonal.

“With Mother as well, you must be forbearing.” A shadow passed over Second Miss’s face. “Although Mother doesn’t say anything outwardly, she must feel uncomfortable inside… Alas, you’ll just have to bear it. This matter will pass eventually.”

Still the same—not a single superfluous word. Someone less intelligent might not even understand.

Second Miss was referring to Ninth Young Master’s injury.

No matter the motivation behind Ninth Young Master’s sudden incident—whether to defend Seventh Miss or to play a prank on someone—it could no longer be explained clearly.

Many things, if not clarified at the time, lose their persuasiveness when explained later.

With the Great Madam’s temperament, she would certainly harbor doubts. Seventh Miss would inevitably be suspected.

However, time reveals character. As long as Seventh Miss continued to perform well, this matter would eventually pass.

That was certainly Second Miss’s thinking, but Seventh Miss didn’t see it that way.

If no reasonable explanation was provided, once the seed of doubt sprouted, it would quickly grow into a great tree.