Before, when Seventh Young Lady didn’t know what Second Madam was plotting, she already found her presence grating.

Now that she knew Second Madam’s intentions, the mere sight of her made Seventh Young Lady want to rush over and slap her twice across the face.

Living in the main courtyard, Seventh Young Lady had long prepared herself to swallow grievances. She could even humble herself to curry favor with people she didn’t like.

Even so, she had never considered taking the initiative to strike first and trample her enemies into the mud.

After all, everyone had their difficulties. No one was born evil—each person had their own helplessness.

But Second Madam’s repeated attempts to scheme against Ninth Brother were tantamount to backing Seventh Young Lady into a corner.

In that case, she might as well fight back with everything she had. At worst, they would both be destroyed—she couldn’t let Second Madam have her way.

However, even if she were to make a scene, she needed to act at the right moment. It would be best to strike a fatal blow and make Second Madam give up completely.

Such an opportunity required patient waiting.

As they entered the eighth month, the weather remained oppressively hot.

Madam Li’s birthday fell on the tenth day of the eighth month.

This year marked her thirtieth birthday, so naturally it warranted a proper celebration.

Given the Li and Yang families’ relationship, First Madam would naturally bring her children to show their support in person.

However, both Ninth Brother and Fifth Young Lady had suffered heatstroke one after another, and even Seventh Young Lady looked sickly and wan.

She could only bring Sixth Young Lady and set out early for the Li residence.

With First Madam rarely going out and the Master at the Governor’s yamen, the household gained a bit of relaxation.

Because the weather was too hot and several daughters were ill, First Madam simply ordered the suspension of lessons for the next few days. After Seventh Young Lady rose to pay her respects to First Madam, she shut herself in the west inner room to practice calligraphy.

At lunchtime, Sister-in-law Cao personally delivered a large bowl of cold locust leaf noodles. “Worried that Seventh Young Lady might suffer from summer weakness, these have been rinsed several times in cold water—absolutely no trace of summer heat.”

Seventh Young Lady had no choice but to smile and have Bailu count out five hundred coins for Sister-in-law Cao. “Thank you for thinking of me.”

Ever since summer began, Seventh Young Lady had lost her appetite. After once requesting cold noodles from the small kitchen and rewarding them with five hundred coins, Sister-in-law Cao had been making Seventh Young Lady’s favorite snacks and side dishes every few days and personally delivering them.

Of course, she couldn’t not reward her… Over this past month, she had spent several taels of silver.

Even Bailu felt the pinch, muttering to Seventh Young Lady, “Sister-in-law Cao is too greedy. Fifth Young Lady just moved into Baifang Garden, and she’s already eyeing your reward money.”

With Fifth Young Lady’s generosity, naturally whenever she wanted something, she would send someone to request it from the small kitchen and never stint on rewards.

But after Fifth Young Lady moved to Baifang Garden, her meals came from the main kitchen. No matter how much Sister-in-law Cao coveted Fifth Young Lady’s rewards, she couldn’t very well compete with the main kitchen staff.

Ninth Brother’s temperament wasn’t as gentle as Seventh Young Lady’s either. With one thing leading to another, she had begun currying favor with Seventh Young Lady instead.

Seventh Young Lady waved her hand. “Never mind. The weather is so hot, I really do want to eat something cool. Serve me a small bowl, and you all can divide the rest.”

When it came to delicacies, she was never stingy. Everyone in the courtyard received a share according to their rank—the only difference was in portion size. There was no favoritism based on who was in or out of favor.

Because of this, although Seventh Young Lady had always been tight-fisted, there were few complaints in the west side courtyard, and the servants all worked quite diligently.

Bailu smiled and found a black-gold bowl, ladling out half of the locust leaf cold noodles that Sister-in-law Cao had carefully prepared and drizzling them with the sweet vinegar that Seventh Young Lady favored.

“This is so much—how could I possibly eat it all?” Seventh Young Lady frowned.

Since summer began, she had particularly lost her appetite. Even with Sister-in-law Cao varying her methods to please her, Seventh Young Lady had visibly lost weight.

“Just eat what you can. Whatever’s left will be for Lixia and me.” Bailu smiled as she divided things up. “What’s left should be enough for everyone in the courtyard to have a taste.”

Seventh Young Lady was about to protest when her heart stirred.

With First Madam away from home, it was the perfect time to speak with Ninth Brother.

Since First Madam returned, the siblings had rarely communicated. Even when they occasionally ran into each other in First Madam’s rooms, they only exchanged a few bland pleasantries.

Much of the information that Chu Young Lady had revealed would be best shared with Ninth Brother.

She dispatched Bailu: “Ninth Brother also suffered heatstroke, didn’t he? After drinking his medicine, he probably won’t have much appetite for food. Go ask Sister-in-law Cao—if she hasn’t sent anything special over, then deliver the remaining half bowl to him.”

If even this small gesture of consideration could provoke First Madam’s jealousy, then Seventh Young Lady might as well give up trying to survive in the main courtyard.

As an elder sister, showing concern for a sick younger brother was perfectly normal.

Bailu hesitated. “Given Sister-in-law Cao’s nature, she probably already sent something. We needn’t waste our courtesy.”

Seventh Young Lady couldn’t help but smile.

She had forgotten about that.

She smiled at Bailu. “I didn’t think it through… Then just find some small item to send to the east side courtyard. Tell Lichun that after a while, I’ll personally go see Ninth Brother.”

Bailu’s face showed understanding.

She agreed without hesitation.

Lixia was rather curious. While Bailu went to deliver the message, she asked Seventh Young Lady, “What’s your intention here?”

Seventh Young Lady enlightened Lixia: “Right now Madam isn’t home, so the main hall may not have maids coming and going. If the maids and older servants in the east side courtyard can be sent away, then my visit to see Ninth Brother won’t become common knowledge.”

Lixia finally understood. “Then Madam won’t be made uncomfortable!”

Seventh Young Lady smiled slightly. “Living in the main courtyard, one must be cautious in word and deed. Troubles that shouldn’t be stirred up—no matter how small—are best avoided. Don’t you agree?”

Lixia looked thoroughly impressed. “I don’t know how your mind works—naturally full of so many twists and turns!”

Seventh Young Lady couldn’t help but smile. “Isn’t it all forced out by this deep household compound? You haven’t seen anyone more calculating than me! Back when I was at Yang Family Village…” She sighed. “In any case, you haven’t been pushed to that point! When you truly reach that stage, it all gets forced out of you.”

Lixia seemed to grasp something.

Bailu then entered the room with a beaming smile. “After lunch, I’ll accompany you to visit Ninth Brother!”

#

Suzhou summers were oppressively hot. The midday sun beat down on the blue brick paving, creating a dazzling molten glow. Walking on it gave one the sticky, clammy illusion that even the stone slabs were melting under the sun.

With First Madam away, the main hall was quiet. The few maids on duty had all retreated into the east inner room with its ice mountains to cool off.

The older servants and maids who usually bustled in and out of the main courtyard had all disappeared somewhere. The main courtyard was completely still, with only Fifth Young Lady’s big yellow cat dozing in the shadow of the courtyard wall.

Bailu held an oil-paper umbrella for Seventh Young Lady as mistress and servant quietly crossed the main courtyard and entered the east side courtyard’s main hall.

Since Ninth Brother moved in, the east side courtyard had become quite different from when Fifth Young Lady lived there.

The door to the south-facing rooms was half-closed, through which one could vaguely make out several reclining figures inside. In summer, the days were long, and the Yang household had the habit of afternoon naps.

Through the half-rolled bamboo curtain, one could also dimly see the movements of several maids in the west wing—some leaning against tables, others already sprawled on beds… These daughters of estate managers were rather delicate after all, not as hardworking as Lichun.

Only after entering the main hall did Seventh Young Lady feel the oppressive heat dissipate entirely. Because Ninth Brother was ill, Medical Matron had specially sent two small ice mountains. As soon as one entered, a subtle coolness seeped into one’s heart and lungs.

With the hot air they brought in, the crystal-clear glass bead curtain produced crisp clinking sounds.

Lichun emerged at the sound, all smiles as she invited Seventh Young Lady into the east inner room.

“Since our Ninth Brother moved into the east side courtyard, this is your first visit, isn’t it?” Her forms of address had completely changed. “Ninth Brother heard you were coming and couldn’t even sleep properly… He’s been eagerly waiting until now!”

Ninth Brother protested indignantly, “Don’t be so dramatic! I’m just tired of lying in bed!” With that, he jumped up to get down from the bed.

Lichun was so frightened she pressed him back onto the bed. “Little ancestor, lie still!” Then she left the room. “Since you’ve come all this way to the east side courtyard, have some watermelon too.”

Bailu followed Lichun out of the room.

Ninth Brother immediately half-sat up, about to get down from bed. “What matter is so mysterious?”

Seventh Young Lady couldn’t help but smile.

When speaking with Ninth Brother, she never had to think things through beforehand.

The two siblings were blood relatives after all, naturally sharing a bond of kinship.

She got straight to the point. “Fourth Young Master, don’t think you’re secure as the designated heir…”

She recounted word for word all the information Chu Young Lady had revealed.

At first, Ninth Brother was nonchalant, not taking it seriously.

Gradually, his expression grew solemn as he began listening attentively.

After all, he was a child raised in a great household, with a background that wasn’t entirely simple. Growing up under his foster mother’s care, he had undoubtedly suffered grievances behind closed doors.

Naturally, he had his own measure of things in his heart.

“It’s all my fault.” Seventh Young Lady felt somewhat guilty again. “Had I known, I shouldn’t have quarreled with Young Master Xu. Instead, things spiraled out of control, creating such a huge mess…”

Ninth Brother shook his head.

“I’m the one at fault for not even being able to protect my own sister!”

For such a young child to already know he should protect his sister.

Seventh Young Lady felt an indescribable ache in her heart.

“What’s done is done.” She dropped the subject. “There’s no right or wrong. If we must assign blame, then… it’s all Xu Fengjia’s fault! Right, it’s all his fault!”

In her heart, she silently apologized to Xu Fengjia.

Although Xu Fengjia was at odds with her, he truly had no intention to harm anyone. Truth be told, this matter couldn’t really be laid at his feet.

Ninth Brother was stunned at first, then broke into a smile. “This is the first time I’ve seen Seventh Sister angry!”

The atmosphere lightened.

Seventh Young Lady felt somewhat embarrassed.

Given her composure and shrewdness, there was really no need to shift blame onto Xu Fengjia. Though the man acted recklessly, if it weren’t for First Madam’s excessive suspicion, they wouldn’t be in this situation.

Though she had to make a living under First Madam’s thumb, Seventh Young Lady had no intention of learning her pettiness.

“Still, we should think about how to respond.” She changed the subject. “Second Aunt has been coming by daily these past few months… Hmph, I misjudged her. I never imagined she could be so patient! After dealing with Madam Xu, she’s already plotting adoption.”

Seventh Young Lady was increasingly convinced that Second Madam was no simple character.

If First Madam cared far too much about face, then Second Madam—one could say—had cast face aside entirely, reaching the ultimate realm of shamelessness.

When Madam Xu came, Second Madam had looked utterly repentant, constantly voicing concern for her legitimate son, putting on a show of wanting to rush to the capital to have it out with Concubine Xiang.

Once Madam Xu left, she reverted to her old ways… Using the excuse that Second Master would return home for New Year, she once again clung on in Suzhou. As if she had completely forgotten her several sons…

That initial anxiety was probably just an act to deal with Madam Xu.

When people abandon shame, they truly become invincible.

To peel this stubborn plaster off the First Branch would truly require some clever maneuvering.

Ninth Brother’s face also showed worry.

“How could I not know Second Aunt’s calculations!” He too bore some helplessness. “But she is an elder after all. How can I quarrel with her? If Mother finds out, who knows what she’ll think!”

The Yang household’s current situation was far too complicated. How could a seven- or eight-year-old child possibly devise a perfect strategy in the blink of an eye?

Seventh Young Lady felt somewhat gratified.

At least Ninth Brother could remain quite composed.

“Don’t worry too much.” She spoke unhurriedly. “Father has the measure of things… Isn’t that why he’s been elevating the Feng family?”

To rise from a destitute scholar to his current position as Jiangnan Governor, how could the Master be a simple character? As long as he had Ninth Brother in his heart, the two siblings would have confidence.

“That’s only because the Feng family has people worth elevating.” Ninth Brother looked at Seventh Young Lady with some mischief. “When no one was around, Scholar Feng even asked after you, asking me to assure you that everyone at home is well. He asked me to pass on that you should rest easy, saying he would never forget your kindness!”

Seventh Young Lady was immediately at a loss for words.

Helping the Feng family was merely out of consideration for Ninth Concubine’s sake.

She never expected any repayment.

Given the Feng family’s circumstances, even if Feng Jin quickly passed the imperial examinations, it would take time before he could grow to rival the Yang family. By then, Seventh Young Lady would long since be married with children. Even if Feng Jin wanted to repay her kindness, he probably couldn’t.

She didn’t think too deeply about it.

Although she was a concubine’s daughter, the gap between the Feng and Yang families’ statuses was simply too vast. Feng Jin must be quite clear about this. His talk of repaying kindness should truly just be about repaying kindness.

“Scholar Feng is someone who repays kindness—that’s naturally good.” She then advised Ninth Brother, “You needn’t get too close to him, lest Mother learn of it and harbor resentment. But don’t be too distant either.”

“I know.” Ninth Brother seemed somewhat sorrowful. “After all, he’s Ninth Concubine’s relative!”

Both fell silent for a moment.

Seventh Young Lady thought of Ninth Concubine.

Back in the Northwest, at night, Ninth Concubine wouldn’t let Seventh Young Lady do needlework, fearing she would hurt her eyes.

The two would nestle by the earthen bed platform, Ninth Concubine embroidering while telling Seventh Young Lady stories.

Most were mountain tales and stories from popular novels, but she rarely spoke of her own background.

Except for that one time, when she saw how exquisite Ninth Concubine’s needlework was, she couldn’t help but ask, “Where did Mother learn such skill?”

In the Northwest, she had always called Ninth Concubine “Mother.”

Ninth Concubine said nothing.

In the dim, flickering lamplight that had ravaged her eyes until they grew increasingly dull, traces of confusion appeared.

She then spoke haltingly to Seventh Young Lady about her natal family.

“Our ancestors also held minor office. By Grandfather’s generation, most of the land was lost, but what couldn’t be lost was the craft… Great-grandmother was once a famous embroiderer in Jiangnan, her raised embroidery renowned throughout Jiangzhe.” Ninth Concubine’s voice was hoarse. “By the time this skill reached me, it had deteriorated, yet in Suzhou it was still hard to find a match. The family’s sustenance relied on these hands—in two months I could earn a year’s worth of grain. Father ran a private school, Mother managed household affairs, Elder Brother devoted himself to his studies. Though we weren’t wealthy, the family was harmonious.”

“I never imagined that after entering the Yang household, I’d still have to rely on this embroidery to support myself… Fortunately, I only had you, such a good little girl, by my side. If Ninth Brother had been with me, I couldn’t have managed two children!” Ninth Concubine smiled, but this smile was more heartbreaking than tears. “In this lifetime, it’s hard not to believe in fate!”

Though Seventh Young Lady was curious, she dared not voice the question on the tip of her tongue.

She knew the general circumstances of how Ninth Concubine entered the household.

Back then, First Madam admired Ninth Concubine’s skill and hired her with generous payment to serve as artisan-in-residence at Xianxiu Workshop. At that time, Ninth Concubine was nineteen—the age for marriage.

With Ninth Concubine’s skill, even if the Feng family took in a live-in son-in-law, there would be plenty of families willing to become sons-in-law. Surely, she must have had a marriage prospect at the time.

Who knew she had privately consulted street fortune-tellers about her destiny, who predicted she had a destiny favorable for bearing children—sons and daughters—like the daylily flower.

Somehow, this reached First Madam’s ears.

One thing led to another, and Ninth Concubine reluctantly entered the household. Being from a respectable family, she was given concubine status immediately upon entry. And indeed, her destiny proved true—she bore a son on her first try.

But who could have known that the Ninth Brother who came from her womb would call First Madam “Mother” from his very heart—that most intimate and affectionate “Mother”?

She sighed. “Right now, what’s most troubling is Madam’s suspicions about you. On this matter, I do have a plan, but…”

Outside the room, an unfamiliar voice suddenly rang out: “In broad daylight, there’s increasingly not even a soul in this room? Lichun, Lichun? You dead girl, can’t you see what I’m carrying?”

Accompanied by a coquettish complaint, Guyu naturally entered the east inner room.

Seventh Young Lady had no time to avoid her and could only smile at Guyu. “Did Fifth Sister send you to visit Ninth Brother?”

A flash of surprise crossed Guyu’s eyes.

“Yes!” She showed an honest smile. “Young Lady just made rose cheese, and sent me to bring a bowl to Ninth Brother.” As she spoke, she smiled and took from her food box a large cup with colorful gold sprinkling, removed the lid, and blew on the wisps of white vapor. “It was brought on ice, still cool.” She took out a small blue-and-white porcelain bowl and placed it on the bedside table. “If you like it, she said to ask her for more.”

Seventh Young Lady and Ninth Brother exchanged a glance.

Both their eyes showed worry.

Fifth Young Lady wasn’t someone who could keep secrets. First Madam would likely soon learn that Seventh Young Lady had visited Ninth Brother away from others.

First Madam was already wary of Ninth Brother growing close to his twin sister…