Xu Fengjia froze, then the corners of his lips curved upward again.

“Thinking of it constantly, only concerned about my hand?”

Instead, he hid his right hand behind his back. “Why don’t you guess whether my right hand is actually disabled or not?”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but give Xu Fengjia a withering look.

This person—if you said he was steady, he truly was steady.

But if you actually took him for steady, the next moment he could infuriate you to death.

“Is this something to joke about?”

In Xu Fengjia’s presence, she always had difficulty maintaining her usual calm composure.

Either shy and timid, or thoroughly displeased.

Yet the more withering looks she gave him, the thicker Xu Fengjia’s smile became.

This young man was truly remarkable now. His whole being seemed to radiate hormones. Strictly speaking, his looks were merely upright and handsome—he lacked Feng Jin’s exceptional beauty, couldn’t compare to Quan Zhongbai’s refinement… Yet somehow one glance seemed to penetrate to the depths of Seventh Miss’s heart, one smile could lodge itself in her mind.

Seventh Miss grew increasingly uncomfortable.

“If Cousin won’t speak seriously… I’m going back.” She forced her expression stern, turning her eyes away to avoid meeting Xu Fengjia’s gaze.

Speaking with Xu Fengjia was always exhausting. Even just standing there, he seemed to infiltrate everywhere, wanting to seize the dominant position.

Yet facing him, Seventh Miss always refused to yield, also wanting to control the conversation’s rhythm.

Previously it had been fine—both were young, with no involvement of romantic feelings.

Now both were older, and between them existed an ambiguous tension even Seventh Miss couldn’t deny.

Speaking with Xu Fengjia had suddenly become very difficult.

In front of others, both had to appear dignified—that didn’t matter.

But privately upon meeting, Seventh Miss became somewhat at a loss, unable to decide what manner to adopt toward Xu Fengjia.

She’d never considered herself a proper young lady of a great family. A proper young lady couldn’t accomplish what she’d done these years.

But before Xu Fengjia, playing the lady always left her passive. To reclaim initiative, yet constrained by his status as an ancient person—she feared if she acted too unconventionally, she’d be looked down upon instead.

Those eyes were also so intense, sweeping across her face, making her even more uncomfortable… Wanting desperately to flee, yet unable to escape.

Xu Fengjia laughed lightly. “Fine, fine, I’ll speak seriously.”

He brought his hand from behind, placing it before Seventh Miss’s eyes. “Does this look disabled to you?”

This was quite a rough hand.

Bearing no relation to delicacy. The webbing between thumb and forefinger, the fingertips—all showed thin calluses.

A military general’s hand would indeed look like this.

The palm lines were distinct, a faint scar running across the lower side of the palm. Without close examination, one truly couldn’t see it.

However Seventh Miss looked, it didn’t seem like a hand unable to exert force.

If the right hand couldn’t exert force, how did the calluses on the webbing and fingertips form?

She couldn’t help but raise her head, gazing at Xu Fengjia in confusion. She opened her mouth wanting to ask something, then closed it again.

But Xu Fengjia’s eyes grew hazy, merely staring at Seventh Miss, his face showing wavering emotions… Slowly, he leaned closer.

“Cousin!” Seventh Miss was startled.

She quickly retreated several steps, vigilantly checking the surroundings.

Stories of talented scholars and beauties meeting privately in back gardens were romantic tales in storybooks, but in reality, they were scandals that could destroy one’s reputation.

Xu Fengjia immediately came to his senses.

His face suddenly flushed red. He also hastily retreated several steps, opening distance from Seventh Miss.

Both suddenly fell silent, each lowering their heads to look elsewhere.

After a long while, Xu Fengjia slowly explained to Seventh Miss.

“This hand actually has no major problem. I’ve suffered many injuries on the battlefield. That scar and others were all left in the Northwest. The injury marks Fourth Cousin Brother left back then have long since faded.”

His low, hoarse voice flowed into Seventh Miss’s ears, immediately making her breathe a huge sigh of relief.

Her whole body went soft.

These past years, Xu Fengjia’s hand had nearly become Seventh Miss’s nightmare.

Constantly concerned, fearing his hand was injured because of Ninth Brother’s actions before Huansha Wu years ago. If the siblings bore inescapable responsibility in this matter, if it came out in the future it would be another awkward situation…

Finally hearing from his own lips the four words “no major problem,” she truly felt completely drained.

“Learning left-hand saber technique was merely to have an additional skill on the battlefield. My right hand is equally excellent… Did the Gui family’s eldest son not mention this to you?”

Speaking of Gui Hanchun, his tone unavoidably sounded somewhat strange.

Seventh Miss looked at Xu Fengjia in surprise.

But discovered this youth was also intently watching her, as if exploring what effect these few words “Gui Hanchun” had on her.

Could he be jealous?

She immediately found it amusing—that was so many years ago. Xu Fengjia’s heart surely couldn’t be that petty.

“That was four or five years ago.” She said lightly. “We only exchanged a few words hastily… Mostly at Fifth Sister’s request, asking him about Cousin’s news. We didn’t say much else.”

Xu Fengjia’s expression eased slightly.

“Only Fifth Cousin was concerned about me, you weren’t concerned?” He smiled ambiguously, crossing his arms.

Seventh Miss’s heart couldn’t help but flutter.

If this person grew any older, he’d truly be impossible.

At such a young age, his eyes and brows already wrote romance… When older, wouldn’t he be like those modern male movie stars, able to make a living purely on hormones?

She looked away, biting her lip slightly.

Warning herself inwardly: a concubine-born daughter—what qualification did she have to romance with a ducal heir?

Slowly, she forcefully restrained those traces of ambiguity.

“I… am not concerned.” She answered softly. “Fifth Sister’s concern for you befits Fifth Sister’s status. What status do I have to be concerned about Cousin…”

Xu Fengjia laughed lowly.

“I think you may well be concerned.”

He moistened his lips, glancing at Seventh Miss from beneath his lashes, his words full of laughter.

About to say more.

But Seventh Miss no longer wanted to listen.

“Young Master Cousin!” She emphasized her tone. “Knowing your hand is fine, Little Seven is relieved. Other matters… even if you have intentions, Madam won’t agree. I think…”

“Won’t agree?” Xu Fengjia’s expression darkened again. “Yang Qi, are you joking with me? The Chuiyang Studio matter—do you think I lack the ability to make a scene, to let all of Suzhou city know you’re already the Xu family’s person… If Fourth Aunt won’t agree, there are always ways to think of, but your words—”

Both their expressions suddenly shifted. Xu Fengjia immediately stopped talking, quickly walking several steps to vigilantly look outside.

From far along the corridor came a tender maiden’s voice. “This servant thought the two young masters definitely wouldn’t go far. Not at Xiao Xiangxue means certainly at Jidi Residence…”

Then came Min’ge’s gentle voice. “Mm, I thought so too. In any case it’s on the way—checking Jidi Residence first would be good.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but grow curious.

Min’ge’s usual speech was always steady and balanced, showing respect. Rarely was he this gentle.

From that girl’s tone, she was undoubtedly a maid.

Which maid could earn such favor from Min’ge?

She looked back at Xu Fengjia again.

At least this person knew propriety, already sitting down by the pavilion, preventing his tall stature from being noticed by Min’ge.

Jiangnan gardens were exquisite and compact. Though Baifang Garden was large, the corridor and Baiyujin Pavilion were in close proximity. If Min’ge had good eyesight, he might well see something.

Seventh Miss bit her lip, simply standing up decisively.

“If Cousin truly thinks of me, regarding marriage proposals, I think… better to forget it!”

Though her tone was soft, it was extremely firm.

Without waiting for Xu Fengjia’s reply, she slowly walked out of Baiyujin Pavilion.

Though her heart still pounded chaotically, she at least had this much composure. She was confident her face shouldn’t reveal flaws.

Only Xu Fengjia’s eyes, even penetrating layers of vegetation, remained locked on her departing figure, making Seventh Miss’s spine tingle with waves of numbness.

#

Having just turned out of Baiyujin Pavilion and walked a few steps, Seventh Miss came face to face with Min’ge.

“Elder Brother.”

“Seventh Sister.”

Both sides hastily exchanged greetings.

Min’ge smiled and showed concern for Seventh Miss. “Such cold weather—why are you lingering outside? Quickly go inside to warm up—look, your face is frozen red.”

Seventh Miss touched her face, finding it somewhat amusing. “Yes, thank you for Elder Brother’s concern.”

Both were showing concern, yet Xu Fengjia’s concern carried dominance while Min’ge’s concern held more warmth.

She looked at the little maid beside Min’ge.

This was a delicate round-faced girl. Her eyes seemed naturally smiling, narrowed like crescent moons, looking quite endearing. Though young, she was dressed quite respectably.

She wore not a lower servant’s cotton jacket but middle-rank official satin.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but examine her more closely.

She felt the face somewhat familiar.

“Greetings to Seventh Miss.” This little girl was also well-behaved. Without waiting for Min’ge’s instruction, she properly kowtowed to Seventh Miss.

“Rise.” Seventh Miss quickly smiled and instructed.

Min’ge introduced her. “This is Nanyin from Yurong Pavilion, just came to serve at my side. In the future I’ll be home less—I’ll have to rely on my sisters to supervise more.”

Min’ge was always this polite.

However, even being polite showed his regard for Nanyin. Otherwise an ordinary little maid couldn’t leave Yurong Pavilion’s entrance, much less warrant sisters’ supervision.

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred.

“Were you originally called Nanyin?” She asked with a smile.

“This servant’s original name was Nuomi.” Nanyin’s speaking voice was indeed soft and glutinous, as if containing a honey candy, naturally carrying sweetness. “Young Master said Nuomi was inevitably inelegant. Since I speak softly, he simply renamed me Nanyin.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but smile at Min’ge.

“I see.”

She told Min’ge, “Second Brother and Third Brother did go to Xiao Xiangxue to view plum blossoms.”

Min’ge looked curiously toward where Seventh Miss had come from. “I thought Seventh Sister was with them.”

“Fifth Sister halfway wanted to walk by Wanhua Liuluo.” Seventh Miss’s expression didn’t change. “We simply separated to enjoy ourselves… Halfway through, she said she felt unwell and wanted to rest at Yuelai Hall.”

In a few words, she smoothed things over seamlessly—half truth, half fiction, impossible to fault.

Min’ge didn’t investigate deeply. After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Seventh Miss, he watched her circle around the corridor toward Yuyu Pavilion.

His feet didn’t move immediately though.

Lowering his head in contemplation for a long while, only then did he lead Nanyin toward Baiyujin Pavilion for a few steps.

“Young Master.” Nanyin timidly said, “Xiao Xiangxue is closer going through Juba Pavilion.”

Min’ge smiled. “I know that.”

His feet didn’t stop. While conversing with Nanyin, he’d already turned around the corridor into the bluestone path. Walking quickly, he entered the flower garden.

Looking left and right, he found nothing.

He stood in place, spacing out again for a while before coming back to himself.

Nanyin stood beside him, timidly hopeful, her face showing desire to speak but hesitation.

Min’ge found it interesting.

This girl’s thoughts were written all over her face.

“Did you see a black figure earlier?” He asked Nanyin. “Seemed to be sitting in the pavilion… I looked but didn’t see clearly.”

Nanyin turned her eyes, thinking carefully before shaking her head. “No. Perhaps it was potted scenery? From here, potted plants sometimes look like people.”

Min’ge was half-convinced. Looking around again, truly seeing no one, he finally smiled.

Leading Nanyin back to the corridor, he returned through Juba Pavilion to Xiao Xiangxue.

#

As soon as Seventh Miss returned to Yuyu Pavilion, she asked Qiqiao.

“Where is your Sister Bailu?”

Qiqiao had been teasing the oriole in the corridor.

Seeing Seventh Miss return, she quickly composed her expression, following Seventh Miss step by step into the main hall.

She helped Seventh Miss remove her cloak, then busied herself pouring water, changing clothes…

Hearing this question, she froze.

Because Qiqiao learned quickly, Seventh Miss had given Bailu leave days ago to wholeheartedly prepare her trousseau.

“I’ll go call her now.” Not daring to ask more, she simply turned and left the room, entering the west wing where Bailu usually stayed.

Before long, Bailu entered the room.

“Does Seventh Miss have instructions?”

But Qiqiao was nowhere to be seen.

Seventh Miss nodded slightly—this girl knew propriety.

“You and Xiaoxue grew up together.” She got straight to the point.

Given Bailu and Seventh Miss’s relationship, they’d long passed needing to speak circuitously. “Are you familiar with her younger sister Nuomi?”

Bailu began contemplating.

After a while she smiled. “I don’t really know her character—Nuomi is after all quite young. Though Xiaoxue and I are close, it’s based on inner courtyard friendship. Normally we rarely have chances to go home, naturally can’t visit each other’s homes. Only when visiting Xiaoxue a few times did I see Nuomi a few times.”

“Mm, so what kind of person do you think she is?” Seventh Miss wasn’t disappointed.

Great household women’s knowledge mostly limited itself within the gate. About matters outside the gate, most knew quite vaguely.

“Just an obedient little girl.” Clearly Bailu was wracking her brains to recall. “Also very sensible. Xiaoxue said when she’s home, their parents are busy with duties—it’s the younger sisters taking care of things.”

Seventh Miss nodded thoughtfully.

After a long while she smiled. “Nanny Liang told me before that after marriage you’ll be under her supervision, specifically managing and training newly promoted little maids?”

Once Bailu became a wife, naturally she couldn’t continue serving at Yuyu Pavilion.

However, with her mother-in-law being Nanny Liang, she wouldn’t lack good positions.

Judging from Bailu’s first post-marriage job, Nanny Liang wanted her daughter-in-law to inherit her position, continuing to handle personnel.

Also good. Bailu was her own maid. The more respectable her position in the household, the more convenient for Seventh Miss to act. With her temperament, after a few years’ training, her methods would become even more sophisticated.

“Yes, taking up the position after marriage.” Bailu was slightly embarrassed. “When difficult problems arise, I’ll still need Seventh Miss to make decisions for me.”

“If you’re willing to frequently return to sit awhile, I’d be delighted.” Seventh Miss also smiled. “Making decisions isn’t my place yet. When your mother-in-law can’t decide either, then coming to ask me would be more appropriate.”

After chatting awhile, Seventh Miss dismissed Bailu. “Go busy yourself. I just thought to ask you a few things.”

That evening, she mentioned it to Lixia.

“This Nuomi—whether it’s good luck or capability, someone as calculating as Min’ge already views her differently after just days.”

Lixia also found it interesting.

“Just when they’re selecting a chamber maid for Eldest Young Master… Perhaps Nanyin will have this good fortune, no?”

She leaned close to Seventh Miss’s ear, telling her in detail: “When Lidong came to deliver medicinal materials earlier, she secretly told me that this morning Madam kept Eldest Young Master behind to discuss chamber maids. Said in another year or two he’ll marry, so better first take a chamber maid to serve at his side. Told Eldest Young Master to pay attention normally—whoever he fancies, just tell her…”

Seventh Miss propped her chin silently, fingers holding the spoon, stirring the white fungus soup absently.

In her mind, she replayed Min’ge’s words and actions over and over.

After a long while she smiled. “Tell me, Lixia—is this eldest cousin brother a dragon or an insect?”

Lixia’s expression didn’t change. “Whatever Miss says he is, he is. Even if he’s a dragon, you can make him become an insect.”