The Grand Madam had already dismounted her sedan at the front.

Seventh Miss also slowly stepped out of the small heated sedan with her maid’s assistance.

She heard the Grand Madam’s laughter. “I’ve come late. It’s rare to visit Lady Zhu’s home—I didn’t realize the journey was so far.”

Lady Zhu approached with a face full of spring warmth, pulling the Grand Madam’s hand and laughing. “Look at what you’re saying! You must come visit often in the future!”

She held the Grand Madam’s hand and introduced her to each new face one by one.

The social circles of military officer families differed from those of civil officials. The Grand Madam usually maintained such airs that indeed many minor officials’ family members had already arranged their faces into smiles to socialize with the Grand Madam.

The Zhu family’s eldest miss then came forward to lead Seventh Miss into the group of young ladies.

“How is it your Fifth Sister isn’t here today?” She smiled and introduced Seventh Miss. “You know all the other sisters already. Miss Quan is an honored guest from the capital—I must specially introduce her to you.”

Seventh Miss thought inwardly, “As expected,” while her face showed a smile as she and Miss Quan exchanged courtesies.

“When I was young, my constitution was weak. I’m much indebted to your elder brother’s prescription for a peaceful remedy. Over these years, I’ve gradually improved.” She made polite conversation with Miss Quan. “However, being so far apart, I’ve had no way to express my gratitude. Today, meeting Miss Quan, I can finally offer my thanks.”

Miss Quan carefully examined Seventh Miss from head to toe before smiling. “My brother’s minor skills—if they truly helped resolve difficulties, it was his duty.”

After exchanging more pleasantries, each went to find familiar companions to chat with.

Though all were young ladies, theoretically at an innocent, carefree age, invisible factions had inevitably formed.

The Li family’s several misses naturally clustered around Seventh Miss, chatting and laughing with her. Miss Quan also had her own group of admirers. Though all were in the inner hall, the divisions were clear as the Jing and Wei rivers, with no encroachment.

Seventh Miss subtly observed the families around Miss Quan.

In recent years, the Quan family’s imperial favor had grown increasingly grand. As representative figures beside the First Prince, those who would abandon the daughters of the Yang family currently governing Jiangnan to befriend the Quan family—what they were thinking was obvious without asking.

Unexpectedly, the task the Grand Madam had carefully assigned her was accomplished so easily through this fortuitous encounter.

She quietly asked the Li family’s Ninth Miss, “How did honored guests from the capital come today? We received no advance notice whatsoever. Did Miss Quan come alone?”

For a wealthy family like the Quan family, even a single daughter traveling to Jiangnan would certainly make considerable commotion.

“Lady Quan brought her,” Li Ninth Miss glanced at Seventh Miss, then at Miss Quan, showing understanding. “I also heard from the Zhu misses. Apparently Lady Quan’s natal family is holding a wedding. It happens Lady Quan hasn’t returned home to visit relatives in many years, so she’s simply passing through Suzhou before going to Jiangxi for the wedding banquet… She’s merely passing through.”

“Passing through Suzhou in the first month?” Seventh Miss raised her eyebrows.

This excuse was far too flimsy.

However, after all, both Lady Quan and Miss Quan were women, and they’d announced they were passing through Suzhou. Since they were just passing through and would soon be on their way again… perhaps they truly were just passing through.

“Exactly! The wedding is set for early second month. Lady Quan is the one sending off the bride—there’s no reason to spend New Year at her natal family…” Li Ninth Miss chimed in softly, then asked, “How is it Fifth Sister isn’t here?”

“Fifth Sister is feeling unwell. She’s been reluctant to go out lately.” Seventh Miss was busy pondering, answering perfunctorily.

She couldn’t help raising her eyes toward Miss Quan again.

Though this young lady didn’t resemble her brother, her movements carried that same noble, refined aura. Even sitting there casually, she outshone the mediocre young ladies around her.

Seeing her composed features and measured bearing, Seventh Miss thought she naturally must be quite shrewd…

Just as she thought this, the Grand Madam sent someone to summon her to pay respects to the elders.

Seventh Miss followed the messenger into the Mandarin Duck Hall where madams and ladies congregated.

“Previously we only knew the Yang family’s Fifth Miss was excellent. We never imagined Seventh Miss would also be such a flower-like young lady!”

“Come, come, quickly rise. It’s our first meeting—I don’t have anything good to give you…”

She was immediately submerged in competing waves of praise.

Truth be told, the officials the Yang family usually associated with, no matter how low their rank, conducted themselves with propriety. Though they showed flattery, it was still appropriate.

Today at the Zhu residence, Seventh Miss truly learned what it meant for rank to crush all below it.

These ladies and madams practically wanted to pull her into their arms and kiss her several times before releasing her. Each pair of eyes seemed to emit green light, sticking to Seventh Miss and scanning her inch by inch, weighing and evaluating her worth.

Seventh Miss found it utterly tiresome. Maintaining her smile, she paid respects all around—she didn’t know how many times she called “Aunt”—before the Grand Madam finally pulled her into her embrace and asked Lady Zhu with a smile, “How is it I don’t see Lady Quan?”

Without waiting for Lady Zhu’s answer, she smiled again. “Speaking of which, I had no idea Lady Quan had also come to Jiangnan.”

Lady Zhu smiled. “I only learned this morning myself. Lady Quan has some association with our family in the capital. Yesterday she arrived in Suzhou and settled at the Ouyang residence. I happened to be suffering from a cough and sent someone to the Ouyang residence to request a physician. Didn’t we just happen to meet? Lady Yang and Lady Quan must be old acquaintances.”

The Grand Madam made a sound of acknowledgment. “We’ve met several times in the capital.”

Lady Zhu didn’t dare say more, smiling as she changed the subject. “When Lady Quan came over earlier, she accidentally soiled her skirt—she’s probably changing clothes. Seventh Miss, have some tea, have some tea.”

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred.

She couldn’t help glancing at the Grand Madam.

The Grand Madam’s expression remained normal, even carrying a hint of displeasure.

Truth be told, though the Quan family held noble status, even though the Grand Madam was the Lady of the Left Pillar of State and Lady Zhu’s superior, in Lady Quan’s presence, it wouldn’t do to put on official airs.

The Quan family had deep roots and was currently enjoying the height of imperial favor. What kind of wealthy families had they not seen? By comparison, the Grand Madam was somewhat overshadowed.

She’d originally come to display her status and be the pride of heaven, but suddenly encountering an even more noble family, naturally the Grand Madam felt uncomfortable.

However, for the Zhu family, spring wine banquets only happened once a year—there was no reason to hold them for two days. Since they had dealings with the Quan family and knew Lady Quan had come to Suzhou, of course they would invite Lady Quan as well.

It was just that the Grand Master was precisely at the point of purging dissidents, yet the Zhu family still hastened to associate with the Quan family. This was truly somewhat unwise…

That said, having been accustomed to being Jiangnan’s first lady for many years, the Grand Madam had lost some of her former keenness in social dealings.

Seventh Miss lowered her eyes with a smile.

Lady Zhu also smiled and rose. “Ah, Lady Quan has arrived.”

Though the Grand Madam’s face showed displeasure, facing a first-rank Duke’s lady, she couldn’t be too haughty. She quickly took Seventh Miss’s hand and rose to greet her. “Lady Quan, it’s been many years.”

Though Seventh Miss maintained proper etiquette and dared not openly examine Lady Quan, she couldn’t help stealing glances to admire the Duke’s lady’s bearing.

This was actually her first time meeting a Duke’s mansion lady since Lady Xu. Naturally she couldn’t help comparing Lady Quan with Lady Xu in her heart.

Both ladies dressed without ostentation, without overly eye-catching luxurious jewelry. However, Lady Xu’s entire bearing was impossible to conceal—full of shrewdness and efficiency. At a glance, one knew she was the principal wife and eldest son’s mother, the proper household matriarch. She also carried that frank magnanimity and proud bearing unique to northern women. Perceptive people could guess accurately: this lady definitely had a personality that wouldn’t let things rest once she had the advantage.

Lady Quan, however, wore an expression of gentle warmth, actually even softer than Miss Quan. As soon as she spoke, it was in the soft, sweet southern accent. “Lady Yang, it’s been so many years since we’ve met. You look even younger!”

She smiled and asked, “This is your honored daughter? What’s her birth order? I’ve always heard the Yang family’s misses are exceptionally beautiful and refined. Seeing her today, the reputation is well-deserved… Compared with the capital’s young Lady of Dingguo Marquis, she’s not inferior in the slightest!”

With just a few sentences, she praised the Yang family, praised Second Miss, and praised Fifth Miss all at once, immediately making the displeasure fade from the Grand Madam’s face, replaced with genuine smiles.

“This is our Seventh Miss. Lady Quan truly praises too much. A daughter from a humble family—how could she deserve your compliments?”

After Lady Zhu yielded her seat so the two first-rank command ladies could sit facing each other, the Grand Madam looked meaningfully at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss quickly rose to pay respects to Lady Quan. “Little Seven pays respects to Aunt.”

Lady Quan smiled as she examined Seventh Miss, then stepped forward several paces to personally help Seventh Miss rise, having Seventh Miss sit beside her. “How old are you this year?”

“Just turned fourteen.” Seventh Miss could only adopt a quail-like demeanor, speaking softly.

Though Lady Quan’s face was full of smiles, from that deep examining glance earlier, she sensed the coolness in those eyes.

It seemed she too was a matriarch with deep schemes.

Lady Quan smiled. “Only fourteen and already so beautiful. In a few more years, how will that be?” She asked again, “What’s your name?”

“My childhood name has the character ‘chess,’ my formal name is Shanheng.” The Grand Madam answered for her.

Lady Quan made a sound of acknowledgment, gripping Seventh Miss’s hand and carefully examining her up and down several times before smiling and praising the Grand Madam. “I’m not being shallow—even among the century-old established families in the capital, very few raise such a delicate young lady. I truly don’t know how Lady Yang cultivates them. Each daughter is more outstanding than the last. I might as well send my Ruiyun to the Governor’s Mansion and have Lady Yang help me cultivate her.”

Everyone laughed. “Lady Quan’s words are so amusing.”

Lady Li, however, hastened to agree. “Lady Quan’s words make sense. Usually when I see Fifth Miss, Sixth Miss, and Seventh Miss, I wish I could snatch one home. Just looking at them every day would make me eat two more bowls of rice!”

Everyone laughed even more. Lady Quan then beckoned Miss Quan over to pay respects to the Grand Madam. “…Our eldest daughter is also fifteen this year. She truly can’t compare to one ten-thousandth of Seventh Miss.”

“Where does Lady Quan get such ideas?” The Grand Madam hurriedly praised Miss Quan as a fairy descended from heaven. “Truthfully, Miss Quan at a glance is clearly a daughter from our capital’s great households. That composed, generous bearing—tsk tsk, truly…”

The two madams went back and forth flattering each other. Lady Li was straightforward: “Ah, if you ask me, you two might as well exchange daughters to raise for a few days.”

Everyone laughed again, and the atmosphere became thoroughly lively. Only then did Lady Quan smile and pull off a pair of flawless mutton-fat jade bracelets from her hands. “I don’t have anything good…”

The Grand Madam reciprocated by removing a ruby walking restraint from her person and gifting it to Miss Quan.

She then animatedly discussed the northern winter with Lady Quan and Lady Zhu.

Sitting beside Lady Quan, Seventh Miss dared not move carelessly. Surveying the hall, this entire room of madams and ladies all strategically flattered the Grand Madam and Lady Quan. She couldn’t help sighing inwardly.

Who said ancient times had no workplace? The ancient women’s quarters were precisely another kind of workplace.

She wondered if First Miss and Third Miss also racked their brains like this to please their superior madams… Before marriage, they only watched others flatter the Grand Madam. After marriage, they had to take the field themselves, forcing smiles at these prefect madams and chiliarch madams in the hall…

Lost in thought, she unexpectedly met Miss Quan’s eyes.

She also still sat beside the Grand Madam, but without Seventh Miss’s constraint—looking about freely, comfortable and generous…

Seventh Miss felt she truly lived up to being Quan Zhongbai’s sister.

She nodded slightly at Miss Quan with a smile, then looked away.

From across came Miss Quan’s light laughter.

“Mother, I’ll take my younger cousin to the inner room to chat with the misses.” Just as Lady Quan finished speaking, Miss Quan addressed her.

Seventh Miss paused slightly. Miss Quan had already risen with a smile toward her, extending her hand to Seventh Miss.

She accordingly rose and grasped Miss Quan’s slender, pale hand, entering the inner room.

“The favorite enters!”

“Two great favorites enter hand in hand!”

Upon entering the inner room, they were immediately submerged in the young ladies’ cheerful laughter.

Miss Quan then released her hand, surrounded by several familiar misses as they settled in a corner of the room.

The Li and Zhu families’ several misses also gathered around Seventh Miss. “Paying respects to the elders, you received many good things, didn’t you?”

Seventh Miss could only display the mutton-fat white jade bracelets on her hands.

The Li family’s several misses immediately showed envious expressions. “Even Baoqing Bank rarely sees such fine jade bracelets!”

Even the Zhu family’s two misses praised, “Most rare is this jade color—smooth and lustrous. Clearly it’s been worn regularly to develop such fine patina.”

Seventh Miss hadn’t thought much of it before—the Grand Madam also had two or three such pairs. Hearing several companions speak, she realized this gift was actually quite substantial.

She glanced at that group of young ladies in the corner before quietly asking, “What did Lady Quan give all of you?”

Only upon asking did she learn that Lady Quan had merely given each person a superior formal gift and a jade pendant.

She looked at the pair of jade bracelets encircling her hands, falling into contemplation.

The several young ladies giggled and moved to other topics.

Li Ninth Miss also followed Seventh Miss’s gaze to the smooth, lustrous white jade bracelets on her wrist.

She sighed softly.

“I don’t know if when I marry out, my trousseau will include such a pair of bracelets…”

Though her voice was quiet, Seventh Miss didn’t miss it.

She raised her head to scan the Li family’s other two sisters.

Truth be told, these three daughters were all concubine-born. The Li family’s Thirteenth Miss was currently only seven or eight years old—Lady Li rarely brought her out for socializing.

“Your match is settled?” she quietly asked Li Ninth Miss.

Li Ninth Miss sighed again before whispering to Seventh Miss, “Settled with the Lü family of Hongdong County Magistrate… The match itself is acceptable… It’s just I’ll be the eldest daughter-in-law. If the dowry is meager, I won’t be able to command my sisters-in-law…”

Her worried expression was evident.

As fellow Jiangnan great households, the dowry of Li family concubine daughters couldn’t even approach a fraction of Yang family daughters’.

Seventh Miss didn’t know what to say and could only quietly console her. “Look at your several elder sisters—they all had over five thousand taels. Lady Li dotes on you… However much, it will be enough!”

Li Ninth Miss smiled bitterly. “They say over five thousand taels, but these years so many marriages have been arranged, Mother’s finances are extremely tight. I don’t know if she can squeeze it out… In a few months, once your Fifth Sister’s match is settled, we’ll also come to propose marriage for Eleventh Brother. Your family’s daughters’ dowries are so substantial—our betrothal gifts can’t be small… Mother lies awake entire nights!”

Families with many children—when it came to marriages, troubles were indeed manifold.

What Seventh Miss cared about, however, wasn’t Lady Li’s sleep.

With Li Ninth Miss mentioning it, she thought to inquire, “Has Eleventh Brother heard of this match?”

This question made perfect sense.

In ancient matchmaking, parental command and matchmaker’s word prevailed—children’s opinions weren’t considered at all. Many men studying away were summoned home to marry, only learning the bride’s family after the wedding.

Eleventh Brother had been studying in the capital these years—he might not necessarily know Lady Li had arranged for him to marry Sixth Miss…

“He knows.” Li Ninth Miss answered readily.

Her expression also took on some mischief. “When Eleventh Brother returned for New Year this year, Mother had everyone leave and spoke with him behind closed doors for half a shichen. When he emerged, Eleventh Brother couldn’t stop smiling… You know Twelfth Brother is closest to him—he asked privately and found out. This match is eighty to ninety percent certain to succeed. Not many days later, word came from the Ouyang family in the capital that they’d betrothed their youngest daughter to your Second Branch’s eldest young master. Eleventh Brother was even more delighted day and night, his face only showing smiles. He went drinking with your eldest young master, saying they’d be relatives in the future… I’m telling you, this Eleventh Brother takes after Father completely. In the future in official circles, he’ll certainly achieve something. You needn’t worry about wronging your Sixth Sister.”

Learning the Ouyang family’s cousin had found another match made him even happier to the point of losing composure?

Li Ninth Miss understood it as Eleventh Brother being happy about forming kinship with the Yang family.

Seventh Miss, however, recalled the Grand Madam’s words.

“A minor star pretending to be major—in the future, the Second Branch will have plenty of laughingstocks!”

She pressed her lips together, echoing without showing emotion. “Sixth Sister actually doesn’t know about this yet… I’ll go home and tease her about it!”

She and Li Ninth Miss dissolved into laughter.

Before long, Lady Zhu sent someone in to invite them—the spring wine banquet was beginning.

The two Zhu family young misses quickly beckoned everyone inside.

Upon entering the rear hall, Seventh Miss revealed a smile.

Traditionally, Suzhou’s great households used eight-immortals tables for spring wine banquets—square and distinct, with the principal guest seated north and accompanying guests seated east and west.

This time, however, the Zhu family’s rear hall was set with round tables.

#

In the carriage home, the Grand Madam still sighed with emotion.

“This Lady Zhu—her conduct was truly watertight. I was thinking I’d see whom she seated in the place of honor, and that would reveal whose side she leaned toward more… Fortunately she could find so many large round tables on such short notice!”

Speaking of noble titles, the Quan family held a first-rank Duke title, while the Yang family held first-rank Left Pillar of State. Speaking of position, they also held the Jiangnan Governor post and were Lady Zhu’s direct superior, plus they were the principal guests written on the original red invitation.

Yet the Quan family clearly held precedence in noble rank, and moreover were guests from afar…

Seventh Miss had also been curious whom Lady Zhu would seat in the place of honor. Teacher chairs could seat the Grand Madam and Lady Quan facing each other, but at eight-immortals tables, hierarchy could always be distinguished, couldn’t it?

Who knew Lady Zhu would use this cicada-shedding-shell strategy—executed quite brilliantly indeed. No one could find fault with her. Even if the Grand Madam wanted to pick bones, she couldn’t find a single one.

“Usually she seems so rough and blunt, but when it mattered, she was more cautious than anyone.” The Grand Madam couldn’t help complaining to Seventh Miss. “To say the Zhu family has no thoughts whatsoever regarding the succession—I don’t believe it. The Emperor is over fifty this year, and his health has never been good. With each new emperor comes new ministers…”

“If they had no thoughts, they wouldn’t befriend the Quan family.” Seventh Miss followed the Grand Madam’s meaning.

“Exactly!” The Grand Madam felt somewhat deflated again. “When I heard Lady Quan had also come today, I thought we’d finally caught their true allegiance. Who knew Lady Zhu would explain it away so reasonably… Did you notice anything special about how Lady Zhu treated Lady Quan today?”

“Daughter didn’t notice anything.” Seventh Miss shook her head. “Lady Zhu was perfectly conventional… Lady Li was actually much warmer toward Lady Quan than she was.”

“Ah, that’s just Lady Li’s personality.” The Grand Madam sighed. “This Lady Zhu…”

“However…” Seventh Miss drew out her words. “Daughter does find one matter quite strange.”