The two sisters had both been very busy since entering the first month. Knowing that Fifth Miss was feigning illness, they simply sent people to inquire after her every few days without personally visiting Yuelai Hall.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, they caught a whiff of genuine medicinal fragrance.

Both Seventh Miss and Sixth Miss were quite surprised.

“Looks like she’s really sick…” Sixth Miss muttered. “We haven’t even seen her go anywhere, how did pretending turn into actual illness…”

While grumbling, she lifted the curtain together with Seventh Miss and entered Yuelai Hall.

Yuelai Hall was more spacious than both Yuyu Pavilion and Qiliuxiang. Fifth Miss’s daily quarters followed the Grand Madam’s arrangement and were also in the eastern side room.

Guyu naturally came out to greet them early.

“You two young misses have finally come.” She smiled helplessly. “Our young miss has been hoping for so many days. This morning when she got up, she started coughing and running a fever, and still said, ‘Let’s see if those two sisters will come visit me this time’…”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but smile.

Fifth Miss’s mouth truly couldn’t say anything pleasant.

Yet sometimes it was precisely these willful words that made one’s heart feel warm.

“Fifth Sister also knows that we’ve been busy during the first month…”

The two conversed with Guyu while entering the eastern side room.

Fifth Miss had already propped herself up halfway, greeting them weakly: “Finally willing to come see me?”

Sixth Miss hurried forward a few steps, supporting Fifth Miss while laughing and scolding: “A sick person still won’t lie down properly?”

Seventh Miss also laughed: “Pretending to be sick until you actually got sick—Fifth Sister is truly impressive!”

Fifth Miss explained between coughs: “I, I never pretended to be sick, this… this… this is clearly real illness!”

The three sisters laughed while bantering back and forth.

Seventh Miss was ultimately more attentive. Seeing Fifth Miss’s face showing signs of exhaustion, her usual vigorous spirit having vanished completely, and beneath her cheerful expression only a mass of weariness remained, she knew this was probably genuine illness. She reached out to test Fifth Miss’s forehead temperature and couldn’t help frowning slightly.

“You really should have sent word to the main courtyard last night to request a doctor.” She gently reproached. “This fever started last night, didn’t it?… Such a grown person, yet still doesn’t know to take care of her own health…”

Fifth Miss bit her lip and turned her head away, responding in a muffled voice: “I know, I know.”

Sixth Miss was also concerned: “How did you suddenly fall ill? You haven’t even left Yuelai Hall’s door lately…”

“Exactly!” Chunfen happened to be bringing in tea and picked up Sixth Miss’s thread. “Yesterday she was perfectly fine, just complaining about boredom. Last night the madam personally came to check on her illness, but instead actually made her sick!”

“Chunfen!” Fifth Miss turned back and stopped Chunfen, her face showing genuine annoyance.

Seventh Miss’s heart already understood.

The Grand Madam probably thought she was bringing miraculous medicine when she came to “check on the illness,” but instead truly made Fifth Miss sick.

For this mother-daughter pair to communicate so poorly was quite an achievement.

She lowered her eyes and said nothing.

Sixth Miss had been about to ask more questions, but seeing Fifth Miss’s expression, she changed the topic. “I heard from Seventh Sister that the Quan family…”

After chatting about family matters for a bit, a servant woman came in requesting the two young misses step aside, as the physician had come to examine the patient.

Sixth Miss and Seventh Miss naturally took their leave from Yuelai Hall.

“Fifth Sister’s temper this year is truly unpredictable.” Sixth Miss muttered. “Sigh, she’s really becoming more and more like Third Sister…”

Seventh Miss suddenly felt inclined to tease her.

She stopped in the corridor and asked Sixth Miss softly: “Do you know?”

Sixth Miss was still complaining energetically. Hearing Seventh Miss’s question, she opened her mouth slightly in confusion: “Know what?”

She was already beautiful, and as she grew older, her every gesture became increasingly elegant. Yet Seventh Miss particularly loved this trace of innocent charm that Sixth Miss unconsciously revealed. Like now, with lips slightly parted and eyes wide—radiating such pure innocence that even Seventh Miss found it endearing.

She leaned close to Sixth Miss’s ear with a smile and relayed Li Ninth Lady’s words: “…saying that once Fifth Sister’s marriage is settled, they’ll come propose. When Eleventh Young Master found out, he was so delighted he couldn’t stop grinning, even woke up laughing in the middle of the night…”

Sixth Miss’s face immediately flushed crimson. She stamped her foot forcefully.

“You… you’re bullying me!” She turned away, even her ear rims completely red. “I’m not friends with you anymore!”

Seventh Miss covered her mouth laughing and started to leave, but Sixth Miss urgently grabbed her sleeve.

“Is it really true…”

The trace of joy beneath her shyness was clearly and plainly displayed.

So Seventh Miss pulled Sixth Miss to Yuyu Pavilion for tea.

She clearly and plainly told Sixth Miss the full story of Eleventh Young Master’s marriage matter.

Sixth Miss listened extremely attentively, blushing while listening, also unable to stop smiling.

“Even Mother said it’s an excellent match.” Seventh Miss spoke with increasing envy. “I think the most precious thing is that his heart also has you… and you’ve all known each other since childhood.”

“These words speak to my heart…” Sixth Miss couldn’t help but agree. “I’m truly afraid Mother will marry me into an unfamiliar household, where I won’t see the groom’s face until lifting the veil…”

What girl doesn’t fear a blind marriage? Sixth Miss’s worry was extremely realistic.

Seventh Miss looked at her with a smile, genuinely happy from the bottom of her heart.

The happiest thing in the world is watching lovers become married.

Even if Eleventh Young Master wasn’t perfect, judging by Sixth Miss’s expression, she didn’t seem to mind at all.

“However,” Sixth Miss grew worried again, grabbing Seventh Miss’s sleeve urgently: “When will Fifth Sister’s marriage be settled?”

She showed an embarrassed expression, stealing glances at Seventh Miss: “Don’t say I’m worrying needlessly, but looking at Fifth Sister’s manner, it doesn’t seem like she’s willing to marry into the Xu family, rather it seems…”

Though Fifth Miss hadn’t explicitly stated her feelings to Sixth Miss, the three sisters had spent so many years together. Though Sixth Miss didn’t show it outwardly, she might not be unaware of her sisters’ thoughts.

Mentioning Fifth Miss’s marriage matter, Seventh Miss felt helpless.

“Mother has already spoken. In such matters, plenty of daughters are unwilling, yet once they enter the household, no one can’t get by.” She spoke lightly.

Sixth Miss fell silent, though from her expression, she didn’t seem convinced by Seventh Miss’s words.

She went back to blushing and giggling foolishly, only rising to take her leave after a while.

“These words mustn’t spread.” Seventh Miss saw her to the door, not forgetting to remind her. “After all, the match isn’t settled…”

Sixth Miss had been smiling to herself, but hearing Seventh Miss’s reminder, quickly straightened her face: “Your Sixth Sister isn’t stupid either. Such matters won’t spread—would I trip myself up?”

Her face full of brilliant smiles attracted the attention of passing maids.

Seventh Miss found it amusing: “You say Fifth Sister’s temper has grown strange, look at yourself! Like a little madwoman, laughing so cheerfully! You also said you wanted to find a first-rate husband, never to suffer anyone’s anger in the future… said you didn’t think much of that person…”

Sixth Miss made no sound, only smiled faintly, treating Seventh Miss’s teasing as nothing but wind past her ears.

She just kept smiling all the way out of Yuyu Pavilion, her laughter bringing several traces of spring spirit to the entire courtyard.

Seventh Miss stood in place watching her retreating figure, slowly beginning to smile as well.

This smile rarely revealed sincere joy.

#

By mid-afternoon, Guyu came again requesting her to come to Yuelai Hall to talk.

“After drinking half a bowl of medicine, she’s much better, no more coughing, fever’s gone too… but she’s very energetic and can’t sleep at all, just keeps complaining about boredom.” Guyu’s face was full of helplessness. “She wants to ask Seventh Miss to come keep her company and chat.”

When Fifth Miss decided to make a fuss, she could fuss three times a day, not stopping until she’d sent the maids around her running in circles.

Seventh Miss had gotten up from her afternoon nap and originally wanted to practice calligraphy.

But seeing the faintly pleading expression in Guyu’s eyes, her heart softened.

She could only don her cloak and walk out of Yuyu Pavilion with Guyu, one behind the other.

“Fifth Sister’s temper hasn’t been good lately, you servants must be suffering.” She made small talk with Guyu.

“Who says otherwise…” Guyu was quite agitated. “But we servants can’t advise too much, lest the young miss gets uncomfortable and we’re the ones who suffer… If Seventh Miss could advise Fifth Miss, that would be good. Actually, we servants don’t mind the trouble, it’s just that watching the young miss grow thinner day by day, our hearts ache!”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help sighing along with Guyu.

What perceptive person couldn’t see Fifth Miss had something on her mind?

Only the Grand Madam, even with Fifth Miss in such a state, still insisted on thinking wishfully about everything.

“The moon waxes and wanes, many things aren’t…” She couldn’t help feeling emotional.

Having said half a sentence, she quickly stopped.

From Guyu’s meaning, even she didn’t know Fifth Miss’s troubles. This showed that though Fifth Miss was anxious, her actions were still measured—she hadn’t rashly revealed her desires.

Naturally, Seventh Miss shouldn’t disclose this to Guyu either.

An indescribable expression flashed across Guyu’s face.

“Actually, even without you saying it, I know the young miss is troubled about her marriage…”

Having entered late first month, winter was at its end. The wind on one’s face was no longer bone-chillingly cold, taking on a warmer quality.

Two young girls walking side by side through the pale green landscape looked like a painting of court ladies.

Yet they were far from having the freedom of painted ladies.

“To be honest with Seventh Miss, I’ve followed the young miss for so many years. Many things the young miss doesn’t say, but Chunfen and I can guess somewhat.” Guyu lowered her head, fidgeting with her handkerchief. “It’s just that in this matter, the young miss is too confused. The young master cousin is a dragon among men, and the two families are closely related through marriage. As long as the young miss marries over peacefully, in a few years life will improve…”

Seventh Miss also listened very attentively.

This was the first time she’d heard an ancient person comment on Fifth Miss’s marriage from an observer’s perspective.

“It’s just that…” Guyu hesitated. “With the young miss’s temperament, I’m afraid she’ll make such a commotion that chickens fly and dogs jump, embarrassing everyone!”

She looked at Seventh Miss with a pleading expression: “Please, Seventh Miss, advise the young miss more—among the three sisters in the household, the young miss is still closest to you. Many things, she’ll only listen if you say them.”

Seventh Miss pressed her lips together.

These past years, life in the manor had been peaceful. Fifth Miss had also been well-behaved, rarely overstepping bounds.

If she planned to cause trouble—Seventh Miss very much doubted whether a few words from her could have much deterrent effect.

“As her younger sister, I can only help elder sister chat and relax.” She didn’t speak definitively. “When something actually happens, you still need to find Mother to be effective…”

Though their footsteps were slow, Yuelai Hall wasn’t far from Yuyu Pavilion. After walking a few more steps, they entered Yuelai Hall’s main room.

Even through the curtain they could hear Banlan Tiger meowing and Fifth Miss’s light laughter.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help exchanging a glance with Guyu.

Seemed like Fifth Miss was in good spirits.

“I heard Fifth Sister was bedridden with boredom, so I specially changed clothes to come to Yuelai Hall…” Seventh Miss spoke while laughing, entering the eastern side room. “Who knew that just reaching the main room, I’d hear you laughing so happily!”

Fifth Miss was indeed leaning against the headboard, holding a rattle drum teasing Banlan Tiger on the floor.

Though the smile hadn’t yet faded from her face, between her brows still lingered a trace of light sorrow, appearing more fragile than before.

Seventh Miss saw this and couldn’t help frowning slightly.

Even in modern times, excessive mental stress could easily lead to poor health.

With ancient medical conditions being so backward, if Fifth Miss worried about marriage long-term without taking care of her health, she could easily develop chronic problems.

“If you don’t come, I’m not allowed to laugh—I can only be sad and worried. I knew you were coming, so I laughed.” Fifth Miss didn’t notice her expression, instructing Guyu on her own: “Take Banlan Tiger down and feed her some fish. Sigh, the older she gets, the bigger her appetite.”

Hearing the word “fish,” Banlan Tiger meowed and naturally went to rub against Guyu’s ankles. Guyu laughed while picking up the cat. After a while she came back in to pour tea for Seventh Miss, then slowly withdrew from the eastern side room.

Only the two sisters remained in the room.

Seventh Miss held the tea lid, blowing on the steaming hot tea, not speaking for a long time.

Fifth Miss also just stared blankly.

After a long while, she slowly began speaking.

“This marriage… is it really already decided?”

Her tone revealed utter exhaustion, and also seemed laden with too much disappointment, helplessness, grievance, and anger. Just these few simple words seemed to condense countless tears, moving Seventh Miss at once.

She looked at Fifth Miss, opened her mouth, not knowing what to reply.

“I asked Cousin.” Fifth Miss’s face was completely blank. “I begged Cousin not to come propose marriage, but Cousin said the marriage between the Xu and Yang families was nearly decided. If this marriage doesn’t happen, no one will be at peace—not the Eastern Palace, not Father, not Mother, not Third Aunt or Third Uncle…”

She covered her face.

“I told Mother I won’t marry, and Mother said I was foolish, said that with our family’s status, marrying down means suffering grievances, while a well-matched marriage between relatives means I won’t suffer my mother-in-law’s anger after entering the household…”

Fifth Miss’s voice held a congealed sorrow, so heavy it could no longer flow.

“Yang Qi, help me think of something, I beg you to help me think of something. I don’t want to marry Cousin. I truly don’t covet their family’s wealth at all!” She lowered her hands, staring intently at Seventh Miss. “I’d rather never marry than do this. I don’t like Cousin, Cousin doesn’t like me—why must we marry? My heart… Little Seven, my heart is so bitter!”

Seventh Miss wanted to speak but hesitated.

She could only sit beside Fifth Miss and grasp her ice-cold hands.

She said nothing.

Fifth Miss must have been holding these words in for a long time.

Living in the manor long enough, everyone had secrets they couldn’t tell. But Fifth Miss’s secret involved a young woman’s dignity and couldn’t be discussed with others.

This secret love was truly too painful.

Under both internal and external pressure for half a year, if she didn’t vent, she might truly become ill from holding it in.

Fifth Miss also quieted down, not continuing for a long while.

“However, fortunately…” After a moment, she muttered to herself again. “Our family has three sisters… Speaking of which, you’re also a legitimate daughter… Little Seven, I can tell Cousin cares more about you—his gaze and actions can’t deceive… Will you… will you marry into the Xu family in my place?”

Seventh Miss froze completely.

For a long time, she finally found her voice.

“Fifth Sister.” She spoke softly. “Say that again?”

Fifth Miss gripped her hand tightly in return, her palm both damp and cold, like a drowning person grasping a lifeline.

“Many things, we both know in our hearts. Ninth Brother and you are twins—he may hide things from others but not from you. The truth about what happened at Huansha Cove, you must have some idea. Why did Cousin conceal what happened before Huansha Cove? And why did he specifically seek you out to talk before leaving… That day after I finished talking with him and was returning to Yuelai Hall, I looked back halfway—he was standing right in front of you…”

Just as Seventh Miss opened her mouth, Fifth Miss tightened her grip forcefully.

“Don’t rush to deny it, don’t rush to deny it… I won’t tell anyone.”

Fifth Miss’s tone was very urgent. “I don’t believe those people shouting about propriety and chastity don’t have such flirtatious affairs in their back courtyards. A fair lady is a gentleman’s good match… there’s nothing wrong with this!”

Rather than comforting Seventh Miss, this was more like comforting herself.

“Since you and Cousin have mutual feelings, why should I break up a loving couple… Little Seven, help me! Let’s think of a way together to persuade Mother, have Cousin come propose marriage to you…”

Seventh Miss said nothing, only looked at Fifth Miss.

Fifth Miss’s voice gradually lowered, finally dissolving in her mouth.

“Fifth Sister…” Seventh Miss chose her words carefully. “You—let go.”

Only then did Fifth Miss realize she’d gripped Seventh Miss’s hand until it showed red marks.

She hurriedly released her grip sheepishly, but couldn’t help looking at Seventh Miss expectantly, waiting for her answer.

Seventh Miss was also looking at Fifth Miss.

This charming young girl’s face held pleading and humility. Her usual pride had vanished completely, leaving only boundless despair.

She must have thought of this terrible idea only because she had no other choice, right?

She closed her eyes, thinking and thinking again. For a moment emotions surged and thoughts tangled—she couldn’t recover for a long time.

Fifth Miss couldn’t help saying softly: “Seventh Sister… the wealth of Duke Pingguo’s manor even our family can’t compare…”

Seventh Miss could no longer endure it. She raised her hand and slapped Fifth Miss’s delicate cheek swiftly and harshly.

The crisp “smack” echoed through the silent eastern side room.

The atmosphere inside froze instantly.