After several more days, the Grand Master finally became busy.

Salt and iron were the economic lifeblood of the court. Regardless of which office, the Salt and Iron Bureau was a coveted position everyone desperately sought. Even conducting affairs honestly without crooked schemes, one could count on income of at least a thousand taels of silver annually.

If one could manipulate things within the Salt and Iron Bureau, every transaction involved tens of thousands of taels… How could the Grand Master not be busy auditing the Salt and Iron Bureau’s accounts?

He started with Fujian’s account books. Countless advisors and petty officials worked day and night in the Governor’s office calculating on abacuses. Fujian Provincial Administration Commissioner Zheng Changqing sent his most trusted secretary to reside in the Governor’s office. The Grand Master could summon him for questioning at the slightest doubt. Half a month later, when the audit was complete, over ten clerks were either dismissed or imprisoned, including many of the Zheng family’s confidants.

This made everyone appreciate the Grand Master’s forcefulness.

The Yang family was going to make some genuine noise in Jiangnan!

Even Fujian Province had lost so many people—could Zhejiang and Jiangsu Provinces escape unscathed?

The Yang household suddenly had many more visitors, mostly people who came roundabout through connections to plead cases.

“Such a major matter—could it be from the capital…”

Some worried the Emperor had instructed the Grand Master to rectify discipline throughout the Jiangnan region.

Others tactfully advised: “The court is in turbulent flux right now. You should also think of yourself…”

The Grand Madam just smiled: “Men’s affairs—we can’t manage that much.”

Her mouth was tighter than a clam, refusing to give any definite word.

The Grand Master summoned Seventh Miss to the outer side courtyard to write confidential memorials for him.

“In previous years, Master Nian wrote them. Now Master Nian’s health is increasingly poor, and he’s busy with Salt and Iron Bureau matters. You—must be careful. This isn’t something that can be casually soiled.”

Seventh Miss held the heavy memorial covered in red silk, her heart inevitably excited. “Little Seven knows what to do.”

Only then did the Grand Master feel assured to dictate, with Seventh Miss first copying onto letter paper, then transcribing onto the memorial.

“In all of Jiangnan, officials with the privilege of direct confidential memorials number only five or six,” he chatted with her while she finished copying one sheet and was grinding fresh ink. “Your Uncle Li, Uncle Shi of Zhejiang Province, Uncle Zheng of Fujian Province, Commander-in-Chief Zhu and Commander-in-Chief Bi stationed in Fujian all have the right to confidential memorials. These people’s words can easily reach the Emperor’s ears. Even our Yang family cannot easily antagonize these households. This is the Emperor’s balancing technique…”

Seventh Miss just listened without speaking.

The Grand Master was merely talking to himself, venting the ineffable tension in his heart. “This time I’ve made such a commotion in Jiangnan, those families will definitely submit confidential memorials. What the Li, Shi, and Zheng families will say, your father has a clear idea. But this Commander-in-Chief Zhu is hard to predict.”

Seventh Miss’s ink-grinding motion paused slightly. She frowned briefly, then asked the Grand Master in a low voice: “Is Father going to create some trouble for Commander-in-Chief Zhu?”

The Grand Master’s eyes looking at Seventh Miss were full of admiration.

Unfortunately, her appearance ultimately didn’t match Little Six’s. Otherwise, even entering the central palace as Empress would be fitting…

“We don’t need to create this trouble. The Eastern Palace will naturally arrange it.” He leaned back, the corners of his mouth slightly upturned. “The friendship between us and the Eastern Palace hasn’t deepened to the point of going through fire and water together, has it?”

It seemed the Crown Prince’s methods had ultimately made the Grand Master somewhat disheartened.

For a regional powerhouse like the Yang family controlling Jiangnan, creating trouble for Commander-in-Chief Zhu would be guaranteed traceless and beyond reproach. But pushing this matter to the Eastern Palace also made sense: after all, these actions were at the Crown Prince’s instigation.

Failing to win hearts—even重臣 who had already pledged allegiance might gradually become superficially harmonious but internally estranged. If the Crown Prince were clever, he could naturally discern the Yang family’s feelings behind this move.

Seventh Miss smiled faintly and picked up her brush to listen to the Grand Master’s dictation: “Trembling with anxiety day and night, solely mindful of the national treasury…”

The Grand Master spoke at length, over ten thousand words.

He went through the letter paper with deletions and changes, explaining his thinking to Seventh Miss. “With His Majesty’s wisdom, he understands his ministers’ difficulties. Standing by the Eastern Palace at that time was merely to ensure a smooth political transition. Now that the Crown Prince’s wings are full, renewed turbulence over succession would only add more instability to the political situation, damaging rather than benefiting the reputation of a prosperous age. This being so, restricting Prince Lu is naturally appropriate.”

The Emperor’s thoughts, contained in every move far away in the capital, were interpreted thoroughly by the Grand Master.

“Elevating Prince Lu is merely to warn the Crown Prince, reminding him not to become complacent. During the Emperor’s great illness in the twentieth year of Zhaoming, medicine delivery was reportedly delayed, nearly jeopardizing his condition. Since recovering, His Majesty has never again summoned the Empress… You must carefully comprehend the mysteries here.”

“The commotion we’re making in the Salt and Iron Bureau—a small part is to remove Prince Lu’s influence, but the larger part is still to audit more silver for the national treasury. The overseas voyage is imminent, money is needed everywhere, and the Minister of Revenue has already complained several times—as long as we can produce silver, no matter how great the commotion, His Majesty won’t be angry.”

“The situation must be gradually revitalized. The more you maneuver, the more vigorous the vitality. Your ability to probe the various families’ depths can be said to be a great service to the Yang family.”

The Grand Master had reached important positions by the age of forty. Now at the age of knowing heaven’s mandate, he had already achieved first-rank official status—naturally he had genuine ability.

This seemingly precarious and crisis-filled situation, after his analysis, made Seventh Miss feel the Yang family was stable as Mount Tai. As long as Prince Lu didn’t ascend the throne, things could only get better, not worse.

“Little Seven only had shallow insight… how dare I claim credit!” She listened intently, only hastily demurring after a long while. “If not for Father’s firm grasp and accurate calculations, the whole family would be completely in the dark, truly not knowing how to proceed.”

The Grand Master looked at Seventh Miss with a smile.

Most rare was that at such a young age, she was so steady and didn’t claim credit.

He rarely revealed his thoughts to Seventh Miss. “You can rest assured. Your father may seem confused on the surface, but is clear-headed about important matters. These years, I’ve seen all your cleverness.”

“Originally I thought to betroth you to your cousin, but feared Duke Pingguo’s manor had too many relatives, complicated personnel matters. Those capital people have high eyes and big hearts—they might not respect your birth. I was somewhat undecided, fearing you’d be wronged. Unexpectedly, Crown Prince Instructor Zheng Changchun privately wrote me saying that this spring, they’ll come to Jiangnan to select a Crown Prince consort. Crown Princess Sun specifically requested to bring a Yang family sister into the palace as companion. You see—your destiny has arrived, hasn’t it?”

Crown Princess Sun came from Duke Dingguo’s manor, precisely Second Miss’s aunt by marriage.

Seventh Miss’s heart suddenly skipped a beat. She nearly couldn’t catch her breath.

The Grand Master rarely had such interest in talking and didn’t notice her expression. “You also know your mother’s temperament—stubborn as an ox. If not for the Xu family marriage already progressing this far, she might still be setting her sights on Little Five.”

Mentioning Fifth Miss, the Grand Master’s tone slowed.

“Unfortunately, this matter may not succeed. However you put it, the Eastern Palace is truly rather perfunctory…”

After thinking left and right for a while, he smiled again.

He actually stopped there and asked Seventh Miss: “You’ve ground a whole pool of ink. Aren’t you afraid of getting it on your sleeve?”

Only then did Seventh Miss stop grinding ink and took a deep breath.

“Little Seven has never written a memorial…” She found herself an excuse to save face.

The Grand Master was understanding and simply had Seventh Miss assist while he picked up the brush, dipped it in ink, and carefully began writing the memorial.

Standing closer, Seventh Miss could see the Grand Master’s hair roots already showed scattered white.

She slowly exhaled again.

Her heart cooled bit by bit.

As a Yang family daughter, contributing to the Yang family was natural and right.

And with such a respectable status, such a respectable husband.

For the Grand Master, this was probably the greatest reward for her years of caution, right? Marrying into the imperial family, becoming the Crown Prince’s consort, thereafter living days of “all twelve towers adorned at dawn, gazing from the Tower of Immortals toward the King.” If fortunate enough to bear a child or two, she’d establish a solid foundation for the Yang family…

No wonder that though his mouth spoke of cooling toward the Crown Prince, his actions with the Salt and Iron Bureau were still proceeding vigorously.

She slowly closed her eyes and, while the Grand Master concentrated on writing, revealed a bitter smile.

She could only take things one step at a time!

#

When the apricot blossoms bloomed, Xu Fengjia finally returned to Suzhou.

“Xukou had many matters recently. As soon as I had free time to enter Suzhou, I hurried early to pay respects to Fourth Aunt and Fourth Uncle.”

Several young misses came together early to pay respects. Just entering the main hall, through the curtain they heard his low, mellow voice.

The Grand Master’s laughter followed: “You’ve worked hard.”

It wasn’t unusual for the young masters, living nearby, to arrive before the young ladies. What was rare was that the Grand Master was also in the inner courtyard today. Since the Salt and Iron Bureau began auditing accounts, half a month had passed without him entering the main hall to speak with the Grand Madam.

The young misses filed in, paid respects to the Grand Master and Grand Madam, and each took their seats.

Seventh Miss could only steel herself to sit in her seat at the plum blossom table.

Xu Fengjia glanced at Seventh Miss, then shifted his gaze back to speak with the Grand Madam. “Since New Year’s Day, over a month has passed. Xukou has been incredibly busy. This is my first time at Fourth Aunt’s door. This nephew apologizes to Fourth Aunt.”

The Grand Madam wouldn’t hold this against Xu Fengjia.

Still in the first month, he’d gone to Hangzhou to kill and burn. Who would believe Xu Fengjia spent all of February drilling troops at Xukou?

She just smiled: “Young people being busy is good. As long as you’re devoted to duty, even if you don’t visit for three months, Fourth Aunt is happy in her heart.”

The brothers’ gazes at Xu Fengjia were all somewhat strange.

This young man had visibly lost weight, his brow bearing considerably more weathered color.

If only drilling troops at Xukou, how could it be so exhausting?

Regarding the Hangzhou massacre, the brothers all had their own suspicions to varying degrees.

Fifth Miss was observing her nose with her eyes, her nose with her heart, her face solemn as if attending a funeral. Even Seventh Miss imitated her, looking at her toes without speaking.

The Grand Master looked at Fifth Miss, then at Seventh Miss, his eyes flashing repeatedly, unknowingly revealing contemplation.

The atmosphere became somewhat strange for a moment.

Sixth Miss had to smile to smooth things over, innocently asking Xu Fengjia: “Cousin, are you used to the food at Xukou? Some days ago when the family held spring wine, the visiting madams and ladies said northerners coming south can’t get used to southern fish and shrimp—they all miss the capital’s cuisine.”

When there’s no topic, discussing weather and food is always safe.

Xu Fengjia smiled in response: “It’s fine. I love eating river delicacies and am accustomed to Jiangnan flavors. But some northern soldiers under my command truly can’t get used to river fish—they just complain about the bones.”

Even though Sixth Miss’s beauty was captivating, his manner remained composed and gracious. Though he politely looked back at Sixth Miss who asked the question, his gaze was clear without any improper thoughts.

Hong’ge showed longing: “Since leaving the capital, I haven’t had truly excellent youtiao…”

Several people chatted back and forth about the capital’s cuisine. The Grand Madam listened with frequent smiles, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

The Grand Master’s gaze fell on Sixth Miss, slowly showing some appreciation.

But Seventh Miss kept looking at Xu Fengjia’s right hand.

Through the snow-white sleeve cuff, she could faintly see his wrist wrapped in white cloth.

It seemed this heir’s bloody deeds in Jiangnan should not be limited to the Hangzhou incident alone.

She lowered her eyes, withdrew her gaze without speaking. She could still vaguely feel Xu Fengjia’s gaze sweeping past her forehead.

The Grand Master asked Xu Fengjia again: “Stay a few more days this time? In any case—Xukou’s matters should be finished?”

Xu Fengjia’s voice carried some smile: “Yes, there’s nothing left to keep me busy at Xukou. It can be handed to Uncle Xiao to manage for a while. This nephew will presume to impose at Chuiyang Studio for several days.”

Since last winter when the Xukou camp began training, Xu Fengjia only touched down briefly, staying in Suzhou just one or two nights before leaving. His busyness was evident.

How could he suddenly have large blocks of free time to leisurely reside at Chuiyang Studio?

The Grand Master’s expression couldn’t help changing slightly.

He immediately smiled again: “Good, I couldn’t wish for you to stay longer!”

He stood to make arrangements: “It’s been so long since I spoke with my nephew. Fengjia, come with Uncle to the Governor’s office for a walk. There’s also some official business to have you relay to Eunuch Liao. Min’ge, Da’ge, Hong’ge should also concentrate on studies. During this period, don’t go out. Stay at Yurong Courtyard and earnestly practice the eight-legged essay.”

The three brothers all solemnly agreed.

It seemed the minor turbulence during the Hangzhou case had manifested here.

Ninth Brother had to go to Shantang Academy early, exempted from morning and evening attendance. Once the men left, only the mother and daughters remained inside.

The Grand Madam immediately asked Fifth Miss with concern: “Are you truly better? Sitting here for half a day—are you dizzy?”

Fifth Miss’s illness had truly become chronic. After that day, despite requesting physicians and medicine, when her condition slightly improved, it immediately relapsed. She’d suffered for over half a month before recovering. This was her first time coming out to pay respects since New Year.

A loving mother earnestly inquiring, even in her distracted state, Fifth Miss couldn’t help but force a smile: “Much better, just like nothing happened.”

“How can it be like nothing happened? Look, your face has become so thin there’s no flesh left!”

The Grand Madam pulled Fifth Miss to examine her from all sides, clicking her tongue continuously, her face full of heartache.

Sixth Miss tugged at Seventh Miss’s sleeve corner. The two sisters withdrew from the room together.

“You’ve been going out with the madam recently. Have you smelled it?” Walking along, Sixth Miss chatted idly with Seventh Miss. “At the start of this year, a ship came from the West carrying Western flower water, incredibly fragrant. A salt merchant bought it all to give as gifts. Last time Li Ninth Lady came over, just getting close you could smell that wonderful fragrance…”

Just entering Baifang Garden, they heard Nanny Dong calling repeatedly from behind.

“Young misses, please wait a moment.”

Sixth Miss winked at Seventh Miss: “Going to the outer side courtyard again to be your scribe?”

Seventh Miss was also somewhat surprised.

Hadn’t the Grand Master just taken Xu Fengjia to the Governor’s office?

She turned to smile at Nanny Dong: “Father just left—”

Nanny Dong also hurriedly smiled at Seventh Miss.

But she urgently grasped Sixth Miss’s hand—Sixth Miss had smiled at Nanny Dong and was about to walk into Baifang Garden. “The master requests you to speak at the outer side courtyard.”

Sixth Miss froze completely.

She showed rare confusion. “Father is calling me to the outer side courtyard? Nanny Dong, you must have misheard!”

Seventh Miss also froze.

She looked at Sixth Miss’s charming face, then gained some understanding.

Only then did Nanny Dong explain to Seventh Miss: “Originally planning to go to the Governor’s office on business, while walking and talking with the young master cousin, the master entered the outer side courtyard… Seventh Miss, this old servant will take my leave first—I spent some effort catching up, fearing the master would wait long.”

“Nanny Dong, take care. Sixth Sister, take care.” Seventh Miss hurriedly smiled and exchanged pleasantries.

Turning back after walking a few steps, she’d intended to see the spring scenery around Wanhua Liuluo, but unfortunately had no mood to appreciate it.

She could only head straight back to Yuyu Pavilion.

Halfway there, from afar she saw a young man leaning against the south side gate, arms crossed over his chest, eyes intently watching in her direction.