Seventh Miss froze for a moment before recovering herself.

“Ah, Sixth Sister has such perceptive eyes!” She laughingly deflected this topic, though her heart surged as she began reconsidering Sixth Miss’s every move.

Since childhood, Sixth Miss had always behaved properly yet with unbridled imagination. Beneath her smiling, delicate face, if not unfathomably scheming, she certainly had her own depths.

A lady with such hidden depths was unlike Fifth Miss, who though temperamental, was quite easy to read.

Now thinking carefully about it, Seventh Miss truly couldn’t tell whether Sixth Miss had intentions toward the Crown Prince’s consort position or not.

It was just that this matter concerned one’s entire life. Without certainty, she couldn’t rashly make any promises to Sixth Miss…

She still needed to first clarify Eunuch Lian’s identity!

Sixth Miss didn’t press the matter.

“I was just teasing you—did you take it seriously?” She giggled and changed the subject, asking Seventh Miss, “Tell me, when will Fifth Sister see reason? What’s so good about this Accomplished Scholar Feng? She’s barely met him a few times and already pledged her life to him? How foolish! And she has such a stubborn, intense temperament that even if you want to advise her, you don’t know where to begin! Is this how one ruins their health? Even without illness, she’ll torment herself into sickness… And Mother doesn’t even care!”

This was what talking with Sixth Miss was like—you’d think she understood, then she’d be reckless and confused; you’d think she didn’t understand, but then her words would strike right to the heart of the matter, hitting directly at Seventh Miss’s own feelings.

“Exactly, who says otherwise!” She couldn’t help but sigh deeply. “She won’t listen to anything we say.”

She vaguely sighed with feeling, “After all, she’s still so young…”

Speaking of which, Fifth Miss was only sixteen this year, right at that stubborn, intense adolescent age. That she wouldn’t listen to advice was human nature.

Moon Arrival Pavilion was already in sight. The two sisters coincidentally stopped discussing this topic and entered the room making small talk instead.

Fifth Miss was the same as always. At such a young age, her face was already ashen with despair, showing not a trace of warmth toward her two younger sisters.

In the past, no matter how angry or deliberately cold Fifth Miss had been, her face still showed an irrepressible vitality, like freshly emerged lotus shoots—even after temporary setbacks, always striving upward.

The current Fifth Miss seemed to have lost her soul. Her manners were proper, her speech polite… but the fundamental emptiness was especially glaring.

Seventh Miss sat briefly before making an excuse to leave Moon Arrival Pavilion first.

Given her relationship with Fifth Miss, her presence would only hinder Sixth Miss’s effectiveness. Better to return to Jade Rain Pavilion early—perhaps Sixth Miss could seize the opportunity to admonish Fifth Miss.

The pear blossoms had nearly all fallen. The lush green shade formed a dense canopy, covering most of Jade Rain Pavilion’s buildings. Only upon approaching closely did Seventh Miss notice Lixia standing by the door, thoughtfully playing with the end of her braid.

“What, back so early?” Seventh Miss couldn’t help but be somewhat surprised.

Recently with the household in such chaos, no one had the mind to pay attention to Jade Rain Pavilion. Seventh Miss had seized the opportunity to have Lixia move between the Zhou family residence and Jade Rain Pavilion gathering information. Her world was finally larger than just the Garden of Hundred Fragrances.

Lixia quickly smiled at Seventh Miss.

“I only just arrived. My heart’s been so troubled that I thought I’d just stand outside for a bit.”

If even Lixia felt irritated, the matter must be somewhat thorny. Seventh Miss frowned. “What happened? What’s wrong?”

Lixia glanced around.

Seventh Miss loved quiet. Everyone in Jade Rain Pavilion knew her temperament—they rarely left their rooms to wander about without reason. Speaking at the courtyard entrance was actually more private than inside the rooms.

“It’s… it’s Accomplished Scholar Feng…” Her voice was like a mosquito’s buzz. “My father went several times and finally met Accomplished Scholar Feng. He didn’t go south with Eunuch Zhang after all, but had apparently gone out somewhere for a while. After receiving that letter, Accomplished Scholar Feng said immediately: ‘Seeing is believing, hearing is not.’ He wants to meet you before making any decisions.”

Seventh Miss was somewhat stunned.

Feng Jin wanted to see her?

Was this adding to her troubles when she didn’t have enough already? In this deep mansion compound, Seventh Miss couldn’t leave the gates more than a few times a year. To meet with an outside male—how easy could that be?

But thinking it over, she understood Feng Jin’s meaning.

Returning the convex embroidery technique wasn’t something that could be done overnight. Seventh Miss would certainly need to keep the successor by her side, teaching for a year or so. This involved many troublesome matters.

Not to mention declining such an honor as becoming the Crown Prince’s consort far exceeded normal human behavior. To avoid suspicion, she dared not write to Feng Jin in her own hand… Feng Jin probably wanted to see her to know whether she was truly doing well, and whether this decision not to become the Crown Prince’s consort was her own will and not forced by others.

It was also a kind intention to protect her!

It was just that with the household in such turmoil, the Old Master and Grand Madam locked in stalemate, news from Nanny Dong indicated that Feng Jin had never received an official position, still maintaining his Accomplished Scholar status without entering government service. Outwardly he had gone to Fujian with Eunuch Zhang, so the Old Master had no excuse to invite him as a guest and propose this marriage. Add to that the Grand Madam being “angered into illness” by this marriage matter—even if the Old Master was single-minded, he had to consider his wife’s attitude.

Currently both sides were deadlocked, which gave her a sliver of breathing room. Otherwise she would have been called in long ago for repeated bombardments and indoctrination, forced to state whether she was willing or unwilling to marry into the Feng family, adding color to this grand drama.

At this critical juncture, time was absolutely precious, every second counted… How could she have the leisure to calmly arrange and lay the groundwork for meeting with Feng Jin?

“When you need something from others, you’re in the passive position.” Her gaze hardened, and in an instant she had made her decision. “Go out again tonight and tell Young Master Feng that I can find a way to leave the house once recently. Whether we can meet will depend on Cousin Feng’s arrangements.”

Lixia couldn’t help but show some hesitation. “This concerns your reputation, Miss should be cautious…”

Seventh Miss understood Lixia’s meaning.

The household was currently in such chaos, everyone had their own thoughts. It wasn’t like before when her under-the-table requests would be tacitly understood, smoothly handled without a trace.

Now even the people in Jade Rain Pavilion couldn’t be absolutely trusted!

“We still must meet!” After a moment’s consideration, Seventh Miss resolutely made her decision. “Some words aren’t suitable to write in letters, lest they lead Cousin to misunderstand and think me so snobbish I look down on the Feng family’s status!”

Lixia’s eyes flickered. Several times she seemed about to speak, but finally could only sigh deeply.

“Miss truly has it too difficult.” She dropped her shoulders. “But how should this matter be arranged?”

Seventh Miss bit her lip in thought, bringing Lixia inside with a contemplative expression. After a long while she finally had an idea. “For this matter, we’ll have to rely on Ninth Brother.”

#

Though the Old Master and Grand Madam’s quarrel had turned everything upside down, they hadn’t shown the slightest sign of it before Ninth Brother. Ninth Brother would take the provincial examination in three years, so his coursework was already heavy. These days he left early and returned late. Even if he had some understanding of the household situation and his own calculations and views, he had no time to voice them.

Recently with so much happening in the household and the Grand Madam seriously ill, she claimed to fear passing her illness to her children and exempted them from morning and evening attendance. When Ninth Brother returned from Shantang Academy, he went directly to Achievement Residence for dinner.

Seventh Miss entered Achievement Residence after the evening meal.

Upon entering, she saw Yuban coming out from the east inner room with a flushed face, still laughing. “Young Master, just concentrate on your studies, other matters, even if you think about them—”

Seeing Seventh Miss standing in the main hall, Yuban’s face reddened. She hurriedly bowed her head in greeting. “Greetings to Seventh Miss.”

Ninth Brother had also reached the age of “knowing feminine beauty and desiring young women.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but feel somewhat wistful.

But her face showed nothing, only nodding lightly. “Mm, is Ninth Brother studying?”

Yuban quickly personally escorted Seventh Miss into the west inner room. “Young Master is still bathing. Seventh Miss, please wait a moment.”

Seventh Miss understood immediately and couldn’t help giving Yuban an extra look.

This young maid had been personally selected by the Grand Madam back then. Her appearance could only be called pleasant—the fear was that excessive beauty would distract Ninth Brother’s attention from his books.

Who knew that after a few years, still… Well, in such matters, blocking was worse than guiding. As long as Ninth Brother maintained proper limits, she as his sister shouldn’t interfere too much.

“Has Ninth Brother been studying diligently recently?” She asked Yuban a few casual questions when Ninth Brother’s laughter came from outside.

“Seventh Sister! What a rare guest! Two or three months without stepping through Achievement Residence’s door!”

At the age of rapid growth, seeing each other daily didn’t show it, but with family matters interrupting their meetings for over ten days, Seventh Miss felt Ninth Brother had grown considerably. Not only had his height increased, but the expression on his face carried several more degrees of maturity.

Having clearly just been flirting with Yuban and caught by Seventh Miss, he still showed complete composure, calmly entering the room and grinning at Seventh Miss. “I was thinking, Seventh Sister should be coming by soon!”

Seventh Miss gave Ninth Brother a look and still scolded him a few words. “How old are you this year? Even your sister hasn’t been betrothed yet, so don’t step out of line… If you leave a bad impression with my future fourth sister-in-law, it will be difficult to speak up for you.”

Ninth Brother grinned. “I know, I know—just teasing that girl. As for actually doing anything, that’s not happening!”

The two siblings sat facing each other at the Eight Immortals table. The maids had already withdrawn from the west inner room. Ninth Brother casually arranged his damp black hair, smiling at Seventh Miss without speaking.

Seventh Miss’s expression gradually became solemn. “During this time at Shantang Academy, you’ve been associating with sons of wealthy families. You must have some vague understanding of court affairs, right?”

“Classmates often discuss government matters. Though I don’t know the deeper things, surface matters are fairly clear.” Ninth Brother didn’t seem surprised by this question from Seventh Miss, answering with confidence.

“Then do you know that in the palace there’s a Eunuch Lian, of noble status and great capability, who is very close to Selection Eunuch Zhang…” Seventh Miss drew out her words. “Last winter, while attending Father, I saw a letter…”

She selectively told Ninth Brother about those few sentences in the letter.

Ninth Brother’s expression also gradually grew solemn.

“After all, I’m just a daughter. My world is only as big as a well’s mouth. This Eunuch Lian—neither Mother nor Father mentioned him. What his status and position in the palace truly is, I know nothing about. But you’ve been studying at the academy these years, your horizons have broadened considerably…” Seventh Miss paused before continuing, “Even if you don’t know, some of your classmates might. But be careful when inquiring—don’t let Father notice, or it won’t turn out well.”

“No need to ask.” Ninth Brother’s tone was slow, almost word by word, each carrying deep thought. “This Eunuch Lian is indeed a famous personage. He—is the chief companion beside the Eastern Palace. Though he has two adoptive mothers, the Crown Prince lived separately from childhood. The Emperor specifically designated this Eunuch Lian, who was favored by the Crown Prince’s birth mother before her death, to raise him. One could say he was raised by this Eunuch Lian… How Young Master Feng became connected with such an exalted personage is truly somewhat incredible.”

Seventh Miss suddenly understood.

She immediately thought of Eunuch Zhang’s unusually polite and warm treatment of her, and the Old Master’s eagerness to betroth her to Feng Jin.

She felt a chill: Given Eunuch Lian’s status and position, the Old Master’s determination to arrange this marriage was probably unprecedentedly strong. Whether she could snatch food from the tiger’s mouth and arrange her own marriage was still very much uncertain.

She had always limited her opponents to the inner quarters. Now having to manipulate the Old Master—even clever as Seventh Miss was, she felt this task was truly a difficult challenge.

She took a deep breath.

However difficult, one had to begin.

The first step was convincing the ally before her.

“It’s not that I look down on the Feng family’s status.” Seventh Miss looked up at Ninth Brother, her attitude frank. “It’s just that Shanjiu, you’re grown now. The relationship between Cousin Feng and the Crown Prince…”

Seeing Ninth Brother’s understanding expression, Seventh Miss felt somewhat regretful.

“Even if Cousin Feng and the Crown Prince are completely innocent, public opinion is fearsome. Having achieved the Accomplished Scholar honor yet not serving in the Hanlin Academy—this isn’t the path ordinary people take. Facing criticism from scholarly circles is inevitable. Add to that sudden wealth with unstable foundations, likely to rise and fall abruptly—his future outcome may not be pleasant. When the time comes, helping him up is what we should do, but—” She changed her phrasing.

After all, it was just speculation. No need to discuss it as fact behind his back.

“Seventh Sister needn’t say more.” Ninth Brother interrupted Seventh Miss, his brow slightly furrowed. “Even if you were willing to agree, I wouldn’t agree. My only hope in this life is for you to marry into a good family, carefree and enjoying wealth and honor… If you truly wanted to marry into the Feng family, there’s nothing to say. But since you don’t want to either—we must arrange this matter properly!”

After all, they were twin siblings. In this great mansion, the only one who would wholeheartedly plan for her was Ninth Brother!

The two siblings put their heads together analyzing the household situation.

“Right now in our family, Father’s intentions are clear as day.” Ninth Brother pondered while planning. “Mother’s thoughts are even more obvious. Though this matter seems deadlocked, when all’s said and done, Grandfather’s side may not care about family status—otherwise he wouldn’t have betrothed Mother to the Yang family back then. If we let things be, when this matter reaches its end, I’m afraid the arm still can’t twist the thigh.”

When this child was only seven or eight, he already knew to use calculation and schemes to achieve his goals. Seven or eight years later, he had naturally only grown sharper.

But between flashes of his eyes, he too faced difficulty.

“It seems working from Mother’s end has too little chance of success. Mother’s opposition can only be considered one aspect. We must also guard against her making foolish moves in anger, hastily betrothing you to someone to cut off Father’s plans. Best to work from Father’s side, making him weigh the situation and abandon the idea himself…”

But his voice grew quieter as he spoke.

With the Old Master’s intelligence and wisdom, manipulating his thoughts—how easy could that be?

This was an old fox who had weathered many battles. Two young foxes together probably weren’t his match.

Working from the Old Master’s end was absolutely impassable.

“We must speak directly with Cousin!” Ninth Brother naturally arrived at the same conclusion as Seventh Miss. “Once Cousin returns to Suzhou, I’ll visit to ask Cousin to be accommodating. Best if he can delay until after the Crown Prince’s consort matter, then find an excuse to decline this marriage. This way we kill two birds with one stone, and Seventh Sister won’t have to worry about the selection either!”

His face was radiant, his spirits high, his eyes bright. Under the lamplight, he especially had that spirited look of a young man full of vigor—much more appealing than his usual affected mature tone.

Seventh Miss looked at Ninth Brother and smiled with satisfaction.

“I’ve already contacted Cousin.” She spoke softly. “What we need to do now is…”

Night deepened. Warm, gentle lamplight glowed from Achievement Residence.