Before long, the twenty-fifth year of Zhaoming had come to a close.

During the late Emperor’s twenty-five years on the throne, court affairs had been generally calm and peaceful. The maritime ban on the Southern Seas had been lifted, the northwestern barbarians subdued. Domestically, one could say there had been favorable weather and abundant harvests with a prosperous nation and strong people. Externally, too, the four seas had submitted peacefully. Though the old man had made a mess of family affairs and toward the end had personally decreed the death of his own eldest son, at least the report card he handed to the ten thousand people wasn’t too terrible.

In the first year of Chengping, the new Emperor changed the era name, formally beginning his own epoch. The first month inevitably brought a series of tedious ceremonies.

As a cabinet minister, First Master could hardly remain uninvolved. First Madam also had to observe one year’s mourning. The Yang family’s first New Year in the capital was spent very quietly.

Households in mourning didn’t go out to receive guests during New Year. First Madam even had to take her New Year’s Eve dinner alone in a separate room. First Master and Seventh Miss, along with Seventh Aunt and Twelfth Aunt, ate a few bites together, and everyone found it quite dull.

In previous years during New Year, the household had always been lively. Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss were two living treasures, plus there was Ninth Brother, that great treasure. When the three cousin young masters were present, Brother Hong had also been the boisterous, laughing type.

Now the household had only Seventh Miss as a child—and she wasn’t of a noisy temperament either, handling matters with more composure than adults. With Ninth Brother also not at her side, this New Year passed without any interest at all.

Most of the family’s relatives also had mourning obligations. On New Year’s Day only Second Master’s family came to pay respects, but they too sat briefly before taking their leave one after another—this wasn’t Suzhou, and the second branch also had many relatives in the capital. The first day was quite busy for them.

Seventh Miss thus met the second branch’s First Young Madam for the first time.

First Madam was still in her mourning period and couldn’t participate in any festive activities. On New Year’s Day, naturally she also couldn’t come out to receive guests and hear auspicious words. As the household’s only female family member, Seventh Miss naturally had to come forward to entertain relatives—honestly, she was indeed quite curious about this First Young Madam Min.

Households in mourning generally didn’t go out visiting, and even sending servants to pay respects had to be avoided as much as possible. Therefore, though they’d been in the capital for a month or two, she still hadn’t made contact with Nanyin. After all, she was now pregnant and had to avoid such things even more than ordinary people. Seventh Miss didn’t want to act rashly—if there were any unpleasantness, it would only add unnecessary resentment.

She rose early to accompany First Madam in the main courtyard, then listened to her complain about Xu Fengjia still being unable to return for New Year—Guangzhou was far away, and the round trip for New Year would take nearly two months. The work schedule was tight and couldn’t be delayed. Since leaving in May last year, Xu Fengjia had been away from home for more than half a year again.

When the self-chiming clock struck seven, the second branch’s family arrived. Because First Madam couldn’t receive guests conveniently, the male relatives didn’t come to the rear courtyard to pay respects. Seventh Miss hurriedly tidied her clothing, sent someone to the side courtyard to invite Seventh Aunt out, prepared tea in the eastern side room, and went to the main hall to await First Young Madam Min’s entrance.

Before long, light footsteps sounded in the rear courtyard, and a spirited young woman with practically Tang dynasty elegance stepped radiantly through the door.

“Seventh Sister!” She called out most warmly, taking a few steps forward to grasp Seventh Miss’s hand. “Tsk tsk tsk, let me look, let me look—truly a young lady emerged from Jiangnan’s water towns. From head to toe, you inspire affection. Seeing you, I can barely restrain myself from embracing you for a kiss!”

Seventh Miss was rather at a loss from First Young Madam Min’s bold manner, with a trace of awkwardness. “Elder Sister-in-law is too kind…”

Both sides smiled and exchanged courtesies, spoke a few auspicious words, before Seventh Miss invited First Young Madam Min to sit in the host’s seat, had Seventh Aunt sit in the side seat, and the three made idle conversation.

Though Seventh Aunt was a clever person, she didn’t speak much. Seventh Miss was even less of a chattering type. Throughout the room, only First Young Madam Min’s voice could be heard. “I heard from Mother that last time she had the privilege of entering the palace to attend the ceremony honoring the Empress’s investiture, she caught a glimpse of Consort Ning—truly a woman of peerless elegance. That charming, innocent manner of hers is beloved even by the Empress. At the banquet, the Empress specially bestowed three cups of wine upon Consort Ning… Among all those ranking consorts in the palace, none have the face Consort Ning enjoys!”

Praising Sixth Miss’s standing in the palace was the best flattery. Seventh Aunt’s face immediately broke into smiles. “Though my status is lowly, I raised Consort Ning from childhood—this child has no particular talents, relying only on her face to win favor. Sigh, stumbling along, who would have thought she’d have such fortune to enter the palace to serve? I worry day and night, fearing she’ll be ignorant and offend some noble person. If she alone suffers punishment, that’s one thing, but if she implicates the Yang family, that would truly be her offense!”

First Young Madam Min’s eyes flickered, then she smiled nonchalantly. “Implicate or not—Seventh Aunt is overthinking. Consort Ning’s temperament is most pleasing. When my mother often enters the palace to converse with the Empress Dowager and Grand Consort, whenever Consort Ning is mentioned, they all say she’s a rare source of joy in the rear palace. Though she currently has no imperial favor, after all the Emperor hasn’t yet emerged from the lesser mourning period. Once the anniversary passes, receiving favor is only a matter of time!”

Seventh Aunt and Seventh Miss couldn’t help but exchange a glance.

This First Young Madam Min was remarkably perceptive.

The Yang family’s several relatives all had mourning obligations and couldn’t go out without cause. Sixth Miss’s rank was insufficient to freely send people out of the palace to communicate with her natal family. If Madam Ouyang could frequently enter the palace to converse with the Empress Dowager and Grand Consort, at this stage that naturally held great value for the Yang family.

Brother Min was naturally no simple figure, and this First Young Madam Min also appeared to be no ordinary lamp.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help feeling puzzled—since First Young Madam Min was so perceptive, why would she allow Nanyin to conceive before herself? With a secondary son born first, there would be endless troublesome matters waiting ahead…

However, this was ultimately the second branch’s family affair. Seventh Miss had no intention of interfering.

Just as she drifted into thought, First Young Madam Min began discussing Quan Zhongbai with Seventh Aunt.

“As you know, my mother’s health isn’t good. She fell ill several times last November. If not for attending to her illness, I would certainly have called on Aunt much earlier—another day, after the New Year period, I must come apologize to Aunt—but I digress. After going to such great lengths to invite Divine Physician Quan to attend her, oh my, Divine Physician Quan has such airs! The moment his fingers touched my mother’s pulse point, he said coldly, ‘Madam ordinarily has heavy concerns and neglects self-care. Recently it seems her diet has also been disturbed.’ My mother, over forty years old, was left blushing with embarrassment. Since that short-lived former Second Young Madam passed away, Second Young Master has been like a changed person. Five years ago when he took pulses, he greeted everyone with smiles, making people feel bathed in spring breezes…”

As she spoke, First Young Madam Min observed Seventh Miss. Even Seventh Aunt couldn’t help glancing at Seventh Miss several times.

Though First Master had decided to betroth Seventh Miss to the Gui family, he wasn’t a three-year-old child—without seeing Gui Hanchun, he certainly wouldn’t release the news.

First Young Madam Min’s words were entirely well-intentioned.

Seventh Miss smiled gratefully at First Young Madam Min. First Young Madam Min’s eyes brightened, and she clapped her hands laughing. “Look at that—when our Seventh Miss smiles like this—Seventh Aunt, don’t be offended, but she’s not much inferior to Consort Ning!”

This First Young Madam Min was truly a marvelous person.

Seventh Miss felt extra warmth toward her. Because First Madam had to sit separately in quiet and not meet with relatives, prolonged sitting would inevitably be inconvenient. She rose and invited First Young Madam Min to the rear courtyard for tea.

“Many households are in mourning this year.” She chatted with First Young Madam Min as they walked. “Otherwise on New Year’s Day it wouldn’t be so quiet. There are after all more relatives in the capital than in Suzhou…”

First Young Madam Min looked around curiously as she walked. “Isn’t that so? New Year’s Day visiting one’s own relatives is still manageable. The second and third days—busy beyond measure! Even this year on the third day, I still have to accompany my husband back to my natal home.”

Mentioning Brother Min, a barely perceptible impatience appeared in her voice, as if discussing a disobedient puppy—though not likable, yet couldn’t be discarded.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but look sidelong.

Such a forthright, capable woman with northern boldness—though her looks couldn’t be called outstanding, at least weren’t off-putting. Her natal family was also prosperous… With Brother Min’s temperament, how could he not get along with her! And make Eleventh Brother avoid her like the plague…

“Speaking of which,” she brought up the Li family with First Young Madam Min, “since coming to the capital, I’ve rarely heard news of Lord Li. I wonder if Eleventh Cousin will sit for the examination next spring.”

Mentioning this cousin of hers, First Young Madam Min was even more disdainful. “Eh, I won’t hide it from Seventh Sister—I truly look down on you Jiangnan men. Cousin is a fine man, yet what has he learned in Jiangnan? Nothing but scheming. I say, women scheming is unavoidable—trapped their whole lives in courtyards the size of teacups, seeing only these people. If they don’t scheme, what can they do? But men are different. If Cousin is unhappy at the Li household, he could perfectly well take the military examination and join the army, request capital to enter business, or put his all into the metropolitan examination to become an official and get more family property—what’s the point!”

Seventh Miss was rendered speechless by First Young Madam Min.

No wonder Brother Min and Eleventh Brother didn’t like her. When women are too forthright and capable, it’s actually hard to win men’s favor.

She smiled faintly. “Elder Sister-in-law’s temperament has quite a bit of northwestern crispness—not like a young madam born in the capital.”

First Young Madam Min slapped her thigh. “Didn’t I grow up in the Northwest? Our family’s ancestral home is Shanxi. I grew up at my grandfather’s knee and only came to the capital at thirteen.”

She suddenly fell silent, then slowly sighed.

“Though the capital is a fine place, the capital’s daughters are often not likable.”

Seventh Miss immediately felt deep sympathy. “Elder Sister-in-law speaks truly…”

She suddenly stopped speaking abruptly.

Seeing the tears in First Young Madam Min’s eyes, she knew the meaning of that sentence wasn’t what Seventh Miss had thought.

That the capital’s daughters were unlikable had reached such a degree that even First Young Madam Min’s tears were forced out?

She couldn’t help but frown.

She examined First Young Madam Min’s dress and manner carefully again, reviewing her behavior and deportment in her heart.

#

After the Lantern Festival, the year was considered concluded. First Master began attending palace duty rotation as usual. First Madam still endured her mourning period at home. Seventh Miss continued her peaceful life. First Young Madam Min specially came to apologize to First Madam, then returned to attend Madam Ouyang at her natal home. She only sent seasonal fresh fruits to Seventh Miss twice, and Seventh Miss naturally also prepared return gifts, which needn’t be mentioned.

The first month of the first year of Chengping was abnormally quiet. By rights, in the twenty-fifth year of Zhaoming, the Emperor still had some constraints and couldn’t fully display his abilities—by era name, that was still the late Emperor’s reign after all. As a continuation, even if there were matters requiring reform, they should all be reserved for promulgation in the first year of Chengping. But in the first month of the first year, the Emperor seemed to have no intention of reforming personnel at all, spending his days in the rear palace, not even seeing cabinet ministers. This created an unusual atmosphere of tension throughout the court.

Though First Master showed nothing on his face, his emotions were also rarely tense. Though he still maintained his scholarly bearing, who in the Yang household was confused? Both aunts could see First Master’s mood was poor and wouldn’t walk about unnecessarily. Yet First Madam alone seemed oblivious, only busy preparing birthing gifts for Fifth Miss, sending people to communicate with Second Miss to arrange for midwives to be sent to Duke Pingguo’s estate, and at home daily praying to gods and buddhas making great vows—Fifth Miss had conceived in early May, and by calculation, entering the second month she could give birth at any time.

Both upper-level figures had concerns on their minds. The Yang household’s atmosphere couldn’t be called relaxed, but compared to the bloody storms in Jiangnan, it could already be considered peaceful. Seventh Miss had long cultivated the ability to keep her heart still as water, quietly awaiting that day’s arrival in the rear courtyard.

Entering the second month, Gui Hanchun finally arrived in the capital.

He came to the capital in the name of receiving an award. The court naturally arranged official lodging for his accommodation. He entered the capital the previous evening, and the next morning sent someone to pay respects to First Master. Unfortunately, First Master was on palace duty rotation all day, and Gui Hanchun also had business at the Ministry of War. First Madam simply arranged for the tenth of the second month to invite Gui Hanchun for a meal. With First Master hosting the male relatives and First Madam not coming forward to entertain, this wouldn’t count as breaching propriety.

Gui Hanchun naturally agreed. On the morning of the tenth of the second month, he came to pay his respects to First Master and spoke with First Master in the outer courtyard for half the day.

First Madam had long been fully prepared, calling Seventh Miss to sit beside her and erecting screens. “You should also see what Hanchun looks like with your own eyes.”

Yet Seventh Miss still couldn’t muster any interest.

If she still had a trace of concern for Quan Zhongbai based on gratitude, for Gui Hanchun, only a vague impression from that time at Baifang Garden remained.

Matters had reached this point. As long as Gui Hanchun still looked human, the two families’ marriage would certainly be concluded. Of the Yang family’s seven daughters, the first six all married without seeing their grooms. Only Fifth Miss had met her husband before marriage. In that era, rather than saying women married men, it was better to say they married into his family. Pinning one’s lifelong happiness on a single glance from behind a screen was an extremely absurd matter.

In any case, with her natal family as some backing, wherever she went she had confidence to establish herself. Whether the Gui or Quan family—what difference did it make?

Might as well let go completely as Sixth Miss had said—it was quite laughable, really. The marriage most intimately concerning her was the only one Seventh Miss couldn’t decide for herself. Of course, resistance wasn’t impossible, but even if she resisted once, there would be a second time, a third time… She couldn’t keep relying on Feng Jin.

The Gui family had strict customs, a simple household. All three sons were legitimate, inheritance succession was clear. Even if there were some ugly filth, it couldn’t be worse than the Yang family. Since this was so, what did Seventh Miss have to be particular about?

In this mood as calm as stagnant water, Seventh Miss awaited the announcement from outside. “Young General Gui requests an audience with Madam to pay his respects.”

First Madam quickly straightened her posture, revealing a smile tinged with excitement. “Please show him in quickly!”

Gui Hanchun thus strode into the inner hall and bowed to First Madam. “This nephew greets Madam.”

His height had increased considerably. With a dragon’s gait and tiger’s stride, though his movements were proper, they naturally carried the unique austerity of military men. After bowing, he raised his face, exposing the scar to First Madam’s and Seventh Miss’s view behind the screen. His expression was extremely calm. “Not having met for many years, meeting at this time should bring joy…”

This was the special condolence ritual when paying respects to mourning elders. With mourning obligations, one shouldn’t properly receive guests, but times and customs change. After the first three months of one-year mourning without a staff, one could meet with guests, just couldn’t actively go visiting. Guests coming to pay respects had to express condolences about the elder’s bereavement.

These were ancient rites of many years. Among contemporary people meeting, many didn’t respect etiquette. Just from this one sentence from Gui Hanchun, one could know he was truly a person who understood propriety.

First Madam immediately felt a trace of admiration. While examining Gui Hanchun’s features carefully, she invited him to rise and be seated. “Father already reached an advanced age…”

She reminisced about Grand Tutor Qin for a few sentences before asking Gui Hanchun, “These years in the Northwest can’t have been easy?”

Gui Hanchun couldn’t help but touch the scar on his face.

Though this scar couldn’t be called too ugly, it was absolutely not pleasing to the eye. The flesh seemed to have been scraped flat in one area, making his cheeks asymmetrical, and carrying this birthmark-like dark red color made this young man look somewhat fierce.

His expression was calm as water. “Living in the Northwest is greatly difficult. Hanchun has long grown accustomed to these days of licking blood from blade edges.”

Seventh Miss found this quite interesting.

Though both the Quan and Gui families were quite eager to form marriage alliances with the Yang family, it seemed these two parties both harbored other thoughts and had no interest in her.

Quan Zhongbai missed his deceased wife—this was normal. After all, his speech back then had revealed deep feelings for Third Miss.

Gui Hanchun also no longer had his former shyness—fortunately Seventh Miss never engaged in romantic fantasies. When she and Gui Hanchun met, she was still very young. She didn’t think Gui Hanchun could have possibly developed feelings for her former self. However, coming for the future mother-in-law to examine the prospective son-in-law with such a calm expression, speech never departing from the word “blood”… No matter how one looked at it, he didn’t seem very enthusiastic about this marriage.

First Madam naturally wasn’t completely oblivious either.

She couldn’t help but frown.

Just as she was about to speak, voices came from outside—Nanny Liang’s voice, sounding all the way inward.

“General Gui!” She hurriedly bowed to Gui Hanchun. “This servant has acted improperly and caused much disturbance. Please forgive this offense, General Gui!”

Without waiting for Gui Hanchun to respond, she quickened her steps and whispered a few words in First Madam’s ear.

First Madam’s expression immediately changed.

“Labor has already started?” She couldn’t hide her surprise, with some worry. “—Isn’t it a bit early?”

Seventh Miss immediately understood—Fifth Miss had gone into labor.

With Fifth Miss giving birth, how could First Madam have any mind to entertain Gui Hanchun? Gui Hanchun was also quite perceptive and took his leave before long. First Madam was as anxious as if on hot coals, unable to sit or stand, pacing in circles. Her recitation of Buddha’s name never ceased. She dispatched Nanny Liang to relay messages back and forth, issuing strict orders: “Whatever happens, send someone back to tell me immediately.” All day she couldn’t eat properly.

By nightfall, she grew even more anxious. “Laboring this long—I fear the child won’t be well!”

Even First Master and Seventh Miss had no heart for other matters, accompanying First Madam in worry and fear. In the latter half of the night, First Master sent Seventh Miss to sleep. “Don’t exhaust yourself staying up.”

Yet he too finally showed a trace of worry—even for a first birth with the pelvis opening slowly, after over ten hours, the child should have been born…

Fortunately, by dawn the next day, joyful news arrived at the Grand Scholar’s estate: Fifth Miss had given birth to twin boys. Mother and sons were safe.