Xu Fengjia narrowed his eyes, his expression immediately darkening.

“How is it you’ve become a completely different person since marrying,” he muttered in a low voice. “At home you were never lacking in scheming, your behavior and conduct always perfectly proper… What, are you so unwilling to marry into the Xu family that you’ve simply given up?”

Seventh Miss sighed.

“Who doesn’t want to live more freely?” she asked Xu Fengjia with genuine sincerity. “If the Heir Apparent had been born into my Yang family as a concubine’s daughter, you’d probably be even more careful than I was. I did bow my head to you, it’s true, but if you think I’ll spend my entire life bowing and submitting… then you’re gravely mistaken.”

She had no concept of how husbands and wives should interact. In her previous life, she’d always been busy making a living—men had occupied only a small part of her world.

Seventh Miss was simply following her instincts. She was unwilling to let Xu Fengjia develop a habit of absolute authority from the start of their marriage. Perhaps in ancient times, “after marriage, follow the husband”—a virtuous young wife should bow to her husband and follow his arrangements. But she had never been a typical ancient young wife. Though she disguised herself well, her thinking had always followed unconventional paths.

If life was to continue, Xu Fengjia would have to accept Seventh Miss’s character. She would not be an obedient wife. If he was dissatisfied—

Well, there was nothing to be done about his dissatisfaction. This marriage hadn’t been based on their wishes to begin with, so naturally it couldn’t end because of their wishes either.

As for matters after Xu Fengjia took power, Seventh Miss decided to think about that later. When one should hold one’s head high, one should hold it high indeed.

Xu Fengjia slammed his wine cup down on the table.

“Every single word, every sentence—you never stray from portraying me as domineering and bullying the weak.” His speech was naturally slow, but now it seemed every word rolled through his mouth, condensing into a tangible sharp arrow. “So in your heart, is this what I am—a wastrel playboy?”

To say Seventh Miss wasn’t afraid would be a lie. The physical disparity between men and women naturally instilled in her a primal fear.

But facing Xu Fengjia, the more afraid she was, the higher she held her head.

“Cous—the Heir Apparent knows in his heart.” She calmly sipped some clear water. “In the Heir Apparent’s heart, hasn’t Yang Qi always been a helpless little concubine’s daughter? Your malice I could only endure, your kindness I had to receive with tears of gratitude… My joys and sorrows, all to be determined by you?”

Xu Fengjia’s hand on the table gradually clenched tighter.

But Seventh Miss felt genuinely liberated from the depths of her heart.

If Xu Fengjia couldn’t accept this reality, she didn’t mind reminding him again and again that she was no longer the person she once was. To treat her as a little wife who could only suffer abuse was a grave error indeed.

“The household seethes with undercurrents beneath the surface.” Contrary to Seventh Miss’s expectations, though Xu Fengjia was displeased, he ultimately restrained himself and began explaining to her. “You’re a new bride whose footing isn’t yet stable, yet you want to reach into past affairs. You’ll bring fire upon yourself, and I may not even be able to save you!”

Seventh Miss raised an eyebrow.

“Heir Apparent, Yang Qi made it all the way from the northwest to the capital, and it certainly wasn’t by being obedient.” Her manner was relaxed as she even poured Xu Fengjia a cup of wine. “Your Fourth Aunt is no easy opponent either, and back then I had nothing at all… How I am now, you can see for yourself. I know in my heart how I should act. You needn’t regard me as so insignificant…”

But in her heart, she was already pondering Xu Fengjia’s intentions.

Fifth Miss’s death couldn’t possibly have been Xu Fengjia’s doing. He’d been far away in Guangdong and Guangxi at the time—the joyful news and tragic news must have arrived in quick succession. Never mind arranging to harm anyone; he’d probably only been celebrating the birth for a few days before the bad news arrived.

But he was unwilling to let her investigate the case. Could he really want to simply let this matter be swept under the rug?

This didn’t seem like Xu Fengjia’s character at all!

No matter how Seventh Miss thought about it, she couldn’t understand why Xu Fengjia would react this way. He might have demanded to investigate himself with her assistance, or demanded that she not make too much commotion, but to tell her not to investigate at all—this was truly incomprehensible.

The atmosphere became oppressive for a moment.

Xu Fengjia’s expression was gloomy. He stroked his wine cup without speaking, seemingly also lost in thought, and the anger radiating from him gradually subsided.

This man’s spirit was like a raging wildfire, liable to spread outward at any moment. Seventh Miss didn’t dare relax too much. She toyed with the jade pendant at her skirt’s edge, glancing at Xu Fengjia from time to time.

Dealing with such a person was truly exhausting, yet also refreshing. After all, he made no effort to hide his disdain for her, so Seventh Miss needn’t bury her own disdain deep in her heart either. Everyone could openly attack each other—far more straightforward and satisfying than scheming in roundabout ways.

After a long while, Xu Fengjia finally spoke in a muffled voice.

“This isn’t your matter—it’s mine!”

Though she knew his current anger and resentment weren’t directed at her, Seventh Miss couldn’t help but straighten her spine, startled by the concentrated fury in his words.

“Whoever harmed Xiao Wu, I will find them eventually… but your involvement in this matter is highly inappropriate.” Xu Fengjia showed not the slightest intention to negotiate, as if this single statement was already set in stone. “You have many other matters to attend to. This affair—don’t involve yourself.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help pressing her hand to her forehead.

If only someone could give her an iron hammer—she wouldn’t mind prying open Xu Fengjia’s skull and stuffing the word “negotiate” inside.

No wonder Madam Xu said that with Fifth Miss’s temperament, she absolutely couldn’t control Xu Fengjia. These two siblings both took after their mother, carrying a natural streak of extreme stubbornness in their very bones. The two might get along harmoniously, but neither could likely change the other’s decisions.

Of course, now that she was Xu Fengjia’s replacement wife, the relationship wouldn’t improve much either. Having finally gained the opportunity to hold her head high, Seventh Miss absolutely refused to return to days of bowing, submitting, and obsequious flattery. If Xu Fengjia’s reasoning was sound, she wouldn’t mind following it, but right now a grown man wanting to investigate affairs of the inner courtyard…

Seventh Miss slowly exhaled and changed the subject.

“Silang and Wulang have been living at Uncle’s estate for over a year now.”

Clashing head-on with Xu Fengjia would likely end unpleasantly again. Better to raise other matters first and discuss them with him.

At the mention of the twin sons, Xu Fengjia’s expression eased and he sighed.

“When are you planning to bring Silang and Wulang back to the estate?” He abruptly changed his attitude.

“The courtyard must be thoroughly cleaned first.” Seventh Miss brought out this line again. “I also need to familiarize myself with the personnel at Mingde Hall… The wet nurses attending the two children shouldn’t be changed, but the serving maids are all Qin family people. It wouldn’t do to have them follow to the estate, inviting needless gossip.”

Xu Fengjia nodded thoughtfully. “The inner courtyard is your domain—you make the decisions.”

“Mingde Hall has its own small kitchen,” Seventh Miss continued consulting with Xu Fengjia. “I’m thinking we should set aside a separate stove in the small kitchen, specially selecting one or two cooks to prepare meals for the children. For the maids and matrons attending them, we’ll use several of Fifth Sister’s original dowry maids… If there are still vacancies, would you see if there are any trusted family servants you could recommend?”

She had no intention of filling the children’s entourage entirely with her own people—one or two of her own to maintain control would suffice.

Xu Fengjia shook his head without hesitation. “You should still discuss this matter with Mother. I’m away from home year-round and don’t have many trusted female servants in the inner courtyard…”

As he spoke, even he realized something was amiss.

How could a military general constantly away from home, a man with no trusted female servants in the inner courtyard, investigate a case within the inner courtyard?

Seventh Miss smiled slightly but didn’t spell it out. She set down her bowl and chopsticks, rose and went to the small table by the kang to pour herself a cup of tea.

“I heard the Heir Apparent must go to Guangzhou again this year?”

Xu Fengjia paused before saying, “Not necessarily—possibly, but possibly not.”

He also stood up, stretched lazily, and strolled to the window, saying casually, “I’m leaving Mingde Hall affairs to you. I have too many matters to attend to. Even if I don’t go to Guangzhou this year, I’ll likely need to go to the northwest in November. The court wants to open ports for trade with the Northern Rong… These next one or two years, I won’t have time to manage inner courtyard affairs.”

If he was so busy, how could he investigate the case? Seventh Miss couldn’t help but smile faintly, saying coolly, “I understand.”

Xu Fengjia gazed out the window and sighed deeply. The room fell into silence for a moment. Seventh Miss looked at the sweet white porcelain cup in her hand and somehow suddenly recalled a scene from over a year ago—when she’d broken one bowl from this tea set and held the broken shard against her wrist, measuring.

She too fell silent.

The tension that had filled the room had unknowingly dissipated gradually.

“Go slowly with inner courtyard matters.” Xu Fengjia spoke again slowly. “The household waters run too deep. Mother has been unable to manage the household for years, and Grandmother has grown powerful. Many things aren’t something you can quickly master just by having determination.”

Seventh Miss opened her mouth to argue, then closed it again.

At this moment, Xu Fengjia rarely lacked his usual aggression. Though his attitude wasn’t particularly mild, the condescension in his words had somehow vanished. Instead, it was replaced by deep exhaustion, as if this young general of boundless energy had finally learned the meaning of weariness.

“Shanli’s death is one of the few setbacks in my life.” His back was to Seventh Miss, his voice seeming to blur in the evening sunlight. “I risk life and limb outside for the Xu family, yet someone at home schemes against my wife. You can rest assured—this grievance, even if it kills me, I cannot swallow. Once I have a moment’s respite, I will certainly investigate thoroughly and vindicate Shanli.”

Seventh Miss immediately felt relieved.

She could only present such a determined stance because she was confident that both Xu Fengjia and Madam Xu would stand behind her. If Xu Fengjia was unusually unwilling to pursue the matter, her attitude would naturally have to adjust accordingly.

“I’ve never denied your determination.” She also softened her tone. “It’s just that you’re a man, and your battlefield is outside. Many matters—you’re willing but unable to act. I’ve navigated schemes since childhood. In the inner courtyard, I’ll fare better than you…”

Xu Fengjia smiled bitterly.

“The culprit’s methods are so masterful.” He turned around, slowly leaning against the small cabinet, his face deeply contemplative. “Their mind so profound. This past year, Mother has worked so hard both openly and covertly, yet there hasn’t been a single clue. This is an uncertain matter. If you push too hard, a single dose of medicine… Better safe than sorry—you should still proceed cautiously with this matter!”

If he’d simply forbidden it outright, Seventh Miss could have ignored him and forged ahead. But this analysis was reasonable and well-considered—she didn’t know how to respond.

Fortunately, Xu Fengjia wasn’t looking at her either. Those eyes like wildfire were fixed on the beauty-shouldered vase in the corner, surprisingly revealing traces of bewilderment.

“Before Shanli passed, did she leave any words for me?” After a long moment, he finally asked.

Seventh Miss’s fragrant shoulders trembled.

“Fifth Sister left suddenly.” She chose her words carefully. “And she was more concerned about Silang and Wulang…”

“So she had no words for me then.” Xu Fengjia pulled at his lips, naturally without any trace of a smile. “I asked Mother, asked Fourth Aunt—Shanli seemed to have left many instructions, yet she alone forgot about me.”

Seventh Miss pressed her lips tightly together.

Xu Fengjia paused again before giving a bitter smile.

“Can’t blame her really. Married over a year, at home less than half a month total, and even in those two weeks, seven or eight days I was too busy to be seen.”

He folded his arms. The brief moment of vulnerability vanished in an instant. “Yang Qi, don’t say I didn’t warn you. I may be a good general, but I’m absolutely not an ideal husband. In the coming years, I’ll remain very busy.”

“Father is frantically busy, Mother is too ill to manage affairs… The Xu household is such deep waters—not something you can fully comprehend upon first arrival. I can’t give you much support. If you want to survive well, you’d best not provoke too much resentment. Acting domineering is fine, but your actions cannot be too drastic.”

Without waiting for Seventh Miss’s response, he continued his instructions on his own. “There are many things we must do together. The household’s authority should ultimately rest in your hands as the Heir Apparent’s wife… I don’t care how much you detest me or don’t want to see me—you’ll still need my support for these matters.”

Seventh Miss lowered her eyes. She nodded lightly.

“Since that’s the case, you cannot ignore my opinions.” Xu Fengjia seemed to have completely calmed down, his analysis incisive. “I can control you, or I can let you act freely—it depends which you choose.”

The meaning in his words couldn’t be clearer.

Seventh Miss raised her eyes to look at Xu Fengjia.

The setting sun streamed through the window. His profile was covered by golden radiance, his entire face seeming gilded.

Yet this face was cold. Only those eyes, dancing like wildfire, held vigorous vitality.

She suddenly thought of Xu Fengjia from several years ago. He’d been immature then, yet so vivid and alive…

For an instant, her heart ached unbearably.

Seventh Miss finally admitted to herself that her violently intense aversion to marrying into the Xu household—to the point of contemplating suicide—perhaps the greatest reason was that she no longer knew how to face Xu Fengjia.

She was human after all. She could feel pain too.

Every time she looked at him, the wounds in her heart that had barely healed would acquire fresh injuries, reminding her how coldly she’d pushed aside this young man’s love—most terrible of all, she hadn’t even done anything wrong.

She closed her eyes and shook her head lightly, as if to cast these troublesome thoughts aside, re-arming herself with reason.

“I think perhaps I needn’t choose either.” She heard her own voice, conveying genuine exhaustion. “The Heir Apparent is so busy, and you’re going to Guangzhou within the year… Regardless of what you think, when you’re away, how could you control Xiao Qi? Whether willing or unwilling, you’ll have to let me act freely.”

“That I can only let go is one thing.” Xu Fengjia’s voice was very low. “How you choose is another matter.”

His words seemed to carry infinite implications beyond the spoken.

Seventh Miss suddenly felt very weary.

She wanted to lay everything bare, to tell Xu Fengjia that she’d never had as much as he had, so she couldn’t afford a wrong choice, so she wouldn’t apologize for being right.

But in the end, she only answered Xu Fengjia’s question with another question.

“Since ultimately there can only be one choice, how I choose seems to have become unimportant.”

Xu Fengjia’s expression darkened again.

He was about to speak when Lixia’s voice came from outside.

“Reporting to the Heir Apparent, Steward Ma sent word that Commander Liao has just reported to the Yangyun Guard and will come shortly to request an audience. The Heir Apparent is asked to indicate where it would be best to receive Commander Liao.”

Xu Fengjia’s expression immediately became alert.

“Commander Liao has returned?” he muttered to himself, his brow furrowing tightly. “How could it be so soon…”

Even as he spoke, he hastily threw on his outer garment and strode rapidly toward the door, his face already showing an approaching storm.

Hesitating at the doorway for a moment, Xu Fengjia turned back to instruct, “I’ll likely need to take Commander Liao into the palace for an imperial audience. If matters go smoothly, I’ll have to leave for Guangzhou immediately. Remember my words—don’t reach too deep! Otherwise I fear…”

With that said, he shook his head and strode out of the room. She could still hear him instructing Lixia, “Go to Menghua Pavilion and inquire—if the Duke hasn’t yet retired, please ask him to go to the outer study!”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help frowning, adding to her concerns: What matter was so urgent that even Duke Pingguo Xu Heng needed to be disturbed?