When Seventh Miss returned to the Xu household from the Yang family, it was already late in the day. She didn’t return to Mingde Hall but instead went directly with Matron Liang to Leshan Residence to pay respects to the Grand Madam.
The Grand Madam could show Seventh Miss a cold face, but toward an old servant from her in-law family like Matron Liang, she had to show more courtesy. Not only did she rarely reveal a smile, she even bestowed a small stool on Matron Liang, asking with a laugh, “What’s this—is your mistress uneasy about her daughter and specially sending another servant into the household?”
Matron Liang truly lived up to her reputation as shrewd, answering flawlessly, “In reply to the Grand Madam, our Madam worries that the Young Madam is young and inexperienced and might cause trouble for her sisters-in-law, so she specially sent me to see if there’s anywhere I can help.”
The Grand Madam smiled and glanced at Seventh Miss. “Your mistress worries too much. Though the Sixth Granddaughter-in-law is young, she’s quite sharp.”
Though these words praised Seventh Miss, somehow, no matter how one listened, they didn’t sound quite right.
A smile couldn’t help but float to the Fifth Young Madam’s lips. The Fourth Young Madam looked this way and that, also smiling slightly. Only the Eldest Young Madam’s face remained wooden, as if she couldn’t understand the meaning in the Grand Madam’s words.
The three girls sitting in a row across from the several sisters-in-law also each had their reactions. With just one glance, Seventh Miss took in everyone’s responses.
If the Grand Madam thought Seventh Miss was a reckless fool just because she dared publicly disrespect her, that would be far too careless.
She smiled faintly. “Grandmother flatters me—how could Xiao Qi deserve such praise?”
As if unable to detect the meaning in the Grand Madam’s words, she clearly accepted the Grand Madam’s compliment with equanimity.
The Xu household had many members. The men who came to pay respects all sat around the plum blossom table. Originally when the Grand Madam said this, the young masters all seemed not to have heard, simply continuing their own conversations and laughter.
But Seventh Miss’s response drew several gazes. Seventh Young Master Xu Yuning and Eighth Young Master Xu Yutai both looked toward Seventh Miss, as if trying to bore a hole through the back of her head with their stares.
Seventh Miss couldn’t help but sigh slightly.
The Xu family’s offspring were truly too numerous. Among these dozen or so siblings-in-law and brothers-sisters, not a single one appeared to be an easy mark. To find a possible culprit among them, a year and a half after the incident—this was truly an impossible task.
The Grand Madam’s pupils contracted. She was about to speak but swallowed her words back, contemplating for a long while without opening her mouth.
The atmosphere gradually became awkward. The Eldest Young Madam grew uncomfortable and glanced at her husband, but the Eldest Young Master kept his eyes on his nose and his nose on his heart, as if he’d already dozed off.
The Fourth Young Madam smiled as she cracked melon seeds, rarely refraining from speaking. The Fifth Young Madam still stared at Seventh Miss, as if Seventh Miss had just stripped naked in public, so shocked by Seventh Miss’s shamelessness that she couldn’t look away.
But Seventh Miss remained perfectly composed.
If the Grand Madam thought this bit of silent displeasure could pressure her into speaking first, she really underestimated her too much.
Matron Liang glanced at Seventh Miss. Seeing the serene expression on Seventh Miss’s face, she couldn’t help but feel admiration.
She had visited the Xu household twice now and wasn’t ignorant of its personnel matters. This Grand Madam appeared kind and gentle, but Madam Xu had personally experienced what her methods were like in private.
At the tender age of seventeen, Seventh Miss moved freely and remained composed in the face of the invisible pressure the Grand Madam released. Her attitude even carried a trace of transcendence: if you praise me, I’ll accept it, too lazy to ponder the meaning behind your words. If you’re unhappy, then let the Grand Madam be unhappy… This wasn’t treating a great-grandmother-in-law at all, but rather treating a poor relative who’d come begging—she even had a somewhat superior air about her.
Yet the Grand Madam couldn’t find fault with her conduct…
Ah, truly when an expert makes a move, one immediately knows their caliber. Any other Yang family daughter probably wouldn’t have this depth, this unfathomability. Even First Miss’s diplomatic smoothness lacked Seventh Miss’s stillness.
This single word “stillness” made the Grand Madam appear somewhat rash by comparison.
The Grand Madam’s face had already darkened as she stared at Seventh Miss, her expression carrying traces of severity.
Seventh Miss then revealed just the right amount of surprise, as if she didn’t understand why the Grand Madam would suddenly become displeased.
The Fourth Young Madam glanced left and right, then looked at the Fifth Young Madam with disdain before suddenly laughing aloud.
“Grandmother, it’s almost dinnertime.” She intimately took the Grand Madam’s arm. “I’ll take my leave first—I still need to visit Mother at Qingping Courtyard. It wouldn’t do to be late.”
The Grand Madam seized this way out, her face also revealing threads of kind smiles. “Good, good, then you all hurry over. Give my regards to your mother as well.”
She instructed the Fifth Young Madam, “Isn’t your husband on overnight palace duty today? Tonight bring my little Xian over, and we’ll eat together.”
Only then did the Fifth Young Madam seem to suddenly understand, smiling gracefully and responding in a soft voice, “Yes.”
Everyone then used the Fourth Young Madam’s departure as their cue, all rising to bid farewell to the Grand Madam. Leaving Leshan Residence, they proceeded in a grand procession toward Qingping Courtyard.
This walk revealed the differences between people.
The several sisters-in-law naturally walked properly along the pathway paved with blue stone slabs, but in single file with clear distinctions. The Eldest Young Madam and Eldest Young Master walked together at the front with their four children. The Fourth Young Madam and Fifth Young Madam went one before the other, ignoring each other.
Xu Yuning and Xu Yutai were much livelier. Yuning was older, already fourteen this year. Leading ten-year-old Yutai, he vaulted over the railing and leaped into the corridor. The two brothers jogged toward Qingping Courtyard in small steps, conversing quietly while walking arm in arm.
Though the three concubine daughters walked together, they clearly showed different degrees of closeness. The oldest, Yuping, was fifteen this year and seemed to be discussing marriage prospects—she appeared quite favored by the Grand Madam and had left quite an impression on Seventh Miss at Leshan Residence. The younger Yuqiao was fourteen this year, also at a graceful age. The two young ladies walked arm in arm, chattering happily, but left the youngest, Yu’an, alone, walking solitary behind her two sisters.
Seventh Miss still remembered that when Fifth Miss had her incident, it was Yu’an who’d asked whether something had happened to Fifth Miss. Her quiet demeanor then had left a slight impression on Seventh Miss. Now observing more carefully, she indeed conducted herself properly without being timid. Among the Xu household’s three concubine daughters, at first glance, Yu’an was most to her liking.
She brought Matron Liang along with the crowd into Qingping Courtyard. Madam Xu was indeed about to eat dinner. Everyone entered the inner room one by one to pay respects.
This presented yet another different scene. Yuping and Yuqiao became submissive and silent as cicadas the moment they entered. The three young madams also restrained their bearing. Even someone as proud as the Fourth Young Madam had to put on an obedient appearance, making Seventh Miss want to laugh. Only the youngest generation among the young ones felt more at ease, not changing their attitudes just because they’d changed locations.
But Madam Xu was also quite amiable. Her spirits were good today. Leaning against the kang, she slowly drank a cup of tea, then dismissed everyone. “It’s time for dinner—don’t let paying respects delay your meals.”
The three sisters-in-law all flushed slightly. The Eldest Young Master mumbled, “Coming late and keeping Mother waiting—that’s your son’s fault.”
He seemed extremely taciturn, never opening his mouth unless necessary. In these few days, this was the first time Seventh Miss had seen him say anything beyond greetings and inquiries after health.
Who’d have thought he’d take the blame upon himself?
Madam Xu’s expression immediately softened as she smiled and comforted the Eldest Young Master. “I was just saying—our Yufei is too sensitive!”
The Fourth Young Madam and Fifth Young Madam exchanged several glances, then apologized in unison, “Missing the appointed time—truly careless. Please forgive us, Mother.”
Seventh Miss naturally also rose with the group to apologize, but inwardly couldn’t help clicking her tongue.
Capital aristocratic families—even their level of contention was different. Daily conversation was like playing charades or games. Who was unhappy and why they were unhappy all had to be guessed. Being a daughter-in-law required such caution… no wonder Fifth Miss couldn’t adapt.
Madam Xu consoled everyone with a few more words, then showed signs of fatigue. This time, everyone truly withdrew. Seventh Miss deliberately fell to the rear to report to Madam Xu. “After all, Xiao Qi is young, and the old matron is busy with Qingping Courtyard affairs and doesn’t have much time to frequently visit Mingde Hall—I’ve borrowed Matron Liang from my natal family to help clean Mingde Hall, arrange for Silang and Wulang, and train the several newly transferred stewardess matrons…”
Madam Xu’s face showed relief.
Willing to have Matron Liang review the personnel around Silang and Wulang would naturally put Grand Madam more at ease.
“Good.” She entrusted it to Matron Liang. “Matron Liang has seen my health. Whether Silang and Wulang live comfortably in Mingde Hall will depend on Matron Liang’s arrangements.”
These were polite words, yet they also carried implications.
Matron Liang and Seventh Miss exchanged glances and naturally hastened to agree. “Madam, please rest assured—this humble servant will certainly do her utmost!”
Returning to Mingde Hall, Lixia had already received word and came out of the courtyard with a smile. “The Fifth Young Madam just sent word that she’s prepared a room for Matron Liang in the lower courtyard.”
The household’s servants naturally also had lodgings. Generally only maids would stay with their masters’ quarters. Matrons who’d already married lived together around the Duke’s estate. Seventh Miss had already prepared to arrange lodging for Matron Liang near Mingde Hall, not expecting the Fifth Young Madam to be so courteous as to even prepare a guest room for Matron Liang.
Seventh Miss couldn’t help frowning slightly.
Through these interactions, she’d formed preliminary impressions of her several sisters-in-law.
But only the Fifth Young Madam… her conduct seemed to lack much consistency, being both excessively humble and excessively arrogant toward her, becoming somewhat inscrutable.
“This old servant hardly deserves it!” Matron Liang quickly demurred. “The Fifth Young Madam really takes this too seriously. Madam, what do you think…”
Seventh Miss smiled and waved her hand. “Indeed, no need for such trouble. It would be more convenient for Matron to live near Mingde Hall.”
After more polite exchanges with Matron Liang, she sent her off and brought Lixia inside for dinner.
After eating, she sat under the lamplight with a large sheet of snow-wave paper spread before her. Shangyuan personally ground ink for Seventh Miss. She took a deep breath and began to think.
After a long while, she slowly put brush to snow-wave paper.
After these three days, she’d formed preliminary impressions of the household’s personnel.
Setting aside Duke Pingguo of the outer courtyard, the inner courtyard was clearly divided into two factions.
The faction led by Madam Xu, though thin in numbers, held the advantage of being legitimate wife and first wife, commanding lofty status.
The faction led by the Grand Madam also had cards to play—filial piety, respect for seniority… these were all their chips.
Among the third generation’s various branches, Eldest Young Master Xu Yufei had never pursued official rank but instead managed the family business and outer courtyard matters. Like the Eldest Young Madam, he seemed to be a neutral party unwilling to involve himself in household conflicts. The Eldest Young Madam was even more like a clay or wooden sculpture, having no extra words for anyone. When she opened her mouth, it was all Shanxi accent, as if she couldn’t or wouldn’t change it.
The Fourth Young Madam was a relative of Grand Madam Ni, so naturally she had face before the old woman and walked closer to the Grand Madam—this was only natural. After all, Fourth Young Master Xu Yuqian had earned his honors through bloody battlefield struggles, making them more valuable. He might well have his own designs on the heir apparent position. Only Fourth Young Master was away from home year-round, and the Fourth Branch still had no children—this had to be said to be a major embarrassment. The Fourth Young Madam also had competition at the Grand Madam’s side.
Fifth Young Master Xu Yujing had grown up at the Grand Madam’s side since childhood and had always been most favored. He now served as a captain in the palace guard. Though his rank was low, he could frequently see the Emperor’s countenance—also a prestigious position. His wife was also a legitimate daughter from an eminent family. Not long after entering the household, when Madam Xu’s poor health left her unable to manage affairs, she naturally took over authority. This branch was currently most popular and powerful. The Fourth Branch must harbor some resentment, but the Fifth Young Master temporarily lacked military achievements, so his impact on the heir apparent position wasn’t too great.
That said, as long as Seventh Miss could smoothly take charge, neither the Fourth nor Fifth Branch would have too many opportunities. After all, Xu Fengjia was himself accomplished, and Duke Pingguo’s attitude was very clear. To play tricks over the heir apparent position—unless something happened to Xu Fengjia—was absolutely impossible.
Seventh Miss suddenly became irritated.
She thought again of Xu Fengjia’s repeated instructions before leaving, and those unfinished words, “otherwise I fear…”
Though the Emperor favored Xu Fengjia, every task assigned to him was highly dangerous work—sweeping strongholds, capturing the First Prince’s confidants… which task didn’t require gambling with his life?
This trip to Guangzhou, what was he rushing to do? Could it be that something might happen to him…
Her heart suddenly lifted, beating violently in mid-air. After a long while, she could only slowly console herself: Given Xu Fengjia’s noble status, the Emperor certainly wouldn’t assign him something guaranteed to be fatal. As for some danger—that was unavoidable anywhere.
Though she told herself this, she still spent half the day in a daze before slowly recovering to continue summarizing the Xu household’s personnel.
The several unmarried concubine daughters actually didn’t have much impact on the household’s situation. Whether Yuping or Yuqiao, no matter how much the Grand Madam liked them, it was of limited use. With Duke Pingguo’s current prestige, it was impossible for them to marry into great families as concubines. At most they could marry sons of concubines from families of equal status, or marry down to scholars as principal wives. Without the status of legitimate daughters, they couldn’t accomplish much and could be set aside for now.
Seventh Young Master Xu Yuning was much beloved by Duke Pingguo, and his birth mother was also one of the few respectable concubines in the household. He’d always had a good relationship with the Sixth Branch—Fifth Miss had also spoken well of Seventh Young Master. He usually seemed law-abiding, rarely heard from outside, and could be considered a worrying-free person. As for Eighth Young Master Yutai, he was even younger—at ten years old, though he seemed precocious, with five older brothers above him, it was hard for him to stir up much trouble. These younger siblings, along with the household’s five boys and two girls, all had little relation to the household’s power struggles. The real game would unfold among the First, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Branches.
Seventh Miss rested her chin on her hand, thinking for a long while. In her heart, she secretly weighed the several sisters-in-law’s natal families, contemplating Grand Madam Ni’s natal family and Imperial Concubine Xu in the palace. After much thought, she smiled silently.
Truly a great aristocratic family. The road to consolidating power in the future—she could foresee it wouldn’t go too smoothly.
Never mind still having to find a culprit among these crystal people made of glass…
How could she not think this through carefully?