The next few days passed peacefully for Seventh Miss.

A new bride in her first year shouldn’t go out often. Although Xu Fengjia had returned to the capital, he was extremely busy. Most of the day he stayed in his study in the front courtyard handling business, not returning to their chambers until evening. Apart from an extra pair of chopsticks at meals and being woken several times each morning by Xu Fengjia’s movements, Seventh Miss’s days weren’t much different from before.

As for taking over household management, neither Lady Xu nor Xu Fengjia had mentioned it. The Grand Madam and Fifth Young Madam were happy to play dumb, and naturally Seventh Miss wouldn’t bring it up herself. After all, her actions still depended on observing Xu Fengjia’s future moves.

The days flowed peacefully by, with changes only in subtle details.

Now that Xu Fengjia had returned, Seventh Miss no longer avoided social interaction as before. When she had leisure time, she often invited several younger concubine-born sisters over for tea.

Yu Qiao and Yu Ping were both aligned with the Grand Madam’s faction. At Seventh Miss’s quarters, though they weren’t exactly treated poorly, they didn’t receive any particularly warm reception either. Seventh Miss filled conversation with nothing but topics of needlework and embroidery. The two young ladies soon found Seventh Miss insufficiently refined, and gradually came less frequently.

On the other hand, Yu An had always excelled at embroidery, and being younger, didn’t need to spend large amounts of time like her two older sisters embroidering her trousseau. Her visits to Mingde Hall gradually became more frequent. Sometimes she came together with Yu Ning and Yu Tai to play with Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master.

Seventh Miss appreciated her quiet temperament. Though she herself didn’t enjoy embroidery, when Yu An visited she would often bring out needlework to do small miscellaneous tasks alongside her. The two would chat idly, and the days passed much more pleasantly.

As the end of the first month approached, the narcissus flowers in the west three rooms of Mingde Hall had been replaced with winter daphne. Xu Fengjia had again accompanied the Emperor on a hunting expedition to the western suburbs and hadn’t been home these past days. After Seventh Miss paid her morning respects to the two elders, she had nothing else to do. Early that morning, only Second Young Madam had sent someone with several baskets of river fish—there were no other significant matters.

She was naturally a light sleeper. Sharing a bed with Xu Fengjia, she always slept restlessly, and had gradually developed the habit of afternoon naps. After her short sleep, Yu An came to visit her again, bringing two pairs of tiger-head shoes and smiling shyly. “For Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master to wear.”

Seventh Miss examined the stitching on these two pairs of shoes closely. Seeing how even and dense it was, and how cleverly the tiger heads were made, she couldn’t help but nod inwardly. Making shoes wasn’t like embroidery—starting from the sole, it was both laborious and difficult to make them attractive. Not to mention Yu Qiao and Yu Ping, even she herself probably couldn’t make a pair of shoes fit to wear. That Yu An’s shoes were made so well showed this child had a solid, steady character.

She smiled and pulled Yu An’s hand over to examine it carefully. “Such beautiful hands—don’t let needlework callus them, that wouldn’t look good.”

Yu An blushed at Seventh Miss’s words, looking at her toes with a voice like a mosquito’s buzz. “Sister-in-law flatters me… Yu An’s hands aren’t that pretty.”

Among the several daughters of the Xu family, none were more than moderately attractive. If one were to be specific, only Yu Qiao could barely be called somewhat bright and lovely. Perhaps precisely because of this, none of this generation had become imperial consorts in the palace.

“How are they not pretty? In a few years, they’ll probably be even prettier.” Seventh Miss casually teased a few sentences, then encouraged Yu An. “Usually you needn’t be so easily embarrassed. Your sister-in-law won’t eat you. Just be appropriately generous and composed in your conduct. Appearing timid at every turn might invite bullying.”

Yu An glanced at Seventh Miss, then lowered her head again, sighed, and played with the tassels on her skirt hem.

“One’s nature is hard to change…” She bit her lower lip. “Though the previous Sixth Sister-in-law also…”

Mentioning Fifth Miss, Yu An seemed to realize she’d misspoken. She raised her head to glance at Seventh Miss, her expression showing some confusion.

Seventh Miss’s face remained unchanged, but inwardly she sighed.

Consummated or not consummated—truly a world of difference. Before the marriage was consummated, though Yu An had been courteous to her, how could she have spoken such intimate words? This psychological change throughout the entire household—if one didn’t experience it personally, it was truly difficult to comprehend.

“Speaking of which, it’s rather amusing.” She smiled amiably at Yu An. “Fifth Sister, though she was a daughter-in-law of the Xu family for a year, after I entered the household I rarely heard about her affairs. You know, we always lived in Suzhou and corresponded with Fifth Sister by letter—though she lived in the East Wing a year ago, I often feel as if she and I lived in two different Xu households.”

She spoke humorously, and Yu An couldn’t help but smile along, her worried expression visibly easing.

“Fifth Sister and I grew up together. I know her better than anyone. Her temperament is like a firecracker. In the Xu family, she probably had more enemies than friends.” Seventh Miss spoke candidly.

Seeing several traces of difficulty cross Yu An’s face, she knew this perceptive young concubine-born daughter probably wasn’t unaware of Fifth Miss’s character.

“But Fifth Sister was ultimately my family. The trivial matters of her daily life are precious memories to those of us left behind.” As Seventh Miss spoke, she smiled at Yu An. “Many things I won’t ask the sisters-in-law about, but if you can tell me about Fifth Sister, I’d love to hear it.”

Yu An hesitated a moment, then smiled at Seventh Miss uncertainly.

“Compared to Second Sister and Third Sister, Yu An was indeed more familiar with the previous Sixth Sister-in-law.” She slowly began, her face showing some softness. “Sister-in-law knows that Yu An has a bitter fate—I lost my birth mother at birth and was raised by Concubine Yan from childhood… Unlike Second Sister and Third Sister, who still have brothers born of the same mother.”

If Seventh Miss hadn’t also been concubine-born, and hadn’t always been kind and patient with Yu An, Yu An would never have spoken these words.

She smiled understandingly and nodded gently at Yu An, saying softly, “When I was at home, I had to be even more careful and cautious than you… We concubine-born daughters are inevitably a few degrees inferior before the legitimate wife—that’s unavoidable.”

Yu An returned Seventh Miss a shy but joyful smile, lowering her head to play with the tassels on her skirt again.

“Before Grandmother, Yu An has little dignity.” Though her voice was small, it was very soft, making one unconsciously lean in to listen carefully.

Seventh Miss suddenly felt that she was to Yu An what First Miss had once been to herself. She could see this child’s merits and also see her calculated reserve, and she harbored a kind of goodwill toward her as kindred spirits.

And Yu An had been quite close to Fifth Miss, yet was still the younger sister of Yu Qiao and Yu Ping, usually going out and coming in together with these two young ladies…

Suddenly, she began viewing Yu An with fresh eyes, and her entire train of thought broadened considerably.

Though unwilling to admit it to herself, Seventh Miss also understood that after consummating the marriage with Xu Fengjia, she had also begun to integrate into the Xu family, finally gradually finding her footing.

“But Mother is considerate toward Yu An. Sixth Sister-in-law, though quick-tempered, had no schemes and treated people well, so Yu An often came to Mingde Hall to chat.” Yu An continued her narrative. “Several times, the previous Sixth Sister-in-law said I ‘resembled a sister from her natal family—also quiet, also skilled at needlework. Perhaps when Father-in-law arrives in the capital, you could even become good friends with her.'”

She paused, lifting her eyes to look boldly at Seventh Miss, smiling slightly.

“At the time, though Sixth Sister-in-law’s tone deliberately carried three parts disdain, I knew that Sister-in-law must have really missed this sister she spoke of.”

Seventh Miss hadn’t been on guard and was momentarily stunned.

After a long while, she smiled to cover it.

“Ah, that’s just Fifth Sister’s character. No matter how much she suffers, she can’t change it…” Her voice gradually trailed off.

The room was momentarily immersed in warm tranquility.

Yu An also propped her chin, revealing a small, warm smile, and rambled on telling Seventh Miss about Fifth Miss’s conduct.

“Sister-in-law knows Second Sister and Third Sister’s temperaments. Sometimes when the two quarreled, it inevitably affected me… Once Sixth Sister-in-law saw it, right on the small path outside Lütianyín. She called Second Sister and Third Sister over and scolded them thoroughly, saying they were ‘frivolous in speech and behavior, not at all like young ladies from good families’!” A small smile floated to Yu An’s lips, as if she was quite grateful for Fifth Miss’s kindness, but then she paused before continuing unnaturally, “Second Sister and Third Sister were so choked up they couldn’t speak. After that they restrained themselves considerably and rarely troubled me again.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but smile along with Yu An.

But inwardly she sighed continuously.

If Yu Ping and Yu Qiao had been even more spoiled, they might have instead intensified their bullying of Yu An and forbidden her from speaking out—then Fifth Miss’s good intentions would have caused harm.

After all, she hadn’t suffered hardship, so her actions lacked calculation.

Looking at Yu An’s expression, the subsequent developments of this story probably weren’t as idealistic as she described.

But since Fifth Miss had already passed away, many things were best left unsaid.

Yu An, however, seemed to have opened a floodgate. Without needing Seventh Miss to respond, she was already rambling on with her outpouring.

“Among the several sisters-in-law in the household, Sixth Sister-in-law had the least schemes. Eldest Sister-in-law… maintains appearances well enough, just rather quiet, but privately she’s extremely cold, with no extra words for anyone. Even toward her own nephews, she’s indifferent. Actually, it’s Eldest Brother who dotes more on the children.”

Seventh Miss’s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but she didn’t speak, only silently listened as Yu An continued.

Though this information might not be secret, it was at least what she currently lacked. Since Lady Xu fell ill, Qingping Courtyard had fully contracted, leaving only the old nanny as someone reliable. But she didn’t want to let the old nanny’s views prejudice her own opinions of her several sisters-in-law. Before Bailu successfully infiltrated the Xu household servants’ social circle, Yu An’s words would be a very valuable reference.

She hadn’t known First Young Madam was cold to this degree, showing no particularly warm face even to her own children… Usually when she saw her, she thought she simply didn’t want to get involved in household affairs and preferred to close her doors and live her own life well.

“Fourth Sister-in-law loves excitement too much, and among the sisters, only dotes on Yu Ping… Which makes sense—after all, Yu Ping and Fourth Brother were both born of the same concubine, so naturally they look after each other.” Yu An spoke with some self-mockery. “Fourth Sister-in-law also values birth status and usually dislikes associating with us concubine-born daughters. Actually…”

“Actually, what does it matter that she was born a legitimate daughter? Didn’t she still marry a concubine-born son?” Seventh Miss smiled and finished Yu An’s unspoken words.

Yu An immediately couldn’t help but laugh, covering her mouth and rarely showing playfulness. “This—this is what Sister-in-law said!”

Seventh Miss returned her a mischievous smile, but inwardly pondered Yu An’s words.

Combined with the several situations she’d encountered, it seemed Fourth Young Madam truly loved Fourth Young Master very much. This attachment hadn’t weakened despite their separation.

“Fourth Sister-in-law can at least be said to be consistent inside and out.” She chatted idly with Yu An. “These past months I’ve observed coldly—though she has some temper, you can still see right through her…”

Yu An gave a brief laugh, and her tone dried.

“Sister-in-law, Fourth Branch… hasn’t always been without heirs. When Fourth Brother was in the northwest, he didn’t start out without chamber maids. Several years ago one of his chamber maids became pregnant and he sent her back to the capital to carry the child safely. But when she reached Zhangjiakou, supposedly due to problems adjusting to the climate and water, she vomited and had diarrhea—she died before even entering the household.” Yu An boldly glanced at Seventh Miss. “Right at Zhangjiakou, the people Fourth Sister-in-law sent to receive her met with Fourth Brother’s subordinate soldiers…”

“This kind of thing is always the hardest to speak of.” Seventh Miss echoed Yu An.

Yu An, who probably rarely discussed such matters with others, suddenly seemed to have found a kindred spirit. “Sister-in-law speaks truly! This kind of thing relies entirely on tacit understanding…”

She seemed to suddenly think of many things, and the implications in her words became much more profound. “Those who don’t understand can never figure it out, perhaps only understanding years later—after that, Fourth Brother never again kept anyone to serve him personally.”

Fourth Young Madam’s character immediately became more three-dimensional in Seventh Miss’s mind. She gradually took on flesh and blood.

With Fourth Young Madam’s decisive and ruthless character, and being so obsessed with Fourth Young Master, might she not poison Fifth Miss out of fear that Fifth Miss would speak to the Grand Madam, tactfully facilitating the chamber maid’s elevation? It wasn’t impossible. When women were blinded by love, what wouldn’t they do? Only Fourth Young Madam didn’t seem like a brainless person—taking a casual remark seriously and taking desperate risks would make her a mental patient, not a noblewoman from a deep household.

“Fourth Sister-in-law and Fifth Sister must have had considerable friction, right?” She asked Yu An. “Just because their temperaments were similar, so…”

Yu An smiled knowingly.

“They indeed didn’t get along well.” She admitted candidly. “I heard—also just hearsay—that at the time Grandmother wanted to match Fourth Sister-in-law to Sixth Brother. After all, their family backgrounds matched and they were relatives… It was Mother who said Fourth Sister-in-law was three years older than Sixth Brother, and ultimately declined. The Mo family was quite angry then. Father used the excuse that Fourth Brother hadn’t yet married and matched Fourth Sister-in-law to Fourth Brother instead. Perhaps because of this, Fourth Sister-in-law particularly didn’t get along with the previous Sixth Sister-in-law.”

Seventh Miss was truly hearing this for the first time. Even when Xu Fengjia introduced the household situation, he hadn’t mentioned it.

Looking at Fourth Young Madam’s concern for Fourth Young Master, she certainly had no improper thoughts about Xu Fengjia… Being at odds with Fifth Miss over this matter seemed unlikely.

It appeared Yu An also didn’t know many things.

Even Guyu and Chunfen didn’t know exactly why Fourth Young Madam and Fifth Miss were at odds, though both senior maids had repeatedly emphasized these two didn’t get along.

Although in their accounts, Fifth Miss hadn’t been close to anyone—even with First Young Madam, it was only superficial courtesy, not genuine intimacy at all.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on.

“Fifth Sister-in-law is a much more complex person.” She imperceptibly changed the topic. “Yu An, don’t laugh at me. I too grew up under my legitimate mother’s care, and when it comes to reading people’s expressions, I have some confidence. Today hearing you speak of the several sisters-in-law, my impressions all match up. But Fifth Sister-in-law—I can’t quite put my finger on it. Her temperament changes too quickly.”

Speaking of Fifth Young Madam, Yu An’s expression changed. She glanced at Seventh Miss, then turned her face away to examine the furnishings in the west secondary room.

Seventh Miss followed her gaze and saw Yu An’s eyes stop at the doorway. She immediately understood Yu An’s concerns.

Fifth Young Madam currently managed the household affairs after all. Such a person wasn’t someone Yu An, an unfavored concubine-born daughter, could casually discuss. If she had placed informants in Mingde Hall and the discussion got out, it would ultimately harm Yu An.

It seemed that until she held household management in her own hands, Yu An’s trust in her would remain limited. Perhaps there were many things she wouldn’t say.

Seventh Miss didn’t blame Yu An at all. That she was willing to say so much today already showed her considerable respect.

Speaking of which, if she weren’t the Heir Apparent’s wife, Yu An probably couldn’t have said even this much… Her position was difficult, and to protect herself she had to be careful everywhere. How could Seventh Miss not understand?

She was just about to smile and call for Lixia to bring tea, imperceptibly changing the subject, when Yu An suddenly snapped her gaze back and smiled carefully at Seventh Miss.

“Fifth Sister-in-law’s schemes run deep.” Yu An instead showed a kind of frankness from speaking freely. The carefulness in her attitude seemed to have melted away like ice and snow, actually taking on some commanding confidence. “To be honest with Sister-in-law, among these several sisters-in-law, I fear Fifth Sister-in-law most. These years managing the household, Fifth Sister-in-law has had quite a few lives on her hands… Her thoughts run deep too. Offending Eldest Sister-in-law or Fourth Sister-in-law, you might still get a cold expression so you know where you stand. But Fifth Sister-in-law? You can’t see anything on the surface, and she still acts just as tactfully. Only when you’ve been dealt with do you realize: so I’d already offended her back then. Quite a few prominent matrons in the household were subdued by Fifth Sister-in-law this way. Currently, everyone up and down the household obeys her management.”

Yu An’s words completely aligned with Seventh Miss’s understanding. Fifth Young Madam should indeed be this calculating—looking at her overall bearing and usual methods, they all matched what Yu An described.

Then why did she alternate between soft and hard with her?

When things are abnormal, there must be a reason. Fifth Young Madam must either be concealing something or plotting something.

Seventh Miss’s expression grew profound.

Yu An seemed to still have more to say and wanted to continue. But footsteps suddenly sounded outside, along with Lixia’s greeting: “The Heir Apparent has returned!”

She jumped up in fright, and in an instant reverted to that timid, shy image of a young concubine-born daughter.

Xu Fengjia had already strode into the room, removing his outer robe as he walked.

“Oh, Yu An came to visit today?” Seeing Yu An, his movements paused. “It’s good to keep your Sixth Sister-in-law company when you’re free!”

Seventh Miss hurried forward to help Xu Fengjia remove his cloak. “You’re back quite early?”

Xu Fengjia’s expression was mild, seemingly in good spirits. “The Emperor actually returned yesterday. Knowing I was injured, he granted me a day’s leave to soak in the hot springs.”

Yu An looked around, then stood to take her leave. “I… I should return now… I’ll come chat with Sister-in-law another day.”

She looked up at Seventh Miss, then smiled timidly at her again. Without asking Seventh Miss to see her out, she took small steps out of the room.

Seventh Miss hurried after to tell Yu An, “Today we only talked and didn’t do any needlework—tomorrow you must come so we can embroider a few stitches together.”

Her tone had grown more than just a bit more intimate.

Yu An looked back with a smile and nodded. “I’ll definitely come tomorrow!”

She revealed a touch of playfulness. “A brief separation is better than a new marriage—I won’t obstruct Sister-in-law’s reunion with Brother.”

Without waiting for Seventh Miss to respond, she left with a light laugh around the corner.

Her attitude had also relaxed considerably.

Seventh Miss thoughtfully turned back around. Seeing Xu Fengjia raise his eyebrow questioningly at her, she murmured an explanation.

“I think Fifth Sister ultimately still favors us in the Sixth Branch.”

Xu Fengjia was dismissive. “An unmarried younger sister—what use is she? Only you could hear thirteen different tones in a single sentence.”

Seventh Miss smiled ambiguously as she tossed the cloak onto a chair. “You believe it or not? Fifth Sister’s usefulness isn’t small… At the very least, it’s greater than yours!”

Without waiting for Xu Fengjia to respond, she immediately asked him, “Did the Emperor ask about… that person’s matter?”

She knew the Emperor had heavy official duties, and with spring just beginning, matters were especially numerous. A few days ago he’d only listened to a few sentences of Xu Fengjia’s report, learned it couldn’t be confirmed as Prince Lu’s fleet, and disappointedly set the matter aside. Only recently had he found time to take Xu Fengjia to the hot springs for a few days’ holiday to hear his detailed report.

Xu Fengjia’s brow also became more solemn. “Naturally he asked… I answered uniformly that I didn’t know, didn’t see, wasn’t certain—from the firearms it looked like people who came up from the Nanyang region. But the Emperor still won’t let it go. I think when Commandant Liao returns to the capital, he’ll probably personally question him as well.”

Commandant Liao had been left by Xu Fengjia in Guangzhou to handle the aftermath and was currently still on his way back to the capital.

Seventh Miss took a deep breath and nodded.

“Zixiu—what about Cousin Feng? Has he returned to the capital?” She asked Xu Fengjia again.

Xu Fengjia’s expression grew somber. He looked at Seventh Miss for a long while before saying reluctantly, “In this matter, I’d rather not drag Feng Zixiu into it.”