As August arrived, the Mid-Autumn Festival would soon be upon them.

Though there was still half a month to prepare, for a major festival like Mid-Autumn, everyone in the household from top to bottom took it very seriously. Just past the third day of the eighth month, the Grand Madam was already clamoring to organize it properly. She didn’t want to simply dine at the Flowing Wine Pavilion, but rather wished to open the Moon-Viewing Tower at the highest point, where everyone could admire the moon while a troupe of young performers played music and entertained below the mountain—that would be truly elegant.

When those above spoke one sentence, those below ran their legs off. While Seventh Miss familiarized herself with personnel matters, she also had to plan menus according to everyone’s tastes, coordinate with Stewardess Li Geng and several other stewardess mothers to organize the Mid-Autumn banquet, oversee the cleaning and repairs of the Moon-Viewing Tower, and work with Stewardess Guo Fu—who managed the Xu family’s troupe of young performers—to decide on a program of theatrical pieces. Various trivial matters were endless.

“It’s fortunate I managed to win over Stewardess Li Geng,” she chatted with Xu Fengjia. “For anything regarding food and dining, she can cite countless examples for my reference. Otherwise, I truly wouldn’t know how to handle many things.”

“Even without her, there are still the old stewardesses,” Xu Fengjia said dismissively. “She’s a clever person who doesn’t dare put on airs with you. Otherwise, if you asked the old stewardesses, wouldn’t it be the same?”

Madam Xu had so many experienced stewardess mothers under her command, all now eager to prove they were still capable. Since Stewardess Li Geng had been brought to heel, naturally she had to fight to keep her position. Seventh Miss nodded thoughtfully and smiled, “You’re right. Mother’s gift of this ring has truly been of great help.”

Though newly appointed managers typically faced some maneuvering from the stewardesses below, Seventh Miss was both meticulous and commanding. Over these past days, everyone watching with cold eyes couldn’t find a single fault with her. Moreover, with the old stewardesses backing her and protected by the golden ring bestowed by Madam Xu, everyone was unusually cautious, deeply afraid of becoming the bird that sticks its head out, only to be made an example of by Seventh Miss to warn the rest.

Since they had all been intimidated by Seventh Miss without her even trying, managing the household affairs proceeded very smoothly for her. Though there were some unexpected situations, with the experienced old stewardess—a master manager who had seen everything—by her side, whenever she encountered something she didn’t understand, she would send someone to ask, and difficulties were immediately resolved. Therefore, although the Grand Madam constantly came up with new demands, everything in the household ran smoothly, and nothing stumped Seventh Miss—it merely made her busier than usual.

On the fifth of August, the Xu household received more news: the military unit to which Fourth Young Master was attached was returning to the capital for rotation. This son of the Xu family who had been away for four or five years would finally be able to spend a Mid-Autumn Festival at home.

When this news spread, Fourth Young Madam’s joy was extraordinary. She too began to trouble Seventh Miss, coming daily either to request wallpaper to re-paper all the walls and ceilings of the Cautious Contemplation Hall, or constantly asking Seventh Miss for furnishings, bedding, and all manner of brand-new household implements… Though none of the items were particularly valuable, the annoyance lay in their triviality. Seventh Miss found herself completely tied down, often so busy all morning that she couldn’t even drink a mouthful of water.

When Senior Grand Lady Min came to visit her, she deliberately chose to come to Bright Virtue Hall in the afternoon.

“You’ve just taken over management, so mornings must be absolutely hectic. I won’t come to be a nuisance!” Senior Grand Lady Min hadn’t brought her daughter born to Southern Qi this time. “Coming in the afternoon to chat with you is better. Last time I went to Elder Uncle’s household, Ruiyun asked me to come keep you company more often. She wanted to come over too, but she has no free time from morning to night.”

Quan Ruiyun had to manage the household from the moment she entered the door. Unlike Seventh Miss, who had emerged from storms of blood and rain, she had no leisure for socializing—this was natural. Seventh Miss frowned slightly and sighed, “The few times I’ve gone home, Ruiyun sits with us briefly before going outside to handle household affairs. I haven’t had time to ask whether she’s been happy lately.”

She couldn’t frequently visit the Grand Secretary’s residence to chat like Senior Grand Lady Min could—after all, that was her maiden home. Always running back to one’s maiden home when idle would invite gossip. But Senior Grand Lady Min visiting the Yang household was perfectly proper.

“She…” Senior Grand Lady Min sighed. “To speak honestly, Seventh Sister, you know what Elder Madam’s temperament is like. Even if you were standing right beside her, she could still find fault. Not to mention Ruiyun, who is still a newly wedded daughter-in-law.”

From Senior Grand Lady Min’s words alone, one could tell that the relationship between the Grand Madam and Quan Ruiyun was far from harmonious.

Seventh Miss felt quite apologetic. “It’s a pity I’m also busy here, otherwise I would really go back to see Ruiyun.”

She asked with concern, “And Ninth Brother…”

“Shanjiu is single-mindedly focused on his studies. These days he pays no attention whatsoever to matters outside his window, and the entire household dares not disturb him with outside affairs.” Senior Grand Lady Min shook her head. “What I see as Ruiyun’s greatest suffering is this—when she’s been wronged by her mother-in-law, she returns home but doesn’t dare say a single word to her husband, only shedding tears in private. The few times I’ve visited her, I feel her spirits have declined considerably.”

Actually, the Yang household had a simple population—just four masters at present. Compared to the huge mess Seventh Miss had to face, the Yang family’s household affairs were almost ridiculously easy. Even considering the most complicated aspect, it would be social relations, which would be more complex than at the Xu household—after all, the Yang family was in a precarious position, making outside social interactions more difficult.

Seventh Miss immediately knitted her brows. After much deliberation, she could only sigh.

Once married, it wasn’t appropriate to meddle in her younger brother’s household affairs anymore.

“Each person has their own fate,” Seventh Miss could only say this. “At least Shanjiu is working toward advancement. In a few more years when he passes the imperial examination, everything will be better.”

Senior Grand Lady Min smiled faintly. “Is Seventh Sister finding a roundabout way to praise me?”

Brother Min had indeed passed the imperial examination this round, placing in the front ranks of the second tier. The Grand Master was quite willing to promote his nephew, and Brother Min lived up to expectations. His performance in the selection examination was outstanding, and he had already qualified as a Hanlin compiler. His future official career had at least gotten off to a good start.

Seventh Miss looked at Senior Grand Lady Min and smiled, then said, “It’s been several months since Elder Sister-in-law came to see me!”

Over these past months, First Young Madam had only gone to the temple once to offer incense, unlike last winter when she interacted so frequently with Senior Grand Lady Min.

“Ah, there are many matters at home.” Senior Grand Lady Min seemed completely unaware anything was amiss. “After Nanyin lost the baby last year, I took it upon myself to select another chamber maid for your brother. Now the two of them are constantly competing for favor and getting jealous. The moment I leave, they cause trouble. There are also many matters at my maiden home… so I haven’t had time to come see you.”

After chatting a while longer, when Senior Grand Lady Min saw Seventh Miss show signs of fatigue, she rose and said, “You should rest. I’ll go to Perfect Goodness Hall to chat with the Han family elder sister, then leave directly from there.”

It seemed her main purpose in coming this time was to visit First Young Madam.

Naturally Seventh Miss wouldn’t make things difficult. She graciously saw Senior Grand Lady Min out of the room, but upon returning didn’t immediately rest. Instead she pondered deeply, sketching on paper. After thinking for quite some time, she sighed to Lixia, “I deeply admire Elder Sister-in-law’s serene and magnanimous temperament. I only hope that she…”

She stopped mid-sentence without continuing.

But Lixia immediately understood. Having witnessed in Seventh Miss’s presence the questionable dealings between Senior Grand Lady Min and First Young Madam, it would be false to say she had no suspicions.

“This servant observes that these two young madams are both wholeheartedly content with their lot,” she analyzed quietly for Seventh Miss. “Neither Grand Lady Min nor First Young Madam have any inappropriate ambitions. Especially First Young Madam…”

If First Young Madam wanted to manage the household, she would have fought Fifth Young Madam tooth and nail long ago. She wouldn’t have relinquished household management authority with both hands the moment Fifth Young Madam made one move, showing no reluctance…

From this perspective, First Young Madam truly had no motive to harm anyone. So many precious opportunities had been placed before her, yet she had retreated from them all. Why would she resort to murderous schemes to gain advantage for herself?

Seventh Miss lowered her eyes slightly and instructed Lixia, “Go see what Guyu and Chunfen are doing. If they can get away, bring one of them in.”

Placing Guyu and Chunfen in Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master’s quarters served multiple purposes. These two had spent the longest time by Fifth Miss’s side. If anyone could recall some trivial details from before Fifth Miss’s death, it would be these two maids.

Guyu soon entered the western secondary room respectfully.

However, Seventh Miss didn’t speak with her in the western secondary room, but instead led her into the western third room.

The western third room was her bedroom. Questioning someone in the bedroom not only showed the importance of the matter but also conveyed a sense of intimate confidentiality.

“You saw Elder Sister-in-law come earlier.” After a moment’s contemplation, Seventh Miss spoke directly.

For such maids whose livelihood depended on her, whose lives hung on her word, there was no need for scheming. Besides, Guyu and Chunfen had always been obedient and weren’t frivolous gossips.

Guyu started, then nodded calmly. “You even accompanied Grand Lady Min in to see Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master.”

Seventh Miss nodded and asked, “Do you remember whether Elder Sister-in-law ever came to visit Bright Virtue Hall when Fifth Sister was still alive?”

Guyu’s face immediately showed fear, clearly catching Seventh Miss’s implication.

Nearly three years after Fifth Miss’s death, with Seventh Miss now in power, her death would finally be investigated anew.

Naturally this would stir up fresh turmoil in the household, and as Fifth Miss’s personal maids, how could she and Chunfen not be drawn into such a maelstrom?

Time was the remedy for almost everything. Even though at the time many people had wanted answers about this matter, three years later, when everyone had their own lives and had begun moving forward, bringing up the past inevitably met with resistance.

Seventh Miss mentally made a note to be mindful of this: the maids within Bright Virtue Hall would follow her lead regardless, but people outside Bright Virtue Hall might not be pleased with her dredging up old matters.

“Senior Grand Lady Min only married into the family a few years ago.” Guyu quickly recalled the details from that time, explaining calmly and methodically for Seventh Miss. “As I remember, our Miss had no visitors for the first three months after entering the household. Four months after her marriage, Senior Grand Lady Min came to see her once. At that time, Miss was very dejected for some reason and didn’t have much to say, so Grand Lady Min sat briefly and left. Then on her birthday, Grand Lady Min came to congratulate her. After that, she never came again.”

Senior Grand Lady Min’s two visits—one a courtesy call, one to celebrate Fifth Miss’s birthday—were both perfectly normal social visits. Even visiting First Young Madam was quite reasonable, as they had grown up together in the same hometown.

With Fifth Miss’s careless nature, she certainly wouldn’t have detected anything amiss. She even less likely would have burst into Perfect Goodness Hall without announcement to catch the two in a compromising situation. So the possibility that she discovered their secret and they were forced to silence her was quite small.

However, this didn’t mean Senior Grand Lady Min was without suspicion.

Though First Young Madam wasn’t particularly close to her children, before Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master were born, all the male grandchildren in the household without exception came from Perfect Goodness Hall.

But even so, poisoning Fifth Miss still wasn’t a good move. If they were going to act, it would be more reasonable to wait until after the children were weaned and tamper with the food.

She still understood First Young Madam too little.

Seventh Miss dismissed Guyu and called Chunfen in to question her as well, receiving similar answers. As a new bride, Fifth Miss rarely interacted with the outside world. Senior Grand Lady Min’s visits were already considered frequent.

After sending Chunfen out, she called Lixia into the western third room and asked pensively, “What do you think of Little Huangpu?”

Lixia’s expression shifted. “She’s very meticulous and cautious, seems like a reliable person. It’s just…”

It’s just that Little Huangpu’s entire family served in the household, so certain matters couldn’t be entrusted to her without risk of information leaking.

Seventh Miss nodded. “You and Shangyuan should talk with her more. You’re all of marriageable age in the next few years, and I’ll certainly need to promote senior maids. If this girl is ambitious, tell me privately. Also tell her that maintaining close relations with her elder sister Little Minjiang would be in her best interest.”

Little Minjiang was First Young Madam’s hairdressing maid, quite prominent in Perfect Goodness Hall.

Lixia wanted to speak but hesitated. Seventh Miss saw this and sighed deeply.

“This is already the path of least harm,” her tone was rather heavy. “All the other methods I can think of would only cause greater damage.”

In this life, there were many things one had to do. Using a young maid’s ambition, encouraging her to pry into others’ privacy—this certainly wasn’t honorable. But as Seventh Miss said, this was already the path of least harm.

A flash of darkness crossed Lixia’s eyes. She sighed, “Miss, you have no choice.”

Investigating a case—how could it be simple? Especially when there was no solid evidence. Seventh Miss could only thoroughly investigate every suspect.

Just as Seventh Miss was about to say something, Shangyuan’s voice came from outside.

“Young Madam, the old stewardess is here.”

Seventh Miss’s expression immediately changed as she stood up. “I’ll see her in the western secondary room.”

She muttered to herself, “It’s been five or six days… it should be time.”

Lixia glanced at Seventh Miss with puzzlement, then sighed deeply in her heart.

Even though she was no longer the ignorant little maid from the Southern Side Courtyard years ago, there had never been a moment when she felt she truly understood this noblewoman she’d grown up with.

Seventh Miss’s thoughts were simply too deep.

#

The old stewardess’s expression was not pleasant.

The moment Seventh Miss told her to sit, the old stewardess impatiently glanced at Shangyuan and Lixia, who were serving tea.

“Everyone go out.” Seventh Miss complied readily. After Shangyuan poured tea, she dismissed them both from the western secondary room.

The room fell silent for a moment. After a long while, the old stewardess finally spoke through clenched teeth.

“This matter… it’s Stewardess Wu Xun, playing tricks behind the scenes.” Her tone held considerable bitterness.

Even Seventh Miss raised one eyebrow in surprise.

Stewardess Wu Xun was famous for not taking sides, kept impeccable accounts, was very meticulous, and was valued highly by whoever employed her. Compared to the muddled Stewardess Cai Le, she seemed more like the true master of the accounting office.

Unexpectedly, such a core pillar had silently fallen to Fifth Young Madam’s side…

“Explain in detail.” Seventh Miss’s tone grew heavy. “Are you certain she found the errors herself, and no one else was manipulating things behind the scenes?”

The old stewardess’s expression was grave. “Following Young Madam’s instructions, as soon as I entered the accounting office, I told these two: ‘Don’t talk to each other while examining the accounts, and don’t discuss what’s in them, otherwise if word gets out, you’ll inevitably offend people.’ With my warning, although both worked in the same room examining accounts, it remained very quiet. I worked on Young Madam’s business nearby. Even when I occasionally stepped out, a young maid attended them. Over these past days, the two stewardesses have barely spoken to each other.”

She paused, then continued, “The problematic account books were mixed among various other ledgers and given to both stewardesses. Stewardess Cai Le looked through them and said nothing, but Stewardess Wu Xun examined them for half a shichen and noticed something wrong. She pulled me outside to whisper, pointing out several discrepancies in the accounts. She also said that these two stewardesses have always been our Madam’s capable subordinates, and if this matter became public, everyone would be affected. She asked me to privately inquire about Young Madam’s intentions—whether to investigate or not. If not, she would simply overlook it and say nothing more.”

This quite matched the two stewardesses’ personalities. Stewardess Cai Le had an easygoing nature and was careless with accounts, taking things as they came without stirring up trouble. Stewardess Wu Xun had a strict nature, and this performance was already giving face to Seventh Miss, offering her a chance to smooth things over. If Seventh Miss hadn’t had her plan prepared beforehand, she might actually have been deceived.

Seventh Miss hummed with great interest. “This Stewardess Wu Xun is truly a capable person.”