The next morning when Seventh Miss arose, she appeared listless, with deep dark circles under her eyes. When going to Qingping Courtyard to pay respects, Madam Xu looked at her several times and said curiously: “It’s rare to see you having slept poorly.”

Seventh Miss quickly touched her eyelids and said with a smile: “I drank too much last night and my heart was racing badly. That disrupted my sleep—I didn’t sleep at all the whole night.”

Madam Xu smiled and nodded, then said: “Last night your father came and said he wants to renovate Liushang Hall. There are also some buildings in Little Cuijin that need repairs, so we might as well do a major renovation all at once. Originally we couldn’t break ground because Mo Shi was at home, but now no one in the residence is expecting, so it’s set to begin construction in late September. It should be finished in about a month. The weather isn’t too cold this year, so when it’s completed in early October, everyone can move into the garden—it will be livelier with everyone together.”

Though Seventh Miss was the mistress managing the household, such matters involving outside craftsmen were mainly handled by First Young Master. What she needed to manage were the trivial affairs of each household’s relocation. Almost as soon as Madam Xu opened her mouth, Seventh Miss had a plan in mind. Seeing no one had objections, she smiled: “In that case, Mother will naturally move back to the main courtyard. I think Yu Ning and Yu Tai can put up with staying in the outer guest quarters for a while. Yu An and Yu Ping can stay with Mother in the main courtyard—this way everyone saves trouble and everything is already prepared.”

It was only for a month—naturally no one minded. Madam Xu’s eyes swept over First Young Madam and Fourth Young Madam. Seeing both young madams’ faces looked quite natural, as if they hadn’t sensed at all the implications behind this arrangement, she felt both satisfied and somewhat amused.

Looking again at Seventh Miss, she found Seventh Miss smiling radiantly at her, eyes curved.

Madam Xu immediately felt reassured—Seventh Miss had completely understood the meaning behind this arrangement.

After everyone dispersed, she kept Seventh Miss behind to talk. “In a few days when entering the palace to offer congratulations, Grand Consort will certainly inquire about several recent events at home. I think your grandmother may have also sent some messages into the palace during this time. Grand Consort’s expression may not be pleasant, but we have sufficient evidence in hand and need not fear anything. You should bring those items into the palace to show Grand Consort… Grand Consort is also a reasonable person. She knows in her heart what should be done.”

Seventh Miss naturally agreed with a smile, though she had some doubts. “I thought we would wait until after entering the palace and speaking with Grand Consort before discussing renovating Little Cuijin…”

Renovating Little Cuijin was ostensibly a normal household activity, but in reality, after the Grand Dowager moved out of Leshan Residence, whether she could return to live in Little Cuijin’s central buildings was uncertain. That Duke Pingguo would propose renovating Little Cuijin at this time actually puzzled Seventh Miss somewhat.

The Great Qin palace was heavily guarded. Even someone of Grand Consort’s status couldn’t casually send people in and out of the palace to deliver messages. This matter was so complex—if they relocated the Grand Dowager elsewhere without obtaining Grand Consort’s understanding, and Grand Consort learned of it and gave the Xu family some difficulty for appearances’ sake, word would spread outside and sound quite unpleasant.

Madam Xu said indifferently: “No matter how exalted Grand Consort’s status, she’s still a married daughter. Our Xu family doesn’t lack distinguished relatives besides Grand Consort. If we must consider relatives’ opinions in every matter, how can Duke Pingguo be considered head of the family?”

Though Duke Pingguo was decisive and vigorous, this decisiveness had never brought Seventh Miss much benefit. So this time, amidst her surprise and delight, she still had many suspicions. But seeing Madam Xu so composed, she couldn’t say much more and lowered her eyes. “Would it be more appropriate for Mother to personally explain this matter to Grand Consort?”

“Though Grand Consort and I are harmonious, she knows the relationship between your grandmother and me has been cold for many years.” A thread of sarcastic smile appeared at Madam Xu’s lips. “She’s a clever person. As long as we can stand firm on reason, Grand Consort won’t say much.”

Seventh Miss had no choice but to bring her greatest doubt to the surface. “But current evidence mostly only proves the Grand Dowager sold her dowry behind the family’s back… Other evidence is all deduced. I’m afraid it won’t have a decisive effect.”

“No one knows a mother like her daughter.” Madam Xu snorted. “Grand Consort knows in her heart what kind of person your grandmother is.”

Seventh Miss could only swallow her doubts and gave Madam Xu a hesitant smile. “In that case, Seventh Miss knows what to do.”

After leaving Qingping Courtyard, Seventh Miss sent Little Huaxi to Shendu Hall. “Ask Fourth Sister-in-law if she wants to enter the palace together tomorrow to pay respects. If Fourth Sister-in-law says no, tell her my words—she should still go to see Grand Consort and talk about Sixth Young Master. Perhaps Grand Consort will be pleased and reward Sixth Young Master with some items, letting him enjoy the old lady’s blessings.”

Little Huaxi blinked her phoenix eyes, carefully noting everything down, then repeated it back to Seventh Miss. “Young Madam, see if this servant should convey it this way.”

Even when Shangyuan first came to serve closely, she hadn’t been as careful as Little Huaxi. However, having just come to serve Seventh Miss closely, such carefulness actually gained more of Seventh Miss’s favor. She smiled and patted Little Huaxi’s shoulder. “Good, tell Fourth Young Madam just like that.”

By the time she returned to Mingde Hall, Little Huaxi came in with Fourth Young Madam’s reply. “Fourth Young Madam says she originally didn’t want to go, but after hearing your words, she really should enter the palace to pay respects to Aunt.”

Seventh Miss smiled knowingly and dismissed her. “Go play.” She turned and called Lixia in. “Go send word to Duke Dingguo’s residence that Fourth Sister-in-law has agreed to enter the palace with me tomorrow to pay respects.”

After Lixia left the room, Seventh Miss sat propping up her chin, lost in thought. After a long while, she gave a self-deprecating smile, then opened the safe and took out several important pieces of evidence, solemnly placing them in a small box.

Early on the morning of September 13th, Seventh Miss dressed up and went with Fourth Young Madam to Leshan Residence to pay respects to the Grand Dowager. Rarely, the Grand Dowager didn’t refuse them at the door but opened it to let the two granddaughters-in-law into the reception hall.

Just one or two months of cold reception had already created a different atmosphere in Leshan Residence.

When Seventh Miss first entered Leshan Residence to meet the Grand Dowager, Leshan Residence had been lively and noble, radiating the stability, authority, and wealth at the center of a great family. This atmosphere emanated not only from the home furnishings but could be felt from the servants’ attire, their expressions, and the masters’ conversations, infecting every visitor. But at this moment, Leshan Residence was cold and desolate. Though the furnishings hadn’t changed at all, though the Grand Dowager’s dress was still solemn and magnificent, even though the kind smile on her face hadn’t faded, behind it all, Leshan Residence was declining and lonely. Even the building itself seemed to feel its master’s unavoidable depression, like a Buddhist statue that hadn’t been maintained for years—beneath the gold lacquer, decaying wood was clearly visible.

Regarding Seventh Miss and Fourth Young Madam’s purpose in entering the palace, the Grand Dowager naturally couldn’t be unaware. Therefore, to Seventh Miss’s inquiry of “Does Grandmother have any words to convey to Aunt?” she merely curved her lips and dismissed Seventh Miss simply.

“Just say I’m very well and hope she is too.”

The old lady’s response was simple, not even revealing a trace of vulnerability or hope in her expression. After saying this, she waved her hand dismissively. “Better go to Qingping Courtyard and ask your mother-in-law what words she wants conveyed to Grand Consort.”

Seventh Miss’s eyes flashed with some curiosity.

The Grand Dowager’s performance was indeed somewhat abnormal.

If the old lady had already sent word to the palace behind the family’s back—she certainly had the capability—the current Grand Dowager should be smug, waiting for Seventh Miss to enter the palace and face Grand Consort’s fury like a violent storm. But if the old lady hadn’t yet had time to send word to the palace, she certainly wouldn’t be this indifferent now. After all, whoever could speak to Grand Consort first would undoubtedly hold the initiative.

The old lady’s current demeanor could be described as somewhat transcendent, placing victory and defeat beyond consideration. Put less charitably, it showed more of the dejection of someone who had given up completely.

Not just Seventh Miss—even Fourth Young Madam noticed something was wrong.

“It seems Fifth Brother’s matter was still a great blow to the old lady.” Coming out of Leshan Residence, Fourth Young Madam sighed softly to Seventh Miss.

Fifth Young Master going to Yunnan had naturally been decided. After the messenger reached Yangzhou, Fifth Young Master simply didn’t even return to the capital, going directly from Yangzhou to Yunnan to take up his post. This exhausted Duke Pingguo, who had to dispatch several trusted family servants to deliver the official seal and other items to him. Xu Fengjia had asked Seventh Miss, then proposed to Duke Pingguo that fifty thousand taels of silver be allocated from the official funds as Fifth Young Master’s settlement expenses in Yunnan.

When the two brothers went to Yangzhou, only First Young Master returned in August—this was naturally also a blow to the Grand Dowager. Fifth Young Master didn’t even have the courage to face the Grand Dowager or face reality… With this departure, who knew when they would have news of him again.

“He didn’t even have any extra words for Hexian.” After becoming a mother, Fourth Young Madam seemed to find every child adorable. She quite disapproved of Fifth Young Master’s actions. “The child is so young, and Grandmother is so old…”

She glanced at Seventh Miss and stopped herself.

Seventh Miss’s attitude was frank, letting Fourth Young Madam comment as she pleased. She smiled and said: “Forget it, let’s not discuss these unhappy matters. This time entering the palace, what does Fourth Sister-in-law plan to request for Sixth Young Master?”

Fourth Young Madam’s face immediately brightened with joy. “Getting a longevity lock would be best. I’m thinking of requesting a small pouch personally embroidered by Grand Consort for the child—that would also let him enjoy Aunt’s blessings.”

The two sisters-in-law entered Qingping Courtyard to see Madam Xu. Madam Xu was somewhat surprised. “I heard Han Shi was too lazy to enter the palace. I thought you, Mo Shi, would also stay home to care for the child. I didn’t expect you to be so enthusiastic.”

Seventh Miss’s purpose in entering the palace this time included the task of explaining household matters to Grand Consort Xu. Fourth Young Madam getting involved wasn’t impossible, but it really didn’t fit her character. As Madam Xu spoke, she couldn’t help casting an inquiring glance at Seventh Miss.

Fourth Young Madam quickly smiled. “I want to request some auspicious items for Sixth Young Master. It’s also been a long time since I entered the palace to pay respects to Aunt.”

Having said this, Madam Xu naturally wouldn’t ask more questions. Just then First Young Madam came over smiling to ask her: “Should we set out for Tanzhe Temple tomorrow, or wait a few more days…”

Since the Grand Dowager’s fall from power, Madam Xu had been very enthusiastic about going to various temples to make offerings. She was naturally quite interested in First Young Madam’s suggestion. Seventh Miss heard this and glanced at First Young Madam.

She curved her lips and turned to beckon Fourth Young Madam to leave Leshan Residence together.

Whether for a prince’s full moon celebration or conferring consort rank, there were set ceremonial procedures to follow. This time the Empress arranged both matters on the same day, which though convenient for outside noble ladies by saving them from entering the palace twice, also packed the schedule very full. Seventh Miss had almost no leisure to chat with family before being exhausted by the tedious ceremonies. By the time everything concluded and they received the imperial banquet as reward, it was already afternoon. She looked across the crowd at Second Miss, saw Second Miss was beside the Grand Madam, both surrounded by a group of noble ladies, so she simply didn’t go over to greet them but instead followed with Fourth Young Madam behind the young eunuch sent by Grand Consort Xu to Cishou Palace.

With the conferment of Consort Ning, Grand Consort Xu’s face also gained glory. Today the old lady not only attended the conferment ceremony, giving Consort Ning full face, but even appeared at the imperial banquet. She had only left half an hour earlier than Seventh Miss and the others. At this meeting, she hadn’t even changed out of her ceremonial dress. Seeing the two sisters-in-law, she smiled kindly. “It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Mo Shi! Even Shanheng—it’s been four or five months since I’ve seen you.”

Previously with mourning in the family, Seventh Miss and the others naturally couldn’t conveniently enter the palace to pay respects. The two sisters-in-law exchanged glances, then Fourth Young Madam stepped forward to embrace Grand Consort Xu’s arm coquettishly. “This time entering the palace, I’m seeking Aunt’s grace to reward our Sixth Young Master with some auspicious items, letting Sixth Young Master enjoy your blessings!”

“I’ve had them prepared and waiting for you to come ask! These things are more efficacious if you come ask for them yourself rather than me giving them.” Grand Consort Xu’s face was full of smiles, as if she hadn’t heard a whisper about the recent storms in the Xu household. “Go, bring out that tray of items. Pick a few yourself to take away. Also, there are some Western jewelry they sent the other day—you pick one first, then take the rest back. Besides choosing one for yourself, Yu Ping, Yu An, and Han Shi all have shares.”

This last sentence was naturally directed at Seventh Miss.

Fourth Young Madam immediately went happily with the palace attendants to the inner hall to choose jewelry, leaving the main hall’s space to Grand Consort Xu and Seventh Miss.

Grand Consort Xu immediately withdrew the smile from her face, lowered her head in contemplation, and after a long while asked indifferently: “I heard Zhang Shi left you a letter before her suicide?”

Hearing this, Seventh Miss knew Grand Consort Xu already had a general outline of the Fifth Branch’s downfall in her heart. Not daring to be negligent, she took out Fifth Young Madam’s suicide letter from inside her robe and handed it to Grand Consort Xu while saying softly: “Aunt, this…”

“Your Second Sister has come to sit in Cishou Palace several times when entering the palace.” Grand Consort Xu’s face showed neither joy nor anger. She dismissed Seventh Miss with this sentence, then eagerly unfolded the letter and focused on reading Fifth Young Madam’s suicide note.

Second Miss had never mentioned visiting Cishou Palace.

Seventh Miss’s heart immediately warmed—Second Sister did things just like this: not only thorough but never taking credit.

A woman like Grand Consort Xu who had navigated the inner palace couldn’t fail to understand what Second Miss’s visit represented, much less fail to understand what the entire Yang family’s attitude on this matter signified.

Though the Grand Madam’s character had many questionable aspects, Second Miss and Sixth Miss could always make Seventh Miss feel that being born into the Yang family wasn’t actually such an unfortunate thing.

Seventh Miss settled her mind and quietly watched Grand Consort Xu, waiting for her inevitable follow-up.

This letter was naturally Fifth Young Madam’s own handwriting. Many things mentioned in the letter, Grand Consort Xu might not have even heard whispers of. Surely there would be much to explain to Grand Consort shortly. Not to mention the sharp slander of the Grand Dowager within—that would surely touch Grand Consort Xu’s sensitivities.

Grand Consort Xu read Fifth Young Madam’s letter over several times. Her reaction, however, was beyond Seventh Miss’s expectations.

She closed her eyes and sighed wearily, then pushed the letter aside. After a long time, she asked Seventh Miss in a low voice: “Elder Brother wasn’t too angry, was he? Is Mother’s life still manageable now?”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but freeze.

She pondered for a moment, then decided to tell the truth. “Since the matter came out, Grandmother has claimed illness for a long time. When we go to see her, the old lady doesn’t let us in—there’s a sense of her secluding herself in Leshan Residence. Before entering the palace this time, we did see her once. Seventh Miss asked Grandmother what words she wanted conveyed to you. Grandmother said she’s very well and hopes you also take care.”

Grand Consort Xu again lowered her head in contemplation for a long while, then produced a faint smile.

She seemed to accept the Grand Dowager’s actions without any struggle. “Good. That this matter can end with such a result isn’t too bad.”

If Grand Consort Xu needed no one’s persuasion and had already accepted that ‘the Grand Dowager privately sold her dowry, supported Fifth Young Madam in embezzling official funds to purchase private property outside, and acquiesced or even encouraged Fifth Young Madam to drug Fifth Miss’—then naturally she couldn’t say anything about Duke Pingguo’s handling of the Grand Dowager. But the things the old lady had done ultimately had no solid evidence. In the end, it was just the account books as proof, and Grand Consort Xu hadn’t even seen these account books yet. According to Seventh Miss’s thinking, she would need to spend considerable effort persuading Grand Consort Xu to believe the Xu family hadn’t wrongly accused the Grand Dowager without distinguishing right from wrong.

She hadn’t expected Grand Consort Xu’s attitude to be so thought-provoking…

Seventh Miss immediately felt something was very wrong.

She carefully asked Grand Consort Xu: “Did Second Sister say something unpleasant to you—”

Grand Consort Xu was startled by her suggestion.

“What?” She raised her voice in surprise, then laughed. “Silly child, nothing of the sort!”

Her attitude toward Seventh Miss became more affectionate. She patted the back of Seventh Miss’s hand and sighed: “Aunt is over forty this year. Many things, I see more clearly than you young people.”

Grand Consort Xu’s face immediately showed threads of helplessness and sorrow. She chose her words carefully and said slowly: “My understanding of your grandmother is also deeper than you young people…”

Seventh Miss suddenly understood everything.

The Grand Dowager had very likely already privately sought help from Grand Consort Xu, presenting her own version and laying her cards on the table.

But Grand Consort Xu’s understanding of her own mother was far deeper than the Grand Dowager imagined. Or perhaps her judgment of the situation was far more accurate than the Grand Dowager’s. In this matter, she might have made her own judgment even before seeing Duke Pingguo’s evidence.

With even her own daughter unwilling to help her, the old lady’s heart becoming like dead wood was quite natural.

Suddenly, she too felt a nameless emotion surge in her heart.