Dr. Zhong’s pulse-reading skills were indeed impressive. Early the next morning, Quan Zhongbai, who had just finished his palace duty shift, confirmed the good news: Seventh Miss was indeed expecting.

“It should be either late July or early August. To calculate precisely, we’ll need to ask about the young mistress’s monthly cycles,” the young divine physician stated matter-of-factly. “The earliest it could be is late July.”

Lixia’s face was already wreathed in smiles as she counted on her fingers and eagerly said, “It should be early August! The young mistress’s monthly cycle in August was particularly short, and we were puzzled about that…”

When newly pregnant, expectant mothers might experience bleeding-tinged discharge that could be mistaken for menstruation—this was common medical knowledge even in ancient times. Quan Zhongbai nodded and congratulated Seventh Miss again. “If it’s early August, we’ll be able to feel the fetus after another month of development, which shows the young mistress’s vitality is still quite strong! However…” He paused. “As the young mistress knows, your constitution is weak, so the risks of miscarriage and difficult labor remain higher than for most women. These next few months, it’s best not to worry about anything at all. Focus on nurturing yourself properly and bringing the child safely into the world. You can worry about household matters after that.”

This man was the same as always—never minding the occasion, speaking so bluntly even in Madam Xu’s presence.

Seventh Miss felt slightly helpless, but this was simply Quan Zhongbai’s personality. Besides, his willingness to treat her was doing her a favor. She couldn’t expect him to meet the same standards as Dr. Zhong.

Before she could respond, Madam Xu was already saying repeatedly, “Of course, of course!”

After Quan Zhongbai left, Madam Xu discussed matters with Seventh Miss and returned household management to Qingping Courtyard.

“These past months I’ve observed with a cold eye—you truly have a knack for household management. This arrangement is excellent. The manager doesn’t need to worry too much; as long as all your trusted people are transferred over completely, who sits at the top actually doesn’t matter much.” Madam Xu’s analysis was quite thorough. “I won’t overly concern myself either. Having your eldest sister-in-law handle some trivial matters is fine. You shouldn’t worry about anything—just focus on nurturing the pregnancy! For the first three months, don’t even tell your sisters.”

She hesitated before adding, “As for your natal family—decide that yourself.”

When Madam Xu chose to be considerate, she could truly be meticulous.

Seventh Miss understood clearly that she must have sensed the subtle relationship between the Grand Madam and herself. Now that she was pregnant, her relationship with Madam Xu grew even closer. At this stage, Madam Xu was definitely her protector. She nodded and smiled. “Let’s wait until after three months to tell the Grand Madam as well.”

After a pause, she consulted with Madam Xu: “These past years, Shengluan and I have watched Fourth Young Master—he’s truly excellent, certainly much cleverer than my brother. What does Mother think about holding a banquet before the New Year to settle Fourth Young Master’s future status as heir among ourselves?”

Madam Xu’s eyes immediately flashed with deep gratification.

Trading compliments back and forth—Seventh Miss truly understood this principle well. With just this one arrangement, she would invisibly dissolve many future disputes.

However, she didn’t agree immediately, only saying, “We still need to discuss this with Fengjia and your father-in-law.”

Seventh Miss was merely expressing an attitude; she couldn’t possibly say more about the actual arrangements. Seeing that Madam Xu understood, she simply smiled and said, “Yes… Mother is right, we still need to discuss it with Fengjia and Father-in-law.”

While they were talking, Xu Fengjia entered Mingde Hall. The young general took two steps at once, bursting into the room and immediately asking urgently, “What did Quan Ziyin say?”

Although they’d received vague good news last night, he had palace business scheduled early this morning—a long-planned commitment. Xu Fengjia wasn’t one to fuss, so he’d left when he needed to. But his urgent questioning now still revealed his concern.

Before Xu Fengjia could answer, Madam Xu was already laughing: “Here’s someone about to become a father again, still so impetuous… Ah, I won’t scold you—I’ll let your wife do that!”

She stood and left the room, giving the west wing to the young couple.

The old nanny had been following Madam Xu the entire time. Seeing her exit the main hall but then stop without moving, she asked puzzledly, “Madam—”

Madam Xu waved her hand and said softly, “Look.”

The old nanny followed Madam Xu’s gaze through the window.

Through the drawn curtains and crystal-clear glass window, the scene in the west wing clearly appeared before them: the Heir’s face showing irrepressible smiles, the young mistress smiling with pursed lips—this couple with heads together whispering privately, their faces full of joy and happiness. But soon, as Seventh Miss’s lips moved, worry appeared on Xu Fengjia’s face.

“She’s probably telling him about the miscarriage risk…” Madam Xu murmured.

The old nanny sighed inwardly and said quietly, “The young mistress is indeed too delicate.”

Madam Xu nodded. “I do hope this pregnancy can proceed smoothly—whether it’s a son or daughter doesn’t matter. First, having a biological child by her side will give her peace of mind, and Duke Pingguo won’t be inclined to believe mansion gossip anymore. Second, if the first pregnancy is stable, future pregnancies will be easier.”

She didn’t say what would happen if the first pregnancy wasn’t stable, and the old nanny didn’t need to ask.

She could still hear the sincere hope in Madam Xu’s words, so she tried to console her: “With the young mistress’s intelligence, if there’s something in this world she can’t accomplish—”

Halfway through, she realized how meaningless it sounded.

No matter how brilliant Seventh Miss was, there were naturally many things she couldn’t accomplish. For instance, having children—that could only depend on heaven’s will.

Madam Xu shook her head again and turned to walk out of the courtyard with the old nanny.

“I plan to have Shanheng handle Yuning and Yutai’s marriages after she gives birth,” Madam Xu suddenly changed the topic after walking a while.

The old nanny couldn’t help feeling puzzled. “You mean—”

Madam Xu said lightly, “In my life, I’ve lacked some discernment when it comes to daughters-in-law—in this respect I’m inferior to Fengjia. His taking a fancy to Yang Qi at first sight always had its reasons.”

This was indirectly admitting she was inferior to Seventh Miss. The old nanny wanted to say something but had nothing to say. She only heard Madam Xu continue: “Fengjia came to see me recently. He said he’s decided not to take concubines. He’s had enough of suffering at his brothers’ hands. Shanli’s death was actually inseparable from the mansion’s situation… Wife-concubine rivalry and brotherly discord—these are the causes of family ruin. With Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master as sons, he’s fulfilled his duty to the ancestors. If Shanheng can bear children, that’s best; if not, it doesn’t matter—he’s made up his mind that he’d rather have none than have illegitimate sons.”

Madam Xu paused before adding self-mockingly, “Yes, Fengjia has seen through the mansion’s affairs. I know he still resents his father… Ah, let’s not mention the past anymore. Since the child has made up his mind, we needn’t say more. He also said that those five bed-warmers and concubines in his household—he hasn’t touched any of them. Over the next few years, he plans to gradually release them to marry, rather than pointlessly delay their youth. I told him to do as he wishes.”

The old nanny couldn’t help saying, “The young mistress truly has good fortune.”

“Good fortune.” Madam Xu’s voice held a touch of bitterness. “Ha, good fortune is also earned by oneself.”

Her tone contained a trace of jealousy, helplessness, admiration, and gratification. After another moment, she said leisurely, “For the next forty years, the mansion will be her domain. With her brother in her natal family, what trouble could arise? A human life spans eighty years—she suffered for the first twenty, but will enjoy sweetness for sixty. If Fourth Sister could have taught Fifth Miss to possess even half her skills, today’s situation would be quite different.”

Thinking of Fifth Miss, the old nanny couldn’t help sighing, then consoled Madam Xu: “If she does well, you’ll also do well. For the next forty years, you can just enjoy your grandchildren and never worry again.”

Thinking of how Duke Pingguo had already asked her whether to modify the partitions in Leshan Residence, Madam Xu couldn’t help but smile—as the center of Xiao Cuijin, Leshan Residence’s symbolic significance was actually greater than its practical meaning.

“I won’t worry.” Madam Xu smiled slowly. “But some people will still worry. I’m afraid this good news will become bad news for her…”

The old nanny naturally understood. “You really can’t manage this matter. In any case, with the young mistress’s capabilities, she won’t suffer losses.”

Madam Xu thought for a moment and nodded. “The grievances between mother and daughter—we truly shouldn’t interfere too much.”

#

Now that her pregnancy was confirmed, Seventh Miss’s routine became very regular over the next two months.

Xu Fengjia consulted Quan Zhongbai and, learning that Seventh Miss shouldn’t engage in strenuous activity, no longer permitted her even to walk around much. Each day, aside from going to the main courtyard to pay respects to Madam Xu, he kept Seventh Miss confined to her room. He himself spent as much time as possible with her, ensuring she kept to a proper schedule and didn’t worry too much. Only at Seventh Miss’s repeated requests did he take Madam Xu and Prince An’s group to Tanzhe Temple once. After that, he refused to leave the capital even half a step, even frequently declining the Emperor’s summons.

“I told him I’m different from you—my household is small, so I’m not at ease unless I watch over things myself,” Xu Fengjia told Seventh Miss amusingly. “He even said I was being fussy like a woman. I held back from saying—last month when Feng Zixiu suddenly developed a high fever, he sent the Yanyun Guards to drag Quan Zhongbai back from the outskirts of the capital in the middle of the night… Ha! Like a candle eight feet tall that can’t illuminate itself!”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help laughing softly. “Only you dare speak to the Emperor this way. Aren’t you afraid he’ll punish you!”

“How would he dare? Punishing me means punishing you, and punishing you means losing face for Feng Zixiu…” Xu Fengjia laughed himself. “But since learning you’re pregnant, he does seem particularly courteous to me.”

Both of them simultaneously thought of Fifth Miss and fell silent for a moment.

Xu Fengjia then mentioned the Grand Master’s birthday celebration to Seventh Miss: “It’s later this month. Your family is already incredibly busy—everyone in the capital is joking that it’s more elaborate than the Emperor’s birthday.”

Although the Grand Master was skilled at maintaining a low profile, sitting in that position often meant circumstances beyond one’s control. Seventh Miss sighed inwardly. Then she heard Xu Fengjia consulting her: “It’s been three months now. I think I should personally visit each household to announce the good news, so people won’t say you’re not enthusiastic enough—after finally seeing your sisters, you’re being lazy again.”

Since Seventh Miss became pregnant, Xu Fengjia had become much more meticulous. He feared she might overexert herself mentally and harm her health, so he considered everything for her in advance. This arrangement showed unprecedented thoughtfulness. Seventh Miss smiled: “Good. You can also see Eldest Brother-in-law properly, and Third Brother-in-law has even rushed here on horseback… you probably haven’t met him yet.”

She added thoughtfully, “Although I haven’t informed my natal family, knowing Divine Physician Quan’s personality, Ruiyun should know by now. I just don’t know if she’s told the Grand Madam.”

Xu Fengjia curled his lip, saying nothing more, only remarking lightly, “By the time we hold the banquet after New Year, Fourth Aunt should feel much more at ease.”

Since late November was the Grand Master’s birthday, the Yang family was naturally extremely busy. With the maternal family occupied, there was little point in holding a banquet. Entering the twelfth lunar month made entertaining improper, so according to Duke Pingguo’s wishes, the banquet was postponed until February, around Fifth Miss’s death anniversary.

Seventh Miss nodded and carefully touched her still-flat abdomen, breathing a deep sigh of relief from the bottom of her heart. She adjusted her position to lean comfortably against the cushion and picked up a book.

“Being pregnant has brought me special privileges,” she said teasingly. “I didn’t even go to see off Fourth Brother and Fourth Sister-in-law when they left the capital.”

Somehow Fourth Young Madam had persuaded Fourth Young Master, and the fourth household had soon petitioned Duke Pingguo to transfer back to the northwest. This time, Fourth Young Madam would accompany the army—something Seventh Miss strongly supported. When the couple left the capital at the end of October, Seventh Miss didn’t see them off, and Fourth Young Madam offered not a word to make her stay. Presumably, she still harbored some resentment. With the fourth household gone and Yuhe and Yu’an’s marriages handled by First Young Madam helping Madam Xu, Seventh Miss only needed to nurture her pregnancy. Naturally single-minded, she enjoyed a rare period of leisure. Only as the Grand Master’s birthday approached and First Miss and Third Miss arrived in the capital did she have necessary social obligations.

“I might as well give notice,” Xu Fengjia was still planning Seventh Miss’s return to her natal family. “You’ll just return once on the actual day—I’ll handle all other times!”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help laughing. “I’m not that fragile, am I? Didn’t Divine Physician Quan say the baby is growing very robustly? After three months, we don’t need to be so cautious anymore. Appropriate movement is also necessary.”

Although she was also quite anxious about giving birth, she wasn’t as neurotic as Xu Fengjia. Perhaps because he couldn’t complete this task himself, his supervision of Seventh Miss was even stricter.

“You’re still only allowed out twice. The weather’s getting colder—if it snows, the roads will be slippery. If something happens, who can say for sure?” He pondered briefly before decisively deciding: “We’ll explain it properly. Everyone’s family—they’ll understand.”

Seventh Miss could only let Xu Fengjia manage things. “As you wish, as you wish!”

She reminded him: “Don’t forget to spend more time with Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master during this period. I’m nurturing the pregnancy and can’t run around with them, so the children are much lonelier.”

Mentioning Fourth and Fifth Young Masters, Xu Fengjia exclaimed, “The children are getting out of school.”

Speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao arrives. Fourth and Fifth Young Masters entered on cue, both with rosy cheeks puffing white breath. Upon entering, they first removed their outer garments, then washed their hands before snuggling up to Xu Fengjia and Seventh Miss. “Father! Mother!”

They reached to touch Seventh Miss’s belly. “Let us feel little brother or little sister!”

Seventh Miss laughingly grasped both children’s hands. “They’re freezing! Do you want to freeze your little brother or sister, or freeze Mother? Warm them up first before touching.”

Since having children, she no longer avoided the term “mother.” The awkward address of “Seventh Aunt” was now history. The two children giggled and tried to stick their hands down Xu Fengjia’s collar. “Father can warm our hands.”

“Ridiculous.” Xu Fengjia scoffed. “One kick each—will you know it hurts then?”

Despite his words, he still pulled both children into his embrace and questioned them: “What did the teacher teach today? Have you memorized everything?”

The two little ducklings chattered: “He taught lots of new characters, and a passage from ‘Thousand Family Poems.’ We memorized everything, and the teacher rewarded us each with a pine nut candy.”

“Recite it for me.” Xu Fengjia remained noncommittal. “If you can recite it, you may play. If not, copy it ten times.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help laughing. “Look how mean your father is! Hit him!”

The room filled with the hearty laughter of two adults and two children.

The next day, Xu Fengjia announced the happy news to the Yang and Sun families. Seventh Miss also wrote to inform Feng Jin and had Second Miss pass word to Sixth Miss. Soon the news of her pregnancy spread, and everyone came to visit and offer congratulations.

First Miss came with her husband. After all, the two sisters had only met a few times and their relationship was rather distant. After exchanging pleasantries and having First Miss introduce Fourth and Fifth Young Masters to their aunt, she smiled: “Your eldest brother-in-law has hope of transferring to the capital this time, so we can visit often in the future!”

Though First Miss had maintained her charm over the years, there was still a touch of weathering in her brow. She was happiest only when mentioning her daughter Xi’er. “She’s thirteen this year and already engaged… She’s at home embroidering her trousseau, so we didn’t bring her to the capital this time. Later when she and her husband come, they can see more of the world!”

She added, “Two household women are also pregnant—there’s truly been much happy news lately!”

After struggling for so long, finally having news again—Seventh Miss truly felt relieved for First Miss and hastily congratulated her: “Having sons at one go would be best!”

First Miss was nine years older than her, now approaching thirty. Her own chances of bearing children were probably slim, but having an illegitimate son was still better than adoption.

First Miss was still beaming with joy, smiling as she said, “Exactly—everything must be waited for slowly, no rushing!”

Third Miss had a different attitude.

Although the sisters hadn’t been very harmonious back then, after so many years, Seventh Miss no longer took those old conflicts to heart. After the two sisters met, she asked Third Miss, “We haven’t received any letters from you lately!”

“My husband’s family has such strict rules.” Third Miss’s face darkened as she went on at length about household hardships. “I have money, so from the moment I entered the door, I felt everyone had grown extra hands, scheming to take my money—starting with my mother-in-law, then sisters-in-law, younger sisters-in-law…”

With the Zhang family’s standing and the Yang family’s current position, Third Miss could actually withstand anyone’s mistreatment. Her in-laws coveting her money meant they had to coax and flatter her. Third Miss also had sons, and Third Brother-in-law seemed to treat her well—life really wasn’t difficult. She faced much less pressure than First Miss had endured over the years.

But Third Miss clearly looked older than First Miss. At only twenty-four or twenty-five, she already had crow’s feet at her eye corners.

Seventh Miss was secretly alarmed and couldn’t help reminding herself: One must still learn contentment.

Both older sisters gave Fourth and Fifth Young Masters generous meeting gifts.

Regarding the truth of Fifth Miss’s death, they didn’t understand much. In their conversation, they only lamented that Fifth Miss had no fortune. Third Miss even thought Fifth Miss had died within a day of giving birth, essentially dying in childbirth.

As life circles dispersed, ancient communication was inconvenient, and the sisters occupied different social circles, the distance between them would only grow greater.

When Quan Ruiyun, Second Miss, and Min’s eldest daughter-in-law came to visit, the atmosphere was much warmer.

All three brought Seventh Miss many medicinal materials for nurturing her health, plus some trinkets Seventh Miss had enjoyed playing with and wearing at her natal home. But no one brought her food or drink.

Min’s eldest daughter-in-law specially grasped Seventh Miss’s hand to thank her: “Seventh Sister is truly a reincarnated bodhisattva!”

She said with a beaming smile, “The household has promoted three or four more bed-warmers. Now Father-in-law praises me as virtuous, he’s harmonious with me, and the family is very comfortable.”

Looking at the completely satisfied Min’s eldest daughter-in-law, Seventh Miss truly didn’t know how to respond and could only smile: “Eldest Sister-in-law is far more virtuous than I.”

This time she was pregnant, everyone in the family seemed to have agreed—from the Grand Madam down to First Young Madam, not one person mentioned bed-warmers, as if those two words didn’t exist in this world. Seventh Miss was happy to play dumb, planning to question Xu Fengjia after giving birth about whether he’d said or done anything behind her back.

Quan Ruiyun privately told Seventh Miss, “Mother actually knew about your pregnancy long ago. She even called me over to ask if Second Brother had said anything…”

She left it at that: “Seventh Sister must take good care of your health!”

She touched her own belly and said happily, “When the children are born, if it’s a boy and a girl, why not just—”

Seventh Miss quickly cut her off: “The bloodline is truly too close! If it’s a boy and girl, raising them as close as biological siblings would be best!”

Quan Ruiyun laughed heartily. “I was just saying it. Shanjiu and Second Brother both said it’s far too close—they told me not to think about betrothing children in the womb.”

She added, “Shanjiu originally wanted to visit Sister, but the household is truly too busy, and I can’t help much. He said he’ll definitely come see you in the first lunar month. He also asked me to tell Sister that if you need any help, just ask.”

“As long as you two live happily together, that’s my greatest wish.” Seventh Miss grasped Quan Ruiyun’s hand and asked softly, “Is Shanjiu good to you?”

The blush on Quan Ruiyun’s face already answered everything.

When Second Miss came, she brought a huge pile of precious medicinal materials bestowed by Sixth Miss, plus her own gifts, gifts from the Empress, gifts from the Imperial Consort—in short, enough to fill two carts.

“They all want you to nurture the pregnancy well, and after giving birth next year, then come to the palace to pay respects.” Second Miss’s face also showed gratification. “Sixth Sister said if anyone in the family gives you trouble, just send word to the palace. She’ll back you up!”

With Sixth Miss’s current position in the palace, she could indeed say such things.

Seventh Miss inevitably exchanged more sentiments with Second Miss before seeing her off. After resting peacefully for a few more days, she and Xu Fengjia both went out together to attend the private family banquet the Yang family was holding for the Grand Master’s birthday.