Jing Zhi attended to Yan Qing as she finished washing up, then helped her change into a gold-trimmed cheongsam embroidered with phoenix patterns, paired with a string of white pearl necklaces. The cheongsam’s mandarin collar and her elegantly pinned-up hair made Yan Qing’s neck appear even more slender. Two red tassel earrings swayed gently at the sides of her face. Her palm-sized face was fair as porcelain, and her lightly made-up eyes held a hint of alluring spring warmth while remaining dignified and graceful.

Shi Ting studied her carefully and was thoroughly satisfied. “You look very beautiful today, my wife.”

Yan Qing glanced at him through the mirror and smiled. “Shouldn’t you hurry up and change your clothes?”

Only then did Shi Ting remember that he had been staring at his new bride in a daze and had completely forgotten to get himself ready. However, he dressed quickly, and before long he walked out wearing a long ink-colored robe.

Yan Qing liked the way he looked in a long robe — there was something refined and elegant about it. But thinking back to certain things he had done the previous night, she felt that Director Shi’s gentlemanly appearance was nothing more than a wolf in scholarly clothing.

Once both were ready, they headed to the Marshal’s private residence. The Marshal spent most of his time in the study pavilion — a modest courtyard used primarily as an office and reception area for guests.

The place where he and Madam Shi lived was called Zhuo Xin Garden, also the largest courtyard in the Shi Mansion.

Early that morning, servants were already bustling back and forth in Zhuo Xin Garden. Upon seeing Shi Ting and Yan Qing, they all bowed respectfully. “Good morning, Seventh Young Master. Good morning, Seventh Young Mistress.”

Entering the main hall, Yan Qing saw the Marshal and Madam Shi seated at the head of the room, one on each side, with a maid standing behind each of them.

To the lower left sat Second Concubine and Third Concubine. To the lower right sat Shi Qian and his wife, Shi Guang and his wife, and Shi Yutong.

The old matriarch rarely appeared in public. She spent her days in her courtyard praying and reciting sutras, and disliked being disturbed, so she did not attend such occasions.

The moment Yan Qing stepped through the door, she felt several unfriendly gazes upon her. But she kept her eyes forward and stayed close at Shi Ting’s side.

“Good morning, Marshal. Good morning, First Madam.” Shi Ting stepped forward and bowed to both of them. Yan Qing quickly followed his example and paid her respects as well.

The Marshal gave a slight nod. “Serve the tea.”

Two maids brought out cushions and placed them before the couple, while two more carried in celadon teacups.

Shi Ting and Yan Qing knelt side by side and received the teacups from the maids.

Shi Ting offered his cup first. Both the Marshal and Madam Shi drank from theirs. When it came to Yan Qing’s turn, the Marshal did not make things difficult for her — he drank the tea and set the cup on the maid’s tray.

Madam Shi, however, did not immediately take hers. Instead she smiled and asked, “The last time I saw you, you were still in a wheelchair. You’ve recovered already?”

Yan Qing maintained the posture of holding the teacup out with both hands and answered respectfully, “Thank you for your concern, First Madam. My leg has healed.”

“Ha, that was quick.” Madam Shi gave a light laugh, took the teacup, and sipped from it.

After the Marshal and Madam Shi had drunk the daughter-in-law’s tea, they had servants bring out two red envelopes, which Shi Ting and Yan Qing accepted with both hands.

“Now that you’ve married into our Shi Family, you must abide by the family’s rules from here on. I do not want to hear any more gossip.” Madam Shi’s tone carried a clear warning.

Yan Qing softly replied, “Yes.”

“Very well. Let’s meet the others.” Madam Shi said flatly.

Shi Ting stood and led Yan Qing to offer tea to Second Concubine Luo Huaimeng and Third Concubine Du Linghua. Since they were concubines, the couple did not need to kneel — the tea ceremony was merely a formality.

After the tea was offered, each of them gave a red envelope.

“This is my eldest brother. This is my second brother Shi Guang and his wife,” Shi Ting introduced.

“Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Second Sister-in-law, please have some tea.” Yan Qing respectfully presented the cups.

Shi Qian gave an easy laugh. “You’re too polite, Seventh Sister-in-law.”

Shi Qian was the most forthright and drank his in one gulp. Shi Guang’s gaze, though not openly fixed on her, wore an expression that was far from pleasant. Yan Qin held herself back given the occasion and did not make a scene. Both accepted their tea and presented a red envelope.

Shi Yutong had never gotten along with Yan Qing, and seeing her marry into the Shi Family now made her a hundred shades of unhappy. But Du Linghua had already warned her not to cause trouble, so she naturally would not bring trouble upon herself.

“This is Eighth Sister,” Shi Ting said.

Since Shi Yutong was younger than Shi Ting, Yan Qing was not required to offer tea to her, nor did Shi Yutong need to present a red envelope. The two simply exchanged bows and that was that.

“All right, let’s go eat.” The Marshal still had matters to attend to and did not want to waste more time.

“Wait a moment.” Madam Shi suddenly called out, stopping the Marshal just as he was about to rise. “I still have something to give to Xing Zhi.”

As she spoke, she clapped her hands, and two young women walked in from outside.

Both were dressed in servants’ attire, though the colors were fresh and the fabric was finer cotton than ordinary servants wore — a notch above the usual in appearance.

Most striking of all was that both women were strikingly beautiful, with graceful figures. They walked with the gentle sway of willows in a breeze, and their faces were nearly identical.

The Marshal frowned. “Who are these people?”

“These are Yang Liu and Yang Zhi — they are twins.” Madam Shi smiled and looked toward Yan Qing. “I heard that Yan Qing only brought two personal maids with her. Xing Zhi’s courtyard has never had much staff. When it was just him alone, it was fine enough, but now that he is married, the courtyard cannot be left without proper help. Yang Liu and Yang Zhi are sisters I personally selected with great care. Not only can they play music, sing, and perform other arts, they are also sharp and capable. From now on, let them serve in Xing Zhi’s courtyard.”

Second Concubine Luo Huaimeng spoke up at once: “Xing Zhi has never liked a lot of bustle.”

Madam Shi gave her a glance. “Now that he has a wife, there will be more need for attendants going forward. Two maids for the courtyard — how could that ever be enough? Second Concubine, I have only the best intentions. Surely you don’t think I mean him harm?”

“I would not dare.” Luo Huaimeng quickly lowered her head.

Madam Shi looked toward the Marshal. “What does the Marshal think?”

The Marshal said with no expression on his face, “The affairs of the inner courtyard have always been yours to manage. Decide as you see fit — there’s no need to ask me.”

He then turned toward Shi Ting. “Since your wife has sent them as a gift, accept them. It is a kind gesture. Very well — let’s eat.”

The Marshal rose first and headed toward the dining hall.

Shi Ting looked at Yan Qing with a hint of apology. Yan Qing shook her head slightly at him.

This was their first day as newlyweds. One could not refuse a gift from an elder in their presence — and the Marshal had already spoken. To send the women back would risk displeasing him.

She understood that Shi Ting could not refuse. She would not blame him.

Madam Shi walked over to Yang Liu and Yang Zhi and instructed them, “The Seventh Young Mistress is not in good health. From now on, you are to serve the Seventh Young Master well. Is that understood?”

The two promptly replied, “Yes.”

The group made their way to the dining hall, where everyone took seats according to their rank. After the Marshal said a few words of ceremony and picked up his chopsticks, the rest followed and began to eat.

After the meal, the Marshal summoned the three brothers to his study pavilion to discuss matters. The other women each returned to their own courtyards.

Yan Qing had intended to walk Luo Huaimeng back, but Luo Huaimeng was walking alongside Du Linghua and was clearly avoiding her. Not wanting to make things awkward for herself at this time, Yan Qing returned to her bridal chamber.

When Jing Zhi and Murong saw her return, they were overjoyed. But glancing behind her, they noticed two unfamiliar maids had followed her in.

They assumed the maids had been sent by Madam Shi to escort the Seventh Young Mistress back. What they did not expect was that both maids walked straight into the courtyard and showed no sign of leaving.

Yan Qing introduced them to the bewildered Jing Zhi and Murong. “This is Yang Liu and Yang Zhi. They will be working in our courtyard from now on.”

Yang Liu and Yang Zhi quickly stepped forward and curtseyed. “Greetings, elder sisters.”

Jing Zhi and Murong now understood perfectly. These two were clearly planted here by the First Madam against the household’s wishes. With their looks, they were clearly not meant for coarse labor. As for what exactly they were intended for — one need not use one’s head to figure that out.

Even as resentment stirred within them, seeing that Yan Qing remained composed, the two maids steadied themselves as well and smiled. “Greetings, younger sisters.”

Yan Qing looked around the courtyard at all the fresh flowers on display. Beautiful as they were now, they would inevitably wilt over time. So she turned to Murong and said, “It would be a shame to throw all these flowers away. I see there is an empty plot of ground in the back courtyard — have these flower pots moved there and planted properly.”

“Yes, Miss.” Murong looked at Yang Liu and Yang Zhi. “Younger sisters, help us move the flowers.”

Yang Liu and Yang Zhi glanced at their own soft, pale hands and could not help but look hesitant.

From childhood they had been trained in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and the ways of attending to men. When had they ever done rough physical work like hauling and carrying?

“Is there a problem, younger sisters?” Murong asked, seeing them stand motionless.

Yang Liu said in a delicate voice, “I have never planted flowers before. I’m afraid I might do it wrong. If the flowers die, and the Seventh Young Mistress blames us, what shall we do?”

Murong smiled. “Our young mistress has a gentle temper. Even if they don’t survive, she won’t blame you.”

“But…” But they were here to attend to the Seventh Young Master — how could they possibly…

“But what?” Jing Zhi picked up a flower pot and placed it directly into Yang Liu’s arms. “If you can’t manage a task this small, how are you fit to serve anyone? Have you never worked as a maid before? Never mind moving a few pots of flowers — if we told you to move that decorative rock over there right now, you wouldn’t be able to say a word against it.”

Yang Liu staggered under the sudden weight. These pots were ceramic, the soil packed firmly inside — they were not light by any means.

Murong quickly smiled to smooth things over. “Jing Zhi just has that decisive way about her. Please don’t take offense, younger sisters. Now, let’s hurry and get those flowers moved to the back courtyard.”

Yang Liu and Yang Zhi both turned urgently to Yan Qing, hoping to appeal to her. But Yan Qing had taken no notice of what was happening on this side. She was standing before a birdcage, playing with the budgerigar inside.

Yang Liu and Yang Zhi exchanged a glance, then steeled themselves and bent down to pick up a flower pot.

“Good morning, Yan Qing.”

The big tiger had returned to familiar ground and was in high spirits.

The second egg, however, was still getting used to the unfamiliar surroundings, looking left and right with wide eyes — like a country visitor stepping into a grand mansion for the first time.

Yan Qing had been inside reading for a little while when Shi Ting came back.

Finding the courtyard empty of people, he couldn’t help but feel puzzled. He had expected to see the two maids Madam Shi had assigned following Yan Qing back as well.

—