As evening fell, Li Weiyang hurried to Hexiang Courtyard.

A maid lifted the curtain to welcome her inside, smiling, “County Princess, the Old Madam has been waiting for you.”

Li Weiyang smiled faintly, not slowing her steps at all as she quickly entered.

When Li Weiyang went in, the Old Madam was sitting upright in her chair, being attended by Nanny Luo as she drank tea. Li Weiyang paid her respects, and the Old Madam said with a smile, “Rise. It’s rare that you’re so thoughtful, coming to see me at this hour.”

Li Weiyang rose and thanked her. The Old Madam pointed to the pastries nearby, saying, “Your mother sent these over this morning, try them.”

Li Weiyang walked over smiling. Seeing that these pastries had a rosy color with hints of golden yellow, looking very tempting and appetizing, she casually picked up a piece and ate it, praising, “This pastry tastes truly refreshing. What is it called?”

The Old Madam smiled without speaking. Nanny Luo said, “County Princess, this is golden cake, made by the First Madam’s own hands. It’s smooth, delicate, sweet and sour. The Old Madam is very fond of it.”

Li Weiyang savored it for a moment, saying, “It’s made from hawthorn, isn’t it?”

Nanny Luo nodded, “The First Madam is truly thoughtful. The Old Madam recently caught a cold and has had no appetite for anything. This is perfect!”

Li Weiyang smiled, “One can see how deeply Mother cares. For the Old Madam to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law is truly the greatest fortune.”

She spoke with a pleasant expression, showing none of her true thoughts. After speaking, she went to the side and took the tea bowl from Nanny Luo’s hands, personally bringing it before the Old Madam with utmost respect. The Old Madam watched without comment. After taking a sip, she slowly smiled and said, “What a good girl, doing such trivial tasks for me. I’m afraid I’ve wronged you.”

Li Weiyang quickly said, “Old Madam, what are you saying? Your granddaughter is clumsy and doesn’t know if she’s done things properly. If only I could be as clever as Mother, I would have prepared treats to send over every day long ago.”

The Old Madam laughed, “Look at that mouth of yours, truly flawless, endlessly endearing.” After this remark, her smile suddenly stopped as she said seriously, “However, there is something I must discuss with you today.”

Li Weiyang thought to herself that it had finally come, though her face revealed nothing as she said, “Please speak, Old Madam.”

The Old Madam looked at her twice, then slowly said, “How Jiang Yuelan married into the household, we both know in our hearts. I have just one thing to say—since she has married into the Li family, I consider her family. Looking at her now, she is indeed a clever person, handling matters appropriately and understanding priorities. This daughter-in-law was not a mistake to bring in.”

Li Weiyang listened carefully, thinking to herself that by rights, since Jiang Yuelan was forced upon them by the Jiang family, the Old Madam should have harbored some dislike. Seeing this now, she could only conclude that Jiang Yuelan’s methods were extraordinarily formidable—she had so easily earned the Old Madam’s newfound respect.

The Old Madam, seeing her listening attentively, slowly revealed a smile, saying, “I truly care about you in my heart, which is why I’m telling you in advance. Minzhi has gotten a bit plumper these past few days, hasn’t he?”

The conversation had been going well, but suddenly shifted to Minzhi. Li Weiyang pretended not to notice, simply smiling, “Minzhi is doing well, thanks to the Old Madam’s care.”

The Old Madam gave a light laugh, “He is my own grandson, and born so lovable. Of course I must consider his welfare wholeheartedly.”

Li Weiyang’s smile remained unchanged on her face, but her heart turned ice-cold as a frozen wasteland, her spine involuntarily straightening further.

The Old Madam observed her carefully for a moment, then resumed her usual kind expression, saying gently, “You are a good child, it’s unfortunate you weren’t born from the Madam’s womb. Otherwise, your prospects today would be limitless—even Crown Princess would not be beyond reach. The same is true for Minzhi. Though he’s of concubine birth, your father and I both cherish him as if he were legitimate. To prevent him from suffering in the future, we have discussed sending him to be raised by Jiang Yuelan.”

Though Li Weiyang had long understood this in her heart, her face showed a surprised expression.

“Weiyang, I’m doing this entirely for Minzhi’s good. I’ve already wronged you; I cannot wrong another good child.” The Old Madam said while watching her, “After all, Minzhi is my own grandson. I absolutely will not let him be wronged. Under Jiang Yuelan’s care, if she shows even the slightest negligence, I will not forgive her!”

Li Weiyang certainly knew this. If Jiang Yuelan took the child but didn’t care for him well, or if anything went wrong at all, the Old Madam, left with only this one precious heir, would fight her to the death! In most people’s eyes, following the legitimate mother was indeed far better than staying with a concubine-born mother. However, this way, Minzhi would be held in Jiang Yuelan’s palm. The first thing she herself would need to consider before doing anything would be whether Minzhi would be affected—this was no good thing! Of course, she couldn’t speak such truths to the Old Madam, who currently only considered that with the child registered under the legitimate mother’s name and equivalent to legitimate status, this would greatly benefit his future!

Li Weiyang smiled, “Weiyang naturally understands the Old Madam’s kind intentions.”

The Old Madam hesitated, “As for Seventh Concubine—”

Li Weiyang smiled gently, “Seventh Concubine is someone who understands propriety. She certainly won’t have any objections to the Old Madam’s decision. Please set your mind at ease, Old Madam.”

Seeing Li Weiyang agree so readily, the Old Madam was quite pleased, smiling, “You can rest assured, whether it’s you or Minzhi, I will never stand by and watch you be bullied.”

Li Weiyang thanked her, “Thank you, Old Madam. You are the only one we can rely on.”

The Old Madam’s gaze drifted across her wrist, then she nodded to Nanny Luo, who immediately went to fetch a jeweled box.

When the box opened, inside was a bracelet strung with eighteen jade beads and two tourmaline beads—clearly a priceless treasure. The Old Madam fastened it to Li Weiyang’s collar, smiling, “This is something I brought when I married in, kept at the bottom of my chest. Now that I’m old, I can’t wear it anymore. From now on, it’s yours. Weiyang, do you understand my intentions?”

Li Weiyang lowered her head, “Weiyang understands.”

The Old Madam said gently, “You are sensible.” She paused, “Ah, though Jiang Yuelan is young, she is your mother. If she has any faults, from now on you must simply yield to her.” Then she added, “Of course, as long as I’m here, I won’t let her act recklessly!”

Li Weiyang simply smiled without speaking. The Old Madam nodded, “Well then, go rest.”

Just as she left Hexiang Courtyard, she encountered Jiang Yuelan and Li Changle coming over intimately. Seeing Li Weiyang, Jiang Yuelan looked at her with a smile, saying, “Weiyang is here too. If we’d known you were coming, we would have come together.”

Li Weiyang replied with a smile, “Indeed. I didn’t know Mother and Elder Sister were coming. I just tasted the golden cake Mother made herself—it was truly delicious.”

Jiang Yuelan nodded with a smile, “If you like it, I’ll send you some another day.”

Li Weiyang said, “I wouldn’t dare trouble Mother.”

Li Changle’s face showed an ambiguous smile, her true intentions unclear.

“It’s no trouble.” Jiang Yuelan smiled, then suddenly said, “I’ve already arranged a new wet nurse for Minzhi. When will he be able to come over?”

Li Weiyang’s brow furrowed slightly, though her face maintained a gentle smile, “About that… Seventh Concubine says he’s been spitting up milk rather badly these past few days. She’ll only dare send him to Mother once he’s a bit better.” Her expression was infinitely humble, yet Li Changle felt a chill upon seeing Li Weiyang’s smile, unconsciously taking a step back behind Jiang Yuelan.

Jiang Yuelan didn’t press the matter, simply smiling, “I have many younger siblings at home. Children spitting up milk is inevitable. If it’s still no better in a few days, let me try handling it.” With that, she went inside, supported by a maid’s hand.

Li Changle looked at Li Weiyang, her expression dark and uncertain.

On the steps, Jiang Yuelan turned back, calling warmly, “Changle!”

Li Changle responded “Yes,” shot Li Weiyang a glance, and quickly followed. Jiang Yuelan took her hand with a beaming smile, and the two went inside intimately.

Bai Zhi muttered indignantly under her breath, “Bullying others by flaunting one’s powerful connections!” She was naturally referring to Li Changle.

Li Weiyang smiled, “Indeed. She used to bark and howl wildly. Now that she’s quiet, I’m rather unaccustomed to it.”

In the deep winter season, darkness fell early. By dusk, the sky had already turned completely black.

The light northern wind that had blown all day had now ceased, and without its whistling sound, the world in darkness was exceptionally quiet. In this silent world, the night seemed even deeper. Without the lamplight from thousands of households, the entire capital would be shrouded in complete darkness. It was precisely because darkness was everywhere that the candlelight in Li Weiyang’s room seemed especially bright.

By this candlelight, Li Weiyang sat smiling, holding a hand warmer in both hands. The four braziers of charcoal in her room all burned bright red, yet the warmth hadn’t fully reached her body—one could imagine just how cold it was outside.

She had just returned from Lixiang Courtyard.

Now, watching Seventh Concubine amusing little Minzhi with a rattle drum while he laughed happily, she couldn’t help but sigh.

Little Minzhi’s bright black eyes opened wide as he curiously tilted his head, looking at his sister in the distance. Tan Shi smiled and stroked his head, wearing an expression of complete contentment with her child.

On such a quiet night, the three of them formed their own world—warm and comfortable. Tan Shi felt exceptionally satisfied, but she knew this peace was won for her by her daughter. Without Weiyang’s protection, she would never have such good days. She was therefore infinitely grateful to heaven for granting her such a clever and brave daughter. However, Weiyang’s mood today didn’t seem very good.

Tan Shi glanced at her son, who was happily blowing bubbles, then at her daughter deep in thought. Smiling, she rose and walked to the side, bending down to pick up the dark fire poker and stir the charcoal in the brazier. A fragrant aroma rose from below.

Bai Zhi smiled and moved to take the fire poker from Tan Shi, but Tan Shi shook her head, clearly wanting to do it herself. Li Weiyang smiled, “How fragrant! The smell of roasted sweet potatoes!”

Tan Shi smiled, “Knowing you love them, I specially buried two earlier. They’re just right now.” She placed the roasted sweet potatoes on a tray. Bai Zhi had already carefully washed her hands and was about to peel them for Li Weiyang, but Li Weiyang shook her head, “Just bring them over directly.”

Bai Zhi hurriedly agreed with a smile, holding the burst-open roasted sweet potatoes and bringing them before Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang didn’t mind the heat, peeling open the sweet potato with quick movements. The room was bright with candlelight, pervaded by the sweet fragrance of the sweet potatoes.

Tan Shi smiled and called to the maids, “You all come too.”

Zhao Yue was the first to react, but she looked at Li Weiyang, ultimately not stepping forward. Li Weiyang smiled, “All of you go.”

The maids cheered, and Zhao Yue, Bai Zhi, Mo Zhu and others all gathered around the brazier, beginning to dig out the sweet potatoes and chestnuts inside. Zhao Yue ate while constantly touching her ears with her hands—clearly quite burned.

The atmosphere in the room was relaxed and warm. Li Weiyang watched, then suddenly stopped eating, her gaze falling on little brother Minzhi, who was staring wide-eyed, curiously watching everyone and drooling.

Tan Shi noticed her distraction and smiled as she instructed, “Take everything out of here and divide it among yourselves downstairs.”

The maids exchanged glances, then all looked at Li Weiyang. Li Weiyang nodded, and they joyfully thanked Tan Shi, deftly digging out the food from the brazier. Carrying it carefully in small food boxes, they withdrew.

Tan Shi walked up to Li Weiyang, saying gently, “Is something troubling you?”

Li Weiyang smiled, “Mother, it’s nothing. You needn’t worry.”

Tan Shi smiled, her voice very gentle, “Silly child, I gave birth to you. I can see when you’re even slightly unhappy. Though Mother may be useless and can’t help solve problems, Mother can always listen. Many things become easier once spoken about.”

Li Weiyang smiled back, her dark eyes still resting on Minzhi nearby.

Tan Shi followed her gaze, involuntarily frowning, “It concerns Minzhi?”

Li Weiyang nodded, “From what I understand, these past three months, Father has mostly stayed in the new Madam’s courtyard. Clearly he dotes on her greatly.”

Tan Shi nodded, “That’s right. Ninth Concubine occasionally gets a share, but Fourth Concubine and the others haven’t seen the Master at all now.”

Seeing Tan Shi speak of this matter with an indifferent tone, Li Weiyang knew she didn’t take it to heart, and nodded to herself internally.

Tan Shi added, “I know the new Madam is favored, so I’ve constantly reminded those around me not to make any mistakes that might cause you trouble.”

Li Weiyang smiled ruefully, “Sometimes trouble doesn’t come looking for us—it arrives on its own.”

Tan Shi carefully glanced at her, “Has the new Madam been giving you grief?”

Li Weiyang said slowly, “Not that.” Jiang Yuelan had just arrived, and in these three months she had devoted herself entirely to winning Li Xiaoran’s heart—where would she find time to trouble her? “However…”

Li Weiyang hesitated, as if unable to speak certain words. Tan Shi, having spent considerable time with her, said, “Whatever you need to say, just say it. There are no outsiders here.”

Li Weiyang looked at Minzhi nearby, grinning at her, and sighed, “I’ve thought this matter through repeatedly. I just didn’t expect it to come true so quickly. Just now, hearing that Grandmother had caught a cold, I went to her courtyard to check on her. Who knew that when I got there, I would hear the Old Madam say that Jiang Yuelan wants to take Fourth Brother to raise at her place.”

Tan Shi’s mind thundered as she murmured, “To her place?”

The gloom in Li Weiyang’s eyes was like a mass of dark clouds, growing denser, “Children of concubine birth must naturally be entrusted to the legitimate mother to raise. When the First Madam was here before, she already had Li Minfeng and Li Changle. She couldn’t be bothered to take responsibility for caring for others, so she never demanded that Fourth Concubine send Changxiao and Changxi to be raised in her courtyard. As for me, she detested me even more, which is why she drove me out immediately after birth. The current situation is completely different. The new Madam has no heir yet. As long as she’s willing, she can take Fourth Brother to raise. Neither Father nor the Old Madam would speak against it.”

Tan Shi held back tears. She certainly knew this. As a concubine, one shouldn’t regard one’s own biological children as one’s own, but should view them as the legitimate wife’s children. And Minzhi in the future wouldn’t regard her, his birth mother, as his mother—he could only see her as one of his father’s concubines, just as she always called Weiyang “Third Miss” in front of others. This was an ironclad fact that no one could change. This was why she had once served the First Madam with all her might, hoping only that in the future she might be given to a steward or even a servant as a proper wife, at least starting as the legitimate mistress, and wouldn’t fall to such a predicament.

Seeing Tan Shi’s expression, Li Weiyang knew what she was thinking. On this point, Li Weiyang felt the chief culprit was Li Xiaoran. If he hadn’t developed feelings for Tan Shi, the First Madam wouldn’t have used Tan Shi to gain benefits for herself, only to kick her aside when she was done. In ordinary people’s eyes, becoming a concubine meant one shouldn’t harbor resentment about being looked down upon, and certainly shouldn’t pass such hatred to one’s children. Instead, one should dutifully accept one’s place and serve well as a slave. Children born to concubines should also believe that others treat them no differently from legitimate children, and wholeheartedly seek benefits for the family to be considered people of propriety and understanding. The original Li Weiyang had believed this—she thought she and Li Changle were both Li family young ladies, no different from each other, that they were blood sisters who should both earn glory for the Li family! But what became of her in the end? So in her view, such talk was all nonsense!

Tan Shi didn’t cry, but instead smiled, “The new Madam just entered the household. If she cares well for Fourth Young Master, the Master and Old Madam will like and value her. I believe she won’t mistreat the child.”

Li Weiyang was stunned. She had thought Tan Shi would beg her to find a way to keep Minzhi.

Tan Shi said with some worry, “Everyone thinks you’re showered with favor and blessed with fortune, but in my view, you walk a dangerous path at every step, living in constant peril. So you must never come into conflict with the new Madam over Minzhi. If she wants the child, give him to her…” She dimmed slightly, “Later I’ll go pay respects every day, and I’ll be able to see him…”

Li Weiyang was somewhat moved. Tan Shi was doing this entirely for her sake. She said warmly, “There is a way—”

Tan Shi thought she was just comforting her, “You must be vigilant in everything to avoid making mistakes. Having a conflict with the new Madam over Minzhi and going against the Master’s and Old Madam’s wishes—would they still protect you? Foolish child, don’t be stubborn.”

Li Weiyang smiled. She was about to tell Tan Shi that she had already thought everything through when she heard a loud bang from outside. Tan Shi jumped up in fright. Li Weiyang frowned as Bai Zhi hurried in, “Miss, Ninth Concubine insists on forcing her way in!”

With Zhao Yue present, Ninth Concubine naturally couldn’t get in, but she seemed to be risking her life to break through. In the past, Zhao Yue would have simply dealt with her with one sword strike, but having followed Li Weiyang for some time now, she naturally knew this wouldn’t work. So the situation outside had reached a stalemate.

Tan Shi’s face showed confusion as she looked at Li Weiyang.

Li Weiyang casually waved her hand, “Let her in.”

“Yes.” Bai Zhi hurried out. Before long, Ninth Concubine ran in, her face streaked with tears. Li Weiyang noticed she had somehow lost one shoe—clearly in extreme panic. She said coldly, “How are you attending to her?! How could you let a concubine run out alone like this?!”

But Ninth Concubine paid no attention to the maids beside her, saying, “County Princess! You must save my daughter!”

Li Weiyang looked at her with a cold expression. Ninth Concubine had originally prepared to make a big scene, but seeing Li Weiyang’s demeanor, she suddenly felt afraid. For a moment she wanted to retreat, but thinking of her daughter, she immediately mustered her courage again, “Just now the Madam sent someone to take my Jing’er away!”

Seventh Concubine was very surprised, then instinctively glanced at Minzhi, somewhat puzzled. Actually this wasn’t strange—Li Minzhi was Li Weiyang’s own younger brother, and with this County Princess sister, Jiang Yuelan naturally wouldn’t come directly to take the child. But with Ninth Concubine, she wouldn’t be so courteous!

Ninth Concubine’s face had lost all color, pale as porcelain. She seemed to have only the strength left to cry, tears flowing down like a fountain. She fell to her knees before Li Weiyang with a thump, sobbing and pleading, “County Princess, I was wrong before. I was blinded by pig grease and didn’t understand propriety for a moment! To think I even dared provoke you! I know I was wrong, I already know I was wrong. Please think of a way to help me get Jing’er back! She’s my own flesh and blood. She’s so small—how can I feel at ease sending her to the Madam’s place?! I beg you, help me plead with the Old Madam, please!”

Li Weiyang’s expression grew colder. She glanced at Zhao Yue, who immediately stepped forward, half-supporting and half-dragging Ninth Concubine up to sit in a nearby chair.

Tan Shi, seeing her cry so heartbrokenly, felt a sense of shared sorrow, and consoled her, “Ninth Concubine, please don’t cry anymore. Our Fourth Young Master is also being sent to the Madam’s place. You’re begging the County Princess, but there’s nothing she can do either!”

Ninth Concubine’s crying stopped abruptly as she looked at Li Weiyang in disbelief. In her view, how could Li Weiyang compromise so easily?!

Li Weiyang looked at Ninth Concubine, who was crying with tears and mucus streaming down, completely disregarding her beautiful appearance. She sighed, “Ninth Concubine, you heard it—Minzhi is also being sent to the Madam’s place. You came to beg me, which means you’ve already reached the end of your rope. Just now you already went to beg Father and the Old Madam, didn’t you? And they both ignored you, right?”

Ninth Concubine immediately froze, at a loss, stammering without knowing what to say. She had knelt outside both Li Xiaoran’s study and the Old Madam’s Hexiang Courtyard, but no one had nodded in agreement. Instead, they had all unanimously blamed her for not understanding propriety.

Li Weiyang smiled slightly, “Ninth Concubine, children of concubine birth should originally be raised by the legitimate mother. You probably didn’t know this, so I don’t blame you. Not only that, I must tell you—today you didn’t just do wrong, you made a huge mistake. You’ve harmed Sixth Sister terribly.”

Ninth Concubine was completely bewildered, staring blankly at Seventh Concubine, who showed an expression of reluctant sympathy.

Li Weiyang said slowly, “First, when the legitimate mother wants to take your child, this is a favor you must accept. Second, the Old Madam and Father are both thinking of Sister’s future, yet you didn’t understand the gravity of the situation and cried and made a scene—this is overstepping your bounds. Third, you came crying and wailing to my courtyard like this, completely improper. Others might think we’re conspiring against the new Madam—this is disrespectful.”

Ninth Concubine’s eyes widened in shock, even her tears stopped flowing.

Tan Shi wanted to say something, but seeing Weiyang’s serious expression, she thought that Ninth Concubine had come from outside after all, and being too favored, didn’t understand the rules of great families. It would be good to make her understand now. So she only handed her a handkerchief. Ninth Concubine didn’t know to take it, just staring at Li Weiyang, her expression shifting unpredictably.

Li Weiyang’s voice softened slightly, “Fourth, by making such a scene, Sixth Sister will also become disliked by the Madam. If others don’t care for her attentively in the future, the Madam will only say that Sixth Miss is mischievous, inheriting her birth mother’s nature, not understanding propriety. You don’t want dignity for yourself, but you must think of Sixth Sister! Do you understand?”

Ninth Concubine’s body swayed as if about to faint. Tan Shi quickly said, “Quickly support your mistress!” Two maids hurried forward to support her. Ninth Concubine just lowered her head and cried, tears dropping onto her collar as if they would flood the entire room.

Tan Shi consoled her gently, “Ninth Concubine, the Madam doesn’t have children of her own yet. With the Old Madam and Master entrusting Fourth Young Master and Sixth Miss to her, she will certainly care for them well and absolutely won’t mistreat the children. This is dignity for you and me as well.” As she spoke, she herself felt her whole body growing cold, speaking with less and less confidence, because she deeply empathized with Ninth Concubine’s pain. However, having stayed here so many more years than Ninth Concubine, she knew which rules could not be violated.

Ninth Concubine cried until her eyes were red and swollen. Li Weiyang said, “Fourth Concubine instigated you to come, didn’t she? She must have said I’m clever and would surely have a way to turn the situation around, right?”

Ninth Concubine froze, tearfully raising her head, ultimately nodding.

Li Weiyang laughed coldly, “She’s always stirring up trouble like this. Ninth Concubine, I advise you to stop listening to such people’s instigation in the future. If you continue making scenes like this, you’ll not only implicate Sixth Sister but also cause Father to treat you coldly.”

Ninth Concubine recalled Li Xiaoran’s ice-cold gaze just now and immediately froze. Ever since giving birth, she had devoted all her thoughts to her daughter and hadn’t considered this at all… She looked at Li Weiyang, “Then… what should I do…”

Li Weiyang said slowly, “Wash and dress yourself, make yourself presentable, then go find Father. Tell him you had a moment of confusion earlier and did something foolish. Now you’ve thought it through, you understand priorities, and only hope that Sixth Sister, following the Madam, will have good prospects in the future.”

Ninth Concubine wasn’t stupid. Hearing this, she immediately understood, saying hesitantly, “But—”

Li Weiyang cut her off sharply, “There are no buts! Someone, escort Ninth Concubine out!”

Ninth Concubine’s maids supported her out. Tan Shi hesitated, “This—Weiyang, weren’t your words too harsh!”

Li Weiyang sneered, “If she really panicked and ran without her shoes, how could there be no mud on her feet! She clearly took them off in the garden, trying to incite me to step forward on her behalf!”

In ordinary people’s eyes, a concubine’s purpose was as a tool for bearing children. Once born, the child became the master of the household, bearing the responsibility of maturing within the family and bringing prosperity to it. Therefore, children born to concubines were also the legitimate mother’s children. As long as Jiang Yuelan demanded it, they absolutely had to be given to her to raise—this was propriety, this was the rule! Even before the Emperor, this would be considered reasonable! Yet Ninth Concubine came to make a scene, wanting her to step forward to fight for the child, with implied fan-fanning of flames. Li Weiyang naturally wouldn’t pay attention.

Tan Shi was extremely surprised. Glancing at Zhao Yue and seeing her nod, her heart grew even more amazed. She then went to Minzhi’s cradle, gazing at him reluctantly for a long while before saying, “Tomorrow morning, I’ll send Minzhi to the Madam.”

Li Weiyang looked at Tan Shi holding back tears and smiled slightly, “Mother, don’t worry. Within ten days, I’ll have Jiang Yuelan obediently send the child back!”

Tan Shi looked at Li Weiyang in shock, not knowing what method she could possibly have. However, Li Weiyang just smiled faintly, stood up, walked to Li Minzhi’s side, poked his tender white little face, and said, “Little one, stay put for a few days. Big sister will come get you soon.”

Minzhi, dazed by the fragrant smell, contentedly burped with his little belly to the sky and fell asleep, clearly not taking his sister’s words to heart. Li Weiyang smiled helplessly.

Early the next morning, Seventh Concubine carried Minzhi to the Old Madam’s place. According to her original plan, she would send him directly to the Madam’s courtyard, but Li Weiyang didn’t think that way—she had Jiang Yuelan personally come to Hexiang Courtyard to receive the child.

Only Li Weiyang, already a County Princess, dared to do such a thing. Ninth Concubine watched from the side, feeling both jealous and hateful in her heart, yet not daring to speak.

“This child looks more and more like your father as a child.” The Old Madam couldn’t help but smile upon seeing Minzhi.

Li Weiyang glanced at tiny Minzhi and raised an eyebrow. She didn’t think so—her little brother resembled Tan Shi more. Of course, if he did resemble Li Xiaoran, it would mean he’d grow into a handsome man.

The Old Madam reached out to hold the child.

Minzhi had snow-white skin, round bright black eyes, and his little mouth smacked as he said things adults couldn’t understand.

“Oh my, he’s smiling at me!” The Old Madam eagerly supported his little bottom.

Li Weiyang just smiled. My little brother smiles at everyone he sees—Old Madam, you’re really overthinking this.

“Fourth Young Master truly loves to smile. One rarely hears him cry!” Nanny Luo chimed in.

“You can tell from young—what you see at three predicts what they’ll be at old age. He’s a child of good fortune!”

“He’ll certainly amount to something in the future!” The maids, seeing the Old Madam happy, all said such things.

Li Weiyang glanced at the foolishly grinning little Minzhi, greatly doubting their judgment. This child looked rather dim no matter how you looked at him!

Just then, Jiang Yuelan entered. Upon seeing Minzhi, she immediately broke into a smile. The Old Madam glanced at her and handed the child over. Just as she received him, Minzhi suddenly burst into loud crying. However, Jiang Yuelan didn’t panic, quickly bouncing him gently—clearly someone very experienced in caring for children. Li Weiyang thought of her stepmother at home who had borne four children, not counting the concubine-born ones, and understood where Jiang Yuelan had learned this skill in childcare.

But no matter how experienced Jiang Yuelan was, she couldn’t overcome young Minzhi’s resistance to her. No matter how she coaxed him, Minzhi kept crying, tears streaming down. Tan Shi’s heart ached terribly, and she instinctively moved to step forward. But Li Weiyang suddenly took a step, blocking her path. Tan Shi immediately came to her senses, remembering what her daughter had said last night—that if you can’t endure small things, you’ll ruin great plans. She couldn’t spoil her daughter’s plans! So she forced herself to stop!

“Why did this child suddenly start crying? Is something wrong?” The Old Madam touched Minzhi, who continued crying in Jiang Yuelan’s arms, but found no signs of fever.

“His forehead isn’t hot either!” The Old Madam said, puzzled.

Jiang Yuelan smiled unconcernedly, “Perhaps he’s not familiar with me yet. In a few days he’ll be fine. I’m afraid by then he’ll cry when he has to leave me!”

The Old Madam looked at Minzhi with slight concern but said nothing more.

Li Weiyang watched with a smile throughout. Li Changle suddenly said, “Third Sister doesn’t feel sorry for him?”

Li Weiyang smiled, “With Mother’s loving care, Minzhi will certainly fare well. What do I have to feel sorry about? Moreover, during morning and evening greetings, Mother will surely let me see Fourth Brother!”

Jiang Yuelan paused, then smiled, “That’s natural.”

The Old Madam nodded, “That you can all live in harmony is what makes me happiest.”

When Minzhi was carried away, he was still hiccuping with sobs, constantly looking toward Li Weiyang and Tan Shi’s direction. Small children have shallow vision and couldn’t see people clearly—he was clearly judging by scent.

Li Weiyang turned back to see Tan Shi’s eyes full of tears, and shook her head. Don’t blame her for being heartless—for Fourth Brother to grow up in the future under his birth mother’s care, propriety must be fully established! This endurance was necessary.

The maids helped Seventh Concubine return. When she walked out, her legs were so weak she could barely stand straight—clearly heartbroken but still forcibly suppressing it. Li Weiyang bid farewell to the Old Madam and walked out the door. On the steps, Li Changle was waiting.

Li Weiyang raised her eyebrows looking at her. Li Changle smiled, “To move one’s heart and endure one’s nature—Third Sister is truly extraordinary.”

Li Weiyang smiled back, “Elder Sister flatters me.” With that, she walked past her without changing expression.

Li Changle watched her retreating figure and smiled slightly, saying to Tanxiang, “Let’s go to Furui Courtyard.”

After the marriage was settled, Li Xiaoran had ordered Furui Courtyard renovated. After the new Madam moved in, she had furnished it further according to her own preferences. When Li Changle entered again, she saw the courtyard planted extensively with flowering trees. Several red plum trees stood before the main hall, their branches ablaze with red blossoms. To the east stretched a row of wisteria trellises, while the west side was planted throughout with jasmine, crabapple, touch-me-nots, and morning glories. The flowers and trees were indeed lush and elegant, pleasant and refined. In her heart, feelings suddenly surged—back then, Mother had loved expensive and imposing things, absolutely looking down on these common flowers. This new Madam took a different path, but her arrangements clearly pleased someone like Li Xiaoran, a man of letters, with their unique elegance. No wonder since she entered the household, even Ninth Concubine, who had always pleased Li Xiaoran, had fallen from favor. One could imagine—Ninth Concubine had an opera singer’s background after all. For singing songs for entertainment or performing alluring dances, that was fine, but if she wanted to harmonize with Father on poetry and music, share his heart and ease his worries—she wasn’t qualified. In the end, just a plaything.

Li Changle entered the room to see Jiang Yuelan still holding Li Minzhi and coaxing him. Li Changle glanced over and said, “Mother.”

Seeing her arrival, Jiang Yuelan handed Minzhi to a nearby wet nurse, then said, “I don’t know what’s wrong with this child. Last time I held him he smiled constantly, but today he cries with everyone.”

Li Changle waved her hand, having the wet nurse carry the red-eyed crying Minzhi away, then said softly, “Just an ungrateful wolf cub who can’t be tamed.”

Jiang Yuelan only smiled, not speaking.

Seeing she couldn’t draw her out, Li Changle smiled, “This wet nurse looks unfamiliar—not from the household?”

Jiang Yuelan smiled, “The Master worried I couldn’t manage, so he specially hired her from outside. They say her milk supply is excellent and abundant, and she’s meticulous in service—certain to care well for Minzhi.”

Li Changle sighed, “Father dotes on this child so. As soon as he was born, Father gave him a set of the finest writing materials—clearly hoping for him to distinguish himself in the future and bring glory to the family.”

Jiang Yuelan smiled, “That’s natural. After all, he’s our household’s only precious treasure now!”

Li Changle couldn’t help saying, “He’s just a concubine’s son yet treated as supremely precious, while my poor Elder Brother—”

Jiang Yuelan laughed lightly, “The Young Master will surely return safely. Changle, you must not worry.”

That Li Minfeng was with Jiang Xu at his posting was something both Jiang Yuelan and Li Changle understood without speaking. Li Changle smiled faintly, then said, “I’ll tell Grandmother that Mother, you’ve done very well. Seeing this brat taken from Seventh Concubine’s side—that’s what makes me happy. Why should we be miserable and desolate while they live happily and contentedly? I just can’t stand seeing it.”

Jiang Yuelan simply drank her tea and curved her lips, not speaking.

Li Changle glanced at her expression and probed tentatively, “Now that Minzhi is in our hands, Li Weiyang’s hands are tied. Mother, in this household besides the Old Madam, you’re the legitimate wife, the proper mistress. Everything is held in the palm of your hand. If you want those concubine-born ones to kneel, they absolutely wouldn’t dare stand! As for Minzhi—” She was about to suggest finding some pretext to have this boy meet an untimely end when she heard Jiang Yuelan slowly speak.

“Precisely because the Old Madam and Master trust me that they’ve entrusted this child to me. Therefore I will certainly treat him well, cherish him dearly, dote on him properly. In the future he’ll have to call me Mother. If he succeeds, it’s my glory too.” She said this.

Li Changle, hearing this, was initially displeased, but then reconsidered and clapped her hands laughing, “Mother is right. From now on he’s Mother’s son. We can raise him however we want. Best to make this brat never acknowledge those lowly women when he grows up. By then Li Weiyang will be furious to death.” As she spoke, imagining Li Weiyang’s furious expression, she showed a smug smile.

Li Changle rose and left. After she departed, Nanny Rong beside Jiang Yuelan said in a low voice, “Madam, you mustn’t be swayed by the Young Miss’s instigation. It’s not worth it for us.”

Jiang Yuelan smiled, “Naturally. Minzhi is such a lovable child—of course I’ll care for him well. Nanny Rong, you must instruct everyone below to attend carefully to Fourth Young Master. Allow him everything without restraint, and dote on him well.”

Nanny Rong immediately understood Jiang Yuelan’s meaning and smiled, “This servant understands.”