The Third Madam had only just managed to settle into the easy, carefree life she had long dreamed of. How could she bear to give it up? Yet the Grand Madam had spoken, and no matter how reluctant she was, she would not have dared contradict her on the spot.

Shiyiniang smiled. “It looks as though Third Sister-in-law is in for quite a commotion these coming days.”

Zhuxiang listened and pressed her lips together in a quiet smile. She murmured, “I heard that the Third Madam returned to her room yesterday and flew into a great rage over a maidservant who had made the tea too strong. Then first thing this morning, she summoned Nanny Gan’s wife and asked Nanny Gan to carry a letter to Third Master in Shanyang.”

She was probably consulting with the Third Master over how to handle the situation.

Shiyiniang reflected on this, then looked up to see Xu Lingyi emerge from the washroom.

She let the subject drop and told Zhuxiang, “Go and see whether breakfast is ready.”

It was not proper to be discussing the Third Madam’s affairs behind her back in this way.

Zhuxiang curtsied and withdrew, light-footed and silent.

Xu Lingyi sat down with a smile at the edge of the kang and took hold of Jin Ge’er’s plump little fist.

Jin Ge’er immediately crawled up to sit in Xu Lingyi’s lap.

The sight of the little one made Xu Lingyi laugh heartily.

Xu Siyu came in to pay his morning respects.

Shiyiniang had not expected him so early, and quickly rose to take Jin Ge’er.

But Jin Ge’er clutched his father’s lapels and refused to let go, making urgent little sounds of protest to compete with Shiyiniang.

That his son wanted to be with him filled Xu Lingyi with a quiet, gentle gladness. “Let him stay here.” He stepped in to rescue Jin Ge’er.

But if Xu Lingyi sat there with Jin Ge’er bouncing and squirming in his lap while speaking sternly to Xu Siyu — how would Xu Siyu feel in his heart?

Shiyiniang smiled warmly and reached over to pry Jin Ge’er’s small fingers loose one by one. “My lord and Siyu have proper matters to discuss!”

Jin Ge’er’s face turned red with effort, but he simply would not let go.

Shiyiniang had never been so thoroughly flustered, and her own face had gone quite red.

Mother and son stared each other down, eye to eye.

Xu Lingyi found the scene amusing. Even the corners of Xu Siyu’s mouth curved upward slightly.

“Mother, do let Sixth Brother stay,” Xu Siyu said, not wanting to put Shiyiniang in an awkward position. “He is still so young — when he is a little older, he will not do this anymore.”

Xu Lingyi also waved Shiyiniang off. “Go and see whether breakfast is ready.” Then he turned to Xu Siyu. “Have you eaten yet? Stay and have breakfast with us.”

Xu Siyu had already eaten, but since his father had asked, he answered with a respectful “Yes.”

And Shiyiniang, looking at Jin Ge’er’s expression of utter, unyielding refusal, knew that any further insistence would only make the situation worse. She answered softly, seized the chance to step down gracefully, and turned to call for breakfast.

Jin Ge’er let out gleeful laughter and flung himself into Xu Lingyi’s arms.

Xu Lingyi, half exasperated and half fond, held his little son and gave him a light pat on the bottom. “You must not do this again!”

It did not hurt in the slightest. Jin Ge’er merely thought his father was playing with him. He twisted around and flashed Xu Lingyi a grin, then wriggled free and, bracing himself against Xu Lingyi’s arm, clambered around to his back — gripping Xu Lingyi’s robe and making every attempt to climb onto his back.

Xu Siyu was thoroughly startled.

Jin Ge’er’s boldness was really quite something.

He quickly went over and took hold of Jin Ge’er’s little hands. Not daring to say directly “you must not climb onto Father’s back,” he could only guide the child gently toward himself instead: “Careful — do not fall!”

Xu Lingyi knew perfectly well this was the aftermath of the “riding horse” game he used to play with Jin Ge’er, hoisting him onto his shoulders. With his eldest son watching, he felt somewhat embarrassed. He simply told Xu Siyu, “Hand him to the wet nurse.”

Xu Siyu respectfully complied, passing Jin Ge’er to Nanny Gu.

Xu Lingyi then indicated the armchair nearby. “Come and sit. Let us talk.”

Nanny Gu quickly carried Jin Ge’er out of the room.

She met Shiyiniang coming from the other direction.

“My lord is speaking with the Second Young Master.”

Shiyiniang did not wish to intrude. Smiling, she took Jin Ge’er into her arms and settled with him on the broad window-side kang in the side sitting room to play.

About the time it took to burn one stick of incense passed before any sound came from the inner room.

Shiyiniang instructed the young maidservants to carry in the low table and place it on the kang, and attended upon father and son as they took their morning meal.

Xu Lingyi’s expression was, as always, composed and measured; Xu Siyu’s, as always, respectful and deferential. The two ate in near-perfect quiet, and only the occasional soft clink of porcelain broke the stillness — the scene altogether rather formal and solemn.

Shiyiniang could not help but smile inwardly.

Afterward, the concubines and children came one after another to pay their morning respects. Xu Lingyi said a few words to each, then left with Shiyiniang to pay their own respects to the Grand Madam.

Jin Ge’er grew more delightful with every passing day. Each time Shiyiniang brought him to pay her respects, the Grand Madam would hold him in her arms and fuss over him at great length. This day was no different — the moment he arrived, the Grand Madam had Nanny Gu bring the child to her, and proceeded to examine him from head to toe. Satisfied that he was dressed with just the right warmth and that the child’s expression was cheerful and content, she gave a slight nod, settled Jin Ge’er into her arms, and spoke with Xu Lingyi and Shiyiniang. “Jin Ge’er’s first birthday celebration — how do you plan to hold it?”

In this kind of setting, of course, it was Xu Lingyi who should speak.

Shiyiniang remained silent.

Xu Lingyi replied as they had discussed: “We plan to hold it along the lines of the hundredth-day celebration — invite family and close friends for a gathering.”

“That seems right,” the Grand Madam said thoughtfully. “The child is still so young — too much extravagance might not be for the best.”

Only then did Shiyiniang allow herself a quiet breath of relief.

The Grand Madam began speaking with enthusiasm about the object-selection ceremony. “…We should bring out that long table of purple sandalwood from the storeroom… Our family comes from a military tradition — alongside the classics and philosophical texts, we must have a sword and a blade as well. I noticed that the small decorative knife the Fifth household hung up the other day is quite fine — let us use that. And an abacus too — just for show, really…” She was thoroughly enjoying herself when a young manservant came running in urgently. “My lord! Grand Madam! My lady! Eunuch Lei has arrived!”

Eunuch Lei was the chief eunuch of Kun Ning Palace. After the Empress Dowager had passed on, he had frequently come on behalf of Her Majesty the Empress to inquire after the Grand Madam’s health, or to convey gifts.

“Please ask Eunuch Lei to wait in the main hall,” Xu Lingyi said, rising to his feet. “Mother, let me go and see to this — I will return shortly.”

The Grand Madam nodded. With Nanny Du’s assistance she changed her attire, and Shiyiniang helped support her as they made their way to the main hall.

As they reached the covered walkway outside, they could already hear Eunuch Lei’s bright, genial voice: “…This is a small token from me. Please, my lord, do not refuse me again…” — clearly he had sent some gift to Xu Lingyi.

The Grand Madam and Shiyiniang exchanged a glance, then entered the main hall.

Eunuch Lei came forward to greet the Grand Madam with a bow.

Shiyiniang noticed a small vermillion-lacquered box, painted with gold designs, sitting on the table in the main hall.

She gave no outward sign of her interest, and simply followed the Grand Madam’s lead in exchanging formal courtesies with Eunuch Lei. She then heard Eunuch Lei say warmly, “Congratulations to the Grand Madam — the Sixth Young Master will soon be celebrating his first birthday.”

The Grand Madam exchanged a few pleasantries in return.

Eunuch Lei then made his purpose known. “…Her Majesty the Empress says she regrets she is unable to attend the Sixth Young Master’s first birthday celebration in person, and wishes for the madam to bring the Sixth Young Master to the palace so Her Majesty might have a look at him.”

She wished to see Jin Ge’er?

Shiyiniang was quite taken aback. She glanced toward Xu Lingyi, and saw that his brow had furrowed slightly — he was clearly less than enthusiastic about this. Yet Shiyiniang herself did not dare treat it lightly. This was, for anyone else, a singular and extraordinary mark of imperial favor. She smiled, offered her thanks for the grace shown, and together with the Grand Madam, saw Eunuch Lei out the door.

“Her Majesty still thinks of you!” the Grand Madam said warmly on the way back, turning to Xu Lingyi. “Tomorrow morning, dress Jin Ge’er in a fine new outfit, and you shall escort this mother and child into the palace.” She seemed genuinely pleased by it all.

Xu Lingyi gave a simple, straightforward “Yes,” then returned to their rooms and quietly instructed Shiyiniang: “When you go, hold Jin Ge’er yourself — do not let others take him. Pay your respects, then find some excuse to come back. Do not linger.” He then passed her the small red lacquered box painted with gold. “This is Eunuch Lei’s first birthday gift for Jin Ge’er.”

Inside was a gold longevity lock.

It had always been they who gave gifts to palace eunuchs. This was the first time they had ever received a gift from one.

Shiyiniang accepted it with a smile and said, “My lord need not worry. Even if I wished to linger in the palace, the strict court protocols would not allow for it.”

She had no desire to put the child through that ordeal in the first place.

Yet Xu Lingyi did not relax at her reassurance. His expression remained somewhat heavy as he gave a nod and went to his study.

Shiyiniang felt that Xu Lingyi’s reaction was excessive.

That evening, she tried to set his mind at ease. “Nothing will go wrong. I will do exactly as my lord has instructed — I will hold the child myself and not entrust him to anyone else’s hands.”

Xu Lingyi saw the worry etched across Shiyiniang’s face and let out a quiet sigh. He drew her gently to his side. “As for entering the palace — I will arrange for some trusted eunuchs who are known to me to look after you both along the way.” He paused, his expression shifting to the rare look of one who is searching for words. “It is not that matter I am worried about…”

Shiyiniang was surprised. “Then what is it, my lord?”

Xu Lingyi was silent for a long while before he finally said in a low voice, “Siyu came to speak with me today. He said he is still young, and that his studies should take precedence — he wishes to devote himself fully to his scholarly pursuits for the time being, and does not wish to take a girl into his rooms.”

Though she had quietly hoped for it, to hear Xu Siyu’s answer come so soon and so directly — that still filled Shiyiniang with genuine surprise. She sat up straight and said urgently, “And what does my lord think?” Her voice carried a faint tremor of tension.

Xu Lingyi said nothing.

Shiyiniang suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for him.

He had never in his dreams expected that Xu Siyu would come to this decision.

She gently rested her hand on his arm.

Xu Lingyi let out a sigh.

“I gave him my agreement,” he said, gazing up at the canopy above the bed, his voice barely above a murmur. “His thoughts — I understand them, more or less. Since he carries this knot in his heart, I have no wish to force him.” Yet beneath the words, there was still a trace of discontent.

Shiyiniang breathed out a long, slow breath and nestled closer to Xu Lingyi. She said softly, “Siyu has grown up — and traveling back and forth between Yanjing and Le’an, he has seen more of the world than most children his age. In some things, I should hear his thoughts as well. And besides, placing a girl in his rooms was only ever meant to be for his happiness. But what happiness is, and what it is not — like knowing whether water is warm or cool, only the one drinking it can say. As long as he feels it is right, let us leave it to him.”

She hoped this might ease some of the constraint in Xu Lingyi’s heart.

Xu Lingyi nodded. “I feel the same.” Then he was quiet a moment and said, “That he came to speak to me of this — he is no longer the young boy he once was.” His voice held a faint, quiet wistfulness.

Was it because he had realized that the child who had always bowed his head and answered “yes” in his presence had, at last, come to have his own convictions?

It seemed that when children grew up, every parent had to pass through this kind of loss.

Only for Xu Lingyi, the loss that Xu Siyu brought had come a little earlier than most.

Shiyiniang smiled gently. “All that we do for our children, all this fretting and worrying, is only to hope that even without the shelter of their parents, they might still live well — and uphold what the family stands for. Now Siyu has both the judgment to face things as they come and the courage to act on his convictions. With a brother like him to guide and support him, Sizhun will surely manage the Yongping Marquis estate well in the years ahead. My lord ought to be glad.”

Xu Lingyi considered this, and then he smiled.

“You are right,” he said. And then, with a note of feeling, “It seems children grow up in the blink of an eye.”