“Fourth Aunt,” Xu Siqin said as soon as he stepped through the door, “we’ve come to beg a bowl of longevity noodles.”

“Welcome, welcome.” Eleventh Young Madam smiled and invited them to take seats in the grand armchairs, then had the maids instruct the kitchen to begin boiling the noodles.

Xu Siqin quickly waved her off: “Fourth Aunt, I was only jesting. We’ve already had our morning meal.” He then smiled. “We’ve come to wish Second Younger Brother a happy birthday.”

Eleventh Young Madam had guessed as much and kept them: “Stay and have lunch here later!”

Xu Siqin was momentarily caught off guard, then smiled and replied “gladly, we’d hate to impose on Aunt” — but his eyes were already drifting toward Xu Siyu.

Xu Siyu gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head.

Xu Siqin’s expression showed urgency, and he made eyes at Xu Siyu.

But Xu Siyu lowered his gaze and assumed an attitude of refusal.

Eleventh Young Madam saw it all clearly.

Fifteen- and sixteen-year-old young men — they already had a world of their own.

She smiled inwardly, and decided simply to step aside. With a teasing air, she said: “All right, all right — no need to exchange those meaningful glances. If you’ve made plans to go somewhere, go right ahead. Just don’t come complaining later that you missed the longevity peaches I’m having the kitchen make for noon.”

“We haven’t!” Xu Siyu said quickly.

Xu Siqin, on the other hand, could not conceal his delight and said, “Many thanks, Fourth Aunt.”

The two of them spoke in unison and could not help glancing at each other.

Xu Siyu looked at Xu Siqin and said: “We have no particular plans — let’s stay here at noon to eat the longevity peaches with Mother.”

Setting aside personal feelings, Xu Siyu was still a sensible, considerate, and attentive young man.

“The longevity peaches haven’t gone into the steamer yet,” Eleventh Young Madam said with a smile. “I’ll have the kitchen make them for a late-night snack instead. And you needn’t come for evening greetings tonight either — I’ll speak to your father. Today is your birthday; go out and enjoy the day properly!”

Xu Siyu was about to say something, but Xu Siqin had already explained: “Aunt, we’re not going out — we simply want to invite Second Younger Brother to my place for a small drink. I’ve just recently married, and now we have Second Younger Brother’s birthday…”

“I understand, I understand.” Eleventh Young Madam smiled and cut him off. “With us elders around, you young ones feel ill at ease.” She then cautioned: “Drink in moderation — too much is bad for the body. Do remember not to overdo it!”

Xu Siyu had not expected Eleventh Young Madam to be so perceptive. With things said so plainly, to demur any further would seem affected. He hastened to assure her: “Mother, please set your mind at ease — we won’t do anything foolish.”

“I know — you two brothers both have good judgment.” Eleventh Young Madam smiled and nodded, then entrusted Fang Shi: “Make sure they don’t drink themselves into a stupor!” She then had Zhen Jie’er see them out.

Xu Sizhun and Xu Sijie both wore looks of longing.

Eleventh Young Madam smiled faintly.

But since Xu Siqin had not invited the two younger ones, it would not have been right for her to send them along.

She let Jin Ge’er play on the kang and continued her conversation with Xu Sizhun: “Was it during the mountain-climbing outing that you met General Jiang? Who else was there besides General Jiang?”

Xu Sizhun was not the sort of child given to willfulness. Seeing that Eleventh Young Madam was asking him something, he gradually reined in his wandering thoughts and answered her with care: “There was also Elder Dou, Lord Wang, Lord Li, Lord Chen…”

Eleventh Young Madam asked about each gentleman’s official post, his appearance, and how he dealt with others…

“Elder Dou is the Grand Academician of Wenhua Palace. He is tall in stature and always wears a smile on his face…” Xu Sizhun answered one by one.

Xu Sijie sat quietly in the grand armchair before the kang and listened. Jin Ge’er, meanwhile, dragged over a large printed bolster pillow, wandered from one end of the kang to the other, fished out a pellet drum from beneath the kang table to show to Zhen Jie’er, shook it “dong dong dong,” then abandoned it and reached up to pluck the deep red camellia flowers arranged in the pewter vase on the windowsill — not a moment’s stillness in him.

Ever since Jin Ge’er had learned to walk, the furnishings in Eleventh Young Madam’s room had been entirely rearranged. Slender-necked vases and flower holders and the like were kept off the shelves wherever possible, and when something had to be displayed, pewter vessels were used — specifically to prevent Jin Ge’er from shattering porcelain and cutting himself.

Zhen Jie’er, worried he might topple the pewter vessel, hurried over to steady it.

Jin Ge’er successfully pulled the flower free, then ran straight to Eleventh Young Madam and tried to tuck the blossom into her hair.

Zhen Jie’er dissolved into laughter.

Xu Sizhun and Xu Sijie were both drawn in as well — one became somewhat distracted mid-sentence, the other pressed his lips together to suppress a smile.

Eleventh Young Madam saw that things were getting out of hand and simply called a halt to her questions, smiling as she said: “I spend my days confined to the inner courtyard and have never known there could be such interesting things happening outside. Zhun Ge’er, the next time you go out for such occasions, do come back and tell me all about them — let me broaden my horizons a little too.”

Xu Sizhun respectfully replied “yes.” Xu Sijie grinned and trotted over to the kang edge, calling out “Sixth Younger Brother, Sixth Younger Brother!” as he reached out to take hold of Jin Ge’er’s little hand.

Jin Ge’er, thinking Xu Sijie wanted the flower, twisted his body and set the bloom aside on the low kang table, then spread his palms open toward Xu Sijie, gesturing to indicate the flower was gone.

Everyone collapsed with laughter, leaning forward and rocking back, while Jin Ge’er stood there with a face full of puzzlement, looking around at them in bewilderment, not knowing what to do with himself.

Xu Lingyi walked in just then: “What is all this about?”

“The Marquis is back!” Eleventh Young Madam led the children in greeting Xu Lingyi. Husband and wife took their respective seats. Zhen Jie’er took the tea cup from a little maid and presented it to her father. Then Eleventh Young Madam recounted the whole episode.

Xu Lingyi listened and could not help breaking into laughter himself. He lifted Jin Ge’er into his arms: “You really have become the ‘goose that plucks a feather from everything it passes’ that Grandmother always talks about — once something passes through your hands, nobody can ever expect to have it back!”

His expression was fond and doting, as though he possessed infinite patience and delight for Jin Ge’er — a sight that made Xu Sizhun give a slight start. He then heard his father ask after his second elder brother: “…Why isn’t he in his room?”

“Qin Ge’er has specially arranged a little gathering in his honor.” Eleventh Young Madam smiled and took Jin Ge’er back. “He’s gone over to enjoy himself.”

Xu Lingyi made a sound of acknowledgment and asked nothing further. Instead, he kissed Jin Ge’er on the cheek and handed him to Nanny Gu: “The weather is fine today — take the Sixth Young Master outside to get some sunshine.” With that, every word of earnest advice he had prepared was swallowed unspoken.

But Jin Ge’er clutched Xu Lingyi’s sleeve and refused to let go.

Xu Lingyi stroked Jin Ge’er’s head and smiled: “Be good — go and play with Nanny Gu. I need to teach your Fourth Elder Brother and Fifth Elder Brother to ride horses!”

Since autumn had set in, Xu Lingyi had found a tutor to teach Xu Sizhun archery and riding — two sessions of two hours each every five days, with Xu Lingyi himself occasionally stepping in to play instructor. Xu Sizhun was, after all, a boy, and despite his slender frame — he could only ride a horse being led by a handler around the training ground and draw a specially made small bow — he was visibly excited whenever riding and archery classes took place.

Xu Sijie, hearing that Father intended to teach his elder brother riding personally, watched Xu Sizhun and Xu Lingyi with a face full of envy. And Jin Ge’er, seeing his father rise to leave, pouted, his eyes immediately brimming with tears.

A flicker of hesitation crossed Xu Lingyi’s eyes.

Eleventh Young Madam spoke up at once: “Marquis, please go ahead. I shall take the children to visit the Grand Madam.”

Xu Lingyi knew the Grand Madam was very fond of Eleventh Young Madam’s visits with Jin Ge’er.

He steeled his heart and led Xu Sizhun away to the front courtyard.

Jin Ge’er chased after his father’s retreating figure and wept loudly.

Eleventh Young Madam, Zhen Jie’er, and Jie Ge’er coaxed him for a good while before he finally stopped crying, still puffing with indignation.

The child’s temper was growing stronger the older he got — partly because he was maturing and becoming more aware, and partly because of how thoroughly everyone indulged him.

Eleventh Young Madam could not help but feel a headache coming on.

Her Majesty the Empress summoned her into the palace and presented her with a gold-washed silver hairpin inlaid with southern pearls, saying it was a gift for Zhen Jie’er’s coming-of-age ceremony.

With the Empress’s gift bestowed, the coming-of-age ceremony would be considered complete and perfect.

Eleventh Young Madam offered her thanks. As she was leaving Kunning Palace, she encountered an inner attendant from Fang Jie’er’s side, who handed over a lacquered gold-traced red box: “The Crown Princess sends her congratulations on the occasion of Marquis Yongping’s eldest daughter’s coming-of-age. As she is unable to attend in person, she presents this ivory comb — her most treasured possession — as a congratulatory gift to the eldest young miss of the Xu family.”

Eleventh Young Madam received it with respectful hands, rewarded the attendant, and asked whether she might offer her thanks to the Crown Princess in person.

The attendant smiled and replied: “His Highness the Crown Prince is presently taking his noon meal with the Crown Princess. Marquis Yongping’s Lady may call again another day.”

Eleventh Young Madam smiled and assented, then returned to Yongping Marquis Manor.

The Grand Madam, upon learning that both the Empress and Fang Jie’er had sent gifts, was naturally very pleased. She and Eleventh Young Madam conferred and settled on inviting Lady Zhou as the principal honoree, the Fourth Young Madam as the ceremony officiant, and Fang Shi as the attendant. Lady Zhou and the Fourth Young Madam both agreed with pleasure. But when Fang Shi was approached, she was surprised, and after much gracious demurral, declined tactfully.

Eleventh Young Madam was quite taken aback. Noting that even invoking the Grand Madam’s wishes could not change Fang Shi’s mind, she had no choice but to return and inform the Grand Madam with some disappointment.

The Grand Madam was equally surprised. After a moment’s thought, she said: “Since she is unwilling, we shouldn’t press her. I think we’ll ask the third young miss of the Lin family to serve as attendant for Zhen Jie’er.”

The attendant’s role was customarily filled by the coming-of-age young lady’s sisters. Xin Jie’er was too young and unsuitable; Fang Shi was the right age, but unwilling.

Eleventh Young Madam nodded and paid another visit to the Lin household.

Lin Da’nainai agreed without hesitation and laughed: “Our young miss of the house has been looking forward to this day and night — she has been waiting for exactly this!”

Eleventh Young Madam laughed along warmly.

On the day of Zhen Jie’er’s coming-of-age ceremony, not only did the people from Gongxian Hutong come, but those from Red Lantern Hutong and the Zhongqin Earl’s mansion came as well. Eleventh Young Madam also invited Wen Yiniang to witness the ceremony.

Xu Lingyi presided over the rite.

The third young miss of the Lin family inserted the Empress’s gift hairpin into Zhen Jie’er’s hair.

In that moment, Zhen Jie’er smiled and let fall quiet tears.

When the ceremony was concluded, everyone moved to the flower hall beside Dianchun Hall for the noon banquet.

Only then did Eleventh Young Madam have a chance to ask Lanting: “Third Young Aunt should have delivered by now — I wonder whether it was a daughter or a son?”

Lanting smiled softly and replied: “Only got word last night — they say it was a boy, just over five jin in weight!”

“Truly wonderful news for him.” Eleventh Young Madam said from the heart. “Now he’ll have someone to keep him company.”

Lanting nodded: “I’ve said the same to Third Elder Sister — now that Sui Ge’er is here, let brother-in-law make whatever fuss he likes. Would he really dare favor his concubine and discard his wife?”

While the two of them chatted on this side, the Seventh Young Madam and the Fifth Madam were speaking in the small courtyard beside Dianchun Hall.

“I heard from Fourth Sister-in-law that Zhu Anping knelt before you?”

“He didn’t kneel before me.” The Seventh Young Madam smiled. “He knelt before my Fourth Elder Sister.” With that, she laughed, a hint of satisfaction in her brow.

The Fifth Madam’s brow furrowed slightly, as though she wanted to say something but hesitated.

If not for the Fifth Madam, how could she ever have reconciled with Zhu Anping — every time they quarreled, she felt wretched herself.

“What is it you want to say?” The Seventh Young Madam tugged at the Fifth Madam’s sleeve. “Given the friendship between the two of us, surely you can speak plainly?”

—