Nanny Liang led several maids, following Chief Steward Zhang out of the room.

The Yang family’s guests always had attendants before and behind—they would never lack servants to wait on them.

Great Madam smiled and asked Li family’s Dalang and Sanlang to sit.

“Sometime bring your young mistresses to visit our home as well.” She was courteous to Dalang and Sanlang.

The two young men declined repeatedly before sitting below Great Madam and Lady Zhu.

Two young maids raised the door curtain high.

Nanny Liang led the way. “Mind the threshold.”

After a series of light footsteps, Feng Jin stepped over the black lacquered threshold, slightly lowering his head as he entered the main hall.

“I pay my respects to World Uncle’s Wife.”

He lowered his head and went straight before Great Madam, properly performing two kneelings and six prostrations—the full ceremony.

This was the etiquette required when meeting relatives.

Like Dalang and Sanlang, after seeing the elders, they had only performed one kneeling and three prostrations.

Great Madam properly received Feng Jin’s full ceremony.

Only staring at the back of Feng Jin’s head.

“Rise quickly.”

Though her tone was bland, it didn’t quite lose propriety.

Feng Jin slowly rose and lifted his head.

Since entering the room, he had kept his face lowered the entire time.

Now raising his head, he finally allowed those in the room to see his features clearly.

Behind the screen, a succession of gasps immediately rang out.

Even with Great Madam’s extensive experience, for a moment she actually couldn’t speak.

Feng Jin smiled slightly at Great Madam, then lowered his head again, staring at the golden brick floor before him.

Only then did Great Madam realize the half-cup of tea in her hand had unknowingly tilted, dripping steadily, flowing tea stains all over her skirt.

Her face immediately flushed bright red.

“How improper, how improper.” She quickly rose with self-mockery. “Suddenly seeing such beauty, I’ve shown my country colors.”

She apologized to Lady Zhu. “I’ve embarrassed myself before Lady Zhu.”

But Lady Zhu was still staring fixedly at Feng Jin.

Hearing Great Madam’s words address her by name, she startled and came back to herself.

“Not at all, not at all.”

While exchanging courtesies with Great Madam, she still couldn’t help but stare directly at Feng Jin, looking him up and down.

Her eyes were full of admiration.

Great Madam then went into the inner room with Nanny Liang and Nanny Wang attending her to change her skirt.

Every eye in the room suddenly focused on Feng Jin all at once.

Like embroidery needles meeting a magnet—young maidens in their prime encountering the most handsome young gentleman, how could they not look again and again?

Feng Jin indeed could withstand the scrutiny.

Though he stood quietly with properly lowered head, not looking around.

But the romantic grace on a young man naturally speaks for itself.

Silence and shyness couldn’t conceal that jade-like pure brilliance.

Even the experienced and knowledgeable Seventh Miss felt somewhat overwhelmed.

Since transmigrating here, she’d seen some outstanding young men.

But in terms of looks, not one could compare to Feng Jin.

When they first met, though his features were still small, he was already stunning enough. Now at the time when the young man had just passed the provincial examination, full of spring pride—that pure aura about him could no longer be concealed.

This youth was like an extremely exquisite piece of porcelain—beauty mixed with fragility, as if a single touch could shatter this extremely pure, extremely bright beauty into fragments on the ground.

Fifth Miss could no longer see anyone else.

Even when Great Madam returned to her seat, her face carried a trace of gentleness.

Who says good looks serve no purpose?

A youth as handsome as Feng Jin would naturally gain more advantages than others wherever he went.

“Sit, sit.” Great Madam smiled and gestured to Feng Jin.

Feng Jin then sat with lowered brows and obedient eyes below Dalang and Sanlang.

Yet he still kept his eyes deeply lowered, saying not a word.

The atmosphere in the room became somewhat awkward.

Li Dalang coughed lightly and asked Feng Jin with some curiosity, “I didn’t know Young Master Feng was also related to World Uncle Yang.”

They were all newly successful provincial graduates, and Feng Jin was the top candidate—they certainly couldn’t lack interaction.

The Yang and Li families were also close.

For Li Dalang to only now learn of Feng Jin’s family relationship with the Yang family and ask out of curiosity couldn’t be said to overstep bounds.

But Li Sanlang’s face showed a trace of embarrassment.

Seventh Miss also inwardly cried out in dismay.

Great Madam indeed showed a trace of displeasure.

Ninth Aunt was like a scar on Great Madam’s heart—though healed on the surface, underneath it still bled. One poke and it pierced to the heart.

Feng Jin’s face flushed with two clouds of red.

“My late elder aunt from home was World Uncle Yang’s Second Branch wife.”

You could hear him struggling to maintain composure.

But the humiliation in his words could not be hidden.

The atmosphere in the room became awkward.

Great Madam’s brows had unknowingly tightened.

Precisely because Great Madam herself disliked Ninth Aunt, she was even more repelled by Feng Jin’s attitude.

With the Yang family’s status, never mind that Feng Jin was just a provincial graduate—even if he were this year’s top scholar, being able to connect with the Yang family should bring joy and celebration.

A mere provincial graduate who used to come begging every year—now with a bit of achievement, he put on this appearance, as if being connected to the Yang family wronged him somehow.

“That would be the birth mother of your Shanjiu World Brother!” She explained to Dalang with a smile.

Feng Jin became even more uncomfortable in his seat.

Even Li Dalang sensed the awkwardness and murmured agreement without saying more.

Though this was the Yang family’s internal affair, with their families being so close, how could Li Dalang not know that Ninth Aunt’s status in the Yang family was lowly?

Speaking of the Yang family’s concubines, it was Fourth Aunt, or Seventh Aunt, or now the three sisters. No one ever mentioned Ninth Aunt.

Great Madam showed a bit of reminiscence. “In the past during holidays, Young Master Feng also came to visit. These few years devoted to study, you’ve rarely come calling!”

Feng Jin couldn’t help but change color dramatically, his jade-like skin surging with a flush of red.

His beauty and reserve, like the most delicate porcelain, had already shattered all over the ground with the imbalance of the scene.

Seventh Miss closed her eyes, unable to bear watching.

In her heart she blamed Great Master.

Knowing Great Madam had this temperament, and knowing Feng Jin had developed this character.

He shouldn’t have sent Feng Jin in to pay respects.

With these two people meeting, how could anything good come of it?

For Great Madam, this was a concubine’s relative—ultimately, always carrying a trace of weakness.

Speaking of past events from years ago was also admonishing Feng Jin: Don’t think that passing the provincial examination qualifies you to stand on equal footing with the Yang family.

A concubine’s relatives would always only be a concubine’s relatives. The title of Second Branch wife… could only intimidate those willing to be deceived.

But for Feng Jin…

Feng Jin was only seventeen this year.

A seventeen-year-old provincial graduate—how could he lack spirit?

The Yang family had never shown Feng Jin devoted care. Though Seventh Miss didn’t know the details fully, just looking at the encounter when Lady Feng brought Feng Jin to beg—one could understand that the Yang family’s image in Feng Jin’s heart wasn’t bright.

Though he accepted Great Master’s promotion, it didn’t mean he would be grateful to the Yang family from then on.

The family relationship with Ninth Aunt had now become a stain on Feng Jin.

The provincial graduate’s elder was actually a concubine…

If this spread, behind backs there would certainly be no shortage of mockery.

This moment’s awkwardness was already destined when Great Madam and Feng Jin met.

Even Feng Jin’s beauty couldn’t salvage it.

Lady Zhu looked at the foolishly smiling Great Madam, then at Provincial Graduate Feng with pressed lips and face full of anger. Her eyes rolled and she smiled as she rose to take her leave. “I’ve been out half the day. There are still guests at home…”

Great Madam quickly rose with Li Dalang, Li Sanlang, and Feng Jin together to see Lady Zhu out.

Just reaching the door, they met Lady Zhang head-on.

Everyone hurriedly exchanged greetings.

Even Lady Zhu showed three parts more courtesy to Lady Zhang.

In the past, such military inner family members wouldn’t have bought the Zhang family’s account.

Everyone had to sit down again separately as host and guest.

Third Miss came out with a blushing face to pay respects to Lady Zhang.

With the marriage already settled, the remaining daughters could avoid behind the screen, but Third Miss absolutely had to come out and greet her future mother-in-law.

Lady Zhang smiled and grasped Third Miss’s hand, speaking a few words with her.

Her face was written entirely with satisfaction.

Great Madam saw this and was also quite pleased.

Though she didn’t like Third Miss, she was after all a Yang family daughter. Being liked by her mother-in-law naturally gave the Yang family face.

Third Miss then paid respects to Lady Zhu before flying back behind the screen to avoid.

Lady Zhang chatted idly with Great Madam for a few sentences, then smiled and asked Feng Jin, “When do you plan to go to the capital? Our Second Son could travel with you—you’d have someone to look after each other!”

Feng Jin respectfully replied, “In answer to Master’s Wife, Second Senior Brother and I have discussed this, but the family needs hands for spring plowing. This disciple may have to depart a bit later.”

Lady Zhang scoffed dismissively. “Master’s household has over ten stewards to help manage things—what’s there to worry about? The metropolitan examination is a major matter. You still must prepare carefully. I’ll have to speak to your master about this—such an important matter, and he didn’t instruct you more!”

You could see Lady Zhang and Feng Jin were quite familiar, and moreover, she truly liked this so-called disciple.

Great Madam’s eyes contracted.

“I didn’t realize…” she said slowly, her tone carrying hesitation. “Young Master Feng and Master Zhang…”

Lady Zhang was also somewhat surprised. “So Lady Yang didn’t know—Feng Jin has been studying under that husband of mine for several years now.”

Looking at Feng Jin, her gaze held even more affection. “This child has always had propriety and manners, well-read and courteous. Even I love him. That husband of mine regards him as his mantle successor. His expectations are even higher than for Second Son!”

Great Madam paused before slowly saying, “Oh! So that’s how it is!”

Lady Zhang was about to say more when a maid came from outside to report: “Master Zhang requests Madam to depart, saying we still need to pay New Year calls at the Li and Wang families.”

She quickly rose to take leave of Great Madam. “Truly there are many households to visit today.”

Lady Zhu also followed Lady Zhang out together.

Several people stood at the door. Feng Jin also came forward to take his leave. “This nephew should also withdraw.”

Great Madam looked left and right but couldn’t see what about Feng Jin was likeable.

Though his conduct was appropriate, he was taciturn with his face tightly drawn—even with ten parts beauty, it was reduced to three.

She smiled. “Good, good. Come visit often in the future. You’re accomplished. Back when you came with your mother during holidays, I could already see you were a good one. Now indeed you’ve made progress, and studied under a famous master. Your future prospects are limitless.”

With these words, the room immediately fell silent.

Fifth Miss drew a light breath and grasped Seventh Miss’s hand.

Her nails dug deep into Seventh Miss’s palm.

The room became as cold as outside. Even the warm golden brick floor lost several degrees of temperature.

Lady Zhang and Lady Zhu exchanged glances, both feeling somewhat awkward.

Feng Jin’s eyes focused without speaking.

But they were already dyed with raging fury.

Those eyes bright as stars burned hot enough to scorch people.

Seventh Miss sighed silently.

With words reaching this point, Great Madam truly went too far.

“World Uncle’s Wife is too kind.” Feng Jin was already looking at the ground, calmly thanking Great Madam for her ‘praise’. “This nephew has always remembered World Uncle’s Wife’s deep kindness. Without World Uncle’s Wife’s repeated assistance, I, Feng Jin, would probably have frozen or starved to death. Without World Uncle introducing me to Master, even if I’d luckily survived, I might not have had the opportunity to study and advance.”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief again.

It seemed Feng Jin didn’t intend to clash with his elder.

Even Great Madam’s expression eased slightly.

Actually sometimes, people fight for just this one breath. How could Great Madam be angry with Feng Jin?

“Speaking of which, World Uncle’s Wife’s household business Xianxiu Workshop has become increasingly prosperous in recent years. This can be considered the reward for World Uncle’s Wife’s constant virtue and good deeds.” But Feng Jin’s words took another turn. “Back when Elder Aunt entered Xianxiu Workshop to work, the family-transmitted relief embroidery technique was just a family tradition. Now it’s become Xianxiu Workshop’s signature, hasn’t it?”

Great Madam’s expression immediately changed drastically.

Lady Zhang and Lady Zhu also couldn’t speak.

Fifth Miss nearly crushed Seventh Miss’s palm.

The daughters all had grave expressions.

Seventh Miss wished she could rush out and cover Feng Jin’s mouth.

Back when Ninth Aunt became famous for relief embroidery, she was called Jiangnan’s first embroiderer. Later she entered the Yang family as a concubine. Now this relief embroidery had become Xianxiu Workshop’s signature.

Feng Jin’s words were too cutting to the heart.

He was implicitly accusing Great Madam of forcing a good woman into concubinage to seize her unique skill, breaking up the Feng family household for selfish desire.

Great families acted with rules and regulations. For Great Madam to do this—greedy and vicious—where was the demeanor of a great household’s matriarch?

The most hurtful things are often the truth.

Great Madam was so angry her color changed. After a long while she squeezed out one sentence: “Is this the family teaching of you, Provincial Graduate Feng?”

No matter what, Feng Jin couldn’t escape the crime of contradicting his elder.

Feng Jin instead restrained his anger and smiled slightly.

Everyone was immediately captivated by his beauty again.

“This nephew today was indeed improper and forgot myself. How did I actually speak the words from my heart? I’ve made World Uncle’s Wife laugh.” He actually seemed a bit embarrassed. “When I return home, I’ll certainly face the wall for several days to reflect… Please don’t hold it against this nephew, World Uncle’s Wife!”

The more courteous and refined Feng Jin was, the angrier Great Madam became.

It was like two people quarreling—when one person had the upper hand, naturally they could be gracious. At this moment, the one at a disadvantage looking at their opponent naturally wouldn’t feel too good either.

“Good, good, good!” She forced out several smiles. “As long as you know you were wrong!”

But Li Dalang spoke to smooth things over, also taking leave of Great Madam. “I’ve been out for a while! Should go back to help at home.”

Lady Zhu and Lady Zhang both recovered and made distracting remarks, finally glossing over the scene.

Feng Jin then laughed and chatted with Li Dalang and Li Sanlang as they left the inner courtyard.

The seventeen-year-old youth’s back was held straight, like a newly grown green bamboo—though still carrying brittleness, the bamboo fiber was already resilient.

Great Madam watched his retreating back, her heart feeling blocked. Her throat moved up and down. Unable to catch her breath, she actually suffered an asthma attack.