Without Xu Fengjia, the Yang family’s New Year’s Eve felt somewhat lackluster.

Minlge, Dage, and Honglge were at the First Branch and couldn’t quite relax. During ancestor worship, posting spring couplets, and hanging peach wood charms, they seemed to be working for the First Branch—performing everything meticulously yet without the usual festive clamor.

Ninth Brother had also grown up. No longer displaying the childish demeanor of a few years ago, he had become more composed, though this stability came at the cost of much amusement.

As for the daughters, even the youngest, Seventh Miss, was fourteen this New Year. Naturally, they couldn’t compare to the innocent charm they’d shown gathered around their elders a few years earlier—each now had her own thoughts and concerns.

Even when accompanying the Grand Madam in the main hall, the girls would drift into reverie whenever they had a moment, their souls wandering who knows where.

Watching this, the Grand Madam couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

When one grows old, what one fears most is loneliness.

She simply invited all the elderly concubines from the small garden to play dominoes together. More people meant more liveliness.

Aside from the triplets, even the youngest, Seventh Concubine, was over thirty this year—already middle-aged by ancient standards. Since they were all family, the young men needn’t avoid them.

The atmosphere immediately became much livelier.

Though Fourth Concubine was aging, she had been favored for many years and still commanded some respect before the Grand Master.

Her witty remarks made the Grand Madam beam with delight, and the atmosphere in the main hall became much more animated.

With Seventh Concubine in sight, Sixth Miss’s smiles also increased. Even the Grand Master, seeing the lively scene, couldn’t help feeling invigorated.

This made Fifth Miss and Seventh Miss’s distraction all the more conspicuous.

The two young ladies were somewhat self-aware.

Seventh Miss quickly rallied her spirits and chatted and laughed with her siblings.

Yet Fifth Miss remained lost in thought throughout. Even when Sixth Miss secretly pilfered another handful of her golden melon seeds, Fifth Miss showed no anger.

The Grand Madam found this quite amusing.

She whispered privately to the Grand Master, “Little Five is probably thinking about Fengjia, isn’t she? She’ll be sixteen after New Year—the age for spring stirrings. After the New Year, we should settle her marriage arrangement.”

The Grand Master’s gaze drifted far away.

His eyes lingered on Fifth Miss for a moment before he casually replied, “You as her mother—teasing your own daughter like this.” He then changed the subject, asking Minge about the Ouyang family matters.

Speaking of his own marriage, Minge couldn’t help feeling a bit embarrassed. “I’m told she’s also sixteen this year. After this autumn’s provincial examination, I’ll go to the capital to hold the wedding ceremony. Perhaps I’ll return to Suzhou to continue my studies afterward.”

“I thought you’d wait until after the spring examination results were announced,” the Grand Master said with some surprise. “If you pass the provincial exam, even if you don’t succeed this round, studying three years at the Imperial Academy would be certain. Your elder uncle has that much influence…”

His eyes flickered evasively.

These past years, the First and Second Branches had coexisted peacefully, often supporting each other at court, and the identity of these three young men as hostages had gradually faded.

He’d assumed Minge would ride the momentum of the spring examination to settle permanently in the capital and reunite with Second Master and his sons…

How was it that from Minge’s words, he still planned to return to Suzhou and voluntarily resume this ambiguous hostage status?

Even Seventh Miss momentarily forgot about her own marriage prospects, propping her chin to listen carefully to Minge’s response.

“That may be so, but the residences in the capital are cramped,” Minge replied, his expression unchanging. “Making do crowded together brings many inconveniences… However, this is all speculation. It depends on Father’s and Grand Uncle’s arrangements.”

Even the distracted Fifth Miss and game-playing Sixth Miss fell silent.

Ninth Brother’s face showed deep contemplation.

Minge’s words held too much hidden meaning.

Since the two branches divided the household, Second Master had acquired a larger courtyard in the capital. Though it couldn’t compare to the Hanlin Mansion in size, when the residence was even smaller before, there had been room for three young masters. How was it that now, with more space, Minge found the quarters cramped?

Dage and Honge both lowered their faces without speaking, further confirming there were hidden circumstances.

Seventh Miss’s eyes flashed as she recalled Fragrant Concubine at Second Master’s side.

The Grand Master paused slightly, then laughed heartily. “What foolish talk is this? No matter how small the capital residences, there will always be shelter for you three.”

He smoothly moved past the topic.

With all his worldly wisdom and tact, he momentarily didn’t know what to say.

It was Ninth Brother who rescued the situation by inviting everyone to play dice together.

After peacefully eating sweet soup dumplings and dumplings, drinking spiced wine, and stepping on sesame stalks… the young generation all changed into new clothes and came out in procession to pay respects to the Grand Master and Grand Madam for New Year greetings and collect their lucky money.

After sleeping a few hours, they rose again to exchange New Year greetings with each other, gathering together in the main hall for breakfast.

The Grand Madam was particularly spirited today.

In the past, the Yang family’s New Year’s Day was always quite quiet—they had no local relatives, so no one would disturb them on the first day.

This year was different. Though Xu Fengjia had spent New Year’s Eve at Xukou, he would certainly pay New Year respects to the Grand Madam on the first day.

Even the brothers were quite pleased. During the New Year holiday, studying wasn’t appropriate and there was nothing else to do—they could only sit together making conversation. New Year’s Day was usually quite boring.

Led by Minge, everyone gathered around the Grand Madam, recounting stories from the capital. The concubines formed flanking rows behind the Grand Madam in attendance, each wearing delighted expressions.

Before long, Sixth Miss rose and pulled Seventh Concubine away to some unknown destination.

Fifth Miss found this amusing and remarked to Seventh Miss, “What a filial daughter—she can’t bear to see her mother standing on ceremony.”

Seventh Miss glanced at Fifth Miss and smiled along.

She then rose and suggested, “Fifth Sister, it’s not convenient for us to remain in the main hall. Why don’t we retire to the inner room?”

After the New Year, they were all grown young ladies and shouldn’t face male cousins directly.

A shadow of gloom passed over Fifth Miss’s face.

Especially given her status, she now needed to avoid Xu Fengjia even more carefully.

Though Seventh Miss hadn’t stated this explicitly, Fifth Miss could hear the subtext.

“I’m feeling a bit unwell.” She abruptly stood and took leave from the Grand Madam. “I’ll return to Moon Arrival Pavilion to rest.”

Without waiting for the Grand Madam’s response, she turned and left the room.

Everyone was stunned.

After a long moment, the Grand Madam laughed. “That child… her temperament grows stranger by the day.”

She looked inquiringly toward Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss had only exchanged a few words with Fifth Miss before Fifth Miss rose and left the room… Those unaware might think Seventh Miss had said something improper.

Seventh Miss could only explain helplessly, “I was just suggesting Fifth Sister and I retire together to the inner room…”

The Grand Madam understood completely and laughed continuously. “Now that she’s older, she knows to be bashful!”

Though expressed subtly, everyone in the room was perceptive enough to understand.

Ninth Brother’s eyes flashed. After a long moment, he smiled tactfully. “Cousin should arrive any moment now.”

He then pulled the Grand Madam back to hearing stories of the capital.

Finding an opportunity, Seventh Miss slowly made her way into the west inner room.

The Grand Madam’s daily living and sleeping quarters were in the east wing; the west wing was for receiving guests and had quite a few precious trinkets on the display shelf.

Seventh Miss casually picked up a carved walnut to examine.

After a while, she heard light footsteps approaching the west inner room.

Looking up, she saw it was Fourth Concubine.

She quickly rose to offer a seat. “Please sit, Concubine.”

Fourth Concubine wasn’t polite and sat across from Seventh Miss. “I came to inquire after Seventh Miss—it’s been so long since I’ve seen you. You’ve grown even more beautiful.”

Since Fourth Concubine moved to the separate courtyard, she spent her days eating vegetarian meals and chanting sutras, rarely entering the main courtyard to pay respects. The Grand Master only visited the separate courtyard to reminisce with Fourth Concubine when the mood struck. Though she still held a special position in the household, she understood propriety and never again interfered with the Grand Madam’s domain. Over these years, the Grand Madam had treated her well.

“The last time we met was probably Mid-Autumn Festival?” Seventh Miss rallied her spirits to exchange pleasantries with Fourth Concubine. “How are Third Sister and Fourth Sister?”

“They sent word before New Year—both are well.” Fourth Concubine’s eyes crinkled with her smile.

Yet the misty luster had faded from her eyes, making her gaze particularly clear. “Before New Year, I kept wanting to speak with Seventh Miss, but you were so busy that it kept getting delayed until now.”

Though the tiger may be old, its power remains. Even though Fourth Concubine had retired, Seventh Miss still dared not show any negligence.

From the main hall, Ninth Brother and the Grand Madam’s laughter drifted hazily into the west inner room, adding some vitality to the quiet space.

Fourth Concubine glanced toward the doorway, then leaned closer to Seventh Miss and lowered her voice.

“Before New Year, several young masters from the main branch came to tour the separate courtyard. Feeling thirsty, they came to my quarters for tea.”

At Fourth Concubine’s age, naturally there was no need for avoidance.

“They asked about Third Sister and Fourth Sister’s recent situations, so I chatted with the young masters. Only then did I learn that Minge and Third Brother-in-law are quite familiar… Fourth Concubine paused before continuing, “After a few more words, the eldest young master sent his two brothers away and privately asked me what really happened with the Huiqing Temple incident… I don’t know where he heard this from, but he knew I’d been called in for questioning at the time. He inquired very carefully, asking repeatedly with great attention to detail.”

Seventh Miss’s movements froze.

“This was in the twelfth month?” She couldn’t help raising her voice slightly.

Fourth Concubine’s expression also grew somewhat heavy.

For a retired, elderly concubine like her, what she feared most was having past events dredged up. Favor fades with the years, but guilt only deepens with time.

“It was mid-twelfth month. I wanted to inform Seventh Miss several times but found it inconvenient, and I feared falling under the eldest young master’s scrutiny…”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but view Fourth Concubine with new respect.

With such beauty and such skillful methods, it was a pity her fate was to be a concubine. Otherwise, she truly had the makings of a household matriarch.

If Minge first tested Seventh Miss, then tested Fourth Concubine, and Fourth Concubine couldn’t maintain composure and sent someone to speak with Seventh Miss… Minge would naturally know who was behind the Huiqing Temple incident.

It was fortunate Fourth Concubine was cautious enough. Otherwise, if Minge guessed she was the schemer, given his cunning, trouble would inevitably arise in the future.

Choosing Fourth Concubine for that transaction had truly been the right choice.

“From what the eldest young master said last night…” Fourth Concubine was only halfway through when she stopped again.

Lidong entered the west inner room carrying two cups of tea, smiling. “The eldest young master just asked after Seventh Miss, saying you had no tea in the west inner room.” As she spoke, she served tea to Seventh Miss and Fourth Concubine. “I was negligent in my service.”

Seventh Miss and Fourth Concubine couldn’t help exchanging glances.

Regret flashed across Fourth Concubine’s face. She lowered her head and bit her lip, momentarily speechless.

Seventh Miss felt a surge of anger rising within her.

Ridiculous! Was this the First Branch’s Governor’s Mansion or the Second Branch’s territory?

She and Fourth Concubine were merely exchanging a few words, yet Minge hastened to test and warn them…

Did he really think Second Madam had been wrongly framed and wanted to overturn the verdict?

Too naive.

Even if she told him outright that Second Madam was schemed against by herself and Fourth Concubine working together, what could Minge do? Was he running this household, or was the Grand Master?

Seventh Miss exhaled a long breath.

She recalled the Grand Master’s repeated exhortations about composure.

“I’ll certainly keep Fourth Sister’s situation in mind,” she told Fourth Concubine with a smile. “But in my view, young couples quarreling isn’t a serious matter. Fourth Sister has such a dignified temperament—she’d never truly anger Fourth Brother-in-law over this.”

Understanding flashed through Lidong’s eyes.

Fourth Miss had a rigid, dull personality. Rather than passionate affection, her relationship with Fourth Brother-in-law was one of mutual respect. Though the Gu family valued her, disputes between the couple were common enough.

Inevitably she’d write home to complain to Fourth Concubine…

Fourth Concubine worrying about her daughter and indirectly inquiring through Seventh Miss was perfectly natural.

Fourth Concubine quickly joined in with a smile. “I’m just worried—nagging a few words. You speak so tactfully and pleasantly, Fourth Sister might listen to your advice even more readily.”

After exchanging a few more words, Seventh Miss simply pulled Lidong to sit down and asked about her plans.

“When are you planning to marry out?”

Lidong’s face flushed. “The Madam says I should serve another year. Once the other maids are all married off, she’ll send me to my wedding.”

Fourth Concubine quickly added, “She wants to give you a grand send-off!”

The west inner room filled with bright, tinkling laughter.

Outside, however, things had grown quiet.

Before long, First Concubine, Fifth Concubine, and Seventh Concubine all entered the west inner room.

“The young master cousin has come to pay New Year respects,” First Concubine said, then smiled and invited Seventh Miss out. “The Master requests you come out to speak with everyone.”

It turned out the Grand Master had also entered the inner courtyard.

Seventh Miss could only compose herself properly, keeping her eyes straight ahead as she emerged from the west inner room. After paying respects to the Grand Master, she moved to sit beside Sixth Miss.

Xu Fengjia was dressed quite formally today.

As the heir of a Duke’s mansion, he held third rank by regulation. Usually he wore the fourth-rank general’s fierce tiger insignia robe, but today, coming to pay New Year respects, he wore the heir’s rank of pine-colored ceremonial robes.

Rarely wearing light colors made it feel fresh and brightened his entire appearance.

Seeing Seventh Miss enter, Xu Fengjia merely pressed his lips together briefly before continuing his report to the Grand Master.

“We hosted over ten tables of excellent wine and dishes. The officers honored us with their presence… The soldiers work hard all year. My nephew consulted with Superintendent Liao and starting ten days ago, we began rotating leave until the tenth day of the first month.”

The Grand Master stroked his beard in approval. “Very properly arranged.”

He then asked, “Who will lead the drills after New Year? I vaguely heard that the specific drill arrangements are handled by General Xiao?”

Xu Fengjia’s eyes flashed as he met the Grand Master’s gaze.

“Yes… Uncle Xiao is experienced and seasoned. The specifics of how to drill the naval forces are still handled by him.”

The Grand Master immediately fell into deep contemplation. After a long moment, he smiled. “Good. Then don’t return home today—stay properly at Chuiyang Studio. In a few days when your uncle-in-law is free, he’ll speak with you properly.”

The Grand Madam was about to speak when the Grand Master quickly glanced at her. She changed her words. “Isn’t that right? You didn’t have a proper New Year’s Eve dinner yesterday, did you? A bunch of rough men—how could they take proper care of you! You’ll dine with Fourth Concubine at noon!”

Xu Fengjia wore a composed smile. “Today I’ll follow Fourth Concubine’s arrangements entirely.”

The Grand Madam immediately brightened. “That’s more like it! Otherwise, what face will I have to see your mother in the future?”

She pulled Xu Fengjia close, asking after his well-being and inquiring in detail about his New Year at Xukou. She then instructed Ninth Brother, “Minge needs to pay New Year visits to the Ouyang and Li families. You look after your two cousins.”

Only then did Seventh Miss glance at Minge.

Minge was also looking at her.

Their gazes met. Minge even smiled faintly at Seventh Miss before turning back to speak with the Grand Madam.

Turning again, he met Xu Fengjia’s eyes.

While perfunctorily responding to the Grand Madam, Xu Fengjia looked back and forth between Minge and Seventh Miss, his expression now showing thoughtfulness.