No matter how treacherous the storms in the outer quarters, unmarried daughters could only serve to comfort their parents.

If even the Grand Master’s wisdom couldn’t devise any clever solutions, Seventh Miss didn’t believe she could do anything for the Yang family’s political position.

However, when leaving the outer courtyard, traces of worry still colored her brow.

After a long moment, she exhaled, deciding not to dwell on these vexing matters.

In any case, if the sky fell, the Grand Master and Grand Madam would bear it first. Not being in that position, she shouldn’t meddle in those affairs. Rather than worry about these things, she might as well fret over whether to eat an extra bowl of rice at dinner.

She chatted idly with Nanny Dong as they entered the passage leading to the inner courtyard.

They happened to encounter the three brothers head-on.

“Elder Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother.”

Both parties quickly exchanged courtesies and stopped to chat.

“Attending Uncle again in the outer courtyard?” Minge asked Seventh Miss with a smile.

Seventh Miss smiled in acknowledgment, then inquired after Minge. “Have the brothers just returned from outside?”

Minge smiled. “Yes, several classmates are departing to return to their native places. We went to give them farewell drinks.”

Suzhou had a strong literary reputation, especially Shantang Academy, which had produced successful candidates in the imperial examinations for several consecutive sessions. This attracted students from all over. However, the provincial examination required returning to one’s native place. After the New Year, everyone gradually departed for home. The Minge brothers had been busy attending various farewell banquets and hadn’t met with their sisters for some time.

After a few pleasantries, they ran out of things to say and walked silently side by side toward the main hall.

Along the way, Minge hesitated to speak several times, glancing at his brothers but ultimately remaining silent.

Seventh Miss naturally noticed his behavior.

Her heart stirred.

Honestly speaking, her assessment of this cousin wasn’t low. Though the Grand Master and Second Master might disagree on many matters, they were indeed conscientious about educating their children. When the Minge brothers returned, one could see he’d received a good education and was quite shrewd. During these years at Shantang Academy, he’d grown increasingly composed through experience.

How could such a person not know that dredging up Second Madam’s affair now would bring him no benefit whatsoever?

If not to overturn the verdict, then investigating past events—what was it for?

And being so urgent about it, making it so obvious that now even his two brothers seemed unwilling to avoid the topic, wearing their thoughts on their faces so clearly that even Honge noticed…

Could he be asking something of her?

Seventh Miss fell into contemplation.

Given the cold relationship between the two branches and Ninth Brother’s superficial but distant relationship with the three cousins, if Minge wanted to use her, soft words and requests would have low success rates.

Thinking of coercion was quite natural.

However, what could Minge need to ask of her?

The two branches had been divided for so long, his marriage was already settled… what matter could she possibly handle for Minge?

#

After paying respects to the Grand Madam, the three brothers returned together to Yurong Courtyard.

Seventh Miss had also intended to return to Jade Rain Pavilion, but the Grand Madam kept her to share the evening meal.

When dinner time approached, even Sixth Miss and several concubines came to pay respects, yet Fifth Miss was nowhere to be seen.

Only when dinner had already been served did Guyu arrive belatedly. “Fifth Miss instructed this servant to apologize to the Madam. She’s feeling unwell and won’t come to pay respects tonight.”

Her face showed clear grievance.

How could the Grand Madam not understand the meaning in Guyu’s words?

After eating a few bites, she set down her chopsticks and complained to Seventh Miss. “Your Third Aunt is really something. At this point, still hasn’t come to propose marriage—Little Five has waited until she’s become like this. I truly fear if we wait any longer, she’ll actually fall ill!”

Still that same wishful thinking.

Seventh Miss could only set down her bowl as well and console the Grand Madam with a few words. “…You can rest assured, given the current situation, the Xu family will certainly come to propose. They’re probably deeply afraid of being unable to secure our alliance…”

She then relayed the news about Second Master Niu’s promotion, adding and subtracting details.

The Grand Master never concealed such public information from the Grand Madam—nor could he.

Seventh Miss thought in a few days, he would tell the Grand Madam anyway.

Seventh Miss was happy to use this information to curry favor with the Grand Madam.

The Grand Madam indeed fell into contemplation.

Though this noblewoman truly had little talent for household management, her political acumen was quite sharp. After just a moment’s thought, she smiled. “You’re right. Now, those feeling deeply insecure aren’t just our Yang family. The Xu family’s heart is probably even more uncomfortable, isn’t it?”

In previous years when the Crown Prince’s position was unstable, if not for Duke Pingguo and his son’s great frontier victory, the Eastern Palace might already have a different master.

Yet now, with the Crown Prince’s first move, the first to be promoted wasn’t someone from the Xu or Qin families, but the Empress’s natal Niu family… Just because everyone stood beside the Crown Prince didn’t mean the internal alliance was monolithic. Between the two foster mothers, there couldn’t possibly be no conflicts.

The Xu family naturally needed to grasp the Yang family tightly to strengthen their faction’s power, preparing for possible internal strife in the future.

“No wonder your Third Aunt has brought up the marriage again in recent years, even going so far as to send your cousin to Jiangnan.” The Grand Madam suddenly understood. “We’re not in the capital, so much information escapes us. We can’t compare to the Xu family being in the midst of it all, knowing intimately whether things are cold or warm…”

She couldn’t even be bothered to finish eating, calling loudly for servants to clear the dishes and bring fresh tea. “If they don’t look down on Little Five or our Yang family, why still haven’t sent someone to propose?”

She consulted with Seventh Miss. “I’m thinking, perhaps I should write a letter and tactfully urge them along?”

Seventh Miss was somewhat surprised. “Wouldn’t that seem too eager…”

For the bride’s side to personally write urging—this really lost some dignity. After Fifth Miss married in, this could well become grounds for people to look down on her.

“We can’t wait any longer.” The Grand Madam’s attitude was unexpectedly resolute. “Otherwise, once your father begins taking action, how Prince Lu will respond is anyone’s guess… We still have two daughters without marriage arrangements. If Little Five’s match isn’t settled, how can yours be arranged?”

Seventh Miss suddenly understood.

Her own and Sixth Miss’s marriage prospects existed only in the two families’ assumptions and tacit understanding—they couldn’t be settled anytime soon. After all this talk, the Grand Madam still feared the Yang family would lose this silent war, Fifth Miss’s value would plummet, and she couldn’t marry into a good family.

She had long decided not to say one more word about Fifth Miss’s marriage prospects.

She merely echoed the Grand Madam a few times before taking her leave, letting the Grand Madam ponder how to write the personal letter while she herself returned to Jade Rain Pavilion.

Upon entering Jade Rain Pavilion’s main hall, she immediately smelled an enticing fresh fragrance.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help taking a deep breath and crying softly, “How fragrant!”

Lixia also smiled. “Truly fragrant. But didn’t they say Miss is dining in the main hall tonight? Who would send food in?”

Shangyuan came out with a smile, lifting the curtain to help Seventh Miss change clothes and wash her hands, smiling as she spoke. “Qiqiao reminded me. She said every time Miss dines in the main hall, she comes back wanting to eat a few more bites of snacks. Clearly being served by others isn’t as satisfying as eating one’s own cooking. I thought the same, so I simply requested food from the main kitchen to serve Miss a few more bites.”

Seventh Miss had worked all afternoon in the outer courtyard and was already hungry. Having eaten only a few bites in the main hall before setting down her chopsticks, she felt even hungrier. Being famished at this moment, hearing Shangyuan’s words naturally warmed her heart.

This girl Qiqiao was truly attentive—when it came to serving people, she was indeed skilled.

She smiled and praised Shangyuan. “How rare that you don’t claim the credit.”

She then instructed Lixia, “You should also go down to eat quickly. Don’t go hungry.”

Only then did she enter the west inner room where she usually dined, together with Shangyuan.

“White fungus, fresh bamboo shoots, and duck—simmered all afternoon. It’s your favorite. There’s also Three Treasures with ginkgo, the preserved meat platter Sister Bailu sent over, Longjing shrimp, and chilled cucumber… all dishes you love.”

Shangyuan smiled cheerfully as she served Seventh Miss’s meal.

After drinking a few sips of soup, Seventh Miss asked Shangyuan, “Sister Bailu came to Jade Rain Pavilion today?”

Bailu had been released from Jade Rain Pavilion. Not yet married, she was following Nanny Liang to learn, waiting to formally take over the duties assigned to her after marriage.

She still came to Hundred Fragrance Garden every few days, naturally stopping by Jade Rain Pavilion to pay respects.

“Mm, she came mid-afternoon. You were in the outer courtyard, and I happened to be out as well, so Sister Bailu left a few words with Qiqiao.” Shangyuan replied steadily. “I was planning to report after you finished eating…”

Seventh Miss had already set down her chopsticks. “Summon Qiqiao in.”

Qiqiao thus entered the west inner room with lowered brows and obedient eyes.

This girl had been serving at Jade Rain Pavilion for over a month now, yet this was her first time entering Jade Rain Pavilion’s inner chambers.

Yet she was perfectly proper, her eyes not wandering at all.

“Sister Bailu chatted with us for quite a while. She also asked me to relay a message to you, saying the matter you entrusted to her has been handled. The other party is very grateful to you in their heart. Every mention brings Buddhist chants, saying they’re thankful for your great kindness and will certainly do their utmost to help with anything.” Her speech was sweet, crisp, and clear, logically organized. Falling on Seventh Miss’s ears, it made even her mood brighten.

“Mm.” Seventh Miss acknowledged thoughtfully. “What other family gossip did Bailu chat about with you all?”

Qiqiao recalled briefly, tilting her delicate profile, making her eyes appear even more watery. “Nothing much, just mentioning that Nanyun from Yurong Courtyard has recently been learning propriety by following Nanny Liang. She has someone following her in and out, so it’s not as convenient to frequently visit Jade Rain Pavilion.”

“Learning propriety?” Seventh Miss murmured. “What propriety does Nanyun need to learn? Even if she needs to, it should be a group learning together…”

She felt somewhat puzzled.

Qiqiao slightly pressed her lips together, her face somehow taking on traces of blushing shame.

“Miss… this servant guesses that perhaps… they’re preparing to perform her coming-of-age ceremony, so they’re having her learn more propriety to avoid…”

Her voice was like a mosquito’s buzz.

Only then did Seventh Miss understand.

Personal chamber maids and regular second-rank maids had different treatment, so naturally the requirements were also different.

Thinking of that delicate, clever little maid, she still found it hard to believe.

“I remember when I last saw her, she was just a twelve or thirteen-year-old girl, looking like she hadn’t even finished growing…”

Could Minge have some unspeakable preference in this area…

“So this servant also found it strange…” Qiqiao’s face burned red. “However, this servant heard Sister Bailu say this was the eldest young master’s own choice. Even the Madam thought Nanyun was too young, but couldn’t resist the eldest young master’s own preference.”

Seventh Miss’s heart felt quite strange.

She propped her chin, lost in thought.

Qiqiao raised her eyes to glance at Seventh Miss, slightly pressing her lips.

She rose and stood beside Seventh Miss.

“Miss, when eating, it’s still best to focus on eating first…”

She skillfully placed several dishes for Seventh Miss with chopsticks. “Look at these shrimp—crystal clear and translucent. The cucumber strips are golden yellow. This soup is so fragrant even those outside the room can smell it…”

Seventh Miss’s lost appetite, stirred by Qiqiao’s manipulation, became vigorous again.

She picked up her bowl and ate a mouthful of rice, only then noticing Qiqiao slightly relax with relief, her hand serving vegetables also steadying.

With a moment’s thought, she understood: this girl feared being blamed for lacking tact by presumptuously serving the mistress her meal.

A trace of pity arose in her heart.

Even though Seventh Miss was already extremely cautious, in such deep mansion compounds, she would never be the person who needed the most caution.

In Jade Rain Pavilion alone, seven or eight people relied on her favor to get by.

Who wouldn’t grasp every opportunity they could to climb upward?

It was rare that Qiqiao had such thoughtfulness and served people so comfortably.

That said, Seventh Miss didn’t show approval, merely recording this attentiveness in her heart.

#

The next morning during the greeting ceremony, seeing the Grand Madam’s expression carry several traces more confidence, Seventh Miss understood: the Grand Madam had probably arranged overnight to send the letter out.

However you put it, as household matriarch, arranging such small matters behind her husband’s back was nothing unusual.

The Grand Master, however, appeared exceptionally weary. He casually responded to his daughters with a few words. Hearing Fifth Miss was bedridden with illness, he merely instructed Shuxia to summon a good physician, then signaled the Grand Madam to follow him into the inner room.

When the heads of household were preoccupied, the children naturally sensed it. Ninth Brother was fine—he hurried out to rush to Shantang Academy. But Minge’s face also showed worry.

Dage and Honge were even more straightforward. Just after leaving the main hall, Honge patted Seventh Miss’s shoulder.

“When you were in the outer courtyard yesterday, was Uncle wearing this same expression?”

Even Sixth Miss grew curious, staring at Seventh Miss waiting for her response.

Seventh Miss could only smile bitterly. “I also don’t know what’s troubling Father… However, he was indeed somewhat displeased.”

The three brothers’ faces immediately took on a layer of gloom.

Given the Grand Master’s depth, for him to express displeasure outwardly meant he must have encountered some difficulty.

Honge muttered to Dage, “Could it be that Hangzhou matter…”

The words drifted into Seventh Miss’s ears, making her pause.

The Grand Master only learned of the Hangzhou massacre yesterday—how were these three brothers already discussing it today?

She stopped in her tracks. “Hangzhou… what about Hangzhou?”

Her face showed pure curiosity.

Minge paused before smiling in response. “You girls would have nightmares hearing about it… Besides, it’s just rumor. We also heard it from someone else—it can’t be taken as truth.”

Seventh Miss’s suspicions only deepened. She simply stared seriously at Minge. “Elder Brother, Father himself only learned of this news yesterday. Which of your friends has information so well-informed they match Father’s?”

Minge had been smiling, but slowly his expression changed.

He stopped and pondered for a moment. The more he thought, the uglier his face became. No longer bothering with Seventh Miss, he turned and strode rapidly back to the main hall.

Dage’s face also showed deep contemplation. As for Honge, he scratched his head, still puzzled. “Come to think of it, if Uncle only learned of this yesterday, then…”

Even Sixth Miss frowned before he understood, revealing a shocked expression.

The two brothers hurriedly also returned to the main hall.

Only then did Seventh Miss relax, her tense shoulders gradually loosening.

It seemed these three brothers’ hearts still leaned toward the family.

What she feared most was nurturing thieves for a thousand days, only to raise three little traitors—that would truly cause a major incident…

She stood a bit longer. Seeing no other disturbances from the main hall, she accompanied Sixth Miss back to Hundred Fragrance Garden.

After that small episode, neither spoke much, the atmosphere remaining somber throughout.

Only when they reached Huansha Cove did Sixth Miss ask Seventh Miss, “Want to visit Fifth Sister together? I heard she’s truly ill this time… Sigh! How is it that after New Year, everyone in the family has become strange! Fifth Sister suddenly became sickly, Mother’s expression keeps changing unpredictably…”

Without waiting for Seventh Miss’s response, she pulled her hand, turning onto the small path leading to Moon Arrival Pavilion.

Seventh Miss was about to decline tactfully when the words reached her throat, she swallowed them back down.

Never mind, visiting Fifth Miss was also fine.

Compared to the heart-stopping court situation, her little daughter’s concerns didn’t amount to much after all.