Even though Seventh Miss had prepared herself mentally, she still couldn’t help but be struck by Feng Jin’s appearance.

After all these years, Feng Jin’s temperament had undergone a great transformation.

When they first met, he still had the appearance of a thirteen or fourteen-year-old youth. Though handsome, he was still immature, not as strikingly beautiful as when he passed the provincial examination at sixteen or seventeen.

But now seeing Feng Jin as a young man in his twenties, looking back, even at sixteen or seventeen, though his appearance had been good, his temperament had been somewhat too sharp—like a newly unsheathed precious sword, carrying a cutting edge that could hurt others, yet too rigid and easily broken.

This man in his twenties—his features were still those same features, his luminous quality still that same luminosity, but beneath that luminosity emanated not the fragile brittleness of porcelain but the resilient luster of jade.

Even meeting Seventh Miss in such an awkward situation, his expression showed not the slightest discomfort. He simply stood by the bell with a smile, his jade-like hand resting on the bronze bell’s surface. Those intricate patterns instead set off the whiteness of the back of his hand, making it appear even more gentle and refined.

This one gesture alone was enough to shame all others. What kind of person he was could be imagined.

Seventh Miss took a deep breath, slowly stepped forward and curtsied. “It’s been many years since I’ve seen Cousin!”

This address of “Cousin” carried more sincerity than when she called Xu Fengjia by that title.

Feng Jin smiled slightly, openly looking Seventh Miss over. “Cousin has also grown up!”

When mentioning Seventh Miss, he didn’t add her birth order.

Indeed, speaking of it, as blood cousins, there were only Seventh Miss and Feng Jin. They had little real connection to the Yang family.

For a moment neither spoke, yet the atmosphere didn’t feel tense.

If being with Xu Fengjia was like a competitive game where each struggled for dominance,

Then being with the current Feng Jin was like sitting together on a moonlit night, jointly admiring a full moon—natural and effortless, making one’s heart peaceful and content, with a sense of pleasant satisfaction.

Feng Jin carefully examined Seventh Miss from the top of her head to the tips of her toes, but this gaze was extremely warm and open, full of concern. Seventh Miss didn’t feel the slightest sense of being violated. Instead, it was as if she were soaking in warm water. She naturally understood that this person looking at her respected, cherished, and cared for her.

Her spine, which had been tensed for so many years, instead felt a hint of soreness under such a gaze.

“It seems Cousin is truly living well.” After a moment, Feng Jin raised his eyes and spoke with a smile at Seventh Miss. “Seeing it with my own eyes, I can rest much easier! Last time when Eunuch Zhang told me your complexion was rosy and your adornments lavish, I was still somewhat worried, fearing your legitimate mother treated you with surface sweetness but inner bitterness…”

Given Seventh Miss’s status and the unpleasantness of their last meeting… it was natural for Feng Jin to have concerns about Seventh Miss’s situation.

“Cousin’s concern—Little Seventh appreciates it.” Seventh Miss couldn’t help but point out to Feng Jin, “But relaying greetings through Eunuch Zhang—in front of others, Little Seventh can’t say much, and it instead makes the special relationship between Eunuch Zhang and Cousin apparent. Given Cousin’s status, this inevitably gives others grounds for criticism.”

She no longer worried that Feng Jin would misunderstand her meaning.

Her earlier desire to meet Feng Jin in person was also out of fear that refusing the marriage with the Feng family would give Feng Jin the wrong impression, making him think she looked down on the Feng family’s status.

But how could she have thought at that time that Feng Jin had grown into such an open-minded, perceptive, gentle young man?

Truly, when a gentleman has been away for three days, one should look at him with new eyes!

Feng Jin smiled slightly, immediately giving Seventh Miss the feeling of a spring breeze on her face. “Cousin can rest assured. These matters of human relations—Zixiu understands them. Having Eunuch Zhang relay greetings was only to let Lady Yang know—”

Seventh Miss already showed a look of understanding, so Feng Jin didn’t continue. The two exchanged a smile, each understanding the other’s meaning.

Though Feng Jin had returned to Suzhou with Eunuch Zhang and been specially received by the Princess Consort of Minyue, his exact position remained unknown to outsiders. Having Eunuch Zhang inquire after Seventh Miss was a small matter, but it subtly demonstrated power to the Grand Madam while also informing the Yang family of his position in the Eastern Palace.

Just from Feng Jin’s methods, this youth had truly undergone a complete transformation. Years ago at the Governor’s residence, if he had possessed even half his current skill, the scene wouldn’t have turned so ugly.

“That’s right.” Seventh Miss remembered to congratulate Feng Jin. “I haven’t yet congratulated Cousin on achieving Accomplished Scholar as the third-ranked graduate, bringing glory to the family!”

She paused, unable to help sighing with feeling. “If Mother and Uncle knew underground, they would surely be gratified. Since Cousin’s great-grandfather achieved a third-tier Accomplished Scholar, how many years has it been? Finally Cousin has achieved this third-ranked honor!”

Feng Jin smiled gently. “It was merely luck!” He showed not a trace of youthful pride or arrogance.

He then stepped back several paces and bowed deeply to Seventh Miss in a rare formal gesture. “Actually, this time I wanted to meet Cousin in person to apologize to her personally! Back then Feng Jin was young and ignorant, acted rashly, and implicated Cousin. I apologize to Cousin here!”

Seventh Miss was startled and quickly stepped back. “Cousin, why must you do this…”

The two exchanged courtesies for several more sentences. Seventh Miss repeatedly emphasized that she hadn’t been affected by Feng Jin’s behavior. Though she couldn’t compare to a legitimate daughter in the Yang family, the Grand Madam’s treatment of her wasn’t bad. Only then did Feng Jin’s mind ease, though he still apologized repeatedly. “At that time I didn’t know the height of heaven and earth. When anger rushed to my head, I forgot that Cousin still had to live in the Yang residence…”

Seeing he still brooded over it, Seventh Miss could only smile with pursed lips. “If Cousin speaks this way, then you should apologize to Ninth Brother too. Why do you only speak of apologizing to me… yet don’t mention Ninth Brother?”

Feng Jin stopped smiling and glanced at Seventh Miss.

“Shanjiu was after all raised under Lady Yang’s name. From birth he never saw Mother.” His tone became somewhat distant. “Moreover, I’m clear in my heart about who showed kindness back then. Gratitude and grievances should still be distinguished clearly…”

Seventh Miss’s heart skipped a beat.

Feng Jin’s words were a reserved yet candid indication that in the Yang family, he only recognized her as family—even Ninth Brother came second. He was also subtly hinting that he hadn’t completely abandoned thoughts of revenge.

Setting that aside, how did Feng Jin know that Ninth Brother had been raised in the main courtyard from birth and had never even seen Ninth Concubine? Before Ninth Concubine’s death, there was no way to transmit this information out. In the few exchanges after her death, Seventh Miss knew the details—no one had told Feng Jin this.

Ninth Brother certainly wasn’t foolish enough to tell Ninth Concubine’s relatives such things. In the years before Ninth Concubine was elevated to concubine status, though he and Feng Jin were acquainted, to avoid suspicion they hadn’t been close. The Old Master would even less likely have disclosed such matters to Feng Jin.

Of course, it was possible some servant had gossiped to Feng Jin, but Seventh Miss couldn’t help but suspect that Feng Jin had obtained this information from an informant within the Yang household.

His trip south was originally to take over Xu Fengjia’s unfinished work, spreading hidden networks throughout the south. Presumably all intelligence work in the south was directed by him. From this perspective, had the Crown Prince already planted agents in the Yang family?

Seventh Miss felt chilled all over. She realized for the first time what a terrifying intelligence network this seemingly gentlemanly cousin controlled.

No wonder the Old Master had so rarely lost his composure, willing to let his children bear ridicule rather than fail to form a marriage alliance with Feng Jin. Officials who managed intelligence, though their posts weren’t particularly prominent and their reputations not particularly good, wielded power that could make first-rank officials both alarmed and afraid…

The Yang family had gotten wind and rain as they wished in the south these years. Their hands wouldn’t be completely clean!

Fortunately, fortunately Feng Jin’s attitude was clear. He ultimately valued her, constantly mindful of her kindness. Otherwise, given his current position, if he said a few bad words before the Crown Prince, the Eastern Palace’s opinion of the Yang family might sour greatly… Don’t say she was worrying needlessly—attacking the Grand Madam meant attacking the entire Yang family! With someone like the Grand Madam who had led the Yang family to prosperity, her roots had already grown deep into the Yang family’s foundation!

“To be honest, back then Little Seventh could barely protect herself. In the main courtyard I had only just barely gained a foothold.” She opened her mouth without hesitation. “Actually, in the later remittances, the larger portion was… contributed by Little Seventh’s Fifth Sister.”

Before coming, she had warned herself never to reveal even a hint that would let Fifth Miss’s secret love escape the Garden of Hundred Fragrances.

But now with the Yang family at stake, who knew what plans Feng Jin was making privately? With his capabilities, if he wanted to make things difficult for the Yang family, the Old Master might very well fall without knowing how! Now it was still fine—she hadn’t married yet. But what if Feng Jin created trouble after she married out? From his meaning, he didn’t particularly care about blood relations with Ninth Brother—he could compensate her in other ways after she married…

But Feng Jin could afford not to care about Ninth Brother—she couldn’t afford not to care about Ninth Brother, Second Miss, Fifth Miss, and Sixth Miss!

Even the most callous man would soften somewhat toward a young lady who loved him devotedly, let alone that from Feng Jin’s words, he might not be heartless—otherwise he wouldn’t remember her kindness.

One more person to care about in Fifth Miss meant one more tie to the Yang family. Feng Jin could provide protection like a natal family for her, but for Fifth Miss who was about to marry into Duke Pingguo’s household, he was beyond reach!

Feng Jin’s expression indeed shifted. “Oh?”

Observing his expression carefully, besides surprise, there were also traces of sudden understanding.

It seemed that back then, aside from that one encounter Seventh Miss already knew about, these two had other contact.

Seventh Miss hesitated to speak, then smiled again. “Forget it. Now that Fifth Sister is already betrothed, past matters are better left unsaid. Cousin only needs to know that there was such a young lady who once held you in her heart. That’s enough.”

Feng Jin pressed his lips together without speaking.

In that instant, traces of sorrow flashed through this young man’s eyes.

But in the next moment, he had collected himself and smiled again with detached ease.

Just from this speed of emotional concealment, one knew that this so-called gentle-as-jade demeanor was probably just another of Feng Jin’s masks.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but feel cautious, though more than that, she felt gratified.

The world was difficult. Feng Jin alone had to shoulder an entire family. Having deeper schemes wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. As long as he and the Yang family could coexist peacefully, Seventh Miss naturally hoped he would rise as high as possible.

Time was limited. Feng Jin naturally wouldn’t waste it on distraction.

With just a smile, he got to the heart of the matter. “The Crown Prince’s consort matter is truly puzzling. Having the fortune to serve the Eastern Palace is a blessing countless young ladies seek but cannot obtain… I’ve also heard of Master Yang’s intentions. Cousin couldn’t be under family pressure—”

Seventh Miss immediately perked up.

“Cousin, the Crown Prince’s consort matter is truly my own decision.” She hastily explained. “To be honest with Cousin, growing up in the Yang family, every move required looking ahead and behind. I’m truly already very tired. Back then Divine Physician Quan examined my pulse and said I had congenital deficiency and should avoid taxing my mind this lifetime…”

She selectively told Feng Jin her thoughts.

Feng Jin also listened carefully, his eyes flickering, apparently weighing Seventh Miss’s explanation.

This man had truly matured. From her entrance until now, every step of the conversation had actually been controlled by Feng Jin—first greetings, then apologies, then discussing the Crown Prince’s consort matter… It was just like Xu Fengjia, controlling the entire situation.

But while Xu Fengjia was intense and strong-willed, his dominance overt, Feng Jin had imperceptibly taken the lead…

As Seventh Miss pondered while explaining, this speech she had prepared long ago came naturally and fluently. Feng Jin listened with frequent nods. On his jade-like face, a hint of understanding gradually emerged.

“Cousin needn’t say more. I understand.” He gently took over, thought for a moment, then spoke decisively. “A Yang family daughter being selected as Crown Prince’s consort is the Crown Princess’s wish. Since Fifth Miss is already betrothed, by rank it should be Sixth Miss with her stunning beauty—even the Princess Consort of Minyue praised her endlessly—Sixth Miss’s selection would be appropriate. This matter, I will arrange.”

Seventh Miss immediately breathed a sigh of relief, though with a hint of regret: she had originally wanted to seek a possible exemption for Sixth Miss, waiting to clarify Sixth Miss’s intentions before deciding. But from Feng Jin’s meaning, he could only manipulate who was selected, but was powerless regarding whether a Yang family daughter could be selected at all.

“Thank you for Cousin’s gracious assistance!” She deeply curtsied and bowed to Feng Jin. Feng Jin quickly stepped forward and gently helped her up.

Their eyes met. Neither felt the slightest discomfort.

Feng Jin stepped back slightly before speaking again. “Since Cousin has no heart for the Crown Prince’s consort position, then regarding the marriage with me, Feng Zixiu—knowing Cousin’s temperament, you must already have your thoughts…”

To refuse the marriage—this was the best opportunity.

Seventh Miss took a deep breath, about to speak.

But Feng Jin stopped her.

His gaze was clear and warm. “Setting aside other matters, Zixiu can guarantee that if Cousin marries into the Feng family, she will absolutely never need to use her mind even a little. The Feng family is simple, my mother still remembers Cousin’s kindness. My younger sister is gentle and compliant by nature and will never cause Cousin the slightest trouble. As long as Cousin is willing to marry, I, Feng Zixiu, will certainly protect you for a lifetime of contentment, and you will never hear a word of ‘no.'”

In this era, this was all the promise a man could give!

Given Feng Jin’s personality, prospects, and their relationship, Seventh Miss could be certain that seventy or eighty percent of what he said was true.

She couldn’t help but hesitate, then thought of the Old Master’s words.

“If you marry into the Feng family, there will inevitably be gossip among your sisters in the future… As your father, I can’t provide no compensation—I’ll give you those twenty Exquisite Workshop embroidery houses in the south to take to your husband’s family!”

Exquisite Workshop was where Ninth Concubine’s lifelong efforts lay, but according to the Grand Madam’s intention, it was meant to be given to Fifth Miss as dowry for the Xu family…

For a moment, she was rarely hesitant.