With profit before one’s eyes, one forgets to draw back one’s hand; with no path behind, one thinks of turning back—but not everyone could be like Great Master, able to grasp and release, casting aside the wealth and glory of the Jiangnan Governor position!

Ninth Brother was the first to protest: “Father wanting to keep a low profile is indeed mature and prudent, but to claim illness and return home right after the change of heavens—isn’t that retreating too hastily? Those who don’t know might think that between the Eastern Palace and our Yang family—”

Great Master felt somewhat gratified.

At least Ninth Brother had been raised well!

He stroked his beard and smiled, but didn’t pick up Ninth Brother’s thread. Instead, he looked with concern toward Great Madam.

The couple had worked hand in hand, struggling together from the juren examination to today’s position. Though Great Master was an exceptionally capable official, Great Madam also deserved credit. Of course Great Master couldn’t fail to consider Great Madam’s attitude when speaking of claiming illness.

Great Madam’s expression was somber. She lowered her head in contemplation for a long while before raising it with a sigh. “Master is indeed mature and prudent… For the family’s major matters, you should still make the decisions.”

In the end, she was a noble family’s daughter—at critical moments, she could handle things!

Surveying the four children again, Fifth Miss looked completely bewildered, Sixth Miss bit her lower lip while calculating on her own, Seventh Miss showed a faint look of comprehension, and Ninth Brother also revealed a contemplative expression—none were those frivolous wastrels who clung to wealth and status, hastening to voice opposition upon hearing Great Master’s words.

Great Master’s heart immediately felt more comforted: having these children in this lifetime, he could be considered satisfied.

“Little Qi,” he nodded at Seventh Miss, “explain to your younger brother the intention behind Father’s move.”

Seventh Miss swept a glance at everyone. Seeing the siblings all looking confused, she couldn’t help sighing inwardly.

The sisters were fine—young in age and limited in experience. Not understanding was only natural. But Ninth Brother had grown up in a land of wealth and comfort. Though clever, sometimes he was too proud. When his blood ran hot, his usual cleverness and caution vanished, leaving only a hot-blooded youth…

Hot-bloodedness was certainly not bad in itself. Unfortunately, a hot-blooded youth was least suited for officialdom.

“Just looking at how the Eastern Palace laid such a vast net and game in Jiangnan without revealing a single word to our Yang family, even calculating the Yang family into it, one can know this noble person’s thoughts are deep and methods brilliant. He’s not someone to be manipulated by others and probably doesn’t obey his two adoptive mothers in everything either.” She slowly began. “When he was young years ago, he needed to rely on his adoptive mothers’ influence. Now that he’s grown, it’s not the two adoptive mothers protecting him, but him protecting the two noble ladies.”

With Noble Consort Xu’s influence weakening, the Yang family’s greatest protective umbrella in the capital was showing signs of fading.

“The relationship between our Yang family and the Eastern Palace is neither distant nor close—not comparable to the Xu family, Qin family, or Sun family. Since the Eastern Palace distinctly lacks trust in us and used the opportunity of laying out his game to plant people in Jiangnan with all his might, clearly he values this treasure land of Jiangnan extremely. This being so, with the Yang family being local powers who have operated in Jiangnan for many years, the Eastern Palace inevitably harbors wariness toward us. Once heaven changes, if the Yang family still clings to power and position, I fear the Eastern Palace’s methods will follow in succession, and stepping down would be too unseemly.”

“Better for Father to proactively yield the Jiangnan Governor position, allowing the Eastern Palace to employ his methods and digest Jiangnan at leisure. Thus between sovereign and subject, a thread of dignity remains. In the future, whether Father wants to serve again or reside at home in leisure, both are matters that can be discussed. Relatives in the capital and relatives in the Northwest will also think more highly of our Yang family… This move could perhaps be called advancing by retreating!”

The intricate and complex court situation with its interweaving interests, when explained and analyzed by Seventh Miss’s gentle voice, appeared orderly and perfectly clear. Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss both showed looks of sudden understanding.

But Ninth Brother was somewhat indignant. “Last year when they wanted our Yang family to exert effort and manipulate matters in the Salt and Iron Bureau, it wasn’t this kind of attitude! Burning bridges after crossing, honeyed words and a dagger in the belly…”

Speaking of it, the Crown Prince had indeed both deceived the Yang family into contributing effort while marginalizing them. Ninth Brother having this complaint was only human nature.

Great Master moved his mouth, wanting to scold Ninth Brother a few words. Looking at Great Madam and the daughters, he held back.

A fourteen-year-old young man wasn’t a child anymore… He needed to preserve some face for him.

But Great Madam replied to Ninth Brother: “This is the court, this is politics! If Ninth Brother still can’t see through this point, it would be better not to enter officialdom at all.”

The atmosphere in the room immediately became oppressive.

Fifth Miss’s expression changed several times before she hesitantly spoke: “Then Father’s meaning is, our family’s marriage alliance with the Xu family…”

Cutting straight to the point—this was indeed her style.

This time, the Yang family was truly comprehensively contracting. Once the Jiangnan Governor position was gone, their power would certainly greatly weaken. Affairs in officialdom were like this—when people leave, the tea cools. Though rising stars promoted by Great Master would still respect the Yang family’s dignity, wanting to maintain influence over Jiangnan’s three provinces after stepping down was a fool’s dream.

A woman’s face at her husband’s family was all supported by her maternal family, wasn’t it? The sisters married for many years were fine—after all, they had already borne children and established roots in their husbands’ families. But as Fifth Miss was about to marry as a new bride, with her maternal family contracting at this time, her position became somewhat awkward.

Great Master let out a long breath.

“If we had made this decision earlier, your mother and I would not have agreed to this marriage alliance with the Xu family. Duke Pingguo’s residence is currently enjoying great favor. That child Fengjia has good relations with the Crown Prince—from any angle, the Xu family’s prospects are brighter than the Yang family’s. Even now, you marrying into the Xu family carries a hint of marrying up, let alone after this change of heavens…”

The worry in his eyes as he looked at Fifth Miss was deep. “Little Fifth, remember Father’s words—a newly married bride suffering some grievances is inevitable! You’ve been pampered since childhood. When you reach the Xu family, you must change your willful temperament. Don’t rely on your mother-in-law being your aunt to throw tantrums. Fengjia might not hold it against you out of consideration for your cousin relationship. But inside the Xu family is definitely not calm either. If someone catches you by your weak points and Father and Mother aren’t in Jiangnan but have returned to the Northwest, we probably won’t be able to support you easily… Even if you suffer some grievances at the Xu family, don’t fuss over it. Once children are born, things will improve!”

Great Madam even more wanted to speak but stopped, her eyes full of apology as she looked at Fifth Miss.

Originally they were sending Fifth Miss to enjoy wealth and glory, but unexpectedly the political situation changed in an instant. By the time Fifth Miss married, her maternal family might no longer be so illustrious…

Fifth Miss took a deep breath.

She quietly nodded, straightening her back. “Father can rest assured! I won’t bring shame to the Yang family!”

Great Master looked at Fifth Miss with particular attention again, wanting to say something, but swallowed his words.

He only shook his head and looked toward Sixth Miss.

Sixth Miss was composed and calm, steadily meeting Great Master’s gaze, her lips even carrying a trace of a charming smile.

Great Master fell into contemplation again.

Great Madam looked at Sixth Miss, then swept a glance at Seventh Miss, consulting with Great Master: “This selection matter—should we still participate? Times have changed…”

The whole family focused their gazes on Sixth Miss.

Whether Seventh Miss married into the Quan family, Gui family, or Feng family… her marriage match would definitely have no connection with the imperial palace. Or rather, marrying into the imperial palace could no longer maximize Seventh Miss’s value.

As for Sixth Miss, taking a step forward meant becoming Crown Prince’s consort; taking a step back meant marrying into the Li family as Eleventh Young Master’s wife. One path was perilous, one path smooth. Behind both choices lay good reasons…

It depended on how Great Master chose!

But Great Master seemed to have drifted off, contemplating continuously. For a long time, he didn’t raise his head.

Great Madam’s gaze moved back and forth between Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss. Fifth Miss rested her chin on one hand, staring blankly at the ceiling beams. Sixth Miss was calm and composed. Though she didn’t chat and joke with Seventh Miss, she still smiled cheerfully looking left and right, appearing as if she didn’t take her lifelong major matter to heart.

Ninth Brother’s expression was unsettled as he also lost himself in thought, occasionally glancing at the serene-looking Seventh Miss: with great changes at hand, everyone in the room had their own thoughts.

Great Master slowly came to his senses. Looking at Sixth Miss again, he couldn’t help sighing inwardly.

Every one of the Yang family’s concubine-born daughters was exceptionally clever—only Fourth Miss was slightly more obtuse.

Unfortunately their fates were all poor, unable to obtain legitimate birth. Otherwise their future achievements would probably far exceed the two legitimate daughters!

“The selection must still proceed!” He made his decision. “This is a favor the Crown Prince’s consort is doing for the Yang family. Not responding with a legitimate daughter is already treating it lightly. Fortunately Little Fifth and Fengjia are childhood sweethearts. The two families had an understanding years ago, so Second Miss won’t have no way to explain this matter to the Crown Prince’s consort. Little Sixth has both talent and beauty, charming yet measured—she can sit firmly in this Crown Prince’s consort position!”

Just looking at the decision Great Master made, one knew that in his old heart, he still couldn’t let go of his official career after all.

Seventh Miss glanced at Sixth Miss. Seeing neither joy nor disappointment on her face, she couldn’t help admiring Sixth Miss’s magnanimity. Fifth Miss’s expression was complex. She called out “Father” but then stopped.

Great Madam was quite gratified. Looking at Ninth Brother, she repeatedly agreed: “With our Little Sixth’s temperament and appearance, though we can’t say she’ll win that person’s special favor, as long as she pleases the Crown Prince’s consort, a consort position in the future is secure. It’s better than marrying into the Li family!”

With the conversation reaching this point, Fifth Miss and Sixth Miss’s marriage matters were settled. Though there were still trivial matters to handle afterward, since Great Master had spoken and Great Madam had nodded, no further waves would arise.

Great Master then turned to look at Ninth Brother and sighed softly.

“If the day of heaven’s change truly arrives… Ninth Brother will return home with us to study diligently and not come out to take the examinations for merit for the time being!”

He gave no one time to speak, abruptly standing up and glancing at Great Madam. “Though times are difficult, as long as the family works together with one heart, there’s no obstacle we can’t overcome! We must make complete preparations: I fear this heaven’s change will not be so…”

Before finishing his words, Great Master stopped, looking pensively toward the azure sky outside the window, clear as if freshly washed.

The whole family couldn’t help following Great Master’s gaze outward, as if this clear world would change color in the next instant.

#

Emerging from the main hall, worry showed on all the children’s faces.

The last traces of domineering arrogance and willful indulgence on Fifth Miss’s face seemed to have grown wings—in just a few hours, they had completely vanished without a trace.

She walked in contemplation all the way to Huansha Dock before forcing herself to put on a cheerful expression and tease Sixth Miss: “Our family’s Sixth Sister is blessed, able to enter the palace to serve the Eastern Palace. How many people could only hope for this without it coming!”

The Great Qin’s imperial consorts differed from previous dynasties, all coming from daughters of great families. Just looking at today’s Noble Consort Xu, who was merely a Crown Prince’s consort back then, one could know what great honor it was for Sixth Miss as a concubine-born daughter to be selected for the Eastern Palace.

Sixth Miss only smiled faintly. “Fifth Sister, please don’t laugh at me.”

Her tone clearly carried more perfunctoriness. While speaking, she followed her two sisters walking toward Baifang Garden’s east wing.

Fifth Miss thought she wanted to enter Yuelai Hall to chat and invited Seventh Miss: “Come sit together at Yuelai Hall—Father really is something. Today he arranged everything for everyone except you. Yang Qi, you must also feel somewhat anxious in your heart?”

Seventh Miss smiled. “Sixth Sister is probably eager to go to the small garden and speak with Seventh Yiniang…”

Only then did Fifth Miss suddenly realize: “I had forgotten about this!”

With her lifelong fate settled, Sixth Miss naturally wanted to tell her birth mother.

Sixth Miss smiled knowingly at Seventh Miss, apologetically nodding to Fifth Miss, then hurried across the bamboo bridge and exited Baifang Garden through the side door.

Fifth Miss was just about to speak with Seventh Miss when Nanny Liang’s voice called from behind.

“Fifth Miss, Madam requests you return to the main courtyard to speak—”

She had no choice but to leave Seventh Miss behind and return along the way she came to find Nanny Liang.

Seventh Miss stopped in her tracks, looking at her two sisters’ retreating figures. For a moment she didn’t want to return to Yuyu Pavilion.

She might as well go speak with Ninth Brother.

Great Madam had just kept Ninth Brother to speak a few private words before sending Nanny Liang to pursue Fifth Miss.

Seventh Miss had just reached Jidi Residence’s entrance when she ran into Ninth Brother entering.

“What did Madam say to you?” The siblings weren’t very formal with each other. They each took seats in the east inner room. Seventh Miss reclined on the beauty couch while Ninth Brother sat at her feet, cradling his chin in both hands, lost in thought.

“Didn’t say much, just urged me to still study diligently…” Ninth Brother’s mood was quite low. He absent-mindedly answered Seventh Miss then fell back into distraction.

“What’s wrong?” Seventh Miss was quite surprised. “Are you reluctant to leave this Jiangnan scenery, or reluctant to give up current power and position? Even Father doesn’t have half the worry on his face that you do.”

Ninth Brother sighed and groaned, not answering. He glanced at Seventh Miss then turned his head away to stare at the brick floor.

After a long while, he spoke in a muffled voice.

“At my age, Father could already sit for the juren examination! Even Cousin at my age had already gone into battle and established military merit…”

Seventh Miss suddenly understood.

He was sulking with Great Master, feeling Great Master underestimated him, unwilling to let him take the exam—as if him taking the juren exam would create trouble for the family.

She couldn’t help smiling faintly, affectionately patting Ninth Brother’s shoulder. “Do you think Father was willing to shoulder the family’s heavy burden so early? Let alone Cousin was also forced by his family with no choice, urgently needing to establish merit to prove himself… Silly child, not letting you take the exam is precisely because the family can protect you, can let you be carefree for a few more years!”

Ninth Brother shrugged his shoulders, shaking off Seventh Miss’s hand, then muttered: “Even Seventh Sister can enter the small study to share Father’s worries and resolve his difficulties. Yet Father still treats me like a child! He tells me nothing, then turns around and blames me for being useless…”

Great Master viewing Ninth Brother was like Great Madam viewing Fifth Miss—loving him to the bottom of his heart, thus seeing faults everywhere and finding fault everywhere.

“Now you’re the one who doesn’t recognize blessings while enjoying them,” Seventh Miss tapped Ninth Brother’s forehead. “Cousin from the Feng family was only fifteen or sixteen when he topped the xiucai examinations, and before twenty became jieyuan. But if you ask him, I think he’d rather have had a strict father’s discipline and studied leisurely at home… Moreover, three years of silence leading to amazing the world with a single feat—you can peacefully study for a few more years and achieve three consecutive top rankings. You wouldn’t be much inferior to Cousin from the Xu family!”

Mentioning Xu Fengjia reminded her of Great Master’s words.

She just didn’t know whether the Xu family was a chess piece in the game or a confidant beside the chess player…

With Fifth Miss’s cunning, taking charge of the Xu family’s main hall would probably be very difficult for the first two years. She didn’t know if Xu Fengjia could protect her…

While lost in thought, Ninth Brother let out another long sigh.

“I understand the reasoning, it’s just…” He looked at Seventh Miss then swallowed his words. “Never mind, never mind. Actually, even if Seventh Sister hadn’t come to find me, I was going to speak with you. Today Father arranged everything except your marriage, which has me quite worried. Since Father has thoughts of retiring from office and wants to return to the Northwest in leisure, I had thought your marriage with the Gui family was a sure thing…”

As the Gui family were local powers in the Northwest, if they had Gui Hanchun as a son-in-law, let alone Great Master himself having retreated from the frontlines—even if he were a nobody, in the Northwest he’d gain face out of thin air.

Seventh Miss shook her head.

No wonder Great Master wasn’t at ease with Ninth Brother taking the examinations… This child’s experience was ultimately too shallow.

“The Yang family only has this one daughter left in total.” Her tone was light. “Rare things are precious. Father won’t settle my marriage so quickly. Whether it’s the Quan family or Gui family depends on whether his old self’s circumstances after the change of heavens are difficult or easy… This last item, he’ll naturally hold onto it longer. How could he easily sell it cheap?”

Though arranging her birth father this way—while the words weren’t false—still lacked respect. Ninth Brother couldn’t help frowning slightly before saying: “In any case, with Cousin from the Feng family around, no matter how Seventh Sister marries, she won’t marry too poorly! Father is also, is also…”

But couldn’t continue.

Seventh Miss smiled faintly. She didn’t continue this topic but said lightly: “Let the wind and waves rise, sit firmly on the fishing platform. I must thank Cousin from the Feng family. Otherwise, I couldn’t sit so steadily on this fishing platform.”

Ninth Brother looked at Seventh Miss. After a long while he turned his head away, his voice heavy: “Yes, Cousin from the Feng family can already protect Seventh Sister.”

After another long silence, when Seventh Miss had also drifted into thought, he muttered softly: “I wonder when I’ll be able to protect Seventh Sister…”