The room immediately fell into deathly silence. The Grand Madam sat dazed at the bedside, still gripping Fifth Lady’s hand without releasing it, as if tightening her arms would make Fifth Lady wake up.

Madam Xu’s face was ashen. First Young Madam and Fifth Young Madam both showed expressions of unbearable sorrow. It was Elder Madam Min who stepped forward to tug at the Grand Madam, saying in a low voice, “Elder Aunt, let go.”

Chunfen and Guyu sniffled and sobbed quietly, not daring to cry aloud. Catching Elder Madam Min’s eye signal, they walked to the Grand Madam’s side and gently pulled her away, laying Fifth Lady flat on the bedding.

As soon as Fifth Lady was laid flat, Fifth Young Madam sprang up as if receiving a signal. “Quickly help the in-law’s madam to the east inner chamber—Mother, please come along too. This is not a place to linger.”

Usually quiet and gentle, she now commanded with determination, displaying the bearing of a household mistress. Though her tone held grief, it was extremely well controlled, only faintly revealed.

Madam Xu wanted to speak but held back, ultimately following Fifth Young Madam’s arrangements. Seventh Miss and Elder Madam Min personally supported the Grand Madam while First Young Madam and Fifth Young Madam supported Madam Xu into the east inner chamber. Fifth Young Madam then invited Quan Zhongbai inside to take the pulses of the two elders, fearing that excessive grief would damage their health.

Quan Zhongbai was quite patient. He seemed accustomed to this situation. Though his expression was solemn, his actions were methodical. He prescribed two formulas to calm Madam Xu’s nerves, then requested that idle persons withdraw—he needed to insert several needles for the Grand Madam.

“Madam Yang has grieved excessively. Her mind is somewhat addled. If this continues, I fear phlegm will cloud her heart, and at her age she’s prone to stroke.”

Seventh Miss and Elder Madam Min naturally remained in the east inner chamber. Madam Xu refused to leave either. “I… I’ll accompany Fourth Sister!”

She seemed to have aged several years all at once, the white hair at her temples framing her gaunt face, making her appear especially haggard. In the end, only First Young Madam withdrew to help Fifth Young Madam delegate tasks. Before long, Fourth Young Madam’s voice came from outside.

“Old Madam sent me to inquire—What! Sixth Sister-in-law has already…”

This was followed by muffled crying, suppressed sobs, and Fifth Young Madam’s persuasion: “Fourth Sister-in-law, it’s very chaotic here now. The two elders are grief-stricken beyond measure. Let’s not add to the confusion…”

Though her voice was soft, it was very firm. She delegated tasks one by one, arranging for Fifth Lady’s death bed transfer and tomorrow’s minor burial rites. Everything was orderly and methodical. Seventh Miss listened carefully, her mind in turmoil, countless thoughts swirling, all crying out: “Who could it be!”

Who was so bold as to choose today of all days, when the Grand Madam came to visit, to drug Fifth Lady—and with such potent medicine…

This person fundamentally wasn’t afraid of making a big scene!

She couldn’t help but glance at Madam Xu.

Though such matters were difficult to determine, given Madam Xu and Fifth Lady’s relationship, if she wanted to harm Fifth Lady, she wouldn’t need to use such methods at all.

According to capital customs, when visiting a new mother, the birth mother should come first. The Grand Madam had only set out to see Fifth Lady today—other relatives, even if visiting the manor, wouldn’t enter Mingde Hall. Moreover, for an outsider to poison Fifth Lady’s medicine was pure fantasy.

Only the female relatives within Duke Pingguo’s manor had the capability to poison her!

Fortunately, this branch didn’t have many female relatives—speaking of those with the ability to poison, there were only the three sisters-in-law and Old Madam Ni.

But what about motive?

Fifth Lady’s voice suddenly echoed in Seventh Miss’s ears.

“Did you see the expressions on my several sisters-in-law? Hmph, this time I’ve finally held my head high and made those little bitches taste what it’s like not to bear sons!”

“And Fourth Sister-in-law—Fifth Sister-in-law at least bore a daughter. She’s been married three or four years without even a peep to show for it. Just wait and see—even if Old Madam doesn’t speak up, Third Aunt will add people to Fourth Brother’s room… And she’s the most jealous!”

Her eyes darkened.

Rivers and mountains may change, but nature is hard to alter. Fifth Lady had always been too triumphant… Having borne sons, though she now had backing, why must she shout her future plans for the whole world to know? This invited too much resentment!

Lost in thought, the Grand Madam had already received several needles from Quan Zhongbai and was resting peacefully with closed eyes. Only then did Quan Zhongbai pack his medicine box and take leave of Madam Xu.

“Birth and death are common affairs. Madam need not worry excessively. Overthinking will only harm your health more. I’ve prescribed calming formulas—please take several doses, Madam…”

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred. She quickly stepped forward and paid respects to Quan Zhongbai.

“Physician Quan!” Her voice was very soft. “Please wait a moment… I want to ask what medicine Fifth Sister drank.”

Quan Zhongbai wrinkled his nose and exhaled with slight weariness.

“What medicine?” He glanced at Seventh Miss with surprise, his eyes holding more thoughtfulness. “Though I’m a divine physician, I’m not that divine. I only know she drank blood-activating medicine. What exactly it was, I can’t determine by touch.”

Seventh Miss gave Chunfen an eye signal—Chunfen immediately understood. While wiping her tears, she left the room. Soon she returned carrying a small blue and white porcelain bowl.

“Madam drank this bowl of medicine, and within half an incense stick’s time she…”

Quan Zhongbai’s expression shifted, and he stared at Seventh Miss with deep meaning for several moments.

Not just him—Madam Xu’s and Elder Madam Min’s gazes were also drawn to Seventh Miss as if by magnets, then followed to the medicine bowl.

Even the Grand Madam suddenly opened her eyes, staring fixedly at the blue and white porcelain bowl without making a sound.

The room instantly became as quiet as a graveyard.

“I’m a physician, not a pharmacy manager.” Quan Zhongbai showed some impatience. “Seventh Miss, perhaps…”

“Physician Quan!” Seventh Miss raised her voice, looking at Quan Zhongbai imploringly.

In her memory, the last time she’d looked at someone so beseechingly was on the earthen kang in the Northwest, gazing at the old matron who guarded her and Ninth Aunt.

“You’re a divine physician—one word from you is worth ten from others… If there were any other way, I wouldn’t trouble you like this.”

She truly had no other option!

Fifth Lady belonged to the Xu family—dead, she was also a Xu family ghost. Natal family relatives could only come to offer condolences during the funeral procession. Once the Grand Madam rested slightly, they would have to leave.

How could a little maid like Chunfen come forward to request medicine verification? As for Madam Xu, the household mistress—counting on her was too unreliable.

If Fifth Lady’s death wasn’t brought into the open right now, there truly would be no opportunity later!

She tried her best to convey her anxiety and desperation through her eyes, making Quan Zhongbai understand.

Quan Zhongbai glanced at Madam Xu again.

His concerns were self-evident.

Madam Xu’s face was pale. She gripped the chair arm tightly, cast a stern glance at Seventh Miss, then softly urged Quan Zhongbai: “Please help, Physician Quan.”

“I don’t deserve such a request from Old Madam.” Quan Zhongbai sighed, washed his hands in the corner basin, returned and picked up the medicine bowl to smell it. He dipped his little finger in the medicine juice and tasted it. His rosy lips sucked briefly on his jade-like little finger before he had an answer. “This medicine is Ten Complete Great Tonic Soup, made with variations of ginseng, white atractylodes, angelica, Chinese dates, astragalus, longan, and other ingredients. For the Young Madam’s constitution of deficient qi and blood, taking these ingredients was very appropriate. This must be Physician Zhong’s prescription.”

Physician Zhong was the doctor who had examined Fifth Lady earlier, also a renowned physician in the capital.

“However, this medicinal soup doesn’t taste right.” Quan Zhongbai paid no attention to Madam Xu’s expression. “There’s the fragrance of saffron… Hmm? And some bitterness of vaccaria seeds? These two ingredients were definitely added.”

He sighed again, murmuring to himself, “This is troublesome.” Then he raised his voice: “Both saffron and vaccaria seeds cause uterine contractions and bleeding. Used correctly, they’re good medicine. But the Young Madam seemed to have inherited Madam Yang’s condition—overthinking, unable to sleep or eat well, liver meridian stagnation. Her qi and blood were already deficient. Once the medicine’s force hit her, the bleeding was difficult to stop. The earlier physicians weren’t skilled in acupuncture, so the best opportunity was missed and became irretrievable.”

The Grand Madam collapsed again with a thud. Quan Zhongbai glared at Seventh Miss before rolling up his sleeves to insert needles for the Grand Madam again.

But Seventh Miss felt no remorse whatsoever.

The Grand Madam loved fainting—let her faint ten more times if she liked. This matter had to be clarified. Otherwise, if Madam Xu yielded to pressure and closed the case carelessly, when the culprit struck next, they would certainly target Fifth Lady’s twin sons… If the deed was done gently without leaving traces, who would speak for the grievances of mother and sons?

She looked toward Madam Xu.

Madam Xu was also looking at her, her eyes cold as ice.

“Please take good care of my two little nephews, Third Aunt.” She instructed Madam Xu softly, her attitude unyielding. “Lest tragedies occur one after another… If the two families become bitter enemies, I fear that would not be a good thing either.”

The Grand Madam, grief-stricken beyond measure, couldn’t fulfill her duties as maternal grandmother. But the natal family couldn’t make no statement.

Fifth Lady had met with misfortune in the Xu household. As household mistress, Madam Xu bore inescapable responsibility. What if her attitude was cold? However cold, it wouldn’t make her more in the right.

Madam Xu raised an eyebrow and couldn’t help but turn to look at the Grand Madam.

She deliberated briefly. When she spoke again, her attitude had softened considerably.

“Seventh Miss truly remains calm in crisis, with an orchid heart and refined nature…” Still, she gave a few cold laughs before affirming Seventh Miss’s demand. “The children have been taken to Qingping Courtyard. As long as this grandmother still has breath in her body, these golden grandsons will absolutely come to no harm!”

Elder Madam Min stood rooted to the spot in shock, looking between Madam Xu and Seventh Miss. Before long, unusual light flashed repeatedly in her eyes, as if seeing Seventh Miss clearly for the first time.

#

Quan Zhongbai simply inserted several more needles directly for the Grand Madam, putting her into deep sleep. He also prescribed several formulas for Elder Madam Min to keep, instructing her: “When Madam Yang wakes, give her one dose every two hours. If Madam Yang’s qi never calms, come find me again.”

He hesitated slightly before adding, “However, when I’m not at the palace I’m at Fragrant Hills. I may not be able to get away. If you can’t reach me at the moment, finding Physician Zhong will work just as well.”

Given Quan Zhongbai’s current status and position, he might truly be beyond reach. Elder Madam Min’s face was full of gratitude. She agreed repeatedly before accompanying Seventh Miss in arranging for servants to prepare a heated sedan chair and helping the Grand Madam return to the Yang residence.

The Grand Master was on night duty at the palace today and wouldn’t return to the manor until late at night. Elder Madam Min and Seventh Miss together settled the Grand Madam in the main room’s inner chamber. Elder Madam Min then took her leave: “There’s still a patient at home…”

Seventh Miss saw Elder Madam Min to the door, thanking her: “If Elder Sister-in-law hadn’t been there, I alone might not have managed today.”

Elder Madam Min smiled weakly. “Seventh Sister, don’t say such things. Our two branches don’t have many relatives in the capital—supporting each other is the right path. I’ll come again tomorrow to see Aunt!”

She hurriedly nodded to Seventh Miss before turning to board her sedan chair.

Seventh Miss returned to the room to see Nanny Wang, Nanny Liang, and Nanny Yao—three elderly women gathered in the corner murmuring quietly, wiping tears as they spoke. Her heart ached, as if only now realizing that Fifth Lady had truly passed away.

She’d gone all day without food or water. Besides half a bowl of congee that morning, she’d only drunk a few sips of tea. Now, exhausted to the extreme, she didn’t even have the strength to cry. Sitting in the grand tutor’s chair, she raised her hand to support her forehead, feeling her head buzzing, unable to form a single coherent thought. After a long while, she barely gathered some energy, raised her head and instructed Lidong: “Please ask Steward Zhang to come!”

Soon, Steward Zhang entered the room, respectfully paid respects to Seventh Miss, his attitude already tinged with sorrow. “This servant greets Seventh Miss.”

With Seventh Miss’s former temperament, she definitely wouldn’t have accepted Steward Zhang’s full courtesy.

But now she felt as if sitting on a bed of needles, every part of her body from head to toe aching and throbbing, waves of dizziness making her almost unable to keep from collapsing onto the chair. How could she care about such things?

She bit her lower lip, using this bit of pain to recover a little clarity.

“Steward Zhang must have already heard some news.” As she spoke, she heard the hoarseness in her voice. “Fifth Sister’s bleeding couldn’t be stopped. Just now she died of hemorrhage…”

The faint crying in the corner grew louder.

Though Fifth Lady had grown up in the Yang household with a stubborn temperament and might not have been very close to the servants, several of the serving women by the Grand Madam’s side had all watched her grow up.

Steward Zhang’s expression immediately showed more grief. “How could it be so sudden?!”

He quickly calmed down again. “This servant will immediately send someone to the palace to report and inform the Master.”

Seventh Miss nodded weakly. She wanted to instruct Steward Zhang with a few more words, but her mental and physical strength was already exhausted beyond continuation. Her vision gradually blurred, gold stars bursting before her eyes. Amid everyone’s cries of alarm, her world turned to sweet darkness.

#

She had dozens of dreams. Though aware she was dreaming, she couldn’t wake up. In her previous life at the orphanage, to get one more mouthful of rice, she had to painstakingly curry favor with the meal-serving aunt. From early schooling, she knew she was the one with the least capital to skip school or slack off. Though the rural elementary school had lax discipline, she still studied hard.

Throughout her teenage years, poverty ran through everything. Her meager wealth would probably have been casually discarded by any peer. Finally reaching adulthood, through four years of university, she struggled from having nothing to modest savings, neither jealous nor demanding, relying solely on her brain.

Her greatest nightmare was losing her mental sharpness—that was her only asset for conducting herself in the world. As long as her mind remained, no matter how deep the desperate straits, she could find a way out. She didn’t ask much of life—survival was enough.

But in the dream, she felt helpless for the first time.

She knew she was in a maze, countless forks with only one correct path, but the clues were far too few. Old Madam Ni’s smiling face, Fifth Young Madam’s low and clear voice—they echoed through the entire dream.

“Hasn’t the wood ash arrived yet?”

“Those are all my clothes! If I can’t wear them anymore, throwing them away or cutting them up—it’s all my business!”

“A moment’s triumph counts for nothing—a lifetime of triumph is what—”

“Unless I know he’s already married, unless I see with my own eyes Madam Feng coming to visit… unless he’s dead, unless he… he enters the palace as a eunuch, otherwise I won’t give up!”

Seventh Miss gasped and sat up abruptly, feeling her head splitting with pain. She sat dazed for a long while before slowly shedding tears.

“Miss!” Beside her came Lixia’s blurred cry of alarm, then rustling sounds of dressing. Lixia got out of bed to brighten the overnight oil lamp, lit a candle and brought it over, carefully examining Seventh Miss’s complexion. “Miss… Miss, please accept condolences. When people die, the lamp goes out—there’s nothing to be done…”

Seventh Miss’s tears flowed more torrentially. She thought again of Fifth Lady’s face like gilt paper, extremely white with a faint yellow tinge…

She was still so young!

Ninth Aunt’s death had been foreshadowed for four or five years. For Ninth Aunt, tormented by illness and unable to sleep or eat well, death was less an ending than a release. Every day she lived was torture from illness. Only for her children had she barely supported her diseased body, scheming and managing embroidery work… Though her death was desolate, it was peaceful—like the lingering notes after a song ends, faint and floating. Seventh Miss had been fully prepared, hiding her grief deep.

But Fifth Lady’s death was too impactful!

Right before her eyes, a young woman had expired in just a few hours. She was still so young, with so much joy yet to experience. In her short life, she had truly missed too many things. She’d made mistakes, stumbled—but only because she was still young. She truly should have had more time to get up, learn to let go of hurt, accept regret, and enjoy her youth!

“Lixia.” Seventh Miss heard her own voice.

Her voice had never been so weathered and hoarse. “I truly regret it. I truly regret it deeply. I should have slapped her a few more times, taught her more about human nature and worldly affairs, taught her forbearance, taught her depth…”

She spoke more urgently, ultimately losing coherence, dissolving into sobs.

Lixia lowered her eyes, set down the candlestick, and gently pressed Seventh Miss’s shoulder.

“Miss, please accept condolences.” She repeated again. “When people die, the lamp goes out. Many things—you had no way to prevent.”

Seventh Miss cried until her shoulders shook.

She cried for over an hour before her tears finally gradually stopped.

Dawn’s light appeared at the horizon. Lixia brought hot water to serve Seventh Miss as she washed. She changed her into plain-colored clothes, went to the small kitchen for refreshments, served Seventh Miss her meal, then accompanied her to the main room to pay respects to the Grand Master and Grand Madam.

Rather than paying respects, it was more like conferring.

Fifth Lady’s death certainly had hidden circumstances. The natal family needed to know in their hearts exactly who wanted to move against this Heir Apparent’s wife. After all, the twin sons Fifth Lady left behind would depend on the Yang family’s care in the future. Counting on Xu Fengjia far away in Guangzhou and the illness-ravaged Madam Xu would be too presumptuous.

Having eaten a meal, Seventh Miss was much calmer. She remembered Quan Zhongbai’s words and very much wanted to discuss with the Grand Master and Grand Madam, analyzing the suspicious points.

But just as she entered the main courtyard, she heard the Grand Madam’s voice.

“Don’t stop me!” The Grand Madam had never shouted so hysterically before. “I’ll fight them to the death! Everyone in the Xu family must be buried with her! I’m going all out! Yang Haidong, you dare stop me! Everyone get away! Who dares stop me! Let me go! Let me go!”

Her voice held no restraint whatsoever, instead carrying obvious madness.

From inside came the Grand Master’s weary voice: “Madam, you might first clear your head…”

Then came his cry of pain, sounds of tearing and struggling, shattering porcelain, heavy objects falling… The room rang with clanging crashes one after another, already in complete chaos.