“On the first night of our wedding, you’re going to sleep in the study,” Seventh Miss’s tone was icy. “Do you think the Xu family’s jokes aren’t big enough already?”

Xu Fengjia might already detest her greatly, might be extremely obstinate and self-willed, but he was after all a general and couldn’t be completely ignorant of the struggles in the Xu family’s inner quarters.

What the two people quarreled about in the bridal chamber on the wedding night was one thing—even whether they consummated the marriage or not didn’t matter. But if he went to sleep in the study, that would too greatly humiliate Seventh Miss.

If the new bride lost face and was looked down upon in her husband’s family, in the end, the ones suffering would still be the Xu family’s sixth branch.

Xu Fengjia’s feet didn’t step further outward. After a long while, he finally turned around, bent down to pick up the long sword, returned it to its sheath, and slapped it onto the standing cabinet.

“Don’t touch swords and blades carelessly in the future.” His tone was still rigid and cold, but no longer blazing with fury.

They weren’t children anymore. Quarreling could certainly vent emotions, but it couldn’t solve problems.

Seventh Miss nodded slightly, pulled her lips at him in what counted as a temporary ceasefire, and said in a low voice, “I need to bathe. I must call someone in to serve.”

Seeing Xu Fengjia seemed to have no objection, she personally opened the door to go out, called Lixia in, and gave a few instructions. Lixia naturally went to make proper arrangements. In less than a quarter hour, before the small chiming clock struck twelve, Seventh Miss had already finished washing up and settled onto the harmony bed.

Xu Fengjia seemed accustomed to managing his own daily life. He again dismissed the maids, leaving only a bucket of hot water to wait. Before long, he also came out from the room, lifted the covers and lay down of his own accord, his back toward Seventh Miss. Soon soft snoring sounds came.

Only then did Seventh Miss feel at ease.

To perform the rites of Duke Zhou under such emotions would surely be a nightmare.

She pushed her pillow, swept her long hair to her chest, and peacefully closed her eyes. Perhaps this confrontation with Xu Fengjia had truly consumed too much mental energy. She had originally thought that in a new environment she might be sleepless all night, yet she had barely closed her eyes before sinking into deep sleep.

Early the next morning, Xu Fengjia pushed her awake.

“There are still many things to do today.” His expression was cold and grim. Though he didn’t show displeasure, he certainly didn’t look happy either.

Seventh Miss silently turned over and got out of bed. Lixia and the others had long been waiting at the side. After entering the washing room to freshen up and emerging, she thought to ask Xu Fengjia, “Where are the people who originally served in Mingde Hall?”

Xu Fengjia shook his head and casually explained, “The west wing and east wing have always used different people. Those coming and going in the west wing are all manservants I’m accustomed to using—there aren’t many maids. These years I’ve been home rarely. Apart from a few cleaning women, there’s no one else in the west wing.”

Seventh Miss furrowed her brows in silent contemplation, responded softly, sat down at the table, and shared a wordless breakfast with Xu Fengjia.

When a new wife enters the household, by rights she should meet with the family members. However, Duke Pingguo had to take Xu Fengjia to the palace to give thanks. Xu Fengjia bit into two steamed buns and hurriedly left, only tossing out “The old mama will come to guide you” before disappearing.

Without him there, Seventh Miss instead relaxed. Seeing the hour was still early—the chiming clock had only reached five-thirty—she nibbled on a small chestnut flour steamed bun while lowering her brows in contemplation.

Her quarrel with Xu Fengjia wasn’t finished yet—both sides had just called for intermission.

In the future, conflicts would certainly erupt again.

From their first meeting until now, the Heir Apparent had always had a condescending sense of superiority toward her. Indeed, this superiority came quite naturally. He was the legitimate son of an aristocratic family, his parents’ bloodlines noble, his own abilities strong. Looking at her, a concubine-born daughter, he naturally stood high above.

Previously she had nothing much to say about it. Living under others’ roof, in the Grand Madam and Grand Master’s eyes, her life might not be worth as much as one of Xu Fengjia’s hands. Regarding Xu Fengjia and the Xu family’s fine sense of self-worth, she could feel disdain in her heart but had to admit they had good reason to feel superior.

But now it was different.

Legitimate daughters had good days before leaving the household; concubine-born daughters had good days after leaving the household.

Before leaving the household, with birth mothers wielding power, legitimate daughters were precious as gold and jade. Among sisters with the same Yang surname, they were simply more noble by several degrees. People comparing with people could kill—of course legitimate daughters felt superior in their hearts and their days went smoothly. After leaving the household, the sense of disparity immediately arrived. The suffering new daughters-in-law had to endure, concubine-born daughters could bear, but legitimate daughters might not be able to.

Concubine-born daughters had to be careful everywhere before leaving the household, their lives cheap as paper. Whoever found them displeasing could reach out to knead and rub them. After leaving the household, their dignity represented the Yang family’s dignity. Regardless of how parents felt, they wouldn’t permit anyone to bully a Yang family daughter. It had nothing to do with dignity at home. Even if the Grand Madam didn’t like Third Miss, if Third Miss were excluded by the Zhang family, she would still have to stand up for Third Miss—otherwise where was the Yang family’s dignity? Thus the days of First Miss, Third Miss, and Fourth Miss after leaving the household were instead more pleasant.

Though she had the status of a legitimate daughter, in her heart she had never regarded herself as one. Before leaving the household, she had to think three times before saying a word, look forward and backward before doing anything, only because she had no backing—she relied entirely on herself.

After marrying, things were different. She had the one and only, also the most powerful and most legitimate backing: her natal family.

Adrift like duckweed in two lifetimes, when she could say what words and do what things—how could Seventh Miss’s heart not know? Previously her days were cautious and stifled because she had no support. Even though the Grand Master was her birth father and the Grand Madam her legitimate mother, she still had to act like an orphan—even more carefully than an orphan—she couldn’t let her lack of caution implicate Ninth Brother.

Though entering the Xu family’s rear quarters with concubine-born status, though her several sisters-in-law all had more noble births than herself, though the grand mother-in-law disliked her from the start, though there was also a deep-scheming mother-in-law with whom she’d had friction.

But since she had already left the household, Seventh Miss never planned to meekly submit to everything.

A joke! Her birth father was a Grand Secretary, her legitimate mother was her mother-in-law’s own younger sister, her cousin was the Emperor’s favorite, and the Xu family still owed the Yang family a murderer… If at such a time she still had to lower her brows and eyes in submission, that wouldn’t be caution—it would be cowardice.

Moreover, Seventh Miss hadn’t forgotten her promise to Fifth Miss.

This murderer—she was definitely going to find them.

She had no case investigation experience. To work from subtle clues, her abilities were probably insufficient. Moreover, the case had actually already passed a year and a half—enough time for a murderer to clean up the scene at leisure and erase all traces.

Naturally Seventh Miss had her own methods.

With Fifth Miss’s personality, after gaining power and favor, what would she do?

Following this path to deduce, naturally one could discover which opponent she would most easily offend, and whose personality would be more likely to use murder to eliminate a thorn in their eye…

The old mama arrived before long.

“Aiya,” she exclaimed upon entering. “How is it you haven’t dressed and groomed yet…”

Seventh Miss lifted her eyelids and sent over a cold stare.

The old mama immediately fell silent, lowered her eyes, showing rare unease.

Though according to her previous style, she would certainly never use this attitude toward important ministers like the old mama… but that was before.

Methods—she didn’t lack. What she had always lacked was only power.

Now Seventh Miss had absolute power to crush all opposing voices. This was perhaps the greatest benefit marrying had brought her.

She gave Lixia a look. Lixia immediately understood.

“You needn’t be anxious—isn’t it still before the mao hour proper?” She smilingly pulled the old mama to the side. Qiqiao and Shangyuan immediately rushed forward to serve Seventh Miss in changing clothes and dressing.

These two had served Seventh Miss for years—how could they not know their mistress’s temperament? Both had trained nimble hands and feet. In just the time of one incense stick, they had already arranged Seventh Miss’s hair in a high coiffure, inserted and adorned a complete set of gemstone hair ornaments the Grand Madam had collected for her dowry—the rubies and emeralds all as large as cat’s eyes—then helped her into a gold and silver fully embroidered cross-collar long jacket specially processed and rushed by Xianxiu Workshop’s capital branch, a gift from Second Miss.

Seventh Miss gracefully stood, examined herself in the mirror for a moment, then smiled at the old mama. “I’ve delayed Mama’s attendance.”

When she was sitting and eating, it hadn’t seemed like anything. Now as she stood, moving without hindrance, spirit full and energy sufficient… the old mama felt something was wrong.

When a new wife first experiences intimacy, no matter how restrained she is on the second day, to experienced elders’ eyes, the slight stiffness in her gait is always completely visible.

Just watching Seventh Miss walk back and forth with light, agile steps, one could sense something amiss. Moreover, the old mama was most skilled at observing women. Just looking at the expression between Seventh Miss’s brows, she knew she definitely hadn’t received favor last night…

What kind of person was the old mama? She remained composed, only smiling. “Not at all—Madam has grasped the timing just right.”

Then as they walked, she explained to Seventh Miss, “In the residence, the Grand Madam rises early—always gets up at the second quarter of the mao hour, eats breakfast at the first quarter of the chen hour, naps at noon, and retires at the second quarter of the xu hour. Madam has been in poor health these years, her daily routine irregular. The several young madams all pay respects to the Grand Madam during the chen hour, then pay respects to Madam. Fifth Young Madam, because she manages household affairs, conducts business at Leshan Residence every day during the si and wei hours.”

Speaking of household affairs, she glanced at Seventh Miss.

The flavor in her words—naturally Seventh Miss could taste it.

She smiled and nodded, carefully listening to the old mama’s introduction.

“Today because of the joyous occasion, the whole family gathers at Leshan Residence. Only absent are the Duke and Heir Apparent who went to the palace to give thanks. Also Fourth Master is in the northwest and hasn’t returned. First Master, Fifth Master, Seventh Master, and Eighth Master are all here, and of course the three young madams.”

The old mama took out her pocket watch to glance at it, then smiled. “Right now it’s the chen hour proper. The people are probably almost all here. Young Madam, this way please—”

So Seventh Miss followed the old mama together, once again stepping into Leshan Residence with its flying eaves, brackets, carved beams and painted rafters.

Leshan Residence was the center of Little Cuijin. The architecture was of course particularly complete. Northern architecture differed from Jiangnan—it emphasized breadth. Leshan Residence was also in the pocket room style, the architecture naturally more complex. The main hall was rather small, with separate passageways and corridors. Rooms were on both sides. Using modern buildings as comparison, it was more like an office building, with all kinds of rooms on both sides of the hallway.

Seventh Miss was led into the third room of Leshan Residence’s east wing. Upon entering, her eyes immediately brightened: this should be Leshan Residence’s conference room.

Grand Madam Ni wasn’t yet visible, but several young madams had already entered the room. Seeing Seventh Miss, they all wore smiles. “Sixth Sister-in-law has come!”

Seventh Miss naturally also showed a polite smile, greeting each one in turn. In great households, surface etiquette had to be done fully.

She was the new wife, naturally dressed flamboyantly. The several sisters-in-law in comparison undoubtedly appeared inferior. Fourth Young Madam’s gaze circled around the top of Seventh Miss’s head, then she pursed her lips. Fifth Young Madam and First Young Madam accepted it calmly. Seventh Miss observed this, gaining preliminary understanding of her sisters-in-law’s personalities in her heart.

Knowledge from paper always feels shallow. No matter how much the Grand Madam said, it couldn’t compare to these few glances for revealing their personalities.

Before long, several young ladies wearing gold and silver entered the threshold, greeting each person in turn, then especially coming forward to bow to Seventh Miss—these were Xu Fengjia’s concubine-born younger sisters.

The Xu family differed from the Yang family—descendants flourished abundantly. Just Duke Pingguo’s line had over ten children. Among the eight sons and five daughters ranked by age, Second Young Master and Third Young Master had both already passed away. First Miss had died in childbirth after marrying several years ago, Fourth Miss had died young in childhood. Now nine siblings remained living, but with more males than females. At times like this, the room was much livelier than the Yang family.

Seventh Miss had just finished introductions with the concubine-born younger sisters when several young masters stepped through the threshold. Guided by the old mama, they first exchanged brief pleasantries with Seventh Miss. The formal tea ceremony would naturally wait until the Grand Madam appeared to proceed.

First Young Master Xu Yufei and First Young Madam were truly cast from the same mold of quiet gentleness. Though he had passed thirty, he looked as young as First Young Madam. As soon as Seventh Miss bowed, First Young Master had the old mama help her rise, spoke a few gentle courteous words, then stood together with First Young Madam. The couple murmured softly to each other, paying no attention to others.

Fifth Young Master Xu Yujing was much more enthusiastic. Compared to Fifth Young Madam, he was like a different painting. Fifth Young Madam was a beauty from a Song dynasty brush, while Fifth Young Master was like a great man from a Tang dynasty brush. The two standing together, one rough and one refined, made an interesting contrast.

After Seventh Miss paid her respects to him, he plopped down on one of the grand armchairs arranged opposite the heated bed platform, crossed his feet, and called to the maids serving in the room, “Quick, come massage my feet! After standing in the palace all night yesterday, my old cold ailment seems to have flared up again!”

He had been personally raised by Grand Madam Ni. In Leshan Residence, he was naturally most at ease.

Seventh Miss looked at Fourth Young Madam again.

Fourth Young Master Xu Yuqian could be counted as the most capable among the Xu family’s concubine-born sons. Before Xu Fengjia joined the military, he had already earned merit and status. Over these years, he had accumulated merit to rise to the rank of Battalion Commander. For someone under thirty years old, even with the Xu family’s patronage, considerable ability was required to achieve such success. Precisely because of this, like Xu Fengjia, he was away from home year-round. This delayed Fourth Young Madam. To this point, the fourth branch still didn’t even have offspring. The several concubines they’d elevated also produced nothing.

Though Fourth Young Madam still wore that proud expression, before these two couples, she still appeared somewhat lonely.

Then Seventh Young Master and Eighth Young Master came forward to pay respects to their sister-in-law. Just as everyone was in the midst of bustle, Madam Xu’s coughing sounds came from the doorway.

Since last year’s serious illness when Madam Xu nearly died, she rarely appeared for social occasions. Seventh Miss had only seen her once last night during the formal greeting.

After everyone had also greeted Madam Xu, Grand Madam Ni finally arrived late, supported and attended by two robust mamas, entering the room.

After all, Leshan Residence was her territory. As soon as the Grand Madam entered, the atmosphere quieted. Led by Madam Xu, everyone came forward to greet the Grand Madam before it was Seventh Miss the new wife’s turn to offer tea one by one.

Duke Pingguo wasn’t present, so naturally the first bowl of tea had to be offered to the Grand Madam first. Several servants held up clay-gilded small trays with black rabbit’s fur recessed-rim small covered cups. Seventh Miss gracefully stepped forward, knelt on the cushion to bow twice and kowtow six times to the Grand Madam, then lifted the covered cup from the small tray, raised it forward, and called out crisply, “This daughter-in-law offers tea to Grandmother.”

Grand Madam Ni raised her eyes to gaze meaningfully at Seventh Miss. For a moment, she actually didn’t accept the teacup in Seventh Miss’s hands.

Seventh Miss remained completely steady, only raising her eyes to look at Grand Madam Ni, quietly awaiting her reaction.

That Grand Madam Ni wanted to humiliate her—she wasn’t surprised at all.

Xu Fengjia’s two wives, past and present, were both from the Yang family. Though this certainly involved circumstances, it was also Madam Xu’s genuine victory. If Grand Madam Ni didn’t give her a show of power, how could she be worthy of the years of grievances competing with Madam Xu?

The room suddenly became so quiet a pin drop could be heard. Everyone’s attention gathered on the teacup in Seventh Miss’s hands.

Seventh Miss’s heart was still as water. She looked at Grand Madam Ni, her gaze clear.

Madam Xu coughed lightly twice, seeming to also give a slight cold laugh for a moment before falling silent again.

She hadn’t expected the Xu family’s internal struggles to be this fierce… Seventh Miss pondered in her heart. But the teacup in her hands remained very steady.

Grand Madam Ni’s expression gradually softened. She finally reached out to accept the tea from Seventh Miss’s hands, opened her mouth as if to say something.

But Seventh Miss took advantage of the momentum to place the teacup on the small table beside Grand Madam Ni, smiled slightly, performed one prostration and three kowtows again, then rose and turned toward Madam Xu, kneeling to bow to her.

“This new wife greets Mother.” Her voice was especially sweet and crisp.

Madam Xu smiled with relief. On this face somewhat haggard from chronic illness, she rarely showed joy.

“Good, good.” She leaned forward to accept the teacup from Seventh Miss’s hands, then patted Seventh Miss’s shoulder. “With your entrance into the household, Mother’s heart is finally at ease.”

The confrontation between them a year ago seemed long forgotten by Madam Xu. What floated on her face was genuine delight and joy.

Seventh Miss boldly swept her eyes around the room once more.

Among those inside, reactions varied.

This bowl of tea was her testing stone. This move of casting a stone to find the path had indeed stirred heavy ripples in the pool, making everyone respond more or less, revealing their true faces behind their masks.