On the third day of the eleventh month, Seventh Miss deliberately rose early to pay respects to the Grand Madam and Madam Xu.

For Ninth Brother’s wedding, she as his sister naturally had to attend. Early in the morning, Seventh Miss changed into new clothes and donned gold and silver ornaments, bearing a head heavy with gold and silver pieces as she entered Leshan Residence to report to the Grand Madam.

“Oh, today is your brother’s great occasion.” The Grand Madam also seemed quite interested. “You should go, you should go.”

She squinted and looked Seventh Miss up and down a few times, then smiled at Fifth Young Madam: “Look, when this sixth granddaughter-in-law dresses up, she’s not inferior to daughters of ordinary legitimate families!”

Though Seventh Miss had arrived early, by the time she finished paying respects and sat down to exchange a few pleasantries, everyone had gathered.

The Grand Madam’s remark drew everyone’s gaze to Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss remained composed.

During these days serving by the Grand Madam’s side, she had heard plenty of such barbed remarks.

“Actually, Xiao Qi doesn’t really know how to dress herself. Even this little bit of coordination was taught by Imperial Concubine Ning.” She smiled slightly, showing a trace of longing for Sixth Miss.

The room immediately fell into uncomfortable silence.

Fourth Young Madam’s eyes darted about, glancing at First Young Madam, then letting out a light snort before smiling and asking Seventh Miss: “Sixth Sister-in-law, you’ve been in the capital so long—why haven’t you entered the palace to see Imperial Concubine Ning?”

The Grand Madam’s eyes immediately showed a hint of amusement.

In the past, Seventh Miss might have responded with a few bland remarks and let it go.

But perhaps because she had matters on her mind, she was particularly weary of these needle-concealing conversations.

Even without Xu Fengjia here, even without consummating the marriage, she was still the heir’s wife of the Xu family. If she was willing to play word games with a few sisters-in-law, it was only because she had the leisure to condescend. When she lacked the interest, it was best not to provoke her.

The Xu family clearly needed to learn this lesson well.

“Since coming to the capital, I’ve been in continuous mourning.” She answered composedly. “Before marriage, Mother wore齐衰 mourning. Later there was Fifth Sister’s matter… neither was suitable for entering the palace to pay respects. Moreover, Her Majesty the Empress also wears 齐衰 mourning. Though the Empress is benevolent and filial, and for a married daughter, one year of 齐衰 mourning would suffice, I’ve heard that before the Sun family removes their mourning, she still frequently grieves…”

Without waiting for Fourth Young Madam to respond, she raised her hand to wipe tears: “Alas, speaking of it, in these years the older generation has gradually passed away. The Late Emperor, Grandfather, the old Marquis of the Sun family—all went one after another. Time truly flows like water! Before we know it, generational change is upon us.”

The Grand Madam’s expression immediately turned ugly.

Before the elderly, it was most taboo to mention deaths in other families, especially to speak of generational change—how could this not be inauspicious?

Yet Seventh Miss remained composed, as if completely unaware that every sentence was stabbing at the Grand Madam’s heart.

Even Fifth Young Madam’s face showed discomfort.

After all, the Grand Madam was already quite old. Her great-grandsons had already been studying for several years…

But Seventh Miss wasn’t done with the Grand Madam yet.

“Is Fifth Sister-in-law going to the Scholar’s Residence with Xiao Qi today?” She smiled and changed the subject, asking Fifth Young Madam.

Fifth Young Madam froze, glanced at the Grand Madam, then shook her head with a smile: “I wouldn’t dare travel with Sixth Sister-in-law. I’ll take my own carriage. We can meet again at the Yang residence.”

This was a naked mockery of Seventh Miss for being domineering and unpleasant to be around.

Seventh Miss then felt everyone’s eyes gather on her again.

She couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

Every time she came to Leshan Residence to pay respects, she had to perform a free show for the Xu family.

“That’s perfect.” Her face was full of smiles. “After all, Xiao Qi is newly arrived and doesn’t understand our family’s social customs. Fifth Sister-in-law must introduce people to me, lest when I take over household management in the future, I embarrass myself in social situations.”

This was the first time Seventh Miss had explicitly indicated that the sixth branch intended to take over household management.

Fifth Young Madam immediately had no response, only smiling faintly and casting her gaze toward the Grand Madam.

Though she concealed it well, she still couldn’t escape Seventh Miss’s eyes.

Upon hearing the words “household management,” the corner of Fifth Young Madam’s mouth twitched slightly. She looked unhurried, but rather showed a sense of relief that something long-awaited had finally occurred.

Yet her gesture of looking toward the Grand Madam was too obvious…

She couldn’t help but feel puzzled: This Fifth Young Madam was truly difficult to fathom.

After more than a month together, she had already grasped the temperaments of both sisters-in-law fairly well.

First Young Madam seemed to be a closed book both inside and outside. Aside from handling superficial matters well, once she left Xiao Cuijin, she had almost no contact with any sisters-in-law, spending all her time passing days within Zhishan Hall. She knew nothing about family affairs. Even the four grandchildren under her care rarely played in Xiao Cuijin. Though living in the Xu household, she kept to herself as a separate faction, with very obvious intentions of protecting herself wisely. Matters within Zhishan Hall were rarely spread outside.

Fourth Young Madam was different. With Fourth Young Master away from home, she spent her days either fawning by Grand Madam Ni’s side or attending to Madam Xu’s illness, occasionally returning to her natal family or going out to burn incense… She was a typical capital young matron with considerable social activity. Though very diligent before the Grand Madam, she also couldn’t speak ill before Madam Xu. Toward herself, she was neither warm nor cold—sometimes giving barbs, other times willing to chat when the mood struck. That air of a legitimate daughter’s pampered arrogance was identical to Fifth Miss’s, only with three parts more cunning than Fifth Miss.

Only Fifth Young Madam—not only were her thoughts convoluted, but her behavior toward herself alternated between hard and soft, making it truly impossible for Seventh Miss to read her emotions or hand. She only knew that Fifth Young Madam had a close relationship with the Grand Madam, while the fifth branch was severely estranged from Madam Xu. Unless necessary, Fifth Young Madam would never go before Madam Xu to be rebuffed, just as Seventh Miss herself avoided Leshan Residence when possible…

On just the third day after entering the household, she had sent someone to show off her authority, flaunting her grasp of household management. Yet when she fought back, Fifth Young Madam had been abnormally weak, as if afraid of something. This didn’t at all match Fifth Young Madam’s character.

Someone as still as water yet needle-concealing like her—if she wanted to hide something, she would most likely become even quieter. Why would she alternate between hard and soft, arousing suspicion?

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but feel somewhat irritated again.

Immediately, she let out a soft breath.

Ever since hearing about Ninth Concubine’s past from Nanny Liang that day, she had been restless and unable to calm her mind.

Without even establishing her footing in the Xu family, what use was excessive thinking? Without household management in her hands, she still couldn’t occupy an absolutely active position.

Without waiting for the Grand Madam to respond, Seventh Miss glanced at the self-chiming clock in the corner, as if wanting to speak but hesitating.

First Young Madam followed Seventh Miss’s gaze and couldn’t help but frown slightly.

Only then did the Grand Madam remember: “Is it time for you to go to Qingping Courtyard? Go ahead, go ahead. You two have social engagements today—it wouldn’t do to be late.”

The atmosphere in the room immediately relaxed. Seventh Miss glimpsed that both Seventh Young Master and Eighth Young Master breathed sighs of relief. Even the three concubine-born daughters Yu Ping, Yu Qiao, and Yu An couldn’t help but show traces of relief. She couldn’t help but smile inwardly with understanding: Once upon a time, she too had been one of these trembling concubine-born sons and daughters.

Everyone then left the room together, heading toward Qingping Courtyard. Fifth Young Madam and Fourth Young Madam walked arm in arm, whispering. First Young Master and First Young Madam walked ahead. Yu Ping and Yu Qiao walked quickly, leaving Yu An alone. Seventh Miss quickened her pace to catch up with Yu An, smiling and asking: “Last time when I went to Qingping Courtyard, we just missed each other. Why were you walking so fast then? Just as I wanted to call you, you were gone?”

Yu An was startled. She first glanced at everyone, then smiled shyly: “I didn’t see Sister-in-law—that was my fault. I don’t remember what I was rushing to do then.”

Perhaps because her birth mother died early and she was raised by several wet nurses, this young girl was somewhat timid. Though her speech wasn’t halting, it always carried three parts shyness. Seeing the faint smile on Seventh Miss’s lips, she also smiled at Seventh Miss, and the two walked side by side in silence for a few steps.

“Is Sister-in-law going to the Yang family for the wedding feast today?” After a few steps, Yu An found a topic to discuss with Seventh Miss.

The topic wasn’t cleverly chosen, but was quite endearing. Seventh Miss couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Seeing Yu An was like seeing a possible version of herself.

If she hadn’t transmigrated into this body, if she were an ordinary concubine-born daughter, perhaps she would have tried to be as obedient as Yu An, letting people arrange a not-too-bad ending for her, just like Sixth Miss—becoming a golden hairpin grass swaying in the wind.

Alas, even with all her schemes and calculations, wasn’t she still manipulated by fate?

“Yes, going to the Yang family for my brother’s wedding feast.” She chatted casually with Yu An. “When you have time, come sit at Mingde Hall and play with Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master.”

Yu An’s face immediately brightened. Though she tried hard to restrain herself, she couldn’t help but let joy escape: “I’ll definitely come when I have time.”

Seventh Miss said nothing more, only quietly entering Qingping Courtyard with Yu An.

Madam Xu wasn’t feeling well this morning and hadn’t yet risen. Everyone only exchanged a few words with the old servants before successively leaving. Seventh Miss returned to her room to dust off her clothes. Lixia brought the small bundle prepared for going out, and she sent someone to arrange for a change of carriage.

After this round of greetings, it was already mid-morning. Wedding feasts in the capital customarily lasted all day. As a married daughter, Seventh Miss should return to her natal family earlier to help. Lixia had prepared the carriage early. Before long, surrounded by three or four servant women, Seventh Miss boarded a small bamboo sedan to the carriage hall, only to unexpectedly run right into Fifth Young Madam.

Their eyes met, both smiled politely, but neither said much. Fifth Young Madam boarded her carriage, the two carriages following one after another, slowly departing from Duke Pingguo’s residence.

After traveling a short distance, the carriage suddenly jerked to a stop.

Seventh Miss waited a moment, then pulled out her pocket watch to check, sighing. Lixia lifted the curtain and asked the servants on the ground: “What’s wrong? Is someone blocking the way?”

The servant smiled: “Fifth Young Madam’s axle was knocked crooked. They’re sending someone back to the residence to fetch another carriage.”

With Zhengyang Gate boulevard in sight ahead, the alley ahead was completely blocked by Fifth Young Madam’s carriage and horses. Seventh Miss sighed and instructed Lixia: “Invite Fifth Sister-in-law to ride together. Otherwise, who knows how long this delay will last.”

Preparing and bringing out another carriage wasn’t a simple matter. Lixia smiled knowingly and naturally got down to arrange it. Before long, the curtain was raised, and Fifth Young Madam, supported by her maid’s shoulder, climbed into the carriage. She exchanged smiles with Seventh Miss and said softly: “Troubling Sixth Sister-in-law.”

Seventh Miss casually exchanged a few polite words, then shifted to make space for Fifth Young Madam to sit cross-legged. The two leaned against opposite sides of the carriage, neither speaking for a time. They only heard the noisy commotion outside as the carriages were moved forward to clear the way for Seventh Miss’s vehicle. Soon the sound of wheels began, and the carriage started moving again.

Ancient travel was inconvenient. No matter how luxurious the carriage, the interior space was ultimately cramped. Moreover, both had to sit cross-legged, making the carriage space even more confined. Fifth Young Madam leaned against the carriage wall, looking at Seventh Miss thoughtfully. After a long while, she smiled: “Sixth Sister-in-law is worried about Sixth Brother, isn’t she? These days, though you don’t show it on your face, your actions and manner always reveal preoccupation.”

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred.

Among capital ladies’ circles, if someone spoke without three or four hidden meanings, they were either naturally forthright like Senior Mistress Min, with a personality incompatible with mainstream circles, or a high-ranking powerful figure who didn’t care about mainstream opinion at all. Fifth Young Madam naturally belonged to neither category. Hearing this sentence, Seventh Miss immediately detected several hidden meanings.

She remained impassive, only smiling shyly: “With the heir away from home, naturally I can’t help but worry.”

Fifth Young Madam’s eyes flickered as she said matter-of-factly: “Isn’t that so? Even we, when we heard about the heir’s assignment, worried terribly. If anything should go wrong…”

Seventh Miss glanced at Fifth Young Madam.

Fifth Young Madam’s face was always like a painting—pleasing yet rigid. Even while probing her, she revealed not the slightest emotional ripple.

To encounter such an opponent just after entering the Xu family—it could be called interesting.

She smiled casually: “Fortune favors the bold. The heir will face many storms in the future. I can’t start worrying from now.”

Fifth Young Madam smiled faintly in agreement and said nothing more.

Seventh Miss paid her several parts more attention.

Fifth Young Madam seemed to carry two masks with her, wearing and removing them at will, switching freely.

Sending someone to inquire about the dowry placement was a show of force—behavior full of boldness and aggression, yet somewhat too rash.

When she responded by having the old servant ask Fifth Young Madam for personnel, the response was unreasonably soft, completely different from the aggressive posture of sending the demonstration.

Entertaining Nanny Liang was excessively courteous. Instigating the old lady before Grand Madam Ni to make things difficult for her was excessively aggressive. She seemed to constantly jump between two extremes, unable to find middle ground. Naturally, these so-called excesses could only be discerned by someone of her temperament, someone in her position within the game.

This didn’t match Fifth Young Madam’s temperament at all.

If viewed only through Seventh Miss’s eyes, this painting-like refined young woman should have a gentle, indirect personality. Whether giving slaps or sweets, her approach should be tactful. Neither weakness nor strength should suit her.

When things become abnormal, there must be demons at work. But the conflicts between Fifth Young Madam and herself were truly numerous. Fifth Miss’s death, the timing of taking over household management, inheritance rights to the heir position… No matter which matter Fifth Young Madam wanted to stir up trouble with, she might display such behavior.

Seventh Miss’s gaze darkened again: Unfortunately, Xu Fengjia hasn’t returned, she hasn’t consummated the marriage—many matters, she truly has no say in.

Fifth Young Madam’s delicate voice seemed to echo in her ears again: “Even we, when we heard about the heir’s assignment, worried terribly. If anything should go wrong…”

Xu Fengjia’s southern journey had proceeded without fanfare. Except for close families, people didn’t even know he had left again. What exactly he was doing, even she as his wife didn’t fully understand, showing how confidential the matter was.

How did Fifth Young Madam know about it? Or rather, if even Fifth Young Madam knew, why didn’t she know?

Seventh Miss naturally turned her thoughts toward Madam Xu: No matter what Xu Fengjia was doing, Madam Xu couldn’t be ignorant. Why didn’t she tell her?

She suddenly became alert and glanced at Fifth Young Madam again.

Fifth Young Madam had a pleasant smile on her lips, looking at her own fair hands, seemingly admiring the pair of lustrous jade bracelets on her wrists.

Truly a master…

With just one sentence, she immediately set her imagination running. Who knows, it might plant seeds of discord between herself and Madam Xu as mother and daughter-in-law.

Even knowing Fifth Young Madam’s intention, she couldn’t help but follow this line of thought. If even she wasn’t qualified to know, how did Fifth Young Madam know? If even Fifth Young Madam knew, why wasn’t she qualified to know?

Seventh Miss suddenly felt irritated.

These intrigues over trivial matters were truly meaningless and annoyingly petty.

The wedding’s auspicious hour was late, actually after the third watch. As the bride, Seventh Miss shouldn’t stay overnight at her natal family in the first year. After eating dinner and instructing Ninth Brother a few things, she returned to the Yang residence.

She first returned to Mingde Hall to change clothes, went to Leshan Residence to pay respects to the Grand Madam, then entered Qingping Courtyard.

Madam Xu happened to still be awake. Seeing Seventh Miss, she inevitably asked a few questions about how the Yang family wedding went. Seventh Miss smiled and said a few things, then told Madam Xu: “Previously there was a steward’s wife I intended to bring to our household, but unfortunately she was still in Jiangnan at the time. She’s Nanny Liang’s daughter-in-law… This time when I returned, she had just come to the capital, so I brought her back with me. She can help look after Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master.”

Madam Xu naturally didn’t care about such small matters and nodded: “Good, as long as you know what you’re doing. Today you were with your fifth sister-in-law—you met everyone, I presume? After spring next year, household management will be handed to you. Losing face in social situations would not be good.”

Seventh Miss brought out her verbal habit again: “Daughter-in-law knows what to do.”

She took this opportunity to ask: “I wonder if the heir can return home for New Year this year—today in the carriage, Fifth Sister-in-law…”

She recounted Fifth Young Madam’s words with additions and omissions.

Madam Xu’s expression immediately changed, her face visibly darkening. After thinking carefully for a moment, she began coughing again, her face showing a sickly flush, seemingly talking to herself yet also asking Seventh Miss: “How did she know about it?”

Seventh Miss then quietly looked at Madam Xu without speaking.

Her dissatisfaction was self-evident.