“With our husbands away from home, we wives truly find our days hard to pass.” “You’re still young—I’ve grown accustomed to it!”

Early the next morning, Xu Fengjia rarely skipped entering the palace, instead accompanying Seventh Miss to Xiaocui Pavilion to pay respects.

Morning and evening attendance was something Seventh Miss had done habitually for over ten years. Before leaving the pavilion, though the Grand Madam had been difficult, the room was full of unmarried young ladies—however much they schemed against each other, it was limited. Unlike at the Xu household, where each attendance session required maneuvering among a pile of brothers and sisters-in-law, like performing in a grand drama.

Grand Madam Ni was naturally pleased to see Xu Fengjia. After Xu Fengjia properly performed the grand courtesy, saying, “Your grandson has been away, worrying Grandmother,” she affectionately called Xu Fengjia to sit beside her, asking at length whether he’d suffered any grievances on the road and what experiences he’d had.

First Young Master and First Young Madam remained unmoved as ever. Only First Young Master looked at Xu Fengjia with more amusement in his eyes. First Young Madam wore a face of utter indifference, sitting in place staring at her toes in a daze.

Seventh Miss observed coldly, thinking First Young Madam actually had considerable ability: Not everyone could persist like her in refusing the entire world entry.

Fourth Young Madam’s mood today wasn’t good. She pouted, not as eager as before when the Grand Madam would say one sentence and she’d have ten waiting in response. After sitting briefly beside the Grand Madam, she simply walked to the window and gazed at the blue sky outside.

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred.

Fourth Young Master had been at the frontier for over a year already. When the Emperor first ascended the throne, he’d sent him to Xuande to study defense with Second Master Niu. Though Xuande wasn’t too far from the capital, Fourth Young Master was diligent and studious—in over a year, he hadn’t returned to the capital even once.

People always felt sentimental at certain sights.

Seeing Xu Fengjia chatting animatedly with the Grand Madam, she rarely initiated conversation with Fifth Young Madam.

“Now that the Young Master has returned, everyone in the family is here.”

Before Fifth Young Madam could respond, Yu Ping laughingly picked up Seventh Miss’s comment. “Sixth Sister-in-law has forgotten—Fourth Brother is still at the frontier. Come to think of it, he’s been gone over a year too!”

After all, the Grand Madam was old. Hearing Yu Ping’s words, she also thought of Fourth Young Master. “Who knows when Yu Qian can return. The northern borders have been quiet for so long—taking a few days’ leave for New Year should be easy. He’s too wild by nature—once he leaves, it’s like he’s lost.”

Mentioning Fourth Young Master, Fourth Young Madam naturally had to speak. She turned around and sat down in a few steps, forcing out a smile, still looking delighted. “Old Ancestor is right—isn’t it just like being lost once he leaves? Last time I sent a message asking, he said he didn’t have much leave and wanted to save it to return in June this year to celebrate Old Ancestor’s birthday and stay a few more days.”

Though her tone remained light, how could Seventh Miss not see that Fourth Young Madam’s attitude clearly contained threads of resentment?

But the Grand Madam was quite pleased, laughing lightly. “He’s still thoughtful, remembering to care about Grandmother’s birthday!”

Seventh Miss’s eyes flashed: Fourth Young Madam truly deserved to be the Grand Madam’s relative—she understood her temperament well.

The Grand Madam was someone with both cunning and methods. Just look at how she could have been enjoying her twilight years peacefully, yet in her seventies still opposed her daughter-in-law—you knew this person’s character mostly ran to domineering. In other words, extremely self-centered.

Her several conflicts with Seventh Miss were all because Seventh Miss hadn’t shown her particular respect, even treating her rather lightly… Fourth Young Master putting New Year’s reunion after her birthday naturally sounded pleasing to the Grand Madam’s ears.

Though Xu Fengjia’s return hadn’t accomplished anything yet, it was like throwing a stone into a pool—the formerly stagnant situation immediately became lively.

She swept her eyes over Fifth Young Master again.

Xu Yujing seemed rather wilted today. Originally when Xu Fengjia wasn’t around, he was the liveliest one, roaring about Leshan Residence, afraid others wouldn’t know his relationship with the Grand Madam…

As soon as Xu Fengjia returned, Fifth Young Master’s spirit seemed suppressed by a level. Though his face carried a faint smile, however you looked at it, it seemed forced.

Seventh Miss looked at Xu Fengjia again.

This eldest young master was practically a different person before his grandmother.

Seventh Miss had always rejected using “gentle and refined” to describe Xu Fengjia. In her view, Xu Fengjia was extremely distant from all words describing mildness. Yet at this moment, she had to admit that if Xu Fengjia was willing, he could also play the role of a gentle, refined gentleman of jade.

Though his complexion still had the honey-like faint brown, though his manner still faintly revealed a soldier’s iron-blooded air, just looking at that pure and good smile at his lips and his mild conversation, you knew he was also a well-mannered noble family son—the capital’s young men all seemed to carry this slight bashfulness before their elders.

What a good actor!

The Grand Madam’s acting skills were naturally no worse. Showing concern for Xu Fengjia’s welfare, that caring energy seemed three parts more than toward Fifth Young Master. Had Seventh Miss not come to understand her somewhat, she might not have been able to discern the emotions beneath that smile.

“Yesterday when you entered the palace, did you see the Emperor?” She asked Xu Fengjia with a beaming smile, reaching out to brush a bit of dust from his hair. “Did your aunt send anyone out to inquire after you?”

“The Emperor was cooped up in Huagai Hall in meetings all day yesterday. I got impatient waiting and came back first. Aunt sent two or three young eunuchs to inquire after me. I also asked them to pay respects to Aunt on my behalf.” Xu Fengjia glanced at Seventh Miss, then smiled at the Grand Madam. “Now that Grandmother mentions it, I recall—Yang Qi has been married in for over three months. With all the palace affairs earlier, she hasn’t been able to enter the palace to pay respects to Aunt. Aunt asked me about it yesterday, saying she was attending the Empress Dowager in the first month and couldn’t get away. I was thinking, since the Empress’s birthday is approaching and Mother’s health is poor—she certainly can’t enter the palace—on the first of the second month, let Duke Dingguo’s wife take Yang Qi into the palace to pay court respects. Does Grandmother think that’s acceptable?”

The atmosphere in the room seemed to tighten immediately with Xu Fengjia’s question.

Seventh Miss again looked vaguely at Fifth Young Madam, examining the expression on this young matron’s face.

As soon as Xu Fengjia returned, the sixth household wasn’t so quiet anymore.

Great Qin’s palace prohibitions were strict. Even imperial consorts rarely had contact with their natal families. Xu family members couldn’t request audience with consorts at will. To visit the Dowager Consort, they could only take advantage of festival occasions to enter the palace.

Madam Xu’s health was poor, and the Grand Madam was too old. Previously, such matters were handled by Fifth Young Madam. After all, she managed the household for the Xu family—her status implicitly outranked her several sisters-in-law. Even for first month court attendance, she had entered the palace together with Seventh Miss.

If Xu Fengjia hadn’t specifically mentioned it, for the Empress’s birthday in the second month, they would naturally do the same… But hearing Xu Fengjia’s meaning, this time entering the palace, he didn’t plan to bring Fifth Young Madam.

This couldn’t help but be a counterattack from the sixth household against the fifth household’s years of controlling household affairs. Though neither light nor heavy, it expressed the sixth household’s stance.

Fifth Young Madam couldn’t possibly miss the meaning behind this.

Yet her brows and eyes were radiant, as if long prepared, showing not a trace of displeasure. Instead, Fifth Young Master’s spirit wilted several more parts, looking increasingly listless.

The Grand Madam’s eyes flashed. She pondered for a moment, then nodded. “Good. I was originally worried your wife is too young and might make mistakes in such settings. But with Duke Dingguo’s wife watching over her, I suppose it should be fine.”

After all, Xu Fengjia’s request could be called reasonable. Though it had the appearance of suppressing the fifth household, with his status as heir apparent, the Grand Madam didn’t need to champion the fifth household over such a small matter. Only when the words “household management” stood in front would she seriously calculate.

She looked at Seventh Miss kindly and smiled again. “Sixth Granddaughter-in-law can also visit Consort Ning. You’ve been mentioning her constantly, yet Consort Ning hasn’t sent anyone to bring you into the palace to talk. I imagine as sisters, you must be eager to see each other.”

Xu Fengjia looked at the Grand Madam, then smiled at Seventh Miss, as if he hadn’t heard the Grand Madam’s implication at all.

Truly worthy of the Grand Madam—with just two casual sentences, she subtly mocked Seventh Miss for constantly using Sixth Miss as a shield to silence others, completely disregarding that Sixth Miss wasn’t actually that favored either, with suspicions of using a tiger’s skin as a banner.

However, Seventh Miss was accustomed to her sarcastic remarks.

“Grandmother is right.” She lifted her tea and took a sip. “During New Year court attendance, I originally wanted to see Consort Ning, but unexpectedly the Empress is purely filial by nature. Concerned about the Empress Dowager being unwell, as soon as court dispersed she took Consort Ning along with the Dowager Consort to attend the sickbed. We didn’t manage to meet. Your granddaughter-in-law truly misses her.”

These two exchanging barbed words was nothing new. Usually at such times Fourth Young Madam would come out to smooth things over. Today she was unusually silent. The atmosphere became somewhat awkward. Xu Fengjia’s eyes turned. Smiling, he massaged the Grand Madam’s legs, then rose to take his leave. “It’s been some days since I paid respects at Qingping Courtyard.”

“Go quickly, go.” The Grand Madam was much more polite with him. “The palace might send someone to summon you any moment. Ai, our Sixth Young Master truly works hard.”

“Grandmother can’t call him Sixth Young Master anymore—you’ve got the generation wrong.” Yu Qiao chimed in cheerfully.

Only then did the Grand Madam remember. “That’s right—he’s someone with children now. Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master are already two years old. Sixth Granddaughter-in-law, have you discussed with Fengjia? This matter of choosing names—”

The atmosphere that had just relaxed immediately tensed again. Even First Young Madam rarely turned her gaze toward Xu Fengjia: How these names were chosen carried great significance.

It seemed that though she hadn’t allowed servants to spread word, the difference between Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master ultimately hadn’t escaped anyone’s notice.

Seventh Miss breathed out deeply in her heart and swept her eyes over everyone.

The younger generation’s eyes naturally flickered with simple curiosity. Apart from Yu An appearing hesitant with concern on his face, Yu Qiao and Yu Ping both looked full of gossip. Seventh Young Master Yu Ning and Eighth Young Master Yu Tai needn’t even be mentioned—having no relation to inheritance rights whatsoever, they were purely watching the excitement.

First Young Master maintained his mild and warm demeanor. First Young Madam showed some curiosity, seemingly quite concerned about the sixth household’s response. Fourth Young Madam’s expression was dark, showing unconcealed dissatisfaction without avoidance—probably thinking of the fourth household’s still-empty knees. Fifth Young Master also perked up his spirits. Fifth Young Madam remained her usual indifferent self, as if nothing could move her heart.

It seemed her speculation was correct—Fifth Young Madam’s two masks were neither her true face… In the past events Chunfen and Guyu described, regardless of how she communicated privately with the Grand Madam, outwardly she used this water-still attitude to give Fifth Miss countless soft rejections, once suppressing Fifth Miss until she almost lost her temper.

Then why was she so inconsistent toward herself? It couldn’t be that in the past year, Fifth Young Madam had suddenly undergone a complete personality change, could it?

Seventh Miss temporarily suppressed the doubts in her heart and exchanged a glance with Xu Fengjia.

“Naming is a major matter. The Young Master is concerned about finding several famous Daoist priests to calculate. He just arrived home, and palace matters aren’t yet finished, so it’s been delayed.” She explained with a smile. “In any case, there’s still more than half a month. Little Seven thinks official business should be handled first.”

The Grand Madam seemed to have just asked casually. She wasn’t dissatisfied with Seventh Miss’s answer, nodding. “Just don’t forget.” She waved her hand indicating everyone could withdraw.

Large families were truly exhausting—every single sentence required considering all possible reactions from all sides.

#

Madam Xu had slept poorly last night and didn’t rise this morning. But Duke Pingguo had just come in to visit her, missing her, and instead met with everyone at Qingping Courtyard.

This Duke was usually busy with official duties—not at all an idle minister enjoying peaceful prosperity. Seventh Miss rarely saw his figure. Only from what family members said did she feel he was far busier than the Grand Master. Perhaps because of this, he didn’t pay much attention to family matters. He only inquired about Yu Ning and Yu Tai’s studies before hurrying out of the inner courtyard again, reportedly because “the capital’s defense arrangements have changed, and many matters still need discussion with Shuntian Prefecture.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help sighing inwardly: This was a veteran aristocrat, a currently favored celebrity. Just look at the Xu family’s several men—either at the frontier or handling confidential matters for the Emperor. The family head even held the capital’s defense authority… Compared to the Yang family, the Xu family was truly the Emperor’s favored one!

Xu Fengjia had just left Qingping Courtyard when he was summoned into the palace again. He only had time to instruct Seventh Miss, “Don’t wait for me to eat,” before hurrying off.

Seventh Miss looked around. Seeing everyone had dispersed, First Young Master and First Young Madam had walked away quickly and were already out of sight. Fifth Young Madam returned to Leshan Residence. The various concubine-born daughters and sons also scattered. Only Fourth Young Madam stood at the front of the covered walkway, staring blankly at the Taihu rocks in Pongshou Pond, lost in thought. Her heart stirred.

She never brought attending maids when going out to pay respects: The hour was so early, and Mingde Hall had many matters—no need to work people so harshly. But Fourth Young Madam never lacked attendants. To fear loneliness to this extent—the year and more with her husband away must have been very difficult to endure.

She slowly walked to Fourth Young Madam’s side and sighed softly.

Fourth Young Madam glanced at her suspiciously, forcing out a smile to exchange pleasantries with Seventh Miss. “Why would Sixth Sister-in-law have the mind to stand outside dazing in this freezing cold?”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she seemed to realize she’d misspoken. She rarely showed a trace of embarrassment, turning her head to stare at the thin ice in the pool without looking at Seventh Miss.

“Seeing Fourth Sister-in-law was distracted today, I came to chat with you, for mutual relief from boredom.” Seventh Miss was rarely frank, not putting on the airs of the heir apparent’s wife. “With our husbands away from home, we wives truly find our days hard to pass.”

Fourth Young Madam jumped up as if stabbed. “You’re still young—I’ve grown accustomed to it!”

Though she tried hard to cover it, that last sentence truly revealed threads of wifely resentment.

Seventh Miss looked at Fourth Young Madam with a smile. “Fourth Sister-in-law is shy? What’s there to… It’s human nature. The Young Master left for Guangzhou right after marrying. I miss him very much too. Usually apart from paying respects I’m cooped up at home—I don’t dare say an extra word or take an extra step. I rather envy Fourth Sister-in-law having more entertainment and not being lonely.”

These words were sincere. Fourth Young Madam glanced at Seventh Miss several times before finally exhaling a long breath.

“The Young Master has only been away three months and you miss him this much already?”

Perhaps because Seventh Miss’s attitude was very sincere, or perhaps because she had similar wifely resentments, Fourth Young Madam finally removed her cheerful mask, revealing a trace of the resentment beneath. “Your Fourth Brother left for Yunnan the third month after our wedding—a full two years before returning to the capital. That first year I was also a new bride, couldn’t go out often… That taste was truly delightful.”

In ancient times, men campaigning far away and their wives’ resentment was a universal theme. Seventh Miss wasn’t unfamiliar with such topics. She sighed along with Fourth Young Madam.

“Our inner household’s glory and wealth was all fought for piece by piece by the men outside…”

Fourth Young Madam immediately seemed to find a kindred spirit. “Who says otherwise! Also… also those who just enjoy the fruits… Ai…”

Halfway through, Fourth Young Madam stopped herself and changed the subject.

“Your Fourth Brother is already thirty years old with no heir. I tried sending bed-warming maids to the frontier—sent them several times and they were all returned. He said he was terribly busy, no time to attend to such delicate young ladies, and they’d just suffer at the frontier too.”

Though her words held complaint, more than that, they were full of sweetness. “I just hope he returns home soon for everyone to reunite, and doesn’t leave again!”

Seventh Miss thoughtfully narrowed her eyes.

“I haven’t met Fourth Brother yet!” She followed the topic, coaxing Fourth Young Madam to continue. “I hear Fourth Brother resembles the Duke somewhat—”

Fourth Young Madam’s face immediately lit up. “Not at all!”

Mentioning Fourth Young Master, Fourth Young Madam’s chatterbox couldn’t be closed. “Your Fourth Brother is much taller than the Duke. The features are somewhat similar, but from years outside his face is weathered—he looks practically like a barbarian! Where does he have Father-in-law’s scholarly general bearing…”

She talked endlessly with Seventh Miss about Fourth Young Master. “That year he took me to Fragrant Hills for an outing. We happened to encounter some family’s little daughter, only seven or eight years old. Seeing him, she immediately burst into tears…”

It seemed that though Fourth Young Master was away year-round, the couple’s relationship wasn’t bad.

Or rather, Fourth Young Madam’s feelings toward Fourth Young Master weren’t thin.

Seventh Miss immediately got a headache, thinking of Fifth Miss’s words.

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

“The other day Great-grandmother-in-law came to see me. I said the several brothers are seven or eight years older than the Young Master, yet still have no heirs—it’s truly worrying. I happen to have two excellent maids, originally prepared for the Young Master. Now that he has heirs, we’re not anxious anymore. Better to share them with the brothers instead.”

Fifth Miss had truly made too many enemies!