For the next ten-plus days, the manor remained very quiet.

The northern autumn harvest came late—it wouldn’t be fully reaped until the eighth month. The so-called “settling accounts after autumn” referred to how only after autumn each year would the estate managers sell grain and settle accounts in silver with the master’s household. For Seventh Miss to settle accounts before autumn meant she wouldn’t take over household affairs until early eighth month. Counting from beginning to end, there were still four months’ time.

In Duke Pingguo’s manor, from top to bottom, there weren’t many who couldn’t contain themselves. Naturally, no one immediately put on a fawning face toward Seventh Miss. Everyone continued their peaceful days as usual. Fifth Young Madam still went daily to Leshan Residence to manage affairs. The days seemed to have changed little.

However, Xu Fengjia had become idle. The Emperor had caught a cold during this period and secluded himself daily in Qianqing Palace without emerging. Only every other day would he meet with the Grand Secretariat in Huagai Hall to discuss matters, sessions that lasted merely an hour or two before adjourning. Though there were still disputes in the court, because the Emperor’s health showed no improvement, many frictions had temporarily eased.

By the end of the fourth month, Imperial Consort Xu’s birthday arrived. The Xu family had naturally long since selected precious gifts to send. Because it wasn’t a major milestone birthday and the Emperor’s health wasn’t good, the palace only held a modest banquet in celebration without great fanfare. Even the Xu family members entered the palace the day after the birthday to pay respects and offer birthday congratulations to the Imperial Consort.

Since Duke Pingguo had already spoken, this palace visit didn’t include Fifth Young Madam—the palace prohibitions were strict. Unless it was a major festival when all noble ladies entered the palace for audience, otherwise for regular palace visits, even with the Xu family’s status, only the managing mistress could represent the entire family and enter. Other daughters-in-law who didn’t manage household affairs rarely had opportunity to enter the palace.

Early on the morning of the thirtieth day of the fourth month, Seventh Miss was roused by Xu Fengjia. First Young Master went off on his own to practice swordplay and martial arts. Only after Xu Fengjia left did the maids crowd in together, surrounding Seventh Miss as they escorted her to the washroom to bathe and dress. They then came out to apply full formal attire and makeup—they even specially borrowed the skilled Little Zhujiang from Qingping Garden to style Seventh Miss’s hair.

Little Zhujiang arrived early and waited in the western side room for the time it took to burn an incense stick before Lixia pulled her into the western third chamber. As she styled Seventh Miss’s hair, she curiously whispered to Lixia, “I thought Sister was usually diligent. How is it that at this hour she still hasn’t entered the room to rouse the young madam… If not for the Heir Apparent rising early, Young Madam might have missed the appointed time.”

Hearing her question, Seventh Miss’s face immediately flushed red. Lixia glanced at Seventh Miss and, grinning, waved her hand at Little Zhujiang, softly saying, “Good sister, you entered the manor late and don’t know… When the Heir Apparent is in the room, we don’t go in! To avoid seeing things we shouldn’t see…”

Little Zhujiang was puzzled at first. She glanced at Seventh Miss in the mirror, then her cheeks suddenly flushed crimson. Not daring to speak further, she carefully styled Seventh Miss’s hair and inserted the ornaments. Seeing the maids had all dispersed to attend to their own tasks, she softly apologized to Seventh Miss.

“This servant cannot speak properly and has offended Young Madam.”

Though Seventh Miss was also quite embarrassed, she knew Little Zhujiang was unfamiliar with her temperament and only felt more afraid. She waved her hand and smiled slightly. “You style hair very skillfully—is it a family craft?”

Hairstyling was also a learned skill, especially the elaborate hair coiffures that noble ladies wore when entering the palace. The techniques were complex—not something any ordinary young girl could master. When small households needed such styling, they had to hire hairstyling women who traveled the streets and alleys. Middle-class families often had several hairstyling maids who helped in various courtyards. Only great households at the level of the Yang and Xu families had one or two skilled maids or matrons in each courtyard to assist with hairstyling.

Seeing Seventh Miss was amiable, Little Zhujiang relaxed somewhat. She nodded and smiled. “When my mother was a young maid, she styled hair at the side of Duke Wu’an’s wife. After a few years when the old madam passed away, she followed at Madam’s side styling hair. She continued until her eyesight failed in recent years, then I replaced her. Several of my sisters also specialize in hairstyling. My eldest sister follows at First Young Madam’s side styling for her. Second Sister was even requested by the Imperial Consort to enter the palace to style hair for several years before being released. The Imperial Consort rewarded her with a chest full of jewelry… Madam graciously allowed her to leave, and now she’s living quite prosperously.”

Duke Wu’an was Duke Pingguo Xu Heng’s grandfather. From that era, Little Zhujiang’s family had specialized in hairstyling—they could be considered experts in this one skill. Seventh Miss’s heart stirred. She looked at Little Zhujiang with a smile and asked, “Then does your family still have younger sisters? If so, how is their hairstyling?”

Little Zhujiang was delighted and quickly smiled. “Yes, yes! There are six sisters in my family, and two are still at home.”

She leaned close to Seventh Miss’s ear and spoke from the heart. “I’ll only tell this to Young Madam—though my older younger sister is older, already fifteen or sixteen this year, my youngest sister’s hands are more skillful and her temperament more steady…”

Seventh Miss smiled knowingly. She nodded. “Good. Then find a day to call your youngest sister in to style my hair so I can see.”

#

This time entering the palace, Seventh Miss didn’t first go to Kunning Palace to pay respects. Instead, she was led directly by palace attendants dispatched by the Imperial Clan Court and proceeded at a leisurely pace straight to Ningshou Palace.

Imperial Consort Xu, dressed in casual clothes, was strolling in the courtyard. Seeing Seventh Miss’s figure enter, she immediately broke into a smile.

“Today niece-in-law has come early!”

Compared to their first meeting, this time Imperial Consort Xu was much warmer.

Seventh Miss hastily smiled and paid respects to Imperial Consort Xu before raising her head to explain.

“The first time, Second Sister led me in, so naturally I had to first pay respects at Kunning Palace. This time I came in on my own, so I won’t disturb Her Majesty at Kunning Palace. Those who understand will say we observe proper etiquette; those who don’t might say we’re trying to curry favor with Her Majesty because of her high position and power… which wouldn’t be good.”

She normally wouldn’t explain in such detail, but Imperial Consort Xu’s personality was full of controlling tendencies. Explaining her intentions clearly made it very convenient for the elderly lady to offer guidance on her conduct.

As the two walked and talked, they had already entered the inner hall and sat in the eastern warm chamber. Naturally, attendants served the two noblewomen scalding hot tea.

Imperial Consort Xu indeed immediately began educating Seventh Miss.

“Your thinking isn’t wrong either. Entering the palace is to see me—if you went to Kunning Palace first, what would that look like? If word got out, people would think the Empress puts on too many airs, even wanting to steal the limelight from us elders. She wouldn’t be pleased to hear it either.” She sipped her hot tea and set down the bowl. “However, when you leave Ningshou Palace later, you’ll inevitably want to enter Jingren Palace to visit your sister. Then you should make a turn through Kunning Palace first—” Imperial Consort Xu drew out her voice. “This is also for your Sixth Sister’s sake!”

Seventh Miss immediately lowered her eyes demurely, satisfying Imperial Consort Xu’s desire to instruct. “Aunt is still so worldly wise… If you hadn’t said so, I would have gone directly to Jingren Palace—wouldn’t I still have had to ask Aunt to send someone to announce me first?”

Imperial Consort Xu smiled contentedly and patted Seventh Miss’s shoulder. “You child, you listen to instruction—in this alone you surpass others. Don’t rush off. Sit with me longer and tell me about family matters.”

She then questioned Seventh Miss exhaustively about the Xu household affairs and everyone’s wellbeing.

It seemed that last time she had questioned so thoroughly not merely to put Seventh Miss at ease, but out of habitual concern for Xu family internal affairs.

Seventh Miss felt somewhat moved: if Sixth Miss had no children, perhaps in ten-plus years she too would care about the Yang family this way.

She showed not the slightest impatience, answering Madam Xu’s questions meticulously and even telling Imperial Consort Xu some amusing anecdotes about Fourth Son and Fifth Son. Imperial Consort Xu listened with delight, exclaiming that once the children were a bit older, they must be brought to the palace for her to see.

Her attitude toward Seventh Miss naturally grew increasingly amiable. Though these consorts enjoyed unlimited glory, living long in the deep palace, they likely didn’t even have many people to talk to in daily life. Having someone come to visit was naturally more pleasing the longer they stayed.

After finishing family gossip, Seventh Miss turned to show concern for Imperial Consort Xu. “How has Aunt’s health been lately? The Emperor surely comes often to visit you…”

Imperial Consort Xu smiled as if she’d eaten candy.

“I’m doing well.” She waved her hand. “The Emperor used to come see us often, but recently his health hasn’t been good—the cold won’t heal—so he rarely enters the rear palace anymore.”

She paused and swept a glance at Seventh Miss, falling silent for a moment as if weighing something.

The hall suddenly quieted.

Seventh Miss patiently waited for Imperial Consort Xu to continue while also weighing in her heart Imperial Consort Xu’s attitude toward her.

Before long, Imperial Consort Xu sighed lightly.

“The Emperor is thinking of moving against Grand Secretary Jiao.”

Her voice was very low but filled with an indescribable forcefulness: in that instant, Imperial Consort Xu was no longer that lonely middle-aged woman. She had become once again the lofty Imperial Consort close to the center of power.

Seventh Miss raised one eyebrow in surprise but didn’t cry out.

“Aunt, these words—”

“This matter probably hasn’t left Qianqing Palace yet. However, once the Emperor has made up his mind… Grand Secretary Jiao’s downfall is just a matter of months.” Imperial Consort Xu lowered her voice. “After you return, mention this to your mother-in-law.”

That Imperial Consort Xu, long residing in the deep palace yet close to the Emperor, could obtain inside information wasn’t strange. Thinking carefully, Seventh Miss felt relieved.

Though Feng Jin and Eunuch Lian would look after her, they wouldn’t convey every piece of news to her ears. People like them who did intelligence work naturally wouldn’t rashly get too close to officials on the surface.

She also had no intention of sending people to ask them for information at every disturbance.

Being so, the Imperial Consort had become an important intelligence source for the Xu family… Having operated in the rear palace for many years, having one or two informants in Qianqing Palace wasn’t unusual.

“Little Qi knows what to do.” She lowered her eyes in assent, then pursued the question. “How does the Emperor plan to proceed? Does Aunt have any idea?”

When imperial power contested with ministerial power, there would certainly be more turbulence between court and country. Whether First Master could seize the opportunity to rise depended on his methods.

Imperial Consort Xu smiled knowingly. “That I don’t know. Our family doesn’t walk closely with the Jiao family, so I haven’t inquired that deeply! Once your Sixth Sister has more status, she’ll certainly know more.”

Even a favored person like Imperial Consort Xu could only see family members during festivals and holidays. Sixth Miss certainly couldn’t casually transmit messages to family. Only when she became established could the Yang family have an information channel in the palace.

Seventh Miss didn’t ask further: this kind of matter wasn’t something Imperial Consort Xu could investigate in great detail anyway.

However, this news held special significance for her. If the Yang family successfully rose in position, then…

She carefully considered the gains and losses, then still shook her head.

This matter wasn’t something only she could think of. If she didn’t seize the opportunity and was beaten to it by others, all this calculation would be wasted.

She also lowered her voice, adopting a mysterious manner.

“Little Qi also has some fresh news to tell Aunt.”

Imperial Consort Xu immediately smiled with interest. “What, at your aunt’s current status, is there anything I can still do?”

She had misunderstood, thinking the Xu family had matters requesting the Imperial Consort to exert influence in the palace.

Seventh Miss hastily shook her head.

She softly told Imperial Consort Xu about Lin Family Third Master, then analyzed for her. “The Emperor has had his own mind since childhood. Surely he hasn’t forgotten Noble Consort Zhou… Taking such care of Lin Third Master—isn’t it because in this world, Noble Consort Zhou only has this distant relative left?”

Noble Consort Zhou came from a small family. Her father and brothers had all died years ago. Her brother’s only child had also died young. Truth be told, in this world only Lin Third Master remained who could claim any connection to Noble Consort Zhou. That the Emperor cared for him so showed his feelings for Noble Consort Zhou could be imagined.

Imperial Consort Xu’s eyes immediately flickered repeatedly, revealing a contemplative expression.

After all, she was someone who had navigated the palace. To become the Emperor’s foster mother, she couldn’t lack scheming.

After a long while, she consulted with Seventh Miss with some hesitation. “That the Emperor remembers his birth mother isn’t really fresh news. But the Empress Dowager…”

Mentioning the Empress Dowager, she showed slight disdain. “The Empress Dowager has an autocratic temperament. To pursue this matter would certainly require open and covert struggle with her—and the Emperor has never treated the Niu family poorly either.”

Though both the Xu and Niu families were currently quite favored, comparing their respective accomplishments easily gave the impression that the Emperor suppressed the Xu family while elevating the Niu family. Imperial Consort Xu was at this age—one less trouble was better than one more. That she had this hesitation was quite natural.

Seventh Miss smiled slightly. “Has Aunt forgotten how the Song Dynasty’s Empress Zhuangyi was enfeoffed?”

Imperial Consort Xu’s expression immediately changed.

Imperial Consort Xu naturally knew the story of Liu E. As a commoner woman, she won the love of an imperial prince and remained devoted for decades, ultimately ascending to the empress position—she could be called a legendary figure among palace women. The Empress Dowager and Imperial Consort Xu had together raised the Crown Prince back then, quite similar to how Liu E and Consort Yang together raised Emperor Zhenzong of Song.

Emperor Zhenzong of Song had grown up in Consort Yang’s palace from childhood, hardly knowing who his birth mother was. Even so, after Liu E’s death, mistakenly believing his birth mother Consort Li had been mistreated, he flew into a rage and dispatched troops to surround the Liu estate… Had it not been discovered that Lady Li had been buried in empress regalia, the Liu family would have met disaster. Even then, he still posthumously granted Consort Li the title Empress Zhuangyi. In terms of treatment, it was no worse than his foster mother Consort Yang.

She abruptly stood up and paced agitatedly about the room.

After a long time, she sat back down and asked almost in Seventh Miss’s ear, “Is this Elder Brother’s idea or Sister-in-law’s idea?”

It seemed the Imperial Consort was somewhat moved.

“This is only Little Qi’s small notion.” Seventh Miss said frankly. “Mother’s health isn’t good—she most fears wild speculation. We also don’t dare trouble her with matters lest she develop new ailments. Father is also extremely busy. Little Qi thought that for rear palace matters, it’s best if a palace consort speaks up. So I told Aunt directly.”

“You child.” Imperial Consort Xu couldn’t help but reproach. “For this kind of matter, you should at least ask Elder Brother and Sister-in-law’s opinion…”

Seventh Miss then raised her head to look seriously at Imperial Consort Xu.

“Aunt… by rights, this isn’t something someone of Little Qi’s status should say.” Her tone became solemn.

Imperial Consort Xu couldn’t help but freeze.

“If this matter first went through Father and Mother,” Seventh Miss’s tone was unhurried, “the Xu family’s glory and wealth has already reached its peak. What Father and Mother must be thinking is not how to advance further but how to maintain stability. For some matters, the benefits are unclear but the risks obvious—they may not necessarily act.”

“But Aunt, you reside alone and lonely in the deep palace. If the Emperor is closer to you, you’ll have less loneliness and more family affection.” Seventh Miss drew out her voice. “But if I first told Father and Mother and was rejected, then told you afterward, it would inevitably seem like instigation…”

Imperial Consort Xu now fully understood.

The Empress Dowager was narrow-minded. Whoever raised this matter would offend the Empress Dowager. For the Xu family, having reached the peak of wealth and honor, there was no need to make an enemy of the Niu family unnecessarily. Maintaining a moderate distance was just right. If Seventh Miss had gone through her elders, this matter would most likely have been vetoed.

But for Imperial Consort Xu, whoever won the Emperor’s gratitude and favor in the rear palace would have better days, especially as Imperial Consort. While palace consorts might grow arrogant with favor and exclude other competitors, the Imperial Consort had no need to monopolize the Emperor’s affection. If she could gain the Emperor’s gratitude, the rest of her life would go more smoothly.

These words from Seventh Miss could be said to already carry the suspicion of instigating discord between the Imperial Consort and the Xu family. One misstep could cause misunderstanding. So her saying she shouldn’t speak was only natural.

“These words indeed aren’t something of your status to say.” Imperial Consort Xu put on a stern face. “The Xu family and your aunt are one body—we share glory and suffer together. How could your father-in-law and mother-in-law not consider my interests?”

Seventh Miss’s face immediately reddened. She knelt on the ground to receive Imperial Consort Xu’s rebuke. “Little Qi spoke out of turn.”

Imperial Consort Xu kept her face grave. After a long time she asked coldly, “Since you knew you shouldn’t speak, why did you?”

“Little Qi grew up together with Sixth Sister…” Seventh Miss mumbled. “Between sisters we speak of everything. Last time entering the palace, Sixth Sister spoke much of the palace’s loneliness. Little Qi thought…”

She didn’t continue.

She didn’t need to continue.

Imperial Consort Xu sighed lengthily and personally pulled Seventh Miss up, reproaching her affectionately.

“It’s fortunate you spoke to me. If others had heard, wouldn’t it needlessly cause misunderstanding? In the future, don’t be so careless again!”

The look in her eyes toward Seventh Miss already held a warm tenderness.