The next day during the morning greeting to the Grand Madam, Seventh Miss couldn’t help but have a trace of a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

The Grand Madam noticed this and was momentarily stunned.

For a moment, her thoughts drifted far away. She didn’t hear Fifth Young Master’s words very clearly, and instead involuntarily glanced at Fifth Young Madam.

Fifth Young Madam’s expression was calm and composed, as if she had no troubles on her mind at all. Instead, after Fifth Young Master finished talking about the interesting happenings in the capital, she proactively asked the Grand Madam, “I heard that yesterday, a letter came from the Fan family…”

Everyone’s eyes immediately focused on Yu Qiao. The several older brothers and sisters-in-law’s eyes suddenly filled with countless smiles. Even Yu Ping and Yu An couldn’t help but reveal slight smiles.

A letter from the Fan family naturally meant talk of marriage.

The Grand Madam temporarily set aside her worries and looked at Yu Qiao with a kind smile, nodding. “The letter was written to your father. He came to see me last night and told me about this marriage match. Your mother also thinks it’s good. Grandmother also thinks this marriage match is quite good!”

Yu Qiao’s whole body trembled. She bit down hard on her lower lip, glanced at Fifth Young Madam, then lowered her head. Her eyelashes trembled, and she refused to raise her head again. Everyone laughed and said, “Usually she’s so sharp-tongued and clever with words, but now she knows how to be shy!”

With the family’s elders present, the older brothers and sisters-in-law indeed couldn’t say a word about the daughters’ marriage matters. Only now did Seventh Miss learn that Yu Qiao’s marriage had already been settled. She sighed inwardly, glanced at Yu Qiao, then shifted her gaze back to look at the gold brick flooring before her, restraining the smile at the corners of her lips.

She wasn’t a savior. There were many things she couldn’t help with. In this world, countless people suffered because of society’s injustices. Yu Qiao was actually already one of the more fortunate ones.

Though she thought this, Seventh Miss’s mood still grew heavy. In her mind, Fifth Miss’s voice seemed to echo again: “I’ve said so many times I won’t marry, won’t marry, won’t marry! I just won’t marry!”

And Sixth Miss’s calm analysis: “Marrying into the Li family would also mean suffering! Better to…”

The Grand Madam glanced at Seventh Miss again before smiling and making a gentle pressing gesture with her hand. “Alright, all of you stop teasing. After all, the girl is young—leave her some dignity.”

She then changed the subject and asked Seventh Miss, “How is it going? How is the account review coming along?”

Her tone was kind, as if she were merely concerned about Seventh Miss’s progress in taking over household affairs. Only someone as perceptive and skilled at reading subtle cues as Seventh Miss could detect a trace of hesitation in the Grand Madam’s words.

She smiled faintly, looked deeply at Fifth Young Madam, then replied brightly, “Little Seventh doesn’t understand these things. I’m just casually looking through them to familiarize myself with how the household keeps its accounts. When the time comes, I’ll certainly need to ask the household’s accounting matrons to go over everything properly.”

For young ladies of great families in those days, anyone who could truly understand an account book would be laughed at. Noble ladies like Seventh Miss who wanted to understand how account books were written were already as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. A trace of mockery immediately appeared in Fourth Young Madam’s expression, but it flashed by in an instant, replaced by affectionate teasing. “Being the mistress of a household really is different. Firewood, rice, oil, salt, sauce, vinegar, tea—you have to worry about everything. No matter how refined Sixth Sister-in-law is, once she starts managing the household, you can see her becoming more worldly.”

Though these words were teasing Seventh Miss, the teasing was affectionate, carrying a playful banter. Starting from Eldest Young Master, Fifth Young Master, Xu Fengjia, Seventh Young Master, Eighth Young Master, and several concubine-born daughters all laughed. Seventh Miss also laughed and said, “I was already a worldly person to begin with. Even without looking at accounts, I’m worldly!”

This statement made even the Grand Madam laugh, and even Eldest Young Madam’s lips showed traces of a smile. These haughty noble ladies of the capital seemed in that instant to unanimously forget their usual dignity and let Seventh Miss’s weakness pass, not mocking her further over the word “worldly.”

Fifth Young Madam glanced at Fourth Young Madam, then at Eldest Young Madam, and also revealed a corresponding smile.

This Seventh Miss—in less than a year, not only had she become close and affectionate with Eldest Sister-in-law, but even Fourth Sister-in-law, that arrogant blockhead, viewed her with special regard…

She couldn’t help but cast a glance at Seventh Miss. Seventh Miss was speaking softly with Xu Fengjia, the young couple’s heads close together affectionately, showing such intimacy. Even Sixth Young Master, usually so serious, had a layer of gentle smile at the corners of his eyes and brows.

In less than a year, she had legitimately taken over household affairs. The mother-in-law at Qingping Courtyard viewed her with special regard, the aunt in the Forbidden City viewed her with special regard, several sisters-in-law viewed her with special regard.

Even her husband viewed her with special regard, doting on her so extremely…

Only Grandmother still stood on her side!

Recalling the veiled probing in the Grand Madam’s question earlier and the flash of light in Seventh Miss’s eyes, Fifth Young Madam lowered her eyes and said softly with a laugh, “Only someone as refined as Sixth Sister-in-law could make people laugh when calling herself worldly. If it were us who are worldly through and through, we’d have to avoid this word even more, not daring to mention it at all, for fear of making people think: ‘Oh, that’s right—turns out she really is a worldly person!'”

The room immediately erupted in another wave of laughter. The Grand Madam laughed until she swayed back and forth, pointing at Fifth Young Madam and laughing heartily. “This Zhang Shi has such a sharp tongue—she’s not inferior to Mo Shi at all!”

Fourth Young Madam also didn’t want to fall behind. She pouted. “Old Madam is so biased! I don’t have much ability to begin with—I just rely on this mouth to get by. Yet you don’t appreciate it at all and give the praise of ‘sharp tongue’ to Zhang Shi!”

The Grand Madam laughed heartily for quite a while. “Silly child, is ‘sharp tongue’ a compliment? Look—does your Fifth Sister-in-law seem happy at all?”

Everyone immediately burst into cheerful laughter again, one after another saying witty things to amuse the Grand Madam.

#

Because Madam Xu was departing today to stay at Xiaotang Mountain, Eldest Young Master, Xu Fengjia, and Fifth Young Master—all three sons—had to come out to escort her. After leaving Leshan Residence, Fifth Young Madam busied herself arranging Madam Xu’s departure. Several sisters-in-law naturally also had to go to Qingping Courtyard to help Madam Xu pack her luggage—this was also proper etiquette for daughters-in-law.

Perhaps because she rarely went out over the years, Madam Xu’s spirits were quite high for this vacation. Her usually sallow cheeks also carried a trace of a rosy glow. She stood by the window with her arms folded, smiling as she watched several daughters-in-law leading maids in and out packing her clothes, while instructing Seventh Miss, “Bring a couple of thick fur coats too. Although we’ll return before the season requires them, it’s good to be prepared, isn’t it? I heard the hot springs at Xiaotang Mountain are most nourishing. When Doctor Zhong heard I was going there to recuperate, he praised it repeatedly… What a pity the estate has been cleaned up for over ten years now, and usually only the men use it to entertain guests. Not one of us women has ever gone to bathe there!”

Yu An seemed quite reluctant to part, standing beside Madam Xu and speaking softly, “Although Mother is going to recuperate, the household cannot manage without your oversight…”

She glanced at Seventh Miss and bit her lower lip, not continuing.

Both Madam Xu and Seventh Miss were startled, exchanged glances, and couldn’t help but smile.

Yu An was worried that Seventh Miss alone in the residence couldn’t control the situation, so she was trying to indirectly persuade Madam Xu to stay, yet didn’t dare speak plainly for fear Seventh Miss would mistakenly think she was questioning her ability—this young concubine-born daughter did have some genuine feelings for Seventh Miss.

Fourth Young Madam entered the room and asked Madam Xu for instructions, “Should we also bring to Xiaotang Mountain the fragrant jade pillow that Mother usually uses…”

Several women then casually dropped this topic. Madam Xu smiled and waved her hand. “That one is for summer use. Instead, bring those two buckwheat hull and mung bean rose pillows.”

For a time, there was busy chaos. Several daughters-in-law organized staff inside and out to pack several large trunks of things for Madam Xu, then escorted her to the gate. Eldest Young Madam still said, “I really should go along to look after Mother.”

When these words came out, Fourth Young Madam’s expression first showed some displeasure. Eldest Young Madam had to take care of several children and naturally couldn’t leave, but she had no children and her husband wasn’t in the capital either. Once this topic was raised, it seemed she should volunteer to accompany Madam Xu to Xiaotang Mountain.

Before she could speak, Yu Qiao stepped forward with a smile and said, “Eldest Sister-in-law’s words just reminded me—”

Seventh Miss quickly interrupted her. “Second Sister doesn’t know—Mother’s illness is most affected by poor sleep. Having someone go along to serve would actually be inconvenient. Morning and evening greetings would require early rising… Better to stay alone, getting up whenever she pleases.”

Madam Xu smiled and nodded. “That’s exactly right. None of you need to come along. I’m going to find peace and quiet!”

These words finally blocked Yu An and Fourth Young Madam’s attempts to show loyalty. Everyone exchanged more pleasantries. Xu Fengjia came to invite Madam Xu to board the palanquin. Several daughters-in-law still followed behind the palanquin personally escorting her to the second gate. Only when Madam Xu’s palanquin could no longer be seen did they turn back and disperse.

Seventh Miss then pulled Yu An to Mingde Hall for tea. “It’s been so long since you visited. Those who don’t know might think you’re angry with me. Today your brother isn’t home—stay and have dinner with me.”

Yu An’s face flushed completely. “I thought Sister-in-law has been so busy lately…” In the end, she still followed Seventh Miss into the west side room of Mingde Hall to embroider together.

Though Xiaotang Mountain wasn’t far, the young masters certainly wouldn’t just deliver Madam Xu to her destination and return immediately. They would surely stay overnight at Xiaotang Mountain to properly settle Madam Xu before heading back. Without the master’s voice, Mingde Hall immediately showed a certain tranquility. Throughout the entire morning, no one came in or out to report matters.

Yu An grew increasingly anxious. When they put down their work to drink tea before the midday meal, she finally couldn’t help asking Seventh Miss. “I thought Sister-in-law would surely be run off her feet now—”

Seventh Miss smiled faintly and said softly, “In the future, when you go out and become a mistress yourself, you must remember this. For families like ours, doing everything personally will exhaust you to death. As mistress, you still need to learn the way of using people. If you can have trustworthy people working for you, won’t you have leisure?”

Though she didn’t speak loudly, the natural confidence flowing through her words and actions made Yu An somewhat enlightened. She nodded and drank her tea in silence. Instead, Seventh Miss borrowed this topic to ask with a smile, “Is Yu Qiao still very unwilling about the Fan family marriage match?”

The three concubine-born daughters shared Lütianyun Pavilion. Even if they didn’t interact frequently, with neighbors within earshot, Yu An naturally knew about Yu Qiao’s situation. She smiled bitterly and said softly, “Yu Qiao has loved beauty since childhood. Even if the Fan family young master is good in every way, with his appearance, she would feel wronged no matter what.”

Yu Qiao’s matter was already settled. Seventh Miss no longer worried about it. She hummed an acknowledgment and stared at Yu An, asking, “Then… what about you? Fifth Sister, do you value talent, wealth, family status, or appearance?”

Yu An was startled. Her face immediately flushed completely red. She murmured, unable to speak. After drooping her head listlessly for a while, she finally gathered courage to raise her head and glance at Seventh Miss, her voice like a mosquito’s buzz. “Sister-in-law, I…”

“If you don’t tell me, I won’t know. If I don’t know, it will be even harder to bring it up with Mother.” Seventh Miss simply made it even clearer for her.

For a concubine-born daughter like Yu An, who was already cautious by nature and whose thoughts couldn’t be anything but heavy, speaking to her in vague terms would leave her spending countless sleepless nights pondering the details of the conversation—having been through this herself, how could Seventh Miss not understand Yu An’s difficulties?

Sure enough, once this was made clear, although the rosy glow on the young girl’s face bloomed into several more flowers, Yu An didn’t lower her head. Instead, she bravely looked at Seventh Miss, her eyes brimming with gratitude. “Sister-in-law…”

“Yu Ping and Yu Qiao both have their birth mothers’ older brothers and sisters-in-law.” Seventh Miss said softly. “I can’t say much about their marriage matters. Only you are unfortunate. I’m also concubine-born. If I can look after one person, that’s one.”

Tears immediately welled up in Yu An’s eyes. “Sister-in-law is a compassionate person!”

She choked up for a moment before turning her head to wipe her eyes. “Yu An’s thoughts are quite different from my sisters’.”

She smiled through tears. “Second Sister loves beauty and only hopes to marry a handsome gentleman. Third Sister has loved wealth since childhood and is set on living a life where she can spend money freely. I… I only want to find a simple family, without so many concubines and maids, to live out a lifetime peacefully and steadily, guarding our own household.”

Seventh Miss suddenly felt somewhat breathless.

Wasn’t this the life she once dreamed of? Wasn’t this the paradise existence she once yearned for day and night but ultimately couldn’t obtain? A simple family, an honest husband, a life so plain it was nearly boring…

“Good.” She nodded without hesitation. “Although your marriage match still must be decided by Mother and Grandmother, I will certainly convey your wishes to them.”

Either way, marriage was marriage. Having someone speak for Yu An, Madam Xu would naturally be happy to do a favor—moreover, once household affairs were handed to Seventh Miss in the future, her coming forward to find a marriage match for Yu An would be perfectly natural. Though Seventh Miss’s words weren’t entirely explicit, the solidity of this promise was something anyone could feel.

Yu An’s tears came up again. As she wiped them, crystalline teardrops continued falling one after another.

“Sister-in-law!” she called softly. “I… I… I’ll be grateful to you my whole life!”

Seventh Miss laughed. “Why cry? Going out from Mingde Hall with red-rimmed eyes—those who don’t know might think I bullied you!”

So Yu An, holding back tears, bloomed into a pitiable smile.

After lunch, Yu An took her leave. “I have a habit of afternoon naps.”

Her attitude toward Seventh Miss had invisibly become much more affectionate. Though still cautious and careful, she no longer watched every step, fearful that one word or action would offend and cause Seventh Miss’s displeasure.

After seeing Yu An off, Seventh Miss also took an afternoon nap to soothe her lower back which had been aching since morning. When she rose, it was already mid-afternoon. Too lazy to do anything or even think, she simply reclined against the pillow chatting with Lixia.

“Mother-in-law let go quite decisively. When she said she wouldn’t worry, she truly didn’t worry at all. Fortunately, she was willing to leave the old matrons for me.”

Madam Xu specifically chose to go recuperate during these days of taking over household affairs to avoid trouble. If she were home, no matter what, she was still the nominal mistress. Many matters would require Seventh Miss and Fifth Young Madam to inform her. Thus Madam Xu deliberately withdrew to enjoy peace and quiet.

Lixia smiled lightly. “It’s also because you have this capability that Madam can confidently delegate authority.” She stood up and looked through the window at the scene in the east wing. “The two female accountants seem to have finished!”

The household account books, falling into the hands of female accountants from salt merchant families—what couldn’t they review? Though there were many account books from recent years, the two reviewed them quickly. Seventh Miss had sent someone to inquire and was told they would definitely finish today. Unexpectedly, before even eating dinner, they had indeed nearly completed their work. Seventh Miss couldn’t help feeling invigorated. She sat up with a smile. “Good. Keep watch. Once they’re finished, invite them in to speak with me.”

Recalling the Grand Madam’s question this morning, she smiled faintly again. “I don’t believe it—surely this account book can’t be completely without a single error or omission.”

Lixia acknowledged and stood up again, laughing. “Oh, in the time we’ve been talking, they’ve already finished. They’re locking the cabinets now. They’ll probably request an audience in a moment—should Young Madam change clothes?”

Seventh Miss straightened up and fully armed herself mentally. She nodded. “Just invite them in!”