The Dragon Boat Festival soon arrived.

The Dragon Boat Festival was a major festival. Not only did they eat zongzi and race dragon boats, but married daughters also returned home to visit their parents. The First Madam’s trip to the capital this time coincided with both Imperial Tutor Qin’s birthday celebration and the Dragon Boat Festival custom of returning home.

Among the younger generation of the Yang family, only First Miss had married. Logically speaking, Yuhang was not far away, so First Miss should return to her natal family for a visit.

Though the Old Master had grown distant from his daughters, First Miss was his first daughter, which made her different. Since the beginning of the fifth month, he had been mentioning First Miss. From Yuhang to Suzhou by waterway was only a two or three day journey. If First Miss intended to return home, she would have sent word by now.

When the sisters in the family spoke of First Miss, they were rarely harmonious.

“Elder Sister married less than a year ago this year. Perhaps she won’t return home—it’s understandable.” Fourth Miss’s tone was unusually gentle.

Second Miss also nodded. “As a new bride, one naturally has more concerns than when one was a daughter. However, Elder Sister will surely send word.”

Sixth Miss also smiled and said, “Elder Sister sends someone with gifts every month. The Dragon Boat Festival is a major holiday, so she certainly won’t make an exception.”

Everyone laughed.

First Miss’s husband’s family, the Li family, were among Yuhang’s largest landowners. Though wealthy, they had no scholars—only First Miss’s husband Li Yixing studied at home, hoping to earn an official title.

Having married into such a family, wouldn’t First Miss be coddled by her parents-in-law and respected by her husband? Not to mention sending things to her natal family—even if she ran home every day, the Li family would have nothing to say about it.

Though the young misses of the Yang family had not yet married, which of them was uncomplicated? Who among them did not understand these intricacies?

Third Miss revealed a trace of envy. “Elder Sister truly chose an excellent match!”

Second Madam then walked into the flower hall with a smile. “What are you talking about so happily?” She held Eighth Miss’s hand. Eighth Miss looked healthier, her face more ruddy. “Young ladies shouldn’t constantly talk about marriage matches—it doesn’t sound proper.”

“Second Aunt.” Everyone rose and bowed.

Third Miss said with a giggling laugh, “Second Aunt, we were talking about Elder Sister. It’s already the fifth day of the fifth month, yet there’s been no word from Elder Sister’s side.”

Second Madam nodded, smiling as she patted Eighth Miss. “Go play with your sisters!” She sat down in the head position of the two armchairs arranged side by side at the top of the flower hall, took a sip of fresh tea, and asked, “Where is Ninth Young Master?”

Today was the actual Dragon Boat Festival, so naturally everyone would gather for a meal. In past years, several tables would be set up in Jie Yu Pavilion in the center of Wan Hua Liu Luo, where everyone sat together, symbolizing the reunion meaning of the Dragon Boat Festival. Logically, Master Yang should also come in to enjoy the occasion with the family’s women, but with Second Madam present, it was awkward for both sides to meet. In past years, he would go out with the household’s literary guests and staff to watch dragon boat races, leaving the house to the women.

“Father took Ninth Young Master to watch the dragon boat races!” Second Miss replied with a smile, her eyes clear and bright, showing nothing amiss.

Second Madam showed no embarrassment either. She acknowledged with a sound and then said with a smile, “The weather is nice today—it has the feeling of summer.” She made small talk, chatting with the young ladies about everyday matters.

Fourth Concubine and Nanny Wang bustled about. Fourth Concubine managed only the banquet arrangements, while Nanny Wang had to arrange the Dragon Boat Festival rewards for all the servants. Though the First Madam was away, what should be given could not be withheld. Only when everyone entered Bai Fang Garden did they see several concubines talking as they walked over from beside Huan Sha Wu.

Suzhou had many gardens, and gardens invariably had water features. Bai Fang Garden was no exception. Relying on the southwest corner of the courtyard, between Xi Ke Residence and Qi Li Xiang, was squeezed a small pond called Wan Hua Liu Luo. Jie Yu Pavilion stood at the end of a bamboo bridge extending into Wan Hua Liu Luo. As the weather gradually grew hot, eating in the center of the pond was both cool and scenic.

Several concubines greeted Second Madam with smiles, then bowed to the young misses. Even Eighth Concubine, who had not appeared for a long time, was conspicuously present. Her belly was already quite large, yet she had grown increasingly frail. Every step she took required several gasps for breath.

Fourth Concubine stayed beside Eighth Concubine, talking with her while supporting her. The intimacy of their relationship was self-evident.

Upon seeing Second Madam, she showed no unusual reaction. Second Madam also just casually nodded at the concubines, then pulled Second Miss along, chatting idly as they stepped onto the covered corridor.

When a large group of women walked together, factions inevitably formed.

First Concubine and Fifth Concubine were both the Madam’s people, so they now gathered around Seventh Miss.

Fourth Concubine and Eighth Concubine slowly fell to the back of the crowd, walking and chatting intermittently.

Seventh Concubine was left alone, walking in the middle of the crowd with Sixth Miss—mother and daughter neither approaching Seventh Miss nor mixing with Third Miss and Fourth Miss.

Third Miss and Fourth Miss, the two sisters, held Eighth Miss’s hands. Third Miss and Eighth Miss chattered away endlessly.

At first glance, it appeared quite harmonious.

First Concubine and Fifth Concubine were both honest and quiet people, and Seventh Miss was even less talkative. The three walked very quietly.

The conversation between Fourth Concubine and Eighth Concubine drifted to their ears on the wind.

“Now that the weather is warm, you mustn’t seek coolness. Wear what you should wear. The night dew is still chilly. If you catch cold, it will be difficult to manage.” Fourth Concubine’s voice was melodiously captivating. “Adults can endure it, but the child cannot withstand such treatment.”

“Ah.” Eighth Concubine responded softly but said nothing more.

“You should also eat more. Look how thin you’ve become. When the time comes for childbirth, you’ll surely suffer!” Fourth Concubine was not bothered by Eighth Concubine’s coldness.

Seventh Miss was somewhat curious and looked back at the two.

Fourth Concubine’s face was full of enthusiasm, while Eighth Concubine showed a trace of helplessness.

First Concubine and Fifth Concubine both followed Seventh Miss’s gaze to look back.

Disdain flashed across both their faces simultaneously.

“All equally concubines.” First Concubine’s voice was neither too loud nor too soft. “Yet some people act like the Madam… Those who don’t know might think she’s the one managing the household.”

Seventh Miss could not help but smile.

Though First Concubine and Fifth Concubine usually did not show it, their claws were actually quite sharp. When it came to sarcastic remarks, they were not inferior to anyone.

She knew this… At Ninth Concubine’s memorial, she had already witnessed the two concubines’ scheming.

“Indeed.” Fifth Concubine also smiled broadly. “Though Eighth Concubine came from her courtyard… even she is merely a servant before the Old Master and Madam, yet she truly thinks herself someone important…”

The corridor was not large. Who could not hear what the two concubines said?

Seventh Concubine and Sixth Miss quickened their pace, leaving the corridor to admire the flowers by the roadside.

Third Miss and Fourth Miss turned around simultaneously, anger flashing in their eyes.

Second Miss and Second Madam raised their voices in conversation.

Seventh Miss was somewhat surprised.

Speaking of these two concubines, they had always been cautious with their words and actions. When serving before the First Madam, they rarely even spoke.

Even at Ninth Concubine’s memorial, when they had tested her, Seventh Miss had not thought deeply about it… nor had she considered them eloquent.

She had not expected that when provoked, their tongues were so sharp and they were so fearless!

Fourth Concubine and Eighth Concubine immediately fell silent.

First Concubine and Fifth Concubine exchanged a glance. First Concubine continued with a smile, “Fifth Sister, you shouldn’t say it like that. She knows that no matter how respectable she is, she still cannot compare to even a cat or dog from the main courtyard… Seventh Miss, wouldn’t you agree?”

Seventh Miss was somewhat confused but smiled and responded, “The main courtyard is where the Madam lives, so naturally it must be more noble.”

First Concubine and Fifth Concubine intentionally or unintentionally slowed their pace, falling close to Eighth Concubine and Fourth Concubine.

Fourth Concubine’s face showed some embarrassment. She avoided the gazes of First Concubine and Fifth Concubine, appearing unwilling to cause trouble.

Yet her face showed no surprise.

Rather, Eighth Concubine’s face bore astonishment.

Seventh Miss looked around.

Though Third Miss and Fourth Miss showed anger on their faces, even Third Miss, who had the shallowest composure, showed no sign of interfering.

Second Miss and Second Madam chatted and laughed pleasantly, as if completely unaware of what was happening behind them, and had already walked quite far ahead.

Seventh Concubine and Sixth Miss were the most resolute. Mother and daughter chatted and laughed while hurrying forward, clearly unwilling to get involved.

Seventh Miss lowered her eyes, thought for a moment, and understood.

The struggle between the main courtyard and Xi Ke Residence had gone on for many years. Though the First Madam had the advantage of favorable timing, Fourth Concubine had the harmony of people.

First Concubine, Fifth Concubine, and Eighth Concubine were all weapons in this struggle.

Yesterday at Bai Yu Jin, Fourth Concubine had sought her out to talk, putting the matter of finding a match for Third Miss on the table.

Logically speaking, this was not excessive. After all, Fourth Concubine was Third Miss’s birth mother, and Third Miss had always been raised at Xi Ke Residence. Even if the First Madam knew about it, she would not say much to Fourth Concubine. At most, she would hasten to find Third Miss a match that looked good on the outside but was bitter inside, making Fourth Concubine swallow her broken teeth with blood.

On the surface, Seventh Miss had handled things well, deflecting Fourth Concubine.

But privately, she would naturally report this news to Nanny Wang.

Though the First Madam was not present, that did not mean the main courtyard could be trampled upon. The more Nanny Wang needed to pretend ignorance of Fourth Concubine’s underhanded schemes, the more she needed to perform her reaction to this matter.

The main courtyard’s side naturally had First Concubine and Fifth Concubine leading the charge. As fellow concubines confronting each other, there was no hierarchy of superiority or inferiority, and any harsh words could be spoken.

Fourth Concubine could not be unaware of this principle.

If the main courtyard only thought Fourth Concubine had overstepped her bounds by going out herself to look at potential families and wanted to ask Seventh Miss to plead her case so the First Madam would relent on Third Miss’s marriage, then they would only have First Concubine and Fifth Concubine make some sarcastic remarks to needle Fourth Concubine. There would not be any excessive reaction. The First Madam would still control Third Miss’s marriage, releasing her grip whenever she wished.

Though Fourth Concubine was now enduring cold words and sarcasm, presumably the people of the fourth household were happy inside.

And saying these things before Second Madam demonstrated how deeply Nanny Wang had considered matters.

Beating the grass to startle the snake.

At first glance, it seemed that in order to vent for the main courtyard, Nanny Wang disregarded the dignity of the first household, exposing the concubines’ struggle before Second Madam. This demonstrated Nanny Wang’s narrow-mindedness… But for Second Madam, explicitly scolding Fourth Concubine also carried a warning to her, since they were secret accomplices.

For Nanny Wang to have achieved her current position in the main courtyard, she truly was no simple character!

Seventh Miss silently warned herself inwardly, becoming even more unwilling to be drawn into the struggle between the main courtyard and Xi Ke Residence.

Of course, she was part of the main courtyard, and there would be no goodwill between her and the people of Xi Ke Residence.

But concubine against concubine—her opponents would only be Third Miss and Fourth Miss, never Fourth Concubine.

Yet First Concubine and Fifth Concubine flanked her left and right, just as Fourth Concubine supported Eighth Concubine, seemingly with no intention of letting go.

It seemed she and Eighth Concubine had become shields for both sides.

Second Miss was unwilling to be drawn into the concubines’ struggle. As the First Madam’s legitimate daughter, Nanny Wang naturally dared not slight her. She had probably reported today’s action to her early, which was why she walked at the very front pulling Second Madam along.

She herself was a miss of the main courtyard, yet also concubine-born. With First Concubine and Fifth Concubine standing beside her, they intentionally or unintentionally highlighted her identity as a person of the main courtyard. Speaking of which, Fourth Concubine still had to be courteous before them—as the First Madam’s dowry servants, the two concubines had face.

She had voluntarily told Nanny Wang about Second Madam’s matter… How could they treat her as if she were nothing?

Seventh Miss smiled bitterly inwardly and exchanged a glance with Eighth Concubine.

Both were full of reluctance.

Eighth Concubine suddenly clutched her belly and began gasping. “Dahan, support me quickly, I feel dizzy!”

Everyone immediately set aside their grievances and gathered around Eighth Concubine with concern.

Progeny was paramount—no one dared cause trouble at such a time.

After catching her breath, Eighth Concubine said breathlessly, “It’s… it’s nothing, just a bit dizzy. I think… I ate breakfast too early and am hungry now!” As she spoke, she looked around somewhat embarrassedly.

When no one was paying attention, she winked at Seventh Miss somewhat smugly.

Seventh Miss understood and pursed her lips to suppress a smile.

First Concubine and Fifth Concubine also lost interest. Seventh Miss took advantage of the situation to help Bailu and said with a smile, “The sisters are all ahead. Aunties, take your time. I’ll catch up first.” She thus distanced herself from this place of conflict.

She had no fondness for being used as a weapon. Even if she were to be used as a weapon, the person qualified to use her should be the First Madam.

Bailu had maintained silence throughout. The corridor was now empty. Those walking ahead had all climbed onto Jie Yu Pavilion, while the concubines behind walked very slowly.

“In deep mansions, one truly must be careful at every step.” Seventh Miss spoke with feeling.

Bailu revealed a disdainful smile.

“If you ask me, you shouldn’t think so much!” For the first time, she spoke her true thoughts to Seventh Miss. Over the past few months, though this maid handled everything properly, she never spoke much when things arose.

“Oh?” Seventh Miss looked at Bailu with interest.

She had been waiting for this conversation.

Before entering the western side courtyard, Bailu had served in the main residence. Before the First Madam, she had considerable standing.

A maid like this, if used well, could provide great help. But if not used well, it would not only wrong Bailu, but Seventh Miss would also be uncomfortable.

She had no foundation in the main courtyard. Sometimes what she knew was not even as much as Bailu knew.

Regardless of what matters arose, the two needed to discuss things together.

But Bailu also could not bare her heart to her from the start. Anyone needed time to adapt to a new environment.

Now, the time for Bailu to speak had come.

“What you should actually focus on in the main courtyard is only one person.” Bailu’s gaze was clear. “As long as Ninth Young Master is safe, you will stand on invincible ground… Other matters, there’s really no need to get too deeply involved.”

Seventh Miss revealed a trace of bitter smile.

Bailu still saw things too simply.

Regarding the same matter, when she had related it to Nanny Wang, she had not concealed it from Bailu either.

Yet Nanny Wang had heard the crisis hidden within.

“You need to think carefully.” She prompted Bailu. “If not to protect Ninth Young Master… why would I voluntarily wade into this muddy water!”

Bailu froze for a moment. In her bright, limpid eyes, deep terror gradually emerged.