Seventh Miss said nothing more and led Bailu onto the small bamboo bridge into Jie Yu Pavilion.

Jie Yu Pavilion was quite spacious. Rather than calling it a pavilion, it was more like a gallery or waterside pavilion. The sisters had already gathered around Second Madam, seated in a circle in the center of Jie Yu Pavilion. When Sixth Miss saw Seventh Miss enter, she quickly smiled and waved at her, patting the empty seat beside her.

“It’s rare that we all gather for a meal together, yet there’s still no peace!” As soon as Seventh Miss sat down, Sixth Miss whispered in her ear, “Fortunately Seventh Concubine saw the opportunity early and took me far around, otherwise we’d have been caught in the middle again.”

Seventh Miss could not help but smile. Whatever matter came from Sixth Miss’s mouth became somewhat more interesting.

The concubines also gradually entered Jie Yu Pavilion to serve behind everyone. Second Madam casually excused them and told them to sit around the small round table at the lower position.

Today all five concubines were present. Sitting together, it was quite lively.

Most amusing was that Master Yang was famous for his romantic nature. Rumors from outside claimed that the Yang family’s lovely wives and beautiful concubines all possessed devastating beauty, yet the five concubines seated here had all passed their prime years.

Those truly delicate and charming beauties had no qualification to participate in today’s banquet.

Seeing this, Seventh Miss found it quite ironic.

One should not speak while eating or sleeping. Though Second Madam was amiable, she insisted most on such rules. Though it was the Dragon Boat Festival, no one chatted and laughed. The banquet was somewhat cold.

Several concubines also did not eat much. Eighth Concubine only had a few sips of soup before apologizing and returning to her room to rest.

Seeing this, Sixth Miss’s eyes flashed with disapproval. “Eighth Concubine’s entire mind is on her belly. She’s determined to bear a boy to keep Ninth Young Master company.” She whispered to Seventh Miss.

Sixth Miss lived in Bai Fang Garden, so her information was much better than Seventh Miss’s.

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred. “Are Eighth Concubine and Fourth Concubine still close?” She also lowered her voice to ask Sixth Miss.

Though Seventh Concubine and Sixth Miss sided with neither faction, it was precisely because of this that both sides were not very guarded against the mother and daughter.

Since becoming pregnant, Eighth Concubine had begun acting as mysteriously as Fourth Concubine, seeming to maintain an ambiguous distance from the fourth household while having no interaction with the first household.

The meal had reached its conclusion, and everyone began to chat quietly while personally peeling zongzi to eat.

Seeing no one paying attention to her conversation with Seventh Miss, Sixth Miss lowered her voice further.

“Since becoming pregnant, she’s been paranoid, always feeling everyone wants to harm her… She doesn’t seem close to anyone!”

Seventh Miss understood: Eighth Concubine wanted to follow Seventh Concubine’s path—siding with neither faction.

So she was not close with Fourth Concubine either, and with the first household, it was a case of lingering connection despite apparent separation.

She had it difficult too!

If she bore a girl, that would be fine. But if it was a boy, the First Madam, while keeping him in her residence, would remember her relationship with Fourth Concubine and likely treat her even more harshly than she had treated Ninth Concubine.

But if she bore a girl, she could only let both households manipulate her. Offending either side would end badly.

She could only muddle through ambiguously like this.

She smiled slightly. “They’re all pitiable people.”

Sixth Miss also revealed a trace of sadness. “Seeing how thin she’s become…”

Seventh Miss took a bite of honey date and lotus seed glutinous rice zongzi and smiled faintly.

After everyone finished eating, Second Madam rose to take Eighth Miss back.

This time, she did not even glance at Fourth Concubine from the corner of her eye.

Who knew if it was because Nanny Wang’s arranged indirect criticism had taken effect.

Second Miss acted as if nothing had happened, summoning Nanny Wang to escort Second Madam out of Bai Fang Garden.

Last time, she had not come forward…

Seventh Miss understood: Second Miss definitely knew the whole story.

Though she always protected herself wisely, Ninth Young Master’s safety involved the First Madam’s support, which also involved Second Miss and Fifth Miss’s future standing in their natal family. Second Miss could not be unconcerned.

Just as everyone was about to disperse, Lichun suddenly came rushing onto the bridge from the shore with a face full of smiles.

“The eldest son-in-law personally brought people to deliver festival gifts and is talking with the Old Master in the outer courtyard. He sent Nanny Yao in to pay respects to the Madam and young misses!” Her face was full of joy that could not be contained. “First Miss is expecting!”

Everyone immediately burst into commotion. Second Madam paused for a moment. An almost imperceptible shadow flitted across her brow before she broke into a smile. “Joyous news! Joyous news!”

With the First Madam away, the eldest son-in-law could not properly come in to pay respects. After all, Second Madam was an aunt from a separate branch, and the sisters were all unmarried.

Second Madam sat back down in Jie Yu Pavilion and had Nanny Yao come into Bai Fang Garden to pay respects.

“Let Nanny Yao also see the scenery of her old residence!”

Nanny Yao arrived quickly.

She was a capable-looking middle-aged woman wearing a dark red damask jacquard long jacket with front buttons, displaying joy within steadiness. Upon entering Jie Yu Pavilion, her face was full of smiles as she knelt before Second Madam with proper etiquette and performed a full formal bow.

Second Madam accepted it calmly.

Actually, dowry nannies sent back to pay respects like this were quite respectable. An aunt from a separate branch like Second Madam would generally decline politely before accepting the full bow.

Seventh Miss noticed that Second Madam did not seem to like First Miss much.

“Paying respects to Second Madam! Paying respects to Second Miss, Third Miss, Fourth Miss, Sixth Miss, and Seventh Miss!” Nanny Yao’s face bore a smile.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, Second Miss instructed Lichun, “Serve tea to Nanny Yao!”

Taking advantage of the opportunity, she pointed to the small embroidered stool beside Fourth Concubine. “Nanny Yao, please sit—we haven’t yet asked after Elder Sister!”

A clever little maid moved an embroidered stool and placed it diagonally across from Second Madam and Second Miss.

Nanny Yao declined repeatedly before sitting at an angle, just touching the edge of the embroidered stool.

“First Miss is doing very well.” Her face was full of spring breeze. “Originally she was preparing to return home. The messenger was about to depart when unexpectedly, at this very moment, she suddenly began experiencing morning sickness and vomiting… Eating anything made her sick. The entire household, old and young, panicked terribly. The young master was frantic, running in circles. Overnight he went to town to fetch a doctor, but felt it wasn’t enough, so he personally went to Hangzhou to find a recently retired imperial physician before returning home… This delayed things until today before the festival gifts could be delivered! The young master is in front apologizing to the Old Master right now!”

Never mind that for First Miss’s morning sickness, Young Master Li personally went to Hangzhou to fetch a doctor—just looking at how during this major festival, it was the son-in-law who personally came to deliver festival gifts and apologize, one could see how highly the Li family valued First Miss.

All the Yang family daughters’ faces showed genuine smiles.

“Yuhang is just too small a place.” Yet Second Madam said, “Even for a doctor, one must go to Hangzhou!”

No matter how agreeable Nanny Yao was, she did not know how to respond to that.

The atmosphere became awkward for a moment.

A flash of anger crossed Second Miss’s face.

“Does Elder Sister have any message for us?” she asked Nanny Yao.

“Yes!” Nanny Yao immediately seized upon this topic. “She held my hand and asked me to apologize to all the sisters on her behalf, saying she originally wanted to return home to play with her sisters properly, but unfortunately cannot come. She asked after Eighth Miss—has she recovered? She must take good care of her health. She also asked Second Miss to be at ease. When you marry, First Miss will definitely attend.”

“Nurturing the pregnancy is most important!” Second Miss quickly interjected, her tone full of unconcealed concern.

“We said the same thing, but don’t you know First Miss’s temperament? She’s like wind turning to rain… When the time comes, we’ll need Second Miss to send word to Yuhang to settle her down.” Nanny Yao chuckled. “She also asked after Third Miss—whether she’s studying diligently, whether she can compose poetry yet. If so, please copy some poems to send back for her to see.”

Third Miss smiled with her eyes narrowed to slits. “Jingzhe, quickly go back and organize the study. I dare not show off my poetry, but I have some confidence in my calligraphy. I’ve written several pieces not worthy of public display—perfect for decorating Elder Sister’s room!”

Nanny Yao smiled and patted Third Miss. “Listen to what you’re saying—they’d be begged for!” She then said to Fourth Miss, “First Miss says to ask Fourth Miss to go out and walk around more when free, not to always stay cooped up embroidering. It would be a shame if you ruined your eyes with needlework.”

Fourth Miss smiled gently, her eyes also taking on the misty charm of Fourth Concubine.

“She also said she wanted to swing together with Sixth Miss at Little Fragrant Snow. Now it seems impossible, but next year when she returns home they’ll swing together! And admire flowers together with Sixth Miss!” Nanny Yao smiled and turned to Seventh Miss. “This must be Seventh Miss! You look exactly like Ninth Young Master. First Miss asks you to settle into the main courtyard at ease. Your elder sisters and brother are all kind and will never wrong you. Don’t feel like an outsider. Whatever you want, just tell the First Madam—there’s nothing she won’t allow. When you have leisure, please come visit Yuhang with your sisters!”

Seventh Miss could not help but sigh: This First Miss was truly exceptional at handling people.

Everyone chattered about the Li family’s circumstances.

The Li family situation was simple. Old Master Li’s parents had passed away. He had not taken concubines, only had one legitimate wife who bore him two sons and three daughters. The eldest son Li Yixing was First Miss’s husband, currently studying at home. The second son Li Yifei studied agriculture, farmed at home, and also managed several rice shops in Yuhang and Hangzhou. The three daughters were all still young, usually strictly disciplined, all possessing chaste and quiet temperaments that never crossed thresholds.

Upon marrying into the Li family, First Miss had won the affection of everyone, old and young. From parents-in-law down to sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, they all treated her as a treasure, finding everything about her good, everything she did proper. First Miss was also perceptive. Though pampered, she always acted modestly and appropriately. In all matters, parents-in-law came first, then younger siblings, then herself and her husband. Even if the Li family initially only considered the Yang family’s power and influence, after a year or so, they all genuinely treasured First Miss.

This time when First Miss became pregnant, she originally wanted to initiate her senior maid to become the young master’s concubine. But Old Master Li and Madam Li both shook their heads, saying country families had no custom of taking concubines—only if childless at forty could one take a concubine. They voluntarily sent Li Yixing to Suzhou to deliver festival gifts to the Old Master, report safety, and explain the Li family’s position.

Nanny Yao spoke with animated expression, full of pride.

Listening, everyone showed envious expressions.

Though the Li family had no official titles, they were peaceful and prosperous, their household tranquil. First Miss’s comfort was something they could all imagine.

The envy in Sixth Miss’s eyes was nearly overflowing.

“This match, Mother selected carefully back then.” She whispered to Seventh Miss. “One in ten thousand good family!”

Seventh Miss also felt that even Second Miss might not have First Miss’s good fortune.

The Marquis Dingguo’s Sun family was an illustrious clan. The rules would certainly be strict, with many relatives and countless elders above… Second Miss would surely suffer somewhat in her first few years there.

How could that compare to First Miss’s happiness?

A hazy longing gradually formed in her heart.

First Miss was also a concubine-born daughter, also raised in the main courtyard… If she could be like First Miss, planning and strategizing for the First Madam, in the future couldn’t she also…

Only at this moment did she truly appreciate Ninth Concubine’s devoted intentions and understand her desire for a quick death.

Though there was the interlude with Nanny Yao, before long Eighth Miss showed signs of drowsiness, yawning one after another.

Second Madam seized the excuse and hurriedly departed with Eighth Miss.

Seventh Miss secretly watched Fourth Concubine’s expression.

Fourth Concubine stood at the edge of Jie Yu Pavilion, staring blankly at the lake surface, her face clouded with mystery, weighted with worries.

All parents’ hearts are pitiful!

After chatting a while longer, Second Miss invited Nanny Yao to sit at You Huang Li to see her goddaughter Xiaohan.

This was merely a pretext. What she truly wanted to ask should be private matters discussed away from public view.

Everyone dispersed. Seventh Miss also returned to the western side courtyard to quietly read and practice calligraphy.

Bailu, contrary to her usual cleverness, seemed somewhat dazed. But Lixia remained calm and composed as always.

Speaking of which, Lixia was not unaware of the undercurrents surging through the manor these past days. When she returned from home that day, she learned everything from Bailu.

Yet these past days, not only had she shown no abnormalities, she was even more composed than when nothing was happening. When facing Fourth Concubine and Second Madam, she also showed nothing amiss.

In mid-afternoon, Ninth Young Master finally returned, his small face flushed red, his forehead covered in sweat. Nanny Wang and Lichun hurried to have him bathe.

Before long, a little maid came to deliver something: “Festival gifts from First Miss.”

First Miss sent ordinary items, nothing particularly precious—mugwort tiger hairpins for girls to wear, longevity threads to carry… But she had personally made a pouch for each sibling. The craftsmanship was very fine, filled inside with various fragrances.

After bathing, Ninth Young Master saw First Miss’s handiwork. “Elder Sister made this!” He recognized it at a glance.

It seemed he had worn quite a few clothes made by First Miss before.

“Inside is filled with the sparrow tongue fragrance you like.” Nanny Wang smiled broadly.

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred. She sniffed her own pouch: just ordinary Penglai fragrance.

First Miss’s universal popularity truly showed exceptional qualities.

Nanny Wang asked Ninth Young Master: “We need to send word to the capital so the Madam also knows this happy news and can rejoice! Does Ninth Young Master have any message for Mother and Elder Sister?”

“I miss Mother very much.” Ninth Young Master raised his small face and said pitifully, “Father also misses Mother. Mother should come home earlier.”

This single sentence was sweeter than a thousand or ten thousand honeyed words.

Nanny Wang’s face bloomed into a chrysanthemum smile.

“Ninth Young Master is good!” She touched Ninth Young Master’s head. “The Madam in the capital also thinks of Ninth Young Master!”

She looked toward Seventh Miss, revealing a slight smile. “Does Seventh Miss have any message for Mother?”

When those going to the capital to pay respects delivered messages before relatives, having concubine-born sons and daughters express such sincere longing for the First Madam also demonstrated the First Madam’s magnanimous virtue and harmonious household.

“Little Seventh misses the Madam very much. Please ask the Madam to take care of her health and return early. Without the Madam, the manor has lost its backbone. Everything is chaotic, not as smooth as when the Madam is home.” Seventh Miss said obediently.

Nanny Wang could not help but laugh. “What chaos—such childish words.”

Thinking it was Seventh Miss’s sincere feelings, she also touched Seventh Miss’s head.

“Even if the Madam is not home, the sky won’t fall.” Her words carried hidden meaning. “Whatever happens, send word and she’ll know immediately.”

Rather than saying she was specifically informing her, it was more like a spontaneous thought, notifying Seventh Miss because it occurred to her: the matter of Second Madam and Fourth Concubine conspiring together would be reported to the Madam.

Seventh Miss’s eyes dimmed slightly: She was too young after all. No wonder Nanny Wang did not take her seriously.

Suddenly she felt somewhat regretful.

Should she not have brought this matter to Nanny Wang…

When birds are gone, the good bow is stored away. When cunning rabbits die, the hunting dogs are cooked.

The reason First Miss stood out was because the First Madam had Fourth Concubine as a formidable opponent.