The next morning when she awoke, Seventh Miss had intended to speak with Yu An, but unfortunately the young lady had caught a cold wind while watching opera at the Quan residence the previous day and returned with an upset stomach. There was no choice but to summon Doctor Zhong to take her pulse, while Seventh Miss also searched for some anti-diarrheal ointments and pills to send to Yu An for use.

Having finally managed to handle all the household affairs, Madam Xu sent someone to fetch her for conversation. Moreover, Xu Fengjia had taken sick leave today and wasn’t on duty, insisting on hearing about the recent trivial matters in the household. Seventh Miss was run ragged—speaking with the steward mamas on one side, then rushing into the west third room to settle Xu Fengjia. “If you have nothing to do, go to the small study and look at military texts, or chat with Father, or go out and socialize with Young Master Lin. Mother sent for me about something, and I’m afraid I won’t be back so quickly.”

Xu Fengjia was unhappy and complained, “It’s rare that I want to talk with you a bit more today…”

“Such a grown man, yet still acting like a child.” Seventh Miss spoke while laughing. “Come here, I’ll reward you with a pastry to sweeten your mouth.”

She picked up a piece of osmanthus cake and held it before Xu Fengjia. When Xu Fengjia opened his mouth, she turned it back and ate it herself. Thus, amidst Master Xu’s complaints, she took two maids and briskly left Mingde Hall to speak with Madam Xu at Qingping Garden.

Perhaps because these past months Seventh Miss had indeed managed the household affairs quite impressively, Madam Xu’s attitude toward her was becoming increasingly amiable. Seeing her enter, she first sent Fourth Son and Fifth Son, who were playing by the kang, to one side before smiling at Seventh Miss. “I just looked carefully—both children’s behavior is quite good, and toward outsiders they’re already very polite. After New Year’s when the teacher arrives, they won’t disgrace the Xu family’s reputation—you’ve taught them well.”

“It’s more that the two wet nurses Mother selected have taught them well.” Seventh Miss smiled and waved her hand. “I’m usually busy, only seeing the two children at mealtimes, occasionally playing with them. Their daily life and care are all still managed by the wet nurses.”

Madam Xu pondered for a moment, then discussed with Seventh Miss. “After all, the children are grown now. If the wet nurses keep following them around, they’ll inevitably develop spoiled temperaments. Besides, you and Fengjia are ultimately their parents—there’s no reason for children to be closer to their wet nurses. I think after this year passes, we should send the two wet nurses home to retire. Last time Guyu and Chunfen brought Fourth Son and Fifth Son over, I saw they handled the two children very properly. Just let them attend to them in the room—that will do.”

Seventh Miss had already intended this herself. That Madam Xu brought it up on her own initiative was an unexpected delight, and she naturally agreed at once. “I had the same thought. Since you think so too, I’ll arrange it when I return. Right after the Lantern Festival, we’ll give them several taels of silver and send them off. With the children excited about beginning their studies, they won’t need wet nurses anymore.”

Madam Xu nodded. Her gaze swept over Seventh Miss’s fingers but didn’t see that gold ring, so she couldn’t help but look up at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss naturally understood. She explained with a smile, “It’s enough that everyone in the household knows I received this ring. After all, it’s a precious item. Normally I keep it in a box, planning to wear it out only during major festivals.”

Even when she herself had received this ring years ago, once she put it on, she never took it off again. When she first got it, she would constantly turn it over and over, admiring its appearance.

Only someone like Seventh Miss could remain so low-key and proper even after gaining power.

Madam Xu thought how even the Grand Madam recently hadn’t stirred up any trouble, and couldn’t help but sigh, saying slowly, “Mother is truly getting old. In many matters, my judgment isn’t as good as yours.”

Without waiting for Seventh Miss to demur, she stated her purpose. “When we went to eat at the Quan residence this time, Madam Quan asked me quite a bit about Yu Ping. From the looks of it, she very much wants to propose Yu Ping as a second wife for Quan Ziyin.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows in surprise. “Father…”

Madam Xu shook her head. “I haven’t spoken with your father-in-law yet—I wanted to discuss this matter with you first. If it won’t work, I’ll privately decline Madam Quan.”

Seventh Miss immediately understood.

After all, Yu Ping was Fourth Young Master’s full sister. In this matter, the Sixth Branch’s position wasn’t entirely aligned with Duke Pingguo’s household’s position.

She lowered her eyes in thought for a long while before hesitantly asking Madam Xu, “Actually, Quan Ziyin himself may not agree to this? I heard from Shanjiu that when he went south of the Yangtze last year, it seemed he had an unhappy disagreement with his family over this matter. Since his first wife passed away, he apparently hasn’t had any intention of remarrying.”

Madam Xu nodded. “That’s true, but an arm can’t twist a thigh. If Madam Quan wants to find him a second wife, he has no choice. I think even for Yu Ping’s own sake, accepting this match wouldn’t be good. You know Yu Ping—her abilities are even more mediocre than Yu Qiao’s. I had originally planned to casually match her with a concubine-born son from an ordinary family and leave it at that. I’m afraid she can’t hold the position of Second Young Madam of the Quan family.”

The Quan family was also an established household of many years, and moreover had married into imperial relatives. Many matters were far more complex than the Xu family’s. Furthermore, Quan Zhongbai, though the second son, stood out alone and had gained the Emperor’s favor. If the eldest son wasn’t easy to manage, conflicts between the two would inevitably be numerous. With Yu Ping’s abilities, sitting in this position, her days certainly wouldn’t be comfortable.

Seventh Miss suddenly thought of Yu An. Speaking of which, Quan Zhongbai truly was talented and distinguished in appearance. Though he cherished his late wife’s memory, his usual conduct was upright and honorable…

Immediately after, she recalled Yu An’s confession.

“Not to mention Yu Ping—even Yu An, I think, would find it very difficult.” Seventh Miss shook her head. “Neither of these two children was raised to be a head of household. In many matters, they may lack the tactics and courage…”

Madam Xu thought of Yu An’s timid, fearful appearance and couldn’t help but shake her head with a sigh. “Yu An is really too timid. Otherwise, I would actually prefer to promote her.”

She paused, then said, “So when we go to the Quan family for the New Year’s banquet after the holiday, find an opportunity to privately decline Madam Quan. Speak pleasantly—it’s best not to let them bring this matter up with Duke Pingguo.”

Madam Xu planned to settle this matter privately and confusedly, letting no one know.

Seventh Miss felt this was quite improper and frowned. “Now that Fourth Brother has returned, many things may not be possible to conceal…”

Madam Xu’s expression darkened somewhat. “In this matter, listen to me. If the Duke blames us, I’ll take the responsibility.”

Though she spoke of delegating authority, Madam Xu clearly hadn’t completely transitioned her role yet. These words already carried a trace of brooking no argument, of commanding tone.

Seventh Miss could only lower her eyes and agree, accepting it.

Seeing her agree readily, Madam Xu’s expression greatly softened, and she asked again, “Has Fengjia been eating and sleeping well recently? I heard you’ve been practicing boxing along with Fengjia lately, and your health has improved considerably?”

Seventh Miss was answering one by one when she suddenly noticed the old mama swaying outside the room. Her heart stirred, and she smiled slowly. “There may be some matter outside—”

Madam Xu also caught sight of the old mama’s figure. She frowned. “What matter is it that you’re being so furtive, not even daring to come in?”

Only then did the old mama enter with a smile. “While you and Young Madam are talking, how could we have the right to interrupt? But there’s a matter outside seeking Young Madam, so they asked me to come in and relay the message.”

She then beckoned to Seventh Miss. “The accounting office has a matter and requests you to come speak with them.”

Seventh Miss knew full well—Wu Xun’s wife’s affair had been exposed. She stood up with a smile, nodded to Madam Xu, and said, “Then this daughter-in-law will take her leave first.”

Madam Xu also quickly waved her hand. “Go ahead, go ahead with your business.”

Watching as Seventh Miss conversed softly with the old mama while calmly and unhurriedly leaving the room, for a moment Madam Xu felt somewhat lost. After a long while, she slowly sighed.

This Seventh Miss was truly too formidable. Inside and out, how many strings did she control? If Fengjia were even slightly weaker in power, he would probably be…

#

That evening, when everyone gathered in the small flower hall to pay respects to the Grand Madam, her expression was cold, and even toward Duke Pingguo she showed no pleasant face.

Not only her—even Fifth Young Madam’s face rarely showed a trace of unnaturalness. Though the Xu Fengjia brothers chatted and laughed merrily, she didn’t show a smile. That face like a traditional painting revealed faint ripples, and even when she spoke, that melodious, drawn-out singing quality had somewhat faded.

With two such heavyweight figures unhappy, the atmosphere in the small flower hall was naturally strange. The younger masters and misses who weren’t involved in management simply looked around and paid it no mind. First Young Master’s family remained as usual—eyes observing the nose, nose observing the heart—the two of them unwilling to say an extra word. But Fourth Young Master and Fourth Young Madam understood somewhat yet didn’t fully understand. Fourth Young Madam kept making eye signals at Seventh Miss, seemingly wanting to inquire.

Seventh Miss pretended not to see, smiling as she and Xu Fengjia performed their act together. Xu Fengjia happily discussed palace matters with Fifth Young Master, talked about the Qilin Troupe with Fourth Young Master, and mentioned to Seventh Young Master the new tutor hired for the family school after spring—though engaged to teach Fourth Son and Fifth Son their basics, he was a former provincial graduate, and the two young masters would have another person to consult about literary matters. Seventh Miss smiled warmly as she introduced this tutor’s background and origins, then discussed what opera to have the Qilin Troupe perform for New Year’s… doing her utmost to make the atmosphere harmonious and pleasant, preventing the scene from becoming too awkward.

Duke Pingguo also rarely showed a smile, asking Fourth Young Master, “How are things at the office? Have you opened up the situation?”

Fourth Young Master had indeed returned this time with his wish fulfilled, transferred back to the capital for duty. He was currently serving at the Infantry Command Yamen. Though it was a lateral transfer, the advantage was that this position didn’t require going to battle, which suited Fourth Young Madam’s wishes perfectly. He’d now been on duty for five or six days, constantly busy eating retirement banquet wine with colleagues, and hadn’t come to pay respects for several days.

With conversation on both sides, the scene became lively, and the Grand Madam’s displeasure didn’t appear overly conspicuous. The Grand Madam watched these晚辈 chatting and laughing, but felt increasingly uncomfortable inside. She coughed several times and said softly, “This old woman has no energy today. You all continue talking—I’ll go rest for a bit first.”

Everyone immediately rose to see the Grand Madam out. Duke Pingguo said, “That’s fine. Since Yu Qian entered the yamen, we haven’t eaten together yet. Fengjia, tonight accompany your Fourth Brother and attend to me at dinner.”

He deliberately or inadvertently omitted Fifth Young Master.

The Grand Madam heard this and felt increasingly like she’d eaten a freshly made sesame glutinous rice ball—her throat coated with lard, disgustingly greasy, yet her mouth too scalded to open. She wanted to say something but couldn’t speak, only entering the bedroom to recline on the kang, leaning against the large welcoming pillow to brood alone.

After an unknown period, light footsteps entered the room. Fifth Young Madam said softly and delicately, “Since Grandmother isn’t in good spirits today, you should drink chrysanthemum and lily tea to clear your mind and refresh yourself—”

The Grand Madam didn’t know where her anger came from. She opened her eyes and impatiently knocked away the tea bowl offered to her. The movement was a bit too forceful, splashing hot water onto Fifth Young Madam’s hand. Scalded, Fifth Young Madam’s hand jerked back, and the tea bowl slipped to the floor with a crisp sound.

Fifth Young Madam lowered her head and unhurriedly picked up several porcelain shards. Her downcast brow and eyes showed not a trace of grievance. Seeing this, the Grand Madam sighed irritably again, then changed her tone to ask, “Are you burned?”

Fifth Young Madam shook her head, raised her eyes to glance at the Grand Madam, then looked away and said softly, “Yu Jing doesn’t understand matters and has troubled you, Grandmother.”

“Alas!” The Grand Madam could only sigh. “Originally I thought this matter could pass unnoticed, covered up just like that, but you had to show your hand… causing storms throughout the household. If not for your Sixth Sister-in-law’s understanding, if she’d investigated further in detail, not only would this old face of mine be lost, where would you two save face?”

Even at this point, the Grand Madam was still thinking of the Fifth Branch’s reputation.

One could see she truly doted on Fifth Young Master.

Fifth Young Madam’s heart churned with infinite thoughts. In a flash, she thought again of Seventh Miss’s methods.

Even she felt somewhat chilled.

Yang Shanheng was truly too shrewd! Even the Grand Madam, who had so disliked her at first, now called her ‘your Sixth Sister-in-law.’

“And this Wu Xun’s wife herself had no sense—she actually kept another set of books behind your back!” The Grand Madam continued to complain. “When this matter was exposed, even I couldn’t protect her! When Duke Pingguo came to see me just now, I was so mortified I wanted to hide. During these five years you’ve managed the household, Accountant Zhang’s wife had an incident, Wu Xun’s wife had an incident—speaking of it, isn’t this your failure in household management?”

“Grandmother… do you truly believe Wu Xun’s wife’s eyes were so shallow?” Fifth Young Madam fluttered her eyelashes and spoke slowly.

The Grand Madam’s movements paused.

She tapped the kang table, falling into deep thought.

After a long while, she said again, “Explain the whole sequence of events once more.”

“This afternoon during the account inspection, both Lin Shan’s wife’s and Peng Hu’s wife’s ledgers—their bottom-line accounts and main accounts didn’t match. The bottom-line accounts matched the actual figures, but the main accounts showed inflated amounts. The inspector was the Living King of Hell from the external accounts office. He immediately called Wu Xun’s wife and Cai Le’s wife to conduct a detailed investigation and discovered several discrepancies were all when Wu Xun’s wife kept the accounts, and all occurred after the August audit, when autumn harvest silver came in and funds were more fluid.” Fifth Young Madam’s narration was calm without a ripple. “Over three months, the total discrepancy was over five hundred taels. The old mama took charge and reported to Sixth Sister-in-law for approval. When they searched Wu Xun’s wife’s room, they indeed found a package of five hundred taels of silver. Everyone in the household says that the accounting storm in July was Wu Xun’s wife falsely accusing Accountant Zhang’s wife, as well as Lin Shan’s wife and Peng Hu’s wife, which created those rumors. She was the thief crying ‘stop thief’…”

“Sixth Sister-in-law said the matter was too serious for her to decide, so she sent someone out to report to the Duke. When the Duke heard, he was very angry. He said that ordinarily the punishment wouldn’t be too severe, but because she falsely accused Accountant Zhang’s wife and nearly cost someone their life, he therefore gave her a bowl of muting medicine and had her stay at home, absolutely forbidden from coming out unless necessary. Wu Xun himself has already gone to beg forgiveness. Both his sons are kneeling at Menghua Pavilion and haven’t risen yet.”

The Wu Xun family had served the Xu family for over fifty years all told, so they weren’t without influence. For Yang Shanheng, a concubine-born daughter who was a second wife, to move against the Wu family wasn’t so easy even as the Heir Apparent’s wife. Yet even heaven helped her—Duke Pingguo became so angry that he personally dealt with the Wu family, leaving them no excuse to resent Yang Shanheng.

But this way, it publicly confirmed her own suspicions—clearly Wu Xun’s wife’s embezzlement wasn’t a matter of just one or two days. If the managing mistress didn’t turn a blind eye, how could she be so bold? The burning of those account books now had an explanation: Yang Shanheng had already noticed something wrong but, to preserve her sister-in-law’s face and respect the household’s old servants, had shown leniency…

She played all the good roles while Duke Pingguo played the villain for her. Wasn’t this scheme executed brilliantly enough? Such methods were truly…

The Grand Madam sat stunned for a long while before understanding all the twists and turns. She drew in a cold breath, and only after a long pause said, “So you’re saying Lin Shan’s wife and Peng Hu’s wife created false bottom-line accounts to frame Wu Xun’s wife, but didn’t you—”

Fifth Young Madam shook her head with a bitter smile. “These two mamas have already voluntarily resigned. After finishing this month’s duties, they’ll change positions. Yang Shanheng said: in a melon field or under plum trees, suspicion is inevitable. Though they’re innocent, they still bear some fault for negligence, so as punishment they’ll be transferred. Don’t you understand yet, Grandmother? Following the powerful and spurning the weak is human nature—these two mamas saw which way the wind was blowing long ago!”

The Grand Madam truly had nothing to say.

To implicate these two mamas, one could only say they were guilty of negligence and should also be punished—but Seventh Miss had already punished them!

“This woman does things truly watertight.” She said slowly. “Her scheming is even more profound. I thought she truly wanted a smooth transition and would let it go at that. I didn’t expect she was waiting to sit securely in the position of managing mistress before making her move… Sigh, in the end, it’s still because you yourself didn’t keep your hands clean!”

Unknowingly, the tone she used when mentioning Seventh Miss had changed again, carrying a trace of cold intent.

Fifth Young Madam felt even more bitter inside, unable to speak.

Seventh Miss had used the same method against her—using a false account book to make her lose a major general from her camp.

For a moment, she felt somewhat regretful: had she known, she definitely wouldn’t have exposed Wu Xun’s wife, this hidden chess piece.

But immediately she felt helpless again: even so, with Yang Shanheng’s methods, she would surely have been able to test out who had divided loyalties and who was a pure minister…

Fifth Young Madam slowly closed her eyes and swallowed her saliva.

As if swallowing down a mouthful of bitter water.

When she opened her mouth again, it was with pitiful vulnerability.

“This granddaughter-in-law knows her mistake.” She blinked, bringing tears to her lashes. “But Grandmother—Sixth Sister-in-law is really too—”

The Grand Madam looked at Fifth Young Madam, slowly shook her head, and sighed deeply.

“Grandmother will take charge for you!” Her tone grew more complex. “But times are different now. To suppress her is no longer like suppressing her older sister back then—not as easy as just saying it and doing it…”