Li Yixing soon returned to Yuhang.

“It’s not that Suzhou isn’t good, and the hospitality at my father-in-law’s was very warm. It’s just that Shande has just become pregnant… I really cannot feel at ease.” A little maid vividly imitated Young Master Li’s tone.

Shande was First Miss’s formal name. This generation of the Yang family was named with the character “shan,” but ordinarily girls rarely used their formal names—they were called either by birth order or by childhood names.

Everyone laughed together.

“Elder Sister truly has good fortune!”

Huang the Embroidery Mistress entered the room, curiously observing this harmonious scene.

“What’s making everyone so happy?”

The little maid vividly told Huang the Embroidery Mistress about First Miss’s husband coming to deliver festival gifts.

Huang the Embroidery Mistress had returned to her hometown in the Suzhou countryside during the Dragon Boat Festival, so naturally she didn’t know this story.

Hearing that First Miss was doing so well, she nodded and also revealed some joy.

“As it should be. With our First Miss’s character, marrying into the Li family was already beneath her station.”

The atmosphere in the room was relaxed. Third Miss and Fourth Miss chatted quietly while slowly embroidering flowers on the frames before them.

Sixth Miss, however, did not speak. During embroidery lessons, she was always the most focused.

Seventh Miss had something on her mind. After a few stitches, she would glance at Third Miss and Fourth Miss.

Fourth Concubine’s two daughters were like ice and fire.

Third Miss was passionate as flame, Fourth Miss cold as ice.

Seventh Miss could see through Third Miss, but could not fathom Fourth Miss’s thoughts. In the three or four months living in the main courtyard, the number of times Fourth Miss had spoken to her could be counted on one hand. She was silent as a block of ice.

Third Miss’s composure was too shallow.

Neither was suitable for conveying messages, and both were very likely unable to understand her hints.

Even when the First Madam was home, during morning and evening greetings, her chances of communicating with Fourth Concubine were not great, let alone when the First Madam was away—the concubines rarely appeared outside.

Unless like last time at Bai Yu Jin when Fourth Concubine deliberately sought her out, otherwise the possibility of encountering her was very small.

But it was already May. Even not counting the time to select candidates, from proposal to agreement would take at least half a month at minimum.

The First Madam would be home in August.

If Fourth Concubine’s actions were a bit slow, she truly would have no say in Third Miss’s marriage.

Fourth Concubine could not fail to understand this principle.

Seventh Miss stared absently at the silk threads before her.

She always handled embroidery lessons perfunctorily. Everyone saw this but said nothing.

How would the First Madam respond after receiving the message Nanny Wang sent?

If she were the First Madam… she would lose face and arrange for the Old Master to catch Second Madam and Fourth Concubine conspiring.

Though the Old Master didn’t say it aloud, deep down he was very wary of Second Madam, with not a little disgust.

Fourth Concubine’s standing in the manor relied on the Old Master’s favor. Without the Old Master, she was nothing.

But given the First Madam’s and Nanny Wang’s and Nanny Liang’s temperaments, they might not adopt such countermeasures.

If she wanted to gain favor from both sides, she needed to consider actions for both sides.

Seventh Miss’s hand paused slightly, then she shook her head.

Sending charcoal in the snow could only be done in the snow, and the action had to be swift. If the snow had stopped before the charcoal arrived, it would be completely meaningless.

If she waited for the First Madam’s reply, Fourth Concubine would lose all initiative, and her own hint would only become a laughingstock.

Sometimes, delivering a favor properly into someone’s hands was not easy.

The weather gradually grew hot, and the days grew longer.

After leaving Zhu Ying Pavilion, the sun still hung high. Seventh Miss looked at the sky, then at Sixth Miss, and her face showed shyness.

“Sixth Sister…” she stammered, “Is the swing at Little Fragrant Snow still there?”

Sixth Miss was startled, then laughed heartily. “Seventh Miss rarely has such playful spirit!”

Bailu and Dongzhi, who had come to fetch them, both smiled. Seventh Miss indeed rarely showed such childlike innocence.

Seventh Miss was somewhat embarrassed and stamped her foot. “Sixth Sister is laughing at me…”

“How could that be? I’m delighted you’re coming.” Sixth Miss smiled broadly. “Why don’t you just have dinner at Little Fragrant Snow tonight!”

Seventh Miss demurred. “How could I impose.”

“Ah, what’s there to fear.” Sixth Miss simply linked arms with Seventh Miss directly. “Usually I eat dinner with Seventh Concubine alone, with no one to talk to. I’m bored to death!”

Seventh Miss could only show a helpless smile as Sixth Miss half-dragged, half-pulled her onto the path toward Little Fragrant Snow.

The two sisters chatted and laughed along the way. When they were nearly at Little Fragrant Snow, Seventh Miss found an opening and beckoned to Bailu.

“Go back and tell Nanny Wang,” she instructed softly, “so she won’t worry.”

Bailu nodded and was about to leave when Seventh Miss added, “Also bring some pastries and fresh fruit…” Going empty-handed to eat was embarrassing.

The look in Bailu’s eyes as she regarded Seventh Miss contained an added trace of smile.

Following Seventh Miss, one never needed to fear her losing face in public. This child acted properly, like an adult.

“Oh, and two pieces of that osmanthus fermented tofu that Lixia’s family sent over some time ago would be best,” she whispered in Seventh Miss’s ear. “Seventh Concubine loves osmanthus fermented tofu.”

Seventh Concubine was somewhat surprised by Seventh Miss’s visit but received her with enthusiasm.

The two little girls swung on the swing in the grove for almost half a shichen, both growing tired. They squeezed together on the swing, gently swaying while whispering.

Though the plum blossoms had all fallen, Little Fragrant Snow was still full of life. Among the verdant leaves were concealed green plums that, with the evening breeze, released an enticing sour fragrance.

“When Elder Sister was still home, she always greeted everyone with a smile.” Sixth Miss spoke from the heart in gentle tones. “No matter whose anger she suffered, the next day when she saw Third Concubine…” She paused before correcting herself, “the next day when she saw that person, she was still courteous and cheerful.”

Even if others initially disliked her, after years of such smiling greetings, they ultimately could not detest her too much.

This was the first time Seventh Miss had heard anyone mention the deceased Third Concubine.

Third Concubine had died the year before Ninth Concubine and she arrived in Suzhou.

It seemed she and First Miss had once had grievances.

But Sixth Miss did not notice Seventh Miss’s daze.

“I’ve always envied Elder Sister!” she said softly. “But no matter how I try, I can’t be like her…”

Though Sixth Miss also wore a smile everywhere, her conduct could not be called exquisitely tactful.

Seventh Miss thought of the embroidery screen she gave Second Miss and the pouches she gave herself and Ninth Young Master.

“Everyone has their own temperament. You don’t need to imitate others.” She comforted Sixth Miss. “You’re already very lovely.” With Sixth Miss’s personality, even if the First Madam wouldn’t be as devoted as she was to First Miss, she would still arrange a good match for her.

After all, the Yang family’s concubine-born daughters marrying well was also the First Madam’s face.

Sixth Miss burst out laughing.

“Are you the elder sister, or am I the elder sister?” She jumped down from the swing. Her face was half-hidden in the sunset, and Seventh Miss could only vaguely see the smile at her lips.

For some reason, in that instant, she instead strongly felt Sixth Miss’s beauty.

“Dinner’s ready, what are you daydreaming about?” Sixth Miss pulled her down from the swing too. The two little girls looked at each other and both felt somewhat embarrassed.

It seemed that in that moment just now, they had both revealed overly private selves, making things awkward between them.

Lixia indeed sent over a small bottle of osmanthus fermented tofu.

She also brought a plate of Yangzhou sugar shumai, a basket of large bright red pomegranates and small crabapples.

“These are nothing rare, just a small token of regard.” Lixia was very polite.

These items were not particularly rare or fine things in the Yang household. Little Fragrant Snow had them too.

What was precious was the thoughtfulness.

Seventh Concubine loved fermented tofu. This bottle of osmanthus fermented tofu suited her taste perfectly. The still-charming Seventh Concubine smiled with eyes curved like crescents and thanked Seventh Miss.

“It’s brewed by Lixia’s family. The flavor is quite different from what’s sold outside.” Seventh Miss said with a smile. “This Yangzhou sugar shumai is also Sister-in-law Wu’s specialty. Though Second Sister moved to You Huang Li, she still sends word every few days asking her to make some and send it in.”

Sixth Miss always loved sweets.

Everyone sat down in Seventh Concubine’s room for dinner.

Seventh Miss’s visit for dinner this time was not announced with fanfare. The main kitchen probably didn’t even know she had come. The portions served were still for two people.

Though it couldn’t compare to the refined elegance of the main courtyard’s cuisine, the dishes were still precious and every flavor abundant.

While eating, Sixth Miss chatted with Seventh Concubine, murmuring about embroidering flowers at Zhu Ying Pavilion today.

The atmosphere was warm and pleasant.

Envy showed in Seventh Miss’s eyes.

After dinner, the sky was already half dark. Seventh Concubine made arrangements to escort Seventh Miss back to the western side courtyard.

Seventh Miss quickly declined.

“Having Lixia is enough!” She smiled and pulled Lixia over. “We’re accustomed to walking around Bai Fang Garden. We won’t get lost.”

Seventh Concubine obliged, a smile at her lips. She and Sixth Miss saw them out of Little Fragrant Snow together.

After leaving Little Fragrant Snow, neither spoke for a while.

Little Fragrant Snow had only one gravel path leading into the garden. After exiting the plum grove, they reached the proper path paved with flagstones.

Lixia was about to lead Seventh Miss to turn right—from Zhu Ying Pavilion past Yu Yu Pavilion, crossing the small wooden bridge in front of Huan Sha Wu to return to the main courtyard.

But Seventh Miss grasped her hand and led her to turn left instead.

Going left from Little Fragrant Snow, the nearest route was to pass through Ju Ba Xian, circle around beside Qing Hong Pavilion, then exit Bai Fang Garden by the artificial mountain to enter the main courtyard.

Yet Seventh Miss enthusiastically pulled Lixia to wander east and west. When passing Ju Ba Xian, she even picked an armful of viburnum flowers that had not yet wilted, walking all the way to the edge of Wan Hua Liu Luo, pointing out the early-blooming lotus flowers in the pond with Lixia.

The Yang family’s lotus flowers bloomed late. Though it was already May, only a few had opened. Large red and white lotus flowers stood forlornly in Wan Hua Liu Luo, revealing a sense of desolation.

It was currently the time when stewards ate dinner. The garden was cold and deserted. Dark heavy clouds pressed upon the sunset sky, with only a few spots of dark red showing through. It wasn’t yet time to light lamps in the garden, so one couldn’t even see clearly who was approaching.

Lixia dared not say an extra word, but Seventh Miss was in good spirits. As they walked, she asked Lixia, “Why were you the one who brought things over? Where is Sister Bailu?”

“Sister Bailu said I should also learn to handle social matters and go out on errands.” Lixia answered carefully. “Please mind the slippery path underfoot.” The flagstone path by the pond was always slick.

Seventh Miss made a sound of acknowledgment.

“Bailu is cautious.” She seemed to be talking to herself. “She understands the meaning of the two characters ‘avoiding suspicion.'”

Lixia’s entire body turned cold. She couldn’t help trembling finely.

Seventh Miss suddenly wanted to have dinner at Little Fragrant Snow, then sent Bailu back and had her come instead… To say this was just a whim, even she didn’t believe it.

Seventh Miss patted her hand. “Don’t be afraid!”

Her voice was soft. Under the silent flowering trees, it also carried determination.

“In deep mansions, which woman doesn’t have things that cannot see the light?” Seventh Miss’s voice gradually revealed weariness and helplessness. “Bailu came from the First Madam’s quarters. Sometimes… it’s just not very convenient!”

Lixia tasted Seventh Miss’s vulnerability. In that instant, she felt herself grow taller in her own heart.

“I’m not afraid.” She said resolutely, like cutting iron. “I’m at your disposal!”

Seventh Miss could bring her from the southern side courtyard to the main courtyard, and could send her back from the main courtyard to the southern side courtyard.

Precisely because she could only rely on Seventh Miss, Seventh Miss had always promoted and trusted her.

At this time, she absolutely could not retreat.

Seventh Miss smiled with relief and gripped Lixia’s hand tightly.

“Second Madam is ultimately a legitimate wife properly married…” She carefully told Lixia her thoughts. “The First Madam cannot do anything to her. This trip to the capital is actually to bring in reinforcements… Even if Madam Xu truly sends people to deal with Second Madam, at most they’ll probably just take Second Madam to the capital.”

If Second Madam went to the capital, the First Madam would immediately have one less opponent.

If she also successfully blocked Third Miss’s marriage and grasped Fourth Concubine by the throat, the First Madam would have no opponents in this household.

At that time, what Seventh Miss would think about would not be how to earn merit, but how to protect herself. Without opponents, the First Madam naturally wouldn’t need her to go in and out beside Ninth Young Master… Her days would become difficult.

So when a person’s calculations became too precise, it was easy for those around them to have their own ideas.

If the First Madam’s kindness to her could be less utilitarian and more sincere…

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but laugh.

She thought of First Miss again.

No matter what, the First Madam’s heart was still soft, just a bit petty!

As long as the First Madam still had formidable enemies, she could little by little cultivate feelings with the First Madam and become the First Madam’s own person.

Sixth Miss’s melancholy voice still echoed in Seventh Miss’s ears.

“I’ve always envied Elder Sister! But no matter how I try, I can’t be like her…”

What concubine-born daughters like them envied was nothing more than First Miss’s husband’s family.

Seventh Miss’s gaze gradually grew hazy.

She didn’t seek vast wealth—only a simple household and a peaceful life.

The First Madam surely had the ability to fulfill this small wish of hers!

Before she knew it, Xi Ke Residence was already in sight.

The Wan Hua Creek in Bai Fang Garden became underground water after passing Huan Sha Wu, flowing beneath the artificial mountain and flagstone paths. At Xi Ke Residence, it gathered into a shallow lotus pond that encircled the small courtyard before flowing into Wan Hua Liu Luo.

Xi Ke Residence was quite similar to Little Fragrant Snow. Both connected to the outside world by a single small flagstone path, except Xi Ke Residence’s path was built over water.

Seventh Miss handed the snow-white viburnum flowers in her hand to Lixia.

“Place this bouquet of flowers in front of the courtyard gate. Be gentle.”

Lixia took the flowers and looked around.

Xi Ke Residence was in the southwest corner of Bai Fang Garden, backing onto Wan Hua Liu Luo. Most of the nearby courtyards were empty.

In the deep dusk, even if two people met face to face, they probably couldn’t recognize each other.

Lixia gracefully and nimbly walked to the courtyard gate, bent down to place the viburnum flowers, then turned and walked back to Seventh Miss’s side with composure.

Not a trace of guilt showed on her face.

Seventh Miss again thought of Ninth Concubine’s evaluation of Lixia.

“Bold and careful, composed in the face of events, and conscientious. In the future, she’ll be your good helper.” Ninth Concubine’s voice was hoarse with weakness, and within the weakness hid satisfaction. “After arriving at the main courtyard, don’t be stingy—promote her well.”

She turned to look at Lixia’s profile and smiled.

“Besides, we’re both concubine-born daughters…” She continued the previous topic. “Though we inevitably compete ordinarily, in this matter, I won’t step on her.”

A person’s attitude toward friends cannot prove their character.

Only their attitude toward enemies can reveal their integrity.

Though not everyone could articulate this principle, everyone had a scale in their heart.

If one treated even enemies thus, there was no need to mention friends.

Lixia also turned her head to smile gently at her.

The two simultaneously quickened their pace, passing through Bai Yu Jin and emerging from the foot of the artificial mountain to enter the main courtyard.

Lamps were being lit in the main courtyard. Women and maids carrying large candles shuttled back and forth, illuminating half the courtyard. Compared to the desolation of Bai Fang Garden, it was much livelier here.

When people moved about and saw Seventh Miss returning from Bai Fang Garden at this hour, they couldn’t help but look at them strangely several times.

From beginning to end, Lixia’s back remained straight and her face bore a gentle smile.

At this moment, she actually looked quite like Seventh Miss.