After the first month, the palace was unusually quiet. Due to the Empress Dowager’s poor health, during the Empress’s birthday celebration, the various titled ladies didn’t enter the palace to pay respects. For a time, rumors flew everywhere, all saying the Empress Dowager was probably gravely ill, which was why the palace didn’t dare make any commotion.

Elder Jiao himself finally submitted his request to retire in early second month. The court was in an uproar. Duke Pingguo and Xu Fengjia each had their own business—one busy with the Grand Master in deep affection and secret communication, the other busy handling Sun Liquan’s various demands regarding Guangzhou for His Majesty, practically becoming the logistics chief for the Nanyang expedition. Instead, the inner courtyard was relatively leisurely. Fourth Young Madam devoted herself wholeheartedly to serving Fourth Young Master. Fifth Young Madam was also unusually quiet. When she saw Seventh Miss, she was only more polite than ordinary people.

Needless to say, First Young Madam went to Guangfu Temple to burn incense once in the second month. Afterward, Grand Madam Min came to sit with Seventh Miss, thus spending her days in such leisurely yet restless fashion. All three sisters-in-law—not one created obstacles for Seventh Miss. Add to that Madam Xu leaving for Xiaoshan Hot Springs to continue recuperating right after the first month, and in the estate, Seventh Miss only needed to attend to the Grand Madam.

Because Yu Qiao’s marriage was approaching, the Fan family had already sent people to propose marriage and conduct the name-asking ceremony. Recently there were some trivial matters requiring Seventh Miss’s personal decisions and oversight. Though her days were peaceful, they weren’t very leisurely—there was also the matter of Lin Shan’s wife and Peng Hu’s wife being transferred positions. The two vacated positions were naturally filled with her own trusted people. With newcomers taking office, even with complete wholehearted support from veterans, everyone still had to be alert up and down to avoid mistakes that would give Fifth Young Madam an opportunity.

On this day in the Western Five Rooms, she returned everyone’s reports from the past ten days, saying, “The parts circled in red pen all have questions. After everyone reviews them, come explain to me this afternoon. There are also a few nannies who had matters but didn’t record them—if you remember, come tell me this afternoon. If you don’t remember, forget it.”

Though these words seemed unremarkable, all the managing nannies broke out in cold sweat: having matters but not recording them—if truly forgotten that was one thing, but if deliberately forgotten and this mistress found out, never mind how calmly she spoke now. She would note it in the private accounts, and when settling accounts at year’s end, bringing it up before everyone to question item by item—that would be extremely humiliating. Not to mention that after questioning, thunderous measures might be waiting… Therefore everyone hurriedly pondered whether they’d missed reporting several matters that had been reported by several others involved, or whether a few guilty matters had been discovered by some rival who secretly told the Young Madam.

Seventh Miss also instructed on several trivial matters. “Nanny Lei, remember to make clear to those outside that Yangzhou weather is hot. We don’t want too many heavy fabrics—buy more light fabrics instead, lest when Fifth Miss arrives locally, she has a pile of clothes she can’t wear. That wouldn’t be good…”

“Also, Nanny Sheng, I’ve already written to Third Aunt’s wife in the south asking for two local nannies to come. They should have arrived by now. Have them teach the maids to understand and speak Yangzhou dialect when they’re free—the dialects in the Jiangnan area can’t be understood by newcomers right away.” Seeing Lei Xianqing’s wife agree, Seventh Miss remembered to instruct Sheng Jin’s wife. “When you’re free, also coax those two nannies to talk about clan matters back home. The ambitious young maids will naturally listen. When selecting the dowry entourage, you’ll have an idea in your hearts.”

Sheng Jin’s wife immediately flattered, “That’s why the Young Madam’s arrangements are so good—truly don’t know how a heart can be born so clever. These methods—it’s really remarkable that Young Madam thought of them!”

After Yu Qiao married into Yangzhou, with her natal family far away in the capital, she would naturally need to rely on several households of clan relatives. Being able to learn more about the Xu clan’s situation from the two nannies’ mouths would naturally make it convenient to break into the local scene. And the young maids who could perceive this point naturally had nimble minds—following Yu Qiao, they’d be additional helpers. Seventh Miss’s arrangements were understated yet thoroughly proper in every aspect. No wonder Sheng Jin’s wife flattered so.

Everyone also chimed in, “Young Madam’s arrangements are beyond reproach!”

Seventh Miss only smiled. She said casually, “Aiya, it’s just superficially passable. I still need all you nannies to help more, so I won’t make a fool of myself…”

As she spoke, she stood up, smiling as she dismissed the nannies.

Once all the nannies had dispersed, Lixia immediately brought Zhongyuan, Xiayuan and others to sit at the table and begin uniformly transcribing and copying the nannies’ reports. Seventh Miss propped her chin watching for a while, then couldn’t help laughing. “Since I took charge of the household, I don’t know how much extra money is spent buying paper each year. To remember such meaningless things is too wasteful. I really deserve punishment.”

“Oral statements leave no evidence—this is unavoidable.” As Bailu copied, she laughed and chatted with Seventh Miss. “Black words on white paper—can’t deny it then. Could there be some method that can’t be denied yet doesn’t waste paper?”

“Of course there is—it’s called paperless office management.” Seventh Miss added this sentence. Seeing everyone’s puzzled expressions, she laughed for a long while before saying, “Just teasing you all. Keep writing—Xiayuan, go fetch the two children’s reports for me to see.”

Silang and Wulang had already begun their studies after the fifteenth of the first month. The teacher from Duke Dingguo’s household indeed had excellent teaching quality. His lectures were very interesting. He even drew many picture books to help the children recognize characters. The two children were both very intelligent. In less than a month, they already recognized over a hundred characters and could recite the Hundred Family Surnames. They loved attending school. Seventh Miss set one rest day every five days. On rest days, they still thought about going to find their teacher to play.

Seventh Miss read several pages and saw that after leaving their wet nurses, the two children only fussed for a few days before no longer dwelling on it, instead becoming increasingly close with Guyu and Chunfen. And because they went out to school every day, their lives had focus. Their former naughtiness had greatly decreased. She felt increasingly gratified. By mid-afternoon when the children and Xu Fengjia had all returned, she arranged, “Bring the two children to Leshan Residence as well to pay respects to Great-grandmother.”

Now that Silang and Wulang had begun their studies, Seventh Miss no longer confined them to Mingde Hall as before, ordinarily not allowing them to go out. She not only frequently sent them to play at Zhishan Hall, but also occasionally brought the two children into Leshan Residence to pay respects to the Grand Madam.

No matter how much the Grand Madam looked down on the two children in her heart, before her great-grandsons, she still appeared quite amiable. Silang and Wulang quite liked this harmonious great-grandmother. Hearing they were going to Leshan Residence, they all cheered. Guyu and Chunfen quickly each picked up one, softly coaxing while also threatening, “If you make such a commotion at Leshan Residence, tomorrow I’ll tell the teacher to spank your bottoms!”

What Silang and Wulang feared most was being scolded by their teacher. Hearing this, they both quieted down. Wulang had a bigger temper and twisted his body wanting Seventh Miss to hold him. “Aunt Guyu is mean!”

Seventh Miss smiled and took Wulang, then glanced at Xu Fengjia. Xu Fengjia touched his nose and stepped forward to pick up Silang—this child’s eyes were burning bright, having already been enviously staring at Wulang for a while. Now being held by Xu Fengjia, only then did he beam with joy, hugging Xu Fengjia’s neck. “Father, Silang will recite the Thousand Character Classic for you.”

A four-year-old child could already recite the Thousand Character Classic!

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but sigh with emotion inside, then discussed with Xu Fengjia, “Is the coursework progressing a bit fast? Perhaps we should talk with the teacher—still teach slowly, don’t tire the children out.”

Xu Fengjia was quite dismissive. “There are plenty of anxious families who have their children begin studies at three, and by four they’re already learning the Thousand Family Poems. When Quan Zidian was four, he could recite the Song of Medicine formulas fluently… That Shouge and Fuge can keep up with their peers is already quite good.”

Seventh Miss touched her nose, not daring to say more, then asked him softly, “When you entered the palace today, did Aunt send someone to see you?”

Sixth Miss had taken the pregnancy-preserving medicine Seventh Miss sent into the palace. At the beginning of this month, she also asked Quan Zhongbai to check her pulse for safety. Though Seventh Miss had no excuse to enter the palace, she also circuitously asked Feng Jin to relay a message, suggesting Sixth Miss inform Consort Xu of this matter.

With the pregnancy stabilized and the Emperor’s tacit approval for keeping a low profile, Consort Xu naturally wouldn’t tactlessly broadcast this matter. With Consort Xu’s help, transmitting messages between both sides became much simpler.

“Aunt sent someone out to report all is well. She said she’s fine and wants us to live peacefully and await the chance to meet.” Xu Fengjia said casually, “As long as the old lady is safe, whether we meet is immaterial. Don’t you agree?”

Seventh Miss naturally could only nod with nothing more to say. Xu Fengjia was satisfied. “That’s how I responded to her…”

As the couple chatted idly, they entered Leshan Residence. Everyone saw Silang and Wulang and laughed, “Rare guests, rare guests!”

The Grand Madam was even more delighted. She leaned forward slightly, beckoning, “Children, come to Great-grandmother’s side.”

Silang and Wulang bounced and jumped down from Seventh Miss and Xu Fengjia, ran to the Grand Madam’s side, hugged her hands and laughed, “Great-grandmother!”

Seventh Miss quickly signaled Guyu and Chunfen with her eyes, having them watch the children, while she and Xu Fengjia paid their respects before each taking their seats. Soon Duke Pingguo entered. Seeing Silang and Wulang, he was also very pleased. He personally lifted them onto his lap, smiling as he teased the two children. “Can you recite the Thousand Character Classic yet?”

How could small children who had learned something not show off? Silang immediately declared, “I can, I can!”

Then he and Wulang competed to recite it.

Duke Pingguo was greatly pleased. Stroking his beard as he listened to the end, he praised the two children, then praised Seventh Miss. “You’re raising them well.”

Even First Young Madam smiled. “Don’t look at how Silang spoke late—he’s truly clever. Our Sanlang is over a year older than him but not as clever.”

Sanlang Xu Heguang was born of a concubine. Though First Young Madam treated him well, he ultimately wasn’t her biological child.

Seventh Miss saw Sanlang’s displeased expression and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. She was about to smooth over the situation when the Grand Madam already laughed. “Speaking of which, I was just thinking—Sixth Granddaughter-in-law has been in the family for a year now, hasn’t she? How is it? Any news from her belly?”

This was the first time the Grand Madam had explicitly expressed concern about Seventh Miss’s childbearing.

Everyone followed the Grand Madam’s words and looked toward Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss’s heart tightened, but she first glanced at Fifth Young Madam.

Fifth Young Madam’s expression was calm. She was lowering her head coaxing her daughter Hexian to drink tea, seemingly not very concerned about the Grand Madam’s question. Her expression was even harder to read for any trace of pride, as if the Grand Madam’s question had nothing to do with her at all.

The old lady had originally been gradually developing some appreciation for her, then suddenly in front of everyone, so conspicuously brought up the matter of heirs. If it wasn’t Fifth Young Madam playing tricks behind the scenes, could it be Fourth Young Madam with whom she’d had no recent conflicts?

Well, if her methods were only this, that would be best.

Seventh Miss looked at Xu Fengjia again. Seeing him drinking tea with his head lowered without speaking, she said with a half-smile, “Actually not yet. Shengluan is devoted to her career and quite busy usually. She doesn’t pay much attention to the concubines. After a year, their bellies still have no news… Xiao Qi was just thinking of asking Grandmother’s grace to reward me with another beauty.”

The Grand Madam and Fifth Young Madam both froze simultaneously.

It had always been said that Yang Shanheng was extremely jealous. The phrase “rain and dew evenly distributed” seemed never to have been heard. Since the Young Master returned to the capital, only the principal wife was favored. Not only did the two concubines receive no favor, they rarely even left their courtyard gates. She had even sent one dowry maid back home to marry—with some investigation, there were unspeakable implications.

They had thought this matter would certainly be her weak point. Even if she wouldn’t jump at a poke like Mo Shi, she would definitely refuse both soft and hard approaches and absolutely wouldn’t readily agree.

And with Duke Pingguo’s insight, how could such petty thoughts of inner chamber women escape his eyes?

Fifth Young Madam had an additional layer of thought: when Han Shi fell, by seniority it should have been Mo Shi who took charge. If Mo Shi hadn’t schemed against a concubine back then, resulting in two deaths, causing Duke Pingguo to view her differently from then on, it probably wouldn’t have been her turn to manage the household… What men most taboo is women being jealous, causing household discord. If Yang Shanheng said even one wrong word, Duke Pingguo would likely become displeased. Then she could fan the flames and stoke the fire—

She couldn’t help but raise her eyes and quickly glance at Yang Shanheng.

But she happened to meet Yang Shanheng’s gaze. This woman actually curved her eyes at her before turning her head away.

Fifth Young Madam’s heart immediately felt very uncomfortable. For a moment, she felt a rare sense of confusion.

The Grand Madam felt even more like her punch had landed on cotton—neither soft nor hard. Her heart full of bitterness was truly indescribable. She glanced at Duke Pingguo, various thoughts flowing through her mind one by one: just last year she had rewarded a pair of beauties. Seeing they weren’t favored, to arrange more people again—her son seeing this would probably think her hand reached too far.

Duke Pingguo was no longer that trembling illegitimate son of years ago…

She waved her hand and smiled magnanimously. “Where would I have any clever maids? Even if I had them, I wouldn’t bear to give them to you—this old woman needs to use them herself!”

Everyone immediately laughed ingratiatingly. The Grand Madam waited for the laughter to subside before saying, “In my view, Sixth Granddaughter-in-law should promote one herself. In a great household, without several people in the courtyard doesn’t look good.”

Seventh Miss immediately agreed readily. “I’ve had this thought for a long time.”

She was beaming, showing not a trace of displeasure. She even proactively smiled at Xu Fengjia. “I usually think the maid Yufang is good. If Young Master also thinks she’s fine, shall we have her face opened tonight?”

Xu Fengjia rolled his eyes before saying gruffly, “If you say she’s good, then she’s good.”

Yang Shi’s conduct was truly open and aboveboard, with the manner of a great family…

In Duke Pingguo’s eyes flashed a trace of deep satisfaction. He spoke up with a laugh. “Your wife is so virtuous and works hard managing the household. Young Master must be careful not to slight her, making her unsettled even at home.”

This was naked reminder to Xu Fengjia that he absolutely must not favor concubines over his wife—supporting Seventh Miss.

Fifth Young Madam felt like she’d eaten a green mandarin orange. Immediately her mouth was full of sour taste drilling straight into her heart. She pressed her lips together, glanced at Seventh Miss again, then lowered her head without speaking.

As soon as they returned to their room, she complained to Fifth Young Master. “In the whole family, it’s only you who’s lustful and fond of women… truly useless! Look at Sixth Household! She rushed to agree, afraid the old lady wouldn’t give her people! How is she like you—I don’t say anything, yet you privately go ask the old lady to reward you people…”

Fifth Young Master argued confidently. “That’s because Sixth Sister-in-law is magnanimous! You should learn more from her—”

Fifth Young Madam was so angry she almost couldn’t catch her breath. She glared at Fifth Young Master. “Can’t you see? Yang Shanheng has your sixth brother right in the palm of her hand! If she tells him to go east, would he bear to go west?”

The even more hurtful words turned in her throat but were ultimately swallowed back down.

Fifth Young Madam turned her back. “Besides, not asking the old lady for people is because I fear the old lady will be disappointed in you! So young, with two concubines already not enough? You want to elevate a third? Look at Eldest Brother, Fourth Brother, the Young Master—are any of them as absurd as you? The old lady raised you with such effort… do you have the heart to make her uncomfortable?”

Fifth Young Master immediately deflated by half. He apologized to Fifth Young Madam in a conciliatory tone. “Don’t be angry, don’t be angry. Didn’t Sixth Brother also see beauty and become moved? I’ve also seen Sixth Household’s Yufang a few times—she’s very beautiful. For men, seeing a beauty, how can they not be moved? If Sixth Sister-in-law’s magnanimity is just an act, she probably can’t keep it up for long…”

Fifth Young Madam’s heart was full of irritation. She wished she could pour it all out onto Fifth Young Master’s head. She turned around huffily, no longer paying attention to Fifth Young Master. “Talking to you is truly worse than playing a lute to a cow!”

A few days later, Seventh Miss indeed brought Yufang out to pay respects to the Grand Madam. “Having served the Young Master, she counts as half a concubine. Let her become familiar in front of you.”

Though this maid Yufang had gained status, her face was full of indescribable resentment and grievance. Seeing the Grand Madam, she was even more like seeing a cat, hurriedly kneeling on the ground to pay respects, her voice like a mosquito’s. “This servant greets the Grand Madam.”

Several sisters-in-law carefully examined her, then exchanged glances. Fourth Young Madam opened her mouth to say something, glanced at Xu Fengjia, then sighed and touched her own belly but didn’t speak.

The Grand Madam also looked at Xu Fengjia with deep meaning. Seeing Xu Fengjia leisurely at ease without anything amiss, she also followed Fourth Young Madam in sighing before saying listlessly, “Rise.”

But Yufang didn’t dare rise. Instead, she turned to look at Seventh Miss.

She also showed her fear and dread of Seventh Miss too obviously.

A faint light flashed in Seventh Miss’s eyes. She smiled again. “When you’re told to rise, just rise.”

She casually waved her hand, having Yufang stand behind her, then turned around to whisper intimately with Xu Fengjia.

After this audience, Yufang never again appeared before people—Seventh Miss changed to occasionally bringing Concubine Wang out to move about.

Though Concubine Wang’s face had more of a smile now, she still had narrow hips and tight brows, completely virginal in appearance.

However, this time even the Grand Madam had lost interest in pursuing the matter.