Entering the third month, Consort Niu finally gave birth. Though the pregnancy was only seven months along, she still managed with difficulty to deliver the child—and it was a boy.

His Majesty had no fondness for women, and the harem population was sparse. Aside from the Crown Prince, there had been no additions for many years. Now with the birth of the Second Imperial Prince, the entire court was jubilant. At this very moment, adding flowers to brocade, Concubine Ning was found to have a joyful pulse by the divine physician Quan Zhongbai. Good news came one after another from the court, sweeping away political turmoil and immediately drawing everyone’s attention to the palace.

They say seven months live, eight months don’t. Though the Second Imperial Prince was premature and his constitution rather weak, under the careful care of Quan Zhongbai and others, he remained quite healthy after the third-day washing ceremony. With additions to the imperial family, naturally there were ceremonies to arrange. Seventh Miss and other titled ladies would naturally not be forgotten. Fortunately, it was already early spring in the third month. When everyone paid respects to the Empress outside Kunning Palace, they didn’t suffer too much cold.

Though adding an heir was a joyous occasion, it couldn’t compare to the New Year grand court. Not only did Madam Xu not return to the capital, even the Grand Madam didn’t come in. Even several sisters-in-law made excuses not to attend, which conveniently made things easier for Seventh Miss. After leaving Kunning Palace, she left Second Miss to keep the Empress company while she followed a young eunuch sent by Consort Xu straight into Renshou Palace.

Sixth Miss was right there in Renshou Palace having tea with Consort Xu. Seeing Seventh Miss, she immediately stood up and called warmly, “Seventh Sister, don’t bow—come sit beside me! Speaking of which, we haven’t seen each other for almost half a year!”

Even in Consort Xu’s eyes looking at Seventh Miss, there was several portions more respect and affection. “How was it? You didn’t get too cold before Cining Palace today, did you?”

Though it was already the third month, the northern weather was cold, and the spring wind had a hard edge. Sixth Miss had received the Empress’s decree and didn’t show her face at this audience, instead accompanying Consort Xu.

Seventh Miss carefully examined Sixth Miss’s expression. Seeing her face charming, though her cheeks had filled out considerably, she now had more of a young married woman’s allure. Looking radiant and in full spirit, she couldn’t help but feel half relieved and smiled. “The weather is already quite warm. I didn’t get very cold, but wearing ceremonial robes was rather stifling.”

Without another word, Consort Xu ordered people, “Come fetch a set of my everyday jacket and skirt for the Young Madam to change into!”

She then turned her head to beckon Seventh Miss. “Stay and have lunch at Renshou Palace today before leaving.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but hesitate. “I’m afraid I still need to check with Cishou Palace—”

Consort Xu immediately exchanged a smile with Sixth Miss, their pride overflowing.

“The Empress Dowager has no mind now to manage other palaces’ affairs.” It was still Sixth Miss who explained to Seventh Miss. “Besides, with the piece of flesh in my belly as a golden sign, just keeping Seventh Sister for a meal—even the Empress wouldn’t say anything at this time.”

Palace secrets were unknowable to outsiders. Seventh Miss’s expression couldn’t help but shift, showing an inquiring look. “I heard the Empress and His Majesty have had quite an unpleasant quarrel…”

Consort Xu exchanged a glance with Sixth Miss. When Sixth Miss opened her mouth to speak, Consort Xu waved her hand again. “Such mentally taxing matters—Concubine Ning, you shouldn’t speak. Let this old woman tell it.”

Just seeing Consort Xu make such an arrangement showed that her affection for Sixth Miss indeed had several portions of sincerity.

Originally, palace women were most lonely, lacking even a companion. Sixth Miss’s temperament was so innocent and lovable—that she would connect with Consort Xu, though an unexpected joy, was also expected. Many things were like this—a kind beginning often pulled along a chain of kind results.

Seventh Miss listened attentively to Consort Xu’s account.

“Since Consort Niu became pregnant and our Concubine Ning temporarily had no news, there were intermittent disturbances in the palace. The Crown Prince was either scolded by his teacher or had minor illnesses and pains several times. The palace days weren’t very peaceful.” Consort Xu smiled meaningfully. Seventh Miss immediately understood her meaning.

“Not even knowing if it’s male or female, already so restless…” she murmured with feeling.

“Who says otherwise!” Sixth Miss eagerly interjected, then shrank back under the white eyes of Seventh Miss and Consort Xu, pouting. “Fine, fine, Xiao Liu won’t talk anymore.”

“Consort Niu’s methods compared to the Empress’s were clearly inferior. The Empress met all changes with constancy. Soon, His Majesty personally rebuked Consort Niu.” Consort Xu’s eyes couldn’t help but show a trace of admiration. “I’ve long said the Empress came from an aristocratic family, received strict instruction from childhood, and is truly the only choice for Mother of the Nation. Even if His Majesty isn’t close to her, deep down he still greatly respects the Empress.”

“However, the Niu family didn’t see it this way, especially Consort Niu. Since becoming pregnant, when she looked at the Crown Prince, fire practically shot from her eyes… But just at this time, her pregnancy became somewhat unstable.” Consort Xu’s words were meaningful. “If methods are appropriate, a bad thing can become good, and a good thing can become bad. From then on, palace life became lively.”

Consort Niu wanted to frame the Empress to consolidate her own position—it could be said she truly utilized her unborn child to the fullest, maximizing benefits. If her fetus had problems, the one who would benefit of course was none other than the Empress. This dragon-tiger struggle between two heavyweight figures could indeed stir up the harem into chaos.

Seventh Miss already knew what came next—Quan Zhongbai’s return, discovering Consort Niu’s unstable pregnancy, the Crown Prince’s signs of kidney essence depletion, a new round of bloody storms rising. And at this time, Sixth Miss became pregnant with dragon seed—she frowned listening to Consort Xu’s detailed account. After a long while, she asked, “Then regarding the Crown Prince’s kidney essence depletion signs, was it really the Niu family playing tricks behind the scenes…”

Consort Xu’s expression immediately darkened. She said softly, “These words are only for you. Even when you return home, don’t reveal even the slightest hint.”

Seeing Seventh Miss nod knowingly, she continued, “Prince An has always studied together with the Crown Prince. The two are close in age. If the Crown Prince has any matters, occasionally he’ll reveal a word or two to Prince An… From what we hear, someone somehow led this one astray. At such a young age—only eight years old this year—he’s already learned to…”

She made a gesture without continuing. Seventh Miss already couldn’t help but gasp in shock.

A child so young already learning self-pleasure—never mind the effect on reproductive ability, first his development would definitely fall behind. With ancient medical conditions so poor, if the Crown Prince remained addicted to this, in probably just a few years his constitution would be completely hollowed out.

“This is no small matter!” She lowered her voice. “Does the Empress not know at all?”

Consort Xu glanced at Sixth Miss and smiled. “Many things the Crown Prince will tell small playmates but not necessarily tell his mother. The Empress is still kept in the dark right now.”

When saying “right now,” Consort Xu enunciated especially clearly.

Seventh Miss immediately understood.

Whether the Crown Prince’s vice would become known to the Empress probably still depended on whether Sixth Miss’s pregnancy was male or female.

She immediately felt some reluctance—after all, he was still a child!

Immediately after, she felt a faint trembling. Excitement and worry almost instantly surged to her heart.

This was no trivial matter. If Sixth Miss’s pregnancy was a boy, seeing that both older brothers’ constitutions wouldn’t be very good, in the future it was hard to say—the Crown Prince position might fall to him.

At that time, with such a Grand Secretary grandfather, several brothers-in-law who were all powerful figures, the momentum of the Yang and Xu family line—almost no one could match it. But often worldly matters peak then decline. When cooking oil over fierce flames, one plants the seeds of future defeat…

She glanced at Sixth Miss. Seeing Sixth Miss shake her head slightly at her, the words at her lips were swallowed back.

Though Consort Xu treated her increasingly warmly, Renshou Palace ultimately wasn’t a place for private conversation.

“Aunt truly has divine foresight.” Seventh Miss smiled and praised Consort Xu. “In considering matters, you’re much more thorough than us young people.”

Consort Xu immediately showed several portions of happiness. She smiled. “You young people have many matters and can’t necessarily consider everything clearly. We old generation naturally must guide you to prevent you from going astray!”

The two sisters thus exchanged a smile. Sixth Miss said in soft Wu dialect, “We juniors completely rely on Aunt’s protection!”

Consort Xu laughed heartily. “You Yang family women—truly one better than the next, all sweet-tongued beauties who understand hearts!”

She couldn’t help but tease Seventh Miss. “Look, your sister’s belly already has news. Shanheng must also work harder. By next year, carrying a little baby into the palace to pay respects to me—that would be best of all.”

Seventh Miss touched her lower abdomen and could only smile along. “These things can’t be rushed…”

#

After eating at Renshou Palace and seeing Consort Xu off for her afternoon nap, Sixth Miss brought Seventh Miss into Jingren Palace to talk—the furnishings in Jingren Palace were already much more luxurious than last year.

Before Consort Xu, Sixth Miss was still that innocent, lovable, tender and guileless girl. Before palace servants, her airs were much greater. As soon as she entered the room, she casually waved her hand, dismissing everyone. “All go down. Unless there are other matters, don’t come in to disturb us.”

Seventh Miss made a circuit inside and out of the room, especially looking carefully in Sixth Miss’s bedroom. Coming back out with hands in sleeves, watching Sixth Miss put on airs, she first laughingly mocked, “Truly thirty years east of the river, thirty years west—when did our Sixth Sister also become Second Sister, truly commanding with the manner of a great general!”

After joking once, she became serious. “Now you carry double and are alone in the palace. Many things you must be careful of yourself… Especially during this period, those serving close by must be chosen extremely carefully. You can’t be too cautious. Sixth Sister understands my meaning?”

Sixth Miss also restrained the innocent joy habitually on her face. She nodded. “I know what’s important. Even the Empress and Consort are very concerned about Jingren Palace’s food and lodging. There’s also Internal Attendant Lian’s covert protection. Whoever wants to harm me… it’s not that simple.”

Seventh Miss’s heart couldn’t help but warm. Since last year’s meeting, she and Eunuch Lian had had no further contact, not even a word of request to him. The more it was like this, the more it showed that Eunuch Lian’s feelings toward her were indeed sincere.

She smiled and nodded, then took out a small pouch from inside her garment, pulled it open and extracted a yellow paper. “In the first month at Guangfu Temple, I obtained a safe childbirth talisman for you—it’s a small token of my heart. Don’t think my gift too light.”

“Between you and me, why say such things?” Sixth Miss glared at Seventh Miss before showing a contemplative expression. “What do you think of Consort’s meaning?”

Consort Xu truly deserved to be a Xu family daughter—in all matters she took a commanding view with great ambition. Sixth Miss had only just become pregnant, yet she was already laying groundwork for the future.

Seventh Miss didn’t play dumb with Sixth Miss. “The sun at noon begins to decline, the full moon begins to wane… If Father weren’t very successful in his career at this time, the old Consort’s groundwork would indeed deserve praise for being astute. But now Father is clearly at the top of the ladder, about to advance even further…”

At such a time, Yang family daughters had best not be too high-profile.

The Grand Master was only fifty this year. Even if he sat in the Chief Minister position for ten years, that was enough to cultivate countless followers. The Yang family’s power was already very strong. To insert hands into succession struggles at this time was truly too risky. Bearing a prince was Sixth Miss’s fortune; bearing a crown prince could be the Yang family’s misfortune.

Sixth Miss’s expression immediately darkened. She said softly, “I think the same.”

After a pause, she forced a smile. “Besides, though the Empress is only using me, she ultimately treats me not badly.”

It seemed that though Sixth Miss had been in the palace several years, she still had some conscience that remained unextinguished.

Seventh Miss quietly exhaled in her heart, feeling a trace of joy for no reason.

She looked at Sixth Miss and sincerely nodded, saying softly, “Yes, some things must be done and must be done properly… But some things where we can spare people and act generously, we also cannot go against our conscience.”

Sixth Miss sighed, touched her belly again, then reached out to grasp Seventh Miss’s soft hand.

“Consider it accumulating virtue for the child in my belly!” Her expression held a trace of satisfaction. “I only hope to bear a boy who grows safely to adulthood and receives his princedom. Don’t bear a princess—no matter how noble her status, daughters have bitter fates…”

Seventh Miss thought of the thousands upon thousands of flower-like young women buried in this society and couldn’t help but exhale deeply along with Sixth Miss.

“If it’s inconvenient for you to arrange this matter, I’ll speak to Second Sister.” After a while, Seventh Miss said softly. “With Second Sister’s methods, she’ll definitely arrange it seamlessly without raising the slightest suspicion in the old Consort.”

Having just told Seventh Miss about the Crown Prince’s vice, if the Empress then took action, it would force the Consort to suspect Seventh Miss. This matter indeed required someone as capable as Second Miss to arrange properly.

Sixth Miss tightened her grip on Seventh Miss’s hand. “I’ll leave it to Seventh Sister.”

Her words held several portions more sincerity. “If this child can safely come into the world, the first person I must thank is you.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but laugh. “By your logic, there are many to thank! Consort Xu, the Empress, His Majesty, Divine Physician Quan…”

She spoke casually, giving free rein. Unexpectedly, Sixth Miss took it seriously. Touching her belly, she sincerely revealed a sweet smile. “Yes, yes, yes—must thank them all, must thank them all!”

Truly a face of “with child, all is well”—all her former mischief had completely disappeared.

Seventh Miss watched and couldn’t help but touch her own lower abdomen again.

#

Leaving the palace, she simply pulled Second Miss along directly. “I’ll go back with Second Sister to see the little young master.”

Upon entering Duke Dingguo’s estate, Seventh Miss immediately dismissed attendants and told Second Miss the intelligence obtained from Prince An, also instructing her. “The Consort is wholeheartedly seeking to protect herself and doesn’t want to get involved in palace struggles again. Therefore when Second Sister handles this matter, still be a bit careful. Best to make it truly convincing so the Consort doesn’t detect anything amiss—that wouldn’t be good.”

Second Miss’s eyes flickered. After pondering a long while, she said decisively, “For this matter, Sister accepts the favor from you and Sixth Sister!”

With her sophistication, how could she not see the possible selfishness contained in Consort Xu’s unusual silence?

Seventh Miss calmly accepted this favor. “We’re all sisters—Second Sister needn’t be formal with me.”

She stood up to take her leave. “The weather is getting late. Next time I’ll bring Silang and Wulang to see Cousin…”

After exchanging a few courtesies with Second Miss, she went to the inner hall to hold the little young master, kissed his cheeks, then went out to board the carriage.

By the time they entered the second gate, the sky was already near dusk. Seventh Miss got out of the sedan chair, chatting and laughing with Xiao Huangpu. “You waited for me in the carriage today—were you bored? Did you see any interesting sights? Tell me about them.” She walked with her into Mingde Hall.

Just entering Mingde Hall, Lixia and Shangyuan came out to greet her. Both wore grave expressions, and Shangyuan’s face even carried a trace of reproach.

“I thought Young Madam would arrive home an hour or two ago…”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but feel puzzled, yet still smiled. “I sat with Second Sister at the Sun household for a while. Aiya, my back is truly sore and aching.”

She brought the three maids into the Western Three Rooms. “Quick, pour a cup of tea to drink…”

But neither Lixia nor Shangyuan moved.

Only then did Seventh Miss sense something was wrong. She glanced at the two maids and said in surprise, “What is it? What’s happened? Why so flustered?”

Lixia exchanged a glance with Shangyuan.

The sense of foreboding in her heart grew heavier. She was about to press for answers when Lixia had already swallowed and said softly, “Reporting to Young Madam—Second Miss… since this afternoon, she can’t be found anywhere.”

The room immediately fell silent.

Seventh Miss stood stunned for a moment before understanding the meaning of Lixia’s words. Despite her composure, for a moment she only felt the world spinning. If the two maids hadn’t quickly supported her, she would have nearly collapsed to the ground.