After leaving the Feng residence, Xu Fengjia didn’t speak the entire way. Even while still in the carriage, he had already begun impatiently examining the materials Feng Jin had provided.

Seventh Miss was much more composed. After returning to the Xu residence, she even went to pay her respects to the Grand Old Madam before returning to Mingde Hall and asking Xu Fengjia, “The contract documents Cousin gave us are all authentic, right?”

Contract documents of that time were mainly authenticated by fingerprints, so naturally there was no such thing as photocopies. Only by obtaining the actual contract documents could they prove that Qiu Zhi and Fifth Young Madam had secretly colluded to embezzle funds. Xu Fengjia understood this principle. He nodded and said, “All of the Qiu family’s documents are here—property deeds, land deeds, marriage certificates, servant contracts… all collected together. Feng Zixiu gave us everything, but only this ship contract is useful.”

Seventh Miss nodded thoughtfully, then lowered her head to calculate for a while before saying, “Give me the ship contract. I’ll keep it safe together with Xiao Songhua’s testimony. These are the only two pieces of evidence we have now.”

Though the entire matter seemed to have taken shape, everything required evidence. Using only the ship contract as proof certainly couldn’t bring down Fifth Young Madam. Xu Fengjia handed the ship contract to Seventh Miss, then immediately asked, “What do you plan to do next?”

Unknowingly, he had already developed the attitude of following Seventh Miss’s lead.

Seventh Miss had already formed some ideas at the Feng residence. She now analyzed them for Xu Fengjia. “Actually, if Father doesn’t accept Xiao Songhua’s testimony, based on the ship contract alone, there’s no way to establish guilt for anyone in the manor. At the very least, we need to find the connection between Qiu Zhi and Fifth Branch.”

She glanced at Xu Fengjia, who said matter-of-factly, “Of course this matter is left to me to handle.”

When she was younger living in the Yang household, she hadn’t felt it was anything special. But now that she had entered young adulthood and the people around her included Imperial Concubine Xu and Sixth Miss among the women, and the Grand Master, Xu Fengjia, and Feng Jin among the men—these people were born noble and wielded power over the realm. When speaking of human lives, their tone was truly casual and understated. Yet no matter what, Seventh Miss couldn’t learn their nonchalance. She furrowed her brows secretly, sighed again, then instructed Xu Fengjia.

“Don’t bring up the matter of your injury—one thing at a time. If Fifth Branch’s matter can gain Father’s acknowledgment, Father is no fool. Regarding the events of those years, he’ll certainly make some connections.” She analyzed the entire matter clearly and logically. “The main thing is still to extract his connection with someone inside the Duke’s manor, and have him produce physical evidence to prove this. Only physical evidence will never be falsely obtained through torture.”

Xu Fengjia gave a low hum of agreement, accepting Seventh Miss’s requirement. After pondering for a while, he suddenly said, “According to the current evidence, actually Grandmother is far more suspicious than Fifth Branch…”

Seventh Miss had also thought of this problem. She said quietly, “This is where Fifth Branch is formidable. In many matters, she sells people out and still has them help her count the money!”

If they could prove Qiu Zhi had connections inside the Duke’s manor, this ship contract worth one hundred fifty thousand taels would become evidence that one branch of the household had betrayed their own to accumulate private savings. Such a vast fortune of one hundred fifty thousand taels—aside from female family members like Seventh Miss and Madam Xu who had brought substantial dowries themselves—only the Grand Old Madam, who had managed the household for many years, would have such wealth.

Moreover, the Grand Old Madam’s sale of one hundred thousand taels worth of property absolutely couldn’t withstand scrutiny. All this evidence added together actually made the Grand Old Madam most suspicious: privately selling one hundred thousand taels of family property, connecting to Qiu Zhi through various roundabout ways to purchase this ship… Someone who would do such things behind the scenes might very well also continuously embezzle through Fifth Young Madam. She certainly wouldn’t want Madam Xu’s legitimate daughter Fifth Miss to come to power. As for Fifth Young Madam, the embezzlement amount Duke Pingguo knew about was only thirty thousand taels, and her own dowry was a fixed sum. Duke Pingguo would probably find it hard to suspect her.

Of course, whether the Grand Old Madam herself would explain that this one hundred thousand taels was to cover Fifth Young Madam’s deficit was another matter. But even if she explained it this way, due to the preconceived notion of the embezzlement case, Duke Pingguo probably wouldn’t think of the further complication of usurious lending. He would only believe Fifth Young Madam had embezzled thirty thousand taels and was unable to repay it. Even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn’t wash the Grand Old Madam clean now.

Only at this moment did Seventh Miss truly understand Fifth Young Madam’s formidability.

Not revealing her arrangements to the Grand Old Madam was because the Grand Old Madam was merely a chess piece in Fifth Young Madam’s hand. What she knew was only as much as Fifth Young Madam wanted her to know. This noblewoman was adept at maneuvering, meticulous and venomous. She had actually grasped the Duke Pingguo Manor’s most authoritative and senior female family member in the palm of her hand, making her go east or west at command. Vaguely, she had even laid groundwork from a thousand miles away for Fifth Branch inheriting the title. If not for Xu Fengjia’s strong and sturdy constitution plus a bit of luck, once he had died in Guangzhou, with some further arranged accidents, this heir apparent position might truly have fallen to Fifth Young Master!

This series of conspiracies was so meticulous, so complex, so vicious, and so concealed—even if Seventh Miss arranged it herself, she probably could only reach this level.

Even holding evidence of the usurious lending in her hands, connecting the chain of evidence into a logical line probably wouldn’t be so easy. Not to mention that according to Feng Jin’s meaning, the mastermind behind the usurious lending establishment was someone even he was unwilling to easily offend. Without this crucial evidence, extracting the true culprit would indeed be somewhat difficult.

Even knowing Fifth Young Madam was probably the mastermind who poisoned Fifth Miss and attempted to assassinate Xu Fengjia, without evidence, she could only watch her remain smug and satisfied…

Seventh Miss couldn’t help narrowing her eyes, thinking of the promise Sixth Miss had made.

Did she really have to muddle through with a dose of poison and let this woman explain herself to the King of Hell underground?

She quickly sighed again and unconsciously shook her head.

Having Sixth Miss act was only the worst strategy. Once the matter came to light, Duke Pingguo would certainly fly into a rage, and Sixth Branch would find it even harder to move forward in the Duke’s manor. Though Fifth Young Madam would be dead, in the underworld she would probably only laugh even more happily.

Better to first see whether Xu Fengjia could get any information from Qiu Zhi!

If there really was nothing, she’d have no choice but to drag over the Xiao family members for severe torture to see if she could pry open their mouths. Wherever one walks, traces are left. Fifth Young Madam’s series of poisonous schemes couldn’t possibly leave not a single flaw.

As long as there was one flaw, Seventh Miss was confident she could drag her down from the clouds and grind her into the mud.

Over the next several days, Seventh Miss busied herself arranging the Grand Old Madam’s visit to Tanzhe Temple for worship.

When a first-rank lady like the Grand Old Madam went out, the entourage was naturally grand. Moreover, she rarely left the house even once a year. This incense offering seemed almost like an imperial consort’s procession. Seventh Miss first sent people to inspect Tanzhe Temple, designated where the Grand Old Madam would worship, dine, and rest, then personally arranged several tables of excellent vegetarian meals. She sent several stewards from the Xu household to the temple kitchen to supervise the master chefs cooking for several days, ensuring every part of Tanzhe Temple was spotlessly clean without a speck of dust. She also notified friends and relatives and exchanged gifts before properly arranging every aspect of the Grand Old Madam’s outing.

Early in the morning of the thirteenth of May, the whole family gathered at Leshan Residence—because the Grand Old Madam rarely had such interest, and because the Duke’s manor was strictly managed with few opportunities to go out, everyone was willing to visit Tanzhe Temple. Even children like Silang and Wulang were given a day off to play at the temple. Therefore the place was packed with people. When Duke Pingguo entered, he smiled at the Grand Old Madam, “This truly is a hall full of children and grandchildren—where is Fengjia?”

Seventh Miss quickly stood and said, “Shengluan has had many matters at his office recently. Early this morning he went to the office again. He also said the palace might summon him for an audience, so he probably won’t be back all day.”

Xu Fengjia was now considered a rising political star at court. He had been friends with the Crown Prince since childhood, had military achievements, political accomplishments, had pacified the Northwest, done much work for opening the Southern Ocean, and now directly entered the military chiliarchy with occasional honors of accompanying the Emperor on tours. If not for his own knowledge to keep a low profile, not coming home for ten days or half a month would be quite possible—people wanting to curry favor with him could line up from the West Straight Gate to the East Straight Gate. Therefore when everyone had time to accompany the Grand Old Madam to offer incense today, only he had none.

Duke Pingguo was Xu Fengjia’s father after all. His son having success naturally pleased him. Stroking his beard with a smile, he actually took the initiative to explain to the Grand Old Madam on Xu Fengjia’s behalf, “Things are happening again over in the Northwest now. If Fengjia is busy, it can’t be helped!”

The Grand Old Madam smiled even more happily than Duke Pingguo. “Good, as long as he’s not sneaking off to play, being a bit busy is fine.”

While everyone talked, they slowly walked outside. Servants came forward to help them board carriages and sedan chairs. The Grand Old Madam rode in an eight-bearer palanquin. The remaining daughters-in-law of the younger generation each had their own carriage. Seventh Miss rode with Silang and Wulang. The sisters Yu An and Yu Ping shared a carriage. The remaining male family members all rode horses as escorts. They slowly departed from Coal Alley. Naturally there were servants clearing the way ahead, dispersing street vendors and pedestrians. After proceeding slowly for over half a shichen, they had already left the capital. The group then picked up speed slightly. Another shichen later, they entered Tanzhe Temple located west of the capital suburbs.

This was a thousand-year-old monastery. Even the current Empress had visited and worshipped here. With rich experience receiving royalty and nobility, though the Grand Old Madam’s entourage was grand, Tanzhe Temple received them very properly. Everyone followed behind the Grand Old Madam to worship in sequence at the Great Buddha Hall, then scattered to various places to worship and make offerings. Most wonderful was the vast grounds—both male and female guests could move about freely. The female family members didn’t have to be confined to a few side halls but could also walk a bit among the green mountains and clear waters. Therefore, as soon as they finished worshipping at the Great Buddha Hall, Yu Ping pulled Yu An away and they disappeared. Yu Ning and Yu Tai came to plead with Seventh Miss, “Sixth Sister-in-law, can we take the nephews to walk around?”

Seventh Miss glanced at First Young Madam. Seeing her smile and nod, she said, “Since First Sister-in-law says it’s fine, you may go. Remember not to take the children anywhere too deserted.”

She also instructed Guyu and Chunfen, “Follow along and don’t let Silang and Wulang get frightened. Also don’t let Seventh Young Master and Eighth Young Master get too mischievous.”

Yu Ning then asked Fifth Young Madam, “Fifth Sister-in-law, will Hexian come with us?”

Fifth Young Madam glanced at Hexian and saw the little girl hiding behind her without speaking. She said, “I think perhaps…”

Halfway through her words, Seventh Miss had already noticed disappointment appear on Hexian’s face. She couldn’t help smiling and gave Fifth Young Madam a meaningful look. When Fifth Young Madam followed her gaze, she changed her words with a laugh, “Alright, but you must be very careful and don’t let anything happen to the children.”

Since that was the case, Hewan from First Branch also got to go out with them. Because Yu Ning and Yu Tai were still young after all, the mothers were all uneasy and assigned a group of wet nurses and maids to follow behind. Such a vast group filed out of the Great Buddha Hall, and the room inside immediately became quiet. Only several daughters-in-law remained, looking at each other with nothing more to say—unlike unmarried young ladies and innocent children, they still had to serve the Grand Old Madam here.

Fourth Young Madam’s eyes darted around. She pulled the Grand Old Madam aside to whisper privately. Seventh Miss smiled at First Young Madam, then clasped her hands behind her back and began appreciating the halo sculpture behind the Buddha statue. After standing for a while, she heard the Grand Old Madam laugh, “Alright, you want this old woman to request a safe childbirth amulet for you? I wondered why you little hoof was willing to come out and endure this trouble this time—so you were waiting for this. Fine, fine! I’ll request one for you!”

Whether intentionally or not, the Grand Old Madam glanced at Seventh Miss, then raised her voice even louder, “What’s the name of that chamber maid in the Zhang household? She’s also with child—I might as well request one for her too!”

Fifth Young Madam was immediately overwhelmed with favor. “This is Grandmother doting on me. Ah, if Fourth Sister-in-law had mentioned it earlier, I would have brought Liao Shi along too. But today I feared disturbing her and didn’t bring her out…”

The Grand Old Madam said with a smile, “You’re also virtuous. If it were someone else, they might praise me on the surface while resenting me in their hearts for promoting your chamber maid.”

Seventh Miss turned around and made way for the Grand Old Madam to worship, as if she hadn’t heard the conversation between the Grand Old Madam and Fifth Young Madam at all. She only smiled and strolled to the front of the hall, gazing out at the mountain scenery beyond the city.

Light footsteps sounded behind her—Fourth Young Madam had also come to her side. Seventh Miss glanced at her and said quietly, “Why don’t you go support the old lady? She’s requesting a safe childbirth amulet for you!”

Fourth Young Madam’s expression was gloomy. She gave a soft snort, her voice like a mosquito’s buzz, “Is she requesting it for me or for Liao Shi? Some nobody on the household register—just to elevate Fifth Branch, she’s being cherished to the heavens…”

It seemed that though the Grand Old Madam’s words were directed at herself, Fourth Young Madam also felt her dignity had been offended.

Seventh Miss smiled and gently pushed her. “Why bother arguing with her? Better go back, lest someone later seize on your faults and spread gossip.”

Fourth Young Madam pouted her lips and reluctantly turned back to the Grand Old Madam’s side. First Young Madam then came to invite Seventh Miss, “I want to go burn incense at the Guanyin Hall and Dragon King Hall. Will Sixth Sister-in-law come along?”

Seventh Miss looked at the Grand Old Madam, then felt that listening to her cold sarcasm here was quite tasteless. She smiled and left the Great Buddha Hall with First Young Madam, climbing the steps together toward Guanyin Hall.

Tanzhe Temple truly deserved its reputation as a famous monastery in the capital. The scenery along the way indeed had exceptional qualities. As Seventh Miss walked, she couldn’t help sighing to First Young Madam, “Though there are quite a few temples with flourishing incense in the city, since coming to the capital, this place is indeed the most serene and peaceful. Has First Sister-in-law been here before?”

First Young Madam’s eyes roamed all around. Hearing Seventh Miss’s words, she said casually, “Yes, my younger sister from the Ouyang family and I, right here…”

Halfway through her words, she stopped herself and smiled, “Look, we’ve arrived at Guanyin Hall.”

Seventh Miss pretended not to have heard First Young Madam’s slip of the tongue and smiled as she gracefully entered the resplendent Guanyin Hall together with her.