Within just a few days, Seventh Miss began to notice that her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law were looking at her somewhat strangely.

Even the First Young Master and First Young Madam, who normally kept to themselves and avoided worldly disputes, cast several extra glances at Seventh Miss. When the Fourth Young Master looked at her, his face was practically covered with unspoken questions. Even the Seventh and Eighth Young Masters, upon seeing Seventh Miss, had expressions full of query marks… It was fortunate that the Fourth Young Madam wasn’t present; otherwise, someone would probably have already confronted Seventh Miss to ask: What exactly did the Fifth Young Madam write in that letter to you?

People, after all, are inherently curious, especially since the Fifth Branch’s case still had many stories behind it. Moreover, countless unresolved mysteries remained unanswered, and at this time news spread that the Fifth Young Madam had left Seventh Miss a letter. Even with the Duke of Pingguo’s composure, he probably couldn’t resist questioning Seventh Miss.

The old gentleman indeed couldn’t restrain himself and asked Xu Fengjia several times in an offhand manner. When Xu Fengjia came back and told Seventh Miss about it, it was quite amusing. “I said Fifth Sister-in-law only asked Yang Qi to look after Hexian and not let her follow Fifth Brother to his post. Father, after hearing this, still had a face full of doubt.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but laugh. “At Father’s advanced age, he still falls for this stratagem of doubt. This shows that as long as you understand human nature, what can’t be accomplished?”

She poked Xu Fengjia lightly. “Even with the Young General’s authority, didn’t you also fall for Fifth Sister-in-law’s estrangement tactic? Now whenever you see Grandmother, you feel somewhat uncomfortable in your heart.”

Xu Fengjia pretended to be angry. “Well now, even you’re criticizing me?”

Seventh Miss became somewhat serious. “If you can’t even withstand Fifth Sister-in-law’s schemes, how will you maintain your true heart amidst the bloody storms of the imperial court in the future?”

However, although she said this, inner household machinations were indeed very different from court struggles—they could be said to strike at the softest angles of the human heart. Xu Fengjia was a man, and seeing he was taking it seriously, Seventh Miss softened her words to comfort him. “It’s alright. Being skilled at external battles but inept at internal ones—that’s what makes a true man. If you were truly skilled at internal battles but inept at external ones, then I’d worry about the Xu family’s future.”

Since the Fifth Branch’s downfall, although many loose ends remained, the young couple’s life was still much more relaxed than during the period when the Fifth Young Lady’s death had no leads and the Fifth Branch was constantly making moves. Especially with the Grand Madam’s recent unusual silence, the Fourth Young Madam having returned to her natal home, and the First Young Master and First Young Madam being extremely trouble-free… When Seventh Miss’s days became easier, Xu Fengjia’s days naturally became much easier as well.

The young couple chatted and laughed. Seeing that Xu Fengjia seemed to have let go of past matters, Seventh Miss brought up the First Master’s birthday. “Father actually least enjoys celebrating birthdays, but this year is his sixtieth year—no matter what, it must be celebrated grandly. Last time I saw Ruiyun, according to her, people have already started sending gifts to the house. She’s worried that on the actual day, the warehouse might not be sufficient.”

Given the First Master’s current prestige, such treatment wasn’t at all unusual. Xu Fengjia couldn’t help but smile mockingly. “Unfortunately, at this time your sister-in-law is pregnant again. I suppose Fourth Aunt will have to step forward again, and the household will be in chaos once more.”

The First Madam’s poor household management skills were truly notorious. Seventh Miss smiled with pursed lips. “Twelfth Aunt and Seventh Aunt can certainly help, and there’s also Nanny Wang, Nanny Liang… With Ruiyun helping to supervise, Madam won’t have much to worry about.”

Thinking that Quan Ruiyun was already pregnant while among her acquaintances she alone still had no news, Seventh Miss couldn’t help but sigh. Then, gathering her spirits, she gently discussed with Xu Fengjia, “We are both daughter and son-in-law, and also nephew and nephew’s wife—two layers of kinship, so we should give two sets of gifts. I’m thinking of giving a longevity character landscape screen. You contact Guangzhou and find a large and magnificent self-chiming clock.”

What else could Xu Fengjia say besides agreeing? After pondering for a moment, he comforted Seventh Miss in a low voice.

“Don’t be anxious. Have you forgotten what Physician Quan said? If you force a pregnancy now and suffer miscarriage or difficult childbirth, wouldn’t that be even worse? In any case, we have Silang and Wulang. Whether you bear children or not, I don’t care. It’s actually better not to have any these few years, lest…”

He stopped mid-sentence and didn’t continue.

For a man of Great Qin to say such words—what more could Seventh Miss ask for? She looked at Xu Fengjia and smiled, wanting to say something but finding herself unable to speak. She could only slowly lean her head against Xu Fengjia’s shoulder and say softly, “You’re truly spoiling me rotten.”

Xu Fengjia laughed heartily, breaking the tranquility of this moment. “Yang Qi, how pitiful you are! I treat you just slightly well and you say I’m spoiling you rotten!”

Entering the seventh month, Little Cuijin seemed to have returned to complete normalcy both inside and out. It was as if in the past few months, apart from the two masters dying young from smallpox, there had been no disturbances whatsoever.

On this day at Leshan Residence, Madam Xu rarely came to pay respects to the Grand Madam. She discussed with the Grand Madam, “It’s also time to bring Lady Mo back.”

The Fourth Young Madam had been staying at her natal home for two months now—her pregnancy was discovered relatively late, reportedly conceived in the twelfth month, and now she was already seven months along. Although pregnancies typically lasted ten months, some babies were impatient and premature births at seven or eight months weren’t unheard of.

It was acceptable to rest at her natal home during pregnancy, but giving birth at her natal home would be somewhat improper.

The Grand Madam glanced at the Fourth Young Master. Seeing his expression was mild, she smiled. “Good, I was just about to mention this to you, but I was worried that with so much happening at home, the Heir Apparent’s Wife wouldn’t have time to care for a pregnant woman like Lady Mo.”

Seventh Miss quickly smiled. “Where does this come from? The household doesn’t have much going on now. Even if there were matters, of course Fourth Sister-in-law would take priority.”

With the old, middle, and young generations of leaders all having spoken, the Fourth Young Master also expressed his position. “Since that’s the case, I’ll send word to the Mo family before going to court. If she can be moved back tonight, that would be best.”

The Grand Madam and Madam Xu naturally asked several questions about the Fourth Young Madam’s wellbeing. After all, the family was observing mourning. The Fourth Young Master was a half-son to them, and while the in-laws weren’t particular about it, they couldn’t frequently go out visiting. Only the Fourth Young Master’s visits to see the Fourth Young Madam every other day were unshakeable.

“She’s doing very well,” the Fourth Young Master smiled. “After her several sisters married and left, she’s now the only one in the capital. Her parents wish she’d stay longer. After all, when a daughter returns to her natal home, isn’t it always the same?”

All the women present, except for Seventh Miss, were proper legitimate daughters who naturally could enjoy the treatment of a treasured daughter returning home. Hearing this, they all smiled knowingly. The Grand Madam sighed. “It’s a pity your aunt—after decades in the palace, she’s never returned home. Even if we wanted to dote on her, we can’t!”

At her words, the Duke of Pingguo addressed Seventh Miss, “I hear His Majesty intends to arrange for Consort Ning to return home for a family visit in the eleventh month to add glory to your father’s birthday celebration. Has the Yang family received word?”

Seventh Miss’s shock was truly extraordinary. “I haven’t heard anything about it!”

Even as she spoke, she thought of the Jia family’s fate after the Imperial Consort’s family visit, and her face showed several degrees more worry. “His Majesty’s special favor is such—we’re truly trembling with trepidation! If this matter comes to pass, it will attract far too much attention.”

The several elders couldn’t help but exchange glances. Even the Grand Madam showed a color of appreciation: Great families most feared frivolousness. Someone like Seventh Miss who thought of danger in times of peace and proceeded cautiously at every step was exactly the type who could steer the Xu family properly.

The younger generation’s expressions were quite different. Yu Ning and Yu Tai both showed faces full of envious longing, and even Yu Ping’s gaze toward Seventh Miss involuntarily held several degrees more respect. “Sixth Sister-in-law’s words—if Consort Ning could return home, what an enormous honor that would be!”

The Duke of Pingguo’s face immediately darkened. He gave Madam Xu a meaningful look. Seventh Miss saw this but remained impassive, only smiling. “Sixth Sister-in-law is timid. Yu Ping is right though—if it comes to pass, it would indeed be a joyous occasion that brings glory.”

Both were concubine-born daughters of ducal families. Yang Shanheng was like a crystal person—even searching with Western magnifying glasses wouldn’t reveal a single flaw. Compared to her, Yu Ping was truly left with no place to hide her face. The Grand Madam couldn’t help but sigh, feeling somewhat disheartened. She waved her hand. “Alright, we’ve talked for quite a while now. Everyone must be tired.”

Everyone immediately rose to take their leave. Xu Fengjia pulled out his pocket watch and glanced at it, then frowned and called to the Fourth Young Master, “Fourth Brother, shall we ride out together?”

The Fourth Young Master readily agreed, and the two brothers left arm in arm. The First Young Master and First Young Madam, leading their children, also left quickly. Madam Xu gave Yu Ping and Yu An a meaningful look and took the two concubine-born daughters away for education. The Grand Madam smiled at Seventh Miss. “Lady Yang, stay a while. I have something to tell you.”

She stood up and gracefully led Seventh Miss into the back hall where she resided daily.

The Grand Madam’s daily quarters weren’t in the small reception hall. Besides a bedroom, she had used gauze curtains to partition off a small hall for her daily living and dining. Although Seventh Miss had been married into the Xu family for over a year, she had actually never entered the back hall. Entering now, she had no mind to look around and simply smiled and greeted, “Hexian.”

Hexian was sprawled in a corner of the hall playing with building blocks with her two nursemaids. Seeing Seventh Miss, she grinned broadly. “Sixth Aunt! Did Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother come?”

Perhaps because she was too young, or perhaps because Hexian normally hadn’t spent much time with the Fifth Young Madam, the child didn’t seem to feel much pain at losing her mother. Instead, she was more concerned that her two nursemaids had been replaced with new people. Though she had made a fuss for several months, she had now settled down considerably and lived quite peacefully at Leshan Residence, only occasionally mentioning the Fifth Young Master: ‘Father went to Yangzhou—when will he come back?’

Seventh Miss reminded Hexian, “Has Hexian forgotten? Today is the fortnightly examination day at the family school.”

Hexian suddenly understood. “Oh my! If Sixth Aunt hadn’t said so, I would have forgotten! If the teacher punishes me later, Sister Wan will laugh at me again.”

She turned her head and complained to the two nursemaids, “Really so forgetful! If I can’t remember, can’t you remind me?”

At such a young age, she already had the air of one above others, ordering the nursemaids about imperiously, as if only by doing so could she prove her status as a legitimate daughter…

Seventh Miss withdrew her gaze and sighed faintly in her heart. She reminded herself that back then, her own circumstances had been even more difficult than Hexian’s current situation.

The Grand Madam smiled and dismissed Hexian. “Have Little Jialing help you change clothes and go to school.”

Because of her favoritism toward the Fifth Branch, the Grand Madam had doted on Hexian since childhood. Now that the child had lost her mother, she naturally only became more indulgent. Hexian snuggled up to the Grand Madam and whispered a few words, then took the nursemaid’s hand and skipped out of the room.

The Grand Madam watched her retreating figure and couldn’t help but sigh. “This child is four or five years old this year and has lost her mother. I thought she’d be more sensible, but unexpectedly…”

She shook her head and lamented to Seventh Miss, “We really must quickly find a new wife for your Fifth Brother, find a daughter-in-law who can manage affairs for the family—only then will someone be there to teach her.”

Seventh Miss’s heart immediately stirred. She knew the Grand Madam was probably about to intercede on behalf of the Fifth Young Master.

Arranging a new marriage for the Fifth Young Master in the capital would have to wait until after the Fifth Young Madam’s first anniversary, after the Fifth Young Master completed his year of mourning before discussing marriage proposals and sending betrothal gifts. This would drag things to next May, and continuing to delay—this year dragging to next year, next year to the year after—the whole matter might just fizzle out.

Her face immediately showed three degrees of difficulty. “Grandmother, after all, Fifth Brother is currently in mourning…”

The Grand Madam’s eyes immediately reddened, and she choked up. “I know, I know.”

As she wiped her eyes, tears began to fall. “I mean next year after he completes his mourning… Good child, I know the Fifth Branch has wronged you, but you’ve been magnanimous and haven’t taken it to heart. You… you talk to Fengjia, or have him personally petition the Duke for mercy—just don’t send your Fifth Brother to Yunnan! In this matter, he too was deceived by that bitch Zhang. He’s also pitiable!”

That the Grand Madam would seek her out about this matter didn’t surprise Seventh Miss at all.

With Xu Fengjia’s temperament, upon hearing such words his face would probably immediately darken. Only Seventh Miss, though her actions often didn’t accord with the old lady’s wishes, always maintained everyone’s dignity on the surface. Hearing the Grand Madam’s words, she likely wouldn’t refuse outright—there might still be some room for negotiation.

Seventh Miss was about to shatter the Grand Madam’s illusions: the matter of the Fifth Young Master going to Yunnan was impossible to reverse even if she were willing to intercede, let alone that she had no intention of interceding at all.

But seeing the Grand Madam’s aged and grief-stricken face, a trace of hesitation involuntarily arose in her heart.

This was probably when the Grand Madam’s psychological defenses were at their most vulnerable…

Having to lower herself to beg her grandson’s wife for mercy was no easy thing, especially since this grandson’s wife was usually the target of her suppression. Owing this favor, from now on the Grand Madam would be half a head shorter before her for no reason at all.

Making this choice must be very difficult for the Grand Madam. She had to set aside her usual pride and dignity and reveal her concern for the Fifth Young Master to entreat her so earnestly and sincerely.

In other words, her current psychological state was probably at an agitated and fluctuating stage.

Seventh Miss had never underestimated this old lady seasoned by worldly experience. Just looking at her performance the day after the Fifth Young Madam’s death, one could see that though the Grand Madam’s scheming might not match Madam Xu’s, she was definitely no simple character. Seventh Miss also hadn’t thought she could trick the truth about past events from the Grand Madam, especially since the Grand Madam hadn’t directly participated in the Fifth Young Lady’s death but might have only tacitly approved or instigated from behind. Her conscience wasn’t troubled; she could comfort herself. Rash probing would only put the Grand Madam on alert.

But in such chaotic emotions as now, if she set her trap well, perhaps she could draw out the old lady’s innermost thoughts.

She made a show of hesitation, stood up, then sat back down, and said softly, “But in Fifth Sister-in-law’s letter, she said clearly…”

The moment these words left her mouth, the Grand Madam’s pupils immediately contracted. Seeing Seventh Miss show a regretful expression and stop speaking, she immediately pressed, “What did Lady Zhang say in her letter to you?”

Seventh Miss looked at the Grand Madam.

Even she hadn’t expected the Grand Madam to take the bait so easily.