The hall immediately quieted again. Second Miss took a deep breath. She glanced at Seventh Miss and was about to speak when Sixth Miss interrupted her.

“That’s right.” She said in a low voice. “We have no evidence to prove you administered safflower to Fifth Sister…”

A naive curiosity surfaced on her face again. She tilted her head slightly and asked with some puzzlement: “But I do want to ask Fourth Sister-in-law of the Xu family—why exactly would you want to harm Fifth Sister this way?”

Fourth Young Madam turned her head away, ignoring Sixth Miss’s question. The scene became awkward again.

Seeing a trace of menace flash through Sixth Miss’s eyes, Seventh Miss sighed from the depths of her heart. She said softly: “I’m afraid this matter stemmed from resentment buried by Fifth Sister’s words. After giving birth, Fifth Sister was very concerned about the Fourth Branch’s heirs, just as Fourth Sister-in-law had once been concerned about the Sixth Branch’s heirs. She made some joking remarks about sending Fourth Brother two servant girls…”

Second Miss and Sixth Miss saw the resentment that suddenly flashed across Fourth Young Madam’s face and immediately had nothing more to say—though Seventh Miss’s speculation might not hit the mark exactly, it probably wasn’t far off.

The scene quieted again for a moment. After a while, Sixth Miss murmured: “Truly incomprehensible!”

Fourth Young Madam was now willing to speak.

Her attitude was almost somewhat haughty. “I just couldn’t stand her airs! Before she had children, she was like us—humble and submissive. When given servant girls, didn’t she have to endure in silence? Once she had a child, her attitude changed—as if her own husband was a husband, but others’ husbands were not. She didn’t like servant girls—did I?”

She raised her voice. “Constantly poking at my sore spots, saying I had produced nothing for years… Ha! So what if I’ve produced nothing? To make her unable to lay eggs like me—was that really so difficult? Yang Shanli was truly beside herself with pride, not knowing her place—”

“Enough!” Seventh Miss suddenly shouted softly. She stood up at once and apologetically explained to Second Miss and Sixth Miss: “Second Sister, Sixth Sister, I feel a bit dizzy…”

Second Miss saw Seventh Miss’s face was deathly pale and quickly said: “Sit down and rest quickly.”

Sixth Miss glanced at Fourth Young Madam, then turned to order: “Bring a hot towel for Seventh Sister—don’t add any floral water!”

She paused, then said slowly: “Also bring that bowl of medicine I prepared.”

Fourth Young Madam’s face immediately turned deathly pale as she bit her lip hard.

After all, having long lived above others and manipulating others herself, she had endless methods. When others wanted to manipulate her, they always had to consider the Xu family and Mo family. Fourth Young Madam had never imagined that when others wanted to deal with her, they too had innovative methods…

A bowl of steaming medicine and a steaming hot towel were quickly brought up. Coming with them were two grim-faced middle-aged palace maids. Sixth Miss personally unfolded the towel and applied it to Seventh Miss’s forehead, then turned to ask Fourth Young Madam: “Will Fourth Sister-in-law of the Xu family drink it yourself, or shall others feed you?”

Fourth Young Madam’s lips were tightly closed. She glanced at Seventh Miss almost pleadingly, but seeing Seventh Miss’s weak expression with tightly closed lips, not speaking, she felt an additional trace of despair. She was about to speak when Second Miss already said in a heavy voice: “I’ll feed her!”

Fourth Young Madam was immediately lifted by two palace attendants gripping her shoulders and placed in an armchair. Second Miss held the bowl and slowly sat down beside her on an embroidered stool. She scooped up a spoonful of medicine and even considerately blew on it. With a turn of her head toward the two palace attendants, these two matrons immediately gripped Fourth Young Madam’s chin. With just a light application of force, Fourth Young Madam involuntarily opened her mouth.

Second Miss filled the medicine in. The two palace attendants slapped her chin down and pinched Fourth Young Madam’s nose. Fourth Young Madam reflexively swallowed, and the mouthful of medicine slid down her throat.

Genuine fear finally condensed in her eyes. Whether choked by the medicine or fearing for her life, several clear tears had already fallen silently.

Sixth Miss stood up. She clasped her hands behind her back and said slowly: “Fourth Sister-in-law of the Xu family need not be afraid. Seventh Sister is a kindhearted person. She pleaded for you many times, saying we shouldn’t go too far. After all, you didn’t want Fifth Sister’s life—you just wanted her to taste safflower.”

She tilted her head again, revealing a coquettish smile. “They say safflower has a slightly bitter taste. Only when neutralized with musk, mercury, or lingling incense can it carry a trace of sweetness. This is the palace’s secret ‘cooling medicine.’ I heard just one dose means absolutely no hope of pregnancy for two or three years. Two or three doses swallowed in one breath—if you’re lucky enough to survive, talking about giving birth within ten years would be pure fantasy.”

Her gaze fell on Fourth Young Madam. Sixth Miss asked intimately: “Fourth Sister-in-law of the Xu family, does this bowl of medicine taste good?”

Fourth Young Madam trembled violently. She stared fixedly at Sixth Miss, whimpering several syllables from her nose, but was interrupted by Second Miss’s steady feeding rhythm.

“In ten years, Fourth Sister-in-law of the Xu family will be in her thirties. Well, fortunately this pregnancy Fourth Sister-in-law gave birth to a boy. Otherwise, still producing nothing for ten years, no matter how strong-willed Fourth Sister-in-law is, she probably couldn’t withstand the pressure from elders.” Sixth Miss made a sudden realization. “Oh, I forgot—Fourth Sister-in-law of the Xu family knows how to administer drugs. If anyone wants to give Fourth Brother a new concubine, one dose of your medicine and all problems are solved.”

By the end, her words still carried a trace of smoldering anger.

Seventh Miss removed the towel from her forehead, sat up straight, and sighed deeply.

Though the sudden dizziness from earlier hadn’t completely receded, she didn’t stop Sixth Miss. Instead, she said softly: “Fourth Sister-in-law, one bears responsibility for one’s own actions. If this matter can end here, that would be best. I’ll say this plainly: don’t think about revenge. You’re someone with an heir now. In the future, think more about caring for Sixth Young Master.”

Compared to Sixth Miss’s whip-like cold sarcasm, Seventh Miss’s words were like a blunt needle—though not sharp, they struck precisely at the vulnerable spot Sixth Miss hadn’t addressed.

Fourth Young Madam’s struggling movements immediately froze. After a while, she seemed to understand something, suddenly closed her eyes, and abruptly increased her swallowing speed.

Having a child, and a male child at that, Fourth Young Madam had to consider Sixth Young Master. She could no longer do things that meant mutual destruction.

Sixth Miss looked at Seventh Miss almost apologetically and said in a low voice: “Seventh Sister, I think keeping this woman will be trouble. Better to…”

Though these words were quiet, Fourth Young Madam could definitely hear them. Sixth Miss naturally meant for Fourth Young Madam to hear.

Seventh Miss glanced at Fourth Young Madam and said indifferently: “Forget it. One retribution for another. Don’t worry about me—I can handle it.”

#

When the two sisters-in-law entered the palace, they were in high spirits. When leaving the palace, the atmosphere was naturally quite different.

Seventh Miss and Fourth Young Madam had entered the palace gates in the same carriage, so naturally they left together. To show respect for Second Miss, the Xu family carriage led the way for Second Miss throughout. Only after both parties parted ways and returned separately did Seventh Miss say softly: “Fourth Sister-in-law, do you resent me?”

Since finishing that bowl of medicine, Fourth Young Madam had remained completely silent. Even when leaving the palace with Seventh Miss, she said nothing, even refusing to bow to Sixth Miss. All along the way she was like a statue, not a trace of expression on her face. Even Seventh Miss couldn’t guess her current mood.

Hearing Seventh Miss’s words, Fourth Young Madam trembled, but still stared straight ahead, as if she hadn’t heard.

Seventh Miss said softly: “Fourth Sister-in-law must have resentment in her heart. Seventh Miss understands this.”

Without waiting for Fourth Young Madam’s response, she continued speaking. “But I’ll put the ugly truth up front. First, with Sixth Sister and Second Sister’s intentions, Fourth Sister-in-law might not have been able to sit here safely resenting me. Second, though I’m softhearted, I don’t want to nurture a tiger to invite calamity, leaving a threat in the inner quarters. Before the end of this year, Fourth Sister-in-law should still discuss with Fourth Brother—perhaps go to some other region.”

Though her tone was soft, it carried an air of decisiveness. Fourth Young Madam trembled again. She still didn’t respond.

“I won’t say more unnecessary words.” Seventh Miss laughed self-deprecatingly. She too imitated Fourth Young Madam, gazing at the trembling carriage curtain ahead. “I know for Fourth Sister-in-law, death is nothing. What’s most important are probably Sixth Young Master and Fourth Brother. As for Sixth Young Master, he’s your own son. As long as our Sixth Branch’s children are well, I won’t make things difficult for an ignorant child. But Fourth Sister-in-law, don’t forget—for Hexian’s sake, Fifth Sister-in-law gave me something. Some things, once done, are done. Trying to cover the tracks—they can’t be covered.”

This time, Fourth Young Madam’s complexion changed.

The servant girl’s death was, after all, different from the safflower. The safflower had no solid evidence, but the servant girl’s death did. Given Fourth Young Master’s character, once he learned of this matter, the marital affection between husband and wife would likely vanish completely.

“What do you want me to do?” Her voice carried some hoarseness and bitterness. “Your Fourth Brother is doing splendidly in the capital now. Can we leave the capital just because I say so?”

“Details can still be negotiated after all.” Seventh Miss took no offense and even helped Fourth Young Madam strategize. “Now the Sixth Branch is stable as Mount Tai in the residence. The Ministry of War doesn’t have too many matters. Given Fourth Brother’s nature, he probably still wants to make some achievements. Look—the Jurchen in the Northeast are stirring after a hundred years. Fourth Brother could go to the Northeast, or return to the Northwest—both can be arranged.”

She said amiably: “In any case, keeping this matter as low-key as possible is also good for Fourth Sister-in-law. Otherwise, if the in-laws learn of this matter and investigate carefully, Fourth Sister-in-law’s composure may not withstand Father-in-law’s interrogation. That servant girl matter from years ago may not withstand such scrutiny…”

Seventh Miss was nakedly threatening Fourth Young Madam not to think about reporting this matter and making it a big scandal that would damage her own reputation.

And the servant girl’s death was the best bargaining chip in her hand—universally effective.

A bitter smile appeared at the corners of Fourth Young Madam’s lips.

She said nothing more the entire way. Seventh Miss also maintained silence throughout.

When the two entered the residence, they naturally still needed to go to Leshan Residence and Qingping Courtyard to report safety to the two elders. This time, Seventh Miss chose without hesitation to enter Qingping Courtyard first. Fourth Young Madam naturally could only follow behind her.

Before the two entered the room, Seventh Miss heard a deep intake of breath from beside her.

Upon entering, Fourth Young Madam’s face immediately showed a smile. “Paying respects to Father and Mother! Today entering the palace, we received great honor. Aunt rewarded Sixth Young Master…”

Seventh Miss’s heart finally settled—though unwilling, if Fourth Young Madam couldn’t accept her analysis and insisted on mutual destruction, damaging the Sixth Branch’s interests, she could only cut the Gordian knot and notify Sixth Miss and Second Miss to let them eliminate the root of the problem.

This arrangement now, with everyone keeping to their place, was already the best outcome she could find.

Duke Pingguo and Madam Xu naturally smiled in response to Fourth Young Madam’s account. The two elders had great understanding—while listening to Fourth Young Madam speak, they cast questioning glances at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss nodded and said softly: “Aunt heard about everything. She said she won’t interfere too much in family matters. She’s just thinking about Prince An wanting to come play at home. I’ve already promised Grand Consort that in a few days I’ll have Shengluan enter the palace to bring Prince An out for a visit.”

Grand Consort mentioning that Prince An wanted to be close to the family was tantamount to indicating she harbored no resentment toward her brother and no intention to distance herself from the Xu family. Duke Pingguo and Madam Xu’s expressions both relaxed. Duke Pingguo smiled and teased Fourth Young Madam: “Why has Mo Shi stopped talking? What other good things did your aunt reward you with?”

Fourth Young Madam glanced at Seventh Miss with a complex expression, then piled on a happy face. “There’s also a longevity talisman and longevity lock that Aunt personally requested…”

By the time Seventh Miss returned to Mingde Hall, it was already near dinner time. Another reward had been sent from the palace—both Consort Ning and Grand Consort Xu had sent rewards. However, Grand Consort Xu’s rewards were for everyone in the family, while Consort Ning’s rewards were specifically designated for the Sixth Branch alone.

In terms of quantity, Grand Consort Xu’s rewards were almost unchanged from before. Seventh Miss’s share still stood out among the younger generation.

The palace attendant delivering the rewards specifically instructed Seventh Miss: “Consort Ning said that when you spoke today, you showed some dizziness. Though there was nothing wrong at the time, you shouldn’t be negligent. You should still have a physician check your pulse. Whether there’s something or nothing, send word to the palace so she won’t worry there.”

Because this reward included a portion specifically for the Sixth Branch, Xu Fengjia and Seventh Miss naturally had to go to Qingping Courtyard to receive the rewards. Madam Xu and Duke Pingguo couldn’t help but look at Seventh Miss.

Xu Fengjia repeatedly said: “Why haven’t you quickly asked Doctor Zhong to come sit?”

Madam Xu was even more concerned. “How did you suddenly become dizzy? Don’t move around. After Doctor Zhong checks your pulse, have someone prepare a warm sedan chair to carry you back.”

She gave repeated instructions: “Prepare the warm sedan chair!”

Even Duke Pingguo didn’t leave, but sat to the side lecturing Xu Fengjia. “Knowing your wife’s body is weak, you should understand to be considerate of her in many matters…”

Since the Grand Dowager’s matter came out, Seventh Miss’s position in Duke Pingguo’s heart could be said to be incomparable to before. For a moment, Xu Fengjia had to take a back seat. He was somewhat dissatisfied. “I’ve always taken good care of Yang Qi’s health!”

After chatting about family matters for a bit, Duke Pingguo asked Seventh Miss: “Regarding the matter of returning home to visit parents, did the two noble ladies say anything?”

Seventh Miss shook her head and said softly: “From Second Sister’s meaning, Her Majesty the Empress is still afraid of excessive extravagance and waste. This is actually wholeheartedly considerate of the Yang family. I think Second Sister must have done considerable work behind the scenes.”

Duke Pingguo nodded and stroked his beard, pondering silently. It was Xu Fengjia who was straightforward, breaking it down with one sentence: “Mainly it’s also that Fourth Uncle-in-law deeply understands the principle of keeping a low profile.”

Madam Xu very much agreed with Xu Fengjia’s view. “Fourth Brother-in-law has been increasingly steady in his conduct these years—truly more and more having the bearing of a prime minister. I think if the return visit doesn’t happen, that’s still good.”

Seventh Miss glanced at Madam Xu, then at Xu Fengjia, and said in a low voice: “It’s just that privately, hearing Sixth Sister speak of it, she still misses her birth mother…”

That she would bring this matter out to ask the Xu family’s opinion pleased Duke Pingguo greatly. However, as a father-in-law, he wasn’t well-positioned to speak on this matter, so he could only glance at Madam Xu. Madam Xu immediately understood. She pondered for a moment, then said decisively: “Requesting an official title for the noble lady’s birth mother really isn’t difficult. But it’s still best if your Second Sister speaks up. I think you’d better not get involved.”

Second Miss was, after all, the Grand Madam’s biological daughter. For many matters, it was better for her to speak. Seventh Miss understood this principle. She nodded, and was about to say more when Doctor Zhong arrived.

When a physician checks pulses, it’s not appropriate for everyone to crowd around watching. Duke Pingguo nodded to Xu Fengjia and was first to leave the room. Xu Fengjia glanced at Seventh Miss, then stood and followed Duke Pingguo out. Only Madam Xu remained as an elder to accompany Seventh Miss. The atmosphere was tranquil yet not lacking a thread of warmth.

Doctor Zhong felt the pulse for a long time. After the left hand, he switched to the right hand. He even requested permission from Madam Xu to gently press Seventh Miss’s neck pulse through a handkerchief—he was already over seventy this year, so the separation between men and women need not be too strictly observed.

Seeing him take it so seriously, both Seventh Miss and Madam Xu couldn’t help but feel a thread of tension. Doctor Zhong, however, kept his eyes lowered in contemplation. After another while, he said in a low voice: “This pulse—this old one can’t quite grasp it clearly. I’m afraid it’s a happy event… However, it hasn’t been very long, so it’s not entirely distinct. If not, then it’s a new symptom. In this old one’s opinion, Madam might as well also have Doctor Quan come check the pulse. That would be more certain.”

Madam Xu immediately sat up straight, repeatedly saying: “Send someone to fetch him immediately! Sir, please sit a moment!” She personally stood and left the room, not knowing whom she went to instruct. At the doorway, she turned back to instruct Seventh Miss: “Shanheng, just lie still and don’t move!”

Seventh Miss placed a hand on her lower abdomen, not knowing what to feel. Within this single day, there had truly been too much news, even making her somewhat numb… She half-reclined on the couch, gazing at Doctor Zhong, and asked softly: “Doctor, how certain is this?”

Her voice still carried a trace of trembling at the end.

A smile appeared at the corners of Doctor Zhong’s lips. He said in a low voice: “Young Madam, if this old one weren’t ninety percent certain, how would I dare speak of it? However, even if so, it’s probably been less than a month. The pulse is faint—this old one is old now with scattered energy. Doctor Quan is vigorous. When he checks this pulse, it will be more accurate.”

For some reason, at this moment Seventh Miss suddenly thought of many past events that had already passed. Countless faces danced before her eyes. Finally, she remembered a phrase Ninth Aunt often repeated on her deathbed:

“What a pity I won’t be able to see you siblings bear children and propagate your bloodline.”

Now, finally, she and Ninth Brother had both reached the age of bearing children and propagating their line.