Second Miss and Seventh Miss walked out of the eastern end room side by side.

The eastern secondary room was quiet.

Although Ninth Brother’s toys had all been moved back to the eastern secondary room, whenever the Grand Madam was discussing matters, he was always taken away to play.

Xiaoxue and Chushu had not yet returned to serve at Ninth Brother’s side. It was Xiaohan from Second Miss’s quarters who had taken Ninth Brother to the eastern side courtyard to talk with Fifth Miss.

The two siblings had been close since childhood and had been separated for several months, so naturally they had much to talk about.

“Let’s go to the eastern side courtyard together to visit Fifth Sister.” Second Miss said to Seventh Miss.

Though her tone was gentle, it brooked no refusal.

Seventh Miss had no choice but to follow behind Second Miss as they entered the eastern side courtyard together.

This was her first time visiting Fifth Miss’s quarters.

Both side courtyards had only one wing of side rooms, but the row of inverted south rooms in the eastern side courtyard didn’t contain the Grand Madam’s trunks, making the courtyard appear much more spacious. The door to the western wing was wide open, with several maids going in and out, tidying up the trunks inside. From the inverted south rooms came the faint sound of junior maids’ childish laughter.

Xiaohan and Guyu were standing at the main house entrance cracking melon seeds. Seeing Second Miss arrive, they quickly dusted off their hands and stepped forward to pay their respects.

“Ninth Brother is having refreshments with Fifth Miss.” Guyu said with a smile, ushering Second Miss and Seventh Miss into the main house.

Fifth Miss and Ninth Brother were indeed sitting intimately side by side in the hall, each holding an ice bowl, both eating with relish.

“Second Sister.” Seeing Second Miss, Fifth Miss stood up with a smile to greet her.

She had grown considerably taller and had become somewhat thinner, making her eyes appear even more luminous and her gaze more spirited, with a bright and vivid bearing.

Fifth Miss didn’t resemble the Grand Madam—she bore some resemblance to Madam Xu instead.

She then raised her eyebrows at Seventh Miss. “Seventh Sister.” Her tone was neither warm nor cold.

When Fifth Miss put on airs with people, she had a particularly natural kind of dominance.

“Fifth Sister.” Seventh Miss took no offense, greeting her with a faint smile.

As long as Fifth Miss didn’t make trouble for her, she didn’t mind maintaining the current somewhat distant relationship between them.

“This trip to the capital, I found some good things for Second Sister.” Fifth Miss said and called out, “Guyu, Guyu, where did you put the little clay figurines I bought for Second Sister?”

Guyu entered in response, blinking with some confusion. “Just now when searching for Ninth Brother’s little boat, this servant already gathered the gifts for each young miss by category and arranged them by portion on the hall table.”

The Eight Immortals table was now empty except for two ice bowls.

Fifth Miss rushed into the western inner room to search for quite a while.

Seventh Miss took the opportunity to carefully observe the hall.

She had thought Fifth Miss’s room would certainly be magnificent and luxurious, but unexpectedly, the furnishings were similar to those in the western side courtyard.

In the center stood an ironwood Eight Immortals table. Against the walls on both sides were half-moon tables. Facing them were two yellow boxwood big-headed Wuxi doll ornaments—though adorably naive, they weren’t particularly precious, just charming. Against the north wall, a pair of small curio cabinets were filled with wood-carved and jade-carved cats, dogs, and exotic beasts. In the corner lounged a large lazy yellow cat, dozing with its eyes half-closed.

It seemed Fifth Miss was very fond of animals.

Fifth Miss rushed back out, holding a large brocade box in her hands, proudly opening it for Second Miss to see.

Inside was a box of various colored clay figurines, all remarkably lifelike.

Ninth Brother picked one up to examine carefully and exclaimed, “My box and this box—not a single expression is repeated!”

Fifth Miss was very proud. “The Tianjin garrison commander gave Cousin two thousand clay figurines for practicing military formations… I specially asked Cousin to give me two hundred. Even in Tianjin’s markets, it’s hard to find such fine ones.”

Seventh Miss also picked one up to examine carefully.

Unlike the mass-produced tourist souvenirs of later generations, the clay figurines of this era were all carefully sculpted, each with different movements and expressions. Some even captured the texture of fabric—the wealthy wore silk, the poor wore hemp… They were truly exquisite masterpieces.

“Did you save portions for Eldest Sister and Seventh Sister?” Second Miss was also very fond of them, yet deliberately put on a stern face.

Fifth Miss let out an “ah” and became somewhat guilty.

They were all concubine daughters raised in the main courtyard. If she had saved some for Chu Miss, it wouldn’t be right not to save any for Seventh Miss.

If she hadn’t saved any for Chu Miss, that would still be acceptable—after all, she was a married sister far away in Yuhang. Having someone specially deliver clay figurines to her would seem rather affected.

But if even Seventh Miss didn’t have a share… no matter how good Seventh Miss’s temperament was, it would still be awkward.

Second Miss glanced at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss seemed not to have heard Second Miss’s question, still wearing a warm smile on her lips.

But she had already placed the clay figurine back in the brocade box and stopped examining them.

Even clay figurines have their earthy temperament.

Just because Seventh Miss had a good nature didn’t mean she wouldn’t get angry.

“There is, there is!” Fifth Miss’s eyes darted about as she said with a laugh, “They’re still in the western inner room, all messy. Once I’ve organized them tonight, I’ll send them to Seventh Sister!”

Seventh Miss smiled slightly. “Then I thank Fifth Sister in advance.”

Ninth Brother looked up at Seventh Miss, then at Fifth Miss.

“Have Second Sister and Seventh Sister had refreshments?” He changed the subject.

“That’s right, have Sister-in-law Cao make two more ice bowls. The weather is so hot. It’s hard on Seventh Sister still wearing silk. I can’t stand it—I’ve pulled out an agarwood gauze skirt to wear.” Fifth Miss’s attitude toward Seventh Miss warmed up, and she even initiated conversation with Seventh Miss.

“Morning and evening are cooling down. Once night falls and the wind blows, it’s quite cold. Fifth Sister should be careful not to catch a chill.” Seventh Miss had no choice but to reciprocate.

Whether Fifth Miss sent clay figurines or not didn’t really matter to her—they weren’t some rare treasure she’d never seen or played with.

However, if others were cold to her, she couldn’t appear overly enthusiastic.

Now that Fifth Miss knew to feel embarrassed, she needn’t put on airs anymore.

For a time, the two chatted and laughed, appearing quite harmonious.

A trace of relief appeared in Second Miss’s eyes.

Fifth Miss did things carelessly and haphazardly, not at all proper.

All spoiled by Mother…

Thinking of how the Grand Madam had just ignored her advice and berated Nanny Wang mercilessly in front of Nanny Liang, Second Miss felt another wave of irritation.

At forty years old, unable to endure even a bit of anger, scolding the capable general left to guard the home like that—how could Nanny Wang not feel resentment?

If she had done something wrong, it would be one thing, but she had done nothing wrong and had devoted herself wholeheartedly…

Mother’s heart was truly too narrow.

To compete with Father, she had spoiled Fifth Miss into someone who didn’t know the heights of heaven or depths of earth.

Fortunately her foundation wasn’t bad, and with her own guidance over the years, she hadn’t grown completely crooked.

She could only hope she would learn more from Seventh Miss!

“Oh yes,” Fifth Miss said excitedly, “This trip to the capital, Second Aunt, Third Aunt, and Eldest Uncle’s wife all sent lots of rare and precious fabrics. Xianxiu Workshop in the capital recruited many master embroiderers of capital-style embroidery. Mother had several patterned skirts made for me. I’ll show them to you!” With that, she pattered into the eastern inner room.

Ninth Brother pouted.

“You’re leaving me out again!”

“Aiya, go find Cousin Xu.” Fifth Miss’s voice came from the eastern inner room, somewhat muffled. “He just settled into Yurong Courtyard and must be terribly bored. Go talk with him quickly and fulfill your duty as host—” As she spoke, she laughed.

Ninth Brother really did leave the eastern side courtyard with Xiaohan.

Boys could never understand women’s passion for clothing and adornments.

“Mother’s letter didn’t mention that Third Aunt was also bringing Cousin.” Second Miss pulled Seventh Miss into the eastern inner room while asking Fifth Miss behind the screen.

Fifth Miss’s bedroom was also decorated quite simply, with an acid-branch wood mother-of-pearl inlaid bed very similar in materials and workmanship to the one Seventh Miss slept in. By the window stood a long table and chairs. Only the Wu Daozi painting of court ladies hanging on the east wall was more valuable than the paintings in the western side courtyard. Nothing else was particularly notable.

Fifth Miss’s voice came from behind the gilt butterfly screen.

“Third Aunt originally didn’t plan to bring Cousin either.” When mentioning Young Master Xu, Fifth Miss’s voice was full of intimacy and admiration. “Who knew Cousin would be so capable! The day before, he just told me he absolutely had to see Jiangnan, and the next day he ran away from home and secretly boarded our boat at Tongzhou. None of us knew!”

Second Miss raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Seventh Miss.

“Wasn’t Duke Pingguo’s residence in complete chaos?” Second Miss asked.

“How could it not be? They say the Grand Dowager was so frightened she fainted!” Fifth Miss emerged from behind the screen. “Look, this is what Third Aunt gave me!”

She wore a shimmering skirt. Seventh Miss leaned in to look closely and saw that when the satin was woven, it naturally had dense fluorescent light. With a shake of Fifth Miss’s hand, the light scattered brilliantly, as if she were wearing the starry sky.

She also twisted the fabric for Seventh Miss to see. “It’s very light and soft, perfect for moon-viewing in autumn. The Imperial Noble Consort wore just such a skirt during last year’s Mid-Autumn Festival. His Majesty praised it, saying ‘the skirt resembles morning stars.’ Now all the capable families in the capital are making them for their daughters, but the fabric is too hard to obtain. Even the Xu family only has two bolts in total.”

The Imperial Noble Consort was the Xu family’s aunt. That even she only bestowed two bolts on the Xu family showed how rare the material was, and also how much Madam Xu favored Fifth Miss.

Both Second Miss and Seventh Miss showed admiration on their faces. Fifth Miss went behind the screen and said with a laugh, “It’s also because of my birthday that Third Aunt was willing to give it to me! I begged Third Aunt several times, but she never relented. Cousin almost snuck into the storeroom to cut some for me.”

It seemed Young Master Xu and Fifth Miss had a good relationship.

Second Miss clearly thought the same as Seventh Miss.

“You always play together with Cousin Xu?” She frowned slightly. “I remember he’s also eleven this year?”

After eleven, there were important boundaries between boys and girls to observe.

“No, he won’t be eleven until after New Year’s. This year he can still move freely in the inner quarters.” Fifth Miss rustled as she changed clothes while continuing the previous topic. “Cousin hid in the lowest hold where ballast stones are kept as soon as he boarded. He only snuck out in the dead of night to steal food. He waited a full three days before he was willing to come out and see people. Third Aunt was so frightened she nearly fainted. When she woke, she got angry, saying she would punish Cousin severely, but then she held him and cried, saying Cousin had gotten much thinner… By then the boat had gone far. Third Aunt originally wanted to send Cousin back, but feared there weren’t enough escorts for the journey. There was no choice but to bring Cousin along—they say when the messenger returned, the Grand Dowager was so overjoyed she fainted again!”

As she spoke, she giggled, clearly admiring Young Master Xu’s actions. “Second Sister, don’t you think Cousin is capable? Everyone in the capital says he’s not ten years old at all—even twenty or thirty-year-old adults are fooled by this Little Devil King!”

Second Miss’s brow furrowed slightly as she said quietly to Seventh Miss, “Cousin Xu constantly fights and makes trouble, extremely mischievous. He’s quite famous in the capital. People even gave him a nickname, calling him the Little Devil King… I never expected he’d be outrageous to this extent!”

Seventh Miss smiled dismissively.

Young Master Xu was, after all, a boy and a relative. Opportunities to encounter him certainly wouldn’t be too many.

Even if he was a Little Devil King, he couldn’t torment her.

By dinner time, everyone had already entered Baifang Garden. Inside and outside Jieyu Pavilion, lanterns blazed brightly.

Though the weather was hot and there were many mosquitoes, the pavilion had been fumigated with mugwort and realgar, and mountain nard and angelica were currently burning—the insects had all flown far away.

Ice mountains were piled at the pavilion’s base. With the evening breeze, coolness gradually wafted over.

Jieyu Pavilion wasn’t very large. Madam Xu sat in the guest seat, the Grand Madam sat in the host seat, the daughters had another table, and there was also a small round table prepared for Ninth Brother and Young Master Xu.

But the two had not yet arrived.

“After entering Baifang Garden this afternoon, who knows where they ran off to.” Madam Xu apologized to the Grand Madam. “Fengjia is a rough child. I’m causing you trouble!”

“What need for courtesy among family?” The Grand Madam acted unconcerned, though worry showed in her eyes. “Is Ninth Brother also with Cousin?”

Second Miss glared at Fifth Miss.

Though Ninth Brother couldn’t be called very frail, he also wasn’t particularly robust. Naturally he couldn’t compare to Young Master Xu, who had the nickname Little Devil King.

The Grand Madam was about to send people to search when she heard a series of chaotic footsteps on the bamboo bridge.

She immediately felt relieved and put on a smile. “Fengjia still walks so hastily!”

“Just like a dog is chasing and biting him from behind.” Madam Xu also showed a smile, beckoning to the two boys approaching through the twilight on the bamboo bridge. “We were just waiting for you two.”

Ninth Brother and Young Master Xu entered Jieyu Pavilion. Ninth Brother, panting heavily, paid his respects to Madam Xu. “Third Aunt!” His tone was sweet.

Madam Xu beckoned to the remaining boy wearing a dark brown straight robe. “Fengjia, greet your cousins.”

Young Master Xu responded, but first paid respects to the Grand Madam. “Greetings to Fourth Aunt.” His breathing was even, without the slightest hint of panting.

His voice was very low, with the characteristic hoarseness of youth.

The Grand Madam smiled and nodded.

Only then did Young Master Xu turn around.

A lantern hung directly above his head.

Bright candlelight shone evenly through the glass palace lantern onto his face.

Everyone’s eyes immediately brightened.

Young Master Xu had dark skin, but one could tell his features greatly resembled Madam Xu’s—arched brows, phoenix eyes that revealed a cool, aloof aura.

He was quite handsome!

Though the corners of his lips held a smile, the impression he gave was very proud, as if mockery lurked in his eyes and brows.

“Second Cousin.” He greeted unhurriedly.

Second Miss rose and exchanged bows with him.

“Third Cousin.”

Third Miss’s face showed a slight blush. Somewhat embarrassed, she turned sideways to accept half of Xu Fengjia’s bow, then returned the courtesy.

Xu Fengjia stood and received it without turning aside.

By age, Third Miss was two or three years older than Xu Fengjia and was his elder cousin. Xu Fengjia couldn’t accept Third Miss’s full bow, but Third Miss could accept Xu Fengjia’s full bow.

Earlier when meeting with Second Miss, both sides had accepted full bows from each other, which wasn’t improper.

But when it came to Third Miss, it was reversed.

Madam Xu and the Grand Madam’s expressions remained normal, neither speaking up.

Annoyance flashed across Third Miss’s face.

Fourth Miss then exchanged full bows with Xu Fengjia.

“Cousin.” Fifth Miss giggled and curtsied to Xu Fengjia, but Xu Fengjia didn’t move. “You should return the courtesy too!”

“We already met in the capital earlier. This courtesy is my gain.” Xu Fengjia’s voice carried some amusement.

Among peers, when meeting normally, just nodding and slightly bowing to each other counted as having exchanged courtesies. Since it wasn’t the first meeting, there was indeed no need for such mutual curtseying and bowing. So Xu Fengjia said this courtesy let him take advantage of Fifth Miss.

One could see he was very familiar with Fifth Miss and got along well with her.

Madam Xu couldn’t help but laugh. “Fengjia, don’t be mischievous.”

Fifth Miss smiled and gave Xu Fengjia a look, then sat down.

Sixth Miss was somewhat nervous, awkwardly curtseying. “Greetings, Cousin.”

Xu Fengjia looked up at her, and a flash of amazement crossed his eyes.

The Yang daughters were all attractive, but only Sixth Miss could be called stunning. Though still young, she already had features like a painting, a jade beauty.

“Sixth Cousin.” He looked deeply at Sixth Miss, then slowly made a shallow bow.

Only then did he walk before Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss properly curtseyed in greeting. “Greetings, Cousin.”

As she rose and looked up, she met Xu Fengjia’s gaze directly.

Some people, though very good-looking, had dead, rigid eyes that weren’t lively at all, like two fake eyeballs.

Xu Fengjia’s eyes were far too lively.

Like two clusters of wildfire, vigorously leaping and spreading, as if they wanted to crash into another’s heart.

These were eyes full of aggressive desire.

Seventh Miss didn’t dwell on it. She shifted her gaze and properly turned halfway aside, waiting for Xu Fengjia to return the courtesy.

“Seventh Cousin.” Xu Fengjia also returned a shallow bow to her.

His tone was slow and deep.