“In autumn, come to the capital with me!” Madam Xu’s eyes flickered. In an instant, she had made her decision.

Both the First Madam and Second Madam were startled.

The First Madam was delighted with surprise, while Second Madam was frightened with shock.

“But…” She stammered, slowly rising to sit below the First Madam. “The Master…”

“Go wipe away her tears and snot!” Madam Xu didn’t answer but instead ordered the old nanny with a look of disgust.

Nanny Liang and Nanny Wang quickly rushed forward to help Second Madam up and into the washroom in the western side room.

Madam Xu and the First Madam did not speak for a moment.

“Letting her go to the capital to contend with Concubine Xiang would be good!” The First Madam seemed to be talking to herself.

Madam Xu sighed inwardly again.

“Sending her to the capital isn’t to create trouble for her… No matter how she treated you, you must remember—Second Madam is your blood cousin. In the Yang household, you cannot let her lose face.”

The First Madam revealed confusion.

Second Madam quickly reentered the main hall.

Her steps were somewhat unsteady, but her demeanor had gradually calmed.

Sending Second Madam to the washroom was to let her collect her emotions.

“I’m sending you to the capital to deliver a message.” Madam Xu held the teacup in her hands, thoughtfully tracing the cool blue and white cloud patterns. “Your Master has been acting unlike himself these past years.”

The First Madam couldn’t help but sigh.

From such a small boy, raised until he became an academician.

To say there were no feelings would be a lie.

Who knew that such a person, once he became an official, would begin scheming for his elder brother’s family property. How could she not be heartbroken?

Second Madam’s face paled.

The Yang family had countless connections with the Qin and Xu families.

Second Master Yang’s leisurely position as an academician in the capital—wasn’t it thanks to the Xu family’s constant promotion and the first branch’s annual support?

From Madam Xu’s meaning, she intended to suppress Second Master Yang’s arrogance?

Shoot the horse to shoot the rider, capture the king to capture the bandits. If Second Master lost his official position, the second branch would be completely finished.

The First Madam also hesitated somewhat.

Matters involving the official court—without consulting the Old Master, she couldn’t take a position.

Though Second Master had many faults, over the years he and the Old Master had cooperated seamlessly. Without him, the Old Master wouldn’t know about affairs in the capital’s official circles and would lack a mouthpiece at court.

Without the Old Master, Second Master would have no comfortable life either.

Between the two brothers, it wasn’t a matter of who was subordinate to whom—there was some mutual benefit.

Madam Xu seemed to talk to herself. “Second Master has been close to the First Prince these years. Now the Yang family wants to marry Third Miss into the Wang family…”

The Wang family had just greatly embarrassed the Crown Prince’s Chief of Staff.

The First Madam’s face turned pale with a whoosh.

Though she had little experience in wife-concubine struggles, having served beside Imperial Tutor Qin since childhood, how could she not know that these political struggles were most treacherous? With a flick of the superior’s hand, one could go from heaven to hell in an instant!

Though the Yang family had deep foundations and the Old Master was a high-ranking border official, in the struggle for succession, they still could not take a single wrong step!

Madam Xu’s aunt was half a foster mother to the Crown Prince. Which side the Xu family stood on in this struggle was self-evident.

Now the Yang family showed strong momentum toward aligning with the First Prince. How could the Xu family allow this to continue?

Keeping Second Master in the capital was merely to place their own person there. The Old Master’s true court backing was still the Xu and Qin families.

“Second Brother is truly too presumptuous!” She knit her brows tightly. “Behind him stands the entire Yang family!”

If Second Master was this ignorant… it would be better to give him an external posting than keep him in the capital!

Madam Xu sighed and showed Second Madam a sincere expression.

“By rights, outsiders should not come between relatives. I have no place to criticize your Second Master Yang.”

“Third Cousin! You absolutely must not say that!” Second Madam grew anxious, tears flowing pitifully again. “Look how the Master left me in Suzhou—years without word or message… How can he and I still be considered close!”

Both Madam Xu and the First Madam revealed relieved expressions.

If Second Madam wasn’t close to Second Master, she could only rely on her natal family.

Compared to scheming for Ninth Young Master, she was probably thinking more now about dealing with Concubine Xiang.

“Such a grown person without a plan!” The First Madam began criticizing Second Master. “The silver the family sends—however much is sent, that much is spent. The jewelry Concubine Xiang wears cost hundreds of taels just for the craftsmanship.”

“And he’s so careless about educating the three young masters.” Madam Xu chimed in. “Such grown children, yet he won’t hire a proper tutor, finding some destitute scholar to be their teacher.”

Second Madam grew anxious.

“The children’s grandfather couldn’t stand it and said a few words, which instead caused discord with the Wang family.” The First Madam’s brows were tightly locked. “When I went to the capital to see Uncle, the old man held my hand and complained about his son-in-law for hours.”

Second Madam’s natal family name was Wang.

“That heartless wretch!” Second Madam couldn’t help grinding her teeth. “Those are his own flesh and blood!”

By this point in the performance, seven-tenths was complete.

Madam Xu sighed. “Xing’ai, I’m not criticizing you, but you’re also hardhearted! Without their mother beside them, who knows their needs?”

“The nannies around them are all capable people…” Second Madam stammered.

“Concubine Xiang has practically torn off the roof of your second branch!” Madam Xu’s face showed worry and urgency. “I wanted to take you to the capital to see your sons. If you’re unwilling, then forget I mentioned it.”

“Third Cousin.” Second Madam’s face was full of pleading. “I was foolish before, I was foolish before… You must help me—take me to the capital to settle accounts with Second Master!”

With Madam Xu willing to back her, Second Madam had power and confidence.

Madam Xu and the First Madam exchanged a glance.

“Sister-in-law, don’t be anxious.” The First Madam spoke warmly. “You’re my blood cousin, from an illustrious family. What is that Concubine Xiang? As the saying goes, when there’s no tiger in the mountain, the monkey declares himself king. Once you reach the capital, within days she’ll fall silent.”

Second Madam was so grateful she choked up again.

“I truly have no face to accept Elder Sister’s kindness…” She pulled out a handkerchief to cover her face, her shoulders shaking.

By this point, the atmosphere was completely harmonious.

#

Second Madam stayed for lunch.

The First Madam specially set up a table in the western inner room. Only family members sat at the table.

The children of the main courtyard plus Eighth Miss and Xu Fengjia sat below the elders.

“Fengjia is still young, and I’m not comfortable with him causing trouble outside.” Madam Xu explained. “It’s more reassuring to keep him close!”

Madam Xu had only this one legitimate son. Treasuring him like her eyeball was quite normal.

The First Madam smiled. “Naturally. Even Ninth Young Master now sleeps in the eastern secondary room, separated from me only by a gauze partition.”

Second Madam couldn’t help but flush.

Seventh Miss observed this, her brows slightly furrowed.

From the elders’ expressions, Second Madam had definitely yielded. Everyone had restored harmony.

Otherwise why would the First Madam specially keep her for a meal and create such an intimate atmosphere?

This was precisely the time to show grace—why mention Ninth Young Master and touch Second Madam’s sore spot?

Madam Xu smiled and said, “You’re being too cautious. Boys should be raised roughly. At home, Fengjia runs around with people from dawn to dusk, and I’m too lazy to manage.”

If he was like this at a relative’s house, how troublesome must Xu Fengjia be in the capital?

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but be somewhat shocked.

She ate half a bowl of rice carefully before setting down the small Lang kiln chicken-blood red bowl.

Xu Fengjia kept watching her.

Though Seventh Miss was very composed, she couldn’t help feeling somewhat unsettled.

Being targeted, she wasn’t afraid of.

What was frightening was knowing he was about to target you yet having to pretend nothing was wrong.

Several daughters also noticed Xu Fengjia’s gaze.

Everyone knew how unruly Xu Fengjia’s temperament was.

Sixth Miss looked at Seventh Miss with sympathy.

Fifth Miss’s expression was inscrutable.

Ninth Young Master was somewhat confused. His studies were heavy, and he didn’t know Xu Fengjia had recently committed many offenses.

“Why does Cousin keep looking at you?” He whispered to Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss sighed. “Just eat your meal.”

She couldn’t drag Ninth Young Master into this kind of matter.

Xu Fengjia was the future heir of the Xu family. The closer Ninth Young Master’s relationship with him, the better.

Ninth Young Master could only lower his head to eat.

After the meal, Second Madam took Eighth Miss and bid farewell.

Everyone saw her to the door. The First Madam pulled Madam Xu inside to talk.

Though Madam Xu had the habit of afternoon naps, she could only force herself to stay alert and accommodate the First Madam.

Ninth Young Master had to go to Fifth Miss’s room for his nap.

Seventh Miss returned to the western side courtyard.

Xu Fengjia’s gaze seemed to follow behind her, making her neck itch with prickling sensation.

#

“How could Second Brother be so confused!”

The First Madam was somewhat impatient.

As soon as she entered the room, before tea was even served, she began complaining about Yang Haixi.

Though it was only August fifteenth, Suzhou was still muggy and hot.

The eastern side room was completely cool. Large porcelain basins in the wall corners held ice mountains. Lichun stood in a corner, gently fanning the ice.

Seeing the First Madam and Madam Xu enter, she curtsied and silently withdrew.

The First Madam frowned slightly but said nothing more.

Nanny Wang immediately stood behind the ice mountain, holding a round fan, slowly fanning.

Madam Xu sat by the window, pondering. After a while, she slowly spoke.

“Second Master Yang’s thoughts run deep. Duke Pingguo has drunk with him several times but hasn’t seen through this man.”

“This isn’t just his family’s affair!” The First Madam was very anxious. “Never mind the main family—even his elder brother shows no sign of taking sides, yet he’s already causing trouble?”

“The First Prince is riding high in the capital now!” Madam Xu’s brows relaxed. “Quite the sense of getting whatever he wants. The Emperor delays conferring titles… Second Master probably wants to make a bold gamble.”

The fear was that the Yang family’s first branch would quietly align with the other side… Such a high-ranking border official—there weren’t many in all of Great Qin. Even if not the Crown Prince’s person, they couldn’t watch him tilt toward the First Prince.

From current appearances, it was still only the second branch’s intention.

Madam Xu secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

“If he wants to gamble, our first branch won’t follow such recklessness!” The First Madam’s brows were tightly locked. “Third Sister, rest assured. Tonight I’ll speak plainly with the Master. This isn’t just Yang Haixi’s own affair.”

Madam Xu’s lips bore a smile. “It’s merely giving Brother-in-law a heads-up.” She casually played with the small bronze bells scattered on the table. Pleasant sounds rang ding-ding-dong-dong from under Madam Xu’s hands. “Duke Pingguo has long wanted to suppress his arrogance, but feared Brother-in-law would take it personally.”

If even Duke Pingguo was making a move, how arrogant had Second Master become in the capital?

“Otherwise, should we recall him for an external posting?” This question from the First Madam carried probing intent.

Madam Xu smiled and shook her head. “He has talent and is quite favored! Just not quite mature enough in his conduct. Since we’re all family relatives, rather than let others sabotage him, it’s better for Duke Pingguo to discipline him.”

If others made the move, Second Master’s fall would be severe.

“Brother-in-law’s consideration is thorough.” The First Madam nodded, then sighed. “I think even if Xing’ai goes to the capital, she’ll have difficulty managing him.”

Second Madam’s methods were clumsy and she was very trusting. Having been deceived by Second Master into targeting Ninth Young Master, she wouldn’t suddenly become formidable.

Madam Xu’s brows showed a trace of menace. “The Wang family has indeed not been prominent these years, but Xing’ai is a legitimate Wang daughter. With the Qin family there, how much can she suffer?”

When it came to the Qin and Wang families, the First Madam couldn’t speak openly—though the Wang family was related to the Qin family, Old Madam Qin had been dead over thirty years. Now that the Wang family was not prominent, they relied entirely on that bit of connection with the Qin family to maintain their position… Unless the First Madam supported her, Second Madam would probably lack confidence before Second Master.

“She also can’t stand on her own!” Madam Xu also felt some disappointment. “Though her fate was bitter—losing her mother early, with an unkind stepmother—when has the Qin family let her suffer? Upon marrying, she consecutively bore three legitimate sons. If she had any brains at all, it wouldn’t have come to this. This trip to the capital, if your first branch doesn’t back her, she probably can’t even contend with a Concubine Xiang!”

The First Madam only smiled without agreeing.

Madam Xu glanced at her and sighed softly.

Even sisters who were close at home, after years of marriage, developed their own thoughts.

It seemed the First Madam didn’t want to back Second Madam.

That made sense—Second Madam had gone too far.

Madam Xu rose to take her leave. “I’ll go back and sleep. Tomorrow is Mid-Autumn Festival—we sisters will enjoy ourselves properly.”

“It’s been so many years since celebrating a festival with natal family—but being away from home, Third Sister is inconvenienced. If the servants are improper in any way, please speak up without hesitation.” The First Madam saw her guest to the door, watching until a little maid raised an umbrella and the old nanny helped Madam Xu into the covered walkway leading to Yu Rong Garden. She turned back and heard a light cry of alarm from the walkway.

In the middle of the day, who was walking in the covered passage?

The First Madam frowned slightly.

She heard Madam Xu’s voice.

“Go see what happened.” She casually instructed Lichun. “Don’t let some ignorant little maid collide with the Aunt-Madam.”

“Yes.” Lichun responded lightly and tiptoed down the steps, turning into the walkway.

Upon entering, she saw Young Master Xu standing beside Madam Xu, holding a large colorful spider in his hands.

Lichun couldn’t help crying out softly too.

Madam Xu smiled and told Lichun, “It’s fine, it’s fine. It’s not poisonous.” She instructed Xu Fengjia, “Put the spider away.”

Xu Fengjia reluctantly took out a glass bottle and placed the spider inside.

The little maid holding the umbrella for Madam Xu was so frightened her legs went weak, tears streaming down, yet Madam Xu and the old nanny both looked completely calm.

As if Xu Fengjia carrying such frightening things was a very ordinary matter.

Xu Fengjia’s eyes turned. He handed the glass bottle to Lichun.

“When Seventh Cousin wakes from her nap, deliver this bottle to her.” He curved his lips.

Lichun stared blankly at Xu Fengjia without reaching out to receive it.

Xu Fengjia’s expression turned cold.

He had never been an amiable, kind person to begin with.

With his face stern, he had an invisible aura of authority.

In a daze, Lichun had no choice but to accept the glass bottle. The large spider anxiously scratched at the bottle walls, making rustling sounds.

Lichun was so frightened her hands trembled.

“This child.” Madam Xu only smiled and shook her head. “Go back for your nap!”

Not the slightest intention of restraining Xu Fengjia… Lichun forgot her fear and softly advised, “Young Master Cousin, Seventh Miss is young and cannot withstand fright…”

“Fright?” Xu Fengjia laughed again.

Every movement of this boy seemed to carry strong aggression. Even his laughter was tight. “Seventh Cousin played with the spider for a while this morning. She’s not afraid of spiders.”

Lichun stared blankly as Madam Xu and Xu Fengjia walked together into the covered passage.

The scorching sunlight poured unreservedly over her head and face.