After dinner, the Old Master went to Huan Sha Wu.

The Yang family had other concubines, but for this past half year, the Old Master had exclusively favored the three sisters at Huan Sha Wu. Even the First Madam felt something was amiss.

“After all, they’re the King of Minyue’s people—how can he favor them to this extent?” She complained to Seventh Miss.

After eating, the First Madam sat with Seventh Miss in the western side room to talk.

The western side room was a place to receive guests.

Unlike the eastern side room, which was the First Madam’s bedroom and conveyed intimacy and trust.

The First Madam probably hadn’t completely trusted her yet.

Seventh Miss smiled slightly.

This was quite natural… No one would rashly treat a seven-year-old child as a confidant.

“Father is getting older. Perhaps sometimes he just wants to be around young people.”

At this age, everyone had such thoughts. Precisely because one was no longer young, being able to watch young people move around and talk, brazenly radiating youthful vitality… was also a kind of enjoyment…

The First Madam couldn’t help but smile.

“You’re quite clever.”

How could an ordinary child understand so much?

Seventh Miss lowered her head, somewhat stiffly responding to the First Madam with a smile.

This was the first time the two had talked alone.

She hadn’t yet fully grasped the First Madam’s temperament.

“Your Third Sister’s marriage may face changes.” The First Madam paid no attention to Seventh Miss’s constraint but pondered to herself.

Oh?

Among great families, keeping one’s word was paramount. Both sides had reached tacit understanding—unless the Yang family wanted to antagonize the Wang family, why would they go back on their word?

Seventh Miss raised her head, watching the First Madam with puzzlement and concern.

The First Madam sighed. “The Wang family has gotten a bit too close to the First Prince!”

Seventh Miss immediately understood.

Though living in a deep mansion, she wasn’t very clear about matters outside.

But she had heard from Fifth Miss about the relationship between Madam Xu’s aunt and the Crown Prince.

With the First Madam adding this statement, what wasn’t clear?

“In Father’s position, every word and deed must be extremely cautious.” She echoed the First Madam’s view. “As an established family, the Wang family should be more prudent. Unexpectedly, they’ve declared their position so early. Better not to complete this marriage—otherwise if it implicates our Yang family in the future, that would be Third Sister’s fault.”

The First Madam’s lips curved slightly.

This child was truly rather exceptional.

When First Miss was this age, she could only advise the First Madam on small household matters. She didn’t understand major matters outside.

Perhaps traveling the long road from Baoji to Suzhou at such a young age had broadened her horizons beyond ordinary people! With just one hint, she had grasped the key points.

The First Madam’s interest grew.

“Though the marriage temporarily cannot proceed, we must wait for the Wang family to come propose before we can politely refuse. Otherwise, rashly writing to reject would seem presumptuous.”

Sending someone to ask the Old Master’s opinion on the match and actually coming to formally propose were still two different matters.

What the First Madam meant by “coming to propose” was requesting an official matchmaker to enter the second gate, with the matchmaker bringing four-colored gifts to the outer courtyard to formally propose.

Generally, families like the Wang and Yang would ascertain the other party’s intentions before formal proposals. No one had such audacity to rashly bring gifts to propose.

However, before the official matchmaker came, some changes in the marriage were quite natural. Who knew if the Wang family, after asking the Old Master’s opinion, would actually come? If they changed their minds while the Yang family sent a letter to explain, they would become a laughingstock. They could only wait for the Wang family to actually send someone before refusing.

“Though the Wang family is close to the First Prince, they’re still a prominent Fujian family.” Seventh Miss quickly grasped the First Madam’s meaning. “Embarrassing them like this would inevitably cause them to harbor resentment toward us.”

The Wang family had managed Fujian for years. Even though the Old Master governed Jiangnan, he had to rely on Master Wang. Such a deeply rooted family might suffer greatly in political upheavals but wouldn’t be destroyed overnight. That being the case, they needed to leave room for future meetings.

The First Madam showed a worried expression.

“What kind of mess has Fourth Concubine created!” Before Seventh Miss, she complained without restraint. “She caused the trouble, but I have to clean up the mess!”

Yet Seventh Miss’s heart was pondering whether the First Madam had a preset response plan.

Marriage arrangements in large households had many protocols and variables. A marriage falling through, though not exactly common, wasn’t unprecedented.

By rights, the First Madam could exercise her authority as household mistress and write a letter to Madam Wang—the matter might be dropped.

The excuse was easy to find—just say she was also looking at matches for Third Miss in the capital… Could the Wang family chase after asking which family?

Then, delaying another year or two and truly finding Third Miss a family in the capital, this matter would pass.

No matter how naive the First Madam was, she could think of this method of simultaneously deflecting and striking, regrasping Third Miss’s marriage into her own hands, right?

Of course, she could also follow this line of thinking. However, that would only make the First Madam think her clever, not particularly special.

The person the First Madam hated most now was probably Fourth Concubine, right?

Seventh Miss smiled slightly.

“Mother.” She raised her head to look earnestly at the First Madam. “Since Fourth Concubine could bewitch Father then, having her clean up the aftermath now can’t exactly be called wrong, can it?”

The First Madam was somewhat surprised. “This isn’t a concubine’s place!”

Fourth Concubine had overstepped then—the First Madam couldn’t possibly let her continue overstepping now.

Seventh Miss curved her lips.

“What Fourth Concubine seeks is merely a good match for Third Miss.” She sighed inwardly.

If she didn’t truly need to establish herself in the main courtyard, she wouldn’t want to oppose Fourth Concubine over Third Miss’s marriage.

“What could pain her more than personally finding a way to refuse this match?”

This suggestion was purely to torment Fourth Concubine, hardly prudent or magnanimous.

Yet the First Madam’s heart suddenly felt comfortable.

People fight for pride, Buddha receives incense.

Fourth Concubine stirred up trouble—wasn’t it all to arrange Third Miss into a proper family?

Let her personally destroy this match!

A mere concubine wants to contend with the household mistress?

There are plenty of ways to torment you.

The First Madam’s lips held a smile.

“Nonsense.” Yet her mouth smiled as she lightly scolded. “How could Fourth Concubine, a mere concubine, handle such matters?”

Seventh Miss only smiled without speaking.

Just from the First Madam’s expression, she knew her score on this test wasn’t low.

She wasn’t First Miss. Before advising the First Madam, First Miss had lived with her for years with solid affection.

Remonstration was completely unsuitable for her.

If she were First Miss now, she might propose a prudent method. Unfortunately, she still needed to fathom the First Madam’s intentions.

She could only curry favor for a few years first!

The First Madam then asked about the mouthful of foul blood in the western side courtyard.

“…In your view, who is most suspicious?” Her expression was uncertain.

The First Madam’s mind was simply a bit simple—sometimes she couldn’t turn corners.

But controlling this concubine-born daughter was still very easy.

This question reminded Seventh Miss that her future glory and wealth were intimately connected to Ninth Young Master.

Seventh Miss’s main use in the main courtyard was still to protect Ninth Young Master.

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred.

She suddenly thought of Lichun’s slightly hopeful gaze.

“This matter is significant—I dare not say…” She hesitated. “However…”

“Before me, what words dare you not say?” The First Madam smiled and patted Seventh Miss’s hand.

Her expression finally held a trace of genuine closeness.

Seventh Miss slowly discussed Xiaoxue’s actions.

“…This maid was able to serve in Ninth Young Master’s room—by rights, she should also be clever.” Her brows carried hidden worry. “Yet at such a sensitive moment, she still brought a plate of food into Ninth Young Master’s room.”

Shortly after Xiaoxue ate that plate of food of unknown origin, a mouthful of black blood appeared in the washroom.

However one looked at it, Xiaoxue had field-and-melon suspicion.

The First Madam couldn’t hide her shock, pondering silently.

“However, if even someone of Xiaoxue’s background could be bought off… Little Seventh is overthinking.” Seventh Miss seemed quite embarrassed.

The First Madam only sneered coldly without picking up Seventh Miss’s thread, pondering to herself.

Seventh Miss bit her teeth.

Again remembering the resentment that occasionally showed at the corners of Ninth Concubine’s eyes and brows.

If she hadn’t entered the Yang household as a concubine, with Ninth Concubine’s skills, even making an ordinary match would have made her a properly married legitimate wife.

Becoming a concubine was truly too arduous a path!

“Mother.” She called softly and earnestly.

The First Madam came back to herself.

“…Ninth Young Master is gradually growing.” Seventh Miss lowered her eyes, revealing some worry. “Living in the eastern secondary room year after year isn’t proper.”

Within two or three years, Ninth Young Master would definitely have to move out of the main residence.

The First Madam nodded, understanding Seventh Miss’s meaning.

Ninth Young Master’s life implicated too many things.

The people around him must be thoroughly tested and reliable.

“So Little Seventh was thinking of asking Mother for a senior maid from the household to serve beside him…” Seventh Miss raised her face, full of pleading.

The First Madam’s heart stirred.

It seemed Seventh Miss clearly understood what Ninth Young Master meant to her.

In the entire Yang household, probably besides herself, only Seventh Miss could truly think for Ninth Young Master’s sake, right?

She sighed, rarely speaking truthfully.

“Silly girl, weren’t Xiaoxue and Chushu dispatched from my quarters?”

Even Xiaoxue and Chushu were under suspicion—who could be trusted?

Seventh Miss’s eyes flowed, somewhat embarrassedly pursing her lips.

“So, what Little Seventh was thinking was… Sister Lichun…”

Lichun had no parents, alone in the household, with no godmother or sworn sisters.

So she could only rely on the First Madam’s favor.

Having followed the First Madam through storms, during the months the First Madam was away, if not for Lichun’s devoted service, Ninth Young Master would probably have had incidents long ago.

Such a senior maid with clean background who could be absolutely trusted—the First Madam had only Lichun. Giving her to Ninth Young Master would leave the First Madam short a helper.

Moreover, she had already arranged Lichun’s future.

Probably Seventh Miss also knew her own request was excessive, which was why she felt embarrassed.

The First Madam’s face showed hesitation.

Seventh Miss said nothing more, only playing with the tassels at her skirt edge.

The First Madam casually changed the topic. “It’s been months in the main courtyard—why do you still have so little jewelry?”

Seventh Miss only wore a silver pearl flower and a pair of jade bracelets. She had never worn finger rings, hairpins, jade pendants, and such.

Without waiting for Seventh Miss’s answer, she continued, “With guests at home now, it’s inconvenient to have jewelers come. Later, I’ll have someone send some pieces I wore before to tide you over. After the guests leave, we’ll have jewelry made for you sisters.”

This was the score for this test.

Seventh Miss smiled and rose to take her leave, concernedly saying, “Mother has labored continuously these days. During the Double Ninth Festival, you’ll inevitably accompany Third Aunt out socializing. You must take care of your health.”

Everyone loved to hear words of concern.

The First Madam smiled. “Little Seventh is still sensible. Your Second Sister and Fifth Sister—where would they say such pleasant words?”

Second Miss and Fifth Miss truly weren’t people who spoke sweet words.

Yet Seventh Miss paused slightly.

It seemed the First Madam hadn’t understood the meaning in her words.

She said no more and withdrew from the hall with a smile.

The First Madam’s expression grew deep again.

She leaned against the Sichuan brocade endless-pattern pillow, silently lost in thought.

After a long while, she rose to call Lichun. “Go to the small storehouse and find Nanny Yao. Gather two boxes of the jewelry from my youth.”

Lichun crisply responded and asked, “To reward servants, or—”

“Seventh Miss has been in the main courtyard several months, yet still only has the pair of bracelets I rewarded Bailu with.” The First Madam frowned. “This won’t do… Sometimes when I don’t see things, you should remind me. Dragging it out, almost half a year before finding her jewelry.”

Lichun revealed a slight smile. “The Madam reproaches correctly.” She curtsied. “Lichun was careless in handling matters, troubling the Madam.”

Turning to leave, before long she returned carrying two large boxes of jewelry.

“My eyes are shallow—I’ve never seen so many fine things… Please select from these, Madam.” She smiled as she placed the boxes beside the First Madam.

The First Madam casually sorted through the precious jewelry she wore in her youth.

“How have Seventh Miss and Ninth Young Master gotten along these months?”

Lichun’s heart tightened. She answered weighing each word carefully. “The siblings’ temperaments don’t quite match. Though living in east and west rooms, they don’t talk much ordinarily.”

The First Madam looked thoughtful.

She also scrutinized Lichun.

Lichun’s face held abundant smiles—festive and somewhat charming.

Her body’s movements unconsciously revealed a maiden’s sweetness.

“…Send these to Seventh Miss’s room!” She selected a full box of jewelry. “Pick some more to send to Fifth Sister.”

Lichun efficiently collected the jewelry the First Madam had selected.

Hairpins and rings were delicate things. The First Madam had handled them and casually tossed them in the box. Now they needed to be wrapped one by one in silk pouches before being arranged in the box.

“These months living in the western side courtyard, have you noticed any inconveniences in her life?” The First Madam asked another question while watching Lichun’s back.

Lichun thought for a moment, then turned around shaking her head with a smile. “From the southern side courtyard to the main courtyard… Seventh Miss probably finds everything good.” Thinking further, she added, “Though this servant observed closely—several rooms of the south-facing back building being occupied has made the western side courtyard somewhat cramped.”

Both clearing Seventh Miss and speaking for her.

When had Lichun become so close to Seventh Miss?

The First Madam’s heart sank somewhat.

Lichun also noticed her silence.

Suddenly a cold sweat ran down her back.

She knew the First Madam’s temperament best. Having served beside the First Madam these years, how could she not know the First Madam’s suspicion and pettiness?

She was the First Madam’s person. Toward the young misses, she shouldn’t have her own preferences, nor was it proper to privately befriend them…

She turned back around and picked up the silk pouch again, but her hands trembled slightly. After several attempts, she managed to insert the gold hairpin into the silk.

“To be honest with you.” Yet her tone was extremely light. “Living in the same courtyard these months, this servant feels Seventh Miss has a steady temperament, considers others when encountering matters. Though somewhat mature, she’s very likeable!”

The First Madam’s heart instead relaxed.

There were many types of friendly relationships.

Perhaps mutual appreciation, perhaps exchange of interests.

However, if Lichun truly leaned toward Seventh Miss, why would she openly speak well of her?

“Mm, Seventh Miss’s temperament is nothing like Ninth Young Master’s.” She nodded. “Send these to Fifth Sister!”

Remembering to ask Lichun, “Has Baoqing Silver sent the batch of goods for Second Miss?”

Baoqing Silver was a renowned jeweler in Jiangnan. The First Madam always favored their jewelry.

“Yesterday we sent someone to ask—there’s still a bit unfinished, but it should arrive before October.” Lichun answered with a smile.

“Mm.” The First Madam couldn’t help sighing. “In November, Second Miss will depart.”

Lichun chatted idly with the First Madam, accompanying her sighs for a while, then carried the boxes first to the eastern side courtyard to deliver jewelry, then to the western side courtyard.

She came and went frequently, already familiar with the route. Lifting the curtain into the inner room, she heard Seventh Miss and Bailu talking.

“This twelfth month a batch will be released for marriage…”