The Yang Manor occupied the entire Two Yang Street. The Great Madam’s main courtyard was large enough to accommodate several hundred people running about inside. But the South Side Courtyard where Seventh Miss had previously lived was small, cramped, and dilapidated.

When Seventh Miss moved to the main courtyard, she was given an entire west side courtyard.

This was a small courtyard. A small door opened from one side of the main courtyard’s hall, accessible through a hand-crossing covered walkway. On the north side was a row of three blue-tiled rooms, while the south side had a row of inverted small rooms, stuffed full of the Great Madam’s trunks. Not knowing how to clear them out for the moment, she only got the three rooms on the north side and two small side rooms on the east and west.

Yet these five small rooms were already quite spacious for Seventh Miss. The trunks she brought from the South Side Courtyard were lined up along the wall by the bedroom window, and the room still seemed empty.

The room already had a rosewood mother-of-pearl bed, though not as large as the one in the main house. Seventh Miss touched the wood and felt that judging by the material alone, it wasn’t much different from the bed the Great Madam slept on.

“This was slept in by Eldest Miss.” Nanny Liang’s eyes held a trace of nostalgia. “When she was brought here so small, and now she’s already the mistress of a household.”

Nanny Liang said this with the intention of comforting Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss was truly comforted. Though the Great Madam was somewhat harsh, when it came to money, she really wasn’t stingy.

After all, the Yang family was a renowned aristocratic household. The Great Madam was willing to spend this amount of money.

Nanny Liang looked at the empty room and said, “Things came about too hastily today. Some furniture hasn’t been moved over yet. I’ll have people move it right away. Seventh Miss, please sit for a moment.”

Seventh Miss hurriedly stood up. “Thank you for your trouble, Nanny Liang.”

Now that she was a young lady of the main courtyard, she could no longer curtsy to Nanny Liang. But gratitude still needed to be expressed. Nanny Liang was a favorite beside the Madam. When she did things for you, doing five parts well was her duty, but doing seven parts well meant giving you face.

Seventh Miss understood this principle well.

Hearing her sincere tone, Nanny Liang’s lips curved in a smile. She patted Seventh Miss’s hand and said intimately, “Having arrived at the main courtyard, you’re now a young lady of the main courtyard. Our Yang family is after all a wealthy household of Jiangnan. A young lady of the main courtyard naturally cannot conduct herself like those concubine-born daughters from the concubines’ rooms. You must quickly establish proper conduct, lest people laugh at you.”

Nanny Liang spoke from her heart. Seventh Miss was so moved her eyes reddened.

“I certainly won’t bring shame to the Madam.” She said softly.

Nanny Liang left with a smile to discuss with Nanny Wang how much furnishing to add to Seventh Miss’s room.

“I think we should give her that set of rosewood tables, chairs, and cabinets we recently acquired.” Nanny Liang said.

Nanny Wang hesitated somewhat. “The carving is very exquisite.”

“After all, she’s a young lady of the main courtyard…” Nanny Liang went to ask the Great Madam.

The Great Madam was very pleased. “You still understand my thoughts. Find some more nice things to place on her table. Bailu came back and told me the most valuable thing in Ninth Concubine’s room was still that beauty shoulder vase Third Miss took.”

Nanny Liang curled her lips. “Third Miss is generous.”

She took the authorization tag and entered Baifang Garden, whispering with Nanny Yao who managed the storerooms for quite a while. Nanny Yao brought keys and a group of sturdy young matrons, moving a complete set of rosewood tables, chairs, and cabinets, along with dozens of vases, jars, bowls, and porcelain dishes to the west side courtyard.

“Thank you for your trouble, nannies.” Seventh Miss sincerely expressed her thanks.

These nannies smiled and acknowledged, but didn’t leave.

Lixia glanced at Seventh Miss somewhat frantically. Nanny Liang and Nanny Yao stood smiling to the side, watching Seventh Miss’s reaction.

Seventh Miss knew the rules. For such heavy work, according to custom, young ladies were supposed to give reward money.

But she didn’t have even one tael of silver on her, only a few bracelets Ninth Concubine had given her, all worthless items.

Besides, she couldn’t very well give each person a bracelet, could she? What kind of propriety would that be?

She felt somewhat troubled, bit her lip, and was about to bite the bullet and see the guests out.

Bailu suddenly entered from outside, smiling as she pulled out a handful of loose silver from her waist. “Thank you for your trouble, nannies. Here’s some silver—nannies, please take it to buy wine. Please don’t think it’s too little.”

The nannies’ smiles became more genuine. They all said, “Seventh Miss is generous. Thank you, Seventh Miss,” and filed out of the west side courtyard one after another.

Seventh Miss looked at the smiling Bailu, momentarily at a loss for words.

Bailu wore a half-new, half-old lotus-colored satin jacket with only a pair of jade bracelets on her hands. She looked quite plain, but the smile on her face was very comfortable. While wiping the sweat from her forehead, she said to Nanny Liang, “The Madam said that Seventh Miss doesn’t have proper clothes. She’s invited people from Qianxiu Workshop to make clothes for Seventh Miss. However, the people from Qianxiu Workshop can’t come today. The Madam asks Nanny Liang to take out a few of Fifth Miss’s outfits for Seventh Miss to change into first.”

Qianxiu Workshop was the Great Madam’s business. It had some reputation in Jiangnan. Having Qianxiu Workshop make clothes for Seventh Miss was giving her quite a lot of face. Even Second Miss and Fifth Miss only received a dozen or so new outfits from Qianxiu Workshop each year.

Nanny Liang said with a smile, “Good, I’ll go get them right away. How convenient—Fifth Miss’s clothes are stored in the west side courtyard.” She looked at Seventh Miss’s figure, estimated briefly in her mind, then left the room with Nanny Yao. Bailu hesitated, then said to Seventh Miss, “Seventh Miss, I’ll go arrange lodging for those junior maids,” and followed them out.

Nanny Liang was indeed standing waiting for her at the entrance to the west side courtyard.

“Godmother.” Bailu curtsied.

“Seventh Miss’s figure is rather slender.” Nanny Liang smiled before speaking. “You’ll unavoidably have to work hard to alter the clothes quickly. By dinner time, don’t let Seventh Miss be impolite before the Madam.”

Bailu lowered her head and carefully acknowledged yes.

“You’re someone from the Great Madam’s house. Even at Seventh Miss’s side, you must maintain the appearance of someone from the Great Madam’s house.” Nanny Liang instructed amiably. “What you did just now was very good. When Seventh Miss values you, you’ll have face… Though Seventh Miss suffers now, after enduring two years until Ninth Young Master grows up, she’ll have more and more face.”

Bailu smiled with pursed lips.

“I won’t bring shame to Godmother.”

Nanny Liang made a meaningful sound of agreement, turned around with a smile, and left the west side courtyard to find the Great Madam in the main hall to get the key.

“The Great Madam is so kindhearted!” She smiled like a blooming flower. “And so generous! You couldn’t find a second mistress as magnanimous as the Great Madam in all of Suzhou.”

Having Qianxiu Workshop make an outfit often cost over a hundred taels, not counting the master craftsman’s labor fees. This time, the Great Madam was indeed being very generous.

The Great Madam narrowed her eyes and didn’t pick up on Nanny Liang’s conversational thread, instead bringing up Fifth Miss’s matter.

“I don’t know who taught her this temperament. At such a young age, instead of learning anything useful, she’s learned all the empty airs of a great family’s young lady. Not one of her needlework or poetry skills is presentable. I’m thinking of finding a stricter nanny to lead her and curb her arrogance.”

Fifth Miss was the Great Madam’s daughter born in old age. She only had her at thirty, so naturally she was treasured like a pearl. Before Ninth Young Master was born, she was the most important in the whole family, causing daily chaos and no peace.

Now with Ninth Young Master here, Fifth Miss would have to gradually change her temperament.

Nanny Liang felt somewhat sorry for Fifth Miss and said carefully, “After all, she’s a daughter of a great family. When she grows up, she’ll naturally improve.” Right now, just as Seventh Miss had arrived, to replace Fifth Miss’s discipline nanny—people who didn’t know better wouldn’t know how they’d gossip about Fifth Miss.

The Great Madam thought about it and said reluctantly, “We’ll observe for a while longer.” She lowered her head to close the teacup lid and said casually, “Second Madam just sent someone over with some of Eighth Miss’s clothes.”

Eighth Miss was born in the same year, month, and day as Seventh Miss, less than half a double-hour apart. Now also six years old, she was being raised very well by Second Madam—a well-behaved and proper young lady of a great family.

Nanny Liang momentarily didn’t catch on and was about to praise Second Madam’s thoughtfulness, but upon careful consideration, felt something was wrong.

“This Seventh Miss moved to the main courtyard today quite spontaneously. It hasn’t even been two hours yet…” she said cautiously. Not to mention Fifth Miss’s tantrum, which had clearly only happened a few incense sticks ago. How did Second Madam already know about it and even send clothes over?

Wasn’t this slapping the Great Madam’s face?

Though the Great Madam’s face still smiled, her eyes carried a trace of disdain.

“Second sister-in-law’s attention to our household seems greater than to her own manor. No wonder she found out so early.” She gestured at the large bundle on the bed. “Eighth Miss and Seventh Miss are similar in build. With this, there’s no need to take Fifth Miss’s old clothes. It also saves this girl from making another huge fuss and causing worry.”

Though Second Madam’s actions were somewhat unsettling, they were still well-intentioned. Nanny Liang opened the bundle to look. Inside were only three or four jacket-skirts, all suitable for this weather. The colors included sky blue and light blue—very appropriate, considerate of Seventh Miss’s situation, yet not appearing overly plain.

“Second Madam still acts this way—methodical on the surface, yet revealing carelessness.” She lowered her head and smiled. “You shouldn’t hold it against her. Who doesn’t understand her intentions?”

“If I argued with her about everything, I’d have no peace from morning to night.” Though the Great Madam’s mouth showed no good humor, she nodded at Lichun. Lichun smiled with pursed lips, picked up the bundle, and left the room. Nanny Liang sat with the Great Madam for a while longer before Nanny Wang came in to report, “People from the Wang family of Fujian passed through Suzhou and submitted a calling card to the Master. They also sent someone to pay respects to you.”

The Wang family, Provincial Administration Commissioner of Fujian, had operated in Fujian for many years and was a local wealthy household. They had always had a good relationship with Master Yang and were his subordinates—a meeting was unavoidable. The Great Madam rose to arrange her appearance, sat down in the main hall, exchanged a few words with the visitors, and rewarded them with some items. Suddenly she heard some commotion from the direction of the west side courtyard.

She frowned and glanced at Nanny Liang.

Nanny Liang said with a smile, “How embarrassing for you to see this. The west side courtyard keeps a few mischievous cats that make noise from time to time.”

“Our madam also loves cats very much. This time when our master went to the capital, he specifically sought out several precious cloud cats for her!” The matron from the Wang family who came to pay respects also had good judgment. She said a few words with a smile, then rose to take her leave.

As soon as they left through the front, the Great Madam’s expression darkened through the back.

In these great manor households, didn’t everyone usually conduct themselves quietly and carefully? Constant hammering and banging—that was for theater stages, not residential manors.

Seventh Miss too—she’d only just arrived at the west side courtyard and already caused such a commotion. Had she misjudged her? Before she could send someone to inquire, Lichun entered the main hall.

Behind her followed Fifth Miss with an indignant expression and Seventh Miss with a serene face.

The Great Madam’s expression grew even more unpleasant.

“Mother!” As soon as Fifth Miss saw the Great Madam, she rushed over and leaned against her knees, looking perfectly natural and thoroughly spoiled.

The Great Madam forcibly restrained herself from pushing her away and looked toward Lichun.

Lichun’s face showed embarrassment as she stammered, unable to explain clearly.

Seventh Miss looked at her toes and said nothing.

“What exactly happened!” The Great Madam was somewhat angry.

Lichun had no choice but to relate everything in detail.

She had just delivered the bundle to Seventh Miss’s courtyard. Seventh Miss was watching the junior maids sweep the rooms and arrange the tables and chairs. Because the cabinets hadn’t been organized yet, they could only put the bundle on the bed first. Lichun pulled Bailu aside to explain how many outfits were inside, what colors they were, and told Seventh Miss not to forget to thank Second Madam for sending the clothes when she saw her.

Seventh Miss was listening when Fifth Miss arrived.

Fifth Miss came alone, leaving her maid Guyu outside the door.

Upon entering, she pulled out a pair of sharp scissors and headed straight for the bundle.

By the time Lichun and Bailu seized the scissors, Fifth Miss had already ruined several outfits and cut off half of Bailu’s braid as she tried to stop her. That’s why such a commotion had erupted.

“Those were all my clothes! Whether I can wear them or not, whether I throw them away or cut them up—it’s all my business!” Fifth Miss said with raised eyebrows. She was very pretty, and even when angry like this, she had a lively charm. “Mother—isn’t that right? If you want to give my clothes to someone, you should ask me first!”

The Great Madam pressed her forehead and sighed deeply.

Even Nanny Liang stood up, not daring to speak.

Seventh Miss stood quietly beside Lichun, listening to her helpless account. Her face showed neither smile nor anger, as if such things happened every day and were nothing unusual.

Fifth Miss looked at her, then at Lichun, then at Nanny Liang, but didn’t dare look at the Great Madam.

Suddenly someone lifted the bead curtain at the door. Second Miss walked in.

“Mother.”

“Second Sister.”

“Second Miss.”

Everyone greeted her.

Second Miss’s expression was cold and stiff. After paying respects to the Great Madam, she sat at her lower hand, glared fiercely at Fifth Miss, then turned to greet Seventh Miss.

“What is Seventh Sister standing for? Sit.”

Seventh Miss raised her head to look at Second Miss and said softly, “Fifth Sister hasn’t sat down. As the younger sister, I dare not sit.”

“Your Fifth Sister did something wrong. That she dare not sit is only natural.” Second Miss waved her hand, her expression easing slightly. “Sit.”

Seventh Miss looked at the Great Madam.

The Great Madam also reluctantly softened her angry expression and nodded at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss sat at Second Miss’s lower hand. She sat very properly, her spine straight like a small bamboo stalk.

Looking again at Fifth Miss nestled by her knees, the Great Madam felt a surge of anger at iron refusing to become steel.

“In that bundle were clothes your second aunt sent for Seventh Miss.” She said softly. “All made of precious materials, the fur uniformly gray squirrel. One outfit alone is worth over a hundred taels of silver.”

Fifth Miss suddenly showed unease. Second Miss also raised her eyebrows. She had thought the cut clothes were Fifth Miss’s own, which was why she rushed over to help.

From the look of things now, Fifth Miss couldn’t avoid punishment.

Second Miss couldn’t help but look toward Seventh Miss. Unless Seventh Miss came out to plead for mercy, Mother might soften her heart, scold her a few words, and let the matter pass.

Seventh Miss indeed fulfilled her wish, speaking up to smooth things over for Fifth Miss. “Mother, such a small matter—please don’t be angry. Fifth Sister was just too impulsive. I was clumsy and didn’t explain in time.”

Second Miss’s heart stirred, and she looked at Seventh Miss more carefully.

Though Seventh Miss appeared calm, her eyes held barely suppressed anxiety.