The main courtyard was shrouded in gloom at this moment.

“How could such a thing happen!” The Great Madam couldn’t hide her shock. “Where was she injured?”

“Her cheek was cut during the struggle!” Nanny Wang looked anxious, carefully glancing outside. “The doctor hasn’t arrived yet. We didn’t dare move her, just cleaned the wound a bit. The child has already fainted from fright!”

The Great Madam was full of irritation. “Are all the attendants dead? When the young master went to play tricks, couldn’t they stop him!”

Nanny Wang only smiled bitterly, not daring to answer.

The Great Madam sighed and suddenly stood up.

She wasn’t unaware of Fengji’s arrogance in the Yang household. Even the maids the Xu family had brought couldn’t dare go against Fengji’s temper, let alone the Yang family’s servants.

“Seventh Lady too! Why didn’t she know to run!” She couldn’t help but complain again. “With a scar on her face, how can we arrange a marriage for her!”

Nanny Wang was startled. “We’ve already sent someone to request Divine Physician Ouyang…”

The Ouyang family’s Spring Return Dew was said to bring the dead back to life and heal bones. It was particularly effective for knife wounds. With proper treatment, it might not leave a scar.

The Great Madam’s expression softened slightly. “I’ll leave this matter to you!”

Though Nanny Wang’s face showed some bitterness, there was more excitement.

Though this matter was difficult, precisely because of that, it was also a good opportunity to demonstrate her capabilities.

“Where is Fengji now?” the Great Madam remembered to ask.

“We’ve already sent someone to Yurong Court to find the old nanny,” Nanny Wang pressed her lips together.

Madam Xu hadn’t brought the old nanny with her but left her at Yurong Court.

Now that something had happened, it wasn’t convenient for the Yang family to restrain Xu Fengji directly. Naturally, it was more appropriate for the old nanny to handle it.

The Great Madam only nodded, then left the east inner room and walked back into the west wing with a smile.

“I’ve neglected you two madams!” Though her face still carried some concern, the smile at her lips was natural.

Madam Wang and Madam Zhang exchanged glances.

Both were mistresses of large households. Though they didn’t have the Yang family’s wealth, neither Madam Wang nor Madam Zhang were people of limited experience.

Just as they were talking enthusiastically, Nanny Wang entered and muttered a few words to Madam Yang, who then apologized, rose, and left the reception room.

In these great estates, which day passed without several unsavory incidents?

Everyone had their difficulties. As long as everyone gave face and covered things up, it would pass.

Both madams smiled and said, “It’s fine. We should have taken our leave anyway. We’ve delayed Madam Yang!”

Madam Zhang instructed a servant girl to present a gift list. “To add to Second Lady’s trousseau.”

Madam Wang hastily followed suit.

The Great Madam made polite attempts to keep them, but seeing both madams determined to leave, she could only accept their kindness. “I will certainly visit in person to express my gratitude.”

She saw Madam Zhang and Madam Wang to the door.

Maids bustled back and forth. Though they showed no unusual expressions, just seeing how many more people suddenly appeared in the previously quiet main courtyard, one knew the Yang family had an incident.

The two madams remained composed and boarded their two-person sedan chairs.

The Great Madam watched them depart through the corridor one after another before letting out a heavy breath.

Her expression immediately fell.

“What exactly happened!” she said resentfully, stamping her foot.

She had lost her usual composure.

Lichun happened to emerge from Baifang Garden and hurried forward to support the Great Madam. “Madam, please calm yourself!”

The Great Madam sighed and softened her tone slightly. “How is she?”

A trace of worry flashed across Lichun’s face. “When this servant arrived, Huansha Cottage was in complete chaos. I only saw from afar Seventh Lady lying on a couch—I don’t know if she had fainted or fallen asleep.” She added, “At least the bleeding had stopped.”

The Great Madam relaxed slightly.

Seventh Lady was Ninth Brother’s twin sister… If something serious happened because of Fengji’s mischief, in the future, Ninth Brother would certainly harbor resentment toward Fengji. Fengji would also feel too embarrassed to associate with Ninth Brother, and in a dozen years, the Yang and Xu families would grow apart.

As long as the bleeding could be stopped, this matter wasn’t too serious. Even if she had a facial scar, with the Yang family’s status, why worry about finding a match?

She leaned on Lichun as they walked into Baifang Garden.

“Have you figured out how this incident happened?” she asked Lichun as they walked.

Lichun’s eyes flashed.

“The situation was very chaotic at the time!” she said frankly. “There were no servants around the young master either… I’m afraid unless Seventh Lady wakes up, or the young master speaks…”

The Great Madam sighed and glanced at the east side courtyard.

Fifth Lady wouldn’t have been by Fengji’s side at the time, would she?

She had never much liked Seventh Lady. If she got stubborn and flew into a temper, encouraging Fengji to do such a thing—it wasn’t impossible.

She shouldn’t be so outrageous!

The Great Madam repeated this to herself several times before barely calming down.

“Where is Fifth Lady? Is she also by Seventh Lady’s side?”

Lichun hesitated. “She was there when it happened, and it seems Fifth Lady helped arrange to send Seventh Lady to Huansha Cottage.”

The Great Madam’s heart sank, and she nearly lost her footing.

With the incident this serious, even if Fourth Aunt didn’t know now, she would eventually catch some handle on it.

Just then, she saw Bailu coming out of the west side courtyard. The Great Madam beckoned her over.

“Find your godmother and have her relay to all households: without my orders, not a single servant is to be let out!”

Bailu’s face paled as she bit her lower lip.

With Seventh Lady injured, she, as the chief maid, could hardly escape responsibility. At a time like this, she should be waiting at Huansha Cottage.

But the Great Madam showed no intention of retracting her order.

She could only accept the command and hurriedly departed.

The Great Madam grew irritated again.

“That wretched girl!”

Lichun kept her eyes lowered, not daring to say a word.

Hurried footsteps approached from the distance, accompanied by the old nanny’s voice.

“A hundred or two hundred years of reputation, and you’ve thrown it all away in one night… When has the Xu family ever produced such an outrageous young master? When the madam hears of this, she’ll probably faint from heartbreak!”

The Great Madam and Lichun simultaneously stopped and turned toward the old nanny.

The old nanny was naturally scolding Xu Fengji.

Xu Fengji still wore the golden pheasant pattern interlocking gourd blue robe she’d worn to meet guests today, but her hair was somewhat disheveled, and her clothes bore wrinkles and bloodstains… Her expression also carried traces of unease and dejection, and her right hand was wrapped in white cloth.

The Great Madam’s face went white.

The Xu family passed down martial traditions. Their descendants practiced martial arts for generations and frequently led troops in battle.

If Seventh Lady had injured Xu Fengji’s right hand while struggling, would she still be able to wield a sword and practice martial arts in the future… If not, wouldn’t Xu Fengji’s future be ruined in an instant?

“That wretched girl.”

She muttered again.

However, though Xu Fengji appeared quite dejected, her eyes were bright and her complexion had color—she didn’t look seriously injured.

The Great Madam relaxed somewhat.

Seeing the Great Madam, the old nanny’s expression immediately became solemn. She rushed forward several steps and knelt down.

“This old servant failed to properly guide her, resulting in such an incident… I beg the aunt madam to punish me!”

Xu Fengji also knelt on one knee and lowered her head. “This nephew was reckless and has troubled Fourth Aunt…”

The old nanny gave her a look of disappointment, kowtowing several times. “Poor family discipline! I beg Fourth Aunt Madam to forgive us!”

Just as the Great Madam was about to speak, two women entered from the front courtyard, still smiling.

“…Third Aunt Madam has just entered the main gate and is currently changing sedan chairs at Yurong Court to adjust her clothes. She’ll come see the madam shortly.”

The Great Madam smiled bitterly.

Someone else came to report that Divine Physician Ouyang had arrived.

The scene became utterly chaotic.

Lichun had no choice but to step forward. She first helped the old nanny and Xu Fengji to their feet, then dispatched capable women to guide Divine Physician Ouyang into Baifang Garden while sending word for all the womenfolk to withdraw. The Great Madam also came to her senses and simply brought the old nanny and Xu Fengji into the hall.

Xu Fengji’s face also showed unease, frequently glancing outside. Seeing this, the Great Madam found it somewhat amusing and said gently, “It’s all right. It was just an accident during play.”

After a pause, she ultimately didn’t ask anything.

Seeing this, the old nanny’s expression gradually relaxed.

Just a concubine-born daughter… The wound wasn’t very deep. Presumably, if the young master apologized several times, the matter would be swept under the rug.

It wouldn’t cause a rift between the Yang and Xu families.

Third Aunt Madam didn’t even want to inquire about what happened. It seemed she intended to gloss over this matter.

Good!

She just hadn’t expected the madam to return at such an opportune moment. She feared the madam might lose her temper…

Just as she was thinking this, Madam Xu hurried into the main courtyard.

“Fourth Sister!” Her expression was solemn. “Is Seventh Lady seriously hurt?”

“Divine Physician Ouyang just entered Huansha Cottage… It’s not convenient for us to go in yet. It should be nothing serious,” the Great Madam said mildly. “Third Sister, you’ve had a tiring journey. Rest a while first. After they finish treatment over there, we’ll go see Seventh Lady.”

Madam Xu breathed a great sigh of relief, then raised her eyebrows and glared fiercely at Xu Fengji.

Xu Fengji’s expression was composed. Though uneasy, it wasn’t excessive.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

Madam Xu just stared blankly, countless thoughts flashing across her face—half joy, half anger.

Watching this, the Great Madam felt somewhat puzzled.

Given Madam Xu’s strong personality, with Fengji doing such a thing, she should have already erupted in rage and verbal abuse.

Why had she not only remained silent but even showed traces of pleasure?

Countless bubbles rose in the Great Madam’s heart.

After a while, Second Lady also entered the main courtyard.

“Mother, Third Aunt!” Her expression was grave as she hurriedly performed her respects.

She gave Xu Fengji another stern look before sitting at the Great Madam’s lower seat.

Though Divine Physician Ouyang was advanced in years, with Second Lady about to marry, it wasn’t appropriate for her to rashly meet an outside man. She could only wait in the main courtyard for news.

Lichun constantly went out to inquire. After the time it took to drink a cup of tea, she returned to report, “The divine physician has already applied Spring Return Dew to Seventh Lady and has now been received in the outer courtyard for refreshments.”

The Great Madam sighed inwardly.

Going to the outer courtyard—this matter couldn’t be hidden from the Great Master.

However, with such a commotion, it couldn’t be hidden from anyone anyway.

“Let’s go see,” Madam Xu had already stood up. She glanced at Xu Fengji again and secretly gritted her teeth, but ultimately said nothing.

Everyone entered Baifang Garden.

Madam Xu didn’t speak the entire way, keeping her head lowered, pondering something.

#

Huansha Cottage was close to the main courtyard—just enter Baifang Garden and turn left.

At this moment, inside and out were crowded with women and servants from the main courtyard, everything in disarray.

Seeing the Great Madam, everyone bowed in greeting, their expressions still composed.

The Great Madam had no time to acknowledge them. Several people hurried into the house.

Huansha Cottage was quite spacious—a two-story building with seven or eight rooms upstairs and down, plus two flower halls. The doorway to the first-floor large flower hall was scattered with white cloth, along with unremoved curtains. The three sisters—Boxia, Shuxia, and Zhongxia—were whispering at the doorway, all showing unusual expressions.

Seeing the Great Madam arrive, all three stopped talking.

“The child is inside!” One of the three sisters stepped forward to guide the Great Madam.

People crowded around a beauty couch in the flower hall. One could faintly see the hem of Seventh Lady’s skirt trailing to the floor. White cloths were periodically thrown to the ground, still bearing spots of blood.

Fifth Lady stood at the edge of the crowd, her face deathly pale.

“Mother!” She came forward to greet her.

The Great Madam gave her a sideways glance but didn’t respond.

The crowd had already parted, revealing Seventh Lady with her pallid face and tightly closed eyes. Beneath her luxurious attire, she appeared particularly frail.

On her neck were bloodstains that hadn’t been wiped away.

On her left cheek was a long wound covered with pale yellow medicinal powder—quite a shocking sight.

Several women were carefully pressing fine white cloth onto the wound.

At the sight of the wound, the Great Madam felt the world spin.

Such a long wound, and they called it just a little?

How could she arrange a marriage in the future!

“Did Divine Physician Ouyang say whether it would leave a scar?” she asked hoarsely.

If it scarred, she really would have no way to face people in the future!

For a moment, the Great Madam also harbored some resentment toward Xu Fengji.

“He said if it heals well, it won’t scar, but if not, some marks will remain,” Fifth Lady answered.

Her eyes looking at Seventh Lady were full of guilt.

The Great Madam could bear it no longer and sighed repeatedly.

Madam Xu glared at Xu Fengji.

“Wretched child, wretched child!” Her tone also carried pain and regret.

On such a small face, this red and yellow wound was particularly pitiful.

Xu Fengji said nothing, but a trace of regret flashed across her face.

“How did it come to this!” the Great Madam blurted out.

Though Fengji was mischievous, she wasn’t such an unreasonable child.

How did such a serious incident occur!

“This time, it was nephew’s fault,” Xu Fengji honestly knelt down on both knees before the Great Madam to explain.

Though her tone was low, it remained steady.

She glanced at the three sisters to the side.

Fifth Lady wanted to speak but hesitated. Xu Fengji stared at her.

Her gaze was stern and gloomy.

“After meeting Mr. Wang and Mr. Zhang, Mr. Zhang gave nephew a newly acquired Japanese steel dagger. Nephew brought it into Baifang Garden to play with Fifth Cousin. When I saw Seventh Cousin coming toward us, I wanted to frighten her,” Xu Fengji described calmly, lowering her phoenix eyes, the lids concealing infinite thoughts. “I didn’t expect Seventh Cousin to be so timid. At the sight of the blade, she became weak with fright. For a moment, nephew forgot about the knife in hand and stepped forward to help her up. Seventh Cousin came to again, and in that unfortunate moment… this happened.”

This was a frank admission that she was the perpetrator.

The Great Madam couldn’t help but glance at Fifth Lady.

Only Fifth Lady had been present at the time. Unless Seventh Lady woke up, there would be no second witness.

Fifth Lady also lowered her eyes and said nothing for the moment.

“Little Fifth?” The Great Madam finally couldn’t help but ask softly.

Fifth Lady bit her lip and slowly raised her head, tears gathering in her eyes.

She looked again at Seventh Lady and finally couldn’t help but sob.

“It’s my fault. I didn’t support Seventh Sister properly…”

Everyone sighed.

The Great Madam truly didn’t know what to say.

Madam Xu also reproached Xu Fengji. “A facial scar is a lifelong matter. If there’s any mishap… how will you face Seventh Lady?!”

A trace of guilt flashed through Xu Fengji’s eyes.

“Why is she still unconscious?” Second Lady stepped forward several paces, sat beside Seventh Lady, held her hand, then turned to ask Fifth Lady.

Fifth Lady was still young and didn’t need to withdraw when a physician came to treat someone.

Fifth Lady shook her head, tears still on her face. “They said excessive fright…”

Second Lady’s expression darkened.

Excessive fright could be serious or minor. Being frightened into idiocy had happened before!

Just as she was about to speak, her heart stirred, and she frowned again.

Madam Xu was still scolding Xu Fengji. “At your age, still so reckless and ignorant… How can I have the face to tell your father about this when I return to the capital! Cutting your own cousin’s face… How could you do such a thing!”

Xu Fengji shook her head with a complex expression and glanced at Seventh Lady again.

She gritted her teeth. “If she’s scarred, I’ll simply marry her!”

These words were earth-shattering.

Everyone looked at each other, and for a moment, no one spoke.

Outside came Lichun’s astonished voice.

“Se-Seventh Lady…”

The Great Madam couldn’t help but be stunned. Her mind raced, and her face turned white as paper. She looked more carefully at “Seventh Lady” on the couch and saw that the clothing the child wore was completely different from what Seventh Lady had worn earlier that morning. Unable to contain her anxiety, unable to catch her breath, her eyes rolled back and she fainted.