Seventh Miss had just entered Huansha Pavilion when she heard Xu Fengjia’s loud declaration.

“If it leaves a scar, worst case I’ll just marry her!”

Her heart immediately sank, and for a moment she couldn’t even stand steady. However, she didn’t rush inside, but instead exchanged several glances with Lichun and asked in a low voice, “How is Ninth Brother really doing?”

Lichun was about to answer when the room erupted in commotion again. The two momentarily couldn’t speak and entered the flower hall, only to see the three sisters bending down to support the Grand Madam. Someone had moved over a round-backed chair, helping the Grand Madam collapse into it. How could they not know something had happened to the Grand Madam?

Seeing Lichun enter, Madam Xu examined the Grand Madam’s complexion while bending over, not even lifting her head as she ordered, “Lichun, hurry and ask Physician Ouyang to return.”

Right now in the room, those who were older were older, those who were younger were younger—either not understanding the situation or already thrown into chaos. Yet Madam Xu’s demeanor remained calm and steady. Lichun hastily acknowledged and turned to go outside.

Madam Xu then pressed the Grand Madam’s philtrum. Second Miss personally wrung out a towel to wipe the Grand Madam’s face. Before Physician Ouyang could return, the Grand Madam let out a soft moan and opened her eyes. For a moment she didn’t have the strength to speak, only staring blankly at Ninth Brother on the couch.

The room fell silent.

Xu Fengjia’s face was already pale as paper, his gaze toward Ninth Brother immensely complicated.

Second Miss’s face was completely blank, only lowering her head to attend to the Grand Madam drinking water.

Fifth Miss looked at Ninth Brother, then at Seventh Miss, tears rolling down like pearls from a broken string. But at this point, no one had the mind to pay attention to her.

Madam Xu bit her lip, darkly swept a glance at Seventh Miss, then looked at Ninth Brother and sighed, actually revealing a hint of disappointment.

Although Seventh Miss noticed Madam Xu’s strange behavior, she didn’t think much of it, only staring blankly at Ninth Brother. Her heart felt indescribable, and seeing Xu Fengjia’s dispirited appearance, she also fell into deep thought.

After a long while, Physician Ouyang finally entered the room. The female family members immediately withdrew, and someone had already moved a screen to separate the Grand Madam from him. He merely took her pulse and prescribed several doses of calming and soothing medicine. The Grand Madam gradually recovered, weakly thanking Physician Ouyang, then instructed Lichun, “Prepare a generous travel fee…” Her voice still carried some weakness.

Lichun followed the instruction and led the physician out. The Grand Madam panted for a long while before propping herself up, looking at Seventh Miss then at Ninth Brother, her face showing sorrow, but she didn’t speak.

Madam Xu looked at Xu Fengjia, a flash of reluctance in her eyes disappearing in an instant. The next second she raised her hand and swiftly and harshly slapped Xu Fengjia twice.

“Look at the catastrophic disaster you’ve caused!” Her attitude had clearly changed dramatically. Her face also showed countless signs of fury.

When it concerned Ninth Brother, it couldn’t be treated with the same dismissive attitude as when Seventh Miss was in trouble.

Medical conditions in ancient times were poor. If a knife wound developed tetanus as a complication, it really could kill someone.

If he was frightened and became permanently addled, what then?

Even if he was safe and sound now, Ninth Brother would enter the imperial examinations in the future… With a large scar on his face, he might not even be allowed into the examination hall.

The Yang family’s enormous estate depended solely on Ninth Brother to inherit!

Xu Fengjia lowered his head, “Please punish me, Fourth Aunt!”

His tone had become heavy.

The Grand Madam waved her hand weakly, “It wasn’t intentional.”

Though she said this, everyone could hear the reluctance in her words.

Seventh Miss stood in place, unable to help worrying as she looked at Ninth Brother, but she didn’t speak.

Ninth Brother suddenly dressing in women’s clothing, braiding his hair and wandering around Baifang Garden… this matter itself had many suspicious points.

If he didn’t get through this crisis, there was no need to say anything more.

But if Ninth Brother could recover, how could the Grand Madam let go of the person who injured him?

She might not be able to do anything to Xu Fengjia… Xu Fengjia was also the Xu family’s only legitimate son.

The maids who helped Ninth Brother dress up, the gatekeeper who allowed Ninth Brother to enter Baifang Garden alone, even herself who resembled Ninth Brother so much—all could become targets of displaced anger.

Seventh Miss sighed.

After the Grand Madam woke up, Second Miss breathed a sigh of relief and gradually came to her senses.

Madam Xu was still reprimanding Xu Fengjia, and ordered him to apologize to the Grand Madam.

Second Miss looked at the absent-minded Fifth Miss and quietly frowned.

Xu Fengjia was family after all. If this matter was truly as he said, it wasn’t intentional. Even if Ninth Brother… even if the Yang family harbored resentment toward him, they wouldn’t bring it out into the open.

Fifth Miss had been by Xu Fengjia’s side at the time but didn’t stop him from teasing “Seventh Cousin” with a knife.

The Grand Madam was fine and wouldn’t say much about it. But on the Grand Master’s side, it was hard to guarantee he wouldn’t displace his anger…

Moreover, looking at these several people’s conditions just now, whether things were really as Xu Fengjia said was still questionable.

What if, what if the person who injured Ninth Brother wasn’t Xu Fengjia, and he was just taking the blame…

The Grand Madam’s gaze also flickered, falling into her own thoughts.

While the others weren’t paying attention, Xu Fengjia turned his head to look at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss turned her head away, not wanting to meet his eyes.

Seeing Xu Fengjia now only increased her inner turmoil.

Just as everyone was preoccupied with their own thoughts, a man’s voice came from outside.

“It’s Father!” Fifth Miss was somewhat anxious.

Madam Xu pondered for a moment but didn’t get up to withdraw.

The Grand Master spoke with Nanny Wang while entering Huansha Pavilion.

He didn’t look at Ninth Brother first, but instead walked several steps to the Grand Madam, bending down to examine her complexion with concern.

“Nothing serious. After dinner, drink a few doses of medicine and everything will be fine.”

The Grand Master’s attitude was very composed, showing complete confidence.

Fifth Miss, Xu Fengjia, and the other juniors all breathed sighs of relief.

The Grand Madam smiled weakly, “It’s nothing, just my chest still feels a bit tight.”

The Grand Master patted her shoulder, then stood and looked at Ninth Brother.

A shadow flashed across his face.

“It’s nothing!” Yet his tone was very bright. “Just a small injury, how could he be so delicate!”

Madam Xu took the opportunity to apologize, “Fourth Brother-in-law, this is Fengjia’s fault! Wielding swords and spears, unintentionally…”

“The Xu family has a martial tradition. My nephew likes to practice with swords and spears—that’s normal!” The Grand Master didn’t mind, smiling as he patted Ninth Brother’s head. “Ninth Brother is a bit too timid. It’s just a little blood! I’m afraid if he’s like this, how will he withstand wind and rain in the future!”

These few sentences the Grand Master said upon entering seemed like a fresh breeze sweeping into the room. The originally oppressive and stifling atmosphere was lifted.

Madam Xu’s embarrassment eased somewhat, and she signaled Xu Fengjia with her eyes.

Xu Fengjia had to exchange pleasantries with the Grand Master again. The Grand Master not only didn’t mind but smiled warmly as he pulled Xu Fengjia to his feet, not wanting him to kneel.

“…Playing around between cousin brothers, such things are nothing. Just be more careful in the future!”

Xu Fengjia’s attitude also became natural.

The Grand Master then turned to comfort the Grand Madam.

“Physician Ouyang guaranteed me that Ninth Brother was just frightened and given calming medicine, so he fell asleep!”

The tight curve of the Grand Madam’s lips slowly relaxed.

The Grand Master said smiling to Madam Xu, “My wife has this temperament, always making mountains out of molehills… Third Sister, please don’t mind!”

“As a mother, how can I not worry!” the Grand Madam muttered.

Everyone laughed.

The atmosphere became completely harmonious.

After an afternoon of chaos, it was nearly dinnertime.

The Grand Madam sent someone to relay a message, instructing each household to dine in their own rooms—no need to come pay respects.

Everyone’s eyes were glued to Ninth Brother.

Ninth Brother lay on the beauty couch, hands clenched into small fists, tightly gripping the embroidered quilt, brows tightly knit, breathing shallow.

He looked like he had many worries on his mind.

After a while, he began to moan softly.

“Mother! Mother!”

The Grand Madam’s heart was breaking. She rushed to Ninth Brother’s side, “Mother is here!”

Madam Xu gave Xu Fengjia a look, “You haven’t washed or changed clothes since returning, covered in dust. Go back and clean up first, then come over.”

The Grand Master hastily exchanged pleasantries with Madam Xu, “It’s fine, just a small matter. Third Sister should rest.”

A smile appeared on Madam Xu’s lips as she led Xu Fengjia out of the courtyard calmly and steadily.

The Grand Master casually asked, “Can we move Ninth Brother to the main courtyard?”

Huansha Pavilion was after all in Baifang Garden. Not to mention the inconvenience of doctors going in and out, if Ninth Brother hadn’t woken by evening, the Grand Madam couldn’t very well keep vigil in the flower hall, could she?

“The physician said it’s best not to move him,” Second Miss answered on behalf of the Grand Madam. “He’ll probably wake by evening.”

The Grand Master stood by the couch, carefully examining Ninth Brother’s body.

After a long while he let out a long breath, bending down to pat the Grand Madam’s shoulder.

“Heaven protects the virtuous! A small wound won’t take Ninth Brother’s life. Go have dinner first.”

The Grand Madam shook her shoulders, her voice muffled, “Master, just make do with a meal here at Huansha Pavilion tonight. I’ll eat a few pastries to get by.”

The Grand Master softened his voice, “People need food like iron needs steel… Be good and listen.”

Seventh Miss suddenly realized that although the Grand Master was getting on in years, he was still a handsome middle-aged man.

The Grand Madam looked at the several daughters by her side.

If the Grand Madam didn’t leave, who else would dare leave on their own?

She sighed.

“Lichun, you watch over Ninth Brother.”

Then she stared at Seventh Miss.

This was the first time the Grand Madam had paid attention to Seventh Miss at Huansha Pavilion.

A chill ran down Seventh Miss’s spine.

“Let the children all dine together in the main courtyard!” But the Grand Master didn’t seem to notice.

#

Just during dinner, Madam Xu sent four or five waves of people to inquire about Ninth Brother’s condition.

Seventh Miss only pushed her food around a few times before she couldn’t eat anymore.

After dinner, everyone wanted to go to Huansha Pavilion to watch over Ninth Brother.

The Grand Master showed no intention of moving.

He lowered his head, methodically blowing on his steaming Qingxin Frozen Peak tea.

His expression gradually darkened. Slowly, he raised his head to look at Fifth Miss.

Fifth Miss had just stood up to leave when her father’s gaze fixed on her.

The Grand Master didn’t say a word.

Yet Fifth Miss was stared at until her whole body broke out in sweat, uneasy and uncomfortable.

Second Miss looked at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss lowered her head looking at her own toes, with no intention of raising her head.

Her troubles were no less than Fifth Miss’s.

The Grand Madam sighed, looked at the Grand Master, but didn’t speak.

Ninth Brother was the Grand Master’s only male heir in the main branch… he was the Grand Master’s lifeline!

Usually the Grand Madam watched over him closely and doted on him terribly, while the Grand Master seemed somewhat indifferent. But in truth, in the Grand Master’s heart, Ninth Brother was far more precious than all his daughters!

The Master Zhang at the family school was invited by the Grand Master after three visits to his thatched cottage, to come to the Yang family to teach Ninth Brother.

Every ten days or half month, the Grand Master would go to the family school at night to talk with Master Zhang…

If they weren’t talking about Ninth Brother, what else could it be?

Ninth Brother himself didn’t know, but that didn’t mean the Grand Madam didn’t know.

With the Grand Master’s temperament, if Ninth Brother was slashed across the face… if this slash hadn’t been made by the Xu family’s young master, even if the culprit was the Li family’s Twelfth Young Master, the Grand Master would probably fly into a rage and sever ties with the Li family from then on.

But the Yang family couldn’t sever ties with the Xu family!

Duke Pingguo’s family was full of loyal martyrs. Even without mentioning the Imperial Consort in the palace, they were ranked among the meritorious nobles in the Emperor’s heart. When Second Master wrote letters home from the capital, he would always mention that Duke Pingguo had entered the palace again to advise the Emperor on military matters… the Emperor had promoted Duke Pingguo’s former protégés…

Although the Grand Master came from an aristocratic family, he was already the highest-ranking Yang family member, and his connection with the main family wasn’t close. Without Duke Pingguo constantly advocating for him before the Emperor in the capital, after so many years as a local official, the Emperor’s favor would have long been lost.

Imperial Tutor Qin was already elderly, but Duke Pingguo was in his prime.

The Yang family couldn’t do without the Xu family! Even if this grievance was hard to swallow, they had to swallow it with furrowed brows!

It was just that the Grand Madam swallowed it with difficulty, while the Grand Master swallowed it with a spring breeze on his face.

Having glossed over it on the surface, if he didn’t vent this anger privately, the Grand Master wouldn’t be the Grand Master.

The Grand Madam gave Second Miss several looks, gently shaking her head, telling her not to interrupt.

“Little Five, you’ve become capable.” The Grand Master’s voice was light and airy, seemingly carrying infinite tenderness within.

Fifth Miss’s whole body shuddered, and she suddenly knelt down.

“Father, Little Five knows she was wrong!”

That domineering, precious young mistress air about her had been replaced with endless grievance and fear.

Seventh Miss sighed inwardly.

Fifth Miss’s luck was truly bad… she just happened to be the one who took the kick meant for someone else.

“You know you were wrong.” The Grand Master even smiled slightly. “Where exactly were you wrong?”

Fifth Miss’s voice trembled, “Little Five, Little Five shouldn’t have… shouldn’t have… shouldn’t have allowed Cousin to bully Seventh Sister…”

Though she was very afraid, she bit her teeth and forced the tears to stay in her eye sockets.

The Grand Master exhaled lightly.

He stood up and gave Fifth Miss a slap.

The loud impact broke the silence in the west side room.

This slap sent the tears about to fall from Fifth Miss’s eyes flying.

The Grand Madam gasped.

A trace of sympathy flashed through Second Miss’s eyes, wanting to speak but stopping herself.

Seventh Miss also showed an expression of sympathy.

Fifth Miss covered her face but still kept her back straight, kneeling upright.

She lightly sniffed, then forced the tears back into her eye sockets.

“Thank you for your punishment, Father!”

Instead she calmed down and spoke frankly.

The Grand Master was so angry he raised his hand again, but looking at Fifth Miss, ultimately didn’t strike down.

“As the legitimate elder sister, you don’t look after your concubine-born sister, and everywhere make things difficult for her. Do you have even a bit of legitimate daughter’s bearing?” He sat down again.

The false lightness in his words was gone.

“You have no respect for your legitimate elder sister either… I’ve only ever heard of you causing trouble, never heard of you doing one good deed! You’re nine years old, about to be married off soon, can’t embroider well, can’t write well. If you say you’re my daughter Yang Haidong, I really find it hard to believe!” The more the Grand Master spoke, the angrier he became, his hand about to rise again.

Though Fifth Miss bit her teeth tightly, she couldn’t help shrinking slightly.

“Father!” Second Miss could endure no longer. “Leave Fifth Sister some dignity!”

Seventh Miss also stepped forward and knelt down, “Please, Father, leave Fifth Sister some dignity.”

The Grand Master was startled.

He first looked at Little Two.

Second Miss’s delicate face was filled with sympathy, without the slightest hesitation.

Her tone was calm and confident.

She would soon be married… Once she left the family, she would be the young mistress in charge of the Duke Dingguo’s household, no longer a Yang family daughter who could be punished at will…

He looked at Little Seven.

Seventh Miss’s expression was calm as water.

Seen under lamplight, she resembled Ninth Brother ten parts out of ten.

Her foundation in the main courtyard was still shallow, yet she had learned this move from Little Two.

The Grand Master’s heart stirred, and he looked at Seventh Miss a few more times.

Seventh Miss forcefully suppressed the disdain in her heart.

A grown man who only knew to take out his anger on his wife and children when angry…

Where there’s a grievance there’s a debtor—if the Grand Master had the guts he should go find Xu Fengjia. If he didn’t, he should swallow this grievance. Why act like a grandson in front of outsiders, then play the master behind their backs?

“Fine.” Not knowing what he saw, the Grand Master’s gaze circled briefly before withdrawing again, and his voice once more revealed a smile. “Since your Second Sister and Seventh Sister both ask me to leave you some dignity, I won’t say more.”

The Grand Madam let out a long breath and hurriedly said, “Little Five, knowing your mistake and correcting it, knowing your mistake and correcting it!” Looking at the red mark on her daughter’s face, she couldn’t help but tears were about to fall again.

The Grand Master changed tack, becoming cold and stern again, “Now you tell me, what really happened with this so-called knife wound?”