Fifth Miss didn’t dare delay. She lowered her head without looking at anyone and began recounting.

“At the time, Cousin had just come in from outside and met Master Zhang… Master Zhang gave him a dagger, saying he’d bought it from the Japanese. It was forged from Japanese steel and could cut through gold and jade, slice iron like mud…”

The Grand Madam and Second Miss simultaneously breathed sighs of relief.

Everyone knew things weren’t as simple as Xu Fengjia claimed.

Fortunately, the Grand Madam had given Xu Fengjia a chance to coordinate their stories…

At that time in Huansha Pavilion, everyone who should have heard had heard Xu Fengjia’s version.

“Cousin took me into Baifang Garden, saying he wanted to see if it could really cut through gold and jade.” Fifth Miss lowered her head, her voice floating out from beneath her bangs, heavy and spiraling as it fell into the dust. “We originally planned to go to Yuyu Pavilion to watch the craftsmen prune the pear tree branches. Unexpectedly, when we’d just reached Huansha Pavilion, we saw Sev—Ninth Brother dressed in girls’ clothing, talking with a maid from Huansha Pavilion.”

The Grand Master remained impassive, listening silently.

“Cousin said to me that Seventh Miss was very bold! Last time at Lake Tai, he’d pretended to throw Seventh Miss into the lake, but she hadn’t paid him any attention. He wanted to see if Seventh Miss was afraid of knives! As he spoke, he walked up flourishing the dagger. Cousin’s hands were quick… the dagger flowed uncertainly between his fingers, which frightened that maid quite badly.” Fifth Miss turned her head to glance at Seventh Miss, then bit her lip and turned away. “He said a few words to Ninth Brother. I was standing far away, so I don’t know what they said. I suppose, since Cousin has excelled at martial arts since childhood and is also measured in his actions, he certainly wouldn’t have injured Seventh Miss.”

Seventh Miss had already begun calculating.

Ninth Brother suddenly appearing in Huansha Pavilion dressed in women’s clothing—this matter itself was full of suspicious points, and no one was with him… Even if he hadn’t encountered Xu Fengjia, some other incident might have occurred!

The Grand Madam always held Ninth Brother in the palm of her hand—how could she have allowed him to create such a commotion on his own?

The Grand Madam’s expression indeed gradually became unpleasant.

“These past few days there have been many matters in the household, with guests coming and going…” she said to the Grand Master, half defensive in meaning.

The Grand Master tilted his head, elbow propped against his face, and made a faint sound of acknowledgment.

Half his face was hidden in candlelight. Only his eyes, very similar to Fifth Miss’s, were bright. In the dim candlelight, his emotions were unreadable.

“I don’t know what Cousin said to Ninth Brother, but Ninth Brother suddenly turned to leave, yet tripped and fell to the ground himself… Cousin laughed while pursuing him.” Fifth Miss’s voice grew even softer. “He bent down to pull him up, saying, ‘Yang Qi, so you do have things you fear’… Then he suddenly gasped. The knife in his hand also fell to the ground. The maid from Huansha Pavilion stepped forward, wanting to mediate, and only then discovered that somehow Ninth Brother’s face had been cut! We all panicked at once…”

The Grand Master slightly raised his tone, “You also didn’t see how Ninth Brother was cut?”

“Cousin had his back to us and was bent over, blocking Ninth Brother. I didn’t see clearly.” Fifth Miss hesitated, muttering as she pondered.

Seventh Miss immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

How Ninth Brother was cut wasn’t important.

What was important was whether anyone had seen the process clearly…

The Grand Master tilted his head and fell into contemplation.

Fifth Miss pressed her lips together, her back ramrod straight, head lowered, unwilling to let anyone see the expression on her face clearly.

“Get up!” The Grand Master softened his tone.

Turning his head, he fixed his gaze on Seventh Miss.

Fifth Miss stood up, still somewhat unsteady. Second Miss rushed forward several steps to support her sister and led her aside.

For a moment, everyone looked at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss sighed inwardly.

She’d been hoping someone couldn’t contain themselves and would ask outright.

The Grand Madam already knew that Xu Fengjia had bullied her at Lake Tai. What Fifth Miss just said had also exposed some of the grievances between Xu Fengjia and herself to the Grand Master.

With Xu Fengjia’s temperament, if once didn’t work, there would be a second time.

Having just obtained a new dagger, encountering “Seventh Miss” face-to-face—how could he not go frighten her? Put this way, it didn’t seem unreasonable…

But though this matter sounded simple, thinking carefully, it was full of suspicious points.

Why did Ninth Brother change into women’s clothing? Why didn’t he reveal his true identity…

Why did Seventh Miss enter Baifang Garden at such a time to swing on the swings with Sixth Miss?

Why, when Xu Fengjia only bent down to pull Ninth Brother up, did it end with both of them getting cut?

Why did Fifth Miss’s account only include the part about Ninth Brother being cut, with no explanation for Xu Fengjia’s hand?

A very simple matter, in the eyes of those with ulterior motives, would become very complex. Moreover, this matter wasn’t simple to begin with!

Furthermore, Fifth Miss clearly hadn’t told the truth either…

The Grand Madam coughed lightly.

Her tone was still fairly gentle.

“Little Seven, do you see whether the clothes Ninth Brother is wearing are yours?”

Seventh Miss secretly clenched her fists.

“Little Seven’s clothes are all accounted for! After Xianxiu Workshop made twenty-four sets this spring, I haven’t received new clothes. Madam also knows… If we return to the west side courtyard now to count them, we should be able to count out twenty-three sets.”

The Grand Madam’s expression relaxed slightly.

What Seventh Miss said was the plain truth. In late autumn she only rotated through three or four sets of clothing. Though each was valuable, there were only these few sets. She was by the Grand Madam’s side every day—how could the Grand Madam not recognize her clothing?

What Ninth Brother wore wasn’t clothing from the west side courtyard.

The Grand Master exchanged a glance with the Grand Madam.

Seventh Miss lowered her eyes, staring at her own toes, saying nothing.

Better to stay still than to move—explaining anything now would only make her seem guilty.

The Grand Master contemplated for a moment, then said faintly, “Go to Huansha Pavilion to check on Ninth Brother!”

He actually let it pass so easily.

Seventh Miss was somewhat surprised.

The Grand Madam moved her lips, then swallowed her words.

Everyone entered Huansha Pavilion.

The three sisters from Huansha Pavilion were all attending to Ninth Brother. He was already sleeping very peacefully, emitting faint snores, his complexion gradually becoming rosy.

Everyone felt relieved.

The Grand Madam asked Lichun, “Has Physician Ouyang left?”

Lichun’s face was actually pale with exhaustion.

“The old gentleman is getting on in years and can’t endure fatigue. He’s already gone home to rest.” She answered tactfully.

The Ouyang family had practiced medicine for generations, controlling the Imperial Medical Academy for a hundred years. The Yang family’s status might not be enough to have the old divine physician on call day and night.

The Grand Madam couldn’t help frowning slightly. “I’m afraid Ninth Brother will have night terrors!”

After young children are frightened, they might cry inconsolably at night, run high fevers that won’t break—common folk also call it “soul flight.”

“Divine Physician Ouyang also prescribed several doses of calming medicine.” Lichun continued, “He also said that Young Master Quan from the Quan family is currently visiting the Ouyang residence. If you’re worried, tomorrow you could invite Young Master Quan to come diagnose.”

The Grand Master showed a contemplative expression.

The Grand Madam was somewhat indignant, “The old divine physician’s airs are a bit too grand.”

But the Grand Master didn’t seem surprised.

“The Ouyang family has always been impartial, very unwilling to get involved in struggles within the palace or great households.” He said faintly, “That the old divine physician was willing to come diagnose Ninth Brother already gives us plenty of face.”

He looked at Ninth Brother, slowly saying, “Let’s still have Young Master Quan come take a look. The Quan family’s medical arts come from Korea and have some exceptional qualities that even the Ouyang family can’t match. This Young Master Quan of theirs combines the strengths of both families. If he says there’s nothing wrong, then there’s truly nothing wrong.”

“The Quan family has never had any connection with us.” The Grand Madam hesitated. “Moreover… they’re also…”

“Just have Third Aunt come forward.” The Grand Master also sighed. “Though they belong to different factions, they’re all capital nobility. They’ll still give us this much face. Didn’t Young Master Quan even send someone to inquire after Third Aunt’s health?”

Seventh Miss showed a puzzled expression.

Her parents and sisters were worried about Ninth Brother, naturally all hoping he could be examined by the best physician. Even though Ninth Brother now seemed to have no serious problems, they’d still feel more at ease with an extra layer of insurance.

But from the Grand Madam’s meaning, she wasn’t necessarily willing to establish any connection with the Quan family.

The Grand Master and Grand Madam were getting on in years. After watching over Ninth Brother for a while, they showed signs of fatigue.

The Grand Madam invited the Grand Master to rest in Huansha Pavilion.

“It’s precisely the time for balancing accounts at the yamen. Master shouldn’t cut short his sleep.”

The Grand Master also half-heartedly agreed and went upstairs.

Before leaving, he asked, “Who helped Ninth Brother up at the time?”

The three sisters exchanged glances.

No one knew who pressed her lips together, smiled slightly, and stepped forward.

The Grand Master examined her, his expression softening. “Shuxia, come in with me.”

Boxia and Zhongxia also went out to find several servants to carry in a beauty couch for the Grand Madam.

The Grand Madam didn’t decline, leaning onto the couch, watching Ninth Brother with a heavy heart.

Ninth Brother emitted light snores from his mouth. A silver thread gradually dripped from his lips. He looked not only unharmed but sleeping very soundly.

Before long, she closed her eyes, her breathing gradually becoming even.

Several young misses sat side by side in the flower hall. Fifth Miss held an ice-wrapped towel against her cheek, lost in thought.

Seventh Miss quietly asked Second Miss, “Does the Quan family have such airs? Would they really refuse to come even if our Yang family invites them?”

Second Miss looked at Seventh Miss.

Ninth Brother still hadn’t woken… she herself still bore suspicion. Yet in her actions, she was so composed.

Truly showing no emotions on her face—such deep scheming.

“The Quan family has been growing close with the Da family, Consort Hui’s maternal family, these past few years!” Second Miss answered softly.

Though the Yang family hadn’t blatantly worked for the Crown Prince, blood is thicker than water. With the Xu family and Qin family connections, they were inevitably somewhat closer to the Crown Prince’s side. Moreover, the two families had never had dealings. The Quan family might truly not give the Yang family face.

Seventh Miss nodded thoughtfully.

“The Quan family’s Second Young Master has studied medicine since childhood,” Second Miss further enlightened Seventh Miss, “Drawing on the strengths of many schools, combining the traditions of both the Quan and Ouyang families… In the future, the position of Director of the Imperial Medical Academy will likely go to him.”

The Ouyang family had always been impartial, which was why they could sit secure as Mount Tai in the complex and treacherous palace struggles. Yet the Quan family had painstakingly cultivated this Second Young Master, taking the medical route.

Of course it wasn’t without purpose.

Such a person was covered head to toe in trouble. The Grand Master was probably acting out of pure paternal love in taking the initiative to seek him out.

Second Miss muttered to herself, “The Quan family has noble status. Second Young Master’s maternal grandmother is none other than Princess Imperial Yining. By rights, Second Young Master receiving an hereditary position would be secure. I don’t know why he insists on studying medicine…”

She had clearly fallen into her own thoughts.

Seventh Miss didn’t ask further.

The room fell silent again.

Lichun tiptoed into the room, tucking in the thin quilt over the Grand Madam.

The Grand Madam woke with a start.

“What is it?” The Grand Madam was still somewhat dazed.

“Just now someone from Yurong Courtyard came to ask about Ninth Brother.” Lichun answered softly. “Nanny Li also asked whether to lock Baifang Garden’s gates tonight.”

The Grand Madam glanced at Ninth Brother. “Tell them he’s already sleeping peacefully. Ask Third Sister to rest assured and not worry…”

She also looked at Fifth Miss’s cheek.

Fifth Miss’s face was frozen red by the ice, the handprint now several inches of swelling.

A trace of heartache flashed through the Grand Madam’s eyes.

“Has Master gone to sleep?” she asked Boxia and Zhongxia.

“When we went out to look just now, the lamp had already been extinguished.” The triplets answered.

The Grand Madam let out a long, weary breath.

“You should all go back and rest!” She settled the sisters. “Today has been exhausting enough.”

Second Miss quickly said, “Mother, return to your room. I’m here!”

“You’re about to be married. How can you cut short your sleep?” Though the Grand Madam disagreed, she also hesitated somewhat.

Her gaze swept back and forth between Seventh Miss and Fifth Miss.

Then she noticed Lichun.

Lichun was holding a handkerchief, wiping away the saliva at Ninth Brother’s lips.

Seventh Miss inwardly admired Lichun.

From when she entered the room—tucking quilt corners, mentioning Nanny Li, wiping drool… it was all seamless.

Tucking the quilt corner was to startle the Grand Madam awake.

Mentioning locking the gates was to make the Grand Madam realize it was getting late, that the Grand Master had probably already retired, and she and her daughters could leave.

The Grand Madam certainly wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving Ninth Brother alone in Huansha Pavilion.

After this incident, the maids around Ninth Brother could no longer be trusted.

Second Miss was about to be married and shouldn’t stay up late. Fifth Miss had just been scolded by their father and was dispirited.

As for herself… she still bore suspicion.

At this moment, Lichun actively stepped forward to care for Ninth Brother…

“Lichun, work hard tonight. Don’t sleep, in case Ninth Brother wakes wanting tea or water and doesn’t see a familiar person, becoming frightened!” The Grand Madam instructed.

Lichun lowered her eyes in acknowledgment, neither sad nor happy.

Everyone filed out of the room, each returning to their quarters to rest.

The Grand Master turned over, listening carefully to the movements downstairs.

Hearing those long, chaotic footsteps fade into the distance, only then did he ask Shuxia.

“What exactly did you see today at Huansha Pavilion?”

#

In Yurong Courtyard, the candles hadn’t been extinguished either.

“Originally I wasn’t going to say anything, thinking you were just in a bad mood, and seeing that these Yang family concubine daughters each have eyes in the sky and hearts full of ambition, looking down on everyone…” Madam Xu reclined against the bed, her expression cold and stern. “So teasing them a little, I wouldn’t pursue it. Who knew you’d become increasingly bold! I vaguely heard that you and Yang Qi have already clashed privately several times… Hmph, you still can’t tell this pair of dragon-phoenix twins apart?”

“It was your son’s rashness.” Xu Fengjia showed a guilty expression. “For a moment I didn’t think it through!”

“Forget it, don’t I know you?” Madam Xu said irritably. “It’s also because I was soft-hearted for a moment, remembering how difficult these years in the capital have been for you… so I indulged you! I thought they were just concubine daughters, all at odds with your Fourth Aunt, so disciplining them a bit wouldn’t matter.”

Who knew he’d set his sights on Seventh Miss.

Though also just a concubine daughter, speaking of sensitive status, she had no less than legitimate daughters—perhaps even more.

Madam Xu felt somewhat vexed for a moment. “You child, if you were wronged in the capital, you should have sought satisfaction in the capital. These Yang family young misses are each formidable characters. Especially this Yang Qi—so young yet so scheming. Even I can’t quite see through her, let alone you? Yet you particularly love provoking her… If you’d really cut her today, you truly would have had to marry her!”

Mentioning Seventh Miss, Xu Fengjia’s expression darkened.

“Marry her then! Better than marrying the Da family’s ugly girl!” He knitted his brows, actually showing a bit of petulance. “If we’re talking about concubine daughters, Yang Qi is far superior to her! I actually regret that knife didn’t cut Yang Qi!”

Speaking of it, Seventh Miss was naturally superior to that little wretch from the Da family in every way. But Fengjia actually saying “concubine daughter” meant he’d still fallen into the trap… Madam Xu shook her head, only saying, “When will you change this temperament… Relying on the Empress and Imperial Consort’s favor, you’ve become increasingly ignorant of the immensity of heaven and earth. If it’s really like this, might as well agree to the Da family!”

“Hmph.” Xu Fengjia’s eyes and brows lifted. At this moment, he actually showed a hint of fierceness. “If I really have to marry her… I’d rather not go back at all! Don’t lecture me either. This while you’ve been praying to gods and Buddha—what for? Don’t I know?”

Madam Xu gave her son a look and stopped arguing with him. She lowered her head to look at the deep purple prayer beads on her wrist, saying faintly, “Praying to the gods is just for peace of mind. Your grandmother probably already regrets this matter in her heart after this incident. When you return, humble yourself a bit, and the matter will pass.”

Xu Fengjia also fell silent, endless thoughts flowing through his phoenix eyes.

He wasn’t unaware of matters in the capital. His legitimate elder brother in the household, the concubines… each had their own schemes.

The Da family’s move was truly too ruthless, leaving Mother somewhat at a loss.

And hadn’t he himself lost his composure? These past few months his conduct had truly been somewhat improper.

Before returning to the capital, he couldn’t cause any more trouble. After returning to the capital, he should also restrain himself and be a good younger brother, a good legitimate son!

In the end, he hadn’t been able to determine the victor with Yang Qi, hadn’t been able to see her submit.

Suddenly, he felt somewhat uncertain.

Perhaps Yang Qi was someone who would never submit at all!

Just as he was thinking this, Madam Xu asked again.

“What really happened today at Huansha Pavilion? It can’t truly have been an accident, can it? Ridiculous—you’ve been playing with your father’s weapons since you could understand things. You can’t even hold a dagger?”

Xu Fengjia was somewhat impatient. “It’s just what happened! I already said it, and you heard it! There’s nothing more.”

“Nothing more? If there’s nothing more, would your Fourth Aunt and Fourth Uncle both sense something wrong? Why did you look at those three maids, at your Fifth Cousin? This coordinated story is too much! With your temperament—usually flying about like a little tyrant—why are you covering for those siblings now? Injuring your cousin is such a serious offense. Those who don’t know might think you deliberately wanted to ruin the friendship between our two families… What really happened! Don’t tell me you really expect me to believe your story full of holes? Was it your Fifth Cousin—”

“I said, that’s what happened!” Xu Fengjia suddenly stood up. “You should rest early! I’m going back to my room!”

With several stomping steps, he reached the door.

Madam Xu anxiously called, “At least tell me how you got your injury! Is it serious!”

Xu Fengjia paused. “Nothing serious! Just apply some medicine!” As he spoke, he quickly left the room.

Madam Xu spat at Xu Fengjia’s retreating back.

“What sudden fit of benevolence, taking everything on yourself! When have you ever been this pleasing?”

While muttering to herself, she fell into contemplation again.