Ninth Brother woke up that very night.

By morning, he could already get out of bed and walk around.

The Grand Madam was arranging to have a small bamboo sedan chair brought over, but the Grand Master stopped her.

“His foot isn’t injured. Making such a big commotion—if Eldest Sister-in-law finds out, it will look even worse.”

They had to call for a strong nanny to carry Ninth Brother into the east side room of the main hall.

Ninth Brother reclined on the large bed, listlessly half-closing his eyes. When the Grand Madam asked a few questions, he only hummed twice in response before considering it answered.

When Madam Xu heard that Ninth Brother had awakened, right after breakfast she brought Xu Fengjia into the main courtyard.

“Have your cousin apologize to you!” She placed her hand on Xu Fengjia’s shoulder.

Today Xu Fengjia was dressed very solemnly in a dark straight robe with hidden bamboo leaf patterns. He looked, for no reason, three parts more steady.

Ninth Brother looked toward Xu Fengjia.

Their gazes met, then both looked away. Neither showed anything amiss.

“Accidentally injuring my cousin while playing around was my fault!” Xu Fengjia apologized with a sincere tone.

Ninth Brother’s eyelids trembled. He looked up at the Grand Madam and Grand Master, then glanced at Madam Xu.

His bright black lashes lowered again.

“I was also careless. Cousin needn’t mind.” He answered carefully.

Ninth Brother’s wound was near his jaw. For some time to come, he would need to be especially careful when speaking and eating.

The Grand Madam smiled and patted Xu Fengjia’s shoulder.

“Don’t take it to heart. It’s just a small matter!”

Everyone left the room talking and laughing, going to the main hall for tea.

Ninth Brother lowered his eyes, gazing at the exquisite embroidered patterns on the bedding. Before long, he fell into a deep sleep again.

Having finally sent off Madam Xu, the Grand Madam came in to check on Ninth Brother and became anxious again. “He slept so long last night—how can he still be so drowsy!”

She looked at the Grand Master. “There’s no help for it. We’ll have to invite Second Young Master Quan to take a look.”

The Grand Master made no sound.

The Grand Madam instructed Lichun, “Go to Yurong Courtyard and speak with Third Aunt. Borrow her calling card, find two reliable stewards to go to the Ouyang residence, and invite Second Young Master Quan to come examine Ninth Brother’s wound!”

Lichun briskly acknowledged and stood to leave.

The Grand Madam changed her mind. “Have Lidong handle it! There are some things you need to learn to let subordinates do!”

Lidong was a second-rank maid in the Grand Madam’s quarters.

Lichun lowered her head and respectfully acknowledged, pulling Lidong outside to whisper a few words before returning to the east side room.

The Grand Master watched her retreating figure, momentarily showing a contemplative expression.

But the Grand Madam didn’t notice the Grand Master’s unease.

“Though the Quan family’s acupuncture technique is said to be an ancient secret transmission with incomparable efficacy, Second Young Master is only sixteen this year, I heard!” She discussed with the Grand Master. “Isn’t he too young?”

The Grand Master coughed. “Though young, he’s a famous prodigy in the capital. I heard before he studied medicine, he wanted to take the hereditary route. At only five or six years old, he could compose poetry and never failed to match a couplet… No worse than Yang Shen or Li Dongyang from the previous dynasty! Later he happened upon the medical path and became even more beloved by the old divine physician than the Ouyang family’s legitimate descendants. At just fifteen he could diagnose Imperial Consort Hui…”

With Second Young Master Quan having such credentials, even if difficult and complicated cases couldn’t confidently be entrusted to him, examining a knife wound for Ninth Brother was naturally no problem.

Moreover, with Divine Physician Ouyang’s diagnosis beforehand—it was just that the old man had great airs and was unwilling to make house calls, so he entrusted the follow-up work to his disciple.

There should be nothing to worry about.

The Grand Madam felt relieved and urged the Grand Master, “Don’t delay matters at the yamen.”

The Grand Master nodded and left the main hall.

Only then did the Grand Madam breathe a sigh of relief.

Turning around, she entered the east side room.

Ninth Brother was again sleeping deeply, occasionally wanting to scratch his wound. Lichun sat beside him, again and again grasping Ninth Brother’s restless hand and gently tucking it back under the covers.

The Grand Madam gazed at this scene, her expression somber.

Outside, Second Miss’s voice could be heard speaking.

#

Seventh Miss tossed and turned until the latter half of the night before finally sleeping soundly.

She opened her eyes again just after the hour of Mao, staring blankly at the willow-green peach-patterned canopy above.

After resting a night, her thoughts had gradually cleared.

If it was just about protecting herself, there wasn’t much difficulty.

She hadn’t been involved to begin with… As long as she coordinated with Sixth Miss to explain things clearly, no matter how the Grand Madam interrogated her, Seventh Miss would have confidence.

But what Seventh Miss needed to consider now wasn’t just herself.

Regardless of what motivated Ninth Brother to cause such a mess, the result was ultimately favorable to Seventh Miss.

Xu Fengjia could never again come trouble Seventh Miss.

If Seventh Miss could see this, others could too.

That Ninth Brother would go this far for his twin sister wasn’t a good thing.

At best, this child valued relationships and loyalty. At worst, it meant in his heart he valued his sister above everyone else.

The Grand Madam would be the first to be displeased, not to mention the Grand Master who had already displaced his anger onto Fifth Miss last night.

The reason it hadn’t yet erupted onto Seventh Miss was simply because Ninth Brother hadn’t woken yet!

If Ninth Brother couldn’t provide a strong explanation, this matter would ultimately still involve her.

Seventh Miss let out a light, shallow sigh.

The Grand Madam’s performance last night was fairly commendable.

Before the Grand Master arrived, she had Xu Fengjia, Fifth Miss, and Shuxia coordinate their stories.

Now these three people were essentially out of it.

But how would Ninth Brother explain his women’s clothing?

Seventh Miss turned over to face the window.

Through the clear glass window, beneath rust-colored clouds, that touch of dusky yellow brightness entered her vision.

A quarter past the hour of Mao… Bailu should be getting up, right?

Sure enough, before long, light footsteps came into the room.

Seeing Seventh Miss had already half sat up, Bailu wasn’t particularly surprised.

With such a major incident yesterday, it was normal for Seventh Miss to rise early to sort through her thoughts.

She stepped forward holding a silver basin to attend to Seventh Miss’s washing.

Lixia also entered the room, carrying a small brass kettle to add water to the small beast-patterned teapot on the table.

“Has Ninth Brother woken yet?” Seventh Miss asked in a low voice.

Bailu’s expression didn’t change.

“When the courtyard gate opened this morning, this servant went to inquire. Ninth Brother woke in the middle of the night, ate something, then went back to sleep. This morning he entered the main hall and reportedly spoke a few words with the young cousin master.”

Good that he’d woken.

Seventh Miss breathed a sigh of relief.

“His speech was coherent, wasn’t it?”

Though in modern times it was rare to see children frightened into losing their souls, ancient people had less experience and believed in supernatural things. If Ninth Brother was somewhat timid, it wasn’t impossible he’d been frightened into confusion.

“His mind was very clear, just lacking energy.”

Seventh Miss completely relaxed.

Drowsiness might be the effect of those doses of calming medicine. As long as the person was unharmed, the rest would be manageable.

“Have Shangyuan listen outside the main courtyard. We’ll enter when Second Sister or Fifth Sister goes into the main hall.” She instructed Lixia.

Lixia nodded calmly and turned to leave the room.

Bailu told Seventh Miss about last night’s events.

“…Was sitting properly in the room doing needlework when we heard the commotion outside. Servants from Huansha Pavilion burst right into the room saying your face had been cut.” Faint shadows lingered between her brows. “We were all frightened senseless. It was Lixia who had composure, having me go to Huansha Pavilion to attend you while she stayed at the west side courtyard to wait for news.”

Lixia’s composure was indeed praiseworthy.

Seventh Miss remained impassive. “But I didn’t see you at Huansha Pavilion!”

“Just left the courtyard when I ran right into Madam.” Bailu showed displeasure. “Madam had me relay messages to each household that paying respects was excused… and told them not to come out unless necessary. Just that delayed me quite a while.”

If Seventh Miss had truly been injured, as her head maid, Bailu should have rushed to Huansha Pavilion to stay by her mistress’s side.

If it had been Fifth Miss or Second Miss in such trouble, the Grand Madam would only have urged their personal maids to hurry to Huansha Pavilion.

In emergency situations, one could most clearly see a person’s thoughts.

No matter how kindly the Grand Madam usually treated Seventh Miss, last night’s single instruction had already revealed her true colors: in her heart, she probably didn’t take Seventh Miss seriously at all.

Seventh Miss smiled faintly.

“Don’t take this to heart.” She instead comforted Bailu. “Mother was anxious. You came from the main hall—don’t you know Mother’s temperament?”

The Grand Madam truly wasn’t someone who stayed calm in danger.

Bailu said nothing more.

As a maid of the west side courtyard, she naturally should think as one with her mistress. Feeling displeased at the Grand Madam’s dismissiveness was her duty.

But now even Seventh Miss wasn’t angry, so she needn’t be indignant either.

After breakfast, before long, Shangyuan returned to report, “Second Miss has entered the main hall.”

Seventh Miss hastily tidied her clothes and left the room with Bailu.

Given her current awkward situation, rashly going to the main hall early to visit Ninth Brother would inevitably mean running into Madam Xu, only inviting awkwardness.

But delaying too long wasn’t a solution either… She could only wait for Second Miss to break the ice first, then follow behind—that way she wouldn’t stand out.

The Grand Madam was talking with Second Miss by the window in the east reception room.

Seventh Miss only stayed briefly in the east side room before entering the east reception room.

“I thought you wouldn’t come this morning!” The Grand Madam said with a smile, her expression showing no displeasure.

After everyone exchanged greetings, Seventh Miss sat below Second Miss and asked with concern, “I heard Ninth Brother woke last night?”

Bailu’s several trips to gather information couldn’t be hidden from others. Even if the Grand Madam didn’t know now, she would soon know.

Seventh Miss didn’t plan to hide it.

Ninth Brother was tied to her entire future prospects. Of course she needed to show concern. Feigning indifference would instead arouse suspicion.

The Grand Madam’s expression softened somewhat. “He just woke to use the chamber pot, ate some pastries, then fell asleep again.”

“Probably the medicine taking effect.” A hint of a smile also appeared on Seventh Miss’s lips. “Good that there’s no serious harm.”

The Grand Madam looked at Seventh Miss.

For a moment she truly had a thousand things to say, yet couldn’t bring herself to ask.

Second Miss looked at Seventh Miss, then at the Grand Madam, and knitted her brows.

Just as she was about to speak, Nanny Liang suddenly hurried into the east reception room.

“The Sun family son-in-law entered the city last night! Just now he sent someone to report. He’ll probably come to the outer courtyard to pay his respects shortly!” Nanny Liang’s face was full of smiles.

The Grand Madam first startled, then was delighted.

“Good, good!” She stood, somewhat flustered as she patted her skirt. “I should change clothes. This is the first time meeting my son-in-law!”

Second Miss blushed and immediately stood to leave the room.

Seventh Miss took the opportunity to rise and quietly withdrew from the east reception room.

She saw Fifth Miss and Second Miss speaking softly at Ninth Brother’s bedside.

The handprint on Fifth Miss’s face had faded, but the two dark circles under her eyes couldn’t be hidden.

Her expression carried more haggardness.

“Fifth Sister.” Seventh Miss curtsied.

Fifth Miss glanced at Seventh Miss and acknowledged faintly.

Second Miss sighed, her shy expression no longer visible.

Lidong entered the east reception room again, her steps hurried.

“Second Young Master Quan has arrived!” She was somewhat breathless. “Master isn’t home. Madam asks where it’s convenient to receive him.”

Second Miss had no choice but to helplessly lead her two sisters out of the east side room to speak standing in the main hall.

Ninth Brother was still sleeping. There was certainly no reason to move him. They could only lead Young Master Quan into the east side room.

Second Miss was older and inconvenient to stay in the east side room.

After a while, the Grand Madam emerged with Lidong.

She’d already changed into a silver treasure-flower kesi long jacket, bright red skirt with gold string patterns in eight panels, wearing a complete set of pure gold ruby hair ornaments.

“Can’t keep the son-in-law waiting long. With your father not home, I must go to the outer courtyard to hold the fort.” She explained to Second Miss with a smile.

Second Miss turned her head, blushing as she looked at her own toes, rarely showing shyness.

The Grand Madam and Nanny Liang exchanged glances, both smiling knowingly.

They understood young ladies’ hearts!

“Have Nanny Wang take…” The Grand Madam glanced at Fifth Miss and frowned slightly. “Have Nanny Wang and Lichun attend in the east side room. You sisters stay in the east reception room. If anything comes up, Second Miss can make decisions on my behalf.”

The Grand Madam hurriedly left the room, boarding the small bamboo sedan with Nanny Liang.

The Sun family’s visit truly couldn’t be neglected. Moreover, this was the Grand Madam’s first time viewing her son-in-law.

According to Great Qin custom, before betrothal, mothers-in-law would often find suitable occasions to properly view their sons-in-law. In some families when arranging marriages, even if the bride’s and groom’s families were separated by thousands of miles, they would still send the young master to the mother-in-law.

But the Young Marquis had noble status and had followed his father stationed at the frontier for years with no means of traveling freely. This was the Grand Madam’s first time seeing her son-in-law, so naturally she took it more seriously than ordinary family visits.

The young misses sat idly in the east reception room.

Fifth Miss was listless and preoccupied. Her usual playfulness was nowhere to be seen.

Second Miss was also shyly lost in her own thoughts. Seventh Miss sat by the green gauze cabinet with her chin propped on her hand, watching the activity in the east side room.

Nanny Wang stood at Ninth Brother’s bedside, speaking quietly with Lichun.

Young Master Quan hadn’t yet arrived when Lidong helplessly entered again.

“Second Madam has come to visit Ninth Brother.”

The young misses all came to attention.

Second Miss glanced at Seventh Miss.

“Fifth Sister, return to the east side courtyard!” She quickly made arrangements. “You surely didn’t rest well last night. Don’t force yourself.”

She then addressed Lidong, “Receive Second Aunt in the west side room. I’ll go keep her company and chat.”

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred with excitement.

Second Miss glanced at Seventh Miss again.

“Seventh Sister, remain here to attend to things.” She showed a slight smile. “After Young Master Quan leaves, I’ll accompany Second Aunt over.”

Though Second Madam and Second Young Master Quan differed greatly in age, there was still no reason to have an aunt from a different branch watch over her nephew’s examination.

Seventh Miss nodded, saying softly, “Little Seven knows what to do.”

Her heart was grateful.

Since Ninth Brother’s incident, there hadn’t been a break in people around him.

Even though Lichun was friendly with Seventh Miss, Lidong, Nanny Wang, and others were constantly coming and going through the east side room and Huansha Pavilion.

Seventh Miss hadn’t found an opportunity to speak with Ninth Brother.

This time, Second Miss had truly given her a solid helping hand.

Second Miss only nodded, then left the east wing with Fifth Miss and Lidong.

Bailu brought in tea and saw only Seventh Miss sitting alone by the window. She couldn’t help being surprised. “How are you the only one left?”

Seventh Miss had no time to explain. She lifted the curtain and left the east reception room.

Lichun was standing at Ninth Brother’s bedside talking with Nanny Wang, “…Young Master Quan will probably arrive soon!”

Given the Quan family’s status and position, Nanny Wang naturally needed to personally lead people out to welcome him.

Suddenly only Lichun, Bailu, Seventh Miss, and the still-sleeping Ninth Brother remained in the room.