The Grand Lady sighed, tapped Fifth Miss on the forehead, and waved her hand.

Fifth Miss hurriedly performed another bow to the Grand Lady before rising to sit opposite Second Miss.

It was nearly dinnertime now—the hour for morning and evening attendance when daughters from each household came to pay their respects to the Grand Lady.

The Grand Lady took a sip of tea and was about to speak when Ninth Young Master’s cheerful laughter came from outside the door.

Ninth Young Master had reached the age to begin his education. During this period, every afternoon he would go study with his tutor for two or three hours. The Grand Lady had gone to great lengths to find him an extremely amiable tutor, so Ninth Young Master always returned from his lessons in high spirits.

“Mother! Mother!” He burst into the main hall and threw himself into the Grand Lady’s arms. “Today the tutor praised my calligraphy!”

Ninth Young Master’s small face was round and plump, his large eyes sparkling as he beamed with excitement.

The Grand Lady’s expression immediately softened. “Ninth Young Master is so well-behaved!”

Ninth Young Master laughed proudly, then got down to bow to his sisters.

“Second Sister, Fifth Sister, Seventh Sister!”

Second Miss was very fond of Ninth Young Master. She beckoned him to her side and took out a handkerchief to wipe away a smudge on his nose.

“Be more careful when writing in the future—don’t splash ink everywhere.”

Ninth Young Master giggled. Noticing Fifth Miss’s displeased expression, he asked Second Miss in a small voice, “Second Sister, what’s wrong with Fifth Sister? Did she make Mother angry again?”

Fifth Miss’s originally stiff and cold expression softened. Amused by Ninth Young Master’s timid attitude, she showed a hint of a smile. “Little rascal, talking behind my back? Come here, let me pinch your face!”

Ninth Young Master covered his face and refused to go over. Fifth Miss went after him personally. The two siblings chased around the room, their laughter filling the air.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but smile as well. The atmosphere in the room imperceptibly lightened.

Lichun breathed a sigh of relief—she was in the most awkward position, unable to avoid reporting Fifth Miss’s actions to the Grand Lady, yet afraid that if the Grand Lady grew angry, Fifth Miss would take it out on her.

She approached the Grand Lady with a smile, massaging her back while telling amusing stories.

Before long, the concubines all arrived.

First Concubine arrived earliest, smiling as she greeted the Grand Lady and the young ladies, then stood behind the Grand Lady.

Fifth Concubine and Seventh Concubine arrived together. Seventh Concubine was accompanied by Sixth Miss. After Sixth Miss paid her respects to the Grand Lady and bowed to her sisters, Seventh Miss also rose to bow to Sixth Miss, then moved down one seat to let Sixth Miss sit in the place of honor above her. The Grand Lady’s brow furrowed slightly, but she said nothing.

Fifth Concubine and Seventh Concubine both properly kowtowed to the Grand Lady before rising and standing in proper order. The concubines glanced at each other and smiled, nodding to one another.

The Yang family was, after all, a prominent household in Jiangnan. Proper etiquette had to be maintained.

In the Grand Lady’s quarters, dinner was always served at the second quarter of the Hour of Shen, and the concubines and young ladies were dismissed around the first quarter. It was well past the first quarter when Fourth Concubine finally entered the main hall with Third Miss and Fourth Miss.

“I’ve arrived late. Please punish me, Madam.” Fourth Concubine’s face perpetually wore a smile. Third Miss and Fourth Miss also paid their respects to the Grand Lady. Third Miss’s face still glowed with joy, but Fourth Miss wore a stiff expression without a trace of a smile—those who didn’t know might think someone owed her something important and hadn’t returned it.

The Grand Lady said with a slight smile, “I know you have many matters to attend to,” and let the matter pass. Fourth Concubine kowtowed to the Grand Lady, greeted the young ladies, then said to Seventh Miss, “Seventh Miss moved to the main courtyard today? Are you settling in well?”

Seventh Miss quickly replied with a smile, “Very well, very well,” and sought no further conversation with Fourth Concubine.

A spark flashed in Fourth Concubine’s eyes as she stood smiling behind the Grand Lady. The Grand Lady glanced at the clock and asked, “Is Eighth Concubine unwell again?”

Nanny Liang quickly said, “When we sent someone to inquire today, she didn’t mention anything.”

As soon as she finished speaking, Eighth Concubine entered the hall gasping for breath, supported by a young maid.

“…Just as I was about to leave, I began vomiting again. It took so long that I had to change my clothes before I could come. Please forgive me, Madam.” She spoke pitifully, making as if to kneel.

“You’re carrying a child—no need to kneel.” The Grand Lady quickly said.

Master Yang was nearly fifty this year. With seven daughters, he had only Ninth Young Master as his sole male heir. If Eighth Concubine could give birth to a son, the Grand Lady would be pleased as well.

Eighth Concubine then stood up and weakly took her place behind the Grand Lady. The Grand Lady asked her daughters about their studies at home, then said to Seventh Miss, “You should attend lessons with your sisters tomorrow as well. At six years old, you should learn to recognize some characters.”

Seventh Miss rose with downcast eyes and replied, “Yes.”

Seeing nothing else required attention, the Grand Lady dismissed everyone.

First Concubine always stayed to serve the Grand Lady during meals and didn’t leave. Eighth Concubine was the most delicate—without waiting for the Grand Lady’s word, she left first, supported by her young maid’s shoulder. As she was carrying a child, she had immunity from criticism, and the Grand Lady wouldn’t quibble with her over this.

Fourth Concubine prepared to leave with her daughters. As Third Miss rose, she said to Seventh Miss with a smiling face, “Seventh Sister, it’s such cold weather—why are you dressed so lightly? I have a grey squirrel cloak that I’ve outgrown. If you don’t mind, Sister will send it to you shortly?”

The Grand Lady raised an eyebrow. First Concubine and Second Concubine lowered their heads in silence. Second Miss glanced at Third Miss, her gaze sharp as a blade.

In truth, no one had been fooled by any of this.

Seventh Miss sighed inwardly, rose with a smile, and took Third Miss’s hand. Third Miss looked at her with slight surprise.

“Mother has already arranged for a master from Xianxiu Workshop to make me new clothes. They should be ready in the next few days. I appreciate Third Sister’s kind intention.” Seventh Miss showed a sincere smile. “Tomorrow at the schoolroom, I hope Third Sister will look after me.”

Third Miss seemed somewhat flustered. Fourth Concubine glanced at her, and only then did she smile and withdraw her hand.

“Not at all—we’re family, so of course we should look after each other.” She glanced meaningfully at Fifth Miss, bowed to the Grand Lady, then left the hall with Fourth Concubine and Fourth Miss. Fifth Concubine and Seventh Concubine hastily took their leave as well, fleeing the hall as if escaping.

Throughout it all, Fifth Miss didn’t dare raise her head. The Grand Lady gave her a glance and sighed.

Fortunately Seventh Miss was sensible! Otherwise, wouldn’t she have lost all face? If this matter reached Master Yang’s ears, she would be blamed again.

“Let’s eat.” She said wearily. “Lichun, send Ninth Young Master to wash his hands.”

Lichun struggled to lift Ninth Young Master and carried him toward the washroom. Second Miss and Fifth Miss also rose and followed behind Lichun, with Seventh Miss hurrying after them.

Ninth Young Master blinked but made no sound, only squirming restlessly when Lichun washed his hands.

Second Miss frowned and looked coldly at Ninth Young Master. He was somewhat afraid of her and quieted down.

After Ninth Young Master finished washing his hands, Lichun carried him out. Second Miss’s maid Qingming stepped forward to empty the dirty water, poured fresh hot water from the white tin kettle into the basin, and rolled up Second Miss’s sleeves. The sound of flowing water filled the room.

“Yang Wu, look at the trouble you caused today.” Second Miss said to Fifth Miss as she washed her hands. “If you’re so capable of cutting Seventh Sister’s clothes, why don’t you go cut Yang Shan’s? You pick on the weak—quite skilled at that.”

Her tone was heavy. Seventh Miss looked at Second Miss in surprise. Second Miss’s expression was cold and somber, paying no attention to her gaze.

Fifth Miss felt somewhat ashamed and mumbled with her head down, “I didn’t know those weren’t my clothes.”

“When has Eldest Sister ever treated you as an outsider?” Second Miss extended her hands to Qingming, who carefully dried those tender hands with white cloth. “Now that Seventh Sister has moved to the main courtyard, she’s your real sister. If you make things difficult for her again, watch me skin you alive.”

Though Fifth Miss dared to joke even with the Grand Lady, she seemed very afraid of this Second Sister, lowering her head and meekly agreeing.

Guyu stepped forward to take over Qingming’s duties, pouring water and inviting Fifth Miss to wash her hands.

Second Miss gave Seventh Miss a meaningful nod and left the washroom with Qingming.

Only Fifth Miss, Seventh Miss, and Guyu remained in the room.

Fifth Miss scrubbed her hands forcefully with her head down until they turned red, then said sullenly, “Yang Qi, you’d better watch yourself.”

“I will be careful.” Seventh Miss replied evenly.

Talking to Seventh Miss was like punching a cotton bundle—whether you liked her or disliked her, she remained just as soft.

Fifth Miss felt another surge of nameless anger. She extended her hands for Guyu to dry, snorted, and left with Guyu.

Bailu and Lixia were both busy tidying up the west side courtyard. Seventh Miss gave a bitter smile and tested the weight of the white tin kettle—it lifted easily.

There was no water left in the kettle. Apparently, only enough was prepared for these three young masters and misses to wash their hands.

Seventh Miss felt inexplicably aggrieved.

She looked at the clear water rippling in the heavy silver lotus basin, hesitating as she rolled up her own sleeves.

Suddenly hurried footsteps sounded behind her.

Bailu stood at the doorway. Her hair had been re-styled into two servant girl buns of unequal size, giving her a somewhat playful look. She had changed into a new green jacket and skirt. Though she appeared flustered, she looked presentable.

“I’ll serve Seventh Miss while she washes her hands.” Bailu was still catching her breath, holding a small brass kettle in her hand.

Seventh Miss’s eyes grew hot. She lowered her head and softly acknowledged.

Bailu came from the Grand Lady’s quarters and was very familiar with the customs there. She stepped forward to empty the dirty water, poured a basin of hot water, and held up a piece of white cloth waiting.

Seventh Miss put her hands in the water, feeling the warm liquid flowing between her fingers, and suddenly felt emotional.

These past few years, she and Ninth Concubine had depended on each other. After washing hands, they would simply wipe them with a handkerchief and be done with it.

Who would have imagined that the customs in the Grand Lady’s quarters were so extravagant—these white cloths were thrown on the floor after use and would never be used a second time.

This was truly a wealthy household.

Seventh Miss extended her hands to Bailu, who carefully dried them, then followed Seventh Miss out of the washroom.

“Someone else will handle the rest.” Bailu softly explained to Seventh Miss.

Having just arrived, she naturally needed to learn more about the customs in the Grand Lady’s quarters.

Seventh Miss nodded. Before she could say more, she turned toward the dining hall.

The Grand Lady had fixed places for all her daily activities. The dining table was always set in the west secondary room of the main hall. Aside from the three daily meals, this room served no other purpose. Display shelves lined all four walls. Two small square tables were placed in the center—the Grand Lady shared one with Ninth Young Master, while Second Miss and Fifth Miss sat opposite each other.

“Seventh Sister has arrived.” The Grand Lady greeted with a smile. “Sit below Fifth Sister.”

Seventh Miss went to sit at Fifth Miss’s lower hand, directly facing Ninth Young Master. Ninth Young Master made a face at her. Seventh Miss suppressed her laughter, and Ninth Young Master, finding it boring, turned to talk with Lichun.

The smile on the Grand Lady’s face deepened.

Though the Yang family was one of the most prominent households in Jiangnan, they had always been a family of scholars and their conduct differed greatly from the nouveau riche. Dinner consisted of only eight dishes and two soups, but each was exquisitely prepared. Though portions were small, they were perfectly sized for three people to share. The kitchen had clearly put thought into it.

Second Miss and Fifth Miss both put down their chopsticks after eating only half a bowl of rice. Seventh Miss also ate only half a bowl and dared not eat more.

In truth, she was at the age of growing, and this half bowl barely filled her stomach—whether she was actually full was another matter entirely.

After the meal, tea was served. The three sat quietly sipping tea without saying a word. Even Ninth Young Master chewed carefully and swallowed slowly, eating with refined manners.

Watching this, Seventh Miss felt somewhat reassured—the Grand Lady was indeed putting effort into Ninth Young Master’s upbringing.

After dinner, the three young ladies returned to their rooms together.

The Yang estate was very large. After girls turned eight, they each moved to small embroidery towers in the Baifang Garden. However, Fifth Miss was the Grand Lady’s treasure and still lived in the east side courtyard of the main quarters. Ninth Young Master, being most favored, lived in the same building as the Grand Lady. Second Miss had already moved to a bamboo grove in the garden. Her small tower had an elegant name—Youhuang Li.

It was even more refined than Xiaoxiang Hall, Seventh Miss thought to herself.

Second Miss was always taciturn. Upon leaving the hall, she immediately turned out through the hanging flower gate supported by Qingming. Seventh Miss nodded to Fifth Miss and also turned to leave.

Having made such a grave mistake today, Fifth Miss was surely seething inside. There was no need to say more to her—the more said, the more mistakes made.

The west side courtyard had been tidied very cleanly. Entering the courtyard, one could see faint lamplight shining through the main building’s windows. The small side rooms on either side were also lit. Seventh Miss stopped and asked Bailu, “How were things arranged?”

Bailu replied calmly, “The older servants all go home to sleep. The east side room was made into a washroom. Two rooms in the reverse-facing south building were cleared out for the four young maids to sleep in. When Lixia and I are not on night duty, we sleep in the west side room.”

How she managed to clear out two rooms from the packed reverse-facing south building was Bailu’s business. Seventh Miss hadn’t stayed long in the west side courtyard before being pulled away. Lixia was inexperienced, so Bailu had settled everything alone—clearly she was capable.

Seventh Miss gave an almost imperceptible nod and said, “You two should also have your own rooms,” then entered the main building with Bailu.

In the center of the main hall stood an Eight Immortals table of rosewood, with two or three round stools placed casually beside it. A small marble screen sat on the table. Three or four candles stood in the candleholder, brightly illuminating the room. Two display shelves stood in the corners with various vases and jars scattered on them. On the wall between the shelves hung a couplet: “When the moon comes, water fills the ground; when clouds rise, mountains fill the sky.”

“Very elegant.” Seventh Miss glanced at Bailu with a smile.

Bailu was stunned for a moment before lowering her head in thanks. She hadn’t expected Seventh Miss to appreciate it.

She had underestimated Seventh Miss, Bailu silently reproached herself.

“Where did the couplet come from?” Seventh Miss asked as she walked toward the inner room.

“Second Miss sent it.” Bailu followed behind her, saying, “Just after you entered the main courtyard, she sent someone with it.”

Seventh Miss had already entered the east inner room—her bedroom.

Upon entering, she froze.

In the center of the bedroom stood another rosewood plum blossom table. On the table sat a small plate of silver—frosted silver ingots neatly stacked, gleaming strangely in the candlelight.