On the Dragon Boat Festival, all the young children wore longevity cords, had the character for “king” painted on their foreheads, donned artemisia tiger ornaments, drank realgar wine, then entered Baifang Garden to play.

Eighth Miss timidly sought out Fifth Miss. “Fifth Sister, after the Dragon Boat Festival, I’ll be attending family school too.”

This child had also grown considerably taller, but compared to Ninth Brother and Seventh Miss of the same age, she remained much more timid. As she spoke, her voice carried wheezing sounds.

Fifth Miss was somewhat puzzled. “Well, just come then!”

Sixth Miss, however, grabbed Eighth Miss’s hand with a smile and whispered intimately in her ear, hand in hand.

First Miss smiled as she called Fifth Miss to her side to speak privately.

Third Miss and Fourth Miss were far away at the other end of the Eight Immortals table picking qionghua flowers.

Seventh Miss was also happy for the peace and quiet. She simply strolled far away toward the Silk-Washing Dock, distancing herself from the crowd.

The Dragon Boat Festival was a major holiday. Baifang Garden was lively everywhere. Even Great Aunt and Fifth Aunt, who usually stayed secluded, wore light red silk garments and chatted leaning against the Taihu rocks beneath the artificial mountain.

Seeing Seventh Miss pass by, both showed smiles and respectfully rose. “Seventh Miss!”

Apart from paying respects to the Grand Madam daily, these two aunts spent their days devoted to Buddhist practice in Changqing Tower.

Yet they grasped the manor’s situation very precisely.

Facing Seventh Miss now, they showed more outward respect, similar to their former attitude toward Second Miss.

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred, and she simply stopped walking.

Since the Grand Madam had said it was inconvenient to disclose Third Aunt’s matters to an unmarried young girl, it was essentially granting her the right to know. She just didn’t say it outright to save face as the legitimate mother.

Great Aunt had been elevated even before Third Aunt—asking her, wouldn’t that be more appropriate than asking anyone else?

Seeing Seventh Miss hesitate to speak, the two aunts also exchanged several glances.

Both showed faint smiles.

It seemed they had come prepared… Seventh Miss wasn’t too surprised either.

That she only thought of this now didn’t mean Great Aunt and Fifth Aunt were equally slow.

Seventh Miss usually had numerous affairs to handle and various types of people to deal with, but Great Aunt and Fifth Aunt had almost completely withdrawn from the stage, devoting themselves to Buddhist practice… There weren’t many matters that could trouble these two.

She smiled and inquired after both aunts’ well-being.

“The heat came early this year. Only entering the fifth month, and we already need to wear gauze shirts!” She exchanged pleasantries with the two aunts.

Great Aunt and Fifth Aunt both said it was because Seventh Miss was young and couldn’t withstand heat. “At our age, before the autumn equinox even passes, we wish we could put on padded jackets.”

Seventh Miss smiled and teased the two aunts. “Mother hasn’t even mentioned being old yet—how can you two speak of it?”

Great Aunt and Fifth Aunt quickly reproached themselves. “We misspoke, we misspoke.”

In deep manor courtyards, everything emphasized status and position. With Seventh Miss’s current status, she only needed to bow her head before the Grand Madam and Grand Master. Before these two fallen-from-favor aunts, she was a young lady high above.

“Qinghong Pavilion has been tidied up, which makes those peach trees appear especially verdant.” Seventh Miss pointed to the small building not far away, chatting casually with the two aunts. “I don’t know when these peaches usually ripen in past years, but watching them as I come and go makes my mouth water.”

Great Aunt couldn’t help but laugh. “Seventh Miss jests—surely your quarters don’t lack for a few peaches?”

Fifth Aunt’s face showed contemplation though.

Seventh Miss smiled faintly without answering.

Fifth Aunt then carefully brought up the past. “Back when Third Household was alive, these dozen or so peach trees never bore fruit year after year… After flowering season ended, all the small fruit buds would be removed to avoid exhausting the tree’s vital energy, so next year’s peach blossoms would bloom better.”

To mix into the deep manor courtyard and become a concubine, even if honest, there were limits.

Seventh Miss responded curiously. “I see.”

“Actually, those were all Third Household’s poor affectations!” Great Aunt’s gaze toward Qinghong Pavilion held reminiscence as well as a trace of hatred. “Back then she was favored! She even dared to slight Madam’s face… The Master also let her make a fuss. Unfortunately, no matter how much she made a fuss, she was still just a concubine! She could only be particular about such things.”

“The Master was truly bewitched!” Fifth Aunt still felt lingering fear. “Back then I was still a maid by Madam’s side… The Master stayed in her quarters four or five months straight, single-mindedly wanting to give her offspring so she’d have someone to rely on for the rest of her life. Fourth Aunt, Sixth Aunt—they all had to step aside!”

Third Aunt had actually been so favored back then!

“Fifth Sister hadn’t even been born yet, had she?” Seventh Miss also made a sighing expression.

Great Aunt laughed coldly. “Not just Fifth Miss—even Fourth Miss wasn’t yet conceived…”

The Grand Madam and Fourth Aunt were both still of childbearing age and each had only one daughter.

They surely regarded Third Aunt as a thorn in their eyes and flesh.

Compared to the bloody storms back then, the current inner courtyard struggles probably counted as nothing.

“Seventh Miss probably doesn’t know—Third Aunt was originally the most popular courtesan in the Jiangsu-Zhejiang area…” Great Aunt seemed somewhat embarrassed. “Ah, you’re still a child—we shouldn’t say too much!”

Seventh Miss lowered her eyes, also showing some shyness. “I have heard her origins weren’t very clean…”

Fifth Aunt smiled and took Seventh Miss’s hand. The three walked together gracefully toward the depths of the artificial mountain where few ventured.

“Women of such origins have probably all taken medicines of unknown provenance… Third Aunt never conceived and was very anxious about it.” She paused. “In the inner courtyard, apart from the Master, she had no one she could talk to. Perhaps because of this, keeping everything bottled up inside, she finally became somewhat crazed… and did some shameful things.”

Seventh Miss cooperatively displayed a surprised and curious expression.

She was indeed very curious.

To suppress both the Grand Madam and Fourth Aunt and monopolize favor in the inner courtyard—this Third Aunt was clearly no simple character.

Her death must be full of stories too.

Fifth Aunt was about to speak but closed her mouth again, showing a listening expression.

Only then did Seventh Miss notice footsteps approaching the artificial mountain.

Then they all heard First Miss’s laughter. “Since getting married, the farthest I’ve walked is from this field to that field. It’s been so long since I climbed an artificial mountain.”

The eldest son-in-law’s wooden voice came over. “Next year I’ll take you to climb Mount Tianmu.”

The two aunts quickly emerged from the artificial mountain with Seventh Miss and bowed to First Miss and the eldest son-in-law.

“So Seventh Sister is here.” First Miss’s eyes brightened. “I looked everywhere for you earlier. Sixth Sister was asking about you too.”

“Eldest Sister.” Seventh Miss was properly courteous. “Eldest Brother-in-law.”

Li Yixing’s face reddened again as he stammered wordlessly.

First Miss glared at him reproachfully. “Never mind, go back to Yurong Courtyard and rest!”

With female family members everywhere, the eldest son-in-law was indeed inconvenient to walk around Baifang Garden.

Li Yixing felt as if granted amnesty. Wiping the sweat from his cheeks, he hurried along the artificial mountain toward the small bamboo bridge over Myriad Flower Creek.

First Miss smiled and beckoned Seventh Miss. “Fifth Sister, Sixth Sister, and Eighth Sister are all swinging at Little Fragrant Snow. Third Sister and Fourth Sister are boating at Myriad Flowers Falling. Keep me company sitting on the artificial mountain, won’t you?”

Seventh Miss happily complied. Bidding farewell to Great Aunt and Fifth Aunt, she followed First Miss lightly up the artificial mountain.

Great Aunt and Fifth Aunt watched them enter the Four Seasons Pavilion before exchanging smiles.

“First Miss is still so calculating.” Great Aunt sighed.

Fifth Aunt quickly tugged on Great Aunt’s sleeve. “Speaking so carelessly even in the garden…”

Great Aunt also felt some fear. The two looked around for a moment. Seeing that passersby hadn’t noticed Great Aunt’s remark, they departed together.

#

For this return to her maiden home, First Miss had given leave to the maids and matrons around her. When the two entered the Four Seasons Pavilion, there wasn’t even anyone to serve tea and water.

Seventh Miss had to casually summon a maid below the artificial mountain, having her go to the western side courtyard with a message for Bailu to bring tea, water, and refreshments from the small kitchen.

First Miss watched with a smile as Seventh Miss assigned the servants, entertaining her in an orderly and methodical manner.

Though their ages differed greatly, First Miss’s return to her maiden home made her a guest, so it was indeed appropriate for Seventh Miss to attend to her.

It seemed that though this child was young, she truly handled matters very maturely.

Bailu soon arrived with Lixia, carrying food boxes and tea into the Four Seasons Pavilion.

“First Miss loves Sister Cao’s milk cream mixed with hawthorn berries most,” Bailu seemed quite familiar with First Miss too, smiling to claim credit. “I pestered Sister Cao for ages before she’d cook… What will First Miss give me as thanks?”

First Miss laughed and pinched the back of Bailu’s hand. “I’ll thank you with this pinch.” Bailu twisted away with a laugh and escaped down the artificial mountain, with Lixia following wordlessly behind.

Seventh Miss was inwardly puzzled: she hadn’t expected Bailu and First Miss to speak so freely with each other.

“Back then Bailu entered the main courtyard to serve thanks to Nanny Yao’s influence. Nanny Yao was my wet nurse… She often came to visit, and back and forth, some affection developed.” First Miss seemed to see her confusion and smiled while inviting Seventh Miss to sit. “It’s rare that Sister Cao still remembers to coat the hawthorn berries with a layer of sugar syrup… I have a sweet tooth—these sour berries won’t pass my lips without added sugar syrup. Try some yourself. If it’s good, eat several more.”

Seventh Miss indeed speared a small hawthorn berry and put it in her mouth.

Looking down from the Four Seasons Pavilion, the qionghua flowers by the Eight Immortals table bloomed beautifully, clustered round like fans, even more like snow.

First Miss became absorbed watching for a moment.

Seventh Miss didn’t speak either.

Upon seeing her arrive, First Miss had dismissed the eldest brother-in-law back to Yurong Courtyard and dragged her to climb the artificial mountain—naturally not without purpose.

Seeing her composure like this, First Miss appreciated her even more.

“You’re quite an unusual child.” She smiled and chatted casually with Seventh Miss. “Though concubine-born daughters always need to be more mature, I’ve never seen one like you who gets along so well with Great Aunt and Fifth Aunt.”

“Both aunts are very amiable.” Seventh Miss also deflected with First Miss. “My temperament is peculiar—I actually get along better with elders. With sisters of my own generation, I’m somewhat out of place.”

“You’re Madam’s little strategist after all.” First Miss smiled with pursed lips. “Madam even praised you to me, saying since you entered the main courtyard, she’s had someone to consult with when matters arise. In a few more years, she’ll probably entrust all matters large and small to you!”

“With Fifth Sister here, how could it be my turn to manage the household?” Seventh Miss disagreed. “Madam just didn’t want to mention my shortcomings in front of Elder Sister.”

This great manor household with its countless threads and complexities—many matters weren’t things a concubine-born daughter could involve herself in. If the Grand Madam hadn’t expended so much thought on household affairs, she might not be unable to handle the inner courtyard struggles alone.

First Miss’s gaze flashed: this child at such a young age knew how to advance and retreat appropriately, deeply understanding boundaries…

Her smile grew warmer.

Perhaps Seventh Miss really could control the Yang family’s inner courtyard.

The two exchanged pleasantries for a while longer. First Miss seemingly casually brought up the past events of Qinghong Pavilion.

“Just now I also overheard a bit of Fifth Aunt’s words… This Third Household is indeed somewhat haunting. Dead so many years yet still emerging to cause trouble, affecting our family’s Fourth Young Master who suffered a bloody disaster.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but perk up.

As one of the parties involved and suspects in this incident, the Grand Madam certainly wouldn’t share the truth with her.

As the Grand Madam’s strategist, First Miss might have been told the entire sequence of events upon returning home, so the Grand Madam could have her analyze the situation and identify the true culprit.

She looked at First Miss eagerly. “To be honest with Elder Sister, this matter is so shrouded in fog that even now I haven’t figured out how Ninth Brother’s injury could be connected to Third Aunt…”

“Third Household was truly too arrogant in the inner courtyard back then.” First Miss didn’t take up Seventh Miss’s thread though. “Fifth Sister hadn’t even been born yet. Second Sister had just become aware of things. I was about your age.”

Seventh Miss could only assume a listening posture.

First Miss’s distinct almond-shaped eyes also held some sorrow. “Third Aunt’s freedom was purchased by the Master himself. In those first years after entering the household, she was truly unrivaled in popularity, receiving a thousand favors and ten thousand affections… Don’t look at Fourth Household now seeming like a ‘deputy madam’—back then before Third Household, she didn’t even dare breathe loudly. Aside from Madam, Third Aunt put no one in her eyes. Even toward the Master, sometimes good, sometimes bad. When good, inseparable as glue; when bad, she could actually drive Father out of Qinghong Pavilion and lock the door refusing to let him in!”

It sounded like Third Aunt had quite the temperament.

“Mother was anxious then wanting offspring, but unexpectedly, though Third Household was favored, seven or eight months straight passed without news of pregnancy.” First Miss smiled faintly. “By then Father was already Jiangsu Provincial Administration Commissioner, past thirty. Second Uncle and Second Aunt had a pair of sons. Our first branch still had no heir. Father must have been quite anxious too…”

She sighed. “I won’t hide it from Seventh Sister—back then I was the one who suggested to Mother that she join forces with Fourth Aunt. However, I only offered this one idea… Not long after, news spread that Third Aunt had drugged Father.”

To say Seventh Miss wasn’t surprised would be false. But what surprised her more was that First Miss so frankly revealed the inside story of this matter.

The Grand Madam and Fourth Aunt were both still of childbearing age. Toward the obstructing Third Aunt, they probably couldn’t wait to eliminate her.

Back then, First Miss was probably only seven or eight years old, right?

Yet she could see through that complex situation and guide the Grand Madam in strategic positioning…

Ancient people truly couldn’t be underestimated!

“We concubine-born daughters of the main courtyard, though raised there, others see us as glorious.” First Miss spoke slowly. “But the bitterness inside, only we ourselves know clearly. When the legitimate mother has her own offspring, some bias is natural. So we can only forge our own path.”

Her gaze was crystal clear.

Seventh Miss immediately felt more goodwill toward First Miss.

Just this frankness was rare in the Yang family.

“I understand Elder Sister’s meaning.” She also didn’t put on airs. “As people of the main courtyard, naturally we must consider the main courtyard’s interests.”

Inner courtyard struggles were like this. Never mind that Third Aunt was arrogant—even the careful and cautious Ninth Aunt, hadn’t she also obstructed the Grand Madam’s eyes and been banished to the northwest, ultimately falling ill and dying young?

Even without First Miss’s strategy, the Grand Madam would have found ways to eliminate Third Aunt.

Some things couldn’t be unseen by covering one’s eyes. As part of the main courtyard, one had to plan for it.

First Miss also felt some joy. “I didn’t misjudge you after all!”

She returned to discussing Third Aunt. “Third Aunt was also ill-fated… Not long after I offered this idea, Mother couldn’t contain her anger and had a huge fight with Father. Father simply moved into Qinghong Pavilion. The medicinal supplements he drank daily were also brewed in Qinghong Pavilion. I don’t know whether it was Fourth Aunt or Mother who acted, but lingling fragrance was mixed into the medicine dregs.”

Seventh Miss was somewhat confused.

First Miss had to explain. “Lingling fragrance, when burned, is harmless, but if taken medicinally, it can cause male and female infertility… This matter soon came out. Though the Master was angry, he didn’t immediately suspect Third Household.”

Third Aunt was at the height of favor, desperately hoping to conceive—how could she give the Grand Master sterilization drugs?

“It was at this time that Third Aunt’s relatives came to visit and inadvertently revealed that Third Aunt had already drunk safflower decoction during her courtesan days… She could never bear children in this lifetime.” First Miss lowered her eyes. “The Master flew into a rage. He sent those relatives away out the front door, then entered Qinghong Pavilion through the back. Before long, Third Aunt was rolled in a straw mat and thrown into the mass burial ground…”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but sigh.

The Grand Master was perhaps too heartless. After all, that was his beloved concubine.

“Not long after, the manor successively elevated Fifth Aunt and Sixth Aunt. Sixth Aunt was first to conceive, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.” First Miss slowly continued. “But just then, rumors began circulating in the manor, saying that when Third Aunt was beaten to death back then, she was already several months pregnant. At the mass burial ground, wild dogs dragged out the fetus to gnaw on, which was how people discovered it.”

“The Master and Madam were very angry. They investigated thoroughly but couldn’t find where this talk originated. Not long after, Sixth Aunt had difficult labor. The child had no breath upon leaving the womb, yet it was a son… Those who knew said Third Aunt was the Master’s enemy reincarnated, specifically cursing the Master’s offspring. Now as a ghost, she still makes trouble.” Though First Miss’s tone was calm, her words carried a penetrating sinister chill.