Seventh Miss didn’t pay too much attention to it though.

After all, these were events from many years ago.

Besides, wasn’t Ninth Aunt’s fate equally tragic? Great manor households were like this—such was the fate of losers.

“Could Ninth Brother’s injury also be Third Aunt’s haunting…” She spoke somewhat hesitantly.

First Miss smiled faintly. “That depends on how you think about it.” She rested her chin in her hand and gazed at Seventh Miss, speaking slowly. “If you ask me, Ninth Brother is an extremely clever child with his own plans in mind. As long as he can grow up safely, your path will become smoother and easier to walk—as fellow concubine-born daughters, I truly envy Seventh Sister somewhat!”

“Elder Sister need not be so courteous.” Seventh Miss demurred. “I still envy Elder Sister’s good fortune!”

“True, each has their own fate—don’t envy others.” First Miss actually smiled and acknowledged this. “I now have a husband and daughter, a prosperous household, no longer needing to scheme and plot… Even if offered a thousand gold, ten thousand gold, I wouldn’t trade it!”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but show envy.

Without living in a great manor household, it was hard to appreciate the happiness of such a peaceful life.

Even though the eldest brother-in-law was somewhat wooden, not particularly handsome, and his family merely ordinary landed gentry, such peaceful days were far beyond what any official’s son could give First Miss.

She chewed over First Miss’s answer.

Discussing past events, First Miss could speak without restraint, but regarding current disputes, she couldn’t speak too plainly.

From First Miss’s meaning, it seemed Ninth Brother’s motives ultimately hadn’t escaped this elder sister who possessed first-rate scheming and skill yet didn’t provoke resentment.

No wonder everyone in the household liked her!

In great manor households, what was lacking were precisely such people who acted decisively and forthrightly.

“Since Elder Sister says so, Xiao Qi would also like to ask Elder Sister for help.” Seventh Miss spoke slowly after consideration.

First Miss had no conflict with her in either position or interests.

When two clever people were together, they should mutually benefit and help each other.

Since First Miss frankly revealed the mystery of Third Aunt’s death, she might as well speak her mind too.

“Ninth Brother’s injury is shrouded in doubt… Xiao Qi has never known the inside story.” She sighed. “I haven’t even figured out the cause. However, Elder Sister knows Mother’s temperament—always overthinking and worrying. It’s probably inevitable she suspects I’m involved in this.”

First Miss readily agreed. “At first she probably couldn’t help thinking that way… After all, you are Ninth Brother’s twin sister.”

Speaking with First Miss was truly refreshing.

Seventh Miss simply laid all cards on the table. “Xiao Qi doesn’t know if Ninth Brother intended to avenge me, but even if so, that would be human nature. However, with Mother, I must ask Elder Sister to help explain so Mother doesn’t misunderstand!”

Regardless of Ninth Brother’s motives or methods, thinking to use Third Aunt as an excuse was already quite remarkable.

Though young with rather crude techniques that even alerted the Grand Madam to suspicious points, ancient people mostly believed firmly in ghosts and spirits. Especially since Third Aunt’s hauntings weren’t just a year or two old—she’d even “cursed” to death the son in Sixth Aunt’s belly…

How could the Grand Madam and Grand Master not be wary of such things?

As long as First Miss found that wariness and helped argue a few points, pushing all blame onto the dead, the Grand Madam would probably rather believe it existed!

This way, after being diligent for a few more years, surely the Grand Madam could put her suspicions of Ninth Brother behind her.

First Miss let out a long breath.

“To be honest with you.” Her face showed complete sincerity. “Even if younger sister hadn’t asked, I would have said these same things! Our family’s Fourth Young Master has been at Madam’s side since birth, never seeing his birth mother—how could his eyes hold anyone else? When Madam asked me a few days ago, these were my very words!”

Seventh Miss was immediately delighted.

“But you also know what kind of person Mother is, Seventh Sister.” First Miss was very frank. “Not much capability, but plenty of suspicion—she’s practically a female Cao Cao! Yet without Cao Mengde’s strategic thinking… These years, thanks to never lacking helpful people by her side, she’s been able to maintain her position in the inner courtyard. I’m afraid my words can only work for a while—over time, they’ll lose effectiveness.”

Seventh Miss’s face showed contemplation.

Who else would speak ill of Ninth Brother in the Grand Madam’s ear?

“Moreover, though our branch doesn’t have much contact with the main clan.” First Miss also sighed. “In the end, we were once the Yang family clan leaders. Whether Ninth Brother can inherit as a concubine-born son is still uncertain.”

Seventh Miss’s pupils contracted.

No one understood the Yang family’s dispute with the main clan better than she did.

After all, Seventh Miss had actually lived in Yang Family Village for six solid years.

In great clans, internal disputes were plentiful. The Grand Master’s lineage originally had high prestige and had always been Yang clan leaders. Years ago due to some matter they fell into decline, and on the return journey encountered bandits—only the Grand Master’s father, Seventh Miss’s grandfather, escaped alone. Being a concubine-born son, the clan used the reason that concubine-born sons couldn’t inherit to seize the clan leader position. By the Grand Master’s generation, being a concubine-born son of a concubine-born son, the clan increasingly bullied the fifth branch for having no one, using the excuse of inventorying clan property to openly and covertly occupy the fifth branch’s land. Otherwise, with the fifth branch’s accumulated wealth over the years, how would the Grand Master have fallen to needing to rely on his wife’s family!

The current Grand Master was naturally incomparable to before, having reached the position of Jiangnan Governor-General… No one in Yang Family Village didn’t look up to him now. But who could guarantee that if he unexpectedly passed away in the future, the clan wouldn’t use the excuse of concubine-born sons being unable to inherit to make trouble over Ninth Brother’s inheritance rights…

“Such matters would naturally be very unfortunate for us sisters!” She spoke slowly. “Elder Sister surely understands the reasoning.”

Without brothers to support them, women couldn’t hold their heads up at their in-laws’—this was an unshakeable truth.

First Miss looked at Seventh Miss and sighed. “So Second Aunt keeps urging Mother, telling her to adopt a legitimate nephew soon as the primary heir… Then the clan would have nothing to say.”

Seventh Miss could no longer restrain herself and let out a cold snort.

“Second Aunt’s calculations ring quite loudly!”

If the Grand Madam still trusted Ninth Brother unreservedly, she would probably treat her words as mere wind past the ears.

Unfortunately, Ninth Brother’s rash actions had stirred her suspicions. Once suspicious, with the Grand Madam’s temperament, it couldn’t be dispelled with a sentence or two…

First Miss comforted her. “There’s still Father! Father himself was born from a concubine and suffered enough idle talk from the clan… Besides, what man would want to adopt once he has his own son? Don’t look at how Father doesn’t show his hand—he’s actually clear-headed! Otherwise, how could you all have returned to Suzhou from the northwest?” With that, she added and subtracted details, revealing the matter of the Grand Master promoting Feng Jin.

Seventh Miss lowered her head in contemplation without speaking for a moment.

First Miss wasn’t angry but pleased instead: the more Seventh Miss pondered, the more it showed her stability.

In inner courtyard struggles, momentary triumph meant nothing. Whoever could laugh last was the true winner.

If someone was impetuous, how could they laugh to the end?

“I didn’t expect Father to be so concerned about the Feng family’s affairs!” Seventh Miss didn’t know whether to be happy or worried for the moment. “But if Mother finds out about this… it’ll be another fine commotion!”

The Grand Madam had just wavered slightly, reconsidering adopting her nephew, while the Grand Master was already promoting the Feng family—as if things weren’t big enough!

If not for Second Madam, everything would be manageable.

But Second Madam remained so watchful like a tiger eyeing prey…

It seemed that without eliminating Second Madam, Ninth Brother would never truly have good days.

“So this depends on you.” First Miss looked at Seventh Miss, her gaze profoundly deep. “Third Sister and Fourth Sister are useless, wishing nothing but chaos… However, with their minds, they won’t cause you much trouble either. Fifth Sister is naive and ignorant—not causing chaos is already good enough—you must be careful of Fifth Sister, she’s more stubborn than a donkey! I originally hoped for Sixth Sister, but unfortunately though clever, her temperament is placid. Guarding Little Fragrant Snow and swinging is enough to satisfy her… Who knew heaven would drop you, Seventh Sister. From now on in this inner courtyard, you’ll have to maintain control!”

Seventh Miss took a deep breath and rose to bow respectfully to First Miss with proper ceremony.

“Xiao Qi thanks Elder Sister for her guidance… In the future, Shanjiu and I will never forget Elder Sister’s kindness!”

First Miss showed a gratified smile and was about to speak.

From afar came girls’ laughter. Fifth Miss called to Seventh Miss from the bluestone path. “Yang Qi, what crime did you commit that you’re bowing in apology to Elder Sister?”

First Miss and Seventh Miss both rose smiling and waved to the sisters. “We’re enjoying the breeze on the artificial mountain! The weather is so hot! Come up and sit for a while.”

Fifth Miss pulled Sixth Miss and Eighth Miss into the mountain cave.

“You’re even more clever than I imagined… There’s no need for thanks. We’re all concubine-born daughters of the main courtyard—carving out a path isn’t easy. When we can help, of course we should! Fourth Household has been worried about marriage matches these past years. Use this point well, perhaps…” Her words weren’t finished when Fifth Miss’s footsteps approached the Four Seasons Pavilion.

First Miss and Seventh Miss set aside their conversation, rose to settle the young misses, and everyone ate fruit together.

#

First Miss spent one more night before taking leave of the Grand Madam.

“After all, as someone’s daughter-in-law with both parents-in-law present, it’s improper to keep my husband away too long.”

The Grand Madam looked regretful. “Very well, your husband will enter the examination hall this autumn—better to return home for peaceful study. Also instruct Li Yixing. “If there’s anything you don’t understand, come to Suzhou anytime. Your father-in-law doesn’t have much else, but there are a few scholars around.”

The Grand Master coughed lightly. “Go back and thoroughly digest that basket of current essays I gave you. When you come back in the seventh month—I will test you!”

The autumn examinations were in September this year. In the seventh month, the Grand Master would naturally introduce him to some people he should know.

Li Yixing hurriedly agreed submissively.

Under the gaze of so many women, sweat again rolled down his face drop by drop.

The Grand Master couldn’t help but frown, but the Grand Madam found it somewhat amusing. She smiled faintly and rose to personally escort First Miss and her husband out of the hall, then held First Miss’s hand with earnest instructions.

After seeing off First Miss, the manor seemed to quiet down again.

Seventh Miss continued as before—two lessons daily without missing any. Whether calligraphy or embroidery, she completed all assignments given by her teachers meticulously.

However, embroidery progress was clearly slower than calligraphy.

Second Madam’s visits remained just as frequent.

Fifth Miss was quite busy though.

The Grand Madam allowed her to pick a pavilion in Baifang Garden to move into, leaving the eastern side courtyard for Ninth Brother. Fifth Miss naturally became busy.

“There aren’t many empty pavilions left in Baifang Garden.” She consulted with Seventh Miss. “Do you think I should choose Yuyu Pavilion, or Yuelai Mansion? Zhuying Terrace?”

There were actually quite a few empty pavilions in Baifang Garden now, but the Grand Madam found Qiliuxiang and Qinghong Pavilion inauspicious since people had died there, so she didn’t let Fifth Miss consider them.

Fifth Miss also found Second Miss’s Youhuang too remote and desolate.

What remained were only Yuelai Mansion, Yuyu Pavilion, Zhuying Terrace, and Jidi Residence.

Jidi Residence had an auspicious name, so Fifth Miss wanted to leave it for Ninth Brother.

“Later when Ninth Brother grows up, he can conveniently live in Jidi Residence to study.”

The Grand Master rather liked Fifth Miss more. “Little Five is becoming more sensible!”

Zhuying Terrace was where Huang Embroiderer taught—Fifth Miss had long grown accustomed to the surrounding scenery.

Yuelai Mansion’s courtyard had udumbara flowers planted, while Yuyu Pavilion’s surroundings had pear trees. The two small buildings faced each other across greenery. Behind Yuyu Pavilion was the compound wall, while Yuelai Mansion bordered Myriad Flower Creek—across one creek was the Silk-Washing Dock.

After long contemplation, Fifth Miss chose Yuelai Mansion. “Outside the compound wall, the coming and going of carts and horses is too noisy.”

She then busily pestered the Grand Madam for famous calligraphy and paintings, precious furniture, beautiful bed curtains…

Bustling about, she finally moved into Yuelai Mansion in the sixth month.

Third Miss and Fourth Miss watched with envy, muttering for several days. The Grand Master spent a night at Xikeqing Quarters, then discussed with the Grand Madam the next day. “Youhuang is quite peaceful—why not let Third Miss and Fourth Miss move in?”

Second Miss had only recently married. The Grand Madam was very reluctant. “I privately want to save Youhuang for Xiao Qi!” She casually pulled Seventh Miss in as a shield. “Qiliuxiang, Yuyu Pavilion, Zhuying Terrace… three places for them to choose from!”

Third Miss and Fourth Miss could only settle for Qiliuxiang.

They didn’t mind Eighth Aunt’s death there—which household’s rooms hadn’t had deaths? Eighth Aunt had passed away several years ago.

After settling the sisters, it was Ninth Brother’s turn.

The Grand Madam summoned Lichun to speak.

Lichun left the room with reddened eyes and moved her bedding into the eastern side courtyard, leading maids and women to clean the rooms and move Ninth Brother’s large bed into the eastern side courtyard.

The Grand Master became concerned about internal affairs. “Are the backgrounds of the maids around Ninth Brother all clean?”

The Grand Madam’s face flushed slightly—this was still suspecting Second Madam.

“They were all selected from my dowry estates. Their parents are all estate stewards.” She quickly explained. “The two matrons are also those I’ve employed for a long time.”

Seeing the Grand Madam’s awkward appearance, the Grand Master felt somewhat embarrassed.

He softened his tone to discuss with the Grand Madam. “I think we should also assign Ninth Brother some young male servants.”

From the Grand Master’s attendants, two honest ones were selected and assigned to Ninth Brother.

The staff around Ninth Brother suddenly became complete. Lichun no longer needed to neglect the outside while attending the inside, or neglect the inside while attending the outside.

After a few days, Ninth Brother sent Lichun to deliver invitations to his sisters, informing everyone that he, Yang Shanjiu, had settled into the eastern side courtyard and invited his sisters to visit when free.

Lichun first made a round through Baifang Garden before returning to the main courtyard to fetch the red clay invitation cards and enter the western side courtyard.

Upon entering the eastern inner room, her eyes reddened. Her knees hit the ground as she kowtowed several times to Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss was so startled she jumped up, then hurriedly pulled Lichun up by force.

“You must never do this!” She said hurriedly. “You must never do this!”

Lichun choked up, unable to speak.

Seventh Miss personally brushed the dust from Lichun’s knees. “There will be many things to trouble you with in the future!”

“Seventh Miss need only instruct!” Lichun wiped her tears. “I have neither father nor mother. I entered the manor to serve from a young age with no one to care for me warmly… Aside from Seventh Miss, no one considers me or pities my bitter fate…”

Bailu and Lixia both moistened their eyes. Seventh Miss quickly signaled them with her eyes. The three together spent half the day persuading before finally stopping Lichun’s tears.

When Ninth Brother moved to the eastern side courtyard, the Grand Madam converted the eastern secondary room into a place for assigning household tasks and receiving guests at leisure. Seventh Miss also entered several times to chat idly with the Grand Madam for company.

Entering the seventh month, Jiangnan became a furnace. No noble ladies wished to go out, so the Grand Madam had fewer people to talk with and inevitably felt somewhat lonely.

Though Seventh Miss was clever, she was still young after all and didn’t have much to discuss with the Grand Madam.

The Grand Madam actually even invited Second Madam over for conversation.

Second Madam naturally came when summoned—seven days out of ten she circled the main courtyard.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but grow somewhat anxious.