Lichun quickly lifted the curtain and entered the east inner room.

“Many thanks to Fifth Young Lady for thinking of our Ninth Brother.” She smiled and led Guyu away. “Come sit in my room and have some tea!”

But Guyu had no intention of staying long. “Banlanhu is about to give birth these days. Fifth Young Lady treasures her like an eyeball, bustling about with everyone. If I’m not there watching and something goes wrong…”

Banlanhu was the big yellow cat in Fifth Young Lady’s courtyard.

Guyu was like Lichun by Ninth Brother’s side, or Bailu by Seventh Young Lady’s side.

Lichun didn’t insist. “Come visit whenever you have time.”

Only after seeing Guyu off did she return to apologize. “I didn’t expect anyone to come. Bailu and I went into the west inner room to talk…”

It was also meant to avoid suspicion, so they wouldn’t overhear the siblings’ conversation.

Seventh Young Lady didn’t blame Lichun. “It’s not a big deal. Should I have crawled under the bed to hide from her?”

Her humorous words made both Lichun and Ninth Brother laugh.

The matter was thus dismissed. After all, whether Guyu would tell Fifth Young Lady, and whether Fifth Young Lady would tell First Madam, wasn’t something they could control. Better to worry about it if and when it actually got out.

Lichun smiled and withdrew from the room, but didn’t go far. She sat casually in the main hall, exchanging whispers with Bailu here and there, her chin propped in thought about her own concerns.

Faint murmuring voices could be heard from the inner room, transmitted in low tones. When one tried to listen deliberately, the words became indistinct.

Bailu muttered to Lichun, “They’re such a clever and endearing pair. Though young, their conduct is completely reassuring.”

Lichun gave a bitter smile. “Seventh Young Lady handles everything properly—she must have suffered greatly back in her hometown… But our little ancestor, how is he reassuring at all? It’s even more exhausting than serving in First Madam’s rooms.”

“Then go back to Madam’s service,” Bailu teased Lichun. “Madam would surely welcome it! Master is short-handed for tea and water service…”

Lichun vigorously rolled her eyes at Bailu. “What nonsense!”

Thinking of how she’d finally left the main courtyard, she couldn’t help but show a sweet smile. “Once in the east side courtyard, I’m an east side courtyard person.”

Both fell silent, lost in their own thoughts.

After a long while, Bailu murmured, “You and I have both escaped the golden nest. Who knows who Madam will elevate to bed-warming maid next year…”

The most lucrative position in the entire Yang household was naturally First Madam’s main courtyard, which servants jokingly called the “golden nest.”

But for these young, pretty maids, the main courtyard was too hot to stand—after serving there for less than two years, everyone scrambled to get out.

“Those who entered together have all left.” A shadow crossed Lichun’s face. “You and I escaped the golden nest and entered silver nests. Though Xiaoxue and Chushu had it harder, they can’t be said to lack fortune. With their temperaments, they’d only cause trouble in the inner courtyard. Better to return home and live peacefully. Their parents both have positions and have received rewards these past years. Then there’s Lidong—she’s an honest person… That we sisters could all get out is already tremendous fortune. Who can worry about those coming after?”

Lidong wasn’t pretty enough to be in danger of becoming a bed-warming maid.

Bailu couldn’t help feeling melancholy.

“You can afford not to worry with no family to feed. When Xiaoxue and Chushu had positions, their families naturally treasured them like jewels. Without positions… Sigh, last time when I went home with Auntie, I detoured to visit Chushu. She was so ill she couldn’t get out of bed… Her surroundings were cold and desolate, not even someone to pour water! When she saw me, she opened her mouth but couldn’t say a word—just knew how to cry!”

Lichun sighed.

“Madam was merciful, actually.” She turned over two Chu kiln cups with crossing branch flowers and poured Bailu half a cup of tea. “If it were any other household… never mind others, just look at the second branch. When such unclear matters occur in those rooms, which maid gets off easy? A beating and expulsion would be light—torture wouldn’t be unheard of! To leave so ambiguously counts as good fortune.”

Thinking of that mouthful of blood in the west inner room’s privy, Bailu also sighed. “To tell you the truth, I still have no clue even now. I’ve speculated privately several times but don’t know what really happened.”

Lichun glanced at the curtain outside the east inner room.

The low conversation still hadn’t ceased.

“Didn’t you ask your godmother?” she asked Bailu in a low voice.

Bailu’s voice was as soft as a mosquito’s buzz.

“Godmother said I was meddling… told me to just serve Seventh Young Lady with peace of mind.”

“I heard from Nanny Wang that Third Concubine was causing trouble… That mouthful of blood was a curse Third Concubine left behind. Third Concubine specifically wanted to harm our household’s heirs.” Lichun whispered in Bailu’s ear.

Bailu was so frightened her face turned pale. Her spine tingled and she shivered.

“In Qinghong Pavilion they also found several pieces of clothing Third Concubine loved to wear. You know, that place hadn’t been entered in years. When those people opened the door, the floor was covered in inches-thick dust—not a single footprint. But the trunk had no dust at all—shiny and bright, even the lock was greasy with oil. As soon as they opened it, they saw Third Concubine’s old clothes… When Ninth Brother had his incident, he was wearing the gold-sprinkled butterfly jacket she used to love.” Lichun showed no sign of stopping. “When Master heard, he said: ‘Why won’t she let go of our Yang family? Why won’t she be reborn!'”

Bailu trembled and shakily drank her warm tea in one gulp, barely managing to steady herself.

“So frightening!” She complained with a reproachful glance at Lichun. “All this ghost talk… who knows if it’s even true!”

Lichun pursed her lips toward the east inner room. “Ask those two inside and you’ll know if it’s true.”

Bailu looked terrified. “I’m not tired of living yet!”

The two maids giggled together again.

After laughing enough, Lichun mused thoughtfully, “But Madam doesn’t seem to believe much in gods or ghosts.” She told Bailu about the past. “Every year around the Ghost Festival, Fourth Concubine acts all nervous, checking her reflection in water whenever she goes in or out. But Madam never bothers with such things.”

Bailu’s heart stirred. She pressed her lips together and didn’t respond.

The conversation in the east inner room also stopped. Before long, Seventh Young Lady emerged.

Bailu quickly stepped forward to attend Seventh Young Lady’s side.

“Sorry to trouble Sister Lichun.” Seventh Young Lady was polite to Lichun.

Lichun quickly jumped up and personally saw Seventh Young Lady out. “Not at all! I only wish Seventh Young Lady would visit more often.”

The Yang household was still immersed in deep afternoon drowsiness. Several older servants were still napping, and the west wing was also silent without a sound.

Seventh Young Lady and Bailu quietly crossed the main courtyard and entered the path leading to the west side courtyard.

Her face was full of concerns.

Seeing this, Bailu couldn’t help but sigh.

Seventh Young Lady had an unfortunate fate—she hadn’t been carried in First Madam’s belly.

Fifth Young Lady was already ten but still immature, lacking proper form. Seventh Young Lady, so very young, already had to plan for herself and for her younger brother.

Children without mothers truly did mature earlier.

#

Upon entering the west side courtyard, Bailu gave Seventh Young Lady a meaningful look and sent Lixia and Shangyuan outside.

She then told Seventh Young Lady everything about Qinghong Pavilion.

Seventh Young Lady listened very attentively.

Learning that First Madam didn’t much believe in ghosts and spirits, she couldn’t help raising an eyebrow. After pondering for a moment, she smiled and thanked Bailu. “Sister Bailu’s thoughtfulness—I won’t forget it.”

Bailu’s heart relaxed, but without the expected joy.

Actually, for her, less trouble was better than more. Given Seventh Young Lady’s character, she wouldn’t end up too badly off anyway.

After more than a year together, though their relationship could be called harmonious, they were far from close confidantes.

But… she couldn’t quite say why, she had gradually begun planning for Seventh Young Lady’s benefit, gradually hoping Seventh Young Lady could gain the upper hand in the inner household’s struggles.

Seventh Young Lady had indeed acknowledged her favor, but Bailu felt somewhat disappointed instead.

After all, it showed distance between them.

“I’m merely fulfilling a servant’s duty.” She smiled modestly. “If there’s nothing else, this servant will withdraw.”

Seventh Young Lady hesitated, then called her back. “Sister Bailu, wait a moment.”

She had Bailu sit beside her.

“You know that Second Aunt has grown quite close to Mother this past year.” She got straight to the point. “Since Second Aunt dares to make moves repeatedly, we have no reason not to respond. From now on, you should interact more with Sister Lichun and share information.”

Seventh Young Lady had no intention of giving Bailu and Lichun the chance to refuse.

The war with Second Madam certainly wouldn’t be resolved overnight. As mistress of the Hanlin household, Second Madam had plenty of people at her disposal. Seventh Young Lady needed at least one or two usable people, didn’t she?

Lixia was still too young, and Shangyuan and Zhongyuan were even more immature. Counting all her resources, she only had a few people. If at this point she still engaged in pretentious talk about free will, that would truly be affected.

Bailu was first shocked, then fearful, then felt an indescribable joy.

Seventh Young Lady already considered her one of her own—that’s why she spoke so directly.

She needed to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages.

Seventh Young Lady continued, “Sister Bailu, you’re the only capable person I have at hand.”

Her voice was calm and dignified—clear and crisp like spring water in mountain streams.

Bailu shuddered. “I’m a person of the west side courtyard—naturally I listen to Seventh Young Lady!”

Seventh Young Lady smiled with satisfaction.

“I knew Sister Bailu could be trusted!” She rarely showed such childlike innocence.

Bailu looked at Seventh Young Lady and smiled. “Yes! How could I dare disappoint you?”

#

More than ten days passed, and First Madam’s attitude toward Seventh Young Lady and Ninth Brother showed no change.

It was as if she didn’t know about Seventh Young Lady secretly visiting Ninth Brother while she was out.

Seventh Young Lady was rather surprised.

She had always excelled at reading expressions. In the Yang household, aside from the inscrutable Master, few people could escape her observation.

Given First Madam’s temperament, even if she suppressed it temporarily, when facing her and Ninth Brother, she would inevitably show slight displeasure—something Seventh Young Lady would definitely detect.

So First Madam truly didn’t know about this matter?

Fifth Young Lady came and went as usual, showing nothing particularly unusual.

Toward Seventh Young Lady, she remained neither warm nor cold. When she had something good to eat or fun to play with, she didn’t think of Seventh Young Lady first but prioritized Ninth Brother.

Seventh Young Lady simply treated it as if nothing had happened and continued her peaceful life as usual.

Second Madam always found some excuse to visit every three or four days. Since Eighth Young Lady entered the family school, she came to the first branch even more frequently, pulling First Madam into endless chatter, and First Madam was happy to socialize with her.

Entering the seventh month, she discussed with First Madam about making offerings, releasing river lanterns, and conducting flame-mouth ceremonies to properly observe the Ghost Festival.

First Madam was somewhat reluctant to exert herself, but Fourth Concubine was enthusiastic, her large eyes bright as she listened to Second Madam and First Madam’s discussion. She later asked the Master and also copied several Buddhist scriptures to burn for deceased relatives.

The ancients greatly valued the connection between yin and yang, always mindful of departed loved ones in the underworld.

Early on Ghost Festival morning, Second Madam entered the main courtyard. The sisters had just paid their respects and hadn’t yet returned to their courtyards.

Seventh Young Lady smiled while discussing with Sixth Young Lady the pearl needle embroidery that Embroiderer Huang had newly taught. Fifth Young Lady listened with little interest, half-heartedly following along.

Third Young Lady was flattering First Madam about her attire. First Madam treated her like an actual daughter—listening half-heartedly without paying much attention. Fourth Young Lady remained completely silent, just staring at her own feet, her boredom practically bursting forth.

Seeing Second Madam, everyone rose to greet her, and First Madam also perked up.

“Second Sister-in-law, please sit.” She had Second Madam sit beside her. “Tonight we’ll watch the flame-mouth ceremony from the artificial mountain.”

She also instructed Nanny Wang, “You must be careful. The weather is dry—if fire breaks out, it’s no joke.”

The two sisters-in-law began discussing household matters.

Second Madam found an opening to ask Seventh Young Lady, “What are you planning to burn for Ninth Concubine?”

The atmosphere in the room suddenly froze.

Last year’s Ghost Festival, First Madam was still traveling, so the Yang household merely performed perfunctory ancestral rites without much else.

Seventh Young Lady had privately released a few river lanterns for Ninth Concubine. But Ninth Brother was confined under house arrest and couldn’t leave Youhuang Pavilion’s gate.

First Madam’s gaze toward Seventh Young Lady deepened.

Seventh Young Lady was secretly annoyed. Second Madam really did love to stir up trouble.

Even Ninth Brother, beside First Madam, turned cold-faced and stared at Second Madam without speaking.

Seventh Young Lady raised her eyebrows, about to reproach Second Madam.

Fifth Young Lady suddenly laughed.

“Second Aunt’s words are interesting. They’re both ninth-born—it reminds me of deceased Ninth Little Sister! Second Aunt, why don’t you also make a rattle drum for Ninth Little Sister this year!”

Second Madam’s expression immediately turned ugly.

Sixth Young Lady’s eyes flashed. She looked at Fifth Young Lady, then at Seventh Young Lady.

Seventh Young Lady gave Sixth Young Lady a slight nod.

Third Young Lady wanted to interject, but Fourth Concubine shot her a look, so she fixed her gaze on the fine white porcelain cup beside her, as if it had something special about it.

Fifth Young Lady’s expression remained natural. “If Ninth Little Sister were still alive, she’d probably be five or six years old! I still remember how Second Uncle back then practically wanted to keep Ninth Little Sister in his palm, watching her all twelve hours…”

Sixth Young Lady also innocently chimed in, “What a pity! Who knew she’d die so young.”

Ninth Young Lady was Second Branch’s Concubine Xiang’s daughter. After birth, she was even more favored by Father than Eighth Young Lady. The little girl was very adorable—even the Master, who had so many daughters, couldn’t help but hold and dote on her when he saw her.

Unfortunately, her fate was thin. She died inexplicably just past her first birthday. Second Master wept bitterly over it.

From then on, he grew cold toward Second Madam.

This scandal was well known in both households.

Fifth Young Lady’s meaning was clear: every family has scandals, and the Hanlin household’s scandals would only be worse than the first branch’s. Second Madam also had her sore spots.

Seventh Young Lady also suppressed her inner satisfaction and answered Second Madam properly and seriously: “Second Aunt, I want to write a river lantern for Ninth Concubine to report that all is well—everyone in the household is fine. Father is well, Mother is well, all the sisters are well, and even Ninth Brother is well!”

The last sentence, she enunciated especially clearly, almost word by word.

Ninth Brother could no longer restrain himself and laughed merrily, turning to tug at First Madam. “Mother, Mother, let’s also release river lanterns! For Grandfather and Grandmother! For Maternal Grandmother!”

First Madam smiled and agreed with Ninth Brother. “Good, good, we’ll release them, all of them, and report that all is well.”

Second Madam rolled her eyes and showed a smile again, about to speak.

Fifth Young Lady loudly reminisced with Sixth Young Lady again: “Do you remember Ninth Little Sister back then? Oh my, like a little snowball, truly adorable to death. Even I wanted to hold her, but Second Uncle treasured her like an eyeball, keeping her by his side all twelve hours, refusing to let go!”

Second Madam could no longer sit still. Before long, she rose and took her leave.

Seventh Young Lady glanced at Fifth Young Lady, no longer able to suppress the smile at the corners of her lips.