“The Second Branch really has no shame!” When Bailu relayed the message to Seventh Young Lady, she was full of indignation. “Something from so many years ago… still treasuring it like a jewel to gossip and sow discord!”

“Isn’t First Madam susceptible to exactly this?” Seventh Young Lady bent her head and neatly finished writing the last line, set down her brush, her tone light.

Bailu gradually calmed down.

“Shameless!” Still with some residual anger. “At least she came from a distinguished family… yet she has less sense of propriety than a maid.”

“The more shameless someone is, the harder they are to deal with.” Seventh Young Lady couldn’t help but sigh. “Second Aunt’s scheming runs deep… Look at how close she’s been to Ninth Brother lately—has she ever treated him to even a cup of tea or a piece of pastry?”

If Second Madam relaxed even slightly, Ninth Brother would seize the opportunity for a bout of diarrhea.

Both sides would have leverage, and First Madam would become more vigilant toward Second Madam.

Who knew that over this past year, Second Madam hadn’t given them a single opportunity? Though she was cordial toward Ninth Brother, she never touched anything he ate or drank.

They had underestimated Second Madam!

Those crude tactics when she first entered the main courtyard were merely to deceive First Madam.

Second Madam’s true methods, though not particularly sophisticated, were difficult to counter precisely because they were so shameless.

Seventh Young Lady couldn’t very well poison Eighth Young Lady to distract Second Madam, could she?

Shameless people had this advantage—Second Madam could spend months and years whispering Ninth Brother’s faults in First Madam’s ear, but Seventh Young Lady couldn’t employ the same tactics.

It seemed she still needed to make something of Third Concubine’s death.

Seventh Young Lady turned over another page of bamboo paper, composed her mind and spirit, and focused on watching the brush tip’s journey across the paper’s surface.

Elegant small characters jumped out one after another. Gradually, Seventh Young Lady’s agitated mood calmed.

Wait. She could only wait—wait for Second Madam’s carelessness, wait for a better opportunity.

“Third Sister should be fifteen this year.” She found a topic to chat idly with Bailu. “These past months I haven’t heard of anyone coming to propose matches.”

“I heard they were all proposing for concubine-born sons. Never mind Fourth Concubine—even Master looked down on them.” Bailu ground ink for Seventh Young Lady while gossiping. “Come to think of it, though she’s our Yang family’s daughter, she’s still genuinely a concubine’s daughter…”

She couldn’t compare to Chu Young Lady or Seventh Young Lady, who at least had the main courtyard’s reputation. Those minor officials wanting to climb socially would naturally set their sights on them.

Third Young Lady was merely a concubine’s daughter. Official families of similar status would naturally only send concubine-born sons to propose.

“Concubine-born sons like the Wang family’s are hard to find.” Seventh Young Lady was somewhat distracted. “Does the Fourth Branch have nothing else to say?”

“With Madam keeping the rear courtyard in check and Master busy with yamen affairs, the Fourth Branch can’t stir up much trouble.” Bailu smiled with pressed lips. “What they think in their hearts—who knows? She’s a clever person. Without absolute certainty, she won’t make a scene.”

Seventh Young Lady made a thoughtful sound of acknowledgment and bent her head to quietly copy Buddhist scriptures.

#

More than ten days later, a letter arrived from the capital saying the young masters had already boarded a boat to return home. They would likely arrive in Suzhou after the Double Ninth Festival.

Fifth Young Lady was somewhat surprised. “I thought Second Aunt was going to the capital to visit my cousins. I didn’t expect my cousins to be returning to Suzhou instead!”

Second Madam smiled and said, “The capital isn’t very peaceful right now. Rather than Second Aunt going to the capital, it’s better to bring your brothers back home for a reunion.”

“Didn’t Tenth Little Sister come back together?” Fifth Young Lady was rather puzzled.

Second Madam’s expression turned ugly.

Tenth Young Lady was Concubine Xiang’s second daughter. Like Ninth Young Lady, she was extremely favored. Reportedly, her food, clothing, and expenses surpassed even her legitimate elder brothers’.

“Tenth Young Lady is young and can’t be separated from her birth mother, so she won’t return.”

Fifth Young Lady was about to say more when First Madam gave her a light but meaningful glance.

She fell silent and looked toward Seventh Young Lady.

Seventh Young Lady had no choice but to smile and say, “Concubine Xiang is also too reluctant to part with her. Given Second Aunt’s character, she certainly treats legitimate and concubine-born equally. However, since Ninth Little Sister died young… Concubine Xiang is probably afraid Tenth Little Sister won’t survive either.”

These words ostensibly praised Second Madam, but actually poked at Ninth Young Lady’s painful scar.

Fifth Young Lady’s troublemaking was actually the most suitable way to deal with Second Madam. Second Madam kept harping on the Huansha Cove incident, so Fifth Young Lady would forever use Ninth Young Lady’s death as ammunition.

Second Madam was thoroughly displeased and fell silent with a dark face.

First Madam watched the show with great interest, looking at Seventh Young Lady with just a smile.

Seventh Young Lady inevitably felt somewhat embarrassed.

Over these years, when First Madam had difficult family matters, she would also seek Seventh Young Lady out to talk. Though their relationship couldn’t be called extremely harmonious, it had gradually become more familiar day by day.

Between First Madam and Seventh Young Lady, there had gradually developed more ease.

Seventh Young Lady wrinkled her nose at First Madam, showing a young girl’s charm.

Given Seventh Young Lady’s status, regardless of any private schemes, being at odds with Second Madam was naturally quite normal.

First Madam couldn’t help laughing aloud. “The young masters returning home is a good thing no matter what. At least this New Year, we’ll have everyone together.”

Second Madam also cast aside that bit of awkwardness and discussed Double Ninth Festival ancestral rites with First Madam.

The young daughters began chatting among themselves.

The Yang family daughters had clearly divided into two factions. Third Young Lady and Fourth Young Lady naturally formed one faction, chattering endlessly every day with inexhaustible conversation.

Since Second Young Lady’s marriage, Fifth Young Lady had gradually gravitated toward Sixth Young Lady and Seventh Young Lady. These three sisters maintained a certain distance—though they went in and out together daily, they weren’t as close as Third Young Lady and Fourth Young Lady, and rarely interacted after school.

Today happened to be a rest day. After leaving the main courtyard, Sixth Young Lady invited her sisters to swing on the swings at Little Xiangxue.

“What are you planning to wear tomorrow to burn incense at Hanshan Temple?” Sixth Young Lady was rather excited, chattering non-stop. “Last time the two Li family young ladies came to visit, they said this year’s most fashionable item is eight-panel skirts embroidered with bamboo. I already have one—you must have them too, right? Why don’t we all wear them? It would look neat and beautiful.”

Fifth Young Lady was lost in her own thoughts, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Sixth Young Lady’s suggestion.

Seventh Young Lady smiled and nodded. “Good. Since getting this skirt, I haven’t worn it even once.”

Fifth Young Lady remained distracted all the way. She said nothing about going to Little Xiangxue or not, just silently followed the two sisters into the plum grove, then leaned against a plum tree lost in thought.

Sixth Young Lady whispered to Seventh Young Lady, “I don’t know what’s wrong. Since entering the ninth month, she’s been like this—spacing out for half the day at a time, like a wandering ghost, impossible to read.”

Seventh Young Lady was also somewhat curious. “She usually never believed in gods or Buddhas and never went with Madam to burn incense… Why has Fifth Sister suddenly changed so much lately?”

Fifth Young Lady then came back to herself and glared at her two sisters. “Muttering away—what are you saying about me?”

Seventh Young Lady and Sixth Young Lady exchanged smiles. Sixth Young Lady said, “Fifth Sister, there’s a bug crawling into your collar from the tree.”

After all, with flowers and plants planted everywhere, though they regularly sprinkled realgar powder indoors and burned incense so insects and ants were rarely seen, it was quite normal to have a green caterpillar or two in the woods.

Fifth Young Lady jumped up in fright, carefully patting down all her clothes before complaining to Sixth Young Lady, “Dead girl, when you’re free all you do is play tricks on people.”

The three young ladies took turns on the swings. By lunchtime, Fifth Young Lady and Seventh Young Lady bid farewell and departed.

Fifth Young Lady was distracted the entire way again.

Seventh Young Lady found it strange and couldn’t help asking, “Fifth Sister, what’s really on your mind—if you don’t mind, tell me?”

Though the two young ladies rarely confided in each other, they were both daughters of the main courtyard. If Fifth Young Lady wanted to share her concerns, she could only turn to Seventh Young Lady.

Fifth Young Lady looked at Seventh Young Lady and thought for a moment. Her face couldn’t help but flush red. She snorted and turned her head away.

“It’s getting late. After lunch, rest!”

Having said this, Fifth Young Lady quickened her pace and turned into the path leading to Yuelai Hall.

Seventh Young Lady stood in place watching Fifth Young Lady’s retreating figure, finding it deeply interesting.

#

When distinguished ladies went to burn incense, it was the least eventful affair.

Given the Yang family’s status, Hanshan Temple had long since cleared out all idle persons. Throughout the temple, only young novices swept inside and out. Aside from a few venerable old monks, all young monks had withdrawn.

First Madam led several daughters straight into the Grand Hall. Everyone knelt on cushions, first offering three incense sticks to Buddha before rising to view the scenery.

First Madam had come to seek a pregnancy-protection talisman for Second Young Lady and make offerings, so naturally had a set of rituals to perform. The young daughters each had their own concerns and scattered separately to seek appropriate deities.

Seventh Young Lady had never believed in ghosts or spirits. After paying respects to Buddha and circling behind the statue to view the stone carvings of Hanshan and Shide, she accompanied Sixth Young Lady to the small hall enshrining Guanyin to worship.

Sixth Young Lady merely wanted to get out and walk around. After perfunctorily worshipping Guanyin, she pulled Seventh Young Lady out of the hall. Laughing and chattering under the eaves, they discussed whether to view the stone inscription of “Maple Bridge Night Mooring,” copy scriptures in the sutra library, or look at the canal scenery from Fengjiang First Tower.

If it were up to Seventh Young Lady, she would naturally want to copy rare scriptures in the sutra library. Her calligraphy had improved this past year, and she was looking for things to copy. But Sixth Young Lady gazed longingly at Seventh Young Lady, her flower-like little face full of pleading.

Seventh Young Lady had no choice but to compromise. “Why don’t we call Fifth Sister and all go to Fengjiang First Tower to view the river scenery?”

Sixth Young Lady smiled brilliantly. “Seventh Sister still loves me best.”

Though clearly the elder sister, Sixth Young Lady’s tone was utterly coquettish. Seventh Young Lady couldn’t help but smile. “That’s because you’re lovable.”

Sixth Young Lady pouted her lips and made as if to kiss Seventh Young Lady. “No one is more lovable than you!”

The two played and tussled as they entered Hongfa Hall.

Fifth Young Lady had already finished her rounds of worship and was talking to a young novice in Hongfa Hall. “How should this fortune lot be interpreted? Why is it only a middling fortune?”

That simple-minded young novice took the fortune slip to read and explained to Fifth Young Lady, “Benefactor, this fortune concerns marriage prospects. Looking at the verse’s meaning, it doesn’t seem like good news. What you seek is something ethereal and illusory… This marriage probably won’t come to pass.”

Sixth Young Lady couldn’t help giggling. Fifth Young Lady glanced at her sisters and stamped her foot in frustration. “Who asked about marriage prospects? What I clearly asked about was the civil examinations! I… I… I wanted to know if my eldest brother-in-law could pass this examination!”

Last year’s provincial examination was a special examination held for His Majesty’s full birthday. This year was the regular examination, and Eldest Son-in-law had indeed already departed for Hangzhou to prepare for the test.

Sixth Young Lady stopped laughing. “That’s appropriate. We should all pray for Eldest Brother-in-law, wishing him success in this examination!”

But the young novice insisted, “If interpreted as a scholarly fortune, it makes even less sense. ‘The southern realm like an empty boat, no need to raise sails just drift along, suddenly hearing the dawn song after fishing line cast, moon sets leaving only a dangling hook’—this verse’s imagery is ethereal, untouched by worldly dust. What is sought is mostly something illusory and intangible. Only those seeking Buddhist affinity would count as having drawn an appropriate lot. When the benefactor drew the lot, perhaps her intention wasn’t sincere? Or perhaps that honored relative has something happen this year preventing him from taking the examination—such things do occur.”

Fifth Young Lady fell silent with furrowed brows.

Sixth Young Lady was rather displeased. “How can you speak like that? Eldest Brother-in-law is already in Hangzhou—how could he not take the examination!”

“Such ethereal things—why fuss over them? Success or failure still depends on Eldest Brother-in-law himself.” Seventh Young Lady had to smooth things over and gave Fifth Young Lady an extra glance. “It’s more important to go to Fengjiang Tower to view the river scenery.”

Fifth Young Lady tossed a reward envelope to the young novice and chased after her two sisters out of the room.

“View the scenery, view the scenery! The fortunes here aren’t accurate at all! Next time we’ll go to Guanyin Mountain!” Fifth Young Lady was still somewhat unhappy.

Seventh Young Lady’s heart stirred.

Given Fifth Young Lady’s carelessness, how would she think to draw lots for Eldest Brother-in-law?

Moreover, for an unmarried daughter to draw lots for a brother-in-law was always somewhat strange.

Seventh Young Lady thought of Feng Jin.

However, Master Zhang said Feng Jin was too young and wouldn’t allow him to take the examination this year.

Seventh Young Lady looked at Fifth Young Lady and smiled, agreeing, “Next time we’ll go to Guanyin Mountain—I’ve never been there!”

#

When young ladies came to Hanshan Temple to burn incense, they never failed to visit Fengjiang First Tower to view the river scenery. With practiced familiarity, they lifted their bamboo skirts and ascended the stairs in succession. Fifth Young Lady pushed open the camphor wood window carved with the Eight Immortals and squeezed together with Sixth Young Lady at a large window facing the river, competing to watch the boats passing on the river.

This section of the canal had already entered Suzhou and was always extremely lively. Countless small boats plied the river selling snacks and sundries, and there were large ships from as far as Guangzhou carrying foreign goods, slowly moving through the clusters of small boats.

Among the sailors were not a few with high noses and deep-set eyes. Sixth Young Lady and Fifth Young Lady exclaimed loudly, their laughter carrying far, rarely displaying such childlike innocence.

Seventh Young Lady stood alone by a small window, gazing at the scenery outside, unable to help but smile knowingly.

Distinguished ladies rarely went out, especially young ladies like them. Having the opportunity to go out once or twice a year was already rare.

Not to mention watching these most common people at the lowest levels of society, busily earning their living.

Though their clothes were worn and shabby, their hair unkempt and their clothing coarse, at least when these people smiled it was genuine, when annoyed it was genuine. They could go when they pleased and stop when they pleased. They could bellow loudly in the street and laugh out loud.

Compared to these pampered young ladies living like ornamental vases in deep household compounds, they lived much more simply and much more freely.

Seventh Young Lady unexpectedly felt somewhat melancholic.

Even with fine clothing and luxurious food in this life, desires remained unfulfilled.

Who told her to be born a daughter? And such a concubine’s daughter at that?

Seventh Young Lady sighed faintly.

No matter where she was, she must live well. Why constantly grieve over things already destined to be lost? In this life, she hadn’t gained nothing.

She slowly closed the small window and paced to the side of Fengjiang Tower facing the temple interior.

Hanshan Temple was, after all, a famous temple through the ages. The scenery within the temple could also be called elegant. In the distance, several young novices were carrying water toward the dining hall. Their pale blue robes appeared among the mountain and water paths, looking like wisps of smoke from afar.

Downstairs, several young novices preparing tea discussed today’s water. “In the end, spring water from Tiger Hill makes the best tea.”

“Tiger Hill is half a day’s journey away. Who has the leisure to carry water back to make tea?”

“Who’s receiving guests today?”

“The Abbot personally went to Minister Xiao’s residence to chant scriptures. The Second Abbot came to receive guests.”

The voices of several young novices still carried childish tones. When they mentioned the Abbot and Second Abbot, their admiration practically overflowed.

“Minister Xiao has invited him three or four times!” Showing off to who knows whom. “Some time ago, there was a ghost causing trouble in his household. Supposedly it was a little maid who was beaten to death. Day after day she drifted through the courtyard. Clothes hung out to dry would come in reeking of blood! Two or three concubines paid no mind and wore them, then fell gravely ill.”

“The Abbot said this was an extremely powerful curse requiring forty-nine days of chanting the Diamond Sutra to cure.” The young novice laughed. “The chanting group has work to do again.”

The conversation turned, and they began discussing today’s vegetarian meal. “It’s Master Mingjing’s turn to cook again. He won’t even add two extra grains of salt.”

“Master Mingjing sneaks out at night to buy pork head meat from Wufeng Studio to chew. How could he put his heart into cooking vegetarian meals?”

Seventh Young Lady closed the window and turned to lean against the wall, lost in thought.

Light rippled in her eyes, revealing hints of boundless contemplation.