The Yang family’s young masters entered Suzhou at the end of the tenth month.

This year’s harvest was poor and times were hard. There had been little rain all year, and many sections of the canal were nearly dry. The young masters had been delayed on the road for quite some time.

After all, they were their own nephews whom they had watched grow up in previous years. Both First Madam and the Master were very pleased.

The young masters arrived at the Hanlin household the first day, and the next morning Second Madam led them to pay respects to the Master and First Madam.

This was Seventh Young Lady’s first time meeting these three cousins.

Eldest Young Master Yang Shanmin was thirteen this year. He had grown very tall and could already stand shoulder to shoulder with the Master. These brothers all resembled their mother. Though not particularly handsome—at most merely presentable—their round faces seemed naturally to carry a slight smile, without the arrogance commonly seen in wealthy young masters.

Ninth Brother’s oval face seemed rather too delicate in comparison.

As they grew older, the differences between Ninth Brother and Seventh Young Lady’s appearances had gradually become more pronounced. Seventh Young Lady was more delicate, while Ninth Brother had developed a masculine bearing. But no matter what, that oval face couldn’t be shaken off.

Under Eldest Young Master’s lead, Second Young Master and Third Young Master bowed to the Master and First Madam.

“We haven’t met in many years—we’ve truly missed you.” The Master laughed heartily. “How is your father?”

“Father is well.” Yang Shanmin answered properly. “He misses Elder Uncle and Elder Aunt and asked his nephew to convey his regards.”

Though this child was only thirteen, his manner and conversation already had an adult quality.

Even the famously steady Tenth Young Master Li from the Li family lacked somewhat in comparison to his composure.

The Master’s gaze held more appreciation as he looked at Eldest Young Master. “Good. Seeing your articulate speech and generous bearing, these years in the capital haven’t been wasted.”

First Madam, however, beckoned to Second Young Master and Third Young Master. “Da’ge, Hong’ge, were you tired on the journey?”

Second Young Master Yang Shanda and Third Young Master Yang Shanhong moved close to First Madam with natural intimacy. “Thank you for Elder Aunt’s concern. Though the journey was bumpy, it wasn’t much.”

Ninth Brother stood beside First Madam with a half-smile, watching the heartwarming scene between his two cousins and First Madam.

Seventh Young Lady wasn’t particularly surprised either.

During that time before Ninth Brother was born, First Madam must have shown meticulous care for her two nephews.

Shortly after Ninth Brother was born, the three cousins had followed their father to the capital. To them, First Madam was naturally the most amiable and dear aunt. This impression wouldn’t fade even after many years.

First Madam finally remembered Ninth Brother. “Have you met your siblings yet? This is your Fourth Brother Shanjiu. When you went to the capital, he was still a nursing infant!”

The three young masters quickly came over to greet Ninth Brother.

Ninth Brother bowed to each in turn with complete courtesy and steady bearing. “Shanjiu greets Eldest Brother, Second Brother, Third Brother!”

First Madam continued introducing them. “You’ve met the other sisters before. Sixth Young Lady was still small then—she probably doesn’t recognize her brothers.”

Sixth Young Lady shyly came forward to greet her brothers.

“Seventh Young Lady is Ninth Brother’s twin sister. She lived in the hometown before, so you probably haven’t met her.”

Seventh Young Lady smiled and bowed to her three brothers. The three young masters naturally returned the courtesy.

It was clear they didn’t pay much attention to these sisters. After the formalities, Second Young Master and Third Young Master snuggled back to First Madam’s side.

Seventh Young Lady couldn’t help glancing at Second Madam.

She sat in the guest seat with a gratified smile, wiping the corners of her eyes, staring endlessly at her three sons.

Even Eighth Young Lady looked full of joy, her sickly appearance considerably diminished, her eyes only for her brothers.

The Master’s expression, however, grew somewhat somber.

Second Madam’s biggest problem was being too direct.

Even though everyone understood the intention behind these young masters returning to Suzhou, there was no need to make it so obvious at first meeting.

Even First Madam found it somewhat hard to watch.

After a few more intimate words with Second Young Master and Third Young Master, she instructed Ninth Brother, “Though your brothers just arrived today and your sisters needn’t attend school, you still must go study. It’s getting late—you should go quickly, lest Master punish you with extra assignments.”

Eldest Young Master quickly said to the Master, “Uncle, when Father sent us off, he also instructed us to study diligently…”

“No need to rush these few moments!” The Master laughed heartily, looking gratified. “I know you’re diligent, but you just arrived home. Spend time with your mother first before discussing studies.”

Ninth Brother stepped forward to bid farewell to his parents. “Shanjiu is going to study.”

His little face was drawn tight, as if someone owed him money.

Seeing First Madam was absorbed in conversation with Second Madam, Seventh Young Lady quickly gave Ninth Brother a meaningful look.

Even knowing the brothers’ purpose in returning, he shouldn’t show such a face.

Ultimately, such matters couldn’t be resolved by Ninth Brother pulling a long face.

Ninth Brother let out a soft breath.

After walking a few steps, he came to himself and turned back. “Mother—” He drew out the word, full of childish charm. “For lunch I want to eat pickled cucumber with hawthorn juice!”

Both hawthorn juice and small cucumbers were rare in this season.

First Madam put on a stern face. “Only if the kitchen has them, right?”

Ninth Brother pouted and snorted. “Mother just knows how to put me off.”

Everyone couldn’t help but laugh softly. The Master was somewhat displeased. “When told to study, you still dawdle like this—looking for a beating?”

First Madam instead defended him, chiding the Master. “The child wanting to eat a small cucumber isn’t such a big deal.” She coaxed Ninth Brother gently. “If we have them, I’ll definitely have it made for you. Mother never lies.”

Ninth Brother then smiled and cheerfully took Lichun’s hand, leaving the main hall.

First Madam and the Master exchanged smiles.

“This child.” First Madam’s words held more affection.

After all, Ninth Brother had been raised by First Madam’s own hands. After all these years, how could there not be genuine feeling?

The Master stood to bid farewell to Second Madam. “This year everywhere is unsettled, and the yamen has much business. I’ll take my leave first. Second Sister-in-law, please dine with us today.” He looked at his nephews and smiled slightly. “You’ve all finished the Four Books now, I presume?”

Eldest Young Master Yang Shanmin quickly answered respectfully, “Including my younger brother, we’ve all finished the Four Books and Five Classics and are now studying the Collected Commentaries.”

The Great Qin civil examinations, besides the eight-legged essay, also tested poetry and rhapsody. The designated textbook for eight-legged essays was Saint Zhu’s *Collected Commentaries on the Four Books*. Of course, examination candidates had to first thoroughly read the Four Books and Five Classics several times until they could recite them backwards and forwards before advancing to higher-level materials. Ninth Brother was still in the final stage of basic education and hadn’t finished the Four Books and Five Classics yet.

The Master pondered silently, nodded to Second Madam, and left the main hall.

Once the Master departed, the room immediately became more relaxed. At least Fifth Young Lady lost all restraint at once.

“Did Eldest Cousin see Second Sister in the capital!” She immediately inquired eagerly about Second Young Lady’s situation.

First Madam also perked up immediately, her gaze burning as she stared at Min’ge.

“Men and women should maintain propriety. Though I visited Duke Dingguo’s residence, after Second Sister became pregnant, I haven’t seen her again.” Min’ge hesitated, then answered honestly.

Da’ge and Hong’ge had nothing else to say, looking as if they followed their eldest brother’s lead.

First Madam was somewhat disappointed.

However, all three boys were past ten years old—Min’ge thirteen, Da’ge twelve, and Hong’ge eleven. Indeed, it wasn’t very convenient for them to move about in the inner chambers.

Seventh Young Lady also breathed a sigh of relief.

She didn’t know if the message was poorly conveyed or if Second Madam herself hadn’t understood First Madam’s thoughts, but the young masters hadn’t handled this matter particularly well.

The Yang family members Second Young Lady could rely on in the capital were essentially just these young masters.

Though not very old, they should at least constantly send people to inquire after her to serve as her backing, shouldn’t they?

Seventh Young Lady carefully observed these three cousins.

When Second Madam said they were honest, she was practically lying through her teeth.

Eldest son Min’ge was composed and steady. Though not particularly clever, he handled himself appropriately.

Second son Da’ge looked mild and obedient, but when his eyes shifted, he showed some hidden cleverness.

Third son Hong’ge smiled constantly, making it hard to immediately gauge his temperament. But with Eldest Son-in-law—a truly honest person—as comparison, it was easy to see these three children were far from honest and simple.

The children all gathered around First Madam talking. It was clear the two younger brothers greatly respected their eldest brother. Whatever First Madam asked, Min’ge took the lead in answering while Da’ge and Hong’ge merely echoed.

Fifth Young Lady, however, looked down on these cousins somewhat.

“Second Sister in the capital only has these brothers.” She whispered to Seventh Young Lady. “They should visit more often!”

Of course, this “whisper” was quite loud.

First Madam frowned.

Seventh Young Lady quickly pinched Fifth Young Lady and smoothly redirected the conversation with a smile.

“Men and women should maintain propriety. Rather than asking the brothers about Second Sister, you might as well ask them about Cousin Xu’s recent situation.”

Fifth Young Lady rolled her eyes at Seventh Young Lady but actually did ask Min’ge, “Eldest Cousin, did you see Cousin Xu before leaving the capital?”

Min’ge looked somewhat embarrassed. “I’ve been studying behind closed doors, rarely interacting with cousins…”

Given Second Madam’s connection, the Xu family and the Yang Second Branch were relatives, though the relationship was somewhat distant.

Moreover, Second Master was merely a Hanlin editor. Though his prospects were boundless, his current position was still rather minor. Interacting with the Xu family was somewhat awkward.

Min’ge and Xu Fengjia naturally weren’t very close.

Hong’ge, however, blinked. “Does Fifth Little Sister miss Cousin Xu?”

Though several years older than Ninth Brother, perhaps because he had elder brothers ahead of him, when Hong’ge spoke he showed innocence. “Cousin Xu went to Tianshui with Uncle-in-law in the first half of the year. How could we still see him?”

Both First Madam and Second Madam couldn’t help but express concern, asking together, “Why did he go to Tianshui?”

After all, Xu Fengjia was only thirteen this year. Even if the Xu family wanted to cultivate a young general, wasn’t he still too young?

Hong’ge shook his head. “I only heard about it, don’t know the reason.”

“I knew Third Brother-in-law went to Tianshui to train troops.” First Madam couldn’t hide her surprise. “But why was Fengjia brought along? Third Brother-in-law’s trip to Tianshui isn’t…”

This year there was a great drought throughout the realm. The Rong tribes on the western border might invade eastward at any time. Rather than saying Duke Pingguo went to train troops, it was more accurate to say he went to garrison the Northwest and prevent Rong movement. To bring Xu Fengjia along when war could break out at any moment—wasn’t Madam Xu worried?

“Military families like the Xu clan all climbed out of seas of blood to their wealth.” Second Madam was rather unconcerned. “Since Fengjia is the heir apparent, he must learn to command troops. Keeping him sheltered would be loving him to his detriment.”

Seventh Young Lady couldn’t help but look at Second Madam with new respect.

She hadn’t expected Second Madam could speak such philosophical words.

“Even so, Fengjia’s status is precious—this is no joke.” First Madam looked worried.

Min’ge smiled with pressed lips. “Elder Aunt, please rest assured. Uncle-in-law knows what he’s doing… This time he only brought the heir apparent—none of the concubine-born brothers had this opportunity.”

First Madam fell silent, her eyes flickering as she pondered.

After a moment, she smiled self-deprecatingly. “This aunt is old. My mind isn’t as nimble as you children’s—I can’t even see such simple logic.”

The young ladies all had sudden realizations.

“That’s good.” Second Madam glanced at Seventh Young Lady. “I’m afraid after this trip, Fengjia’s temperament will be much more steady! Now that he’s been invested as heir apparent, he can’t act as recklessly as before.”

Seventh Young Lady was secretly annoyed.

Second Madam truly never forgot for a moment to remind First Madam of the incident before Huansha Cove.

She nudged Fifth Young Lady’s waist.

Fifth Young Lady was still savoring Min’ge’s words. At Seventh Young Lady’s pinch, she started and came back to herself.

“I didn’t expect Cousin to be so capable!” Her face showed yearning. “I haven’t even returned to our hometown, and he’s already gone to Tianshui!”

“The Gui family is probably somewhat uncomfortable about this.” First Madam didn’t notice Second Madam’s words, her attention diverted by Fifth Young Lady’s comment. “The Northwest region has always been Gui family territory. Now Third Brother-in-law being sent to train troops has some flavor of dividing power…”

No one knew the answer to this. No one responded, and First Madam dropped the topic. After a few more words with Min’ge, she showed signs of fatigue.

Everyone bid farewell and departed. Second Madam was to lead her three sons to the family school to observe Master’s lecture. Eighth Young Lady needed to go home to take medicine. The sisters scattered to return to their rooms.

Seventh Young Lady originally intended to return directly to the west side courtyard, but Fifth Young Lady grabbed her and pulled her close. The two sisters entered Baifang Garden.

“You pinched me quite hard, didn’t you?” Though Fifth Young Lady’s voice was small, her momentum was strong. “Using your sister as a tool—how shameless!”

Seventh Young Lady was held so tightly her shoulder hurt. After struggling, she said, “Fifth Sister, please don’t do this—it doesn’t look proper… Even if I wanted to use Fifth Sister as a tool, Fifth Sister would have to be willing!”

Fifth Young Lady snorted and released her grip. “Come with me to Yuelai Hall. I have words to instruct you!”

Seventh Young Lady’s gaze shifted. She followed behind Fifth Young Lady toward Yuelai Hall.

Yuelai Hall was named after the udumbara flower. Several fig trees were planted in the courtyard, making it a distinctive feature of the Yang household. In Baifang Garden, only Yuelai Hall and Changqing Tower didn’t grow flowers.

After Fifth Young Lady moved into Yuelai Hall, she also raised several birds. Upon entering the courtyard, one immediately heard crisp bird calls. Banlanhu with her newborn kittens circled under the eaves, staring hungrily at the birdcages with drooling eyes.

Seventh Young Lady found it somewhat amusing. “Fifth Sister is interesting—insisting on raising cats and birds together.”

Fifth Young Lady’s face was solemn. She led Seventh Young Lady into the east side bedroom—Yuelai Hall occupied considerable space, being a single-story building with three sets of rooms on each side. Without calling for Guyu to serve tea, she closed the door herself before asking, “Yang Qi, what exactly are you thinking now?”

Seventh Young Lady froze.

Fifth Young Lady looked exasperated. “Second Aunt has already brought people back. Public clamor can melt metal, accumulated slander can destroy bones… Right now Mother is still fine, but if she keeps speaking ill for another three or five years, who can guarantee what Mother will think? You need to come up with a plan!”

Seventh Young Lady suddenly couldn’t help but laugh.

Her heart felt warm, as if she’d drunk a cup of hot tea.

Fifth Young Lady had never explained why she stood on Ninth Brother’s side.

Perhaps for her, this needed no explanation—it was simply natural.

The words “utmost feeling and true nature” truly suited Fifth Young Lady.

“Laugh, laugh, laugh—all you do is laugh at me!” The more Fifth Young Lady looked at Seventh Young Lady, the more anxious she became. “Yang Qi, don’t you really have any plans? I don’t believe you can’t see through all the twists and turns here!”

Seventh Young Lady forced herself to restrain her smile and was about to speak.

Outside the room, Guyu’s voice suddenly sounded.

“Fifth Young Lady, just now Matron Li who guards the garden came to pass word that we should temporarily not leave the courtyard gate—a physician needs to enter the garden.”

Fifth Young Lady and Seventh Young Lady immediately dropped their topic.

“Did she say who needs treatment?” Fifth Young Lady called loudly through the door.

Guyu’s voice remained calm. “It’s Shuxia from Huansha Cove. Apparently her monthly courses haven’t come for two months.”

Fifth Young Lady and Seventh Young Lady exchanged glances.

Both looked somewhat surprised.

Fifth Young Lady muttered to herself, “What a coincidence… Why did this only come out today?”

The three young masters had just entered the First Branch’s door, and news came from Huansha Cove that Shuxia was pregnant… No matter how one looked at it, the timing was suspiciously coincidental.