Although everyone cared about Shuxia’s belly, the Seventh Miss and Fifth Miss were, after all, unmarried young ladies—it wouldn’t be proper to send someone to Huansha Cottage to inquire.

After this commotion, the Fifth Miss had no heart to continue making trouble for the Seventh Miss, and no longer pressed her to come up with a proper response.

Both young ladies understood in their hearts that the Yang family’s already intricate and complex situation would likely undergo unclear and indescribable changes because of Shuxia’s pregnancy.

In the afternoon, the news naturally reached the western side courtyard.

Shuxia was indeed two months pregnant.

The Elder Master was nearly fifty this year, yet still able to sow seeds and plow fields—naturally he was very pleased. That evening when everyone came to pay their respects, they could all see the smile in his eyes and brows. The Elder Master had always kept his emotions hidden, so such an obvious display of joy was truly rare.

The Second Madam had left after lunch, taking several nephew young masters back to the Hanlin residence. Unable to share in everyone’s joy, it was truly somewhat regrettable.

The First Madam’s expression was inscrutable, showing neither joy nor anger. Several concubines couldn’t care about such subtleties—competing with each other, they fired off congratulations like rapid gunfire, praising how the Elder Master’s blade remained sharp, how the Yang family would soon have a new addition. Then they took their daughters and returned to the Garden of a Hundred Fragrances.

Ever since the Fifth Miss entered the Garden of a Hundred Fragrances, the First Madam had the Seventh Miss and Ninth Young Master take their three daily meals separately in the eastern and western side courtyards. Occasionally, when in good spirits, she would keep the Seventh Miss or Ninth Young Master to dine with her.

The Elder Master would naturally go to Huansha Cottage to comfort Shuxia and wouldn’t stay in the main courtyard for dinner.

The Seventh Miss deliberately slowed her steps, falling behind the crowd.

The First Madam, as expected, called out warmly, “Little Seven, stay a moment.”

Several young misses all turned back to give the Seventh Miss meaningful looks.

The Sixth Miss mischievously winked at the Seventh Miss, while the Fifth Miss urgently pursed her lips, seemingly trying to convey some sort of signal.

The Seventh Miss acted as if she saw nothing, turned back with a smile, and sat beside the First Madam. “Mother.”

The First Madam’s expression was gentle. “The Master won’t be dining in the main courtyard today, and Ninth Young Master’s studies are heavy… You should stay in the main courtyard and keep me company for a meal.”

“Yes, I’ll be taking advantage of Mother’s good food.” The Seventh Miss exchanged pleasantries with the First Madam.

The two then rose and entered the western side room.

Lidong had already brought two second-rank maids to set out the chopsticks and dishes.

The First Madam couldn’t help but sigh to the Seventh Miss, “I wonder when Ninth Young Master will be able to marry a daughter-in-law to serve me.”

Attending to meals was a daughter-in-law’s responsibility. In “Dream of the Red Chamber,” it was Sister Feng and Li Wan who set out the chopsticks.

The First Madam would have to wait at least another ten years for that day.

“If Mother is willing, we could bring Li family’s Thirteenth Miss here now as a child bride.” The Seventh Miss joked with the First Madam.

The Li family’s Thirteenth Miss was Madam Li’s own daughter, only three years old this year, adorable as jade and snow, and had always been a great favorite of the First Madam. The First Madam had mentioned several times wanting to formally adopt her as a goddaughter.

The First Madam laughed. “You child, truly a silver tongue.”

As they spoke, dinner had been laid out. The First Madam ate little in the evenings—just four cold dishes, four hot stir-fries, and two soups.

The Seventh Miss also ate quite delicately, setting down her black porcelain rabbit-bristle bowl after only eating a small half bowl of rice.

The First Madam had already finished eating and was lowering her head to blow on the white steam rising from her tea cup.

“Your father intends to elevate the status of the three sisters from Huansha Cottage.” Her voice carried a pensive tone.

The Seventh Miss was also momentarily stunned.

According to Yang family rules, pregnancy meant elevation to concubine status. The First Madam’s statement seemed nothing special on the surface.

But among the three sisters from Huansha Cottage, only Shuxia was pregnant, yet all three sisters were to be elevated together—wasn’t that going a bit too far?

She couldn’t help falling into thought.

The First Madam said nothing for the moment either, just stared blankly at the tea.

After a while, the Seventh Miss slowly said, “Father has always been quite fond of these three sisters from Huansha Cottage. His wanting to elevate them together is not without reason. After all, the three are sisters from the same mother. With Shuxia being the youngest sister, elevating her status alone would always be somewhat awkward.”

The First Madam nodded. “So Little Seven feels there’s nothing wrong with the elevation?”

It wasn’t the Seventh Miss’s husband—whether they were elevated or not, naturally the Seventh Miss didn’t care.

The Seventh Miss could only analyze for the First Madam: “The three sisters have always been honest. Though they live in the Garden of a Hundred Fragrances, they’re not close with anyone, just keeping their doors closed and living their own lives. After all these years, Huansha Cottage hasn’t had a single scandalous incident… That’s not easy.”

In other words, the three sisters followed a path of wise self-preservation.

“Now that Shuxia is pregnant, there are still Boxia and Zhongxia. Father may not transfer his affections elsewhere. Why should Mother make Father uncomfortable over such an inconsequential matter? Family harmony brings prosperity to all—Third Sister’s marriage arrangements are approaching…”

She meaningfully drew out the final note.

The First Madam suddenly understood.

“Our Little Seven is still the most understanding.” She praised the Seventh Miss with a smile.

The Seventh Miss just modestly demurred a few times.

“However, this Third Miss’s marriage match truly is difficult to arrange.” The First Madam grew thoughtful again. “She’s merely a concubine’s daughter from a secondary household. Although our family’s status isn’t low now, those families of good reputation and high standing have their own dignity—they may not be willing to offer a legitimate son for the match.”

As for concubine sons, even the Elder Master looked down on them, let alone the Fourth Concubine. She would probably hang herself or slit her throat before letting her daughter marry into such a family.

“Originally I had my eye on several households in the capital—all with substantial family wealth, though the sons were somewhat dissolute.” The First Madam shook her head. “They’re still young though, can still learn to be better. However, with the current treacherous situation in the capital, we cannot casually form marriage alliances…”

The capital had no shortage of families with deep roots—which one didn’t have several dissolute legitimate sons? Finding such an in-law family would both silence the Fourth Concubine and move the Elder Master’s heart.

If not for the succession struggle in the capital intensifying these past years, the First Madam would probably have already selected a family.

“There’s no rush.” The Seventh Miss could only comfort the First Madam. “Right now, few families are in the mood for marriage arrangements… Everyone will probably wait until the capital decides a victor.”

No matter who ultimately won the succession struggle, a large wave of officials would fall while another large wave would receive promotions.

Those struggling in the arena had those watching from outside. Until results emerged, how could these officials feel at ease forming marriage alliances? Who knew—perhaps one’s in-laws would meet disaster. Wasn’t the Wang family a cautionary tale?

The First Madam let out a breath. “True. This matter should be put aside for now. The Crown Prince is already nearly twelve years old. No matter how much they delay, it’s time for him to leave the palace for his studies…”

The Seventh Miss just smiled without speaking.

Though she understood something of political struggles, she wasn’t proficient in them. Best not to comment carelessly and risk making a fool of herself.

The First Madam glanced at the Seventh Miss and asked again, “Your Fifth Sister called you to Moon Arrival Hall today—what was it about?”

It was rather amusing—the First Madam naturally doted on her two daughters with boundless affection and would refuse them nothing.

Yet neither daughter liked to share their thoughts with the First Madam, and both disliked her way of doing things.

The Seventh Miss spoke lightly, “Fifth Sister was worried about not finishing the assignments the teacher gave…”

The First Madam’s gaze flickered, and she didn’t pursue the matter further.

#

A few days later, all three sisters were indeed elevated in status.

The Yang family suddenly gained three concubines—such a grand occasion hadn’t occurred in many years.

The Second Madam was somewhat sour. “Elder Brother really! At his age, still such an old romantic.”

Though the First Madam privately had few kind words for the Elder Master, in front of the Second Madam she still defended her husband quite well. “Our primary branch has few descendants. The Master is also thinking of spreading branches and scattering leaves… Lest Ninth Young Master be a solitary seedling—that would inevitably be lonely.”

The Second Madam found this rather dull and just smiled, then brought up her sons to the First Madam. “They’re truly diligent. As soon as Elder Brother mentioned introducing them to Teacher Zhang for studies, each one became incredibly determined—staying up past midnight, single-mindedly reviewing their lessons, afraid of being stumped by Teacher Zhang’s questions.”

The Elder Master wasn’t sending Ninth Young Master to study with Zhang Weiting, yet suddenly wanted to promote these nephews? The First Madam couldn’t help feeling somewhat disapproving, though her face remained courteous. “They shouldn’t work too hard. Min is still alright. But Da and Hong are young, with delicate constitutions—they really should rest properly for a few days before studying again.”

The Second Madam smiled with narrowed eyes. “Another day I’ll have Da and Hong come thank their aunt for her concern.”

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the three nephew young masters entered the main courtyard.

All wore disgruntled expressions.

The Second Madam couldn’t hide her concern and quickly rose to ask, “Did you see Teacher Zhang?”

Zhang Weiting’s reputation as a leader of Jiangnan’s literary circles wasn’t unearned. Becoming his student would bring infinite benefits to the children’s futures.

Min shook his head. “Teacher Zhang is ill… They say since autumn arrived this year he’s been coughing, lying down nine days out of ten. He doesn’t want to delay our studies.”

Hong had already displayed his grievance on his face. “It’s just an excuse! Teacher Zhang probably feels we’re not important enough, being merely from a Hanlin family…”

“Hong!” Min’s expression changed as he scolded sharply.

Hong quickly restrained his aggrieved expression and lowered his head, not daring to speak. Even Da stood beside them, trembling with fear as he watched Min’s face.

The First Madam sighed inwardly.

If only Min weren’t the eldest son, how good that would be!

Never mind—being too steady in temperament wasn’t good either. At such a young age already having his own ideas—what use would adopting him be?

She smiled and beckoned to Hong. “Teacher Zhang certainly doesn’t mean that. Don’t misunderstand, good child, come here.”

Hong then showed a smile and ran to the First Madam’s side. “Auntie—I want to eat the yogurt from Auntie’s house.”

“Good, good.” The First Madam’s face was full of loving kindness.

Hong was young after all, ultimately still innocent…

The Second Madam watched the First Madam being affectionate with Hong, a flash of sorrow passing through her eyes.

Then her face was all smiles again. “What did Elder Brother say?”

Min glanced at Hong and sighed. “Uncle wasn’t angry. He said Teacher Zhang has a proud demeanor—without official titles, we would indeed find it hard to gain his favor.”

His tone was proper and measured, revealing not a trace of displeasure.

“Oh?” The Second Madam was somewhat pleased. “So afterward you’ll enter the family school to study?”

“Not going! Uncle said the teacher at the family school is only suitable for teaching Fourth Brother Shanjiu basic literacy—his learning isn’t sufficient for civil service examinations. He wants us to study at Shantang Academy instead.” Hong blinked his large eyes as he interjected with the answer. “He said the teachers at Shantang Academy also have excellent learning.”

Both the First Madam and Second Madam paused.

The Second Madam forced a smile. “Good, good—however, Shantang Academy is not so easy to enter.”

Shantang Academy had strict management and was far away in Mudu. The Li family’s eldest and third young masters were studying hard at the academy—except during festivals, they rarely had leave to return home.

The Elder Master’s move was ruthless. First using Zhang Weiting as bait, he tricked the Second Madam into entrusting her three sons’ education to him. A feint—all to send these three youths to Shantang Academy.

However, as long as the Second Master was in Suzhou and the family hadn’t divided, he would have to follow the Elder Master’s arrangements. Let alone the Second Madam, a mere woman, who had no way to contend with the Elder Master.

Moreover, Shantang Academy was such a fine academy… No one could find fault with the Elder Master’s actions.

It seemed the Elder Master still harbored deep grudges against the Second Madam in his heart.

Even with her thick skin, the Second Madam was beginning to feel embarrassed.

Despite Hong still being affectionate with the First Madam, after sitting a while longer, she took her sons and departed.

The next day, this matter reached the Seventh Miss’s ears.

Nanny Liang told Bailu from her end, while Nanny Wang gossiped to Lichun from hers.

The Seventh Miss listened with great delight, unable to stop smiling.

“Father—this is called guarding against fire, theft, and Second Aunt!” She joked with the Fifth Miss. “Count it up—he’s been on guard for over three years… Tsk tsk, truly a long-term and protracted systematic project that must never be taken lightly!”

The Fifth Miss was somewhat confused. “This time I understand—this is called a feint to the east while attacking the west… But when has Father guarded against Second Aunt before?”

“When Mother isn’t present, has Father ever let Ninth Young Master meet with Second Aunt?” The Seventh Miss had to give the Fifth Miss a hint. “She’s his brother’s wife after all, and also Mother’s cousin—two layers of propriety between them. Father can’t openly rebuke his sister-in-law, and even common households don’t have such rules…”

Just as a younger brother-in-law couldn’t directly lose his temper at his elder sister-in-law, overstepping bounds to discipline one’s brother’s wife could easily provoke disputes and cause the two branches to fall out.

Yet the Elder Master, without a word, made the Second Madam embarrass herself.

His methods could truly be called brilliant.

However, it was also because he was the Governor-General of Jiangnan—the entire family, young and old, lived under his protection.

This was the first time the Seventh Miss felt even a trace of favorable impression toward the Elder Master.

Only then did the Fifth Miss understand.

“Yang Qi, oh Yang Qi, that mouth of yours… really is… tsk tsk.” She was both annoyed and amused. “Elder Sister has married away, and now here you are. Our main courtyard never lacks you all—such caustic, cunning, clever, shameless little demons who won’t suffer even the slightest loss!”

“You’re talking about yourself!” The Seventh Miss refused to accept this nickname. “Go out and ask around—who doesn’t say the Seventh Miss is a quiet and easy-going lady? But the Fifth Miss—keeping cats and birds, Moon Arrival Hall constantly lively and boisterous day and night… It gives people headaches!”

For daughters of their age without any deep, irreconcilable grudges between them.

Now, standing together against the Second Madam, they naturally grew familiar quite quickly.

Gradually, the Seventh Miss and Fifth Miss began joking without restraint.

The Fifth Miss reached out to pinch the Seventh Miss’s arm. “You little wretch, how dare you gossip about people like this!”

The two continued laughing and talking as they left the western side courtyard, heading toward the Garden of a Hundred Fragrances to visit the Sixth Miss at Little Fragrant Snow.

The Sixth Miss had caught a cold a few days ago. Though not seriously ill, she didn’t dare take it lightly and had been recuperating quietly at Little Fragrant Snow these past days without going out.

Just entering the Garden of a Hundred Fragrances, they saw the Tenth Concubine, Eleventh Concubine, and Twelfth Concubine—the three sisters—emerging from Huansha Cottage.

The Twelfth Concubine was surrounded by four or five maids, each extremely careful, fearing the Twelfth Concubine might have an accident.

The Twelfth Concubine also looked weary, from time to time gently pounding her lower back.

When the two groups met, the three concubines made as if to curtsy.

The Fifth Miss hadn’t reacted yet when the Seventh Miss quickly said, “Twelfth Concubine, please don’t move. You’re heavy with child—even when seeing Madam you needn’t curtsy.”

The Twelfth Concubine forced a smile and thanked the Seventh Miss for her consideration.

The Fifth Miss did show some concern. “If Twelfth Concubine is tired, leave Huansha Cottage less often. Rest well and don’t overexert yourself.”

The concubines hastily thanked the Fifth Miss for her consideration, then brushed past the two young misses, turning toward the main courtyard.

Likely going to pay respects to the First Madam.

Faintly they could still hear the Twelfth Concubine complaining to her sisters, “I don’t know if it’s because this is my first time, but these past days my body feels so heavy, extremely uncomfortable. Called for a physician to examine my pulse, but he couldn’t explain what’s wrong…”

The Seventh Miss listened carefully, turned her head in thought, then slowly sighed.