Over the next few days, the Grand Master became busy.

Normally, no matter how busy the Grand Master was, during morning and evening greeting times he would still visit the main courtyard to see his children and chat with the First Madam about household matters.

These past days, the Grand Master didn’t even show his face. All day long he was at the Governor’s Office, either talking with Li Wenqing or pulling the Commander-in-Chief in for questioning. Too busy to even drink water, sometimes he slept at the Governor’s Office without returning home.

The uncle from the main family had only been in Suzhou a short while when grain-requisitioning envoys from the northwest also arrived.

Their arrival seemed to foretell that this northwestern war would not end easily.

Before long, all of Suzhou knew—this Northern Rong border invasion was fierce and aggressive, with clear intentions of attacking all the way to the capital!

For several consecutive years, the weather had been poor. The granaries around the capital were already half-empty. Within months, even the capital would run out of grain, let alone the northwestern front lines… Now both sides were demanding grain and silver from Jiangnan. The Emperor demanded Jiangnan provide emergency grain for the capital while also requiring Huguang and Jiangnan to support the front lines!

Supposedly Duke Pingguo’s forces had missed several battle opportunities due to troop grain shortages.

Coincidentally, the peach blossom floods had arrived. The canal waters rose—flowing downstream was convenient, but going upstream was difficult. How to transport grain assembled from Jiangnan to the capital was a huge problem.

Not to mention, the Suzhou storehouse had long since run low on grain… Last year’s harvest was poor. The Grand Master had released grain stores several times. How to procure military provisions was all problematic.

Within days, the Grand Master had lost a whole circle of weight.

The Governor’s Office had constant coming and going of messenger soldiers.

The newly appointed Fujian Provincial Administration Commissioner Zheng Changqing was most diligent. Without the Grand Master’s urging—before the Grand Master could even urge—he had already sent hundreds of thousands of catties of grain to Suzhou.

Jiangsu Provincial Administration Commissioner Li Wenqing was not to be outdone. Though he ground away at the Grand Master for half a day, ultimately only producing a hundred thousand catties of unhusked grain, this was already quite generous—with the Yang family residing permanently in Jiangsu, how could they not know Jiangsu’s production these past years?

Only Zhejiang Provincial Administration Commissioner Liu family dragged their feet. Over ten days had passed, yet messenger soldiers from Hangzhou still hadn’t brought news of military grain being dispatched to Suzhou.

The Grand Master was so anxious his mouth was full of fever blisters.

“What is Liu Zheng thinking!” he complained to the First Madam at home. “Does he still want his position or not? He usually walks close with the Da family. I turn a blind eye and don’t bother managing him. But now with military grain incomplete—that’s a matter of life and death! If the northwestern defense line breaks and Northern Rong enters the heartland burning, killing, and plundering, what kind of crime would that be? Not to mention several strong armies in the Shanxi area eyeing things covetously. When that time comes, what will he use to compensate!”

Furious, he personally went to Hangzhou to demand grain.

The First Madam was also exceptionally busy.

The more winds and rains threatened above and below the court, the more the Yang family’s public relations couldn’t relax.

Who knew if a small error might cause even greater losses?

The First Imperial Prince was already training troops in the capital suburbs, claiming he would lead troops to the northwest to replace Duke Pingguo… Though the Emperor hadn’t spoken yet, the First Imperial Prince only received the imperial decree to begin training troops in the capital suburbs after entering the fourth month.

Border battle conditions were deadlocked. The situation in the capital was also confusing and unclear.

Families on good terms with the Yang family naturally all wanted to visit and probe the Yang family’s stance, to follow the Yang family’s lead in taking action.

But the Grand Master had personally gone to Hangzhou to discipline the Zhejiang Provincial Administration Commissioner.

The First Madam had no choice but to force herself to be spirited, imitating those popular upright officials, sending off one group and welcoming another, pushing left and blocking right in Tai Chi maneuvers, bewildering various ladies and madams until finally they still didn’t understand what the Yang family meant.

Fifth Miss sat accompanying the First Madam, also getting dizzy from the First Madam’s bureaucratic articles. She complained privately to Seventh Miss, “Don’t know what point there is in saying such bland words. If you ask me, just directly say she’s ill and won’t see anyone—that would save trouble.”

Though the First Madam had many faults, in her professional work she was ultimately quite excellent. Seventh Miss sighed and asked Fifth Miss, “With Father not home and Mother ill, visiting officials would leave empty-handed but couldn’t say anything. But if official madams also leave empty-handed… Who wouldn’t say our Yang family puts on great airs?”

With the Yang family’s airs already so great, in the future if anything came up, who would dare rashly come to the door? The Yang family’s reputation in the hearts of middle and lower-level officials would gradually fade.

Fifth Miss seemed to understand, then sighed. “Being an official madam is truly difficult. Meeting face-to-face is nothing but family gossip. Those small official madams seeing Mother are like they swallowed fly droppings—good words flow out as if they cost nothing!”

Seventh Miss only smiled. “If being an official madam is difficult, the night soil carriers in our courtyard might as well hang themselves directly.”

Fifth Miss moved to pinch Seventh Miss. “I’ll tear that wicked mouth of yours apart!” While laughing, “Has there ever been someone as sharp-tongued as you?”

The two young ladies laughed and played. Fifth Miss continued following the First Madam learning social interaction and household management. Seventh Miss studied her embroidery and calligraphy.

Just like this, they quickly entered the fifth month.

First Miss returned to her natal home on the first day of the Dragon Boat Festival, holding her toddling little daughter by the hand.

“Mother-in-law gave me a month’s leave, telling me to stay well at my natal home for some days before returning.” She explained to the First Madam with a smile. “Now with my husband studying in the capital, Second Brother and sister-in-law went to watch rice planting. With nothing at home, father-in-law and mother-in-law kindly let me return home to stay longer.”

The First Madam was very happy. “Coming home just in time to help Mother receive guests. You don’t know—this past month I’ve been so busy I couldn’t even eat properly.”

First Miss looked distressed. “Mother looks truly much thinner!”

Once she returned to the household, everything became orderly.

Each day rising early to help the First Madam dispatch household matters, she then began entertaining visiting official madams. Sweet words seemed to cost nothing, making visiting guests smile broadly, wishing to hear First Miss say a few more kind words.

The First Madam naturally claimed illness, barely managing to meet with several heavyweight official madams before throwing matters to the Second Madam and First Miss.

Unmarried young ladies shouldn’t show themselves entertaining guests. With First Miss present, less important guests could be handled by First Miss.

The First Madam couldn’t help but sigh. “Ninth Brother is truly too young. Otherwise, I’d wish to marry a daughter-in-law into the household right now. These matters of entertaining guests wouldn’t need an already-married daughter to worry about.”

A married daughter returning to her natal home was an honored guest. It was only because First Miss didn’t care about such things that she rolled up her sleeves upon entering her natal home door and busied herself inside and out with her little daughter.

Seventh Miss observed coldly, realizing she still had quite a gap compared to First Miss.

If it were her, in such a short time she probably could only barely remember these madams’ names, let alone understand these visitors’ preferences and inclinations.

No wonder the First Madam so favored First Miss!

Soon the Dragon Boat Festival arrived. Visitors finally gradually decreased.

Throughout Suzhou, there actually weren’t many female family members qualified to converse with the First Madam.

The Grand Master still showed no signs of returning to Suzhou. He sent someone home with a message saying he wouldn’t enter Suzhou until mid-fifth month. The matter of the two provinces’ military grain being dispatched was handed to Jiangsu Provincial Administration Commissioner Li Wenqing to handle.

This was a tremendously important matter. Li Wenqing didn’t dare be negligent. When Madam Li sent someone with festival gifts, she also complained that Twelfth Young Master’s smallpox hadn’t cleared up, and Old Master Li was constantly away from home, making the household chaotic.

Perhaps because the Grand Master wasn’t home, the First Madam rarely developed a love of liveliness.

Early on Dragon Boat Festival morning, she received the Second Madam along with three nephew young masters and Eighth Miss at the residence, settling them in Juba Hall. She called the three nephew young masters before her, inquiring about their living arrangements at Shantang Academy, then sent the three away: “Your Second Uncle is spending the festival in Suzhou this year, but the Master is away from home. We female family members aren’t suitable to entertain guests. You three brothers should act on behalf of your uncle and father, properly accompanying Second Uncle in drinking and conversation!”

Compared to appreciating scenery in Baifang Garden and joking with sisters, drinking with Second Uncle in the front courtyard seemed less attractive.

Hong Brother’s smile collapsed—he was about to speak when Min Brother first swept him a glance.

“We definitely won’t lose face for our two households!” He promised the First Madam.

Second Uncle was from the clan head’s branch, quite influential in Shaanxi.

If the Yang family didn’t entertain Second Uncle well, in the future before clan members, they would somewhat lose face.

That Min Brother at such a young age could think this through showed he was promising material.

The First Madam sighed inwardly.

What a pity—no matter how good, he’s someone else’s son.

She darkened her face instructing Ninth Brother, “Don’t run around everywhere either. After eating, return to your room to study. Understood? You’re also ten years old—don’t still think of yourself as an ignorant child. Watching your father and second uncle struggle outside… you should know to study diligently!”

Ninth Brother obediently stood and agreed.

Seventh Miss glanced at the Second Madam’s expression, feeling satisfied inside.

First Miss’s eyes turned as she smiled with pursed lips, rising to support the First Madam. “After all, this year’s heat came early. Just entering the Dragon Boat Festival, I already feel Juba Hall is too hot to sit in. Mother, let’s set up the midday meal at Jieyu Pavilion—there’s more wind and it’s cooler.”

The First Madam nodded. “Good idea. Though Juba Hall is spacious, it’s ultimately too hot.”

She rose to invite the Second Madam. “Second Aunt, this way.”

The two madams were directed by First Miss toward Jieyu Pavilion.

Eighth Miss and Sixth Miss whispered together while picking flowers and plucking grass, entering the corridor following behind the First Madam and Second Madam.

Fifth Miss pulled Seventh Miss, walking while talking about the several kittens born to Spotted Tiger.

“Want one?” Fifth Miss looked helpless. “All day running wild through the house. Have to put away any valuable vases and jars to avoid accidentally knocking them over.”

The two had just entered the corridor when Third Miss and Fourth Miss caught up from behind.

The two groups passed each other.

“Oh my!” Fifth Miss cried out. “Third Sister!”

Third Miss had accidentally stepped on Fifth Miss’s skirt hem.

On Fifth Miss’s star-spangled soft satin skirt appeared glaring mud marks.

“Oh dear! So sorry, so sorry.” Third Miss was also surprised. “Didn’t pay attention.”

Though Fifth Miss was huffing angrily, she couldn’t really say anything.

In daily household life, such small frictions were everywhere.

“If Third Sister likes this skirt, I’ll take it off and give it to you!” She stamped her foot. “Why pull such tricks!”

She hurriedly walked back with Guyu. “Seventh Sister, you go ahead to Jieyu Pavilion first!”

From Yuelai Pavilion to Jieyu Pavilion required crossing the entire Baifang Garden—truly not a short distance.

Seventh Miss’s heart stirred. She insisted, “I’ll just stand here waiting for you.”

Fifth Miss hastily waved her hand and turned the corner.

Third Miss and Fourth Miss exchanged glances and also walked away.

Seventh Miss sent Bailu away. “Go explain to Madam—say Fifth Sister and I will arrive late.”

She leaned against the corridor edge and sat down.

First Concubine and Fifth Concubine passed by Seventh Miss while chatting and laughing, smiling kindly at Seventh Miss.

Seventh Concubine and the triplets were also talking animatedly. Four flower-like faces passed by Seventh Miss. Though Seventh Concubine was several years older than the triplets, at a glance, her captivating qualities were comparable.

Seventh Miss waited a while longer. Seeing maids and matrons in twos and threes all going around Xike Residence along Wanhua Creek, her heart began to worry.

Had Third Miss truly accidentally soiled Fifth Miss’s skirt?

Just as she was thinking this, she saw Fourth Concubine gracefully walking out from Juba Hall.

“Why is Seventh Miss sitting here alone!” She seemed somewhat surprised.

Seventh Miss smiled slightly. “Aren’t I waiting for you?”

This sounded like ordinary pleasantries—at most Seventh Miss’s response was slightly flirtatious.

Fourth Concubine smiled. “Seventh Miss is truly polite.”

She actually also gracefully sat down beside Seventh Miss, lowering her eyes and falling into thought.

Seventh Miss quietly waited for her to speak.

Ever since Third Miss wanted to invite her to Qiliuxiang to admire the zither, Seventh Miss knew Fourth Concubine and she would certainly have a conversation.

She never intended to hide from Fourth Concubine anyway.

Both the First Madam and Fourth Concubine knew in their hearts how Third Concubine died. Originally she fell into their scheme—how would she suddenly resent the Grand Master’s descendants?

Even if haunting, Third Concubine should target the Grand Master, First Madam, and Fourth Concubine.

Not to mention that mouthful of black blood in Ninth Brother’s room… How could Fourth Concubine not guess what happened?

However, even knowing, what could be done?

To explain that mouthful of black blood would require bringing up Fourth Concubine’s poisoning.

To invoke Third Concubine’s haunting—the past events weren’t something to casually chat about.

Seventh Miss was curious what Fourth Concubine wanted to say to her.

Presumably, it was nothing more than Third Miss’s marriage matter!

A moment later, Fourth Concubine indeed slowly lifted her face.

These past years, no matter how skilled Fourth Concubine was at maintenance, she inevitably showed some strain.

After all, she was the mother of two blooming young ladies. Fine lines appeared around her eyes.

But in those cloud-shrouded, misty eyes, that soul-stirring haziness grew ever denser.

“Actually, it’s Third Miss’s marriage matter!” She indeed got straight to the point. “I was thinking, these past years Seventh Miss has gained increasingly more respect before Madam.”

“Not at all.” Seventh Miss quickly demurred. “Actually Mother only mentioned it once. Recently I haven’t heard it mentioned. Presumably though Li Fourth Young Master is good in every way, only his fondness for men doesn’t please Mother…”

Fourth Concubine’s gaze immediately darkened.

The First Madam’s intention to arrange Li Fourth Young Master as Third Miss’s husband had always been just an idea, discussed with Seventh Miss at Xiangxue Sea.

The rumor naturally couldn’t reach Fourth Concubine’s ears.

Besides his fondness for men, Li Fourth Young Master was complete in every other aspect. The Yang and Li families were also close.

If Seventh Miss hadn’t reminded Third Miss with a sentence, by the time Fourth Concubine learned, it would be too late to salvage.

Seventh Miss was subtly warning Fourth Concubine: with her current status and position, Fourth Concubine trying to threaten her with leverage was completely unworkable.

Even if Fourth Concubine disregarded everything and used the truth of Third Concubine’s haunting to coerce Seventh Miss into arranging a good marriage for Third Miss.

Now Ninth Brother’s position was secure. In the future inheriting the family business, would he give Third Miss a good face?

Fourth Concubine bit her teeth. In her expression appeared several more parts of humility. “I wonder if you could say a few words for Third Miss as her sister, arranging Third Miss to…”

All one step at a time!

If Seventh Miss didn’t want to deal with her, why would she specially wait in the corridor?

Perhaps Seventh Miss also had requests of her?

Fourth Concubine assessed Seventh Miss again.

“Arrange her to the Gui family’s Second Young Master!” She slowly completed her words.

“Gui family’s Second Young Master?” Seventh Miss couldn’t help but look astonished. “This… how did you suddenly think of him?”

At the bottom of her heart, she recalled the First Madam’s words from last year.

“The Gui family wrote a letter expressing interest in forming a marriage alliance with us…”

“Isn’t the Gui family’s Second Young Master right here in Suzhou city?” Fourth Concubine rarely showed several parts shyness. “I was thinking, the family status matches. As for birth, our Third Miss is concubine-born, but the Gui family has many sons. Can’t really say Third Miss doesn’t match Second Young Master…”

Seventh Miss rarely displayed surprise on her face. “But isn’t this Second Young Master even younger than Third Sister—”

The words just left her mouth and she knew she’d spoken carelessly.

In Fourth Concubine’s eyes indeed flashed a light impossible to describe.

This wasn’t asking for help at all—clearly she’d heard rumors and came specially to fish for information…

She’d fallen for it, confirming the Gui family indeed intended to form a marriage alliance with the Yang family.

Fourth Concubine slowly continued, “A wife three years older holds bricks of gold! If Third Miss doesn’t settle her marriage, the younger sisters can’t finalize their matches either. Poor thing—already sixteen. Dragging on further, she’ll become an old maid… If Seventh Miss can help Third Miss with this favor, Xike Residence will definitely remember your kindness.”

Forming a marriage alliance with the Gui family—she could even think of that!

At this juncture, with the Grand Master worried about military grain, without him applying pressure, how would the First Madam easily agree to marry Third Miss into the Gui family as a legitimate son’s wife?

Moreover, the Gui family was currently at war. Who knew the victory or defeat of this battle? How would the Grand Master discuss marriage with the Gui family at this moment?

By reason and emotion, she would never agree to this condition!

Fourth Concubine, being so clever, how could she not guess her reaction?

The Gui family’s Second Young Master was probably just Fourth Concubine opening with an exorbitant demand.

Call out a high price first, then gradually haggle down with Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss let out a long breath. “Won’t hide from Fourth Concubine—face is mutually given. The Gui family is somewhat above our reach. If it’s a more solid family, saying a few kind words for Third Sister would naturally be what I as a younger sister should do. However, Little Seven also has her own worries, just troubled at not finding someone to resolve them.”

Fourth Concubine instead relaxed.

Both had requests—this transaction could be negotiated.

“Seventh Miss, please speak freely!” Her expression flickered.

What matter could Seventh Miss have that required asking her, such that she’d so readily agreed to her condition?

She quietly watched Seventh Miss, waiting for her price.

Jieyu Pavilion’s direction suddenly became noisy.

Both Seventh Miss and Fourth Concubine were startled.

Neither could continue talking. Side by side they hurried toward Jieyu Pavilion.

Soon they heard First Miss’s voice distantly carrying across the water.

“Good physician… quickly… prepare carriage… Father…”

First Miss’s voice was full of anxiety and urgency.

Several matrons soon came rushing, almost running beneath the corridor.

Fourth Concubine stopped one of them. “What happened!”

That matron looked panic-stricken. “Something happened to Madam! She suddenly fainted!” Having barely spoken, she ran again.

Neither Fourth Concubine nor Seventh Miss had expected it would be the First Madam who had an accident.

The two couldn’t help but exchange a glance.

In Fourth Concubine’s shimmering watery eyes, veiled in clouds and mist, appeared threads of joy and laughter.