After the two stewardess matrons left Mingde Hall with profuse thanks, Seventh Miss finally relaxed, leaning back against the kang-side pillow. She let out a long, weary breath and, with her eyes closed, instructed Lixia, “I’ll sleep for a while. Wake me if anything happens, and even if nothing does, wake me after half a shichen.”

When she heard no response from Lixia, she opened her eyes to look. Seeing Lixia’s face full of disagreement, Seventh Miss couldn’t help but laugh. “If I sleep too much during the day, I won’t be able to sleep at night. I’m fine, just very tired. Let me close my eyes for a bit…”

Though she said this, Seventh Miss only rested for a moment. When something came to mind, she sat up again and asked Lixia, “What’s the situation at the Zhang family now?”

Rather than answering immediately, Lixia called to Liyuan, “Bring in the medicine—You should at least know to take care of yourself. Consuming so much mental energy, you need proper nourishment…”

Only after serving Seventh Miss a small bowl of medicinal broth did she say, “Old Matron just sent someone to report that the person has regained consciousness. The Zhang family is now crying to the heavens, saying they don’t know what grievance Zhang Matron suffered that she would hang herself…”

Seventh Miss raised an eyebrow. Before she could speak, Lixia continued, “Old Matron has already locked everyone in her room. Duke Pingguo also sent people out—they reportedly forced both husband and wife to drink a bowl of medicine each… Now even if they want to cry out, they can’t make a sound.”

Her face showed a trace of reluctance. At the end, she couldn’t help but sigh and softly complain, “It’s really Fifth Young Madam causing trouble. Accountant Zhang’s two daughters are only seven or eight years old this year. Their whole lives are ruined just like that…”

Seventh Miss’s heart also sank—she hadn’t expected Duke Pingguo to act so ruthlessly, so quickly, and so uncompromisingly.

Then she felt somewhat resigned: It was precisely this kind of thunderous method that allowed him to establish himself in the military, wasn’t it? With his temperament, when handling domestic affairs, this approach was probably already showing mercy.

She let out a long breath, pushed aside the trace of reluctance in her heart, and said flatly, “Being able to keep their lives is already Father’s mercy. If the Zhang family wants to resent someone, let them resent the person behind them.”

She pondered Duke Pingguo’s intentions in her heart, frowned in thought for a moment, then said, “Since Father wants this done quickly, we must also act quickly. Go fetch Cai Le and Wu Xun’s wives, and have Old Matron come see me as well…”

When the three stewardess matrons entered Mingde Hall, Seventh Miss again closed the door and carefully instructed them at length.

#

Fourth Young Master arrived in the capital early the next morning. He first registered at the Ministry of War before returning to the Xu residence to pay respects to the Grand Madam and Duke Pingguo.

Although Xuande, where he was normally stationed, was only three or four days’ journey from the capital, Fourth Young Master devoted himself entirely to his career. His last return to the capital had been three or four years ago. Since this return was so rare, the whole family naturally took it seriously, gathering together in the small flower hall of Leshan Residence to wait for Fourth Young Master. Seventh Miss even brought Si Lang and Wu Lang into the small flower hall, so the Grand Madam could see the great-grandsons who hadn’t come to pay respects in a long time.

Because Si Lang and Wu Lang were usually raised preciously, except for once or twice a month when they went to Qingping Garden to pay respects to Madam Xu, and occasionally when Duke Pingguo had time to take them to Menghua Pavilion to play, they rarely appeared before others. This appearance was quite a novelty to everyone. Yu Ning and Yu Tai, the two brothers, their childish hearts still intact, surrounded Si Lang and Wu Lang, wanting to teach the children to call them uncle.

“Next year you’ll begin your studies, and in a few more years, you’ll attend classes with your uncles. Call us now, and you’ll have benefits when the time comes!” Yu Ning coaxed Si Lang and Wu Lang with a grin. Seeing this, Xu Fengjia couldn’t help but laugh, “The children are still small. Talking about such things now—how could they understand?”

Whether to save Xu Fengjia’s face or not, just as he finished speaking, Wu Lang, sucking his finger, looked at Yu Ning with confused eyes and called out sweetly, “Seventh Uncle!”

Everyone immediately burst into laughter, all saying, “Wu Lang is clever! He knows to please Seventh Uncle so he’ll have it easier when he starts school!”

In ancient times, there were no formal schools. All education was completed through private academies. For a great household like the Xu family, they naturally had their own family school. When Si Lang and Wu Lang entered the family school to study, they would be classmates with Yu Ning and Yu Tai. If Yu Ning was willing to look after his two nephews, their studies would naturally be much easier.

Even Fifth Young Master came over with smiling eyes to tease the nephews. “These two children are truly delightful. Even in ordinary families, three or four-year-old children aren’t this clever.”

When a maid outside announced that Fourth Young Master had entered the room, everyone returned to their seats, smiling as they greeted, “Fourth Brother/Fourth Brother is back!”

Although ranked fourth, because the first two young masters had died early, Fourth Young Master Xu Yuqian was among the eldest of the grandchildren. His manner naturally carried an elder brother’s bearing. He was about thirty this year, with a square face and regular features, but shrouded in a heavy aura of killing intent that made people feel intimidated. Among the Xu brothers, he was actually the most fearsome.

As soon as Fourth Young Master entered, he first bowed to the Grand Madam. “Four years without seeing Grandmother—this grandson is unfilial. Please forgive me, Grandmother.”

The Grand Madam smiled so widely her eyes disappeared. “What are you saying? You’re making something of yourself! Serving the country loyally is a good thing!”

Fourth Young Master then rose to greet Duke Pingguo. “Is Father well?”

His movements showed the decisive military bearing at a glance, even more crisp than Xu Fengjia when he had just left the battlefield—with a hint of impersonal efficiency. After Duke Pingguo smiled and offered some encouraging words, he turned to First Young Master and bowed deeply. “Elder Brother!”

First Young Master was quite moved, standing up to briefly embrace Fourth Young Master. “It’s good that Fourth Brother can return safely!”

Fourth Young Master then greeted First Young Madam before turning to Fifth Young Master, who quickly jumped up to bow. “Fourth Brother, now that you’re back, stay a few more days. We brothers haven’t seen each other in so long—we’ve missed you terribly!”

Fifth Young Madam also asked with a smile, “Fourth Brother, this return probably means another promotion, doesn’t it?”

Xu Fengjia pulled Seventh Miss forward. The two stepped up to bow to Fourth Young Master, both saying, “It’s wonderful that Fourth Brother is back. Having the family reunited is the best thing possible.”

Fourth Young Master glanced at Seventh Miss and didn’t pay her much attention, but patted Xu Fengjia’s shoulder and smiled. “Several brothers heard I was returning to the capital and sent many things for you. Send someone to Shendu Hall to collect them later.”

He then sternly asked Yu Ning and Yu Tai, “How have your studies been these past years?”

He also showed concern for Yu Qiao, Yu Ping, and Yu An. “Are the younger sisters all well? You’ve all grown up!”

Seventh Miss observed coldly, feeling that compared to the meek First Young Master, Fourth Young Master had more of an elder brother’s bearing.

After greeting everyone in turn, Fourth Young Master finally returned to sit beside Fourth Young Madam. Though Fourth Young Madam had been staring at Fourth Young Master with loving, liquid eyes ever since he entered, Fourth Young Master only acknowledged her with a look before matter-of-factly joining the conversation with Duke Pingguo.

Although according to Great Qin custom, when a man returned home he should first pay respects to his elders before having intimacy with his wife, carrying it to this extent made Fourth Young Master seem somewhat impersonal.

Seventh Miss looked at Fourth Young Madam’s expression and couldn’t help but find it amusing. She whispered to Xu Fengjia, “Truly a pot with a matching lid. Fourth Brother has such a rigid temperament, yet Fourth Sister-in-law apparently loves exactly that.”

Xu Fengjia smiled faintly without answering—his voice was loud, unlike Seventh Miss who was accustomed to soft whispers—and instead raised his voice to ask Fourth Young Master, “Fourth Brother, your timing is perfect. How have things been in the northern frontier lately? Can you tell if there will be fighting again this winter?”

The women weren’t very interested in such court affairs, especially First Young Madam and Fifth Young Madam, who immediately showed bored expressions. But Fourth Young Madam and Seventh Miss both listened attentively. Fourth Young Master hesitated slightly, glanced at everyone, and said, “Let’s discuss this at Menghua Pavilion later!”

This statement clearly indicated there were deeper implications behind the northern frontier situation. Xu Fengjia’s expression darkened as he said quietly, “Good, we’ll talk later.”

The Grand Madam smiled again. “Yuqian’s timing is fortunate—you’ve returned just in time for when we’ve rarely invited the Qilin Opera Troupe to perform. I remember before you went to the northwest, you loved listening to their ‘Legend of the White Snake’…”

Fourth Young Master straightened his posture again, leaning forward slightly to listen attentively as the Grand Madam spoke of household trivia.

Seventh Miss’s gaze swept over him, then turned to Fourth Young Madam, whose face was full of joy, dependence, and delight. A trace of doubt arose in her heart.

Different rice feeds a hundred different people. If there was someone as sinister as Fifth Young Madam, there were also upright men like Fourth Young Master. Fourth Young Madam was decidedly not the calculating type. Whether it was Fifth Miss’s death or Xu Fengjia’s injury, it seemed the fourth household had no possible involvement—not that they lacked motive, but Fourth Young Master was the type who, if he wanted to vie for the heir position, would certainly speak through his own achievements. He didn’t look at all like someone who would use underhanded tactics…

Even though the household had many conflicts and troublesome matters, with Fourth Young Master’s return, the family could finally enjoy a long-awaited reunion. Without Madam Xu’s unpleasant presence, the Grand Madam was naturally in good spirits. Her face was full of smiles as she chatted with the younger generation for a long while before saying, “Oh my, I’ve forgotten—you’re all busy people. How could you have the mind to chatter with this old woman? Go attend to your business!”

Duke Pingguo quickly smiled. “Mother, what are you saying? Being able to attend you is a blessing we could only wish for!”

As his eyes met the Grand Madam’s, they separated. The Grand Madam smiled and beckoned to Seventh Miss. “Good child, you’re so sensible. Your Fourth Brother rarely returns—there must be many troublesome matters. Work hard these next few days and arrange everything properly. This New Year, I’ll give you several nice hair ornaments!”

She had never been so considerate and amiable toward Seventh Miss before.

Everyone in the room seemed to freeze, yet also seemed to understand. Fifth Young Madam’s expression suddenly darkened. First Young Madam rested her chin on one hand and exchanged a glance with First Young Master. The unmarried grandchildren were somewhat confused. Xu Fengjia lowered his eyes to play with Si Lang and Wu Lang. Only Fourth Young Madam paid no attention, just smiling at Fourth Young Master and whispering in his ear, “You’ve lost weight!”

Seventh Miss understood in her heart, and her doubts grew even greater. She smiled politely. “Grandmother, what are you saying? Managing household affairs is part of our duties. Fourth Brother’s return is even more joyful. Besides, everything is already arranged—it won’t take much effort.”

Fourth Young Master nodded to Seventh Miss and said courteously, “Still, I’ve brought back many people, so I must trouble Sixth Sister-in-law.”

Seventh Miss quickly exchanged more pleasantries with him, and everyone rose to take their leave, exiting the small flower hall one by one.

Just as they left the room, they saw a wisp of blue smoke curling up from a corner of Little Cuijin. Fourth Young Master, not understanding, said in alarm, “Is there a fire? No good—quickly, someone come put out the fire!”

He had just moved when he noticed everyone else was calm and unhurried. He stopped and shot Fourth Young Madam a questioning look, but Fourth Young Madam didn’t know what was happening either. The couple each looked—one toward Duke Pingguo, one toward Seventh Miss.

Duke Pingguo glanced meaningfully at Fifth Young Master, seeing his face somewhat embarrassed, then waved his hand. “The matters in Little Cuijin are handled by the people in Little Cuijin. Yuqian, why are you worrying about nothing? Let’s go. To Menghua Pavilion to talk. Yufei, you come too.”

First Young Master couldn’t help but pause, then nodded. “Yes. Come, Fourth Brother, this way.” He pulled Fourth Young Master to follow Duke Pingguo along the winding path into the distance.

Xu Fengjia turned to flash Fifth Young Madam a toothy smile, then turned to pinch the children’s tender, chubby cheeks and whispered to Seventh Miss, “Don’t overwork yourself either.”

He then walked shoulder to shoulder with Fifth Young Master, discussing trivial palace matters as they left Little Cuijin. Only Fourth Young Madam was left looking this way and that, quite at a loss.

First Young Madam gave a resigned smile, nodded to her sisters-in-law, and called to the children as she left. Seventh Miss wasn’t in a hurry to leave, still standing on the steps, gazing at the distant smoke, her eyes remote, lost in thought.

Fourth Young Madam finally couldn’t help asking, “Sixth Sister-in-law, isn’t that the direction of the accounting office? If that place catches fire, it’s no joke—”

She wasn’t stupid. After saying this, she already understood. Knowing she had misspoken, she covered her mouth, glanced at Fifth Young Madam, and laughed awkwardly. “Yuqian just returned, and there are many household matters. I’ll go first.”

She practically fled.

Fifth Young Madam was so angry her cheeks flushed crimson. She looked at Seventh Miss, about to say something but unable to get the words out. Seventh Miss smiled faintly at her and actually comforted her instead. “Fifth Sister-in-law, don’t worry. The accounts have all been burned now. When a family lives together, everyone has their difficulties. Let the past stay in the past.”

Before Fifth Young Madam could think of a retort, she smiled slightly and leisurely walked away.

Fifth Young Madam stood rooted to the spot, watching her leave. After thinking carefully, her angry expression actually completely faded, replaced by a faint smile.

But this smile had become somewhat false, looking like the pleasant expression of a painted figure—no matter how exquisite, it lacked spirit.

After walking only a few steps, Little Luowen rushed up breathlessly, her face full of agitation. “Young Madam!”

“What?” The pretended smile quickly dissipated. Fifth Young Madam couldn’t help but furrow her brow tightly.

Little Luowen leaned close to Fifth Young Madam’s ear and spoke several urgent sentences.

Fifth Young Madam’s expression changed dramatically.

“They—they were sent away just like that?” She raised her voice, unable to control herself. “Not even a full day…”

“They say people came last night and packed up all their belongings. This morning when the city gates opened, the whole family was sent to the manor at Little Tang Mountain. Not a single friend or relative knew. We only found out just now when Old Matron mentioned it before burning the account books…” Little Luowen’s voice was thoroughly soaked with dejection.

Fifth Young Madam’s expression shifted. “What exactly did Old Matron say? Tell me carefully!”

“Old Matron said that letting past matters stay in the past without pursuing them is the masters’ mercy. But Zhang Matron trying to use hanging herself to frame and coerce the masters into an unjust position—such… such wolf-hearted, dog-lunged creatures cannot be kept.” Little Luowen took another breath, suppressing a sob before continuing in sniffles. “Whatever shameful things happened before, the masters are magnanimous and won’t pursue them. Sending her to the manor to work is to atone for her sins. If anyone else dares to mention this matter and gossip, they’ll be sent to keep Zhang Matron company. Now that the accounts are burned, the Heir’s Wife says everything from before is wiped clean. Everyone needn’t be afraid—do your work properly, and good days await ahead.”

Before Fifth Young Madam could speak, she continued, “When these words came out, Lin Shan’s wife and Peng Hu’s wife were first to cry out praising Young Madam’s mercy. Li Geng’s wife echoed them, and Lei Xianqing’s wife also looked full of admiration. Now that group mentions Young Madam with only praise… Oh! Master!”

She grabbed Fifth Young Madam’s hand and carefully pried it open. “Master—blood!”

Only then did Fifth Young Madam realize her palm had been scratched by her long nails into several bloody marks. She had been listening so intently she hadn’t felt any pain at all.

She impatiently swatted Little Luowen’s hand away. “Tsk—what a big deal, making such a fuss! Is this worth your shock and alarm!”

Seeing Little Luowen’s face full of grievance and panic, Fifth Young Madam sighed impatiently, about to scold her a few more words when suddenly her thoughts shifted and turned.

Since Yang Shanheng had seen through this move, this connection was useless. Little Luowen… could no longer be kept either!

What a pity. This girl did have some ability. She had originally planned to elevate her to concubine…

She forced down her irritation and showed a faint smile. “It’s nothing, I’m fine. Did I scare you? Actually it just looks frightening—there’s not much blood…”

She gently comforted Little Luowen while walking with her slowly into the autumn scenery of Little Cuijin.