After seeing off Doctor Zhong, Seventh Miss returned to Mingde Hall alone to contemplate in silence.

After a while, she summoned Lixia to speak with her.

“For matters like this, I can only discuss them with you!” She smiled and teased Lixia.

For such household secrets, the more one knew, the greater the danger became. Any truly clever servant would never ask an extra question or say an extra word. Even when assigned tasks from above, they would simply carry them out without daring to harbor any superfluous doubts.

Only someone like Lixia, who had grown up alongside Seventh Miss and whose bond had transcended that of master and servant to carry a hint of familial affection, could discuss case details with Seventh Miss as her personal maid.

Seventh Miss briefly relayed Doctor Zhong’s words to Lixia, sighing as she did so. “Although I had suspected that Doctor Zhong probably knew something, I never imagined he held such an important clue all this time, never once revealing any hint of it.”

Lixia carried a trace of dissatisfaction in her voice. “What harm would it have done Doctor Zhong to send word to Madam? Did he really have to wait until now, when everything has already passed, to tell you…”

She was utterly unwilling for Seventh Miss to investigate Fifth Miss’s case, so her complaints about Doctor Zhong were understandable.

“After all, it wasn’t easy for him either. At the time, Madam was in such a state, her emotions so volatile. If he had revealed the truth then, wouldn’t it have caused another upheaval? Doctor Zhong himself would likely have been drawn into it.” Seventh Miss actually defended Doctor Zhong. “The longer one walks the rivers and lakes, the smaller one’s courage becomes. At Doctor Zhong’s age, how would he dare become entangled in such turmoil? Now that the timing is right and we’ve merely applied a bit of strategic pressure, he’s taken the opportunity to step down gracefully. It’s mutually beneficial—except I never expected Yu An to be implicated in this matter.”

Given Yu An’s diligent and careful nature, it wouldn’t be unusual for her to visit Fifth Miss on the second day after childbirth, when the blood and vital energy had not yet fully dispersed.

Though Lixia wasn’t enthusiastic about the investigation, since Seventh Miss had called her in to talk, she still analyzed things earnestly. “We never thought of it before, but could Fifth Miss have—it’s hard to say!”

Motives for murder could number in the thousands. Even someone as uncontentious as Yu An might have committed murder due to some hidden conflict of interest. Especially in this type of case, anyone who had come to visit Fifth Miss while the medicine was being prepared could have slipped something into it. Yu An was among the visitors and might have overheard Doctor Zhong’s words. Though her suspicion wasn’t great, it still existed.

Seventh Miss pondered for a moment before shaking her head. “I don’t think it was Yu An. Yu An herself may not have even clearly heard what Doctor Zhong said.”

She shared her analysis with Lixia. “If such words were spoken one day and those two medicinal ingredients added the very next day—if it were Yu An, she would have waited at least three to five days before calmly obtaining those two medicines. Those aren’t medicines young ladies would take. Only the rooms of madams and mistresses would commonly stock such medicinal ingredients.”

Wang Bu Liu Xing could promote lactation and was also a blood-activating menstruation-regulating medicine. As a common gynecological remedy, it was easy to obtain. Even Seventh Miss’s room currently had some prepared—her monthly cycles were irregular, and the prescriptions from both Doctor Zhong and Quan Zhongbai included small amounts of Wang Bu Liu Xing. As for the young ladies, except for Yu Qiao, none had begun menstruating yet, so they had no use for this medicine.

Safflower was one of the main ingredients in contraceptive decoctions. The several young madams who had married into the household all kept concubines in their quarters—even Fourth Young Madam’s room housed two concubines. Moreover, used in small amounts, this substance could also regulate menstruation. Though valuable, it wasn’t rare in wealthy households. Precisely because both medicines were commonly used, Doctor Zhong had specifically warned Fifth Miss not to let these ingredients touch her lips.

Lixia nodded thoughtfully. “Putting it that way, it’s possible that some mama or maid from another household who came to pay respects happened to overhear something and went back to repeat what they heard—”

Seventh Miss smiled bitterly. “So this matter still depends on Yu An—whether she can remember who else was nearby at the time.”

Lixia thought it over, then slowly exhaled a breath of cool air, saying sincerely, “It’s fortunate that you’ve always treated Fifth Miss well.”

If Seventh Miss and Yu An had a distant relationship, Yu An might not dare to lead Seventh Miss’s investigation based solely on her own memory. More likely, she would claim she couldn’t remember clearly to avoid potential trouble.

Seventh Miss corrected Lixia. “It’s fortunate that I sit very securely in this position as head of household.”

Otherwise, even if Yu An were on good terms with her, she probably wouldn’t have the courage.

#

As the sky darkened, Xu Fengjia also returned to their quarters. He changed clothes and accompanied Seventh Miss to Leshan Residence to pay respects.

“Though this winter is cold, at least it’s dry.” As Xu Fengjia walked, he sniffled vigorously. “Father’s rheumatism has barely flared up at all this year, and his mood has been much better. Just now he was praising you, saying you manage the household well and everything has gone smoothly this year without a single mishap.”

Those who truly knew how to handle affairs were like this—you couldn’t quite say what was exceptional about their work, yet day after day, they managed all the ordinary household matters properly. Only those who truly understood worldly affairs could appreciate the brilliance of such skill.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but show a faint smile. “Father was just being polite with you, and you took it seriously?”

She then made an appointment with Xu Fengjia. “Come a bit earlier tomorrow. I have something to discuss with you before paying respects.”

Though Seventh Miss herself would have to be the main force in investigating Fifth Miss’s case, appropriate reporting was still necessary. She also needed to let Xu Fengjia know she hadn’t cast this matter aside.

Xu Fengjia nodded with satisfaction and pinched Seventh Miss’s face. “You’ve learned this now, haven’t you? I’ve always said that balancing work and rest keeps the body healthy.”

He was referring to how, though the two had plenty of time together in the evenings, Seventh Miss didn’t bother him with such vexing matters.

Seventh Miss removed Xu Fengjia’s hand and rolled her eyes at him. “In broad daylight, in public!”

Before Xu Fengjia could respond, the laughter of Yu Ning and Yu Tai came from behind them. When the couple turned to look, they saw the two youngsters had been walking on the stone curb outside the corridor for a bit and were now lifting the cotton curtain to enter, walking side by side with the couple.

Of the two brothers, Yu Ning was more lively. He laughed as he bumped Xu Fengjia’s shoulder. “Sixth Brother and Sixth Sister-in-law were talking so animatedly—how is it we couldn’t understand a single word!”

Xu Fengjia also laughed heartily, pulling Yu Ning close and affectionately pinching his nose. “You little rascal, you actually dare to eavesdrop? Hmm?”

When the group reached the corner of the corridor, they encountered Fourth Young Master and Fourth Young Madam coming from the opposite direction. Fourth Young Master rarely showed a smile, but he raised his hand to call Yu Tai over. “I asked you and Seventh Brother to join me at Yuquan Mountain this afternoon to hunt pheasants. Why didn’t either of you come?”

Fourth Young Madam greeted Seventh Miss with a beaming smile. “Let the brothers play together. Your Fourth Brother shot over a dozen pheasants today. I’ve already had someone send you two. You can slice them tomorrow for a pheasant hot pot—they’re extremely fresh and delicious, much better than what’s sold outside.”

Over there, Yu Ning finally escaped from Xu Fengjia’s grasp and hid behind Fourth Young Master, laughing. “Fourth Brother, are you going to the Quan family banquet tomorrow? I hear it’s going to be quite lively! They’re holding a birthday celebration for the late Grand Princess. Since they’re using the Quan residence, the venue is larger. The Qilin Troupe will perform the complete ‘Red-Maned Fierce Horse’…”

This group entered Leshan Residence’s small flower hall together with laughter and conversation, instantly bringing considerable liveliness to the room.

The Grand Madam had arrived early today and was already seated by the kang, talking with Fifth Young Madam, Fifth Young Master, Yu Qiao, and the other two young ladies. Seeing the group enter, she couldn’t help but smile. “What are you discussing so happily?”

Yu Ning immediately answered, “We’re begging Fourth Brother to take Eighth Brother and me to the Quan family banquet to eat and watch opera—to see the Qilin Troupe’s ‘Red-Maned Fierce Horse’!”

At the mention of the Qilin Troupe, even the Grand Madam said, “The Qilin Troupe truly performs well. Male troupes have much more enduring charm than female troupes.”

Yu Qiao immediately entreated the Grand Madam, “This first month, when we host our New Year banquet, let’s invite the Qilin Troupe to perform again. What do you say?”

The Grand Madam smiled. “Don’t ask me about this—you should ask your Sixth Sister-in-law. If she says yes, then yes; if she says no, even your grandmother can do nothing about it.”

Everyone laughed, and Yu Qiao turned to Seventh Miss with a pleading expression. “Sixth Sister-in-law, please grant me this one request?”

She had been despondent and withdrawn lately, rarely showing such enthusiasm for anything. Seeing the rare sparkle in Yu Qiao’s eyes, Seventh Miss’s heart softened. She smiled gently. “Alright, we’ll do it the same as this year—dine in Wangyue Hall and have them perform in Liushang Pavilion. The viewing and listening will be clear, and it’s convenient for us to withdraw when needed. It couldn’t be better.”

Yu Ning and Yu Tai immediately cheered, and even Yu Qiao showed a rare smile across her face. “Sixth Sister-in-law, you’re the best!”

The atmosphere in the room instantly became warm and harmonious.

The Xu family had many opera enthusiasts. Even Madam Xu counted as one. When she came to Qingping Garden to pay respects and heard there would be a Qilin Troupe performance, she too became excited. “It’s been many years since I’ve gone out for social engagements!”

Since living at Xiaotan Mountain for those couple of months, Madam Xu’s spirits had visibly improved, and her face even carried a faint flush. If she was willing to go out and about, what could anyone say? After some discussion, it was decided that Madam Xu would bring Yu Qiao and the other two young ladies, while the male guests would be led by First Young Master and Fourth Young Master with Yu Ning and Yu Tai. Since Xu Fengjia had to accompany the Emperor to hunt at Nanyuan, he wouldn’t have time to go along.

After sitting a while longer in Qingping Garden, everyone dispersed. Yu Qiao pulled Yu Ping and Yu An along, laughing and talking as they left the room. Even Xu Fengjia watched her retreating figure and smiled. “Second Sister is rarely this happy.”

Seventh Miss remained silent at first. After walking a few steps and putting some distance between them and the others, she sighed. “She’ll only have these one or two years to be happy. After she marries to Yangzhou, who knows when she’ll hear Beijing opera again.”

Xu Fengjia also fell silent. After a long pause, he said slowly, “In this life, how can one be happy everywhere?”

He then showed a mischievous smile, leaning close to Seventh Miss’s ear to whisper, “Just like me—every day I look forward to that brief time at night, but I still must attend to daytime matters!”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but laugh. She glanced around, and seeing no one paying attention, tucked her hand into Xu Fengjia’s arm and lightly rested her head on his shoulder, saying softly, “I know you’re impatient. Here, have a little sweetness to tide you over.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she laughed and tried to withdraw her hand, but Xu Fengjia caught and held it. “You think you can run after I’ve caught you?”

The two playfully tussled and laughed as they returned to their quarters. Xu Fengjia temporarily left for the washroom while Seventh Miss washed her hands and removed her makeup. Seeing Xiao Huangpu attending to her, she smiled. “I didn’t expect you back so early today.”

Xiao Huangpu had recently been slipping away to play whenever she could. Outwardly, they said Seventh Miss pitied her youth and let her enjoy a few more carefree years. She had spent the entire afternoon sneaking home to talk with her sister who was rotating home from the Grand Madam’s service, yet unexpectedly returned so early.

Xiao Huangpu looked thoroughly dejected and complained softly to Seventh Miss. “The old madam suddenly decided not to let anyone come home after all. I made a wasted trip, and when I got back and saw the old mama, I got a scolding for running around everywhere…”

“Such things aren’t urgent enough to require just one or two days.” Seventh Miss smiled to console her. “After New Year’s, find out when your sisters are going home, and I’ll give you a day off too so you can talk with them properly.”

As the two were speaking, Lixia entered to announce, “Lin Shan’s wife and Peng Hu’s wife are waiting outside and wish to see Young Madam.”

Seventh Miss’s rule of not handling business after dinner had unconsciously spread throughout the Xu household. Unless something was truly urgent, even the masters rarely sought Seventh Miss after dinner. For these two mamas to want to speak with Seventh Miss so close to dinnertime surely meant something pressing.

Seventh Miss glanced at the clock and instructed Lixia softly, “Have them come to the west third room to talk. If it runs late, ask the Heir Apparent to eat dinner first.”

Lixia nodded and turned to close the door. Shortly after, she brought Lin Shan’s wife and Peng Hu’s wife into the room.

Both mamas showed some anxiety in their expressions, and upon seeing Seventh Miss, they became even more excited. They came forward awkwardly to pay their respects to Seventh Miss, then got straight to the point. Peng Hu’s wife took the lead: “Young Madam, please forgive us. We two have taken it upon ourselves to devise a rather unseemly scheme. The more we discussed it, the more feasible it seemed, but time is of the essence—we couldn’t even wait one night, so we had no choice but to disturb you.”

Seventh Miss’s expression shifted. “No need to rush, mamas. Speak slowly.”

The two mamas exchanged glances, and Peng Hu’s wife continued. “After New Year’s and the start of spring, Young Madam plans to make some personnel changes. Lin Shan’s wife and I have privately speculated that Young Madam likely intends to exchange our positions.”

Seeing that although Seventh Miss remained silent, her expression showed tacit agreement, Peng Hu’s wife went on. “However, Wu Xun’s wife has been working in the accounts office for many years. If Young Madam doesn’t have any real evidence against her, transferring her will surely not sit well with the servants below. Even the two elders might criticize Young Madam for acting rashly.”

Actually, Wu Xun’s wife had already made an impression on Duke Pingguo. Transferring her would encounter some resistance for Seventh Miss, but not too much. Yet Seventh Miss still said nothing, merely nodding with a smile.

Lin Shan’s wife then took over the explanation. “Young Madam has already been willing to obscure the accounts for our sake, letting that detestable wretch off. Peng Hu’s wife and I cannot bear to see Young Madam suffer her insolence any longer. After discussing it together, we came up with a plan: if Wu Xun’s wife can use false accounts to deceive Young Madam, we several people can also use false accounts to make things difficult for her.”

She lowered her voice. “Young Madam knows that the accounts in our hands differ somewhat from those in the accounts office. The disbursement of silver follows the accounts office’s ledger…”

Seventh Miss already understood what scheme Lin Shan’s wife was planning.

She couldn’t help but inwardly applaud loudly: This Lin Shan’s wife was truly talented.

Over the years, these two mamas had managed lucrative positions. When leaving their posts, they would inevitably need to use some of their own money to cover any too-obvious shortfalls during the inventory.

Now the two mamas intended to transfer this shortfall onto Wu Xun’s wife. For example, in a certain year and month, the kitchen actually purchased one hundred catties of cabbage for five qian of silver, but when Wu Xun’s wife recorded it, she wrote one tael, then disbursed five qian to the kitchen while privately pocketing the other five qian. When Seventh Miss had suspected these two of colluding with the accounts office to embezzle, this was precisely the method she had imagined. However, if someone in the kitchen cooperated by inflating prices from the purchasing stage, the method would be much more concealed. If it was Wu Xun’s wife embezzling in this way, exposing it would only require a reliable bottom-line account book, original receipts that matched the bottom-line account, testimony from the merchants who regularly dealt with the Xu family, and it would be enough to frame Wu Xun’s wife and convict her.

Having entered the twelfth month, accounts everywhere were being settled and filed. With personnel changes scheduled for next spring, this year’s accounts would naturally be examined carefully. Since the two mamas were proposing this plan at this time, they intended to ensure Wu Xun’s wife couldn’t even have a peaceful New Year: accounts would be audited after the Laba Festival, and telling Seventh Miss now clearly meant they wanted to move against Wu Xun’s wife after Laba.

This scheme was both insidious and ruthless, a complete fabrication. Combined with Seventh Miss’s high pressure, Wu Xun’s wife would surely find it difficult to defend herself. Then they could simply send someone to her room to “discover” some banknotes, and Wu Xun’s entire family would be ruined.

Even Seventh Miss broke out in a cold sweat thinking about it: these veteran household mamas were absolutely formidable when it came to scheming. How fortunate that she hadn’t easily believed the trap Fifth Young Madam had laid back then.

Her expression remained noncommittal as she pondered for a moment. When the two mamas’ faces began to show traces of unease, she slowly said, “But such account books… aren’t something that can be created just because one wants to.”

The two mamas exchanged glances, their faces both showing delight. Lin Shan’s wife reached into her bosom and produced an account book.