The clue Little Huangpu brought back didn’t immediately change Seventh Miss’s life. After all, during the first month, as the mistress of a Duke’s residence, Seventh Miss was truly extremely busy.
After the fifth day of the first month, the family’s new year celebrations were over. Seventh Miss followed the schedule of invitations sent before the new year, leading several sisters-in-law to visit families one by one for spring wine.
The custom of drinking spring wine spanned Great Qin from north to south, from top to bottom—from high officials and nobility to common people. Throughout the entire first month, everyone arranged spring wine gatherings, inviting families with whom they frequently interacted. Because of such back-and-forth reciprocation, before the Lantern Festival, dates inevitably overlapped with others’ invitations. Therefore, multiple days had to be arranged to stagger the guests’ dates. For refined families like the Xu household, this was an annual custom. From the fifth to the ninth, they attended spring wine gatherings hosted by others; from the tenth to the fourteenth, the Xu family hosted their own banquets. Naturally, invitations were sent out before the new year, and the order of attendance was arranged. After the spring wine period, led by Seventh Miss, the sisters-in-law either went separately to their relatives’ homes for wine, or went out together with Seventh Miss. Occasionally they also brought along unmarried younger sisters. Such various festivities were naturally impossible to fully describe.
On the morning of the ninth, Yu Qiao came to Mingde Hall to find Seventh Miss, pleading with her, “Can I go with sister-in-law to the Quan family to watch opera today?”
The Quan estate was spacious, and whenever they hosted guests, they invariably invited the Qilin Troupe for private performances. This was a rare opportunity for the capital’s female family members to hear the Qilin Troupe perform. How could Yu Qiao, this opera enthusiast, miss it? Moreover, speaking of it, the Quan family and Seventh Miss were connected by kinship, so Yu Qiao going with her wouldn’t be improper.
Seeing the young girl’s face shining brightly, Seventh Miss’s heart softened again. She couldn’t bring herself to refuse and nodded with a smile. “Alright, but go ask your two sisters if they want to come too.”
Yu Qiao pouted. “I already asked them. Fifth Sister’s stomach still hasn’t recovered, so she’s not going. Third Sister is still angry with me, so she’s not going either.”
She spoke so casually about quarreling with Yu Ping that Seventh Miss felt somewhat helpless. She smiled and waved her hand. “Then go ask Grandmother and Mother. If they both approve, sister-in-law will take you along.”
After paying respects to the Grand Madam and Madam Xu, Yu Qiao had actually obtained permission from both elders. Although Fourth Young Madam was also an opera enthusiast, she unfortunately had to attend her own natal family relatives’ spring wine gathering with Fourth Young Master today. First Young Madam and Fifth Young Madam both had other matters, and Madam Xu was exhausted from the new year and was concentrating on recuperating. Seventh Miss could only take Yu Qiao alone in the carriage to the Quan family.
In the past half year, although she had represented the Xu family in social circles, the few times they had hosted guests, Madam Xu, that great opera enthusiast, had led the way, allowing Seventh Miss to happily avoid responsibility. This was the first time visiting the Quan family as a guest. Actually, Duke Liangguo’s residence was just at the end of Leopard Room Alley in Mingzhao Ward, not far from the Xu family. After riding a while, they entered through the second gate. Naturally, someone came forward to guide them, leading Seventh Miss and Yu Qiao into the inner hall. Everyone met and exchanged pleasantries—it was quite lively.
The Quan estate was indeed much more spacious than the Xu residence. This banquet’s scale was also considerable—the female guests alone were seated in three or four different areas. With Seventh Miss’s rank, she naturally sat in the place of honor in the inner hall, personally hosted by Madam Quan. When the two met, they were more amiable than usual. Madam Quan held Seventh Miss’s hand, asked after Madam Xu and the Grand Madam’s well-being, then pressed her shoulder and smiled. “When I saw Seventh Miss in Jiangnan before, you were still a young girl. Now you’ve become the heir’s wife!”
Everyone laughed and said one after another, “Among us old fogies, we’re also seeing the next generation’s figures.”
Seventh Miss looked around and indeed saw that most attendees today were matrons who held the formal titles of wives in marquis and duke residences. It made her, a mere heir’s wife, seem somewhat isolated. It appeared that although the Quan family’s current status couldn’t compare to their former glory, an old tiger still commanded respect. With Quan Zhongbai adding luster to their reputation, their prestige remained considerable.
She quickly apologized on behalf of Madam Xu. “…Mother truly couldn’t manage physically, otherwise she definitely would have come personally—she’s been thinking about the Qilin Troupe’s performance!”
Among the capital’s noble ladies, few didn’t love opera. Everyone immediately chimed in, then discussed, “I heard Cui Zixiu’s throat isn’t well today, so she may not perform…”
Yu Qiao’s face showed concern—she was already absorbed. Seventh Miss nudged her, and only then did she smile and bow to Madam Quan before rushing into the back hall to chat and laugh with girls around her age.
Seeing Seventh Miss’s proper conduct and courteous manner, Madam Quan couldn’t help smiling. Just as she was about to speak, someone outside came in to report, “The Duchess of Dingguo has arrived!”
Things immediately became lively. All the noble ladies competitively stood up. Madam Quan personally led them out to greet her. Soon, adorned with pearls and jade, several young maids in the lead escorted Second Miss into the inner hall. All the noble ladies stepped forward smiling and greeting, “Madam Sun has arrived!”
Second Miss was radiant and beaming, rarely showing a face full of smiles. She greeted everyone one by one according to their family ranks, and finally smiled at Seventh Miss. “Seventh Sister, when did you arrive? Earlier than me.” As she spoke, she pulled Seventh Miss to sit beside her.
Seventh Miss smiled. “I only arrived a bit before Second Sister. But Fourth Sister-in-law is still nowhere to be seen—she deserves scolding.”
Everyone immediately laughed. Madam Quan quickly said, “Ruiyun arrived early, but she’s entertaining guests outside. She probably won’t come in until the banquet starts.”
She hurriedly instructed servants to go invite Quan Ruiyun inside, while chatting and laughing with the noble ladies. Everyone followed Second Miss’s lead. Even Madam Quan was especially courteous to Second Miss, who was technically of the younger generation. Seventh Miss observed coldly and nodded inwardly—Second Miss’s prestige outside could be considered compensation for many years of hardship.
Before long, Quan Ruiyun also rushed over. Naturally there was murmuring between her, Second Miss, and Seventh Miss, presenting an image of harmonious sisters-in-law. Everyone praised Madam Quan profusely. “They say the hardest to serve is the sister-in-law, but Ruiyun is blessed—all her sisters are good-natured and willing to care for the natal family. What else could she worry about in this life?”
Madam Quan’s face was full of smiles as she looked lovingly at Ruiyun. “This is precisely Ruiyun’s blessing. I’ve wronged this child my whole life, stubbornly delaying until she was nineteen before marrying—seeing her doing well, I as her mother can be at ease.”
As she spoke, drums and gongs began clamoring on the stage below. While responding to Madam Quan, everyone impatiently called for maids to open the windows so they could watch the performance across the water.
Seventh Miss wasn’t accustomed to watching opera and found Beijing opera’s flavor especially difficult to appreciate—she only found it noisy. After eating a few bites of vegetables, Quan Ruiyun gently tugged her sleeve and walked with her to a corner, thanking her softly, “Seventh Sister is considerate of me.”
Seventh Miss was quite puzzled. “I don’t understand Ruiyun’s meaning?”
Quan Ruiyun looked at Seventh Miss and smiled. “I’m not that foolish… The maids said that on the third, Seventh Sister and Shanjiu talked in his room for a while… These past few days, Shanjiu has treated me much better.”
Seventh Miss immediately felt gratified—those words had after all had some effect on Ninth Brother.
“Is he still studying as diligently recently?” She asked Quan Ruiyun with a smile. “It’s not that I’m putting on airs as his sister, but Ninth Brother’s temperament is too stubborn. You should also advise him at appropriate times not to push himself too hard—”
“He still studies diligently, but he doesn’t sleep in the study much anymore.” A faint blush appeared on Quan Ruiyun’s face. “Shanjiu said some things to me—in the whole family, only Sister could say such heartfelt words.”
Seventh Miss hadn’t expected Ninth Brother not to keep this matter from Quan Ruiyun. She felt momentarily awkward, then understood Ninth Brother’s intention—he was showing favor to Quan Ruiyun on her behalf.
Always maintaining a good relationship with the natal family’s mistress would give Seventh Miss more confidence in many future matters.
Ninth Brother truly never forgot his twin sister for a moment. Everything he did was念兹在兹, only to achieve the result of “when I grow up, I can protect you.”
Seventh Miss’s heart immediately warmed, yet she also felt her shoulders grow heavy, as if carrying some indescribable weight.
Rarely having an opportunity for private conversation with Quan Ruiyun, she simply exchanged a glance with Second Miss, then left the room with Quan Ruiyun. Standing in the warm corridor, she asked in a low voice, “I heard Madam often gives you grief…”
Quan Ruiyun’s eyes immediately reddened, though she covered it with a smile. “There’s no such thing. Mother is just getting older, and her temperament—is sometimes rather peculiar.”
How could Seventh Miss not understand the Grand Madam’s nature? She sighed deeply for Quan Ruiyun, thought for a moment, then advised her, “Now the one who can speak for you in the household isn’t Ninth Brother or Master, but if you interact more with Seventh Aunt, if she can say a word for you before Madam, that would be far more effective than anything.”
Quan Ruiyun lowered her head in thought for a moment. Her expression shifted, gradually showing understanding. She raised her head to thank Seventh Miss. “I truly don’t know what blessings I cultivated—from the moment I married in, Seventh Sister has spoken for me…”
Her eyes glistened, her expression sincere. These words seemed to come from the heart.
Seventh Miss immediately felt very comfortable inside.
Across both lives, she had rarely had much energy left to help others, so such simple happiness was extremely rare for her.
She also smiled sincerely. “We’re family, why be so polite? I haven’t even thanked you for preparing rose fermented tofu for me—it’s my favorite.”
The two sisters-in-law smiled at each other. Through this exchange, they seemed to have developed an ineffable understanding and goodwill.
Seventh Miss asked a few more questions about Ninth Brother’s trivial matters, then remembered to instruct Quan Ruiyun, “Speaking of which, there’s another matter I need you to help convey—some time ago, someone wanted to match our family’s Third Miss Yu Ping with your second brother. My mother-in-law and I thought it over and felt that Yu Ping’s qualities really couldn’t match your second brother…”
A shadow immediately passed over Quan Ruiyun’s face. She bit her lip without responding to Seventh Miss’s words, instead murmuring to herself, “No wonder Second Brother…”
Suddenly snapping back, she smiled and nodded. “Good, I’ll definitely convey the message.”
After a pause, she couldn’t help sighing. “Ah, I won’t hide it from Seventh Sister—over this remarriage matter, Second Brother has quarreled with the family so many times. Even back then, when the wedding was about to happen, he made a fuss and broke off the engagement… This time it’s fortunate that your family also didn’t fancy Second Brother, otherwise it might have caused everyone embarrassment.”
This was Quan family business—Seventh Miss couldn’t say much and could only smile without speaking. Quan Ruiyun quickly came to her senses and smiled apologetically at Seventh Miss, then simply leaned close to her ear. “Speaking of which, Second Brother actually returned to the capital before the new year, but we didn’t release the news. He’s been in the palace all this time taking pulses and prescribing medicine for Noble Consort Niu and Imperial Consort Ning. Even when leaving the palace, he had no interest in socializing with relatives and friends, only recuperating in his own courtyard. So few households outside the palace know. Even Second Sister—from her appearance, it seems the Empress hasn’t mentioned it to her either.”
Seventh Miss’s expression couldn’t help shifting. “Noble Consort Niu—”
Quan Ruiyun showed a trace of confiding sincerity. “The Noble Consort’s pregnancy probably can’t be saved—Seventh Sister mustn’t casually tell anyone about this. After all, it hasn’t happened yet, so it’s not good to spread it around.”
Seventh Miss wasn’t too surprised that Noble Consort Niu’s pregnancy couldn’t be saved. She nodded. “I know the proper boundaries. But the Empress Dowager’s painstaking efforts will have been in vain.”
Quan Ruiyun’s lips faintly showed disdain. She said lightly, “The Empress Dowager is indeed quite angry. The palace is quite lively right now, but the news hasn’t reached outside yet. Seventh Sister knowing in her heart is enough—don’t discuss it casually even with Second Sister. After all, some things are difficult for Second Sister to handle. Especially since Imperial Consort Ning has been diagnosed with pregnancy these past few days…”
Seventh Miss suddenly understood where the Quan family’s prestige came from—palace secrets were always unknown to outsiders. Even close ministers’ families like the Xu and Sun families couldn’t enter the palace at will without summons. They saw the female family members a few times a year at most, and transmitting information required great effort. How could they compare to the Quan family? As long as Quan Zhongbai was in the capital, they had access to as much imperial family information as they wanted.
“How could Sixth Sister’s pregnancy be such a major matter—” She couldn’t help asking.
As if finding a way to repay Seventh Miss, Quan Ruiyun smiled slightly with more ease. She intimately linked arms with Seventh Miss. “Although it’s still early, Second Brother is most miraculous with pulses—one feel and he can determine everything precisely. He says it’s about a month along. Calculating, the pregnancy occurred around the eleventh month. But even the Empress doesn’t seem to know about this yet.”
Just this one sentence revealed Quan Ruiyun’s purpose in instructing Seventh Miss not to tell Second Miss about this matter.
Just as Seventh Miss’s thoughts stirred, Quan Ruiyun lowered her voice further. “You should know, since entering this winter, the Crown Prince’s health has worsened. When Second Brother returned to take his pulse this time, he detected signs of kidney essence depletion—and this is only a seven-year-old child! The palace had a very eventful new year. I heard the Emperor was extremely angry. The Empress Dowager was originally somewhat pleased, but after the new year, Noble Consort Niu’s pregnancy had problems…”
Just these few sentences sketched an extremely dangerous palace intrigue. Seventh Miss felt chills run down her spine, goosebumps rising all over.
“Then Sixth Sister’s pregnancy truly cannot be announced now!” She said decisively.
Quan Ruiyun nodded. “Fortunately Second Brother is one of our own.” She smiled slightly. “Following Imperial Consort Ning’s instructions, he hasn’t told anyone else. For now, Imperial Consort Ning hasn’t yet involved herself in the palace struggles.”
Seventh Miss once again felt the Grand Master’s foresight—his insistence on marrying into the Quan family despite opposition probably looked ahead to this very day.
“Have you told Master?” She lowered her voice, reminding Quan Ruiyun. “In many matters, you must also consider your natal family!”
Quan Ruiyun’s gaze toward Seventh Miss grew more intimate.
Quan Zhongbai’s access to palace secrets was partly because his medical skills were truly superb and he was needed everywhere, and partly because he always kept his mouth tightly shut.
He could trust Quan Ruiyun not to tell these things to others. Quan Ruiyun could also trust Seventh Miss not to casually tell others, but couldn’t trust whether the Grand Master would adjust his action plans accordingly.
Especially now that the Grand Master was engaged in spectacular struggles with Grand Secretary Jiao, in many matters he might not consider Quan Ruiyun and Quan Zhongbai’s positions…
“Ruiyun can appreciate Seventh Sister’s kind intentions.” Quan Ruiyun smiled warmly. “Even Ninth Brother doesn’t know about this. I only thought that last time entering the palace for audience, Sixth Sister asked after Seventh Sister several times—”
Seventh Miss immediately understood Quan Ruiyun’s subtext.
“I also have some channels to send Sixth Sister some medicinal materials.” She spoke in a low, urgent voice. “But this isn’t the place to talk. Tonight, send a trusted nanny over to give me the list.”
Quan Ruiyun nodded knowingly, revealing a reassured smile. Just as she was about to speak, Seventh Miss suddenly turned her head and narrowed her eyes.
They were in a small corridor surrounded on both sides by transparent, bright glass windows, all tightly closed without a single gap—only this way could they retain the warmth in the corridor. Quan Ruiyun had brought Seventh Miss here for private conversation naturally because it was both secluded and quiet, and people coming from either direction could be seen at a glance.
Precisely because of this, Seventh Miss saw Yu Qiao laughing and emerging from behind a high wall outside the corridor.
The joy on her face was so bright that Seventh Miss immediately narrowed her eyes, noticing something wrong.
She pressed Quan Ruiyun’s shoulder and shifted with her to avoid Yu Qiao’s line of sight, then asked in a low voice.
“What’s behind that wall?”
Quan Ruiyun didn’t answer for a long time. Seventh Miss glanced at her and saw her face full of difficulty. Her heart suddenly rang with alarm bells, and sure enough she heard Ruiyun say:
“It’s a large two-section tiled building and a warehouse for storing various props and mechanisms, with a secret door leading to the theater—the opera troupe performing at private gatherings all put on makeup inside…”