Xu Fengjia’s mood seemed rather poor. During dinner, he remained very silent throughout.

The couple no longer strictly observed the rules of “no talking while eating, no talking while sleeping.” At the dinner table, they inevitably chatted a bit, especially since Xu Fengjia customarily drank two cups of wine in the evening. While drinking, Seventh Miss would always accompany him by discussing the day’s interesting events. The young general had a very cheerful temperament, and during a meal, he would often laugh heartily several times.

Today was different. Though Xu Fengjia’s face couldn’t be said to show an approaching storm, there was a faint gloom. He silently drank several cups of wine without saying a single word.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but raise one eyebrow in concern, asking softly, “What’s wrong? Did someone upset you at the office today?”

Xu Fengjia was actually amused by her words and laughed. “Even if someone upset me, what could you do about it? Could you stand up for me?”

“You’re underestimating me? If someone really offended you, I naturally have ways to stand up for you.” Seventh Miss deliberately teased Xu Fengjia. “Starting with Sixth Sister, there’s my father, Cousin Zixiu, and Uncle Lian’s family, Second Sister—which one isn’t a powerful figure who can make things happen with a snap of their fingers? They could crush anyone into the ground with a move of their hand. Don’t be shy, Young Master—tell me, who upset you? I, Yang Qi, will seek justice for you.”

This was entirely the script of a spoiled young wastrel. Xu Fengjia couldn’t help but laugh heartily, and his previous melancholy was swept away.

He waved his hand. “It’s nothing serious!”

His expression showed some deep thought. “It’s just that the movements in the palace these past few days haven’t been quite right. I’m quite puzzled.”

Seventh Miss didn’t ask questions but simply set down her chopsticks, gazed attentively at Xu Fengjia, and quietly waited for him to continue.

Very often, everyone needs a good listener.

Xu Fengjia indeed sighed.

“You know the Emperor and I have known each other since childhood.”

This was the first time he had mentioned the Emperor to Seventh Miss.

“When His Majesty was still Crown Prince, his situation wasn’t like now—high and mighty with everyone answering his call. At one point, the Late Emperor’s intentions were unclear and obscure, the former Prince Lu was too powerful, and neither the Empress Dowager nor the Dowager Consort were favored by the Late Emperor. The Crown Prince had strong enemies outside and no strong support within. His days were lived in constant trepidation with many unspeakable hardships that couldn’t be shared with outsiders.”

“At that time, I was a reader-in-waiting in the inner chambers. Rather than future sovereign and subject, we were more like brothers and friends sharing similar hardships.” A faint trace of nostalgia crossed Xu Fengjia’s brow. “In this lifetime, I don’t have many friends, but with him, we truly could be called brothers who share everything. Whatever ambitions and aspirations he had, he confided in me. His troubles and doubts, he wouldn’t hide from me either.”

Xu Fengjia similarly had several powerful elder brothers, and his father likewise showed him no particular favor. Before he had established his achievements, his pressure compared to the Crown Prince’s was probably only somewhat similar.

Seventh Miss nodded understandingly, propping her chin as she listened to Xu Fengjia continue.

“To be honest with you.” A trace of gloom crossed Xu Fengjia’s face, along with some cold mockery. “My greatest foundation for securing my position in this family is precisely this bond of friendship between the Emperor and me. It’s because of this friendship that Father often lets me act freely in many matters without interfering too much.”

With Duke Pingguo’s severe temperament, he naturally had countless means to control and discipline Xu Fengjia. How could he tolerate Xu Fengjia doing everything according to his own wishes? Not going to Nanyang if he didn’t want to, marrying Yang Qi if he wanted to…

Seventh Miss already vaguely understood what Xu Fengjia’s worry was. She remained composed as she listened to Xu Fengjia continue.

“But over these years, His Majesty has gradually become more and more like an emperor. Between us two, though the brotherly bond remains, but… many things, he no longer confides in me. Recently, you can see his mood has been very troubled. In his every gesture and movement, there’s a violent aura. Yet when we went hunting together, His Majesty didn’t say a single word to me about it.”

In feudal society, the Emperor’s favor and trust had a decisive effect on a person’s fate. No matter how unworldly Xu Fengjia was, he was still a person in the arena of fame and fortune. Especially since the Duke position wouldn’t be inherited by him, and Fourth Young Master threatened him in terms of seniority, ability, and skill—at this time, his worry about losing the Emperor’s favor and trust was only human nature.

“From what I know, even Feng Jin doesn’t seem to know the details of this matter. Only Eunuch Lian can share His Majesty’s worries.” Before Seventh Miss could speak, Xu Fengjia frowned again. “Since shortly after the Mid-Autumn Festival last year, Feng Zixiu seems to have gradually grown distant from His Majesty. Now their relationship is awkward, and I’m also somewhat worried—ah, I already said we wouldn’t discuss official business after dinner, yet I’ve told you so much again.”

He waved his hand, his expression brightening again. “Let’s eat. I’m just worrying needlessly about nothing. We’re all adults. I don’t tell His Majesty everything either, so if he has matters he doesn’t tell me, isn’t that human nature?”

Though he said this, there was still a trace of worry in his expression that couldn’t be dispelled.

Seventh Miss lowered her eyes in thought for a moment, then understood.

After all was said and done, this person was acting somewhat like a startled bird because he was keeping one matter from the Emperor. Once the Emperor’s behavior showed any abnormality, he would inevitably start worrying.

But the reason Xu Fengjia had developed this anxiety was mostly because he didn’t want to leave her alone in the capital again…

Seventh Miss’s heart suddenly became as soft as cotton wadding. An indescribable feeling surged up, making her want to smile while also feeling her nose sting.

She raised her eyes and pressed Xu Fengjia’s hand.

“Don’t worry.” She said softly. “The reason for this matter—I’ll tell you.”

Her reluctance to tell Xu Fengjia was only because he would very likely, out of consideration for Duke Pingguo’s household interests, reveal through his behavior and demeanor that he already knew the details of this matter, thereby causing Quan Zhongbai to lose the Emperor’s trust and favor.

Throughout her life, Seventh Miss acted according to one principle: caution. When all was said and done, even if Xu Fengjia didn’t know about this matter, it wouldn’t harm his interests at all—in fact, it would only bring more benefits. Out of caution, maintaining silence might be the best choice.

But in the end, there are many things in the world that transcend caution. For Seventh Miss, from beginning to end, this matter only had one name.

Xu Fengjia.

Seventh Miss, adding and omitting details, told Xu Fengjia what Quan Ruiyun had said, and also showed him the prescription.

“My thought was to ask Uncle Lian for help—using the ‘Two Immortals Pass the Way, Stealing Dragon and Replacing Phoenix’ method to quietly send the medicine to Jingren Palace. Sixth Sister would quietly have trusted palace servants brew and consume it. After some time passes and the situation stabilizes a bit, then bring this matter out into the open. This way everyone benefits.” She carefully explained to Xu Fengjia. “After all, especially with Father—he’s been arguing about this so fiercely lately that if he knew, he would inevitably immediately use this matter to attack the Jiao family, disregarding the Quan family’s position. If the Quan family becomes angry, turning in-laws into enemies would be undesirable…”

This matter, which could affect the entire court situation, had already captured Xu Fengjia’s full attention. The young general couldn’t bother with his own established rules and pondered silently for quite a while before decisively saying, “This is the most ideal approach!”

He then advised Seventh Miss in turn, “Don’t tell the Dowager Consort about this matter either. Only if fewer people know can your Sixth Sister be cleaner when this matter is eventually revealed.”

This was from the Xu family’s perspective, but it was also mature counsel. Seventh Miss considered briefly, then nodded. “I understand.”

She also sighed with Xu Fengjia, “It should have been a joyous occasion, but now the palace has become like this—the joyous event is no longer joyous…”

Though the Crown Prince came from the Sun family and could be said to have some connection with the Xu family, this family relationship was ultimately not very close or solid, maintained only through the sisterly relationship between Seventh Miss and Second Miss. How his health was originally had nothing to do with the Xu family, but kidney essence depletion was an extremely inauspicious sign that often affected offspring.

How could a Crown Prince who wasn’t prosperous in children serve as the empire’s heir?

Every move of the imperial family could cause upheaval in the court, especially the position of Crown Prince, which affected the situation of the entire realm. At this juncture, Consort Niu’s pregnancy had also developed problems. Whether it was the Empress’s own arrangement or her own lack of caution was already very difficult to determine. Even if it was her own lack of caution, it would probably be blamed on the Empress’s arrangement.

A stillbirth could sometimes shake the Empress’s position even more than a live birth.

Xu Fengjia’s brow was already like overlapping mountain ranges, tied in several knots. He drew several circles on paper before saying in a low voice, “No wonder His Majesty’s tone regarding the Central Palace hasn’t been very good lately. Add to that Feng Zixiu claiming illness and staying home all winter, refusing to enter the palace to speak with him…”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

Feng Jin was simply too noble and pure. How could such an untainted person tolerate the Emperor favoring women of the harem?

But how could an empire not have several male heirs as backup successors?

In any case, the word “love” was just this troublesome. Once entangled in it, the heart became chaotic, and many things could no longer follow the most rational choices.

“After the spring wine banquet, we’ll visit the Feng family.” Between the flashes in Xu Fengjia’s eyes, he had already made arrangements. “Feng Zixiu just needs a way to back down gracefully. With such matters happening in the palace now, if he continues his tantrum, he’d be showing poor judgment.”

From Xu Fengjia’s meaning, he intended to personally persuade Feng Jin to end the cold war with the Emperor, to step forward and soothe the Emperor’s emotions, hoping to prevent the chaos in the palace from escalating further.

“But for this matter, you may not have an appropriate motivation.” Seventh Miss frowned. “Without proper motivation, His Majesty will inevitably become suspicious.”

If he became suspicious, the Emperor’s favor and trust in Quan Zhongbai would very likely end.

Xu Fengjia smiled.

His smile was always very sunny and cheerful, rarely showing the kind of deep calculation and scheming as at this moment. Seventh Miss couldn’t help but be momentarily stunned.

Sometimes one really did forget that besides his straightforwardness, this person was not lacking in cunning at all, and was moreover a quite seasoned politician. For many things, he had no scruples at all and didn’t care whether it tarnished his status.

Otherwise, why would he be willing to associate with the Feng family? Feng Jin’s status had largely limited his social connections, and only a true politician would interact and ally with him without ideological reservations. And Xu Fengjia was precisely such a politician.

“The reason you would go persuade Cousin Zixiu could also be that your concern for His Majesty exceeds your principles—even if you’ll be criticized by others, you’ll still persuade Cousin Zixiu to create space for reconciliation between them.” Before Xu Fengjia could answer, Seventh Miss slowly offered her answer.

Playing this emotion card was truly quite shameless, and truly quite brilliant.

Xu Fengjia looked at Seventh Miss. He smiled.

“What if you were a little less clever? Hmm? Yang Qi, must you be this smart?”

His complaint was full of affection.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but laugh. “If I were a bit stupid, you’d complain I was too stupid. In other words, why must you be so clever? If you were a bit stupid and just followed my arrangements, nothing bad would happen.”

A clever person was often lonely. Even when surrounded by money, power, and beautiful women, they could still be unspeakably lonely. The Grand Master was undoubtedly such a lonely person. However, Seventh Miss felt she was fortunate—now she seemed no longer lonely.

Xu Fengjia’s gaze grew warm. He suddenly touched Seventh Miss’s cheek. “You clearly didn’t have to tell me about this matter. Why did you say it?”

Seventh Miss blushed and lowered her head without speaking.

She didn’t need to answer. Her actions were the best answer.

Xu Fengjia patted her face again and praised her softly. “Good child, you learn so fast.”

Seventh Miss couldn’t help but roll her eyes at Xu Fengjia. “The food is all cold. Why aren’t you eating quickly? In a few days we’ll be hosting the spring wine banquet. There’s still so much to be busy with. Other matters will have to wait until after the banquet.”

#

The Xu family’s spring wine banquet was naturally also very lively.

Though Duke Pingguo’s estate wasn’t as vast as the Quan family’s, it wasn’t small either. Seventh Miss consulted with the Grand Madam, Duke Pingguo, and Madam Xu, and they arranged banquets for three days. During these days, several young madams didn’t go out drinking but focused on entertaining relatives and friends at home.

In great families, no matter how many undercurrents existed privately, before outsiders they showed not a trace. Even with the old grievances between the Grand Madam and Madam Xu, they were harmonious with each other—you being considerate of me, me respecting you. Seventh Miss and her sisters-in-law followed suit. Even First Young Madam rarely showed a smile, joining Fourth Young Madam and Fifth Young Madam in entertaining guests in the side hall. Seventh Miss followed her two mothers-in-law in Liushang Hall, entertaining guests with wine and opera. She also frequently went out to manage various details. She was busy for a full day until dusk fell before returning to Mingde Hall to rest.

Upon entering Mingde Hall, she summoned Xiao Huangpu and asked her, “I had you stay by Second Miss’s side today… why didn’t I see you?”

Xiao Huangpu’s face immediately showed distress. “This servant did stay by Second Miss’s side, talking with her maid, but Second Miss said she needed to use the privy and suddenly disappeared. We searched the entire garden but couldn’t find her. It was only later when Sister Lixia told me that Second Miss had already entered Liushang Hall and was sitting there perfectly fine. Only then did I rush over. Young Madam probably just didn’t see me during that time?”

Seventh Miss’s heart couldn’t help but jump.

Could Yu Qiao have been unable to restrain herself and gone to secretly look at Cui Zixiu again?

However, perhaps she hadn’t attended to her own maid and had entered Liushang Hall on her own—that was also possible. After all, it was always maids who attended to young ladies, not young ladies who minded their maids.

She didn’t overly blame Xiao Huangpu, only saying lightly, “It’s fine. I had you stay by Second Miss’s side just in case she acted inappropriately and caused some embarrassment. After all, she’s someone who’s already engaged… How did Second Miss seem today?”

Xiao Huangpu quickly nodded. “Second Miss’s behavior was always very proper. Her mood was also good. From morning on, she chatted and laughed with her sisters. There was nothing improper to be seen.”

She had misunderstood Seventh Miss, thinking Seventh Miss was worried that Yu Qiao, because of her marriage arrangement, would be distracted and lose propriety before others.

Seventh Miss didn’t clarify but casually exchanged a few more words before dismissing Xiao Huangpu.

After thinking, she summoned Yu An to speak with her.

“Work a bit harder these few days and don’t stray too far from your Second Sister.” She instructed Yu An. “Yu Qiao has a willful temperament, and her mood hasn’t been good lately. I’m afraid that in front of guests…”

Yu An was the most timid person. Seventh Miss had only said half when she hastily agreed. “Sister-in-law, don’t worry. I’ll definitely watch Second Sister carefully!”

Seventh Miss looked at her and smiled, but thinking that Yu An’s marriage prospects were still unsettled, she couldn’t help but sigh again.