The Feng household had few people. Even the midday meal was rather quiet, with male and female guests separated. Seventh Miss ate in the inner hall with Madam Feng and Feng Ling, while Feng Jin personally entertained Xu Fengjia in the garden.

Since Xu Fengjia’s return, Seventh Miss rarely ate alone. Even when Xu Fengjia went out, there were always Silang and Wulang coming in to disturb her from time to time. Now sitting across from Madam Feng and Feng Ling, she realized that a household without children indeed lacked some vitality.

After the midday meal, Madam Feng customarily took an afternoon nap. Feng Ling was busy attending to the old lady, so Seventh Miss took her leave, saying she would “take a walk in the garden.”

She supported herself on Lixia’s arm and began walking about the Feng family’s small garden.

Though the Feng estate was large in area, its population was much smaller than the Xu family’s. Unlike Xiao Cuijin, where in winter all the corridors had thick cotton curtains, and once the windows were closed and braziers lit, warmth pervaded everywhere one walked. Looking outward, one could see the figures of maids laughing and moving about within Xiao Cuijin.

Seventh Miss, supporting herself on Lixia, took a stroll in the small garden and felt increasingly cold. She was just about to send someone to ask Xu Fengjia’s whereabouts and request Feng Jin to come in to discuss Sixth Miss’s matter when she heard someone laugh behind her, “Only you would do this—wandering about aimlessly right after eating. This is someone else’s home!”

“Aren’t you the same? This is someone else’s inner courtyard—what are you barging in here for?” Seventh Miss turned around, laughingly scolded Xu Fengjia, then stepped forward to adjust his collar properly. She frowned. “How much did you drink? You reek of alcohol!”

Xu Fengjia waved his hand dismissively. “Not much. I just spilled a pot of wine on myself, which is why you smell it.”

He then whispered in Seventh Miss’s ear. “I gave some persuasion. It looks like your cousin is already somewhat moved, just needs a bit more push. When you discuss Sixth Sister’s matter with him later, add another push—he might just take the opportunity to back down.”

Though Xu Fengjia had been slightly jealous of Feng Jin, the couple had quickly reached an understanding: Sixth Miss’s matter still needed to be discussed between Seventh Miss and Feng Jin personally.

Seventh Miss nodded knowingly and watched as Xu Fengjia followed the corridor around to the privy. Only then did she smile at Lixia. “Come, let’s go back and sit in the inner hall—standing here too long, one truly gets cold to the bone.”

Lixia also sighed softly, “Seeing the aunt’s condition… this servant also feels that wealth and glory are quite meaningless.”

Only someone with Lixia’s relationship to Seventh Miss could say such things.

Seventh Miss thought of years ago when, in the midst of hardship, Madam Feng still carried an indomitable fighting spirit, then thought of how the Feng household now existed under the weight of power and money in such profound loneliness. For a moment, she was filled with emotion and slowly sighed, “Indeed, wealth and glory truly cannot compare to enjoying one’s grandchildren.”

In that moment, she also thought of Ninth Concubine, thought of the secret chamber and garden so close at hand, thought of Eunuch Lian in the palace.

Throughout history, difficulty and loneliness—there were always so many regrets that human power could not remedy.

#

After Madam Feng fell asleep, Feng Ling freed herself to entertain Seventh Miss, discussing various household matters with her.

Though the two met infrequently, Seventh Miss was quite fond of this unconventional cousin. As for Xu family matters—what couldn’t be said, she naturally never mentioned, but there were many amusing anecdotes she could share. Seventh Miss selected some to tell Feng Ling, also laughingly mentioning a few things about Silang and Wulang’s daily life.

“With even one child in the house, one is terribly busy, let alone with two young masters.” As Seventh Miss spoke, she observed Feng Ling’s expression. “This past year, I haven’t had much mind for embroidery. All told, by year’s end, I’d only made a few belly wraps, but the two children grew too fast—measurements taken at the year’s start were already far too small by year’s end.”

Feng Ling’s eyes flickered, listening with great yearning. “In the future when Shanheng has children, you must frequently bring them here for me to see.”

She couldn’t help but reveal some loneliness. “Aside from caring for Mother and managing household affairs, I don’t have much else to do.”

Seventh Miss took the opportunity to advise her, “Though being someone’s daughter-in-law has many hardships, the joys of husband and wife, the joys of family—these are also indispensable. If you don’t want to suffer the hardships of being a daughter-in-law, you could very well marry a man into your household…”

Feng Ling’s face showed she was not unmoved. She bit her lower lip, pondering for a long while before saying softly, “It’s not that I haven’t had such thoughts, especially with Brother… he doesn’t look like he’ll ever marry. The Feng family name cannot just die out. But our family’s situation is too special—too high for some, too low for others. Even if I had such thoughts, I don’t know how to go about selecting someone…”

Seventh Miss thought of Feng Jin’s sensitive status and was momentarily speechless. Most of the families she associated with were either wealthy or noble. Even the small portion with ordinary circumstances had powerful backing in military or political circles—otherwise how would they have the status to associate with her? Regarding Feng Ling’s marriage, even if she wanted to help, she had the will but not the means.

As the two sat facing each other in silence, someone came to report: Feng Jin requested Seventh Miss to come to the small study outside, as he had matters to discuss with her.

The two were close relatives, and Seventh Miss was already married. She didn’t need to strictly observe the boundaries between men and women like Feng Ling did. She brought Lixia out of the inner courtyard. Naturally, someone guided them from front and back, ushering Seventh Miss into the small study.

Feng Jin was standing in a small conservatory outside the small study. Looking through the frosted glass, he appeared to be bent over, tending to an orchid plant.

Though glass was no longer a rare commodity at that time, to casually build a glass conservatory outside one’s study—such a grand gesture required both great household wealth and boldness.

Seventh Miss entered the conservatory and immediately felt a wave of heat. She casually closed the door behind her, leaving Lixia outside as well.

Just seeing that Feng Jin knew to arrange their meeting place in a glass conservatory showed that this person’s rise to his current position was indeed no fluke.

Although there were two matters that only Seventh Miss could clearly explain to Feng Jin before he would help, and although Xu Fengjia wasn’t particularly jealous, the two of them closeted in a room together still had a few taboo implications. Though Xu Fengjia wouldn’t say anything, he might not be entirely unconcerned in his heart. But speaking in a glass conservatory, where every move was clearly visible to outsiders and maids stood guard outside—this had the flavor of being open and aboveboard.

Feng Jin had considered and arranged even such minute details so properly. It warmed one’s heart and left no fault to be found.

Seeing Seventh Miss enter, he straightened up and took a fine cloth to wipe his hands that had gotten somewhat soiled with earth.

“Hmm, you have some color in your cheeks now.” After carefully examining Seventh Miss, he nodded with a smile.

Seventh Miss’s heart warmed.

Though they met only once or twice a year, each time they met, she could always feel Feng Jin’s sincere concern.

“Cousin has lost some weight though.” She also examined Feng Jin with concern, saying sincerely, “Have you been rather unhappy lately?”

If last year at this time Feng Jin was a flower in full bloom—though lonely, still radiant—then Feng Jin at this moment had become somewhat haggard, like a dust-covered porcelain piece. Though beautiful, the loneliness had gone too far.

Feng Jin smiled slightly.

“Shanheng asks though she knows the answer.” His attitude was unexpectedly frank. “Though I was prepared, having reached this point, how could I be happy?”

Without waiting for Seventh Miss to respond, he asked again, “I heard from your cousin’s husband that you have two matters you want to privately entrust to me… Does he treat you well?”

Seventh Miss’s face reddened slightly. She didn’t answer.

She didn’t need to say anything. Feng Jin already smiled with satisfaction. “Seeing you this year, you look much happier.”

Seeing the blush on Seventh Miss’s face gradually deepen, he said leisurely, “What matter is it that even your cousin’s husband cannot speak of on your behalf, requiring you to tell me personally? I’m somewhat curious—Shanheng, please sit down.”

This conservatory wasn’t actually very large, with only about a dozen orchid plants arranged in succession. In the depths was a stone table and chairs with writing implements on top—clearly this was a place where Feng Jin frequently spent time.

Seventh Miss gracefully moved to sit by the table and explained the matter of Xiao Songhua. “Actually, this matter does involve the Xu family’s shameful secrets. Shengluan is proud and haughty. Though she tacitly approved of me seeking Cousin’s help, she absolutely couldn’t personally ask.”

After a pause, she added somewhat embarrassedly, “To trouble Cousin with such a small matter is really making a sledgehammer crack a nut, but… I truly couldn’t think of any other solution and could only turn to Cousin for help…”

Feng Jin had already taken a seat across from her, slightly furrowing his brows, listening very attentively.

If Seventh Miss hadn’t already grown accustomed to beautiful people and hadn’t spent considerable time with Sixth Miss day and night, she would surely have been captivated by his beauty as he listened intently.

“Though this matter isn’t large, its implications are certainly not small.” He readily agreed. “Since it concerns your Fifth Sister, Zixiu will naturally do his utmost.”

He then reproached Seventh Miss, “When human life is at stake, you really should have sent someone to tell me earlier. Why delay until today?”

Seventh Miss hurriedly took several papers from inside her garment. “This woman is called Da Niu in the neighborhood, surnamed Xiao. These are the names and histories of her entire natal family—I had someone investigate and obtain this information before the new year, but then with the busy New Year period, it was delayed… Her husband is named Qiu Shisan. At the time, he came to Coal Alley relying on a house to make a living. Usually taciturn and keeping little contact with those around him—even this name took great effort to discover. Not long after arriving, he took a fancy to Xiao Da Niu. After having someone propose marriage to the Xiao family, they quickly married, and the young couple went south together to seek relatives and friends.”

As she spoke, she felt rather embarrassed. “With only this much information… I’m truly making things difficult for Cousin.”

But Feng Jin’s expression was inscrutable. He took the information from Seventh Miss’s hand, examined it for a long while, then said, “This name Qiu Shisan—I seem to have some impression of it, though it’s hard to say. After all, there are many people in the world with the same name. Moreover, I don’t remember where I saw this name… I’ll look into it. As soon as there’s news, I’ll send word to your cousin’s husband.”

Seventh Miss was overjoyed. “Thank you, Cousin.”

Thinking of her second request, she found it somewhat difficult to voice for a moment. After a pause, she asked in a low voice, “Speaking of which, Cousin doesn’t have many relatives in the capital. Even if you’re unwilling to associate with the Yang family, both Shengluan and I regard you as family…”

She spoke indirectly, but was asking whether Feng Jin intended to make their family relationship public rather than keeping it hidden, so the Xu family would have one more household to associate with.

This question, with all its twists and turns, didn’t just involve Feng Jin’s wishes alone.

Back then, to attract everyone’s attention, Feng Jin had spared no expense to his career—with the status of third-place scholar, he continually emphasized his ambiguous relationship with the then-Crown Prince, now Emperor. Though it succeeded in attracting Prince Lu’s attention and gaining maneuvering room for the Crown Prince, the consequences were endless. He himself could never wash away the scandal with the Emperor for life. Especially when this scandal wasn’t entirely baseless, his preference for keeping a low profile naturally had many reasons.

But now he controlled the Yanyun Guard and had very close ties with Eunuch Lian. As the Great Qin’s intelligence chief, ordinary censors who dared offend him were already few. Feng Jin held official position and had a jinshi degree. If he drew clear boundaries with the palace and no longer maintained close relations, if he thickened his skin a bit, a little scandal was nothing. Given enough time, everyone would simply forget.

Of course, the prerequisite for doing this was still drawing clear boundaries with the Emperor, returning from a lover relationship to a sovereign-subject relationship. Seventh Miss believed that with Feng Jin’s abilities, even without this romantic tie to maintain the Emperor’s favor, he could still secure his position in the Yanyun Guard. After all, even if they broke up, the affection would still remain. Otherwise, during this past half year when Feng Jin resolutely refused to enter the palace to see the Emperor, if the Emperor only regarded him as an ordinary male favorite, he would have already been dealt with beyond recognition.

Regarding this supreme sovereign, Seventh Miss dared not regard him lightly at all.

But this step still depended on whether Feng Jin himself was willing to take it. At least at this time last year, he preferred to continue keeping a low profile, bearing the reputation of a favored sycophant, rather than sever relations with the Emperor or even keep this relationship low-key to whitewash his own reputation.

But at this time last year, neither Consort Niu nor Sixth Miss was pregnant…

Such complex and subtle emotional fluctuations—Seventh Miss asked with merely one sentence, yet asked so skillfully, leaving Feng Jin room to evade.

Feng Jin’s eyes flickered. On his jade-like luminous countenance, myriad emotions flashed and vanished.

He suddenly sighed, “A woman with refined heart and cultivated nature like Shanheng—I’ve truly rarely seen in my life… There are many things Cousin can only tell you.”

“In this lifetime, I, Feng Zixiu, have inevitably made mistakes and missteps. Looking back, there are countless things I regret. But there is one thing in this life I have never regretted doing.” Feng Jin’s eyes held a trace of a smile. “Perhaps my entire life will be ruined by the word ‘love’—that’s also difficult to say.”

“For this person, wronging the world, wronging my family—I must wrong them all. This is my bit of willfulness. Please don’t blame Cousin, Shanheng.” His eyes curved. “Will Shanheng blame Cousin?”

At this moment, Feng Jin was truly like Sixth Miss on the dragon boat that Mid-Autumn night—beautiful to the extreme. Yet his beauty was even lonelier than Sixth Miss’s beauty, and because of this loneliness, even more moving.

Seventh Miss shook her head. She answered sincerely, “As long as Cousin is happy himself, what qualification does Xiao Qi have to judge you?”

After a pause, she added, “But since Cousin thinks this way, why avoid His Majesty and refuse to enter the palace?”

This was the first time Seventh Miss explicitly mentioned the Emperor by title.

In Feng Jin’s eyes, cunning flashed and vanished.

“I truly love him, but methods—those cannot be lacking.” He said softly. “Even if he also acted out of necessity for the sake of heirs, I cannot let him think he can have both me and others.”

Seventh Miss suddenly understood.

No wonder Feng Jin had refused to enter the palace to see the Emperor starting from when the Emperor bedded Consort Niu last year. He didn’t mind the Emperor getting close to others for the sake of heirs, but he refused to compromise because of it and destroy his own value.

If you don’t take yourself seriously and are willing to humble yourself, how can you make others hold you in high regard?

In this moment, this young prodigy who rose to fame early and wielded power over the realm finally revealed a bit of his cunning to Seventh Miss. Though only this small matter, seeing the small reveals the large—his scheming mind could be imagined.

Seventh Miss immediately abandoned the thought of speaking up for Feng Ling, persuading Feng Jin to adopt a boy: someone with such extraordinary methods and deep scheming would naturally not fail to consider this point. Many things were not for her to presume to comment on.

She pondered for a moment, then said decisively, “Why trouble two people when one will do? Since it’s like this, Shanheng won’t hesitate to speak.”

She unreservedly told Feng Jin the good news about Sixth Miss. “Right now even His Majesty doesn’t know about this matter, but being able to stabilize this pregnancy is ultimately beneficial for Cousin.”

With Feng Jin’s intelligence, he naturally knew that the more heirs the Emperor had, the sooner he could regain the Emperor’s full attention.

Moreover, the Emperor would eventually pass away someday. If that day came earlier than Feng Jin’s death—he still needed to leave some groundwork for the future. Stabilizing Sixth Miss’s pregnancy had multiple benefits for him.

Feng Jin’s eyes indeed flickered. After pondering for a long while, he said, “This matter—it would be more appropriate for me to arrange rather than Uncle Lian. After all, Uncle Lian goes in and out, spending more time by His Majesty’s side. For many things, he would feel somewhat guilty hiding them from His Majesty.”

Seventh Miss smiled slightly and said softly, “What if Cousin told His Majesty himself?”

With Feng Jin’s status, learning that Sixth Miss was pregnant wouldn’t be difficult. Quan Zhongbai telling him privately wouldn’t count as gossiping. Though he had his own reasons for refusing to see the Emperor, it wasn’t out of jealousy. His willingness to secretly help Sixth Miss preserve her pregnancy—if the Emperor knew, he would only be moved by his tolerance and sacrifice. And now that the harem was in complete chaos, presumably with the Emperor’s cunning, he wouldn’t risk that small embryo in Sixth Miss’s belly that very likely was male. If he didn’t speak, Sixth Miss could still maintain a low profile and secretly nurture the pregnancy—while also receiving covert protection from the supreme sovereign.

Xu Fengjia’s words persuading Feng Jin to soften were also for the Emperor’s sake: this arrangement benefited all parties and did the Emperor a favor. Even if the Emperor knew it was contrived, with the gesture there, he could hardly not appreciate it. And to have the supreme sovereign owe someone a favor—the benefits contained therein need not be stated.

Feng Jin contemplated for a long while before nodding and letting out a cool breath. “If Shanheng were a man, Zixiu would have no place to stand.”