Duke Pingguo immediately frowned, his gaze shifting back and forth between Fifth Young Madam and Seventh Miss. He said nothing for a long while. After another extended period, he finally said in a low voice, “Then Yang Shi, how do you think this matter should be handled?”

Seventh Miss thought of Lixia, thought of Shangyuan, and her heart truly felt as if it were being cut by knives, waves of pain washing over her.

She was not a particularly great person. A great transmigrator should seemingly strive to reach the upper echelons of this society to change its man-eating cruelty. Seventh Miss had always known she lacked the capability to oppose this entire society, but that didn’t mean she would offer up the close friends and loyal servants at her side without any resistance when pressured by this society.

These maids had followed at her side for so many years. Though calling it friendship would be too mocking, at least there existed a sincere affection similar to kinship between them. Especially Lixia—the two had accompanied each other for thirteen years and had long transcended the master-servant relationship, developing a rare bond of mutual regard.

She glanced at Xu Fengjia, then suddenly clenched her teeth and declared loudly, “Xiao Qi dares not guarantee others, but these two maids, Lixia and Shangyuan, have been at my side for over ten years. Though I dare not claim we’re as close as sisters, over all these years, who knows how many matters they’ve handled for Xiao Qi. If they had been negligent, Xiao Qi likely wouldn’t have reached this stage today.”

Thinking of how Fifth Young Madam would sacrifice dozens of lives merely to strike at her, a surge of anger rose in her heart. She swept a seemingly casual glance at Fifth Young Madam and said as if unconcerned, “Moreover, if over such a trifling matter we dismiss some senior maids and silence others by death, what will those below think of us? Over time, when everyone’s hearts scatter throughout the manor, matters will become difficult to handle. When Fifth Sister-in-law dismissed Xiao Luowen, I wanted to advise you then—we are a prestigious noble family and should conduct ourselves more gently. How could Fifth Sister-in-law send her away to await death just because Xiao Luowen contracted a minor illness?”

Fifth Young Madam’s face immediately flushed blood red. Tears welling in her eyes, she dropped to her knees with a thud, looking pleadingly at Duke Pingguo and saying in a low voice, “It’s this daughter-in-law’s fault for making things difficult for the heir apparent’s wife. I beg Father-in-law’s punishment.”

Seventh Miss shifted her gaze away and let out a soft, cold snort, yielding not an inch and showing rare absence of any intention to compromise.

First Young Master was about to speak when First Young Madam lowered her eyes and tugged at his hem. The two immediately became like wooden posts, merely staring at the ground, rather like chickens frozen in shock.

The atmosphere in the room immediately turned cold. Duke Pingguo’s gaze swept back and forth between the two daughters-in-law. Xu Fengjia and Fifth Young Master stood beside their respective wives, but their expressions differed. Fifth Young Master first startled, then froze, then as comprehension dawned, his face showed several traces of embarrassment. He opened his mouth to say something but ultimately said nothing.

Xu Fengjia, however, cast a deeply meaningful glance at Fifth Young Madam, then looked at Duke Pingguo before letting out a cold, mocking laugh.

This was the first time Seventh Miss had asserted her status as household mistress and heir apparent’s wife to discipline Fifth Young Madam.

Though just a simple sentence, the meaning within was vicious enough that Fifth Young Madam had no choice but to immediately kneel and beg forgiveness, defending herself.

Last September and October, Xiao Luowen had fallen gravely ill. Fifth Young Madam had called physicians who failed to cure her, and had no choice but to dismiss her. Not long after, Xiao Luowen died of her illness. Those with keen eyes in the manor naturally knew about this matter. Seventh Miss’s words were nakedly reminding Duke Pingguo that Fifth Young Madam regarded human life as grass, and merely because of the relationship between Accountant Zhang’s family and Xiao Luowen, which had tainted Xiao Luowen’s reputation, she had ruthlessly eliminated Xiao Luowen to prevent her from causing trouble.

And Xiao Luowen had been a chamber maid highly valued and trusted by Fifth Young Madam!

Combined with Fifth Young Madam’s insistence today, it inevitably made one feel she was truly a cruel and vicious person whose methods were too ruthless, lacking the demeanor of a great family.

Yet every single thing Seventh Miss said was correct. On the surface, she was merely reproaching Fifth Young Madam for being so heartless toward those at her side, expelling them to await death at the first sign of illness. Fifth Young Madam had no grounds to defend herself, and could only present herself as weak to gain Duke Pingguo’s sympathy, hoping he would feel disgust at Seventh Miss’s aggressive pressing.

Duke Pingguo’s eyes flickered continuously. At one moment he thought of Seventh Miss’s outstanding performance over the past six months, at another he thought of Fifth Young Madam’s words—indeed, only the dead were most reliable at keeping secrets.

Suddenly, he felt slightly disappointed in this heir apparent’s wife who had been perfectly proper in every way since entering the household. To manage a family, one naturally needed a compassionate heart, but also thunderous methods. If she couldn’t bear to part with the bonds with maids at her side, at critical moments for the Xu family in the future, would she also be unable to sever ties with her natal family?

He sighed silently and glanced at Seventh Miss again. Seeing her face set with determination, her expression even vaguely gloomy, his heart actually skipped a beat.

From Yang Shi’s appearance, she had truly resolved to risk everything to protect these two dowry maids at her side…

Ah well, if not for this sentimental nature, how could the Yang family have felt assured sending her here to raise children for her elder sister?

Duke Pingguo then rebuked in a low voice, “Enough, what kind of spectacle is this? You’re a family of brothers and sisters-in-law who should support each other, not resent each other and become as incompatible as fighting cocks. Fundamentally, you both share fault in this matter. Zhang Shi, you’re also Yu Qiao’s sister-in-law. I’ve heard Yu Qiao often came to talk with you. With such a major matter, could she truly have shown no sign beforehand? It must be that you weren’t careful enough and failed to observe closely!”

“And Yang Shi, you’ve been managing the household for half a year now. How can the manor’s security still be so lax? A living person could slip out through the second gate without anyone knowing—what couldn’t be smuggled in?”

Xu Fengjia raised his eyebrows and actually joined Duke Pingguo in reproaching Seventh Miss. “I told you long ago to reform the manor’s guard system and follow my deployment plan, but you refused, saying something about following established precedents and making as few changes as possible to avoid disruption… Now that something has happened, it’s too late for regrets, isn’t it!”

Fifth Young Madam’s expression immediately became even more unpleasant.

Following established precedents—whose precedents was she following? Weren’t they her own!

This heir apparent wouldn’t swallow even a breath of grievance, wouldn’t let his wife suffer even the slightest injustice?

She couldn’t help glancing at Fifth Young Master, seeing him flush red and stammer, which sent a wave of irritation through her heart. Everyone in this household was sharp as needles—even the silent First Young Master and his wife were more perceptive than anyone at critical moments, knowing to play dumb and avoid being drawn into conflicts between the two branches.

Only this Fifth Young Master was useless at all times, and at moments like this, even more useless than usual!

Fifth Young Madam simply used her gaze to stop whatever he was about to say, and herself respectfully bowed low, saying quietly, “I understand Sixth Brother’s meaning. In any case, it’s all my fault. I beg Father-in-law’s punishment!”

Duke Pingguo’s expression truly darkened considerably. He glared at Xu Fengjia before gently helping Fifth Young Madam to her feet—yet paid no attention to Seventh Miss—saying, “Alas, when all is said and done, it’s Yu Qiao herself who failed to conduct herself properly!”

And just like that, he lightly glossed over the dispute.

Seventh Miss couldn’t help sighing inwardly.

The old man had clearly intended to strike both sides equally and muddle through this mess. Xu Fengjia’s interjection had rather spoiled things.

This time, she had won the confrontation but lost some of Duke Pingguo’s favor. Conversely, Fifth Young Madam had seized the opportunity to appear pitiful and recovered a bit of emotional ground.

However, given her current status and position, even with Duke Pingguo’s authority, he still couldn’t make Seventh Miss tremble with fear. Seeing Duke Pingguo ignore her, she rose on her own and quietly asked him, “Since Yu Qiao is to be reported as dying of sudden illness, what should we say about the marriage arrangement with the Fan family?”

Duke Pingguo had been about to feel more displeased seeing her rise on her own, but hearing Seventh Miss’s question, his heart stirred and he immediately set aside this momentary pique.

Sweeping another glance at Fifth Young Master and Fifth Young Madam, he secretly sighed in his heart.

After all, the children had grown up, and many matters couldn’t be decided solely according to his wishes. If Zhang Shi had asked Yu Qiao’s attitude—since she was so unwilling, having this marriage go to Yu Ping or Yu An instead would cause no harm to the Xu family, and Yu Qiao wouldn’t have needed to do something so shocking today.

Who knows where she is now, whether she has found support…

Duke Pingguo immediately reined in his surging emotions. He said in a low voice, “Go summon Fourth Son and Fourth Daughter-in-law. Regarding this marriage, we should still ask their opinion. If Yu Ping is also someone who prizes appearance—”

Seventh Miss immediately cast a meaningful glance at Fifth Young Madam.

This time, Duke Pingguo intended to test how well the sisters-in-law understood their younger sisters-in-law.

Before Yu Qiao eloped, she must have expressed dissatisfaction with this marriage arrangement. With Duke Pingguo’s perceptiveness, looking back now, how could he fail to notice that every time the marriage was mentioned, Yu Qiao had never shown pleasure?

This marriage had first received Fifth Branch’s approval before reaching the elders’ level. Either Fifth Young Madam didn’t care about Yu Qiao’s wishes, or she lacked understanding of Yu Qiao—whichever it was, it at least constituted her dereliction of duty.

Though Duke Pingguo disliked Seventh Miss’s aggressive manner, he wouldn’t forget that Fifth Young Madam was also at fault. If he let emotions rule him, he wouldn’t be that distinguished Western Campaign Grand Marshal. This casual, free-wheeling move tested whether Fourth Young Madam’s understanding of Yu An matched Fifth Young Madam’s insufficient understanding of Yu Qiao—after all, Yu An was also Fourth Young Master’s full sister.

Fifth Young Madam seemed to have regained her composure. She showed no excessive reaction to Seventh Miss’s glance, instead staring blankly at her own toes. Fifth Young Master thus accompanied her in this mental wandering. Both husband and wife wore solemn expressions, as if what had occurred in this study wasn’t a verbal dispute but a bloody slaughter.

Seventh Miss also withdrew her thoughts, contemplating what adjustments should be made to her course of action after tonight, and whether Yu Ping herself would agree to this marriage.

Privately, she hoped Yu Ping would also look down on the Fan family, thereby fulfilling Yu An and allowing her to realize her Peach Blossom Spring dream.

But thinking of Yu Qiao’s unknown whereabouts—not even knowing if she had eloped with Cui Zixiu—Seventh Miss couldn’t help sighing inwardly again. An unchaste woman who eloped, such a weak woman now abandoned by her family without any support, carrying a sum of money neither large nor small… If she was with Cui Zixiu, that would be better—at least Cui Zixiu had his own money and wasn’t just coveting Yu Qiao’s wealth. But if she’d been abducted by someone else, they could give her a cup of drugged wine—if they had some conscience, they’d just take the money and leave. Without conscience, they’d poison her mute and sell her to a brothel, or just toss her down a well…

In this era, the life of an unchaste woman who eloped—if it disappeared, it simply disappeared. Who would bother asking even a single question?

Even if Yu Qiao came to no harm and she herself managed to preserve the lives of everyone at Mingde Hall, the fate of Xiao Liujiang and the others was no longer hers to control… She could vouch for Lixia, Shangyuan and the others because they had indeed followed her for many years, and Seventh Miss had the standing to guarantee their character. And if Duke Pingguo allowed Seventh Miss to make this guarantee, then treating everyone equally, these trusted confidants at each courtyard’s masters’ sides could all be spared.

But the master of Xiao Liujiang and the others was no longer even in the manor. Judging from Duke Pingguo’s meaning, what awaited these maids was eight or nine chances out of ten just a bowl of medicine. Whether this would ultimately be a silencing drug or poison truly couldn’t be said.

Even if it had originally been silencing medicine, after Fifth Young Madam’s words and her own fierce opposition which had soured Duke Pingguo’s mood, the silencing drug might well become poison…

Thinking of this, Seventh Miss couldn’t help feeling another flash of revulsion toward Fifth Young Madam.

In this lifetime she had dealt with many opponents, often compelled by circumstances, and even Second Madam—if she had been willing to stop in time and cease making difficulties for the siblings, Seventh Miss wouldn’t necessarily have felt much disgust toward her.

Only Fifth Young Madam stirred loathing from the depths of her heart, like a cold-blooded viper coiling nearby, making Seventh Miss want to grab a stick and immediately strike her vital point.

She warned herself inwardly: with everything, one must proceed gradually. Displaying one’s disgust openly was the most foolish behavior.

Repeating this to herself several times, finally she managed to show a trace of a serene, breezy smile on her face.

This smile conveyed complete confidence—as if nothing in the mortal world could trouble Seventh Miss when she smiled this way.

#

Fourth Branch’s husband and wife quickly entered Menghua Pavilion.

Completely at odds with the room’s heavy atmosphere, both wore barely concealed joy on their faces. Fourth Young Madam especially, ignoring Duke Pingguo’s expression, hung a smile at her lips.

Upon seeing Duke Pingguo, she merely curtsied lightly before straightening up.

Duke Pingguo’s mood was already poor. Seeing Fourth Young Madam so frivolous, how could he not be angry? Just as he was about to open his mouth to rebuke her as well, Fourth Young Master had already rushed to say, “Father, I just returned from the office and heard that Mo Shi felt unwell today and summoned a physician to take her pulse—”

His words had barely left his mouth when Duke Pingguo’s expression immediately changed, and everyone understood.

Indeed, Fourth Young Master continued, “The physician said Mo Shi is with child!”

Usually unsmiling, his square face now couldn’t help showing delight, seeming somewhat oblivious to the mood, yet no one minded. Even First Young Master and First Young Madam came alive at once, surrounding the couple with congratulations. At Fourth Young Master’s age, this first child came quite late indeed.

Seeing Fourth Young Master had already announced the good news, Fourth Young Madam beamed even more broadly, gripping Fourth Young Master’s arm and smiling at Seventh Miss and Fifth Young Madam. “Before New Year, your Fourth Brother accompanied me to Tanzhe Temple to pray for a child. We received a talisman and some guidance then, and calculating the dates now, it turns out I conceived within a month of offering incense. Why don’t you quickly drag Fifth Young Master and Sixth Young Master to pray for children too?”

She clearly knew nothing of what had transpired in the room earlier. These words dispelled the awkwardness. What manner of people were Seventh Miss and Fifth Young Madam? Both immediately said, “Good, borrowing Fourth Sister-in-law’s auspicious luck, we’ll definitely go pay respects.”

Duke Pingguo naturally followed their lead down from this awkward perch. Stroking his beard, he nodded and smiled without speaking, watching this lively scene. After quite a while, he coughed once. “Since Mo Shi is with child, you needn’t involve yourself in the coming busy period. Better to rest well at Shendu Hall.”

This single sentence drew everyone’s attention to the ‘funeral’ at hand.

Fourth Young Master immediately restrained his joy and quietly asked Fifth Young Master a few questions. On Fourth Young Madam’s side, naturally someone briefed her on the situation. Hearing this, before Fourth Young Master could speak, Fourth Young Madam had already said, “When Yu Ping mentioned such matters before, she didn’t much care about appearance, but she’s always valued official titles. I’m afraid… this matter should still be asked of her directly.”

Now with the unborn child as her shield, Duke Pingguo naturally had no intention of testing or reproaching her. Moreover, Fourth Young Madam’s answer was perfectly proper, showing she and Yu Ping were indeed quite close. Fourth Young Master looked at her with much more affection.

Thus everyone agreed that Yu Qiao’s funeral should be kept simple and swift. Using the excuse that a young person’s untimely death shouldn’t be elaborately mourned, they would keep vigil at home for seven days before burial. All arrangements would be overseen by Seventh Miss, with Fifth Young Madam and First Young Madam assisting. Fourth Young Madam would focus on her pregnancy and need not appear. They also decided to first send someone to report the death to the Fan family. Regarding the marriage, they would await the Fan family’s response. If the Fan family also wished to marry one of Yu Qiao’s younger sisters as replacement, then they would ask Yu Ping and Yu An’s opinions.

Because there were still miscellaneous tasks to arrange—informing Madam Xu, explaining the truth to the Grand Madam, and so forth—by the time everything was finally settled, it was already past the first watch. Duke Pingguo urged everyone to return to their quarters, and the group left Menghua Pavilion, immediately scattering in all directions.

Fourth Young Master and Fourth Young Madam walked at the very front. Fourth Young Madam wore a face full of smiles, murmuring intimately with Fourth Young Master, seeming to pay no mind to Yu Qiao’s matter, focused entirely on the joyful event in her own branch. First Young Master and First Young Madam followed behind them with swift steps, as if dogs were chasing them from behind.

Fifth Young Master looked entirely uneasy. He glanced at these two couples’ retreating backs, then at Fifth Young Madam. But Fifth Young Madam seemed not the least bit anxious—she remained unhurried, walking side by side with the Sixth Branch.

If she wasn’t anxious, Seventh Miss was naturally even less so. This peculiar foursome thus continued walking until they reached the end of the covered walkway, when Seventh Miss smiled sweetly and expressed concern for Fifth Young Madam. “The night is dark and the path slippery. Fifth Sister-in-law should walk slowly, lest little ghosts grab your heels!”

This was a common Beijing saying—when people stumbled, it was little ghosts tugging at their heels for fun. Seventh Miss saying this now naturally carried implications beyond the surface.

Fifth Young Madam smiled charmingly. “Sixth Sister-in-law truly has the makings of a household mistress. Your concern for us elder brothers and sisters-in-law is like caring for your own younger siblings. So personally attentive to every detail. Rest assured, Fifth Sister-in-law is still your elder sister-in-law after all. This path, how to walk it—”

Before she could finish, Seventh Miss had already pulled Xu Fengjia along. The two turned the corner and left without looking back, as if they hadn’t heard Fifth Young Madam’s response.

Even with Fifth Young Madam’s cultivation, she couldn’t help flushing with anger.

She stared bitterly at Seventh Miss’s retreating back. Suddenly her expression shifted as she pondered for a long while before smiling faintly. Turning, she also took Fifth Young Master’s arm, strolling with him through the pitch-black covered walkway.

Fifth Young Master curiously studied her expression. After quite a while, he said in a low voice, “How is it that you seem rather pleased instead?”

Fifth Young Madam laughed softly but didn’t answer his question.