After Yu Qiao’s seventh-seventh day memorial passed, Yu An’s betrothal to Young Master Fan was quietly settled.

The Fourth Young Madam came to Mingde Hall to chat with Seventh Miss, her belly protruding—though she hadn’t yet shown significantly, her waistline was noticeably thicker than usual. As she drank tea, she sighed to Seventh Miss, “In the end, Yu Ping just doesn’t have the fortune. No matter how we tried to persuade her, she kept insisting that since even Second Sister was unwilling, she naturally couldn’t be willing either.”

As Yu Ping’s own sister-in-law, there were things she could say that Seventh Miss could not, so Seventh Miss merely smiled, “Everyone has their own fate. Yu Ping has high standards—that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”

The Fourth Young Madam pursed her lips, clearly disagreeing. “With Yu Ping’s looks, does she really think she can be selected for the palace? She’s just young and doesn’t understand that appearance ultimately isn’t what matters most—what matters is finding a good person!”

Speaking only of appearance, the Fourth Young Master was indeed quite ordinary.

Recently, the Fourth Young Madam had been frequently visiting Mingde Hall to drink tea and chat with Seventh Miss. The two had gradually grown familiar, no longer as distant and formal as they’d been a year or two ago. Seventh Miss looked at the Fourth Young Madam with a smile and teased her, “Yes, just like our Fourth Brother—though his looks are average, he both cherishes his wife and knows to advance himself. That’s what’s truly good!”

The Fourth Young Madam’s face immediately lit up with joy, though she still knew to be modest. “Speaking of cherishing one’s household, who in the entire manor would dare compare to Sixth Brother? I don’t know about others, but day and night I only envy your skill at managing your husband!”

Though Mingde Hall also had chamber maids, what woman who had experienced intimacy couldn’t detect the resentment in those so-called chamber maids’ glances and expressions? Moreover, these noble ladies all had experienced old nannies beside them skilled in observing women. With both sources of information, who couldn’t tell whether these chamber maids were truly serving in that capacity or merely in name? But since this matter had never been explicitly stated, the Fourth Young Madam could only express her envy for Seventh Miss in roundabout ways.

Speaking of chamber maids, several shadows of gloom passed over her beautiful face. “Alas, Yu Qian won’t speak up, and mother-in-law has returned to Xiaotang Mountain. I expect that within two months, the household will still need to promote a few new people.”

For wealthy families of that era, promoting new chamber maids during the mistress’s pregnancy was practically an ordained matter. Especially since the Fourth Young Master had been away for years, his only favored chamber maid had already died from miscarriage, and the remaining unfavored ones were all past twenty-five—generally, once chamber maids and concubines passed twenty-five, gaining favor became difficult. Even if Madam Xu didn’t interfere, even if the Fourth Young Master himself didn’t speak up, even if the Grand Madam indulged the Fourth Young Madam out of family affection, there was still Duke Pingguo as an elder presiding over the household. The invisible pressure the Fourth Young Madam felt was certainly not small.

Seventh Miss herself could make an agreement with Xu Fengjia absolutely forbidding him from becoming entangled with any other woman, but facing the Fourth Young Madam, she couldn’t possibly voice such heretical thoughts. She could only vaguely advise the Fourth Young Madam, “In such matters, you must also be careful yourself. Even if it’s just for show, you should choose someone both beautiful and easy to control, to stop others’ mouths—that would be good.”

The Fourth Young Madam sighed heavily. “You’re someone living in a honey pot—how could you know my suffering?”

Her words carried several notes of bitterness. “Right now, as long as I don’t bring this up, Yu Qian just pretends nothing’s happening. But if I promote chamber maids, he’ll dare to sleep in their rooms. Yet when it comes down to it, isn’t promoting chamber maids precisely to serve him? What could I possibly say about it?”

Her voice lowered as one hand stroked her belly, her expression neither worried nor joyful, neither happy nor troubled—revealing a mixture of love and hate, sweetness and distress.

Watching this, Seventh Miss couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

Xu Yuqian was already treating the Fourth Young Madam quite well. Just seeing how the Fourth Young Madam delayed the chamber maid matter and he didn’t press it showed he truly didn’t treat her badly. By Da Qin standards, a man who acted this way had already fulfilled his duty—a wife had nothing more to criticize.

But still, when couples raise their eyebrows to each other in respect, inner peace remains difficult. The Fourth Young Madam’s worries were far from groundless… Whether according to Da Qin propriety or social custom, when a wife was pregnant, promoting household servants to relieve the husband’s desires was perfectly normal. Once the Fourth Young Madam promoted chamber maids, she would lose her standing to demand the Fourth Young Master not enjoy their services.

Though there was resentment in her heart, judging by the Fourth Young Madam’s expression, she ultimately loved the Fourth Young Master more than she resented him.

Alas, this was how women lacked backbone—once they had no capital for self-reliance, no matter how many desires they harbored, what could they do? Whether love or hate, didn’t they still have to spend a lifetime with him?

Sure enough, after wallowing in dejection for a moment, the Fourth Young Madam finally found an outlet for venting.

“If it weren’t for Fifth Branch putting on airs of magnanimity and virtue,” she began resentfully, “we wouldn’t be in such an unpleasant situation today. She can’t control her own husband, let him plant his seed in a concubine’s belly, yet still has to save face and put on an act like Meng Guang!”

Whether Meng Guang had actively taken concubines for Liang Hong was something history didn’t clearly state. Hearing the Fourth Young Madam’s complaints, Seventh Miss couldn’t help but laugh. “Fourth Sister-in-law sees things quite clearly.”

After entering the fourth month and passing Yu Qiao’s fifth seventh-day memorial, the Fifth Young Madam brought the chamber maid’s pregnancy into the open. Not only did she publicly request pregnancy-preserving medicine from Seventh Miss, she also specifically asked the Grand Madam and Duke Pingguo to grant this chamber maid the title of concubine.

If Madam Xu hadn’t gone to Xiaotang Mountain again for a brief stay, the Fifth Young Madam wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this so smoothly—laying the matter directly before Duke Pingguo. Apart from the First Branch, the young madams of the other branches temporarily had no children of their own, yet the Fifth Branch was willing to promote a chamber maid for childbearing and magnanimously elevated the pregnant chamber maid to concubine status. By comparison, the young madams of the Fourth and Sixth Branches seemed somewhat inferior.

This move had originally been aimed solely at Seventh Miss, but unexpectedly it also implicated the Fourth Young Madam. Thus recently she had been visiting Mingde Hall much more frequently, her words carrying a sense of united opposition against a common enemy.

Seeing Seventh Miss respond so calmly and lightly, the Fourth Young Madam couldn’t help growing anxious. “You mustn’t take this lightly! I’m afraid you don’t fully understand father-in-law’s temperament. The old master has always most detested…”

She paused, then continued with difficulty, “To put it plainly, over these years the household struggles have all been in his eyes. When you get down to it, isn’t this matter ultimately because mother-in-law back then…”

The Fourth Young Madam glanced at Seventh Miss, seeming to suddenly remember Seventh Miss’s position. She immediately stopped speaking and somewhat awkwardly touched her belly.

But Seventh Miss’s mind was already crystal clear.

Duke Pingguo himself had inherited his title as a son born to a concubine, precisely because the Grand Madam had never borne sons in her entire life. Those born as concubine-sons naturally held an innate sympathy for other concubine-sons and for concubines.

Meanwhile, Madam Xu’s natal family was powerful, her methods of managing servants were forceful, and she had certainly been very forceful toward concubines in her day. If everything could have gone according to her wishes, even if Xu Fengjia weren’t the eldest, he would at least have been the second or third son in the family.

Yet before him, Duke Pingguo had fathered five sons by concubines… Back then, the couple must have quarreled frequently over this matter.

With the Grand Madam as an example of virtue before, and Madam Xu as an example of jealousy after, Duke Pingguo certainly had his own expectations about whether his daughters-in-law showed magnanimity. The Fifth Young Madam’s move was brilliantly executed—without saying a word, she made Seventh Miss and the Fourth Young Madam appear ugly.

Seventh Miss tilted her head in thought for a moment, then smiled faintly.

“Fourth Sister-in-law, don’t worry about this matter yet.” She quietly comforted the Fourth Young Madam. “The child in your belly is your protective talisman. You know what to do, don’t you?”

Though Seventh Miss spoke cryptically, she had already awakened the Fourth Young Madam with a single phrase. The hand stroking her belly immediately became more careful.

“Sixth Sister-in-law, this move is brilliant!” The Fourth Young Madam’s whole being seemed to brighten. “I’m grateful for this favor!”

Then she couldn’t help worrying a bit. “But Doctor Zhong’s temperament doesn’t seem so accommodating…”

Seventh Miss smiled with pursed lips. “How many years has Doctor Zhong practiced medicine? Just rest assured. As long as you’re careful, Doctor Zhong absolutely won’t ruin your plans.”

The Fourth Young Madam immediately grasped Seventh Miss’s hand warmly. “Sixth Sister-in-law is truly wise and resourceful!”

Seeming to feel her joy was too unrestrained, she grew somewhat embarrassed and turned to show concern for Seventh Miss. “But what will you do? I’ve noticed recently that father-in-law’s attitude toward you has grown considerably colder. Though he hasn’t openly scolded you yet, his implications are quite unpleasant.”

Seventh Miss tugged at the corner of her mouth and said lightly, “It’s fine. I’m used to receiving such covert attacks.”

Her expression even carried a hint of disdain.

The Fourth Young Madam opened her mouth, then closed it again, swallowing the words she’d been about to say. She comforted Seventh Miss, “It’s alright. You’re still young. Even if you can’t conceive these next few years, in the future—”

Her tone took on a forced lightness, as if even she didn’t quite believe this consolation.

Seventh Miss suddenly felt something was wrong.

What did she mean by “can’t conceive these next few years”?

This matter was known only to Quan Zhongbai and herself. Even Xu Fengjia—Seventh Miss hadn’t yet found an appropriate moment to tell him.

She immediately shifted her posture, displaying a face full of confusion. “Can’t conceive these next few years? Why would that be? Though the heir has been busy recently and we’ve rarely… but—”

The Fourth Young Madam seemed even more surprised than Seventh Miss. “You don’t know?”

She lowered her voice. “I also heard this from a little maid in Fifth Branch. She said that last time when Doctor Quan came to take Fifth Branch’s pulse, he inadvertently mentioned a few things, saying ‘you and your household’s heir’s wife share the same problem—both overthink too much, making it difficult to conceive. You’ll need several years of careful nursing before pregnancy becomes convenient.’ Apparently Doctor Quan also said a few more things, saying you’ll need to rest well these next few years and mustn’t overtax your mind before you can easily conceive!”

Seventh Miss froze instantly. She used all her willpower to suppress the fury rising in her heart, preventing it from spreading to her face.

A leopard cannot change its spots—Quan Zhongbai’s character truly hadn’t changed one bit!

No wonder, despite Fifth Branch’s good news, Duke Pingguo’s attitude had changed far too quickly… These past days, the Fifth Young Madam must have been spreading this news quite liberally!

She had acted carefully enough—even Bailu and Xiao Huangpu were completely ignorant, kept in the dark.

“What nonsense is this!” Seventh Miss deliberately raised her voice in anger. “This is pure slander! If Doctor Quan said I overthink, it’s because managing the household is exhausting… I never imagined that after worrying myself sick for this family, I’d still be gossiped about behind my back!”

Without needing to pretend, she already felt seventy percent resentful. The Fourth Young Madam quickly tried to soothe her. “Silly girl, if it’s not true, then all the better! You two are a young couple in the full bloom of love. Work harder at it, and once you have a child, whether boy or girl, with Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master before you, it really doesn’t matter.”

She grew sad again. “At least you’re better off than me. If this pregnancy isn’t a boy, I won’t be able to hold out anymore. I’ll definitely have to give your Fourth Brother a few more chamber people!”

Seventh Miss took a deep breath, barely calming her turbulent emotions. She patted the Fourth Young Madam’s hand and said quietly, “It’s alright. As long as Fourth Brother’s heart still leans toward you, that’s better than anything.”

But as soon as the words left her mouth, she knew she’d misspoken.

If Fourth Brother’s heart leaning toward the Fourth Young Madam was enough, why would Seventh Miss herself refuse to let Xu Fengjia favor other chamber maids? These words were really too hypocritical.

Fortunately, the Fourth Young Madam didn’t seem to mind. She glanced at the clock and stood up, urging Seventh Miss to go with her to Leshan Residence to pay respects. “Let’s go early today, so Fifth Branch doesn’t get to show off her chamber maid in front of grandmother again!”

Since matters around Guangzhou had gradually lessened with Sun Liquan’s imminent departure by sea, Xu Fengjia had returned to working at his own command post. Recently he’d been able to return home for dinner on time, so Seventh Miss hesitated, wanting to wait and go together with Xu Fengjia.

However, seeing the Fourth Young Madam already walking out without waiting for her response, Seventh Miss’s heart softened.

The Fourth Young Master wasn’t as family-oriented as Xu Fengjia. He devoted himself entirely to his duties and was very active in building relationships with his peers. Apparently recently he often didn’t return until the third watch of the night…

In this household, the Fourth Young Madam was truly always lonely—lonely when the Fourth Young Master wasn’t home, and lonely even when he was.

So Seventh Miss quickened her pace to catch up with the Fourth Young Madam, instructing Lixia as she went, “Fourth Sister-in-law and I will go ahead. When Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master return later, you take Guyu and Chunfen and bring them to Leshan Residence… If the heir returns, tell him to come to Leshan Residence on his own.”

#

Though the Fourth Young Madam and Seventh Miss arrived early, today someone had arrived even earlier—Duke Pingguo had also come to Leshan Residence to pay his respects to the Grand Madam.

Seeing these two daughters-in-law, the Grand Madam wore a kind smile. “You’re here? Mo Shi is truly too diligent. I’ve told you to focus on nurturing your pregnancy. This old woman’s place—come when you like, but if you’re not feeling well, don’t come. Yet you still insist on coming every day without finding it tiresome!”

This scolding carried notes of affection—the Fourth Young Madam was, after all, the Grand Madam’s natal family relative. Though the old lady favored Fifth Branch, she had never treated Fourth Branch poorly.

The Fourth Young Madam’s face filled with smiles. She made as if to pay respects to the two elders—naturally she was quickly stopped—then affectionately nestled close to the Grand Madam’s side and acted coquettish. “If I don’t see Old Ancestor for a day, I feel anxious inside. When it’s time to pay respects, I pace around my room and feel like there’s something unsettled in my heart. I can’t sit still until I come over once. Only then can I feel at peace!”

Everyone loves to hear pleasant words. The Grand Madam’s face immediately showed a kind smile. She embraced the Fourth Young Madam and asked at length about her daily meals and routines. The two chatted animatedly, inadvertently or intentionally leaving Seventh Miss out in the cold.

Seventh Miss didn’t receive the same treatment as the Fourth Young Madam. She properly paid her respects to the Grand Madam and Duke Pingguo, then sat stiffly in a lower seat. Though the Grand Madam and Fourth Young Madam conversed lively, Duke Pingguo seemed to have no interest in talking—he sat upright in his chair, holding a cup of tea, lost in some unknown thought.

Fortunately, it wasn’t long before the First Young Madam arrived with a whole group of children. Now that school had let out, either Guyu or Chunfen would go to Zhishan Hall to watch Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master, lest the two boys get too absorbed in play and refuse to return to Mingde Hall for dinner.

Seventh Miss could tell at a glance that the two children had come directly from Zhishan Hall to Leshan Residence. She quickly called Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master to her side, pulled out her handkerchief to wipe the sweat from their faces, and scolded them fondly, “Running all the way here again? Look how sweaty you are!”

Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master giggled without answering Seventh Miss, then rushed over to pay respects to the Grand Madam. “Great-grandmother!” Then to Duke Pingguo. “Grandfather!”

Duke Pingguo rarely showed a smile. He held the two children and chatted with them for a while. Then Xu Fengjia and his brothers all returned from their posts, along with Yu Ning, Yu Tai, Yu Ping, and Yu An. The small parlor immediately became lively. The Grand Madam surveyed the room and smiled, saying, “I used to think the small parlor was already large enough, but looking at today, once the household’s descendants multiply further, I’m afraid even this won’t be enough seating!”

Branching out and multiplying descendants was naturally a joyous matter. Duke Pingguo’s face also showed a smile. The Fourth Young Madam laughed and asked Yu An, “How is it? Have you started embroidering your trousseau yet?”

The hall immediately filled with loud laughter.

After chatting for a while, when the Grand Madam showed signs of fatigue, everyone gradually rose to take their leave. The Fifth Young Madam smiled and asked Seventh Miss, “Sixth Sister-in-law, does the storehouse still have the medicinal ingredients for the Universal Divine Response Pregnancy-Preserving Decoction? I remember around this time last year, the storehouse had quite a lot.”

Though Seventh Miss felt furious inside, her expression remained impassive. “You’d have to ask the nannies about that. I don’t usually go to the storehouse much. If Fifth Sister-in-law needs them, just write down the ingredients. If we have them, I’ll have them sent over. If not, I’ll have someone purchase them.”

The Fifth Young Madam smiled and said, “Good, there’s no rush. I just want to have some prepared so I can feel at ease.”

She and the Fifth Young Master exchanged a smile, then turned to leave. Seventh Miss tugged at Xu Fengjia and was about to turn and leave as well when Duke Pingguo suddenly said, “Han Shi, Mo Shi, Zhang Shi, Yang Shi—wait.”

The daughters-in-law all returned to the room—the First Young Madam had already gotten halfway out the door.

Duke Pingguo pondered for another moment before saying slowly, “The Prince of Minyue recently sent our household seven or eight serving maids. This is a kindness from the prince that we naturally cannot refuse. However, I’m old now, and you brothers are all still young—it’s not yet time to place people in your chambers. There’s no reason to keep them idle, so you might as well each take some to use in your households. In a moment I’ll have them sent to Mingde Hall. Yang Shi, you can arrange this matter.”

Everyone’s eyes immediately focused on Seventh Miss.

Seventh Miss felt a surge of suppressed fury suddenly shoot up from the depths of her heart. She bit her lower lip and was about to respond when she suddenly felt Xu Fengjia tug at her sleeve.

Ah, refusing to take chamber maids—the pressure on Xu Fengjia was probably no less than on herself.

Confronting Duke Pingguo directly would be the worst strategy…

Seventh Miss smiled and said, “Father can rest assured. Xiao Qi knows what to do.”

She swept a glance at the Fifth Young Madam, and without waiting for her reaction, shifted her gaze back and revealed a faint smile.