The two talked for a while longer.
Second Miss then showed signs of fatigue.
“So many matters, up and down throughout the household.” She let out a long breath, somewhat dejected. “I can’t make decisions either, so I can only give you empty instructions. From now on, you’ll have to act according to circumstances. Just forget what I’ve said after hearing it.”
Seventh Miss couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief.
Second Miss would undoubtedly become a capable household matriarch in the future.
But it was the Great Madam who managed the Yang household.
Second Miss’s greatest flaw was being somewhat too idealistic.
“I’ll definitely keep Second Sister’s words in my heart!” she answered earnestly.
No matter what, Second Miss’s instructions were worth remembering.
Second Miss shook her head. “Actually, Mother understands these principles too!” She sighed again. “But many times, even understanding them, what good does it do…”
People were ultimately emotional creatures after all.
The two sisters fell into mutual silence.
Second Miss surveyed the empty room, her eyes also revealing reluctance.
People weren’t grass or wood—how could they be without feeling? Having lived in Baifang Garden for so many years, facing this parting, she wasn’t indifferent either.
“In this household, the one I’m most worried about is Yang Wu.”
This wasn’t the first time Second Miss had said this.
On the long bench outside Juba Xian, she had already said her greatest concern was Fifth Miss.
“Her temperament is stubborn, her temper bad… and her mouth isn’t sweet. When I’m home, there’s still someone who can restrain her, but in the future…” Second Miss shook her head.
“Second Sister, I’ll naturally advise Fifth Sister!” Seventh Miss obediently expressed her determination.
She truly didn’t dislike this young girl.
In grand residences, there were many people whose depths were unfathomable.
Fifth Miss was like a small stream—though the current ran rapid, one could see straight to the bottom at a glance.
Second Miss looked at her and smiled.
“Then it’s up to you.” Her tone was gentle. “In the future… I won’t treat you poorly!”
Second Miss always kept her word.
She said she would promote the Feng family, so she spoke up before the Great Master, and truly promoted the Feng family.
Now that she had made such a promise, Seventh Miss felt much more settled.
Even if the Great Madam proved unreliable in the future, there was still Second Miss who could give her some support…
The two sisters talked for a while longer, then Xiaohán entered the room to deliver a message: Lady Li wanted to see Second Miss.
When an elder summoned, Second Miss dared not be negligent. She hurriedly departed with Xiaohán.
Seventh Miss could only walk out of Youhuang Residence together with Fifth Miss.
Both had a belly full of thoughts.
Fifth Miss didn’t take the route through Changqing Tower, but instead passed through Little Xiang Snow.
Several plum trees in Little Xiang Snow were already in bud. Sixth Miss’s giggling laughter clearly transmitted from the plum grove.
Seventh Miss couldn’t help but smile knowingly.
Sixth Miss was truly a little ray of sunshine.
Fifth Miss’s face also showed traces of a smile.
“They set up a swing in Little Xiang Snow, and it’s made that girl so happy she’s beside herself!” she remarked to Seventh Miss.
“Sixth Sister has a very cheerful temperament.”
The two began discussing the amusements in Baifang Garden.
“Apart from the swing in Little Xiang Snow that can be used, and the lotus flowers and seed pods in Wanhua Liuluo that can be picked for play, there’s really nothing fun in the garden!” Fifth Miss declared.
As they talked, they passed by the cold and quiet Qili Xiang.
The lush osmanthus trees all grew beyond the courtyard walls. Several four-season osmanthus were still blooming, their faint fragrance wafting over.
“Eighth Yiniang has also been gone for half a year!” Fifth Miss remarked with feeling.
Thinking of Eighth Yiniang, Seventh Miss also couldn’t help but sigh. “I’ve almost forgotten what she looked like.”
“You came late.” Fifth Miss recounted past events to Seventh Miss. “I still remember when I was six, we celebrated Father’s minor birthday. Eighth Yiniang personally played a tune on the vertical flute. The moonlight was beautiful that night. She played on a small boat, and the boats passing back and forth outside became so congested they blocked the river—everyone listened without a sound. When the tune finished, they all cheered, which startled Mother!”
Wanhua Liuluo turned beyond the courtyard wall into a waterway. Back then, Eighth Yiniang’s flute music could transmit beyond the courtyard wall, attracting passing boat passengers to moor and listen carefully—her skill must have been exquisite. Seventh Miss couldn’t help but yearn for it, but Fifth Miss fell silent for a moment before slowly saying, “Actually, thinking back on it now, Mother must have felt terrible inside.”
Fifth Miss was now nine years old. Six years ago, when she was six, Seventh Miss and Ninth Young Master were only four. At that time, the Great Madam must have been competing fiercely with Fourth Yiniang for authority. Eighth Yiniang playing the flute was not without intention to curry favor—how could the Great Madam feel comfortable?
Seventh Miss only smiled but didn’t respond.
“I’ve always wanted to ask you something.” Fifth Miss didn’t mind and also changed the subject.