Both Fifth Miss and Seventh Miss were startled.
This covered corridor connected Juba Pavilion and Wanhua Liuluo—one could see through to the end at a glance. To avoid him, Juba Pavilion was too far away. Even running all the way, they might not escape Xu Fengjia.
Besides, for young ladies of great families to run in public would be far too improper.
Seventh Miss quickly pulled out the silk handkerchief from her bracelet, grabbing Fifth Miss to wipe away the traces of tears on her cheeks.
Fifth Miss first froze, then allowed Seventh Miss to wipe for her.
Yet her own gaze flickered, lost in thought.
In just moments, a young maid led Xu Fengjia around the corner path into the corridor.
“Fifth Miss, Seventh Miss.” When the two sides met, it was the little maid who proved clever, quickly kneeling to greet the two young ladies.
Seventh Miss glanced at the maid and smiled, saying, “Rise.”
Then together with Fifth Miss, she greeted Xu Fengjia. “Greetings, Cousin.”
Xu Fengjia thus turned sideways to accept half the courtesy.
His gaze briefly circled Seventh Miss’s face before withdrawing, his expression dignified.
“Just left the main hall? Such cold weather—don’t run about outside.” He showed concern for his two cousin sisters. “Be careful not to catch a chill. During New Year, it would be too troublesome.”
“Yes.” Both young ladies lowered their heads to hear their cousin’s admonition.
Great households had heavy rules. Sisters were one thing, but between brothers it was clearly defined as elder brotherly affection and younger brotherly respect. When an elder brother showed concern or admonished younger siblings, juniors must lower their heads and listen carefully.
Fortunately, Xu Fengjia only said this one sentence before signaling the little maid to continue leading the way forward.
Seventh Miss and Fifth Miss also dared not linger longer, hastily heading toward Wanhua Liuluo.
Seventh Miss’s heart was still savoring that glance from Xu Fengjia.
Though Ninth Brother had promised not to fan the flames regarding marriage matters.
The information revealed in his few words still left Seventh Miss quite alarmed.
If the Xu family changed their choice of marriage prospect… the Yang family wouldn’t rest without raising a storm.
The excellent situation she’d painstakingly cultivated over many years would surely overturn in an instant… Not to mention, even causing such a scene, the match might still not succeed.
The Grand Madam was after all the legitimate mother of several daughters. Even though the Grand Master had vaguely hinted to herself that if the Xu family decided to change their marriage proposal, he would be pleased to see it happen. But right now the Yang family was precisely when they should align with the Crown Prince. Imperial Tutor Qin was also the Eastern Palace’s teacher… However, seeing Xu Fengjia’s composed and indifferent attitude just now, he probably wasn’t unclear about the gains and losses involved.
Seventh Miss thus relaxed slightly.
After walking a few more steps, she checked Fifth Miss’s expression.
But Fifth Miss was biting her lip, her gaze flickering, not knowing what she was contemplating.
Seventh Miss didn’t dare ask more, lest she provoke another loss of composure like before.
Xu Fengjia hadn’t walked far yet…
Just as she thought this, Fifth Miss stamped her foot hard.
Turning around, she hurriedly pursued Xu Fengjia.
Seventh Miss couldn’t even stop her in time, only able to stare dumbfounded as Fifth Miss caught up with Xu Fengjia.
“Cousin!” This call of “cousin” was quick and urgent. Afterward, Fifth Miss’s voice lowered.
Xu Fengjia turned around, his face also showing traces of surprise.
Both families had tacit understanding about forming a marriage alliance. Fifth Miss was the Yang family’s daughter awaiting marriage. Even just out of self-respect, she should avoid Xu Fengjia more.
Setting that aside, for a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, it was also improper to speak privately with her cousin…
He looked at Seventh Miss again before lowering his head to listen attentively to Fifth Miss.
Seventh Miss bit her lower lip. After much consideration, she didn’t step closer. Instead, she beckoned to the astonished little maid.
“Come here.” She called softly.
The little maid thus tremblingly approached Seventh Miss. Though surprised, her steps were still fairly steady.
“How old are you this year?” Seventh Miss asked her softly.
“…Eleven years old.” Fear finally leaked into her voice.
No wonder.
If Fifth Miss’s private conversation with Xu Fengjia spread, her reputation would be irretrievable.
Though the Grand Madam was kindhearted and rarely caused deaths.
Still, being force-fed mute medicine and sent to work on an estate was unavoidable.
“Are you from Jidi Residence?” Seventh Miss asked her again.
She was familiar with the personnel at Jidi Residence. Coming and going, she’d never seen this little maid before.
“This, this servant just entered to sweep floors in the garden.” The little maid finally couldn’t bear it anymore, her voice taking on a crying tone. “Just now several elder sisters were all busy, so they casually called me to lead Young Master Cousin out…”
Eleven or twelve-year-old little maids mostly did odd jobs around the garden, observed coldly by supervising matrons. Only after selecting good ones and training them for several years could they serve young masters and misses.
Lichun had climbed from a broom-wielding little maid step by step to become the Grand Madam’s chief senior maid.