The “Second Young Master” the maid mentioned was Xiao Jinrong, the only son of Second Master Xiao, born of his first wife, Madam Zeng.
Xu Shuyao’s aunt, Madam Chen, was the second wife. After marrying into the family, she bore two daughters—Second Miss Xiao Jinyi and Third Miss Xiao Jinshan—but no sons.
Second Master also had a concubine, Madam Zhao, who bore Fourth Miss Xiao Jintong.
All the young ladies rose to greet their “Second Brother.”
Xiao Jinrong first bowed respectfully to Madam Chen, then said warmly: “I heard Cousin has arrived at the mansion, so I hurried over. I didn’t want to be late. Mother, won’t you introduce us?”
Madam Chen smiled and beckoned Xu Shuyao and her brother forward.
Seventeen years old, Xiao Jinrong was not tall, but his phoenix‑shaped eyes slanted upward, always hinting at a smile. He wore a crimson robe, a color that lent him a touch of flamboyance.
Xu Shuyao greeted him as “Second Cousin.” His narrow gaze lingered briefly on her face before he drew out a small box from his sleeve: “A first meeting gift. It’s nothing valuable, but please accept it, Cousin.”
Xu Shuyao hesitated, unsure what was inside. Before she could respond, Third Miss Xiao Jinshan protested: “Second Brother, you’re so biased! Why does Cousin get a gift when your own sister has asked many times and you refused?”
Her tone was spoiled yet affectionate, and Xu Shuyao noticed her aunt smiling—clearly pleased by such sibling closeness.
Xiao Jinrong sighed, patting his sister’s shoulder: “Don’t you take enough things from me already? I give Cousin one gift, and you’re jealous?”
Still, he held the box out.
Second Miss Xiao Jinyi added: “Cousin, take it quickly. Don’t let our little monkey make you hesitate. That’s just her nature—she wants everything.” She pulled her sister aside, scolding: “You’re old enough to be ashamed of yourself.”
Third Miss muttered: “You’re generous, but I’ll stay spoiled.”
Since it was proper to accept, Xu Shuyao took the box with both hands. Yet when her eyes met Xiao Jinrong’s, she caught a flash of coldness.
She was startled. She and her brother had only just arrived—how could they have offended him already? Was his displeasure directed at her?
Outwardly, the second branch of the Duke’s mansion seemed harmonious—mother and son affectionate, siblings close. But what lay beneath? At least, this Second Cousin did not seem as simple as he appeared.
She knew that stepmothers and the children of former wives rarely got along. She hoped not to be dragged into such tensions. Still, as Madam Chen’s niece, she was already aligned with her aunt’s side.
She sighed inwardly, hoping the gift was not too costly—something she could not repay.
The gathering continued cheerfully until it dispersed. Madam Chen did not mention visiting the Old Madam, and Xu Shuyao assumed it was not convenient.
On the way back, she asked Qiaowei: “Cousins all returned to their own courtyards. Don’t we need to pay respects to the Old Madam today?”
Qiaowei smiled: “The Old Madam went to stay at a temple yesterday. She hasn’t returned yet.”
Xu Shuyao nodded.
Qiaowei added thoughtfully: “Is Miss worried about meeting the Old Madam? No need. She is a most reasonable and kind lady.”
This surprised Xu Shuyao. For a maid of the second branch to speak so well of the Old Madam showed her reputation was truly good.
Xu Shuyao hurried back to her courtyard for breakfast. At a crossroads, she unexpectedly saw Xiao Jinrong coming from another path.
They were all surprised. Xu Shuyao intended only to nod politely and pass, but his voice called out behind her: “Cousin Xu!”
Her steps halted. She turned to face him. His expression was no longer the courteous one from Jinhua Hall. His gaze was cold, sweeping over her in a way that made her uncomfortable.
“Second Cousin, did you call me for something?” Xu Shuyao lifted her head, her manner calm and unafraid—frank and steady.
Xiao Jinrong withdrew his gaze. “It’s nothing. Cousin, will you walk with me?”
Xu Shuyao shook her head, stepping aside to let him pass. But he added:
“Cousin isn’t leaving? This path leads to the outer court—surely you know?”
The outer court? Why should she know that? What did Xiao Jinrong mean?
Only after he walked away did Xu Shuyao ask Qiaowei quietly: “Was what he said true?”
Qiaowei lowered her head: “Yes, Miss. From the outer court, there is another main road, but this way is shorter.”
Xu Shuyao glanced back toward Jinhua Hall, her brows furrowing.
Her younger brother tugged her hand. “Elder Sister!”
She turned, saw his worried face, and smiled: “Are you hungry?”
Then she told the maids behind them: “Let’s hurry back.”
Xu Shuyao could feel her Second Cousin’s inexplicable hostility. She had only just arrived—how could she have offended him? Yet her aunt had arranged for her courtyard to be on the path to the outer court. From his pointed remark, it was as if she should have known this already. Did he think her aunt had deliberately placed her here?
Xu Shuyao shook her head helplessly. They had escaped the Xu family, but now their fate rested in Duke Cheng’s mansion. What came next depended on her aunt and the household’s masters.
Should she resign herself? Of course not.
Her thoughts turned to the respected Old Madam Xiao, and her mind began to stir with possibilities. She could not rely entirely on her aunt.
As they walked, she finally saw the inscription above her courtyard gate in daylight: Jiyun Hall (Clearing Clouds After Rain).
Xu Shuyao raised her brows—it was a fine name.
Meanwhile, back in Jinhua Hall, Madam Chen straightened and asked Nanny Wu: “Did you truly see Second Young Master speak to her first?”
Nanny Wu accepted tea from a maid and placed it by Madam Chen’s hand. “Indeed, Madam. You may rest assured.”
Madam Chen smiled faintly: “Rest assured? It’s far too early for that. I only hope she won’t waste my careful arrangements.”
Nanny Wu flattered: “Madam has foresight. From what I see, Cousin Miss is well‑behaved.”
Madam Chen replied: “That’s exactly what I want—obedience. Obedience shows sincerity….”
Seeing the servant frown in confusion, she did not explain further, instead asking: “But what of her temperament? Is she docile?”
Madam Chen had no son and wished to control her stepson’s marriage. Her own family was gone, but her late sister had left a daughter, who had now come under her wing. This niece was beautiful, well‑spoken, and capable—the perfect candidate for a daughter‑in‑law. Her only worry was whether Xu Shuyao would align with her. Beyond blood ties, they shared little affection.
Nanny Wu understood her meaning and reassured her: “Madam need not worry. Cousin Miss has only you as her aunt. If she doesn’t rely on you, who else could she?”
“Yes… she has only me to depend on,” Madam Chen mused.
And to be matched with the Duke’s Second Young Master—that would be her fortune indeed.