The next morning, Xu Shuyao rose early. After washing and dressing with her maids’ help, she intended to call her younger brother from the right wing room.
Unexpectedly, Xu Shuheng was already stepping out toward her, followed by a boy of eleven or twelve. The maids Yuzhu and Molan, originally assigned to him, stood awkwardly a short distance away. Xu Shuyao was surprised.
Before she could speak, her brother said shyly: “Elder Sister! Can I not have girls serving me? Didn’t you say Heng‑ge is already a little man?”
Xu Shuyao smiled helplessly—so that was it! The maids stifled laughter.
She straightened his clothes and replied: “A little man still needs attendants until he grows up.”
But the boy muttered: “Only when grown should women serve.”
Though softly spoken, she heard clearly. He understood more than she expected. Still, she could not agree to dismiss his maids. In the Duke’s mansion, every young master and lady had attendants assigned. Returning them would be awkward. Besides, at seven, he truly needed careful care. So she kept Qiaowei and Huixiang with her and allowed the young boy servant to accompany Xu Shuheng.
They ate breakfast before setting out, as her aunt had instructed. The mansion was vast, and visiting the Old Madam would take time. To prevent hunger, all juniors were told to eat first.
When they reached Jinhua Hall, Second Miss Xiao Jinyi and Fourth Miss Xiao Jintong were already there.
Xiao Jinyi greeted warmly: “Tired from walking? Come sit!”
From Jiyun Hall to Jinhua Hall was not close, but manageable. Xu Shuyao, slightly flushed from the walk, sat on the stool brought by a maid and smiled: “It’s fine. I can enjoy the scenery along the way.”
Xiao Jintong was quiet, timid in manner. Xu Shuyao chatted with Jinyi, occasionally teased by Madam Chen, and the atmosphere was pleasant.
After a while, Third Miss Xiao Jinshan arrived. Together, the group of girls and maids set out grandly toward Songhe Hall, the residence of the Old Madam.
Walking behind, Xu Shuyao noticed that Songhe Hall lay in the same direction as her own Jiyun Hall.
Near the hall, they encountered Third Madam Liu. After greeting Madam Chen, Madam Liu glanced at the unfamiliar girl beside her and asked: “This must be your niece?”
She studied Xu Shuyao carefully, then remarked: “She doesn’t look much like you.”
Madam Chen retorted: “My younger sister was always prettier than me.”
Madam Chen’s father, Chen Jisheng, had once been an imperial physician. After offending a noble, he left for Jiangnan. Before departing, he secured a marriage tie with the Duke’s family—because the old Duke had once been saved by him.
The Duke’s mansion was powerful enough that marrying a concubine’s son to a second wife did not require lofty family status. Even Third Madam Liu came from a declining family, though her brother excelled in military affairs. After marrying into the Duke’s family, he rose swiftly, now a famed general in Ningxia.
That day, Xu Shuyao wore a sapphire‑blue jacket with simple hair ornaments. Her understated attire, paired with delicate features, gave her a serene and graceful beauty.
Madam Liu looked again at her, then at the three Xiao daughters. Indeed, she was different. No wonder the servants whispered that the second branch had gained a cousin as lovely as jade.
After greeting Madam Liu, Xu Shuyao’s gaze quickly shifted to the young woman behind her—Liu Qingwan.
This girl, highly regarded in the Duke’s mansion, was indeed striking. Her features were flawless, her figure tall and graceful. Dressed in a primrose‑yellow embroidered gown, with matching hair ornaments at her temples, she looked like a tender willow swaying in the breeze. One could not help but attach every word of beauty to her.
Liu Qingwan smiled as she came forward to greet Xu Shuyao. She had only heard that another cousin had arrived; now, seeing her in person, her usually calm eyes showed a hint of seriousness.
Facing this gentle, reserved yet exceptionally beautiful girl, Liu Qingwan felt the familiar sense of rivalry that arises between equals.
Xiao Jinshan, the third young lady, had always been most attentive to Liu Qingwan. Since her arrival, elders and brothers alike had praised her beauty. Xiao Jinshan was secretly resentful, thinking Liu Qingwan was merely pretty and skilled at appearing pitiful. She had wondered how her cousin from the third branch would react upon meeting someone even lovelier. And indeed, in that instant, she caught a flicker of stiffness on Liu Qingwan’s face.
Such a subtle change might escape others, but Xiao Jinshan, who had long observed her, noticed it clearly.
Songhe Hall stood beside the eastern rockery of the mansion. Its forecourt was paved with bluestone, flanked by symmetrical flowerbeds. Within grew sturdy five‑needle pines and rare blossoms.
When Xu Shuyao’s eyes lingered on the peonies, Xiao Jinshan kindly reminded her: “Come along!”
Xu Shuyao withdrew her gaze in surprise and entered the hall with the others.
Once all the granddaughters had paid respects, Madam Chen led Xu Shuyao and her brother before the Old Madam.
“Mother, these are the children left by my poor sister. Shuyao, Shuheng—quickly greet the Old Madam!”
Xu Shuyao knelt respectfully, bowing several times and wishing the matriarch well. A maid helped her up.
The Old Madam looked vigorous, her eyes bright. After studying Xu Shuyao carefully, she nodded: “Mm, not bad! Yesterday,my maids said a fairy had arrived in the mansion. I didn’t believe it. Now I see they weren’t wrong.”
At that, Xiao Jinshan pouted playfully: “Grandmother, you’ve seen a pearl and forgotten your granddaughter, the mere fish‑eye.”
Her mock‑sad expression made everyone laugh.
The Old Madam scolded her fondly, then patted Xu Shuyao’s hand:
“Good child, you’ve suffered. From now on, live here in peace. If anything is lacking, tell your aunt. Don’t treat yourself as an outsider.”
Feeling the warmth on her hand and meeting the matriarch’s compassionate gaze, Xu Shuyao nearly wept. She lowered her head and answered softly: “Thank you for your kindness, Old Madam. Shuyao will remember.”
After speaking with her for a while, the Old Madam turned to tease Shuheng, asking about his schooling. Hearing that Second Master had already arranged for him to enter the Shen clan school, she was satisfied.
Since everyone had already eaten breakfast, there was no rush to leave. The Old Madam seemed fond of her granddaughters, and even Liu Qingwan was close to her.
Seated below, Xu Shuyao listened as the matriarch spoke with Madam Liu about Liu Qingwan: “Her father is not here. You, as her aunt, must take her out to meet other ladies, so people know our mansion has such a capable girl.”
Xu Shuyao looked up, noticing Madam Liu’s smile seemed somewhat forced. She did not understand why. Glancing at Liu Qingwan, she thought she saw a trace of sorrow in her expression.