In the following days, Ning Fu rarely went out, spending most of her time in the study making up for missed schoolwork. It wasn’t until a few days before returning to the academy that she accompanied Madam Ning to Qin Garden to pay respects to the old madam.

Qin Garden was the residence of the Old Madam Ning, flanked by osmanthus trees. Though the blossoms had faded, they still released a delicate fragrance, refreshing and lingering—befitting the garden’s poetic name.

“Grandmother.” Ning Fu called out even before entering.

“My dear girl, come sit by me,” the old madam beckoned.

As Ning Fu settled beside her, one of the maids handed her a hand warmer.

Old Madam glanced at her a few times and said, “Today your complexion looks much rosier.”

Madam Ning smiled from the side. “She’ll be returning to the academy soon. I brought her here especially to let you know, Old Madam.”

Old Madam Ning furrowed her brows, distressed. “Ah Fu’s health has only just improved. Why rush?”

Madam Ning maintained her smile. “Old Madam, the Six Arts examination is just three months away. Ah Fu hasn’t passed Archery yet—how could we not be urgent? We cannot bring shame to the Duke’s Manor.”

Though the prevailing sentiment in Great Yan favored “virtue over talent” in women, noble girls in the capital faced rigorous academic demands. To be recognized as a gifted woman and bring honor to one’s family, they must pass assessments in Rites, Music, Archery, Charioteering, Calligraphy, and Mathematics.

In her previous life, Ning Fu’s weak health held her back in Archery and Charioteering, causing her to miss the chance to be selected as a “Talented Lady.” It wasn’t until a few months after marriage that she learned horsemanship and archery from Zong Si—and she wasn’t bad at it either. This time around, she hoped to compete.

What Old Madam Ning cared about most was the honor of the Duke’s Manor. No nobleman would marry a girl who couldn’t pass the Six Arts, so she stopped opposing, though she couldn’t hide her concern.

“Grandmother, I’m fine now. You don’t need to worry,” Ning Fu gently consoled her, holding her hand.

Old Madam Ning tapped her forehead and scolded fondly, “If you’re fine now, why didn’t you come see me earlier?”

Though it sounded like scolding, her tone was indulgent.

Ning Fu replied, “I’ve always thought of you, Grandmother—just had too much schoolwork to catch up on in the study.”

The old madam warned, “You must pass Archery this time. Don’t make me hang my head when I attend social gatherings.”

Ning Fu understood how much the old lady valued family pride and solemnly promised, “I’ll come back with a good score.”

Satisfied, the old madam nodded and had Ruyi take her to the side room for some refreshments. Then she looked at Madam Ning. “I heard you’re visiting Prince Xuan’s estate tomorrow. I’ve prepared a gift of thanks.”

“Thank you, Old Madam,” said Madam Ning.

Old Madam Ning replied, “Your husband didn’t inherit the title of Duke and must rely on a bureaucratic career to succeed. Prince Xuan has the emperor’s favor, and if Zhenyuan and Third Brother want smooth sailing, they can’t avoid Prince Xuan. We must show sincere respect.”

The “Third Brother” she referred to was Madam Ning’s son, Ning Zheng—Ning Fu’s elder brother.

Madam Ning acknowledged the gesture but was well aware: the old madam’s intentions weren’t just for her branch of the family—no doubt the main branch hoped to gain favor with Prince Xuan too. The decline of Duke Ning’s Manor was undeniable. They had once hoped to marry Ning Ran into Prince Xuan’s family, making considerable effort. But the proud Princess Consort Xuan rejected them, and naturally, the heir to the house didn’t think much of Ning Ran either.

Ning Ran was the legitimate daughter of Duke Ning Zhenxiu—beautiful and talented, once proud, but ended up humbly writing letters begging Zong Si to see her. He didn’t even bother replying.

Heartbroken, Ning Ran eventually married into the Wei family. To save face, the main branch kept the matter quiet, but Madam Ning had heard whispers.

“Next year, Ah Fu will come of age. Have you considered marriage prospects?” the old madam suddenly asked.

Madam Ning deflected, “Old Madam, her studies are stressful enough. How could I have the mind to think of anything else? We’ll consider it after her coming-of-age ceremony.”

Old Madam Ning replied meaningfully, “Ah Fu’s marriage is important to the entire Duke’s Manor. You must think it through carefully.”

Madam Ning smiled in response, but inwardly she was determined not to let Ah Fu become a stepping stone for the family.

The morning chill was biting. Only after getting into the carriage did Ning Fu feel a touch of warmth.

Lady Lu had gone to visit her family, so today they only needed to visit Prince Xuan’s residence.

“You dressed rather plainly today,” Madam Ning remarked with satisfaction.

“I’m still young, can’t quite carry off ornate jewelry. It looks better on Mother. You should wear it more often—Father likes it too,” Ning Fu hoped her parents’ relationship would improve to avoid giving others an opening.

Madam Ning huffed. “Your father has no interest in me.”

Ning Fu said gently, “Mother, Father is charming and handsome. If he truly liked Madam Yu, would she have a secret lover? Back then, Father only took her as a concubine because Grandmother forced him. If your relationship with him doesn’t improve, Grandmother may push him to take more concubines.”

Father loved Mother, but even affection couldn’t endure constant cold shoulders. She did know that her father had never entered Madam Yu’s quarters, but saying that outright would surely frighten her mother.

Ning Fu said, “Mother, if you would just give Father a glance, he’d surely be happy.”

“Don’t dwell on such things anymore.” Madam Ning finally softened. Whatever else may be said, if her husband stood by her side, she’d be in a better position to plan for their children’s future.

Half an hour later, their carriage stopped outside Prince Xuan’s estate.

The estate was a residence bestowed by the emperor, situated at the end of Chang’an Street—the most prosperous area of the capital. The eaves were intricately carved, the beams and pillars richly adorned, the walls a vibrant red, and the glazed tiles shimmered under the sunlight with both majesty and elegance.

Servants greeted Madam Ning and Ning Fu, leading them into the estate. They passed through a small garden lined with lush blossoms. The air was fragrant with fresh flowers, calming and refreshing.

Further inside, they reached the Yilan Pavilion, where Ning Fu spotted Princess Consort Xuan. Beside her sat another lady—the wife of Prince Xuan’s younger brother, and mother of Second Young Master Zong Duo: Second Madam Zong.

Princess Consort Xuan was now in her forties. Her attire was simple, yet her features were charming—Zong Si had clearly inherited her looks. She studied Ning Fu thoughtfully. It had only been half a year since their last meeting, but the once-naive girl had bloomed like a peony at dawn. Her grace was starting to show, and her figure now carried the lightness of willow branches swaying in the wind. In two more years, she might well be breathtaking.

But a girl who was too captivating was not necessarily a blessing. Men were drawn to beauty—and Princess Consort Xuan, having lived it herself, knew how many matters her husband had muddled because of her allure. Though sweet to her, she didn’t wish for her son to fall into the same trap.

“Ah Fu is growing more and more lovely,” she said with a smile.

“What good is beauty in a girl? Talent and learning matter more,” Madam Ning replied, though in her heart she was secretly pleased.

In her past life, this same mother-in-law—perhaps compensating for Zong Si’s coldness—had treated her quite well. Ning Fu had reciprocated with sincerity. Concerned, she asked, “I heard that Princess Consort had a rash not long ago. Have you recovered?”

Princess Consort Xuan was unmoved by Ning Fu’s warmth. To her, it felt like deliberate flattery with ulterior motives. She replied coolly, “Mostly recovered. But how did you know I had a rash?”

Ning Fu had her response prepared. “The royal physician mentioned he’d rushed over from Prince Xuan’s estate while treating me. I asked casually and learned about it.”

Princess Consort Xuan didn’t pursue it further and instead began chatting with Madam Ning.

Second Madam Zong smiled kindly. “If the young lady’s bored, she’s welcome to explore the gardens with our maids.”

“Chun Ying, take Fourth Miss Ning along,” Princess Consort Xuan instructed.

Ning Fu gave her thanks and followed Chun Ying to the rear courtyard.

Prince Xuan loved flora, and the variety of plants at his estate even surpassed those in the palace. Though autumn had arrived, the grounds were still vibrant and lush. Yet Ning Fu, having lived in the estate for three years in her previous life, didn’t find it unfamiliar. As they passed by Jinghua Residence—her private quarters in her previous life—she couldn’t help lingering with bittersweet memories.

“That’s the heir’s quarters,” Chun Ying said with a smile. “He’s not particularly quiet, yet he personally chose this serene courtyard. Princess Consort often teases him, saying he picked it for his future consort.”

Ning Fu wasn’t fond of Jinghua Residence. The person likely to prefer such a style would’ve been that young lady from the Xie family. Clearly, neither Princess Consort Xuan nor Zong Si had expected someone else would eventually enter the estate.

“Would you like to climb the rockery, Fourth Miss Ning?”

Ning Fu paused, gazing at the familiar artificial hill—she hadn’t expected to come here. It was right at this spot where things had gone terribly wrong in her past life, and a wave of sorrow welled up.

“Fourth Miss Ning?” Chun Ying called gently, noticing her distraction.

“I’d better not.” Ning Fu pushed the sadness away and smiled politely. “I once fell from a height. It left me with some lingering fear.”

Not everyone gets a second chance at life. She needed to treasure hers.

—

Meanwhile, atop the rockery, Zong Si and Zong Duo were playing chess. From their vantage point, they could see Fourth Miss Ning walking away.

“Was she feeling melancholic just now?” Zong Duo asked curiously.

Zong Si placed a white piece slowly. “I’m more curious why she seems so familiar with the layout of the estate.”

Zong Duo remembered how she’d entered ahead of the maid and hadn’t lost her way. He frowned.

Back before Zong Si had come of age, a young lady had bribed servants to acquire a map of the estate and tried to sneak into his quarters during a banquet—hoping to entrap him in a scandal. Fortunately, she was caught before things got out of hand.

“Seems the Ning family is determined to push girls your way. First, Second Miss Ning Ran, and now this Fourth Miss,” Zong Duo remarked.

Zong Si glanced at him. “I’m not the only son in this estate.”

Zong Duo nodded, understanding. “I’ll stay alert. You do the same—don’t fall into her trap.”

Ning Zhenyuan was unpopular with the emperor and served under the Fourth Prince. His downfall was just a matter of time. Prince Xuan’s household must avoid being entangled with him.

“But what are they thinking? Second Miss Ning is Duke Ning’s legitimate daughter, and Fourth Miss Ning is from a lesser branch. Her studies don’t even compare. If you rejected Second Miss Ning, why would they expect you to accept Fourth Miss Ning?” Zong Duo added.

Zong Si thought of a scandalous art book. This Fourth Miss seemed skilled in the art of seduction—skills unbecoming of a respectable woman.

After a moment, Zong Duo suggested, “Maybe you should firm up your engagement with Second Miss Xie soon—before anything messy unfolds.”