Huang Mansion's inner courtyard, Tingxue Pavilion.
Xu Xiuhua reclined sideways on a noble consort's couch covered in thick brocade cushions while a maid gently kneaded her legs.
Xu Fang sat on an embroidered stool below, holding a cup of hot tea. Aunt and niece chatted idly, mostly about household trifles and fashionable fabrics.
"Xiao Fang, what did you think of the bolts of Cloud Brocade Jinxiu Workshop sent over the other day?"
Xu Xiuhua asked casually.
"The fabric is excellent, and the colors are true, but the patterns are a little too elaborate."
Xu Fang answered carefully.
Xu Xiuhua's gaze fell upon Xu Fang's lowered face. Suddenly changing the subject, she spoke with some concern. "Xiao Fang, there are some things your aunt needs to remind you of."
Xu Fang's heart skipped a beat, and she raised her head. "Please speak, Aunt."
"We two may look glamorous in this Huang Family, but our foundations are actually shallow."
Xu Xiuhua's tone was grave. "I have no children to rely upon, and you have no kin to lean on either. While Master is still here, naturally no one dares slight us. But in these grand households, once a person leaves, the tea turns cold. After Master passes on, our lives... will likely become difficult."
The fingers holding Xu Fang's teacup tightened slightly.
How could she not know? This hidden worry was like thin ice hanging over her head. It was one thing not to think of it in ordinary times, but now that her aunt had laid it bare, a chill instantly seeped into her heart.
Xu Xiuhua leaned forward slightly, a shrewd calculation in her eyes, and lowered her voice. "The eldest young master, Huang Mingxuan, is Master's chosen successor as head of the family. He is young and accomplished, and