Rulan's homecoming banquet was quite lively, with six tables set up both inside and outside. Not only did many relatives and friends attend, but even Molan and her husband along with Kang Yima came. Old Madam was highly displeased; during the feast, she cast cold glances at Madam Wang for a while, making her lower her head in silence. Kang Yima sat beside Madam Wang, maintaining her usual gentle and delicate demeanor.
After the meal, Old Madam and Madam Wang pulled Rulan aside to ask how she was faring after marriage. Then, the three sisters left on their own to chat and have tea.
Molan and Rulan each returned to their old rooms to reminisce about the past, before gathering together in Minglan's Twilight Cang Study. Seeing these two adversaries in her room, Minglan felt a surge of panic but had no choice but to brace herself and ask Danju to serve tea.
The fragrant and refreshing Changqing Guapian tea, after two steepings, revealed a beautiful bluish-green hue. Molan, draped in a lake-blue thin silk gauze jacket, looked quite charming and elegant in the early spring sunlight. Gazing at the white porcelain teacup, her brows carried a hint of poetic melancholy as she said leisurely, "Sooner or later, our courtyards will be occupied by others. I just didn't expect them to be emptied so quickly, without even a moment's delay. After all, we are like water spilled—once gone, we're gone."
After Molan's marriage, the Shanyue Residence was gradually emptied, leaving only a young maid to clean and watch over it. The once lively and cheerful embroidery chamber now stood vacant. In fact, the Taoran Pavilion had also begun to be cleared out, though there hadn't been enough time yet.
The moment Rulan saw Molan, she bristled like a fighting cock, her feathers ruffled and ready for battle. Hearing Molan's words, she immediately prepared to retort, but Minglan quickly interjected, smiling brightly, "Eldest Sister-in-law is about to have her second child, and Third Young Master and Fourth Younger Brother will soon marry. As we sisters leave one by one, our rooms will eventually be given to our little nephews and nieces. Isn't it a good thing for the family to flourish?"
Molan stared at Minglan for a moment before chuckling lightly, "Sixth Sister, you've become quite eloquent. No wonder you managed to marry into a prominent family. Among us sisters, you're probably the most fortunate."
Minglan immediately straightened her expression and said, "In matters of marriage, I only know to follow the arrangements of my parents and elders."
Rulan covered her mouth and giggled, chiming in, "That's right! Matters of marriage should naturally be left to our parents. How could we decide for ourselves?" Minglan couldn't help but glance at her—this girl had clearly forgotten how she ended up with her own husband.
Surprisingly, Molan remained unperturbed and smiled, "Both sisters are absolutely right... By the way, Fifth Brother-in-law has finished the palace examination. What are his plans now?"
Rulan's cheeks flushed slightly, her ordinarily plain face glowing with the radiance of a newlywed. Her eyes and brows were filled with joy. Minglan tilted her head and began to let her imagination run wild, guessing that their intimate life must be quite harmonious.
"...He will first enter the Hanlin Academy for training before slowly seeking an official position. It's still uncertain what the future holds." Rulan's cheeks were as if painted with rouge, her expression full of pride. Although Wen Jiefu hadn't been appointed as a Hanlin Bachelor like Elder Brother Changbai, entering the Hanlin Academy meant his future official career would still be promising.
Molan's eyes flickered as she smiled coquettishly, "What's so difficult about that? Later, you can ask Sixth Sister for help. Who knows, she might even secure you a magistrate or prefect position—or perhaps something even higher!"Rulan immediately changed her expression, glaring at her with resentment. Minglan quickly snapped out of her wandering thoughts and composed her face into a solemn and dignified expression, saying, "Fourth Sister, do not speak recklessly. The selection of officials in the Six Ministries is a matter of national importance—how can it be treated as a joke? If others were to hear what you just said, they might think that Fourth Brother-in-law... oh no, that Fourth Brother-in-law’s entire family obtained their official positions through connections!"
At this, Molan’s expression shifted in turn, and Rulan covered her mouth with a handkerchief, chuckling softly.
Seeing that things had gone far enough, Minglan felt it unwise to push Molan too far and quickly changed the subject: "The manor was so lively on Fifth Sister’s wedding day—it’s a pity Fourth Sister couldn’t attend!"
A peculiar expression flickered across Molan’s face—a mix of delight and irritation—before she calmly replied, "There were some matters at home... concerning Concubine Wan. I couldn’t leave."
Minglan was still blankly trying to recall who Concubine Wan was, but Rulan caught on immediately and eagerly pressed, "Did Concubine Wan give birth? Was it a boy or a girl?" Molan took a slow sip of tea and leisurely replied, "She gave birth before the New Year—a daughter." Her smile was strained, and she withheld one detail: just yesterday, a medical examination had revealed that Chunge was pregnant again.
Rulan let out a sigh, her face showing disappointment. Minglan finally remembered—Concubine Wan was none other than Miss Chunge.
Setting down her teacup, Molan unhurriedly dabbed the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, her expression tinged with sorrowful concern. "The physician also said that due to complications during the birth, Concubine Wan may face difficulties in future deliveries... Ah..."
"Why were there complications?" Rulan asked suspiciously.
Molan sighed softly. "The physician said the baby was too large..."
Minglan’s heart tightened with unease. She had heard at home how virtuous Molan had been in the Liang household—attending to Chunge’s every need, serving her bird’s nest and ginseng daily, providing lavish meals, and even using her own dowry to cover expenses, earning widespread admiration.
Yet Minglan clearly remembered that her own mother, Consort Wei, had lost her life precisely because the fetus was too large, she had consumed cold foods leading to premature labor, and a midwife could not be found in time.
Minglan lowered her head, no longer wishing to speak.
Rulan, of course, understood none of this and found the topic dull. She shifted to a new subject: "Sixth Sister, why has Kang Yima come again? Didn’t Mother say she would never allow her to set foot here again?"
Minglan sighed. "It was because of your wedding that Kang Yima seized the opportunity to return. I didn’t see her myself, but I heard she wept and talked for a long time in Mother’s chambers. It seems... well... Cousin Yuan’er isn’t faring well in the Wang family. In the end, they are sisters—Mother eventually softened."
"What happened to Yuan’er?"
"How is she not doing well?"
At this moment, Molan and Rulan were remarkably in sync. They both seized on the key point and spoke in unison, then exchanged a glance, coughed awkwardly, and fixed their eyes on Minglan, waiting for her to continue.Minglan was momentarily speechless, gathering her thoughts before saying, "It seems that Cousin Yuan'er—oh, I should call her sister-in-law now—either spoke back to our aunt or did something else to offend her. Aunt was so furious that she sold off several maids and nannies who served her. Grandmother was also angry and ordered Sister-in-law Yuan'er to learn proper etiquette, copy the 'Admonitions for Women' hundreds of times, and stand before her daily to observe rules. If she didn't behave, she wasn't even allowed to eat... That's what Kang Yima said."
Rulan immediately looked composed and smug, declaring, "I knew it! Cousin Yuan'er has such a hot-tempered and impatient nature—she's far from being a proper daughter-in-law. How could Aunt possibly approve of her!"
Minglan sighed, "Others might be one thing, but I heard from Old Madam that Grandmother Wang is very fair and magnanimous. If even she is angered, it must truly be Sister-in-law's fault."
Molan curled her lips dismissively, a sly idea suddenly occurring to her. She let out a long, sorrowful sigh and said pitifully, "Yuan'er may have made mistakes, but at least she has a chance to reform. It's just a pity... my Concubine... I heard she's not eating or sleeping well at the estate. Now that we're all married off, and she's already been punished, I wonder when she can return! Sixth Sister, given your esteemed status now, could you put in a good word for her before Old Madam and Madam?" As she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears.
Rulan sneered contemptuously, "Sister, you're already married out—it's best to meddle less in your family's affairs and focus on managing your own household!" I've heard the Liang family is having a hard time lately, having been reprimanded twice by imperial decree. What was once a decent family—who knows what ill-fated star entered their home, bringing such continuous misfortune!"
Molan's face flushed red with shame and anger, and she retorted sharply, "I may be useless, but at least I rely on my husband's diligence to make a living. Unlike some people who use their dowries to support their husband's entire family! No wonder they say daughters are money-losing goods!"
"What did you say?!"
"Plain words! Can't Fifth Sister understand them?"
—Minglan sighed deeply to the heavens. Her last gathering with her sisters before marriage ended in Molan and Rulan's unpleasant parting. After the "battle," the damages were tallied: two teacups, three saucers, and a matching pair of dessert plates had been lost.
"That was close, so close!" Danju patted her chest, "Fortunately, I was quick. As soon as I saw Fourth Miss and Fifth Miss coming, I hurriedly put away that exquisite set of Haitang Dongshi banana leaf tea ware Old Madam just sent over... I just scared Xiaotao—she had just taken a sip of tea in the room when I snatched the teapot and cup from her. Hehe, if I broke your things, don't be mad, Xiaotao."
Xiaotao slowly wiped the table, looking somewhat embarrassed, "Um... actually, I was using your teacup."
Minglan: ...
A few days before the wedding, Old Madam summoned the stewards from the dowry estates for Minglan to meet each of them.
"You've been with me for quite some time, so let me make this clear: don't put on airs in front of your mistress based on seniority. If anything goes wrong, Sixth Miss can dismiss you on the spot! I won't spare any face!" Old Madam reprimanded them sternly and authoritatively.Below knelt a row of people. Among them, an elderly man with a square face in the center stepped forward and promptly kowtowed, saying, "Old Madam, what are you saying? From today onward, the young mistress is our highest authority. How would we dare to neglect our duties!"
Old Madam nodded and said, "You are a sensible one. If you manage things well, Ming Yatou will not treat you unfairly."
Subsequently, Old Cui led his two sons, Cui Ping and Cui An, to kowtow to Minglan. Minglan nodded in acknowledgment.
Old Cui was actually not very old, not yet fifty. Due to years of exposure to the sun, his face was dark and wrinkled. He was skilled in managing crops and farming. His two sons appeared sturdy and robust, with one assisting his father in managing the fields and the other cultivating fruit trees in the mountains. Additionally, there were two accompanying servants: one named Liu Mangui, who looked clever and capable, never speaking without a smile, and another named Ji Qiang, who spoke haltingly and still had dirt under his fingernails. Upon closer inquiry, he turned out to be Lüzhi's elder brother.
Minglan was quite surprised—the siblings were as different as night and day.
"My parents died early, and my brother is honest and simple-minded. He was often bullied, saddled with all the hard, dirty, and exhausting tasks. Whenever something went wrong, he was made the scapegoat. If not for Mama Fang, I don't know if my brother would even be alive today!" Lüzhi recalled the past gloomily. "He's already twenty-five and still hasn't found a wife."
"No wonder Sister Lüzhi is so formidable," little Cuixiu said with a laugh.
"What 'formidable'? This is called worldly wisdom," Qinsang said gently, poking Cuixiu's forehead with a smile. "When we arrive at the groom's household, you mustn't speak carelessly. Otherwise, not only will you embarrass the young lady, but it will also reflect poorly on the Sheng family's upbringing."
Cuixiu covered her forehead and nodded, then added, "Ah... It's a pity Sister Yancao and Sister Jiuer can't come with us. We've been together for so many years—it feels like something's missing."
Ruomei gave a light, cold laugh and said, "Those two are fortunate. Their parents dote on them dearly. Why trouble yourself with unnecessary worries?"
Bisi covered her small mouth delicately and giggled, "Let's not even talk about Jiuer. Mama Liu never intended for her to be a dowry maid—she was just placed in our courtyard to live comfortably for a few years. As for Sister Yancao, hehe, her parents feared she would suffer if she followed the young lady to her husband's home, so they went to Mama Fang early on to request she be allowed to marry independently. Who could have predicted that human plans are no match for heaven's designs? The young lady's husband's family is far superior to her natal family! By the time they tried to change their minds, it was too late. Our young lady is no ordinary person—what doesn't she see through?!"
Danju, hearing their conversation grow increasingly inappropriate, darkened her expression and scolded, "How dare we discuss our masters' affairs?! The young lady is kind-hearted and unwilling to separate families. Moreover, she heard that Yancao's parents had found her a rather good match, which is why she allowed Yancao to stay. What nonsense are you all spouting?!... As Sister Qinsang said earlier, after accompanying the young lady to her new home, everyone must be cautious in speech and conduct, guard their tongues, and not imitate those gossipy busybodies! You all know the young lady's temper—she is not someone weak or easily bullied!"
As the head maid in the courtyard, Danju oversaw the other girls. Though she was kind and honest, over the years she had gained a certain authority. Bisi pouted and fell silent, while Ruomei also lowered her head without another word.Though little Cuixiu was young, she was clever and quick-witted. Sensing the tense atmosphere, she quickly went over and tugged at Danju's sleeve, coaxing, "Dear sister, there's something I don't understand. Could you explain it to me? ... I heard that when the eldest young lady married, she only took four maids with her, and when the fourth young lady married, she also only took four. Why are Fifth Miss and our young lady taking so many maids?"
Danju curled her lips into a smile and said, "How could it be the same? The eldest young lady's husband and the fourth young lady's husband both come from titled families. Their households have everything, so bringing too many maids would actually be inappropriate. Fifth Miss's husband is from a scholarly family with a simple household structure, so it's better to send more people along to serve. As for our young lady... I heard from Mama Fang that General Gu has established his own household separately. His residence is newly set up, and there aren't many reliable servants there. That's why a little maid like you gets to go along and see the world."
Xiaotao, who had been lowering her head and devouring a peach, finally looked up, her mouth full of juice, and asked naively, "But... I heard the young lady's wedding is being held at the Ningyuan Marquis Household!"
Danju turned her head and smiled, "The wedding is held there, but after paying respects to the ancestors and elders, they will return to live at the Commander's residence."
Everyone let out a collective "oh," suddenly understanding. Then, they all looked delighted—without elders to oversee them, wouldn't Minglan be in charge at the Commander's residence? Their lives would be much more comfortable.
On the tenth day of the third month, as the sky was just beginning to lighten, Old General Bo's wife arrived early. Danju immediately presented two large red envelopes, repeatedly saying, "You've worked hard," as the maid by Old Madam Bo's side accepted them.
As soon as Old Madam Bo saw Minglan, her lips curved into a smile. "Good, this child is blessed. Your household truly accumulates blessings, with both sons and sons-in-law achieving great things!"
Madam Wang beamed with joy and respectfully replied, "We appreciate your auspicious words."
After Minglan finished bathing, she was seated in front of the mirror and meticulously dressed up. Though Old Madam Bo was advanced in years, her hands were steady. When she threaded Minglan's face, she was swift and precise. Before Minglan could even let out a few cries of protest, a thick layer of fragrant cream was applied to her face, followed by four or five layers of white powder, as if plastering a wall. Then came the outlining of eyebrows and application of rouge.
Minglan sat resignedly. Once it was over, she didn't even have the interest to look in the mirror. Having witnessed the weddings of her three elder sisters, she knew very well that she probably looked like a white dough ball smeared with rouge.
But... Bao Yu truly had sharp eyes. Under such extreme makeup, where everyone looked the same, he could still distinguish between Sister Bao and Sister Lin. Ah, Sister Bao, if you had applied your powder a little thicker, you might have been able to muddle through the wedding night. At the very least, you could have slept with Bao Yu first, sparing us from a bunch of idle scholars putting on a serious academic front to speculate on gossipy topics like "Did Bao Chai have a sexless marriage?"
The rest of the process was a blur to Minglan. It felt as if her head was weighed down by many heavy objects, and with the slightest movement, they would jingle and clatter, making her neck seem three inches shorter.After taking a few sips of sweet bird's nest and red date porridge, a large group of women—old, middle-aged, and young—flooded into the room, chattering endless auspicious words. Minglan didn't need to respond to any of it; she simply kept her head bowed, feigning shyness. Xiaotao stood nearby holding a small porcelain jar containing snacks and ginseng slices for emergencies, while Danju busied herself overseeing Minglan's personal belongings, ensuring nothing was left behind.
Before long, a clamor of firecrackers and commotion erupted outside—the groom's procession had arrived.
Gu Tingye, dressed in bright red wedding robes, sat tall on his horse. To his left was the newly appointed Marquis of Northern Valor, Shen Congxing, and to his right was Qiu Shu, the eldest son of the Grand Academician of Wuying Hall and the newly selected Tanhua (Third Place Scholar). Following them were Zheng Jun, Commander of the Imperial Guard, and Zheng Xiao, brother-in-law of the Empress.
Changbai stood at the entrance, his lips twitching. Excellent, just excellent—civil and military elites, imperial relatives and nobles, all gathered here.
As was customary, the groom had to face some challenges.
Just as Liang Han began sharing a point or two about spear techniques, young General Zheng Xiao immediately rolled up his sleeves, expressing his eagerness to experience these insights through practical demonstration.
Wen Jiefu cleared his throat and posed two scholarly questions. Qiu Shu responded fluently, expanding on the themes with ease. Seeing the favorable outcome, Wen Jiefu wisely concluded the test. The two newly minted Jinshi scholars linked arms, chatting merrily and starting with "Back during the palace examination..." even though the exam had taken place only days before, hardly warranting such nostalgia. Changfeng, who had failed the exam, stood by gloomily.
Yuan Jiefu, ever tactful, wore a stern and upright expression but quietly slipped to the gate, discreetly drawing the bolt. At his covert signal, Gu Tingye caught on immediately. With a sharp whistle, his men charged forward with loud shouts, and the Sheng residence's main gate was swiftly breached.
Changbai delivered a concluding remark:
First line: Traitors within, lacking firm resolve.
Second line: Formidable foes outside, cunning and fierce.
Horizontal scroll: Thunder rumbles, rain falls—everyone should hurry to collect the laundry and turn in for the night.
Beside his leg, young Changdong gently rubbed the red envelope he had just received. The rustle of banknotes inside softly conveyed the deep affection of his newly acquired sixth brother-in-law. He couldn't help but say, "But, Eldest Brother, you didn't help block the gate earlier either!"
Though the others hadn't put in much effort, they had at least made a show of it—unlike Changbai, who had stood by like a decorative door god.
Changbai, still with his hands tucked in his sleeves, replied calmly, "Because I accepted a painting by Qian Xiuzhi—Fishing on the Wu River—from your sixth brother-in-law."
"Ah?!" Changdong's jaw dropped, and he stammered, "Then... then... why did you criticize the other brothers-in-law...?"
With a solemn expression, Changbai earnestly instructed his younger brother: "I accepted the painting, so it wouldn't be right to block the gate anymore. What does that have to do with my comments about them? Dong, remember this: in life and conduct, one must clearly distinguish right from wrong."
Having said this, he turned with an unruffled demeanor and walked away slowly, his sleeves flowing gracefully, evoking the elegance of the noble youths of the Wei and Jin dynasties.
Changdong remained behind, his face full of admiration.
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