Until late in the afternoon when the sky was painted golden, the couple finally rose to take their leave. Gu Tingye glanced sideways and noticed Minglan's red-rimmed eyes, her long, delicate lashes still damp—clear signs she had been crying. His heart softened involuntarily. Having drunk quite a bit with the others during the feast, he was already somewhat intoxicated. Seeing her state, he deliberately feigned unsteadiness, taking a few stumbling steps. Changbai and the others, noticing his condition, quickly arranged for him to be escorted into the carriage as well.
Inside the spacious carriage, equipped with an incense burner and a small table, and spread with a thin rush-woven rug, Minglan helped Gu Tingye lean crookedly against the cushions. She picked up a fan and gently waved it, trying to disperse the scent of alcohol. The carriage rocked gently with each movement. The late spring afternoon was rather stifling, and from the purple bronze incense burner on the small table wafted a faint willow mist fragrance, subtle and elusive, filling the semi-enclosed space.
Gu Tingye had mostly been pretending to be drunk, but the tranquil atmosphere lulled him into drowsiness. He didn't know how long he had slept when he groggily opened his eyes to see Minglan lightly holding a round fan made of pink silk edged with coral beads and shark gauze, her eyes slightly closed as she lazily reclined.
Minglan, half-asleep, suddenly felt a ticklish sensation on her eyelids. She opened her eyes and reached up to touch the spot, only to find Gu Tingye quietly watching her. His fingertips, slightly rough, brushed softly against her eyelids. "Awake?" he asked.
Minglan nodded, set the fan aside, and propped herself up to sit, a dimpled smile curling at the corners of her lips. "Would you like some water?"
Gu Tingye, feeling his mouth dry, nodded in agreement. Minglan poured a cup of warm tea from the magnetic tea set on the small table and brought it to his lips, supporting him as he drank slowly. No sooner had she put the teacup down than she felt the world spin around her. In an instant, Gu Tingye had flipped her onto the rush-woven rug, his nose almost touching hers.
His heavy masculine scent, laced with alcohol, washed over her face, and with his tall frame pressing down on her, Minglan nearly lost her breath. Struggling to push him away, she gasped, "...Heavy, so heavy..." Gu Tingye shifted slightly but kept his gaze fixed on her, his thick lashes almost brushing her eyelids. Suddenly, he asked, "You cried? Why?"
Minglan breathed with difficulty and whispered, "In the future... I won't be able to see Grandmother often? It pains me."
"That's not the reason. Why did you really cry?" He knew her temperament well—unless there was physical pain, she was usually resilient and not one to dwell on sentimental sorrows without cause. It wasn't a life-or-death separation, so why would she cry until her eyes were swollen? Even if parting from her grandmother brought some sadness, her nature would likely have led her to brush it off with humor.
Gu Tingye's eyes, dark as night, rested quietly on Minglan. She felt uneasy under his gaze, an inexplicable pressure building within her. Stumbling over her words, she finally admitted, "Grandmother... Grandmother scolded me..." As the pressure in her chest eased slightly, she noticed the man showed no intention of moving away and continued, "Grandmother worries all day that I'm not living well. She scolds me for this not being proper, that not being thorough, afraid I might displease you, afraid... afraid she won't be able to look after me in the future..."
Gu Tingye shifted his tall frame slightly, wrapping an arm around Minglan to help her sit up halfway, leaning against the velvet cushions. His tone lifted with a hint of reproach, "So, she found you a He family?"
Minglan's scalp tingled with unease, and she suddenly envied those couples who entered arranged marriages blindly. Though the wife might not know the husband well, at least the husband remained equally ignorant of the wife's past—unlike this gentleman, who seemed to know everything."I thought his family was good at first?" Minglan murmured with a pout.
"And then?" Gu Tingye gazed deeply at her, his eyes devoid of emotion.
The question was profound, seemingly unrelated yet carrying hidden implications.
Minglan tilted her cheek slightly and abruptly changed the subject, whispering, "That day, when the Grand Old Madam had Concubine Gong and Hongxiao come out to pay respects, you stepped forward and spoke on my behalf... I was actually very glad. You spared me much embarrassment that day and arranged for them to enter the residence later, allowing me to take charge of household affairs first. You protected me and treated me well—I understand."
The faint gloom in Gu Tingye’s eyes melted away, replaced by a smile. He seemed to want to conceal it but couldn’t suppress the corners of his lips from curling upward.
Minglan quietly watched the delicate wisps of smoke curling in the air and said softly, "Old Madam once praised the He family’s young master, but when the Cao family pressured me, even though he knew I was unwilling, he left me, a young woman, to handle it alone. In front of Miss Cao, whatever I did was wrong—if I was right, it was wrong; if I was wrong, it was even worse!" Remembering the resentment and injustice she felt then, Minglan’s voice choked with emotion. Slowly, she turned her gaze to Gu Tingye, her eyes clear as water: "But you are different! You stood in front of me, shielding me from the storms and humiliations. At that moment, I felt that even if there were mountains of blades or seas of fire ahead, as long as you were there, I would fear nothing!"
Liu Yao once jokingly asked Yang Xianrong, "How do I compare to the men of the Sima family?" Without hesitation, Yang Xianrong replied immediately: Only after marrying you did I understand what a true man in this world is!—Her words were resounding and forceful. As a remarried empress no longer in her youth, Yang Xianrong managed to become empress in two dynasties and monopolize the favor of the Hu emperor Liu Yao, eventually bearing a son who was named crown prince—and not without reason.
Confessing one’s feelings is a skill—it cannot rely on empty slogans, nor should it be coy or reserved. It must be substantive and just right. When the time comes to speak openly, it should be expressed clearly and loudly. Ancient women were bound by strict rules, and as a woman with a "past," Minglan had to respond swiftly. She couldn’t rely on her husband’s awareness of her history to dawdle or hint ambiguously.
If mishandled, it could lead to minor marital discord at best, or at worst, allow opportunists to exploit the situation.
A genuine light blossomed in Gu Tingye’s eyes, like a tranquil ancient well stirred by a dropped stone, ripples spreading in circles, instantly brimming with flowing radiance. An indescribable joy welled up in his heart, but he deliberately growled in a mock-ferocious tone, "You little smooth-talker, trying to get me to play the villain, aren’t you? Fine! I’m quite suited to being the bad guy."
This was exactly what Minglan had been waiting for. A faint smile graced her features, her eyes sparkling as she happily threw herself forward, planting a quick kiss on the man’s cheek. "Second Uncle, you’re so wonderful..."
Gu Tingye felt the fragrant softness of her lips against his cheek, but before he could revel in the delight, his face darkened. Minglan seemed to realize her slip of the tongue, covering her mouth with her sleeve, her eyes wide and timid as she looked at him.Minglan's eyes were naturally captivating and alluring, with an ethereal charm that seeped into the bones. Yet they were crowned by a pair of gentle, delicate brows, arching like a veil of restraint over her gaze. When she glanced at someone unintentionally, her translucent, watery eyes seemed to envelop them. Gu Tingye suddenly recalled a mischievous childhood moment in his father's study, where he stumbled upon a precious ancient painting of a beauty. Unrolling the yellowed scroll, he saw a woman of graceful elegance and enchanting charm, her presence flowing like water, breathtakingly mesmerizing.
For some reason, his young heart had pounded wildly at the sight. He never knew that dignified grace and coquettish playfulness could blend so seamlessly.
"I was wrong," Minglan admitted quickly, bowing her head and clasping her hands, her attitude impeccably contrite.
"You silver-tongued little rascal!" Gu Tingye muttered under his breath, glaring at her with a stern face, though his eyes betrayed unconcealed amusement.
Soon he would learn that this little rascal was not only glib-tongued but also adept at denying her own words. By day, she'd weave such sweet talk that his mind would whirl, feeling like a lustful wolf eager to teach her a lesson. Yet when he endured until evening, she'd put on a solemn face and instruct her maid to lay out two separate quilts on the bed.
Gu Tingye merely raised an eyebrow, watching her as he sipped his tea, while Minglan bowed her head and fiddled with her fingers.
...
Deep into the night, Minglan nestled against her pillow, her head still dizzy, her body flushed crimson, and her cheeks burning like fire. The man leaning over her remained tender, his heavy breaths thick with intimacy. Minglan's body grew weak, but a sliver of clarity remained in her mind. She pleaded hoarsely, her voice soft and pleading, "...If I can't get out of bed again tomorrow, I... I'd rather die..."
Gu Tingye showed no signs of relenting, coaxing her to obey as his hand wandered downward. Minglan, aching and limp with exhaustion, grew frantic and protested, "Things should be done step by step, taken slowly and steadily. How can you... just do it another time. I’ve improved a lot tonight..." Reflecting on her earlier performance, she felt she had made remarkable progress, almost leaps and bounds.
The man couldn't help but chuckle softly at her words, his low, husky voice murmuring, "You certainly have improved... Alright, I'll let you off this time." His hands still gave her a firm, playful pinch.
Knowing he couldn't overdo it—especially remembering the dark circles under her eyes that morning—he understood he must exercise restraint. Besides, three days had passed since their wedding, and she needed to start managing the household and familiarizing herself with its affairs. Before others could extend their influence, she had to get everything in order.
The next day, Minglan resolutely rose early from bed, stifling yawns as Danju helped her wash and dress. Gu Tingye wore a sapphire-blue gown embroidered with floral patterns, his hair tied neatly under a jade crown. He stood tall and straight as a pine tree, imposing and handsome without even trying.
After breakfast, he led Minglan into a side room, dismissed the servants, and began briefing her privately on the household affairs."...I've been away these past few years and only recently established this residence. Most of the household staff, from stewards to servants, were bestowed by the Emperor—either confiscated from disgraced officials or those who sold themselves into service earlier. These people have no deep roots. Take a look around—use those who are capable, sell off those who aren't." Gu Tingye spoke earnestly, his profile stern, carrying a mature and restrained composure. "There are also some..." He paused, as if weighing his words, "sent by the Grand Old Madam and several aunts. You should... examine them carefully as well."
These final words held profound meaning. Minglan, while rubbing her sore lower back, committed them to memory. Such transitions were usually handled by mothers-in-law to daughters-in-law—her marriage was truly unconventional.
"As for the estate's farmland accounts and financial records, I'll have Gongsun Xiansheng bring them to you later. If there's anything unclear... well, better ask me directly." Gu Tingye spoke slowly, deep in thought.
"Gongsun Xiansheng?" Minglan finally heard a familiar name after listening for so long. "Could it be that pirate from that day..."
"Indeed." Gu Tingye smiled slightly. "Recently he's been holding two positions, working very hard. He's probably the one who most looked forward to my marriage."
"You had Gongsun Xiansheng managing the household?" Minglan had only met Gongsun Baishi once, but he left a deep impression—the type who would wave a feather fan in deep winter, fond of playing the profound strategist! Well, did Zhuge Liang ever manage Liu Bei's women, children, or harem affairs?
Gu Tingye found this amusing but maintained a straight face, taking a sip of tea: "Gongsun Xiansheng has had... quite a challenging time."
After exchanging a few more words, Gu Tingye—being a man after all—was neither attentive to nor clear about inner household matters. Minglan asked several questions without getting definite answers and couldn't help saying: "...What do you actually know? Probably only marching to war and wandering the martial world."
Slightly annoyed by the questioning, Gu Tingye shot her a look and retorted displeased: "And how much remarkable knowledge do you possess?"
Minglan declared clearly: "From astronomy to geography, music chess calligraphy painting, divination arithmetic, medicine astrology, yin-yang five elements, mystic arts, farmland irrigation, commerce and military strategy—I am thoroughly versed and highly proficient in all..." Gu Tingye listened wide-eyed, but then Minglan abruptly reversed: "...None of which is possible!"
Just as Gu Tingye's eyes twinkled with mockery, preparing to taunt her, Minglan continued: "But at least I know the names of those who comb my hair and wash my face!" Comrade Gu still couldn't distinguish between Xiazhu and Xiahe—truly remarkable.
Gu Tingye raised his eyebrows, utterly unashamed, stating bluntly: "Their signed contracts are all in my possession—what is there to worry about? In great undertakings, one shouldn't bother with minor details. Just grasp the essentials—who could possibly cause real trouble!"
There was some truth to this. Like when the Mongols confronted the Southern Song—the Mongols had already conquered half the world and attacked with full force. No matter how tragic or determined the Southern Song was, they still had to... succumb. Similarly here: no matter how much the Gu household resented Gu Tingye, they could do nothing about it.Gu Tingye had had his share of women, whether fleeting encounters or those like Man Niang and Qiu Niang, yet none had ever felt so intimately familiar when together—bantering, quarreling, glaring, or laughing heartily, with no topic off-limits. Perhaps arguments heightened familiarity; Gu Tingye had already bickered with Minglan several times before their marriage. Thus, though they had only been wed for three days, he felt Minglan had already become a piece of flesh grown upon his heart—comforting and beloved.
"Enough," Gu Tingye said, pleased to have rendered Minglan speechless. He set down his teacup cheerfully, glanced out the window, his brows relaxed and a radiant smile on his face. "Starting tomorrow, I must attend court as usual. The military headquarters will be busy, and I’m afraid I won’t have much time. If you have any more questions, ask them quickly. Once we’re done, I’ll take you around the estate. The garden at the back hill is quite large—pick whatever you like, and I’ll have craftsmen plant fruit trees or flowers for you. As for that wooded area, I think we could fence it in and raise deer, cranes, pheasants, and the like. Oh, you still have questions? Fine… ask something substantial, don’t bother me with trivial details."
Minglan lowered her raised hand, thought for a moment, her expression hesitant, and asked seriously, "Roughly how much silver can the estate spend each year?"—What she really wanted to ask was, What is your income?
Wasn’t it a bit late to ask this question only after marriage?
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