That night, the two talked for a long time until the night deepened and the dew grew heavy before finally retiring.
Minglan slept with a heavy heart, even in her dreams she wished she could beat her chest in frustration. Gu Tingye didn't trouble her much, merely holding her close as they sank into deep sleep. Minglan secretly thought that perhaps he felt awkward about intimate matters after just recalling his deceased mother.
The man's body was as warm as fire, firmly encircling Minglan in his embrace. She felt like she was sleeping next to a furnace and soon broke out in sweat. In her drowsy state, she tried to kick off the covers but only succeeded in hurting her toes. Mumbling "my toes hurt" in her confusion, she then felt a large, slightly calloused hand massaging her plump little toes. At first it was genuinely soothing the pain, but gradually the touch changed its nature - that large hand slowly crept up along her smooth calf. Minglan twisted her waist trying to shake off the hand. She badly wanted to say 'think about your poor mother', but didn't dare, so instead she said: "You have morning court tomorrow."
The man seemed to pause for a moment, squirmed uncomfortably, and held Minglan even tighter against himself, rubbing against her several times.
After who knows how long, when dawn was breaking, Minglan half-opened her eyes and gazed blankly at the bed curtains. Reaching out to feel the space beside her, she found it empty. She jolted awake with a start and whispered: "...Where's the master?"
The thin silk water-red gold-thread mist-brocade curtain was lifted aside, revealing Danju's smiling face: "Waiting for you? The master is long gone! He's probably already at court by now."
Minglan sat woodenly at the bedside. Morning court began at Yin hour - calculating the travel time, Comrade Gu probably hadn't slept more than two hours before getting up. No wonder he had been so easily pacified last night; being an official in ancient times was truly difficult.
"Who assisted the master with his washing and dressing?" Minglan's voice still sounded distant.
"We overslept too, fortunately Xiahe and the others remembered. Later, young lady should arrange a schedule so we can take turns assisting the master with morning court.Danju glanced at Minglan's body buried in the brocade covers - her bare shoulders showed old marks not yet faded with new ones already added, a mass of bluish-purple bruises, with only an exquisite crimson linglong ruyi cord around her neck, beneath which was a spring-yellow embroidered dudou detailed with spring-green iris.
Seeing the dark circles still under Minglan's eyes, Danju felt both annoyed and heartbroken. She took a white silk cotton inner garment and draped it over Minglan.
Minglan dazedly allowed Danju to help her out of bed, then suddenly remembered something. Shaking off Danju, she barefootedly stepped onto the thick carpet and walked over to check the water clock - huh? It was only Mao hour.
Minglan began to stare blankly. The current situation was quite strange - no one in this residence required her morning greetings, nor did she need to report for roll call, and her husband had already gone to work. Did that mean... she could sleep some more?
Thinking this, she straightaway ran back to bed, lifted her bare feet, threw back the covers and burrowed inside.
Danju was all too familiar with this series of actions. Frustrated, she hauled Minglan up, lightly scolding: "Young lady, you really shouldn't sleep anymore. You have many matters to attend to today. The mother from the front just came to relay that all the maids, mothers, and servants will gather in the front hall waiting for your instructions. If you sleep more... sleep more? I'll call Cui Mama!"
Minglan painfully got up. After soaking in the large bathtub for quite some time, she finally felt more comfortable. The soft ram horn palace lanterns in the room gradually lost their brilliance as daylight grew brighter. While Minglan sat at the dressing table having Danju style her hair, Xiaotao entered to announce: "Steward Granny Lai and Liao Yong's wife have arrived.""Have them come in," Minglan said softly. "Danju, since I'm not going out today, just put my hair up in a simple bun. Leave some strands loose at the sides—I don't want it pulled so tight it hurts my scalp."
Danju, whose skills had been personally taught by Mama Fang, had been serving Minglan for ten years and was thoroughly familiar with her preferences. She worked deftly, swiftly twisting Minglan's hair into a bun and carefully braiding the remaining strands, coiling them into small floral knots beneath the bun before slowly pinning tiny pearl flowers and gold bead hairpins into place.
Shortly after, a stout, round-faced middle-aged woman and a slender, slightly dark-skinned matron entered. The latter smiled broadly and curtsied deeply to Minglan in a show of respect. Minglan gave a slight nod. "Granny Lai, Liao Yong Xifu."
Only then did the two rise. Granny Lai was the first to speak, smiling obsequiously. "Greetings, Madam. I hope you are well today. I had intended to pay my respects earlier, but you have been so busy these past few days that I dared not disturb you. Yesterday, the master instructed that you would be reviewing the household servants today."
Minglan smiled amiably. "Quite well. Is everyone here?"
"Since this is your first address, Madam, everyone rose early and has been waiting," Granny Lai replied with ingratiating deference. "Might I ask..."
Minglan glanced at the water clock nearby. "We shall meet at Chaohui Hall in half an hour. Divide the household staff into groups."
Granny Lai hesitated, but Liao Yong Xifu suddenly looked up and cautiously inquired, "If I may ask, Madam, how should we divide them? By duties or by families?"
Minglan gave her an appreciative glance. "By duties. Those with the same responsibilities should stand together." Noticing that Granny Lai seemed about to speak, Minglan added, "Granny Lai, you previously served under the Grand Old Madam, so you shall take the lead and have those from the Ningyuan Marquis Household stand separately."
Granny Lai forced a smile. "We are all one family—why make such distinctions? Before we left, the Grand Old Madam specifically reminded us that you are most kind-tempered and instructed us to serve you well."
Minglan slowly turned from her dressing table and gazed quietly at Granny Lai, whose heart began to quail under the steady scrutiny. After a moment, a faint, cool smile touched Minglan's lips as she spoke with icy politeness, "What I say, you shall do. That is all." She offered no further explanation.
Liao Yong Xifu looked surprised, stealing a quick, furtive glance at Minglan before lowering her head. Granny Lai, intimidated by Minglan's snow-like beauty and composure, felt an unwarranted awe and bowed in acquiescence.
The two women left Jiaxi Residence, exchanged polite farewells, and headed in opposite directions.
Liao Yong Xifu, being younger and quicker, swiftly passed through the covered corridors and narrow pathways to where a crowd of matrons and older servants awaited. They surged forward upon seeing her, ushering her into a corner and bombarding her with questions.
"What is the Madam like?"
"Is her temper good?"...
Liao Yong Xifu replied gravely, "Hard to tell at a glance—so young and delicate as a flower, yet she carries such authority! Just now, that old woman Lai already met with a rebuff. All of you, behave properly and don’t bring trouble upon yourselves!"
Meanwhile, Granny Lai returned to the servants' quarters. When questioned by others, she only said emphatically, "Seems like a formidable one!"
...Minglan sat alone in the right side chamber having breakfast, frowning slightly as she ate the rather unappetizing fried cakes while slowly recalling what she had read the previous night. Setting the accounts aside for now, she focused first on the people. After skimming through the personnel list, her mind quickly organized the information.
The Governor's Residence had a total of 62 servants, which was actually quite few for such a large estate.
These people could roughly be divided into three categories. The first were those recently purchased from outside after Gu Tingye established his household—they had no deep roots but might have already attached themselves to some faction. The second were those bestowed by the emperor, mostly confiscated servants from disgraced officials’ families. More critically, there might even be a few former young masters or young ladies among them—this required careful attention. The third category consisted of four households sent over from the Ningyuan Marquis Household: two from the Grand Old Madam, and one each from the Fourth Old Madam and the Fifth Old Madam.
Oh, and there were also those she had brought along as part of her dowry.
After breakfast, Minglan tidied her appearance slightly. She wore a casual goose-yellow jacket with green plum blossom patterns and a light willow-green gauze outer garment—a bright and elegant outfit. Led by a group of maids, she made her way to the Morning Glory Hall.
By now, the sky was fully bright, and all the lattice windows were wide open. The east and west walls were adorned with four central scroll paintings, while the north wall prominently displayed a plaque bestowed by the current emperor. Below it stood an extremely glossy and vibrant redwood Eight Immortals table, flanked by large armchairs of the same wood. Two rows of straight-backed, wide-seated chairs were neatly arranged below, each pair separated by a small carved Ruyi square table. The floor was made of highly polished bluestone slabs, with a dark red short-pile carpet laid in the center.
What an imposing main hall! Grand and majestic, it exuded an aura of authority.
Looking at the high-backed redwood chair, Minglan thought to herself that such a chair would carry more presence if occupied by someone of Old Mrs. Sheng’s age. However, as the current mistress of the household, there was truly no one else but her to sit there.
She walked forward steadily and took her seat. A matron was already waiting nearby with a tea tray, promptly serving tea and paying respects. Minglan gave a slight nod and looked up to see the area outside the hall, from the steps downward, densely packed with people. They were clearly divided into several groups—some standing neatly, others more loosely.
Liao Yong Xifu stepped forward, bowing her head respectfully, and reported, “Madam, all the household staff are here. Except for four left to guard the front gate, even those from the kitchen have come.”
Minglan was quite pleased with her straightforward manner and gave her an appreciative glance with a nod.
Seemingly encouraged, Liao Yong Xifu pointed to the rows of people outside and briefly introduced them: "These are specialized in sweeping and cleaning… these are seamstresses, these are in charge of purchases, these are guards, these are…" After a lengthy introduction, she pointed to a dozen or so young girls in the corner and said, "These ones don’t have proper assignments yet." Mama Chang said that after Madam arrives, they should be taught proper rules before being assigned tasks. For now, they help with odd jobs.”
The young girls stole timid glances at Minglan, but when they met her clear, water-like gaze, they immediately lowered their heads and stood properly.Minglan followed Liao Yong Xifu's pointing finger and looked over them one by one, finding the emperor quite reliable. Most of the servants sent were young and able-bodied, without any particularly elderly ones, and the girls appeared fresh and delicate. Minglan carefully noted which groups looked orderly and which seemed lax, then recorded their leaders.
Finally, Liao Yong Xifu hesitated for a moment and whispered, "Also, in the rear courtyard's Jingfei Pavilion—er, Lingding Pavilion—that Miss Fengxian, her two chief maids aren't from the estate, so... they didn't come."
Minglan slightly frowned, "What is that courtyard actually called?"
Liao Yong Xifu responded quickly, "It was originally called Jingfei Pavilion, but later Miss Fengxian changed it to Lingding Pavilion... The master didn't bother with it, so everyone just followed suit."
Minglan didn't comment, only smiled at her. Liao Yong Xifu's heart suddenly raced, and she lowered her head to retreat. Minglan chuckled inwardly: It seems this Miss Fengxian is quite aloof—not only did she fail to curry favor, but she also managed to annoy quite a few people.
Then, Minglan turned to look at Granny Lai, noticing several conspicuously well-dressed people standing on the steps by the side gate. Granny Lai introduced with a smile: The Lai and Hua families were sent by the Grand Old Madam, the Tian family by the fourth branch, and the Diao family by the fifth branch.
After the introductions, everyone knelt and kowtowed to Minglan in unison, greeting her respectfully.
Faced with such a grand scene of synchronized kowtowing and greetings, Minglan felt somewhat uncomfortable, but she made a great effort to suppress it. Maintaining a calm smile, she gestured for them to rise, gently set down her teacup, and leisurely folded her hands on her lap. In a clear voice, she declared, "The master once said that Zhaohui Hall isn't opened lightly—only during festivals or for distinguished guests. I thought, since today is my first meeting with all of you, it counts as a significant event. So I boldly opened this hall to formally meet everyone."
The reactions below varied—some were touched, some delighted, some puzzled, and some feigned smiles, each showing different expressions.
Minglan observed everyone's reactions and continued with a slight smile, "From now on, we are all one family. However, since I didn't know any of you before today, I won't say much else. Let me just take this opportunity to get acquainted with everyone."
After these words, the people below looked utterly confused, unsure of what she meant.
Minglan didn't explain but simply waved behind her. Danju had already prepared, having someone set up a small table in the hall with writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones. Ruomei then stepped forward to sit and take up the brush, while Danju stood beside her. Xia Zhu timidly approached.
Danju smiled gently, "Don't be afraid. Let me ask you: How old are you, and where were you born?"
Xia Zhu froze, then stammered, "Thirteen... from Tu... Tundun Village, west of Tongzhou."
"How many in your family? What do they do?" Danju held a piece of paper, asking briskly.
"Father, mother, grandmother, three older brothers, two older sisters... I'm the youngest. They're all farmers."
"How did you come to the estate?"
Xia Zhu glanced at Minglan, who nodded kindly, giving her courage to speak up, "When I was eleven, it hardly rained, the harvest was poor, and my brothers needed to marry. Father found a trafficker and sold us three sisters to be maids. I was lucky to come here—I get good food every day!"Below, there were already suppressed giggles. With a calm sweep of her eyes, Minglan silenced all sounds, and everyone stood at attention. Ruomei swiftly recorded these details, the only sound being the soft scratching of her brush on paper.
"What happened next?" Danju asked gently.
Xiazhu gradually grew bolder: "Then Mama Chang selected me, taught me rules for over half a year, and then I began serving indoors." Facing Danju and the others, Xiazhu naturally felt a sense of inferiority, much like a middle school graduate admiring postgraduates in a workplace.
Then, Ruomei set down her brush and asked expressionlessly, "Come and press your fingerprint here. If it's discovered that you've deceived your master, this will serve as evidence. Don't blame others then."
"No, I wouldn't!" Xiazhu shook her head repeatedly and hurriedly pressed her fingerprint.
Minglan smiled and said, "Very well, you've done nicely. Come stand by me."
Xiazhu felt as if granted a pardon, sighed in relief, and hurried over to stand beside Minglan. The people in the hall were gradually realizing what was happening—some turned pale, some looked doubtful, and others seemed discontented.
Ignoring them, Minglan glanced toward Granny Lai's direction and then beckoned to a pretty girl. The girl had willow-leaf eyebrows, large eyes, a slender waist, full bosom, and a fresh, charming appearance with considerable beauty: "Yes... you, come here."
The girl looked doubtfully at a middle-aged woman beside her, then took a deep breath and stepped forward. Danju, with a warm smile, pulled her to stand in front. The girl seemed quite bold and unshy, her eyes frequently glancing toward Minglan. Lüzhi, displeased by this, walked over, pulled Danju aside, and turned to say with a smile, "Madam, may I question this sister?"
Minglan nodded with a smile and had Qinsang beside her replace Ruomei.
Before Lüzhi could ask anything, the girl spoke cheerfully: "This servant is called Mingyue, I am..."
"That name won't do!" Lüzhi abruptly interrupted her. "This name clashes with Madam's. Go back and have your parents change it—remove the first character!"
Mingyue's face immediately flushed red. She looked back at the woman beside Granny Lai, her gaze seeming resentful. Lüzhi ignored her and proceeded with the questions.
"How old are you this year?"
"Fifteen and a half."
"Are you born of house servants or bought from outside?"
"Born of house servants!" Mingyue said with some pride. "My mother is Granny Diao, originally part of Fifth Old Madam's dowry entourage. My father is..."
Lüzhi interrupted her again: "Are they in this residence?"
"Of course!" Mingyue proudly pointed back. The woman beside Granny Lai and a middle-aged man behind them stepped forward, bowing and scraping.
"Then there's no need for you to say more. We'll find out when we question them," Lüzhi said in a tone like a judge. "Are there others in your family? Where are they now?"
"Yes," Mingyue gritted her teeth. "There's an elder sister and two elder brothers. My sister serves by Miss Ling's side. My brothers... currently have no assignments, waiting for Second Master and Second Madam's instructions."
Qinsang recorded everything with a serious expression. Lüzhi remained impassive: "So, not your entire family came with you? Well then, have you served in any position before?"
Mingyue said proudly, "I was originally selected to serve Miss Hui..."
"What rank maid?" Lüzhi interrupted, now quite accustomed to cutting her off.
Mingyue looked embarrassed: "Third... third rank; but I was often by the young lady's side..."
"How old were you when you entered service in the residence?""Thir... thirteen; but I..."
"So you've only served for a year or two then. When were you promoted to third-rank maid?"
"...Yes... half a year ago, but Lord Yang often praised me..."
"Can you read?"
"A little..."
"How much exactly? Speak clearly! Have you read the Three Character Classic? What about the Thousand Character Classic?"
"...I've read half of the Three Character Classic, nothing beyond that..." Mingyue glanced at Qinsang who was writing swiftly before her, and then at Ruomei from earlier, her face flushing crimson like pig's blood.
"During this time, have you received any rewards? Silver? Jewelry? Clothing?"
"Yes!" Mingyue's face turned red with effort. "The elder mistress gave me several new dresses, saying I should come serve the second madam and second master properly, and she praised me..."
"Have you ever been punished? Scolded? Beaten? For what reasons!"
"Absolutely not!"
"Think carefully!" Lüzhi said coldly. "This requires your fingerprint. Minor mistakes from before don't matter since you've moved to a new place, but if you lie during your first meeting with the madam, you'll be deemed unusable!"
Mingyue grew flustered, looking back several times at Granny Diao in front of everyone, her face turning ashen. Finally, she whispered like a mosquito: "I was only scolded a few times by the elder mistress because I damaged Miss Hui's belongings, nothing else..."
"Done!" Lüzhi clapped her hands, signaling the end of the questioning.
Mingyue pressed her fingerprint with an extremely unpleasant expression, slowly retreating with tears seemingly welling in her eyes. As soon as she returned, she clung to Granny Diao and sobbed softly.
Minglan nodded to Lüzhi, showing satisfaction. She had previously instructed that with so many people in the estate, if each told a long story, they'd likely be questioning until midnight. Thus, the purpose of this inquiry was to keep events as clear and serious as possible, personal histories as straightforward as possible, omitting any hardships or tragic pasts for now, which could be asked later if needed.
Just then, she caught sight of a somewhat familiar figure standing at the edge of the hall. Lowering her head in thought, she secretly chuckled.
After these two were questioned, the rest understood Minglan's intention. Some appeared indifferent, some quite indignant, while others seemed shifty. In any case, murmurs spread below.
Seeing it was about time, Minglan stood up, and everyone immediately quieted down. Minglan smiled and said, "You've all seen it now. Most of you will be assigned duties later. To employ people properly, we must know your capabilities, what tasks you've handled before, and how you performed. This way, everyone can showcase their talents, isn't that right?"
After these words, most below gradually calmed down, many even looking relieved, especially Liao Yong Xifu and several matrons and wives around her, who actually felt this method favored those from outside more.
Liao Yong Xifu stepped forward and loudly agreed, "Madam speaks rightly! This method is both efficient and clear. Since Madam doesn't know us originally, instead of us fumbling around probing each other secretly, it's better to have it open and straightforward like this!"
Those on Granny Lai's side looked somewhat displeased but didn't dare refute immediately, only exchanging glances with lowered heads.Minglan gave Liao Yong Xifu a faint smile, then stepped forward to stand before the crowd, looking down upon them from her elevated position. Her tone remained gentle: "Once this matter is settled, I shall assign duties within the household. But before that, I must make one thing clear. I believe the foundation of the master-servant relationship lies in 'sincerity.' Since we shall be living together for a long time to come, mutual respect between superiors and subordinates is only proper. Therefore, I sincerely hope none of you act foolishly. Should anyone be guilty of 'deception,' my Gu family will not tolerate such individuals! These harsh words—I’ll leave them here now."
The young mistress stood gracefully at the head of the hall, dignified and elegant. Her speech was gentle and measured, exuding an air of soft refinement, yet none of those present dared to underestimate her.
Granny Lai and her companions exchanged uneasy glances. Ever since their arrival, they had been eager to seize control and authority. Little did they expect to first encounter Gu Tingye, who was like a living King of Hell—constantly stern-faced and forbidding them from meddling in any affairs. When the Grand Old Madam pressed him twice, he had openly reprimanded her in front of the entire household, declaring that matters of the inner residence should be arranged by the mistress. But at that time, there was no mistress in charge!
So they waited and waited, until finally Minglan entered the household. Assuming her youth and inexperience, and thinking a new bride would be too shy to assert herself, they had planned to leverage their status as old retainers of the Gu family and the face of the elders to demand authority. Yet Minglan hid in her rooms for two days before emerging. And when she did, instead of assigning duties, she began with an "investigation"!
Granny Lai’s expression shifted several times before she finally stepped forward and protested loudly, "Madam’s considerations are most thorough. It is only right to question those from outside carefully. But we have served the Gu family for generations—why must we be subjected to this? If there is anything Madam does not understand, she may ask the Grand Old Madam, the Fourth Old Madam, or the Fifth Old Madam!"
Minglan’s smile faded, and she regarded Granny Lai with a cool, penetrating gaze, faintly tinged with frost. Beads of sweat slowly formed on Granny Lai’s temples. She could not comprehend how a girl in her teens could possess such an intimidating presence.
The entire hall fell into silence as everyone watched intently.
Minglan fixed her eyes on Granny Lai and said slowly, "Granny Lai, this is the second time today you have contradicted me."
Granny Lai immediately knelt, her voice trembling, "This old servant wouldn’t dare! I was only reminding Madam."
Minglan replied coldly, "I had assumed the elders sent you here to assist me, not to act as my ancestors."
A cold sweat broke out on Granny Lai’s back as she repeatedly insisted, "This old servant wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare..."
Minglan narrowed her eyes slightly and spoke slowly, her voice carrying a chilling sweetness, "Granny Lai, what did I say to you this morning when you contradicted me?"
Granny Lai looked up, her eyes shrinking with fear, and mumbled, not daring to speak. Minglan smiled faintly and added in a low voice, "Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten. If your memory is so poor in such a short time, perhaps it’s best you retire and rest."
Granny Lai shuddered and hurriedly replied, "Madam said... Madam said that whatever you command, we shall do!"
Minglan beamed, her dimples appearing, radiant and breathtakingly beautiful. "Granny Lai, your memory is excellent." Then, her smile vanished as she added indifferently, "Next time, do not forget again."
Granny Lai kowtowed repeatedly and retreated, drenched in sweat.
Minglan seemed somewhat weary and said languidly, "Liao Yong Xifu, tell me, who in this household holds the highest honor and status?"
"N-naturally, it is the master," Liao Yong Xifu hastily replied.
Minglan asked again, "Then who am I?"
Liao Yong Xifu declared loudly, "You are the mistress of this household, in charge of all affairs!"
"...Very good." A faint weariness surfaced on Minglan’s face as she slowly seated herself once more in the high-backed chair at the head of the hall. She lifted her teacup and took a delicate sip. "Those who cannot remember this have no place in this household."After this display, who would dare utter another word of nonsense? Danju and Lüzhi were overjoyed and filled with immense pride, even carrying an air of arrogance when looking at others. They had initially worried that as the illegitimate daughter of a fourth-rank civil official, Minglan might be bullied or looked down upon in such a prestigious household, leaving them anxious as well.
To their surprise, Minglan remained unyielding and fearless, composed and smiling lightly while delivering sharp reprimands. Without even raising her voice or uttering unnecessary words, she had effortlessly controlled the situation—they couldn’t help but gaze at her with admiration.
As the crowd withdrew one by one to answer questions, the hall gradually emptied. Minglan was left with only Xiaotao and Xiazhu to attend to her, along with several newly summoned accountants and a few errand boys standing by.
Minglan lounged lazily in her chair, turning her head slightly to murmur, "Gongsun Xiansheng, have you seen enough?"
Only then did a middle-aged scholar in a blue robe, who had been standing inconspicuously in a corner of the hall, step forward gracefully. Approaching Minglan, he cupped his hands and bowed slightly, smiling as he said, "This presumptuous scholar pays his respects to the Madam."
Minglan rose and straightened her sleeves, returning the gesture respectfully before inviting Gongsun Baishi to take the seat of honor beside her.
"Why is Madam acting this way?" Gongsun Baishi picked up his teacup, his smile tinged with cunning. "I had assumed Madam intended to assign tasks today."
Minglan studied him for a moment before replying slowly, "When I was young, I heard a story. In ancient times, there was an emperor who was not entirely incompetent, yet he was surrounded by extremely foolish and deceitful ministers. When the emperor merely wished to select two beauties, his subordinates launched a nationwide search for beautiful women, stirring public resentment. When the emperor simply wanted to build a small garden, his subordinates extorted money across the country, plunging the people into misery... Within a few years, the nation fell. When the emperor was beheaded, he still felt deeply wronged."
Gongsun Baishi watched Minglan with keen interest, waiting for her to continue. Minglan went on, "Throughout history, countless matters have been ruined by the four words 'improper use of personnel.' The higher-ups say east, but the subordinates go west. Therefore, to manage affairs, one must first manage people. No matter how well-conceived a plan may be, it is useless without trustworthy and suitable individuals to carry it out!"
Minglan turned her gaze outside the hall, her expression relaxed. "To employ them, one must at least understand who they are." Managing an enterprise requires detailed and accurate personnel records; moreover, if they dared to lie, she would have an excuse to dismiss them.
Gongsun Baishi’s expression gradually grew solemn. He quietly observed Minglan for a long while before respectfully cupping his hands and murmuring, "The Commandery Duke is fortunate to have married such an exceptional wife."
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