Dressed and ready, under Xiaotao’s resentful gaze, Minglan took Caihuan’s arm and slowly stepped over the threshold. As Caihuan lowered her head and eyes, she caught sight of the pearl bracelet on Minglan’s wrist—each pearl as large as a thumb, perfectly round, pure, and dazzlingly brilliant.
Startled, she thought to herself how wealthy the Gu family truly was. Pearls of such size and quality were rare even for Madam Wang, who had only a few set in hairpins, hairpins, bracelets, and bangles. Yet Minglan had a full strand of them, casually worn on her wrist.
Before Caihuan could finish her thoughts, the mistress and maid had arrived at the side hall of Jiaxi Residence. Beside the bright red pillars stood two lush, emerald-green crabapple trees, lending a refreshing coolness even in the third or fourth lunar month. Glass, seldom seen in ordinary households, was used here in large panes for the windows, transparent as glazed tiles, making the entire hall bright and clear.
Entering the hall, Minglan saw Fifth Aunt and her two daughters-in-law already seated inside, with maids serving tea. Minglan walked in with a smile, curtsied gracefully, and said, “Fifth Aunt has arrived. I’m late and beg your forgiveness.”
Fifth Aunt sat upright in the seat of honor, wearing a purple-red brocade jacket embroidered with sea waves, ruyi motifs, and three treasures, looking even more prosperous and serene than the last time they met. She replied indifferently, “You must be very busy today. I only hope you don’t mind this old woman disturbing you.”
Minglan smiled faintly and simply said, “How dare I?” Then, turning to the other two women, she curtsied and greeted them gently. Both Madam Gu Tingyang and Madam Di respectfully returned the greeting.
After the formalities, all four took their seats. Madam Di, quite young at twenty-six or twenty-seven, was fair, elegant, dignified, and prosperous-looking, with a cheerful smile. Noticing the somewhat chilly atmosphere in the hall, she remarked, “Speaking of which, this is my first time here. What a magnificent residence! I had thought that since the house had been vacant for so long, it would need extensive repairs. It seems I was underestimating things!”
Minglan replied modestly, “Not only you, Second Sister-in-law, but I thought the same. Later, I learned that the Imperial Household Department had been overseeing the maintenance. Though no one lived here for years, it was kept in good repair, saving us a lot of trouble.”
Fifth Aunt’s eyes flickered, a hint of disdain at the corner of her mouth, as she remarked politely, “Since the Emperor’s grace is so vast, why is the interior so sparsely furnished? It looks rather empty and unimpressive.”
Minglan parried the remark, lowering her head slightly with embarrassment. “That was your nephew’s idea. He said we should first assign staff to various parts of the residence before gradually unpacking the storerooms, to avoid mistakes in haste. I couldn’t very well argue with him…”
Madam Di covered her mouth with a light laugh. “Second Brother Tingye is still the same as ever! Truly unchanged. This can’t be blamed on you.”
Minglan joined in the amusement, laughing along, and the atmosphere in the hall warmed slightly. Minglan glanced sideways at Madam Gu Tingyang, who remained reserved, shrinking back as she sipped her tea, hardly daring to speak.
Minglan found it strange. After all, Gu Tingyang was the legitimate eldest son of the fifth branch, so why…?
After a few more pleasantries, Fifth Aunt remained cold-faced. When Minglan mentioned matters concerning the residence, she set down her teacup and dabbed the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief. “If the residence still requires so much arrangement, why haven’t you dispatched people to handle it sooner? You’ve only been doing useless things.”Minglan feigned ignorance, continuing with a humble smile: "Your niece-in-law is rather slow-witted and afraid of making mistakes. Since there's no urgency anyway, I thought it best to proceed gradually—first understanding the people before dealing with other matters." She was curious how this self-styled refined matron would broach the subject of confrontation.
Old Madam Wu's face darkened, one hand clenching into a fist on the tea table: "Do you know why I've come today?"
"Naturally to visit your niece-in-law. What other reason could there be?" Minglan smiled with practiced sweetness.
Old Madam Wu choked momentarily before speaking with sarcastic sharpness: "I wouldn't dare presume! Now that Ye-ge'er has risen so high, how could he possibly spare any regard for this old woman? I should be grateful not to be trampled underfoot!"
Minglan cheerfully skimmed tea foam with the lid: "Auntie jokes again. What's this about regard and trampling? Your niece-in-law doesn't understand." She glanced sideways at the other two women, noticing how synchronously the sisters-in-law kept their heads lowered while drinking tea.
Old Madam Wu stifled her anger, her complexion shifting through several shades before she slapped the tea table sharply: "Very well! Let me ask you—we didn't dare stop Ye-ge'er from insisting on establishing a separate household, but thinking you young couple might lack satisfactory staff to manage such a large residence, we kindly sent several families to assist! And how do you repay us? Leaving them idle for months without explanation, then within days of your arrival, interrogating those old retainers as if they were criminals!" She punctuated this with repeated cold snorts.
Minglan observed Old Madam Wu's performance dispassionately, unruffled. Truthfully, since their previous dispute about the staff's disposition, she'd discovered the distinct amusement in the two elder Gu aunts' temperaments.
Old Madam Si appeared sociable and jovial yet remained prudently silent when necessary, while this Old Madam Wu presented refined elegance but actually possessed an impulsive nature—quick to act or speak when displeased or provoked.
Indeed, appearances could be deceiving.
"So that's what this is about." Minglan set aside her teacup, gazing steadily at Old Madam Wu before suddenly raising her voice: "Have they all been summoned?"
"They're all here, Madam," came a respectful woman's voice from outside.
"Show them in."
The apricot-yellow silk curtain threaded through carved bamboo slats lifted softly as Xiahe entered, holding it open while a line of middle-aged women filed in—precisely the four matrons Lai, Hua, Tian, and Diao. Seeing Old Madam Wu present, their expressions shifted variously as they exchanged meaningful glances. Xiahe lowered the curtain and produced a stack of papers from her sleeve, handing them respectfully to Minglan.
After briefly examining the documents, Minglan paused slightly, inwardly amused, before setting them aside. She looked up at the four women with a knowing half-smile: "Old Madam Wu receives reports remarkably fast. You were only questioned this morning, yet Auntie has already arrived."
The matrons' faces transformed further, the other three fixing accusatory stares on Granny Diao. Under collective scrutiny, Granny Diao's face purpled, her head nearly sinking to her chest. Witnessing this, Old Madam Wu grew visibly irritated—she hadn't anticipated Minglan acting so decisively, summoning witnesses for what amounted to a direct confrontation.
"What? Am I not permitted to ask?" Old Madam Wu declared loudly.Minglan seemed to find it quite amusing, her voice still sweet: "I merely asked a few questions, Aunt. Why take it so personally? You just said these servants were given to me—am I not even allowed to ask a couple of questions now?"
Fifth Aunt grew even more furious, standing up: "If you'd only asked a couple of questions, I wouldn't say anything! But you're digging to the roots, practically trying to unearth their ancestors eight generations back! Tell me, don't you trust us?! If that's the case, just say so! I'll take them away immediately and not stay here to offend your eyes!"
Minglan continued playing dumb: "What does this have to do with trust?"
"When elders give you people, what right do you have to interrogate them?!" Fifth Aunt resorted to shameless tactics.
Minglan slowly set down her teacup, straightened her posture, and addressed Fifth Aunt respectfully: "Aunt, I wonder if you know what the first thing His Majesty did after ascending the throne was? Ah... it was ordering the Ministry of Personnel to submit evaluation records of all officials from the past ten years."
Fifth Aunt was stunned, staring at Minglan without understanding her meaning. Minglan continued: "By your reasoning, Aunt, wouldn't that mean His Majesty doesn't trust the Late Emperor?"
"Nonsense! When did I ever say that?!" Fifth Aunt was greatly alarmed. How did the conversation turn to this? Flustered, she exclaimed loudly, "Don't you dare make such wild accusations!" Minglan smiled cheerfully: "But the officials were also left by the Late Emperor. Since His Majesty still wants to investigate, isn't that what you meant, Aunt?"
Fifth Aunt bit her lip, her chest heaving with suppressed anger. Minglan's smile widened: "Oh, that's right—I heard Zhuang Xiansheng say that the Late Emperor did exactly the same thing in his first year on the throne, ordering the Ministry of Personnel to submit official evaluation records? Good heavens... could it be that Aunt thinks the Late Emperor didn't trust Emperor Wu either? Or perhaps you didn't mean it that way—could it be Fifth Uncle's opinion?"
Fifth Aunt felt her scalp tingle with fear, both startled and terrified. Not daring to argue further, she quickly waved her hands: "Don't talk nonsense! I absolutely didn't mean that!... Ask whatever you want, it's no big deal. I... I didn't say anything! Just go ahead and ask!"
Knowing she shouldn't push too far, Minglan quit while she was ahead. Assuming a formal manner, she said solemnly: "Though I am but a woman, I deeply believe both the Late Emperor and our current Sovereign are extremely wise. The purpose of oversight is to ensure clean governance and protect the welfare of the people. That's why the Ministry of Personnel conducts evaluations every three years and comprehensive reviews every five years—all for the prosperity of heavenly principles! Don't you agree, Aunt?"
—Having been dragged into discussing the emperor's wisdom, what could Fifth Aunt possibly say? She could only repeatedly agree, sweating profusely. Lady Di II nearby helped her mother-in-law speak, and Minglan naturally accepted this with a smile.
The four matrons standing to the side exchanged glances, their eyes showing wariness as they lowered their heads.
Despite her amusement, Minglan felt that if she didn't prick this obaa-san one more time, she might come disturb her afternoon nap again. So she took out that stack of papers and smiled: "Since you're here today, Aunt, there's something I don't understand. I sincerely hope you can enlighten me."
Seeing Minglan change the subject, Fifth Aunt breathed a sigh of relief: "Go ahead, niece-in-law."Minglan's tone remained gentle as she pointed to the side with a slight smile. "Since Granny Diao followed Aunt into the Ningyuan Marquis Household, she has held five positions in total: three months as kitchen purchaser, two months as cosmetics and hair oil purchaser, half a year overseeing the rear gardens, four months as night watch supervisor in the inner courtyard, and finally five months as instructing matron for newly arrived young maids. This niece finds it rather strange—why has Granny Diao not held a single position for a full year?"
If ranked by potential for illicit gains, Granny Diao had slid from lucrative posts straight toward those with little to no profit.
At these words, Granny Diao nearly collapsed to her knees! Old Madam's face turned purplish-black, her expression awkward. She coughed lightly a few times but couldn't find the right words, turning instead to look at her two daughters-in-law.
Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, Second Madam Di quickly interjected, "Sister-in-law may not know this, but Granny Diao served Mother in her early years and endured some hardships, which left her health... somewhat compromised. Thus, Mother has been considerate of her..." Even she couldn't continue this line of reasoning. Recommending an ailing helper to Gu Tingye and his wife? Was this meant to assist them or burden them?
Unexpectedly, Minglan actually nodded, appearing quite convinced. "So that's how it is! Fortunately, I asked—otherwise, assigning Granny Diao to demanding tasks might have worsened her condition!"
Granny Diao grew frantic and hurriedly said, "Second Madam, allow this old servant to speak! It's true that my health was poor in earlier years, but these past few years, I've fully recovered!"
Minglan waved her hand magnanimously, pointing to the words on the paper with a smile. "No need to fret, Mama. I know your loyalty and good intentions, but judging by the duration of these assignments, you've been 'unwell' for over a decade, only recovering two years ago. Best to rest and recuperate further—we wouldn't want outsiders saying our Gu family shows no consideration for its servants!"
Granny Diao felt as if she had swallowed bitter herbs, sweat beading on her forehead. The other three matrons stole glances at Minglan, realizing that despite her youth, she was quite formidable. A sense of trepidation stirred within them—they hadn't expected the new mistress to be so unyielding.
Minglan maintained her refined and courteous demeanor, speaking in a genuinely kind tone. "Aunt, you see? It's always better to ask a few more questions, isn't it?"
Old Madam was seething inwardly but couldn't utter a word, managing only a stiff nod.
Minglan turned her gaze, smiling amiarly, and fixed her eyes steadily on Granny Lai. Unnerved by the scrutiny, Granny Lai stammered, "Second Madam, do you have any instructions?"
Minglan picked up her teacup, leisurely stirring the lid. "Such a fine day, yet Aunt was needlessly upset—how unjust. As for you all, I haven't laid a hand on you or scolded you; I merely asked a few questions, and Aunt came charging in, accusing me of distrusting the Marquis Household. Ah... Each of you is so dignified and respectable, I truly feel unworthy of employing you. If every minor stir brings someone to your defense, I might as well give up managing household affairs." Her gaze remained fixed on Granny Lai, sharp as needles.
Granny Lai's heart raced uncontrollably. Then Minglan added, "But then again, it's understandable—after years of service, it's natural to care for you. Granny Lai..." Granny Lai stiffened immediately, standing at attention respectfully, as Minglan continued, "Throughout today, I've only reprimanded you twice. Do you harbor any resentment?"Granny Lai promptly replied, "The Second Madam's reprimand is justified. How would this old servant dare to feel discontent?"
"You've been handling affairs for so many years, how could you possibly be at fault?" Minglan's gaze was clear and bright, her meaning unmistakable.
Granny Lai gritted her teeth: "This old servant was foolish, presuming upon my seniority to contradict the Madam. Truly an offense of inferior against superior!"
Minglan nodded with satisfaction: "Then tell me, was I actually wrong?"
Granny Lai quickly asserted: "The Madam naturally wasn't wrong at all! This old servant was entirely at fault!"
"Wrong." Minglan shook her head. "Even if the master were mistaken, you still shouldn't have contradicted me publicly." Everyone was astonished.
Minglan continued: "Especially the second time - you clearly knew I had just entered the household and my authority was still fragile, precisely when I needed to establish my dignity. Even if I were truly mistaken about some trivial matter, you shouldn't have contradicted me before so many people. You should have advised me privately afterwards! Sister-in-law, don't you agree?"
Second Madam Di looked at Minglan with meaningful eyes and smiled: "My sister-in-law couldn't be more correct."
Minglan clapped her hands delightedly: "With your endorsement, I feel reassured. It seems the Grand Old Madam won't be coming to reprimand me."
Fifth Old Madam's face darkened, realizing those words were actually directed at her - first, she shouldn't have undermined Minglan's authority on her first day managing household affairs; second, since she wasn't Minglan's mother-in-law, what right did she have to lecture!
Suddenly, noisy female voices came from outside. Minglan frowned. Caihuan, having witnessed the earlier confrontation and recognizing Minglan wasn't someone to be trifled with, immediately volunteered to check. Returning shortly, she reported: "Madam, outside is... is Miss Fengxian's maid. She wishes to see you."
Various expressions appeared among those present. First Madam Yang looked at Minglan with concern, Second Madam Di remained composed, while Fifth Old Madam showed clear anticipation, as if hoping to regain some ground.
Amused by her expression, Minglan thought that if she didn't summon the maid, this obasan would surely have more to say. So she simply stated: "Have her come in."
A maid of seventeen or eighteen entered, with delicate features and a slender waist accentuated by her water-red vest. She immediately knelt before Minglan: "Greetings to the Madam."
"Rise quickly. State your business - we have guests here."
The maid hesitated, but seeing Minglan showed no intention of accommodating, she finally said: "Our young lady knows the Madam is busy and dares not disturb you. She thought since the Madam has met everyone else in the household, it should be her turn by now. So she sent me to request an audience, hoping to at least offer the Madam a cup of tea."
Minglan smiled without responding, instead turning to the four matrons: "Mothers, what do you think should be done about this?"
Granny Lai's forehead twitched. She wasn't quite sure what Minglan meant. Before she could figure it out, Mother Hua beside her stepped forward and loudly scolded: "You impudent girl! The Madam's tea isn't something to be offered so casually! It requires approval from elders above and consent from the master below, plus the Madam's own satisfaction. Do you think it's done just by flapping your lips?"
Minglan looked pleasantly at Mother Hua, who straightened proudly under her gaze.As the maid seemed about to speak further, Granny Tian, who had also grasped the situation, immediately stepped forward, seized the maid's arm, and declared loudly, "What status does your young lady hold now? She's neither a proper concubine nor a recognized bedroom servant. How is our mistress supposed to receive her, and with what etiquette? Enough nonsense—get downstairs at once! Wait until the master gives his instructions!"
While saying this, she pushed the maid out and called for Xiahe to drag her away.
Witnessing this, Minglan was thoroughly pleased and beamed with satisfaction. "This Miss Fengxian was sent from outside, so it wasn't my place to comment. Fortunately, you two, being experienced grannies, understand both propriety and consequences!" Though she didn't specify whom she meant, her gaze rested solely on Granny Hua and Granny Tian, who immediately looked grateful and humbly demurred.
In ancient times, when joining a new group, one had to prove their worth—be it ability, determination, or loyalty—before gaining the trust of a new master. The four grannies, having transferred here, needed to demonstrate something; after all, one couldn't expect a new employer to favor them without reason. As for someone like Granny Diao, whose allegiance lay elsewhere, she was utterly unreliable.
After the four grannies withdrew, Minglan continued smiling and called for the maids to serve more tea and refreshments. However, Fifth Old Madam's expression was grim. She had suffered a complete defeat today—gaining nothing and even being mocked—yet she couldn't show anger, lest it imply the Emperor was unwise. Since the Emperor couldn't possibly be unwise, she had no choice but to keep silent.
Minglan understood the fluctuations on Fifth Old Madam's face well: Among the three sisters-in-law, only Fifth Old Madam was the original, legitimate wife, with sons, daughters, and a houseful of grandchildren, and her husband had achieved some official rank. In contrast, Grand Old Madam was a remarried wife, and Fourth Old Madam not only remarried but also had only one daughter. Objectively speaking, Fifth Old Madam had more standing than either of them.
Hence, she often acted with less calculation.
Her purpose in provoking trouble today was simple: displeased with Gu Tingye's rising influence, she wanted to suppress Minglan, find fault with her, and thereby assert the Ningyuan Marquis Household's superiority over Gu Tingye, claiming the right to make demands.
This was something she failed to see clearly, but Granny Hua and Granny Tian had just grasped it.
Minglan and Second Madam Di exchanged a few more pleasantries and light banter before Fifth Old Madam and her party prepared to leave. As they departed, Minglan softly said, "Aunt, I've offended you today; please don't take it to heart. Just consider why, in the entire Ningyuan Marquis Household, you were the only one who came?"
Even if the old woman didn't understand this, Minglan hoped her two daughters-in-law would.
On the return journey, Fifth Old Madam, as usual, shared a carriage with her beloved second daughter-in-law. Fuming, she said, "Hmph! She still wants to sow discord? Your fourth aunt is useless—without a son, she has to defer to others and naturally wouldn't dare come! As for your eldest aunt, she's as good as they come, but Ye-ge'er clearly dislikes her—how could she have the face to confront his wife? Of course, only I came!"
Second Madam Di, however, did not agree. Who was provoking whom wasn't the main point; what mattered was that Gu Tingye now held more power and could be more helpful to their own children... It was best not to offend him.
Meanwhile, in the smaller carriage at the back, Eldest Madam Yang sat alone. Her personal maid whispered, "This new madam is truly formidable. She left the old madam speechless with every word—I've never seen anything like it. But... it was quite satisfying."
"Don't speak nonsense!" Lady Yang suddenly shed her previous timidity, her face darkening as she scolded. Then she added, "You have no idea how dangerous this new madam is today!" Seeing her personal maid still looked confused, she lowered her voice: "Actually, Mother-in-law going to pick a fight wasn't really a sufficient pretext - if we're being honest, there aren't many justifiable reasons. What truly matters is the saying 'no parents are ever wrong.' Even if elders make mistakes, juniors shouldn't confront and refute them directly. She's just a young bride who's only been here a few days, yet she immediately jumped up to argue with her aunt! Regardless of who's right or wrong, once this spreads, everyone will say she's at fault!"
The maid gasped softly: "Oh, I see. If Second Madam Ye had endured this quietly, then Old Madam would have confirmed her mistake, giving others leverage to criticize her. But if Second Madam Ye refused to swallow the insult and argued with Old Madam, she'd be accused of disrespect and filial impiety! What's remarkable is that the new madam is quite clever too - she kept smiling throughout without showing any anger."
Lady Yang let out a long sigh, raising her eyes to gaze at the carriage roof as she murmured to herself: "That person is truly formidable, calculating every move..." Then she chuckled softly twice, "However, that one isn't easy to manipulate either! I remember how delighted she was when she heard we were marrying a concubine-born daughter... Heh..."
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