Early the next morning, Minglan had servants bring out a rosewood incense altar from the storeroom. After meticulous cleaning and drying, it was placed in the breezeway to air. The wood grain appeared fine and glossy, with a dark purple sheen shimmering beneath its polished surface—clearly a valuable antique.
"Using such quality to receive the imperial decree shows sufficient sincerity, doesn't it?" Minglan murmured while stroking the wood, inwardly admiring its craftsmanship.
Gu Tingye, dressed in a vermilion robe embroidered with qilin patterns, sat upright in the main hall's seat of honor. His eyes held tenderness, his lips curved in a meaningful smile as he remarked, "My wife is naturally sincere—how could I not know?"
Minglan's cheeks flushed. Last night, this man had used the imperial decree as leverage to demand tangible gratitude. As a legal professional who believed in clear rewards and punishments, Minglan had mustered all her strength to "reward" him thoroughly... Rubbing her sore lower back, she sighed inwardly. At least he'd remembered their court appointment today and shown some restraint.
Around the beginning of the Chen hour (7-9 AM), eunuchs and palace guards arrived with ceremonial umbrellas and gongs to announce the decree. Gu Tingye calmly escorted Minglan out, opening the Chaohui Hall fully to set up the incense altar for kneeling reception. The decree-announcing eunuch, surnamed Xia, appeared about twenty years old with a square face, straight brows, and a kindly smile. Seemingly acquainted with Gu Tingye, he dispensed with formalities and began reading directly.
The imperial edict followed the standardized format—first expressing the emperor's grace, then praising Minglan for her "serene demeanor, gentle virtue, and conscientious adherence to propriety," before finally declaring her appointment as Second Rank Lady. Over.
Minglan received the Imperial Mandate document with its brocade-covered unicorn-horn scroll featuring lion patterns, along with a tray bearing beaded headdress and ceremonial cape. After kowtowing reverently to express gratitude for imperial favor, she rose. Gu Tingye instructed her to change attire promptly while he invited Eunuch Xia inside for tea—the eunuch declined politely twice before accepting.
"So it's you," Gu Tingye shed his solemn expression upon entering, guiding the eunuch to sit. "I heard you were assigned to procure radishes and cabbage for the Imperial Kitchen last year—how come you're running errands now?"
Eunuch Xia broke into a grin, sighing, "Ah... such lucrative posts never reach the likes of me. Better to keep delivering messages for now. But you've been thriving lately, Second Master."
Gu Tingye shot him a mock-stern look. "Outer court officials shouldn't fraternize with inner palace eunuchs—I won't detain you. With strict palace security now, do be careful." As he spoke, he slipped something from his sleeve into the eunuch's hand. "Knowing your preferences, I prepared this earlier. Meant to give it during today's palace visit."
Eunix Xia dropped his jovial manner, assuming a serious expression. "Second Master is truly considerate. I shan't forget this."
After brief conversation, Gu Tingye personally saw him out. Returning indoors, he found Minglan already fully dressed: a dark blue woven gold cloud-and-phoenix patterned cape over her formal robes, phoenix-patterned gold pendants hanging from its hem, a jade-inlaid leather girdle around her waist. Her hair was tightly coiled into a round chignon, adorned with a twin-phoenix pearl headdress that shimmered with every movement.
That day, Gu Tingye forewent horseback riding, joining Minglan in a spacious three-horse carriage containing a reclining bed and small tea table. The couple sat upright across the table—careful not to disturb their ceremonial attire.
Gu Tingye steadily removed his black gauze official hat. "After entering the palace, we must first pay respects to the Empress Dowager at Cining Palace.""...Which one are we paying respects to?" Minglan adjusted the heavy pearl crown on her head, her eyes twinkling mischievously.
Gu Tingye's lips curved almost imperceptibly. "We'll pay respects to both at once."
Minglan held the pearl crown and stared blankly at the carriage ceiling. Outside, the bustling sounds of the marketplace drifted through the carriage walls, with many shops apparently opening for business. "...Why are there two Empress Dowagers?" she asked without thinking.
"I was wondering when you'd ask." Gu Tingye reached out to turn Minglan's head back toward him, helping her straighten the pearl crown. Her light makeup gave her an elegant and dignified appearance, masking half of her natural beauty. Though still lovely, she now appeared gentle and humble. This was only the second time he'd seen her wear makeup—the first being when he lifted her wedding veil. He understood Minglan's intention perfectly.
Seeing him staring at her in a daze, Minglan gently patted his hand. "Well? Tell me."
Gu Tingye smiled. "Speaking of which, Shengde Taihou was rather unfortunate. It's said that on the eve of the Fourth Prince's rebellion, the Late Emperor had already drafted an edict to establish the Third Prince as crown prince and Consort De as Empress. Just one day later, everything was ruined. The Late Emperor felt he had wronged her, so he appointed her as Imperial Noble Consort and, on his deathbed, instructed the Emperor to take good care of Consort De's family. After the Late Emperor passed away, some court officials submitted memorials requesting that Consort De also be honored as Empress Dowager, establishing two palaces simultaneously. The Emperor approved."
Minglan stared blankly for a moment before uttering, "Oh. The Emperor is truly filial."
Gu Tingye looked at Minglan with an amused expression. "That's not what your face says."
Minglan narrowed her eyes, adopting a profound manner as she slowly shook her head. "The hat should match the head."
Gu Tingye pinced Minglan's small hand, his eyes suddenly brightening with a smile at the corner of his mouth—since ancient times, an Empress Dowager was either the Emperor's birth mother or official mother. This Consort De was neither.
"However," Gu Tingye continued, "Shengde Taihou has after all held the phoenix seal for many years. Her foundations run deeper than anyone else's."
Minglan grew tense upon hearing this. Gu Tingye patted her hand reassuringly. "Don't worry. You're not the only one receiving the Imperial Mandate today. The wife of the Marquis of Northern Wei and the wife of Zheng Xiao, Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, should also be here to express gratitude."
Minglan cupped her face in surprise. "Did the Emperor wait until now to confer the Imperial Mandate just for you?"—Does Second Uncle carry such weight with the Emperor?!
Gu Tingye lightly swatted her plump paw and gave her an exasperated look. "One is the wife of the Emperor's uncle, the other is the Empress's younger sister—they were always going to be honored. They just added an extra you!"
Slightly wounded, Minglan rubbed her paw and muttered, "Isn't it said that a wife is honored through her husband, a mother through her son? Then... the Empress's sister..." The Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard wasn't high-ranking enough.
Gu Tingye chuckled as he took her small hand to rub it. "The Emperor is a capable ruler who knows his limits. He only granted Lady Shen the third-rank title of Shuren."
Minglan repeatedly praised the Emperor's wisdom, then suddenly had a whimsical thought. "Why didn't you marry that Empress Shen's younger sister? Then wouldn't everyone be one family?" No sooner had she spoken than Minglan quickly dodged away like a little rabbit.Gu Tingye wasn't particularly angry; instead, he found it somewhat amusing. "His Majesty only returned to the capital two years ago and hasn't deeply established his footing here. Zheng Jun has commanded the imperial guards for many years, not to mention his extensive connections within the three major battalions. The Duke of Ying is a key pillar of the state. These two families have always stayed out of the crown prince disputes, so it's only natural to win them over."
Minglan nodded, fully understanding now.
Sheng'an Taihou had only one son, and mother and son had long been neglected, their household deserted. Aside from his wife's family, the emperor had few people he could truly trust. Gu Tingye was originally considered one of his own. If Gu were to marry into the Shen family, it would not only be a waste of resources but also, in the long run, not beneficial for the emperor. Delving deeper, Gu Tingye marrying the daughter of an ordinary civil official might ultimately align more with the emperor's interests.
The carriage wheels rumbled along. Hearing the sounds outside, Minglan knew they had entered the outer imperial city. After a short while, they reached the gate of the inner city. The couple alighted from the carriage and switched to the small blue-curtained sedan and horse that had been waiting for them. They mounted the horse and sedan respectively and traveled a bit further. Upon reaching Donghua Gate, everyone had to proceed on foot, guided by a group of eunuchs.
Along the way, Minglan didn't dare to look around recklessly. She followed Gu Tingye, walking slowly with her head lowered, vaguely sensing the vast and magnificent layout of the palace interior. White marble formed the steps, while pillars were adorned with gold tracery and colorful paintings—everywhere was grand and spacious, exuding an imposing atmosphere.
Entering a side hall, a middle-aged female official dressed in stone-blue brocade with subtle patterns came out and reported with a smile, "Lord Gu and Lady Gu, please come in quickly. Her Majesty is waiting."
Gu Tingye glanced sideways at Minglan and saw that she appeared exceptionally calm, without any trace of nervousness or panic. Feeling somewhat reassured, the two followed the female official at a leisurely pace, bypassing two palace corridors, stepping over a high threshold, and entering the main hall.
A purple bronze incense burner emitted precious ambergris, its thin, wispy smoke dispersing like faint blue mist, filling the room with an exotic fragrance. The polished marble floor was so smooth it nearly reflected one's shadow. Seated at the upper end were two empress dowagers. To the left sat a noblewoman in bright yellow palace attire, likely the Empress, around twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old. Screens were set up on both sides, behind which the faint scent of powder and the tinkling of pearl hairpins could be perceived. Below, embroidered skirts were visible—likely a gathering of female relatives or palace consorts.
Gu Tingye and Minglan first knelt and kowtowed, expressing their gratitude in respectful tones. A gentle voice from above said, "Rise. You've arrived late—the Empress's sister-in-law and younger sister have been here for some time."
The Empress turned her head and chuckled lightly. "Mother, please don't blame them. Their residence is simply farther away. With the same decree issued, arrivals are bound to vary in timing."
Minglan stood up and quickly glanced around. The earlier voice had come from the right. This Empress Dowager had delicate, fair features, carried herself with noble grace, and her smile was gentle and amiable. The Empress Dowager on the left, though well-maintained, appeared slightly older, her movements betraying a hint of unease.
At that moment, Minglan had a clear idea of who was who.
Shengde Taihou looked Gu Tingye over twice and said with a laugh, "Marriage has truly changed you—you seem much more amiable now."The Empress was not exceptionally beautiful in appearance, but there was a bright and cheerful air between her brows and eyes, with a deep dimple on one cheek. She smiled before speaking: "Mother Empress has a keen eye. I also feel Erlang has become much more amiable. Back when His Majesty was stationed in Shu, Erlang kept a thick beard all year round. From afar, he looked truly intimidating. Every time he came, Huier would be too frightened to come out, yet Zaifu and Zaishun both adored him. Now that he has a wife, they must live well together. Mother, don't you agree?"
Sheng'an Taihou, seated nearby, merely smiled and murmured a few vague sounds, speaking very little. Shengde Taihou paid little attention to Minglan, instead delivering a lengthy lecture to Gu Tingye on "managing the family and governing the state, loyalty to the sovereign and love for the country," quoting Confucius one moment, Mencius the next, and even dragging in Xunzi at times. Minglan glanced sideways and saw Gu Tingye cooperating fully, showing no impatience whatsoever. He even expressed deep gratitude for the emperor's recent gifts of seventy thousand taels of silver, seven qing of land, and countless rolls of silk.
Shengde Taihou was quite talkative, with the Empress occasionally chiming in, while Sheng'an Taihou and Minglan remained in the audience. Eventually, the conversation turned to border trade. Shengde Taihou brought up her father and brother's defensive duties at the border under the Funing Marquis family: "When the Jie Barbarians invaded last time, His Majesty acted expediently in the emergency and had my father and brother withdraw from the border. Now that the border is peaceful, I wonder if border trade can be restored?"
Gu Tingye replied, "Although the Jie Barbarians have been repelled, the border troops have suffered heavy losses. Without military protection for border trade, it would likely be difficult to profit from it…"
Just then, a eunuch arrived from outside and announced: "His Majesty is in the imperial study discussing matters with the ministers and asks if Lord Gu has arrived? His Majesty summons Lord Gu on official business. Please proceed to express gratitude and go immediately."
Shengde Taihou seemed somewhat disappointed but still smiled and said, "Since His Majesty has official matters, you may go first. Leave your wife here to chat with me."
Gu Tingye bowed in acknowledgment. Before leaving, he glanced sideways at Minglan, his eyes seeming to carry concern. Minglan gave a slight nod to reassure him, and only then did he follow the eunuch out of Cining Palace.
As soon as Gu Tingye left, the Empress immediately ordered the screens on both sides removed. From the left emerged three young noblewomen, and from the right, four palace beauties in court attire. They walked over smiling, gradually gathering around the upper seats and looking down at Minglan. Minglan inwardly groaned—the target had shifted!
"Come, come closer. Let me have a look," Shengde Taihou beckoned to Minglan with a smile.
Hearing this, Minglan slowly moved forward. It was the first time in her life she had walked so deliberately, following Kong Momo's teachings: her skirt should not sway as she moved, she must not appear stiff or artificial, yet she had to convey full respect and closeness through her movements and expression.
Shengde Taihou took Minglan's hand and examined her carefully, sighing, "They all say Lord Gu Erlang's new wife is a beauty. Seeing you today, you truly have a lovely appearance."
Minglan found it inappropriate to reply, so she merely lowered her long eyelashes in a show of shyness, thinking to herself: You're not bad-looking either. If there's a chance, I'll introduce you to Lady Gong Xuehua.
The Empress also scrutinized Minglan repeatedly with her eyes. Seeing that Minglan's movements and demeanor were quite fluid and without fault, she couldn't help saying, "Erlang is truly fortunate. Her appearance is secondary; seeing her proper and dignified manners, I quite like her. Did your family ever hire a nanny?"
Minglan replied respectfully, "We hired one several years ago."
"Which one? Was she from the palace?" the Empress asked upon hearing this."She came from the palace, originally from the Shang Palace Bureau—Kong Momo."
"Kong Momo?" Sheng'an Taihou spoke for the first time voluntarily. Her voice was somewhat hoarse, as if she hadn't fully recovered from a cold and cough. "Is she the one with a square face and tall stature?"
"Yes," Minglan replied with a smile. "She also has a mole on her left forehead."
A faint smile appeared on Sheng'an Taihou's somewhat aged face. "Kong Momo is an old-timer in the palace, kind-hearted and upright... a very good person. How is she doing now?"
"She writes from time to time, saying she has purchased farmland in her hometown and lives leisurely every day. Her nephew is filial, so she's living well." Minglan glanced sideways at Shengde Taihou, who seemed indifferent, lowering her head to drink tea.
Sheng'an Taihou seemed to miss Kong Momo dearly and asked Minglan many questions. In truth, Kong Momo's health had long been failing, merely lingering through her final years. Minglan couldn't say this directly and had to phrase it carefully in a euphemistic tone.
Sheng'an Taihou's eyes grew wistful, her tone subdued. "She endured a lifetime in the palace. It's good that she can have a comfortable old age—however many years she has left, let her live them peacefully."
Minglan watched her quietly. Sheng'an Taihou lacked the usual slickness common in the palace, instead carrying a kind of innate innocence and straightforwardness. She seemed aware that she couldn't speak with perfect tact, so she simply refrained from speaking much.
After a few more words, the Empress had seats arranged for everyone, giving Minglan a chance to rest her sore legs. While listening to their conversation, she discreetly identified the people present: the four palace beauties were all imperial consorts. One particularly cold and enchanting woman was the currently most favored Rongfei; another petite, charming woman with snow-white skin was the newly appointed Yu Zhaoyi; the other two were concubines the Emperor had since his princely days—one a Jieyu, the other a Cairen. To summarize: since the Emperor was still in mourning and hadn't yet held a large-scale selection of consorts, the current harem still had plenty of room for struggle. Minglan wondered if any time-traveling women were interested in developing here.
The three young noblewomen chatting near the Empress included the most lavishly dressed and exuberant one, who was naturally the Empress's younger sister, Little Shen. She bore a strong resemblance to the Empress. Behind her was a clear-eyed, elegant young woman—Uncle Shen's new wife, also the daughter of the Duke of Yingguo's household. The last, a delicate and gentle woman, puzzled Minglan for a long time until she finally figured it out—she was actually Uncle Shen's concubine, Lady Zou! The younger sister of his former wife.
She had actually been granted a fifth-rank Yiren title?! And she was on intimate terms with the Empress? Was the Duke of Yingguo's household so accommodating?!
Last night, Gu Tingye had given Minglan a crash course on the Empress's family background.
The Eighth Prince was an unfavored son of the emperor, with a fief in an extremely remote and impoverished area, so no powerful families were willing to form alliances with him. The Empress's father, Shen Wang, was originally a renowned scholar from Jinzhong, and his family was a prominent local clan. Unfortunately, both parents died early, leaving the Shen siblings to depend on their relatives. Later, their uncle arranged for the Empress to marry the Eighth Prince.
At that time, Minglan asserted, "The Shen family must have treated the siblings poorly!"
Gu Tingye was astonished. "How did you know?"
Minglan explained, "The Emperor is currently in need of talented people, yet no one else from the Shen family has entered official service. This clearly shows the depth of their hidden resentment!"
Gu Tingye rewarded and affirmed her with a bear hug.According to the principle of diminishing status, the Eighth Prince's wife's family was already unremarkable, and Shen Congxing's wife's family was likely even less distinguished.
The Zou family was merely an ordinary scholarly household. The grandfather had served as a county magistrate but passed away years ago, while the father was a provincial scholar. Their eldest daughter had married into the Shen family and borne children, yet to this day, the family had produced no particularly outstanding talents.
However, their greatest misfortune wasn't the lack of talented descendants, but rather this: just when their eldest son-in-law's brother-in-law had ascended the throne as emperor, making their son-in-law the honored Imperial Uncle with wealth and prestige within reach—their daughter passed away～～～
The entire Zou family nearly coughed up three liters of blood in frustration. What tragic irony!
If Shen Congxing were merely an ordinary widower, there would be no issue with him marrying his sister-in-law as a continuation wife. But now the Shen family had become the most prominent imperial in-laws (as Empress Dowager Sheng'an came from humble origins and her natal family was long lost). The Zou family's status was clearly far beneath them.
Minglan glanced briefly at the Imperial Uncle's wife, then at Little Zou who was chatting and laughing with the Empress. Her mind was sharp—in an instant, she understood the compromise that had been reached. For some reason, she suddenly thought of Gu Tingye's birth mother, Lady Bai. Abruptly, she felt a pang of pity for this Madam Shen.
The Duke of Ying's household needed the Shen family to solidify their relationship with the new emperor. Imperial Uncle Shen needed the deeply-rooted Duke of Ying's household to enhance his family's influence. The Zou family needed to maintain their marital connection with the Shen family while protecting the interests of Eldest Madam Zou's children. Everyone got what they needed, resulting in this distorted yet harmonious arrangement.
Minglan felt inexplicably dispirited, her mood gloomy and uncomfortable. She asked herself: if she were in such a situation, could she resist family pressure and resolutely oppose the marriage? Minglan gritted her teeth—ancient times really weren't a place for women!
After chatting for about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the Empress deemed it appropriate and led Minglan and three other newly invested Imperial Mandate holders to take their leave from the two Empress Dowagers. After leaving Cining Palace, the Empress told Minglan and Little Shen to return first, as she wanted to speak with Madam Shen and Little Zou in Kunning Palace.
Little Shen tugged at the Empress's sleeve, whining: "Sister, you're so biased! Do you have delicacies there that you're saving for my two sisters-in-law?!"
The Empress pointed at her, laughing and scolding: "How old are you now, still thinking about food all day? I'll tell your mother-in-law to discipline you properly!... Enough now, don't make everyone laugh. I have matters to discuss with your sisters-in-law. This is Lady Gu's first time in the palace—you escort her out so you can get acquainted along the way."
Little Shen cheerfully agreed while Minglan performed an elegant double curtsy with graceful poise. Without any obvious swaying or turning, she naturally carried an air of charming elegance. Little Shen seemed momentarily mesmerized before briskly bidding the Empress farewell and walking off arm-in-arm with Minglan.
Along the way, Little Shen chattered incessantly, enthusiastically pointing out the scenery to Minglan. Minglan merely listened with a smile, occasionally adding appropriate comments. As they gradually moved beyond Cining Palace's vicinity toward Donghua Gate, Little Shen unexpectedly asked: "...What do you think Her Majesty wants with my two sisters-in-law? What matters can't I hear?"
Minglan's heart skipped a beat, but she smiled and replied: "Probably just some sisterly conversation. Fewer people make it easier to speak from the heart."Isn't it obvious? Earlier in Cining Palace, Lady Shen appeared dignified and gentle, while Madam Zou received the rituals with respect. Though the two seemed harmonious, they never once made eye contact or exchanged a single word throughout. Since external titled women cannot enter the palace frequently, the Empress likely seized this opportunity to impart ideological guidance to the Marquis' principal wife and concubine, instructing them on the proper way for wives and concubines to coexist.
However... Minglan found it amusing. Wasn't it the Shen family who first violated the rules governing wives and concubines?
It has always been rare for a concubine to receive an Imperial Mandate. Unless a son proves exceptionally outstanding and renders meritorious service to the nation and society, then the mother may be honored through her son's achievements. Throughout all dynasties, how many childless concubines have ever received an Imperial Mandate?!
Probably the Shen family felt guilty for the Zou family's assistance during difficult times and sought to make amends in this way. However, they were ultimately wary of the influence of the Duke of Ying's household; otherwise, Little Zou might have secured the position of an equal wife. Yet, judging by today's events, Little Zou's demeanor as a concubine hardly differs from that of an equal wife.
Little Shen, who had been staring blankly at the distant imperial garden, suddenly stopped and fixed her gaze on Minglan. "Do you think the Shen family is shameless? My elder brother married Zhang Shi and also took in Zou Shi, disregarding past loyalty while coveting wealth and power?"
Minglan was pulled back a few steps by her. After listening, she smiled faintly and said, "Most of these rumors are spread by jealous people. There's no need to take them seriously." —Nonsense. If you want to enjoy double benefits, you must endure double the criticism.
"What do you think then?" Little Shen still held firmly onto Minglan, forcing her to take a stance.
Minglan gazed at the tightly closed palace gate ahead, where guards stood solemnly and palace maids and eunuchs busily came and went. She sighed softly and said leisurely, "I think in such difficult situations, men generally benefit, while women mostly suffer."
Little Shen's expression changed. She shed her usual playful and coquettish demeanor, her face turning serious and stern. She stared at Minglan for a long while before suddenly breaking into a smile. "You're interesting. I like you. I'll come to visit you often from now on!"
Minglan was amused by this and chuckled, "I'm honored."
—Being able to ask such a question showed that Little Shen wasn't entirely thoughtless. A woman with such bold and straightforward character was worth befriending.
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