"I told you, didn't I? I could have returned by myself. Why did you come?Inside the three-horse carriage lined with thin celadon silk felt, Minglan hugged a tea caddy, her small face stern as she whispered her questions.
Since the new mother hadn't completed her month of confinement, most attendees of the Third Day Bath Ceremony were female relatives, and grand banquets were generally avoided. Madam Wang had only prepared a simple lunch for the guests. After a short nap following the meal, the female guests gradually departed. Just as Minglan was about to bid farewell, Gu Tingye arrived. After exchanging a few words with Sheng Hong, the couple took their leave together.
Gu Tingye found the situation both amusing and exasperating. When he went to the Sheng residence to pick up his wife earlier, Minglan had worn the shy expression of a new bride, even thoughtfully hinting - 'Husband, riding horseback back and forth would be too tiring. Perhaps we should take the carriage home.'
Seeing Minglan's flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes, Gu Tingye had felt a warmth in his heart and eagerly boarded the carriage. Little did he expect to be doused with cold water the moment he stepped inside...
"I was just passing by. What does it matter?" Gu Tingye watched with amusement as Minglan grew increasingly flustered. His fingers itched to pinch her cheeks.
"You think I don't know the routes." Minglan felt her intelligence was being underestimated. She immediately took out three teacups and arranged them on the small table. "The imperial city is here, our residence is here, and my parental home is here... How exactly is this 'on the way'?!"
To put it in modern terms: the Gu residence was roughly located in the first ring road, the Sheng family in the second ring road, while Gu Tingye's workplace was in Zhongnanhai.
Watching Minglan's puffed cheeks and the way she arranged the teacups like a child playing with building blocks, Gu Tingye finally couldn't resist reaching out to pinch her cheek. "After morning court, I accompanied Marshal Bo to inspect the Western Mountain camp. Seeing that the timing was right, I came to fetch you... Isn't it good that I'm showing you respect in your parental home?"
"Not particularly good," Minglan said seriously, covering her pinched cheek. "It would be better if you appeared more distant toward me in public. As long as basic etiquette is maintained, any additional concern is unnecessary."
Gu Tingye stared in surprise at Minglan. He vaguely remembered how, in his previous marriage, when he failed to pick up Yu Yanhong from her parental home, she had nearly raised the roof with her tantrum - his first marriage had indeed left him with many profound lessons.
"Didn't you see the expressions on my mother-in-law, aunt, and sisters' faces earlier? They were as dark as the bottom of a wok." Fortunately, there was also the understanding Wen Jiefu, who had once taken early leave from the Hanlin Academy specifically to meet his wife returning from temple visits at the mountain gate. Therefore, Rulan hadn't reacted strongly, merely boasting triumphantly for a while before teasing Minglan lightly.
Seeing Gu Tingye's astonished expression, Minglan patiently explained, "I'm not Madam's biological daughter. Not only did I marry better than my elder sisters, but I also received an Imperial Mandate and live in a separate residence. If people see that my husband treats me well too, wouldn't that mean I've gotten all the good fortune? How could anything in this world come so easily? When things are uneven, resentment inevitably follows. I'd rather avoid unnecessary trouble!"
This was the first time Gu Tingye had heard such reasoning from a married woman. After brief reflection, he recalled the sour-faced middle-aged woman standing beside Madam Wang, seemingly called 'Kang Yima'. That woman's eyes held hidden malice. Looking at Minglan, Gu Tingye asked in a deep voice, "Is someone... jealous of you? Has someone been mistreating you?"Minglan shook her head. "Better steer clear of trouble. As they say, 'Hide your brilliance and blend with the dust.' Since we're all family, it's best if everyone lives more or less the same way—no need to stand out too much. That's one reason. Secondly, if I appear too influential in your eyes, people might come asking me to seek your help—promotions, performance reviews, provincial postings, recommendations, all sorts of trivial matters. Then would I help them or not?"
A married daughter ought to maintain a low profile in front of her maternal relatives—no flaunting, even if she has the means. Otherwise, you'll get people borrowing money, asking to stay over, seeking favors, requesting this and that... The moment you show the slightest hesitation or reluctance, a volcano of sarcastic remarks awaits you—after all, you were the one who boasted in the first place!
Gu Tingye was stunned for a long moment before hesitantly asking, "So... I shouldn't dote on you too openly around your family?"
"Exactly." Delighted that he finally understood, Minglan beamed. "It'd be even better if you appeared strict and fierce."
Gu Tingye stared at her in disbelief. "But what about your dignity?"
"If relatives or elders complain to you, would you scold me?" Minglan asked with a smile.
"Never," he flatly refused.
"When I manage household affairs, would you override my authority?"
"Would I have nothing better to do?!" Gu Tingye chuckled.
"If I want new clothes, new jewelry, or to do as I please, would you forbid me?"
"As long as you don't entertain wicked ideas, do whatever you like!" He kept a stern face but his eyes sparkled with amusement.
Minglan waved her sleeve, then clung affectionately to her husband's sturdy arm. "Then it's settled. Since I have the substance, appearances don't matter! If outsiders think I have a hard time living under your thumb, they might even treat me better!"
Gu Tingye's eyes glinted as he raised an elegant brow. He pulled the cheerful Minglan closer, grasping her hands firmly. "Let me summarize: you want your husband to provide you with a fair, tender lamb's skin, so you—a cunning little fox cub—can wrap yourself tightly in it, is that it?"
Minglan blinked her clear, large eyes, radiating innocence. "Husband, you command armies—think of it as military strategy. 'When the enemy is exposed and we are concealed, it is the supreme art of war.'"
Now she's invoking military tactics! Gu Tingye was both exasperated and amused. He pulled her into his embrace, tightening his arms until she whimpered like an unweaned cub, squirming slightly. Burying his face in the warm fragrance of her neck, he chuckled deeply.
When he lifted his head, he asked, "Did you eat well at lunch?"
Minglan freed herself from his iron grip, smoothing her hair and adjusting her appearance. "When visiting my family occasionally, how could I eat like a starving ghost?"—especially with the sharp-faced Kang Yima sitting across from her.
"Perfect! Old General Bo's forty-year rule requires officers to eat the same as soldiers in camp. I slipped away under the pretext of inspecting the armory and haven't eaten yet. I'll take you to Tianxiang Lou!" Gu Tingye declared brightly.
Minglan teased him, pointing a slender finger at him with a deep dimpled smile. Deliberately adopting a delicate tone, she said, "You pampered young master, can't bear the slightest hardship. Be careful—if Old General Bo finds out, he'll punish you severely!"
"Have you ever seen such a heroic and capable 'pampered young master'?!" Gu Tingye feigned a glare. "Enough nonsense—are you coming or not?""Go, go, go!" Minglan said eagerly, her face beaming with joy. "They say Tianxiang Lou's crispy pigeon and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall are unparalleled in the capital, but I've never had the chance to try them." Tianxiang Lou was a renowned restaurant in the capital, specializing in serving nobles and officials, with private rooms and elegant seating specially arranged for women on the upper floor. Madam Wang had taken Rulan there, and Consort Lin had taken Molan as well. When Hualan found out, she had intended to take Minglan, but just as she was about to leave that day, her mother-in-law suddenly stirred up some trouble, forcing her to cancel.
Seeing Minglan's excitement and delight, Gu Tingye felt a slight pang in his heart, though he showed no sign of it on his face. Instead, he hugged Minglan and said with a smile, "The capital gathers delicacies from all over the world. I'll take you to other restaurants later. 'Four Seas Fragrance's' bean paste fish and spicy Sichuan pepper chicken are truly exceptional, and 'Saliva Pavilion's' Dongpo pork and honey-glazed char siu..." He went on and on, listing them off as if reciting a treasure trove.
Minglan clapped her hands cheerfully beside him, inwardly amused—it was no exaggeration to call this guy a playboy. If she weren't his wife but his buddy, he'd probably be taking her to the red-light district by now, maybe even ranking the capital's famous brothels into first, second, and third tiers, complete with a standardized rating system based on service attitude, pricing, and "supply quality."
"But..." Minglan suddenly thought of something and hesitated, "It's so late now. Will Tianxiang Lou still have seats?" If she were a man, she wouldn't mind sitting in the main hall, but in this world, how could a woman show her face in public? She wondered if there were any private rooms or elegant seats left.
Gu Tingye, who had been speaking with great enthusiasm, snorted dismissively at her question. Tossing his head proudly, he declared, "Who do you think I am? If there aren't any, I'll make sure there are!"
There was a hint of the bold, Robin Hood-like spirit of the Funiu Mountain bandits in his words. Minglan suddenly understood. It wasn't that her imagination was lacking—it was just that in her previous life, she hadn't even encountered a living member of the privileged class before dying in the line of duty. After reincarnating, Sheng Hong, cautious of his official reputation, had never dared to step out of line. Who would have thought that in this life, she'd have the fortune to experience the perks of being part of the privileged class?
Her face flushed with excitement, and she placed her chubby little hands on Gu Tingye's arm, her eyes sparkling with fervor. She leaned in, stammering with exhilaration, "Could it be... could it be that we... can drive away the customers at Tianxiang Lou and take their seats?"
"I could drive away the chefs at Tianxiang Lou and let you stew fish soup in there!" Gu Tingye chuckled, scoffed, and even rolled his eyes at her. Chiding her, he said, "Think about your status. Have a little more ambition, will you?"
Minglan's eyes lit up even more, and she grew even more exhilarated, struggling to control her stammering: "Then... then... can we eat without paying?" Eating without paying was the second essential skill for playboy bullies in all movies and TV dramas. As for the first? Was there even any need to ask?
Gu Tingye nearly choked on his saliva. He stared at Minglan for a full quarter of an hour before sighing deeply and saying, "My dear wife, could you please, just a little, have a bit more ambition?"Since that restaurant outing, Gu Tingye noticed Minglan's delight in food and began frequently bringing signature dishes from renowned establishments upon returning to the manor. One day it would be ginger-glazed pork ribs wrapped in emerald lotus leaves, another day bamboo tube soup with fish and lamb tripe, and even duck blood vermicelli soup and wild mushroom wontons sourced from obscure street stalls in hidden corners—all bursting with rustic aromas and exquisite freshness. Minglan nearly swallowed her spoon in her rapture. True to his reputation, Gu Tingye never once repeated a dish.
Between bites, Minglan sighed deeply: The world never lacks beauty, only eyes to discover it—even marrying a pleasure-seeking noble had its perks. At least her elder brother Changbai could never track down such delicious crispy eel barrels.
Whenever Minglan indulged heartily, Gu Tingye would watch her with a cheerful grin. Too preoccupied with eating, she failed to notice the peculiar scrutiny in her husband’s gaze, which seemed to carry a hint of covert observation. During leisurely moments, the couple would chat idly about everything from jianghu anecdotes to court intrigues. Gu Tingye greatly cherished these warm, playful exchanges, often meandering through casual banter until their conversations stretched far and wide. Gongsun Xiansheng, waiting endlessly in the outer study, would eventually send someone to summon Gu Tingye.
After several such occurrences, Gongsun Xiansheng couldn’t help but lament: "No wonder Lu You’s mother insisted on divorcing Tang Wan!" When marital affection runs too deep, men often neglect their ambitions.
To his surprise, Minglan’s eyes sparkled as she eagerly asked: "I heard that Lady Tang’s second husband surpassed Lu You in family status, talent, and appearance—is that true?" Yao Yiyi vaguely recalled this gossip.
Just as Gongsun Xiansheng prepared to respond, he noticed Gu Tingye’s piercing stare and coughed lightly before solemnly declaring: "Absolutely false. After remarrying, Lady Tang remained despondent, perpetually yearning for Lu You."
Gu Tingye smiled and refilled Gongsun Xiansheng’s teacup.
Gongsun Baishi hailed from a minor gentry family in southern Shaanxi. After repeated failures in the imperial examinations, he abandoned scholarly pursuits to immerse himself in nature. With an elder brother handling familial duties and ample wealth eliminating financial worries, he traveled widely to visit eminent scholars and debate politics. Over two decades, his journeys took him to famed sites until his path grew increasingly remote. Years ago, in a desolate wilderness, he encountered bandits lacking professional ethics—they sought not only his wealth but his life. Fortunately, Gu Tingye intervened and saved him.
In gratitude, Gongsun Xiansheng became Gu Tingye’s advisor. Later, hearing that his nephew Gongsun Meng showed no interest in studies after his elder brother’s passing, and that their grandparents couldn’t discipline him, he had the boy sent over for personal tutelage and practical training under Gu Tingye. What began as a casual interlude during travels unexpectedly evolved when Gu Tingye’s fortunes rose, elevating Gongsun Baishi alongside him. Now serving as Gu Tingye’s chief strategist, he had gained modest renown in the capital.
Upon attaining high status, the martially skilled Gu Tingye initially disdained bodyguards. At Gongsun Meng’s insistence, he agreed to bring elite soldiers when leaving the city and retain escorts within city walls—led by Tu Long and Tu Hu alongside other skilled fighters. Gongsun Meng trained in martial arts with the Tu brothers during spare moments, squeezing in occasional reading when possible."If all were peaceful, this old man wouldn't be meddling so much. But now the Emperor..." Gongsun Xiansheng looked deeply troubled. A gentle breeze blew through the pavilion as he held a white piece between his fingers, hesitating over the chessboard. "The Court of Judicial Review, the Ministry of Justice, and the imperial prison—all operate day and night without rest. Every month people are taken in for interrogation, and some... never come out again, going straight to prison."
Minglan pondered briefly before responding: "With Prince Jing's rebellion and the Jie Barbarians invading, this is a critical moment. Yet half of the Three Great Garrisons failed to mobilize properly, vaguely implicating nearly half the capital. Fortunately, the Emperor had contingency plans, so we escaped disaster by sheer luck. I doubt His Majesty will let this rest easily."
Gongsun Xiansheng nodded. "Liu Zhengjie now commands the imperial prison guards. He was originally the guard captain of the Eighth Prince's residence and enjoys the Emperor's deep trust—his methods are exceptionally severe. When the Emperor purged some nobles under the pretext of mourning the Late Emperor, it was meant as a warning. Sadly, some failed to recognize this and grew even more reckless. Yesterday, when the Emperor merely listed the faults of several frontier governors, the court immediately erupted in heated debate—this shows how turbulent the underlying currents are. As for the military camps, when the Commander-in-Chief first took command, he discovered numerous abuses: drawing pay for nonexistent soldiers, stealing military provisions, seizing civilian farmland, loaning military funds for profit, conducting unauthorized border trade, and nearly empty armories... The sheer variety is appalling!"
Minglan smiled, appearing unconcerned. "The Late Emperor was benevolent—he lightened corvée duties and taxes, practiced frugality and humility, allowed the people to recuperate, and treated officials and nobles kindly, much like the enlightened rulers of old. Now the national treasury is full, and the people remain relatively well-fed and clothed."
"But the powerful elites increasingly extort wealth from the people, seeking only private gain and lining their own pockets..."
"That's why confiscating their assets yields doubly rich rewards!" Minglan quickly added. "One sweep brings in massive spoils! The wealth of a single Anhui governor could equal half a year's salt tax revenue. The confiscated properties of two counts and one marquis who joined the rebellion amounted to most of the national surplus for over half a year!"
Gongsun Xiansheng couldn't help but laugh, his beard trembling with mirth. "True enough! Even after fighting two wars, the national treasury remains far from empty."
Minglan continued teasingly: "In prosperous times, there are always minor flaws. The Late Emperor's policies emphasized benevolence, while the current Emperor is resolute and decisive. This balance between relaxation and tension signals our dynasty's flourishing state. Though the 'Jing-Tan Rebellion' affected three provinces and four regions, the Emperor redistributed all the lands belonging to the rebellious princes and their followers to the common people. Now those areas are gradually recovering." Those involved in politics always wear expressions of concern for the nation and its people, she thought before adding: "Besides, what alternative does the Commander-in-Chief have but to follow the Emperor?"
After some thought, Gongsun Xiansheng could only nod wryly—without the Eighth Prince, Gu Tingye would still be just a wandering adventurer.
"Just act cautiously. Don't charge ahead too boldly—making too many enemies is never wise," Minglan said quietly. Chairman Mao put it well: despise the enemy strategically while taking them seriously tactically.
Gongsun Xiansheng chuckled lightly. "No need to worry there. The Commander-in-Chief may seem rough, but he's actually quite meticulous. Moreover, having associated with people from all walks of life, he's no inexperienced young fool."
After playing three consecutive games—with one win, one loss, and one draw—both Minglan and Gongsun felt deeply dissatisfied. Each had believed themselves a chess master. Grumbling indignantly, they agreed to settle the score another day. Old Gongsun, confident in his memory, muttered to himself as he walked away empty-handed with his arms behind his back. Minglan proved more humble, having Xiaotao carry the chessboard back to her room so she could study the unfinished game.At that moment, someone came to report from outside: Cuiwei had arrived with her husband and child.
After several years apart, Cuiwei had given birth to a daughter and had noticeably gained weight, her round and rosy face glowing with good health. The moment she saw Minglan, she burst into tears, pulling Xiaotao and Lüzhi into the mix as they all cried together, alternating between laughter and chatter, saying how much they had missed everyone. The girls were overjoyed, eagerly asking about each other’s recent lives.
"I thought Old Madam would keep the young lady a while longer before marrying her off! By my reckoning, it should have been next year. Who knew she’d marry so early? I couldn’t even make it back to the capital in time!" Cuiwei wiped her tears, smiling through them.
"Who told you our Madam is so well-liked! The master came to propose early on and insisted on rushing the wedding!" Lüzhi giggled.
Cuiwei shot her a mock glare: "Still so sharp-tongued! Be careful, or you’ll never find a husband!"
Lüzhi flushed red with embarrassment and lunged at her playfully. Danju, ever sincere, immediately tried to comfort her: "Don’t worry, Sister Lüzhi, Madam will surely find you a good husband!" This only made Lüzhi more flustered, and she chased them around the room in mock fury.
After the lively banter, the maids withdrew, and Minglan called Cuiwei and her husband aside for a private talk. Cuiwei’s husband, He Youchang, was the son of Old He, the steward who had been overseeing the old family estate in Jinling. He had a round, honest face and carried himself with neatness and reliability. Standing together, the couple bore a striking resemblance in demeanor.
"Your father has always been Old Madam’s trusted man, and I’ve long had faith in him. You’re still young, so start by working at the gatehouse. Later, you can learn management duties—observe how to read situations and speak appropriately. For now, focus on understanding the affairs of the outer courtyard." After exchanging pleasantries, Minglan held a cup of tea and spoke gently. "Your child is still young, so it’s not suitable for Cuiwei to be away day and night. For now, she can assist Liao Yong Xifu and keep an eye on things for me. She’s a sensible person and will know what to do."
Both Cuiwei and He Youchang were astute and well-aware of the Gu family’s circumstances. With Minglan lacking trusted aides in both the inner and outer courtyards, they were to act as her eyes and ears, helping her discern the backgrounds and temperaments of the various stewards and the connections between internal and external affairs. In time, promotions and rewards would follow.
After leaving, the couple strolled through the Gu estate, admiring the scenery and speaking in hushed tones.
"Madam is truly someone who remembers old ties. I heard the original plan was for another branch of servants to accompany her as part of the dowry, but she pleaded with Old Madam and insisted on bringing us from Jinling." He Youchang sighed. In his prime, he understood well the vast difference between guarding an old estate in Jinling and serving in a powerful household in the capital. "It’s all thanks to you."
"...We must work diligently and share Madam’s burdens." Cuiwei gazed tenderly at her husband, then added, "That year, when I first entered her courtyard, she told me, Danju, and the others, ‘I grant you the authority to manage these young maids—it’s both a restraint on them and a test for you.’ Looking back now, she must have spotted Yancao’s unsuitability early on. We must act with fairness in our duties. Making mistakes or failing in tasks is one thing, but if we harbor ill intentions and Madam finds out... Her eyes are sharp—she doesn’t tolerate deceit!"
He Youchang held his wife in high regard and smiled. "Of course! Before we left, Father lectured me for two whole nights. He said, meeting a wise and good master is the best fortune. As long as we remain loyal, we’ll never come to harm."In truth, Minglan hoped Cuiwei wouldn't overexert herself. Not only did she have a young daughter to care for, but it would be best for her to have more sons while she was still young, so she would have something to rely on in the future. There was no helping it—such were the times. For instance, if Minglan had to choose between Hai Shi and Hualan having only one son, she would prefer Hualan to have the boy and Hai Shi to have a daughter. The reason was simple: Hualan's situation was far more precarious, while Hai Shi lived a relatively comfortable life.
A few days later, news arrived that Hualan had indeed given birth to a son.
To avoid being late, Minglan rose early on the third-day bathing ceremony to dress herself. She simply wore a plain moon-white silk long jacket with engraved floral patterns and a concealed weave, layered with a purplish-red embroidered sleeveless vest featuring subtle designs. Her hair was styled in a tilted "falling horse" bun, adorned with three or four thumb-sized, perfectly round pearls shimmering at the base, and topped with an exquisite large gold butterfly hairpin inlaid with colorful purple gems, its kingfisher-feather antennae trembling delicately. Xiaotao brought freshly cut flower buds, still quivering with morning dew, and Minglan chose a magnolia blossom the size of a teacup, tucking it sideways into her hair. Gazing into the mirror, she was enveloped in a faint fragrance, looking fresh, radiant, and charming, her beauty enhanced by three parts.
For the Nth time, Minglan sighed deeply and let her thoughts wander: This face is really not bad! If I wore this in a chaotic era, I could probably pass as a seductive consort without much trouble—though I wonder if I’d perish with a foolish ruler or serve a new one instead.
Zhongqin Bo Manor was located in the third ring area, and Minglan jolted in the carriage for nearly two hours before arriving. Xiaotao climbed in to tidy Minglan’s appearance, and only then did the mistress and maid alight. Seeing Minglan arrive quite early, Madam Wang showed a slight smile, while Kang Yima remained as sarcastic as ever. As soon as Rulan spotted Minglan, she tugged her sleeve, leaned close to her ear, and giggled, "My husband will come to pick me up today!" She then glanced sideways at Minglan, beaming with pride and delight.
Minglan nearly rolled her eyes skyward, gritted her teeth, and whispered back in Rulan’s ear, "It’s no wonder you sneaked out to meet him in the middle of the night."
Rulan’s face flushed crimson instantly, and she glared at Minglan resentfully, though the corners of her mouth betrayed an urge to laugh. She could only pinch Minglan’s arm hard twice. Minglan couldn’t help but let out a soft "ouch"—the bruises from that wolf’s grip yesterday hadn’t even healed yet.
Molan simply watched coldly from the side.
When Minglan saw Hualan, she was utterly shocked. Hualan lay reclined on the bed, her head wrapped in a vibrant brocade scarf. Though carefully groomed and dressed neatly, she couldn’t conceal her sallow complexion, gauntness, and sickly appearance. Compared to Hai Shi’s plump, rosy glow, Hualan looked less like she’d given birth and more like she’d survived a severe illness.
Madam Wang rushed over immediately, crying "my child" repeatedly. Hualan merely smiled weakly and said, "...This pregnancy wasn’t easy; I’ll recover slowly with rest." Her voice was feeble, and she panted intermittently.
As for the newborn, it appeared equally frail and sickly, with a weak build and barely audible cries. During the undressing and bathing ritual, it only whimpered like a sick kitten a few times before growing still. Minglan recalled Hai Shi’s daughter at her own third-day ceremony—how the chubby little hands and feet had struggled, splashing water everywhere with vigorous energy!
Everyone present wore doubtful expressions, turning to look at Madam Yuan and her daughter-in-law, Yuan Da Nainai. The latter seemed somewhat uneasy, whispering with her mother, Aunt Zhang, while Madam Yuan remained composed. Noticing the suspicious glances, she even remarked lightly, "I told my second daughter-in-law early on that this pregnancy wasn’t favorable and she needed to be extra careful, but she insisted..."As she spoke, she even began to criticize Hualan for her own misfortunes. The ladies present found it awkward to interject and could only listen with strained smiles. Madam Wang secretly fumed, but with so many people around, she couldn't confront the matter openly and had to grit her teeth in silence. Molan remained expressionless as she sipped her tea, feeling a sense of satisfaction.
Minglan shifted her gaze to Hualan and noticed her lowered head, her eyes faintly burning with resentment. Minglan's heart ached. She moved to sit by Hualan's bedside, gently stroking her thin, dry hand. Suddenly, a scalding drop of moisture fell onto the back of Hualan's hand.
Overwhelmed with sorrow and bitterness, Minglan tightly clasped her hand.
Rulan, being somewhat oblivious, was slower to react than the others. Once she finally noticed something amiss with Hualan, she immediately flared up. She stood up abruptly and addressed Madam Yuan loudly, "Why is my sister so thin? Is she ill?"
Her words plunged the room into silence. Sometimes, the straightforward are the ones who dare to challenge the unscrupulous. Rulan glared directly at Madam Yuan and her daughter-in-law. Madam Yuan's face darkened instantly. "How dare you speak like that, sister-in-law? A woman's pregnancy has its own ups and downs! You'll understand when you have children of your own!"
Such a retort might have silenced an ordinary young bride, but Rulan was no ordinary woman. She was, after all, the modern-day Cui Yingying who would climb rocky hills in the dead of night for a secret rendezvous. True to form, she took a few steps forward and raised her voice even louder, "No need to wait! I'm asking you now! Did you stuff my sister's room with a bunch of concubines and bedroom servants again?"—a tactic Madam Yuan had employed during Hualan's first miscarriage.
"How dare you spout such nonsense?!" Madam Yuan's face flushed crimson, and the teacup in her hand clattered incessantly. Snickers erupted around them.
"Then it must be that you forced my sister to stand on ceremony for you while heavily pregnant!" Rulan's finger nearly pointed to the tip of Madam Yuan's nose—a creative measure Madam Yuan had devised when Hualan was pregnant with Zhuang Jie'er.
"Outrageous! You go too far!" Madam Yuan trembled all over as the ladies' mocking gazes grew more blatant.
"Or perhaps you forced my sister to manage the household for you while she was with child?" Unlike Sheng Hong, Rulan showed no fear—this was a new trick Madam Yuan had pulled when Hualan was pregnant with Shi Ge'er.
"You... you... you..." Madam Yuan, encountering such a blunt and sharp-tongued woman for the first time, was momentarily at a loss for words. Minglan secretly rejoiced.
Among the ladies present, aside from the absent Lady Shoushan, who had returned to her hometown on business, and the married Yuan Wenying, many were frequent visitors to the Zhongqin Earl's residence and were well-acquainted with the Yuan family's affairs. Most watched the drama unfold with concealed amusement, though a few frowned slightly.
Madam Yuan's daughter-in-law hurriedly supported her mother-in-law and shrilly retorted, "Sister-in-law, you should watch your words! Surely you don't think that if something happens to your sister, it's all our fault?!"
Unexpectedly, Rulan replied with utter conviction, "Of course! If anything happens to my sister, it's definitely because you and your mother-in-law bullied her! Just look at the two of you—so plump and fair, with double chins! If you truly treated my sister well, you should have grown thinner from taking care of her!"
Minglan nearly burst out laughing. Faced with such an unreasonable person and with Madam Wang making no move to intervene, Madam Yuan's daughter-in-law could only fall silent. She unconsciously touched her own double chin, then turned away in shame and anger to sit down. Hualan, weak and exhausted, murmured, "Rulan, stop it..."Madam Yuan caught her breath and said sharply, "The Sheng family's daughters are too precious! Our Yuan family cannot serve them. You'd better take her back immediately!"
Seeing the situation had reached this point, everyone knew it was bad and tried to persuade Madam Yuan to calm down. However, Madam Yuan remained cold and aloof, putting on airs. Hualan was both angry and anxious. Minglan stood up abruptly, glaring coldly at Madam Yuan: "Madam, please make yourself clear! What do you mean by 'take her back'? Does Madam intend to issue a letter of divorce?" Her tone was icy.
Madam Yuan never dreamed that the Sheng family would dare to question her directly. She had expected them to offer some pleasantries and let the matter drop. For a moment, she was speechless—neither confirming nor denying, as either would cause her to lose face.
Minglan narrowed her eyes, her gaze sharp, and said slowly, word by word: "Madam Yuan, make yourself clear! Do you intend to divorce your daughter-in-law?"
Given the Sheng family's current influence, though not the most powerful, they surpassed the Yuan family. Madam Yuan knew perfectly well that if Hualan were divorced, she herself would be driven out soon after. Fuming, she turned away and fell silent.
Aunt Zhang noticed the tension and hurriedly stepped in to mediate: "Dear Madam, why speak in anger? My elder sister only meant for your daughter-in-law to return to her maiden home to recuperate and regain her health, isn't that right?"
"So that's what it was," Minglan said with a hint of scorn and a light laugh. "It seems I misunderstood."
Minglan walked over slowly, gently pulling the fuming Rulan to sit down, and smiled gracefully: "Ladies, please don't blame my sister for speaking out of turn. She is straightforward and cannot keep her thoughts to herself."
Minglan, now a second-rank Imperial Mandate holder, held the highest status among the women present. The others could only flatter her, not question her. A few even chimed in with agreement. Madam Yuan, enraged, turned her back.
Minglan continued with a gentle smile: "It's no wonder my fifth sister jumped to conclusions. It's just too coincidental that every time my elder sister is with child, some incident arises. Those who know might say, 'What a coincidence!' Those who don't might think Madam Yuan is deliberately harsh on my elder sister and favors her own niece. But we who are close know that Madam Yuan would never do such a thing!"
Nonsense! Even if a mother-in-law's actions were unintentional, after her daughter-in-law faced repeated troubles during pregnancy, she ought to be more cautious. How could she keep provoking incidents? Madam Yuan's chest heaved with rage, her heart nearly bursting, yet she could say nothing. The surrounding women cast cold or mocking glances, making her even more furious.
"Madam, you are indeed sharp-tongued," Madam Yuan said bitterly, her tone sarcastic. "Those who marry daughters of the Sheng family are truly blessed!"
Minglan smiled cheerfully: "I dare not claim such praise. I merely speak the truth. If I have said anything improper, Madam, please do not take offense. Point it out, and I will correct myself next time!"
Madam Wang's expression brightened, and she secretly breathed a sigh of relief, finally feeling more at ease. She declared loudly: "Madam, there's no need to worry about our family. The daughters of our generation—no more, no less—were all married off last month! The only unmarried girl left in the Sheng family is my plump granddaughter, who is just over ten days old. It will be a long time before she is wed."After the words were spoken, the room erupted in hearty laughter. Seeing the atmosphere had eased, the female relatives quickly joined in with lighthearted banter.
Madam Yuan glanced at Rulan, who was baring her teeth as if ready to scold, then at Minglan, whose expression remained gentle and warm. One was like a destitute wretch, the other a smiling tiger. Knowing she stood no chance of gaining any advantage today, she simply stopped speaking. Fuming with anger, she didn’t even offer to keep anyone for lunch, instead complaining of a headache and physical discomfort. Seeing that the Yuan family had effectively issued a dismissal, the female guests took their leave one after another.
Minglan observed coldly and noticed that many of the female guests showed subtle signs of dissatisfaction, with a few even openly mocking. It was clear that Madam Yuan wasn’t particularly well-liked.
Wen Jiefu indeed came to pick up Rulan. Minglan suspected he had been secretly waiting nearby, deliberately making an appearance to bolster Rulan’s pride. Amidst the envious gazes of the crowd, Rulan departed cheerfully and triumphantly in high spirits. Just as Minglan was about to leave as well, a servant from the Yuan family suddenly came to relay a message:
"The Second Master said he will return shortly with Commander Gu. He only just learned today that Marshal Bo’s wife has fallen ill, so he requests that Madam Gu stay for a while. Once the Second Master and the Commander return to the estate, they will all go together to visit the sick."
Since Bo Tianzhou had returned his military tally, he had been living in a semi-retired state, residing in a manor on the outskirts of the capital to enjoy his later years. It happened to be closer to the Zhongqin Bo Estate. After a moment’s thought, Minglan turned to Madam Yuan and said with a smile, "What should we do about this?"
Madam Wang quickly added fuel to the fire: "If our hostess is inconvenienced, our Minglan can wait by the entrance."
Madam Yuan was so infuriated today that she felt waves of anger threatening to bring on a stroke. If Minglan were to wait at the entrance, the Yuan family would become the laughingstock of the entire capital by the next day. Gritting her teeth repeatedly, she barely managed to restrain herself. Turning to her maid, she scolded sharply, "Why haven’t you prepared tea for Madam Gu yet?!"
…
Minglan walked slowly back to Hualan’s room. Hualan had already received the news and smiled as she invited her sister to sit beside her. While directing the maids to serve tea, fruits, and snacks, she repeatedly asked Minglan about her married life. When Minglan shared amusing anecdotes, Hualan covered the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief, delighted on her sister’s behalf. When Minglan spoke of her troubles, Hualan offered her mischievous advice. The two sisters chatted affectionately for a long while.
Minglan glanced around and signaled Cuichan to keep watch at the door. Lowering her voice, she asked, "Sister, what exactly is going on? Do you really not intend to tell me? Ever since He Laofuren reminded you of the important precautions, I know you wouldn’t neglect your health during pregnancy."
Hualan was taken aback, her eyes instantly welling up. Remembering that a pregnant woman shouldn’t cry, she quickly held back her tears, only managing to choke out, "I knew it… I might be able to hide it from others, but not from you."
"What exactly happened?"
Hualan suddenly raised her voice, "Cuichan, bring Shige’er here, and fetch Zhuang Jie’er as well! Yinjie, make sure the doors and windows are securely closed!"
A response came from outside.
Hualan tightly grasped Minglan’s hand, her voice trembling with sobs: "That… that wretched old woman! She’s gone too far! Ever since I became pregnant, she suggested raising Shige’er in her quarters!"
"Really?" Minglan exclaimed in shock.Hualan said bitterly, "In ordinary families, it's common for grandmothers to raise their grandsons. But... but... that wretched old woman has always been intent on controlling me. How could I rest assured?!... Your brother-in-law refused as well, so we kept delaying until two months ago. That wretched old woman suddenly started pretending to be ill, groaning and moaning, and even brought in a Taoist nun who insisted that Shige's birth chart clashes with hers. She claimed that for her illness to improve, Shige must be raised by her side! With the heavy label of 'filial piety' pressed upon him, how could your brother-in-law resist?!"
Minglan remained silent. This tactic was truly despicable and shameless!
They struck when Hualan was at her weakest. It was still unknown whether the child in her womb was a boy or a girl, and Shige was Hualan's only son. Taking Shige away would leave Hualan in constant anxiety day and night—how could she possibly rest and nurture her pregnancy properly? If her mother-in-law gave any orders, how could she dare disobey?
Hualan wiped her tears, her expression sorrowful, and continued, "Those two months, I don't know how I survived. The moment I closed my eyes, I dreamed of something happening to Shige. I couldn't eat well, couldn't sleep, and nearly went mad!"
Minglan felt pity and gently held Hualan's hand, stroking it. Though she knew Madam Yuan might not necessarily harm her own grandson, if something were to happen, could they really demand the grandmother pay with her life? At most, it would be dismissed as negligence—a bitter pill they'd have to swallow.
"About ten days ago, there was suddenly a commotion in the front courtyard. When I asked, I nearly fainted." Hualan's face was ashen. "Those black-hearted nannies actually left Shige alone for his nap without anyone watching him—they all went outside to drink tea and chat! Shige has become quite good at crawling now. After he woke up, he crawled all over the bed. Unfortunately, there was a incense burner placed by the bedside. The child didn't know any better and knocked it over, then rolled off the bed. The hot ashes from the incense burner spilled all over Shige!"
"Ah!" Minglan exclaimed in shock. "Was he hurt?!"
"My poor Shige cried for a long time with no one paying attention." Hualan's voice trembled with fear. "Fortunately, Zhuangjie was there..."
"What does Zhuangjie have to do with it?"
Hualan's face flushed with shame. "...It's all my fault. I was so focused on Shige that I neglected her. This child knew I was worried, so she often slipped away from her nanny and secretly went to the front courtyard every day to check on her brother. She's small, and no one paid her any mind, so no one noticed. When her nanny came to complain, I was irritated and scolded her harshly. That day, Zhuangjie sneaked over again. She heard Shige crying in the room and rushed in to find her brother rolling on the floor, wailing, with blisters all over his head and face from the burns! Zhuangjie couldn't carry her brother, so she brushed all the hot ashes off him. Poor thing, her hands were burned in several places too... Ah, come in quickly, Zhuangjie! Come meet your Sixth Aunt!"
A small girl hurried in. Minglan scooped her up and gave her a firm kiss on the forehead. "Good child, let Auntie see your hands."
Zhuangjie's childish face showed a fear beyond her years as she timidly extended her two small hands. On her short, tender fingers were several deep rose-colored marks. The little girl shyly retracted her fingers and said in her tender voice, "Auntie, it doesn't hurt anymore." Brother's burns were much worse."Minglan hurried over to look at the boy cradled in Cuichan's arms. He was sound asleep, his delicate pale face marred by a startling red swelling on his temple—clearly from a fall. Along his right eyebrow down to his cheek ran a row of fine, deep red burn scars, the most alarming one positioned precisely on his right eyelid! Had circumstances been slightly different, he might have lost an eye!
The boy stirred slightly, whimpering softly. Zhuangjie immediately stepped forward, patting her brother gently while cooing in a milky voice, "Good boy, hush now..." The little boy seemed to recognize his sister's voice and drifted back into deep sleep.
Minglan's heart ached unbearably. Unable to hold back, she swept Zhuangjie into a tight embrace, tears streaming down uncontrollably. Hualan, watching the two children, was overcome with sorrow and slumped against the bedpost weeping quietly. Cuichan quickly handed the boy to a wet nurse nearby before rushing to support Hualan and wipe her tears, urgently repeating, "Second Young Mistress, you mustn't cry! This could cause lifelong health problems!"
Minglan hastily wiped her tears and lifted Zhuangjie, declaring with immense pride, "Good child, you can share your mother's burdens and protect your brother—you're the finest daughter and the best sister! Your sixth aunt is tremendously proud of you! Don't fear bullies or difficulties. You're the legitimate eldest daughter of the Yuan family and the eldest granddaughter of the Sheng family! Let's see who dares mistreat you!"
A small smile bloomed on Zhuangjie's face as she nodded vigorously.
After Cuichan led both children out, Minglan watched them depart before turning back with tearful laughter. "Sister, you've raised the children exceptionally well. You'll be blessed in the future!... So, what happened next?Hualan also swelled with pride, smiling contentedly. After composing herself, she slowly continued, "I thought that wretched old woman would feel remorse, but instead she falsely accused Zhuangjie of knocking over the incense burner and injuring Shige! She even wanted to punish Zhuangjie!"
"Nonsense!" Minglan cursed bluntly. "Whatever excuses she makes, the truth remains there were no servants attending them when the accident happened. Had someone been present, even if Zhuangjie had overturned the burner, Shige wouldn't have been hurt!"
"Exactly!" Hualan smiled bitterly. "The household was in chaos. When your brother-in-law returned, he was furious enough to whip those negligent maids to death, but his mother stopped him, screaming about unfilial behavior and threatening to kneel in the ancestral hall! After my father-in-law learned of this, he immediately dismissed those maids and decided to send my mother-in-law to the country estate for 'quiet recuperation.' Then she pulled some vile trick—produced a rope and threatened to hang herself, ranting 'there's no principle in this world where a wife should be slighted for a daughter-in-law!' She nearly made my father-in-law faint from anger! So the matter was dropped, but at least I'm finally getting my son back..."Minglan was left speechless by what she heard, while a faint smile touched Hualan’s lips. “Your brother-in-law was so horrified when he saw Shige’er’s injuries that he broke out in a cold sweat. He was furious but had no outlet for his anger, so… hehe,” she chuckled oddly, “that wretched old woman has sent seven or eight bedroom servants and concubines my way over time. That very night, your brother-in-law had the two most brazen ones given fifty lashes each. Half-dead, they were thrown out of the Zhongqin Earl’s mansion! Two others were stripped naked and forced to kneel in the courtyard all night. The next day, they fell ill and were removed. The rest are now so meek they dare not even show their faces, terrified of provoking your brother-in-law’s wrath.”
Minglan couldn’t help but laugh. “So that’s what happened.”
“When the wretched old woman found out, she came to make a scene again. I grabbed a hairpin and held it to my throat, saying, ‘If she dares mention taking my child away one more time, I’ll die right here on the spot.’ She had no choice but to turn her anger on her son, scratching your brother-in-law’s face so badly he couldn’t show himself outside for days.”
After recounting this harrowing past, the two sisters fell into a long silence, leaning their heads together in shared sorrow. After a while, Hualan sighed, “When will this ever end? I live in constant fear of what new trouble she might stir up.”
“Well… there might be a way to resolve it permanently,” Minglan said slowly.
Hualan immediately straightened up, her eyes lighting up as she grabbed Minglan’s arm and urged in a low voice, “What is it? Tell me! Tell me quickly!”
Minglan remained silent in contemplation, while Hualan grew impatient and pressed her repeatedly, shaking Minglan until she felt dizzy. Minglan said with difficulty, "This isn't a good thing, just a foolish idea."
"A foolish idea is perfect! It suits that old woman perfectly!" Hualan's eyes burned with intensity.
Minglan gritted her teeth. Very well, her first major conspiracy in life was about to begin. She said, "Some time ago, I heard about an incident at home. Madam... she wanted to arrange a concubine for Eldest Brother, and Eldest Sister-in-law immediately fell ill."
Hualan curled her lips sarcastically, "My sister-in-law is so fortunate, much better off than me. Even if a concubine is taken, she won't die."
Minglan sighed inwardly, understanding Hualan's mindset, and continued, "Not only was Brother unwilling, but Father also thought Madam was stirring up trouble for no reason. So... ahem, he impulsively took in a few bedroom servants."
Hualan seemed to grasp something and asked softly, "So...?"
Minglan spread her hands and reluctantly delivered the final conclusion: "Madam no longer has the time to bother with Sister-in-law."
Hualan's eyes widened as she understood.
"Will... will this work?" Hualan hesitated.
Minglan said calmly, "Is it possible for the Yuan family to divorce your mother-in-law?"
Hualan slumped down, shaking her head, "Impossible. After all, she has borne children. The Zhongqin Bo Mansion cannot afford such a disgrace. The divorce threat was just to scare her."
"Then, is it possible for your father-in-law to send your mother-in-law to the manor for 'quiet recuperation' for the rest of her life?"
Hualan's eyes filled with despair, "That won't work either. Not to mention others, even your brother-in-law couldn't bear to see his mother suffer in the manor forever."
"Then what other options do you have?"—In fact, to put it the other way around, the Yuan family couldn't divorce Hualan either.
"Right! Right!" Hualan pounded the bed board heavily and whispered, "She's living too comfortably! It's time to find a few young and beautiful concubines for Father-in-law!... But, the concubines in Father-in-law's quarters are all tightly controlled by Mother-in-law!"
Minglan shook her left hand, lowering her voice forcefully as she leaned in, "First, how could a daughter-in-law arrange concubines for her father-in-law? It would be a laughingstock if word got out. Second, we shouldn't just take any concubine. We need one that your mother-in-law cannot easily dispose of."
Hualan, being clever, pondered for a moment and understood, "You want me to seek out Aunt?"
"Correct," Minglan said. "Go find the Lady of Shoushan Bo."
"Will she help me?" Hualan doubted, even though Aunt was fond of her...
Minglan said bluntly, "Not to help you, but to help her own family! When she returns from her hometown, she will surely visit you. At that time, dismiss everyone and lay everything out plainly. Start by telling her about your suffering and grievances, show her your injured child, and exaggerate the severity of the injuries! Then, tell her the story of Duke Zhuang of Zheng and Gongshu Duan..."
"I know!" Hualan's eyes finally lit up. "Duke Zhuang of Zheng and Gongshu Duan from the Spring and Autumn period were biological brothers! But because Empress Dowager Wu Jiang was biased and favored Gongshu Duan, acting against reason, it eventually led to fraternal strife! In the end..."
"In the end, Duke Zhuang of Zheng killed his brother Gongshu Duan with his own hands! To be fair, most of the blame lies with Empress Dowager Wu Jiang!" Minglan added. "This is no longer just a conflict between you and your mother-in-law. If Madam Yuan is allowed to continue her madness, the two Yuan brothers will inevitably grow apart, and the Yuan family will fall into ruin."With this statement, the entire matter immediately escalated to a new level, transforming into an effort to maintain family unity.
Hualan weighed the matter back and forth twice and found it highly feasible. She would have the Shoushan Countess find a fair-skinned, impoverished girl from a respectable family—beautiful, gentle, and clear-headed—who would understand that the second branch was her true support. As the elder sister, sending a concubine to care for her frail younger brother was perfectly acceptable as long as the old count consented. No one would have the right to object. If Madam Yuan made a fuss, she would be violating the "Seven Grounds for Divorce"—a tactic Madam Yuan had often used to silence Hualan when pushing women onto her son.
The old Count Yuan, who had endured hardship for most of his life, would likely take a liking to such a woman. Even if she bore a son out of wedlock, it wouldn’t matter much, as the second branch stood to inherit little regardless. Ultimately, while a mother-in-law could torment her daughter-in-law daily, the daughter-in-law couldn’t very well complain to her father-in-law every day. Instead, why not install a capable whisperer in his ear? Let’s see if Madam Yuan would still have the energy to stir up trouble every day!
The more Hualan thought about it, the more perfect the plan seemed. Her spirits lifted so much she nearly hopped off the bed to pace around in excitement.
Minglan watched Hualan with a faint smile.
First, since Hualan didn’t mind Changbai taking a concubine, the Shoushan Countess—who also had a strained relationship with Madam Yuan—would likely have no issue with her brother, the Zhongqin Count, taking one. Second, the eldest son of the Yuan family was neither scholarly nor martial, preferring to idle away his time, while Yuanwenshao was shrewd and capable, with a promising future ahead. The Shoushan Countess surely knew which branch she and her children would need to rely on in the future.
—That was the crucial point.
"Only three people can know about this," Minglan couldn’t help reminding her. "You, the Shoushan Countess, and after it’s done, you can confide in your husband. Your marital bond is strong—don’t let this harm it."
"I understand what you mean. Once she enters the household, I’ll explain everything to your brother-in-law," Hualan replied with a sly smile, as if she had returned to her carefree girlhood days when her only task was finding ways to trip up Consort Lin. "Don’t worry! From start to finish, this has nothing to do with you."
Minglan felt relieved. Collaborating with clever people was always particularly satisfying.
In truth, as long as their own interests and status weren’t threatened, most sons of this era had no objection to their fathers taking concubines. Besides, when the time came, Hualan could kneel before her husband with their two scarred children, weeping and pleading eloquently and tactfully, and there would likely be no major issues.
A short while later, Gu and Yuan returned. When Yuanwenshao cheerfully came to escort Minglan out of the estate, he would never know that in those brief moments, the trajectory of his life had shifted slightly. Years later, he would have a very obedient and loyal younger half-brother and a peaceful, happy later half of his life.
Meanwhile, Madam Yuan, sitting on the kang and bitterly cursing her wretched fate, had no idea that her truly miserable days were only just beginning.
At the outer gatehouse, Gu Tingye helped Minglan into the carriage. Noticing her low spirits and distant expression, he found it odd. Glancing back and seeing that Yuanwenshao hadn’t emerged yet, he climbed into the carriage to ask what was wrong. Minglan briefly recounted the matter.
Gu Tingye frowned slightly. "Brother Wenshao is far too indecisive. Such blind filial piety not only wrongs his wife and children but also allows domestic strife to persist.""It's not so much indecisiveness as it is a matter of worth," Minglan leaned against the carriage wall, her expression serene. "Brother-in-law naturally knows how difficult my sister's life is, but he believes obeying his mother is more important; men with multiple wives and concubines pretend their households are harmonious not because they don't know their wives are suffering, but because their own pleasure outweighs their wives' sorrow... But this isn't wrong either. In this life, one's own happiness naturally takes precedence."
Gu Tingye looked at the unusually candid Minglan with slight astonishment, an uncomfortable feeling creeping into his heart. Suppressing this sensation, he quietly asked, "And you? What would you do if you were heartbroken?"
Without hesitation, Minglan smiled, "If it hurts... then it hurts. One eventually gets through it."
Only after arriving in this ancient era did she realize that the lifestyle of ancient women was the wisest: manage property well to secure material foundations, then love yourself, love your children, love your supportive maternal family, and occasionally love a man—just enough that his pursuit of other women wouldn't upset you, yet sufficiently to appropriately express tender affection without feeling disgusted.
It's best not to easily develop aversion. Spending a lifetime helplessly with a man you deeply despise is an unhealthy way of living.
—Minglan was diligently practicing this. In a few days, after the Gu residence was properly settled, she would host a ridgepole-raising banquet for relatives and friends. After that, she would need to regularly visit the Ningyuan Marquis Household to pay respects to the elders. The vacation was ending; she hoped everything would go smoothly then.
"You dare say anything?" Gu Tingye narrowed his eyes, his gaze sharp.
Tilting her head, Minglan replied calmly, "You said you preferred hearing the truth. Besides... I can't hide anything from you. Rather than being forced to speak the truth, it's better to say it myself."
"You're not depending on me for your livelihood?" Gu Tingye raised an eyebrow.
"No." Minglan counted on her fingers and spread them open. "I do depend on you for my livelihood, but..." Her serene eyes looked directly at the man, so clear it was heartbreaking, "If you change your heart, what can I do about it?"
Gu Tingye's eyes darkened, and he suddenly asked, "Then what would you do?"
Resting her chin in her hand, Minglan pondered painfully, "I don't know. I'll deal with it when the time comes. Probably wouldn't seek death though."
Her initial expectation for her sisters was simply that they wouldn't harm her—as long as this was met, Hualan and Rulan were good sisters to her. Her only expectation for Sheng Hong and Madam Wang was that they wouldn't trade her for too much benefit—as long as they still somewhat considered her marital happiness, they were good parents.
Looking at it now, basically, Sheng Minglan's life was still happy; she would definitely find the most comfortable way to live, whether it meant leaving him or not.
Gu Tingye stared unblinkingly at Minglan. In the dim carriage, only a sliver of light from the curtain fell upon her jade-like fair complexion. Her long eyelashes cast shadows, veiling the dim crystal-like brilliance within. Her curved neck rested weakly against the carriage—fragile, despondent, bewildered, carrying a helpless cynicism toward the world.Such a breathtakingly beautiful creature, filled with self-mocking melancholy. She loved life, yet scorned it; she was optimistic and passionate, yet decadent and indifferent. She seemed to affirm everything while simultaneously denying it—a perfect symmetry of contradictions. From the moment he fished her, drenched and shivering, out of the river, he had been captivated by her. Never before had he been so fascinated by anyone.
"What would you do if you encountered a situation like your sister's?" the man suddenly asked.
Her dull eyes suddenly sparkled to life, like elegant ripples spreading across a lake. Slapping the small table playfully, she quipped with a mischievous grin: "When officials oppress the people, how dare they! I'd immediately grab two kitchen knives—one pressed against my own neck, the other against theirs—and shout: If I can't live, none of you will either!"
Then she collapsed into giggles on the crimson, ornate cushion embroidered with gold thread, playful as a child.
Gu Tingye watched her intently. He didn't laugh, knowing she wasn't joking—her eyes held no mirth. This had happened several times before; on the contrary, her gaze carried a peculiar resolve, beautiful yet desperate, like a moth flying into flames.
He abruptly dragged her up, roughly pulling her into his embrace. He held her tightly, desperately, until she was nearly suffocating before slowly releasing his grip. Minglan looked up, gasping for air, her face flushed from lack of oxygen, staring at him blankly.
Gu Tingye felt inexplicably angry with himself. He seemed furious that she didn't trust him, yet had to admit her concerns were valid. Finally, he could only stroke her beautiful eyelids and sigh softly, his voice low and steady: "No need for kitchen knives. Whoever you want to kill, I'll do it for you." After all, his own mother had long passed away.
Minglan stared blankly, completely bewildered—what was he talking about?
He paused, then added: "I'm better at killing."
Minglan gave a few dazed laughs in agreement. Suddenly, Gu Tingye flew into another rage, violently overturning the small table in the carriage and punching the wall, making the entire carriage shake. Minglan huddled in fright.
Gu Tingye growled through clenched teeth: "You heartless little thing! We haven't even been married a month, and you're already thinking about escape routes! You little brat!"
As he spoke, he grabbed Minglan's arm, efficiently pushed up her sleeve, and bit down hard on her fair, tender elbow, leaving two neat rows of tooth marks.
Terrified, Minglan pouted tearfully as she watched Gu Tingye turn away angrily and storm out of the carriage!
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[Author's Note]
Regarding the evolution of advisors.
I've always had a fondness for characters like the "dog-headed strategist" and have been contemplating outlines for novels about such figures.
So-called strategists, also known as advisors or consultants, with their leader typically called the chief advisor, weren't officially appointed government officials but rather staff-type talents privately hired by certain officials. They devised strategies for their patrons, participated in confidential matters, drafted memorials to the throne, even handled official documents and maintained bureaucratic connections.
They were completely different from so-called "hangers-on"—the latter's main function was to flatter their patrons, compose poetry, and engage in leisurely discussions of romance and moonlight.Some high-ranking officials' private advisors wielded power almost greater than that of ordinary officials.
This phenomenon originated during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, when these advisors were known by another name: 'retainers.' At that time, feudal lords and nobles competed to patronize scholars. Lord Mengchang, for instance, supported three hundred retainers at once, including martial artists, poets, debaters, and even petty thieves.
After the Qin and Han dynasties, as China gradually unified and society demanded stability, retainers faded away, replaced by scholarly advisors. Most were reclusive talents who had not found opportunity or scholars who had failed the imperial examinations.
The Ming dynasty marked the formative period for private advisors, highlighted by the rise of the Shaoxing clerks' group—the budding stage of Shaoxing advisors. The Qing dynasty, however, saw the peak of the advisor system.
In the Qing dynasty, local officials at all levels invariably brought advisors to their posts, ranging from a few to dozens. Many of these advisors became historically renowned.
For example, during Kangxi's reign, water conservancy expert Chen Huang; during Yongzheng's reign, Tian Wenjing's advisor Wu Sidao; during Qianlong's reign, Gu Lihu and Wang Hui; and even famous literary figures like Pu Songling, scholars like Zhang Xuecheng, and politicians like Lin Zexu, Li Hongzhang, and Zuo Zongtang all served as advisors, gaining nationwide fame.
These formidable advisors were essentially versions of Zhuge Liang who never encountered Liu Bei. Though they lived among commoners, they could accurately gauge the emperor's intentions above and skillfully pacify localities below. They demonstrated precise judgment in matters like river transport, water conservancy, salt and grain taxes, legal cases, and even court factions and royal succession struggles, helping their patrons (also called 'hosts') govern smoothly.
Why didn't they become officials themselves? Simply put, they performed poorly in the imperial examinations.
A detailed study of the advisor system in the Ming and Qing dynasties reveals that Ming officials could generally handle administrative affairs on their own, making advisors non-essential. But by the Qing dynasty, officials could hardly assume their posts without advisors.
Why? Theoretically, the Ming dynasty's rigid eight-legged essay format had not yet severely corrupted scholars. Imperial examination results somewhat reflected individual capability, and those who performed well could generally fulfill their official duties.
In the Qing dynasty, however, the eight-legged essay's detrimental effect on thinking reached unimaginable levels. Most successful examinees were highly educated but incompetent bookworms, proficient only in eight-legged essays yet utterly ignorant of state affairs and governance. This objectively created their dependence on advisors and clerks.
Most critically, local officials' advisors held no official positions. Unlike regular officials, they were not supervised by the state apparatus, did not face term rotations or transfers, and were exempt from performance evaluations. While officials came and went, these advisors often entrenched themselves locally for decades.
Though low in status, they wielded significant power, causing immense harm to society by the late Qing dynasty.
Finally, the advisor system was abolished by Zhang Zhidong. He did not dislike advisors—in fact, the renowned late Qing scholar Gu Hongming was one of his favored advisors. Recognizing their importance as practical administrators, Zhang established various departments under his headquarters, allowing advisors to specialize and utilize their talents.
Thus, the advisor system gradually faded away.Here are some interesting stories about private secretaries, whose relationships with their employers could be quite extraordinary. Some involved a son serving as an official while his father worked as his secretary beneath him; one particularly remarkable case was that of a female secretary who successively served as the private secretary for her father, elder brother, and husband.
Father-Son Pair
During the Qing Dynasty, there was a case of a father serving as his son’s private secretary: A young scholar from Zhejiang passed the imperial examinations at just eighteen and was soon appointed as a county magistrate. His father, an experienced secretary well-versed in legal documents, worried that his son was too young and unfamiliar with administrative affairs. He therefore accompanied his son to the post, staying discreetly within the government office to offer advice and handle official documents. Every evening, the elder secretary would discuss the day’s administrative successes and failures with his son by lamplight, guiding him on governance. Thanks to this, the young magistrate achieved outstanding administrative results and gained widespread renown. (From Anecdotes of Extraordinary Judgments, Volume 4)
Brotherly Pair
There were also many stories of younger brothers serving as private secretaries for their elder brothers. For instance, during the Tongzhi and Guangxu eras of the Qing Dynasty, the renowned playwright and drama critic Yang Enshou once served as the private secretary for his sixth elder brother, Yang Lusheng. At the time, Yang Lusheng was transferred to serve as the magistrate of Beiliu County in Guangxi. The region was in disarray following the Taiping Rebellion, with counties in ruins and meager extra income for officials. Some even offered as little as eighty taels of silver to hire a secretary responsible for legal, financial, and correspondence duties, making it difficult to attract candidates to Guangxi.
Yang Lusheng was busy leading campaigns in the countryside to suppress bandits, so he urgently needed a reliable secretary to manage affairs in the county office. He summoned Yang Enshou, who had been working as a secretary in their hometown in Hunan, to assist him. In the county, Yang Enshou single-handedly managed legal and financial matters, graded examination papers during county-level tests, and oversaw local customs duties. He was so overwhelmed with work that his old illness flared up. In his diary, he lamented, "How can I bear this anxiety?" Later, Yang Lusheng enlisted another brother, the third eldest, to help manage the customs duties, which slightly eased Yang Enshou’s burden. Nearly two years later, Yang Lusheng hired another secretary at the highest rate in Guangxi at the time—600 taels of silver per year—allowing Yang Enshou to finally return home. (From Tanyuan Diary)
Legend of a Female Secretary in the Qing Dynasty
While fathers serving as secretaries for their sons or younger brothers for their elder brothers were not unheard of, the Qing Dynasty also saw cases of wives serving as private secretaries for their husbands. According to Qing-era notes, during the Qianlong era, there was a female private secretary in Zhili. She was the daughter of a prefect and had accompanied her father to his post since childhood. Through observation and immersion, she became proficient in "legal and financial matters, correspondence, and revenue and expenditure." When her father grew old, frail, and unable to manage affairs, she took over his administrative duties, becoming a "female secretary."After the prefect's death, this remarkable female advisor accompanied her brother to his new post, becoming his private secretary. "Her brother relied on her as his right hand," and she remained in this role until age thirty-nine, when her brother arranged her marriage to a newly appointed county magistrate. After marriage, she instructed her husband to focus only on "official court matters" while she established a "private document room" in the inner courtyard. She employed four concubines to handle transcription, with two elderly women guarding the entrance and delivering documents, ensuring "no case files were left unattended and no county affairs neglected." Consequently, her husband achieved outstanding administrative results and was promoted by superiors to the position of department magistrate. However, she advised him: "Your abilities suffice only for governing a county, not a department. Meanwhile, I must manage household affairs and lack the energy to assist you further. We should retire at the height of our success and request leave due to illness." She then produced a petition drafted in advance for his review and signature, after which the couple returned to their hometown to enjoy their remaining years in peace. (From "Collected Discussions on Qing Dynasty Official Administration", Volume 1)
PS: It is said this story of the female advisor served as the prototype for the female protagonist in the Hong Kong TV series "Word Twisters' Adventures".
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Here I'll further clarify two points in the text that some readers found confusing.
First, the setting of Minglan's talents and learning was inspired by a female classmate of the author's own. She was a graduate of the law and politics department of a reputable university, and after graduation, she directly took the civil service exam, entered the court system, and idled away her time.
In reality, among such professionals who have received rigorous political and legal education, while there are certainly bookworms who only know how to recite legal statutes, there are also many who have genuinely acquired analytical and judgment skills. For example, my friend usually appears gentle and adorable, but once she starts commenting on international and domestic news reports, her remarks are sharp and incisive, showcasing extraordinary insight.
Combining this with the story of the female advisor mentioned earlier, it is clear that there were also many capable women in ancient times who served as wise assistants. They grew up influenced by their fathers and families, possessing exceptional insight and a deep understanding of worldly affairs, often demonstrating remarkable foresight. Their husbands sometimes trusted them more than their own advisors and frequently discussed current political situations with their wives—because a boss can be replaced, but a husband is much harder to change.
It's just that most of these women remained secluded in the inner chambers and did not become widely known.
For instance, Qi Jiguang's wife was very knowledgeable about military affairs and often discussed military formations with her husband. When they got excited, the couple would even spar with each other. Looking through the history of ancient empresses and consorts, there are countless women who intuitively understood state affairs without formal instruction: Fu Hao, Shulü Ping, Liu E, Wu Zetian... I won't elaborate further.
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Next, regarding Madam Yuan, many readers have said her portrayal is exaggerated, questioning how a grandmother could scald her own grandson. But that's not the case—please read the text carefully.
Madam Yuan did not intend to harm her grandson; she merely wanted to pressure Hualan. However, she was indeed negligent and careless, leading the servants under her to disregard the young master. Subjectively, she had no intention to harm anyone, but objectively, she bears responsibility.
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