Since they had to wait for Gong Hongxiao and Qiu Niang to pack their belongings, Minglan had no choice but to continue chatting with the Grand Old Madam. Madam Shao, concerned about her husband, had already returned home earlier, but she brought Xianjie out to meet Minglan as a substitute. Madam Zhu also had the nursemaid bring out Xian Ge'er.
Minglan carefully observed the two siblings and couldn't help but sigh inwardly: It's true that the children of wealthy families grow up well-fed and healthy.
Xian Ge'er was still too young to speak clearly, babbling in the nursemaid's arms, chubby and adorable with fair skin. Though Xianjie was only five or six years old, she was about the same height as Rong Jie'er. Despite her young age, she already carried an air of grace and dignity, speaking and behaving with proper manners. Compared to Rong Jie'er's timid demeanor earlier, Minglan couldn't help but ask, "Is Rong Jie'er taking any medicine?"
Madam Zhu also thought Rong Jie'er looked rather unwell and sighed, "No, she isn't. We've had a doctor examine her, and he said there's nothing wrong with her physically. She just needs to ease her mind and recuperate properly."
Minglan lowered her head in thoughtful silence. Noticing her expression, Xianjie piped up in her childish voice, "Second Aunt, don't worry. Rong Jie'er is just a picky eater and often lost in thought, but she's perfectly healthy. Last month when the weather kept changing between hot and cold, both Xian Ge'er and I caught a chill, but she was completely fine."
Minglan was charmed by her thoughtful words and endearing manner and smiled, "Our Xianjie is so sensible! Once your father has fully recovered, Auntie will invite you to play with Rong Jie'er. There's a newly built little swing in the garden."
A budding smile blossomed on Xianjie's small face as she nodded vigorously and responded loudly, "Yes!"
The Grand Old Madam looked at Xianjie affectionately and sighed softly, "This child has been so filial. Ever since her father fell ill, she hardly ever goes out, not even to her own garden."
Minglan suddenly felt a pang of pity. Judging by the long list of renowned physicians Madam Shao had mentioned earlier, it seemed Gu Tingyu's condition was likely hopeless. Even in modern times, there are incurable diseases, let alone in this era.
Xian Ge'er grew restless beside his grandmother and wriggled on the kang, trying to rush toward Minglan. Minglan laughed and took the child. Madam Zhu was momentarily startled but then saw how skillfully Minglan supported Xian Ge'er under his arms, letting him sit on her lap. She tickled his armpits and rubbed his chubby little belly playfully, making Xian Ge'er laugh heartily and roll around on the kang.
The Grand Old Madam smiled and said, "I didn't expect you to be so good with children."
"My nephew from my maiden family is about the same age as Xian Ge'er, and so is my eldest sister's son," Minglan replied, struggling a little as she handed Xian Ge'er back to the nursemaid and wiped the fine sweat from her forehead with a handkerchief. Madam Zhu took her son back, beaming as she played with him, "We should have these little ones play together sometime. I'm sure they'd have a wonderful time."
Just then, a maid lifted the curtain and entered. Seeing the Grand Old Madam, she seemed a bit timid and said softly, "The young lady said she suddenly felt inspired to write poetry this morning and wants to compose a few poems properly, so she won't be coming to see the Second Madam. She apologizes for her absence."
The Grand Old Madam's face immediately darkened as she scolded, "How could she be so inconsiderate? Her second sister-in-law rarely visits!"No maid in the room dared to respond. After a moment, she turned to Minglan with an apologetic smile and said, "Don’t take offense. Your sister Tingcan was tutored from a young age by the Old Marquis and has always had a passion for poetry, calligraphy, and painting. Spoiled by your father-in-law, she’s developed some of the pedantic airs of a scholar. Once she gets carried away, she won’t spare anyone’s feelings."
Minglan smiled lightly and waved her hand. "I’ve long heard of my sister’s talent and refinement, praised among the noble ladies of the capital. Besides, we’re family—there will be plenty of chances to meet. It’s no trouble at all." Encountering such a quintessential literary young woman, Minglan, who could only compose simple verses, couldn’t help but admire this classic excuse.
Grand Old Madam didn’t wish to dwell on the topic. After all, at this age and still unmarried, no amount of praise could change the situation. Refusing to see one’s own sister-in-law for the sake of composing a few poems was unreasonable by any standard. Still, this incident suggested that the seventh Miss Tingcan was likely highly favored by Old Marquis Gu.
After sending Xianjie back to her room, Madam Zhu began sharing amusing anecdotes about Xian’ge, eliciting laughter from everyone. Grand Old Madam occasionally reminisced about the mischievous antics of Gu Tingye and Gu Tingwei in their youth, her face full of maternal affection. Minglan listened with great interest. The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law seemed eager to draw Minglan into sharing more about Gu Tingye, but unfortunately, Comrade Yao Yiyi was a seasoned legal professional, well-versed in confidentiality protocols and skilled in the art of evasion. She skillfully steered the conversation far off track, veering all the way to the "Flower-Fruit Mountain."
"...I eat it regularly without giving it much thought, but I never realized there were so many intricacies," Madam Zhu remarked, unsure how she had ended up discussing the seven varieties of river shrimp and sixteen ways to prepare them with Minglan. She gently touched her face and exclaimed, "Stir-frying them with luffa can actually improve one’s complexion?"
"Remember, you must remove the vein on the shrimp’s back and coat them in starch before frying," Minglan advised. She had always felt guilty about her previous body—not treating it well and letting it be buried in a mudslide, possibly never even recovered. Since arriving in ancient times, she had become deeply passionate about health and wellness. Being good to a man might lead to infidelity; being good to a maid might result in betrayal; being good to sisters might end in treachery. After much thought, she concluded that only by being good to her own body could she ensure good fortune and avoid all pitfalls.
Madam Zhu observed Minglan’s radiant and delicate complexion—smooth, porcelain-like, with a faint lotus blush. Her plump, tender skin seemed as if molded from water, her eyes shimmering with a soft glow. Even disregarding her features, the quality of her skin and vitality surpassed that of her own sister-in-law of the same age by more than a margin. Convinced of Minglan’s credibility, she couldn’t resist seeking more detailed advice.
"My grandmother used to say that a woman’s life is exhausting—bearing children, managing the household, dealing with countless worries from all sides," Minglan sighed softly. "Each time she gives birth, it takes a toll on her body. Afterward, she must continue to worry, hoping the child grows up safely, studies diligently... Ah, they say women age faster than men. With all this, how could we not?"
"Isn’t that the truth!" Madam Zhu immediately felt a sense of urgency. Men fear poverty; women fear aging. Though she was only twenty, she already felt like an old matron next to Minglan. Life for women in ancient times was bleak: bearing and raising children before twenty, nearly worn out by thirty, and by forty, with grandchildren already in the picture, they often had to rely on Buddhist practices to pass the days.Beside them, Grand Old Madam saw the two of them veering further off-topic, with Madam Zhu nearly forgetting what she originally intended to say. She couldn't help but frown slightly, thinking it was only the first day, so she suppressed her various thoughts and simply listened to their conversation with a smile, occasionally scolding them playfully with an elder's demeanor, creating a harmonious atmosphere in the room. By the time Hongxiao and Qiu Niang finished organizing the trunks, it was almost 9:45 a.m. Grand Old Madam smiled and said, "It's so late now. If I didn't ask you to stay for a meal before leaving, wouldn't people say I'm a harsh mother-in-law?"
Minglan thought it made sense and readily agreed, though she couldn't help feeling uneasy during the meal—was there poison in the food?
After the meal, they had a cup of tea. When Minglan felt it was about time, she stood up to take her leave. Outside, the carriage was already prepared, and they loaded both the people and the trunks into it. The carriage rumbled along to Clear Garden, arriving in no time. After getting out, Minglan asked Liao Yong's wife to help unload the trunks and luggage, while she led Rong Jie'er and the other two to take several blue-topped soft sedan chairs to the inner courtyard, only getting off at the inner ceremonial gate.
As they walked further in, Hongxiao thought the garden scenery was quite lovely, with flowers, birds, pavilions, small bridges, and flowing water everywhere. Though it might lack in opulence, it surpassed in elegance and refinement, and she felt quite envious. Meanwhile, Qiu Niang noticed that all the maids and servants along the way spoke softly and quietly. When their masters passed by, they stepped aside and stood respectfully. After entering the side hall of Jiaxi Residence, while being seated and served tea, she observed several maids moving in an orderly manner, their behavior dignified and proper, with not a single one stealing a glance at them.
She couldn't help feeling secretly surprised: Everyone said the new mistress was young, but who would have thought she managed the household so effectively? She felt somewhat happy for Gu Tingye—after all, the new mistress was far superior to the previous one in every way. At this thought, she felt a twinge of resentment, fearing that Gu Tingye no longer had any use for her.
After Minglan took her seat at the head, she took a sip of tea and deeply felt that today's workload had been excessive. Such mental and physical exertion was truly detrimental to a harmonious life. She resolved to settle matters quickly, finish handling the affairs, and return for her afternoon nap.
She set down her teacup and turned to say, "Cuiwei, are the rooms all prepared?"
"Madam, you've asked so many times already," Cuiwei, who was standing nearby, hurried forward with a smile. "The rooms and staff are all ready, and even hot water has been prepared. As soon as the young lady, Concubine Gong, and Miss Qiu arrive, they can wash up and rest immediately."
Qiu Niang quickly stood up to express her thanks, while Hongxiao, a beat slower, also rose and smiled, "Thank you for your trouble, sister."
Qiu Niang glanced at Minglan and said anxiously, "I'm just a servant, with no time to even properly serve the master and mistress—how can I accept such treatment! Madam, you are too kind, but this truly overwhelms me! Just being able to serve the master and mistress, I am content with any living arrangements."
Minglan gently waved her hand. "You've been with the master for a long time. Having a few young maids serve you is nothing overwhelming. Besides, it's also a matter of the household's dignity." Her tone was gentle but brooked no argument, and Qiu Niang repeatedly expressed her gratitude before sitting down.
Minglan paused and smiled at Rong Jie'er, who was seated below. "You must be tired today, so I'll keep it brief. This household is quite small, and your arrival will liven things up. Rong Jie'er, I originally planned to give you Kouxiang Garden, but I’d like to ask you first: Would you prefer to have your own courtyard, or would you rather stay close to me?" After all, she was still young—Minglan herself had only moved to a separate courtyard after turning ten.Rong Jie'er remained with her head lowered, her frail body motionless and silent. After a long while without a word from her, Qiu Niang grew anxious and gently tugged at her: "Answer quickly, the mistress is asking you." Rong Jie'er suddenly looked up, casting a swift glance at Minglan filled with wariness and hostility, then lowered her head again, stubbornly refusing to speak.
Seeing the awkward situation, Hongxiao hurriedly smoothed things over: "Pray do not blame her, Madam. Rong Jie'er has been like this since entering the residence. She seldom speaks with us ordinarily, but she understands everything in her heart."
"And what is your opinion?" Minglan looked at Hongxiao, the corner of her lips slightly upturned.
"How would I dare make decisions for the mistress? However..." Gong Hongxiao had long formed a plan and immediately smiled, "The young miss is still young and doesn't understand much. Living alone in a separate courtyard would be too lonely after all. Moreover, she hasn't seen the master for many years. Father and daughter share a bond, flesh and blood are naturally connected. I thought it would be more secure to have Rong Jie'er stay close to you, Madam."
Minglan pondered for a moment, her expression unchanged, and gave a slight nod. Seeing this, Hongxiao's face instantly lit up with joy. Before Minglan could speak, she hurriedly added, "...There is one more matter. I beg your forgiveness for my impertinence, Madam. Rong Jie'er was entrusted to me by the Grand Old Madam after all. I dare not fail in my duty, so it wouldn't be proper for me to be separated from Rong Jie'er..."
As she spoke, she stole glances at Minglan's expression; Cuiwei, standing nearby, was no longer smiling, her gaze toward Hongxiao turning somewhat cold.
Hearing this, Minglan couldn't help but chuckle softly: "So you wish to stay close to me as well? But you are already a concubine. Clear Garden is spacious—it's not as if there's no room. I originally intended to assign you your own courtyard."
Hongxiao put on a timid appearance: "How could I not appreciate your kindness, Madam? However, it wouldn't be right to prioritize my own comfort and neglect important matters."
Hearing her speak so logically, as if she had rehearsed it countless times in her mind, Minglan felt a certain admiration. But she wasn't afraid—in this world, reasoning is always shaped by those who speak, especially in household matters where each side has their own justification. Though Gong Hongxiao had a basketful of reasons to move in, Minglan had plenty of arguments herself. Moreover, as the mistress, her authority overrode everything.
She refused to believe that anyone would find fault with her for assigning a concubine her own courtyard to live in.
—"This is not appropriate."
Just as Minglan was about to speak, a deep male voice suddenly sounded from one side—all the women in the side hall turned their heads in unison to see Gu Tingye slowly entering through the side door, still dressed in his vermilion court dress.
"The master has returned." Minglan rose gracefully, her movements proper and precise, causing Gu Tingye to glance at her deeply with a slight curl at the corner of his mouth. After he seated himself beside her, Minglan personally poured him a bowl of tea and said with a smile, "Rong Jie'er has returned. I was just discussing her accommodations with Concubine Gong."
Gong Hongxiao, Qiu Niang, and Rong Jie'er also rose from their seats and bowed to Gu Tingye in unison. After the greetings, Rong Jie'er lifted her head and stared blankly at her father. Qiu Niang's eyes reddened, glistening with unshed tears as she gazed at Gu Tingye with intense emotion and concern, unwilling to look away. Hongxiao, initially startled, then gazed softly at Gu Tingye, a faint smile gracing her delicate features.
Gu Tingye seemed accustomed to such looks and paid them no mind, quietly focusing his gaze on Rong Jie'er instead. Rong Jie'er shrank back and lowered her head again; Gu Tingye's expression darkened further, but he remained silent.Minglan secretly pursed her lips: Why don't you say something, damn it!
"Second Young... Second Master." Qiu Niang, with tears in her eyes, hesitated for a long while before finally unable to hold back, her voice trembling slightly, "Is your health well? All these years without anyone by your side to serve you, have you been well outside?"
Gu Tingye was lost in thought and nearly answered casually, but suddenly remembered Minglan was sitting beside him. He glanced at her and saw she didn't seem displeased, only frowning slightly as she held her teacup. He immediately felt Qiu Niang was being somewhat impolite, then gave her a displeased look. When Qiu Niang saw Gu Tingye not only didn't respond but also looked at her coldly, her heart sank.
Minglan showed no reaction, but Cuiwei, standing nearby, saw everything clearly. She stepped forward and said respectfully and clearly, "Miss Qiu, forgive me for speaking out of turn, but the master and mistress are both here. How can you speak so casually?" Though her expression was polite, inwardly she was furious—what a shameless woman! Just now she claimed to be a servant, but what servant speaks so freely in front of their masters?
Qiu Niang trembled in fear, looking helplessly at Gu Tingye, only to find him staring intently at his new wife. Her heart ached bitterly, and she quickly said, "It's all this servant's fault. I haven't seen the master in many years and got carried away."
"Just now the master said it wasn't suitable—what exactly did you mean?" Minglan tried hard to suppress her drowsiness and smiled gracefully.
Gu Tingye's gaze swept over the several women standing with bowed heads below. After Qiu Niang's interruption, he became even more resolute in his decision. He said calmly, "I've thought it over carefully. It would be best for all three of them to move to Kouxiang Courtyard."
These words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, immediately startling the three women below. Hongxiao's face turned pale, and she was the first to resist speaking, but Gu Tingye slightly raised his arm, his gaze stern, exuding an imposing aura that silenced everyone.
He said gravely, "There's no need for you to say anything more. My decision is final. If anyone disagrees, they can go ask Grand Old Madam's opinion." Though his words were directed at everyone, his gaze alone fell on Gong Hongxiao, carrying a hint of mockery.
Hongxiao suddenly stiffened, remembering past events, and immediately lowered her head and stood properly, offering no further argument.
Qiu Niang trembled like leaves in the wind, her tears welling up even more. She murmured in a shaking voice, "How can this be... How can this servant live elsewhere? How will I serve the master and mistress, fetch water, do needlework, take night shifts..."
Hearing the last two words, Minglan felt a few black lines form on her forehead—Miss Qiu, you're getting straight to the point!
Facing Qiu Niang, Gu Tingye's eyes held a bit more warmth: "You've always been thorough in your actions and good at taking care of people..." He glanced at Rong Jie'er and continued, "I'll be at ease knowing you're there to look after Rong Jie'er."
At these words, Hongxiao's shoulders stiffened, and she bowed her head even lower. Qiu Niang's pale face, however, flushed with a faint blush. She glanced shyly at Gu Tingye, her eyes filled with deep affection, then quietly accepted the arrangement.
Minglan couldn't help but glance at Gu Tingye: Who would have thought this guy could talk so smoothly? This way, even if Qiu Niang wanted to refuse, she couldn't very well say, "I only know how to serve men, not children," could she?The matter was thus settled. Cuiwei lowered her head, suppressing her overflowing joy, and diligently went to arrange the relocation matters for the three of them. After Gu Tingye watched them depart, before Minglan could speak, he turned and said he was going to the outer study to find Gongsun Xiansheng, then hurried away.
Minglan decided to set aside her questions for later. She first returned to her room to wash up, then collapsed onto the bed to visit the Duke of Zhou. Having been busy from early morning until afternoon, both mentally and physically exhausted, she was utterly worn out. Thus, Minglan quickly fell asleep and woke around the end of the Weishi hour (around 3 PM). She was startled to realize she had slept for three hours.
Danju cheerfully helped Minglan dress and style her hair, saying, "Sister Cuiwei just came to report. The three from Kouxiang Garden have been settled, their luggage and belongings all properly arranged. Sister Cuiwei assigned attendants to serve them and let them rest first. She said you needn’t worry, Madam, everything is fine."
Minglan tapped Danju’s forehead. "Silly girl, you should call her ‘He Youchang’s wife’ now. You never learn!"
In high spirits, Danju didn’t retort and continued beaming foolishly. Minglan sighed inwardly, knowing Danju had been worried these past days—fearing the incoming concubines would be troublesome and that Minglan might suffer. At least now they wouldn’t be causing trouble right under their noses.
Once ready, Minglan drank a cup of light green tea, its fragrance lingering on her lips. Feeling content, she reflected on how challenging the day had been. Setting aside the account books for now, she asked Danju to bring paper and brushes, intending to sketch a new floral pattern.
Danju glanced at the sewing basket nearby, which contained several white silk undergarments for Gu Tingye, and couldn’t resist saying, "Madam, you should finish those tasks first. They’ve been delayed for so long."
Minglan lightly tapped Danju’s nose with her ink brush, laughing, "Silly girl, you don’t understand." She had suddenly been struck by inspiration.
"Madam, you’re becoming more mischievous!" Danju exclaimed in mock annoyance, stamping her foot in embarrassment before covering her nose and turning to wash her face.
When Gu Tingye entered, he saw Minglan absorbed at her desk. He quietly approached and saw her meticulously painting two stray dogs fighting over a meaty bone—the bone depicted as particularly plump and succulent.
"What does this mean?"
Minglan nearly jumped in fright. Turning to see her husband raising a questioning eyebrow, she guiltily covered the drawing and chuckled awkwardly, "Just doodling for fun, it doesn’t mean anything."
Noting her expression, Gu Tingye grew suspicious. He lifted the paper to examine it carefully, his face thoughtful before his gaze gradually turned stern as he stared at Minglan.
Under his intense stare, Minglan felt her scalp tingle. She forced a nervous laugh and moved closer to appease him. When Gu Tingye refused to sit, she stood on tiptoe to help him change his robe and remove his hairpiece. He shot her a glare before reclining sideways on the bed, watching her sidelong. "Go on with your drawing."
Not daring to continue, Minglan obediently sat at the desk and picked up the account books to review yesterday’s banquet expenses. Gu Tingye watched her quietly before suddenly asking, "How was it at the Marquis’s residence today?"
Understanding his meaning, Minglan smiled gently. "It was only my first visit, how could anything happen? Though... I did have a meal there." She looked concerned. "That should be fine, right?"Gu Tingye was taken aback for a moment, then laughed and scolded, "Worrying about it now is useless even if something had happened!"
Seeing his mood had improved, Minglan hugged the account books to her chest and shuffled over with a silly grin. She cautiously asked, "Rong Jie'er and the others have already moved in, and Cuiwei will manage things properly. I was thinking of having Mama Hua look after that side from now on, what do you think?" After observing over this period, Mama Hua had proven reasonably competent, and most importantly, she had been sent by the main household.
"You decide," Gu Tingye replied indifferently.
Minglan knew she shouldn't ask, but the restlessness in her heart was like being scratched by a cat's claws. Finally unable to resist, she began, "You..." After just one word, she paused, unsure how to phrase her question.
She was feeling troubled when unexpectedly Gu Tingye spoke up. His eyes fixed on the sandalwood bed canopy carved with pomegranates and numerous children, he seemed to be talking to himself: "Rong Jie'er has a stubborn temperament. Once she smashed a large water vat with a stone—was she four years old then? Or five?"
Minglan was astonished: Sima vat smashed?!
"If she has to watch our children in the future, it will likely be even more difficult for her." Gu Tingye's gaze was profound. "I will inevitably love our future children more than her—this is certain, so why pretend otherwise?"
Minglan looked at Gu Tingye in surprise: Brother, you're being too honest.
"In the future... find her a good marriage." Gu Tingye sighed softly. "Teach her reading and reasoning, household management if you can; if not, let it be. If she can just learn Qiu Niang's skills—some needlework and accounting—she'll manage fine in her husband's household."
Minglan sat abruptly at the bedside, her eyes wide open, staring at the man's handsome profile for a long time.
Gu Tingye was indeed clever. Rong Jie'er's origins were unclear—neither legitimate nor eldest nor favored. Such a daughter posed little threat to the legitimate wife. As long as the legitimate wife had a clear mind and wasn't particularly malicious, she generally wouldn't trouble her. When she came of age, she'd just need to provide a dowry and send her off—gaining a good reputation with little effort.
If Gu Tingye insisted on protecting and pitying Rong Jie'er, it would instead displease the legitimate wife. And if the legitimate wife truly intended to make things difficult for a child, most men couldn't provide complete protection—this was something Gu Tingye understood deeply.
As the chief maid in the legitimate son's quarters of the Marquis household, Qiu Niang's personal qualities were absolutely up to standard. Truth be told, she was probably more capable than young ladies from ordinary families. If Rong Jie'er could learn these skills while absorbing the demeanor of noble households, she'd present quite well.
Moreover, if her horizons were raised too high, it might actually harm her.
But all this had to be based on one premise. Minglan narrowed her eyes at the man—how could he be so sure she had a clear mind and wasn't malicious? What if she was truly wicked?
Minglan secretly gritted her teeth, suddenly feeling mischievous. She wanted to play the vicious stepmother once to show him.
"...This way Qiu Niang would have someone to rely on too." Gu Tingye softly added half a sentence. From beginning to end, he never mentioned Gong Hongxiao.
Did he want to register Rong Jie'er under Qiu Niang's name? Then why didn't he just promote Qiu Niang to Concubine earlier? And what about Hongxiao? Minglan's thoughts churned for a while before realizing there was another side to this matter. When she slowly pondered Gu Tingye's words again, she suddenly understood and felt inexplicably happy. Then she cheerfully lowered her head to continue reviewing the accounts.
Gu Tingye faintly sensed Minglan's delight. He glared fiercely at her, pinched her cheek lightly, and tried to sternly scold: "What are you so pleased about?! Tell me, are you unhappy about Qiu Niang coming over?"
Minglan quickly covered her face and moved away, stating righteously: "Exactly. I don't like having someone I've barely met see me naked." The uses of a bedroom servant were too extensive.
"Is that all?" Gu Tingye frowned displeased.
"Of course.Minglan said naturally, even pointing at Gu Tingye's nose while teasing playfully: "Husband has been accustomed to her seeing him since childhood, but I haven't.""A faint, suspicious blush spread across Gu Tingye's face—whether from anger or humiliation, it was hard to tell. Was being seen naked more infuriating, or was his wife's attitude worse? He simply turned away from Minglan with a huff. Seeing he was genuinely upset, Minglan didn't dare tease him further. She wriggled against his back like a little fish, coaxing and appeasing him. After much cajoling, Gu Tingye finally turned over and lay down, his expression still cold.
Minglan quickly steered the conversation elsewhere: "Have you settled all the court matters with Gongsun Xiansheng?"
"Mm," the man grunted half-heartedly.
"No troubles, I hope?"
Gu Tingye paused for a moment before speaking slowly, "...In court today, someone impeached Lao Geng. They accused him of recklessly currying favor with the powerful, undermining discipline, and seeking personal gain. The Emperor publicly reprimanded Lao Geng on the spot." He paused again. "Earlier this year at the northern border, Lao Geng led the charge himself. The wounds he suffered haven't fully healed yet." His tone carried a hint of lament. "I understand the Emperor's intentions are well-meant—it's just a slight warning... but Lao Geng!"
"Oh." Minglan responded belatedly.
She had heard whispers about this incident.
Frankly, it wasn't surprising at all. Comrade Lao Geng's mistake was quite common during our Party's nation-building era: a lifetime of diligent loyalty and simple honesty, yet unable to withstand the temptations of a glamorous world. Gu Tingye, born into an aristocratic family, couldn't avoid relatives and old acquaintances—that was unavoidable. Even so, he tried to maintain a low profile, dodging here and there. But you, a military officer from a humble background in Shu borderlands, actually carried on like a marketplace fan club, with your gates constantly bustling with visitors. Weren't you just asking to provide material for the censors and remonstrating officials?
"Can't entirely blame Lao Geng," Gu Tingye couldn't help defending the unlucky comrade. "It's not that he wants to cozy up to the powerful—mostly it's relatives of his military brothers showing up at his door. How could he resist that onslaught?" Unfortunately, nearly every powerful family in the capital had sons in the military, whether direct or collateral lines.
"What do you think?" After offering this defense, Gu Tingye habitually asked Minglan's opinion.
Truthfully, Minglan didn't sympathize with Comrade Lao Geng, but she knew better than to say so directly.
She glanced at Gu Tingye's expression, waved the account book in her hand, and carefully measured her words: "The outer courtyard has Steward Hao and Steward Pan, the inner courtyard has Liao Yong Xifu and Wang Gui Xifu, and below them are several deputy stewards and a bunch of matrons and maids."
Gu Tingye frowned slightly, not understanding her point. Minglan smiled and continued, "I think, if all of them were deeply devoted, bound by stronger-than-gold affection, profound as the sea, priceless in loyalty—" she took a breath "—then this mistress wouldn't have a role to play anymore."
All leaders in the world prefer vertical loyalty and dislike horizontal camaraderie among subordinates—a principle Gu Tingye naturally understood. Psychologically, however, he hadn't fully transitioned from thinking of "Eighth Prince" to "Emperor" yet.
Gu Tingye couldn't maintain his stern expression any longer and burst out laughing. Seeing the facade had broken, he dragged Minglan onto the bed like catching a little pig, pressed her to his chest, and laughed heartily while giving her a good ruffling.
Peals of laughter faintly reached the courtyard gate. Qiu Niang immediately turned pale. Danju wore a polite but artificial smile as she said gently, "Miss Qiu, if you have urgent business, I'll announce you right away."
"No, no, it's nothing important. I'll be going back now." Qiu Niang waved her hands repeatedly and stumbled out of Jiaxi Residence.
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