Returning from Ningyuan Marquis Household to Clear Garden, the couple remained silent throughout the journey. That day, Gu Tingye had been discussing matters in his outer study until late at night—first deliberating politics with Gongsun Baishi, then dictating decrees for seven or eight scribes to draft. It was not until the early hours of the morning that he returned to his room, carrying the damp chill of the night dew.
Upon entering, he gently lifted the bed curtain and saw, amidst the brocaded quilts, a cascade of jet-black hair like dark clouds. Her entire body was buried out of sight, save for a small, fair and rosy foot peeking from the corner of the blanket, its plump toes slightly upturned.
He chuckled softly, unable to resist poking the bare little toes, then turned and went to the washroom. After freshening up and changing into a silk nightgown, he returned to the bedside to find Minglan already awake, leaning her head against the pillow and blinking drowsily at him.
"You're awake?" The man smiled slightly as he lifted the covers to get into bed.
Minglan nodded, stretching her slender arms like a newly awakened kitten. "I woke up when you tickled my foot."
Gu Tingye’s expression faltered for a moment before he casually drew Minglan into his embrace. They lay down holding each other, with Minglan pressing her face against his sturdy chest and murmuring something under her breath. Gu Tingye didn’t catch it and, with his eyes closed, casually asked what she had said.
Minglan rested her chin on his chest, gazing directly at him. "Did you already know about the matters at the Marquis Household?" Otherwise, why would it be such a coincidence that he took her to inspect the manors at this very time?
Gu Tingye opened his eyes and, seeing her clear, bright eyes fixed on him, smiled. "Liu Zhengjie did pass along some information to me, but it was partly a coincidence. I simply took you away to avoid the situation."
Minglan sat up in bed, hugging her slender knees, and sighed. "Though this monk can flee, the temple remains—I can escape for a while, but not forever. Still..." She paused, turning to look at him and lowering her voice, "Do you really intend to stand by and do nothing?"
Gu Tingye’s eyes darkened. After a moment, he replied, "So many noble houses involved in treasonous plots have been raided or stripped of their titles. Even Cheng Guo Gong’s household, which balanced merits and faults, was penalized with three years of withheld honors and five years of suspended stipends. Why should Ningyuan Marquis Household be an exception?" A hint of sarcasm touched his lips. "It’s already generous that I’m not adding fuel to the fire—did they expect me to help them evade consequences?"
Minglan sighed softly. Gu Tingye added, "However, I did intervene a little."
Minglan widened her eyes in confusion.
"I asked them to delay the proceedings against Ningyuan Marquis Household and prioritize other cases first."
"Eh?"
Gu Tingye looked completely unapologetic. "At least wait until after I’ve gotten married, so my wedding hall won’t be too deserted."
Minglan smacked her lips lightly and slumped back down helplessly. Seeing her drooping like a dejected little ball, swaying slightly under the covers, Gu Tingye found her both adorable and amusing. He pulled her over, held her in his arms, tapped her small nose, and said with a smile, "What are you so worried about? You weren’t responsible for what happened before, and you’re not standing idly by now. Why are you acting like this?"
Suddenly, it was as if a revelation had dawned on Minglan.
That’s right! From start to finish, she had neither interfered nor been aware of the situation. Why should she feel guilty?
"My husband speaks wisely!" she declared, her courage surging anew.Gu Tingye couldn't help but smile, then suddenly remembered something and said, "This matter isn't over today. There will likely be more troubles ahead. While I'm fine outside, you'll be pestered for a long time. I'm afraid you'll get headaches."
Minglan declared boldly, "What's there to headache about? They just want me to persuade you to help. I'll agree to everything. Whether you help or whether you can succeed is another matter."
The man raised his handsome long eyebrows, showing appreciation for her optimistic courage.
Soon enough, Minglan realized her bold words carried little weight; the very next day, the women from the Marquis' household came visiting.
They came either as sisters-in-law and mothers-in-law together, or bringing young children, sometimes gathering in groups for concentrated attacks, other times coming in waves one after another. They arrived when Minglan picked up her rice bowl; they came when she prepared to check accounts with the stewards; they showed up again when she wanted to take an afternoon nap. If they came during mealtime, she had to entertain them with meals, but facing a table full of weeping, resentful women all staring at you with pitiful eyes, how could anyone eat!
This vicious behavior severely disrupted Minglan's healthy and regular daily routine.
One moment they were crying and complaining, the next begging and pleading, tugging at Minglan's sleeves with both soft and hard tactics. Their performances ranged from how miserable and pitiful the children would be without fathers to how difficult life would be for widows and orphans in the future.
The Fifth Old Madam slammed the table and shouted, her finger almost pointing at Minglan's nose. She completely ignored Minglan's explanations and nearly demanded she swear an oath guaranteeing Gu Tingye would step forward to resolve the matter. Second Wife Di and Second Wife of Gu Tingbing seemed to have coordinated signals - with one look, the children would cry loud enough to shake the heavens, while other women nearby made both overt and subtle pleas and persuasions.
With ears ringing and head spinning, after just three short days, Minglan was utterly exhausted, like frost-bitten eggplant - wilted and listless. Pushed to the brink, short of breath, she didn't even need to pretend before nearly fainting. Ironically, others fainted faster than her, their performances so genuine they nearly hit their heads on table corners.
Minglan couldn't take it anymore.
Seeing her in this state, Gu Tingye suggested, "Why don't you go back to your family home for a few days to hide?" Now that I think of it, you haven't stayed overnight there since our wedding, not even for the customary month."
"Is this... appropriate?" Minglan was quite tempted but somewhat hesitant. Right after the wedding, Clear Garden urgently needed a mistress to manage the household, and she couldn't leave, so she naturally had to skip the custom of staying a month. But going back to stay now...
Finally, Minglan decided to first go back and test the waters.
Early the next morning, the couple set out by carriage for the Sheng residence.
Entering Longevity and Peace Hall to pay respects to Old Madam, Madam Wang sat smiling elegantly to the side while Hai Shi stood modestly with bowed head behind her. Married daughters and their husbands were considered honored guests, so after exchanging greetings, they rose to take their seats. Seeing Hai Shi still standing, Minglan felt quite embarrassed and said, "Sister-in-law, please sit too. We're all family here."Hai Shi, always proper in etiquette, naturally refused to sit, only smiling as she turned to efficiently arrange tea and cool towels, then served fresh fruits sent from her family in the south along with mung bean and osmanthus pastries for the guests.""You should have sent word before coming." Old Madam's eyes showed concern. "Arriving so suddenly - is something the matter?"
Afraid Gu Tingye might take offense, Madam Wang quickly interjected, "Look at what you're saying, Old Ancestor! When have our own daughter and son-in-law ever needed permission to visit?" Turning to Gu Tingye with a smile, she added, "Don't mind her, Son-in-law. The old madam always speaks this way."
Gu Tingye smiled faintly. "It's nothing."
Minglan chuckled softly, her gaze sweeping over the Sheng family women.
Madam Wang remained unchanged - since having grandchildren, she had grown even more plump, resembling a wealthy landlady. Hai Shi had largely overcome postpartum weight gain, her figure gradually returning to its slender form. Dressed in a light blue crepe jacket embroidered with plum blossoms, with a mutton-fat jade bracelet adorning her full wrist, she appeared even more elegant and noble.
Minglan lowered her head, thinking pityingly of Hualan who hadn't even experienced postpartum weight gain - after giving birth, she had become nothing but skin and bones. She resolved to search the storeroom later for some good nourishing supplements to send her.
What surprised Minglan was Old Madam's appearance. After not seeing her for some time, the elderly woman not only showed no signs of aging but actually seemed more energetic, speaking in a louder voice. Minglan's eyes shifted to Quange, who was being led by his wet nurse standing to the side.
The nearly two-year-old chubby toddler was cheerful and optimistic, fair-skinned and adorable with plump, strong limbs. Shaking off the maids trying to support him, he stomped around energetically. Seeing Gu Tingye didn't frighten him - he bowed properly and greeted him confidently, his dark, bright round eyes curiously examining this tall, imposing man.
The hard lines of Gu Tingye's face softened slightly as he patted the chubby child's head. To everyone's surprise, Quange happily tried to pry open his wrist, grinning to reveal tiny milky-white teeth and a small dimple. Gu Tingye smiled faintly and removed a dark green antique jade thumb ring for him.
All three women present recognized valuable items. Hai Shi repeatedly said, "This is too much! It's too precious, we can't accept this!"
Gu Tingye slightly avoided the formal thanks without speaking. Minglan smiled and interjected, "Sister-in-law, don't refuse. I've heard this jade has some significance - it brings good fortune. Let Quange wear it for protection and good health."
Old Madam took the thumb ring and examined it carefully before stating plainly, "In that case, it's very good."
Madam Wang was quite pleased, looking at Gu Tingye with somewhat complicated emotions. Hai Shi straightened her clothes and expressed thanks, then instructed a maid to thread the ring with a silk cord so Quange could wear it.
Seeing the atmosphere had improved considerably, Minglan smilingly began talking about what she had seen and heard recently at the estate, selecting some amusing stories to share: "...Later we stayed in the mountains for some days and picked some fresh wild vegetables and fruits to bring back. Among them was some excellent bamboo fungus - whether used in soup or stir-fried, it's incredibly delicious!"
Hai Shi covered her mouth with a light laugh: "Now Old Madam and Madam can rest assured - Sixth Sister is still her old self, getting so excited when talking about food! Ever since Quange could say a few words, he's been clamoring all day about wanting different foods. So he takes after his aunt after all!"
Minglan's face flushed slightly as she muttered, "Sister-in-law might as well just call me a foodie."
Gu Tingye had remained largely silent, only smiling faintly while watching them banter. But seeing Minglan seemed somewhat embarrassed, he couldn't help saying, "Actually, having a good appetite is quite fine."As soon as these words were spoken, the women in the hall couldn't help but laugh. Madam Wang wiped her eyes and turned to Old Madam with a beaming smile, saying, "Look at how our son-in-law protects his own wife! Old Madam, you can rest assured now!"
Old Madam's furrowed brows gradually relaxed as she gazed at the young couple with a smile, her expression toward Gu Tingye becoming much kinder.
While the women chatted, Gu Tingye kept watching Quange. The little boy didn't make a fuss but toddled around among the adults on his short legs—sometimes tugging at Madam Wang's skirt, other times pulling Hai Shi's fingers. From time to time, he would walk up to Gu Tingye, lift his head to stare at him for a while, then, as if suddenly remembering Minglan and seeing her gentle and affectionate demeanor, he climbed onto her lap, planted a loud, hearty kiss on her cheek, covered his little mouth, and scurried to hide behind Old Madam.
These antics provoked roaring laughter. Gu Tingye couldn't help but curl his lips into a smile, his deep, bright eyes fixed on Minglan.
Minglan hugged the chubby little boy and boasted triumphantly, "My little nephew is such a darling, isn't he?"
Gu Tingye's deep-pool-like eyes rippled with a faint trace of reproach. He turned his head away, as if complaining about someone's lack of romantic understanding.
After exchanging a few more words, Gu Tingye stood up to take his leave and went outside to pay his respects to Sheng Hong. Once he was gone, the women spoke more freely. However, Madam Wang sighed softly. Seeing Gu Tingye's composed and dignified demeanor, his tall and imposing stature, and how highly he regarded Minglan, she felt a twinge of sourness in her heart.
Hai Shi, being very perceptive, noticed Madam Wang sighing as she watched Gu Tingye's retreating figure, her expression somewhat wistful. She moved closer to her mother-in-law and said with a smile, "Speaking of which, the girls in our family are truly blessed. Just the other day, when the fifth son-in-law came back with Fifth Sister, the way that young couple looked... tsk tsk, even falling into a honey jar couldn't compare!"
Madam Wang's expression immediately brightened, and she laughed sincerely. "Your fifth brother-in-law is indeed an honest man, and he treats your sister wonderfully. It hasn't been long since she married into his family, and she's already gained several pounds!" Then she glanced at Minglan, who still hadn't put on much weight—her chin remained pointed, and she looked somewhat weary and careworn. Having heard that the Gu residence was not entirely peaceful, Madam Wang guessed there must be many troublesome matters to attend to. This thought made her feel considerably more at ease.
Old Madam was also looking at Minglan, her brows slightly furrowed, and she remarked casually, "Since you're here today, it saves us from sending a message. Ru Yatou is pregnant."
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