Anticipating a prolonged standoff with the Gu family womenfolk, Minglan sternly rejected her husband's various provocations after the lamps were extinguished and bed curtains drawn that night. Resolutely turning her back to him, she curled up like a shrimp hugging the quilt and slept soundly till dawn. Gu Tingye found himself both annoyed and amused - he wasn't a man driven by desire, so he simply drew her shoulder close and slept.
Upon waking the next morning, Minglan discovered the quilt in her arms had been replaced by a sturdy arm, with a familiar long leg draped over her stomach. After rubbing her eyes repeatedly, she pushed (and kicked) the man awake using both hands and feet - on days without morning court sessions, Minglan always made effort to rise with him, share breakfast, and see him off.
While admiring herself in the mirror after morning ablutions, Gu Tingye emerged from the washroom with a strange expression. Waving away the maids, he strode to Minglan and pushed up his sleeve, his dark eyes twinkling with mischief: "If you wanted braised pork knuckle, you could have just told me. Was this necessary?"
On his robust upper arm, three neat round tooth marks formed a triangular pattern against his lightly tanned skin. The trio of bite marks seemed to grin at Minglan in unison.
Minglan felt a pang of guilt. She had no memory of this, yet refused to admit craving pork knuckles. Stubbornly she retorted: "Well... before major battles, don't we need sacrificial rites? These... these bite marks merely demonstrate my determination."
Gu Tingye had intended to let it go, but seeing her stubborn resistance and denial, he narrowed his eyes and deliberately put on a stern face: "Well said! Let me demonstrate my determination too."
Eventually, comparing his arm to her shoulder and neck, Gu Tingye expressed great satisfaction with the two sets of symmetrical triangular bite marks. Clutching her tender shoulder that felt like soft tofu, Minglan gazed at him with aggrieved eyes, silently accusing: You bully! I did it unconsciously in my sleep, but you did it on purpose!
Her pouting, dumpling-like expression amused Gu Tingye so much that he hugged and caressed her affectionately. His wandering hands nearly kindled passion, leaving insufficient time for breakfast. The man had to hastily swallow two crispy rolls and shaomai before departing. As he left, when Minglan kindly offered her handkerchief to wipe his mouth, he deliberately smeared messy kisses over her face instead. Before she could dodge, her face was covered in pastry crumbs.
Danju, holding the water basin while helping Minglan redo her toilet and apply scented creams, muttered indignantly with displeasure. Meanwhile, Cui Mama's wrinkled face crinkled into a smile as she chided the maid: "What does a young girl like you know? No impertinent remarks!"
Newlyweds ought to be sweet as honey. Having noticed Minglan's recent despondency affecting Gu Tingye's mood as well, Cui Mama had felt somewhat anxious. Now seeing the couple more affectionate than ever, she finally felt relieved.
When visitors from the Marquis household came calling again, they discovered Minglan's markedly different attitude - now much more amiable!
Facing the women's complaints, Minglan expressed profound sympathy while optimistically encouraging them that 'certainly nothing serious would happen' (meaning no one would lose their heads). Then she serenely proceeded with household affairs - questioning stewards or distributing monthly allowances with complete composure.On two occasions, the storerooms were opened. The first time was to retrieve several high-quality furs, along with a previously prepared gift list, to be sent to General Bo's household to congratulate them on the birth of a daughter. The Bo family had always maintained a low profile, and it was expected that they wouldn't hold grand ceremonies for the baby's third-day bath or full-month celebration.
The second time the storerooms were opened was to store items away.
Ever since the beam-raising ceremony and housewarming banquet, Minglan finally understood the privileges of holding a high position. Over these days, she had successively received seven or eight batches of generous gifts. Some were from Gu Tingye's former subordinates, now serving in regional posts, who unfailingly sent "local specialties" every winter, summer, or during festivals. Others came from Gu Tingye's current colleagues, presenting "congratulatory gifts" under various pretexts. There were also distant relatives and acquaintances whose connections were barely traceable - their reasons for gifting were even less clear.
This situation wasn't unfamiliar to Minglan, except that previously it had been the Sheng family preparing gift lists to send to various senior family friends. It wasn't exactly bribery, but rather maintaining connections in hopes of receiving some guidance and support. The recipients might not necessarily covet these gifts, but such respectful gestures showed that you "understood the rules" and weren't someone who would accept favors without acknowledgment.
Now, the tables had turned, and Minglan had become the recipient. Having joined the privileged class not long ago, she still felt quite uncomfortable about accepting gifts as a matter of course.
"Minister Fu is too courteous," Minglan said, holding a gift list and smiling at the matron standing before her. "Old Minister Fu and our Old Marquis fought side by side through life-and-death situations. With such longstanding friendship between our families, there's no need for such formality."
"Your words are most gracious, Madam," replied the matron, a well-dressed woman in her thirties who curtsied respectfully. "My family's old master has been in poor health and hasn't been able to maintain social connections, so our friendship has somewhat faded over the years... The old master always said that Commander Gu would achieve great things, and now we see this has come true. Having such a son, the old master is happy for the departed Old Marquis too."
Minglan smiled and glanced at the Second Wife of Gu Tingbing and Madam Zhu, noticing their particularly unpleasant expressions.
Recently, many families that had been close with the Ningyuan Marquis Household had gradually shifted their allegiances. After extensive discussions with Gongsun Baishi, Gu Tingye decided to help those families who had been unjustly implicated where possible, while turning away those who had brought trouble upon themselves.
The old master of this family had been a colleague of Old Marquis Gu, and the Fu family came from generations of military commanders. In the series of political storms, they had inevitably been caught in the aftermath.
After exchanging a few more polite remarks, Minglan had the matron take some medicinal herbs and tonics back to the Fu family.
Returning gifts required careful consideration. If gifts were returned unopened, it meant "don't bother me, we're not close." If gifts were accepted and quickly reciprocated with items of equal value, it signaled "thank you for your affection, but let's maintain some distance." What Minglan was doing now - returning just a small token - indicated willingness to accept the other party's goodwill.
As for openly accepting gifts without ceremony, this generally occurred either between intimately connected families, between superiors and subordinates in a mentoring relationship, or under other special circumstances - essentially, it represented mutual exchange.
After seeing off the guests, Minglan felt quite satisfied with her performance, consciously aware that she had learned many new things since her marriage.Ignoring Second Wife of Gu Tingbing's sarcastic remarks, Minglan warmly invited Madam Zhu to try the freshly served pastries: "These are made with newly delivered cheese from the north. I heard northerners eat it plain, but I found the flavor too strong and somewhat gamey, so I had it made into pastries instead. This way, it becomes rich, smooth, and soft."
With a stiff expression, Madam Zhu reluctantly picked up a pastry to taste. Second Wife of Gu Tingbing bit her lip and said, "Sister-in-law, you truly have a carefree disposition. Your own uncles and brothers are in such dire straits they’re on the verge of despair, yet you remain so indifferent. I wonder what your heart is made of!"
"Well said. My heart is no different from that of any ordinary woman in this world," Minglan slowly turned her head, a faint smile on her lips. "Since Second Sister-in-law has spoken so frankly, I’ll share a heartfelt truth with you today."
Minglan smoothed her dress leisurely and looked at her: "As a woman, I naturally have little say in matters outside the household. Yet I’ve said all that should be said and done all that should be done. If my husband has other concerns or considerations, how could I possibly force him?"
Second Wife of Gu Tingbing fumed with anger. Minglan continued solemnly, "Ultimately, a married woman must follow her husband’s lead, as the husband is the guiding principle for the wife. Even one’s natal family must take a step back in the face of the husband’s family. Second Sister-in-law, you can ask anyone under heaven—how many married women would oppose their own husbands for the sake of others? I know these words may sound unpleasant, but harsh truths are often hard to hear."
Second Wife of Gu Tingbing knew this reasoning was sound and could not refute it. Her lips parted several times as she tried to speak, but Minglan intercepted with a gentle smile: "Perhaps Second Sister-in-law has such courage, but I, Minglan, have been married for less than half a year and have yet to bear children. I can only conduct myself dutifully and cautiously, not daring to overstep even half a step. I hope Second Sister-in-law will understand." After saying this, she gave a couple of bitter smiles to express her helplessness.
The key to refusing someone without offending them is to maintain a gentle attitude, stand firm on principles, and speak clearly to show that the failure is not due to unwillingness but to inability—as if it were the will of heaven. Since they were sisters-in-law, they would inevitably cross paths in the future, so it was better to keep things amicable.
Moreover, having spoken to this extent, there was no need to say more. Their persistence had its limits, and in a few days, when they saw no hope, they would likely quiet down.
Minglan cheerfully continued to offer them tea and pastries. If there was business to attend to, she handled it; if not, she picked up a small sewing basket to work on her needlework, demonstrating her diligence. After all, they couldn’t very well rush over and beat her—so she simply let their words go in one ear and out the other.
"Such fine stitches," Madam Zhu, who knew how to read the room, approached Minglan and picked up a small bellyband, praising, "Tsk, tsk, the pattern and the needlework are truly impeccable."
Minglan blushed slightly and gently twisted a thread end: "My eldest sister from my natal family sent word that she wanted to talk to me. I plan to visit her tomorrow morning, and this piece is just a few stitches away from being finished. I might as well complete it and bring it along."
Madam Zhu was momentarily surprised but quickly regained her composure and teased, "Ah, after all, she’s your own sister. I wonder if my Xian’er will ever have the fortune to wear such exquisite needlework." With a playful glance, she deliberately stared at Minglan and added, "Making things for others’ children can never compare to making them for your own. I wonder when you’ll have one of your own?"Minglan's face flushed crimson, her lips curved in a smile as she bashfully "gently" pushed Madam Zhu. "Oh! How annoying! You, you, you... really! How could you say such things about me..."
Caught off guard, Madam Zhu staggered and nearly fell off her chair, her arm throbbing with pain as if seeing stars.
...
The next day when visiting Zhongqin Bo Manor, Minglan recounted this episode to Hualan, who laughed so hard she bent over, leaning on the kang bed while pointing a slender finger at Minglan's forehead. "You! At your age, still acting like a child! Does fooling around like this make you happy?"
Minglan shook her head nonchalantly. "They've been tormenting me so much lately, shouldn't I get some payback? They should count themselves lucky - if it were Fifth Sister, she'd probably come at them with a broom and kitchen knife!"
Hualan covered her mouth lightly with a handkerchief, shaking with laughter.
Minglan observed her carefully - Hualan truly seemed revitalized. Though still somewhat thin, her brows and eyes were relaxed, all traces of sorrow gone. Her lighthearted demeanor resembled the carefree, proud, and noble young lady of the Sheng family from before.
When she finally caught her breath from laughing, Hualan had a large plate of snacks brought in. "Here, try these. Cuichan hasn't made these in a while."
Vibrant red bean paste flower cakes, golden honey fruit glazes, chewy brown sugar glutinous rice lotus root, and plump, sweet milk curd rolls - upon tasting these familiar flavors, Minglan sighed. "Grandmother still dotes most on Eldest Sister, giving you Cuichan who inherited Mama Fang's skills. I haven't tasted these since leaving my maiden home."
Nearby, Cuiwei pretended to be offended. "So the young mistress has grown tired of us! Fine then, Sister Cuichan, why don't we swap places so our young mistress won't find us so disagreeable!"
Cuichan covered her mouth laughing while Hualan pointed at Cuiwei. "You little minx! Everyone knows your young mistress is extremely kind to her servants. Don't pretend to be hard done by when you've got it good!"
"Sister Cuichan!" Xiaotao nearby eyed the familiar snacks longingly, leaning forward eagerly. "Since my young mistress is so wonderful, why don't you come serve her instead!"
Gentle by nature, Cuichan didn't argue but simply stood by Hualan's side, saying softly, "I grew up with my young mistress and promised to serve her for life. Even if she beats me, scolds me, or drives me away, I'll never leave."
Minglan expressed envy, clicking her tongue repeatedly. Though Hualan didn't say anything, she felt quite pleased inwardly. After chatting a bit more, she had Cuichan lead Cuiwei and Xiaotao out for snacks.
"Eldest Sister seems to be doing well lately!" Minglan popped a snack into her mouth, smiling meaningfully. "These snacks require complicated preparation, troublesome ingredients, and loads of kitchenware. I suppose Eldest Sister has her own private kitchen now?"
Hualan's large eyes sparkled mischievously as she watched Minglan eating with crumbs around her mouth, gently wiping the corner of her lips. "Mama Fang is getting older, and I know you don't like to trouble her too much. Whenever you want snacks from now on, just send word - I'll have Cuichan make some and send them over."
Minglan nestled against her happily. "Eldest Sister truly treats me best!"
Hualan blossomed into a spring flower of laughter, smoothing Minglan's hair. "Silly girl!"Old habits die hard, and Minglan knew Hualan’s temperament all too well. As the eldest sister type, she enjoyed taking care of those who were weaker and more docile than herself. The sense of fulfillment she gained from caring for others brought her more joy than even receiving significant help.
“That…” Minglan recalled something and, driven by curiosity, tentatively asked, “How did it go?”
She had no idea how the terrible idea she had suggested earlier had played out. When Minglan entered earlier, she had only taken a quick glance. The new concubine was dignified and elegant; though her youthful bloom had faded, her gentle and amiable nature remained unmistakable. She spoke little, her words always measured and proper, following respectfully behind Madam Yuan without appearing overly subservient.
Hualan shot her a glance, understanding exactly what she was thinking, and replied triumphantly, “The plan has been set in motion.”
The Countess of Shoushan had no intention of bringing in a truly flirtatious and coquettish temptress to disrupt the household. Thus, the Concubine Zhang she had found, though neither young nor exceptionally beautiful, was sensible and virtuous. Not only did she never make unreasonable demands, but her speech and demeanor were also presentable. She was tender, considerate, and endlessly thoughtful, treating everyone with kindness and compassion. The long-dried-up heart of the Earl of Zhongqin was instantly drenched as if by the torrents of Niagara Falls.
Concubine Zhang came from a respectable family and had been personally hired by the Countess of Shoushan with the approval of the Earl. She was a typical “noble concubine.” Though Madam Yuan could not stop her from entering the household, she had planned to torment her slowly afterward. However, Zhang Shi’s words and actions were impeccable. She remained consistently respectful toward the principal wife, even enduring unwarranted slaps and forced kneeling without complaint. At night, she would appear before the old Earl, bearing the bruises and injuries all over her face and body.
When pressed for reasons for the punishment, Madam Yuan could offer no concrete explanation, merely repeating, “She was disrespectful and angered me.” Unable to provide a clear or credible account, the Earl grew furious, accusing her outright of “jealousy”—one of the seven grounds for divorcing a wife—a far more serious charge than mistreating a daughter-in-law.
To make matters worse, Zhang Shi and the old Earl now shared a bed almost every night. Even if Madam Yuan resorted to the cruelest tactics, the old Earl would inevitably discover the injuries by evening.
After two nights of reflection in the ancestral hall, Madam Yuan suppressed her anger and dared not trouble Zhang Shi excessively again.
Like picking the softest persimmon to squeeze, she turned her attention to Hualan. Claiming that the growing number of Yuan descendants had left insufficient living space, she proposed expanding the estate’s rear garden and asked Hualan to “lend” some silver for the project.
Zhang Shi, however, was sharp-witted. She understood that to secure her place in the household, she needed allies. Relying solely on the old Earl’s favor was not enough. Moreover, even before entering the household, she had received instructions from the Countess of Shoushan: to curb Madam Yuan’s reckless behavior and prevent the Yuan family from falling apart.
In the past, whenever such situations arose, the old Earl sensed something was amiss but could not withstand Madam Yuan’s tearful complaints about the myriad expenses and her exaggerated accounts of the difficulties of managing the household. After a bout of her chaotic arguments, the old Earl would grow weary and let the matter slide.
Even if Hualan sensed something was wrong, she dared not repeatedly report it, as “speaking ill of elders” was also considered unfilial.
Zhang Shi, however, was far cleverer. She merely raised one question: The Zhongqin Estate had little in the way of gray income. Their fields, shops, and official salaries were all clearly accounted for. The Yuan family had always been frugal, never indulging in lavish ceremonies or events. Over the years, there should have been some surplus. So why was there suddenly not enough money as soon as construction was proposed?This is akin to a household with an annual income of one hundred thousand taels and normal yearly expenditures of fifty thousand. If over several years there were no major celebrations (such as the construction of a separate residence for an imperial consort's homecoming), no critically ill patients (Hualan's frail health and Yuanwenshao's networking expenses were considered personal matters), and no daily extravagances like shark fin, sea cucumber, abalone, or everyone wearing silk and satin—in short, without any major expenditures—then no matter how they spent, there should not have been a deficit. Not only should there be no deficit, but there should even be savings.
"I have not been in this household long and dare not speak recklessly, but today Madam spoke so severely, as if without the Second Mistress providing silver, our family would be unable to make ends meet. What... exactly is going on?"
The Old Master, who had experienced hardship himself, was startled. With some persuasion behind the scenes, he demanded an audit of the estate's accounts the very next day.
Madam Yuan was terrified. First, she threw a tantrum and wept for half a day, refusing to hand over the accounts. This only raised suspicions. Finally, the Old Master invoked the family rules, forcing her to produce the account books. Upon inspection, it was discovered that Madam Yuan had been withdrawing substantial sums from the accounts every year. Initially, she claimed it was to support her maternal family, but under further pressure, it was revealed that her elder brother and sister-in-law had deceived her into "investing in business." Of course, all these "ventures" had failed.
The Old Master nearly vomited blood in fury. The Yuan family had practiced frugality for years, painstakingly accumulating savings, yet nearly half had been depleted.
To be honest, Hualan had only intended for her father-in-law to realize that the estate's finances were actually quite comfortable and that there was no need to extort her private savings—it was merely Madam Yuan's harassment and mistreatment of her daughter-in-law. Hualan had thought that after this audit, she could finally enjoy some peace.
"I never expected my mother-in-law to be so audacious!" Hualan was also astonished.
The final punishment was: Madam Yuan permanently lost control of the finances. Henceforth, the management of the Yuan family's income, expenses, and account details would be jointly handled by the two daughters-in-law. In case of disagreements or indecision, they were to seek Concubine Zhang to relay the matter to the Old Master. In short, Madam Yuan was barred from involvement!
That very night, Madam Yuan disheveled her hair and made a scene, threatening to hang herself. She even dragged her two sons into pleading on her behalf, arguing along the lines of "even if there's no merit, there's still hard work." The Old Master was so enraged that half his body went numb: "Before you married into this family, the Yuan estate's wealth was greater than it is now. What exactly have you worked so hard for?!"
Finally, pushed to his limit, the Old Master threatened to convene the ancestral hall: "I don't care about saving face anymore. I'll summon all the uncles and cousins to let them judge whether you are fit to be the matriarch! At that point, whether it's a letter of divorce or sending you to a convent, it will be decided!"
Only then did Madam Yuan grow somewhat fearful. Her reputation within the clan was already poor, and if the ancestral hall were truly convened, it would essentially be a death sentence.
"No wonder you look so radiant, sister," Minglan understood.
Hualan felt that these past few days, her spirits had lifted. She walked with her head held high, full of vigor and confidence: "This time, even my elder brother-in-law didn't side with my mother-in-law!" She laughed triumphantly, her expression bright and sunny.
"That's only natural," Minglan wasn't surprised. After all, Madam Yuan had squandered what was essentially the eldest son's inheritance.
"Those two have been at odds these past few days." Hualan pointed east, indicating the eldest branch of the Yuan family. "Elder Brother blames his wife for helping Mother-in-law conceal everything. He even said that if this hadn't been uncovered now, by the time he inherits the title, the Yuan family might already be an empty shell!"Although the Yuan brothers were quite different in ability—one capable and the other mediocre—they shared a good relationship. Yuanwenshao had even repeatedly expressed to his elder brother his willingness to take less of the family inheritance, intending to build his career through his own efforts in the future.
"Tell me, should I ask Concubine Zhang to send two maids over?" Hualan bit her red lips lightly with her fine teeth, a mischievous smile playing on her face. "Let’s liven things up over there..."
"No, no, absolutely not!" Minglan quickly interrupted Hualan’s terrible plan. "Your Eldest Sister-in-law’s household is perfectly fine as it is." It was best to maintain the current stark disparity in the number of concubines and bedroom servants between the two brothers’ households.
"Is that so?"
Hualan looked full of doubt, but she was too excited at the moment, eager to vent a decade’s worth of pent-up frustration all at once.
"What good does it do you when your eldest sister-in-law and her husband quarrel? Will it make Eldest Sister gain a few extra pounds?" Minglan lowered her voice, wearing the expression of a mediocre strategist. "Harming others without benefiting yourself is absolutely unacceptable! If you're going to harm others, it must bring you some advantage!"
Hualan was clever enough to grasp the meaning immediately, yet the frustration in her heart remained unresolved.
Minglan noticed the exposed collarbones protruding sharply from Hualan's neckline, looking utterly pitiful. Her heart filled with compassion: "Eldest Sister, you must take a long-term view. Your mother-in-law will never rest. Whenever she suffers a setback elsewhere, she'll surely take it out on you, and you can't talk back. With your health in such a poor state, if she uses this as an excuse, she might pressure your husband to take a concubine again."
Hualan nodded slowly: "You're right. If my mother-in-law dares bring it up again, I'll have Concubine Zhang take the matter to my father-in-law! Two sons, two daughters-in-law - there's no justification for such favoritism!" After enduring grievances for ten years, she had finally won her husband's heart and had two sons to rely on, giving her some confidence at last.
Thinking of her sons, her eyes shifted, and she grabbed Minglan's collar, whispering: "Tell me, do you have any news yet?"
Minglan held her untouched teacup, staring blankly at Hualan - this woman's thoughts shifted far too quickly. She sighed helplessly: "I've only been married for two months. How could it happen so soon?"
Her menstrual cycle was longer than most, occurring only once every forty days, which meant fewer ovulation periods.
"Don't play dumb!" Hualan glared at her, snatching the pastry from her hand. "You have He Laofuren's medical notes. What are you planning? Tell me, when do you actually intend to have a child?"
Knowing she couldn't hide it from Hualan, Minglan smiled bitterly: "I originally planned to wait another six months, but Grandmother scolded me just the other day. I think I'll stop the medicine after this round, probably in about a month or so."
Old Mrs. Sheng's opinion was: even if you give birth, it might not be a boy right away. When the time is right, you should have children soon.
Hualan nodded with satisfaction: "Good that you understand! Women ultimately need children to rely on. Don't be reckless, thinking you can take it easy just because Erlang loves you now!"
Minglan felt terribly wronged, raising both hands in protest: "That's not it at all! I'm preserving the green hills - no need to worry about firewood! He Laofuren said long ago that the first pregnancy is most crucial. You need to properly regulate your body, then subsequent pregnancies will go smoothly. But back then I had just married into the Gu family, with countless visible and hidden pitfalls everywhere. Without cleaning up both inside and outside the household, without knowing what intentions the servants might have, without even being sure about the food and supplies - how could I dare to recklessly have a baby?"
Even with He Laofuren's medical skills, she hadn't been able to save her youngest son's life - it was simply that hidden arrows are hard to guard against.
"Enough with your smooth talk!" Hualan pinched Minglan's ear, eyes wide open. "Stop making excuses and hurry up and have a son!"
Minglan rescued her ear, speaking sternly: "Eldest Sister, stop lecturing me all the time. You should focus on regulating your own health too. If your health is poor, everything else is meaningless! If something were to happen to you, would you feel comfortable with your husband remarrying? Would you feel at ease leaving your nephews and nieces in someone else's hands? The medicine I brought this time is all prepared according to the prescription! You'd better be sensible and take care of yourself properly!"Hualan switched to pinching Minglan’s chubby little cheeks, laughing and scolding, “Fine! You’re so capable! If you have the skill, follow He Laofuren’s example and give birth to four sons and four daughters—eight children in one go! As your elder sister, I’ll truly admire you from then on!”
Minglan didn’t even blush, nodding seriously instead. “Exactly. I plan to learn from He Laofuren—have many children, and have good children.”
Hualan: …
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