According to the rites of the Great Zhou Dynasty, when an elder brother by the same mother passes away, his younger brothers must observe a one-year mourning period in Mourning Garment without staff support, which in practice lasts nine months. However, Gu Tingyu was no ordinary elder brother—he was the clan heir of the Gu family, inheritor of the marquis title, and had once held the status of family head. Therefore, the first three months were considered heavy mourning, during which marital relations were forbidden, banquets were suspended, and all forms of entertainment ceased.
With his beautiful wife right before his eyes—visible but untouchable, approachable but unattainable—and watching Madam Zhu’s belly grow larger day by day, the man’s face darkened like the bottom of a pot. He felt increasingly convinced that he and the Qin family were inherently ill-fated.
One day, when the Marquis of Dongchang invited the couple to taste tea and sample fresh plums, they firmly declined.
With red-rimmed eyes, the Grand Old Madam sought out Minglan for a conversation.
"His Lordship is truly overwhelmed with grief," Minglan explained. "The sorrow has accumulated in his heart, leaving him unable to find solace. He cannot even bear the sight of white lanterns, as they remind him of his elder brother... He fears that recalling his brother will only deepen his sorrow."
The Grand Old Madam felt a tightness in her chest. Remembering recent events, her resentment grew, and she nearly fainted again.
After comforting her 'frail' mother-in-law, Minglan leisurely returned to Clear Garden, only to receive news from the Sheng family: Changbai was being assigned to a provincial post and would depart around the end of the month. They requested the sixth young master and his wife to return for a farewell gathering.
Minglan was full of doubts. She turned and said, "I thought it was Father who was being assigned elsewhere. How did it become Eldest Brother?"
Gu Tingye, reclining by the window with a book in hand, chuckled wryly. "Your father is quite sharp-eyed. It’s not just Shen Shiqi, that old fox, who is clever."
This political evergreen was indeed a remarkable figure—able to avoid offending anyone wherever he was placed. He could read the emperor’s expressions and navigate the undercurrents among the officials, making the new emperor find him quite useful.
However, the official circles had recently become increasingly difficult to navigate. One would inevitably offend either one faction or another—either the court ministers or the emperor himself. To avoid tarnishing his reputation in his later years and stumbling into a trap, Shen Shiqi had begun submitting petitions to "request retirement" since the start of the year. The emperor naturally refused, so Shen Shiqi simply feigned illness and stopped attending court, maintaining the act for half a year (during which he avoided two exceptionally fierce court debates) and openly skipping work.
The emperor, unable to win this tug-of-war, finally granted his request.
According to the emperor’s plan, it was better to let this old slyboots continue in his role than to appoint an unsuitable chief minister. When the time was right, he could replace him with his own trusted confidant. The emperor’s favored Minister Yao had only recently entered the cabinet and lacked seniority. With Shen Shiqi stepping down at this time, the emperor’s preferred candidate was not yet ready to take over, while those who were ready did not have the emperor’s full trust.
The old fox was quite astute. As soon as his request was approved, he immediately recommended a candidate to the emperor. Amid the turbulent and unpredictable court, the emperor’s gaze fell upon the half-dozing Elder Minister Lu—"Very well, it shall be you."
"That old fellow..." Whenever Gu Tingye mentioned him, he couldn’t help but grit his teeth.
In truth, Elder Minister Lu was even older than Shen Shiqi, but he was far more composed. He spoke when necessary and acted when required. As long as the emperor did not dislike him, he was willing to serve the nation until his death.
Before departing, Shen Shiqi assigned his most promising nephew and grandson-in-law to safe provincial posts. With his nephew and disciples overseeing matters at court, he energetically completed these arrangements. Only then, putting on the appearance of one who had exhausted himself in service, did he board the carriage to return to his hometown.It seemed that Sheng Hong had either heard something from Lord Lu or discerned something himself, feeling it better to let his newly entered political career son avoid getting dragged into troubled waters. It was wiser to step back and observe the wind direction first, lest he ruin his promising future.
Gu Tingye strongly agreed. Given his high official rank, deep imperial favor, and minimal involvement in court discussions as a military officer (his focus remained on military affairs), he still faced underhanded schemes—let alone Sheng Changbai.
When the couple arrived at the Sheng residence, they learned that Sheng Hong had a request for Gu Tingye.
"Zexian County is remote, with treacherous mountains and distant roads in a secluded location. I’m not afraid of your elder brother suffering hardships—young people benefit from some adversity. But I worry about the wild and desolate journey, as even the official roads are not entirely safe..."
Gu Tingye immediately understood: "Father-in-law’s concerns are reasonable. I will find a few capable guards for my brother-in-law to ensure his safety." He paused, thoughts turning in his mind, then added, "Chenzhou Prefecture is close to Zexian. I happen to have some old acquaintances there. I’ll send letters asking them to keep an eye out as well, so no petty thieves disturb my brother-in-law."
Sheng Hong breathed a sigh of relief, comforted: "I’ve never trusted the abilities of our household servants. If you recommend anyone, as long as they are skilled and loyal, the Sheng family will treat them well. If the relationship lasts, we’ll provide for their lifelong needs, including illness and old age."
Gu Tingye nodded: "That’s excellent."
"Thank you, brother-in-law." Changbai bowed with clasped hands.
Inside the inner room, Madam Wang was weeping uncontrollably, tugging at Minglan’s sleeve as she lamented: "Tell me, what is your father thinking? Our family isn’t without influence now. Even if he must take an external post, he should find a good place. They say barren mountains and turbulent waters breed troublemakers—that place... I’m just afraid, I’m just afraid..."
Old Mrs. Sheng, seated at the head of the room, looked grim and displeased, seemingly unwilling to speak a word.
Minglan rubbed her sore wrist, soothing her: "Madam, please set your mind at ease. Father has always been wise and understanding. He must have resorted to this as a last resort, for brother’s own good."
"What good? I think he’s grown senile!" Madam Wang cried as if her heart were breaking. "Your elder brother grew up surrounded by luxury—when has he ever suffered hardships? How can this be alright?"
Minglan had a splitting headache. Despite her long attempts to console, Madam Wang continued weeping, her sobs growing even louder.
Old Mrs. Sheng finally lost patience. Slapping the table, she scolded: "Enough! Your son-in-law is sitting outside—have you no shame?! It seems your old ailment has flared up again. Outside affairs are men’s business—stay out of it to avoid causing more trouble!"
Covering her face with a handkerchief, Madam Wang lowered her voice slightly, still sobbing: "I dare not interfere with outside matters, but this concerns Brother Bai! He... he... I’ve heard the people there are mostly uncivilized. Brother Bai has never encountered such..."
"Silence! What do you know?!" The Old Madam, frustrated by her lack of vision, gripped her teacup tightly, almost wishing to throw it to wake her up. "Though Zexian is poor and remote, not a strategic location, it’s precisely such inconspicuous places that have fewer entanglements of interest. As long as Bai’er remains safe and sound, he can focus on managing the locality well—resting the people, building bridges and roads, encouraging agriculture—and actually achieve something. What’s the use of going to a comfortable place? To embezzle money?"
Madam Wang stared blankly: "R-really... is that so?"Old Mrs. Sheng could only sigh at the situation. "Do you think being a county magistrate in those prosperous regions is easy? With fertile lands rich in fish and rice, coastal salt and iron industries, and all sorts of entangled relationships and layered powers behind them, our family's foundations are still shallow. Brother Bai can't move or touch anything—that's what makes it difficult."
Madam Wang's sobbing gradually subsided, though her expression remained worried, as if she hadn't fully accepted it. The old lady grew impatient and said directly, "Anyway, this matter is already settled. Stop saying such alarming things and let Brother Bai and his wife set off with peace of mind. Don't frighten them."
"His wife? Is the eldest young mistress going too?" Madam Wang's attention miraculously shifted. While wiping her eyes, she seized on this secondary point and complained discontentedly, "Other families' daughters-in-law stay behind to serve their parents-in-law!"
"Of course she's going together!" The old lady glared and scolded, "Do you think those impoverished, treacherous mountains and harsh waters are good places? Would you feel at ease without the eldest young mistress there to look after him? Do you want Brother Bai to go take up his post alone? Don't speak—let me finish. Don't rush to arrange a concubine for him, causing unnecessary trouble on the journey. What they really need are a few thoughtful and considerate maidservants and older female attendants."
Madam Wang's face turned red and pale with shame as she awkwardly lowered her head. The old lady added with a sarcastic tone, "Rest assured, if a man gets that idea in his head, can his wife stop him? At a time like this, don't stir up trouble! If you have the energy, go check on Ru Yatou more often. She's about to give birth soon."
Minglan kept her head lowered the entire time, standing respectfully to the side. When elders scold the parental generation, it's not appropriate for juniors to say anything. Besides, she felt the old lady wasn't wrong in her reprimands. Madam Wang was like a clock that hadn't been wound—failing at critical moments.
After speaking a few more words, Old Mrs. Sheng sent Madam Wang out to receive Gu Tingye. After all, it wouldn't do for a son-in-law who rarely visited his wife's family to not even see his mother-in-law. Upon hearing this, Madam Wang hurried back to her room to wash her face and redo her makeup.
The old lady kept only Minglan in the Longevity and Peace Hall. After asking about some everyday matters, she went straight to the main topic: "I heard your marquis household is going to divide the family? Didn't His Majesty grant silver for building a residence? It's been almost two months—why haven't you merged households yet?"
Minglan smiled bitterly. She had known the old lady would ask about this and decided to speak openly: "We had considered dividing the family before. Tingye absolutely refuses to live with those people. But we haven't figured out how to bring it up or how to make them leave... we're still thinking of a way... sigh."
This matter was truly unexpected.
Back when Gu Tingyu was clearly failing, clan relatives from Jinling and their ancestral home in Qingcheng had successively arrived. Yet right at his sickbed, in front of everyone, he suddenly struggled to sit up and pulled two pieces of paper from under his pillow.
One sheet detailed the marquis household's assets since he inherited the title—all the farmlands, treasury silver, shops, valuable heirlooms passed down from ancestors, and accumulated collections of calligraphy and paintings through generations.
At that moment, Grand Old Madam's face turned faintly green.
The other document was an old deed—written about thirty years ago when Gu Tingye's grandparents divided the family property among their children. It clearly recorded what each of the three main branches (the eldest, fourth, and fifth branches) received, as well as what the several collateral branches (previously separated sons of concubines) were allotted. Properties, silver, and farmlands were all explicitly listed.
The fourth and fifth branches immediately changed expressions.While he still had strength, Gu Tingyu summoned several clan elders and relatives to examine and verify the seals on the documents one by one.
Though gravely ill and nearing death, his mind remained exceptionally clear. He spoke eloquently: "Second Brother has been away for years and is unfamiliar with family affairs. Now that I've provided this explanation, matters may proceed smoothly in the future, and I can face our father's final wishes with peace."
In the ensuing silence, everyone understood perfectly well.
"...This eldest young master of the Gu family is truly remarkable," Old Mrs. Sheng remarked slowly, her eyes slightly closed.
Minglan sighed. "Tingye... is deeply displeased."
Though he knew it would be extremely difficult and inevitably attract criticism, Gu Tingye had been confident he could handle those scoundrels. Yet now Gu Tingyu had done it for him, risking offense to the Grand Old Madam.
This favor - whether he wished to acknowledge it or not - he would have to remember.
"Will they agree to leave?" the Old Madam asked quietly, leaning back in her chair.
"Whether they're willing or not, they must," came the crisp, unusually cold reply.
The Old Madam suddenly opened her eyes, fixing Minglan with a sharp gaze. "What do you intend to do?" she asked gravely.
Minglan stood proudly, the corners of her pale pink lips curving slightly. "Now, the Imperial Grant and the royal plaque are both in my possession. If they refuse to leave, I won't dismantle Clear Garden's walls. If they dream of merging the residences - they're dreaming."
"So..." The Old Madam relaxed her expression, showing interest.
"I can afford to wait. Tingye can afford to wait. Everyone can afford to wait. Except..." Minglan suddenly smiled faintly, "...sister Tingcan cannot afford to wait."
If Gu Tingcan wanted to secure a good marriage, she needed to hurry - otherwise she would truly become an old maid.
Xiao Qin Shi had always been adept at hiding behind others, playing the innocent while using people as shields.
This time, Minglan would make her act without her helpers. When the water receded and the stones were revealed, everyone's true faces would emerge. If she wanted to fight again in the future, she would have to step forward herself. Minglan would be ready to meet her!
After a long while, the Old Madam finally showed a slight smile. "Was this your idea?"
Minglan's gaze was resolute. "He has given me honor and trust. I cannot simply enjoy wealth and comfort."
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