Regarding the forced division of the estate, Fifth Old Master felt nothing but humiliation and believed he had completely lost face. He shut himself in his study all day, refusing to witness "that ungrateful nephew's" smug and triumphant expression, insisting he would only show himself on the day they moved after everything was packed. However, amid his boundless resentment, his artistic achievements soared dramatically. His calligraphy, bold and unrestrained, seemed to radiate indignation from the paper, while his impromptu poems, passionate and heroic, flowed with natural rhythm. This time, even without sycophants to flatter him, he could see his own immense progress.
"...Li Bai spent half his life in disappointment, wandering through mountains and rivers; Huaisu lived a life of hardship, abandoning worldly comforts to dwell in the wilds. Since ancient times, all sages have been like this. Must one truly suffer mental anguish and physical deprivation to achieve greatness...?"
He muttered to himself, doubting whether his failures in both scholarly pursuits and official career were due to living too comfortably. Did he, too, need to endure some hardships to accomplish something? (You've finally realized the truth.)
While Fifth Old Master channeled his anger into art, Fourth Old Master was not as composed. He spent his days grumbling and venting his frustrations on others, frequently resorting to scolding and beating, casting a dark cloud over the entire Fourth Household. One day, prompted by Consort Liu, Fourth Old Master finally had an epiphany: even if they had to leave, they should squeeze out more benefits before going.
"Old Fifth..." Fourth Old Master hesitated, "I'm afraid he won't fight with me over a few taels of silver."
Consort Liu, who had maintained her looks remarkably well—appearing only in her thirties despite being nearly fifty—smiled gracefully and leaned in closer. "There's still Fifth Old Madam, isn't there? You know Fifth Uncle's temperament. Once you stir the fire, he won't care about the cause and will fight regardless."
Having risen to prominence in the inner household's fierce competitions, Consort Liu was naturally shrewd. As she predicted, Fifth Old Master initially refused to go, but he couldn't withstand Fifth Old Madam's tearful complaints about their financial struggles and the difficulties of establishing an independent household. Reluctantly, he agreed.
That day, Minglan personally brought Xianjie back. Madam Shao saw her daughter return with a beaming smile, accompanied by a reluctant Rong Jie'er. Noticing her daughter's rosy complexion, increased height, and the way she clung to her mother's sleeve, chattering cheerfully like a little oriole, Madam Shao felt her heart swell with joy at the girl's open and healthy demeanor. Having already heard from the matron who accompanied them about how well her daughter had fared at Clear Garden, Madam Shao was deeply grateful to Minglan. The two sisters-in-law held hands and conversed for a long while before rising.
Minglan left Rong Jie'er and the young miss to share some private words, then went with Madam Shao to sit with Grand Old Madam. They expressed sincere concern for Madam Zhu, whose belly was now prominently rounded. Grand Old Madam, reclining against a bolster, added a few lighthearted remarks, making the room feel harmonious.
"...Your eldest sister-in-law's health is gradually improving. Now, I have no worries except for your younger sister's marriage," Grand Old Madam sighed with concern. "She's not getting any younger, and there's still no arrangement in sight."
Madam Shao, having just recovered from a serious illness, spoke softly, "Mother, don't worry. Younger sister's character and appearance speak for themselves—she ranks among the best in the entire capital. It's just that heaven hasn't been kind, with one thing after another delaying matters."
These words greatly pleased Grand Old Madam, and her expression softened considerably."You're quite right, Eldest Sister-in-law," Madam Zhu turned slightly and spoke gently, "Mother, please set your heart at ease. The eldest daughter of the Marquis of Zhongshan is almost eighteen, and there are also the young ladies of the Duke of Hanguo's family, Minister Yan's daughters... Upon closer inspection, these past two years there have been quite a few noble daughters in the capital whose marriages have been delayed, not just our sister." The Grand Old Madam's worried expression faded as she chuckled lightly, "You all know just what to say to cheer me up. If only it were truly so... Ah... Minglan, what do you think?" She then turned her gaze toward Minglan.
With all the turmoil of the past two or three years—first national mourning, then military unrest—the rise and fall of noble families in the capital had occurred in several waves. Indeed, many noble young ladies had seen their marriages delayed; thus, someone of Gu Tingcan's age still being unmarried wasn't particularly conspicuous.
Minglan appeared somewhat embarrassed, blushing as she smiled, "I... I don't really know. With sister's character and appearance, she's sure to secure a good marriage. No matter what... I'll be waiting to contribute to her trousseau."
Seeing her flustered appearance, Madam Shao couldn't help but laugh affectionately, "You silly child, why are you blushing when we're discussing our sister's marriage prospects! You're still a new bride, after all, and easily embarrassed." This was exactly the reaction Minglan wanted, so she lowered her head even further, her long eyelashes fluttering faintly.
A glint flashed in the Grand Old Madam's eyes as she smiled imperceptibly. There were customary practices for sisters-in-law contributing to a soon-to-be-married sister's trousseau. Minglan had neither offered assistance nor specified how much she would contribute—her words were essentially meaningless.
Having passed this hurdle, Minglan breathed a sigh of relief and thought to make a quick escape. But before she could say much more, the Fourth Old Master and Fifth Old Master arrived.
Leading the way was the Fourth Old Master, with Consort Liu diligently supporting him on one side and the rather displeased Fourth Old Madam following on the other. Behind them strode the Fifth Old Master and his wife, chests puffed out. At the sight of this procession, the Grand Old Madam frowned slightly, immediately straightened her expression, and sat upright. Minglan's heart skipped a beat as she, along with Madam Shao and Madam Zhu, respectfully rose to their feet.
The moment Fifth Old Madam entered and saw Minglan there, she coughed heavily, her voice filled with displeasure. Minglan ignored her, treating it as if she had a fishbone stuck in her throat. The Fourth Old Master shot her two venomous glares, but Minglan turned her head away, pretending his twitching eyelids were due to old age, and remained standing perfectly still.
After exchanging pleasantries and inquiring after each other's well-being, the Fourth Old Master cut straight to the point and brought up financial matters.
"Divide the family property again?" Even though the Grand Old Madam had been mentally prepared, she couldn't help but be astonished at this far-fetched proposal. "Fourth Uncle, what do you mean by that? Didn't our deceased parents-in-law already divide the family property?"
The Fourth Old Master put on a show of sighing, "That may be so, but over these decades, our three branches have lived and eaten together. With the passage of time, how can our financial accounts possibly be untangled clearly? Forcing a complete separation would only harm our familial bonds; it's better to divide the family property once more. I wouldn't bring this up if I didn't have to, but times are hard now, so I must swallow my pride and speak."
Hearing this, Madam Zhu, who was well-versed in household affairs, flushed with anger, and even the usually non-confrontational Madam Shao was secretly incensed. Following the rule that 'young brides shouldn't be too conspicuous,' Minglan stood with her head bowed behind Madam Shao, thinking to herself, 'So it's finally come to this.' She then held her breath and waited for the storm to break: she had long been curious about the Grand Old Madam's full combat prowess—she'd better not disappoint.
Come on, you vile creaturesGrand Old Madam sat expressionless, one hand resting on the kang table while the other tightly clutched a handkerchief. A delicate silver ring inlaid with white jade and kingfisher feathers glimmered faintly between her fingers. After a moment of contemplation, she turned gently and said, "Minglan, you tell us how this matter should be handled. Strictly speaking, you are now the mistress of the Ningyuan Marquis Household."
"At my young age, what could I possibly know?" Minglan, who had been waiting to watch the drama unfold, suddenly found herself dragged onto the stage. She blinked, humbly bowed her head in a slight curtsey, then lifted her gaze softly with a gentle sigh. "Speaking of financial difficulties, Clear Garden is also struggling. Between managing social obligations and the delayed income from the estates, plus the upcoming renovations to the residence—silver flows out like water. Fortunately, Fifth Uncle and Grand Old Madam returned the properties Old Marquis left for the Marquis, which helped us through the emergency. Fourth Uncle, what do you think...?"
Fourth Old Master dreaded Minglan bringing this up. They had publicly claimed to be safeguarding Gu Tingye's inheritance before the clan, making it impossible to withhold it now. He was momentarily speechless but quickly redirected the conversation: "Niece-in-law, how can you say that? Your husband is now the head of the Marquis Household. Didn’t Brother Yu make the inheritance clear before his passing? Is silver still insufficient? Elder sister-in-law, I must say you’re holding the purse strings too tightly."
Grand Old Madam gave Minglan a thoughtful glance and said slowly, "We’ll discuss that matter another time. Minglan, first address today’s issue."
Minglan raised an eyebrow. She had no intention of pressing the debt collection to the extreme—they might not care about face, but she did. However, maintaining the perpetual right to demand repayment, to be wielded occasionally in the future, seemed quite useful.
She took two small steps forward, standing properly with etiquette, and smiled. "I’ve been part of the Gu family for less than a year. How could I know the details of past affairs? Since Fourth Uncle mentions it, there must be a reason... Could it be that the late father-in-law borrowed silver from either of you uncles?"
She glanced at Fourth Old Master first, then slightly turned her head toward Madam Shao and Madam Zhu.
Fourth Old Master choked on his words and refused to speak. Madam Shao said coldly, "To my knowledge, he did not."
Madam Zhu, her anger flaring, spoke bluntly, "Not only did he not, but from what I know, Father provided silver to Fourth Uncle on three or four occasions to help him through tight spots—each time no less than five thousand taels."
Minglan drew a sharp breath, her expression and tone perfectly feigning 'shock.' "Really?!" She then fixed her eyes directly on Fourth Old Master with an incredulous look.
Exposed, Fourth Old Master’s face flushed with humiliation. In a fit of rage, he shouted at Madam Zhu, "What business is it of yours when elders are speaking?! The Gu family’s affairs span decades, with complexities you can’t fathom! How many years have you been married? What do you know?!" He then turned to Fifth Old Master. "Fifth Brother, you see? Truly, once a man’s gone, the tea turns cold. It hasn’t been many years since Elder Brother passed, and already they disregard us! You hesitated to come yesterday out of courtesy, but look—if we don’t teach them a lesson now, we’ll have no place to stand."
Fifth Old Master’s face darkened. He slapped the armrest and scolded, "Niece-in-law Zhu, you come from a respectable family—how can you be so ill-mannered! Don’t you see your elder sisters-in-law aren’t even here? How dare you, a junior, interrupt such matters?"
Madam Zhu’s eyes reddened. Supporting her belly, she stepped aside.Fifth Old Madam stirred her tea bowl with sharp fingertips, speaking in a sarcastic tone: "I say, niece-in-law, don’t blame your uncle for speaking bluntly. The affairs of the Gu family are numerous. For the past twenty years, during festivals, entertaining guests, and weddings or funerals, all three branches have kept joint accounts, not to mention the frequent lending of silver between the branches. You’ve only just entered the household—what do you know!"
Grand Old Madam suppressed her anger with effort, but her gaze grew increasingly somber.
Seeing Madam Zhu’s pale face, Minglan felt a pang of pity and said, "Sister-in-law is with child and shouldn’t stand for too long. Why not return to your room and rest for a while?" As she spoke, she made to help Madam Zhu leave, hoping to avoid the conflict and find a discreet spot to observe the drama.
Unexpectedly, Grand Old Madam added softly, "Suxin, accompany her to the back to sit. You all can listen from there. Minglan, come sit beside me. After all, you and your husband are now the heads of the marquis household. Isn’t that right, uncles?"
Fourth Old Master snorted coldly, while Fifth Old Master turned his head away haughtily without a word. Minglan twisted her fingers, resigned to her misfortune, and moved to sit on the round stool beside Grand Old Madam. Madam Shao helped Madam Zhu to a seat behind the screen.
Grand Old Madam’s cold gaze turned to Fifth Old Madam: "I didn’t enter the household as early as you, Fifth Sister-in-law. By your earlier words, does that mean I have no right to speak either?"
As the long-standing elder sister-in-law, her authority still held weight. Fifth Old Madam forced a smile: "...Sister-in-law, what are you saying? If you can’t speak, then who can?"
"Since that’s the case, I’ll speak now. Let’s settle this clearly once and for all, so there’s no endless entanglement later." Grand Old Madam’s words carried an implicit meaning. Fifth Old Master looked somewhat ashamed, while Fourth Old Master grew even more indignant. Minglan quickly pricked up her ears.
"Since our generation, the Gu family has undergone two divisions of property. The first division happened before I entered the household. It was overseen by Father and Mother, who called in the clan elders to assist. All documents were properly executed. At that time, the Old Marquis was stationed at the border, so the eldest branch’s share of the estate was held by Father and Mother. The year Father passed away, Mother was also nearing her end. Fortunately, by the Emperor’s grace, the Old Marquis was recalled to the capital. After I accompanied him back, the eldest branch finally received the estate directly from Mother. Up to that point, the assets of the three branches were clearly delineated. Is anything I’ve said incorrect?"
Fourth Old Master remained silent in defiance, while Fifth Old Master muttered, "Eldest Sister-in-law is correct."
Grand Old Madam straightened her posture, her expression stern, and continued: "Later, before Mother passed, she summoned us to her bedside and explicitly stated that after her death, Father’s share was to be divided equally among the three branches, while her dowry and private savings were to go entirely to the Old Marquis. We heard this with our own ears! But Fourth Uncle refused to accept it. He said nothing while Mother was alive, but after her passing, he insisted she was too ill to be of sound mind and that her words shouldn’t be taken seriously. He even brought several married aunts to cause a scene at the funeral! Is this not true?"
Fifth Old Master’s expression grew more ashamed, and he fell silent. Fourth Old Master, however, stiffened his neck and retorted, "At that time, Mother was so ill she couldn’t even recognize anyone! Her words naturally couldn’t be taken seriously! We’re all sons of the same mother—why should she show such favoritism!"
Grand Old Madam’s voice turned sharp as she rebuked him: "Whether she was confused or not, whether she was biased or not—your eldest brother, to avoid discord among his siblings, immediately divided what Mother had left, and you all received a share, while the eldest branch got nothing! Have I spoken a single false word?"Minglan was utterly astonished. Any younger brother saddled with such an extraordinary elder brother must have accumulated eight lifetimes' worth of good karma.
By now, even Fifth Old Madam had lowered her head in silence. Only Fourth Old Master remained defiant, his neck flushed as he boomed, "That was Eldest Brother's own decision! If Eldest Sister-in-law was displeased, why didn't she speak up then? Besides, in the end, Fifth Brother and I didn't gain much from it!"
Grand Old Madam smiled mockingly. "A wife must follow her husband's will. How could I defy your eldest brother's intentions? Moreover, it was you, Fourth Uncle, who invited all those distant relatives. You've no one to blame but yourself."
Fourth Old Master froze, rendered speechless. Consort Liu cautiously tugged at his sleeve, and he sat down in a huff.
For a long moment, the only sound in the room was the heavy snorting from Fourth Old Master's flared nostrils.
A trace of sorrow gradually surfaced on Grand Old Madam's serene face as she lamented, "Although our three branches keep separate private accounts, all servants working in the main estate—whether for sweeping, sewing, or night duty, regardless of which branch holds their contracts—receive their monthly allowances from the main household. For years, who has provided for seasonal clothing, carriages, horses, attendants, food, and drink? It has always been the main household! For decades, Fourth Uncle, when you dined out, or Fifth Uncle purchased calligraphy and paintings, you simply charged them to taverns and shops, and your eldest brother settled every bill afterward."
Minglan was so astounded she could hardly close her mouth. Seeing no point in hiding her reaction, she let her genuine shock show.
Fourth Old Master's face turned the color of fermented rice wine, unclear whether from anger or shame. Fifth Old Master, however, looked just as stunned as Minglan. He abruptly turned to Fifth Old Madam and rose to his feet. "I specifically instructed the calligraphy and painting shop to... How could you...?"
Under the collective gaze, Fifth Old Madam's face flushed crimson. She dared not meet her husband's eyes, instead lowering her head and nervously twisting her handkerchief.
Fifth Old Master seemed to understand. He let out a long sigh and slumped back into his chair.
"Just now, Fifth Sister-in-law mentioned shared expenses for festivals, hospitality, weddings, funerals, and social interactions. Should we invite everyone to review the accounts and see which branch has suffered losses and which has taken advantage? Not to mention all these years, who paid the silver to secure positions and pull strings for your nephews?" Grand Old Madam grew increasingly formidable, her imposing aura so intense that the Fifth Branch couple could no longer lift their heads.
Even Fourth Old Master dared not respond. Unlike the aloof Fifth Branch couple, he had some knowledge of accounts and household affairs. The more this was probed, the clearer it would become that the Fourth and Fifth Branches were making unreasonable demands.
Grand Old Madam's gaze was direct, stern, and unwavering.
In this drama, she played the role of an upright and righteous protagonist—selfless, benevolent, charitable, and magnanimous, performing good deeds without seeking recognition. In contrast, Fourth Old Master and his cohort played the disgraceful supporting roles—greedy, harsh, shameless, and ungrateful, having taken advantage of their kind elder brother and sister-in-law for decades.
Minglan nearly applauded.
Grand Old Madam must have endured these people for a long time, storing every grievance and injustice in her heart. Yet her patience was unparalleled. To maintain her virtuous image in the eyes of her saintly husband, she had suppressed all resentment and dissatisfaction. Minglan truly admired such individuals—when circumstances were unfavorable, they never stubbornly resisted but bided their time, seizing opportunities to reclaim as much advantage as possible.Since she couldn't shake off these two troublesome brothers, she decided to turn waste into treasure by making the best of the situation. Taking a long-term view, she would use them to remove the real thorn in her side. As long as her own son could inherit the title, she could settle scores and discard them as needed. After all, she had gathered enough dirt on these two troublemakers—if it ever came to light, she had more than enough justification to make her case.
By this point in the battle, the outcome was largely clear. Only Fourth Old Master continued to resist stubbornly. He suddenly stood up, eyes bloodshot, and roared, "Only today have I seen what an extraordinary heroine our Eldest Sister-in-law truly is—so eloquent and full of arguments! I've been disrespectful all this time! But don't forget what Mother said on her deathbed when she held the hands of us three brothers. Eldest Brother personally promised to take good care of Fifth Brother and me! What now? With Eldest Brother gone, you're showing your true colors and turning your back on us?"
Even Minglan had to laugh at this, letting out two clear snickers from behind the screen. Madam Shao and Madam Zhu likely couldn't hold back either.
Grand Old Madam couldn't conceal her scorn, her gaze filled with deep resentment and disdain as she said coldly, "When Mother wanted to give more silver to the main branch, Fourth Uncle claimed she was confused in her illness. But when Mother asked the main branch to look after you two younger brothers, Fourth Uncle remembers that perfectly well. Both were Mother's dying words—how is it that the former was confused but the latter was not? Fourth Uncle truly has a remarkable memory and remarkable abilities."
Minglan sighed inwardly: This Gu family matriarch was a sensible person, but alas, her motherly devotion had been utterly wasted on these unworthy descendants.
Even Fourth Old Master's thick skin couldn't withstand this. Trembling with rage, he sat down heavily and angrily pounded the tea table beside him, nearly knocking a teacup to the floor.
Seeing the situation turning sour, Fourth Old Madam quickly spoke up, full of apology: "I know Sister-in-law has suffered all these years, worrying so much over us good-for-nothings. Fourth Uncle has been upset lately over Bingge'er's matters, so his tone was poor—please don't take offense, Sister-in-law. But speaking frankly, we're all part of the same Gu family. Now that we're to live separately, we're truly facing difficulties. We must ask Eldest Sister-in-law to help us out a bit."
What skill! Minglan thought admiringly, stealing a glance at Fourth Old Madam—she was quite the expert too.
Unexpectedly, these words only stirred up Grand Old Madam's grief. Her eyes reddened as she said, "Fourth Aunt, what you say is ridiculous. Both uncles are full-grown men, and the nephews beneath them are in their prime. All these years, the fourth and fifth branches have only taken from the main branch without giving anything back. And now you come to torment us widows and orphans? Do you think my future will be any easier?!"
These words carried profound implications. The relationship between Gu Tingye and Grand Old Madam had always been lukewarm at best, something everyone knew well. Minglan's cheeks burned slightly, and she firmly refrained from responding, lest she draw unwanted trouble.
Just as the situation seemed settled and Grand Old Madam could sound the retreat, an unexpected challenger emerged from the sidelines. Seeing that everyone had fallen silent, Consort Liu grew anxious and jumped out, exclaiming, "I know it's not my place to speak here, but I've slaved away in this household for decades—surely I've earned some respect by now!"She wore a mist-red jacket with a two-finger-wide black velvet trim, grinning mischievously as she teased: "Grand Old Madam speaks nothing but sense. Our branch and the fifth branch have indeed received many favors from you—but surely Old Marquis knows this? I’ve always thought Old Marquis the most generous of souls. He sees everything clearly, yet he allows his younger brothers to take some advantage. Isn’t he plainly letting his two brothers live comfortably? Since this is Old Marquis’s intention, how could you, Grand Old Madam, refuse to comply?"
The words were both shameless and unreasonable, yet held a twisted logic. The Fourth Old Master immediately took the hint, jumping up and shouting, "Exactly! This is what Eldest Brother meant! Why distinguish between brothers in the family? Eldest Brother never quibbled with us, yet you calculate everything so meticulously. You keep saying 'a married woman follows her husband,' but if you truly cherish the bond with Eldest Brother, you should act accordingly!"
Minglan was speechless. She now understood why Gu Tingye never wasted words on them. Faced with such scoundrels, only fists and power were truly effective. She sighed inwardly and stole a glance at the Grand Old Madam’s expression: when a concubine from a collateral branch dared to provoke the principal wife, nine out of ten would sternly reprimand her.
But to her surprise...
The Grand Old Madam’s face shifted, her reddened eyes growing moist. The iron-willed matriarch instantly transformed into a tearful, pitiable old flower.
She slumped sorrowfully against the kang table, turning to the Fifth Old Master with choked sobs, each word laden with grief: "Fifth Uncle, you are the most learned and reasonable among the Gu family. Speak up! Have I, your elder sister-in-law, ever treated any of you unfairly all these years? If nothing else, I’ve toiled diligently! Now, not only do I receive no gratitude, but I’m even trampled upon by some lowly creature! Ask anyone in the capital—since when does a concubine from a collateral branch act so arrogantly? My decades as the elder sister-in-law have been in vain! I might as well have followed your elder brother to the grave!"
The Fifth Old Master had long been restless, and now he burned with shame. Flicking his sleeves, he stood abruptly and glared furiously at Consort Liu and the Fourth Old Master. "Outrageous! What kind of propriety is this?"
As the elder brother, he couldn’t scold them further. With a sweep of his sleeve, he strode away, followed hastily by the Fifth Old Madam.
Minglan watched them leave, then glanced back at the Grand Old Madam. Understanding dawned.
Enemies must be dealt with differently. The Fifth Old Master valued face; the Fifth Old Madam had vulnerabilities and couldn’t speak boldly. This branch could be won over—conciliation was the best strategy. As for the Fourth Branch, shameless and unreasonable, they required direct confrontation.
Faced with such a cunning and resilient opponent, Minglan felt deeply ashamed of her own simplistic tactics.
With a third of the room emptied, the Fourth Old Master stood awkwardly, accompanied by Consort Liu, who had been called a "creature."
The Grand Old Madam wiped her tears, slowly straightening up. She addressed him coolly, "If Fourth Uncle remains dissatisfied, you may gather the clan elders and open the ancestral hall. Let everyone judge and lay the accounts bare. If the Fourth Branch has truly suffered losses, I will repay you double, down to the last coin! Otherwise..."
She glanced at Minglan and said softly, "We should also discuss the property Ye-ge’er left in Fourth Uncle’s care."
Minglan lowered her head. She had been used as a pawn.
The Fourth Old Master choked back his words, gritting his teeth and glaring for a long while before finally conceding defeat. He left in frustration.
After everyone had gone, the room fell into silence. Slowly, Madam Shao emerged, supporting Madam Zhu. They looked at the Grand Old Madam, then at Minglan, their expressions shifting variously.
Minglan met Madam Shao’s gaze as their eyes locked.
"Well, I’ll go check on Rong Jie’er... Why doesn’t Eldest Sister-in-law come along?"
Madam Shao smiled gently. "Very well."
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