In truth, Minglan wasn't making empty boasts. If she could truly rid herself of those troublesome relatives, she would willingly give up the Gu family ancestral property without hesitation. Money could be earned gradually, but such relatives were a persistent nuisance that couldn't be shaken off.
One day, Minglan went as usual to Xuanzhi Garden to pay her respects to the Grand Old Madam. During their conversation, the topic of merging the residences came up. The Grand Old Madam had initially thought Minglan would still try to delay, but to her surprise, Minglan was quite straightforward and quickly got down to discussing the process in just a few words.
"This Master Zhang Tian-shi was recommended by Madam Geng. He's handled many geomancy matters in the capital and is said to be honest and tight-lipped, not some charlatan swindling people out of their money."
Madam Zhu, cradling her large belly nearby, chimed in, "I've heard of this Elder Zhang too. When my maternal family expanded two gardens that year, they also invited him to take a look. They said he was extremely effective, ensuring family prosperity and smooth marriages and offspring."
The Grand Old Madam listened happily and interjected, "Have you found a masonry team yet?"
Minglan replied with a smile, "This time, we're relying on Zheng da furen who recommended one. Earlier this year when their family married off the Empress's younger sister, they just renovated half their residence. The walls and beams are solid and sturdy, the under-floor heating system and kang beds are well-ventilated and heat evenly. Now the Second Madam living there says it's excellent. Not only is the team skilled, but they're also reliable and don't arbitrarily inflate material prices. I sent someone with the Zheng family's name card, and the team leader agreed, preparing to come measure and survey the land in the next few days to draft a plan for us to review first."
The Grand Old Madam's hand, toying with the teacup lid, suddenly paused. "...Just the day before yesterday we talked about starting construction, and today you've already thought everything through clearly. You work quite fast. However, having so many strangers entering the inner quarters of the Gu residence might not be appropriate."
Madam Shao, observing her mother-in-law's expression, said softly, "Does Mother feel something is improper?"
"With the Zheng family's recommendation, what could be improper? However..." The Grand Old Madam put down her tea bowl and gently stroked the Buddhist beads on her wrist. "Minglan, you've just married into the family and don't know that our Gu family has always used a particular masonry team, one that's been employed since your father-in-law's time. I was actually planning to have Steward Mo discuss this matter with you."
Minglan wore an expression of surprise and chagrin, lightly covering her mouth. "Oh dear, I truly didn't know that. What should we do now? I've already spoken with Zheng da furen. Changing the team at this point would probably be inappropriate, wouldn't it?"
The Grand Old Madam stared at her for a long while before slowly saying, "They all say you're young and inexperienced, but I see otherwise. Ye-ge'er is busy with his duties and has no time to manage this. Such a major matter—I originally thought a young bride like you wouldn't handle it well. Who would have thought you'd manage everything on your own without consulting any of the family elders or sisters-in-law? Truly, the younger generation is to be respected..."
Minglan pretended not to understand the implication in her words, imitating how Madam Wang acted in front of Old Mrs. Sheng (who genuinely didn't understand), wearing an innocent, simple-minded smile. "It's all thanks to your blessings."
She finally understood why Old Mrs. Sheng was becoming increasingly blunt when scolding Madam Wang these days. A clueless daughter-in-law who couldn't be dismissed could indeed transform a refined and reserved noble young lady into a sharp-tongued mother-in-law.
Madam Shao seemed somewhat uncomfortable with this atmosphere and slightly turned her head away. Madam Zhu lowered her head to stroke her belly. With a young, vigorous, and powerful stepson and a stepmother with existing grievances, how much obedience could one really expect from the stepdaughter-in-law?Grand Old Madam knew this wasn't the time to show her displeasure, so she simply feigned ignorance, thinking she'd deal with marrying off her daughter first.
Minglan naturally wouldn't provoke trouble either. She was extremely busy these days - aside from managing household affairs, she also oversaw the demolition and construction work. Between the Marquis residence and Clear Garden stood an empty small courtyard and a wooded hill. The initial phase involved tearing down most of the high walls and fences separating the two estates, connecting their perimeter walls, and incorporating the vacant houses and woodland in between.
This was relatively straightforward. What truly consumed funds were the subsequent construction costs. The wild woodland needed planning - some areas required enclosing, others needed leveling and planting with fruit trees and flowers. After leaving adequate space for pathways in the open areas, there would still be numerous pavilions and towers to build.
She would take it slowly. Minglan wasn't in a hurry, planning to gradually complete everything according to their means, spending only what they could afford.
Since women shouldn't appear in public, steward Hao Dacheng had to run back and forth dozens of times daily between sites. Minglan often talked until her mouth went dry. Only the master of the house, Lord Gu, had inspected the construction site merely twice (both times while passing by), reviewed the blueprints only three times, left the useless comment "make the gates smaller," then went off with a flick of his sleeves to continue devoting himself to state affairs.
Life went on, and the project continued at its leisurely pace.
As autumn winds grew brisk and crabs grew plump, the palace bestowed gifts. All noble families received mooncakes, taro, chestnuts, and hairpin chrysanthemums to demonstrate imperial grace. Those currently in imperial favor received additional rewards.
Minglan received six giant tribute chrysanthemums in ink-black, golden-yellow, bright-purple, light-pink, crimson, and plain-white, plus ten baskets of fresh tribute crabs. Such extraordinary gifts required the customary palace visit to express gratitude.
Whether the palace nobility would receive her was another matter, but as subjects they must observe etiquette or risk disrespect. After submitting her name card to the Imperial Household Department and receiving approval (unfortunately), Minglan had to rise early the next day, dress properly, and take her carriage to the palace.
After passing through the inner palace gate, she had to disembark. Bearing heavy headdress on an empty stomach, she trekked across the vast palace grounds while maintaining a facial expression blending awe, gratitude, and delight - truly torturous.
Minglan would rather receive fewer such rewards.
Following palace attendants, she finally entered a chamber where two noblewomen already waited, both wearing first-rank Imperial Mandate attire. One was a fair-complexioned, quiet-looking woman around forty whom Minglan didn't recognize. The other turned out to be Zhang Shi, the Imperial Uncle's wife whom she hadn't seen for some time.
The two women sat close together, sharing some facial resemblance.
Minglan managed an elegant smile toward them, then moved to a seat with the fastest speed permissible by palace etiquette. Only after sitting did she gracefully lift her head to smile at the noblewomen. After exchanging just two pleasantries with Zhang Shi, a female official entered and announced: "Please proceed to Yining Palace."
Minglan's heart sank. Yining Palace was Shengde Taihou's residence. The three women immediately rose. Before moving, Zhang Shi smiled at Minglan: "This is my mother." Minglan had already guessed seventy or eighty percent of this. She quickly paused to curtsy: "Greetings to the Duchess of Ying.""Please, no need for such formality." Lady Zhang, the Duchess of Yingguo, maintained dignified composure while warmly taking Minglan's hand. As they walked, she examined Minglan and chuckled softly, "What exceptional beauty indeed. People outside all say Erlang married well, and now I see it's no exaggeration."
Minglan blushed and offered modest replies.
The palace wasn't suitable for private conversation, so the three women followed the palace attendants in silence. Soon they arrived at Yining Palace. After being announced, they entered in single file, performed the ceremonial bows, then stood respectfully to the side.
Kong Momo had once taught the Sheng family girls several postures that allowed discreet observation while maintaining a deferential stance. Minglan chose one - slightly tilting her cheeks while keeping her eyelids still, moving only her gaze to clearly survey the surroundings.
The room was filled with women in palace attire. Minglan seized the moment for a quick glance: Shengde Taihou sat in the central position, with the Empress in the secondary seat. Beside them stood the Empress's younger sister, Little Shen, both sisters looking rather displeased. Observing Shengde Taihou's demeanor and speech, she appeared quite spirited and at ease, suggesting she must have been a bright and vivacious beauty in her youth. She smiled at the newly arrived trio: "I've recently acquired some new tea, so I invited the Empress and her sister for tea tasting. I'm afraid I've inconvenienced you three ladies to make the trip."
Minglan and the other two quickly offered polite refusals, repeatedly expressing their gratitude.
Little Shen forced a smile and came forward, approaching the Zhang mother and daughter. She bowed to her sister-in-law and Minglan's mother-in-law. The Empress smiled from above: "We were just thinking of you. I still have some eight-treasure black rice steamed cakes newly made by the imperial kitchen - a recipe from southern Shu. You probably can't find this flavor in the capital, so take some back to try later."
Lady Zhang led the thanks, followed by Minglan and Zhang Shi. Lady Zhang smiled: "They say southern snacks have diverse flavors. For those of us who've lived our whole lives in the capital, today we're fortunate to enjoy Your Majesty's kindness."
The Empress exchanged a few more pleasantries before glancing at the pregnant Consort Yu beside her. Frowning slightly, she said: "Given your condition, you should return and rest." The pregnant Consort Yu, whose beauty had become even more radiant, merely smiled: "Your Majesty is too considerate. But I've always been fond of delicacies since childhood. How could I leave when there's rare opportunity to enjoy fine tea?"
Shengde Taihou beamed: "You mischievous girl! That silver tongue of yours is so delightful, no wonder the Emperor and Empress dote on you lately!"
"Your Majesty, are you saying you don't dote on me too?" Consort Yu pouted playfully.
Beside Shengde Taihou sat a slender woman - her daughter-in-law, the Princess of Yu. She seized the moment to add some witty remarks, filling the hall with laughter. Only the Empress looked increasingly uncomfortable, barely maintaining her composure.
Minglan quickly averted her gaze and lowered her head.
Because the Emperor feared his birth mother might be slighted, he had arranged for the two Dowager Empresses to live separately, ensuring Sheng'an Taihou's comfort. This however burdened the Empress, who had to visit both mothers-in-law every morning to pay respects before returning to her palace to receive the consorts' greetings.
As the Duke of Yingguo held foremost rank among all dukes with exceptional court status that commanded universal respect, Shengde Taihou offered Lady Zhang a seat. Minglan, Little Shen, and Zhang Shi benefited by association, obtaining peripheral stools to sit on. Minglan inwardly sighed in relief.No sooner had they taken their seats than Shengde Taihou said to Lady Zhang with a half-smile, "I won’t hide anything from you. Come, take a look at these two..." She gestured toward two palace ladies standing beside her. Following her gaze, Minglan couldn’t help feeling slightly astonished—what a pair of stunning beauties! Both were under twenty, no longer in their early teens, yet their radiance was dazzling, their beauty brilliant.
"These two have served by my side for many years. They are gentle, well-mannered, and understand propriety—I’ve grown quite fond of them. Seeing that they’re no longer young, I intend to find them a good match... Ah, because I’m reluctant to part with them, I originally thought of having them serve the Emperor. Who would have thought the Empress would be so displeased?" Shengde Taihou sighed with apparent regret, but her eyes remained fixed on Lady Zhang.
This was clearly an accusation that the Empress was "jealous."
Minglan silently counted the beads on her dress, repeating to herself a hundred times: "I’m not the main character, just an extra with no lines."
Lady Zhang was no pushover either. She smiled kindly and said, "The Emperor now has a flourishing lineage, all thanks to the Empress’s virtue and wisdom. Your intentions are naturally well-meaning, Taihou, but the Empress must have her own considerations. Since these two young ladies are so outstanding, why not find them talented and suitable young men of matching age? Wouldn’t that be even better?"
Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on the Empress’s face, and she glanced appreciatively at Lady Zhang.
Having met with this gentle rebuttal, Taihou smiled faintly, without warmth. "Talented or not, I’ve given up on that. Since they can’t stay in the palace, I might as well find them someone nearby—perhaps the Imperial Brother-in-Law, General Zheng..." Her gaze swept coldly across the hall and landed on Minglan. "...or Commander Gu. They could take them as concubines. That way, I can still see them often."
Minglan inwardly groaned—even lying low, she’d been hit by a stray arrow. Taihou’s real target was clearly the Shen family; Gu Tingye was probably just an afterthought.
Little Shen was the first to jump up, though she quickly suppressed her shock and tried to sound calm. "How could that be appropriate? Those who serve by Your side are precious and deserve proper marriages. How could they become concubines?"
Shengde Taihou chuckled, delighting in Little Shen’s alarm. "They’re not that precious. They came from humble origins in the countryside, entered the palace young, and have no family backing. Rather than finding husbands, it’s more about finding them kind and generous mistresses who, out of respect for me, will let them live comfortably. So, ladies, would you be willing to grant me this favor?"
Her tone rose slightly at the end, carrying a hint of coercion.
The Empress’s face turned pale, Little Shen’s flushed crimson as if about to bleed, but Zhang Shi remained composed. She stepped forward quietly, bowed, and said, "This subject will follow Taihou’s command."
Lady Zhang gazed at her daughter with a mix of compassion, heartache, and a trace of reproach.
Hearing Zhang Shi’s words, Minglan nearly blurted out, "In that case, why don’t you take both of them? That would save your sister and me the headache. With such a virtuous mistress, Taihou can rest assured."
Fortunately, she remembered where she was and heroically held her tongue.Who knew the Empress Dowager had another move? She sighed as if lamenting, "For the sake of observing mourning for the Late Emperor, several girls by my side have been delayed. I've always thought of finding them good marriages."
Minglan couldn't help glancing at those two women again. They kept their heads bowed, their fair faces flushed, exuding a delicate shyness that made their beauty even more striking. Minglan was almost mesmerized by the sight.
Suddenly, she understood: these women were likely prepared by Shengde Taihou for her own son. Unfortunately, disaster struck—her son's throne was usurped, she herself was confined, and these two women were left in limbo.
Behind the screen beside the two women, shadowy figures seemed to suggest more beauties standing there? Minglan's thoughts wandered absurdly—could this be a reserve team?
The Empress Dowager asked Little Shen again, but she remained silent, her pleading gaze shifting toward the Empress.
Shengde Taihou showed no urgency, merely watching her struggle with an amused smile before slowly turning to Minglan. Just as she was about to speak, the Princess of Yu suddenly said, "Lady Gu, what are you smiling about?"
All eyes in the hall focused on one spot, where Gu Tingye's wife stood respectfully and elegantly, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips as if lost in thought.
"Lady Gu, what are you smiling at? Could it be that you find the Empress Dowager amusing?" The Princess of Yu was originally known for her gentle and kind nature, renowned throughout the capital. But after witnessing her husband die from poisoned wine, her world turned upside down, and her temperament sharpened considerably.
Startled by the remark, Minglan inwardly regretted her carelessness. Indeed, her married life had been too comfortable, making her forget the cautious steps she once took in the Sheng household. She needed to retrain herself upon returning home. Her past experience told her that in such moments, acting natural worked better than pretending to be calm and composed.
"I... your subject... how would your subject dare to laugh at the Empress Dowager..." Minglan feigned panic, her words stammering.
As expected, this act proved effective. Both the Empress Dowager and the Princess of Yu watched her cheerfully, seeming quite pleased.
With the topic diverted, Little Shen breathed a sigh of relief. Seizing the opportunity, the Empress quickly said, "The Princess of Yu misspeaks. Lady Gu is well-educated and sensible—how could she be disrespectful? Don't be so harsh. She isn't as resilient as my younger sister. Be gentle and don't frighten her!"
The Empress half-jokingly scolded, for aside from the two Dowager Empresses, there was no woman in the world she couldn't reprimand.
The Princess of Yu stiffened and fell silent. Just as Shengde Taihou parted her lips to speak, Lady Zhang turned to Minglan with a smile and asked, "What were you smiling about earlier?"
Seeing the opportunity to step down, Minglan quickly took it.
"The Empress Dowager speaks of joyous matters—how could your subject dare to jest? It's just..." Minglan covered her mouth with her sleeve, letting out a shy, soft laugh, "your subject was thinking that the Matchmaker God has been quite busy lately, with marriages happening everywhere. Your subject has several weddings to arrange soon."
"How so?" Shengde Taihou asked with interest.
Minglan replied respectfully, "Your subject reports to the Empress Dowager: some time ago, the Marquis mentioned that to stabilize military morale while garrisoning troops in the northern border, it would be best for soldiers to bring their families along. Those unmarried should marry quickly. Thus, the Marquis instructed your subject to find some maids awaiting marriage in the household to match with soldiers heading north. Unfortunately..."
She spoke hesitantly, her tone weak and perfectly controlled.Like an ant on a hot pan, Little Shen suddenly brightened and exclaimed loudly, "I've heard about this matter too. Since most of the troops to be deployed this time are local recruits from the northern frontier, where years of war have left nine houses out of ten empty, where would they find wives? Being uprooted from their hometowns and separated from relatives is hard enough, and knowing they're being sent to the northern frontier makes few families willing to marry their daughters there."
This was true, not fabricated, though not quite as severe as described.
"Yes," Minglan chimed in, wearing a worried expression. "We can't force common girls to marry, so we can only consider our own maidservants. But even counting all of them, it's like trying to extinguish a burning cartload of firewood with a cup of water - utterly inadequate. We're quite troubled by this."
The Empress couldn't help asking, "Are those maids willing to marry there?" Having spent time in remote, impoverished regions herself, she knew few would willingly give up the capital's prosperity.
Minglan hesitated, seeming too embarrassed to speak: "Your Majesty, I've offered some silver as dowry to maids willing to marry there, so some have agreed." Though most were purchased rough-work servants.
Lady Zhang looked at her and smiled, "This child has indeed been put in a difficult position." Turning to her daughter, she said, "No wonder you asked me last time if I had any maids to release - you had this in mind all along."
The Empress nodded repeatedly. Zhang Shi smiled slightly without responding.
Shengde Taihou listened to all this rambling with a slight frown, unsure how to change the subject, when Little Shen excitedly stepped forward. Perhaps extreme pressure stimulates human potential, for Little Shen finally had a flash of inspiration and conceived a plan. Turning to the Empress and Taihou, she declared clearly: "Your Majesty, why not assign the palace's overaged women to these soldiers?"
"Nonsense!"
"How dare you!"
The mother and daughter-in-law Taihou reprimanded sharply simultaneously. Just as Little Shen, defiantly, was about to speak, the Empress, fearing she would cause trouble, quickly said: "Stop this foolish talk!" How dare you comment on Her Majesty's personal attendants!"
Tears welling in her eyes, Little Shen was about to speak again when unexpectedly an aged voice sounded from behind: "What foolish talk! I think this is an excellent idea!"
Everyone turned to look and saw two elderly noblewomen entering arm-in-arm, one being Sheng'an Taihou, followed by two long rows of ceremonial palace attendants.
"Aunt and Mother are here!" The Empress's voice couldn't conceal her delight.
All the women except Shengde Taihou lined up behind the Empress to pay respects to the Grand Princess and Sheng'an Taihou.
"You have good tea but keep it to yourself without inviting us - what kind of reasoning is this?!" After sitting down, the Grand Princess only glanced sideways while boldly teasing.
Seeing her, Shengde Taihou seemed quite helpless, repeatedly claiming she wouldn't dare: "Had I known you were here, I wouldn't have dared exclude you even if beaten to death."
Such presence, such bearing - this must be Qingning Grand Princess without doubt. Minglan thought silently.
After some banter, Qingning Grand Princess suddenly straightened her face and addressed Princess Yu: "I overheard from outside earlier - why were you scolding the Empress's sister? What did she say wrong?"
Princess Yu stood trembling, gritting her teeth as she said: "Her Majesty's personal maidservants absolutely cannot be demeaned by marrying common soldiers. Wouldn't that disgrace Her Majesty if word got out?""Oh? For this matter, you needn't worry." Princess Qingning waved her hand dismissively. "I suppose there are still many young officers and soldiers in the army - matching them with these women certainly wouldn't be considered demeaning. If fortunate, their husbands may later earn military honors, and better days will surely follow. Isn't that far better than becoming someone's concubine?!"
Her straightforward speech left the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair speechless.
Since the late years of Emperor Wu's reign, Princess Qingning had been the most powerful princess in the court. One could truly say heaven had been exceptionally generous to her.
Though originally born to a palace maid, her birth mother passed away from illness that year. Mere days later, coinciding with the untimely death of the Empress's own daughter, Emperor Wu brought the three-year-old Qingning to be raised by the Empress in hopes of alleviating Jing An Huanghou's grief. Naturally, Qingning herself was an exceptionally bright and clever child, adept in social graces and quick-witted, which quickly endeared her to Jing An Huanghou and won the Empress's genuine affection.
Loving the crow for the sake of the rook, Emperor Wu regarded her as his own legitimate daughter, cherishing and doting on her, while the Late Emperor treated her as his blood sister, respecting and honoring her. Those princesses born of noble consorts and imperial concubines, who were originally of higher status, ultimately fell behind her.
Upon reaching adulthood, she married a handsome and leisurely noble scion. The couple lived in harmony, raising a brood of children, and decades passed smoothly without a hitch.
The only headache came from her youngest son, born when she was forty and somewhat spoiled. In the year the new emperor ascended the throne, he was caught visiting the red-light district during the mourning period and was sent for labor reform. But Qingning, the Grand Princess, was no ordinary figure—her decades of smooth sailing relied not only on her sibling bond with the Late Emperor but also on her own capabilities.
After the emperor invited her into the palace for a sincere conversation, she quickly adjusted her stance, and the aunt-nephew duo reconciled at meteor-fist speed.
The Empress, having just endured much frustration, seized the chance with backing and promptly said, "Aunt is right. Just now, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager also mentioned that these girls are originally from the wild marshes, country folk with neither father nor mother."
"All the better!" Qingning the Grand Princess slapped the table in approval. "We'll go speak to the Emperor presently. Originally, after the Late Emperor's passing, some palace staff should have been released. Now that this opportunity has arisen, rather than leaving them adrift, why not handle it this way? Isn't it a perfect solution? What do you think?"
Shengde Taihou chuckled amiably, "You're still so impulsive, even at your age."
As they bantered back and forth, seemingly on the verge of a decision, the surrounding crowd listened in stunned silence.
Shengde Taihou grew angry, her face darkening. "These children in the palace are like delicate flowers, raised in luxury. Sending them to the northern frontier is like offering lambs to tigers—what nonsense!"
Qingning the Grand Princess stood tall, her eyes blazing. "When the nation faces troubles, if we don't contribute, who will? In the palace, there are unmarried women past marriageable age with no kin; in the army, there are valiant men guarding the borders and serving their sovereign, longing to wed. This is a heaven-sent match—what could be wrong with it?!"
The air crackled with tension. Minglan quietly pressed herself against the wall, lowered her head, and continued silently reciting, 'I'm just an extra, not the main character...'
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