After dozing in the carriage proved insufficient, Minglan returned to the estate, handled several household matters, then slept soundly for nearly two hours after lunch before finally feeling refreshed. She went to Madam Shao’s quarters and recounted the entire matter in detail.
"...I heard that Xue Dajia would be teaching, and considering it a rare opportunity, I thought of Xianjie. What does Eldest Sister-in-law think?"
Upon hearing this, Madam Shao was initially taken aback, while Xianjie, who was sitting nearby, lit up with joy, her little face brimming with excitement. Seeing her daughter’s expression, Madam Shao’s heart softened. Since her husband’s passing, and with the fourth and fifth branches of the family having moved away one after another, aside from the spirited Rong Jie’er, there were no other sisters in the estate. Her daughter usually only kept her company, often feeling lonely and isolated—a situation that would not be good in the long run.
After a moment’s thought, she voiced her concerns: "To receive guidance from Xue Dajia is indeed a blessing. We’re grateful for her aunt’s thoughtfulness, always keeping us in mind. However..."
Xianjie’s heart was in her throat as she stared intently at her mother, who continued, "Setting aside the inconvenience of going to someone else’s estate, for two young ladies to make a trip outside requires meticulous arrangements—carriages, attendants, and many other details. It would involve troubling so many matrons and stewards, such a grand production... How could we impose?" Without extra rewards, it would be difficult to mobilize them.
Before she could finish, Minglan had already grasped her meaning and smiled, saying, "Eldest Sister-in-law, it’s no trouble at all. The girls aren’t going to sit for the imperial exams; the girls' school isn’t as rigorous as a proper academy, with classes only five days every ten. When the time comes, have Xianjie come to my place and ride out with Rong Jie’er. All the necessary guards, servants, and laborers are already in place. Eldest Sister-in-law need only assign two maids and a matron. It’s neither a grand production nor cumbersome—wouldn’t that be ideal?"
Madam Shao hesitated, "This..." Xianjie, her face full of pleading, softly called out, "Mother."
Her mother turned to look at her daughter and had no choice but to say, "This is truly wonderful, Xian’er. Why don’t you thank your aunt?"
Xianjie’s frown melted away, her face breaking into a radiant smile as she hopped about like a little rabbit, happily bowing to Minglan in thanks.
"I’ve troubled you, sister-in-law," Madam Shao thanked her again.
Minglan waved her hand cheerfully and said, "What trouble? It’s also because Rong Jie’er is such a handful. If she were as well-behaved and polite as Xianjie, there’d be no need to seek an outside instructress. Rong Jie’er has a wild horse’s temperament—truth be told, we’ll have to rely on Xianjie to keep an eye on her outside."
Madam Shao smiled. "It’s only natural for young sisters to look out for each other."
The two sisters-in-law chatted a bit more before walking hand in hand to the Xuancao Garden. Passing through the main hall and entering the inner room, they found the Grand Old Madam and Third Madam Zhu chatting happily about something. When they noticed Minglan and Madam Shao arriving, they stopped their cheerful conversation, and Minglan felt a stir of curiosity.
After paying her respects to the Grand Old Madam, Minglan casually asked with a smile, "What were the Grand Old Madam and sister-in-law discussing? You both seemed so delighted."
"Nothing of great importance. The weather is lovely today, and your sister-in-law was telling me a joke to pass the time," the Grand Old Madam replied cheerfully. Zhu, her belly swollen with pregnancy, smiled without saying a word, and Minglan did not press further.
The Grand Old Madam asked kindly, "You two also seem in high spirits. Is there some happy news?"Madam Shao was pleased and shared the news. The Grand Old Madam's eyebrows twitched slightly as she glanced at Minglan, neither approving nor disapproving. Madam Shao's earlier joy faded, and she lowered her head slightly. Third Madam Zhu had remained silent throughout, merely listening to the conversation with a gentle smile.
The Grand Old Madam gently opened and closed the enamel snuffbox in her hand, saying indifferently, "It's Lao Er's wife who has the capability. Not long after entering the household, she already has such influence, even managing to persuade General Zheng's wife."
Minglan pretended not to understand, smiling gently, "You flatter me, Mother. It's all thanks to our family's reputation."
"However..." The Grand Old Madam frowned. Having long grown accustomed to Minglan's feigned ignorance, she had to speak more plainly, "After all, this is the Zhongjing Marquis family's own girls' school. For outsiders like us to interfere so abruptly might be inappropriate."
"Grand Old Madam, you may not be aware," Minglan explained with a smile, "General Zheng's family has four girls, plus three or four from relatives and friends, along with our two. The General's lady said this number is just right. Even if not for academic pursuits, forming connections with noble young ladies would be beneficial. Those families all maintain strict household traditions, their daughters well-educated and refined. Becoming childhood friends now could lead to sisterly bonds in the future."
The Grand Old Madam felt as if pricked by a needle but maintained her calm tone, "I'm just concerned the children might misbehave. At home it's one thing, but what if they embarrass themselves outside?" When she mentioned "embarrass," Madam Shao's handkerchief tightened in her grasp.
Minglan noticed this and turned with a smile, "Others aside, I can personally vouch for our Xianjie as her aunt. Her character and temperament are first-rate—she'll only bring honor to our family. As for Rong Jie'er..." She covered her mouth with a light laugh, "She's still young after all. Learning proper manners early will be fine. However..."
Madam Shao's brow relaxed.
As she spoke, Minglan suddenly felt mischievous and continued, "If the Grand Old Madam truly finds it inappropriate, I'll go decline the Zheng family's offer immediately." After saying this, she watched the other woman intently, rather wickedly anticipating...
The Grand Old Madam's frown deepened. If a stepmother worked hard to secure opportunities for a concubine's daughter and her late husband's niece, only for the step-grandmother to prevent the children's education, how terrible would that sound when spread? Thinking this, she had to concede, "Since it's already arranged, let it be."
Minglan's lips curved slightly. She hadn't come seeking approval anyway—if not for Madam Shao's involvement, she would have made the decision herself regarding Rong Jie'er alone. Seeing the matter settled, Third Madam Zhu finally stood to congratulate both sisters-in-law, "...Second sister-in-law is both enthusiastic and influential. Mother should be pleased."
For some reason, upon hearing this, the Grand Old Madam suddenly revealed a smile that seemed genuinely heartfelt. Minglan's heart skipped a beat—she didn't like this feeling.
After everyone returned, Madam Shao entered the inner room with a furrowed brow. A matron around thirty years old approached, helping Madam Shao sit on the heated kang bed and serving her by removing her shoes, chattering, "...Our young lady is overjoyed. After organizing her writing materials, she's now practicing calligraphy." Noticing Madam Shao's troubled expression, she asked softly, "Madam, what's wrong?"Madam Shao whispered, "You must remind Xianjie often that when she studies outside from now on, she shouldn't only think of herself but also look after Rong Jie'er more."
The matron was taken aback for a moment but still complied.
As she pondered, Madam Shao was suddenly overwhelmed with sorrow. She collapsed onto the kang, weeping softly, "My poor child, a legitimate eldest daughter of a marquis' household, now has to curry favor with some wild girl of unknown origins!"
The matron was greatly alarmed and hurried forward, saying, "What's wrong, Madam? Has the Second Madam been disrespectful to you?"
Madam Shao shook her head, "Not that either. She treats me politely..." She choked up as if something was stuck in her throat, "She appears childish, but she's not simple. The Grand Old Madam is such a formidable person, yet she can't gain any advantage in front of her. How could I possibly offend her?"
"Then why are you so upset, Madam? This is a good thing," the matron said, confused.
"When the elder master was alive, I couldn't go out to socialize much because I had to take care of his health. Now that I'm widowed, it's even less convenient for me to go out and mingle. I just blame myself for being useless—I have neither the connections nor the means," Madam Shao said, holding back her sobs.
The matron comforted her, "You're overthinking it. With your status, even if you don't go out to socialize, who would dare look down on you?"
Madam Shao shook her head, sat up, and murmured, "...Now Tingcan is at home waiting to be married, but since childhood, she has been so celebrated. In spring, there were flower-viewing parties; in autumn, poetry gatherings. She would invite close friends from various households, and with a single call, a hundred would respond. Every year was filled with such liveliness."
The matron fell silent. Though both were legitimate eldest daughters of the Gu family's main branch, Xianjie was far inferior to Gu Tingcan.
"But my Xian'er... Xian'er can only endure these lonely days with me," Madam Shao choked up. "Even finding a tutor has to rely on the second branch's favor! Who knows what will happen in the future."
Tears welled in the matron's eyes as well. She forced a smile and consoled, "Don't keep thinking like that, Madam. Those of us living as widows and orphans have to rely on one side or the other. The Grand Old Madam has always been kind, and now it seems the Second Madam is also good-natured. In the future, your life and the young lady's will surely not be difficult."
As she cautiously comforted her, Madam Shao gradually stopped crying.
"Our young lady is very perceptive. Every time she goes to Clear Garden to play, she returns beaming with joy. Have you ever seen her show the slightest reluctance? From what I observe, the Second Madam seems to genuinely like her. Although Miss Rong is a bit wild, she is sincere. Ultimately, it's because our young lady is likable."
These words touched Madam Shao's heart. She wiped her tears and smiled, feeling much comforted.
...
That evening, when Gu Tingye returned to the residence, Minglan helped him change his clothes while saying, "...So, in this way, Xianjie can finally go too."
Gu Tingye frowned and remained silent, his face as dark as coal. Minglan glanced sideways at his expression, guessing that he was probably grumbling inwardly—after being bullied by Gu Tingyu for so many years, now he had to take care of his daughter. It was truly inexplicable.
Minglan quickly changed the subject and brought up today's confusion: "...Since I entered the household, the Grand Old Madam has always been dignified. I've never seen her so happy before. I wonder what it is about?"
Gu Tingye slightly raised one thick eyebrow, gave a cold, silent laugh, and then said, "What's so hard to guess? She has two children, so there are only two matters in total.""Which two matters?" Minglan picked up the bowl of snow fungus soup and took a small sip to test its temperature.
"Either I die, allowing my third brother to inherit the marquis title." The man leaned his tall frame back into the armchair.
Minglan nearly choked, her hand holding the teacup freezing mid-air. She studied the man carefully, looking him up and down before saying slowly, "You don't appear to be dying anytime soon."
Gu Tingye chuckled lazily. "The other matter concerns Tingcan's marriage."
Minglan set the steaming bowl of snow fungus soup on the table to cool. After a moment's thought, she said admiringly, "So it seems Seventh Sister's marriage prospects have improved." It was always good news when an unmarried woman could find a husband. She wondered which family would have the fortune to receive such a cold, aloof woman - they wouldn't need ice even in the hottest summer. Amitabha.
Noticing Gu Tingye's noncommittal expression, she couldn't help but chide him with a smile, "You're her brother too. How come you show no concern for your sister's marriage?"
Gu Tingye retorted with a smile, "And you're her sister-in-law, yet I don't see you showing much concern either."
Minglan walked over to Gu Tingye with a bitter smile and sighed, "I've hardly exchanged more than two complete sentences with her. I truly don't know where to begin."
Gu Tingye casually raised his arm and pulled Minglan onto his lap. With a teasing smile, he said, "How wonderful - I haven't exchanged more than two complete sentences with this sister either."
"How is that possible?" Minglan asked in surprise and doubt. After all, they had been siblings for over a decade.
Gu Tingye circled his arms around her soft waist, stroking the delicate flesh beneath her chin with a calm expression. "Since childhood, she's been of noble character and high-minded, looking down on worldly matters. Naturally, she detests seeing a notorious profligate like me."
Minglan fell silent, unsure how to respond. The two siblings had nearly ten years between them. By the time Gu Tingcan was old enough to understand things, Gu Tingye had been at his most impulsive and unruly youth. She imagined the younger sister must have witnessed many explosive scenes.
Gu Tingye looked up at the ceiling, a strange expression suddenly crossing his face as he murmured softly to himself, "Just as well, just as well..."
"Just as well what?" Minglan murmured dreamily. His caresses felt so comfortable that she had wrapped her arms around the man's sturdy waist and back, pressing against his chest. The warmth made her feel sleepy again.
Looking down, Gu Tingye saw Minglan curled up like a soft-furred kitten, her slender eyes narrowed, her flushed cheeks radiating fragrance as if she were about to fall asleep. Still, the plump bundle in his arms felt quite pleasant to hold.
He weighed her in his arms and sighed lightly, "You've truly become quite the plump wife..."
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