At the end of April, the Emperor urgently appointed Gu Tingye as the Garrison Commander of Lianghuai, placing him in charge of local military affairs and ordering his immediate departure.
The luggage had long been packed. Minglan, feeling downhearted, stuffed several Snow Dew Pills and Ginseng Velvet Pills into Gu Tingye's personal pouch. Gu Tingye glanced sideways at them—one was for reducing internal heat, the other for warming the body. Amused and touched, he took Minglan's hand and said gently, "If you feel bored, go stay at your parents' home for a while. Don't worry about what others might say."
Earlier, he had made a special trip to the Sheng residence. No one knew exactly what he said to those two middle-aged and elderly women, but Madam Wang immediately sent Liu Kun's wife to relay a message, essentially stating that Caihuan, that little wretch, could be dealt with as they pleased, and Minglan was always welcome to return to her parents' home to rest during her pregnancy. As for Old Madam, she sent only a handwritten letter with a concise message: "Be careful in everything, and do not push yourself too hard."
Minglan clasped his hand in return but could only grasp three of his large, rough fingers. She tried to reassure him, saying, "Don't worry about me. With Master Tu the Second and his men protecting me, not only can they handle the household servants, but they could even rob a bank or two if needed." Recalling the dangers of the last imperial censor's southern tour, she grew anxious and whispered, "It's you I'm worried about. Be careful on the road. Make sure you have enough guards, and don't try to be a hero. I've already told Xie Ang not to leave your side within three feet."
Gu Tingye understood her concerns and smiled. "Your husband is leading half of the Brave Cavalry Battalion," he said, not to mention the numerous troops he could mobilize in Lianghuai.
"When you're away, take care of your health. Don't drink unboiled water, don't eat undercooked game, and don't leave your collar open to catch a chill. Once it gets cold, wear that Deer Velvet Soft Leather Jacket underneath. I pricked my fingers several times to finish it in time—you mustn't just leave it as decoration..." Minglan gestured with her ten fair, delicate fingers, though inwardly she felt terribly uneasy and could only keep repeating her advice. She was now thoroughly enjoying her role as a wife and had no intention whatsoever of becoming a widow.
Gu Tingye said nothing, simply holding Minglan quietly, his gaze deep and solemn.
Early the next morning, Gu Tingye finished his preparations, clad in sturdy leather armor and military boots, with a crimson cloak draped over his shoulders. Before leaving, he stroked Minglan's belly and joked, "Little one, your father is going away. Listen to your mother." Minglan, already filled with sorrow, couldn't help but laugh at his words. Before she could tease him back, the little rascal in her belly moved twice, as if either wiggling its bottom or stomping its feet. Overjoyed, the man kissed Minglan firmly, then bent down to kiss her belly, laughing heartily, "Wait for me to return!"
Minglan clung to the doorway of Jiaxi Residence, holding back tears as she waved her handkerchief. "Take care on your journey, and come back soon."The river flows for three thousand miles, a letter from home bears fifteen lines; each line speaks of nothing else, only urging an early return... After several days of melancholy and loneliness, her appetite waned, even water tasted bland. Lying in bed, she stared at the intricately carved and painted canopy, counting on her fingers where he might have reached by now. Had he passed the ferry crossing? Were the horses and men all safe? As the weather grew warmer, she worried he might catch seasonal illnesses. Had the "mountain bandits" paid another visit? And so on. After a few days, the melancholy faded, and Minglan began to fret—would that scoundrel fool around outside? A few more days passed, and Minglan returned to her lazy ways, resuming her habit of waking naturally. In this era without email, phones, mobile devices, or even telegrams, Minglan experienced the full emotional journey of a wife whose husband was traveling far away.
By the time Madam Duan came to weep and apologize, Minglan was already composed enough to offer a calm, reassuring smile.
"Sister, I truly feel sorry for you," Madam Duan said, her face pale and eyes swollen from crying. "His elder brother is currently in Miaojiang, with no way to communicate, and now Second Brother has gotten into this mess. There’s no one at home to discuss things with. We’ve implicated Commander Gu."
Minglan suppressed her inner grumbling. Truth be told, she was also in the dark about communications. Gu Tingye’s mission was complex, requiring a mix of overt and covert tactics, half-truths and half-deceptions. Across the vast Huai region, with nearly ten military garrisons and close to fifty government offices of varying sizes, he could strike from any direction, his route unpredictable, ideally catching his opponents off guard.
Faced with such a situation, Minglan’s depression was understandable. Yet, for now, she could only put on a sweet smile and say, "Sister, what are you talking about? General Duan the Second isn’t out sightseeing—he’s on official business for the Emperor, which is how he fell into a villain’s trap. The Marquis went not only out of brotherly loyalty but also for matters of state."
Madam Duan wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes, filled with gratitude. "Don’t comfort me, sister. Even as a woman, I understand the Commander’s careful intentions. If someone else had handled this matter, it might have been resolved, but my Second Brother’s future and reputation might not have been considered. Only our old comrades would care about such bonds and lend a helping hand."
Minglan thought to herself that Madam Duan, coming from an esteemed family, indeed saw things clearly. Her smile grew even warmer. Just after seeing off the sorrowful Madam Duan, Danju suddenly lifted the Scarlet Shark Silk Curtain and entered, her expression grim. "Madam, Kang Yima has arrived and is with the Grand Old Madam. She requests your presence for a chat." Minglan was taken aback.
Given the Grand Old Madam’s ulterior motives, she found it difficult to find like-minded friends outside. If she wanted to complain about Gu Tingye, her intentions would be too obvious. If she wanted to speak ill of Minglan, the detestable girl put on such a meek and honest facade in public. Whenever teased, she would blush shyly, obedient and gentle as if she had just stepped out of her boudoir, quickly winning the unanimous approval of middle-aged and elderly noblewomen. Those who believed she was cunning and shrewd could be counted on one hand, and they were all the Grand Old Madam’s close friends and relatives.
Thus, after becoming acquainted with Kang Yima, the two found themselves increasingly in sync, their friendship rapidly deepening—truly, it was as if they had been friends for years. Aside from the slight displeasure that the target of their gossip was herself, Minglan privately thought that their assessment of her was relatively accurate compared to the uninformed public."Madam, with your condition, I shall go make your excuses," Danju whispered softly, having witnessed Kang Yima bullying Minglan on multiple occasions back at Sheng Manor. Minglan shook her head: "This is Yima's first visit, I must go." After a moment's thought, she instructed Danju, "The usual arrangement." Danju finally broke into a smile: "Understood. The moment I see you invert the teacup lid on the table, I'll set things in motion."
Minglan smiled with satisfaction.
Seeing Kang Yima again after half a year, Minglan noted she wore a brand-new sapphire blue silk jacket embroidered with silver winding patterns, her hair styled in a round chignon secured with a pair of gold-inlaid jade hairpins, and a string of vermilion fragrant beads around her wrist. Though clearly dressed with care, she appeared significantly more aged. Upon spotting Minglan, Kang Yima immediately adopted an expression where her nostrils flared in a smirk while her lips remained taut. Turning to Grand Old Madam, she said: "They all say my niece is blessed with good fortune, having such a kind-hearted mother-in-law as you. And indeed it shows—look how radiant she is, her complexion so fresh it seems you could pinch water from it."
Grand Old Madam was immensely pleased, the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes lifting as if taking flight. Minglan smiled faintly, deliberately exaggerating her difficulty in moving as she waddled forward with her prominent belly to curtsey to both women before seating herself directly. Before Grand Old Madam could speak, Kang Yima erupted again, her face darkening as she scolded: "The elders haven't given you permission to sit yet. How dare you take a seat so presumptuously?"
Adjusting her posture in the official's armchair, Minglan feigned surprise: "Does Yima not wish me to sit?" She then gently rubbed her belly.
Kang Yima choked back her words before raising her voice: "You should only sit after your elders have permitted it!" She glared at Minglan with contempt. "What manners! Is this how your grandmother raised you? Married for barely any time at all, and you've already forgotten my sister's daily instructions?!"
By now, Minglan saw no reason to continue tolerating this madwoman. Her expression hardened as she retorted: "Yima should mind her words. As a junior, I may accept your reprimands, but my grandmother is Madam's mother-in-law, which makes her your elder as well. What kind of propriety is it for you to criticize an elder before juniors and relatives?!"
Kang Yima gasped in shock—this was the first time Minglan had countered her so sharply. How dare that formerly timid concubine-born girl treat her this way? She sneered coldly: "Truly, times have changed. Now that you've climbed to a higher branch, even your tone has transformed. You dare contradict your elders?"
Minglan raised her eyebrows defiantly: "Whether the branch is high or low, as long as I draw breath, I won't allow anyone to slander my grandmother like this. If Yima feels aggrieved, let us go before Madam and settle this clearly." She wanted to see exactly which side Madam Wang would take.
Kang Yima's knuckles turned white as she clenched her handkerchief, her face purpling with rage. Minglan remained composed, calmly stirring the tea leaves in her cup. Seeing the situation deteriorating, Grand Old Madam hurriedly intervened: "Enough, enough. Both of you, hold your tongues. Minglan, you should know your aunt has a sharp tongue but a soft heart—why must you provoke her?"
Minglan looked at her and said leisurely: "Actually, I really didn't know that.""You!" Kang Yima nearly shot to her feet, but the Grand Old Madam hurried over to press her back down, saying to Minglan, "Enough now, say no more. Your aunt is, after all, an elder." Minglan sat as steady as a mountain, her smile not reaching her eyes. "Elders can be close or distant. I was raised by my grandmother since childhood. If I allowed others to speak of her like this without a word in response, I would be unworthy of being her granddaughter."
Even the Grand Old Madam was taken aback. Over the past year, no matter what schemes Minglan might have been plotting in private, she had always maintained a facade of harmony and gentle speech. Today's sharpness was truly rare.
This meeting was destined to end unpleasantly. Minglan couldn't even be bothered to speak further. With a cold sneer, she overturned her teacup lid on the small crabapple wood table. Danju immediately understood and shot a meaningful glance at the young maid beside her. The maid turned and slipped quietly out the door, just as Xiaotao timely reported from outside, "Mama Chang has arrived and requests the mistress's presence."
Minglan was surprised and glanced at Danju: This wasn't the prearranged signal—when had it been changed? Danju looked even more bewildered. Before Minglan could react, the Grand Old Madam eagerly explained to Kang Yima, "This Mama Chang was the wet nurse of my late sister Baishi."
Upon hearing this, Kang Yima snorted coldly. "Just a wet nurse, putting on such airs. I say, sister, you're too lenient. How can a servant be so presumptuous as to summon the mistress away from her elders?"
The Grand Old Madam wore an awkward smile and said nothing—a tactic that proved quite effective.
Minglan remained composed and said calmly, "Aunt, you may not be aware. Mama Chang comes from a respectable family. Her father was originally a scholar, and she only became a wet nurse at the Bai household after her family fell into decline. She has never been registered as a servant, so how can she be called a subordinate? The Marquis said that since the Bai family has few remaining connections, we should treat Mama Chang as our own elder. How could I dare to disobey?" At this moment, she sincerely thanked Gu Tingye for his foresight in elevating Mama Chang's status early on, making everything easier to handle.
"The Marquis often says that during his most difficult times away from home, Mama Chang provided immense help and meticulous care. Looking back now, she is more like family than some relatives. Compared to those kin who are friendly on the surface but scheming behind one's back, only seeking to take advantage, Mama Chang is truly worthy of respect. The Marquis instructed me never to treat her with any disrespect." Minglan grew more fluent as she spoke, all the while observing the reactions of the two women.
The Grand Old Madam maintained a strained smile, while Kang Yima's face flushed with alternating shades of red and pale.
"In that case, I shall take my leave now."
Minglan rose gracefully, cradling her belly and leaning on Danju for support, departing with evident satisfaction. Once outside, she inquired and learned that Xiaotao hadn't arbitrarily changed the signal—Mama Chang had genuinely arrived. Minglan couldn't help but smile. Recently, Mama Chang had often visited to chat with Minglan, sharing amusing anecdotes from the streets and villages, making the days pass less tediously.
"By this time next year, the young master will surely be crawling all over the place," Mama Chang said with a beaming smile, gazing at Minglan's belly.
"How do you know it's a son, Mama?" Minglan rubbed her lower back. Since Gu Tingye's departure, her belly had suddenly grown rapidly. Though it had been unnoticeable under loose clothing before, she now unmistakably resembled a heavily pregnant woman.
"The mistress has a countenance Auspicious for bearing sons. Look at this pointed belly and round pelvis—it's ninety-nine percent certain it's a boy."
Minglan chuckled, half-doubting, "Mama, can you really tell?"Mama Chang picked up the needlework from the basket and said proudly, "This old woman has been judging people for decades, and my eyes are sharp." She tilted her head slightly, as if recalling the past, half-boasting and half-melancholy, "Times were tough back then, never knowing where the next meal would come from. The first few children didn’t survive, and I even worked as a midwife. It wasn’t until I entered the Bai residence and became wet nurse to the eldest young lady that life improved—the old master was generous. Speaking of which, Nian’er’s father and the eldest young lady were born just three months apart. Ah, in the blink of an eye, both of them..." At this, she couldn’t help but grow somber.
Minglan reached out to hold Mama Chang’s hand and said gently, "You’ve been through so much, enduring all these storms over the years. Heaven has eyes—after all the hardships, sweet days are ahead, and you’ll surely enjoy boundless blessings." Mama Chang, by nature straightforward, brightened immediately at these words. Minglan added, "You’re getting on in years, yet you still come to see me often. It must be tiring."
Mama Chang waved her hand dismissively. "Not at all. Even if Ye-ge’er hadn’t instructed me before he left, I’d still visit regularly. Besides, now that Yanzi is married and Nian’er is busy with his studies, the house is quiet and idle. I might as well drop by for a meal."
"How is Nian Ge’er doing with his studies lately?"
"Good, all good." Mama Chang beamed with joy. "His teacher is excellent, learned and profound, and his classmates are fine too—especially Young Master Changdong from the lady’s maternal family. He’s so noble yet not the least bit arrogant. He even came to our home for a meal once."
Minglan smiled. "Both my elder brothers have started their families and careers, and my fourth brother must feel lonely at home. It’s wonderful that he has a good friend like Nian Ge’er, close in age, to study and progress together." As they spoke, both of them laughed.
Having weathered life’s ups and downs for decades, Mama Chang had seen both warmth and coldness in human relationships—praised by some, scorned by others. She was sharp and clear-minded, making conversations with her refreshingly straightforward. With life now calm and peaceful, Mama Chang had remained so amiable that Minglan had nearly forgotten her formidable past. Soon, however, an opportunity arose to witness it again.
As Kang Yima frequently visited to strengthen ties with the Grand Old Madam, Mama Chang began to hear rumors. Xiahe even confided privately, "That Madame Kang is so annoying. She often summons our lady to keep her company. After our lady declined a few times, the Grand Old Madam’s words turned unpleasant," and so on. Mama Chang took note and remained vigilant. That day, as soon as Kang Yima arrived, Mama Chang hurried over in a rush.
Minglan had just sent Mama Xiang away after she had lingered at Jiaxi Residence for nearly half an hour, hinting at threats in her words. Minglan paid her no mind whatsoever—compared to her own health, so-called virtuous reputations weren’t worth a hair.
Upon learning of this, Mama Chang wasted no time and headed straight to Xuanzhi Garden.
When Kang Yima saw Mama Chang, she immediately launched into a stream of sarcastic remarks. Unfazed, Mama Chang replied courteously, "This old woman will presume on my age to apologize on behalf of the lady. The truth is, the lady is heavily pregnant and shouldn’t move around often. I trust both of you, as elders, would show such consideration." Kang Yima sneered repeatedly. "As if she’s the only one in the world having a child! Flaunting her pregnancy to put on airs and disrespect her elders..."
Before she could finish, Mama Chang swept the fruit dish from the nearby tea table onto the floor. Her eyebrows shot up, her face stern and fierce as she glared at Kang Yima, her voice ringing like a bronze bell, reverberating through the roof."Hah, an elder? What kind of elder! I address you as 'Aunt' out of respect for your relation to the Madam, but you truly think you're a dish worth serving! Open your eyes wide and take a good look—this family's name is Gu! The in-laws are named Sheng! Your Kang Family is related to the Sheng Family by marriage, and your connection to our Gu Family is even more distant! How dare you come here and act like an elder!"
Grand Old Madam was dumbstruck. Though she wanted to intervene, Mama Chang's torrent of words poured down like a relentless storm, leaving no room for interruption.
Mama Chang's sudden outburst left the maids and elderly servants on both sides in shock. Standing at the entrance of the hall, she planted her hands on her hips and bellowed, "Of the three unfilial acts, having no heir is the gravest. Everyone inside and outside knows that the Madam is with child. Even her own mother and grandmother rarely visit to avoid disturbing her rest. And now, here comes some aunt with no sense of shame, putting on airs and acting like she's in charge every other day! Pah! If anything happens to the Marquis's heir, do you think your measly bones could bear the responsibility?"
Kang Yima, who had never been insulted like this since the day she was born, trembled with rage, nearly collapsing into her chair. Finally regaining her composure, Grand Old Madam shouted, "How dare you spout such nonsense! Are you all dead? Drag her out at once!"
Having said her piece, Mama Chang didn't wait to be dragged out. She strode out the door and stood in the courtyard, raising her voice to the same volume she once used to hawk pork at the market. "What kind of person is this?! She visits more often than if there were a funeral in her own family, with no dignity befitting a lady of a respectable house. If she keeps showing up every few days, people might think she's a close relative. Perhaps she's just here to freeload!"
She swaggered outward, and though the servants on both sides were present, they had not received prior instructions from Grand Old Madam. Moreover, intimidated by Gu Tingye's authority, they dared not lay hands on Mama Chang. They could only let her march away, hurling insults with every step, each one hitting closer to the mark.
"Go ask anyone under heaven—what respectable family would make a woman seven or eight months pregnant run around all day? And here's someone who not only oversteps but also plays the fool. What?! Are you hoping that if the Marquis has no heir, someone else will benefit?!"
Once outside Xuanzhi Garden, onlookers and busybodies pointed, gossiped, and whispered mockingly along the way. Seeing the crowd, Mama Chang grew even more unrestrained. She jumped and stamped her feet, pointing toward Xuanzhi Garden as she spewed curses. "Let me tell those black-hearted scoundrels—my Ye-ge'er didn't fulfill your wishes! He survived great peril, and now he'll surely be blessed with good fortune!" She was a sensible woman. Since Minglan managed Clear Garden inside and out with impeccable order, Mama Chang never interfered. Knowing Gu Tingye's concerns before his departure, she only pretended to be senile or played the old crone when Minglan couldn't act directly.
Her voice carried far. In her room, Madam Zhu gently soothed her young daughter to sleep, while the maids and servants remained silent, not daring to speak. Madam Shao paced anxiously in her room until Xianjie entered, signaling the maids to close the door.
"Mother, let's play a game of chess," the girl said softly, pulling her mother to sit down. "What happens outside has nothing to do with us."Kang Yima was so enraged she nearly collapsed, needing support to leave. Never in her life had she been so publicly humiliated. The chaotic scene was like chickens flying and dogs jumping—utter bedlam. Mama Chang, despite her advanced years, proved robust and full of vigor, shouting all the way from Xuanzhi Garden to Clear Garden, drawing crowds of onlookers along the route, nearly summoning even the busy masons working on repair projects.
Though Minglan had heard tales beforehand, she was still stunned by such combat prowess.
Swallowing her astonishment and gulping, that evening, after eating and drinking her fill, she leisurely strolled over to apologize to the Grand Old Madam. Repeatedly, she said, "Mama Chang has a bad temper, please bear with her. When the Marquis returns, we’ll surely have him reprimand her" (implying that for now, she couldn’t be scolded). With a face full of sincerity, she added, "Mama Chang is old and confused. Everyone in the manor knows you are the most generous and kind-hearted. Please don’t take those filthy words to heart."
In less than half a day, rumors spread throughout the Marquis’s estate, inside and out. Many things, once left unspoken, could be ignored, but once exposed, they became utterly shameful. The Grand Old Madam was so furious she nearly ascended to the heavens in anger. She had only intended to catch a couple of small fish for amusement, but instead, she hooked a great white shark. Insulted without recourse, she had never felt so depressed in her life!
As misfortunes never come singly, within two days, Tingcan returned to her family home in tears. She threw herself into the Grand Old Madam’s arms, sobbing and cursing, accusing her husband of all sorts of faults.
"...At first he still put on a show of propriety. I pretended not to see those maids originally in his chamber and endured it. But now he's becoming increasingly shameless—even fondling the maidservants attending me! When I caught him red-handed, he claimed he was merely teaching them calligraphy and painting!" Tingcan stamped her feet between sobs, all her former aloofness gone. "I scolded him a little, and he tried to placate me with nonsense about 'a true scholar is naturally romantic'! Pah! What kind of scholar is he? His knowledge is shallow, and the couplets he composes aren't even as polished as mine! Since he can't play the gifted scholar before me, he goes to teach the young maids vulgar poems and bawdy songs. Hah! With his character, even if he were to become an official at court, he'd only be the type to envy the virtuous and resent the talented!"
The Grand Old Madam felt a sharp pain in her chest, as if it would split open. She scolded loudly, "Young mistress, now is not the time to make trouble! I've told you before—after marriage, stop flaunting your learning with all that poetry and verse. If your husband is in the mood, just play along to add some marital delight. But you had to show off! What man doesn't care about face? And you had to undermine his! You... you... What am I to do with you? Do you think you're still an unmarried girl who can have her way in everything? What does it matter if a man fondles a few maids?"
"Our marital quarrels were just private matters. But who knew my mother-in-law, with nothing better to do, would send over two maids. Now, now..." Tingcan cried bitterly, tugging relentlessly at the Grand Old Madam's sleeve. "I won't stand for it! Mother, you must think of a solution for me. Mother, go and speak for me, please speak for me!"
Every advantage has its disadvantage. Though marrying into the princess's estate meant she no longer had to live under Gu Tingye's thumb, she also couldn't stand up for her daughter anymore. The Grand Old Madam couldn't help but sigh deeply. "Your mother-in-law is a princess, a member of the imperial nobility. She's the one who criticizes others—no one criticizes her!"
Seeing her daughter's pitiful state, she felt dizzy, and the words slipped out: "I've told you before—men must be coaxed. Look at your second sister-in-law—she's tamed your second brother's wild horse temperament into something soft as wrapped fingers. If you could just win your husband over, and if the princess saw you two living harmoniously, she wouldn't interfere no matter what."
After much persuasion and lengthy advice, having offered many strategies, she watched her daughter leave with slumped shoulders, looking utterly pitiful. The Grand Old Madam sat dazed on the luohan bed, silent for a long while. After some time, Mama Xiang brought up a cup of hot tea and comforted her softly: "Please set your heart at ease. What young couple doesn't quarrel? They argue at the head of the bed but make up at the foot. They'll reconcile on their own soon enough."
The room was dimly lit. The Grand Old Madam stared at the feeble lamp flame, her expression suddenly turning hard and severe. She said grimly, "You've seen it too. If this continues, both my son and daughter will only live at others' mercy. The time has come—we must act."
Mama Xiang sighed softly: "Have you truly thought it through? If we succeed, all well and good. But if we fail, your reputation, your dignity—they would be completely ruined."
The Grand Old Madam laughed bitterly, her tone icy: "What reputation? What dignity? They're all illusions. Besides, how good is my reputation now anyway? If I do nothing, I don't need to guess what the future holds—just surviving under others' roofs, living by Sheng Minglan's whims. But I can't swallow this anger. I can't have lived this half a lifetime for nothing."
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