Doctor Lin possessed ancestral expertise specializing in trauma, internal dryness, hemostasis, emergency treatment, and bone rehabilitation, making him the most frequently consulted physician by military officers. Danju accompanied the outer courtyard steward to fetch Doctor Lin directly to the Chang residence, not returning until lanterns were lit at dusk.
"Rest assured, madam. Though Nian Ge'er's condition appeared critical, it's not serious."
Nian Ge'er was no frail scholar who couldn't lift a hand or shoulder a burden. When the carriage began to overturn, he immediately braced against the wall and leaped out, sustaining only superficial wounds without injury to vital areas like his head, chest, or abdomen.
Minglan suddenly remembered something and urgently asked, "What about his hands and feet?" In ancient official circles, there were no disability protection laws - any physical impairment would permanently disqualify one from public service. Danju smiled bitterly: "His legs are fine, but his arm... Doctor Lin said the humerus in his right arm is fractured, and his left wrist is somewhat broken." Minglan's heart leaped to her throat - how could a scholar injure his hands!
She hurriedly asked, "Can it be healed?" Danju stepped forward: "Don't worry, madam. I watched Doctor Lin set the bones, apply medicine, and secure splints. He said Nian Ge'er is young, still growing with flexible bones. With proper care and careful rehabilitation, there will be no lasting effects once recovered."
Only then did Minglan relax. She immediately had the chief steward deliver two hundred taels of silver to the Lin residence with effusive compliments and pleas, emphasizing that this was the only remaining elder from Marquis Gu's maternal family who deserved extra attention. After repeated refusals, Doctor Lin finally accepted, promising frequent follow-up visits. Minglan also had the accounts office allocate five hundred taels to Mama Chang for future medical expenses.
"Tell Mama Chang not to worry and to request whatever she needs," Minglan earnestly instructed the messenger. "If funds run short, just send word - we're family, no need for formalities. She should focus entirely on caring for Nian Ge'er rather than concerning herself with me."
After everyone departed, Minglan sat dazed on the brocaded couch. When she finally came to her senses, she discovered her lips were numb and painful from being bitten too hard. She couldn't suppress her fury - heaven help them if she discovered they were involved in this incident! She'd make them pay and teach them what "Juvenile Protection Law" meant.
Early next morning, Minglan had people slaughter chickens, prepare wine, and set off firecrackers for rituals. Since Gu Tingye was absent, she asked Tingwei to substitute for the sacrificial ceremonies.
After brief rites came the banquet. Two tables for men were arranged in the outer hall, women's tables in the small flower hall inside, with two additional tables for younger generations. Since the family division, this marked the long-awaited reunion of the Gu men, each harboring private thoughts.Fifth Old Master furrowed his brow, the fine wine in his cup tasting as bitter as coptis root. Having spent most of his life under the wing of his elder brother, he only realized how harsh the world was once that shelter was gone. He had originally thought that although his eldest son Tingyang was mediocre in talent, he was at least honest and possessed the demeanor of a gentleman. Little did he expect him to be a depraved, lustful degenerate—there wasn’t a single woman, whether wife or maid, in his courtyard whom he hadn’t laid hands on. He spent money like water, rushing to every brothel in the capital to play the devoted patron. Truly, he was a disgrace to refinement and the epitome of scum. In the past, his elder brother had covered for him, his sister-in-law had kept it hidden, and his wife had shielded him, so he had known nothing. But now... He shot a glare over, and Gu Tingyang, deeply afraid of his father, trembled, dropping a chopstickful of shredded tripe with lettuce in vinegar onto the table. Meanwhile, Tingdi, oblivious, continued clinking glasses and toasting with Tingwei.
Mentioning his second son, Fifth Old Master felt another wave of gloom. He had once believed Tingdi to be shrewd and capable, a pillar of the family. Yet, behind closed doors, he discovered that Tingdi was the reincarnation of a calculating miser—indifferent to matters that didn’t concern him, but when it came to the family’s interests, he would haggle over every penny. It was one thing for him to scrutinize his elder brother’s whoring and extravagance, but now he was even cutting back on his own father’s refined pastimes.
Lao Er and his wife laid out the account books, analyzing everything in detail—how much income the family had, how many expenses needed covering, and how much would be spent in the future, concluding that they must live within their means... The old man’s scalp prickled as he listened, but knowing the reality of the situation, he had no choice but to reluctantly dismiss most of his idle guests. As for purchasing rare books, famous inkstones, and precious inks, he had to cut back as well.
Fifth Old Master sighed, raising his cup to toast his fourth elder brother beside him. The wine only deepened his sorrow, and Fourth Old Master sighed along with him.
There was no need to even mention his eldest son—honest to a fault, yet too easily swayed by his wife. He had his own less-than-proper hobbies but wasn’t as cooperative as his younger son, making him difficult to order about. Even when the old man wanted to enjoy an opera performance, his son would pull a long face, clearly displeased. Yet, aside from him, whom else could he rely on? His younger son shared his interests, but alas, though clearly destined to be a wastrel, he insisted on playing the business prodigy, leaving a mountain of debts for his father to settle. From last year to this, it was still unclear how many messy accounts remained to be cleared.
The atmosphere at the drinking table was bleak and chilly, with only Tingwei remaining carefree and lively, while no one else was in the mood.
In contrast, the women’s table inside was somewhat livelier. As soon as she took her seat, Minglan was taken aback: although it was a family banquet, Grand Old Madam had intimately brought Kang Yima along and even instructed the accompanying Zhao’er to join the table for the Gu family’s young ladies.
Grand Old Madam introduced Kang Yima to her sisters-in-law and the younger generation with composure, saying, “She is Minglan’s aunt. Since she happened to be free today, I took the liberty of inviting her to join us—more people make it livelier.” Kang Yima smiled with refined grace and said, “I hope I’m not intruding.” Fourth Old Madam glanced briefly at the silent Minglan but quickly joined Fifth Old Madam in a chorus of agreement, warmly expressing their welcome.Since separate residences had been established, the fourth and fifth branches were considered guests. Madam Zhu and Madam Shao would normally have served the dishes, but the Grand Old Madam excused them. The ladies, observing precedence of age and rank, sat at separate tables: the Grand Old Madam shared a table with her two sisters-in-law and Kang Yima; Minglan and the other daughters-in-law sat at another; while the unmarried young ladies had their own table. Ice basins were placed in distant corners of the room, each attended by a young maid slowly fanning cool air with a large palm-leaf fan. Female storytellers performed melodies at the front of the hall, and with the light, elegant dishes, it made for quite a respectable gathering.
After three rounds of drinks and the conclusion of the songs, the young ladies went off hand in hand to play. Only Kang Zhao'er was called over by the Grand Old Madam to speak at her table. The ladies began chatting freely, some leaning casually.
"Today, I toast Eldest Sister-in-law!" Second Wife of Gu Tingbing pulled First Wife of Gu Tingxuan to raise their cups together. "I heard Nephew Zheng is performing excellently in his duties, even earning praise from Old General Fu." She drained her cup in one go, and First Wife of Gu Tingxuan drank hers demurely behind her sleeve. After sitting down, Second Wife of Gu Tingbing continued with a mischievous grin, "If your nephew's happy event is near, don't keep it hidden!"
First Wife of Gu Tingxuan remained silent, but her smiling expression couldn't conceal her pride. Madam Shao, puzzled, noted that Second Wife of Gu Tingbing, who managed the fifth branch's external affairs with her husband, was well-informed and likely had heard something. She asked amiably, "Has she really guessed right? Is your nephew's marriage settled?" First Wife of Gu Tingxuan smiled without answering. Second Wife of Gu Tingbing picked up a piece of cherry pork with her chopsticks and laughed, "I've said too much—can't say more, really can't..."
Madam Shao was still confused, but Madam Zhu, quick-witted, caught on and smiled, "Could it be Old General Fu's daughter?"
First Wife of Gu Tingxuan couldn't suppress her elation. Beside her, Second Wife of Gu Tingbing felt a pang of envy but had to curry favor with her elder sister-in-law, hastily adding, "Don't say that—it's not confirmed yet. The young lady's reputation is precious!" First Wife of Gu Tingxuan laughed heartily, glancing lightly at Minglan, and said, "My sister-in-law is right. Everyone, enjoy the dishes, enjoy!"
The sisters-in-law at the table wore varied expressions. Minglan lowered her head with a smile; unbeknownst to the others, she had already received the news.
At the other table, the Grand Old Madam overheard and raised an eyebrow slightly at Kang Yima, who returned the look with understanding. The Grand Old Madam then sighed to the fourth and fifth Old Madams, "Ah, you two are truly blessed with children and grandchildren filling your halls, and now you're about to have great-grandchildren. Our branch still feels so cold and quiet."
The fourth Old Madam's heart stirred, but she only smiled without speaking. The fifth Old Madam, unaware of the implication, took up the thread and said cheerfully, "Be patient—Tingye and Tingwei are still young. They'll give you a whole brood soon."
Second Wife of Gu Tingbing quickly glanced at Madam Shao, who indeed lowered her head despondently, inwardly cursing her mother-in-law's tactlessness.
The Grand Old Madam slightly drooped the corners of her eyebrows, worrying, "Others might be fine, but Tingye is the pillar of our Gu family. How can his lineage not be plentiful? Whenever I think of this, I feel ashamed to face the Old Marquis."
At these words, the atmosphere suddenly chilled. The clever ones understood, and even the fifth Old Madam sensed something amiss, peeking at the others' expressions and falling silent.Only Kang Yima remained completely oblivious to the strange atmosphere, smiling as she went to link arms with Grand Old Madam. "I feel such kinship with you, I wish I could bear your burdens for you." Grand Old Madam instead took her arm, responding with extreme affection, "If you truly pity my difficulties, then grant me one request."
"Not just one—even a hundred or a thousand requests, how could I refuse you?"
Grand Old Madam glanced at Kang Zhaor and stated directly, "I've taken a great liking to your daughter. Why not let her join our Gu family? I'll make the decision to have her become Tingye's second wife. If she can continue our family line, I'll cherish her like my own flesh and blood!"
Kang Yima deliberately looked at Minglan and said with a laugh, "Of course! Your appreciation is my Zhaor's good fortune!"
Beside them, Kang Zhaor wished she could bury her head in her chest, her entire face blushing scarlet like red cloth.
Everyone watched these two perform their exchange like actors on a stage, unable to avoid exchanging glances, their gazes ultimately settling on Minglan. They saw Minglan appear completely unperturbed, slowly picking up a piece of vinegar-braised cabbage to eat.
Kang Yima looked at Minglan and raised her voice, "I'm a thousand—no, ten thousand times willing! I'm just afraid my niece won't agree!" Without even turning her head, Grand Old Madam chuckled, "How could that be? My daughter-in-law has the best temperament—she would never be jealous!"
"That's true," Kang Yima picked up, "You know the He family of White Stone Pool, right? Their Old Madam adored my niece so much she desperately wanted to take her home as a daughter-in-law. Before Minglan's marriage was settled, Old Madam He visited my sister's home every other day."
As she spoke, she stared intently at Minglan, a hidden threat in her eyes.
The midday sun gradually faded as a dark cloud covered the sky, and the world seemed to suddenly cool. A faint, cool breeze could be heard blowing through the window. Everyone fell silent, only First Wife of Gu Tingxuan and Madam Shao watched Minglan with concern.
Minglan finally finished that piece of vinegar-braised cabbage. Three delicate, slender fingers steadily set down her chopsticks, and she leisurely picked up a napkin to wipe the corners of her mouth. Kang Yima grew impatient and addressed Minglan directly, "Niece, give us your answer. Do you agree or not?"
Minglan slowly set down the napkin, smoothing it flat on the table, a smile on her face. "Actually, I also have something to say today. I originally intended to say it privately, but since everyone here is family, and Grand Old Madam is so close with my aunt, I need not avoid the subject."
Grand Old Madam's eyes flickered briefly, the sharpness in them instantly concealed.
Minglan continued unhurriedly, "One day last year, the former Jinxiang Marquis Ma family came seeking an audience. Being a convicted family, I had no wish to see them and only had the steward deal with them. But they said they hoped our family, given our past friendship, could provide some financial assistance. They also mentioned that before their conviction, several of the Ma family's young masters and misses were frequent guests at Grand Old Madam's residence. Especially the former Heir Apparent Ma Yu, who grew up playing with sister Tingcan. Grand Old Madam adored him so much she nearly wanted him as a son-in-law..." The Ma family's visit was pure fabrication—they never actually came. How many down-and-out families would dare cause trouble? All of this was information Tu Hu had gathered.At this point, everyone present understood. The Grand Old Madam's face turned deathly pale, her fingers clutching the tablecloth tightly. Seeing her expression, Minglan gave a light laugh and continued, "There are many who come seeking favors these days, who would believe them? I merely had someone relay that it's common for children of friendly families to interact, and without any proof, wouldn't that be extortion? At that time, Tingcan was discussing a marriage alliance with the princess's residence. Thinking it better to avoid trouble, I gave them some silver and sent them away."
The Grand Old Madam let out a difficult breath and forced a smile, "You did the right thing." She also knew the Ma family hadn't actually come to their door, but since Minglan already knew about this matter, it could be used as leverage against her. She could only say, "When adults are friendly, their children inevitably play together, but marriage proposals shouldn't be lightly discussed to avoid gossip." As she spoke, she gave Kang Yima a meaningful look.
Understanding the implication, Kang Yima smiled at Minglan, "Who says otherwise? Marriage matters indeed require careful consideration. I was too presumptuous earlier. Your cousin Zhaor isn't coming for status either - being able to serve as a concubine and attend to you and your nephew-in-law would be more than enough."
Minglan still shook her head, speaking in a voice everyone could hear, "Still won't do. Not as secondary wife, not as concubine either."
Kang Yima sprang up immediately, exclaiming loudly, "How did my sister raise such a jealous woman like you!"
Minglan smiled leisurely, enunciating each word clearly, "Aunt, you might not know this. In the Gu family, if refusing to take concubines for one's husband makes one a jealous woman, then your niece dare not claim such honor." Her smiling eyes turned to the Grand Old Madam.
"When I first married into the family, I found it quite peculiar. Clearly my father-in-law is the eldest son and married early, so how come his children ended up being the youngest among the main branch?"
"You dare speak ill of your elders!" the Grand Old Madam said sternly.
"How would Minglan dare?!" Minglan exclaimed dramatically, covering her chest. "I'm praising Father. Ask anyone in the capital - where can you find a man as devoted as Father-in-law? For the sake of marital affection, he insisted on waiting nearly ten years before having Eldest Brother."
Since they were tearing off all pretenses, she wasn't afraid of trouble. Usually giving way to them had only made them more presumptuous!
The Grand Old Madam's face turned purple with rage. Minglan turned and asked with a smile, "Fifth Aunt, you know this matter best. Why was Father-in-law unwilling to take concubines back then?" Fifth Aunt looked embarrassed - she certainly knew the inside story, having used this very matter to control Fifth Old Master, forbidding him from taking concubines or bedroom servants. She could only stammer, "Eldest Brother was unwilling himself."
Minglan immediately turned back, looking directly at the Grand Old Madam, "Could it be that the Marquis privately told you he wanted to take concubines?"
Furious, the Grand Old Madam nearly burst out cursing, but suddenly remembering her original plan, she suppressed her anger and softened her voice, "Look how agitated you've become! Proper gentlemen are either busy with studies and official careers or handling duties - they wouldn't ask to take concubines themselves. Finding more people to serve is naturally the virtuous wife's decision. I understand your concerns - you're uneasy about others coming in, but Zhaor is your own cousin, what's there to worry about? Listen to your mother's advice - for the sake of your reputation, just agree to it."To say she wasn't angry would be a lie. Minglan felt her chest tighten, a suffocating breath trapped inside. Yet the more critical the situation, the calmer she needed to be. Shaking her head firmly, Minglan declared, "Precisely because she's my aunt's daughter, this absolutely cannot happen."
Truthfully, she had long prepared herself for the possibility of her husband taking a concubine. She might even have selected one herself—if a man's heart strayed, no amount of obstruction could stop it. But the candidate must not be troublesome or uncontrollable. A woman from the Kang Family, being both a relative and Madam Wang's maternal family, was someone she could never agree to.
"What do you mean by that?" Kang Yima shrieked. Grand Old Madam also looked startled, trembling as she said, "This... this is your aunt!"
"She is your guest, not mine," Minglan continued shaking her head. "If not for you, I would never have invited Aunt here. The less we see of her, the better." If they had to tear up all pretense of cordiality, so be it!
"You... you..." Kang Yima bristled like an enraged old dog, pointing at Minglan but unable to form words. This time, even the women from the fourth and fifth branches showed dissatisfaction—how could she speak like this?
Minglan raised her head, glancing at the condemning eyes around her, and explained methodically, "Haven't you always wondered why I never wish to see Aunt? You've even scolded me for not showing her enough respect. Actually, there's a reason for this. If you inquire carefully, you'll discover that whenever Kang Yima visited my maternal home in the past, she rarely paid respects to my grandmother. Especially since the second year of Chongde, Kang Yima has never again called upon my family's Old Madam."
Doubts arose in everyone's minds, and their gazes shifted collectively toward Kang Yima.
"Because my grandmother gave orders that Kang Yima was never to set foot in our home again. Even if she came, she wouldn't be received," Minglan added by way of explanation.
The hall erupted in murmurs, various expressions of shock appearing on every face. Grand Old Madam and Kang Yima were frozen in stupefaction. Kang Yima in particular stared at Minglan as if she didn't recognize her—how could that gentle, enduring little illegitimate daughter act like this today?!
"They say family shames shouldn't be aired in public, but since Grand Old Madam has pushed matters this far, I can no longer care about embarrassment. I ask all aunts and sisters-in-law here to judge what's right." Minglan drew a handkerchief from her sleeve and delicately dabbed the corners of her eyes.
"My grandmother may be strict, but she wouldn't lightly say something that offends relatives. It's truly... alas." Minglan wore a troubled expression. "Grandmother said Kang Yima has a vicious nature, devoid of any compassion, solely scheming to harm others—conduct utterly unbefitting a decent person. The number of lives lost by Aunt's hands is too many to count. Just those my grandmother knows for certain are four: one poisoned to death five years ago, one beaten to death after provocation two years ago, and just last year, a concubine from the Kang residence was carried out—a case of two lives lost together."
A chill swept through the hall. The women looked astonished, with Fifth Old Madam being the least able to conceal her shock, her mouth agape in disbelief. However unreasonable she might be, she had never committed such heinous acts.
"You... you're slandering me!" Kang Yima's shriek was exceptionally shrill.
Minglan replied unhurriedly, "Aunt often sought my lady's help, sometimes to cover up matters, other times for emergencies. Though Grandmother never interfered, she was aware of every single incident. If we must argue this thoroughly, I can recount them all." In truth, these details were fabricated, still based on clues gathered by Tu Hu's investigations.
Kang Yima glared venomously at Minglan, her eyes shooting daggers, yet she couldn't refute the accusations—each word struck directly at her hidden vulnerabilities.Minglan didn't look at her, continuing her performance as she half-sobbed, "Grandmother said that my lady and Yima are biological sisters—that's an unbreakable bond. There's no choice but to help when seeing them in need. But I'm separated by a layer of kinship—how could I possibly let the Gu Family also get stuck with an inescapable burden?!"
Once this conclusion was drawn, the assembled women led by the Fifth Old Madam simultaneously turned to look at the Grand Old Madam, their eyes filled with contempt. Everyone was thinking: Such a vicious woman of low character, yet you regarded her as your closest friend. Birds of a feather flock together—it seems you're no good either. Since ancient times, even biological mothers-in-law rarely interfere in their daughters-in-law's private matters. As a stepmother, you're being so enthusiastic, employing both soft and hard tactics—you must have ulterior motives.
Those with quicker minds, like the First Wife of Gu Tingxuan and the Second Wife of the Di Family, exchanged glances, both thinking: The Grand Old Madam has always played the role of the virtuous one, yet now she doesn't even care about saving face, being so stubborn—she must be planning some major move.
The Grand Old Madam and Kang Yima turned pale then flushed. They had anticipated many scenarios but never expected Minglan to resort to this move of "airing dirty laundry in public," outright ruining Kang Yima's reputation. This left them momentarily at a loss for how to respond.
The Fifth Old Madam said without concealment, "Whether to take a concubine is your own household matter. It's not our place to interfere." As she spoke, she made to take her leave. Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, the Grand Old Madam quickly signaled Kang Yima with her eyes.
Gritting her teeth, Kang Yima could no longer care about saving face and had to use her last resort—after all, it was just sacrificing a daughter of a concubine. Before the Fifth Old Madam could rise, she suddenly stood up and declared loudly, "What an eloquent niece! I, as your aunt, dare not argue with you anymore." Then, turning to the Grand Old Madam with feigned anger, she said, "What about all those fine words you said to me before? Now, the entire Kang Family knows that Zhao'er is to become your Marquis's concubine. I have no face to take her back. Whether she lives or dies, your Gu Family must give a clear answer!"
With a flick of his sleeve, he strode out of the hall, unstoppable, leaving Zhao'er behind in the Gu residence.
Fifth Old Madam froze mid-step, glancing at Minglan and then at Zhao'er, who was sobbing with her face covered as she shrank to the side. Grand Old Madam wept softly, saying, "What is to be done now? It is all my fault. Isn't this pushing a perfectly good young lady to her death?"
First Wife of Gu Tingxuan looked at Minglan, then at Madam Zhu, her lips moving as if she wanted to say something. Grand Old Madam continued, "The Kang Family is a distinguished and ancient clan, and their daughters are not meant to be ordinary concubines. Only our Tingye is somewhat worthy of her!"
First Wife of Gu Tingxuan sighed and fell silent.
"A perfectly good banquet, ruined."
Minglan stood up, supporting her lower back, her expression indifferent. "You were the one who invited her, so you decide. I am tired."
...
Back at Jiaxi Residence, Minglan could no longer contain her anger. She smashed a cup fiercely, then pressed a hand to her heaving chest and slowly lay down on the couch. Danju, who had been serving in the hall earlier, was also furious. Gently wiping the cold sweat from Minglan's forehead, she helped her rest.
Exhausted from the strain, Minglan drifted into a hazy sleep. After some time, Lüzhi suddenly entered and whispered, "That little wretch from the Kang Family is kneeling outside!"
Hearing this, even the usually mild-tempered Danju felt her hair stand on end. "Will these people ever stop?"
As the two were about to slip out quietly, Minglan suddenly woke up, sat up, and said coldly, "Help me outside to see."
"Madam, don't go out. Let her kneel! It's a self-inflicted injury scheme—who would believe it?" Lüzhi fumed.
"Hmph, if she were someone from our household, I wouldn't care even if she died. But I fear if anything happens to her, the Kang Family will use her as a pretext against us." Minglan's face was as cold as ice as she leaned on Danju and slowly walked to the door.
Cui Mama stood at the entrance, glaring furiously at the figure kneeling in the courtyard.
The midday heat was oppressive, the overcast skies stifling, making it hard to breathe. Kang Zhao'er, fragile and pitiful, knelt alone in the courtyard. Seeing Minglan emerge, she wept, "Cousin, I beg you, have pity and save my life!"
Minglan sneered inwardly. Very well, very well—to place the weight of a life squarely on her shoulders.
She wasn't afraid of Grand Old Madam gifting a concubine. Given the relationship between Gu Tingye and her, any such gift would likely be disposed of quietly and effortlessly. But this one was a daughter of the Kang Family, connected to her mother-in-law Madam Wang's relatives, making it difficult for Gu Tingye to act directly. What a vicious scheme!
Did that woman merely want to send a concubine to disgust her? Betting that Gu Tingye would be instantly captivated by this girl, driving a wedge between husband and wife—was it really that simple?!
A sudden thought struck Minglan. She glanced sideways at Cui Mama and immediately ordered, "Someone, search her!"
Kang Zhao'er was still weeping when, at Minglan's command, two sturdy matrons and several maids rushed forward, restraining her and patting her down thoroughly. Finally, they retrieved a small pair of scissors from her sleeve.
"Madam, just this," Lüzhi said, holding the small scissors, her expression fierce. "Don't tell me she intended to assassinate you!"
Minglan almost laughed aloud. This girl had listened to too many storytellers' tales.
Kang Zhao'er trembled in terror, weeping and pleading repeatedly, "No, no! Even if you gave me a hundred times the courage, I would never dare to entertain such a thought!" She continued to beg for mercy."Since the search is complete, bring her in." Minglan turned around with a faint smile.
Two maids dragged the limp Kang Zhao'er into the room, dropping her heavily about five steps away from Minglan. They stood guard on either side, watching her fiercely, while Cui Mama and Danju kept close watch nearby, ready to kick her to death at the slightest violent movement.
Minglan sat upright in the center, slowly smoothing her skirt with deliberate strokes: "My Cui Mama is most cautious—she never likes outsiders entering this courtyard, fearing they might bring in something undesirable. Ever since your first visit, she's wanted to search you. Now she's finally gotten her wish. Truly cause for celebration."
Even at such a moment, she cracked jokes. Cui Mama's tightly strung nerves nearly snapped, and she couldn't help shooting Minglan a fierce glare.
"Enough. Let's have a proper talk now."
Minglan gradually shed her playful expression, her tone taking on a chilling edge.
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