Danju quietly closed the two large six-panel south-facing windows, leaving only the ventilation windows on the east and west sides open. She then stood behind Minglan with a large palm-leaf fan, gently fanning her. Xiaotao tested the water temperature and found it just right. Minglan took the teacup, took a small sip, set it down, and glanced at the trembling Kang Zhaor before speaking: "Your birth mother's surname is Zhou. She was originally bought from outside and began serving my aunt when she was fourteen or fifteen. A few years later, my aunt arranged for her to be elevated to a concubine, and later she gave birth to you. Am I correct?"
Kang Zhaor slowly raised her head, her face streaked with what might have been sweat or tears, her expression a mixture of shock and fear.
Minglan smiled faintly: "My Uncle Kang has numerous concubines, but only one surnamed Su has maintained some dignity. She has a son and a daughter—your fifteenth younger sister and eleventh younger brother. This is also correct, isn't it?" Uncle Kang was quite prolific, with a house full of concubines producing a house full of children; Tu Hu had investigated until his head was spinning and had resorted to numbering them, too lazy to learn all their names.
Kang Zhaor exclaimed in surprise: "...How does Cousin know?" She immediately realized her rudeness and quickly lowered her head again.
"Among your many sisters, three are currently of marriageable age—you, your fourteenth younger sister whose birth mother was a properly elevated respectable concubine from the Kang family's hometown, and the daughter of this Concubine Su." When at the Sheng residence, Minglan had once seen Kang the Fifteenth—a brief glimpse revealing a truly enchanting figure with captivating eyes and brows, naturally suited to charm men.
"Then why did my aunt specifically choose you to come to the Gu family as a concubine?" Minglan asked with a lazy smile.
Kang Zhaor's face showed an expression of humiliation and bitter anger, her lips nearly bitten until they bled.
"My uncle has many children by concubines. Apart from a few favored ones, most of their lives and futures are controlled by my aunt. Your mother—with no external family support, no internal backing, and no favor from my uncle—how could she not be subject to manipulation? Am I right?"
Kang Zhaor raised her dry eyes, as if all her tears had been cried out, and said woodenly: "Every word Cousin says is true."
"I believe you brought these scissors not to harm me. So what exactly did you intend to do?" Minglan lifted the teacup with her wrist and took a small sip to moisten her throat. "Speak up. What exactly did Aunt instruct you to do?"
Kang Zhaor looked flustered, her expression extremely troubled. She struggled to contain herself but couldn't hide her inner conflict. After all, she was only sixteen, raised secluded in the inner quarters and never faced such a situation before. Her birth mother was timid and ignorant—how could she have properly guided her? Her mind was in complete turmoil, her fingers nearly twisting her clothes to shreds.
Minglan said lightly: "Even if you don't tell me, I can find out. Why not do me this favor?"
Kang Zhaor opened her mouth, then closed it. After several hesitations, her panicked expression remained, as if she didn't know where to begin.
Minglan wasn't in a hurry, guiding her step by step: "What did Aunt say about me? Probably nothing good, I imagine." Kang Zhaor stammered: "...Madam said... said that you, Cousin... are most fond of currying favor and value your reputation highly... wouldn't... dare appear overly jealous..." She carefully watched Minglan's expression, afraid she might suddenly lose her temper.Minglan showed not a trace of anger, still smiling amiably: "And then? What's with these scissors? Did you bring them yourself, or was it Aunt's idea?" Kang Zhaor whispered: "...Madam ordered it... She said if Cousin kept me, I should find an opportunity to injure myself. Then she would come to stand up for me and intimidate Cousin thoroughly. With this fear hanging over you, my life in the Gu residence would be easier." Minglan couldn't help nodding again, smiling: "But now I absolutely refuse to let you enter the household, don't I?"
Kang Zhaor bit her lip, her face deathly pale without a hint of color: "...Madam said if Cousin firmly refused... I should kneel and not rise. Cousin, fearing damage to your reputation, would either take me in or lock me up. Then I should still find a chance to injure myself, and Madam would come demanding justice, claiming Cousin had driven me to this. By then, you would have no choice but to accept me."
Everyone in the room was outraged upon hearing this. Cui Mama, naturally reticent, trembled with particular fury. Minglan stood and went to her, patting her gently, then paced around the room twice before suddenly turning back to Zhaor with gentle concern: "You've seen Aunt's methods since childhood. Do you truly believe this scheme would give you a good life in the Gu residence?"
Kang Zhaor hung her head low, her body suddenly shaking violently. Remembering her biological mother's humble, ingratiating face, she lifted her head mournfully, tearful eyes blurred as she gazed at Minglan, stammering: "Believe it or not, I must. My Concubine mother... is there..."
Aunt Kang was even more domineering and tyrannical than her sister, with no elders to restrain her above. Sometimes she didn't even bother with propriety and decorum. Those concubines who had fallen out of favor and their children weren't even regarded by some stewardesses.
Minglan shook her head with a bitter smile. Both coercion and temptation—such painstaking efforts.
Zhaor cautiously watched Minglan's expression—a habit cultivated since childhood—but saw only gentle composure on her face, indistinguishable between joy and anger. This instead made her uneasy. Her knees weakened, and she knelt down, weeping: "I beg Cousin for mercy!"
Lüzhi was so furious she felt fire in her heart, wishing she could step forward and slap Zhaor twice. But Minglan maintained strict discipline; without her indication, they couldn't speak an extra word in front of outsiders, so she had to restrain herself forcefully.
Minglan rested one hand on the armrest of her chair, index and middle fingers tapping lightly. Her expression was solemn, as if pondering something. After a moment, she suddenly settled her expression, looking at Zhaor with full compassion, speaking softly: "You know, I wasn't born from the Madam's womb either, and I lost my Concubine mother young. I often think, if not for Grandmother's kindness, my fate would have been like drifting duckweed..."
Her voice was soft and sorrowful, making Kang Zhaor's tears flow again as she bowed her head and sobbed quietly.
"Both of us are born of concubines. I can't bear to see you like this. So, I'll give you two choices." Minglan's eyes were soft, filled with compassion. "Either you enter the residence, and henceforth we'll serve His Lordship together. I suppose your Concubine mother's life would then be less difficult."
At these words, everyone in the room was shocked, looking at Minglan in disbelief; Kang Zhaor was also stunned, momentarily forgetting to cry."If you are unwilling to do this, then there is another path." Minglan slightly furrowed her delicate brows, her face full of sincere concern. "Our Sheng family holds some influence in Youyang. I can ask Grandmother to send you there, where Da Bomu and your aunt can arrange a marriage for you. With your sister and brother-in-law supporting you, few in Youyang would dare bully you, though you likely won't be able to marry into great wealth."
The people in the room were even more astonished than before, continuing to stare dumbfounded at Minglan. Kang Zhaor's tears had dried, and her eyes were wide as copper bells.
"Then... what about my mother?" she asked belatedly, finally processing the information.
Minglan smiled reassuringly. "Aunt Kang likely thinks you were forcibly sent away, so she probably won't trouble your mother. Furthermore, my second cousin and Yun'er can persuade your father to finalize the marriage. Once the matter is brought before your father, your mother will be safe."
Kang Zhaor's expression shifted rapidly—one moment confused, the next hesitant, then completely at a loss.
"Well? Give me your answer." Minglan said cheerfully, then added casually yet earnestly, "A woman has few choices in her lifetime. You must decide for yourself.The room was filled only with Kang Zhaor's irregular breathing—sometimes long, sometimes short, sometimes rapid, sometimes intermittent. Minglan waited with remarkable patience.
"No! I refuse!" After a long while, a sharp, piercing cry broke the silence. Kang Zhaor lifted her head, pupils dilated wide, her face pale and nearly transparent. "I won't be a concubine!"
She scrambled on her hands and knees to Minglan's feet, screaming, "My mother said even a life of coarse tea and plain rice is better than being a concubine! No one is born lowly! Marry properly, be a proper wife!" Clutching Minglan's hem, she wept as if releasing a lifetime of pent-up grievances, repeating these two phrases over and over.
Nearby, Xiaotao blinked, thinking this young miss of the Kang family must have been terrified by her aunt. If she had witnessed Consort Lin's former glory, she would know that some could make the profession of concubine successful, honorable, and fulfilling.
Hearing this, Minglan's expression turned stern. She stood up solemnly and stared down at Kang Zhaor. "Are you certain?"
Kang Zhaor, now highly agitated and mentally disoriented, murmured, "Yes..."
Minglan slowly pushed her away, supporting her belly as she took two steps around the room before stopping beside Kang Zhaor. Gently placing her palm on Kang Zhaor's sweat-drenched forehead, Minglan said calmly, "Very well, I'll take on this extra trouble. I'll provide you with a dowry. From now on, live well. If your mother is fortunate, you may eventually reunite."
After speaking, she instructed Lüzhi and two maids to escort the still-dazed Zhaor out.
Once they had left, Cui Mama couldn't contain herself. "Madam, you..."
Minglan waved her hand lightly, stopping her. With a bitter smile, she said, "I'm not afraid of fighting them, and I have methods. Ignoring Kang Zhaor's fate would be simple, but... Heaven values compassion. I merely let her choose for herself."
Cui Mama seemed to understand, whispering, "So, Madam was testing her earlier.""If she expects to enter the noble household overnight and enjoy a life of wealth and ease from then on, then I'm sorry. I'll just toss her to Second Brother, saying, 'Since ancient times, there has been the beautiful tale of Ehuang and Nüying. Since my aunt has such intentions, why not make her Second Brother's concubine? Sisters serving the same husband would surely be a fine story.' Then I'll go about my business as usual. If she still wants to make a scene or threaten suicide, she's free to do so."
Minglan slowly sat down, her movements sluggish as she shifted her posture. A deep weariness was etched on her face. "If that were the case, it would be simpler. But she happens to be a good person. I can't bear to send her back to the Kang Family to continue suffering under Kang Lady Wang's abuse."
Cui Mama, kind-hearted by nature, couldn't help but sigh. "Ah, she's a pitiful child too. It's all the Kang Family's fault."
"Grandmother often says that even a drop of kindness can save a life, and a simple act of virtue can restore someone. Let this be an act of accumulating merit for my child."
Minglan gently stroked her swollen belly, her face full of maternal affection. She decided to cover Kang Zhaor's dowry from her own private savings. Having lived frugally and managed the household carefully, the first sum of money she had saved should be used meaningfully—to help a self-respecting girl start a new life.
After staring blankly for a moment, Minglan snapped back to attention and solemnly addressed Cui Mama and Danju: "Pass down the order that no one is to discuss Zhaor's matter at all. Tonight, dress her in servant's clothes and send her out of the residence. Afterward, continue to act as if she's still here. We'll carefully discuss the details later. What's important is to keep everyone in this courtyard tight-lipped."
Danju and Cui Mama acknowledged the instructions earnestly.
Outside Jiaxi Residence, several young maids were peeking through the trees and decorative rocks, trying to catch a glimpse inside. As dusk fell, one maid hurried away and soon arrived at Xuanzhi Court. She entered quickly, whispered into Mama Xiang's ear, and then Mama Xiang led her inside to report.
"Well?" The Grand Old Madam sat up straight from her couch, her gaze sharp.
The young maid whispered, "The gates over there are tightly guarded. We only managed to get some information after they had dinner. They say that Miss Kang made quite a scene, but they found a pair of scissors on her, and she's now locked up under special watch."
A chilling smile spread across the Grand Old Madam's face. "It didn't have to be scissors. Bashing her head against a pillar or something else would have worked just as well."
Mama Xiang dismissed the young maid. When she returned, she heard the Grand Old Madam laughing to herself as she reclined on the luohan bed: "We should thank Mama Chang. If not for her nonsensical rambling that infuriated everyone, and the Kang Family's concern for face, Kang Lady Wang might not have been so desperate."
"Madam has been tired these days. Now you can relax and rest for a while," Mama Xiang said with a smile, adjusting the cushion for the Grand Old Madam.
Just as the Grand Old Madam had removed her outer robe, she suddenly asked, "With Miss Kang causing such a commotion, has Lao Er's wife taken any action?" Mama Xiang thought for a moment and replied, "Nothing else, but just now the gatekeepers prepared a carriage that went straight to the Sheng residence." The Grand Old Madam immediately laughed out loud. "I thought she had three heads and six arms! Turns out she still has to run back to her family for help!"
...
Crash!
A teacup was slammed heavily onto the floor, shattering into pieces. The thick amber liquid inside soaked the rust-red thin velvet carpet. The maids and elderly servants in the hall all lowered their heads and shoulders, holding their breath.
"Did you know about this or not?!" Old Mrs. Sheng's face was dark and gloomy as she stood firmly, leaning on her ebony cloud-head cane.Madam Wang was at a loss, repeatedly defending herself: "How could... how could... I knew nothing of this matter." She felt more wronged than Dou E.
"It's all because of your fine sister! With a heart of a wolf and lungs of a dog, not a shred of a proper lady's demeanor. She can't keep her husband in check above, nor manage her children below. When idle, she vents her anger on concubines and their children. What ability does she have besides begging her natal family for help? Sharp-tongued, mean, and vicious—she deserves to be sent to the ancestral hall and punished under the family law!" Old Mrs. Sheng was so furious she could have eaten Kang Yima alive, her words extremely harsh.
Madam Wang found the criticism hard to swallow and couldn't help defending her sister: "Wasn't it said that it was the Grand Old Madam of the Gu family who took a liking to Zhao'er? It wasn't my sister's intention..." Her voice grew softer and softer until it trailed off under Old Mrs. Sheng's intimidating gaze.
"Utter nonsense! You are also the mistress of the household. Since when are daughters of any family like pork on a chopping block, to be given away as concubines to whoever takes a fancy? She has disgraced the Kang family's reputation for generations! Even if she despises the children of concubines, she shouldn't mistreat them like this! Her intentions are clear: now that her own children are all married, she thinks she can do as she pleases!" Old Mrs. Sheng slammed the table heavily.
Madam Wang felt her face burn with shame under the scolding but had no retort and dared not talk back. Suddenly, Old Mrs. Sheng's tone shifted as she glared at her suspiciously and shouted, "Are you truly unaware? Don't tell me you were in cahoots with her!" Madam Wang panicked, waving her hands repeatedly: "Please see clearly, Mother! I truly knew nothing! I have always treated Minglan and Rulan equally!"
Old Mrs. Sheng took a deep breath and suddenly pointed at Madam Wang: "You, go find your black-hearted sister and make it clear to her. Whatever her plans are, we are not agreeable. If she still wants to maintain ties with the Sheng family, she had better drop this idea immediately!"
Madam Wang was greatly startled and extremely unwilling: "This... this... isn't appropriate. Taking a concubine is a common matter. Even if my sister made a mistake, since things have come to this, why not let it be..."
The ebony cloud-tipped cane struck the polished blue brick floor with a harsh sound. Old Mrs. Sheng began scolding again: "Just now you claimed to treat Minglan as your own daughter. If this were to happen to Hualan or Rulan, would you react the same way?"
Madam Wang was left speechless. Old Mrs. Sheng narrowed her eyes and glared at her authoritatively: "When Madam Wen, your in-law, repeatedly suggested taking a concubine for your son-in-law, how did you quarrel with her? As soon as Hualan and her husband Yuan had a few good days, you urged Hualan to deal with those concubines early on. Did you think I'm old and senile? If you don't go, I'll go myself and expose all her ugly and wicked deeds to the public. Let's see who's more stubborn then!"
"Mother, no, no! I'll go, I'll go, alright?" Unable to argue further, Madam Wang had no choice but to agree.
"Then why aren't you going now?!"
Madam Wang was taken aback: "Go now? But it's already dark."
Old Mrs. Sheng shot her a sharp glare and scolded: "When your sister has urgent matters, she comes knocking on the Sheng family's door even at midnight. How come she can come, but you can't go?!"
Helpless, Madam Wang could only resent her sister for causing trouble and getting her scolded for no reason. She immediately fixed her makeup and set off by carriage to the Kang residence.The Kang Residence was situated near the eastern section of the imperial city, surpassing the Sheng residence in location, layout, and scale. Its high lintels, expansive upturned eaves, and 998 bats carved in eighteen different relief patterns—from the bluestone brick pavement at the entrance to the inner halls—all symbolized the family’s past glory. Unfortunately, the household was now neglected, with idle servants and a deserted courtyard, a mere shadow of its former grandeur.
A matron led Madam Wang deep into the estate until they reached the main courtyard. There, Kang Yima was about to dine, flanked by maids and elderly servants, while a lavishly dressed woman served her dishes.
Kang Yima had long anticipated Madam Wang’s visit but hadn’t expected it so soon. She surmised that Minglan must be panicked and desperate, which gave her immense satisfaction. Madam Wang, being impatient, launched into a frantic account as soon as Kang Yima dismissed the attendants. To her surprise, Kang Yima leisurely blew on her teacup and said, "I thought it was something urgent. So it’s just this matter."
Madam Wang grew anxious, barely suppressing her voice. "Sister, what are your intentions? Aren’t you harming me?"
Kang Yima replied with a leisurely smile, "How is this harming you? I’m ensuring your wealth and safety!"
"How... how so?" Madam Wang was bewildered.
"Your Gu son-in-law’s influence grows daily, and his future prosperity seems boundless. Your family will benefit from it. But have you considered whether that esteemed Lady Gu is truly on your side?"
Madam Wang hesitated. "She grew up under my care. I’ve treated her well. Why wouldn’t she be?"
Kang Yima sneered, her lips curling in disdain. "If she were truly loyal, respected you, and honored you, she wouldn’t have dismissed the maid you gave her without a word the other day!"
"...Caihuan was sent away by the master himself..." Madam Wang’s voice softened.
"Don’t fool yourself. If not for her instigation, would a man ever think of such things?"
Kang Yima took a sip of tea and continued her persuasive efforts. "She’s only been married a short while. Once she solidifies her position, will she even regard you? She only sides with your mother-in-law. In the future, you’ll find it harder to hold your head high in the Sheng household!"
"Surely not..." Madam Wang’s confidence waned. Suddenly recalling something, she quickly added, "But is your Zhao’er on your side? She’s not your biological daughter either."
"No need to worry." Kang Yima smiled triumphantly. "Her birth mother is under my control. If I tell her to go east, she dare not go west!"
Madam Wang’s eyes lit up, her resolve wavering. Seizing the opportunity, Kang Yima added fuel to the fire. "A girl born of a concubine needs to be taught a lesson, lest she forgets her place and thinks she’s become a phoenix! After this incident, whether Zhao’er succeeds or not, that wretched girl will behave. Your words will carry more weight."
"But how do I explain this? My mother-in-law is not easy to deal with." The thought of Old Madam Sheng made Madam Wang’s scalp prickle.
"What’s there to explain? Go back and weep, saying you begged me but I refused. At worst, I won’t visit your home—you can come here secretly." Kang Yima waved it off. "Blame everything on me. After all, can she really divorce you?"
"Then... what about my husband?" Madam Wang’s scalp tingled again.Kang Yima's face twisted with intense loathing: "Men, they're all the same! Do you actually believe in that 'marital devotion' nonsense?" This time, Madam Wang disagreed inwardly, thinking to herself: You and your husband nearly became sworn enemies, while she and Sheng Hong still shared occasional moments of tenderness.
However, at this very moment, Sheng Hong showed no tenderness whatsoever. The moment he returned to the residence, he was urgently summoned to the Longevity and Peace Hall. After hearing Old Mrs. Sheng recount the entire incident, his face immediately turned ashen as he growled in a low voice: "What an utterly foolish woman!"
It was unclear whether he was cursing his own wife or his brother-in-law's wife.
"You've heard the whole story. What do you intend to do?" Old Mrs. Sheng had already reined in her anger and was now sitting calmly.
After brief consideration, Sheng Hong replied respectfully: "What does Mother suggest?"
"Are you willing to let the Kang family's daughter enter the Gu household?"
"Of course not!" Sheng Hong rose indignantly. How absurd—one was his own daughter, the other someone else's. Finding a distinguished and influential son-in-law was no easy feat; who knew how much assistance his son's career and the family's prosperity would require in the future? He had just begun to taste the broth, and now the Kang Family was trying to snatch the meat bone—how infuriating!
After venting his anger, Sheng Hong realized he had been overly agitated. Clearing his throat lightly, he said, "I've heard some rumors about our son-in-law's family affairs. The discord between the stepmother and son is practically common knowledge. For Kang Yima to cozy up to Grand Old Madam Gu is openly slapping our son-in-law in the face!"
If the Kang Family wanted to cause trouble and deal with the consequences themselves, that would be one thing. But Kang Yima was using the Sheng family's name, making it impossible for him to face his son-in-law later. Worst of all, his relationship with the Kang in-laws was merely cordial. If that Kang Zhaor truly gained favor, only the Kang Family would benefit.
"Since that's the case, we cannot take this lightly." Old Mrs. Sheng smiled faintly, pleased that Sheng Hong's thinking was clear—conversing with him was far more straightforward than with Madam Wang, whose muddled reasoning felt like wading through a swamp, stuck and immovable.
"You're absolutely right, Mother. What plan do you propose?" Sheng Hong's greatest strength was his open-mindedness and willingness to heed others' advice, which had earned him a reputation in official circles as honest, virtuous, and a true gentleman.
Satisfied, Old Mrs. Sheng replied gravely, "While Madam was out earlier, I already sent someone to escort the Kang girl to Youyang overnight. We'll cut the ground from under their feet first, then each handle our parts. As for Kang Yima, I'll discipline her on behalf of her mother-in-law. As for you..." She paused, looking directly at Sheng Hong, and enunciated each word: "Recently, hasn't Kang Yima's husband asked you for a favor?"
Sheng Hong looked up sharply. He had discussed this with the Old Madam before, and her attitude had been noncommittal then. Now, she had completely reversed her stance. Being naturally indecisive and inclined to avoid conflict, he hesitated, "But... wouldn't that be inappropriate..."
The Old Madam snorted coldly, "Over the years, how many messes have we cleaned up for the Kang Family? Just bringing a few incidents to light would be enough to shame them thoroughly. Now, we simply need to make that Kang surname understand that the Sheng Family is not to be trifled with!"
Sheng Hong pondered carefully. Old Master Kang was hopelessly incompetent, his nephew mediocre at best. Though other branches of the Kang Family had officials, their positions were minor, and the brothers were far from harmonious. Gritting his teeth, he declared, "As you wish, Mother."
After Sheng Hong left, Mama Fang stepped forward to support Old Mrs. Sheng as she moved toward the inner chamber, whispering, "Rest assured, both parties have set off."
Old Mrs. Sheng slowly seated herself on the daybed in the inner room, allowing Mama Fang to remove her shoes and socks. Disgust remained evident on her face as she muttered, "The Kang girl can take her time, but we must hear from Nephew Wei soon—by fast horse and light boat, it should take no more than six or seven days for a round trip. Hmph! That vicious wretch will soon learn her lesson! If she treats others' daughters as worthless, let's see how she likes it when her own suffers!"
Just as Mama Fang brought a basin of hot water for the Old Madam's customary foot soak, the latter suddenly remembered something, her expression turning urgent. "My old age is making me forgetful! After all this commotion, we still haven't sent word to Mingyan!"
"But... it's so late already," Mama Fang hesitated.Old Mrs. Sheng grew frantic, stamping her bare feet repeatedly on the footstool: "The young lady is with child, and her husband isn't by her side. Who knows how anxious she must be? She probably didn't sleep well all night. Go quickly, go quickly!"
Mama Fang smiled and said, "Yes, as you wish. I'll go summon someone right away. Do you have any further instructions?"
The old madam thought for a moment and spoke in a tender tone: "Tell her not to be afraid. Grandmother will handle everything..."
Hearing this tone as if coaxing a three-year-old child, Mama Fang couldn't help but chuckle. The old madam shot her a stern look and continued: "Tell her to take good care of herself. Having a healthy baby boy is what matters most."
Mama Fang stifled her laughter and agreed, then called a maid to attend to the old madam's foot bath before going out to give instructions. Just as she was about to leave, the old madam suddenly called her back. She turned and listened quietly.
"If the lady returns from the Kang residence, tell her I'm tired and have already retired for the night. Ask her to come again tomorrow."
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