That night, Minglan slept restlessly.
Lying on her right side, the little rascal in her belly kicked and kicked—alright, she understood its meaning, so she quickly asked Danju, who was sleeping on the side couch, to help her turn over to lie on her left side. But the little rascal still kicked. Minglan sighed—fine, you’re the boss now. She tried with difficulty to shift a few times, risking it all to lie on her back, but her enormous belly nearly crushed the breath out of her. The little rascal probably didn’t like this position either and kicked even more vigorously.
Minglan propped herself up on the bed and sat up painfully, one hand pressed against her belly, unable to hold back a groan. "Little rascal, can’t you settle down? I’ve tried all the sleeping positions there are—what more do you want? Do you want me to lie on my stomach? I’d crush you to death!"
In the dead of night, in the warm room, Minglan cradled her belly and supported her lower back as she paced in circles around the small round table. She used to think unruly children were the hardest to deal with, but now she realized that a fetus was the most troublesome of all. You couldn’t hit it, scold it, coax it, comfort it, or even threaten it—all the myriad tricks humans employed were useless against a fetus. If it was uncomfortable, it would make you even more uncomfortable. Even if it wasn’t uncomfortable, if it wanted you to suffer, you’d still have to suffer.
The enemy was too powerful. Minglan had no choice but to swallow her temper and try to placate it, even if it was futile: "...Sorry, lately I haven’t been treating you well. I haven’t been eating properly, sleeping well, and I’ve been thinking about... uh... shady things. Starting tomorrow, we’ll continue with the stories. Where did we leave off? Oh, the three little pigs were building houses. One built a straw house..." She missed the lazy, carefree days of the past, when she didn’t have to live in constant fear or suspicion. Ah, the more she thought about it, the gloomier she felt.
The next morning, Minglan woke up listlessly. Cui Mama watched her with a pained heart, gently touching her belly and saying, "It’s dropped a bit more—you’ll probably give birth in the next few days." Minglan chuckled wryly, "You’ve been saying that for the past seven or eight days." Cui Mama stroked Minglan’s weary face and murmured, "Before, I was afraid it would come too early, before it was fully developed. Now, I’m afraid it won’t come out at all. Ah, children are debts from a past life, coming to collect from their parents in this one. When the young master grows up, he’ll surely repay your kindness and be filial to you, madam."
Minglan sighed and carefully sat down at the table. Picking up her chopsticks, she speared a plump piece of lotus-scented millet cake and bit into it. Truthfully, her expectations weren’t high. She didn’t expect the little rascal to achieve great things in the future—she just hoped the "debt" wouldn’t accumulate interest. If she went through all this hardship only to give birth to a wastrel, she’d truly be driven to despair. As she pondered whether she should read some moral texts for prenatal education, she continued with her breakfast. Just as she bit a round millet cake into a crescent shape, Danju entered with a puzzled expression.
"Madam, the Yu family... has sent someone."
Minglan blinked. "Which Yu family?"Danju seemed to be choosing her words carefully: "It's from Lady Yanran's family, who are also... the former madam's maternal family." Minglan paused mid-air with her chopsticks, instinctively growing wary: "And the Grand Old Madam?" That wretched old woman—what mischief was she scheming now! Then came the utterly predictable reply—"She's entertaining the guests."
Minglan slammed her crescent-shaped millet cake onto the table with her chopsticks, glaring: "Go tell them I'm heavily pregnant, can't walk properly, and am unfit to receive guests!" She was deliberately being unreasonable, so what?! Danju's face soured: "The matron who delivered the message said the Grand Old Madam, understanding your condition, has already brought the guests to the small reception hall. Moreover..." She hesitated painfully, "The visitor is... Fourth Madam Yu."
Now it was Minglan's turn to be troubled.
When Old Master Xiong originally built Clear Garden, he had specifically constructed the small reception hall—overlooking water and mountains with splendid views—for the inner household's womenfolk to entertain visitors. Thus, it was particularly conveniently located near the main residence, Jiaxi Residence. Since she was about to meet the first wife's maternal family, with Lady Yu's second aunt also present, Minglan—as the remarried wife—suddenly felt inadequate. She gathered a full entourage, dressed formally and solemnly, and made her way to the small reception hall surrounded by attendants.
Upon entering the floral hall, Minglan looked up to see the Grand Old Madam conversing with two middle-aged women in brocade dresses. Two rows of maids and matrons stood attentively at their sides like spreading goose wings. Hearing the announcement, everyone turned to look. The woman seated at the Grand Old Madam's right, wearing a lotus-root-colored summer jacket, rose and approached. Taking Minglan's hands, she exclaimed joyfully: "If it isn't Minglan! Let me have a proper look at you—my, how you've grown! You've blossomed into an even greater beauty."
Recognizing her, Minglan also felt particularly fond. Smiling, she curtsied: "My greetings to Fourth Aunt. Has Fourth Uncle Yu finished compiling his Qingtang Music Collection? How are my younger cousins? Speaking of which, Yanrong must be nearing her hair-pinning ceremony soon."
Fourth Madam Yu's eyes were slightly reddened, as if from recent tears. She replied through tearful laughter: "All is well, all is well. Your fourth uncle just keeps himself pointlessly busy—when will he ever rest? How thoughtful of you to remember Rong girl. That child often speaks of you and Yanran too."
"Sister Yanran wrote to me recently saying she's been diagnosed with another pregnancy," Minglan said, holding Fourth Madam Yu's hand as they walked. "She complains the Duan family won't let her visit tea plantations anymore, keeping her confined at home to nurture the pregnancy."
"Exactly so. That child Yanran is truly blessed—now with both sons and daughters. The matrons we sent all report the Duan family treats her exceedingly well." Fourth Madam Yu's face glowed with contentment, her fair and delicate features brimming with smiles. "But that girl—knowing full well her fourth uncle loves traveling—wouldn't stop praising Dali! Going on about camellias covering the hillsides, skies filled with brilliant clouds, scenery everywhere you look, and simple, kind-hearted locals. She's got your fourth uncle itching to travel, constantly exclaiming he wants to see it for himself."
Fourth Uncle Yu was actually the second son, but the Yu family's collateral branches had mixed up the generational rankings, hence everyone called him Fourth Uncle. Who would have thought after all these years he remained unchanged? Minglan couldn't help but smile.Fourth Madam Yu came from a family of scholars. By the age of ten, she could recite hundreds of chess manuals, play the flute and zither, and excelled at painting fish, insects, birds, and beasts. Later, she married the fourth son of the Yu family, who shared her refined tastes. They were a harmonious couple, with husband and wife in perfect accord. For a long time, Fourth Madam Yu served as Minglan’s benchmark for what an ancient talented woman should be. Though highly educated and fond of literature, she was not arrogant or aloof. She managed the affairs of the Dengzhou ancestral home, cared for her in-laws, and raised her niece Yanran with remarkable competence. Despite her noble background, she was warm and approachable, never looking down on those of lower status. Sometimes, in a burst of enthusiasm, she would even offer pointers on Minglan’s clumsy calligraphy. When accompanying her husband to the countryside, if she came across interesting trinkets, she would always bring an extra one for Minglan. The first clay figurine, the first small pinwheel, even the first grass-woven cricket cage and the first fluffy, silly-looking rabbit that Minglan received after arriving in this world—all were gifts from her.
In her childhood, the Yu family was a haven of happiness in Minglan’s heart. Lord Yu was dignified and reasonable, Old Madam Yu was kind and gentle, and Yanran treated her like a sister. Sometimes, while playing in the Yu family garden, she would catch a distant glimpse of Fourth Madam Yu and her husband in the lakeside pavilion—either playing chess or performing a duet on the flute and zither. The family’s laughter and cheerful conversations filled young Minglan with envy.
It had been a long time since Minglan last saw the Yu family, and she was about to exchange a few pleasantries when Grand Old Madam called out with a loud laugh, "Minglan, come sit quickly. You shouldn’t neglect our guests, especially with your own condition."
Hearing this, Minglan did not argue but simply walked over with Fourth Madam Yu.
"This is Yu's First Wife. Come and pay your respects."
Grand Old Madam pulled Yu's First Wife over with an air of familiarity. Minglan smiled and curtseyed, while Danju firmly supported her. As she lifted her head, Minglan subtly observed the other woman and was taken aback. Yu's First Wife was exceptionally well-preserved, unexpectedly young and beautiful. With upturned eyes, sharply arched eyebrows, high cheekbones, and fair, smooth skin, she exuded a bold, sharp, and mature allure. She looked like a stunning woman in her early thirties.
Yu's First Wife also scrutinized Minglan intently—from the golden, glittering Five-Phoenix Facing the Sun hairpin adorned with rubies, to the nine-sectioned gourd necklace of pure gold and red gemstones hanging on Minglan’s chest, with its exceptionally clear jade pendant, and finally to Minglan’s prominently swollen belly. Her eyes instantly turned fierce, and she sat down boldly, accepting Minglan’s curtsey without a word.
She did not address Minglan but turned to Fourth Madam Yu beside her and said, "You were right earlier—Yanran is blessed. With Father personally arranging her marriage, how could she not be fortunate?!" Fourth Madam Yu immediately realized her earlier remarks had offended her elder sister-in-law and could only smile silently before quietly taking her seat.
"Every girl in our family is blessed, except my poor Yanhong, whose fate was so fragile. Who knows if anyone still burns incense for her after all these years? How pitiful, a lonely wandering spirit..." Yu's First Wife spoke with an imposing tone, continuing unabated.
"Sister Yanhong is buried in the Gu family’s ancestral tomb," Minglan couldn’t help interjecting. "How can she be called a wandering spirit?"
Interrupted publicly, Yu's First Wife was visibly displeased. Her gaze sharpened as she stared at Minglan and said slowly, "...Without leaving behind any flesh and blood, she’s not far from being a wandering spirit."Minglan’s heart sank, and she resolutely refused to engage with the topic. Taking the warm bowl from Danju, she gently blew on the soup inside. Lord Yu had been a formidable and capable man throughout his life—adept at managing state affairs externally and pacifying family matters internally. His wife was pure and kind, his children generally obedient, and even his daughters-in-law had been handpicked by the old man himself, resulting in a simple and harmonious family atmosphere. This remarried Yu’s First Wife, sharp-tongued and formidable, was likely the sole exception in the entire Yu family. Strangely enough, her son was utterly taken with his wife, obeying her almost without question, which undoubtedly left Lord Yu feeling disheartened.
Seeing the awkward silence, Grand Old Madam smiled calmly and said, “What are you saying, dear in-law? Though Yanhong didn’t spend long in the Gu family, I was exceedingly fond of her—she was straightforward and generous. Ah, to speak bluntly, I liked her even more than my own daughter. You raised your daughter so well, yet it was our Gu family who failed her…” As she spoke, her voice choked with emotion.
Minglan watched her coldly, thinking to herself what a shame it was that such talent wasn’t put to use on the stage.
Yu’s First Wife, her heart aching, also wept, “If I had known she had no fate with the Gu family, I wouldn’t have let her marry over, only to lose her life for nothing. How young she was…” Grand Old Madam, ever understanding, repeatedly addressed her as “dear in-law” and blamed herself, insisting that the failure to care for Yanhong lay entirely with the Gu family. Dabbing her handkerchief, she sobbed, “Not to mention how unbearable it must be for you, dear in-law—even I, whenever I recall Yanhong’s virtues, feel a tightness in my chest. It was also Tingye’s fault; he left home not long after the wedding, leaving Yanhong all alone, which led to her falling ill and never recovering…”
Bah! You old witch! Why not just say outright that Gu Tingye was responsible for Yanhong’s death! What “left home not long after the wedding”—what about the families of military officers? Their husbands are away for months or even years—wouldn’t they have died a hundred times over by now! And “all alone”—with parents-in-law above and sisters-in-law below, yet you passed away less than two months after your husband left! Put nicely, it’s called deep marital affection and unbearable longing; put bluntly, it’s being unable to endure loneliness and needing a man around!
Given the explosive nature of Gu Tingye’s first marriage, the former explanation clearly didn’t apply to Yanhong. Damn old witch, are you speaking up for Yanhong or slandering her?
—Minglan was bursting with silent retorts but could only keep them to herself, swallowing her anger as she listened quietly.
“There was no helping it. My son-in-law originally sought Yanran’s hand, so it was inevitable he would neglect Yanhong. To speak unfilially, if that was the case, why did Father-in-law insist on meddling…” Yu’s First Wife grew increasingly unrestrained in her speech, causing even the usually mild-tempered Fourth Madam to frown. Seizing the opportunity, Minglan cut in half-jokingly, “That’s not quite right. How can you call it meddling? That was something Lord Yu agreed upon long ago. Lord Yu ‘stated it clearly’ decades ago—surely that takes precedence over Lord Yu’s ‘stated it clearly’ from a few months ago.”
At this, Fourth Madam couldn’t help but smile, shooting Minglan a half-scolding glance.
Yu’s First Wife was left speechless, glaring at Minglan for what felt like half the time it takes to drink a cup of tea before Grand Old Madam’s light cough brought her back to her senses. Turning to Minglan, she said stiffly, “We’ve come today with an unreasonable request. In recent years, my father-in-law’s health has worsened considerably. He came to the capital seeking medical treatment, but a few days ago, he fell unconscious…”Minglan was greatly astonished. "Lord Yu has fallen ill?" She turned to look at Fourth Madam Yu.
Fourth Madam Yu nodded with tears in her eyes. "Since last month, he's been fainting from time to time, but this time it's especially critical. That day, after Father took his medicine and seemed slightly more conscious, he said... he said..." She looked at Minglan with difficulty, as if unable to continue.
Yu's First Wife curled her lips in a mocking smile. "If you can't say it, then I'll play the villain. That day, when the old master was somewhat lucid, he said he had no regrets in life, with children and grandchildren gathered around him. The only sorrow was Yanhong's early death, pitifully leaving no descendants. Later, we invited the Mystic Origin Master from Qingfeng Temple, who said that if we could arrange a celebratory event to ward off bad luck, he might recover."
Minglan slowly widened her eyes, her heart sinking uncontrollably.
"...So we conceived the idea of adopting a son for my unfortunate daughter. Firstly, so there would be someone to make offerings at her grave, and secondly to comfort my father-in-law. If he were to wake up because of this, it would be a virtuous deed on your part. If not..." Yu's First Wife spoke as if she had rehearsed many times, her words flowing smoothly, "...it would at least allow the elderly to pass away in peace. Killing two birds with one stone, don't you think?"
She stared directly at Minglan, as if expecting an immediate answer.
In her surprise, Minglan blurted out, "Who would be adopted?" She turned to look at Grand Old Madam.
"Not Xian Ge'er," Grand Old Madam said leisurely, fanning herself with a round fan as she smiled. "Since Tingye told me earlier this year that Xian Ge'er is Third Son's only child, how could he be given up for adoption? I found this quite reasonable. We were at a loss until, by coincidence, we found the perfect candidate. Someone, bring them in."
One surprise followed another, leaving Minglan overwhelmed. As she turned, she saw Mama Xiang leading two figures—one tall, one short—into the room. The young woman behind Mama Xiang gracefully knelt and kowtowed as soon as she entered, saying clearly, "Man Niang pays her respects to everyone." She then pulled a boy of about six or seven to kneel with her. The boy seemed fearful and said softly, "Chang'er pays his respects to the elders."
For the first time in many days, Minglan was genuinely shocked. How had they escaped from the place Gu Tingye had arranged for them?!
Grand Old Madam smiled and turned to the others. "Lao Er was confused back then—youthful indiscretion, you could say. He kept a mistress outside and had a son and daughter with her. The daughter is being raised by Lao Er's wife now."
Yu's First Wife said smugly, "This Chang Ge'er seems clever and well-behaved to me. Rather than leaving him outside, unable to be recognized by the family, wouldn't it be better to register him under Yanhong's name?" Her implication was that Minglan's jealousy had prevented Chang Ge'er from being acknowledged by the family.
Minglan drew a sharp breath, her heart burning with anger. Disregarding her physical discomfort, she suddenly stood up and sneered coldly, raising her voice. "What a thoroughly considered plan!" She first addressed Grand Old Madam, not hiding the contempt in her eyes. "You're truly capable—there's nothing you don't know. They say family scandals shouldn't be publicized. Given the Marquis's current status, his youthful indiscretions should be concealed by the family, yet you're practically announcing them all over the capital."
Grand Old Madam's composure slipped, and she said coldly, "I was only doing this for..."Minglan swiftly cut her off: "The entire Gu household is well aware of who you're doing this for and why—there's no need to repeat yourself." Before the Grand Old Madam could retort in anger, she turned to Fourth Madam Yu, speaking gently, "Auntie knows what kind of person I am. Today, I address the matter, not the person. If I offend, I beg your forgiveness."
Fourth Madam Yu rose, her expression a mix of apology and distress, and said repeatedly, "I understand your difficulties." Bearing the heavy accusation of filial impiety and with a confused, ailing mother-in-law, she knew this matter was improper but dared not refuse to come.
Minglan gave a slight nod before turning to Yu's First Wife, enunciating each word clearly: "There's no need to remind me that Sister Yanhong was the Marquis's first wife. Had Sister Yanhong left behind any children, the position of Heir Apparent would undoubtedly be theirs! But Sister Yanhong bore neither son nor daughter!" Yu's First Wife's expression shifted dramatically, her gaze turning wary as she stared at Minglan.
Minglan continued coldly, her voice rising, "Today, you all speak of adoption... If Chang Ge'er is registered under Sister Yanhong's name, how will he be regarded in the future? As a child of a concubine or as the legitimate heir of the first wife?"
Yu's First Wife was momentarily silenced, then sneered, "All this talk—aren't you just afraid Chang Ge'er will snatch the Heir Apparent title from the child in your womb? Don't take it personally, but a remarried wife is just that, not the first wife!" The moment these words left her lips, she realized her indiscretion, regretting her loss of composure.
Minglan burst into laughter, then suddenly sobered, saying solemnly, "I've learned my lesson. However, matters of succession are the foundation of the clan. As a daughter-in-law, I dare not interfere. I merely ask you, Madam: After Sister Yanran married, her birth mother also had no heirs. If someone proposed adopting a child to continue the Yu family's main line as the eldest legitimate grandson, would you agree?"
Yu's First Wife roared, "How dare you be so insolent!"
"Who is being insolent?" Minglan retorted sharply, her voice filled with resentment. "Many years ago, when the Marquis was young and reckless, he wanted to bring Man Niang into the household. The Old Marquis and Grand Old Madam refused firmly due to her actress background. Now, with the Old Marquis gone and his words ignored, suddenly the son of an actress is to become the Heir Apparent of the Marquis of Ningyuan? Is the Yu family deliberately opposing the Gu family?!"
At these words, Man Niang, kneeling by the door, quickly glanced up. Minglan happened to turn her way, and their eyes met—Man Niang's gaze was sharp and venomous, without a trace of the panic she had shown at their first meeting. Minglan instantly knew she had long been aware of her.
Minglan paid her no mind; there was no time for pity now, only allies and enemies.
Yu's First Wife trembled with rage, unable to speak for a long moment. Suddenly, her eyes flickered, and she gritted her teeth, saying, "My daughter was not yet seventeen when she died. The Gu family must give an answer!"
Seeing this, Fourth Madam Yu hurriedly pulled Minglan aside, insisting, "We never had such intentions!"
In truth, Lord Yu had only mentioned it in passing; deep down, she felt it was merely the old man's sentimental remark upon seeing his descendants. But with her elder brother acting as the family head and her own husband holding no official rank, her voice carried little weight. Added to that, the so-called Mysterious Origin Taoist's persuasive talk made it seem like disobeying Yu's First Wife's orders would be an act of filial impiety—a label too severe to bear."Our family only wishes for Yanhong, who died so young, to have a descendant. We truly have no intention of interfering with the Gu family's succession matters." Fourth Madam Yu spoke from the bottom of her heart, repeating earnestly, "If you don't trust us, we can wait until Marquis Gu returns and gather all the clansmen to make everything clear, putting it in writing. But..." she sobbed, "could we proceed with the matter first? Father... he... I'm afraid he can't hold on much longer. Mother said if you're unwilling, she'll come personally tomorrow to beg you, to plead with Old Mrs. Sheng, even kneel before you!"
She could no longer contain herself, covering her face as she broke down crying. Old Madam Yu, who had always been gentle and delicate, could now only spend her days weeping incessantly.
Minglan took a deep breath. This was what she feared most.
She dared to declare war against any enemy - she would fight if she could win, flee if she couldn't, or even play dumb and feign ignorance. But she couldn't be sharp and cutting with Fourth Madam Yu, much less harsh and severe with Old Madam Yu, who would often stroke her hair while murmuring caring words.
In that fleeting moment, an idea flashed through her mind.
"Ouch! My stomach hurts!" Minglan suddenly cried out, clutching her abdomen as she bent over in apparent agony.
Yu's Fourth Madam and the librarian were greatly alarmed, rushing to support her and urging her to sit down carefully. Danju, standing nearby, cooperatively stepped forward to steady her, calling out for help repeatedly. Hearing the commotion, the crowd waiting outside immediately surged into the room—some supporting, some lifting, some inquiring about her ailment, some exclaiming in distress, and others muttering low reproaches. Before the Grand Old Madam could react, Cui Mama had already led people to escort Minglan away.
The others were left in stunned confusion. Yu's First Wife, furious, chased to the doorway and shouted, "Unless your lady is going into labor, I'll be back tomorrow!" Yu's Fourth Madam, flustered and anxious, hurriedly tried to dissuade her, saying, "Better not, don't cause any trouble! Look at how large her belly is—she really is about to give birth!" Yu's First Wife shook off her sister-in-law's arm with a cold snort, retorting, "If you want to play the good person, go ahead! The old master is barely clinging to life, and I dare not bear the charge of filial impiety!"
Inside the room, the Grand Old Madam remained seated in her spot, motionless, as if watching a grand performance, sipping tea with a faint smile.
...
Minglan's face was tense as she paced back and forth in the room, utterly agitated. In truth, her stomach didn't hurt at all; she had merely felt dizzy earlier and, not knowing what else to do, resorted to the tactic she usually despised most—feigning a faint.
But this trick couldn't be used repeatedly. Could she pretend again tomorrow?
What to do? What to do? What to do... Minglan's mind was in turmoil. She was unwilling to comply, yet found it hard to refuse Old Madam Yu and Yu's Fourth Madam. Internally, she cursed the old witch incessantly—first Kang Yima, now the Yu family. After the hard tactics failed, they resorted to soft ones, and it seemed endless. After pacing several circles, Minglan still hadn't come up with a solution. If all else failed, perhaps... she could flee. She thought of the strategy of retreat—simply have Tu Er and the others escort her back to her maternal home to give birth, dignity be damned.
—But that wouldn't work either. Minglan thought it over carefully and slumped in despair. She guessed that the stubborn Old Madam Yu would pursue her to the Sheng residence, pleading tearfully with her grandmother. If her actions caused these two elderly women to sever ties in their twilight years, it would truly be a sin.
She wasn't foolish enough to optimistically believe she could solve this once and for all.
Not to mention the Grand Old Madam watching like a hawk from the sidelines, even that sinister Man Niang was enough to make her head spin. If Chang Ge'er were really adopted into Yu Yanhong's line, whether prearranged or documented, it would spell endless trouble. If her own son turned out capable, it might be manageable, but if he were weak and mild-tempered, Chang Ge'er could gather forces and collude with clansmen, leading to unrest and no peace ever after.
Minglan buried her head in her hands and collapsed at the table, completely at a loss.
As her mind grew numb from thinking, she suddenly found it amusing. Many estranged lovers would bitterly say, "I won't let you off even after death," though most could never make it happen. Yet Yu Yanhong had truly and literally fulfilled those words. Minglan felt both angry and amused—ah, she wondered how this lady had died.
—Wait! How exactly did Yu Yanhong die?!
Minglan slowly straightened up, propping her elbows on the table in deep thought. Scenes flashed before her eyes, faces flickering like a film reel, finally freezing on the Grand Old Madam's murky smile at the corner of her lips.
Something was wrong. This matter was riddled with inconsistencies from start to finish.Based on her understanding of the Yu family, Lord Yu had always been obsessed with official career advancement. After his wife passed away, he insisted on marrying his superior's illegitimate daughter as his remarried wife, despite his father's disapproval. As for Yu's First Wife... well, she had seen her today. Such a shrewd couple, ambitious and unwilling to suffer losses—why had they only now come to visit the Ningyuan Marquis Household?!
Yu Yanhong married into the Gu family and died within a year. No matter how you looked at it, the Gu family had wronged the Yu family. If that were the case, why didn't the Yu couple come forward to demand that another daughter of the Yu family marry Gu Tingye when he later rose to prominence?!
Fourth Madam Yu's daughter, Yanrong, was about to have her hair-pinning ceremony this year. Yanran had once mentioned that she also had a younger illegitimate sister who was exactly one year older than her cousin Yanrong—meaning that girl had her hair-pinning ceremony last year. If they were reluctant to part with their own daughter, even with immense wealth and status at stake, Yu's First Wife was not kind enough to be unwilling to part with an illegitimate daughter, let alone the fact that the Yu family had many other daughters in the clan. At that time, even the Peng family had the audacity to seek marriage ties with the Gu family—why didn't the Yu family, who had more qualifications and confidence, come forward?!
Not only did they not seek marriage, but there was also no daily interaction between the Gu and Yu families. Initially, Minglan thought it was because the Yu family held a grudge against Gu Tingye and cut off contact, but now it seemed that might not be the case.
What was Gu Tingye's attitude toward the Yu family and his deceased first wife? Even if they had been an unhappy couple, after her death, there should have been some remorse or pity. Minglan struggled to recall.
But that didn't fit either. Gu Tingye didn't seem to show any signs of remorse or pity.
After being married for so long, the couple had grown close, discussing everything from court affairs to daily trivialities. Even on sensitive topics like Man Niang, Gu Tingye would occasionally mention them, mocking his own youthful recklessness. Yet, regarding Yu Yanhong, Gu Tingye never uttered a word, as if intentionally avoiding the subject. Gu Tingye was not a cold or ungrateful person—why would he act this way?
Then, there was only one conclusion.
Minglan's thoughts gradually cleared, but this hypothesis was too bold; she didn't dare to gamble rashly. After pondering for a moment, she called Danju over and whispered, "Go find Mama Chang. There's no need for her to come here—just ask her one thing... How did the former Lady Yu die? Does she know?"
Danju nodded firmly, memorizing the instruction, but hesitated, "What if Mama Chang doesn't know either?"
"If she doesn't know..." Minglan clenched her fist near her mouth and said slowly, "Then ask her, after Lady Yu passed away, what was the Marquis's demeanor and state of mind at the time? If she were to guess, how does she think Lady Yu died? Did the Gu family wrong her?"
Danju carefully digested the meaning, understood Minglan's intent, and hurried out.
...
In the Xuanzhi Hall.
Mama Xiang whispered a few words into the Grand Old Madam's ear. After hearing them, the Grand Old Madam frowned slightly, "She went to find that old servant again?"
"Do you think that old servant knows the inside story...?" Mama Xiang worried.
The Grand Old Madam pondered for a long time before slowly shaking her head, "She probably doesn't. If she did, we'd have to change our plans..."
"What about Hongxiao?" Mama Xiang remained concerned. "What if she leaks something?"
The Grand Old Madam chuckled, "Unless the Northern Administrative Bureau uses severe torture, she would never speak."
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