For a long time, Old Man Gongsun's position in the Gu residence was rather awkward—he was nominally the "family tutor." This arrangement stemmed from the turbulent period following the new emperor's ascension, when court factions seethed beneath the surface. As a close official who had accompanied the new emperor to the capital, any misstep would invite whispers among courtiers: "Look at the kind of people the emperor trusts!" (Lao Geng suffered countless such indirect criticisms).
Gongsun Baishi had advised Gu Tingye against immediately recruiting a large entourage of advisors and retainers, arguing that a minor military officer would appear ostentatious. Thus, despite the military governor's office explicitly stating they "had no heirs yet," despite Gu Tingye's own lack of literary education, and despite Old Man Gongsun never having met Rong Jie'er even once, the two shamelessly maintained the public pretense—that he was the Gu family's tutor.
Later, as endless busyness and distractions piled up, no one gave the matter further thought. It wasn't until Tuan Ge'er was born that Gongsun Baishi's title as tutor became substantiated. Unfortunately, from the moment the little chubby bundle could grasp objects, he showed far greater interest in tugging Old Man Gongsun's beard than holding a brush. Yet to this day, Gongsun Baishi's official name card still reads "Tutor to Marquis Gu."
Naturally, such blatant fabrication couldn't deceive the sharp-eyed public. When Old Man Gongsun's concubine-taking ceremony approached, congratulatory gifts piled up in three entire rooms—coral trees over a foot tall, dazzling pearl earrings, rolls upon rolls of precious brocade... The old man accepted everything without refusal, even teasing Gu Tingye while stroking his beard in self-mockery: "Indeed, when one man attains the Dao, even his chickens and dogs ascend to heaven."
On the ceremony day, Ruomei wore a brand-new peach-red spring jacket, four dragon-and-phoenix gold bracelets adorning her wrists, and a golden hairpin with three wings and dangling pearls tilted across her temple. Surrounded by congratulating wives and matrons in the chamber, she endured alternating praises of "Concubine Mei is so blessed" and "May Concubine Mei bear a noble son soon," forcing pale smiles throughout. After Gongsun Baishi recovered from illness, Gu Tingye had proposed formally taking a concubine. The old man rather fancied the cultivated Ruomei, but being inherently detached and eccentric, he despised vulgar rituals and initially resisted elaborate arrangements. It was only upon Minglan's insistence that he permitted a few banquet tables for the household to celebrate together.
This left Ruomei somewhat disheartened. Every bride naturally holds some anticipation for her wedding, and she couldn't help complaining to her personal maid. This was overheard by sycophantic servants who had their husbands purchase congratulatory gifts from outside shops. Through such back-and-forth, news of Gongsun Baishi taking a concubine spread beyond the residence, attracting enthusiastic "admirers" competing to send gifts.
The old man grew deeply displeased. Were it not for respecting Minglan's wishes, he might have called off the marriage entirely.
"I don't expect exceptional virtue from you, but I never thought you couldn't even keep trivial matters confidential. Truly, a vine cannot serve as a roof beam—you're utterly unworthy of responsibility. Any children born hereafter shall be raised by the mistress!" —Being wildly eccentric by nature, Gongsun Baishi bluntly reprimanded her without courtesy. Ruomei consequently wept bitterly for days, consumed by regret and shame.
When Minglan learned of this, she could only shake her head and sigh, powerless to intervene.
Gongsun Baishi could be generously described as free-spirited and unrestrained, or critically labeled as selfish and self-absorbed. In modern times, he would undoubtedly be a staunch bachelor. Unfortunately, bound by parental decrees in ancient times, he had to obediently marry and produce offspring. Toward his first wife, he might have retained some guilt and respect, but as for Ruomei...After that, Gongsun Baishi only allowed Ruomei to attend to his daily needs and no longer permitted her to enter his study. The news spread quickly. When Minglan learned of it, she merely uttered a soft "oh" and did not inquire further, which surprised everyone in the household.
Previously, seeing how much the Marquis trusted Gongsun Xiansheng and how Ruomei had risen in status, many had rushed to flatter and curry favor with her. But now, observing their mistress's indifferent attitude, they gradually distanced themselves from Ruomei.
Such is the fickleness of human relationships. Minglan sighed softly, leaning against the kang table as she quietly read her book. Beside her lay Tuan Ge'er, sleeping soundly like a little piglet, his chubby face tender, fair, and rosy, still covered with fine downy hair. The room was tranquil, except for Danju, who sat on a small stool nearby, seemingly restless. Her hands kept making mistakes, and she had already undone a simple trim twice.
"Put down the needlework," Minglan suddenly said softly. "You’re about to poke holes in your fingers."
Danju lowered her head in embarrassment and murmured, "I’ll redo it later."
Minglan glanced at her. "You went again this morning. What was it this time?" Danju slowly set down her embroidery frame and hesitated, glancing at Tuan Ge'er. Minglan said, "Speak. This little one won’t wake up anytime soon."
Danju flushed and said, "It was the young maid from Ruomei’s side who came to find me. She said Ruomei isn’t feeling well."
"Oh? If she’s with child, that would be a good thing," Minglan continued reading without looking up.
"No, she just had her monthly courses two days ago," Danju whispered even more softly. "She just feels tightness in her chest and said she misses her old sisters."
Minglan said nothing more, only smiling faintly. Seeing the hint of mockery in her smile, Danju couldn’t help but whisper, "Ruomei has it hard too. It’s only been a month since she entered the household, and the master already pays her little attention. Even the maids and older women in the courtyard are somewhat neglectful…"
Before she could finish, Minglan interrupted, "Did Ruomei ask you to say this?" She had left many informants in Gongsun’s courtyard, and those maids and older women had not mistreated Ruomei—they just weren’t as obsequious as before.
Danju quickly waved her hands. "No, she always tells me not to mention it to you."
Hearing this, Minglan nearly laughed aloud but restrained herself and glanced at the little chubby bundle beside her. The boy was still sound asleep, snoring softly and sprawled out like a starfish, adorably innocent. The corners of her lips curled upward despite herself. Then, she set down the book, slowly moved to the edge of the kang, took Danju’s hand, and said with a sigh, "We’ve been together for over ten years. I probably know every thought in your mind. Let me ask you something, and you must answer honestly: What do you really think about this matter?"
Danju, unable to meet Minglan’s steady gaze, turned her head and murmured, "She invited me for snacks, tea, and to admire the spring plum blossoms. Each time, she talked to me at length. Although she repeatedly told me not to tell you, I know what she meant—she hopes you’ll put in a good word for her with the master."
Minglan nodded. This girl wasn’t completely foolish. "Then, should I speak for her?"
Danju looked troubled, biting her lip for a long moment before lowering her head and saying, "...I...I don’t know." She felt pity for Ruomei’s sickly appearance but didn’t want to put Minglan in a difficult position.
Minglan watched her for a while and then let out a long sigh. "I’ve found a marriage prospect for you."
The sudden change of topic left Danju both shocked and embarrassed, completely stunned.Minglan continued, "It's your uncle's nephew, the one you call eldest cousin."
Danju's entire family had originally been part of Old Mrs. Sheng's dowry entourage. Decades ago, when Danju's uncle married off his sister, her parents begged for special permission to match her with a prosperous outside family as a proper wife. Over the years, their household had grown increasingly prosperous, and they had one son four years older than Danju.
Observing Danju's flushed face, Minglan went on, "Mama Fang says your cousin is highly capable—he can manage farmland estates and oversee shops. His family circumstances are simple, and there's existing kinship ties. It's truly a good match."
Danju's face reddened until even her neck seemed to swell. After stiffly holding her posture for a long moment, she abruptly knelt straight-backed and declared, "I won't marry outside! I want to stay by your side forever!"
Minglan smiled faintly with bitterness. Unlike Qinsang who had parents and brothers to rely on, unlike Lüzhi's fierce assertiveness, and unlike Xiaotao's ability to play dumb while outsmarting others—despite Danju's meticulousness, competence, and thoroughness in handling affairs, her heart remained too soft. Cui Mama had found many potential matches outside, yet none seemed trustworthy upon closer examination. Those who appeared honest might prove incompetent; those seeming refined might hide rotten cores; those seeming clever might prove too cunning to be good husbands. Finally, when a suitable candidate emerged, his family circumstances proved complicated and troublesome.
After much pickiness, the decision remained difficult. Whenever Minglan imagined Danju suffering misfortune in the future, she felt heavily burdened.
"Since childhood, whenever you little sisters played together, fighting over pastries or clothing, hair ornaments or pendants, you were always the one to yield and keep the peace," Minglan sighed. "When wronged, you never complained to others, just swallowed it yourself. With such a temperament... I originally thought to keep you in the mansion by marrying you to a steward, keeping you close where I could watch over you." She recalled how, when struggling under Madam Wang's rule, it was always Danju who handled difficult steward mothers with careful apologies and sweet words.
Danju's face turned deep purple, her eyes filled with resolute stubbornness: "I don't wish to marry out. I want to stay with you."
"Easier to find priceless treasure than a sincere lover," Minglan said leisurely. "Your cousin has waited for you all these years, refusing every marriage proposal—even his parents couldn't sway him. That's truly remarkable."
Hearing this, Danju's nearly blackish-purple complexion gradually returned to normal, amusing Minglan.
"You like him too, don't you?" Minglan asked softly.
Danju flushed crimson, hesitating for a long while before finally succumbing to Minglan's gaze: "When I was little, visiting my aunt's home... eldest cousin came as a guest... he treated me very well..."
Understanding dawned on Minglan. Mama Fang knew this family's background thoroughly—they were good, kind people. In ancient times with limited information flow, finding such well-understood matches was rare. In this simple, honest family, Danju's gentle nature would be no disadvantage. Minglan nodded, "I think it's excellent too. Let's settle it then."
Danju remained kneeling on the floor, stunned. She remembered clearly she had come to discuss Ruomei's matter—how had it turned into deciding her own marriage?! Utterly bewildered, she turned her head blankly to see the little meatball on the kang still sleeping soundly, his round little belly rising and falling rhythmically."You no longer have parents, so your aunt and uncle will see you off at the wedding." Minglan, wearing soft-soled shoes, paced around the room, murmuring to herself: "Asking names, performing divination, sending betrothal gifts... Mama Fang said your future father-in-law recently lost his elder brother, so holding the wedding too quickly would be inappropriate. We must wait some time... That's fine too—your uncle will have time to craft you a complete set of furniture. I'll cover the expenses..."
"Madam..." Danju sobbed softly, "I don't..."
Minglan tilted her head: "What? Are you disobeying me now?"
Danju stifled her sobs and fell silent. Minglan spoke calmly: "I've long said that as long as you don't betray me, I will never fail you. This time, I want you to have the full three letters and six etiquettes, dragon-and-phoenix red veils, and marry with glorious splendor!"
"Madam!" Tears streamed down Danju's face as she knelt and bowed deeply. "Since childhood I never knew parental love—it was only when I came to your side that I learned what genuine sincerity means. Your kindness to me, I could never repay even if I were to knot grass and hold reins in my next life..." By the end, she was weeping too hard to speak.
The little meatball squirmed a few times, smacking his tiny lips as if sleeping restlessly. Minglan walked to the kang and sat down, gently patting him: "Enough, it's only for you all. In the future, I'm afraid there won't be anymore." The earliest affections are always the truest and most beautiful. "Go call the wet nurse. Tuan Ge'er should wake soon, or he'll be fussy again tonight."
Danju silently stood up, wiped the tears from her face, and was about to slowly leave when Minglan suddenly added: "If Ruomei seeks you out again, tell her one thing from me." Danju paused: "...Please instruct me, Madam."
Being inherently kind-hearted, now that her own future was settled and happiness assured, she felt even more pity for Ruomei.
"Go tell her: After all, she and I were once mistress and maid. In the future, whether it's the Scholar or Lady Gongsun, if they ever beat, abuse, bully, or stint her food and clothing, I will certainly stand up for her." Ruomei had after all served by her side—it concerned the Marquis household's reputation. When beating a dog, one must consider its master.
Danju struggled to process this, stammering: "Beat and abuse?... This... How could the Scholar..."
"Just say what I told you." The little meatball began squinting and wriggling. Minglan offered no further explanation, waving her off.
Danju, confused and bewildered, left the room. First she sent young Cuixiu to fetch the wet nurse, then carried her sewing basket back to her own room. There she saw Lüzhi ironing diapers, carefully softening them afterward. She couldn't help smiling: "You're so meticulous, doing this task yourself."
Lüzhi thumped the iron down on a small stand: "Those little sluts! When there's good food or fine clothes, they're slippery as oiled soles! But when assigned work, they all play dumb!" Infant diapers needed to be both dry and soft. With all this recent rain, they weren't drying properly.
While grumbling incessantly, Lüzhi looked up and noticed Danju's troubled expression. Her eyes shifted mischievously: "This morning I saw you called away again. Did Ruomei complain to you once more?" Before Danju could nod, she laughed, "She should count her blessings now! Later, I'm afraid her days will become even harder!"
Danju started slightly: "What do you mean by that?"Lüzhi added two pieces of charcoal to the iron with fire tongs, boasting triumphantly, "Master Meng said his elder brother is getting married soon. He'll be leaving the estate for a few months to attend the wedding banquet back in his hometown, hehe."
"What's so..." Before Danju could finish laughing, Lüzhi cut in again, "Master Meng said that once his sister-in-law enters the household, his aunt can finally be relieved of her duties of serving and managing the household. He also said, poor his aunt has been toiling for decades. If everything goes smoothly, Master Meng might even bring her along to the capital this time!"
Danju's heart skipped a beat: "What about Ruomei..."
After all, Gongsun Xiansheng is a man. Even if he and Ruomei don't get along well, it doesn't affect Ruomei's daily life. But once Madam Gongsun arrives, it would be like having a direct superior. Then there would be morning and evening greetings, serving tea and water... Danju couldn't help but feel pity.
Lüzhi, however, looked delighted, smoothly ironing diapers while mocking, "Does she even have the face to complain? Did the master beat her or scold her? It's just that he doesn't act like those considerate men in operas who would paint her eyebrows or recite poetry to her. Thinking of having the madam stand up for her?! Pah! She's daydreaming! She's a concubine, not an ancestor. How comfortable does she think she should be?"
Danju ignored her, lost in her own thoughts: The Marquis treats Gongsun Baishi almost like half a teacher, so Madam Gongsun would be like half a teacher's wife. Thinking of Minglan having to humble herself to plead with Gongsun Baishi—this was something she absolutely refused to do.
Lüzhi grew more cheerful as she spoke, raising the iron and pointing at Danju, saying loudly, "Don't you go being overly kind again! Visit her less from now on, or you might bring trouble upon yourself!"
Danju slightly frowned: "When have I ever been overly kind? It's just that after all, we've been sisters for ten years."
Lüzhi vigorously ironed back and forth, shaking the ironing stand while continuing, "In these ten years, when has she ever looked up to us? I know—she comes from a young lady's background, while we're just servant girls! Now she remembers we're sisters."
Danju sighed softly, turned to pour a cup of tea for Lüzhi, and took the iron from her hand, saying, "Take a rest, I'll do it."
Lüzhi walked to the window with the teacup, looking quite content.
As Danju worked, she casually asked, "Where did you hear all these details?"
"I went to find out myself," Lüzhi smiled down at her teacup, saying with satisfaction, "Knowing she's not doing well puts my mind at ease."
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