From the next day onward, Gu Tingye moved to sleep in the inner study. Minglan silently prepared a jade-mat cooling mattress and bedding for him, thoughtfully adding a soft gauze canopy embroidered with pale green and ginger-yellow grasshoppers, along with two white jade mugwort incense burners to ward off mosquitoes.
Gu Tingye stood in the side chamber of the study, observing the neat and well-arranged furnishings, which only fueled his anger further.
Strictly speaking, this wasn’t a typical marital quarrel—more like one spouse losing their temper unilaterally while the other listened meekly, even to the point of tears. Yet the outcome followed the usual pattern: quarrel followed by cold war.
The most troublesome problem in the world is knowing exactly what the problem is, yet being unable to solve it.
Faced with her husband’s fierce expression and his demand for her genuine feelings, Minglan felt a headache coming on.
If Gu Tingye were an ordinary man, Minglan was confident that a bit of acting and tears would suffice to smooth things over. Unfortunately, this man was experienced and skilled at reading people. Over the past two years, he had come to understand about eighty to ninety percent of her temperament, making it impossible to deceive him.
If Minglan were to rush over now, expressing heartfelt remorse with, "Ah, I’ve realized my mistake. Please forgive me. I truly love you," he probably wouldn’t even lift an eyelid in response.
Minglan understood the meaning behind Gu Tingye’s words that night. Yet, in marriage, the closest of relationships could also be the most distant. One couldn’t always speak the complete truth—otherwise, the first thing she should have said was, "I’m actually a transmigrator." She deeply felt that she had grown too comfortable recently, neglecting the careful observation she used to practice, which led to overlooking her husband’s feelings. It was truly inexcusable.
She resolved to reflect on her actions.
One spouse wanted the other to recognize the root of the mistake and treat them with sincerity—a matter of emotions.
The other, however, believed there was no issue with their feelings but rather a flaw in their approach, requiring an improvement in strategy—a matter of technique.
The former felt his wife was insincere, always trying to rely on clever tricks.
The latter felt her husband was overly complicated. Why couldn’t they just live peacefully? What was the point of all this talk about "genuine feelings"? Could sincerity even fill one’s stomach?
Gu Tingye refused to return on his own, and Minglan hadn’t yet devised a solution. She could only carry on as usual, managing household affairs and caring for their child. The couple sat in silence across from each other during meals, finishing their food without a word. If the man’s expression grew too unpleasant and affected her appetite, Minglan would simply eat another meal later.
As days passed, Minglan, rather shamelessly, began to feel that this kind of life wasn’t so unbearable. If only they could have a few more children—but unfortunately, her husband refused to return to their bedroom.
Seeing this, Gu Tingye grew even angrier and even more unwilling to return to their room to sleep. Yet he missed his son, so he often took the boy to the study to sleep at night. By now, he was quite adept at soothing the child to sleep, so it wasn’t much of a hassle.
If he returned late, he would push awake the drowsy Minglan in the dead of night, wrap Tuan Ge’er from the blankets, and carry him away. Minglan would then lie awake, unable to sleep. If he had an early court session the next day, he would return their son to her bed in the pitch-black room before leaving, waking Minglan once again. She would then lie awake until dawn, holding the soundly sleeping little chubby boy.
As for this lifestyle—sleeping with his mother in the first half of the night and his father in the second, closing his eyes to his father and opening them to his mother—the little chubby boy showed no signs of discomfort. Sometimes, when he woke in the middle of the night, he would even play with Gu Tingye for a while. Tired out, he would then sleep soundly until morning. Stroking her son’s freshly shaven, plump, bald head, Minglan sighed helplessly.
—Do you even know your father has been taking out his frustrations on society in the dead of night lately?
During these days of the couple’s cold war, the household was not without its share of activity.On the third day of the cold war, Qiu Niang grew restless and brought a bowl of bird's nest to "visit" Gu Tingye in his study. However, she ended up saying something that displeased him, causing him to throw both the bowl and its contents outside the door. Qiu Niang returned to her room and wept bitterly.
On the fifth day of the cold war, Cuiwei severely punished an old woman who often delivered items to Caihuan at the manor, along with her adopted daughter. Each received twenty heavy strokes and were banished to that same manor.
On the eighth day of the cold war, Madam Wang's family arrived in the capital.
Wang Uncle, having served outside the capital for several years, had completed his term and was due to return to report on his duties. His family had come ahead of him. Madam Wang, who had long missed her family dearly, came early to inform Minglan. She mentioned that in a couple of days, after Grand Old Madam Wang had settled in, the entire family would go to pay their respects to the elders. Minglan hesitated for a while before timidly bringing the matter to Gu Tingye, gazing at him with hopeful eyes.
Gu Tingye feigned nonchalance and said, "I'll return early the day after tomorrow, and we'll go together. Tuan Ge'er is too young and shouldn't go for now."
"Thank you, Marquis."
Minglan had been waiting for him to say this. She had never intended to bring Tuan Ge'er along but didn't want to be the one to refuse. His words were perfect. Delighted, she went over and hugged his arm, resting her head against him.
Gu Tingye watched her for a moment, then turned away with a silent sigh: She was like a child—sincerely admitting her mistakes, obediently accepting punishment, adorable and well-behaved—but in her heart, she didn't truly understand what she had done wrong, nor was she willing to change.
Her soft, fragrant presence against his shoulder and arm, her smiling face like a flower—he loved it all. Unconsciously, he wrapped his arm around her waist. Suddenly, he thought with a touch of self-reproach—perhaps this was fine. Why be so serious? Just live like this.
When the day arrived, Minglan once again invited Madam Shao, who again declined with an apologetic smile. "You and Second Brother go ahead. When the two girls return from school, the three of us will have a meal together."
Perhaps accustomed to a low-profile life under Xiao Qin Shi's influence, or deeply aware of the long-standing grievances between Gu Tingyu and his brother, Madam Shao remained very reserved in Clear Garden. As a young widow, she avoided trouble and rarely stepped beyond the inner gates except to visit her own family. Moreover, since she had not offered help during Minglan's childbirth, she felt increasingly uneasy around Gu Tingye and his wife, becoming ever more humble and cautious.
Minglan sighed softly and said gently, "Then I'll entrust the two girls to you, Sister-in-law."
In truth, she didn't blame her. How many selfless people were there in this world? Most prioritized themselves first.
After Gu Tingye changed out of his court dress, Minglan carefully selected a dark blue Shu brocade robe embroidered with subtle crabapple patterns for him. She then dressed herself meticulously, and the couple set out together.
Though the Wang family's old residence was not large, its location was even better than the Sheng family's, just half an hour by carriage from the imperial city. They arrived quickly. An old servant had been waiting anxiously at the gate and, recognizing the black lacquer emblem on the carriage, knew it was the Sheng family's son-in-law from the Ningyuan Marquis Household. He promptly welcomed the couple inside with great respect.
Upon entering, they found the Sheng family had already arrived. Old Mrs. Sheng was seated beside a white-haired elderly woman, while her father Sheng Hong stood respectfully nearby, chatting with a smile. A circle of people sat or stood around them.
After stepping forward to kneel and pay respects, the elderly woman quickly raised her hand to signal Minglan and Gu Tingye to rise. Old Mrs. Sheng said cheerfully, "Speaking of which, Old Sister, this is your first time meeting the sixth girl."Standing to the side, Madam Wang shifted her feet uncomfortably. Wang Old Madam paid no mind and drew Minglan closer, examining her carefully: "Mm, indeed a neat and proper child. My old sister truly has good fortune."
This so-called maternal family—Minglan had never met any of them before. Now, upon first meeting, she turned her head for a closer look and noticed that although Wang Old Madam was advanced in years, she had a delicate and straight nose with dignified brows and eyes, resembling Kang Yima greatly. She must have been a striking beauty in her youth. In contrast, Wang Aunt beside her appeared much plainer, with a stern expression and no hint of a smile.
Cousin Wang, whose given name was You, bore a strong resemblance to Madam Wang, with a square face and broad mouth and nose—a rather honest young man. Naturally, Minglan’s old acquaintance, Cousin Kang Yuan’er, who had married into the Wang family, was also present.
At that moment, Kang Yuan’er was scrutinizing Minglan’s attire with a haughty gaze, from the turquoise and gold double-loop jade bracelet on her wrist to the white jade and gold wire phoenix hairpin in her hair. This phoenix hairpin was crafted from seven or eight pieces of mutton-fat jade woven together with red gold wire. Its value aside, the craftsmanship alone was extraordinary—the entire piece of mutton-fat jade had been polished as thin as a cicada’s wing, said to be a lost art from the previous dynasty.
Kang Yuan’er’s heart burned with envy for a long while before she managed to restrain herself from speaking.
Minglan ignored her and turned to Yun’er: "Cousin, have you returned to the capital?" Sheng Changwu was such a good husband—who knew what excuse he had used to bring his wife back from their hometown.
Kang Yun’er glanced at Kang Yima in front of her, stepped forward, and took Minglan’s hand, saying in a low, ashamed voice, "Dear cousin, about what happened last year... it was all my mother’s fault. Please... please don’t hold it against her."
Minglan smiled faintly and changed the subject: "Why didn’t Brother Wu come today?"
Yun’er replied, "He’s been assigned to the Western Suburbs Camp recently and can only return once every half month." Seeing that Minglan refused to acknowledge her apology, she knew Minglan was still angry and felt deeply saddened. But no matter how wrong her birth mother was, she was still her birth mother.
"Fifth Sister couldn’t come either." Minglan knew what was on her mind but had no intention of forgiving Kang Yima for Kang Yun’er’s sake, so she brought up another topic. "Recently, an uncle from the Wen family passed away, and she went to the countryside to pay her respects." Wen Yanjing’s assignment outside the capital was almost finalized. Lately, Rulan had been very obedient to her in-laws, fearing any mishap that might prevent her from leaving.
Wang Old Madam spoke softly to Gu Tingye: "I’ll presume to call you, Marquis, my grandson-in-law. From now on, you’re one of our family’s sons-in-law."
Gu Tingye, seated sideways, clasped his hands lightly: "Greetings, Old Madam."
Wang Old Madam felt slightly displeased. Earlier, during the formal greetings, he had addressed Old Mrs. Sheng as "Grandmother," but now he called her "Old Madam"—clearly keeping his distance. She glanced sideways and noticed her daughter-in-law’s eyes flicker before looking toward her eldest daughter.
Kang Yima stood there fuming.
Wang Old Madam sighed inwardly. She was well aware of the conflicts between her eldest daughter and the Marquis’s household. From the moment they arrived until now, Minglan and the Marquis had not once addressed Kang Yima as "Aunt." She truly could not understand her daughter. With relatives who shared no blood ties, it was all the more important to be courteous and respectful. Otherwise, why should they bother acknowledging you?
Over there, Sheng Hong was in high spirits and asked with a smile, "May I ask, Mother-in-law, when will my brother-in-law return?"Back when he went to the Wang family to propose marriage, everyone had looked down on him, only his mother-in-law had treated him with great kindness. His brother-in-law Wang was also an honest man, who had taken special care to guide and advise him during his first few years in officialdom.
Old Madam Wang gazed affectionately at her satisfactory son-in-law: "At most a month, or as quickly as half a month. I must hand over all matters clearly before I can leave. I was just thinking of you all, and how I haven't seen my old sister for so many years, so I came early."
Old Mrs. Sheng said with a smile, "Speaking of which, Brother Bai and his wife will soon return to the capital to report on their duties. We can have a family reunion dinner then."
Wang Aunt's eyes flickered as she asked with concern, "Brother Bai is truly outstanding. So young and already a local magistrate, while my You Ge'er is still studying. By the way, didn't we hear last time that his wife was with child? Has she given birth yet?"
Old Mrs. Sheng grew even happier: "She gave birth on the second day of the third month. Both mother and child are well."
Madam Wang was also very pleased and couldn't help boasting: "The maids who came back with the news all said it's a big, plump boy who eats well, sleeps well, and is very strong! He even has a lucky mole on his chest - a sign of lifelong intelligence and wealth!"
Wang Aunt joined in the merriment: "Congratulations to the Old Madam and the Madame. Another grandson to add to your flourishing family!" Though she didn't mean anything by it, Kang Yuan'er and Kang Yima were already growing restless.
Just then, Hualan entered through the doorway, smoothing her rolled-up sleeves as she walked, followed by a group of children. She was saying, "...Now that you've had your fruits, you must behave properly..." Looking up, she smiled, "Oh, Sixth Sister, Brother-in-law, you're here."
"Eldest Sister, greetings." Minglan stepped forward with a smile. Gu Tingye also stood up and bowed, "How has Elder Brother-in-law been lately?"
"All well, everyone at home is well."
Minglan deliberately spoke cheerfully: "I heard the horse farms beyond the passes have been thriving these years. Many people are waiting for Brother-in-law's horses now."
"Him!" Hualan waved her hand, unable to conceal her pride, "These days he goes out early and returns late every night. There's no peace at home either - people come visiting every single day."
Wang Aunt pointed and laughed: "No wonder you came so early this morning - you were escaping the bustle!"
Hualan leaned close to Wang Aunt with an ingratiating smile: "Oh, from early morning until now, I've been helping Aunt move things around - have I had a moment's rest? If not merit, at least I've worked hard. Does Aunt say this because you're afraid I'll ask for wages?"
Wang Aunt pretended to think for a moment before saying, "Alright then, I'll share some fruits with you later."
Hualan bit her lip and turned with a smile: "Grandmother has such skill - where ever did you find such an aunt? Tsk tsk, with such a capable daughter-in-law managing the household, no wonder the Wang family prospers day by day!"
All the women in the room were doubled over with laughter. Old Madam Wang laughed especially joyfully, pointing at Hualan and scolding playfully: "You little monkey! Even daring to tease your elders! I'll have your father spank you!"
Even the few men present couldn't help smiling. Old Mrs. Sheng, along with Madam Wang and Sheng Hong, all looked at Hualan with affectionate eyes. Only Kang Yima and her daughter Kang Yuan'er had unsettled expressions on their faces, watching as Sister Zhuang led Sister Hui to stand demurely to the side, while Brothers Quange and Shige wobbled over to cling affectionately beside Old Madam Wang.
Suddenly, Kang Yima turned to Minglan and said, "On such a joyous occasion, why didn't you bring your son along, niece?"Minglan was momentarily taken aback. Though she loathed Kang Yima to the core, she deliberately assumed a troubled expression and glanced at Gu Tingye.
Gu Tingye answered on her behalf: "The child is still young. We'll bring him out when he's older."
Kang Yima sneered coldly. Kang Yun'er, noticing something amiss, anxiously tugged at her mother's sleeve. Yet Kang Yima refused to relent: "The Marquis's son is so precious..."
"Whose child isn't precious?" Wang Old Madam suddenly interjected. "Why bring out an infant who hasn't even reached his first birthday?" She then scolded sternly, "You've borne several children yourself. How can you not understand such basic reasoning?"
Kang Yima reluctantly fell silent.
Minglan stood at the back, watching Wang Old Madam with cold eyes—despite having lived away from the capital for years, she knew Tuan Ge'er's exact age so precisely.
After lunch, the guests gradually took their leave. Kang Yima claimed that with no mother-in-law to attend to, she wished to stay with her birth mother for a few days. Kang Yima's husband flung his sleeves and left in a huff. Madam Wang initially intended to do the same, but Sheng Hong dragged her away. Wang Old Madam declared she needed an afternoon rest and instructed Wang Aunt to attend to her own affairs. She then retreated to the inner chamber with Kang Yima, dismissed the servants, and began their private conversation.
"When will you ever rid yourself of this wretched habit!" Wang Old Madam sighed. "You know perfectly well how influential Marquis Gu has become. Why must you provoke that girl?"
Kang Yima curled her lips disdainfully: "What's so remarkable about her? She's just the daughter of a low-born concubine..."
"Enough!" Wang Old Madam snapped. "Who cares about her origins? Now she holds higher status than you, enjoys greater glory than you—you must show respect, yield to her, and be courteous! Otherwise, you'll face bitter consequences!"
Kang Yima remained unconvinced: "It's only because she's young and beautiful now. When Marquis Gu tires of her, she'll be the one suffering! But... hehe, that day is coming soon. Recently, that wretched girl quarreled with Marquis Gu—he's even moved to sleep in his study. Judging by today's interaction, they're clearly not as close as before..." She chuckled meaningfully.
To her surprise, Wang Old Madam showed no interest, instead rebuking her: "I've told you to stop meddling in crooked schemes, but you never listen! Where did you hear this gossip? So Marquis Gu isn't close to her—does that mean he'll be close to you?! What are you rejoicing about? Didn't you see how Marquis Gu looked at you today? What exactly have you done to earn such contempt?"
King Yima pressed her lips together, unwilling to reveal her previous conspiracy with Xiao Qin Shi, feeling only slight regret.
Although Caihuan had been punished by Minglan and sent to the manor, she had managed to befriend an old matron in the residence whose foster daughter worked as a sweeper in the outer courtyard of Jiaxi Residence. The moment Caihuan received information, she promptly reported it to Kang Yima. Unfortunately, after just one message was relayed, the manor steward detected it.
Then the connection was severed.
Kang Yima suspected Minglan had long suspected that not all spies around her had been eliminated, and had deliberately waited for this to happen—otherwise, how could the timing be so coincidental?
Wang Old Madam suddenly recalled something: "I heard something—apparently one of your family's illegitimate daughters became a concubine to the Prince of Anyang?" That old prince is seventy this year, while the girl is barely in her teens. How could you bring yourself to do such a thing?"
This time Kang Yima genuinely laughed: "Mother, this wasn't my doing. It was your precious son-in-law who wanted to curry favor with the Prince of Anyang. I merely offered a suggestion."
"Aren't you afraid that girl might gain favor and come back to retaliate against you?!"
Kang Yima smiled triumphantly: "That girl's mother and brother are both in my grasp. What is there to fear?"
"No wonder you've grown so bold—you've connected yourself with the Prince of Anyang."Old Madam Wang tried every possible persuasion, but seeing her daughter remain stubbornly unreasonable, she couldn't help feeling discouraged. Sighing, she said, "Enough, enough. I'm old now, and I can no longer manage your affairs. But regarding Yuan'er's matter, I must speak up—it concerns the continuation of the Wang family line."
Kang Yima's heart tightened. Her daughter had yet to bear a child, and Wang Aunt had long been dissatisfied. Trembling, she said, "Mother, Yuan'er is your own granddaughter by blood. You can't possibly..."
"You Ge'er is also my own grandson by blood!" Old Madam Wang retorted angrily.
"...Yuan'er has been disrespectful to her mother-in-law, disobedient to her father-in-law, and even dared to strike the matron by my side! She's acting like a madwoman—almost picking up a knife to stab someone! If she weren't my own granddaughter, do you think I would have tolerated her until now?!"
Old Madam Wang took a deep breath. "One year—I'll wait at most one more year. If Yuan'er still hasn't conceived by then, your sister-in-law will arrange for You Ge'er to take a bedroom servant. Don't worry too much; once the child is born, it can be registered under Yuan'er's name. It'll be the same."
Kang Yima let out a sharp cry: "My elder sister's husband's brother—that is, the Sheng family's nephew-in-law—his wife also went many years without conceiving, but they waited, didn't they?! Now they've finally had a..."
"That's because they had two brothers!" Old Madam Wang pointed out bluntly, then spoke earnestly, "But we only have You Ge'er. His health is weak—we can't take such a risk. If anything were to happen, how could I face your deceased father?!"
Kang Yima gritted her teeth so hard they nearly pierced her lips. Finally, she said fiercely, "Fine, one more year. If it doesn't work out, then take a bedroom servant, but—" She fixed a deathly stare on her mother, "the child stays, the mother goes!"
Old Madam Wang was shaken, but looking at her daughter's face so similar to her own, her heart softened again, and she slowly nodded.
...
After returning to the estate, Gu Tingye saw Minglan happily carrying a small yellow clay jar, her face lit up with a childlike, silly grin. He couldn't maintain his aloof expression: "Is that a local product from Chengde? What treasure has got you so delighted?"
Minglan looked up and smiled, "It's auspicious vegetables." Seeing the man looked puzzled, she added, "That is, bracken fern."
"You like eating this?" Gu Tingye asked in surprise.
"Not me—it's for the Marchioness of Northern Wei, Sister Zhang."
Minglan slowly lifted the oilcloth and looked at the salted green tender bracken inside. The brine was clear and clean. Suddenly, she felt a sense of goodwill toward that Wang Aunt. Earlier, she and Xiaotao had tasted a bit—though quite salty, it was indeed crisp and refreshing.
"Ordinary bracken is usually sun-dried, and each family soaks it in water before eating. That's fine, but it lacks some freshness. Although this jar of bracken is pickled, it looks like it was freshly picked not long ago. Later, we can rinse it with spring water to reduce the saltiness, and then it'll be ready to eat."
Seeing her animated description, Gu Tingye couldn't help smiling: "You're making me crave it just listening to you."
"There are two jars. We'll keep one for ourselves." Minglan grinned. "However you want to eat it, I'll make it for you later. Whether in soup, stir-fried... no, actually, cold-tossed would be best now."
Gu Tingye smiled faintly.
She carried an air of joyful optimism—healthy and uplifting, as if even the biggest troubles could be brushed aside to start anew. Every sunrise held hope, and every tomorrow promised happiness ahead.
"Give me the jar. I'll deliver it by fast horse!" Suddenly, he felt younger himself.Minglan wrinkled her nose and replied playfully, "An eight-hundred-li express dispatch? Don't let people laugh at us. Keep His Lordship's fast horses for now. It's still early—I'll take the carriage over and have a few more words with Sister Zhang."
Zhang Shi was also nearing her delivery date. Sending her some of her favorite snacks while offering some comfort could be considered a final prenatal counseling session, hoping for her smooth delivery. This would also repay Madam Zhang for having taken care of her several times.
"Go and return quickly," Gu Tingye said with a face full of smiles.
Minglan nodded vigorously, two small dimples appearing at the corners of her mouth. "I'll be back in time for dinner."
The fragrance of crabapple blossoms filled the courtyard. The man sat in a large rattan chair under the corridor, cradling a chubby child and rocking gently, smiling as he watched her leave—he had never been able to stay angry with her for long.
Unfortunately, it was not until lantern-lighting time that she returned, looking exhausted, with a few faint bloodstains on the hem of her skirt.
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