In just a few days, Minglan had already heard four or five different versions of the story about Uncle Shen's wife's perilous childbirth. Some said Concubine Zou had plotted against the principal wife to secure her own position; others claimed Uncle Shen had neglected his wife, causing Zhang Shi to fall ill from depression; and there were even rumors that loyal servants left behind by the late Madam Zou, fearing Zhang Shi's son would threaten their young master's status, had secretly meddled... With all these fragmented accounts, Minglan's face turned pale as she listened.
Overall, however, public opinion leaned toward the Zhang family.
This clearly demonstrated the power of family prestige and reputation—half the capital was filled with the Zhangs' relatives and old acquaintances.
On one side stood a family of founding heroes who had endured for generations, renowned for their military achievements and virtuous deeds (such as regularly distributing alms and providing porridge to the poor). On the other side was an upstart family that had risen through imperial favor, having accomplished little good since arriving in the capital (with Zhang Shi keeping to herself and Concubine Zou lacking the qualifications to act) while committing numerous misdeeds (the Zou family's contributions). Minglan asked herself: How would ordinary people react upon hearing of a domestic dispute between these two families?
Gu Tingye told Minglan that the emperor had recently been cold toward the Empress and had reprimanded the eldest and second princes for neglecting their studies in favor of amusement.
Minglan exclaimed in surprise, "Hasn't the Duke of Ying already recovered from his illness and returned to court? Is the emperor still unwilling to let this go? Could it be that the Zhang family..."
Although the emperor had taken several concubines, he still visited the Empress's palace from time to time, remembering their shared hardships, and the imperial couple had always maintained a good relationship. Now that the guilty had been punished, the demoted had been removed, Concubine Zou was still imprisoned, and Zhang Shi and Uncle Shen had reconciled—why was the emperor still...
Gu Tingye said, "That's not the case. Regarding this matter, the old duke hasn't uttered a single word of complaint. On the contrary, he advised the emperor not to worry about it."
After the Duke of Ying recovered and returned to court, the emperor noticed how stooped the old man had become, looking more than ten years older, and felt guilty. He intended to offer some comforting words, but the Duke of Ying said instead: "Your Majesty is the ruler of all under heaven. Even if you commanded the Zhang family to shed blood on the battlefield and fight to the death, which of our sons would ever frown? At all times, where Your Majesty's will directs, this old minister's sword shall point—this is the duty of a subject. How much more so for mere matters of marriage? Your Majesty must not be troubled by women's tears."
These words, spoken with unyielding integrity, moved the emperor deeply. He repeatedly said, "My beloved minister is the cornerstone of the state, my great fortune."
After being moved, the emperor returned to the palace and slowly began to reflect.
Regarding this same marriage arrangement, the Zhang family had been unwilling, yet they fulfilled their obligations properly. The legitimate daughter of the Duke of Ying's household had been bullied by a concubine, yet the Zhang family hadn't uttered a single complaint, enduring it all silently. Why? They were demonstrating their loyalty!
The Shen family, in contrast, had done the exact opposite.
Marrying the Zhang family was the emperor's idea, while repaying the Zou family was the Shen family's intention. Now, you siblings have consistently elevated Concubine Zou while neglecting Zhang Shi—what exactly does this mean? Could it be dissatisfaction with the imperial decree? Unable to openly defy the command, so you resort to private retaliation?!
"...The old duke is truly formidable," Minglan murmured after a long pause.
Gu Tingye said, "The older the ginger, the spicier it gets." Who would have thought the Duke of Ying, with his kindly elder appearance and benevolent demeanor, could utter such sharp words—directly elevating a family dispute to a matter of loyalty. This made the situation quite unfavorable.Neglecting the Empress and reprimanding the imperial prince seemed to signal a shift, prompting censors to swiftly act. They impeached Shen Congxing for "failing to cultivate personal virtue, mismanaging his household, violating the rules of legitimate and secondary wives, and harming ethical principles." Some astute censors bypassed Shen Congxing entirely, directly targeting the in-laws of the Imperial Uncle’s residence, submitting over a dozen memorials accusing the Zou family of "seizing civilian property and harming the common people."
Dark clouds once again gathered over the Northern Wei Marquis Estate.
Gu Tingye frowned deeply. He, Shen Congxing, Duan Zhong, Geng Liu, and others were all former subordinates of the emperor, their fates closely intertwined. This sudden wave of impeachment memorials was fierce and likely harbored some ulterior motives...
Just as the capital buzzed with discussions about the Shen and Zhang families, Wang Uncle and Hai Shi returned to the capital one after the other. Hai Shi carried a chubby baby boy in her arms—Chun’er, who had been born during their tenure.
"Why hasn’t Big Brother returned yet?" Minglan looked around but couldn’t spot Changbai.
Hai Shi smiled gently. "The water channel in the county is nearly completed these days. Your elder brother insisted on overseeing the final sealing of the earthwork himself. He asked me and our son to return a few days early."
"With the task ninety percent done, the last stretch is critical. Good, very good—Changbai is doing the right thing." Sheng Hong felt proud but refused to show it.
"Brother-in-law has achieved remarkable results this term. Not only has he brought stability to the people under his governance, but he also completed a water channel spanning dozens of miles. I heard the Ministry of Personnel has already rated his performance as 'excellent,'" Gu Tingye remarked.
Minglan exclaimed joyfully, "Big Brother is truly amazing! Then... will he receive a Ten-Thousand-People Umbrella?"
"Ah, those are just empty honors, not worth dwelling on," Sheng Hong shook his head with a smile. "Serving in office, the most important thing is to benefit the local people, sharing the emperor’s burdens above and relieving the common people’s hardships below. Only then can one say they haven’t wasted their years studying the classics."
Minglan glanced at her father and fell silent. It had been a long time since she’d heard such lofty and righteous words.
Then her mind automatically translated it into the blunt truth: Ten-Thousand-People Umbrellas are just empty honors, not worth dwelling on—this part was sincere. The rest probably meant: Serving in office, the most important thing is to earn an excellent performance review, secure promotions and titles above, and accumulate wealth and property below. Only then can one say they haven’t wasted a decade of grueling study.
During this period, Madam Wang was the happiest. She had wept with joy upon seeing her long-absent brother and was over the moon holding her little grandson. Unfortunately, within a few days, the spotlight was stolen from her.
On the fourth day of the sixth month, Madam Liu gave birth to a baby girl. Displeased that her first child wasn’t a son, she was taken aback by Changfeng’s delight. He held his newborn daughter, praising her endlessly and boasting to everyone he met. His mother-in-law, Madam Liu, was deeply moved by his affection.
Liu Daren patted Changfeng’s shoulder affectionately and said, "Good son-in-law, focus on your studies. Next spring, strive for an imperial examination rank to bring honor to your wife and child."
As the baby girl’s features gradually became more distinct, everyone was astonished to see how much she resembled Hualan—with the same thick eyebrows, large eyes, and spirited, generous demeanor. Even her temperament mirrored Hualan’s as a child: she rarely cried, loved smiling at people, and seemed even more like Hualan than Hualan’s own daughter, Zhuang Jie.
At the Third Day Bath Ceremony, Hualan held the baby with immense affection, her longstanding resentment toward Consort Lin fading slightly. She even sent Madam Liu two generous gifts. This inevitably displeased Madam Wang, who muttered a few cold remarks like, "What’s there to fuss over a mere girl?"
Seeing her narrow-mindedness again, Old Mrs. Sheng privately advised her, "Just think back to when Hualan was born—her father doted on her just the same. To be honest, he probably spoiled her even more outrageously back then."Madam Wang fell silent. Back then, how dearly Sheng Hong had cherished Hualan—he had even carried his babbling daughter to his government office, unable to bear parting with her. Recalling the tender moments of their early marriage, she couldn't help but feel wistful—if only Consort Lin had never existed, how perfect life would have been.
Seeing Changfeng gradually reconcile with Hualan while their own aunt Molan was left out in the cold, she resented Madam Liu's cunning schemes—how she had instigated conflicts and curried favor to drive a wedge between the siblings. After another quarrel with Changfeng, she left in a huff, refusing to visit again.
State affairs and family matters seemed to follow the same pattern of ebb and flow. Just as Minglan felt the fifth millet-like tooth emerging from Little Chubby's gums, the court's "impeachment of the Shen family" had reached a temporary conclusion.
The Zou family suffered greatly this time—two wrongful deaths were uncovered, along with numerous cases of land seizure from commoners. The censors clamored for blood debt repayment. Uncle Shen initially wanted to intercede, but upon hearing the Imperial Clan Court had withheld his petition to designate his eldest son as Heir Apparent, he hesitated.
Empress Shen had previously wept before the Empress Dowager, but when rumors spread that the Emperor intended to suspend the palace memorial system, she suddenly realized her husband was now the Supreme Ruler—no longer the prince from their fiefdom days.
Still, Empress Shen proved resourceful. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, she immediately humbled herself—removing her phoenix crown and robes, she knelt in plain clothing at the Gate of Heavenly Purity to confess: "My failure to restrain my family is entirely my fault."
The Emperor, sentimental about their shared struggles, softened at the sight of his weeping wife recalling their difficult past. That night he stayed in the Kunning Palace. Subsequently, the Duke of England submitted a memorial recommending two renowned scholars as tutors for the first and second princes. The Emperor gladly approved and further honored the Duke as Grand Guardian of the Heir Apparent, while Zhang Shi's son was granted the title of Second-Class Commandant of Light Chariots.
The political winds had shifted again.
The final compromise saw: the eldest Zou uncle exiled three thousand li to the southwest, the second uncle receiving thirty strokes, half their family property confiscated as compensation, Uncle Shen reprimanded by imperial decree with one year's salary suspended and three months of house confinement for reflection.
During this period, Minglan visited Little Shen twice, finding her frightened as a startled bird—her belly large but body frighteningly thin. Zheng da furen grew deeply concerned about potential childbirth complications.
Thus, when Zhang Shi's son reached two full months, the Zhang and Shen families decided to host an elaborate full-month banquet—both to dispel ill fortune and reassert their status, while signaling to outsiders that the families had reconciled completely.
Days before the banquet, Zhang Shi invited Minglan to consult on banquet details. The messenger paused before adding: "It's been too long—Uncle Shen often thinks of Marquis Gu," presenting two jars of aged Huadiao wine in token.
Gu Tingye smiled wryly, telling Minglan: "Brother Shen must be stifled from confinement. Since he's under imperial house arrest, old comrades can't easily visit. Very well—I'll accompany you today.As mistress of Northern Wei Residence, the long-secluded Zhang Shi resolved to personally organize the banquet as her social reappearance. Under her mother Madame Zhang's guidance, she had mastered all banquet intricacies—from drinks and cuisine to guest reception. Only the family members of Shen Congxing's comrades remained unfamiliar, hence her early invitation for Minglan's insights.Minglan recounted each matter in detail: the Duan family's financial standing, Madam Duan's origins from a prominent Shu clan, Young General Duan's ongoing marriage negotiations, the slight divergence in perspectives between Madam Zhong and Madam Geng regarding "virtuousness," why the wife of Minister Liu Zhengjie appeared so aged—not the elderly Madam Liu, but his actual wife, one mustn't mistake this—for she had been a child bride, "an eighteen-year-old bride with a three-year-old groom..."
Zhang Shi listened attentively, occasionally interjecting with anecdotes of bygone events in the capital, creating a balanced exchange. As a daughter of an elite family, Zhang Shi was adept at veiling private matters in subtle expressions, leaving no trace of indiscretion; Minglan, being a distinguished disciple of Zhuangzi and Laozi, excelled at dressing unsavory topics in classical allusions and scholarly rhetoric. The two were well-matched, sharing knowing smiles at particularly witty moments.
As they conversed, an elderly maidservant entered and reported respectfully, "Madam, the Marquis wishes to share drinks with Lord Gu and requests two jars of the bamboo leaf green liquor sent earlier from Japan."
Zhang Shi replied, "The Marquis said that liquor improves with age, so it was buried in the storeroom cellar. Please ask Mother Fan to have someone dig it out carefully, avoiding any breakage."
The maidservant curtseyed and added, "The Marquis also mentioned wanting to show Lord Gu his newly acquired Longquan sword."
Zhang Shi said, "The Marquis practices swordplay every morning and likely hung it in the young master's room again. I'll have someone deliver it."
The maidservant acknowledged and withdrew.
Zhang Shi turned to issue instructions, and two maids retrieved the sword from the adjacent nursery before swiftly exiting. When Zhang Shi turned back, she found Minglan gazing quietly at her. Blushing faintly, she filled the silence: "That liquor is quite fine—clear emerald in color, richly fragrant, and doesn't cause headaches. I'll have two jars sent to you later."
Minglan gave an earnest "oh" and continued watching her. Zhang Shi's complexion was healthy and rosy, and though a hint of melancholy lingered between her brows, the former pallor and fragility had been replaced by resolute dignity and capability.
Feigning annoyance, Zhang Shi said, "If you have something to say, speak! Why stare so?"
Minglan replied, "It's nothing. I just think the State Uncle's habits are admirable. The child growing up familiar with blades will surely become a fine general. How wonderful."
Zhang Shi glared, but Minglan returned an innocent gaze, quickly deflating her feigned anger. With a wry smile, Zhang Shi sighed, "Even the Goddess of Heaven, descending to this mortal world, would likely cease to be an immortal."
On the fourth day postpartum, when her husband first stepped into her room, both felt as if they had returned from death's door, exhausted in body and soul. They sat in silence for a long while before she—disregarding her mother's warnings—threw herself into his arms and wept bitterly, unsure whether she mourned her helpless compromise or the shared fate of women everywhere.
After a long pause, Minglan murmured, "Indeed, in this world, there are no true immortals."
...
Leaving Zhang Shi's chambers, Minglan walked out heavily.
The brief exchange between Zhang Shi and the maidservant had revealed much—Shen Congxing now spent every night in Zhang Shi's quarters, rising each morning to practice swordplay in the courtyard before visiting his son with the sword. While coaxing and playing with the child, he would hang the blade on the nursery wall. Marital harmony and paternal devotion—thus, all were satisfied.
Rather than withering away in proud defiance, it was better to survive through pragmatic compromise.
A bitter taste filled Minglan's mouth, though she couldn't pinpoint the source of her gloom.Approaching a festooned gate, Minglan suddenly heard a clamor of quarreling and cursing ahead, the voices sounding somewhat familiar. The matron guiding her looked embarrassed and smiled awkwardly, saying, "There's some unpleasantness up ahead. Let's take this other path."
Minglan nodded, not wishing to involve herself in trouble.
Just as she turned her heel, a crowd surged forward. Leading them was a disheveled young woman who seemed intent on charging ahead, while a group of matrons and maidservants struggled to hold her back.
"...Who dares stop me? I'll die right here...!" The young woman pressed a hairpin to her throat, letting out a piercing cry. "I must see the Marquis! None of you can stop me!... Let go... Let me go...!"
Minglan looked closely and realized it was Concubine Zou.
It was no wonder she hadn't recognized her at first. The former Concubine Zou had always worn heavy makeup, obscuring her true features. Now, not only was her hair disheveled and her appearance wretched, but the corner of her mouth was split, and her once-delicate cheeks were marred by two large purple scars, resembling hardened marks left after squeezing pimples. Yet Minglan knew these were likely bruises and cuts from a severe beating.
Her appearance was truly disfigured—half her beauty ruined.
"Ma... Madame Gu...?" Concubine Zou finally recognized the newcomer and threw herself forward, wailing hysterically, "Madame Gu, please save my brother! They're going to kill him!"
Minglan's arm ached from the tight grip. "It's merely exile and caning—no one is taking his life!"
"The southwestern regions are plagued with miasma—how could that not be fatal...?" As Concubine Zou tried to continue, Minglan cut her off sharply, "Mind your words, Concubine Zou. The Gu family shares no kinship with the Zou family. Even if action were warranted, what right would the Gu family have to intervene? If this spreads, people will ridicule us for overstepping and lacking propriety!"
Concubine Zou realized her blunder but still clung to Minglan's arm. "...My Marquis regards Marquis Gu as his own brother... Please, Madame Gu, speak a few words on my behalf!"
Cuiwei, who accompanied Minglan, desperately tried to pry Concubine Zou away, while the matrons pulled and tugged. Yet Concubine Zou held onto Minglan's arm like iron, causing her pain.
With one hand still clutching the hairpin, Concubine Zou waved it dangerously. Fearing she might become collateral damage, Minglan quickly ordered everyone to stop. She said to Concubine Zou, "Concubine Zou, do you remember the story I once told you about the princess, her consort, and the concubine?"
Concubine Zou looked bewildered. Minglan continued, "I warned you long ago that if anything went wrong, you would be the one to suffer. Why didn't you listen?"
"But that day..."
Minglan cut her off bluntly, "Enough about that day or any other. Had you been willing to yield, things would not have come to this."
Concubine Zou, as if grasping at a lifeline, clung tighter to Minglan's arm. "Sister, you showed me kindness and concern by warning me back then. It's clear you care for me. Now, I beg you..."
"You're mistaken," Minglan interrupted again. "It wasn't for your sake—it was for the Shen family. The Imperial Brother-in-Law is a pillar of the state, burdened with national affairs. Yet because of you, he is constantly troubled by domestic squabbles, and because of the Zou family, he faces impeachment every few days."
Concubine Zou was left speechless.Minglan kept a stern face, showing no mercy. "Also, don't call me sister. You are the Shen family's concubine, not the Gu family's. If this gets out, there will be endless gossip, and it makes my skin crawl!"
Concubine Zou flew into a rage. "You...!"
Seizing the opportunity, Minglan swiftly pulled her arm free. Distracted by her anger, Concubine Zou loosened her grip on the hairpin. The surrounding matrons immediately swarmed in—some snatching the hairpin, others twisting her arms, and a few grabbing her legs—finally subduing her.
The matron in charge, dressed as a steward, spoke up, "Concubine Zou, the Marquis has already been confined to three months of reflection because of you. I suggest you calm down. Causing trouble every day only brings misfortune upon us!" Taking advantage of the chaos, a few matrons pinched Concubine Zou harshly.
"I won't go back! I won't... You just want to lock me up again..." Concubine Zou struggled frantically, tilting her head back and wailing shrilly, "...Marquis, Marquis... How could you betray my sister? My sister suffered so much for you... Even for her sake, you shouldn't... I want to see the eldest son, the eldest daughter! Come quickly, your aunt is being bullied to death!"
On the other side, Cuiwei tenderly massaged Minglan's arm while several matrons repeatedly apologized.
Minglan waved her hand lightly and turned with a hint of amusement. "Concubine Zou, did you know that the approval for the Imperial Brother-in-Law's request to appoint the Heir Apparent was almost granted? But because of this commotion, the Imperial Clan Court has withheld it. Do you really want to call the eldest son here? Do you have the face to see him?"
Concubine Zou fell silent at once.
Minglan sighed. "If your sister were watching from beyond the grave and saw her siblings harming her own children, do you think she would blame you or the Imperial Brother-in-Law?"
Concubine Zou's struggles slowed, her eyes filled with despair. She went limp, allowing the matrons to drag her inside. Seeing that the obstruction was finally cleared, Minglan resumed her exit. After a few steps, Concubine Zou's mournful, piercing cries echoed from behind—
"...Sister, if only you were alive! The world is full of ungrateful people. Once you're gone, the tea turns cold—who remembers your kindness? If you hadn't been caring for the Empress and her son, how could you have lost your nearly full-term child? How could you have lost your life?! Now the Marquis has a new wife and a young son—how could he remember your lonely grave? He has long forgotten you... Sister, why did you give your all to that Shen family?... If you had survived, wouldn't you be enjoying wealth and honor now..."
The voice gradually faded, likely as she was dragged away.
Minglan's steps faltered, her heart feeling so heavy she could barely breathe.
Noticing her pallor, Cuiwei asked softly, "Madam, are you unwell?"
A nearby matron quickly added, "Perhaps the heat is too much. The summer heat might have affected you, Madam. Why not rest in the pavilion ahead? I'll fetch you a chilled dessert."
Minglan felt nauseous and waved her hand. "No need. I'd rather rest at home."
As they approached the gatehouse, Gu Shun stepped forward and said, "Madam, the Marquis is still inside drinking with the Imperial Brother-in-Law..."
Minglan replied impatiently, "I'm heading back first. You wait for the Marquis."Gu Shun noticed Minglan’s displeased expression and dared not ask further. He hurried straight to the front courtyard’s side chamber, where Gu Tingye was still exchanging toasts with Shen Congxing. Leaning in, he whispered, “Marquis, the lady seemed quite uncomfortable from the heat and has returned first.”
Gu Tingye nodded, and Gu Shun withdrew.
Shen Congxing caught a few words and pointed at him, laughing. “Look at you now—not a trace of the bold, imposing Gu Erlang from back in the day! These days, everyone says the Marquis and his wife are inseparable. Whether it’s drinking or visiting, you always escort your lady home. Fine, fine—I know, the comfort of a gentle embrace is a hero’s undoing…”
Gu Tingye, thick-skinned, replied calmly, “If Sister-in-Law Zou were still here, I suspect Brother Shen would be no different.”
Shen Congxing remained silent for a long moment before suddenly uttering in a tormented voice, "I've failed her. While she was alive, she never enjoyed a single day of comfort with me—wearing out her heart with worry, enduring every hardship. And now... I can't even protect her family!"
Gu Tingye picked up the large blue-jade wine pot decorated with twin dragons plunging into the sea and slowly poured himself a drink. "Sometimes excessive affection becomes harm. If Brother Shen truly cares for the Zou family, you shouldn't continue indulging them. They've kept their lives for now, but there will come a day when even you cannot shield them."
Shen Congxing stared blankly. "Haven't I tried to counsel them? But whenever they mention your sister-in-law... I become helpless."
"Brother Shen has grown increasingly refined in his manners," Gu Tingye remarked, raising his wine cup with a faintly mocking smile. "If persuasion fails, punish them. If punishment fails, beat them... The entire Zou family now lives in idleness—aside from you, who else can they rely on?"
The wine was crystal clear, like mountain spring water. After slowly draining his cup, he found its fragrance refreshing and uplifting. Setting the cup down, he fixed his gaze on Shen Congxing. "Earlier you said I've lost the boldness of Gu Tingye from years past. But I must say, since you were enfeoffed as a marquis, you've become increasingly timid—where is the imposing aura of the former leader of the Five Tigers of the Shu Border?"
With these words, he slammed his wine cup onto the cold, hard blue-brick floor, producing a sharp, clear shatter.
Shen Congxing remained quiet for a long while before slowly raising his head. "Since coming to the capital, I've made mistakes at every turn, stumbled with every step. Were it not for you brothers and the Emperor's compassion, I'd have died countless times already."
He lifted his wine cup and drained it in one gulp, then said heavily, "After Aqin passed away, my first mistake was failing to marry her younger sister as my principal wife. My second mistake was, since I couldn't make her my principal wife, I should have treated her as a dear younger sister and found her a good family—yet I took my wife's sister as a concubine. Since then, every time I see the Zou family, I feel utterly ashamed and disgraced, unable to enforce proper discipline!"
Having spoken, he too slammed his wine cup onto the floor. Shattered porcelain flew in all directions, leaving a white mark on the blue bricks.
Gu Tingye watched him for a moment, then emptied two soup bowls before him and filled them with wine. "Brother Shen, don't blame yourself too harshly. In my view, this was the Zou family's plan all along. They've taken advantage of the situation to become increasingly unreasonable. Now that you've realized this, everything can be resolved."
Shen Congxing raised the wine bowl and took a small sip, frowning. "I fear the Emperor is now displeased with me as well."
"Not necessarily," Gu Tingye said, picking up a chopstick to lightly tap the bowl. "If this were merely a private matter within a minister's household, the Emperor might not bother with it. But this time, Old Duke Zhang has publicly emphasized the virtue of loyalty. And you, Brother Shen, knowing full well this is when we need the Zhang family most, still indulged your household affairs without any regard for the Emperor's intentions—how could he not be angered?"
Shen Congxing said remorsefully, "It was my negligence. I've failed His Majesty..."
Gu Tingye swirled his wine bowl. "Here in the capital, we're all like drifting duckweed—without family influence or foundations..."
Before he could finish, Shen Congxing laughed bitterly. "What do you mean, without family influence? You're the son of a noble house..."
Gu Tingye shook his head. "Having a family is worse than having none. Having relatives is worse than having none."
Knowing the complicated circumstances of the Gu family, Shen Congxing felt a pang of sympathy for him and said no more.Gu Tingye continued, "Six years ago, Brother Duan came to the capital to visit his distant relatives at the Duke of An's residence, but he couldn't even get past the gatekeepers. Now, which member of the Duke of An's household isn't scrambling to curry favor with Brother Duan? How did we few rise rapidly and showcase our talents? It's all due to the Emperor's trust and favor." Perhaps in another eight or ten years, they could establish their own foundations, but for now, their roots were still too shallow.
Shen Congxing nodded gravely. "Well said, brother. The reason my father-in-law was willing to marry into our family was precisely for this."
"Not only that. There's also... the future."
With just one glance between them, Shen and Gu understood each other's meaning—from the current perspective, the Emperor was still satisfied with both the First and Second Princes.
"Then... how should I conduct myself in the future?" Shen Congxing poured a bowl of wine for Gu Tingye.
"You need do nothing."
Shen Congxing was astonished. "What did you say?"
Gu Tingye picked up two chopsticks. "Although Brother Shen's situation appears perilous this time, it is actually stable. First, the Emperor still intends to employ you—he merely wants to admonish you. Second, the Duke of Ying's household won't truly stand by and watch you fall into misfortune. Otherwise, not to mention their daughter suffering, if in the future the First Prince..." The rest went without saying, as both men understood clearly.
"Therefore, Brother Shen truly needs to do nothing for now. Just stay at home, cultivate your character, and conserve your energy." Gu Tingye set down one chopstick. "The Emperor is a sentimental man. After all, you accompanied him through thick and thin for over a decade in his former residence. Given time, the Emperor will recall those past events and will instead pity you for your soft-heartedness and the burden the Zou family has placed on you."
Besides, the Emperor still needs to use you.
Shen Congxing nodded and said quietly, "This time, even the Empress has suffered because of me."
Gu Tingye calmly set down the other chopstick. "The Duke of Ying's household has been illustrious for sixty years. They have prestige, foundations, and connections—all they lack is the new Emperor's trust. How could they be willing to lose you, their support? As long as you clean up your inner household, the Zhang family will handle everything else."
Two chopsticks lay parallel on the table. Gu Tingye then overturned a bowl on top of them. "Thus, Brother Shen, you will be secure."
In truth, if the Shen and Zhang families were too close, the Emperor might not be pleased, but if they truly fell out, he would be angered by their disrespect. When Shen Congxing married the Zhang daughter, it seemed all advantageous at the time, but it was actually a double-edged sword. When he himself married Minglan, and the Emperor learned she was only the daughter of a mid-level civil official, he felt both regret and relief.
Shen Congxing stared at the steadily placed bowl and remained silent for a long time. "Clean up the inner household?"
Gu Tingye said calmly, "The reason the Zhang family can act with such imposing momentum is that they are fully justified, while you, Brother Shen, are in the wrong from the start. You know what decision to make, don't you?"
One is the principal wife married by imperial decree, the other is merely a concubine, yet she controls most of the Uncle's residence. If Lady Zhang wished to stand up for her daughter, she had plenty of grounds, but she deliberately endured. She endured until everyone inside and outside the capital, including the palace, knew of Concubine Zou's arrogance and Uncle Shen's favoritism, before bringing the matter to light. This wasn't a scheme but an open strategy—the Zhang family wanted to make it clear to everyone that they were fully cooperating with the Emperor, without the slightest intention of being perfunctory.Shen Congxing lifted his wine cup, his fingers trembling slightly as he said in a quivering voice, "When Aqin passed away, she just stared at me without saying a word. I knew she was only worried about the children..."
Gu Tingye replied, "Your eldest nephew is manageable after all, being a boy. But your several nieces will need to marry someday."
As long as Concubine Zou remains, Zhang Shi could never assume maternal duties. When matchmaking comes in the future, the mere fact that the Shen family daughters were raised by a concubine would make suitable families from equal social standing avoid them. Judging by Concubine Zou's recent behavior, her character is indeed questionable—what proper children could she possibly raise?
It would be better to have Zhang Shi take over their upbringing now, so she can represent the girls in marriage negotiations later. A woman capable of maintaining such prolonged resentment toward her husband likely disdains underhanded schemes.
Shen Congxing stood up, pacing the room with his hands behind his back before suddenly stopping. In a heavy voice, he declared, "I intend to give Zou a letter of severance and find her a proper marriage."
You started this game, and I'll finish it. In the future, no one would accuse him of favoring a concubine over his wife, though many might privately speculate that Zhang Shi was jealous and the Zhang family was throwing their weight around, refusing to tolerate others. As for the Zou family—they were in his grasp anyway, and he could discipline them properly later.
"Brother Shen's family matters should be decided by yourself."
Gu Tingye took a small sip of wine. Husband and wife suspicious of each other, constantly scheming—the Shen and Zhang families were well matched indeed. "If there are any promising youths among the Zou family, Brother Shen could teach them reading and martial arts. That would comfort your late wife's spirit."
Having made this decision, Shen Congxing seemed drained of energy and collapsed into his seat.
Gu Tingye slowly approached and said quietly, "Take my advice, Brother—the Eighth Prince is now the Emperor."
Shen Congxing's expression darkened. The Emperor was in his prime, with royal princes being born one after another. No one could predict what might happen later—he indeed needed to be cautious.
"And we are no longer who we used to be." Gu Tingye straightened up with a soft sigh. "Lao Geng has become fearful of censors. Now he thinks thrice before speaking every word."
The Eighth Prince's consort had become the Empress, so her husband was no longer just a husband but a sovereign. Shen Congxing had become the imperial brother-in-law, so his brother-in-law was no longer just a brother-in-law but his ruler. From the borderlands to the capital, from the prince's residence to the imperial palace, former sworn brothers now held significant power, and each had to adapt to their new roles.
Shen Congxing reminisced wistfully, "Do you remember that year when we went to Qingya Mountain peak to drink..."
"That cheap wine costing just ten coins per jar."
"Haha, whatever Zhengjie managed to get couldn't have been good wine!" Shen Congxing laughed.
"We got thoroughly drunk overnight and woke up on the mountain peak the next day with splitting headaches, but none of us wanted to go home." Gu Tingye chuckled. "Even our self-proclaimed stalwart brother Cheng Qian didn't dare face his wife. We ended up settling it with finger-guessing games."
"My luck was bad, so I had to bring you all back to my place. When Aqin saw us in that state, she brewed a large pot of sobering soup."
Recalling the scene, Gu Tingye still couldn't help shuddering: "Your wife was quite merciless—she had the maids pinch our noses and force the soup down each of us. Truthfully, we all woke up from the scalding heat."
"Yes... yes..." Shen Congxing murmured, thinking of their past marital affection. Suddenly choking up, he cried, "Aqin, why did you have to leave so soon..." before burying his face in his arms and weeping bitterly.Gu Tingye placed a hand on his shoulder, comforting him: "Brother Shen, try to look on the bright side. In the future, if you live well with Lady Zhang Shi, over time, you can still have a happy family..."
"It won't happen, never again," Shen Congxing shook his head despondently. "Between husband and wife, whether there is genuine sincerity or not—you can't deceive anyone. Most of the good couples in this world are just deceiving themselves."
Gu Tingye stood frozen in place for a long, long time before finally moving his feet—Deceiving themselves?
Wine drunk in sorrow is the most intoxicating. Before long, Shen Congxing was completely drunk.
Gu Tingye slowly rode his horse back to the mansion. By then, the sky had darkened, the wind was cold, the stars sparse, and the chill in the air dispersed most of the wine's effects. He returned to his room in silence, only to find it pitch dark inside. Without calling for anyone, he lit a candle himself.
"Why wasn't the lamp lit?"
Minglan sat by the window, tilting her head as she gazed at the sky. She slowly turned to him and said, "Would the Marquis like something to eat?"
Gu Tingye shook his head, propping his arm on the table as he watched the flickering candle flame. A moth trembled its fragile yet determined wings, slowly approaching the fire.
"Come here, let's... talk for a while."
Minglan nodded, moved to the table, and sat down. "Alright, the Marquis may speak first."
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