Gu Tingye stared at the candle flame. "You quite disapprove of Brother Shen, don't you?"
Minglan rolled her eyes. "Uncle Shen is not only a Pillar of the Nation, but also blessed with fortunate fate. Promotion, wealth, and a deceased wife - such luck many people pray for in vain. How dare I disapprove?"
Gu Tingye turned to look at her. Minglan casually removed the short hairpin from her temple and gently adjusted the candle flame with it.
He said, "Many of the troubles and complications we face today stem from Brother Shen's weakness and indecisiveness. Your perspective isn't without merit. But... you never knew Brother Shen from before."
Minglan paused in her movements and set down the silver hairpin. "How long before?"
"Before he came to the capital and received his title."
The flame on the inch-thick mutton-fat white candle gradually brightened. Gu Tingye's gaze grew somber. "When I first entered Shu territory, Brother Shen was the very first person I met. At that time, he was the commander of the prince's guards, known throughout the southwest as the leader of the Five Tigers of the Shu Border along with brothers Duan Zhong and Geng Liu. Though he was the youngest among them, he served as their leader."
"The brother of the Princess Consort - how could he not be the leader?" Minglan remarked sourly.
Ignoring her sarcasm, Gu Tingye continued, "If you had seen Brother Shen back then, you would never imagine he could become so indecisive today. Even the Zou family wasn't as reckless then as they are now. That was when Madam Zou was still alive."
After a long silence, Minglan said, "...She must have been an extraordinary woman."
Gu Tingye nodded slightly and went on, "Madam Zou was sincere and magnanimous, possessing more insight than most men. Not only did she manage household affairs decisively, but even the Princess Consort followed her advice completely. Back then, Brother Shen was resolute, brave, and efficient. In major matters, he assisted the prince in governing the border regions; in minor matters, he treated his brothers with benevolence and generosity. Though the Zou descendants weren't particularly accomplished, they knew their place - some studied, others took minor positions, living dependently on the Shen family."
"With such a Henpecking Wife guarding the gate, of course no demons or monsters could get in." Even Minglan's sarcasm seemed to lack its usual bite this time.
Gu Tingye couldn't help but smile.
He remembered the first couple of times he saw her, when she was still a young girl with Double Buns and Hanging Bangs, yet her words were sharp and she showed no demureness. Though her remarks were acerbic and cutting, he had liked that about her - there was no artificial primness or affectation, just straightforward candor. Even when she stood with hands on hips, stern-faced and scolding someone, he found her as adorably naive as a plump porcelain doll.
Unconsciously softening his voice, he said, "Though Brother Shen and Madam Zou had been married over ten years, they remained as inseparable as newlyweds. When I was staying with the Shen family, I witnessed how with just a glance or expression from Brother Shen, Madam Zou would know what he wanted without even asking; when Madam Zou frowned or turned her head, Brother Shen immediately understood what she was thinking. During our casual conversations, they would often speak in unison, then exchange knowing smiles. There were no secrets between them... That was true marital harmony, complete understanding between hearts. I... never knew a loving couple could be like that."
Hearing the unusual tone in his voice, Minglan looked up at him. She knew he was thinking of his deceased father and Da Qin Shi again - their love had been a destructive bond that hurt almost everyone, unlike the healthy, positive relationship between the Shen and Zou couple that benefited all around them.
"That year, sudden turmoil struck the capital. The Third Prince was falsely ordered to commit suicide, the Rebellious Prince failed in his rebellion and died..."Minglan couldn't help but interject, "The Emperor's fief is far in the borderlands of Shu, separated from the capital by an immense distance. Yet you received news so quickly. It seems His Majesty had ambitions long before this."
Gu Tingye glanced at her. "That news was sent by me. The waterways are faster."
Minglan hadn't expected this and let out a soft "Ah."
"When the news arrived," he continued, "several advisors in the prince's residence said that since the Sixth Prince had been demoted and the Fifth Prince was cruel and had never been favored by the Late Emperor, and since all the princes ahead in line had passed away, the imperial throne would likely fall to His Majesty. But Gongsun Xiansheng argued that the situation was still unclear, and the Late Emperor's intentions remained unknown. A feudal prince cannot leave his fief without an imperial decree. Any rash movement, if exploited by those with ulterior motives, could turn a good opportunity into disaster. Our group of brothers didn't dare remain idle either—some stood guard, others prepared the troops. Everyone was like a bowstring drawn taut, waiting only for news from the capital."
Minglan asked, "Then... what were you doing at that time, Marquis?"
"I was secretly stationed outside the capital. Not long after, the Late Emperor enfeoffed His Majesty's birth mother as Empress. I knew the great matter was settled, and given its importance, I personally traveled south to deliver the news. To take shortcuts, I had to traverse treacherous rapids, turbulent waters, steep mountain paths, and rugged slopes. Along the way, several boatmen brothers drowned, and over a dozen fine steeds perished. In just over ten days, I reached the destination."
Minglan swallowed with difficulty. "Those were... the ones who followed you before? From the Water Transport Gang." No wonder the accounts office had been making payments to several households over the past two years, all collected by Che San Niang.
Gu Tingye's expression turned sorrowful as he nodded—those were good brothers who had followed him for many years.
"When the Late Emperor's decree summoning His Majesty to the capital reached the borderlands of Shu, indeed, treacherous individuals stirred on all sides. Liu Zhengjie captured and executed four or five groups of assassins in just three days. The Duan brothers protected the Empress and several young princes, turning half the prince's residence into a river of blood. But by then, His Majesty was already on the road. Brother Shen and I split into two routes—one open, one covert. He had served as the prince's residence guard commander for over a decade, and many knew him, so he led the troops and guards openly along the main route. Meanwhile, Lao Geng and I protected His Majesty, secretly bypassing the official roads and taking an alternate path."
He furrowed his brows tightly, as if recalling those perilous times. "Brother Shen's route encountered countless ambushes and assassinations—ostensibly bandits, but in reality, they were garrison troops colluding with rebels. Brother Shen nearly lost his life, and Brother Zhong lost his second brother and a nephew. As we neared the Zhili region, our covert route could no longer remain hidden. Lao Geng fought desperately to cover the rear, nearly losing an arm and a leg, and sacrificing the lives of Madam Geng's two brothers. I protected His Majesty, cutting a bloody path forward until we saw the city gates. Only when the Commander of the Nine Gates led troops out of the city to meet us did we finally find safety."
Minglan listened, her heart pounding and her palms slick with cold sweat.
She still remembered how the entire capital had been waiting for the crown prince back then, yet they waited and waited—the Eighth Prince arrived only after several months. At the time, she had privately grumbled about the backwardness of ancient transportation. Little did she know there had been so many twists and turns.
No wonder the Emperor trusted and valued these few men so deeply. This loyalty, forged with flesh and blood, was truly something that the capital's nobility could never match, no matter how many tears they shed or how fervently they proclaimed their devotion.These deeply-rooted noble families are treacherous waters, with intricate networks of influence—who knows what lies beneath the surface? Yet Gu Tingye and his companions have truly staked their lives and fortunes on the emperor. What defines a trusted confidant? In ancient times, when Xiang Yu dominated the realm, his most loyal followers were still his comrades from Jiangdong. Li Zicheng surrendered and rebelled multiple times, but his core supporters remained those who joined his initial uprising. As long as these old brothers stood by him, no matter how many defeats or surrenders he endured, he could always rise again (though most later met their end at Yipianshi).
No wonder the emperor continues to employ Lao Geng despite his repeated errors, endures Gu Tingye’s daily domestic disputes, and tolerates Shen Congxing’s constant foolishness. As long as they get things done, accomplish their missions, and remain unwaveringly loyal, everything else is trivial.
"What a supreme ruler’s throne, stained with the blood of countless souls!" Minglan murmured softly.
Gu Tingye shook his head and sighed before continuing, "During our absence, the Empress and the young princes suddenly fell gravely ill..."
Minglan questioned, "Suddenly ill?"
Gu Tingye replied, "It’s unclear whether it was genuine illness or deliberate poisoning. Regardless, the manor was thrown into panic. Though Brothers Duan and Liu were adept at repelling enemies and capturing assassins, they were helpless in matters of the inner household. Thus, Madam Zou had to personally enter the manor to care for them—despite being heavy with child at the time."
"Later, the Empress and the young princes recovered, but Madam Zou...?" Minglan’s voice trembled.
Gu Tingye’s expression turned sorrowful. "By the time Brother Shen rushed back, he only caught Madam Zou’s final moments."
"...No wonder the Empress holds Concubine Zou in such high regard."
"Brother Shen fell gravely ill afterward, nearly following her in death," Gu Tingye said quietly. "Since Madam Zou’s passing, his actions have grown increasingly erratic."
After a long silence, Minglan suddenly let out a bitter laugh. "How ironic this world is. Had the Empress not recovered, the Zou family’s sorrow would have become the Shen family’s burden. That Madam Zou truly devoted herself entirely to her husband’s household."
Gu Tingye paused before speaking slowly, "Gongsun Xiansheng told me you are the most clear-sighted woman he has ever met."—Reality is often this ugly and unforgiving.
Minglan replied with bitterness, "The clearer some truths become, the more desolate one’s heart feels."
Gu Tingye studied her for a moment. "Now that we’ve spoken of others, let us discuss our own affairs."
Minglan responded indifferently, "Very well. Where does the Marquis wish to begin?"
"Let us start from the birthday banquet at the Marquis of Qi Manor."
Suppressing her unease, Minglan listened as Gu Tingye continued, "After returning that day, I often felt displeased. You assumed it was because of the names of the two Qi children, didn’t you?"
Meeting his dark, profound gaze, Minglan had no choice but to nod in admission.
"You’ve always been clever and composed—why did you falter in this matter?" Gu Tingye said calmly. "It was guilt."
Minglan had no defense and sat with her head bowed.
Gu Tingye went on, "You didn’t even question Xiao Luzi further. Do you know what happened afterward? That day, I grew impatient waiting at the gate and ventured further inside. I overheard your conversation with Qi Heng."
Minglan’s heart raced wildly. She opened her mouth to explain, but no words came out.Gu Tingye carefully observed her expression and said calmly, "See, you're feeling guilty again. Childhood companions exchanging a few words—what does it matter? Besides..." He smiled faintly, "it wasn't anything pleasant."
"Then what exactly are you angry with me about?"
This question had puzzled Minglan for a long time. It wasn't about the name, nor was it about her speaking with Qi Heng. So what was this man so upset about?
"You've never used that tone with me before," Gu Tingye said calmly. "You're always proper and respectful, never stepping out of line even with the Grand Old Madam. Except with Qi Heng—you've never spoken to anyone else in that manner."
Minglan recalled she had said some rather unpleasant things to Qi Heng. Could this man be jealous of that? Startled, she blurted out, "Why shouldn't I? I... I don't depend on him for my livelihood..."
"Are you only respectful to me because you depend on me for your livelihood?"
Flustered, Minglan protested, "No, that's not..." Her face flushed with agitation. "My lord, you're taking my words out of context!"
Gu Tingye's eyes darkened. He suddenly stood up, his tall frame pacing around the room before stopping in front of Minglan. "I've long known about Qi Heng's feelings for you. Even if he really named his child after you, so what? What others think is none of our concern. What I care about is what you think. You... whether..."
He couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence. How laughable—after a lifetime of courage, he was faltering now.
"No. I know what my lord wants to ask. I've asked myself this many times." Minglan looked out the window for a moment, as if deep in thought, then added, "...No, I've never had romantic feelings for Qi Heng."
"So certain?" Gu Tingye asked after a pause.
Minglan replied calmly, "I realized long ago that marriage between Qi Heng and me was impossible. Since that's the case, why dwell on it? I'm not some sentimental young miss from a storybook—I would never allow inappropriate things to happen."
Gu Tingye sneered, "How prudent of you, madam. What a waste of Qi Heng's devotion. If he were to hear these words..."
"I've said much worse to him before," Minglan stated bluntly.
Gu Tingye glared at her. Minglan met his gaze frankly. After a moment of locked eyes, Gu Tingye looked away.
Minglan lifted her chin. "Just because someone likes me, must I like him back? Hah! Nothing in this world is that simple!" These words had been bottled up inside her for over a decade, and now she didn't care anymore—she might as well say them all.
"I lost my birth mother at six. Among my sisters, the madam dotes on Fifth Sister, Father prefers Fourth Sister. If not for Grandmother's compassion, who knows what would have become of me. Someone like me can't afford to make even the slightest mistake!"
Growing more agitated as she spoke, Minglan suddenly stood up and went to the window. "Princess Pingning wouldn't even consider the legitimate daughters of the Sheng family, let alone me! Knowing this, what did Qi Heng expect from me? To whisper sweet nothings under the moon, or to engage in improper exchanges? So that when he eventually marries some noble lady, I'd be left nursing a broken heart for the rest of my life?!"
—Dream on! She would never grieve over unworthy affections or people!
After a long silence, Gu Tingye finally said, "Earlier, I heard Qi Heng had many arguments with the Princess about marriage arrangements.""So what?" Minglan retorted sharply. "When we were in Dengzhou, Old Madam took me to the countryside to escape the summer heat. I saw the cages used for drowning women in ponds, I saw women imprisoned in the ancestral hall by their clans. If Qi Heng truly had the capability, he shouldn't have made me live in constant fear, but should have properly married me. If he couldn't manage that, yet still insisted on exposing our relationship, a single accusation of 'improper contact between unmarried men and women' could have cost me my life!"
By the end of her outburst, when she wiped her cheek, it was completely wet.
Gu Tingye was stunned by the profound pain in her eyes.
Tears welling in her eyes, Minglan spoke word by word: "Marquis Gu, men and women are different in this world. You cannot expect women to return the same depth of affection that men give. You could live recklessly for over a decade, then turn over a new leaf and achieve fame and success. But what about women? One misstep, and half their life is ruined! And how would Old Madam, who raised me with such kindness, face others then!"
Her chest heaving violently, she sneered: "Therefore, Marquis need not worry. No matter how deep our childhood bond was, it was all drowned by that period of fear and anxiety. I was too terrified to even think about romantic feelings. Such precious things are beyond the reach of a mere concubine-born daughter like me!"
A wave of bitter pain washed over Gu Tingye's heart, so intense that he didn't dare look up at her, slowly sinking onto the edge of the recliner instead.
Minglan returned to her stool, pressing against the moisture in her eyes, forcing herself to endure. "You just told me about Madam Zou's story, and I understand what you mean. But I don't approve of Madam Zou's actions. Would Uncle Shen really have been in mortal danger if the Empress hadn't been protected? Besides, the Empress was blessed with good fortune - she might have pulled through anyway. If you truly love someone, you should protect yourself properly for their sake!"
Looking at it positively, Madam Zou sacrificed her life to care for the Empress out of sisterly devotion. But realistically speaking, with the Eighth Prince's imminent ascension to the throne, Madam Zou was desperately trying to preserve the Shen family's wealth and honor, and ensure her nephew's smooth establishment as crown prince.
"Madam Zou traded her life for the Shen family's current glory. I'd like to ask Uncle Shen - was it really worth it?!" Her large eyes, soaked with tears, resembled cold moons reflected in water, piercing straight into Gu Tingye's heart. "Rather than wondering whether I'd be willing to follow Madam Zou's example, perhaps you should first ask yourself: if you were Uncle Shen, would you want me to exchange my life for my husband's career?"
"How could I ever do that!" Gu Tingye roared, smashing his fist onto the recliner. With a crash, the cluster of begonia flowers carved from pearwood at the head of the chair shattered into pieces.
Silence filled the room. Neither spoke for a long while, with Gu Tingye's nostrils flaring as he breathed heavily.
Minglan looked at him sorrowfully: "Suddenly seeing the willow colors on the path, I regret having urged my husband to seek nobility. If it were me, I would be perfectly content with a simple, peaceful life together. Now, without Madam Zou, do you think Uncle Shen is truly happy?"
Gu Tingye stared blankly at the woman across from him: "I... didn't mean to blame you. It's just that whenever Qi Heng is mentioned, you always seem inexplicably guilty..."
It was as if Minglan's deepest heart had been touched. The hidden part of her heart collapsed completely, leaving no place for the concealed ugliness to hide. Leaning on the table, she said mournfully: "...I feel guilty because when someone treated me with genuine sincerity, I was only thinking of myself."Gu Tingye abruptly looked up.
Minglan's eyes welled with tears. "He treated me very well, never calculating gains or losses or face. He never looked down on me for being born of a concubine—he simply wanted to be good to me. He sincerely wished to marry me, going through great trouble and effort for it. But I... I only cared about protecting myself. As long as I could live safely and securely, I never spared him a single thought."
Large teardrops rolled down her delicate face as she choked with sobs. "Your suspicions of me were not wrong. In this lifetime, I have only ever loved myself."
Gu Tingye gazed into her sorrowful eyes, and in a daze, he could not tell whether her words expressed regret toward Qi Heng or toward him.
He stood up, raising a hand to wipe the tears from her face, but suddenly staggered.
His heart felt chilled.
Minglan lifted her tear-streaked face and said mournfully, "I have failed the kindness you showed me. I truly am a heartless person."
Yes, that was just how she was. What could he do about it?
Gu Tingye hated his innate tendency to seek the truth. If only he could be more oblivious—wasn’t that how many couples grew old together? She had made it very clear: she would never bare her heart and soul like Madam Zou. So what could he do?
He had lived nearly thirty years. Even in his youth, he had been willful and arrogant, doing as he pleased, never willing to swallow humiliation alone. Later, navigating the turbulent jianghu and the treacherous court, he had never felt so powerless. Only today did he realize how weak he truly was.
Unable to let go, unwilling to give up, yet resentful all the same. Her tears were like sharp blades—seemingly soft, yet each one struck deep. Each quiet sob pierced the softest part of his heart like a needle.
He suddenly rose and strode quickly out of the room, returning to his study. He randomly pulled a book from the shelf and flipped through a few pages irritably. At the door, Gu Quan peeked in and called softly, "Marquis, Gongsun Xiansheng is looking for you."
Gu Tingye sat motionless in the dim lamplight. "Did he say what it was about?"
Gu Quan replied, "He didn’t go into detail. He just left a dossier on the left shelf and said you should look at it as soon as you returned." He glanced cautiously at his master and added, "It seems you’ve been assigned another task."
Gu Tingye turned sideways, picked up the dossier made of fine white silk paper from the left shelf, and skimmed through it quickly. After a long silence, he said, "Go to the outer courtyard and tell Gongsun Xiansheng that I’ve received the message. I will go see him first thing tomorrow morning."
Gu Quan bowed, withdrew quietly, and gently closed the door.
He sat for who knows how long, until the half-burned candle in the coral lamp holder had completely melted away, plunging the room into darkness. His limbs had grown stiff by the time he slowly rose. Instead of heading to the side chamber where he had been sleeping recently, he wandered aimlessly back to Jiaxi Residence.
The four-poster bed was already draped with curtains, layer upon layer of sheer silk and gauze in the lake-green shades Minglan loved—ranging from deep to light, like the weeping willows along the southern riverbanks. Outside, a light rain began to fall, adding a chill to the night.
Minglan lay curled up in the corner of the bed, still in her day clothes. Her fine, soft hair cascaded across the pillow like a waterfall, spilling over the edge. Her long eyelashes were still damp with moisture, like those of a wronged and sorrowful child. Her left hand was curled into a small fist beside her cheek.
His heart tightened abruptly, as if gripped by an invisible hand.That night, he ordered the bedding in the side chamber of the study to be packed up, and all belongings were moved back to the main room.
※※※
※※※
【Author's Note】
The Battle of Yipianshi was a famous conflict during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. While Li Zicheng, who had occupied the Forbidden City, was celebrating his success, he expressed deep affection toward Wu Sangui at Shanhaiguan. Unfortunately, his feelings were unrequited. After losing Chen Yuanyuan, Wu Sangui turned around and formed an alliance with Dorgon.
Thus, at Yipianshi, just as Li Zicheng and Wu Sangui were fiercely battling, a great many men with long queues arrived on the scene.
Li Zicheng suffered a major setback in this battle, losing nearly half of his core forces.
"To be honest, I'm not particularly fond of Li Zicheng. There have been numerous peasant uprisings throughout Chinese history. Since you had the guts to overthrow the Ming Dynasty, at least strive to be more competent! Why couldn't you be more like Zhu Yuanzhang, with his great talent and bold vision, establishing a lasting foundation?
Instead, this guy only knew how to cause chaos without any ability to build. He ended up forcing all men across the nation to change their hairstyle, leaving foreheads bald for over two hundred years. It's truly baffling where to even begin."
OpenNovel