Both parties were quite willing to forget the argument from that night. Since this was someone's inherent nature and reality was what it was, with no possibility of change, Gu Tingye could only accept it helplessly. In the following days, Minglan remained virtuous as ever, and Gu Tingye continued to be a devoted family man.
One day, on his way home from the yamen, he passed by a tavern and caught the familiar aroma wafting out. On a whim, he bought a pair of plump crystal braised pork hocks. Wrapped in fresh green lotus leaves, the rich, savory scent of the fully cooked, reddish-brown meat roused the chubby little one, who had been drowsing in the wet nurse's arms. Suddenly wide awake, the child stared straight at the pork hocks with large, clear black-and-white eyes.
Minglan, feeling mischievous, put on a strange smile and carried the child over to gnaw on the meat. Poor little chubby bunny had only sprouted six or seven tiny rice-like teeth so far, with no front teeth at all—how could he possibly bite through that glossy, slippery skin?
By the time Gu Tingye finished his bath and came out, he saw his son sitting cross-legged on the recliner, looking aggrieved and on the verge of tears. His mischievous mother was grinning and saying, "...You have to be reasonable. It's not that I won't let you eat it—you just can't bite into it yourself..."
Then she laughed uncontrollably, amusing herself with her oil-smeared son. When she turned and saw her husband standing a few steps away, she immediately put on a timid, innocent expression. Seeing this, Gu Tingye couldn't help but sigh. Marrying such a mole-like wife—who thought everything was fine as long as she could bury her head in the sand—he truly had anything but ordinary luck.
With the Marquis and his lady reconciled, some in the household were delighted while others were troubled. Cui Mama and Cuiwei were naturally overjoyed, but Xiaotao was somewhat puzzled. That night, she had been standing guard outside and had vaguely heard the couple arguing. She had been uneasy at first, but then the Marquis had climbed into his wife's bed in the middle of the night. Why had he put on airs and refused to return despite her humble efforts in previous days, yet obediently moved back after such a big argument? Was quarreling more effective? Then wouldn't beating a man up be even better?
Xiaotao let out a small sigh: Her mistress was honest and delicate (or so she thought) and probably wouldn't dare to hit the Marquis. Perhaps she could try it herself someday.
When news of the reconciliation spread, Qiu Niang came to pay her respects with a hint of melancholy. A few days later, she timidly presented two newly made pale blue shirts. "The weather has been terribly hot, so I made summer clothes for both you and the Marquis. My work is clumsy—I hope you won't disdain them, Madam."
Minglan took the garments and examined them carefully. The men's shirt was clearly crafted with meticulous care, while the women's one wasn't bad either—soft and neat—but an experienced eye like Cuiwei's could tell it had been rushed, with hasty stitching.
Seeing Qiu Niang's pitiful state irritated Minglan. This older sister seemed to be a reincarnation of Wang Baochuan, firmly believing that eighteen years of patient waiting in a cold cave would one day be rewarded with her lord's return—even if he brought back a princess, she wouldn't mind.
Though Gu Tingye had thrown her soup bowl that day, she bore no grudge and had started sewing again. Unfortunately, before she could even attach the sleeves, Gu Tingye had moved back to Jiaxi Residence, so she had to wipe her tears and make another one.
That evening, Minglan handed Qiu Niang's labor of love to her husband. Gu Tingye shook the garment in front of her, his eyes full of "If you don't appreciate me, there are others who do." Seeing Minglan pout, he asked with feigned innocence, "Why are you upset, Madam?"
Minglan replied gloomily, "It's not the thief I fear, but the one who keeps coveting.""Quite a few people are concerned about the Madam as well," Gu Tingye said lightly.
Minglan fell silent, secretly resentful—this was the outcome of laying all cards on the table.
Even after changing clothes and extinguishing the lamps, she remained despondent. Gu Tingye rested his warm arm beneath her neck and asked, "What's wrong?"
"I'm thinking of something despicable."
"What is it?"
"Even if I can't eat it myself, I'd still spit in the bowl to keep others from having it."
The bed curtains fell silent for a moment before Gu Tingye chuckled soundlessly, rolling over to press atop her. His hands slipped inside her inner garments as he said hoarsely, "If you take a few more bites yourself, others won't get to eat."
...
However, that summer robe ultimately went unworn by Gu Tingye even once. He had Xiaotao put it away, and its whereabouts later became unknown.
Lüzhi's spirits lifted considerably. She deliberately sought out the matrons from Kouxiang Garden for casual chatter and inadvertently let slip some information. When Qiu Niang learned of it, she clutched her pillow and wept for half the day. Upon hearing about this, Cuiwei tapped Lüzhi's forehead: "What am I to do with you? Can't you be more steady?"
Lüzhi retorted stubbornly, "The Madam treated her well all along, yet just because she and the Marquis had a couple disagreements recently, she rushed to cozy up to him. If she doesn't suffer a bit for it, I won't feel satisfied!"
By the seventh month, on Danju's wedding day, Minglan specifically sent Xiaotao, Lüzhi and Cuixiu to attend the banquet. The girls returned with vivid descriptions—how joyous and lively it was, with gongs, drums and firecrackers, how brilliantly red the wedding dress and pearl hairpins shone... Cuiwei's ears were filled with their chatter. The roomful of young maids alternated between envy and amazement, chirping excitedly for most of the day before finally settling down.
After the crowd dispersed, Bisi murmured wistfully, "Sister Danju has found herself a good home." Who knows what will become of us in the future."
Lüzhi glanced at her, "The Madam naturally has her plans. But... someone as calculating as you must have given it plenty of thought already!" Though they'd grown up together, she'd never been able to stomach Bisi's lazy, self-serving nature.
Bisi immediately flushed, "What nonsense are you spouting!"
Within three or four days, Danju brought her new husband to the Marquis' residence to kowtow. Seeing her glowing complexion and the unmistakable shy happiness between her brows, Minglan felt relieved. "You must bring me celebration eggs next year." The rooms were packed with her former sisters, their light laughter echoing continuously. Danju nearly buried herself in embarrassment from shyness, and ultimately had to be supported by her husband to leave.
As there happened to be many auspicious dates around this time, the Fourth Branch's Tingying was also getting married. The Fourth Old Madam, fearing delays might bring trouble, hurried to hold the wedding before year's end. Minglan ordered an emerald-inlaid gold headpiece from Cuibao Zhai and added three hundred taels of silver for the trousseau—a respectable contribution for the bridal gifts. Since Tingying was marrying outside the capital, her elder brother Tingxuan had to escort her personally. Fortunately, the groom's home wasn't far—just a fortnight's round trip.
With her only child married off, the Fourth Old Madam had been weeping constantly lately. Naturally, Minglan went to visit, incidentally catching sight of the harried, disheveled Consort Liu being ordered about, and the exceptionally 'well-cared-for' Fourth Old Master—aware of everything yet unable to move.
Minglan couldn't muster an ounce of sympathy. After a lifetime of romantic pleasures, it was time to pay the dues.
The wheel of fortune kept turning for more than just this household. Two women's fates had shifted—one for the better, one for the worse. Minglan strongly suspected their eight characters must clash. Whereas previously Madam Zhang often asked Minglan to comfort Zhang Shi, now it was Zheng da furen who frequently invited her to speak with Little Shen.Zhang Shi had pulled herself together, now managing household affairs and raising her child with care, living a fulfilling life. In contrast, Little Shen had yet to recover from the Shen family's recent period of low morale. Her belly grew larger, yet she grew thinner, coupled with listlessness, despondency, and constant anxiety, making onlookers deeply concerned.
"She can't go on like this," Minglan whispered softly after the others had settled down, stepping outside.
Zheng da furen sighed. "Some time ago, there was a baseless rumor that the emperor intended to depose the Empress and strip the Imperial Uncle of his title. It frightened the child so much that she wept several times a day and often spoke incoherently..."
Minglan fell silent. She knew Little Shen was worried that if the Shen family fell, the Zheng family would abandon her—with such fragile mental fortitude, how dare she compete with Zhang Shi? It was sheer recklessness.
Before Minglan could finish her sighs, the aftermath of the Zhang-Shen turmoil had already spread to her own household.
Since Shen Congxing had been confined for reflection, his duties had once again fallen to Gu Tingye, who also had to take on some of Old Duke Zhang's responsibilities. He was often away for days at a time—sometimes three to five days, sometimes seven or eight—stationed at the Western Suburbs Camp, the Armaments Department, or even the cavalry training grounds beyond the passes.
"Madam Zhong visited today and mentioned how busy the Marquis is now, even expressing envy," Minglan said as she packed clean clothes into a bundle. "Is General Zhong that idle?"
Gu Tingye sat before the mirror, tying his hair. "Soldiers are nurtured for a thousand days to be used in a single moment. Once they are deployed, there will be no idleness."
"I'd rather the Marquis stay busy in peacetime than go to war."
Adjusting the purple-and-white gold-threaded crown ribbon over his shoulder, Gu Tingye turned his head and smiled faintly at her. He believed her words were sincere. Before leaving, he held her close, kissing her again and again—if one didn't dwell too deeply on things, living like this for a lifetime seemed quite agreeable.
Gradually, Minglan grew accustomed to managing the Marquis' estate alone. In her spare time, she visited General Zheng's residence, called on the First Wife of Gu Tingxuan, and occasionally dropped by the Imperial Uncle's mansion. Her life was quite fulfilling.
Returning home one day, she saw Cuiwei craning her neck, waiting at the entrance of Jiaxi Residence. As soon as she spotted Minglan, she hurried over and said, "Madam, you're finally back. The Old Madam is here."
Minglan was both surprised and delighted. She quickened her steps into the room, where she saw a spirited elderly woman seated in the center, amusing Tuan Ge'er, who was held by Cui Mama. The old woman dangled a green jade toad tied with a red silk thread, swaying it back and forth. Tuan Ge'er stretched out his little hands, straining to grab it. When he succeeded, he giggled excitedly; when he missed, he puffed up his little bun-like face in frustration, amusing the old lady to no end.
Minglan rushed to the Old Madam's knees and cooed, "Grandmother, did you come specifically to see me today? You must have missed me after not seeing me for so long."
Old Mrs. Sheng poked her forehead with a finger. "Miss you, my foot!" Then she hung the jade toad around Tuan Ge'er's neck and instructed Cui Mama, "Replace the silk thread with a red cord and fasten it securely. Be careful not to let the child swallow it."
"Grandmother, such a valuable item..." Over the years of marriage to Gu Tingye, Minglan had seen many fine things and her discernment had greatly improved. This green jade toad, warm, glossy, emerald-green, and flawlessly transparent, was clearly a rare treasure."Shut your mouth." Old Mrs. Sheng said sternly, "As his great-grandmother, what business is it of yours if I give things to the boy?" She then turned to Cui Mama and Cuiwei, "You may leave first. I need to have a few words with this little troublemaker."
Minglan chuckled foolishly a couple of times and obediently sat to the side. Cui Mama suppressed a smile and acknowledged the order before carrying Tuan Ge'er out. Watching the door close, Old Mrs. Sheng finally turned back and said, "Be honest with me - have you been quarreling with your husband?"
"...Where did you hear that, Grandmother?" Minglan stammered in astonishment.
Old Mrs. Sheng's face darkened like the bottom of a pot: "They also say your husband isn't sleeping in your room anymore?"
"He moved back long ago!" Minglan exclaimed in panic, speaking without thinking.
Old Mrs. Sheng took a deep breath: "So you did have a fight? And your husband moved out?"
Minglan blushed and hemmed and hawed, "What couple doesn't argue? But..." she couldn't help raising her voice, "he moved back over half a month ago!" Where did this information come from, so outdated?!
Suddenly struck by a thought, she quickly asked: "Was it Kang Yima who told you, Grandmother?"
Old Mrs. Sheng said irritably: "It was your useless mother! Though her sister certainly had a hand in it." After sighing in relief, the old woman wondered, "How did this matter spread outside?"
Minglan looked vexed: "It's all because of that Caihuan Madam gave me. I had placed her at the estate, thinking if nothing happened, I'd release her to her parents for marriage this year. Who knew she'd bribe one of the old women in my household to constantly spy for information."
"That wretched maid!" Old Mrs. Sheng said angrily, slapping the armrest heavily. "How do you plan to deal with her!"
Minglan hesitated, "I... haven't decided yet..." Truthfully, she wasn't good at dealing harshly with people.
"Hand her over to me." Old Mrs. Sheng said solemnly. "I'll find her a good place."
Minglan waved her hands repeatedly: "No need, no need. I should learn how to handle servants myself. After all, she was sent by Madam - it wouldn't look good for you to personally deal with her."
Old Mrs. Sheng scoffed: "Her face has never looked good anyway. After your eldest sister-in-law returned and I handed household affairs to her, you should have seen your mother's expression. It's not that I don't trust her, but now that the Wang family has returned, those two sisters are sticking together even more closely. I can't say much..." She paused, then stamped her foot, "Hmph! Nothing good will come of this sooner or later!"
Minglan said helplessly: "Without Kang Yima, Madam would actually be alright."
"Exactly!" Old Mrs. Sheng said angrily. "All she learns are these vicious tricks. Recently, egged on by who knows what, she actually made Dong Ge'er's concubine kneel for an hour under the scorching sun!"
Minglan was shocked: "Why? Concubine Xiang has always been honest and well-behaved." For over ten years, Wangshi hadn't acted out when Concubine Xiang was young and beautiful - why cause trouble now?
"Because your fourth brother passed the county-level examination." Old Mrs. Sheng took a sip of tea. "Our wonderful sister-in-law said they should suppress her prestige early, lest she become difficult to manage later!"
"This is only the first exam! Madam really..."
Old Mrs. Sheng said indignantly: "That child Chang Nian you recommended is quite clever and did extremely well in the exam. Just when your father is urging Dong Ge'er to study hard, this happens. Your father is furious too!"
Grandmother and granddaughter fell silent for a long moment, both sighing together."Let's not dwell on these vexing matters. Do tell me, what caused this quarrel with your husband?" Old Madam's expression was full of affection.
Minglan lowered her head, speaking with some embarrassment: "He thinks I'm not sincere enough."
Old Madam looked puzzled.
Minglan had no choice but to share some key details, then said indignantly: "Don't you think he's strange? Instead of enjoying our good life, he keeps nitpicking trivial matters! Does he want me to scold him too, to interrogate him about what he does every day, who he's met in the past, what experiences he's had?! Don't men hate that most?"
Old Mrs. Sheng laughed so hard she nearly fell over, pointing at Minglan: "You, you! Truly so naive."
After finally catching her breath, she patted her chest and said: "Not everything in this world should be approached from extreme angles. You don't need to interrogate him thoroughly, but you should at least ask more questions! Go ask around outside. Which wife doesn't like to question her husband, then scold him as 'you devil'? But you - you never ask about anything, always so polite and proper. Do you treat him as your husband or your superior?"
Minglan almost said: You guessed right, I really do treat him as my BOSS.
After much laughter, Old Madam grew tired of discussing these marital trivialities. "Well, anyway, your husband is now completely under your thumb - that's your good fortune." Then she frowned: "It's just not good that military officers often have to leave home."
Minglan shook her head: "Civil officials aren't good to marry either - they might have difficult mothers-in-law."
Old Mrs. Sheng's laughter turned to a sigh: "Ru Yatou's temperament has improved quite a bit."
As Wen Yanjing's assignment to a provincial post drew nearer, Old Mrs. Wen became increasingly demanding - sometimes wanting to escape the summer heat in the countryside, sometimes wanting to visit relatives back home, constantly dragging Rulan along. Surprisingly, Rulan endured it all. Only Madam Wang went over once to deliver an ultimatum: if Rulan wasn't allowed to accompany her husband to his post, she would raise such hell that she wouldn't hesitate to ruin her son-in-law's official assignment.
"Fifth Sister has grown up," Minglan remarked with emotion.
Old Mrs. Sheng pinched her nose, eyes full of doting affection: "You've been sensible since childhood, like a little adult. But now you're growing backwards into childhood." Suddenly feeling sentimental, her eyes showed contentment: "When a woman can grow younger after marriage, it's actually a blessing."
When life is difficult, one is forced to mature quickly; when someone cherishes and pampers you, you can develop towards innocence and charming naivety. Like Old Mrs. Yu - even at her advanced age, she still maintains the temperament of a young lady from her boudoir days.
Minglan fell silent, understanding this meaning.
Since marrying Gu Tingye, she hardly needed to please anyone or endure anything. Managing the vast Marquis estate, she could spend money as she pleased, replace staff as she wished; she could go out when she wanted, laze in bed when she felt like it. Everyone competed to curry her favor, no one dared to order her around or show her disrespect. Behind the closed gates of the Marquis residence, there was nothing she couldn't do - Gu Tingye had given her almost all authority and trust.
Of course, she herself worked hard and remained cautious; but compared to the cautious concubine's daughter she used to be, life was truly much better now. Though this life was quite demanding, it was very free.
Thinking of this, she missed the source of her good life even more, wondering what he was doing right now.After two days of melancholy, that night Minglan had just coaxed Tuan Ge'er to sleep when Lüzhi hurried in from outside, followed by the now-married Cuiping. The moment Cuiping saw Minglan, she knelt down weeping: "Miss, please return quickly! Old Madam is failing!"
Minglan felt as if her heart had skipped a beat, demanding sharply: "What did you say!"
Cuiping cried: "She was perfectly fine earlier, but started feeling unwell since afternoon. At first Old Madam wouldn't allow us to call a doctor, but just as dinner was being served, she collapsed unconscious. Now... now..."
Minglan slumped onto the bed, her mind in complete disarray. She must stay calm, calm... She snapped at Lüzhi: "Take my name card and summon Doctor Lin! Quickly, quickly! Prepare the carriage and have people go directly to the Sheng residence!"
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