Minglan was escorted back home, where Cui Mama stood at the doorway beaming as she held the chubby Tuan Ge’er. Mama Fang stepped forward and whispered a few words into her ear, causing Cui Mama’s expression to instantly darken. She shot Minglan a few angry glares before hastily handing Tuan Ge’er to Cuiwei as soon as Mama Fang left, personally attending to Minglan as she changed clothes, bathed, and rested.
Lying comfortably on the soft, smooth silk bedding, Minglan let out a contented sigh—it truly felt good to be home. It was as if she had returned to her six or seven-year-old self, sprawled carelessly across the bed while Cui Mama trimmed her nails, repeatedly asking if she felt unwell.
Minglan had always enjoyed robust health. Over the years, she had maintained a consistent exercise routine, adhered to a balanced diet, and cultivated healthy habits. Thanks to the long-departed Consort Wei, this body of hers was said to possess the legendary "Auspicious for bearing sons" physique. Though she appeared delicate and slender, her waist and hips were well-proportioned, making her an ideal candidate for easy childbirth.
This time, she was merely exhausted—both physically and mentally. Now that everything had been resolved, and with her formidable elder brother handling the aftermath, she felt completely at ease. She had intended to rest for a couple of days, indulging in food, drink, and sleep to reclaim her former blissful, pig-like existence. Little did she expect to discover she was pregnant.
Originally, upon hearing from the gatekeeper that Minglan had returned, Cui Mama had instructed a young maid to retrieve the watermelon and peaches chilling in the well. They were sliced and arranged in a white porcelain bowl shaped like lotus petals. Just after seeing Mama Fang off, Cui Mama returned to the room and caught Minglan picking up a silver skewer to spear some fruit. In a flurry, she snatched the fruit plate away, scolding, "Watermelon is too cooling, and peaches are too heating! You’re not allowed to eat either!"
She turned to discard the fruit, but Xiaotao eagerly intercepted it, chirping cheerfully, "Mama, don’t worry! I’ll make sure these are disposed of thoroughly, so Madame won’t even be tempted!"
Minglan watched, swallowing her saliva, as Xiaotao skipped happily out of the room. Her eyes then fell upon Tuan Ge’er, who was clinging to the brocade mat-covered wall as he toddled unsteadily. His plump, pink little feet pressed into the smooth lake-green bedding, and irritation flared within her once more.
After several days apart from her son, how could she not miss him? Yet, upon seeing his mother after this brief separation, the little rascal displayed neither the tearful sorrow of a precocious child leading to a heartfelt mother-son embrace, nor any signs of unfamiliarity or shyness.
Young Master Gu continued to thrive, still delightfully chubby (including his feet and knuckles). He grinned and waved his pudgy little hand at Minglan—exactly as she had taught him to greet guests—before turning around, lying prone on the bed, and resuming his play with the clever wooden blocks as if nothing were amiss.
For a good half afternoon, Minglan diligently worked to reconnect with her son, coaxing him to roll over and encouraging him to lean against the wall while standing on one foot. Tuan Ge’er was overjoyed, finally mumbling indistinctly, "...Yang..."
"More like Zhu!" Minglan deflated. It had only been four or five days apart; before this, he had been able to clearly say "Mama" and "Papa." Cui Mama sat nearby, eagle-eyed, monitoring the pair to prevent Tuan Ge’er from lunging at Minglan.
Before dusk had fully settled, Gu Tingye swept in like a gust of wind, halting abruptly at the bedside. He carefully sat beside Minglan, clasping her hand as if bursting with words, yet in the end, he only managed to ask, "...What would you like to eat?"Minglan chuckled inwardly. Just a few days ago, he had been so gloomy it was as if the emperor had docked three years of his salary, even dragging her for lakeside walks with the melancholy of a brooding poet. Now, he couldn’t hide his joy—it practically spilled from his eyes.
Cui Mama smiled knowingly, picked up Tuan Ge’er, and went out first.
Minglan grabbed his wrist, gently bit the back of his hand, and whispered, “I want to eat your flesh!”
Gu Tingye laughed heartily, “That’s no trouble at all! I’ll cut some for my lady right now!”
Minglan quickly tugged his sleeve, both amused and anxious, “Stay right there! With your tough hide, even stewing for three days and nights wouldn’t make it chewable!”
Gu Tingye chuckled and sat back down, burying his face in Minglan’s neck. After a long while, he murmured, “…In the past, it was all my fault.” He lifted his head, eager yet stumbling over his words, “…I didn’t mean to… Man Niang should have long… It’s not that I didn’t care for you… It’s just…” He circled around without making any clear point.
Minglan watched him with amusement. His usually imposing face was now drenched in sweat from anxiety. She remarked coolly, “Go on, say it, say it…” Gu Tingye closed his mouth dejectedly and lay down beside her. Minglan gently stroked his damp hair, “If you can’t explain it clearly, then don’t. In daily life, why be so precise? This isn’t a court trial.”
Gu Tingye suddenly sat up, speaking earnestly, word by word, “If anyone dares to threaten you and our child in the future, be it Man Niang or even the highest authority, I’ll make sure they end up in pieces!” The last few words carried a chilling coldness.
Minglan gazed into his eyes for a long moment before pulling him close by the neck and whispering, “I believe you.”
Why dwell on so much? What matters is the present and the future.
He treated her well—wholeheartedly so. He loved their children, cherished their home, and did everything to ensure their safety and peace. That was enough. They were such different people, yet both yearned for a tranquil life, lasting as long as the heavens.
…
With the mistress away for several days, the household only knew that Old Madam Sheng was critically ill, and thus the lady had gone to care for her.
The next day, Madam Shao brought the two girls to congratulate Minglan on her pregnancy again. Qiu Yiniang suppressed her inner bitterness and offered pleasantries, but Minglan, unlike her usual polite and gentle self, responded indifferently, barely acknowledging her.
After several attempts at conversation were ignored, Qiu Niang felt awkward and had no choice but to stand quietly to the side.
While the adults chatted, Xianjie curiously stared at Minglan’s abdomen, too shy to ask—how exactly did babies come out? Rong Jie’er stood smiling quietly when she felt someone tugging at her skirt. Looking down, she saw Tuan Ge’er reaching out from the bedside, his big head tilted up to gaze at her, his plump cheeks utterly adorable.
Rong Jie’er’s heart warmed, and she was about to reach out and pat his head when she suddenly remembered Qiu Yiniang and her mother’s warning: Never get close to your father’s legitimate son. Otherwise, if anything happens, you’ll never clear your name. She withdrew her hand midway, gazing regretfully at Tuan Ge’er.
But how alike they looked—she couldn’t help stealing glances—both with thick brows and big eyes, full cheeks and high foreheads, straight noses, and upturned lips. They resembled each other even more than her own brother, Chang Ge’er.Leaving Jiaxi Residence, Madam Shao led Xianjie back to their own courtyard while Qiu Niang and Rong Jie'er walked together toward their quarters. On the way, Qiu Niang wore a troubled expression: "What's wrong with the mistress? Have I made some mistake? If so, she could just scold me directly so I could apologize properly. Why this cold indifference..."
Rong Jie'er halted and, seeing no one around, said, "Does Concubine truly not know where you went wrong?"
The girl's eyes were bright and sharp, making Qiu Niang uneasy. She stammered, "I... I..." Wasn't it just those times when she had sent late-night snacks to the marquis who was staying alone in his study?
At nearly eleven years old, Rong Jie'er was already tall and slender with an upright posture, standing almost as tall as Qiu Niang. She smiled politely and said, "After all these years in the mansion, how could Concubine lack such perception? Pretending ignorance while knowing better will only make people dislike you more."
Clearly understanding the mistress's position—that she had no intention of sharing her husband—yet willfully disregarding it while playing the innocent, hoping to succeed but ready to feign ignorance if caught—this tactic was too common, even more so than the villains in Teacher Xue's cautionary tales.
If not for Qiu Niang's usually diligent care, she wouldn't have bothered to remind her.
"Though the mistress is kind and generous, she's not someone to be taken advantage of. Concubine shouldn't overestimate her cleverness."
After all the usual flattery and obedience, the moment the couple had a slight disagreement, she rushed to curry favor with the master. Now she wanted to act as if nothing happened—did she think the mistress was blind?
Teacher Xue had long said that in this world, there are not only those who are shrewd in their mischief but also those who appear simple while being cunning. One shouldn't be deceived by a few words or tears. Women confined to the inner quarters see little of the world, so they must have discerning eyes.
With these words, Rong Jie'er turned and left, leaving Qiu Niang standing alone in a daze.
...
Good news came in pairs. Within a few days, Ruomei was also diagnosed with a pregnancy of over three months. Gongsun Laotou was overjoyed, gathering everyone for a celebration where he drank until he had to be carried back to his room. Minglan sent Xiaotao to convey congratulations and delivered some high-quality tonics for pregnancy, advising Ruomei to take good care of herself. Ruomei was delighted, unaware that a crucial letter was currently in Minglan's possession.
Gongsun Meng had written that his elder brother's marriage was settled, and his new sister-in-law was virtuous and respectful. Since their mother was concerned about the young bride's inexperience, she begged her sister-in-law to stay another six months to teach the new wife how to manage the household and interact with others. The aunt had no choice but to agree. Given the long journey, Gongsun Meng would also stay longer to escort his aunt to the capital later, reuniting her with his uncle.
Enclosed was another letter from Madam Gongsun herself, addressed to Minglan. It stated: If by the time this letter arrived, Concubine Mei was already pregnant, to avoid causing her anxiety that might harm the child, Minglan should conceal this letter. After all, their master was a man concerned only with state affairs and nature, paying little attention to household matters. He only needed to be informed three to five days before his wife's arrival.
Minglan counted on her fingers—by the time Madam Gongsun arrived in the capital, Ruomei would have already completed her confinement. Indeed, neither would be affected.
Reading the resolute tone between the lines of the letter, she sighed and shook her head, storing the letter carefully. This Madam Gongsun was not only meticulous but also deeply understood human nature. Ruomei's little tricks were likely no match for her.
Once the child was born, various troubles would surely follow. But one must bear the consequences of the path they choose.No sooner had Minglan finished lamenting Ruomei's life choices than she quickly faced the consequences of her own chosen path—Hualan arrived at her doorstep with Rulan and Yun'er in tow.
In truth, ever since Kang Wangshi was sent to the House of Repentance and her confidants were thoroughly dealt with by Wang Old Madam, there was no longer any need to keep the matter concealed. Changbai first notified Hualan, then sent word to Rulan who had just returned from the countryside, followed by Changwu and Yun'er who lived farther away. As for Molan... there was simply no need (after all, even Changfeng and his wife remained unaware).
When Hai Shi tactfully recounted the events, Hualan was visibly stunned, standing dumbfounded like a wooden chicken. How could heaven and earth have shifted so drastically in just the seven or eight days since her last visit? Had she visited her maternal home more frequently, might this disaster have been prevented? Could Old Madam and her birth mother have been spared this ordeal?
Rulan was immediately terrified. In all her grown years, the most malicious scheme she'd ever conceived was something like "How wonderful it would be to make Molan eat a pile of dog dung." Poisoning and murder? She wouldn't dare dream of such things, yet her birth mother had actually done it! No, no—it was that damned aunt!
The most pitiful was Yun'er. Upon hearing that her mother had instigated her aunt to poison the most revered Old Mrs. Sheng of her husband's family, she fainted on the spot. Barely revived by pressing her philtrum, she learned her mother had been sent to that sunless, perpetual confinement in the House of Repentance, and promptly fainted dead away again.
Changwu first rushed to visit his grandaunt. Seeing Old Madam already safe and sound, he breathed a sigh of relief. As for his mother-in-law... to speak unfilially, the world would be more peaceful if that old woman disappeared sooner rather than later.
When Hualan finally regained her senses, she stormed into Madam Wang's room as if riding wind and fire, scolding her birth mother in frantic exasperation: "...How many times have I told you, Aunt has never meant you well! How could you trust her with such matters? Now you've caused a catastrophe! I simply don't understand—after she stole your prospective son-in-law back then, how could you stop being angry?"
Madam Wang sobbed: "I was angry at first, but later when I saw Rulan married quite well—her husband is considerate, and the young couple remain harmonious all day long—while Yuan'er struggles through fire and water with You Ge'er, constantly being punished, I gradually stopped being angry. Listening to your aunt often complain about Yuan'er's troubles, I even thought Rulan was better off not marrying into that family."
Rulan flushed crimson and exclaimed loudly: "Sister! Mother! What are you talking about? Why must you bring up that sore subject?!"
What kind of situation was this?! Just as she was gradually becoming sensible, her birth mother had lost her bearings again.
Hualan spoke with profound distress: "Mother, that was Aunt's trick! First she made you let go of your anger, then slowly coaxed you into her trap! What kind of person is Aunt? None of us siblings ever wanted anything to do with her—not because we look down on her for the Kang Family's decline, but because Aunt herself..." She struggled for words before finally declaring, "Changbai was right, she's nothing but a scourge! Those who get close to her are bound to suffer misfortune!"
These last words nearly made Yun'er faint again as she entered. Changwu supported his wife as they came to apologize to Madam Wang. Gnashing her teeth with hatred, Madam Wang said coldly: "Having such a sister was my karma from a past life. I dare not claim you as my niece!"
Yun'er knelt weeping on the floor, forcing Changwu to kneel alongside her.
Hualan hurried over to help them up, telling her mother: "Mother, look at you! What does this have to do with Yun'er? Even if you won't acknowledge her as your niece, you must acknowledge her as your nephew's wife!" These shrewdly weighted words made Yun'er understand much, yet she dared not respond, could only weep with her face to the ground.Seeing that matters had reached this point, the two Lans realized they couldn’t achieve anything by pestering Madam Wang, so they turned their efforts toward comforting their ailing grandmother and their father Sheng Hong’s "wounded heart"—grieving over an unworthy wife and the misfortune that had befallen the family.
Yun’er pleaded desperately with the internal affairs office, begging just to see her mother once, but... of course, it came to nothing.
Changwu secretly hoped that the officials would be just and strict.
After a fit of weeping, Yun’er first sought out her father and brother for advice. She learned that Jin Yiniang was now managing the household, her father was coldly unwilling to mention her mother, and her brother looked pained and bewildered, at a loss for what to do. Fortunately, her sister-in-law had a substantial dowry, and the remaining portion of her mother’s dowry had been reclaimed by her maternal grandmother. Combined with Kang Jin’s salary, even if Kang’s father turned hostile, he could still support himself independently.
She thought of seeking help from the Wang family, but her maternal grandmother was critically ill and unconscious, her uncle was busy attending to the sickbed, and her aunt’s attitude was one of disdain and annoyance, repeatedly brushing her off with excuses. In the end, Yun’er had no choice but to go to the Sheng family, clinging to a faint hope.
Since Sheng Hong was still "grieving," Yun’er had to see Changbai. She didn’t even know what to ask for—to release her mother? Or to forgive her mother’s madness? As a child, what choice did she have?
Unexpectedly, she ran into Hualan and Rulan, who were also pleading with Changbai. They didn’t care whether Aunt Kang was locked up in a Taliban stronghold or a concentration camp, but they hoped Madam Wang wouldn’t suffer too harsh a punishment. This time, however, there was a result:
The two sisters were thoroughly reprimanded by Changbai from head to toe. Not only did they fail to secure any leniency for their mother, but they also received advance warnings about their behavior in their marital homes and were forced to listen to three or four lectures quoting the sages.
If he treated his own sisters this way, he was naturally even less courteous to the daughter of the prime culprit. Changbai said bluntly, "If you’ve come as Aunt’s daughter, there’s nothing to discuss—please leave. If you’ve come as my cousin’s wife, then we are still family."
Yun’er wept bitterly, but before she could say anything, Changbai added, "I’ve already written to Youyang, explaining the entire situation to Uncle and Aunt."
Changwu, who had been lowering his head to comfort his wife, was stunned. Yun’er froze, though she stopped crying.
It wasn’t until they returned home that the couple deciphered Changbai’s underlying message:
Respected cousin-in-law Kang, do you want to be divorced? Do you want to be separated from your children? Then make the right choice. Your wicked and irredeemable mother, or your own happy, little family?
"But she’s still my mother!" Yun’an cried in despair.
Changwu said solemnly, "When my mother-in-law committed such vicious acts, she should have considered the consequences for her children."
Then he firmly declared his stance: As a son-in-law, he ought to actively try to save his mother-in-law, but Old Mrs. Sheng was a great benefactor to the main branch. Therefore, if his wife insisted on continuing to make a fuss, he would have no choice but to abandon one side.
After two days of such chaos, Yun’er cried until her eyes were dry, unable to shed another tear. Faced with Changbai’s iron wall, the two Lans were completely helpless. Madam Wang gradually quieted down and began to accept reality.
It was only then that the two sisters thought of Minglan.
It wasn’t that they were slow-witted, but in Hai Shi’s account, Minglan’s presence and role in the matter had been deliberately downplayed, as if the ones fighting on the front lines were Sheng Hong and his son, while Minglan was merely angry on the sidelines. Sheng Hong, of course, wouldn’t clarify that while his mother was being harmed, he had been largely inactive, and Mama Fang and the others wouldn’t speak out of turn.Upon hearing Cuiping's relayed message, Rulan suspected nothing, only learning from Hai Shi that Minglan was exceptionally furious and harbored deep hatred for Kang Wangshi.
At this point, Hualan grew uneasy. She knew well her younger sister's affection for their grandmother. Since Minglan loathed the primary culprit so intensely, what about her feelings toward Madam Wang, the accomplice? Thus, she brought Rulan and Yun'er along to the Ningyuan Marquis Household.
The moment Minglan saw Yun'er, she frowned. She had once quite liked this gentle and kind-hearted sister-in-law, thinking her a rare good shoot from a bad bamboo. But now, the sight of Yun'er reminded her of Kang Wangshi, and that simmering hatred refused to fade. She said, "Our two branches have always been close. I welcome your visit, sister-in-law, but I must ask you never to mention your mother in the slightest."
Seeing Minglan's frosty expression, Yun'er lowered her tearful head, too ashamed to speak further. She knew her mother's sins ran deep. As a child, she had fulfilled her duties; beyond that, she could ask for no more.
Meanwhile, Rulan eagerly brought up Madam Wang, repeatedly insisting their mother's punishment was too severe. Minglan smiled at this: "Fifth Sister should take this up with Eldest Brother. This matter was entirely his decision. Even Father didn't get a word in."
This was the truth.
At the mention of Changbai, Rulan fell silent, then sparked with hope again: "Perhaps... have your husband speak with Eldest Brother. The Marquis holds high rank and power—surely Eldest Brother wouldn't refuse his request."
Minglan pondered briefly before replying, "Fifth Sister should first speak with Old Madam. After all, she was the one poisoned to half-death, struggling between life and death. You might ask how Old Madam now views the wife who wished her never to recover from serious illness."
Rulan was completely silenced. She lacked the face for that.
Hearing this exchange, Hualan understood her younger sister's stance. Minglan indeed held some resentment toward Madam Wang, but not deep hatred—it all stemmed from her heartache over Old Madam's suffering.
Ah, forget it. Their mother would simply have to reflect on her mistakes back in their hometown.
Truth be told, Hualan secretly agreed with Changbai's decision.
First, their mother was indeed wrong and deserved punishment—otherwise, their grandmother's suffering would be too unjust. Second, separating mother-in-law and daughter-in-law for years, then reconciling with tearful apologies, offered a chance to wipe the slate clean. This was far better than maintaining surface harmony while nurturing lasting bitterness beneath.
Having grasped this crucial point, Hualan stopped pressing further. Instead, she smilingly inquired about Minglan's pregnancy, drew Rulan into the conversation, and kept the mood light with casual chatter and laughter. At her age and with her experience, she deeply understood the strength of family bonds. They must never let their aunt's foolish madness create rifts among blood relatives or break this family apart.
Of course, their public story had to be consistent: Old Mrs. Sheng had suddenly fallen gravely ill (as often happens with the elderly), remaining unconscious for days. Her daughter-in-law Madam Wang had tearfully vowed to Buddha that if her mother-in-law recovered, she would devote years to vegetarianism and scripture recitation at the family temple (all praised: "What a good daughter-in-law!"). But since the old lady's illness hadn't been fully cured, she would accompany her eldest grandson to his post to seek out a reclusive physician.
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