The Story of Ming Lan

The news shocked everyone, instantly killing their appetite for wine.

Sheng Hong sighed in dismay, while Changfeng lamented, "Fourth Sister is truly unfortunate." Minglan secretly thought, 'It's her father-in-law who died, not her husband.' Rulan leaned close to her elder sister's ear and whispered, "So Fourth Sister wasn't lying this time." Hualan glanced at her younger sister, feeling instead that it was Molan's ill-omened words that had come true—what was originally just an excuse had unexpectedly become reality.

Seeing the situation, everyone quickly dispersed from the banquet and returned to their respective homes. Back at the residence, Minglan summoned Hao Guanshi and asked, "How did the news of the Yongchang Marquis's passing come to us from the Marquis himself?"

Hao Dacheng wiped his sweat and replied from outside the pavilion corridor, "Reporting to you, Madam, it was Gulu who rushed back to deliver the news. He also instructed me to send someone to your maiden family's residence to inform you. Afterwards, Xiao Luzi said the Marquis had other duties and hurried off elsewhere. As for the details behind this, I truly do not know."

Minglan rested her left hand on the armrest of her chair, tapping it lightly as she pondered in silence.

Hao Dacheng cautiously ventured, "This... Madam, should we prepare mourning gifts for the Liang residence?"

Minglan smiled wryly. "They haven't sounded the mourning boards nor announced the funeral—how can we rush over to offer condolences (unless we're asking for trouble)... However, the Marquis wouldn't make such a mistake; it must be true. You may start preparing in advance. Well, increase it by twenty percent compared to the gifts for Young Master Yang. Also, I don't know if the Liang residence will hold a roadside memorial ceremony. If they do, we'll inevitably need to contribute some paper effigies—pay attention to this."

Hao Dacheng agreed to everything and then respectfully withdrew.

Considering Madam Liang's age, the Yongchang Marquis should have been under fifty—how could he have passed away so suddenly? Strangest of all, it was actually her husband who was the first to deliver the news. Could it be... that the old Marquis Liang did not die a natural death?

Minglan was full of doubts, and after several rounds of speculation without reaching any conclusion, it wasn't until Gu Tingye returned to their room that night that she learned the whole story.

"You didn't see it—the training ground was in complete chaos today."

The man seemed not to have eaten his previous meal. He devoured two large bowls of rice with steaming scallion-braised lamb and dried shrimp mushroom cabbage soup, wiped his hands with a towel, and after asking about Old Mrs. Sheng's departure, slowly began to tell Minglan about the day's events.

Since the current emperor ascended the throne, the old Marquis Liang had always wanted to demonstrate his loyalty. But military officers are different from civil officials—without troops or disasters in peacetime, where would opportunities arise? Seeing the emperor's urgent desire to strengthen the army, the old Marquis Liang devoted himself wholeheartedly day and night to drills and preparations, without a single day of rest.

Today, the emperor personally went to the western barracks—a rare occasion the old Marquis Liang was unwilling to miss. Despite physical discomfort, he mounted his horse in full armor and personally led military exercises on the training ground. Right in the midst of the fervor, the generals saw the old Marquis Liang cover his head, stagger, and clutch his chest as if dizzy and in pain, then fall from his horse. The scene descended into chaos, and before the imperial physicians could arrive, the old Marquis Liang had already stopped breathing.

Later, the imperial physicians said the old Marquis Liang's sudden death was likely due to exhaustion coupled with a heart condition.

—Could it be a cerebral thrombosis plus heart disease? Minglan was silent for a moment. "Being so devoted and serving the country, will the emperor bestow honors and condolences?"

Gu Tingye nodded, then shook his head. "Military matters are most superstitious about omens. The emperor was in high spirits today but had cold water poured over his head... There will certainly be honors and condolences, but His Majesty may not be pleased in his heart."

Minglan thought it over and realized this made sense.It was like a shopkeeper who had worked hard for over half a year, eagerly preparing to open a branch. The auspicious date had been chosen, and celebrities had been invited. Yet, on the day of the grand opening, just as the shopkeeper was about to cut the ribbon, an old employee collapsed and died on the spot from overwork.

—What terrible luck! The shopkeeper must have been deeply frustrated: "Old Liang, your diligence is commendable, but if you're unwell, you shouldn't have come out. I never forced you to attend the opening ceremony. Now it looks as though I'm some harsh, exploitative master."

It was tragic, yet starkly realistic.

She nodded and asked, "What about the Liang family's title? I've heard that Master Liang... well, he's exceptionally outstanding."

"Impossible. The title will undoubtedly pass to the Old Marquis's legitimate eldest son."

Minglan smiled and asked, "How can you be so certain, Marquis?"

Gu Tingye sighed. "Firstly, there's a distinction between legitimate and illegitimate sons. Secondly... heh, why do you think Old Marquis Liang has been pushing himself so hard?"

Minglan found it hard to believe. "Could it be for the sake of his legitimate son?" Then why had he delayed appointing an heir for so long? Was he at odds with his wife?

Gu Tingye smiled faintly and picked up his teacup. "The Liang family's eldest son has already established his influence, and his connections outside are even broader than his father's. If Old Marquis Liang isn't striving for his legitimate son, then for whom? The Emperor is well aware of this. Alas, I've met the Liang family's second son. He's gentle and kind, but unfortunately..." He shook his head and did not continue.

Minglan felt a pang of sympathy and sighed. "The pursuit of fame and fortune is nothing less than a steel blade hanging over the heads of ordinary people."

Gu Tingye curled his lips and deliberately said, "For the sake of my wife and children's security, even I would risk my life on the edge of a blade." Then he gazed at her intently, eagerly awaiting his wife's reaction.

To his surprise, Minglan shook her head. "That's not quite right. Without Old Marquis Liang's initial efforts to nurture him, would the Liang family's eldest son have achieved what he has today? When the legitimate line is weak and the illegitimate line is strong, why delay appointing an heir until it's too late and then desperately exert oneself? Doesn't Old Marquis Liang bear some responsibility?"

Then she looked back at him with even greater intensity, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Speaking of which, our Tuan Ge'er also has an elder brother born of a concubine, doesn't he?"

Gu Tingye shook his head with a bitter smile. He had intended to coax Minglan into feeling touched and happy, but this clever woman was as cunning as a fox. She had even mastered the art of turning the tables, a skill she seemed to have learned from some shrewd mentor.

"Tuan Ge'er has no elder brother, as you well know."

According to the caretakers, Chang Ge'er remained frail, and Man Niang still made no effort to encourage her son to study or practice martial arts. Instead, she kept Chang Ge'er tightly by her side, never letting him stray far, and rarely even allowing him near the neighborhood children. She was practically raising him like a delicate young girl.

Shaking his head, Gu Tingye also felt a sense of relief.

This was precisely the concern he had harbored earlier, which was why he had planned early on for Chang Ge'er to live a simple, rustic life.

Thus, not only had he not entered Chang Ge'er into the family registry, but he had also sought Zheng Da Jiangjun and Duan Chengqian (both reliable and steady men) to accompany him as guarantors. They went to the Imperial Clan Court to issue a document stating that he did indeed have an illegitimate son from his youthful indiscretions, born to a lowly mother. To avoid bringing shame upon the clan, Gu Tingye had made proper arrangements for the mother and son, ensuring they would lack for nothing in terms of food and clothing. However, Chang Ge'er would never be allowed to identify as a descendant of the Gu family, nor would he be entitled to any share of the Marquis estate or his father's assets—effectively, he was expelled from the family in advance.

This severed all possible future complications, preventing any scenarios where someone might claim that Marquis Gu was unaware of his son's whereabouts, or that he secretly longed for his son but couldn't find him, or that Minglan, out of jealousy, had prevented the father and son from reuniting... and other such nonsense.Minglan knew very well the reasoning behind these arrangements. She stood up, kissed her husband on the head, and whispered, "I know you’ve done so much for me and our child."

After all, they couldn’t just kill Chang Ge’er. A child of that age already had memories (especially with Man Niang’s influence), and even if raised in another household, there might always be someone who, for their own gain, would incite Chang Ge’er to cause trouble later. If by then his parents were no longer around, wouldn’t Tuan Ge’er be left to deal with the mess?

She kissed him again, this time on the bridge of his nose. "Though Old Marquis Liang’s intentions were understandable, in my eyes, you’re far better than him." After a moment’s thought, she added, "Also, don’t fall off your horse. Eat more vegetables and less meat and alcohol."

Gu Tingye rubbed his nose, pulled Minglan’s head down, and playfully nipped her small nose, a smile tugging at the corners of his eyes. "There you go again with your nonsense. What does eating vegetables have to do with riding a horse?"

Minglan replied seriously, "If you eat too much meat, the horse will get angry."

Gu Tingye caressed her slightly rounded belly, then let his hand drift upward. Due to her pregnancy, Minglan’s body had grown softer and fuller, every touch yielding plump tenderness. He nibbled her earlobe, his breath warm against her skin. "If I give up meat and alcohol, should I give up women too?"

Minglan’s face flushed hot, her ears burning. Feeling his body tense, she squirmed awkwardly. "That… would be best to abstain from as well."

Threatened with the loss of his "benefits," the man immediately turned stern, wearing an expression like a creditor demanding repayment. "Stop pretending! Hasn’t it been over three months already? If I give up all that, I might as well become a monk!" When she was pregnant with Tuan Ge’er, it wasn’t as if they hadn’t been intimate.

Minglan twisted her waist and nimbly slipped out of his embrace. Pressing her palms together in a mock prayer, she giggled, "Master, abstain from wrath."

The man scooped her up by the waist and strode toward the inner room, laughing heartily. "If my lady serves me well, this master won’t be wrathful."

Lifted high in his arms, Minglan pinched the flesh at his waist and bit his ear, her face reddening. "Quiet! If anyone hears, they’ll think some lecherous monk has come to pluck flowers!"

…

Two days later, the Liang family finally sent word of the funeral.

As it happened, Rulan and her husband had departed half a day earlier. Since Minglan was pregnant—a condition considered inauspicious for funerals—she had a legitimate excuse not to attend. Among the sisters, only Hualan could go to pay respects, while most of the arrangements were handled by Rulan’s proper sister-in-law, Madam Liu.

During this time, Madam Liu not only observed all the proper etiquette but also offered gentle and considerate assistance, discreetly helping her in-laws manage some minor matters. Even when the Guojiu family went to offer condolences, Zhang Shi returned praising Madam Liu.

"...My mother said that Aunt seldom praises anyone, but this time she also commended your Third Sister-in-law," Zhang Shi remarked during a visit with her son, bringing along nourishing medicinal foods. She smiled as she studied Minglan’s belly, insisting it must be a boy.

Minglan laughed. "I only found out today that the Second Lady of the Liang family is your aunt. She’s my fourth sister’s sister-in-law—doesn’t that mix up the generations?"

Zhang Shi waved a hand dismissively. "Our family has many relatives, and after marriage, the terms of address often get muddled. My aunt is close to my mother, but I haven’t seen her much."

"That’s a relief. I was worried about how to address her in the future." The intermarriages among the capital’s nobility were indeed tangled, and Zheng da furen’s cousins were too numerous to count.

Minglan turned to look at the kang, where Tuan Ge’er lay obediently beside a red satin swaddle embroidered with twin carps. He watched the fair, delicate infant with curiosity, occasionally stretching a chubby finger to poke or stroke it. The baby had a remarkably good temper, neither crying nor fussing, and even let out soft, kitten-like giggles."He was as tiny as a kitten back then, and now he's grown so much in such a short time." Minglan observed the child's rosy complexion, thinking Zhang Shi and her daughter must be taking excellent care of him. "Has he been given a name yet?"

"We've chosen a childhood name - Wang Ge'er, with the character meaning 'hope'." Zhang Shi gazed at her son with tender affection and contentment, appearing almost like a different person from the desperate, pale woman of a few months ago.

"I was actually asking about your Tuan Ge'er. He's already passed his first birthday, yet he still doesn't have a formal name?"

Minglan smiled wryly. "We're still deliberating. I just hope we can decide before he starts school." Old Gongsun was particularly slow when it came to naming, and Gu Tingye found fault with every character they considered, so the matter kept being postponed day after day.

"Marquis Gu is being too perfectionistic." Zhang Shi laughed. "By the way, there's something I'd like to ask of you."

Minglan chuckled. "And here I thought you came specifically to see me out of fondness! So you actually need my help! When I visited you during your pregnancy with Wang Ge'er, I had no ulterior motives whatsoever."

Zhang Shi laughed heartily. "I'm not as clever as you with my thoughts, nor as smooth with my words. For simple, straightforward people like us, we can only speak directly without any roundabout ways, even if it makes us the subject of gossip!"

Minglan clicked her tongue. "I only said one sentence, and you had so many responses ready! And you claim to be simple and straightforward. If you're considered poor with words, then no one in this world could be called eloquent!"

"My dear sister, I won't ask this favor without compensation. Consider it that I owe you one." Zhang Shi smiled. "Don't worry, I wouldn't bring up anything that would put you in an awkward position."

Hearing this, Minglan felt half relieved and finally allowed Zhang Shi to explain what she needed.

"Since Marquis Gu is like family, I won't hide anything from you. Our Marquis has never been fond of dealing with the main Shen family branch, except for one distant clansman who's beyond the fifth degree of mourning. He attached himself to my father-in-law early on and proved to be loyal and honest. When my parents-in-law passed away, his family didn't abandon us but continued to care for the Marquis and his sister wholeheartedly, later following them to Shu. Though they're only distant relatives by formal standards, the Marquis regards them as uncle and aunt in terms of affection. They now hold the hereditary position of Assistant Commander of the Jianghuai Guard."

After this lengthy explanation without getting to the main point, Minglan strongly resisted the urge to hurry her along.

Zhang Shi took a sip of tea to moisten her throat before continuing: "The old uncle and aunt have a daughter who's just thirteen. I've seen her with my own eyes - she takes after her parents, being the most honest and kind-hearted..."

Minglan grew even more puzzled, glancing at the chubby child on the kang. "But my son is still too young."

Zhang Shi gave an exasperated laugh and lightly swatted her. "You and your quick tongue."

Minglan rubbed her shoulder, smiling as she urged Zhang Shi to continue.

"A few months ago, the old aunt went to offer incense when it suddenly rained, making the mountain path too slippery for sedan chairs. With only maids and servants around, and the old aunt having sprained her ankle and unable to walk, they encountered two young scholars helping an old lady down the mountain. After descending, one young man accompanied his grandmother home while the other turned back halfway up the mountain specifically to find the old aunt and carried her down. During their conversation on the way, they learned that the youth was from an official's family in the capital - remarkably honest in character and diligent in his studies. My old aunt became quite taken with him."

Minglan thought for a long moment before saying blankly: "It couldn't be... my youngest brother... Changdong, could it?"

"Exactly." Zhang Shi replied with a beaming smile.

Minglan's mouth fell open, and she stared blankly like a frog for quite some time before saying awkwardly: "But Changdong... he's still young."

"This is the perfect age to start discussing marriage arrangements."Minglan steadied herself. That elderly woman must be Mama Chang, and the other youth was Changnian. It seemed Changdong had accompanied the Chang family grandparents to offer incense and happened to do a good deed, for which heaven rewarded him by setting his Red Luan Star in motion.

"My younger brother is deeply honored by Elder Aunt Shen's regard, but Changdong... he was born to a concubine..." Minglan hated to say it, but such matters needed to be clarified.

Zhang Shi smiled and waved this aside with one hand: "My elder aunt has already inquired about everything worth knowing. The elderly couple have two sons but only one daughter, cherished by parents and brothers alike. They only seek a son-in-law with good character—other considerations are secondary."

Moreover, the couple had learned that Changdong was on the verge of passing the child scholar examination. At such a young age, his future prospects wouldn't be too bleak. Although that youth surnamed Chang was more scholarly, his family background was ultimately too modest. A family like the Shens', with their literary heritage, elders, discipline, and financial stability, tended to produce decent descendants. Not to mention their numerous distinguished relatives—even if one couldn't rely on them, their names alone carried weight.

Minglan breathed a sigh of relief: "I dare not speak for other aspects, but regarding character and virtue, my youngest brother is beyond reproach. However..." she hesitated, "with both parents living, this isn't my decision to make. We must see what Father thinks."

Following Sheng Hong's typical reasoning, he would likely wait until his son achieved official rank before seeking a marriage alliance from a position of strength. Changdong's future father-in-law would probably be a civil official, though likely of lower rank than the Hai or Liu families.

Zhang Shi noticed her hesitation and had her own thoughts: "I understand your family's principles in arranging marriages. Worrying that a son might lack future support is reasonable, as is avoiding military families as in-laws."

Minglan gave an awkward chuckle, thinking how blunt her words were.

Zhang Shi said earnestly, "Let me put it this way. Although my elder uncle is military, he deeply respects scholars. His second son has been studying with tutors since childhood and passed the county-level examination years ago."

"Oh, that's wonderful!" Minglan's eyes lit up. Having a scholarly brother-in-law would make things easier. The Jianghuai Circuit garrison was a lucrative post, so the dowry would surely be substantial. With a hereditary fourth-grade military official as father-in-law and brothers-in-law to support him, Sheng Hong would likely be tempted.

She quickly grasped Zhang Shi's hand and said gently, "To be honest, my younger brother would be marrying above his station."

Zhang Shi also relaxed. Among Shen Congxing's close associates, the elderly Shen couple were among the few who had disapproved of the Shen family's treatment of wives and concubines from the beginning. Their upright character commanded respect.

She chuckled, "What are you saying, sister? The Marquis of Gu's brother-in-law, with both father and brother holding official ranks—my elder uncle fears your scholarly family might look down on military men."

This marriage would benefit both sides. Since the second son of the Shen family was pursuing civil service, he would need connections and assistance among civil officials.

As for Changdong, neither his appearance nor talent matched Changbai or Changfeng's, and he might not be lucky enough to find another Madam Liu. Better to make plans early.

The two talked at length, growing more congenial and enthusiastic, almost able to see the wedding approaching.

Their conversation naturally turned to family matters. Minglan's household affairs were simple and quickly summarized, but the Shen family was truly lively.

First, although Concubine Zou had been half-beaten to death and imprisoned for some time, she stubbornly refused to leave. Whenever Shen Congxing pressed the matter, she threatened suicide, joined by several children begging tearfully. Zhang Shi also expressed unwillingness, saying it would violate heavenly principles, so the Imperial Uncle returned empty-handed.Now that peace had been restored between wife and concubine, new troubles emerged. The Shen family’s eldest son was approaching marriageable age, and everyone knew his future bride would have two mothers-in-law: one, a noble lady from an aristocratic family who held the rightful title, and the other, an aunt who had married her brother-in-law as a concubine, holding the genuine affection. This awkward situation left everyone wondering how the bride would navigate between them.

Shen Congxing dismissed families of lower status—after all, this was his legitimate eldest son, destined to inherit the title.

Yet most prestigious families valued their reputation too highly. They all recognized this was not a favorable match; to proceed would earn them the label of "selling daughters to curry favor with the Imperial Uncle." Moreover, the Shen family refused to consider marrying their son to a daughter born of a concubine.

Besides, past experience served as a warning: what good was a high-born daughter-in-law? The daughter of the British Duke, Zhang Shi, had not fared well in the Shen family.

Thus, the Imperial Uncle found himself repeatedly rejected.

Minglan had heard a little about this matter.

Shen Congxing had taken an interest in the legitimate daughter of the Zhongjing Marquis Zheng’s main branch—a cousin of the Zheng brothers. He sent his younger sister, Little Shen, to convey his intentions. After several days of deliberation, the Zheng cousin and his wife ultimately declined.

Little Shen felt disheartened, believing everyone looked down on her natal family. To console her, Zheng da furen spoke frankly, admitting she did not support the match either—

Just imagine: after marriage, if the bride showed filial respect to Zhang Shi, Concubine Zou would surely resent it, and the husband would be displeased. Yet to expect their own cherished legitimate daughter to fawn over a concubine, serving her as a proper mother-in-law, would only invite ridicule. Families like the Zhengs associated with influential circles; to degrade their legitimate daughter for no reason would shame the entire family, making it difficult to show their faces in society.

Little Shen knew this was the truth. Moreover, since giving birth to a daughter, her perspective had shifted entirely. When her elder sister-in-law, whom she relied on as a mother, asked her, "If it were your own daughter, would you be willing to marry her to your nephew?"

Little Shen immediately hugged her daughter tightly—this child, likely her only offspring, so delicate and small—her heart ached with such tenderness she felt she would tear it out for her. She shook her head without hesitation; she would never subject her daughter to such suffering.

Thus, she concealed the truth from her brother, adopting the common excuse that the Zheng family had already arranged a marriage for their daughter back in their hometown of Xunyang.

Frustrated by his failed matchmaking attempts, the Imperial Uncle eventually turned to his legitimate wife, asking her to recommend suitable candidates among her acquaintances. Zhang Shi nearly laughed aloud—she wanted to retort immediately: Did he think marrying into the Shen family was some grand privilege?! He had trapped her alone, and now he expected her to ensnare good girls from her own circle? Dream on!

After bearing a son, she was no longer the meek Zhang Shi of the past. Facing her husband, she sneered, "Your eldest son has yet to address me as 'Mother.' His heart belongs only to his aunt. When he takes a wife, she will serve her, not me. Your Lordship truly knows how to take advantage of my good nature—bullying me and insulting the Zhang family goes too far!"

Shen Congxing was deeply humiliated but could offer no rebuttal. Gritting his teeth, he threatened to drag his son over to apologize to his wife.Zhang Shi stopped him again and sighed, "You may have given birth to his flesh and blood, but you cannot control his heart. Forcing him to acknowledge me will only breed resentment—what good would that do? It is only natural for him to yearn for his birth mother. My only grievance lies with those wicked souls who sow discord without cause, driving a wedge between the eldest young master and me, making it seem as though I forced his mother to her death."

Tears welled in her eyes as she continued, "When Sister Zou passed away, I was a thousand miles away. The Zhang and Shen families had no connection whatsoever—how could I be unjustly burdened with this blame? I have been wronged beyond measure!"

Shen Congxing naturally knew who this "someone with intentions" was, yet still found it difficult to speak openly. He could only resent the Zou family for causing trouble and his son for being foolish. With a softened tone, he said, "As he grows older, he will naturally understand," though inwardly he already felt he had wronged Zhang Shi.

Seizing the advantage, Zhang Shi feigned sorrow and said, "Forget it. Fortunately, I'm not counting on the eldest young master to support me in my old age. Let’s just keep to our own affairs. But now that the eldest young master holds a grudge against me, if he finds out that I was the one who selected his bride, how could he be happy? I’m afraid the young lady would be unjustly implicated and suffer, leading to marital discord and needlessly offending the in-laws."

Shen Congxing found this reasoning entirely sound and thereafter no longer tasked Zhang Shi with arranging his son’s marriage. After several months of fruitless efforts and with no other options, he had no choice but to seek help from the Empress. In the end...

Minglan nearly spat out her tea: "What?! The Imperial Uncle intends for his legitimate eldest son to marry a princess?"

Zhang Shi idly played with the tassels on her skirt: "Isn’t it perfect? The eldest princess and the eldest young master are well-matched in age and appearance. They are cousins and know each other well—killing two birds with one stone. ... I suppose Her Highness the Princess will surely appreciate the Shen family’s sincere efforts to treat the Zou family kindly."

After all, once Shen Congxing passed away, she would immediately move out with her son and live a more carefree and leisurely life.

Minglan was speechless for a long time; this... was truly too creative.