That evening after dining with Gu Tingye, Minglan dismissed the maids and servants, then promptly relayed what Zhang Shi had told her during the day. Upon hearing it, Gu Tingye first clicked his tongue in amazement. "Brother Shen is truly peculiar. Whenever he speaks with me, he guards against Lady Zhang as if she were some threat. Yet regarding such matters involving the royal family—which still lack any definitive conclusion—he actually told her."
Minglan wasn't surprised by this remark. In fact, during their conversation earlier, she had vaguely sensed that Zhang Shi didn't hold much respect or affection for her husband. She only murmured in puzzlement, "Why would the State Duke's brother suddenly consider this? By our dynasty's convention, isn't it that imperial sons-in-law cannot participate in political discussions?"
Her implication was clear—she didn't view this proposed marriage favorably.
Rarely did husband and wife hold opposing views, so Gu Tingye patiently explained, "While that's true, however... ah, Brother Shen wanted to betroth the legitimate daughter of Assistant State Duke, but the old duke would only offer a niece. He then took a liking to the fourth young lady of Ru Yang Marquis, but after much discussion, they would only give a concubine-born daughter. Then someone suggested the youngest daughter of Grand Secretary Yao, but who would have thought their Old Madam would oppose it so strongly she fell ill? The House of the Duke of Han was quite generous—they immediately offered the Heir Apparent's legitimate eldest daughter, but..."
Minglan finished for him: "But currently the Han family has no capable male members serving at court, and their household is unsettled internally, so the State Duke's brother looks down on them." As she spoke, she covered her sleeve and chuckled lightly. She hadn't realized their State Duke comrade had encountered so many rejections—insisting on nothing less than legitimate daughters, those with outstanding character and appearance, those from main noble lines, and those from upright family backgrounds. No wonder he found it difficult to choose.
Seeing his wife's sly smile, Gu Tingye also felt sorry for his sworn brother and sighed with a smile: "There are only so many options available. Brother Shen is ambitious and proud—he refuses to use imperial marriage decrees to pressure people. The Empress pities her brother, which is why she proposed Marrying a Princess. After careful consideration, Brother Shen thinks it's not bad. Firstly, the princess is the master—everyone must respect her, so there's actually little room for conflict. Secondly, although imperial sons-in-law cannot participate in court politics, who can guarantee that heroic fathers will have capable sons? How can we know our sons will definitely achieve great deeds? Securing honor and prosperity might not be a bad option after all."
Having a princess as daughter-in-law meant that regardless of future court politics or their son's capabilities, no one would dare bully them—security and wealth would always be guaranteed. This was Shen Congxing's consideration. Finally, Gu Tingye added: "Anyway, we can't discern his innate qualities yet. Perhaps Brother Shen's eldest son is simply destined for a life of comfort and leisure."
Shen Congxing had previously taken his eldest son to the training grounds for experience. After several tests, whether in martial arts on horseback or on foot, or in troop deployment strategies, the eldest son could be considered above average—note, this was with his State Duke father present and a group of old comrades cheering him on.
Minglan understood her husband's implied approval and could comprehend the reasoning. It was like when someone's son, based on actual ability, could only test into a top-ten national university, but then the fourth-ranked school offered guaranteed admission—in the end, the parents decided to play it safe and accept.
"...That makes sense, but..." She still felt uneasy. Putting herself in their position, even if Tuan Ge'er turned out ordinary, she would prefer her son to marry a virtuous and compatible wife rather than Marry a Princess merely for wealth and status.
Gu Tingye gently stroked the soft hair at his wife's temple and said tenderly, "I understand what you mean. If it were me, I wouldn't want Tuan Ge'er to Marry a Princess either." His wife was considering this according to conventional household management logic, but could the Shen family's situation still be considered normal?Minglan suddenly broke into a smile: "That's good. I was afraid His Lordship would say everything is fine, then turn around and request a princess for Tuan Ge'er too." After a moment's thought, she added with a chuckle, "I've always felt Imperial Uncle worries too much. The Shen family is related to the imperial household after all. When the Crown Prince ascends the throne and helps his cousins, even without Marrying a Princess, who would dare slight the Shen family?"
Gu Tingye remained silent. There was one matter he hadn't mentioned, never expecting Minglan to be so perceptive as to notice it herself.
After pondering for a while, he said: "The Empress is benevolent and often reminds her children to remember Madam Zou's kindness and treat their Shen cousins well. That aside, during the early years of His Majesty's reign, the Shen children often entered the palace to study and play with the princes. Somehow, those young children dared to argue with the princes, even saying things like 'my mother died for our aunt the Empress'..."
Minglan gasped in shock: "How could such words be spoken carelessly?!" Could it be the Zou family frequently reminded them?
Gu Tingye sighed: "The children were so young back then. Combined with Brother Shen's repeated apologies, I don't think His Majesty took it to heart—after all, Madam Zou didn't die for him. But we can't know what the two princes thought."
Though they were blood cousins, they never appeared particularly close. Recently, when Zhang Shi had her difficult childbirth, the Emperor blamed the Empress and reprimanded the princes' studies. The Empress might not hold grudges, but what about the two princes? Shen Congxing probably had similar concerns, hence his insistence on finding a reliable marital family for his son. Even if the Emperor didn't provide support later, there would still be officials watching over him.
"Perhaps Brother Shen is overthinking. But the Eldest Princess and the two princes share the same mother and have always been deeply affectionate siblings..."
He didn't continue, as Minglan already understood everything. The couple remained quiet for a moment before Gu Tingye rallied and smiled: "This matter hasn't even taken shape yet—the Emperor hasn't spoken. Don't mention a word of it; pretend you know nothing."
Minglan naturally agreed. Gu Tingye continued: "Regarding Fourth Brother Changdong's matter, I actually think it's good. Old Uncle Shen's family is steady and has never made mistakes. Since you're heavily pregnant now, shall I speak with your father instead?"
Minglan quickly responded: "Your Lordship should forget it. If you go, even if Father is unwilling, he'd find it hard to refuse. In marriage matters, both families must be willing for it to be happy. I understand this, so Your Lordship needn't worry about it."
He caressed his wife's slightly rounded belly and rubbed Tuan Ge'er's head—the little one had taken over his parents' pillow, his small stomach rising and falling with soft snores. Gu Tingye gazed affectionately for a while before sighing: "Everyone has their destined marriage. I wonder what kind of wife ours will find in the future?"
"Find someone a bit foolish," Minglan said with serene certainty.
Gu Tingye was greatly surprised: "Why so?"
Minglan explained seriously: "In mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationships, the key lies in balancing tension and relaxation. With someone as clever as me, if we find an extremely cunning one, wouldn't we be scheming against each other every day?"
After a long pause, Gu Tingye carefully touched his wife's head: "You think you're... clever?"
Minglan shot him a sidelong glance: "You think I'm foolish?"
"Of course not, of course not. My lady possesses great wisdom that appears like folly," Gu Tingye declared with radiant sincerity.
Minglan frowned, looking at her husband suspiciously, feeling there was hidden meaning in his words and ill intentions.
Gu Tingye glanced at Tuan Ge'er again: "If this boy turns out honest and his wife is foolish, wouldn't that be terrible?"Minglan gently pinched her son’s little hand and sighed, “Don’t worry, my lord. This little fellow is quite clever.”
As Tuan Ge’er grew day by day, his personality gradually revealed itself. She deeply suspected this chubby child was a sly one—when she peeled an egg for him, he would nibble away the egg white he liked, then innocently beam as he stuffed the yolk into the happily smiling Cui Mama’s mouth. By the time Minglan returned, she would only see a table of eggshells, completely unaware of what had happened.
Fortunately, Cui Mama was straightforward. After a few such incidents, she confessed everything to Minglan. Without a word, Minglan spanked Tuan Ge’er’s plump, springy bottom and forbade him from being picky about food. The little chubby boy burst into tears on the spot, sulking in the corner of the bed and ignoring Minglan. That evening, he even tearfully gestured and complained to his father (to no avail). Him, well-behaved? Hmph!
...
The next day, Minglan wrote a letter, carefully relaying exactly what Zhang Shi had said without adding or omitting a single word. With Sheng Hong’s shrewdness, he would naturally weigh the pros and cons without needing further explanation.
Three or four days later, Madam Liu came to visit Minglan, beaming with joy and bringing along a variety of mountain and seafood delicacies, claiming they were brought by her family brothers from outside. After exchanging a few warm pleasantries, the two sisters-in-law got down to business.
Madam Liu said, “The master said that in terms of social status, this marriage proposal is excellent. For the Shen family to take a liking to Dong Ge’er is indeed our fourth brother’s good fortune. However, he worries that the young lady, having grown up in the borderlands, might have a rather strong temperament.”
The underlying implication was that Changdong, being the youngest son with the humblest birth mother, would inevitably receive fewer resources and wealth when the family divided its assets. If his wife, already from a military family, turned out to be a shrew, wouldn’t that lead to chaos in the future, repeating the mistakes of the Hedong estate?
Minglan thought for a moment and said, “How about I invite the Shen family’s ladies for tea? Then, sister-in-law and eldest sister can also come. Let’s not discuss the marriage proposal—just chat and laugh as if we’re visiting relatives?”
Madam Liu had been thinking the same thing and immediately smiled, “If you’re willing to do this, I’ll be at ease. The master also suggested this, saying it wouldn’t do for them to have seen our fourth brother while we don’t even know whether the girl is round or flat. Besides, with eldest sister there to observe, it’ll be even more reliable.”
After Madam Liu left, Minglan chuckled to herself. She wondered what channels Sheng Hong had used to investigate these past few days, but it seemed he was satisfied. With this in mind, she sent a letter to Zhang Shi. The next day, Zhang Shi sent word that everything was to be arranged by Minglan, but due to the recent change in weather, Old Madam Shen had caught a chill, and the physician said she needed more time to recuperate.
Since both children were still young and neither family was in a hurry, Minglan wrote back to reassure them, urging them not to rush and to focus on recovering. In truth, the Shen family was also concerned—if the chill wasn’t fully cured and Minglan, being pregnant, were to fall ill from the visit, a good thing could turn into a bad one.
As autumn deepened, the nights grew particularly cold. On a clear day, Cui Mama lit the under-floor heating system in all the rooms of Jiaxi Residence. Minglan amused herself by rolling around on the warm heated kang with her son.
Tuan Ge’er was becoming more sensible. Taught repeatedly by Cui Mama and others, he often looked curiously at his mother’s bulging belly but no longer lunged for a hug. Instead, he gently touched it with his chubby little hands.
One day, just after the afternoon snack, Minglan was thinking of taking a stroll along the corridor when Gu Tingye returned, laughing heartily and calling for her to come out and greet guests. Slightly puzzled, Minglan dressed properly and took a sedan chair, following him to the front parlor. There, she saw the long-unseen Shi brothers and Che San Niang.Though they had only met briefly years ago and exchanged a few words on the river at night, Minglan remembered them clearly—largely because Shi Keng’s fierce, bristling beard was so striking. Che San Niang had grown considerably fuller in figure, and though her skin remained somewhat coarse, her relaxed and cheerful expression marked her as a prosperous lady.
When Gu Tingye appeared, Shi Keng promptly punched his brother, and the two knelt together in salute. Che San Niang curtsied deeply beside them. Gu Tingye strode forward, pulled the brothers to their feet, and laughed heartily, “We’re like family—no need for such tedious formalities!”
Minglan, resting a hand on her rounded belly, smiled and said, “Sister Che, please take a seat. Forgive me for not rising to greet you properly.” She then instructed Xiaotao and Lüzhi to serve tea and refreshments.
Che San Niang’s straightforward nature remained unchanged. She thanked them cheerfully, gave her husband a playful shove, and the three took their seats. The couple carried themselves with ease, but Shi Qiang, being younger and more bashful, blushed and kept his head lowered, too shy to speak in such a luxurious and refined setting. When Lüzhi offered him tea, he seemed so flustered he nearly fumbled the cup.
Though it had been years since they last met, Minglan was no stranger to the Shi brothers and Che San Niang. Every year, when Gu Tingye’s former subordinates sent New Year’s gifts from the south, the Shi family’s offerings were always among them—and notably more generous than others’.
Feeling obliged by their generosity and seeing Gu Tingye’s genuine delight, Minglan redoubled her efforts to be hospitable. After exchanging a few pleasantries, she invited Che San Niang to join her in a soft sedan chair, heading to the inner courtyard’s flower hall for tea and conversation, leaving the men to talk freely outside.
As they caught up on the events of recent years, Minglan learned that since Gu Tingye had aligned himself with the right patron, the Shi brothers had risen in status and gradually taken control of the canal trade from the Jianghuai region to the inland rivers leading to the Longxi frontier.
“Thanks to Master Gu’s favor, we now have a stable livelihood and no longer need to brave wind and rain to scrape by,” Che San Niang said, slipping back into the old form of address. When Minglan thanked her for the gifts, she quickly added, “It’s the least we can do! Without the Marquis’s protection, we wouldn’t enjoy such good fortune today.”
“Smooth canal transport benefits both the state and the people. The Marquis doesn’t act solely for your sake,” Minglan replied gently. “No matter how capable he is, he can’t oversee everything. The success you’ve achieved comes from your own efforts—countless negotiations and risking your lives. You’ve earned every bit through hard work.”
After all, Gu Tingye couldn’t simply hand them an imperial edict to flaunt their authority everywhere. Those in the salt and canal trades all had powerful backers; much of the Shi brothers’ success stemmed from their own abilities.
Touched by Minglan’s words, Che San Niang wiped her tears and said, “With your reassurance, we’ll follow Master Gu for life.”
True to her resilient nature, her melancholy lasted only moments. Drying her eyes, she glanced at Minglan and chuckled, “You and the Marquis are truly a match made in heaven. Back then…” She broke off, laughing at the memory.
Minglan recalled that night years ago—the icy river wind, the vast waterway ablaze with towering flames lighting up the dark sky. Half-frozen in the water, she had even wondered if she might return to her original time, only to be rescued by Che San Niang aboard the boat.
“…I never imagined… things would turn out like this,” Minglan murmured. Back then, she had called him “Second Uncle,” and now he was her husband—they had all witnessed it. She felt a flush of embarrassment. “I haven’t yet properly thanked you, Sister Che, for saving my life that day.”Che San Niang didn't hold back her laughter either, grinning mischievously as she said, "Why thank me? The Marquis was frantic, searching the entire river. Worried my foolish husband so much—he insisted this 'niece' of yours must be Lord Gu's own flesh and blood, urging us to hurry so the child wouldn't freeze in the water. Hehe... Who knew when we fished you out, you'd turn out to be such a stunningly beautiful girl... Hehe... I said then, since when does an uncle look at his niece that way!"
Minglan's face flushed hot, and she mumbled, "It's just a distant, convoluted relation—I casually address him that way, but it's not really..." Few in the world had ever heard her call Gu Tingye 'Second Uncle,' yet she'd still been caught—truly, justice has long arms!
Che San Niang, skilled at reading expressions, saw she'd teased enough and feared Minglan might genuinely take offense. She quickly changed the subject to children. Minglan promptly had Tuan Ge'er brought out. Che San Niang adored him at first sight, stuffing a plump red envelope into his hands while praising him repeatedly. Finally, she sighed, "...I only have one girl. You're truly blessed, Madam."
Minglan said, "Sister, you're still young—you'll surely bear a healthy son."
Che San Niang waved dismissively with a cheerful laugh, "In my early years, life was hard, and it damaged my health. When I had my daughter, I nearly died. The physician said I can't conceive again."
Seeing Minglan's sympathetic expression, she instead laughed comfortingly, "I count myself fortunate. My husband doesn't mind—he says once his younger brother marries, they'll have a dozen or so children to continue the family line for us."
Minglan smiled, "That's true. They're all family—Brother Shi is sincere and genuine. That's what matters most." She'd heard from Gu Tingye earlier that Shi Qiang's parents died young, and he was raised by his elder brother. Though brothers, their bond resembled that of father and son.
Thinking of Che San Niang's difficult youth, drifting from place to place, now finally finding a good home, Minglan felt deeply moved. Softly, she said, "...Sister, take good care of your health. Great blessings await you. I remember that year on the boat, Brother Shi said he'd have beautiful Kesi Clothing made for you."
Che San Niang stroked her sleeve, feeling the smooth, dense texture embroidered with magpies on a plum branch. She laughed wistfully, "That simple-minded fool now wants me to wear Kesi Clothing every day. Don't laugh, sister..." she lowered her voice, "...this Kesi silk is lovely, but honestly? I find cotton clothes more comfortable."
Recalling how future generations would prize natural cotton fabrics, specifically seeking coarse cloth and linen, Minglan covered her sleeve, chuckling heartily.
That evening, Minglan invited Madam Shao and Che San Niang to dine together. She also arranged a simple feast outside for the Shi brothers, Gu Tingye, and Gongsun Laotou to share drinks.
The four men drank and chatted late into the night. Only then did Gu Tingye return to his room, finding Minglan leaning against the headboard reading. He quickly removed his chilled outer robe, rubbed his hands warm, and approached her. "Why aren't you asleep yet? Be careful not to strain yourself."
Minglan sat up lazily, smiling faintly, "I already napped earlier."
The man stroked his wife's soft hair, his tone gentle, "It's my fault for disturbing your rest."
Minglan didn't answer, her large, bright eyes gazing quietly as she asked, "...When are you leaving?"Gu Tingye stiffened for a moment before letting out a bitter laugh. "I was afraid you'd worry, so I wanted to tell you later. I didn't expect you to figure it out yourself."
It wasn't hard to guess—her husband returned late every day, treating midnight snacks as dinner, busy beyond measure. The emperor was reviewing troops more frequently, and Uncle Shen practically lived in the military camp. Though she hadn't gone out due to her pregnancy, she could still sense the shifting atmosphere, from the capital's streets to the families of military officers.
"Why is the emperor choosing this time to deploy troops? It's freezing cold, and the New Year is just around the corner." Minglan pouted, displeased.
Gu Tingye held her close, resting his chin on her head and speaking softly, "For now, we're gathering troops in Longxi for brief preparations. Once the harsh winter passes and food becomes scarce on the grasslands, the Jie Barbarians will launch large-scale raids. By guarding early and deploying troops in multiple directions, we can wipe them out when they emerge, unable to endure."
Minglan fell silent.
The imperial army was like a regular force, while the Jie Barbarians were akin to guerrillas. These scattered bandits always rampaged and plundered civilians beyond the passes after the main army withdrew. Yet the imperial troops couldn't garrison the border forever. The hardest part of a decisive battle was pinning down the guerrilla forces.
"The Shi brothers came to the capital this time for an assignment too, right?" she asked. Who would travel north so close to winter?
Gu Tingye nodded. "Before the inland rivers freeze solid, we must quickly transport provisions. There aren't enough official ships."
Minglan touched her belly—her due date was in May next year. Her heart ached terribly, but she couldn't ask her husband to take leave from his duties. She could only murmur, "...When will you be back?"
The response was a deep sigh, his tone bitter. "If all goes well, by March or April next year. If not... I don't know. If I'm not back by then, you'll have to deliver on your own."
Minglan burst out laughing. "Nonsense! If I don't deliver myself, are you going to do it for me?"
With those words, her courage surged. So what if her husband wasn't around for the birth? It was no big deal—she'd just consider herself a military wife (Yao Mama would certainly disagree), with her husband guarding the frontier!
She straightened up, pressing a hand against his chest, and declared word by word, "Just three things. First, don't be greedy for glory—our family doesn't need more promotions. Second, come back safely, in one piece. Third..."
She added fiercely, "No fooling around! If you bring back some foreign princess or a fallen general's sister, just see if I let you off!"
Gu Tingye hugged Minglan tightly against his chest and laughed heartily, his booming voice rattling the window frames. In the dead of night, it was eerily loud, startling the matrons on night duty outside, who exchanged bewildered glances.
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