Without delay, fearing the busyness of the New Year season would leave matriarchs of various households occupied, Minglan sent out invitations by the end of November. After receiving confirmations from all families, she instructed Cuiwei to make preparations.
On the second day of the twelfth lunar month, Madam Liu and Hualan arrived early, unable to conceal their excitement. Hualan sipped some tea, set down her handkerchief, and said, "When I left home, Fourth Brother was just this small, barely able to speak clearly. In the blink of an eye, he’s already seeking a wife."
Madam Liu looked somewhat weary as she replied, "Exactly. When Sixth Sister sent the news, both the master and my husband were stunned, taking half a day to recover. The master instructed me to help evaluate the match—it’s truly daunting. How old am I? What do I even know? I’m hardly qualified to judge a wife for my younger brother-in-law. I hardly slept a wink last night, but thankfully, Eldest Sister and Sixth Sister are here to help."
Hualan laughed, "With the lady and Old Madam away, only you, sister-in-law, are managing the household. If today’s evaluation goes well, you’ll have much more to handle for Fourth Brother in the future. Please don’t decline."
Minglan leaned playfully against her elder sister, grinning, "Fourth Sister-in-law, set your mind at ease. With Eldest Sister here today, whether it turns out well or not, it won’t be on us, right?"
Madam Liu had been worried that if the chosen bride turned out unsatisfactory, she might bear the blame. Hearing Minglan’s words, she felt greatly relieved.
Hualan pinched Minglan’s ear, scolding her with a mock glare, "No wonder Old Madam calls you a little troublemaker! Shifting all responsibility like that—if anything goes wrong in the future, I’ll be the one blamed by the master and Fourth Brother, while you two wash your hands of it."
Madam Liu quickly interjected, "Eldest Sister, don’t say that. Not only does the master rely on you as the eldest daughter, but you’ve also lived more years and gained more insight than us. With you leading, we feel confident."
"Enough with your sweet talk, you two. Fine, fine, I’ll stand firmly at the front, alright?" Hualan pretended to be annoyed.
After the three bantered for a while, Cuiwei came to announce that the wife of the Marquis of Northern Wei and the mother and daughter of the Shen family had arrived.
Madam Shen was nearly fifty, with slightly dark skin and decent features, though her meticulously applied makeup and lavish attire couldn’t fully conceal the weariness from years of hardship. Her daughter, however, was fair and delicate, with clear, lovely features.
In terms of appearance alone, both Hai Shi and Madam Liu paled in comparison. Yet the young lady was exceedingly shy. When Hualan gently asked about her favorite foods and pastimes, she replied in a whisper so faint that Minglan and the others had to read her lips to understand.
Madam Shen smiled awkwardly, inwardly sighing. Her daughter was actually quite bright and articulate, but ever since learning they were considering a match with a scholarly family—and hearing from her second son that every male in the Sheng family held an official title, with prestigious in-laws—she had become like this, afraid that speaking too much or raising her voice slightly would invite disdain.
Hualan maintained a smile but couldn’t help thinking of her own three sons, both legitimate and illegitimate, putting herself in a mother-in-law’s shoes. Miss Shen’s overly timid demeanor didn’t suit Hualan’s straightforward nature; if she were choosing a wife for her own legitimate son, she would certainly decline, fearing the girl couldn’t uphold the family’s standing. However, for the sake of household harmony, such a shy and gentle girl might suit a lesser branch—better than a fierce or shrewish one.
Meanwhile, Madam Liu had already inwardly approved. Among sisters-in-law, the worst was competing for dominance. With the formidable eldest sister-in-law Hai Shi already in place, another strong younger sister-in-law would make life unbearable. A girl like Miss Shen was just right.Minglan maintained a relaxed demeanor, chatting and laughing freely while observing Miss Shen's youthful face. She thought to herself that this girl was only two years older than Rong Jie'er yet was already being considered for marriage, feeling somewhat guilty as if she were corrupting innocent youth.
She had previously questioned Zhang Shi in detail - embroidery skills and scholarly knowledge were secondary, what mattered most was a kind and virtuous heart. Although Changdong appeared honest and somewhat simple-minded, he actually had strong convictions of his own. As long as husband and wife could live in harmony and mutual respect, even if Miss Shen lacked experience, she could gradually learn.
After understanding this, Zhang Shi immediately praised Miss Shen profusely, affirming her excellent character. She mentioned that when Miss Shen lived in the countryside with her family, she often helped elderly people cross ditches, making her a perfect match for Changdong who enjoyed carrying elderly people down mountains.
Minglan fell silent... This must be your first time matchmaking, isn't it?
While they were assessing Miss Shen, Madam Shen was secretly observing the Sheng family's daughters-in-law. She saw Hualan's dignified elegance and Minglan's gentle warmth, both demonstrating excellent upbringing and family education. Looking at Madam Liu, though ordinary in appearance, she carried an air of solemn dignity, suggesting she wouldn't be difficult to get along with.
Madam Shen nodded inwardly, thinking this was indeed a family with substance - well-educated and refined, yet not pedantic or prone to enforcing rules hypocritically.
After several rounds of tea, Zhang Shi and Madam Shen rose to take their leave. Minglan accompanied them to the second gate, exchanging pleasantries before finally parting. Returning to her room, she found Madam Liu and Hualan had already exchanged opinions about the meeting. One commented that Miss Shen had proper manners and evoked sympathy, while the other noted the Shen family's wealth and capable male relatives. Both ultimately agreed it was a good match.
"After all, it's Sixth Sister who arranged this match. We shouldn't have worried in the first place, knowing it would be reliable." Finally, Madam Liu took Minglan's hand to thank her again before taking her leave, saying she needed to report to Sheng Hong.
Watching Madam Liu depart, Hualan turned back with a smile: "She's quite slippery, managing to drag even you into this."
Minglan sighed: "She's only the Third Sister-in-law, neither the primary wife nor the eldest daughter-in-law. Handling Fourth Brother's marriage arrangements puts her in a difficult position where she can't please everyone. We're Fourth Brother's sisters, though not by the same mother, so we should bear more responsibility."
"...Old Madam always said you were kind-hearted and would be rewarded with good fortune. Now I believe it too." Hualan was silent for a moment before sighing, "You're right. Third Sister-in-law does have it difficult. Did you know that worthless Third Brother recently had a maid in his quarters discovered to be pregnant? Father was furious!"
"How could this happen? Third Sister-in-law hasn't even borne a child yet." Minglan was shocked. "Third Young Master is too foolish. Father's intentions are known throughout the household. Since Third Brother and his wife are still young, how can the first son not be legitimate? Wasn't contraceptive medicine being administered?"
"Of course it was! That maid was cunning - she secretly disposed of the medicine, trying to use pregnancy to climb higher." Hualan pursed her lips. "Father was so angry he scolded Third Brother for being useless, focusing on women instead of his studies. He had Third Brother tied up and administered family law. It was only because Sister-in-law pleaded tearfully that Third Brother was spared kneeling in the ancestral hall."
"...What about the maid?"Hualan said disdainfully, "They were force-fed medicine and sold off through human traffickers. Not to speak ill, but it's all Third Young Master's indulgence. The maids in his quarters all act like imperial concubines with such terrible tempers, completely unaware of their own limitations, daring enough to break the household rules!"
Minglan sighed. Without a sentimental Jia Baoyu, there wouldn't be a fiery-tempered Qingwen either. Madam Liu was no simple character either—she probably took this opportunity to thoroughly clean up her quarters. Another group of girls was likely to suffer misfortune.
"Just like Ke'er back then, and Ruomei too. Ah, why can't Third Young Master rein in his sentimental and soft-hearted nature? It only gives those maids improper ideas, ultimately harming them in the end."
Hualan slightly frowned, unconsciously revealing a tone of contempt: "What good could come from someone taught by the Lin family?"
After a pause, she continued, "Now Fourth Sister is facing troubles too. The Imperial Clan Court's registry for inheriting the title has been delayed, leaving the whole family stuck in limbo. Your brother-in-law says their eldest son is currently highly favored by the Xuan-Da Regional Commander. Ah, poor Madam Liang..."
Minglan remained silent for a long while before saying, "This marriage was something Fourth Sister fought tooth and nail to obtain. Whether it turns out good or bad, she can't blame others. When the Liang family faces difficulties, we'll fulfill our duties as relatives, that's all."
Hualan praised: "Exactly right."
...
During the New Year season, to prevent excessive quietness, Minglan had early assigned the task of making winter clothes to Rong Jie'er and Xianjie, keeping the two girls busy running about—one moment inspecting newly purchased cotton and cloth, another consulting with the seamstresses, even personally handling distribution. The bustling activity created lively excitement, though it ultimately cost Minglan an extra thirty taels of silver.
Madam Shao brought her daughter and Rong Jie'er to apologize, reproaching them remorsefully: "These two silly girls only cared about having fun themselves, nearly neglecting important matters. Luckily your aunt had already ordered some clothes from the tailor shop, otherwise I don't know how you would have handled this!"
Both girls blushed, twisting their hands, not daring to lift their heads.
Minglan leaned against the kang, smiling: "A few dozen taels of silver to teach the young ladies a lesson isn't too expensive."
Xianjie happily looked up and sincerely admitted her mistake, followed by a bashful Rong Jie'er, who offered to deduct the amount from her monthly allowance.
Minglan found this amusing, smoothing her chest: "Now you understand—studying is one thing, handling affairs is another. Remember this lesson, but no need to deduct your allowances. Go back and think carefully about where you went wrong, and don't make the same mistake next time."
She added: "Since this was your first time handling such matters, I thought you might blame each other. But you're willing to share responsibility together, maintaining harmony between sisters—that's very good."
Receiving such praise, the girls' earlier frustration faded away. Cheerfully hand in hand, they went out as happily as little birds, making Madam Shao shake her head with an amused smile.
By the twenty-third of the twelfth month, Minglan led the stewardesses in offering sacrifices to the Kitchen God. The entire household shared noodle soup, cleaned all courtyards, and prepared New Year's Eve dinner. On New Year's Eve, everyone ate dumplings together, with a few lucky maids and servants finding silver ingots weighing two or three qian inside, making everyone immensely happy. Fearing to startle the pregnant women, the maids set off firecrackers far away in the courtyard. Bold Rong Jie'er dared to set off double-bang firecrackers alone, while Xianjie—held tightly by Madam Shao—could only light two sparklers.Minglan held Tuan Ge'er's hand as they leaned against the kang ledge by the window, watching the dazzling fireworks fill the sky. The chubby toddler stretched out his plump little fingers, babbling and pointing at the sky, though no one knew what exactly delighted him so.
Early on the first morning of the Lunar New Year, Liao Yong's wife and Hao Dacheng led all the stewards and servants of the estate to kowtow and pay New Year's respects to Minglan. Following custom, Minglan had several baskets of copper coins brought out to distribute as lucky money, with each steward receiving an extra portion.
In the following days, they entertained relatives and friends who came to offer New Year greetings. Everyone was tactful—with Gu Tingye away and Minglan visibly weary while heavily pregnant, visitors didn't overstay their welcome, leaving after brief chats. Che San Niang, however, was particularly joyful these days. She had just received a letter from her husband far away, stating that the military grain matter was resolved and he would soon return to take her back to Jianghuai.
As the new year began, the emperor also distributed lucky money. Beyond the imperial clan and relatives, households like Minglan's—whose husbands were fighting at the front, such as the Duan, Geng, and Bo families—received rewards. Minglan was gifted a mutton-fat white jade sea bowl and several potted kumquats cultivated in hothouses.
Seeing such vibrant living plants in the dead of winter, with their faint fruity fragrance, both girls were delighted. The chubby toddler, however, eyed the round, bright fruits greedily, squirming and eager to pluck one to eat. Without coaxing or dissuading him, Minglan deftly picked one, peeled it, and tore a tiny shred of flesh to place in the toddler's mouth.
...
...
The toddler was stunned by the sourness, his eyes welling up as he pouted, his little face crumpling like a thirty-two-pleated crab roe soup dumpling—fresh and juicy.
No one coveted the kumquats after that. Such was the magnanimity of imperial grace. Amen.
Beyond this, the emperor bestowed other honors, including an edict for the legitimate son of the Yongchang Marquis to inherit the title.
Madam Liang finally felt relieved. With the recent mourning period barely over, they could only host a modest banquet to celebrate. Minglan sent congratulatory gifts according to protocol. Mo Lan didn't miss the chance to return to her maiden home to show off, but unfortunately, Madam Liu reacted coldly, and Changfeng—still recovering from a buttock injury—was unfit to receive guests.
Sheng Hong, however, was quite supportive. Since his in-laws had retained their noble title, he naturally reminded his daughter to hasten bearing a son, lest she lose standing in her husband's household—truly rubbing salt in the wound. Mo Lan, resentful and gloomy, thought it might have been better not to flaunt her status at all.
The new year brought many joyous events. Within days, news of victory arrived from the front: the Xuan-Da Regional Commander had annihilated the small bands of Jie Barbarians roaming near Xuanfu and Datong, driving the remaining stragglers beyond the northwestern frontiers—an auspicious start to the impending major campaign.
The emperor was overjoyed. In the subsequent rewards for merit, the Liang family's eldest son ranked prominently among the top three. Overnight, the once-quiet Yongchang Marquis residence bustled again, its gates thronged with a constant stream of visitors.
Sadly, this prosperity lasted only about ten days.
One day, Madam Liu came to see Minglan and calmly revealed in a few words that the Yongchang Marquis household was dividing its property—a dispute that had raged for days, involving Liang Han and Mo Lan. She asked if Minglan wished to visit.
Minglan fell silent for a long while before replying, "Ask Eldest Sister which day she plans to go. I'll accompany her."
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