Little Shen's intelligence proved remarkably accurate. Just two days later, on this particular morning after Minglan had finished distributing the tally tokens, she was amusing the chubby Tuan Ge'er by teaching him how to bow when Lüzhi came rushing in breathlessly, announcing that the Grand Old Madam had arrived.
Cui Mama's arms visibly tightened around Tuan Ge'er as she looked grimly at Minglan. Minglan rose slowly and said, "Mama, give the child to the wet nurse. Xiaotao, help me to the couch. Lüzhi... go fetch Madam Shao."
The last five words carried an unusual tone. Lüzhi responded loudly and was the first to dash out the door.
Before long, Madam Shao arrived in a flustered hurry. As she stepped into the courtyard, she saw Minglan's maids bustling in and out—some boiling water and preparing medicine, others standing guard in the courtyard with vigilant expressions. The senior maids in particular wore faces as if confronting a formidable enemy.
Entering the inner chamber, Madam Shao found Minglan curled up on the couch weeping softly, with Cui Mama and Xiaotao sitting by the bed murmuring constant reassurances. Startled, Madam Shao exclaimed, "Heavens, what has happened?"
Cui Mama rose with a worried expression and replied, "She was perfectly fine this morning, but when Madam heard the Grand Old Madam had come, she became terribly frightened and absolutely refuses to see anyone."
Madam Shao stood dumbfounded for a moment before quickly approaching the bedside. Taking Minglan's hand, she said gently, "Dear sister, where are you unwell? Tell me about it, but don't frighten the child in your womb."
Minglan slowly raised her head from the bedding, her face pale with both fear and wariness. Trembling, she whispered, "Sister-in-law, I'm afraid... I don't want to see her."
Madam Shao was taken aback. She had been examining embroidery patterns in her room when she heard of the Grand Old Madam's arrival and had begun dressing up, thinking she would need to go pay respects. Never had she imagined things would turn out like this when Lüzhi came reporting Minglan's summons with such panic.
She hurriedly advised, "How can this be? Dear sister, if you're unwell, we can ask the Grand Old Madam to come see you instead."
Minglan sat bolt upright, her eyes wide open with a strange intensity that held something of a pregnant wolf's ferocity. "I won't see her... She's come to harm me again. I absolutely refuse to see her!"
After saying this, she hugged her belly and turned to lie facing inward, trembling as she wept quietly.
As Madam Shao moved to turn her over for further persuasion, Cui Mama stopped her and drew her aside. "You see how our Madam was frightened by last time," Cui Mama said quietly. "It was the same—heavily pregnant, with the Marquis away. The Grand Old Madam is her elder, so our Madam could only endure the discipline. I beg you, Madam Shao, for the sake of past affections, please go receive the Grand Old Madam in the main hall."
Frozen in place before she could formulate a response, Madam Shao found herself being ushered forward by the servants to the front reception hall. There she found the Grand Old Madam already seated in the place of honor sipping tea. Noticing only Madam Shao had appeared, the Grand Old Madam frowned: "Where is Lao Er's wife? Even though the household is divided, does that mean I'm no longer her elder? Is she so noble now that she can't even deign to see me?"
Flustered, Madam Shao hurriedly curtseyed and stammered, "Sister-in-law... she, she... isn't feeling well. I'm afraid she cannot receive you..."Grand Old Madam was taken aback for a moment, then sneered coldly, "Fine, fine, fine. The moment I arrive, she falls ill. If she can't come out to see me, then I'll go in to see her!" With that, she made to charge inside, but Liao Yong's wife led several sturdy women to block the entrance. Grand Old Madam flew into a rage, shouting, "Blind fools! How dare you block my way!"
Hearing this, Madam Shao was slightly astonished. In her memory, Grand Old Madam had always been gentle and amiable, handling weighty matters with ease. Though she held absolute authority in the mansion and wielded immense power, she had never been harsh or severe—why was she so ferocious and frantic today?
Shrinking to the side, Madam Shao stole a glance and saw that Grand Old Madam was dressed and adorned as elegantly and nobly as ever, but her complexion was poor, her skin sallow, and she had clearly lost a great deal of weight. Her expression was filled with an indescribable anxiety.
Liao Yong's wife remained unflustered and said respectfully, "Before the Marquis left, he set the rule: without the mistress's permission, no one, no matter who they are, may barge in recklessly." She glanced at Grand Old Madam, then added with a smile, "The mistress is heavily pregnant. It would be terrible if anything happened."
Grand Old Madam staggered back in fury, pointing at Liao Yong's wife, unable to speak for a long moment. She stamped her foot, turned to Madam Shao, and snapped sharply, "Fine! This place of yours is now like the imperial palace—I can't barge in, for fear of offending the celestial beauty inside! You go in right now and tell her that I have important matters to discuss. Either she comes out, or I go in! Otherwise, I'm not leaving!"
Madam Shao had never once talked back to Grand Old Madam in her life—how could she dare to disobey? Upon hearing this, she turned and hurried away, rushing all the way to the inner room of Jiaxi Residence. Without pausing to catch her breath, she quickly relayed Grand Old Madam's words to Minglan. To her surprise, Minglan, trembling like a pear blossom in the rain, cried out fearfully, "What is there to see?! Does she want to set a fire and burn me to death?!"
Madam Shao was left speechless. Before she could offer a few words of comfort, she was pushed out by the maids under Cui Mama's direction. Hearing the maids urging her repeatedly to go back and deal with Grand Old Madam, she felt her scalp tingling with dread. On one side was her delicate sister-in-law who must not be disturbed, and on the other was her authoritative mother-in-law. She could afford to offend neither and was incapable of handling either. Madam Shao was like an ant on a hot pan, trapped in a dilemma.
Standing frozen for a long while, Madam Shao still couldn't figure out what to do. In a daze, she slipped back to her own courtyard and entered the inner room.
Xianjie was leaning over the kang table practicing her calligraphy. Seeing her mother enter looking distraught, she asked, "Mother, what's wrong? I heard Grand Old Madam has arrived. Why are you back? Does she want to see me? I've already changed my clothes and can go right away."
Hearing her daughter's calm tone, Madam Shao felt as if she had suddenly found a pillar of support. She grabbed her daughter's small hand and poured out her troubles in a rush, finally managing to recount most of what had just happened. Anxiously, she said, "My child, how did I get caught up in this?! What does this have to do with me? How could it be...?!"
After fretting like a headless fly for a long time, she suddenly remembered something and whispered, "Do you think... your Second Aunt is feigning illness?"
Xianjie listened quietly, then set down her small jade-handled brush with blue bristles. "Whether she's feigning or not doesn't really matter. Second Aunt's intention is clear: she doesn't want to see Grand Old Madam, not even to exchange a glance, and she wants you to be the one to handle it."Madam Shao was so frantic she nearly burst into tears, pressing a handkerchief to her face as she fretted, "You, you... what are we to do about this..."
Xianjie said, "Mother, just speak with the Grand Old Madam."
Madam Shao snatched the handkerchief from her face and slapped it onto the table, exclaiming angrily, "You foolish girl! After just a couple of days of studying, you’re spouting nonsense! That’s the Grand Old Madam! I... I wouldn’t dare be so presumptuous!"
"Mother, what are you afraid of?" Xianjie drew out her own handkerchief to wipe her mother’s tears, smiling gently. "We’ve already separated from the main household. How could the Grand Old Madam possibly strike or scold us now?"
Madam Shao lowered her head, wiping her tears without a word.
Xianjie sighed softly. "Mother, I know you’re afraid of offending the Grand Old Madam. Second Uncle is away fighting at the front, and Tuan Ge'er is still young. If anything were to happen, you’re worried she might make things difficult for us later."
Overwhelmed with sorrow, Madam Shao pulled her daughter’s small frame into an embrace and wept, "My dear child, it’s hard to believe someone so young understands so much... Without your father, how can we not tread carefully, just the two of us?"
Curled in her mother’s arms, Xianjie murmured softly, "If that’s your concern, I must advise you, Mother, there’s no need to worry. In truth, whether or not you go out to face the Grand Old Madam, we’ve already offended her."
Madam Shao gasped in shock. "How can you say that? Since I entered this family, I’ve never shown the slightest disrespect to the Grand Old Madam."
Xianjie sighed again, a small, weary sound. "Mother, haven’t you understood what Father did for us? Refusing to adopt Third Uncle’s son as heir, returning the land and silver Grandfather gave to Second Uncle, personally petitioning the Imperial Clan Court to request Second Uncle inherit the title. And before he passed, he openly listed the Marquis estate’s assets and declared to the clan that the two granduncles had long since separated from the main family."
Madam Shao stared blankly, not grasping why her daughter was bringing this up now.
"When I was little, I only half-understood. But as I’ve grown these past few years and studied with Teacher Xue, I’ve come to realize." Xianjie’s eyes began to redden. "On the surface, Father was trying to persuade Second Uncle to change his mind and preserve the Marquis title. But in reality..." Two clear tears traced down her youthful cheeks. "Father did it all for you and me!"
Remembering how her late husband had schemed tirelessly on his deathbed, solely concerned for her and their daughter, Madam Shao could no longer hold back. Covering her face with the handkerchief, she broke down in sobs.
Xianjie lowered her head, wiping away her own tears, and said with determination, "Every single thing Father did before he passed—each and every act—was bound to offend someone. He traded the goodwill of Fourth Granduncle, Fifth Uncle, and the Grand Old Madam for our future honor and prosperity! Even I can see this clearly, let alone the Grand Old Madam. At this point, Mother, how can you still hope she doesn’t resent Father? Ah, Mother, Father already chose which side we should align with. What more is there to fear?"
Madam Shao sniffled, "If your father already endured so much hardship, why must your Second Aunt insist I step forward now? I... I’m simply terrified at the thought of facing the Grand Old Madam..."
Xianjie patted her mother’s back understandingly and said gently, "Mother, Second Uncle promised Father he would look after us, but how well he keeps that promise depends entirely on Second Aunt’s goodwill. Mother, tell me, how has Second Aunt treated us these past few years?"
Madam Shao lifted her head, wiping her face as she hesitated. "...To be fair, your Second Aunt is an extremely kind and decent person."Xianjie looked up thoughtfully: "Among the schoolmates, there's the niece of Fourth Madam Zheng. Her father is a scholar who repeatedly failed the imperial examinations, so he had to become a private advisor for his official cousin and left for another province. Even so, their managing aunt often withholds their rightful provisions - whether clothing or daily necessities, they're either delayed or insufficient."
She turned to her mother, speaking gently: "Mother, if Second Aunt were like that, she could save plenty on my clothing alone using mourning as an excuse. But instead, Second Aunt goes out of her way to prepare fur coats and jewelry for me. Every time I go out, people say they've never seen a mourning girl dressed so elegantly yet modestly, clearly showing the family's great care. And for your daily Buddhist prayers, incense burning, and temple donations, when has Second Aunt ever made us pay? She always charges it to the public accounts."
Madam Shao was visibly moved, saying sincerely: "Your Second Aunt... her treatment of us is truly beyond reproach." After a pause, she gritted her teeth: "You're right. To repay this kindness, I should make some effort for her."
Being an adult, she considered further - when Xianjie's marriage arrangements came up, being a widow with less influential maternal family, she had limited connections. To find an ideal match, she might need Minglan's help eventually.
"But... how should I explain to Grand Old Madam?" The thought of her formidable former mother-in-law made her flustered again.
Xianjie tilted her head: "Didn't Second Aunt say she 'fears seeing her' and 'fears setting another fire'? Mother might as well speak directly, since you're just delivering the message anyway." After a moment, her small face showed childish sarcasm as she muttered: "It's not exactly unfair anyway."
Hearing the first part, Madam Shao nearly jumped up, ready to scold sharply. But upon hearing the last words, she deflated, sighing weakly several times before calling her maid to help her freshen up hastily. Checking her appearance in the mirror, she stood at the door taking deep breaths, stamped her foot resolutely, and went out.
When she saw Grand Old Madam again, the latter was extremely impatient. She sneered at Madam Shao: "Haven't seen you for days, have you become so precious now? Just delivering a message, yet you took this long to return!"
Madam Shao remained terrified of her, almost wanting to turn and flee. Remembering her daughter's future, she mustered courage and stammeringly described - even exaggerated - Minglan's "frightened condition." When she mentioned "setting fire," Grand Old Madam's face darkened with ferocity, her fierce gaze making people afraid to look directly.
Exhausted after finishing her speech, Madam Shao finally said: "Sister-in-law said... she, she absolutely dares not see you... If pushed too far, she'll seek help from her maternal family, and the Shen and Zheng families."
Catching her breath, using all her courage in this lifetime, not daring to look at Grand Old Madam, she tremblingly said: "...Anyway, you can't force your way in... so you might as well... just go back..."
Grand Old Madam's face turned terrifyingly livid, like a bronze ghost mask, frightening Madam Shao nearly to her knees. She let out short, cold laughs, looking Madam Shao and the servants up and down: "Fine, fine, I'll remember this!"
After saying this, she turned and left without looking back.
Madam Shao collapsed on the floor, only being helped out of the hall by servants. When the cold wind blew, she realized her back was soaked with cold sweat.Liao Yong’s wife was quite attentive. Noticing Madam Shao was drenched in cold sweat, she instructed the maidservants to prepare ginger soup and calming herbal medicine before hurrying to Minglan’s quarters.
After hearing the report, Minglan sat calmly on the heated kang, slowly savoring a bowl of papaya and bamboo fungus stewed with pork ribs. Softly, she murmured, “Am I being too cruel?” She gently stroked her belly, feeling the strong, rhythmic kicks—she would never, ever let that old hag lay eyes on her child again.
Cui Mama said impassively, “Last time the mansion caught fire, the Grand Old Madam didn’t even order a single bucket of water to be fetched. It’s time she understood—she can’t always covet what’s beyond her reach. Better to sever ties now, lest the Grand Old Madam tries to exploit her.” She added, “Xianjie is a good child, worthy of your affection.”
Minglan nodded. “Mama, do you remember last New Year’s visit? When Grandmother saw Xianjie, she said the girl was blessed with profound fortune.”
Cui Mama glanced at the water clock in the corner and turned back. “I think Doctor Lin will arrive soon. You should lie down, Madam.”
Minglan shook her head with a bitter smile. To make the act convincing, every detail mattered. Xiaotao helped her lie down, massaging her calves while puzzling, “What if Doctor Lin sees through your act and realizes you’re fine?”
Just as Minglan stretched out comfortably, she burst into laughter. Cui Mama patted Xiaotao’s head and sighed, “Silly child, Doctor Lin is far too clever. If he sees Madam lying here moaning, would he bluntly declare her perfectly well?”
Even an ordinary physician, upon seeing a patient feigning illness, would tactfully agree in part—and charge a hefty sum. How much more so for a man of Doctor Lin’s virtue and skill?
Over the next two days, the household bustled with calls for the physician and the pervasive aroma of simmering herbs, amplifying the impression of severe illness. Since Doctor Lin ran his own clinic, Minglan generously patronized his business, simultaneously spreading word that the Marchioness of Gu had fallen ill from fright.
Meanwhile, rumors of the Marchioness’s arrogance and harshness spread like wildfire through the capital. Whispers claimed that when the stepmother of the Ningyuan Marquis Household sought her help on a rare occasion, she was turned away without even a meeting.
With the post–New Year lull, idle noblewomen eagerly dissected the scandal. Some argued that the mysterious fire just before the Marchioness’s due date was highly suspicious, and with the Marquis away, her fear was justified. Others pitied stepmothers, claiming they were often rejected by stepchildren and suggesting censors should impeach the Marquis and his wife for filial impiety. Those privy to deeper secrets dredged up past controversies—not just the fire, but also disputes over concubines and adoptions. The more they unearthed, the more exhilarated they became.
In truth, both narratives held kernels of reality: the Grand Old Madam had indeed been refused entry, and Minglan had genuinely been “frightened into illness” by past events. As for the full story, people could believe whichever version they preferred.
The Grand Old Madam fought back fiercely, but in these times, few championed righteousness—most preferred to fawn over the rising and trample the fallen.
As for “filial impiety”—Minglan snorted coldly.
Upon hearing his daughter had been “frightened ill,” her devoted father promptly sent Madam Liu to visit, conveying authoritative counsel: for someone like Xiao Qin Shi—who had sons and grandchildren of her own, had taken a substantial fortune in the family division, and lived separately—to accuse her stepson and his wife of filial impiety was nearly impossible. Unless the Emperor intended to punish them, no censor would stage such a farce.Cui Mama, being a straightforward person, was genuinely moved and said, "After all, he is her biological father, still thinking of his daughter."
Minglan twitched the corner of her mouth—Father Sheng was probably afraid his golden son-in-law would change his heart and fall for the new father-in-law.
After sending people out for several consecutive days to gauge public opinion, unexpected news surfaced. On this day, Gu Quan suddenly rushed over to report a strange incident: "...It wasn’t noticeable at first, but after having someone keep watch at the entrance for several days, I found that Lady Yu had visited twice in just five or six days. I inquired further and learned that since last year, Lady Yu had been frequently calling on the Grand Old Madam..."
"Who?" Cui Mama asked, confused. Gu Quan glanced at Minglan’s expression and fell silent.
Minglan looked at him and said softly, "It’s Yanhong’s mother, Lady Yu, right?" Gu Quan quickly nodded in agreement.
Cui Mama was shocked: "How could it be her? Wasn’t she divorced by the Yu family? How did they end up together again?!"
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