The Story of Ming Lan

Once everything was laid bare and their minds were at ease, the two suddenly felt more open and magnanimous than ever before. It was as if they had become an old married couple who had spent half their lives together overnight, or like old friends reunited after a long separation, with no more reservations in their words and actions. Minglan had never known she could be so intimate and share everything with someone unrelated by blood.

The days of her confinement were leisurely and comfortable, with Gu Tingye taking care of all trivial matters.

The first thing he did was reward the manor guards and servants who had defended the marquisate. Not only did each family receive silver, but for those who had lost men, he restored their commoner status and granted them land. If there were suitable sons or nephews in the family, they could even enlist in the army. This move not only moved the affected families to tears of gratitude but also made others envious, all praising the master's great kindness and virtue.

Generous rewards must be accompanied by severe punishments. In the following days, Gu Tingye used practical actions to convey two things to everyone: first, the lady had punished, but the marquis had not yet done so; second, the marquis preferred military discipline.

Due to the unrest outside, Bi Si had not yet left the estate. Locked in a small room in the outer courtyard, she wept and wailed incessantly, pestering the matrons guarding her three times a day to pass messages inside, begging Minglan to change her mind. Without a word, Gu Tingye had her dragged before him. In full view of everyone, he ordered her to be struck forty times across the mouth—since she loved to talk so much. The beating left Bi Si with split lips and a cracked face, her pretty face swollen like a pig’s head, six or seven teeth knocked out. After she fainted, she was doused with cold water to revive her, then tossed onto a dilapidated carriage and escorted home by several matrons.

After that, she no longer dared to weep and beg. In fact, she could no longer speak at all.

On the other hand, although Concubine Ren had already been sent away, none of the six maids who served her escaped punishment.

Previously, Minglan had rarely interfered with the affairs of the eldest branch out of consideration for Madam Shao’s dignity. But upon reflection, how could a concubine deep within the inner quarters, who rarely even stepped beyond the main gate, make contact with the Grand Old Madam’s residence several streets away? How many trips would it take to coordinate everything? Could those around her truly claim to know nothing?! Gu Tingye didn’t even bother to question them and dealt with them directly.

The two senior maids each had their index fingers severed and their ears cut off before being sold into slavery in the harsh northern lands. The four junior maids each received twenty heavy strokes. Those who were born into servant families were expelled along with their relatives to manors to perform hard labor, never to set foot in the marquisate again.

As for Madam Shao’s faults, it was inconvenient to state them explicitly, so Gu Tingye simply didn’t. He directly dragged out the four matrons and stewardesses who had accompanied her for years and, in Madam Shao’s presence, gave them thirty heavy blows with a club and confiscated their silver and rice allowances for three years. The charge was vague—during the turmoil, they had failed to properly "serve" the madam, causing her to "wander about" and nearly "bring about disaster."

When the first strike of the wrist-thick family law whistled down, Madam Shao screamed and fainted on the spot.

Gu Tingye didn’t even bat an eyelid, merely sneering inwardly. These senior servants of the eldest branch—who among them didn’t know of his past grievances with Gu Tingyu? Relying on Minglan’s kindness, they had continued to live respectable lives of status, with their families outside even leveraging the marquisate’s influence for business. Yet, when it mattered most, not one of them had a conscience.That night, how secretive could Madam Shao and Concubine Ren's unusual behavior have been for these long-serving old servants to remain completely unaware? Had even one of them reported it, Minglan could have taken precautions earlier. These cunning servants merely thought it better to avoid trouble, counting on their mistress's benevolence—even if something happened, she wouldn't punish them too severely.

One matron had her leg broken on the spot, an old servant woman was beaten until she vomited blood, and two others were left half-dead and unconscious. After the matter was settled, only a few dark, viscous pools of deep red remained in Madam Shao's courtyard, staining the cold stone slabs.

Every servant and retainer in the mansion was terrified into silence, trembling when reporting to Jiaxi Residence. Madam Shao was frightened into illness, Qiu Niang dared not leave her room, Xianjie could only weep silently, while Rong Jie'er held her younger cousin, quietly comforting her with patience.

As for the family of the traitorous Han San, no one knew their fate.

Through this, Gu Tingye made one thing clear to everyone: The food you eat, the things you use, the clothes you wear—all are provided by me. It has nothing to do with the Shaos or the Qins. No matter whom you serve or where you work, your loyalty should belong solely to my wife.

From beginning to end, Minglan hid in her room, holding her younger son and embracing her elder son, remaining silent.

In truth, she understood perfectly well that in ancient times, this approach was correct. If the masters were too kind, too reasonable, it would easily allow cunning servants to take advantage. Even someone as compassionate as Old Mrs. Sheng, during her return to Jinling that year, had unhesitatingly ordered executions upon catching several servants and stewards stealing and selling the family's property.

At the time, Da Bomu repeatedly praised Old Madam and used the incident to educate her and Pinlan: "Servants managing estates and manors for their masters can cause even greater harm when they turn treacherous." Yet Minglan couldn't help overthinking: How much had those people stolen? What was the value? Did it meet the threshold for shifting from civil to criminal liability? Was it enough to warrant the death penalty?

—Alright, no one needed to remind her; she knew this was foolish and pedantic.

"...I'm sorry. You're so busy, so tired, and yet you still have to worry about the inner household." Her heart was full of remorse.

Gu Tingye touched her thin cheek and smoothed her furrowed brow. "You needn't blame yourself. I understand everything."

She could meticulously uncover deceitful schemes and substantiate charges, yet when it came to meting out punishment, she always softened. He had genuinely been puzzled by this. As masters, whether to deter or establish authority, sometimes harsh measures were necessary—even if a few were wronged or punishments were excessive, it happened. How could every case be strictly judged according to the crime?

He had once been frustrated by her soft-heartedness and lack of resolve, but upon reflection, he felt admiration.

Throughout his life, those around him—whether his late father Gu Yankai, Grand Old Madam, Gu Tingyu, or even his uncles and cousins—were all people who acted solely based on their own preferences and interests, never considering whether it was right or whether it aligned with conscience. Not to mention Man Niang, who, for her own selfish desires, would commit murder and arson as she pleased.

As the scholar-officials in books said, a gentleman has principles for what he will and will not do. In his life, he had encountered very few gentlemen.

In contrast, Minglan's adherence to principles, though somewhat foolish, was as pure as the clear breeze and bright moon.

...Gu Tingye had carried out his executions with seamless efficiency and without the slightest psychological burden. Minglan, however, was deeply troubled. Madam Shao was, after all, the widow of his deceased brother. If Gu Tingye treated her so harshly, wouldn’t it damage his reputation? "If I’d known it would come to this, I might as well have played the villain myself."

"If we let the fear of impeachment hold us back, life would become unbearable. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing." Gu Tingye offered a reassuring smile, only to be met with a glare from Minglan.

Hah! Know what? A triumphant general returning from war, mistreating his widowed sister-in-law and recklessly taking servants’ lives—what perfect material for impeachment! The idle censors, upon hearing of this, would surely be salivating at the opportunity.

Minglan’s brows furrowed into a deep frown. But the next day, when Zhang Shi came to visit, her worries were dispelled in just a few words.

"Ha! Do you think your husband is some pushover? My father has long said that Marquis Gu may appear rough and straightforward, but he’s meticulous on the inside. He’s done his homework long before taking action." Zhang Shi couldn’t help but laugh. "Now, everyone outside is saying that your widowed sister-in-law has been restless, secretly colluding with your stepmother-in-law in a plot to harm you and your son."

"Ah, how did that come about?" Minglan exclaimed in surprise.

"That night, aside from the fierce fighting at the palace and the nine gates, most households only dealt with petty thieves. My family had the worst of it, but that was because we had traitors within..." Zhang Shi curled her lip disdainfully. "Ask around the capital—has anyone ever seen a situation as dangerous as what happened in your home? Boiling oil, battering rams, scaling ladders, even setting fires... nearly fifty people died. It was like a siege from a storyteller’s tale—such a scene has never occurred right under the Emperor’s nose. The Emperor was so alarmed that he demanded severe punishment."

Zhang Shi seemed to be in high spirits, speaking with animated expressions. Minglan silently handed her a teacup. She took a sip and continued, "At first, everyone was in chaos. Now that the situation has stabilized, how could they not inquire about such a peculiar incident? It’s just that you’re still in confinement."

The implication was that the noble ladies of prominent families couldn’t directly question Minglan, so they had to rely on rumors.

Minglan smiled wryly. "So, what have they found out?"

"There’s no need for extensive investigation. That Concubine of yours, the one accused of causing trouble, was handed over to Lord Liu, wasn’t she? During the interrogation, hints emerged that your sister-in-law and your stepmother-in-law were in cahoots, plotting to harm you and your son."

Minglan was astonished and took a moment to respond. "...But Concubine Ren said it was all her doing and had nothing to do with my sister-in-law."

Zhang Shi smiled meaningfully. "In official interrogations, they always dig to the root of the matter."

Minglan fell silent. What significance was there in punishing a minor accomplice? The real achievement lay in uncovering the mastermind behind it all.

"Besides," Zhang Shi added, "when a servant commits a crime, how can the master be completely uninvolved? Your sister-in-law has always been fixated on adopting an heir for her deceased husband, hasn’t she?"

Minglan grew even more surprised. "But that was her idea years ago. She hasn’t brought it up again in recent years." How could even this be dragged into the matter?

Seeing her bewildered expression, Zhang Shi found it amusing and pinched her ear. "It’s only been a few years—many people still remember. The late Elder Master Gu explicitly refused to have an heir in front of a room full of witnesses before he died, but your sister-in-law might not have been willing to accept that. If someone were to exploit this issue, who’s to say she wouldn’t be tempted? Well, this matter fits perfectly, and now the rumors are spreading like wildfire."Minglan took a deep breath and spoke with difficulty, "Surely it hasn't come to that. I know the situation well—my sister-in-law wouldn't have the courage..." Under Zhang Shi's curious, appraising gaze, she trailed off.

Zhang Shi looked as if she were watching something highly amusing and said mockingly, "Whether it has or hasn't, not only do I not know, but who can guarantee it? As for you, how you treat your niece—whether it's Xue Dajia and the Zheng family or other relatives and friends—everyone has eyes to see."

Her words were profoundly subtle. Minglan pondered them for a moment before finally grasping the delicate implications: Madam Shao's reputation for wickedness was already seventy to eighty percent sealed. After a long silence, she muttered gloomily, "I only pity Xianjie. She truly is a good child."

Zhang Shi, clear-minded and composed, idly played with her nails and said carelessly, "First, the child is still young. It will be at least ten years before marriage is discussed, and by then, perhaps no one will remember. Second, have the child spend more time with you from now on. Later, just say she was raised by her aunt since childhood and her character resembles yours. Hmph, a man who can't even take care of his own wife and children but has time to think about other random people—he hardly qualifies as a true gentleman..."

Minglan glanced sideways out the window. The bright sunlight filtered through the gauze, falling on Zhang Shi and illuminating her slender fingers, which were like spring onions tinged with rouge—fresh, delicate, and vibrant. She was as beautiful as a renowned sword in autumn waters, both sharp and heroic, yet calm and composed.

Of the three armies that left the capital, the outcomes of the other two were still unknown, but Zhang Gu's forces had already secured a decisive victory. The Duke of Ying had not only strategized brilliantly from afar but also knew how to deploy talent effectively, sending swift cavalry to swiftly return and protect the emperor while stabilizing the central army himself and even having the capacity to aid his son-in-law. In terms of merit and rewards, the old Duke Zhang, as the commander, naturally took the lead.

With such capable father and brothers, Zhang Shi stood firm and unyielding. As for how her husband, Shen Congxing, was faring now... she truly didn't care much.

Just then, Cui Mama entered carrying a swaddled baby, beaming with joy. "Brother Yuan is awake. I brought him for Madam Shen to see."

Zhang Shi immediately dropped the topic and smiled as she reached to hold the child.

The infant's skin was tender, his rosy cheeks bearing faint sleep marks, and he exuded a pleasant milky scent. With his delicate features, Zhang Shi was utterly charmed and hurriedly took out a gold lock from her purse. Little A Yuan, having just been fed, neither cried nor fussed. His large eyes were clear and pure, and he even graciously smiled, revealing a tiny, millet-sized dimple at the corner of his soft mouth, serene and lovely.

Zhang Shi stared in fascination and laughed, "...No wonder my mother came back from visiting you the other day, clamoring to arrange a marriage." She planted a firm kiss on the child's cheek and chuckled, "Good thing I gave birth to a son, or I'd be pestering you to make him my son-in-law."

Minglan covered her mouth and laughed heartily. "Ah, the son may be handsome, but the mother has grown ugly." She pressed her hands to her thin cheeks and feigned a sigh of discontent.

Zhang Shi turned back with a smile and consoled her, "When I gave birth, I was as fragile as a sheet of paper too. There was even a quack doctor who said I was on the verge of death. But with gradual recuperation, I was bouncing back to health in no time."

She hadn't breathed her last, but she had made quite a few others do so.

Minglan stifled her laughter and nodded repeatedly.Zhang Shi gently patted Xiao A Yuan in her arms, unable to conceal her adoration: "My, my, in the future, matchmakers will surely wear out the threshold coming for this child... Oh, good child, come to your aunt's house to play with Wang Ge'er later, study and write together like little brothers..."

After coaxing the child for a while, she handed him over to Cui Mama. Turning to Minglan with a smile, Zhang Shi said, "You too—the capital has settled down now. Why didn't you send out invitations for your son's third-day bath ceremony? If you lacked the energy to arrange it, you could have called me."

Minglan repeatedly expressed gratitude before sighing, "It wasn't entirely about lacking energy. Think about it—our family has always been close to the Zheng family. Now their entire household is in mourning clothes, while I jubilantly host bath and full-month celebrations. Wouldn't that show utter insensitivity?"

Mentioning the Zheng family made Zhang Shi sigh as well: "Such a sudden tragedy. The elderly lady was always so kind and respectable—who would have thought her end would..." Recalling her childhood visits to the Zheng household, she shook her head and sighed, leaving the sentence unfinished. Changing the subject, she said, "When I went to pay condolences, Zheng da furen asked me to relay a message: rest well and focus on recovery. The bond between our families doesn't need such formalities—she understands completely."

Minglan inquired about Little Shen and Zheng da furen's condition: "Managing funeral affairs is utterly exhausting—they must take care not to ruin their health."

"Exactly," Zhang Shi shook her head. "Both sisters-in-law have grown so thin they're barely recognizable. Why push so hard? Heaven and earth bear witness to filial piety—would the departed elder truly be pleased seeing the living torment themselves?" Her words carried profound wisdom, tinged with Zen insight.

Seizing the topic, Minglan couldn't resist teasing: "I heard you made quite the impression when paying respects at the Zheng residence."

Instead of taking offense, Zhang Shi laughed: "Thanks to the Zou family's notoriety, I've endured enough ridicule before. Now things have quieted down." When she entered the Zheng family's reception hall, the chattering noblewomen fell silent instantly, regarding her with mingled respect and fear, their speech suddenly turning deferential.

This illustrated the difference between being treated as a shrew versus a martial arts master—even Lüzhi and the other maids had served her earlier with trembling caution, hardly daring to breathe.

Minglan looked into her eyes and asked softly, "Does it bother you?" After all, those were unusual gazes.

Zhang Shi thought for a moment before shaking her head, a self-mocking smile touching her lips: "If it were you, would you prefer constant pitying looks, or this kind of treatment?" As the sole legitimate daughter of the British Duke, raised in pride, she never expected her marriage to become her greatest disappointment. The pitying stares—whether well-intentioned or gleeful—had made her reluctant to even step outside after wedding.

Understanding dawning, Minglan nodded and changed the subject: "Are the Zou family behaving properly now? How did you deal with the one spreading rumors abroad?"

Zhang Shi gave a disdainful hum, replying calmly, "Why should I deal with them? The state has its laws. I handed Zou Fourth along with the captured bandits to Lord Liu—let the judicial process take its course."

Brilliant! Minglan smiled slightly, mentally applauding.

As their conversation flowed pleasantly, she invited Zhang Shi to stay for lunch.

Maids filed in carrying various dishes: a plate of emerald-green Longjing shrimp, a creamy crucian carp soup, a bowl of richly braised pork belly, and at the center, a lotus-petal patterned porcelain bowl steaming with lotus-leaf wrapped chicken, accompanied by two seasonal stir-fries and refreshing cold dishes—a full table spread. Additionally, there was a pot of fruit wine brewed in the Gu residence.After three cups of wine, Zhang Shi began to ramble, "...Evil people get their just deserts. That black-hearted Grand Old Madam of yours didn't end well either—not only did she lose her son, but I heard her grandchildren fell ill too, as if infected with seasonal plague..."

Minglan's heart stirred, but she simply lowered her head and slowly sipped her soup without asking anything.

"...You've suffered greatly this time. Look at you now, fragile as a paper lantern in the wind." Fueled by alcohol, Zhang Shi grew inexplicably sentimental. "Women are destined to suffer—bearing children, serving husbands, raising families. It's all blood and tears."

Minglan sighed softly and refilled Zhang Shi's cup.

The wine, clear and jade-green like dew on willow tips, flowed with a subtle sweetness, evoking the last traces of summer. Zhang Shi downed it in one go, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks. "I have four elder brothers. We used to play together like wild monkeys—such carefree days. But when I turned ten, Mother said girls shouldn't wield swords and bows, or future husbands would disapprove. So I abandoned my weapons and learned embroidery, household management, poetry, meekness, thrift, and soft speech... everything to please a husband. Yet..."

She grabbed the wine pot, poured herself another cup, and tossed it back. As she lowered her head, a glimmer of moisture flashed at the corner of her eye, vanishing instantly. Setting down the cup, she murmured, "What does it really matter anyway..."

Seeing her reach for the pot again, Minglan gently pressed her hand over it and said softly, "This wine may seem mild, but it has a delayed effect. You... should drink slowly... be careful not to harm your health."

Drunkenly charming, Zhang Shi stubbornly snatched the pot back and gulped two more cups in quick succession. She giggled at Minglan, "...You didn't want to bother with me at first, did you? Ah, I've never seen anyone so earnest. My mother asked many people to visit, but they'd only make one or two attempts when they saw my cold demeanor... Ah, dear sister, I appreciate your kindness..."

Minglan thought to herself that it wasn't earnestness but guilt—after receiving Lady Zhang's care outside, she'd hurried to the Shen family to repay the debt by comforting the creditor's daughter.

As the night deepened, Zhang Shi seemed thoroughly drunk, clutching Minglan's sleeve and repeating, "Silly sister, listen to me—worry less about men, focus on recovering your health. Men are clever; they have plenty of cunning advisors to scheme for fame and fortune. It's only women who suffer..." Her eyes reddened as she spoke, and she bowed her head to wipe them gently.

Minglan slightly furrowed her brows but smiled resolutely. "No matter what happens, I've decided to trust him this once." After a pause, she couldn't resist adding, "The Old Duke is not just your father—he's also the head of the Zhang clan." She understood the implication in Zhang Shi's words.

Zhang Shi looked up, studying her for a long moment. She took a small sip of wine and whispered bitterly, "When the Empress hinted at the marriage alliance, Mother cried and refused. The Zhang family is prosperous—I have seven or eight cousins alone. Mother wanted my uncles' daughters to go instead, but Father said among all my cousins, I've always been the most privileged since childhood. Now that the family faces crisis, if I don't go, who will?!... I resented it too, but... but I know Father wasn't wrong. In truth, it pains him more than it does Mother..."The wine only deepened her sorrow, and Zhang Shi could no longer hold back her tears. Since birth, she had enjoyed smooth sailing in all matters, yet she had stumbled badly in her marriage. Proud and strong-willed by nature, she would rather maintain a cold, stubborn facade than lower herself to beg for pity, even when wronged.

Minglan gently patted her back, letting her lean and cry for a while. Unsure of what to say, she murmured, "It's a pity I'm still in confinement, or I'd cry with you... How about another cup? You're already drunk anyway—like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water, a few more cups won't matter..."

Zhang Shi burst out laughing and spat out, "Pah! You're the dead pig!"

Seeing her tears turn to laughter, Minglan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Zhang Shi refused to call the maids in to attend to her. Instead, she walked to the washstand, wrung out a cold cloth, sat down, and gently wiped her face. Fortunately, she seldom wore powder or rouge, so aside from slight dampness, her face showed little trace of tears. After her cry and with most of the drunkenness gone, Zhang Shi knew she had lost composure earlier. As she wiped her face, she subtly glanced sideways at Minglan.

The woman sat quietly on the kang with her knees drawn up, pale and frail. Her long lashes cast faint shadows, making it hard to believe she was already the mother of two sons. Her eyes, especially, were exactly like those of Xiao A Yuan she had just held—clear and gentle, seeming to smile even when solemn, instantly winning affection.

Zhang Shi couldn’t help sighing, “You’ve always been close to my sister-in-law. I’ve some idea what she says about me behind my back.” She clicked her tongue and added self-mockingly, “Of course, I’ve said plenty about her too. But all these years, I’ve never heard you repeat a single word, always urging us to see the good in each other… Ah, never mind…”

She sighed, then suddenly brightened, tears still glistening in her eyes. “Enough complaining—I sound like a resentful wife.” She turned to gaze out the window, where the early summer sunlight made the courtyard glow like a painting. With a wistful expression, she murmured, “At least I have Wang Ge’er. In the future, I’ll keep to myself and live quietly with my son. That wouldn’t be so bad.”

Minglan smiled softly. “As for me, when I was young, I always thought a small courtyard would be enough—where I’d want for nothing, free to sleep idly or daydream. That would have satisfied me.”

Zhang Shi raised her cup, chiding with a laugh, “No ambition… Ah, let’s encourage each other instead.”

Minglan cupped her small soup bowl in both hands, smiling warmly. “Let’s encourage each other.”

—Much later, in their twilight years, the two women chatted and realized neither of those wishes had come true.

Zhang Shi went on to bear a full half-dozen children. In her later years, she was surrounded by grandchildren—her life bustling and never idle, leaving no time for lonely sighs. Meanwhile, Minglan stepped beyond the inner courtyards, embracing green hills and clear waters, living a life of joyful freedom.

...

That night, when Gu Tingye returned to their room, he found Minglan still awake, leaning by the window in a daze. Her head tilted, her thin face made her eyes appear even larger, as if lost in thought. After repeated questioning, Minglan pursed her lips into a smile. “What else would I discuss with the Marquess’s wife but the country and its people?”

Gu Tingye expressed deep skepticism. “Is that so?”

Minglan nodded emphatically. “We’ve agreed to distribute silver and grain outside the city together.”

Gu Tingye narrowed his eyes.

“I ordered a General kite from the shop. The winds are strong these days, and the sunlight is fine—I’ll have someone fly it for you to see.” Gu Tingye lifted her onto his lap, one hand gently stroking her slightly dry hair, deliberately changing the subject.

“I fly kites better than they do, but it’s a pity I can’t move around much now.”

“This busy period will be over soon. I’ll come back earlier to keep you company.”

“Your duties come first. I’m not bored.”

“The physician said you should move about more. When I have time, I’ll accompany you to the mountains to offer incense.”

“Oh… alright.”

“I’ve acquired a fine little pony. Once you’re better, you can ride it for fun.”

“Mm.”

“Is there anything you’ve been craving lately?”

“…My lord, Sister Zhang didn’t speak ill of you.”

They locked eyes for a long moment, then burst into laughter simultaneously.

Minglan covered her mouth with the back of her hand, giggling softly. Playfully, she teased, “My lord really doesn’t think much of Sister Zhang.”

Gu Tingye kept a stern face. “I’d think better of her if she didn’t go around meddling with happily married couples.”

He had a fair idea of the women Minglan associated with.Madam Zhong always loved boasting about the harmony between her wives and concubines, how the legitimate and secondary families were one happy clan—but he had no such problem; Madam Geng couldn't go three sentences without emphasizing strict vigilance against 'vixens'—but he had no vixens; Madam Duan fretted over when her younger brother-in-law, who was even less sensible than her son, would marry—but his own brothers were all dead; that old matron from Liu Jia could never stop circling the topic of serving in-laws—his parents had likely already reunited in the underworld by now. Even Little Shen only enjoyed gossiping about others' affairs.

Only Zhang Shi possessed both insight and experience, capable of expounding deeply on her distrust of marriage and her pessimistic outlook. In the past, whenever Minglan returned from the Shen residence, she would be dispirited for half the day.

"Your elder sister is wonderful; you sisters should visit each other more often."

Not to mention that her sister-in-law was intelligent and kind-hearted, always inclined to offer encouraging words, but also, as the saying goes, one takes on the color of one's company. Yuanwenshao and his wife were as sweet as honey, deeply affectionate and loving, which allowed Minglan to be positively influenced, far better than constantly hearing those bleak and sorrowful tales from the Shen family.

As if understanding his thoughts, Minglan laughed so hard she nearly toppled over, then playfully tapped the man's nose. "You petty man! You petty man!" This shrewd man had truly guessed right, but...

She nestled into his embrace and whispered, "Don't worry, we've already agreed."

Though there are many unhappy couples in the world, there are also loving pairs who grow old together. Perhaps Heaven felt remorseful after she had been through the mudslide, or perhaps after enduring the worst, fortune finally smiled upon her. Maybe she, too, had the luck to find a devoted partner and grow old together without parting. She had to give it a try.

Gu Tingye felt an indescribable warmth in his heart.

On the heated kang inside lay two chubby boys, one big and one small. Tuan Ge'er was sprawled out, snoring soundly, while A Yuan slept with a stern little face, looking very serious. Holding his beloved wife in his arms, he thought, perhaps this is what home is.

Suddenly, he leaped off the kang, stood straight in the room, and with a hearty laugh, lifted Minglan high in his arms, spinning her around several times. Minglan giggled like a child, one hand desperately covering her mouth, the other pounding his shoulder. "...You fool, put me down quickly! If you wake those two little demons, you'll be the one to soothe them!"

After spinning a dozen or so times, the two of them collapsed onto the kang, dizzy and dazed, lying cheek to cheek, both grinning foolishly.

Outside, Cui Mama had endured for a long time, worried that Minglan might tire herself out. She had wanted to step in and stop them several times, but after a while, she just shook her head with a smile—they were both such mischievous children.

In his excitement, Gu Tingye eagerly recounted what he had heard to Minglan. "Do you know what hardships the women of the Duan, Zhong, and Geng families endured after being tricked into the palace?"

Minglan's curiosity was piqued. "Tell me, tell me."

After the three families' women entered the palace, they were naturally subjected to intimidation and coercion. However, since the situation was still unclear and the palace had not yet been fully secured, Shengde Taihou had no time to deal with them. She simply locked them alone in a palace chamber, guarded by a few deaf and mute eunuchs.

They were confined like this for two days and one night.

"Just being locked up—what hardships could they have endured?" Minglan was puzzled.

Gu Tingye laughed. "They were locked up, but they lacked one thing that made them suffer. Guess what it was."

Minglan guessed "food and drink," "clothing and bedding," "cups and chopsticks"... Gu Tingye only shook his head. "They were valuable hostages; how could they be starved or frozen?" Minglan made several guesses, all incorrect, and grew impatient, pounding him and saying, "Are you going to tell me or not!"Gu Tingye finally said slowly, "What they lacked was... chamber pots."

Minglan's face instantly turned green.

Since the palace had been abandoned for a long time, there were naturally no items like chamber pots or bath beans. People could go without food or water, but they couldn't control their bodily functions. When Zheng Da Jiangjun led his men in to rescue them, the smell and scene inside the room...

Minglan felt nauseated for a long while, but couldn't help asking, "Did they... all... relieve themselves on the..." floor?

Gu Tingye nodded, suppressing a laugh. "Where else? The deaf-mute guards only followed orders and paid no attention to anything else."

Although it was in the corner, the room was so spacious that it was hard to miss... well, those puddles... Those three noble ladies were quite prominent figures in the capital. Their expressions at that time... and the expressions of the soldiers... tsk tsk, one has to say Zheng Da Jiangjun was quite decent to keep this quiet for so long before letting it slip.

Minglan was stunned for a long moment, her lips twitching. "...That's too cruel."

Gu Tingye raised an eyebrow. "Just that?"

Minglan turned her head away and sighed softly. "Those ladies suffered so much, ah, it really makes one uncomfortable." Her tone was quite sincere.

Gu Tingye pinched her ear and turned her face back, smiling. "Be good, tell the truth."

Minglan glared at him for a while before finally breaking down and throwing herself onto the mattress. Bursts of wild laughter escaped into the cotton-padded brocade cushion. "You're awful! Hehe, hehe, hehehehe... I'm dying of laughter..." Alright, she really was too wicked.

Others aside, when he thought of Madam Duan's usual dignified and imposing manner, Gu Tingye also quite shamelessly started laughing, leaning over Minglan as they both chuckled into the bedding. Minglan was nearly crushed by his large frame and struggled to turn over. Looking at the man's profile filled with laughter, like the bright autumn sun, she felt a sudden warmth in her heart and ultimately asked nothing.

She thought she should learn to trust. No matter what happened with Xiao Qin Shi, she should believe that he would do what needed to be done and wouldn't do what shouldn't be done.

Gu Tingye intentionally let her rest peacefully, and Minglan was happy to not ask about any affairs, simply eating and sleeping, and playing with her two sons in her spare time. Tuan Ge'er was very enthusiastic about his new little brother, but unfortunately A Yuan was extremely quiet. No matter how his lively older brother played beside him, unless it was time to wake up, he'd rather pretend to sleep than open his eyes.

Remembering his mother's instructions not to touch A Yuan while he was sleeping, Tuan Ge'er could only hold his new toy, sitting cross-legged with his chubby legs beside the swaddling clothes, looking frustrated at his stubbornly closed-eyed brother, sighing helplessly.

Although it was quite a pitiful scene, Cui Mama was moved by her own interpretation: "They say you can tell a person's future at three. The older brother should be this generous and enthusiastic, and Brother Yuan has such composure, not easily influenced by others. When he establishes his own household in the future, he'll be able to shoulder great responsibilities alone."

Minglan really wanted to say: Your imagination is too vivid, old mama.

Being young and having a good constitution, living so leisurely with a relaxed mood, in just over ten days Minglan quickly became plump and rosy again. Gu Tingye felt the soft flesh on her body and was even happier than Cui Mama.

Gu Tingwei's two young children ultimately didn't survive. About six or seven days before Minglan finished her month of confinement, news came of their premature deaths. Gu Tingye said nothing, only having someone prepare funeral gifts to send over. He excused himself by saying he was busy with affairs, and that Minglan had suffered quite a shock during pregnancy and needed a full two months of confinement. The couple didn't even go to see them.

But there really was no need to go see anyway. Both sides had long since torn off all pretense and had become mortal enemies.These days, the imperial prison and several major jails have been bustling with activity. The Ministry of Justice, the Dali Temple, and the Censorate have been busy conducting joint trials, followed by sentencing one after another. As for the petty thieves who took advantage of the chaos to loot, Liu Zhengjie, acting on imperial orders, dealt with them solely on charges of robbery, theft, murder, and arson—without implicating rebellion or involving their wives, children, or elderly relatives. The only exception was Gu Tingwei.

At the residence of the imperial brother-in-law, which suffered the worst of the looting, there were only two wet nurses stabbed in the chest, four stewards with broken heads, six or seven servants and maids injured from falls in the darkness, over a dozen others with minor flesh wounds, and one concubine who fainted from fright. In contrast, Zhang Shi and her guards had been far more ruthless. After all, the thieves had only gone there seeking wealth—their goal was simple and clear.

But Gu Tingwei was different.

If he had no connection to the rebels, then how did he know about Shengde Taihou’s scheme to lure the families of generals into the palace? How many people present at the time heard them repeatedly declare, "By imperial decree, summon the wife of Marquis Gu to the palace"? By whose decree? To which palace?

Even the captured accomplices confessed that among those who stormed the marquis’s residence were several military officers in official uniforms. A brief interrogation revealed that these men were rebels from the Five-City Garrison Command, who had long been Gu Tingwei’s drinking buddies.

Even if someone wanted to defend Gu Tingwei, it was difficult to explain; and even if an explanation were possible, what could they say?

"Your Majesty, Gu the Third didn’t intend to rebel—he only wanted to eliminate his legitimate sister-in-law and nephew"—could such words even be uttered?

That night at the Ningyuan Marquis Household, the fierce struggle left more than half dead or injured, and the fire was second only to the blaze at the imperial palace. The emperor was furious, regardless of the truth, and first stripped Xiao Qin Shi of her first-rank imperial title. Following the emperor’s will, the Dali Temple convicted Gu Tingwei of colluding with rebels. In consideration of the Gu family’s generations of loyalty, his wife and children were spared from enslavement, and he was exempted from being displayed at the Meridian Gate alongside Teng Anguo and other rebels. However, the Gu ancestral hall was ordered to remove Gu Tingwei’s branch from the family lineage, with his descendants barred from holding office for three generations.

Once the verdict was announced, everyone avoided the third branch of the Gu family like the plague. Even the Qin family shut their doors tightly, unwilling to lend a hand. Within the Gu family, only Gu Tingxuan and his wife visited a few times, fulfilling their familial duties.

Two or three days later, the couple arrived before dawn, deliberately intercepting Gu Tingye before he left home. They bluntly informed him that the Grand Old Madam was not well and likely had only a couple of days left. Meanwhile, Madam Zhu was weeping and clamoring to return to her maiden home. With no one in charge at that residence, the servants were stealing the family’s property and neglecting the gravely ill mistress, creating an utter mess. They feared another funeral was imminent and wondered what should be done.

"Cousin, what do you suggest..." Gu Tingye inclined his body slightly, speaking with amiable respect.

Gu Tingxuan, being kind-hearted and inarticulate, stammered, "I... my meaning... that..." He was extremely embarrassed, well aware that Gu Tingwei’s actions were unforgivable, and found it hard to speak up.

The First Wife of Gu Tingxuan took over for her husband, speaking briskly, "Second Brother, what your cousin means is that, after all, we share the same family name. In this small stretch of the capital, if they make too much of a spectacle, it reflects poorly on all of us, doesn’t it? Don’t laugh, but your cousin is soft-hearted and can’t bear to see their pitiful state. As for me, I’m only thinking of our own family. Your eldest nephew’s marriage to the Fu family is already settled, and the wedding is approaching. We simply can’t let outsiders watch this farce!"Gu Tingye laughed heartily and cupped his hands, saying, "Eldest Sister-in-law speaks frankly and directly. Just the day before yesterday, Fu Lao Liu told me that his family's elderly matriarch is extremely pleased with this marriage alliance. We only await the wedding banquet now." He repeatedly offered congratulations.

First Wife of Gu Tingxuan felt quite proud, as securing this marriage had been no easy feat, so she graciously accepted the well-wishes.

"If Eldest Sister-in-law has any thoughts, please speak freely," Gu Tingye said.

She replied candidly, "I won't beat around the bush. That household is short of someone to manage affairs. Others either fear offending you, Second Brother, or want to avoid involvement in the treason case, so they keep making excuses. If you trust me, I'll vol... vol..."

Gu Tingxuan quickly supplied, "Volunteer my services."

His wife shot him a mock-annoyed glance. "Why must you interfere? Second Brother would have understood."

Gu Tingye smiled briefly, then fell into thought before saying, "Elder Brother and Sister-in-law make a valid point. I was negligent before, too consumed by anger to consider the family's dignity. How about this: tomorrow I'll make time to go over. Please invite several senior clansmen to join us, Eldest Sister-in-law, and I'll entrust this matter to you in front of everyone. What do you think?"

The revenge that needed taking had been taken. After all, they were of the same branch, and without his approval, First Wife of Gu Tingxuan couldn't take charge arbitrarily.

It wasn't until that evening that Minglan learned of this matter. She teased, "Eldest Sister-in-law is truly clever. Knowing I'm currently busy fattening myself up, she specifically came to seek you out early."

Gu Tingye, with Xiao A Yuan in his arms and a chubby toddler clinging to his back, somehow managed to free a hand to caress her cheek. Softly, he said, "Once you've fully recovered, all the troublesome matters outside will be completely resolved."

His tone was calm, yet carried a subtle gravity.

He sometimes even regretted that if Minglan had married that He fellow, even with daily squabbles among wives and concubines, at least she wouldn't have faced such heart-stopping dangers, repeatedly fighting for her life.

Minglan understood his meaning and smiled sweetly. Gu Tingye sighed softly, reaching out to draw her into his embrace.

Early the next morning, shrouded in the misty dawn light, Gu Tingye rode out alone from the residence, followed by Xie Ang and other guards. The group headed toward Coral Lane in the western part of the city. After traveling for nearly an hour, they arrived to find Gu Tingxuan and his wife already there, though the other clansmen had not yet arrived.

Thanks to First Wife of Gu Tingxuan's minor efforts at reorganization the previous day, the estate was no longer in the chaotic state of days past. Servants moved about and attended to guests in an orderly manner, yet a discerning eye could still detect an air of desolation and decline.

First Wife of Gu Tingxuan was bustling about, overwhelmed with tasks, so Gu Tingxuan accompanied them instead. After a long silence, he suddenly spoke, "Yesterday, I used your name card to summon physicians. Several imperial doctors said Da Bomu is truly beyond help. She had been drowsy all day, unable even to swallow medicine, but this morning she suddenly became clear-headed, able to speak and scold... It seems very wrong to me, like... like... a final rally before the end. Perhaps you should go in and see her." Likely for the last time.

Gu Tingye remained silent for a moment, then smiled slightly. "You're right. I'll go in now. Please lead the way, Elder Brother."

Gu Tingxuan breathed a sigh of relief and quickly rose to guide him toward the inner courtyard.The journey was desolate and silent. Early in the morning, not a single sweeping matron was in sight. The flowerbeds were overgrown with weeds, clearly neglected for a long time. As they approached Xiao Qin Shi's quarters, a strong odor of boiling medicine rushed out from inside. The doors and windows were tightly shut, and two listless maids yawned repeatedly at the entrance. Upon seeing the visitors, they hastily bowed.

Just as they stepped into the inner hall, sharp, quarrelsome shouts erupted from the inner room. Gu Tingxuan froze in surprise, while Gu Tingye curled his lips into a cold smile. He stepped forward and lifted a corner of the door curtain.

Inside, a disheveled old woman on the kang pointed at Madam Zhu and screamed, "...You black-hearted wretch! Your guts have rotted away!... My son and I treated you well—how could you betray us?!"

Madam Zhu gave a bitter smile and raised her voice, "How dare you mention my husband! How many times did I plead with you, begging you to forget about the title and live peacefully? Wouldn't that have been better? But you refused to let it go! You knew full well how timid he was, yet you pushed him to fight, to scheme, to kill and burn—until he lost his life! It was you! You killed him!"

The old woman struggled to sit up on the kang, spitting as she cursed, "You... you dare defy me...!"

"What of it?" Madam Zhu retorted mockingly. "Do you still think you can divorce me?! Do you truly believe you have the power to move heaven?!"

Suddenly, tears streamed down her face. "Tingwei's death could be blamed on his own greed and folly. But my two children... you blind old hag! It was you who brought that calamity into our home...!"

The old woman nearly fainted from rage. Before Madam Zhu could finish, she snatched a glasses case from the kang table and hurled it violently, spewing a torrent of vulgar insults: "...If you can't bear the loneliness and want a new man, just say it! Stop twisting the truth! I was blind to have brought a husband-killing, child-killing jinx like you into this family! You're like a starved wild dog, desperate for meat if you go three days without a man...!"

The obscenities were unheard of, leaving Gu Tingxuan outside the room gaping in shock.

As Madam Zhu sidestepped the flying glasses case, she caught sight of the Gu brothers by the curtain. Overwhelmed with shame, she wished she could die. Yet, hearing Xiao Qin Shi's vile curses, a sudden courage surged within her.

She walked out and lifted her head to address the brothers, enunciating each word clearly: "I've long wanted to leave, but I couldn't bear to part with my children. Now that even they are gone, I refuse to stay with her any longer. My sister-in-law advised me to make things clear before leaving. Now that I have, my family will come for me soon. Elders, your sister-in-law..." She choked back sobs, unable to continue. "...your sister-in-law bids you farewell."

With these words, she bowed deeply, covered her face, and hurried away.

Gu Tingxuan stood frozen, uncertain whether to stop her or offer comfort. Inside, Xiao Qin Shi continued her raving, leaving him even more confused about whether to enter.

Gu Tingye smiled faintly. "Elder brother, since our sister-in-law is occupied, why not go check on her? This will allow me to speak with the Grand Old Madam."

Gu Tingxuan seized the opportunity and clasped his hands in relief before departing. Gu Tingye watched him leave, then signaled to the two guards outside. The guards promptly drove away the three or four maids from both inside and outside the room, secured the doors, and stood guard firmly outside the courtyard.Steady footsteps slowly entered the inner chamber. Xiao Qin Shi, having cursed herself breathless, was hoarsely calling for someone to bring water when she abruptly choked at the sight of the newcomer. Her eyes widened, a trembling finger pointing: "You... you... you..."

Gu Tingye walked unhurriedly to the table, poured a cup of tea, and placed it on the kang-side table. "Have some water."

He studied the aged, grimy woman before him. The bedding on the kang was stained in spots, likely unchanged for days. Though barely past forty, she resembled someone in their final hours at seventy or eighty - her flushed complexion unnaturally bright, like a candle nearing its end suddenly flaring with dying sparks. He nodded inwardly: indeed, she was nearing death.

A profound hatred burned in Xiao Qin Shi's clouded eyes: "You... you dare show yourself before me! He was your own brother... How could you lay hands on him... Your heart is truly vicious!"

Gu Tingye smiled faintly: "Well said. My third brother set fires and committed murder in my household, attempting to harm my wife and children. His heart is no less vicious." In truth, Gu Tingwei hadn't been killed by him personally, but rather died under a hail of arrows.

Xiao Qin Shi glared at the man before her like a dying beast, her eyes filled with hatred. He stood so tall and healthy, while her son and grandson lay cold in their coffins, slowly decaying. She simply couldn't swallow this injustice!

Her late father, the old Marquis of Dongchang, had been a man of refined tastes who would spend extravagantly for a single rusted bronze door knocker. Her mother had been gentle-natured but poor at managing household affairs. How wonderful her childhood had been - pearls and jade, everything she could want. Whenever she went out to poetry gatherings or banquets, her lavish attire and entourage made all her sisters green with envy.

Unfortunately, these golden days ended at fourteen. Her parents' successive deaths not only delayed her marriage prospects but also halved her luxurious lifestyle. By the time her elder brother and his wife took over the marquis household, it was already an empty shell. Yet they had to maintain appearances outwardly, suffering privately with constant cutbacks - reduce, reduce, and reduce again. Fortunately, her eldest sister's husband often provided support, until her eldest sister passed away as well.

It was around that time her sister-in-law suddenly brought up the matter of marrying into the Ningyuan Marquis Household. She remembered her sister-in-law's words from that day clearly:

"Dear sister, it's not that I'm being harsh suggesting you become a remarried wife. It's just that you're getting older, and good matches aren't easy to find. How your brother-in-law treated your eldest sister - our whole family knows. Would he treat you poorly? Never mind that lowborn salt merchant's daughter - she'll be divorced sooner or later! Besides, the people your eldest sister left behind won't let her live comfortably. Sister-in-law only wants what's best for you. This marriage might not seem ideal now, but the benefits will come later. Brother Yu's health, alas, isn't meant for longevity. Once you bear a son, won't the heir be your own child! That little brat born of Baishi - can't you handle him?"

Though her sister-in-law spoke honeyed words, she sneered inwardly. All this talk ultimately came down to not wanting to provide a proper dowry. Marrying her brother-in-law as a remarried wife would save considerable expenses. Otherwise, marrying beneath their status would damage the marquis household's dignity, while aiming higher... although her eldest sister had been deeply loved by her husband, it had ruined the reputation of Qin family women. People outside always said Qin daughters were spoiled and prone to arrogance, and not good at bearing children - which was why she hadn't been betrothed before fourteen.

Most second wives develop ambitions to seize the inheritance only after being spoiled by their elderly husbands. But she was different - from the day she married into the Gu family, she had gritted her teeth and sworn she wouldn't suffer the indignity of being a remarried wife for nothing. The future Marquis of Gu must be her son!

She carefully consulted physicians and observed closely. Indeed, Gu Tingyu was truly a sickly child who wouldn't live long. That left only one obstacle in her path - Gu Tingye.

"What are you doing here?" she spat through clenched teeth. "Come to laugh at me?"

Gu Tingye watched her quietly for a long moment before saying: "Do you truly believe I take pleasure in Third Brother's tragic death?"

Xiao Qin Shi offered no reply, turning away angrily instead."After all, we are flesh and blood, having climbed trees together since childhood to pick fruits. I stood beneath with open arms to catch him, and when I couldn't, I'd cushion his fall with my own body, fearing he might get hurt... How could I bear to watch him walk to his doom!" Gu Tingye's anger surged, carrying a dark thunderous intensity as he slammed his palm on the table, making the teacups rattle.

Xiao Qin Shi turned her head with a cold sneer: "What? After being lectured by your daughter-in-law, now you, the good second brother, come to defend Tingwei and vent your anger by scolding this old woman? Fine, fine! You're all virtuous—brothers in harmony, couples in love—only I am utterly wicked! If you truly meant it, you should have long surrendered the marquisate to your brother!"

"You... feel not a shred of remorse?" Gu Tingye's eyes gleamed like icy lightning as he questioned in a low voice.

"I regret only one thing. Had I known your wretched life was so tenacious, I should have risked my reputation and suspicion to finish you off early! Pah!" Xiao Qin Shi spat forcefully, but the thick phlegm landed weakly on the floor before the kang.

Gu Tingye mocked himself inwardly, slowly turning to pull over a chair, brushing his sleeves before sitting upright.

Still unsatisfied, Xiao Qin Shi continued shouting: "You fatherless, motherless wild brat, lowly salt merchant! What decent upbringing could your mother have given you? Pah! How dare you aspire to climb among nobles! What, now that I've lost both son and grandchildren, do you think I fear you?!"

Gu Tingye remained unperturbed, waiting until she paused for breath before speaking calmly: "A fine pair of grandchildren, gone just like that. You, shrewd all your life, must have realized what happened." Judging by Madam Zhu's earlier words, it seemed so.

Xiao Qin Shi hadn't expected him to bring this up. After a long pause, she gritted her teeth: "...That wretched Woman Yu Fang! I treated her well, yet she actually..."

"Your words are mistaken. She was originally the respected wife of the Yu household, with children and an obedient husband. After being deceived by you, she ended up divorced. How can you claim to have 'treated her well'? Even recently, when you eagerly invited her to the mansion as a guest, weren't you scheming for something else?" Gu Tingye smiled mockingly.

Xiao Qin Shi suddenly trembled violently, like a dying river fish on a cutting board, her flushed face rapidly turning ashen like a corpse. "You... you... Was it you... who killed my grandchildren?!" Her voice was hoarse, like the cry of a vengeful ghost.

Gu Tingye remained utterly unmoved: "I accumulate virtue for my wife and children. Unlike you, I would never do such things."

"Then..." Xiao Qin Shi was bewildered. Though dizzy with rage, she knew he had no reason to lie to her now.

Gu Tingye stood up, clasped his hands behind his back, paced slowly around the room a few times, then stopped by the window: "After being divorced, Woman Yu Fang couldn't stay with her natal family and had to live in a convent outside the city. You initially didn't want to bother with such a drowning dog, but people from the south kept sending silver, along with cartloads of daily necessities, claiming they were from Woman Yu Fang's children concerned for their mother. Around that time, Yu Yanran from Yunnan sent New Year gifts to Minglan as usual. The workers were originally from the Yu family, and unaware of the details, they stopped by the convent on their return to kowtow to Woman Yu Fang. It was these two incidents that gave you your malicious idea."

Xiao Qin Shi grew increasingly horrified, her withered, claw-like hands clutching the bedding tightly: "You... how do you know all this..."Gu Tingye looked at her coldly: "I knew from the first day you invited Madam Yu Fang to our home."

Xiao Qin Shi burst out screaming: "And you still dare say you didn't kill my grandson...! You black-hearted villain!"

"Indeed I did not. From beginning to end, I only did two things."

Gu Tingye slowly raised his head, "First, I asked Fourth Madam Yu to bring Gong Hongxiao to see Madam Yu Fang before her departure, to clarify the entire situation. This was to prevent Minglan from being wrongly blamed and cursed behind her back for no reason. Second, only the first batch of gifts were sent by Madam Yu Fang's children. All subsequent deliveries were items I had sent from Jianghuai under the Yu family's name - even Madam Yu Fang herself didn't know about this. Thus, you became increasingly convinced she still held influence in the Yu household, invited her to the residence more frequently, and ultimately gave her the opportunity to strike."

Xiao Qin Shi let out a choked sob, struggling with trembling limbs as she desperately tried to lunge at him. With a light push from Gu Tingye, she collapsed onto the kang, unable to get up. She gasped for breath, unable to utter a single word.

Gu Tingye sat back in his chair and said slowly: "You thought your eloquence had fooled Madam Yu Fang into believing she also hated Minglan wholeheartedly and wanted to join you in revenge - but that wasn't true. She understood everything clearly and had long hated you to the bone." In truth, this old witch was no longer as sharp as when she enjoyed the prestige of being the Marquis' Grand Old Madam, which was why she fell for the scheme.

Xiao Qin Shi lay limp like a snake with its tendons removed, unable to move, her voice hoarse as she forced out: "I... I'll expose you... expose you, haha... The heroic and loyal Commander Gu is actually such a petty man! I'll ruin your reputation..." Her heart filled with utmost venom, she wished she could tear his flesh off with her nails.

"How will you expose me?" Gu Tingye looked at her coldly, "Collecting clothes of those who died from plague, scraping the sores to make powder, bribing servants in this residence... from start to finish, it was all Madam Yu Fang's doing. I merely sent her two deliveries of goods under the Yu family's name. Even if this were discovered - which it likely won't be - I could simply say Minglan, out of regard for her friendship with Yanran, couldn't bear to see Yanran's stepmother destitute and neglected. What could anyone say then?"

"You vicious-hearted devil! Those were your own nephew and niece! How could you be so cruel..." Xiao Qin Shi could no longer restrain herself, pounding the kang mat as she wept bitterly.

Gu Tingye laughed mockingly, "How strange that you can unhesitatingly condemn others' flesh and blood to death, yet others cannot retaliate? Were you so attentive towards Madam Yu Fang out of pity for her, repenting for having harmed her? No, it was because Madam Yu Fang said that next time Yanran sent gifts to Minglan, she had a way to mix something into them. That's why you became so intimate with her, wasn't it? Had these events not occurred, this would likely have been your original plan."

Xiao Qin Shi's eyes were vacant as she sat paralyzed on the kang, mumbling incoherently.

Thinking of the two children, Gu Tingye also felt uneasy: "To be honest, I didn't know exactly what Madam Yu Fang intended to do. But from the moment I learned she was pretending to be close to you, I knew she must be planning revenge. Had you possessed even a shred of conscience and thought to stop, had you listened to your sister-in-law and driven Madam Yu Fang away, the two children wouldn't have come to such an end.""Sister-in-law said you caused the death of your son, your grandsons and granddaughters—every word was true." After uttering these words, Gu Tingye slowly rose and walked toward the door.

Xiao Qin Shi lay devastated on the kang, her pupils unfocused, twitching faintly with a distorted mouth drooling saliva, unable to even move her fingertips.

Seeing her wretched and pitiful state, Gu Tingye suddenly recalled his childhood.

When his birth mother passed away, he was too young to understand anything. From the moment he became aware, she was the only mother he knew. Back then, Xiao Qin Shi was gentle, beautiful, kind, and amiable, treating him impeccably well. When his strict father chased after him to scold or beat him, he would unhesitatingly hide behind her—he genuinely regarded her as his mother.

At that time, he vaguely knew his elder brother Tingyu wouldn’t live long. As a young boy, he resolved that if he were to inherit the title, he would dutifully honor Xiao Qin Shi, protect his younger siblings, and grant their every wish.

He even thought it might have been better if he were a bit dull-witted—perhaps then he could have been happier.

But he was exceptionally perceptive. After reading the story of "Duke Zhuang of Zheng Defeats Duan," he understood what "praising to kill" meant; after studying military strategy for just a few days, he grasped the concept of "making the enemy arrogant." Why did his mother insist on filling his quarters with pretty maids while strictly regulating the girls in his third brother’s rooms? Why did she have servants take him to brothels and taverns for amusement, while his third brother was made to study and practice martial arts daily?

Was this truly for his own good?

Amid doubt, he recognized cruelty; growing up surrounded by deception was agonizing, a harrowing experience that nearly cost him his life.

Once, he had trusted and revered her so deeply.

Standing by the door, he lifted the curtain and paused mid-air. "Sister-in-law will inform the elder sister-in-law of this matter. Then I will have wanted posters issued, requesting Sister-in-law to identify Lady Yu. Once Lady Yu confesses and is convicted, this affair will be concluded."

With these words, he strode out of the room without looking back, leaving behind the filth, deceit, and conspiracies that had entangled two generations over decades, consigning them to a past never to be spoken of again.

...

Two days later, news of a death came from Coral Lane—Xiao Qin Shi had passed away.

The funeral was simple, with the coffin resting for only one day. A dozen or so members of the Gu clan came in small groups, and she was quickly buried not far behind Gu Yankai, right beside Da Qin Shi. Madam Zhu did not attend the memorial service.

As Gu Tingwei was a convicted criminal, no one in the clan brought up the matter of adopting an heir for him. The substantial assets of the third branch were suddenly without an owner. Gu Tingye took charge, dividing them equally into four portions: one for the marquis estate to repair the burned buildings, one for Fourth Old Master’s branch, one for Fifth Old Master’s branch, and the last to expand the sacrificial fields, supporting impoverished clan members in their studies.

This move was highly praised within the clan, though the minor details need not be elaborated upon.

Half a month later, the Duke of Ying returned to the capital with his army, accompanied by his son-in-law who was still recovering from injuries, leading a long procession of captives and spoils of war. They passed through the city gates amid boundless glory, greeted by cheers and admiration from the entire city. Given the old duke’s advanced age, which hardly stirred feminine imaginations, the overwhelming shower of scented pouches, embroidered bags, flowers, and fruits were mostly thrown toward the dignified and handsome middle-aged uncle, Duan Chengqian.Uncle Shen, unable to ride in the procession due to his leg injury, skipped the city gate ceremony altogether in his melancholy and took a shortcut back to his residence. He had his guards carry him directly to Zhang Shi’s courtyard. The first thing he did was summon Little Zou Shi and deliver three or four heavy slaps across her face, roaring with vigor, "I told you long ago to be cautious, yet you insisted your maternal family was no cause for concern and handed out entry tokens to the estate! Look what’s happened now? We nearly faced disaster! Your death would be of little consequence, but you almost implicated the lady and the children!"

Shen Congxing had intended to revisit the old topic of expelling the concubine, but since Zhang Shi remained unwilling, he had to settle for an alternative punishment: twenty strokes under the family law and three days of fasting to cool her temper. Thus, after her cheeks were bruised, Little Zou Shi’s buttocks were also left battered.

He then turned his fury to his eldest legitimate son: "Have you been reading your books for nothing? What do ritual propriety and the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate even mean? With your mother gone, the lady of the house holds the highest authority here. How dare you disobey her? Fine! If you won’t listen to others, then at least be clever yourself! With no skills to speak of, you only heed the foolish words of a concubine—hiding behind a cabinet, no less! You’ve shamed the honor I’ve built over half my lifetime! As a boy, you might escape unscathed, but if intruders had breached the estate and compromised your sister’s virtue, how could she live with that? Would you even dare face your deceased mother in the afterlife?"

The adolescent boy opened his mouth to argue the principle that "a maternal aunt holds higher status than a stepmother," but his father kicked him with his uninjured leg and sentenced him to kneel overnight before his birth mother’s spirit tablet.

Turning around, Shen Congxing saw his young and beautiful wife holding a jar, smiling warmly as she said, "The weather is hot now, and you’re covered in grime and sweat, Marquis. Why not cleanse yourself with this jar of fine medicinal wine?"

As she removed the lid, an overpowering, fiery aroma of strong liquor assaulted his senses.

Shen Congxing instinctively retracted his injured leg and softened his voice: "Isn’t this... strong liquor?" And of the most potent variety at that.

Zhang Shi’s face was full of pity and concern. "What is a mere jar of wine, no matter how precious, compared to your health? Come now, Marquis!"

An inexplicable chill crept up Shen Congxing’s spine.

...

Another half-month passed, and Minglan had completed her full two-month postpartum confinement. Her weight and appearance had fully recovered, turning deficits into surpluses. Gu Tingye, holding his beautiful, plump wife, was overjoyed and promptly unsheathed his weapons, testing them in a few rounds on the battlefield.

Tuan Ge’er, leaning against the doorframe, asked in a milky voice, "I want to sleep with Mother. Why can’t I?"

Cui Mama was flustered; the question was complicated.

Tuan Ge’er seemed to grasp a hint of understanding. "Are Father and Mother handling important matters?" Old Master Gongsun, who had just returned, had taught him that boys must learn propriety as they grow and should not disturb their parents during serious affairs.

Cui Mama’s aged face flushed. "Yes, yes! They are indeed handling important matters!"

Bolstered by this, Tuan Ge’er eagerly showed off the four-character phrase he had recently learned: "Is it matters of state?" Old Master Gongsun had said these were the foremost affairs under heaven.

Cui Mama’s face turned crimson with effort. "...Even more critical than matters of state."

Tuan Ge’er had an epiphany. "Oh, then I’ll sleep by myself." He resolved to be a sensible, good child and toddled back on his chubby little legs.The next morning, Father had already left for court. Seeing Mother sleepily rising late, the cheerful little boy showered her with concerned questions: "Mother, were you and Father handling important state affairs last night? Was it very tiring? Have you finished? Will you need to continue tonight? May I sleep in your room? I promise not to disturb... you and Father handling... official business."

Minglan, who was rinsing her mouth, spat out her water in shock.

An awkward silence fell over the room.

Lüzhi looked as if she'd been slapped across the face, Xiahe seemed on the verge of fainting, and Cui Mama wished she could vanish into the ground. Only one blissfully unaware chubby child remained, happily glancing around, completely oblivious to the tension.

Indeed, life was full of embarrassing moments—with such incidents, how could one ever feel lonely?

Over ten days later, Old General Bo finally returned.

This campaign had completely eradicated Shengde Taihou, who had entrenched herself in the northwest for decades. The confiscated assets from her estate were substantial enough to replenish the imperial treasury, nearly emptied by military expenses. Additionally, a dozen or so heads of Gan's faction within the army were delivered.

The Emperor was immensely pleased and intended to bestow generous rewards. Leaning on his cane, Old General Bo groaned weakly, claiming this expedition had nearly cost him his life and he truly wished to retire. "If Your Majesty wishes to show favor," he said, "please bestow it upon my sons and grandsons." Delighted by the old man's understanding, the Emperor rewarded him lavishly. Generals and commanders from the Bo, Zhang, Shen, Gu, and Duan families were all promoted and richly rewarded.

Those deserving reward were rewarded; those deserving punishment were punished.

Shengde Taihou's direct followers—including her maternal family and close confidants—all involved in the rebellion were executed and their families enslaved as palace servants or consigned to the Orchestra and entertainment office. Those less directly involved faced execution or exile, with their properties confiscated.

Ironically, Shengde Taihou herself could not be executed. She would spend the rest of her life "in quiet recuperation" in a secluded palace.

The Third Princess Consort, accused of "failing to properly educate Prince Rui," was ordered to hang herself with white silk. Prince Rui, barely over ten years old, was stripped of his title and confined with his birth parents. The child was innocent, yet suffered due to the folly of others.

While these punishments were publicly known, Consort Rong quietly "succumbed to illness."

The betrayal by his beloved consort, who had schemed to put her son on the throne, was more humiliating to the Emperor than his stepmother rallying rebels. He was not only furious but heartbroken. The Third Prince, Consort Rong's son, was immediately moved out of Changchun Palace and sent to a remote, insignificant fief, forbidden from ever returning to the capital. Had Consort Rong not overreached, given their favored status, the Third Prince would have received a prosperous and comfortable territory.

The Emperor understood that Shengde Taihou's network, built over decades, involved over a hundred interconnected families. To avoid destabilizing the capital, he limited severe punishments to the primary offenders, accomplices, and their factions, dealing leniently with the rest.

The court officials praised the Emperor's wisdom.

That the Emperor managed to remain benevolent despite this profound betrayal was largely thanks to the Empress—whom Minglan often criticized as unreliable.

When the palace coup erupted, the Emperor's trusted aides immediately escorted the two princes to safety through secret passages. The Empress could have joined them (returning later as Empress Dowager), but she refused. Instead, like a distraught rural woman with no strategy, she did nothing but throw herself over her unconscious husband, wailing loudly.Sobbing and sniffling, she cried while speaking, rambling from "those years we chased grasshoppers together" all the way to "you heartless wretch, how could you abandon us mother and child," pounding the imperial bed while wailing, nearly deafening the imperial physician administering acupuncture to expel toxins. Whether the Emperor was awakened by the crying or annoyed into consciousness, all he could see upon opening and closing his eyes was this sallow-faced woman covered in tears and mucus.

After the turmoil subsided and the imperial body recovered, the Emperor finally realized clearly: though his humble wife lacked the ability to govern the six palaces, was deficient in dignity and insight, she excelled in having a sincerity toward him that could be witnessed by the sun and moon.

Though the countless charming beauties in the rear palace were enchanting, who knew what hearts lay beneath their lovely appearances? When loyalty and capability couldn’t be combined, he preferred to keep the loyal close at hand, only occasionally employing the capable.

In short, to sum it up, the conclusion was... the Empress was pregnant again.

After the Ghost Festival, Gu Tingye gradually resumed normal work breaks and obtained a few days of leave. He began talking about taking Minglan out for a stroll. At first, Minglan didn’t pay much attention—how could a high-ranking court official just leave at will? His intentions were good, but reality was harsh.

Who would have thought that on this day, Gu Tingye left before dawn and returned to the estate in the early morning. Finding his wife still lazing in bed, he unceremoniously dug her out from under the covers and declared excitedly—"Let’s go on a spring outing!"

Trained by daily routines, the accompanying items and clothing were naturally packed by others. Minglan, still half-asleep, was carried into the carriage. She had no idea where the carriage was heading, only that the sky grew brighter as they traveled, and the air seeping into the carriage became increasingly fresh and pleasant, as if they had reached a sparsely populated wilderness.

The carriage rocked and swayed, and combined with the fresh air, Minglan felt extremely comfortable, as if she were lying in a cradle. So... she fell even deeper into sleep. Gu Tingye sighed beside her—he finally knew who Xiao A Yuan took after.

From dawn until noon, Minglan woke up hungry.

A small table was set up in the carriage, and the two sat facing each other for lunch. Only then did Minglan remember to ask where they were going. To her surprise, Gu Tingye wore a mysterious expression and stubbornly refused to say. Instead, he rambled about amusing anecdotes from his military campaigns—Lao Geng had to write a few pages of letters home every night, reporting his daily thoughts and experiences to his wife, with a limit of three hundred words. When he truly couldn’t write any more, his comrades had to help him add a few lines.

Minglan suddenly recalled a gathering where the ladies were chatting about their husbands’ letters. Most military men could only write things like "All is well, don’t worry." Only Madam Geng boasted that her husband had once written a line that warmed her heart—"Thinking of my virtuous wife at home, toiling to manage the household, I feel no hardship even when away."

"This line is both proper and thoughtful, mature and meaningful. It was probably Old Duke who helped him compose it," Minglan commented honestly, as she had always thought it was a fine sentence.

"That line was said by the seventeen-year-old young master of the Bo family. Old Duke’s contribution was, 'A day without seeing you feels like three autumns; thinking of you, missing you, I toss and turn restlessly.'"

Minglan: ...

After being sidetracked, Minglan lost the energy to press further. The two chatted and laughed, enjoying the scenery along the way, until they finally reached their destination—a gentle, rolling hill lay ahead, lush with verdant trees and frequent birdsong. Before Minglan could ask where this was, Gu Tingye helped her out of the carriage and, smiling, pulled her along to climb the hill.

"If you wanted to take me hiking, there are plenty of hills in the outskirts of the capital—Qixia Hill, Zhenmian Hill, Luoyue Hill... Why did we have to come here?! Is there a grand temple on this hill? Are there enlightened monks? Do you want to draw a fortune stick... Ah, I’m about to collapse..." Minglan panted heavily, lifting her skirt as she struggled upward. Fortunately, she was usually in good health and managed the climb reasonably well.

No matter how much she complained, Gu Tingye only smiled without a word, half-dragging and half-pulling her, urging her to keep climbing. After what felt like an endless half-hour, Minglan felt as if her chest were on fire, her breathing like an old woman’s tattered bellows. Only then did Gu Tingye suddenly stop and point ahead: "We’re here."

Minglan, no longer caring about her appearance, plopped down onto a smooth, white boulder. She wiped her forehead and cheeks vigorously with a handkerchief and looked around. They were on a large, protruding rock halfway up the mountain, flat and clean, likely a resting spot for woodcutters, as the ground was dotted with round, stool-like stones.

Following the man’s pointing arm, she looked northward and gasped in surprise: "The Imperial Mausoleum?!"

Gu Tingye pointed to the cluster of white buildings not far away and said with a smile, "This is the southern side of the Imperial Mausoleum. From here, you can just see the tomb of Jing An Huanghou."Unlike modern times where one could buy a ticket and sing folk songs at the Taj Mahal, royal mausoleums in this era were heavily guarded forbidden grounds, not easily accessible. However...

"The Marquis wants to show me Jing An Huanghou's mausoleum?" she asked, thoroughly puzzled.

Gu Tingye pointed toward the hilltop and smiled, "Not just that. There's a pavilion at the summit said to be where Lady Liuli and Grand Academician Gao exchanged marriage vows."

Minglan stared blankly for a long moment, barely resisting the urge to ask, "Have you discovered we're both time travelers?"

Gu Tingye touched her perspiration-dampened cheek, rosy and healthy. "You read widely without discrimination, yet you particularly seek out unofficial histories and anecdotes about those two, don't you?"

Minglan murmured dazedly, "...Aren't... aren't you curious..."

"Curious about what? In my youth, I loved reading about General Huo Guang of the previous dynasty. As a woman, what interest would you find in civil and military officials? Naturally you'd prefer stories of remarkable women."

Reassured, Minglan obediently let him lead her as they gazed at the magnificent mausoleum complex together.

Under the crisp autumn sky and brilliant sunshine, the dwellings of the dead appeared extraordinarily elegant in the pale golden light. Dragons, phoenixes, qilins, lions... and many mythical beasts she couldn't name were exquisitely carved from white marble—some raising their heads, others lifting hooves, others spreading wings—all set against vermilion railings that rose layer upon layer like divine creatures ascending through auspicious clouds.

Surrounding emerald greenery included centuries-old towering trees alongside newly sprouted slender branches playfully extending their jade-like boughs, as if framing the solemn golden imperial tombs with ancient borders, creating picturesque views near and far.

After long contemplation, Gu Tingye exhaled and asked, "You've read Jing An Huanghou's poetry, haven't you? What did you think?"

Minglan fell silent. Truthfully, every poem felt familiar—"They're all excellent," she said.

"Truly breathtaking talent," Gu Tingye remarked, "though beauty often fares poorly in this world."

Minglan twitched her lips: How could millennia of civilization's accumulation not be breathtaking?

Gu Tingye sighed deeply and whispered, "Sometimes I wonder how different things might have been if Jing An Huanghou hadn't died so suddenly."

This time Minglan refrained from sarcasm.

If Jing An Huanghou hadn't been poisoned... First, Baishi wouldn't have married into the Gu family, meaning Gu Tingye wouldn't have been born. Xiao Qin Shi and her son might have inherited the marquis household, or without Gu Tingye's protection, the Ningyuan Marquis Household might have lost its title.

Setting other families aside, most of the Gu family's fates would have changed completely.

As for herself, she'd probably still have encountered that mudslide and tragically time-traveled, likely currently locked in battles of wits with Cousin Cao.

After pausing awhile longer, they resumed their journey, climbing determinedly toward the summit.

The upper slope proved somewhat steeper, not difficult but requiring doubled effort. This time Minglan cooperated fully—no complaints, no whining. When they encountered a young woodcutter descending while singing mountain songs, she even smiled at him, nearly causing the youth to tumble down the slope.

The man turned irritably, took a veiled hat from a following servant, and firmly placed it on his wife's head.

Stopping and starting, chatting and laughing, they finally reached the summit. Following an old woodcutter's directions, they located the pavilion named 'Hopelessness.'

"Why would they give it such a name?" the man frowned. Truly inauspicious.Minglan answered casually, "Lady Liuli once said, when there seems to be no hope left, that's precisely when hope is about to arrive." This dialectical statement was so philosophical it bordered on cliché, reminiscent of something she might have read in a bowl of spiritual duck soup.

The four dilapidated pillars had long lost their original color, their surfaces peeling away. The pavilion roof, riddled with seventeen or eighteen holes, allowed ample sunlight to filter through. Beneath it stood seven or eight badly damaged stone stools. When the wind blew a little stronger, a few tiles would clatter down.

Concerned for their heads, the couple decided against sitting inside. They found a towering pine tree with a canopy like a parasol, and two attendants promptly brought out soft folding stools they carried on their backs, setting them up for the Marquis and his wife to sit. Meanwhile, others set up a small pot to boil water for tea.

—The privileged class, how decadent. Minglan sighed inwardly as she quickly took her seat.

"...One born a daughter of a noble house, the other from humble origins. Who would have thought their fates would be reversed in the end?" The man's lament was nothing new; many had voiced similar sighs.

"Do you look down on women like Empress Jing'an?" Minglan asked quietly.

"Not at all," Gu Tingye shook his head. "Though Empress Jing'an was somewhat unrestrained in temperament, she remained a genuine and good-hearted person. Many outspoken ministers kept their lives thanks to her earnest pleas. For a woman in the inner palace to dare speak so bluntly was no easy feat."

"Then do you look down on women like Lady Liuli?" Minglan pressed.

"I used to, somewhat," Gu Tingye said slowly. "I thought she led Grand Academician Gao astray. But after suffering hardships myself, I realized how rare it is to maintain integrity and pride while living among the lowest classes, without complaining about fate or others, and striving to stand on one's own."

Minglan lifted her head, gazing blankly at the pavilion in the distance.

In terms of appearance, the Hopeless Pavilion and Empress Jing'an's mausoleum were as incomparable as flat chests and buxom figures. Yet, just like the two women's eventual outcomes, these two structures mirrored each other—happiness is often plain, even inconspicuous, while tragedy tends to be magnificent and splendid.

Minglan shook her head; she had no desire for splendor whatsoever.

"...His Majesty intends to send me to guard the border in Shu. Recently, I proactively requested the assignment, for at least two terms totaling eight or nine years." Gu Tingye dropped this bombshell casually.

Minglan nearly leaped up: "What! You're going to Sichuan? What about me? And Tuan Ge'er? And A Yuan? You actually requested it yourself? You've only just returned! Are you abandoning your family?"

Gu Tingye fanned her slowly with a large palm-leaf fan, amused. "By requesting it proactively, I could negotiate better terms. I told His Majesty to forget about rewards—I only ask to bring my wife along to my post."

Minglan's heart settled, but she still fretted: "Will His Majesty agree?"

Gu Tingye said with feigned seriousness: "I told him my wife's five elements lack wood, and fire overcomes wood, which is why she's suffered repeated fire disasters. My birth chart happens to be strong in water, and water overcomes fire, so my wife should stay with me."

Minglan rolled her eyes: "As if His Majesty would believe such nonsense! He'll probably bestow a giant water vat and have me soak in it constantly to remedy my lack of water."Gu Tingye laughed heartily, pinched her cheek through the thin veil, then sobered up and said, "I pleaded earnestly with the Emperor. Since childhood, I've had little familial affection, living like someone despised by gods until now. I begged His Majesty to take pity on me and not separate my family again, lest something happen to my wife by the time I return. I swore to serve the country with utter loyalty and devote myself entirely."

"Then the Emperor agreed?" Minglan's eyes sparkled.

"Yes, he agreed. The Empress also spoke in our favor," Gu Tingye smiled faintly. "Finally, the Emperor remarked that although it's common for generals stationed at the frontier to leave their families in the capital, there have been exceptions. Like the Prince of Mu in the previous dynasty—they never sent their wife and children to the capital. Their family guarded Yunnan for many years and eventually died together as martyrs. Wasn't that loyalty? As for those determined rebels, even if their entire clan is held under close watch, they would still revolt if they intended to. This recent incident is a perfect example. What matters is mutual understanding between ruler and subject."

"The Emperor is wise!" This was the first time since coming to this ancient era that Minglan sincerely praised the emperor. "That's absolutely right. Those who truly plan to rebel often leave their families behind to lull the ruler into complacency! Not like you, who blurted it out so bluntly!" By the way, was Wu Sangui's eldest son castrated or killed?

Gu Tingye looked at her, his eyes full of laughter. "Aren't you afraid that Sichuan won't be as prosperous as the capital, or that the southwest is humid and plagued with miasma?"

"Not at all, not at all." Minglan dragged her stool closer, wrapped her arms around his, and shook her head repeatedly, making the veil of her hat flutter. "As long as we're together as a family, I'm not afraid of anything."

Gu Tingye held her tightly and said softly, "That's what I think too. Promotions and titles are secondary; what matters is the family staying together for a long time. Life is short. While we're young, I want to take you traveling—it'll make this life worthwhile."

Minglan's heart was overflowing with happiness.

It was like sunlight breaking through thick dark clouds, like a storm petrel braving violent storms to reach the shore, like pilgrims weeping with joy at the sight of a white pagoda after a long journey—as if all past hesitations and doubts had become reasons for doubled joy.

Gu Tingye tightened his arms around her. "Sichuan doesn't have as many stifling rules as the capital. There, I'll teach you to ride horses, and you can teach me to fly kites. We'll never be apart."

Minglan laughed through her tears, warm and fervent, like the heat in her heart.

—Let's go, to the Land of Abundance. There, you'll find the Dujiangyan irrigation system built by Li Bing and his son, cheerful and handsome young men and women, fertile land and brocades as beautiful as flowers, and their hopeful future.

(End of main text)