In early April, the winter's snow had long since melted, and flower buds were peeking out from the branches. Yet a large silver-gilt double-character "Longevity" tripod incense burner with twin handles still glowed faintly with silver-thread charcoal, warming the room cozily. On the small lotus-shaped pearwood table by the bed stood three or four bowls of medicinal decoction, all made of celadon palace porcelain with pastel floral patterns and floating motifs. Beside the bed was an official's armchair draped with a black leopard-fur cushion, where a middle-aged man in luxurious brocade robes sat. His expression was gentle, with a short beard gracing his chin.
"...Heng'er has been in there for a full day and night. I wonder how he fared in the exams?" a woman's voice came from the bed.
Lord Qi replied, "Heng'er has worked tirelessly this time. These past months, he's been studying day and night—he's bound to earn an official rank. You should stop worrying about our son and focus on recovering your health. You've been drinking medicine all winter without pause, and because of your illness, we didn't even properly celebrate the New Year."
Princess Pingning leaned against a thick brocade pillow embroidered with golden peonies. Her sallow complexion, sharp cheekbones, and weary demeanor were a far cry from her usual vibrant self. Listlessly, she murmured, "Heng'er resents me."
"Don't overthink it. How could a mother and son hold grudges overnight?" Lord Qi comforted her. "After the chaos last year, many officials across ministries were killed or injured. The Hanlin Academy and Grand Secretariat, being close to the palace, were nearly emptied. That's why the Emperor added an extra imperial examination this spring. It's only natural for Heng'er to study hard and strive for an official rank."
Princess Pingning sighed softly. "Don't try to placate me. Heng'er has top-tier character, appearance, and talent in the capital—everywhere he goes, people admire him. Now he's not only a widower but also subjected to baseless gossip and ridicule. It's all my fault!"
Lord Qi fell silent, thinking to himself that his wife wasn't entirely wrong—she had bet on the right prospect, but luck had turned against her.
Tears welled in Princess Pingning's eyes as she choked out, "When something happened to the Rong family's young lady, I had an inkling things were amiss, but by then... it was too late to retreat. I never liked the County Princess after she married into our family—arrogant, domineering, treating lives like grass. She was no blessing to our household, yet I still forced Heng'er to be close to her! But... even so, I never imagined she'd meet such a tragic end!"
With that, Princess Pingning began to sob quietly. Lord Qi had no choice but to gently pat her hand. The princess covered her face with a handkerchief and whispered hoarsely, "These past months, I've often dreamed of the day Rong Xian stormed the palace. Those rebels with murderous faces, their swords dripping blood, palace maids screaming and crowding inward, the Sixth Royal Concubine and the County Princess dragged away right before my eyes..." Her gaze betrayed unconcealed terror as she fretted, "Only then did I realize this 'brilliant marriage' was built on several lives!"
She leaned against her husband, unable to hold back her streaming tears.Lord Qi and the princess had been married since their youth. Though they often quarreled in daily life, seeing his wife so helpless now softened his heart. He spoke gently to console her: "The Sixth Royal Concubine and her daughter dared to act so recklessly, which shows the extent of the Sixth Prince's misconduct in his fiefdom. The Emperor was enraged and stripped him of his princely title, leaving him as an idle member of the imperial clan. Were it not for the Third Royal Concubine's lonely existence without heirs, even her adopted son would have been deprived of his status. Consort Rong and Consort Shu took their own lives, the Fourth Prince was ordered to commit suicide, and his children were all reduced to commoners... Ah... Ten years of struggle, all vanished in a single day. So many noble families in the capital have been implicated. Fortunately, the Emperor is wise and has shown much consideration to your father and our household. We... should learn to accept this."
"I'm not grieving over that," Princess Pingning wiped her tears and shook her head. "Having grown up in the palace, I understand how things work there. Although His Majesty still treats us well, his health declines with each passing day. Regardless of right or wrong, we've become involved. When a new emperor ascends, old ministers are replaced... I fear we won't enjoy the same imperial favor in the future."
Hearing this, Lord Qi couldn't help but sigh: "Indeed, man proposes but God disposes! Who would have thought it would ultimately be the Eighth Prince!"
"Has it been truly decided?" Princess Pingning asked hesitantly, no longer daring to be certain about anything.
Lord Qi helped his wife lean against the pillows and said with a bitter smile: "His Majesty has already appointed Li Shuyi as Empress and Consort De as Imperial Noble Consort. Consort De was elevated to console her for losing her son, but Li Shuyi came from the laundry service and was only ennobled after bearing a child. The Emperor never favored her, leaving her to live out her years near the cold palace. His Majesty's actions are clear to discerning eyes. Moreover, the Emperor has already summoned the Eighth Prince to the capital."
Princess Pingning remained silent for a long time before sighing deeply: "His Majesty never favored that mother and son, yet now... Ah, how can man contend with Heaven's will? The state needs an experienced ruler, and the remaining princes are all too young. Only he remains... I recall the Eighth Prince's fiefdom is far in the borderlands of Shu. When will he arrive in the capital?"
"The roads to Shu are treacherous. It will take at least a month," Lord Qi said, then moved closer to his wife and spoke gently: "That's why you must take good care of your health. If Heng'er succeeds in the examinations, you'll need to make arrangements for him."
Thinking of her son's future, Princess Pingning suddenly found new strength. She pushed herself up from the pillows, her eyes flickering, then sighed again: "I wonder who Heng'er takes after, to be so stubborn!"
"What has our son done to displease you now?" Lord Qi asked with a smile.
Princess Pingning gazed at the sandalwood bed canopy carved with pomegranate patterns symbolizing numerous descendants and said dejectedly: "When His Majesty decreed the special examination earlier this year, I remembered that Heng'er has always been close to the eldest son of the Sheng family, Changbai. I told him to visit the Sheng residence more often to discuss examination essays. But Heng'er would rather wait outside the Hanlin Academy in the freezing cold than go to the Sheng residence!"
"Oh? Why is that?" Lord Qi was puzzled.
Princess Pingning gave her husband a reproachful look: "Think about the maid that the county magistrate's daughter had beaten to death? Who did her eyes resemble?"
Lord Qi thought for a moment, then softly exclaimed 'Ah' and pressed his hand to his forehead: "I always said the maids arranged for Heng'er by the county magistrate's daughter were both dull and vulgar. How could Heng'er have taken a liking to that flattering one? Could it be that Heng'er still remembers Brother Sheng's daughter?"Princess Pingning nodded noncommittally and said helplessly, "Fortunately, Minglan rarely appears in public. Otherwise, if the County Princess were to see her, suspicions might arise... What's wrong with you? What are you thinking about?" She tugged at her husband's sleeve.
Lord Qi had been staring fixedly at the purple-gold bronze censer on the floor with his head lowered. Startled by the tug on his sleeve, he quickly replied, "I was just thinking that Brother Sheng is truly blessed. Old Minister Lu usually appears deaf and muddleheaded, answering 'I don't know' to every question. Who would have thought that in a critical moment, his mind would be so sharp? Not only did he and his subordinates safely navigate the crisis, but all the documents and secret maps in the Ministry of Works remained completely intact. After the great turmoil, the Emperor commended the officials of the Ministry of Works with the phrase 'calm in the face of danger.' Not only did the old minister himself join the Grand Secretariat, but Brother Sheng was also promoted to Left Assistant Censor-in-Chief, a fourth-rank position."
Princess Pingning said gloomily, "Not only that, Sister Wang has been in high spirits lately with all the good news. Her eldest son was promoted to Archivist, her nephew was promoted to Battalion Commander, and her son-in-law was reappointed as Deputy Commander. Look... those are the celebration eggs she sent the day before yesterday—double the amount. Last month, her eldest daughter gave birth to a chubby boy, and this month, her daughter-in-law also gave birth, another boy!" Her tone couldn't conceal a hint of envy.
On the marble-inlaid rosewood round table with a ruyi pattern sat a plate of bright red celebration eggs. Lord Qi glanced at them, feeling emotional, and turned to his wife, saying, "Next month marks the first anniversary of Old Marquis Ningyuan's passing. Will you be attending?"
Princess Pingning looked at the plate of celebration eggs with some envy and said, "I won't go. We're already beyond the fifth degree of kinship. Sending a funeral gift is enough. Speaking of which, it's been over a year since Tingye's wife passed away." She sighed heavily and added resentfully, "It's a pity that my old uncle was cautious all his life, yet in the end, his descendants got entangled in the turmoil. Tingyu's health is already poor, and now he's caught up in this mess. The whole family is living in constant fear, worried that someone might impeach them, which could lead to the revocation of their title and confiscation of their property."
Lord Qi felt uncomfortable hearing this. Looking at the celebration eggs again, another thought crossed his mind: "...Since Heng'er still remembers Brother Sheng's daughter, why don't you go and propose it? I think it would be a good match. What do you think?"
Princess Pingning snorted and said, "It's too late. They've already made arrangements."
Lord Qi exclaimed in surprise, "You've already asked?" The Qi family and their son were already unlucky enough. If they added a rejected marriage proposal to the list, it would truly be adding insult to injury.
"How could I be so rash!" Princess Pingning understood her husband's concern and quickly reassured him, "Sister Wang is straightforward, and I managed to extract the information from her in just a few words. Her legitimate daughter is likely to marry her nephew from her maternal family to strengthen their ties, though nothing is confirmed yet, and they're still considering. As for Minglan, the Old Madam has long planned for her to marry a young man from a collateral branch of the He family in White Stone Pool."
Lord Qi couldn't hide his disappointment. Thinking of his son's despondent and silent demeanor, he hesitated and said, "In that case... only one girl remains. What about her?"
"Pah." The princess spat delicately and frowned at her husband. "Even if Heng'er is down on his luck, he shouldn't have to settle for a concubine-born daughter! If it weren't for the fact that Minglan was raised by their Old Madam and has both character and appearance of the highest quality, do you think I'd be willing? It's only because I feel I've wronged our son once that I want to fulfill his wish."Lord Qi remained silent for a long while before finally saying, "If there are suitable families this time, you should carefully consider them and also ask Heng'er for his opinion. It must be someone he is willing to accept."
Seeing her husband's doting concern for their son, the Junzhu couldn't help remarking, "I've heard that the Sheng family hasn't yet made their arrangement with the He family official. Moreover, with the Sheng family currently riding high on success, there might still be changes."
In truth, the flourishing Sheng family also had some bad news.
"Mother, please reconsider. You're getting on in years—it's not good for you to travel back and forth like this." Sheng Hong had come directly to Longevity and Peace Hall straight from his official duties, still in his court robes. Below him sat Madam Wang and their children.
Old Mrs. Sheng stubbornly shook her head, her fingers moving restlessly over a sandalwood prayer bead bracelet. "We've been sisters-in-law for decades—such a long bond. Now that she's unwell, how can I simply abandon her?"
Sheng Hong frowned and turned to Taisheng, who sat fidgeting uneasily. "How is Aunt's condition really?"
After several years apart, Taisheng had grown considerably taller. The once short, stout boy was now beginning to take on a young man's frame. Rising with an apologetic expression, he bowed deeply to Sheng Hong and said quietly, "Uncle, please forgive me. Since the New Year, Grandmother has been visibly failing. We invited the retired Physician Bai, and he said she likely only has a few months left. After word got out, the third branch started taking turns visiting daily—sometimes claiming Grandfather left assets with Grandmother that should be divided now, other times saying they should manage affairs for Eldest Uncle. The third elder grandfather is also advanced in years and often sits in our home refusing to leave. Everyone fears something might happen to him if we move him... We truly have no other choice."
Hearing this, Sheng Hong sighed deeply and turned back to Old Mrs. Sheng. "But if anything should happen to you during the journey, how could I ever forgive myself?"
Changwu, who had been sitting nearby with a face full of shame, immediately knelt before Sheng Hong. Looking up earnestly, he said, "This unfilial nephew is ashamed that I cannot serve my ailing grandmother personally, instead troubling Second Aunt with this burden. This time... Cousin Taisheng will escort Aunt on the journey. Once you arrive, my mother will provide proper care. Please rest assured, Uncle!"
Madam Wang, her face tight with displeasure, muttered under her breath, "Easier said than done."
As Sheng Hong prepared to speak further, Old Mrs. Sheng set down her prayer beads and gently waved her hand. "Enough," she sighed. "My decision is made. I depart tomorrow." Pausing, she saw the worry on Sheng Hong's face and softened her tone. "I know you mean well, but matters have their priorities. These old bones can still make the journey. Besides... speaking of which, during the recent turmoil in the capital, not only did our family remain safe, but you, Bai Ge'er, and Wu Ge'er all received promotions. While this is due to your usual caution and diligence, we also owe thanks to divine favor and ancestral blessings. Therefore, we must be even more charitable and accumulate virtue—especially when it concerns our own family."
Exchanging a look with Madam Wang, Sheng Hong could say no more. After some further conversation, Changbai saw Changwu and Taisheng out. Seeing the matter settled, Minglan stood and pledged to Sheng Hong, practically thumping her chest in assurance, "Don't worry, Father. I'll take good care of Grandmother throughout the journey."
Unexpectedly, Old Mrs. Sheng shook her head. "No, you're not coming this time."Minglan was greatly astonished. Over the years, she had been practically inseparable from the Old Madam, and the thought of parting now was unbearable. Before she could voice her objections, the Old Madam turned to Madam Wang and instructed, "Ming Yatou is growing up now. It's not suitable for her to keep living away from home or running about. I'll go to Youyang first. If my elder sister-in-law... well, we can have the child come later if needed."
Madam Wang rose and respectfully assented. The Old Madam continued, "Brother Bai's wife is currently in confinement, so you'll need to take extra care of household affairs." Then, glancing at Minglan's woebegone face, she couldn't help adding, "Sixth Miss has never been away from me since she was little. She's rather naive, and I worry about her constantly. Do keep an eye on her and make sure she doesn't get into mischief."
Understanding the Old Madam's meaning perfectly, Madam Wang smiled and said, "Old Madam, you exaggerate. I think Ming Yatou is wonderful—more sensible than either of her elder sisters." Old Mrs. Sheng nodded. "I'll trouble you to look after her."
Seeing the Old Madam's partiality, Molan felt a pang of jealousy and said with a simper, "Grandmother, your heart is so biased! Are you only concerned about Sixth Sister? Does that mean Fifth Sister and I have no one to care for us?"
Rulan was also displeased but unwilling to be used as Molan's pawn. "Sixth Sister is the youngest, so it's natural for Grandmother to worry about her. But... Grandmother does dote on Sixth Sister the most." She pouted as she spoke.
Old Mrs. Sheng merely smiled without responding. Sheng Hong frowned and scolded, "Who taught you such manners? The Old Madam departs tomorrow, and instead of considering her health, you're only thinking of yourselves!"
The two Lans immediately lowered their heads and fell silent.
That night, Minglan lingered in the Longevity and Peace Hall, her face gloomy as she pestered the Old Madam with the same pleas over and over. Normally, this tactic worked well, but this time the Old Madam remained firm. Minglan grumbled, "I don't get carsick anymore, I'm used to traveling by boat, and I could keep you company on the journey. What's so 'outside' about Uncle's house? We're all family..."
The Old Madam was both exasperated and amused. She tapped her granddaughter's head and said sternly, "You should learn more from your sister-in-law. Observe how she speaks and acts under Madam's guidance—so steady and meticulous. And you? If you cling to me like this, what will you do when you marry?" The more she thought about it, the more anxious she became, clattering her teacup and lid loudly.
Minglan's lips puckered in a sulk. "Well then, why don't you just marry along with me?"
The Old Madam nearly choked on her tea, setting down the cup to pinch Minglan's cheek. "I've been too soft-hearted! I should've spanked you more when you were little!"
Seeing that persuasion was hopeless, Minglan changed tactics and began urging the Old Madam to take care of her health: don't drink too much water at night to avoid frequent trips to the privy and catching cold, don't go out too early in the morning but wait until the sun is up for walks. She rambled on until Mama Fang and Cuiping entered, both laughing. "Truly, the times are changing! Our young lady has grown up and knows how to care for the Old Madam's health. It used to be the Old Madam nagging the young lady—now the tables have turned."Old Mrs. Sheng had her ears nearly worn out by the chatter and couldn't escape, so she could only sigh helplessly: "Didn't Taisheng bring you Pinlan's letter? Every time you receive a letter from that Pin girl, you're delighted for half the day. Why don't you hurry and open it to read?"
Minglan twisted her fingers and began acting shamelessly, climbing onto the old lady like a chubby little squirrel, nuzzling her small head against her grandmother's neck until the old lady giggled from the tickling. The grandmother and granddaughter tussled and played, twisting and pulling at each other. Mama Fang and Cuiping found it amusing but didn't dare laugh, quietly withdrawing instead. It was quite a while before the two settled down from their playfulness.
The old lady's hair bun had become disheveled from the roughhousing, yet she felt the simple joy of an elderly child. She gently patted Minglan's small hands and scolded: "No more mischief now! Listen to me properly!"
Only then did Minglan sit up obediently. The old lady looked at her and spoke earnestly: "Ah... I thought I would pass my days without any blood descendants, but who knew Heaven would send a little imp like you to me, adding so much worry to my life for no reason."
Minglan didn't speak, just buried her head and clung affectionately to the old lady's arm. The old lady felt warmth in her heart, her gaze tender as she held her granddaughter and rocked gently: "I've been stubborn since childhood, charging ahead recklessly with my parents' doting, never knowing to turn back even when I hit walls. Thinking back now, it would have been better to suffer some setbacks when young. How long can your grandmother protect you? When you marry in the future, your proper maternal family will still depend on the Madam and your sister-in-law. I can't keep you tucked under my arm forever - it's not good to never experience storms. This time, you must get along well with them. Do you hear me?"
Minglan lifted her small head and nodded, though her eyes were slightly moist, with tiny droplets hanging on her long lashes. Her porcelain-white skin seemed almost squeezable like water. The old lady's heart ached most to see Minglan in this pitiful state, and she said fondly: "Without me around, they won't feel constrained. The Madam may have her faults, but she's highly skilled at managing households and accounts. Your sister-in-law possesses an exceptionally clever mind - you should learn well from them too. Ah... in another year or two, you'll be reaching marriageable age."
Minglan choked up: "I can't bear to be apart from you, Grandmother."
The old lady patted the girl, only sighing in response.
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