Born into an official family that had risen through the imperial examinations, Minglan had once believed that a noble title was an iron rice bowl. As long as one avoided high-level crimes like meddling in succession disputes or forming cliques, one could comfortably live off ancestral privileges until death. Minglan had once discussed this topic with Changbai with undisguised envy, only to receive a thoroughly disdainful glare from her elder brother.
When the Founding Emperor established the dynasty, he enfeoffed five non-imperial princes, nineteen dukes, forty-two marquises, and one hundred fifteen earls to reward capable ministers, brave generals, and strategic advisors, along with countless hereditary generals. Though the Founding Emperor was highly suspicious by nature, within a single generation he had stripped titles and executed three non-imperial princes and half of the dukes, marquises, and earls. Later, Emperor Taizong, known as the Late Emperor, succeeded to the throne. He campaigned against the Tatars in the north, attacked southern barbarians, and expanded territories extensively across all directions, both by land and sea. Consequently, he conferred additional noble titles, though these were distinguished as "non-hereditary" and "hereditary," not all being perpetual inheritances.
After Emperor Taizong pacified the frontiers, his chief strategist, Grand Secretary Zhang, was the first to propose "rewarding boundless achievements with supreme wealth." The Duke of Ying, then serving as Supreme General of Jingguo and leader of the military faction, seconded the motion. Emperor Taizong seized the opportunity to strip these military nobles of most of their administrative power, thereby shifting policymaking authority toward the civil official class.
However, wealth is finite while descendants multiply endlessly. After three or four generations, noble households typically became overcrowded and unmanageable. Their survival then depended on which families maintained stronger military or palace connections, and which produced more talented offspring. If a family declined, indulged during mourning periods, wore attire exceeding regulations, or seized civilian property—each offense became fodder for censors to memorialize against them, with final judgment resting on the emperor's mood.
The Founding Emperor had numerous descendants. When the Late Emperor ascended the throne, the Prince of Ruyang joined other powerful nobles in petitioning for "Nine Princes Regent." With iron-fisted tactics, Emperor Taizong personally led three thousand armored cavalry in a night raid on the Western Hills camp, crushing the Prince of Ruyang's forces. Following thorough investigations, he deposed over a dozen princes implicated in the plot—including the unfortunate Earl of Zhongqin's household, which became collateral damage despite marginal involvement.
The Late Emperor's reign was brief; he passed away not long after Empress Jing An's demise. The current emperor, being benevolent, restored several noble families that hadn't been primary offenders a few years after his accession. However, these households were so devastated and traumatized they no longer dared make trouble.
During Minglan's first visit to the Earl of Zhongqin's residence, she softly exclaimed in surprise. The four-to-five courtyard compound with two small gardens on either side was only slightly larger than the Sheng residence, and in a less desirable location. Changbai later explained that the original Earl of Zhongqin's residence had been confiscated and awarded to other meritorious nobles, with the current property being a later grant from the old emperor.
Today, the Earl of Zhongqin's household was hosting a full-month banquet for their second grandson, setting thirty-six tables inside and out for auspicious symbolism. The Sheng family, as maternal relatives, were naturally honored guests. After alighting from their carriage and sedan chairs, Minglan and her sisters entered through the second gate and proceeded on foot. Passing an ornamental screen carved with prosperity motifs, they reached the reception hall, where a girl in a peach-blossom patterned jacket embroidered with gold thread greeted them: "You've finally arrived! I've been waiting since morning—and you're late!"
Molan was first to approach, beaming: "Had we known you were waiting, we'd have flown here!" Rulan responded with a half-smile: "Sister Wenying is the hostess—of course she waits for guests. Should guests wait for the hostess instead?"Yuan Wenying’s oval face was fair and lovely, her demeanor amiable and generous. She ignored Rulan and instead reached for Minglan at the back, smiling as she said, "Minglan, you’re quite the rare guest! Since your family moved to the capital, your two sisters have visited often, but you’ve only been to my home twice in all this time!"
Minglan rubbed her temples, still feeling dizzy, and admitted honestly, "Sister Wenying, I’m lazy—please don’t blame me. Though I haven’t visited, I’ve sent seasonal pouches and fan pendants with Fifth Sister every time." She offered a faint smile, which momentarily stunned Yuan Wenying.
It had only been a few months since they last met, yet Minglan’s skin now seemed so fair and delicate it looked as if it could be pinched to release moisture. A subtle blush graced her cheeks, and her lips held a pale pink hue, like the juice pressed from a lotus bud and imprinted onto fragile snow-white paper—enough to stir tender affection in one’s heart. Her beauty truly rivaled peach blossoms. Her thick, raven-black hair was loosely styled into a slanted crescent bun, secured with a single jade hairpin adorned with floral motifs, while a crystal flower woven with gold thread and rice pearls adorned her temple. At a glance, amid the room’s vibrant floral display, she alone stood out—ethereally elegant yet strikingly radiant.
"...It hasn’t been long, yet you’ve grown even more beautiful, sister," Yuan Wenying said sincerely. "You really should get out more often."
Molan’s expression darkened briefly before she quickly regained her composure. "This sister of mine is the laziest of all," she remarked. "She only enjoys reciting sutras and paying respects to Buddha with our grandmother. There’s no use urging her."
Yuan Wenying chuckled lightly and turned back to Minglan. "I heard from Second Sister-in-law that you were often ill as a child. You must be better now? It’s chilly today, otherwise we could go fishing."
Seeing Yuan Wenying’s kindness, Minglan felt she could no longer feign shyness. She took Wenying’s hand and replied, "Thank you for your concern, Sister Wenying. I’ve long since recovered—it’s just... just that I didn’t get enough sleep this morning." She sheepishly stuck out her tongue.
Yuan Wenying burst into laughter. "That’s true! I was dragged out of bed early this morning and have been yawning ever since!"
Rulan, having been ignored for some time, could no longer contain herself. "Are we going in or not?!"
Knowing Rulan’s temperament, Yuan Wenying merely raised an eyebrow and led the three Lan sisters into the inner chamber, where lively chatter and laughter already filled the air.
Hualan was beaming with joy today, dressed in a vibrant red gown embroidered with golden butterflies and flowers, and wearing a phoenix coronet studded with pearls. A plump wet nurse stood beside her, holding a crimson brocade swaddled bundle. The three Lan sisters hurried over to look: the infant was fair, plump, and delicate, sleeping soundly with its eyes closed, its bud-like pink lips blowing tiny milk bubbles—utterly adorable.
Noblewomen crowded around, offering congratulations and praise. Several matrons with gemstone-ringed fingers reached out to stroke the baby’s cheeks, and before long, the little one began to cry. Hualan promptly instructed the wet nurse to take him away.
Madam Wang was genuinely delighted, her face flushed with a joyful pink. Seated in the place of honor, she spotted Rulan and beckoned her over, drawing her daughter into conversation among the gathered ladies. In contrast, Madam Yuan, the wife of the Earl of Zhongqin, appeared indifferent. Watching her second daughter-in-law’s status rise with her natal family’s fortunes left a sour taste in her mouth. Over the past year, Hualan had grown wiser—feigning illness and weakness, she had shifted household responsibilities back to her mother-in-law. Neither Madam Yuan nor her eldest daughter-in-law were willing to dip into their private funds to cover household expenses.
Moreover, her son had recently become less obedient than before."Father's and my salaries are all handed over to Mother, and the family's farmlands, manors, and shops are all tightly held in her hands. When Hualan was managing the household before and asked for household funds, Mother kept making excuses and refused to give them. What kind of household is this to manage?!" Yuanwenshao, being a military man, was usually the most filial and rarely got angry, but Madam Yuan's excessive favoritism had provoked him. He sullenly threw out a remark, "If you want Hualan's dowry, just say so! If the family finances are truly strained, even if it means being looked down upon by outsiders and receiving scorn from my wife's family, I will surely hand it over with both hands! There's no need to put up any pretenses—it only harms both health and relationships!"
When the Loyal and Diligent Earl found out, he summoned his wife and sternly reprimanded her: "In prominent families, what secrets can truly be kept? You think you've covered your tracks perfectly, but outsiders are already laughing at us! Our family isn't struggling to get by, and there are no major expenses—why scheme for your daughter-in-law's dowry without any regard for my dignity? Before Wenshao's wife married into the family, the eldest daughter-in-law could eat five meals a day, but now she’s suddenly so delicate, constantly lying down and moaning? If she can’t manage, then you take over! If you insist on having Wenshao's wife manage, then hand over the farmlands and shops as well!"
Madam Yuan was furious but had no choice. Later, when Hualan became pregnant, Madam Yuan repeatedly sent attractive, flirtatious women to her son’s quarters. Hualan endured it, instructing the matrons to brew contraceptive soups and force-feed them to each woman, stubbornly holding out until she gave birth to a son. Seeing that her plans had failed, Madam Yuan then tried to take a concubine for Yuanwenshao.
Hualan went weeping to the old earl: "Although it’s common for men to have multiple wives and concubines, Mother should be fair in her treatment. She hasn’t given a single person to Eldest Sister-in-law’s quarters, yet she’s sent seven or eight to mine, claiming they’re all to serve my husband. Isn’t this implying that I’m incompetent and unfit to care for my husband? Now, without any reason, she wants to take a concubine for the second master. If both elders truly disapprove of me, I beg to leave this household!"
Yuanwenshao, who had just become the proud father of a plump, fair son, angrily added, "Eldest Brother only has one wife and one concubine, while my quarters are filled with minor stars. Those who know say Mother sent them, but those who don’t will surely gossip about me being lustful and immoral!"
The old earl was alarmed. A major turmoil had just passed, and he was hoping to find opportunities for his family’s younger generation—how could they afford to antagonize the Sheng family? He quickly comforted his son and daughter-in-law, then turned to scold his wife, forbidding her from interfering in the couple’s affairs again.
Thus, Madam Yuan was in no mood to be cheerful today. She forced a stiff smile and gave perfunctory replies, while Madam Wang paid her no mind, happily sipping tea and chatting. Everyone present knew that, in the Loyal and Diligent Earl’s household, only the second son, Wenshao, showed promise, and with Hualan having borne a son, many sought to curry favor and build connections.
Madam Yuan grew even angrier, lowering her head to speak with a middle-aged woman beside her who wore a silver hairpin adorned with double happiness symbols for wealth. Next to them sat a young girl in a silver-threaded, apricot-colored, diagonal-collared long jacket with winding branches embroidered all over. She had a charming appearance, quiet and elegant. Molan saw her and quietly asked Yuan Wenying. Wenying, who had been discussing twelve ways to prepare grass carp soup with Minglan—Minglan had already tried eight of them—and the two were salivating over the conversation. Hearing Molan’s question, Wenying glanced up and replied, "That’s from Eldest Sister-in-law’s maternal family—my aunt and cousin, surnamed Zhang."
She pouted slightly, then turned back to continue her lively discussion with Minglan.Molán showed little interest in the topic of grass carp. After enduring the conversation for a while, she finally lost patience and said, "How can you girls talk about food all day long? You're truly a pair of gluttons!"
Wenying turned her head and smiled, "Last time, you were the one who dragged me into a long discussion about rouge and scented creams."
"How is that the same?" Molán frowned.
Minglán shook her head emphatically, "Not so, not so. As the saying goes, beauty comes from within—a rosy glow from pale skin. Nourishing through food is better than relying on medicine. Eating carefully and thoughtfully is superior to applying any powders or creams. Naturally, one's complexion and skin will improve."
Molán's heart stirred as she gazed at Minglán's smooth, porcelain-like skin. Hesitantly, she asked, "Is that true?"
No sooner had she spoken than a commotion arose at the front of the room. Two elegantly dressed middle-aged noblewomen entered, and Madam Yuan, all smiles, welcomed them to the seats of honor, personally serving tea and attending to them with marked enthusiasm. Wenying promptly explained to Molán and Minglán that the plump, cheerful-looking woman was Madam Huang, the wife of the Earl of Shoushan and the elder sister of the old Earl of Zhongqin. Beside her, the one with a calm expression and refined attire was Madam Liang, the wife of Marquis Yongchang. She spoke little, allowing Madam Yuan to carry the conversation.
"Isn't that your aunt? Having your aunt as a mother-in-law—what good fortune, Sister Wenying!" Molán teased, her eyes gleaming with envy.
Wenying blushed crimson, too flustered to reply. Minglán quickly stepped in to defuse the situation, changing the subject: "Is Madam Liang also related to your family?" Today's full-month celebration was not overly extravagant, inviting only a few close families. Even with her limited social knowledge, Minglán understood that Marquis Yongchang's household was not comparable to those of the Earl of Zhongqin or the Earl of Shoushan. Though not holding prominent official positions, the Liang family was large, well-connected through marriages, and deeply rooted.
Wenying breathed a sigh of relief and replied, "My aunt's third cousin married into the Yongchang Marquis household."
Over there, Madam Yuan had already brought Zhang Xiumei before the two noblewomen. Smiling, she said, "This is my niece, Xiumei. Greet them properly." Zhang Xiumei performed a graceful curtsy, smiling gently. Madam Yuan sat to the side and began subtly praising Zhang Xiumei, from her character and background to her needlework and poetry, until even Yuan Wenying frowned in discomfort.
Minglán noticed this and quietly asked with a smile, "Does your aunt have any other sons?"
Wenying, embarrassed by her mother's inappropriate behavior, tugged angrily at her handkerchief. "It's not my aunt—it's Madam Liang. She has a youngest son, currently under my second brother's guidance, about to be appointed as the deputy commander of the Five-City Garrison and Patrol Office."
Molán's ears perked up, and she turned to probe, "What kind of person is this young master...?"
Wenying recalled what she had heard: "His name is Liang Han, probably around seventeen or eighteen. He's the late-born son of the Old Marquis and Madam Liang." Then, shooting a glare at Madam Zhang and her daughter, she lowered her voice resentfully, "My mother has suggested countless matches, but Aunt Zhang always picks and chooses, insisting on high status and good families! It's all because Madam Liang once mentioned that her youngest son is lively and mischievous, and when he marries, she won't prioritize wealth or background—only good character and appearance. After hearing that, Aunt Zhang has been egging my mother on to curry favor with Madam Liang, even putting my aunt in an awkward position. Hmph, it's not that I'm being mean, but after Uncle Zhang passed away, it's understandable that my cousin wants to find a good match. Still, she ought to weigh her own worth! She should take a good look in the mirror and ask herself if she's even suitable!"When Wenying said this, Minglan couldn't help but glance at Molan, only to see her face flush crimson for no reason as she forced a smile: "Oh, Sister Wenying hasn't even married over yet, but already feels sorry for her mother-in-law?"
At this moment, the Marchioness of Shoushan indeed deserved sympathy. Watching her sister-in-law praise Zhang Xiumei for her gentleness and elegance for the third time, with subtle hints of matchmaking in her words, she was growing increasingly restless. Noticing the Marchioness of Yongchang's expression turning colder, the Marchioness of Shoushan felt displeased and interjected: "Where's my eldest nephew's wife?"
Madam Yuan was momentarily stunned before sighing lightly: "She's unwell and resting." With a sidelong glance at Hualan, she added indifferently, "I suppose I'm destined to toil without anyone to help manage the household."
Hualan's expression stiffened. The Marchioness of Shoushan immediately continued: "Just two days ago I invited Doctor Hu to examine my eldest nephew's wife. I've inquired - it's nothing serious. Could it be discomfort of the heart? Don't always indulge the elder one - treating her every frown as a major illness. Shouldn't you show some concern for the younger one too? Last year around New Year's, when she was seven or eight months pregnant, you still made her stand in attendance according to rules. Is that any way for a mother-in-law to behave?! Look at her pale complexion - she clearly hasn't recovered properly!"
Madam Wang and Hualan felt secretly grateful, while Madam Yuan appeared embarrassed. This aunt was fond of lecturing others, and being the eldest sister, Madam Yuan couldn't talk back, having to endure the criticism.
In truth, that time she had only made Hualan stand for half an hour before her husband rushed over and berated her severely. Numerous maids had cried and wailed, and that very night Hualan claimed the baby had been disturbed and couldn't even get out of bed. Then her son came crying again. After this incident spread, relatives and acquaintances openly and discreetly criticized her for being biased and cruel, favoring her maternal niece while treating her daughter-in-law inhumanely.
Madam Yuan forced a smile: "My eldest daughter-in-law isn't as capable as Hua'er, so I thought to let her work harder..."
Before she could finish, the Marchioness of Shoushan interrupted: "After you pass away, the title and estate will fall to your eldest nephew and his wife to manage, won't they? No matter how capable the second nephew's wife is, can she take over the household for her elder sister-in-law? If the eldest nephew's wife is truly incompetent, perhaps I should find someone capable to place in the eldest nephew's chamber, to provide support later. We can't possibly hand a marquis's residence over to someone plagued with constant troubles!"
At these words, both Madam Yuan and Madam Zhang turned pale. Madam Wang felt immensely satisfied, while Hualan desperately lowered her head to hide her rising smile. Though the Marchioness of Shoushan spoke sharply, her tone was entirely that of someone concerned about her maternal family. The surrounding women were all close acquaintances who knew the family circumstances well, so they weren't particularly surprised.
This aunt was originally the eldest daughter of the family, steady and capable since childhood, highly regarded by her parents. Her brother, the Earl of Zhongqin, trusted her greatly. She had stubbornly supported her weak and honest husband through training and advancement. She could clearly have chosen a better marriage for her son, but for her brother's sake, she still agreed to Wenying's marriage. Madam Yuan always felt inferior in front of this elder sister, who coincidentally got along quite well with Hualan.
The Marchioness of Shoushan knew she shouldn't press too hard, and worried her sister-in-law might irresponsibly bother the Marchioness of Yongchang again. Spotting Madam Wang, she smiled and said: "I'm afraid our family disputes have entertained you, dear in-law."Madam Wang quickly shook her head—this kind of amusing scene she could watch day and night without tiring. Cheerfully, she leaned closer to the Marchioness of Shoushan: "Isn't it because you're always thinking of your maiden family? We're all family here—what can't be said?"
The Marchioness of Shoushan smiled faintly and pointed at Rulan nearby: "Your daughter grows more lovely each day. Ah? Where's the other one?"
Molan, who had been watching from the other side for quite some time, immediately stepped forward upon hearing this. With a bashful and timid demeanor, she performed a curtsy and offered greetings. The Marchioness of Shoushan gestured toward Molan and said to Marquis Yongchang's Wife, "This child excels at poetry and composition, and is quite well-behaved too."
Marquis Yongchang's Wife nodded slightly. "She's a delicate-looking child. Madam Sheng is truly blessed." And with that, she said no more.
Molan immediately responded with a smile, "You flatter me too much, madam. How could Molan dare accept such praise?" Though she had a bellyful of words to say, seeing how aloof Marquis Yongchang's Wife remained, she couldn't find an opening to begin.
Hualan's eyes flickered meaningfully as she covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Aunt, my youngest sister has come today too."
The Marchioness of Shoushan said delightedly, "Why haven't you let me see her yet?"
Hualan promptly pulled Minglan and Wenying out from behind. While Wenying had been seen before, both the Marchioness of Shoushan and Marquis Yongchang's Wife couldn't help but stare blankly at Minglan. After a moment, the Marchioness took Minglan's hand and said to Hualan with a laugh, "No wonder you've praised her to me a hundred and eight times—she's truly an exquisite little thing." Then she added in mock reproach, "Your Old Madam is far too stingy! Hiding her away like this—is she afraid someone might snatch her?"
She then pulled Minglan to sit beside her, asking in detail about her birth date, daily pastimes, and favorite foods and clothing. Minglan kept her head slightly lowered and answered each question honestly. Seeing how poised and bright Minglan was, with clever and cheerful remarks that suited her own temperament perfectly, the Marchioness grew even fonder of her, inadvertently leaving both Zhang Xiumei and Molan neglected on the side.
Zhang Xiumei's eyes glistened with unshed tears as she retreated several steps behind Madam Yuan, whose expression had turned sour.
Molan felt deeply resentful. Suddenly recalling what Consort Lin had said about her first meeting with Consort Wei—how even coarse clothing and simple hairpins couldn't conceal her stunning beauty, and though timid and foolish, she had still captivated a small part of Sheng Hong's heart. Molan silently cursed these two noblewomen for failing to recognize true worth, judging only by appearance while ignoring inner qualities, completely overlooking her own outstanding talent and cultivation!
After praising Minglan for a long while, the Marchioness of Shoushan turned and glared at her relative. "Will you say something? Have you become a mute gourd?"
Only then did a faint smile appear on Marquis Yongchang's Wife's cool expression as she slowly said, "If I had such a beautiful daughter, I'd surely hide her away too."
Madam Wang chimed in playfully, "This child was raised since childhood by our Old Madam, who dotes on her most dearly and can't bear to be apart from her for even a moment, so she seldom comes out. If her manners are lacking in any way, please forgive her, ladies."
Marquis Yongchang's Wife said mildly, "Your Old Madam's rules are the strictest and most proper. How could any girl she teaches be less than excellent?"
Madam Wang glanced at Molan, who stood with her head bowed to the side, and her words grew even more courteous. With Hualan interjecting humorous remarks here and there, the atmosphere remained harmonious. Yet Minglan felt her scalp prickling—she could sense several pairs of eyes burning with fury drilling into her back. What an undeserved calamity! Seizing the moment while the ladies were conversing, she excused herself by saying she had small gifts for Zhuang Jie'er and asked Hualan to have a maid take her there. Wenying also helped by saying a few words, allowing Minglan to finally make her escape.Passing through a small half-moon gate to reach Zhuangjie’s room, Minglan saw the little girl wearing a short crimson cloak of feather-light gauze embroidered with golden pomegranate blossoms, sitting in a sullen daze. Beside her stood a nanny in a slate-blue sleeveless jacket over a dark red inner robe, who had been trying in vain to console her. Zhuangjie’s face was etched with melancholy, but when she saw Minglan visiting, she managed a small smile and softly called out, "Aunt Sixth." Minglan took a small bundle from her maid and handed Zhuangjie a cloth doll she had newly made.
The plump cotton doll, with its adorable eyes, nose, and mouth embroidered in colorful threads and dressed in a little silk outfit, had a charmingly curved brow line that was utterly delightful. Little Miss Zhuang rubbed her rosy-apple-like cheek against it, hugging it tightly in her arms, unable to put it down. Beaming with joy, she hopped off the heated brick bed with her tiny feet and tugged at Minglan, clamoring to go outside. The maids and nannies nearby quickly draped a crimson velvet cloak with cloud-cut gold trimmings over the little girl.
Minglan understood Miss Zhuang’s feelings—suddenly transitioning from an only child to an "older sister expected to bring a brother" was inevitably disheartening. So she humored the little girl, holding her soft small hand as they walked slowly, one tall and one short, both smiling cheerfully.
"Auntie Six, does Mother not like me anymore?" Miss Zhuang hung her head. "Ever since my brother came, Mother hasn’t been as close to me."
Minglan patted the little girl’s head understandingly and comforted her, "That’s not true. Your brother has just arrived, so everyone is still excited about him. If you got a new doll, wouldn’t you adore it too? It’ll pass after a while. Our Miss Zhuang is so pretty and clever, the apple of your mother’s eye—how could she not be good to you?"
Children are easily consoled. Once her mind was at ease, Miss Zhuang happily pulled Minglan toward the garden to play, chattering nonstop with silly childish jokes along the way. Noticing Minglan’s troubled expression, she asked, "Auntie Six, why are you always frowning?"
"Auntie Six is thinking about something."
"What is it?"
Minglan paused, then looked down and asked, "Miss Zhuang, let me ask you this: Would you prefer to wear new clothes every day, have fun toys, and eat delicious food, but have your parents share their love with many younger siblings? Or would you rather have no nice clothes, toys, or treats, but have your parents dote only on you?"
The little girl tilted her head and thought, her fair, tender face scrunching up like a little meat bun. After pondering deeply for a moment, she said painfully, "Can’t I have both the nice things and my parents doting only on me?"
Minglan chuckled but replied seriously, "Everyone wants that, but it’s not possible. You can only choose one."
After a long, agonizing deliberation, Miss Zhuang hesitantly said, "I’d rather have my parents dote only on me."
Minglan smiled and nodded, letting out a long sigh. "Auntie Six thinks so too."
After walking a few more steps, Miss Zhuang suddenly stopped, looked up with her big blinking eyes, and asked just as seriously, "Auntie Six, what if I end up with no nice things and lots of younger siblings sharing my parents? What should I do then?"
Minglan stumbled, nearly slipping, and steadied herself before saying, "That... probably won’t happen." Thinking of He Hongwen, whose gentleness was like warm spring water, she shook her head inwardly. Nothing in the world is entirely reliable—it’s all a matter of how high the risks are. At least the likelihood of a homebody cheating is lower than that of a CEO.
The aunt and niece played a while longer until Minglan noticed the sun was directly overhead. She remembered Wenying mentioning that the banquet was set in the side flower hall. Realizing it was time for the feast and that she shouldn’t hide away any longer, she had a maid take Miss Zhuang back and slowly made her way there herself.She had visited the Loyal Diligence Manor twice before. The estate was not particularly large, and Wenying had personally shown her around, so she knew her way. Strolling leisurely along a row of crabapple trees by the garden, their buds just beginning to bloom, she had no fear of getting lost. While enjoying the flowers in serene contentment, she suddenly noticed a tall man standing beneath a lush and graceful crabapple tree ahead. In the hazy distance, he seemed vaguely familiar.
Hearing her footsteps, the man turned around. The moment Minglan clearly saw his face, her heart skipped a beat.
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