In the second year of Chongde, during the first month, the imperially appointed Commander-General Gu Tingye led three thousand infantry and one thousand cavalry from the outskirts of the capital southward. He set an ambush at Luqiao in Yang County, Shandong, where his cavalry executed three rapid flanking maneuvers through rebel lines, swiftly cutting off thirty thousand rebels in a pincer movement that threw them into disarray. Subsequently, the Prince of Jing personally led his elite vanguard northward at full speed toward Zhuangzhou.
By the second month of the same year, Gu Tingye divided half his troops to reinforce Zhuangzhou’s defenders against the enemy, while he personally led light cavalry further south. Traveling day and night, he arrived ahead of the fleeing rebels at Lingyan Valley south of Xuzhou, where he laid an ambush. Leveraging the terrain’s advantages, his smaller force encircled and annihilated over thirteen thousand fleeing rebels, capturing the rebellious Prince of Tan alive. He then ordered the commanders of Yuezhou and Malong garrisons to mop up the remaining resistance.
By late March, Gu Tingye turned his forces northward to join with General Shen Congxing, the Empress’s younger brother, for a combined assault on the Prince of Jing’s remaining troops beneath Zhuangzhou’s walls. The Prince of Jing suffered a crushing defeat, and his scattered forces fled. From then on, garrisons and regional commands everywhere opened their gates to clear out the remaining rebels. By the fourth month of Chongde’s second year, the Prince of Jing, having fled to Mount Xiaoshang, was assassinated by his own guards, who presented his head to authorities. Thus concluded the nearly six-month-long "Jing-Tan Rebellion."
...
By May, with spring blossoms in full bloom and riverways calm, bandits and rebels across the regions had been largely eradicated. Old Mrs. Sheng embarked on a boat journey back to the capital with Minglan and Changdong. Whereas their departure had been marked by sudden upheaval, their return was peaceful, complemented by warm weather, vibrant willows and flowers along the banks, and swallows returning north against a clear sky—the serene scenery lightening their travel mood.
The grandmother and grandchildren often sat in the cabin on the second deck of the large vessel, brewing fragrant tea and laying out plates of fruits, opening windows to enjoy the view while chatting cheerfully. Watching busy boatmen along the shores and laborers loading and unloading cargo, it was as if the turmoil of months prior had never occurred.
"Changdong, after this cup of tea, return to your room and study. Do not come out until we’re back at the residence—apply yourself diligently," Old Mrs. Sheng said from her soft couch, gazing outward at the scenery.
Young Changdong flushed slightly, and Minglan interceded on his behalf: "Grandmother, Fourth Brother hasn’t neglected his books at all this time. No matter how chaotic things were outside, he studied earnestly."
"I know," Old Mrs. Sheng replied evenly. "Your father mentioned to me that after the mourning period, he intended to have Changdong sit for the child-level imperial examination this February. Who could have foreseen this rebellion would cause him to miss a practice opportunity?"
Minglan cast a sympathetic glance at Changdong—a mere twelve-year-old lad. Changdong obediently set down his teacup, looking pitifully at Minglan. Ignoring the silent exchange between the siblings, the old madam continued, "Having missed this year’s exam, your father may be displeased and could test your knowledge as soon as we return. We’ll be home in a few days—even last-minute cramming is better than nothing."
Understanding her goodwill, Changdong bowed respectfully and returned to his cabin to study. Minglan watched his retreating figure and sighed, "Toiling over texts until white-haired, only to find book learning useless; ah..."
The old madam snorted sharply, and Minglan hastily added, "But sketching from tender years shows a heart inclined to cultivate ink and brush."
A faint smile touched the old madam’s lips. "Such glib talk! Did you study just to show off with clever words? Have you packed all the trunks? Don’t forget to label everything properly."Minglan nodded, peeled half a tangerine for the Old Madam, and fed it to her segment by segment, smiling as she said, "Of course, I spent several nights organizing everything! The coming-of-age gifts for Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister, as well as for Madam and Sister-in-law, have all been sorted."
Sheng Wei and his sister Sheng Yun were naturally gifted in business—swift in earning money and generous in spending. The Old Madam had originally brought Pinlan a pair of jade-inlaid silver lotus-petal cups as her coming-of-age gift, while they made up for Molan's gift with a filigree gold phoenix hairpin holding a pearl. For Rulan's coming-of-age gift in March, they gave an engraved plum blossom gold hairpin inlaid with rubies, and for Minglan, a pair of filigree gold cups embedded with gems and jade in the Bagua pattern. They also sent numerous items to Madam Wang and Hai Shi.
It is worth mentioning that in the following days, as the displaced people gradually dispersed, prominent families began visiting each other again. Da Bomu Li Shi's maternal aunt visited frequently, each time holding Minglan's hands and scrutinizing her intently—from the embroidery on her shoes to the earrings on her earlobes—praising her endlessly. Before leaving, she even pressed a pair of flawless white jade bangles into Minglan's hands, their color so exquisite they seemed to shimmer with a watery glow.
Minglan initially refused adamantly, as young women in ancient times could not casually accept gifts from others. It was only after Da Bomu intervened, explaining it was merely a greeting from an elder, that Minglan accepted.
"I heard that the Yu Ge from the Li family is studying at Songshan Academy. His scholarship is excellent, and he plans to take the Autumn Examination this year," the Old Madam said leisurely. "It's a pity Molan couldn't wait. Otherwise, I think he would have been a good match."
Madam Wang made it clear she would no longer keep Molan at home and was unwilling to wait for Li Yu to pass the exams before discussing marriage. It was uncertain how the negotiations for Molan's marriage to the scholar Wen were progressing. Remembering her own situation, Minglan quickly leaned close to the Old Madam and whispered, "Grandmother, I absolutely refuse to go to the Yongchang Marquis's residence.""
The Old Madam glared at her in amusement, feigning sternness as she said, "They haven't said anything yet! Don't flatter yourself!"
Minglan smiled awkwardly and replied, "This is just preparing for the unexpected. It would be best if nothing happens, but if there is..." She bit her lip, threw herself onto the Old Madam's knees, and said with a woeful expression, "If Madam insists on arranging the marriage, you must stand firm, Grandmother! With my limited abilities, I'm no match for them—I'd probably be defeated in a single round!"
The Old Madam scolded her, eyes wide with disbelief, "What kind of talk is this for a young lady?! Your elders will decide your marriage. Behave yourself! Rest assured, we won't let you come to harm!"
Minglan fawned by nuzzling the Old Madam's neck, giggling foolishly.
After Changdong finished reviewing the books he had brought, Minglan and her party arrived at the shore. The grandmother and grandchildren disembarked the boat in high spirits, where Steward Laifu and a group of servants were already waiting at the dock. They switched to carriages and rumbled toward the capital, arriving at the city gates after a few days. Surprisingly, it was Hai Shi herself who came to greet them.
Both the Old Madam and Minglan found this somewhat strange but maintained their composure as they changed carriages. The lead carriage was a sturdy, large wagon with a flat roof, blue silk curtains, and bronze lantern ornaments. During the transfer, several matrons intentionally directed young Changdong and Minglan to a carriage at the back. The Old Madam glanced at Hai Shi and noticed her complexion was somewhat sallow and her expression weary."Have your sixth sister come along as well. In a few months she'll be having her hair-pinning ceremony, so she should learn what needs to be known," Old Madam said calmly.
Hai Shi lowered her head, her cheeks slightly flushed, then instructed the maidservant to help Minglan into this carriage.
After their travel permits were inspected at the city gate, the Sheng family's several carriages slowly made their way toward the Sheng residence.
"Speak, what has happened at home?" Old Madam leaned against a large autumn-scented cloud-patterned brocade cushion. Minglan moved closer to straighten the cushion and coverlet, then took some lily incense from a small chest nearby and tossed it into the censer.
Hai Shi appeared relatively composed, though her tone couldn't conceal her exhaustion. After brief consideration, she said: "This matter... I originally intended to write to you about it, Old Madam, but after calculating the dates, Master said since you had already departed, we shouldn't send letters recklessly, lest others find out."
Old Madam's slightly closed eyes suddenly opened. She went straight to the point: "Has something happened to one of your sisters? Which one?"
Hai Shi looked momentarily surprised, then her eyes reddened as she choked out: "Nothing escapes you, Old Madam. It's... it's... Fourth Sister."
"Enough dithering, speak quickly! Make it clear before we reach the residence!" Old Madam possessed the nature of ginger and cinnamon - growing more pungent with age.
Hai Shi took out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes, then slowly recounted: "Fourth Sister was originally confined to her rooms, even exempt from daily greetings. Seeing her behaving properly, Madam devoted herself to arranging her marriage. We considered that Scholar Wen, whom both Master and Quange's father approved of. We had already scheduled to meet Old Madam Wen when suddenly military unrest broke out outside, making travel difficult, so it was delayed. Finally, when the unrest settled last month... last month..."
Tears welled up in Hai Shi's eyes again. She wiped them hastily and continued: "With the major unrest quelled and the capital completely untouched, many families with men serving in the military went to temples to offer incense and fulfill vows. That day started normally, but near evening, the gatekeeper suddenly reported that the Yongchang Marquis estate had sent servants to return Fourth Sister. Madam was stunned at the time. I hurried to Shanyue Residence to check, but Fourth Sister was nowhere to be seen. Furious, I had the courtyard maids bound and questioned. It turned out Fourth Sister had slipped out early that morning!"
Hai Shi wept softly. As she currently managed many household affairs, such an incident had likely earned her considerable reprimand. Seeing Hai Shi's exhausted state, Minglan felt compassion and gently patted her back to soothe her.
Hai Shi gave Minglan a grateful look, dried her tears, and continued: "...I went to the gate to receive Fourth Sister back, then made inquiries. I learned... that Fourth Sister had gone to Xishan Longhua Temple early that morning without permission. It happened that Young Master Liang Han was accompanying Madam Liang to offer incense. Somehow, Fourth Sister fell from her carriage and nearly rolled down the slope. Coincidentally, Young Master Liang Han was riding nearby and saved Fourth Sister. Before countless witnesses, Fourth Sister was carried back in his arms!"
At this point, Hai Shi lowered her head. Minglan and Old Madam exchanged glances, their expressions complex - uncertain whether to be pleased or worried. For Minglan, she wouldn't need to incur Sheng Hong and Madam Wang's displeasure. For Old Madam, it saved her considerable persuasion. But for the Sheng household, this was hardly good news.
"To accomplish such a scheme requires coordination from both inside and outside. Have you uncovered it?" Old Madam fixed her gaze on Hai Shi and asked slowly.Hai Shi stopped weeping and looked up: "When the incident occurred, the mistress immediately had everyone at Shanyue Residence bound and interrogated under family law. From Yunzai who pretended to be Fourth Sister lying sick in bed, to the gatekeeper who prepared the carriage for Fourth Sister - none withstood questioning for long before revealing Consort Lin's involvement. This time the master was truly furious. He gave Consort Lin and Fourth Sister a severe beating and locked them in the woodshed for three days and nights, providing only one meal per day."
Minglan inwardly marveled - this Consort Lin was truly formidable, possessing remarkable planning abilities. First, she had to ascertain when the Madam and Young Master of Yongchang Marquis Mansion would be visiting the temple and their intended route. Then she needed to bribe a complete chain of servants to help cover up the scheme. Furthermore, she had to maintain the deception for a full day. Such determination and methods marked her as quite a character.
Old Madam was also somewhat angered, her chest rising and falling several times before she asked: "What does that shameless creature intend to do now?"Hai Shi's face turned ashen as she whispered: 'After this incident, the Yongchang Marquisate ceased all communication.'" Consort Lin kneels before the master day and night weeping, repeatedly begging the mistress to propose marriage to the Yongchang Marquisate, otherwise Fourth Sister will have no way out but death. The mistress has fallen ill from anger."
Old Madam sneered lightly: "Your mother-in-law is too incompetent. To collapse over such a small matter - where has all her former vigor gone? It's just death - if they had the face to do such things, they should have the courage to face the consequences! Why bother with them!"
Hai Shi's eyes showed embarrassment as she said softly: "The mistress didn't fall ill because of this matter."
"What else happened?" Old Madam asked curtly.
Hai Shi twisted her handkerchief, then resolutely raised her head: "The Grand Secretary Shen has taken a liking to the second young master of Marquis of Qi Manor - that would be Princess Pingning's son Qi Heng. Not long after, a marriage proposal was made, and the Marquis's household has already accepted!"
The corner of Old Madam's mouth twitched slightly, her gaze somewhat mocking: "So what? What does that have to do with our family?"
Hai Shi looked at Old Madam with difficulty, stammering: "Old Madam doesn't know - some time ago, Princess Pingning hinted to the mistress that she was interested in marrying our Fifth Sister. The mistress was quite pleased too. Though nothing was stated explicitly, there was mutual understanding. Who would have thought Princess Pingning would change her mind so suddenly! When the mistress sent someone to question her, the Princess only replied: 'How is your Fourth Young Lady's marriage proceeding?'"
Old Madam slapped the table and cursed angrily: "Shameless creatures, bringing disaster upon the entire family!"
Minglan also felt depressed - these ancient families were truly detestable. When one girl brought shame, all the sisters suffered together. What did Mo Lan's going out to seduce men have to do with her?
Hai Shi was still hesitating and mumbling when Old Madam grew impatient and shouted: "What else? Say it all at once! At least these old bones of mine can still withstand it!"In truth, Hai Shi was originally a straightforward and cheerful person, but the recent series of sudden changes had struck like lightning, leaving her utterly disoriented. She steadied her breathing and resolved to finish in one go: "The master insisted that Madam go to the Yongchang Marquis residence to propose marriage, but Madam adamantly refused. At this impasse, a letter arrived from the Wang family's aunt, stating that the Wang family's cousin and the Kang family's Yuan'er had already become engaged, and the preliminary engagement had even been formalized!... Madam was utterly shocked and immediately sent someone galloping overnight to Fengtian to inquire. The aunt replied with a letter, saying that since Madam had already secured a noble son-in-law from the Duke's residence, her own unworthy son would arrange his own marriage. The messenger also brought back a message from the Wang family's old madam, who was furious with Madam, saying that her fickleness had treated the Wang family's legitimate grandson with contempt! Old Madam, the matter of Madam and Princess Pingning discussing marriage had never been publicly disclosed—how did the Wang family in far-off Fengtian come to know about it? Madam, choking with anger, went to confront Kang Yima and returned half-dead from rage, which is when she truly fell ill."
Minglan gasped. The reason Madam Wang had been so unyielding in the matter of Molan was solely because she relied on Rulan's prearranged marriage with the Wang family. After all, it was her own maternal family, and they wouldn't make a fuss. With Rulan's marriage settled, Madam Wang had rested easy. Who could have guessed that her trusted elder sister would snatch it away right from under her nose!
For the Wang family's old madam, although her daughter was dear, her grandson was undoubtedly closer. Madam Wang's picky behavior had severely wounded the Wang family's pride. Coupled with Kang Yima's relentless efforts—since either girl was a granddaughter anyway—Cousin Kang Yuan'er's marital prospects were smoothly resolved.
After hearing all this, the old madam fell silent, only sighing as she watched her little granddaughter bow her head and gently massage her legs. She suddenly felt grateful that, given Old Madam He's character and their longstanding friendship, Minglan's marriage arrangement likely wouldn't change.
Ah... but how could this tangled mess be resolved?
By now, Madam Wang probably felt like devouring Consort Lin and her daughter alive.
"Aside from this, how is everything else at home?" the old madam asked wearily, shifting slightly.
Hai Shi set down her handkerchief and forced a strained smile. "Everything is fine. Quange has started teething and can now call out to a few people. I'll bring him to see you later.... Oh, and for the New Year, as you instructed, I sent New Year gifts to the He family. Old Madam He has such a gentle temperament—she thanked us repeatedly. Not long ago, I heard the He family was looking for a suitable residence, as He Hongwen's maternal aunt's family had come to the capital. My cousin's wife happens to have a courtyard—two rows of rooms, not too large, but clean and tidy, ready to move into without any renovations. I wanted to discuss with you upon your return whether we should mention it to the He family..."
Minglan paused her movements and glanced up at the old madam, noticing a faint flicker in her eyes as well.
He Hongwen's mother had only one sister, so He Hongwen had only one maternal uncle. In earlier years, the two families had often visited each other. Over the years of interacting with the He family, Old Mrs. Sheng had come to know that He Mu was quite concerned about the Cao family. She wondered if the climate in Liangzhou was treating them well.Old Madam took a long, deep breath, her fingers tightening around the prayer beads until her knuckles turned pale. Matters had to be handled one by one, and she needed to gather her strength.
OpenNovel