As soon as the year-long national mourning period ended, noble families in the capital removed the plain white lantern covers from their gates. Since the emperor had previously enforced strict policies and later achieved victory in suppressing rebellions, his authority grew stronger by the day. Although the city's young dandies were itching for excitement, they ultimately dared not act recklessly.
After another month or two, the emperor arranged marriages for several well-behaved imperial clansmen, allowing powerful officials' households to finally breathe a sigh of relief. Those who wished to take concubines did so, those wanting to arrange marriages for their sons proceeded with matchmaking, and those intending to "inspect civilian conditions" at brothels... well, changed their clothes and donned wide-brimmed hats before going.
True to her word, Old Madam hosted a banquet to elevate Jufang to Concubine status after her miscarriage rest period of about ten days. Madam Wang politely gave a red envelope as a gift, then assigned the newly appointed Concubine Fang to her own courtyard according to the same arrangements as Concubine Xiang and Concubine Ping. Watching young Changdong coming and going with his schoolbag, Concubine Fang thought of her lost child and grew increasingly resentful toward Consort Lin.
Though still recovering from her miscarriage and unable to serve Sheng Hong intimately, Concubine Fang could still hold hands, steal kisses, and offer clever compliments that made Sheng Hong stroke his beard in delight. She would also weep over her lost child, further fueling Sheng Hong's disgust toward Consort Lin.
Within days, the Yongchang Marquis's family sent matchmakers to the Sheng residence to formalize the engagement. Madam Wang now viewed Molan as nothing but bad news, wishing she could marry her off the very next day. Since the dowry had long been prepared, and Miss Chunge on the other side probably couldn't wait much longer—lest she serve tea after giving birth, which would look improper—the two families settled on June 28th for the betrothal gifts and July 8th for the wedding.
Upon learning of the finalized marriage, Molan immediately became active again. First, she insisted on paying respects to Sheng Hong to thank him for raising her. Though Hai Shi initially refused, Molan invoked "filial piety" as justification, forcing Hai Shi to consent. Unexpectedly, once before Sheng Hong, Molan began weeping—first lamenting her own lack of filial devotion, then repenting for causing her father trouble, before tearfully pleading for Consort Lin's pardon.
"Father, your daughter is to be married. Please consider the Marquis's family's reputation and allow my mother to return. I am flesh from my mother's body—how can she not see her own daughter married!" Kneeling before Sheng Hong, Molan cried pitifully, presenting a moving picture of mother-daughter devotion.
As expected, Sheng Hong responded coldly: "The one who arranged your marriage was your mother Madam Wang. The one who proposed the match and prepared your dowry was Old Madam. If you're truly grateful, thank them!... Consort Lin violated family law and must be punished accordingly. Don't think your engagement to the Marquis's family gives you license to be presumptuous! If you truly miss your mother, you may claim 'ill health' to cancel the wedding and join her at the estate."
Molan knelt stunned on the ground, staring at Sheng Hong in disbelief. She didn't know he had been behind the screen when Old Madam interrogated her, nor how much poison against Consort Lin Jufang had been pouring into Sheng Hong's ears lately.
After sternly lecturing Molan about "moral character," Sheng Hong summoned Hai Shi to take her away under strict supervision.
Refusing to accept this, Molan attempted another escape from her courtyard. Convention dictated that families should tolerate misbehavior from daughters about to be married, avoiding severe punishment. But this time Madam Wang was determined—without discussion, she first had Molan's maid Yunzai tied up and severely beaten before selling her off. Molan cried and protested incessantly, tugging at Hai Shi's sleeves demanding her maid's return.Cornered, Hai Shi had no choice but to relent. Madam Wang then sent someone to deliver a message: "If the young lady misbehaves, it's always the fault of the servants for not serving diligently. If the young lady causes another disturbance, Luzhong will be sold. If that doesn't settle things, then Bitao, Furong, and Qiujiang will be dismissed in turn... Once the young lady is married, we'll select better ones for her to take along." Mo Lan looked at the maids kneeling all around her, grinding her teeth in frustration, but she dared not cause any more trouble.
In truth, the relationship between a married daughter and her natal family is one of mutual restraint. If the natal family stands by and watches their daughter be bullied outside without offering assistance, they would be ridiculed as incompetent. However, if a married daughter shows disrespect to her elders in the natal family, she would be labeled 'unfilial and rebellious.' And on Mo Lan's list of elders, Consort Lin was not included, but Madam Wang was.
Madam Wang had lived her entire life domineeringly. Even when she encountered Buddha, she was struck by Buddha; when she met gods, she was beaten by gods—yet she never changed her arrogant and fierce nature. So why would she fear the tantrums of a mere concubine-born daughter now? After all, the Yongchang Marquis Manor had already proposed marriage, and the Sheng family's face had been saved. If Mo Lan continued to make a scene, heh heh, Madam Wang would be more than happy to ruin this marriage!
Having witnessed the severity of the situation, Mo Lan obediently remained in the Shanyue Residence to prepare for her marriage.
It seemed that the twenty-eighth of June was indeed an auspicious day. Not only did the Yongchang Marquis Manor choose this date to deliver the betrothal gifts, but several other prominent families in the capital also selected this day for joyous occasions. Among them were the Left Vice Minister of Revenue marrying off his daughter, the Right Censor-in-Chief taking a daughter-in-law, the son of Princess Fu'an taking a remarried wife... and, the current Chief Grand Secretary Shen Shiqi forming a marriage alliance with the Marquis of Qi Manor.
That night, after attending his superior's wedding banquet, Sheng Hong returned home, changed into casual clothes, and went to his study. Pushing open the door, he saw Changbai sitting at the table, who immediately stood up and bowed to him. Quite pleased, Sheng Hong nodded slightly and teased his son, "You returned quite early. Was the food at the Marquis of Qi Manor's banquet not good?"
Changbai replied calmly, "The food was excellent, but Mother's expression was not." Sheng Hong frowned slightly, walked straight to the back of the desk, lifted the hem of his robe, and sat down. "Your mother is quite upset about Ru Yatou's matter, but she is also at fault."
Changbai remained unmoved. He walked to the small table beside the desk, poured a cup of warm, strong tea from a purple clay teapot carved with the 'Three Friends of Winter' pattern, and steadily brought it to Sheng Hong before saying, "A son should not speak of his mother's faults; this matter cannot be blamed on Brother Yuanruo." At first hearing, it seemed he was criticizing Princess Pingning, but in reality, he was also implicating Madam Wang.
Sheng Hong took the teacup and, his throat dry from drinking, drained it in one gulp, nodding as he did so. "Nephew Qi is a good man. Fortunately, he secretly sent you a message a few days ago, so I did not endorse Minister Yan's memorial. After visiting Old Master Lu yesterday, it was confirmed that the matter is indeed true."
Holding the teapot, Changbai refilled his father's cup and said in a low voice, "Father, perhaps we should wait and see. Minister Yan is also a seasoned official; he might have deeper intentions."Sheng Hong picked up his teacup again and took a gentle sip, explaining to his son: "General Gan has held military authority for over a decade now, growing arrogant with his achievements. Even Marshal Bo surrendered his command tally to the Emperor, yet Gan dares to act presumptuously. During last year's northern expedition, when the Emperor nearly exhausted all three major battalions, General Gan deliberately delayed engagement with his troops, allowing the Jie Barbarians to ravage border cities. Uncle Shen and Gu Erlang, capitalizing on their momentum from suppressing rebellions in the south, led troops northward and not only stripped General Gan of half his authority but also achieved successive victories, capturing countless supplies, livestock, and provisions. Minister Lu, recalling our past camaraderie in the Ministry of Works, privately informed me yesterday that battlefield reports have arrived in recent days. Though the Emperor's secret decree hasn't been issued, it's said Uncle Shen overthrew the Jie Barbarians' central command tent in one stroke, while Gu Erlang slaughtered the Left Guli Prince and numerous commanders. Tell me, if Minister Yan now accuses Shen and Gu of allowing their troops to cause havoc and disobeying military orders, isn't he just bringing trouble upon himself?"
Changbai pondered briefly before asking: "Minister Yan has always been extremely cautious. Why would he readily impeach Shen and Gu this time? Surely he knows one is the Empress's own brother and the other the Emperor's trusted confidant?" Though naturally intelligent, having spent his days buried in classical texts at the Hanlin Academy, he remained unclear about the intricate relationships within the imperial court.
Sheng Hong placed the teacup lid with a crisp clink and said slowly: "My son, you don't understand. Our dynasty has always maintained civilian control over military officers. Unless they're imperial relatives or nobles' descendants, no military commander could maintain power for over a decade without court support - just like General Gan. The question is, who stands behind Minister Yan? Chief Minister Shen is shrewd and slippery, avoiding involvement in any controversy. I suspect these people have miscalculated, for our current Emperor isn't as accommodating as the Late Emperor."
Changbai nodded silently, then suddenly asked: "Since Father knew yesterday that Minister Yan's memorial would likely backfire, why did you attend the wedding banquet at the Yan residence today?"
Stroking his beard with a smile, Sheng Hong replied: "Remember this, Bai'er: in official circles, if one cannot maintain absolute integrity and determination, one must learn to blend with the surroundings. My refusal to endorse Minister Yan's position merely reflects minor differences in political views. But having served as his subordinate, I cannot sever ties too abruptly and invite criticism."
Changbai listened attentively as silence filled the study.
Sheng Hong then turned to his son again: "I find your friend Qi quite admirable, showing genuine regard for your former classmateship. You should maintain this friendship. Your wife is virtuous - she knew to prepare double congratulatory gifts this time. Don't worry about angering your mother; I'll speak with her. And that Wen... ah, what a fine young man. It's Mo Yatou who lacks fortune. As his senior fellow student, you should offer him comfort." Sheng Hong sighed, disappointment clouding his face. "Never mind, let Mo Yatou follow her own destiny. We've done all we can. What's hateful is how this has made the Old Madam fall ill. Fortunately, Ming Yatou is filial, constantly attending to her..."
Old Mrs. Sheng, advanced in years and wearied by travel, had contracted a chill after settling Mo Lan's affairs. The strain of the journey and immediate family conflicts upon returning home left her bedridden, slowly recuperating until the late June heat brought gradual improvement.For the first time, Minglan felt that her body must be quite healthy. After spending nearly a full month close to a patient, she hadn’t sneezed even once! This was an epoch-making sign, indicating that this previously sickly and unlucky body could finally shed the title of "sickly child" that had plagued her since the age of six.
Was this easy?! In this wretched place where the fatality rate for a common cold was 10%, and a woman’s hell where maternal mortality reached as high as 20%, Minglan had to persist in taking daily walks, resolutely avoid picky eating and anorexia, consume a variety of nutritionally balanced meals, pay attention to a proper mix of coarse and fine grains, and maintain scientific hygiene habits—for a full nine years, nine years!
Overjoyed, Minglan simply went straight to the pond with a net and caught two plump fish, determined to prepare a fresh pot of raw fish soup for Old Madam. After instructing the head cook to pay attention to the heat and ginger seasoning, she rolled up her sleeves and went to Old Madam’s room, where she found the old lady squinting as she read a letter.
“I told you not to go near the pond again—why do you never listen?!” Old Madam felt an itch in her bones if she didn’t scold Minglan for a day. Minglan pretended not to hear, turned her head away, and deliberately changed the subject: “The sun is so lovely today.”
Old Madam was both annoyed and amused. She swatted at Minglan, who promptly covered her head and burrowed under the old lady’s arm like a little squirrel, deliberately putting on a childish voice: “Oh dear… that pond is only two or three feet deep at most. Xiaotao could reach in and pull me out with one hand. On such a fine day, even if I fell in, I wouldn’t catch a cold!As she spoke, she rubbed against Old Madam, wishing she had a tail to wag in flattery. As usual, Old Madam couldn’t hold out for long. After pretending to be stern for a while, she softened. Minglan quickly changed the subject: “Grandmother, whose letter is this?”
Old Madam placed the letter on the side table, patted Minglan’s head, and said slowly, “It’s a letter from the He family. She’s unwell and wrote specially to express her thanks.” Minglan gave an “oh” and continued to nestle in Old Madam’s arms without getting up. “Did Eldest Sister-in-law recommend that residence? Do they like it?” Old Madam nodded with a slight smile. "Your Eldest Sister-in-law is very enthusiastic." Otherwise, which young mistress would have the time to act as a go-between?”
Minglan picked up the letter and skimmed it, then looked up with a smile. “He Laofuren says the gardenia flowers in her backyard have bloomed and has invited us the day after tomorrow to enjoy the flowers and have tea. Grandmother, shall we go?”
Old Madam patted Minglan’s shoulder and smiled. “I’ve grown tired of lying around this past month, and it’s been a while since I’ve spoken with my old sister. It would be nice to visit. It’s just a pity that Hongwen Ge’er hasn’t returned yet from purchasing medicinal herbs…”
“In Brother He’s eyes, flowers and plants are all medicine. What’s there to appreciate? He’d just use them for his remedies.”
Minglan shook her head emphatically, recalling one time when He Laofuren brought back a pot of vibrant white peonies from out of town. Before she could even invite anyone to admire them, in a moment of negligence, the unaware He Hongwen had plucked them all to make a box of ‘Spleen-Benefiting Lung-Clearing Pills,’ which he earnestly delivered to the Sheng residence as a gift for Old Mrs. Sheng, who had a weak spleen and stomach. The incident left He Laofuren not knowing whether to laugh or cry.
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