The He family originally hailed from White Stone Pool in southern Jiangsu. As He Hongwen's grandfather, the elder Lord He, was currently serving as the Minister of the Court of the Imperial Stud, this branch of the family had settled in the capital. The He residence was a three-courtyard compound. Having visited several times before, Minglan knew it housed the elderly He couple, the family of Second Master He, and He Hongwen along with his mother.
The late June sun was already quite scorching. Seated to her grandmother's right, Minglan fanned them both with a large palm-leaf fan throughout the journey, providing coolness for both. After nearly an hour of jostling in the carriage, they arrived. The He household servants, already familiar with the Sheng grandmother and granddaughter, greeted them with beaming smiles, supporting them under shaded parasols as they escorted the pair to the flower hall in the rear garden.
Located farther from the imperial city, the He residence was surrounded by lush greenery. Upon entering the rear garden, a wave of cool shade washed over them. Minglan exhaled a breath of heated air, patted her cheeks with a handkerchief, and asked Danju to check if her makeup had smudged. Danju whispered, "You only applied a layer of scented cream, without even powder. Even if there's some sweat, it won't matter."
Xiaotao glanced sideways at Minglan's fine, nearly poreless skin and added, "Young lady, don't worry—there isn't even any sweat."
Passing through a moon gate and skirting the main courtyard, they stepped into the rear flower hall. The hall had windows open on all sides, with a large round table in the center laden with assorted fresh fruits and pastries. Woven rattan armchairs lined the sides, and a copper basin placed on the floor near the slender willow-leaf door at the windward side held chunks of ice. As the ice melted, it cooled the breeze, filling the room with refreshing comfort. Both Old Madam and Minglan felt their spirits lift at once.
He Laofuren, seated at the head position, rose with a smile to greet her guests. "My dear elder sister, are you feeling better now? Come, let me check your pulse first!" She reached for Old Mrs. Sheng's wrist, but the latter playfully swatted her hand away, chiding, "What kind of hostess are you? Guests arrive, and without offering them a seat or tea, you immediately grab them to take their pulse! What? Afraid people won't know you're a daughter of the renowned Physician Zhang family?"
The surrounding female relatives burst into laughter. A middle-aged woman in a pale yellow thin silk jacket embroidered with flowers and birds, paired with a plain tailored skirt, stepped forward and gently supported He Laofuren. Smiling, she said, "Old Madam, you may not know, but my mother-in-law talks about you every day at home. She's been eagerly awaiting your visit."
She then invited the Sheng grandmother and granddaughter to sit and familiarly called for maids to serve warm summer heat-relief soup. Minglan first curtsied to this Second Mrs. He, then turned gracefully to pay respects to He Hongwen's mother, who stood quietly to the side, before taking a seat in a lower rattan chair.
Once everyone was seated, He Hongwen's mother stood up and bowed to Old Mrs. Sheng, her voice soft as a faint breeze. "Thanks to your kindness, Old Madam, my sister's family is now living very comfortably in that courtyard. On behalf of my sister's household, I thank you." Old Mrs. Sheng waved her hand gently in modest refusal. "It's nothing. In this life, we must always support one another."
He Mu, frail and delicate, expressed her gratitude several more times, her face growing pale. He Laofuren quickly instructed a maid to help her sit back down.The second wife of the He family had a slightly plump figure with a rounded chin. Her speech was thoughtful and considerate, clearly demonstrating the competence of someone who had managed household affairs for many years. With an earnest smile, she said, "I heard your esteemed household will soon have a joyous occasion—allow me to offer my congratulations in advance! Old Madam, you mustn't be stingy with a cup of wedding wine when the time comes!"
Old Mrs. Sheng seemed quite relaxed in the He residence and teased back, "As long as you prepare a generous gift, you're more than welcome to come!" He Laofuren laughed and scolded, "In your younger days, you used to call gold and silver 'vulgar things'—now the older you get, the greedier you become! What are we to do with you?"
Old Mrs. Sheng deliberately widened her eyes and declared, "For that remark alone, you'll have to pay double!"
"This cup of wedding wine of yours is far too expensive! Daughter-in-law, let's not go!" He Laofuren pretended to be upset.
The second wife of the He family stood beside her mother-in-law, gently fanning her, and said with a suppressed smile, "Mother, don't be hasty. Your daughter-in-law can predict that there will surely be a wedding banquet at the Sheng residence that you won't miss! When that time comes, no matter how much silver you have to spend, you'll be more than happy to do so!"
Her words carried a hidden meaning, and her gaze swept over Minglan, who was seated in a lower position. Both He Laofuren and Old Mrs. Sheng smiled faintly at the corners of their mouths.
Minglan was seated directly facing the breeze, which made her spot quite cool. Just as the heat on her body had begun to subside, these words caused her face to flush again. She lowered her head, refusing to speak. He Mu, sitting across from her, noticed her embarrassment and couldn't help but softly say, "Second sister-in-law!" She then walked over, gently patted Minglan's shoulder, and said kindly, "Good child, it's too chilly here. Let's move you to another seat."
Minglan obediently stood up and moved to sit opposite with He Mu. He Mu then took Minglan's hand and began asking her questions in a low voice: How has her health been lately? Was she still doing embroidery work? She reminded her not to strain her eyes. Feeling the dry, cool palm of He Mu's hand, Minglan found it very soothing and comfortable. She answered each question gently and obediently.
As He Mu spoke, she carefully observed Minglan. Minglan wore a light willow-green soft ramie knee-length top, paired with a snow-white satin cloud-patterned pleated skirt, and over it, a deep green thin brocade embroidered vest. Her glossy black hair was styled in a slightly tilted "falling horse" bun, with half of it hanging down and soft bangs covering her forehead. She wore only a pair of kingfisher-feather inlaid with southern pearl gold and silver twisted floral hairpins, and a small white jade flower-entwined crescent comb pressed at the back of her bun. She looked like a tender, fresh spring onion, her face glowing like a pink lotus blossom, so delightful that one felt like taking a bite. He Mu's heart swelled with affection, and she treated Minglan with even more warmth and kindness, softly advising her on a few things to take care of during the summer.
Old Mrs. Sheng glanced sideways and saw how well He Mu and Minglan got along. She felt both relieved and comforted. When she looked up at He Laofuren beside her, she noticed that although she was also smiling, there was a trace of gloom in her eyes, as if something weighed on her mind.
Outside the flower hall stood two extremely tall gardenia trees, now in full bloom. Their leaves were emerald green, and the flowers were moist and white. The gentle breeze carried their delicate fragrance into the hall. The women in the room sipped fragrant tea, listening to the two elderly ladies reminisce about old times. The second wife of the He family occasionally chimed in with witty remarks, making everyone feel quite cheerful.
Amid the bursts of laughter in the flower hall, He Laofuren eventually brought up He Hongwen, who was out purchasing medicinal herbs, speaking of him with evident pride. Just as she was telling Old Mrs. Sheng, "It's about time for Hongwen to get married," a servant woman hurried in to announce, "The aunt from the Cao family has arrived."Then, as if a sudden chill had swept through the hall, the smile on He Laofuren’s face gradually faded. Her gaze swept over He Mu, who was seated below. He Mu lowered her head and shifted uneasily.
Only after seeing her mother-in-law give a slight nod did He Er Taitai raise her voice and say, “Hurry and invite them in.”
Minglan glanced at Old Mrs. Sheng and saw that her expression remained calm and indifferent, so she also settled herself steadily. Before long, a maid lifted the curtain, and two women entered. The first was a woman around fifty years old, her face aged and worn. Even with a thick layer of powder, she could not conceal her sallow and coarse complexion, though her eyes and brows bore some resemblance to He Mu’s. The second woman was about seventeen or eighteen, her head bowed low, her back hunched, and her figure extremely gaunt. She wore a silver-red brocade dress, but the dark gold embroidery at the collar and cuffs had faded, clearly from wear and age. Her exposed hands appeared withered and bony.
He Laofuren sat there with a displeased expression, silent and showing no intention of making introductions. He Mu had no choice but to stand up herself and awkwardly address Old Mrs. Sheng, “This is Hong Ge’er’s aunt, and this is his cousin, her given name is Jinxiu.”
Cao Taitai quickly pulled her daughter forward to pay respects to He Laofuren and Old Mrs. Sheng. He Laofuren waved her hand to signal them to rise and instructed He Er Taitai to arrange seats and refreshments. Once everything was settled, Cao Taitai immediately began chattering, now praising the hall’s bright and spacious scenery, now complimenting He Er Taitai on her management skills, saying the summer refreshment soup was excellent and the tea and fruits were delicious. She even urged Cao Jinxiu to step forward and serve He Laofuren, refilling her tea and selecting fresh fruits, all in an attempt to flatter. However, He Laofuren responded indifferently, her expression growing even more stern.
Seeing this, He Mu grew increasingly anxious and dared not speak. Even He Er Taitai fell mostly silent.
Cao Taitai continued to chatter incessantly. Noticing that He Laofuren paid little attention to her and her daughter, she gradually quieted down. He Laofuren turned to Old Mrs. Sheng and said, “When September comes, Ming Yatou will be of age. Have you decided who will perform the hair-pinning ceremony?”
Old Mrs. Sheng smiled and replied, “Among our old sisters, you are the most blessed. Naturally, it should be you. I wonder if you would be willing?”
He Laofuren had long intended this and, upon hearing this, clapped her hands joyfully, saying, “That would be wonderful! Don’t worry, I’ll prepare a precious hairpin that will surely suit your treasured granddaughter!”
Seeing them conversing among themselves and completely ignoring her and her daughter, Cao Taitai couldn’t help but feel a surge of silent anger. She immediately turned toward Minglan, who had no time to evade, and grabbed her arm. A shrill laugh followed, “Oh, indeed, she’s as lovely as if carved from jade! Look at these features, this figure…”
Old Mrs. Sheng frowned at her frivolous words, especially since they involved Minglan. But Cao Taitai continued, “Tsk, tsk, such a fine appearance! Speaking of our Jinxiu, she was also praised as a beauty since childhood. It’s just a pity she doesn’t have Ming Guniang’s good fortune! At such a young age, she had to suffer in that wretched place. Now she doesn’t look too spirited, but if she could rest and recuperate with good food and care for a while, she certainly wouldn’t lose to anyone!” As she spoke, she even reached out to touch Minglan’s clothes.Minglan subtly exerted force through her arm, bending her elbow to deftly slip free from Madam Cao's grasp. She shifted slightly to the side, evading further contact while inwardly puzzled: Since Madam Cao and He Mu were sisters, how could one resemble a coarse village woman?! Casting another sidelong glance, she noticed He Mu's face flushing red then pale with embarrassment, yet she could only watch helplessly as her sister made a spectacle of herself. Cao Jinxiu remained with her head bowed throughout. Minglan studied her carefully for a moment, noting her slightly dark complexion weathered by hardship, her thin and frail frame—her appearance was truly unremarkable.
Being guests, the He family could hardly intervene, which only emboldened Madam Cao further. Turning toward Old Mrs. Sheng, she declared, "I've heard from my sister that you, Old Madam, were the closest of childhood friends with my sister's mother-in-law. I won't mince words then—our Jin'er and my nephew Hong Ge have grown up together since they were children, their bond... I'm not boasting when I say that when our family left the capital back then, Hong Ge chased after us crying out Jin'er's name! With such deep affection, our Jin'er naturally..."
He Laofuren's expression darkened. She slammed her teacup onto the table with a sharp "clang," the lid shattering on the tea tray. Knowing their mother-in-law's temperament—cheerful and jovial in ordinary times but fierce enough to even scold the old master when angered—He Er Taitai and He Mu immediately stood stiffly aside in fear.
Furious yet smiling coldly, He Laofuren slowly pulled a blue lapis lazuli ruyi hairpin carved with the characters for "fortune and longevity" from her hair. Placing it on the tea table, she pointed at it and said, "Aunt, I've long intended to give Jinxiu this hairpin. Since everyone is here today, if you don't find it beneath you, please take it."
Madam Cao stared blankly for a moment before delightedly scurrying forward to snatch the hairpin, gesturing and praising it repeatedly. With a peculiar smile, He Laofuren continued slowly, "Now that she has a hairpin, have Jinxiu put up her hair properly when she returns. Her attire should change too—it's improper for a married woman to still dress like a maiden!"
Her words struck the hall like a silent thunderclap. Cao Jinxiu jerked her head up, tears welling in her eyes, standing rigid as a wooden post, utterly motionless. The expressions of everyone in the room shifted abruptly.
With a "clatter," Madam Cao dropped the hairpin in panic, breaking it in two. He Laofuren turned to He Mu, whose face was deathly pale, and sneered, "It seems your sister finds my hairpin unworthy!"
He Mu trembled uncontrollably, staring at her sister in disbelief and confusion. Avoiding her gaze, Madam Cao gritted her teeth secretly before forcing a smile toward He Laofuren: "Surely you've mistaken, Laofuren! Our Jin'er hasn't yet..." He Laofuren waved a hand to cut her off, simultaneously grabbing Cao Jinxiu's wrist and pressing three fingers firmly against her pulse point. Staring coldly at Madam Cao, she smiled icily.
Madam Cao suddenly recalled her sister mentioning that He Laofuren had studied medicine since childhood—she could discern whether a woman was maiden or married merely by observing her physique, and a pulse reading would reveal everything. Sweat poured down her back as she glanced desperately at her sister, only to find her equally distraught and lost.Seeing this, He Mu was already clear in her heart. Her mother-in-law had likely been suspicious for some time but had refrained from exposing it out of consideration for her face. Yet now she had spoken out in front of the Sheng family's grandmother and granddaughter as well as He Ersao. This was not only a clear statement to outsiders but also an indirect expression of strong dissatisfaction with the Cao family. He Mu had been widowed at a young age, and over the past decade or so, she had been able to live peacefully and raise He Hongwen to success largely due to her mother-in-law's support. She had always held He Laofuren in high esteem, and now, seeing her clearly furious, she felt afraid.
Afterward, no one was in the mood to admire the flowers. Old Mrs. Sheng excused herself on the grounds that she had not fully recovered and took Minglan to leave. He Laofuren held her hand and spoke several words to her. He Ersao accompanied them all the way to the gate, full of apologies, and even packed a box of summer medicinal herbs that had been prepared in advance before respectfully bidding farewell.
After boarding the carriage, the grandmother and granddaughter remained silent for a long time.
Minglan lowered her head in thought. When she first met He Laofuren, she had only felt that the old lady was straightforward and easy to talk to. But now, reflecting on it, He Laotaiye had been quite a romantic in his youth and had many concubines, yet over several decades, not a single illegitimate child had been born. Now that they were an old couple, He Laofuren had complete control over the entire family. When she said to divide the household, it was divided; when she said how much property to give to He Hongwen and his mother, that was exactly what was given. Her husband, sons, and daughters-in-law all complied without a word of dissent, and she lived a very comfortable life.
Today, seeing her strike with such a deadly and ruthless move, Minglan realized that such a person could not be simple! The inner household was like an exquisitely restrained arena; those who ultimately survived were either born with good luck, like Yu Yanran's grandmother, or had some real skills!
After a long while, Minglan sighed and said, "Fortunately, there is Grandmother He."
Old Mrs. Sheng's expression was profound, and her eyes flickered noncommittally: "Marriage between two families requires mutual consent and joy for all. If it relies on an elder's suppression to succeed, it is not a good match. Let's wait and see. I wonder what Hongwen's mother thinks…"
…
At this moment, He Mu stood in He Laofuren's inner room, her heart filled with panic. Only the two of them were in the room, with the doors and windows tightly shut. The room was somewhat stuffy, yet He Mu still felt chills running down her spine.
"Have you lost your mind?!" He Laofuren slapped the tea table, causing the teacup on it to jump. "You clearly knew my intentions, yet you still informed the Cao family about today's meeting! What were you thinking?! Do you truly want Jin'er as your daughter-in-law?!"
He Mu flustered and quickly waved her hands: "No, no, no, I like Minglan very much. How could I…" As she spoke, her eyes grew hot, and she choked up, "But my sister kept begging me, and I… I have only this one sister left from my maiden family!""You!" The elderly Madam He fumed with frustration, scolding: "You're just too soft-hearted! Let me make this clear to you today - our He family isn't the type to despise the poor and curry favor with the rich. Had the Cao family betrothed their daughter to Hongwen Ge'er before their downfall, even if it meant being ridiculed, I would have accepted this granddaughter-in-law! But don't forget, back then it was the Cao family who looked down upon you widowed mother and orphaned son with no support! At that time, the Cao family put on such airs, constantly declaring they would marry their daughter into a prestigious family! Hmph! Now that their family has fallen into decline and poverty, they suddenly remember they have you as a sister and Hongwen as a nephew!"
At this point, Madam He raised her voice angrily: "What's most detestable is that they actually dared to deceive our family! Clearly no longer a virgin, yet still trying to conceal the truth! Truly utterly hateful!"
He Mu began sobbing, speaking intermittently: "Just now my sister told me that when they were in Liangzhou, their family truly couldn't survive anymore. Out of desperation, Jin'er had no choice but to become that military officer's concubine. Who would have thought that just a few months later there would be a general pardon? Now the Cao family is filled with regret!"
"So what?" Madam He glared, "First they had delusions of grandeur, then they deliberately deceived us. Do you really want to fulfill your sister's wishes and get such a ruined girl as your son's wife?!"
A widow raising her son alone naturally invests far more effort than ordinary mothers. He Mu certainly hoped her son would achieve greatness, but she was inherently weak-willed and easily swayed. Her sister's tears and pleas had softened her heart. Now that the matter was laid bare, torn between sisterly affection and her son's future, she became flustered.
Finally, He Mu wiped her tears and looked up: "Mother, I've made up my mind - I still think Ming Yatou would make the best daughter-in-law!... However, before my sister left just now, she begged me again, saying it would be fine even if Jin'er became a concubine. Mother, what do you think?"
"Don't even think about it!" Madam He slammed the table heavily again, speaking through gritted teeth. But seeing He Mu's frightened expression, she softened her tone, feeling pity for this daughter-in-law who had been widowed young: "Daughter-in-law, think carefully - the Sheng family marriage is the best possible match. Your father-in-law is getting old and will retire in a few days. Soon after, either we'll return to our hometown at White Stone Pool, or follow his elder brother to his new post. Then who will Hongwen rely on? We must find him a wife from a family he can depend on! We can't reach for daughters from noble families, daughters from lowly families are no good, and ordinary common-born daughters lack proper upbringing. You've seen for yourself - is there anyone more suitable than Minglan? Her father and brothers all serve as court officials, the family is wealthy. Though she's a common-born daughter, her appearance and temperament are first-rate. She's dearly loved by her father, brothers, and sisters-in-law at home, and she was raised by my old sister herself. Even if your family of three lives separately in the future, she can competently manage household affairs, care for her mother-in-law, and assist her husband! After all these years of observation, Ming Yatou is the most suitable. And now the Cao family comes causing trouble! A concubine?! Hmph! Before the wife even enters the door, we're already preparing a concubine? I have no face to see my old sister about this!"
He Mu was moved by her mother-in-law's words, slowly drying her tears while lost in thought: "What mother says is absolutely right, but... what about Jin'er?"Old Lady He said coldly, "She has her own parents. You're merely an aunt, so mind your own business! Finding a house, providing household expenses, securing employment—we've helped where we should. Must we support the Cao family for life?! And keep your fingers closed tight! I divided a substantial portion of the family estate from your elder and second brother for you and your orphaned child, intended for Hong Ge'er to establish his future family and career, not for you to subsidize the Cao family. Weigh your son against the Cao family! The Cao family has men and sons, with hands and feet—must the entire family be supported by the He family? In this world, we help in emergencies, not in perpetual poverty! For now, I'm managing the assets for you, but once I pass away, with your soft-hearted nature, if we don't find a reliable granddaughter-in-law, these assets might well end up surnamed Cao! I've made myself clear—after all, it's you who's seeking a daughter-in-law. Think it over yourself!"
These words were extremely stern and carried deep implications. He Mu was startled inwardly, understanding her mother-in-law's meaning, and dared not speak another word.
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