As soon as Sheng Hong returned to the residence, Madam Wang urgently pulled him into the room and chattered for a long while. Having always been astute and well-informed as an official, Sheng Hong had a keen interest in court affairs and likely had a more direct understanding of Gu Tingye's value than the women of the inner household. After briefly weighing the pros and cons, he went out the next day to inquire about Gu Tingye's character, following the same standards he had used when investigating Yuanwenshao.
After a few days of this, Sheng Hong told Madam Wang that he agreed to the marriage.
After several days of anxiety, Rulan finally received the verdict. She smashed half the room's belongings, her screams loud enough to wake hibernating river fish. With disheveled hair, she threw a tantrum that terrified all the maids in the room. When Madam Wang came to scold her, Rulan, eyes blazing red, retorted, "If you want to marry him, go marry him yourself!"
Madam Wang trembled with rage and demanded why Rulan refused to marry into the Gu family, but Rulan couldn't provide a clear reason. She hadn't lost her mind completely—if she revealed the truth, her beloved "Jing-gege" would likely become cannon fodder. Scrambling for an excuse, she shrieked, "...Have you lost your mind, Mother? There's a generational gap between me and Gu Tingye! I've called him 'Second Cousin Uncle' before!"
Little Magpie, silently gathering broken porcelain shards on the floor, inwardly sighed. These past few days, her mistress had desperately pressured Liu Guniang to come up with a solution, but Liu Guniang didn't dare interfere while the master and mistress were so enthusiastic. Cornered, she had only managed to produce this flimsy excuse.
Madam Wang indeed flew into a rage, pointing at Rulan and shouting, "What generational gap?! That was just a casual address following others! Among noble families in the capital with close ties, there are plenty of such distant relations. If you keep spouting nonsense, I'll tell your father and let him deal with you!" She bitterly resented Princess Pingning—it was a case of "going for wool and coming back shorn," nearly making her son-in-law a peer.
Though Madam Wang might have made empty threats to her daughter before, this time she meant it. That very night, when Sheng Hong returned home, she had Rulan summoned for a severe reprimand.
Among his daughters, Sheng Hong had always disliked the arrogant and willful Rulan the most, having punished her frequently since childhood. Rulan never bothered with sweet talk or flattery, so she had always feared her father the most. After a few cold, stern rebukes from Sheng Hong, Rulan broke down in tears.
"Have all these years of studying gone to the dogs? You know nothing of filial piety or virtuous decorum? Since when does a young lady like you have a say in marriage matters? Do you even know what shame is? I'm mortified on your behalf!" These words hit hard. Covering her face, Rulan ran off weeping loudly, while Madam Wang forcibly suppressed her heartache.
The Sheng family's approval of the marriage soon reached Gu Tingye through the convoluted chain of Madam Wang → Hualan → Yuanwenshao. Gu Tingye acted efficiently: within days, accompanied by Yuanwenshao, he paid a personal visit. Old Madam claimed illness and refused to appear, so Madam Wang conducted the meeting alone. Minglan didn't know the details of this mother-in-law and son-in-law meeting, but judging by the aftermath, Madam Wang seemed very satisfied. Standing over Rulan, she lavishly praised Gu Tingye's demeanor, character, appearance, and virtue from every angle, making him sound like a flawless flower—so much so that Minglan got goosebumps.Rulan kept her head lowered in silence, maintaining a dazed expression as if she hadn't heard anything; meanwhile, Minglan listened with great astonishment, feeling that Madam Wang's endless stream of praise sounded less like compliments for a living person and more like an impassioned eulogy at a hero's memorial service. She quietly stepped away and approached Hualan, whispering, "Madam has such sharp eyesight? After just one meeting, she could discern so many virtues?"
Hualan struggled to suppress the twitching at the corners of her mouth and her slight unease: "Could your brother-in-law's matchmaking be wrong? General Gu is truly an excellent match." In truth, although Gu Tingye had tried his best to appear humble, the formidable aura unique to military men was unmistakably evident. Madam Wang, feeling awkward, had barely spoken a few words, and Yuanwenshao remarked that his mother-in-law was actually quite courageous.
Seeing the stubborn look on Rulan's face, Hualan felt somewhat puzzled and softly asked Minglan, "I just don't understand what's gotten into this girl? She's suddenly making a fuss about the marriage proposal, as if she has some great grievance with Gu Erlang."
A wave of panic surged in Minglan's heart, and she quickly changed the subject: "Fifth Sister is just a bit temperamental. She was severely scolded by Father earlier and probably hasn't gotten over it yet. Why don't you and Madam try persuading her a bit more?"
Unexpectedly, Hualan shook her head and turned to whisper in Minglan's ear: "There isn't much time for persuasion. General Gu told your elder brother-in-law that his elder brother's health is failing rapidly, and as a younger brother, it wouldn't be proper for him to marry while his brother's body is still warm. So, it's best to conclude the marriage sooner rather than later. You should help persuade her too, so Fifth Sister comes to her senses quickly."
Hearing Hualan's earnest tone and observing the flecks of saliva at the corners of Madam Wang's mouth as she vigorously tried to persuade Rulan, Minglan felt deeply sorry for Brother Jing. But then again... perhaps first love was meant to be shattered and remembered.
Within a few days, news of Gu Tingye's impending marriage alliance with the Sheng family gradually leaked out. It was unclear whether it originated from the Sheng, Gu, or Yuan family. Fortunately, Old Madam had cautiously reminded Sheng Hong and Madam Wang not to reveal any details before the betrothal gifts were formally exchanged and the engagement settled. Madam Wang initially dismissed the advice but soon realized Old Madam's foresight was indeed profound.
The first to react to the rumors of the Gu-Sheng marriage was the Gu family's Grand Old Madam. She immediately began making arrangements to select a daughter-in-law for Gu Tingye. Regardless of whether Gu Tingye was born to Madame Qin, as his stepmother, she had some authority over his marriage, especially since the Old Marquis had passed away. If she did not approve of the Sheng family's marriage proposal, it would be considered "without parental consent," violating proper etiquette.
Madam Wang was frantic with worry, but Hualan comforted her: "Mother, don't worry. Gu Erlang has already prepared a backup plan." Lately, Haling had been referring to Gu Tingye with increasing familiarity, as if he were already her brother-in-law.
On the twelfth day of the eleventh month, the Holy and Peaceful Empress Dowager had just recovered from a minor illness. Overjoyed, the Emperor held a simple family banquet to celebrate. During the banquet, the Empress Dowager pointed at the recently engaged Imperial Uncle Shen Congxing and said with a laugh, "Your sister has worried a great deal on your behalf. She's finally found you a good match." The Empress Shen, sitting nearby, chuckled and added, "My brother is easy to please. I wonder how matters stand with Lord Gu's marriage proposal?"
Gu Tingye, seated at a lower table, smiled without replying. Shen Congxing, sitting beside him, stood up and addressed the gathering with a cupped-hand salute: "I'm afraid none of you are aware—this brother of mine has never seriously studied for more than a few days in his life, and it's doubtful how many characters he even recognizes. Yet now he wants to marry the daughter of a scholar!"The banquet atmosphere was relaxed and cheerful. The Emperor seemed to be in an inquiring mood, and it was only then that Gu Tingye replied that she was the cherished daughter of Left Assistant Censor-in-Chief Sheng Hong. The Emperor smiled and said, "This is a well-chosen match. Sheng Hong has long been known for his integrity, prudence, and diligence—truly a fitting partner for you."
The newly appointed brother-in-law of Empress Shen, the young General Zheng, Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, was the most unrestrained and youthful. After a few cups of wine, he jested boisterously, "Your Majesty, this is a scholarly family, all of them are learned people. Who knows if they’d want a military man!"
The entire banquet hall erupted in laughter.
When the news spread beyond the palace, the Ningyuan Marquis Household fell silent. Madam Wang breathed a heavy sigh of relief. Upon hearing the news, Old Madam remained silent for a long while before finally saying, "Hurry and make Rulan change her mind."
Minglan understood her meaning. If this matter was the result of Gu Tingye’s deliberate scheming, then his meticulous planning was both astonishing and admirable. If it was the Emperor and a few others who had orchestrated it intentionally, then he must be highly favored by the Emperor. With such clear imperial intent, he would surely be entrusted with important responsibilities. In either case, it further solidified Sheng Hong’s determination to proceed with the marriage.
Sheng Hong was not like those paper-tiger fathers in Korean dramas, who roar until their veins bulge and their voices grow hoarse but ultimately forgive their ungrateful daughters. He was a typical feudal scholar-official of ancient times, one who emphasized moral principles and literary accomplishments, and whose thoughts revolved around official careers and economic stability. Although he treated his children more leniently than a rigid old pedant, he still adhered strictly to the hierarchical rules of ruler and subject, father and son, and the rituals of the clan. Within the household, he held absolute authority.
From this perspective, few ancient scholar-officials unconditionally doted on their children, especially since they often had more than one. As long as daughters did not tarnish their virtue or reputation and obediently awaited marriage, that was sufficient. In the past, even Hualan, despite being deeply cherished and valued, dared not interfere in her own marriage arrangements. Molan had once been Sheng Hong’s most beloved daughter, but after she selfishly schemed without regard for her family, nearly ruining the Sheng family’s reputation, Sheng Hong no longer showed her any kindness. Minglan could clearly see the disappointment and disdain in his gaze.
In the face of reality, many things prove fragile. Rulan lacked the courage to defy her family and the rules of propriety. Just as Baoyu, no matter how much he adored Sister Lin or how deeply he was doted on by Grandmother Jia, never dared to openly express his choice in front of Jia Zheng and Madam Wang. Moreover, since the incident with Molan, Hai Shi’s vigilance had increased exponentially. The moment she noticed Rulan’s reluctance regarding the marriage, she tightened security within and around the Sheng residence as strictly as Guantanamo, forcing the "Romance of the West Chamber" to temporarily cease its performance.
Rulan shed tears in vain for several days before gradually calming her demeanor, though her spirits remained low. Madam Wang and Hualan took turns extolling Gu Tingye’s numerous virtues and even demanded Minglan join their efforts to show support for the family’s decision. Minglan did know one significant advantage of Gu Tingye’s, but she dared not speak of it. Struggling until her face turned red, she finally managed to say, "Fifth Sister, think about it—if you were to marry an ordinary husband, wouldn’t that allow Fourth Sister to look down on you?!"
Upon hearing this, Rulan’s previously lifeless eyes suddenly lit up. From the moment she was born, she had been locked in a deep, contentious rivalry with Molan. If she could make Molan eat humble pie, she would even be willing to march to the front lines with her own provisions.Madam Wang and Hualan, inspired, immediately changed their strategy. After every three praises of Gu Tingye, they vigorously depicted how glorious Rulan would appear before Molan after marrying Gu Tingye. The effect was excellent; Rulan gradually resigned herself to her fate. It wasn't as if she was being pushed into a pit of fire—she was merely being made to marry a secondhand luxury item. Besides, Brother Jing might not have been untouched either.
Minglan, having performed excellently in the task of persuading Rulan, received praise from her superiors and was granted parole to return to Longevity and Peace Hall to accompany the Old Madam. The Old Madam rewarded her by having her see off He Hongwen. Since Old Mrs. He's last visit, He Hongwen had come twice more, but Minglan had not appeared. He only bowed his head apologetically to Old Mrs. Sheng like a convict. Seeing his good attitude in admitting his mistakes, the Old Madam gradually softened. Although she had not yet relented, her demeanor had become much more amiable and affectionate.
Minglan walked along a small path leading directly from Longevity and Peace Hall to the second gate. The narrow side path was paved with crushed stones and seldom frequented. He Hongwen followed closely beside her. At times like these, Minglan always found the Old Madam's thoughts rather endearing.
Having been born into the House of Brave Perseverance Marquis, she had grown weary of the lustful and promiscuous nature of men from titled families and deeply detested it. Thus, she chose a Tanhualang (the third top candidate in the imperial examination). Yet, who would have thought civil officials were no better? Not long after the wedding, Old Master Sheng brought back a beautiful concubine, sheepishly explaining that she was a gift from his superior, which he could not refuse, and hoping his wife would be virtuous enough to help him care for the concubine. After the failure of her marriage, the Old Madam lost faith in the integrity of civil officials and turned her favor toward non-mainstream professionals, such as He Hongwen.
"...Mingmei... Mingmei..."
Minglan snapped out of her reverie to see He Hongwen gazing at her shyly, softly calling her name repeatedly. Collecting herself, Minglan smiled slightly and said, "What is it? Please speak."
He Hongwen's eyes suddenly dimmed, and he lowered his head. After a moment, he slowly said, "Mingmei must be angry with me, otherwise you wouldn't speak to me like this."
Nonsense! I've already said all I needed to say! But Minglan replied, "Brother Hongwen, what are you talking about? It's not like that."
He Hongwen suddenly stopped walking, his eyes burning as he looked at Minglan. His throat moved several times as if he were extremely agitated, yet he remained silent for a long time. Finally, he managed to say, "Mingmei! I know you're angry with me, but please hear me out!"
Minglan also stopped and waited quietly. He Hongwen took a deep breath, mustering his courage, and said, "...I dare not claim to be entirely clear-headed, but at least I know whom I wish to marry! I truly regard my cousin as a younger sister, with no romantic feelings whatsoever. Yet, given the circumstances, I cannot stand by and watch her die, so I can only wrong you! But, please believe me, Mingmei, the He family is merely a place for my cousin to settle. She will have food and clothing without worry, but... that is all!"
He Hongwen, emotionally charged, spoke incoherently about the helplessness of accepting Cao Jinxiu and implicitly made many promises about remaining devoted to his wife in the future. Minglan listened quietly throughout, showing neither emotion nor scornful sarcasm. Seeing Minglan's demeanor, He Hongwen gradually grew disheartened: "Mingmei, you still refuse to believe me."Minglan gave a light laugh and shook her head, "Believing isn't about what you say, but what you do."
"I naturally keep my word!" He Hongwen's face flushed red, with fine beads of sweat forming on the tip of his nose.
"For example..." Minglan ignored him, turned around, and began walking slowly again, speaking as if to herself, "While you're playing chess with your wife, your cousin suddenly complains of headaches, foot pains, or stomach aches, demanding you go check on her."
He Hongwen laughed, relieved, and followed behind her, "With my limited skills, I'd naturally call for another physician. She should take medicine if prescribed and see a doctor if ill."
"But if your cousin falls ill every other day, it wouldn't do to call a physician daily. She'd only need you to take a look."
"If it's a chronic condition, the household must keep medicine in stock. Brew a bowl and send it over."
"If your cousin plays the flute, strums the zither, or recites mournful poetry, each sound piercing the ears, each note delicate, crying so pitifully that she insists you comfort her..."
"Playing music is an elegant pursuit, but it should be done in moderation and not disturb others' peace. Otherwise, it's deliberate trouble-making. As for being pitiful, my cousin has been pitiful since her father was exiled. Those years when I wasn't by her side, she still managed to survive."
Minglan suddenly stopped walking and fixed her gaze on He Hongwen, saying coldly, "Don't play dumb. You know perfectly well what I'm talking about."
He Hongwen also halted, standing directly in front of Minglan, his light brown face full of unease, "Mingmei, I know what you're resentful about. That day I went to see my cousin, she was so thin she was just skin and bones, barely clinging to life waiting for me. She couldn't even speak, just begged me with her eyes. I'm weak and useless, unable to harden my heart, so I agreed. But at that time, I told her clearly: I would give her a way to live, but only that - just a way to live. After she enters the household, she shouldn't expect any romantic feelings or tender care from me. If she tries to kill herself again, I won't feel the slightest bit guilty!"
After hearing this, Minglan remained silent. He Hongwen took a deep breath, his broad chest heaving violently, "Mingmei, if she were to die like that, she would become a knot, forever stuck in my heart, making me remember her always!... I, I don't want to keep remembering her. My heart should only hold my wife!"
Minglan slowly raised her head. With her back to the sunlight, He Hongwen's young, handsome face showed complete sincerity and tension. A small, soft part of her heart softened slightly, "After all, you'll be living under the same roof. I'm afraid you won't be able to turn a blind eye."
He Hongwen said seriously in a deep voice, "Mingmei, I know what worries you. But I have eyes and won't be fooled. Fourth Uncle from the Zhang family is currently traveling, but back when he treated the Ling Duke's household for over a decade - from the old duke's dozen concubines to the messy affairs of descendants - what hasn't he seen! How could a physician not understand the scheming tricks of inner household women?"
Minglan raised her eyebrows noncommittally, "So you knew all along? I thought you only pitied Miss Cao's fragility."
He Hongwen smiled awkwardly and said helplessly, "Not all men are blind fools. Unless their hearts are biased, what can't they see clearly? Besides, I trust your character. You'll take good care of Cousin Jin'er."Minglan looked at him for a long moment, then slowly unfolded a smile: "You're right... perhaps so." No matter what, Cao Jinxiu would always stand between them—she would always exist.
Was He Hongwen's word trustworthy? She didn't know. Could he keep the promises he made today? She didn't know either.
All she knew was that He Hongwen had already exerted his utmost effort to reach this point. After all, he was merely an ordinary man of ancient times. Marriage was only a beginning, and this beginning was neither good nor bad—how they would walk the path ahead was what truly mattered.
The winter sun shone warmly, like soft cotton batting pressed against the skin. Bare branches overhead trembled gently in the breeze as Minglan and He Hongwen strolled slowly along the gravel path. The sky was bright, the sunlight mild, the rockeries serene—every scene appeared so tranquil and composed. The Cao family had left the capital, Rulan had yielded, and Old Madam had essentially made her decision. It seemed everything would proceed steadily along its predetermined course.
Yet much later, when Minglan recalled this day, she suddenly realized it had been the last time she ever saw He Hongwen.
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