More than ten days later, it was the day when school started.
This painful day, which would have caused countless schoolchildren to wail and howl in agony in later generations, was, to the little girl living in isolation in ancient times, something fresh and exciting. Before the gong sounded at the hour of Mao, the two little sisters arrived at the front of Jiaxi Residence, all dressed in brand new clothes.
One of them wore a small jacket embroidered with tender yellow bamboo branches and flower buds and light pink gold, with a golden locket with auspicious clouds on her chest, and a nine-section curved red gold necklace embellished with twelve glass beads. The other wore a brocade jacket with dark blue carved silk and thin gray mouse skin trim. She only wore a few plain and exquisite silver ornaments on her body, and a thin silver chain on her chest with a piece of extremely precious mutton-fat white jade hanging from it, making her whole body warm and translucent.
The house was quiet, with the windowsill just half-open, letting in a hint of cold frost that had fallen on the flowers and plants in the courtyard in the early morning. On the east table stood a small purple jade incense burner with a double unicorn protecting a Ganoderma lucidum, and fragrant smoke curled out from the mouth of the burner.
Gong Hongxiao and Qiu Niang stood at attention on one side. They could hear the faint clatter of chopsticks, spoons, and dishes coming from the east room. Qiu Niang tried her best to suppress the urge to turn her head and look around. She lowered her head and remained silent. Gong Hongxiao, however, looked up at Minglan and said, "Madam, why don't you have your meal first?"
"No need." Minglan waved her hand, her expression still showing some fatigue, and her voice was a little hoarse. Gong Hongxiao only felt a burst of irritation and quickly lowered her head, but Qiu Niang was distracted and could not help turning her head frequently to look towards the side.
At this time, Danju led the two little girls into the house. After they both bowed, Minglan, who was sitting at the head of the table, straightened her back, straightened her expression, calmed her breath, and began to speak.
"Outside is different from home. You must be careful and cautious in everything you say and do, and don't act recklessly. You sisters are the face of our Gu family. Behaving appropriately is the Gu family's demeanor. Listen and observe more, talk less and act less. Observe what others do, be more thoughtful, and learn from the masters..."
She spoke gently and earnestly, and the two girls nodded solemnly in agreement. Seeing their obedient promises, Minglan couldn't help but feel relieved and a little intoxicated. She wasn't very good at moral education. Her specialty was the art of punishment, such as spanking, monthly fines, and confinement in the dungeon. Ideological education fell under the purview of the Propaganda Department in the office next door.
"Mother Cui has taught you the rules. Don't be stubborn outside. Listen to your teacher and talk to him nicely if you have anything to say." Minglan said to Rong Jie'er with a stern face. After thinking for a moment, she added, "If it doesn't work out, come back and tell me."
Rong Jie'er blushed, nodded vigorously, and whispered, "Don't worry, mother, I understand."
Minglan felt relieved and turned to Xianjie'er, saying softly, "You are a good person. Auntie has always trusted you. Please keep an eye on her and don't let Rong get stubborn outside."
Sister Xian smiled sweetly: "Don't worry, Auntie, we will definitely remember your earnest teachings."
Her tone was bright and sincere, which Minglan found very pleasing. However, a soft, almost inaudible hum came from the east side room, but Minglan swore she heard dissatisfaction and ridicule in it. This morning, under Gu Tingye's half-sour gaze, she forced herself to fight her sleepiness and get up early, simply because she wanted to give a final lecture to her new students.
Minglan thought that she must look quite silly when she was preaching, so she endured the blushing, did not turn her head, and pretended not to hear.
"Okay, you can go out now. You don't have to come to me specially in the future. It's so early in the morning, and you poor guy can't sleep more." Minglan's eyes were full of pity. It was such a terrible thing to get up early in the morning to study.
Another sound came from the east room, the crisp clink of chopsticks dropping from the celadon chopstick holder. Minglan's teeth itched, and she tried not to turn her head. Fine, she wanted to sleep in a little longer, her mind was full of thoughts of sleeping in, so what.
Everyone in the room was silent, except Qiu Niang, who looked towards the east several more times.
Seeing that it was almost time, Danju led the two girls out. Xianjieer stepped out first, but Rongjieer's steps were a little slow. She looked back at Minglan several times, and there was a hint of uneasiness in her childish eyes with clear black and white.
Minglan's heart moved, and she suddenly called out, "Rong girl." Rong Jie'er immediately stopped and stared at her eagerly.
"Study hard, be polite and respectful to others, but don't let others bully you. Remember, your last name is Gu." Minglan thought for a while and added, "In this area of the capital, your father has never suffered any loss outside." The second son of the Gu family has been wild and unruly since he was a child. He has beaten all the playboys in the capital with his fists. It is a blessing for him not to bully others.
As soon as she finished speaking, a very light sound was heard from the side room on the east side again, which sounded like a muffled laugh. Rong Jie'er was stunned. Minglan gritted her teeth and quickly told her to leave. The little girl lowered her head, turned around and walked out the door.
After all the maids and old women had left, a tall figure flashed by. Gu Tingye stood beside the brocade grid, holding a snow-white handkerchief in his hand, rubbing it gently between his fingers. He was wearing an ochre-red Shu brocade uniform with a dark gold covering, and his temperament was mature and steady.
When Qiuniang saw him, she was suddenly excited, her lips trembling slightly but she couldn't speak. Gong Hongxiao was much smarter and quickly said, "Madam has been busy for a while. Let me serve you and your wife for dinner." As she said that, she was about to help Minglan.
Gu Tingye frowned and said, "There are people serving here. You and Qiu Niang should go back first."
The tone was so majestic that no one dared to argue. Gong Hongxiao froze for a moment, then responded with a smile on her face and went down, followed by Qiu Niang, who lowered her head with a sad and reluctant look.
"It's rare to see a concubine so fond of paying respects to the Madam." Minglan looked at the two lonely and reluctant people, then turned to Gu Tingye with a half-smile, "My Lord, tell me, why is this so?"
Gu Tingye didn't answer, but leaned against the Linglong Pavilion in silence. Minglan then asked herself, "It must be because my mistress is extremely kind and upright, which makes them admire and love her so much."
"Come and have dinner." The man's expression remained unchanged, but he curved the corners of his lips, and his eyebrows added a bit of charm.
…
Seven or eight days after the girls started school, Minglan, following Great Zhou custom, went to the general's residence to express her gratitude. That afternoon, she prepared a small gift and went to General Zheng's residence again, specifically thanking Madam Zheng for recommending her as a teacher. Based on her childhood experience, a quiet and solemn person like Madam Zheng disliked chatter; the more she talked, the more annoying she became. After sincerely thanking her, Minglan was at a loss for words. She couldn't just leave, so she sat there racking her brains, citing examples to bolster her credibility.
"My sister Rong has indeed become much more well-behaved and polite these past few days." His tone when calling her 'mother' was much more sincere, unlike before when he was as shy and reluctant as a mosquito. It can be seen that sometimes ideological work still needs to be done by outsiders.
After thinking for a moment, Minglan added, "You can tell I'm working hard without anyone watching."
Madam Zheng was quiet, but her smile was gentle and kind, as if she enjoyed Minglan's slow narration. Little Shen smiled and livened up the atmosphere, "My niece said that your daughter is also a strong-willed person. She fell behind a little when the teacher asked her about her homework the first time, but she fought back the next day."
"Not only that." Minglan hid her smile with her handkerchief, trying to speak seriously. "That child isn't naughty, and she knows how to respect her elders. I heard from her family that she's been practicing needlework diligently these past few days, preparing to give me and the Marquis a few small gifts for the New Year. Oh my God, may God bless that needlework master and don't make my stupid girl so angry."
Madam Zheng was amused by what she heard. "It's okay. Once you get started, you'll be fine." After a pause, she seemed to remember something and said with a smile, "My girl was also... her ten fingers were like clubs."
Seeing the harmonious atmosphere in the room, Minglan breathed a sigh of relief. In the past, in front of Brother Changbai and Old Madam Sheng, she relied on her young age to act coquettishly and pretend to be stupid, but now she couldn't climb on Madam Zheng and roll around to act cute.
She's actually not very good at getting close to people she doesn't know well. If she'd been a student of the Propaganda Department's boss, perhaps things would have been different. His disciples, each skilled in eloquent, affectionate rhetoric, aiming not only to convince your mind but also to move your heart, striving to either convince you or annoy you to death. Their collective idol: Mr. Tang Sanzang.
After talking for a while, Minglan was about to say goodbye. Little Shen quickly stood up, pretended to glance at the clepsydra beside her, and said, "Oh, it's already this late. I guess school should be over there." Then she smiled and looked straight at Minglan.
Little Shen lost her parents at a young age, and with her brothers and sisters' deep affection, she had little control over her, and had been accustomed to her own freedom since childhood. But after marrying into the Zheng family, she had to strictly observe the virtues of a woman, staying inside the main gate and out the back door. She spent all day in the general's mansion, facing a solemn and living devil sister-in-law, and her every word and action was regulated, which was really frustrating.
How could Minglan not know what little Shen was thinking? She wanted to play dumb, but she couldn't stand the burning, expectant gaze. She smiled bitterly in her heart, but said calmly, "Yes, I had planned to pick up the two children on my way out."
Little Shen secretly cheered, turned around and said with a smile, "Sister-in-law, it's only a few steps away anyway. Why don't I go with you and bring my niece back?" Madam Zheng glanced at Minglan and Little Shen calmly, lowered her head to sip her tea, and said nothing. Little Shen looked at Minglan, who lowered her head. The two were just beginning to feel anxious when they heard Madam Zheng say, "Then you can go together."
Xiao Shen was as if pardoned. She hurried back to her room, dressed herself up a bit, and then took Minglan's arm in arm and went out.
"Huh, I can finally get some fresh air."
In the carriage, Little Shen frequently lifted the curtains a little to peek in, her face filled with delight. "When I was in Shu, I often heard that the capital was prosperous and wealthy, and it was the best place in the world. It's a pity that I've been in Beijing for so long, but I've never had a good time."
Minglan laughed and said, "You sound so pitiful. Have you never been out of the house?"
Little Shen pursed her lips, lowered the carriage curtain, and turned around to say, "Either they go to the nunnery to burn incense, or to the Taoist temple to hold a ceremony, or else they dress up like they're paying homage to their ancestors and go to someone's house for a drink and tea. At most, they're just visiting a few familiar gold, jade, and antique shops. How can that be considered sightseeing?"
"Then what are you going to do?" Minglan tilted her head, leaning against the small fumigation cage, her body feeling sleepy and weak again.
Little Shen's eyes lit up, and she said clearly, "I have traveled all over the mountains and rivers, seen all the human nature and the world, and now I know what the situation is like under the feet of the emperor." Minglan smiled, and very politely lifted her hands from the warming cage and clapped her hands lightly twice. Little Shen was embarrassed and said angrily, "Just laugh at me!"
Seeing her slight anger, Minglan stopped joking and gently advised, "I'm not laughing at you. You're right. It's just a pity that we were born girls, so how can we travel everywhere? I've been in the capital longer than you, and I've only been to a few places. It was only that one year when the spring was beautiful that the whole family of women went for an outing to the nearby Wangchun Mountain. That was the first time I saw the scenery outside. It was my elderly grandmother who started the idea of traveling. Besides the old ancestor, even my wife didn't think of traveling."
Xiao Shen listened with longing. After a while, she said, "My mother-in-law can't even walk anymore. As for my sister-in-law..." She sighed softly and stopped talking.
Minglan was also feeling melancholy. Who wouldn't want to travel around? So she joked, "Then there's only one solution. Hurry up and give birth to a bunch of children. One litter at a time. When you become the patriarch, with children and grandchildren galore, you can go wherever you want."
Little Shen blushed with shame, her temper turned, and she said angrily, "I treat you as a confidant and tell you everything, but you come to tease me! You are so mean. I won't talk to you anymore."
Minglan laughed so hard that she moved on the thick and soft mattress, clung to little Shen's shoulders, and said softly, "Good sister, I was wrong. Please forgive me. I won't dare to do it again." She said a lot of nice words before she coaxed little Shen back.
Little Shen poked Minglan's forehead and scolded her with a smile, "You debt collector! I only pity your Lord. He must have done something wrong in his previous life to marry someone as terrible as you. I'm either going to make you faint or make you die of anger."
The two were of similar age, and they started to laugh and twist around as they talked. After a while, little Shen slowly straightened up and said quietly, "Although it's nice here, there are too many troubles. It's not as comfortable as being in Shu." Minglan lay on the velvet pillow and looked at her quietly.
After a while, Xiao Shen said softly, "I just can't bear to leave my brother and sister."
Minglan remained silent. Suddenly, she thought of the famous Concubine Dai. A tragic figure, unknown and unloved, she yearned to be a princess, and then, with the world's attention, wealth and honor, she also desired freedom and love. There are so few things in the world that can have both. Little Shen Shi wanted to enjoy the prosperity and wealth of the capital while also wanting freedom and freedom. It was obviously not enough to have accumulated good deeds in a previous life; she also needed a good fortune.
If you can eat salty fish, you have to endure the thirst. If you accept wealth and honor, you have to be able to endure troubles.
The affairs of the Zheng family were once the talk of the town's powerful circles, and Minglan had heard a little about them.
When little Shen had just married, she thought that she had the support of her sister, the Queen, so she went to the palace to complain and lodge a complaint, hoping that the royal family would step in to curb her elder sister-in-law's prestige so that she could live a more comfortable life.
Unexpectedly, Madam Zheng was more cruel and single than her. She had just finished crying to her sister, and the Queen had not yet figured out how to tell Madam Zheng, but she had already knelt in front of Madam Zheng and said, "I am humble and not worthy of being the eldest sister-in-law of the Shen family," and asked to leave.
Madam Zheng, in her seventies, was terrified. They had been inseparable for over a decade, and their bond was extraordinary. She had always been very pleased with her eldest daughter-in-law, who had borne them children, taken care of the household, and maintained a harmonious family. How could she abandon her? Madam Zheng, despite her frail frame, donned her full imperial attire and went to the palace to plead guilty and beg for mercy.
For a time, there was a lot of discussion everywhere.
While there was talk, there was no real controversy at all. Public opinion swung overwhelmingly in favor of Madam Zheng. She came from a highly respected and virtuous family, renowned for her virtues. Some of her ancestors were enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and her uncles were honored in the Martyrs' Shrine. Her family accounted for 10% of the chastity archways nationwide (what a formidable family tradition), and she herself was renowned in the capital as a virtuous and upright woman.
It had only been two days since Xiao Shen came into the family, but she had already forced such a virtuous sister-in-law to leave her husband's family. It was simply outrageous. The Shen family's in-laws hadn't even sat comfortably on their buttocks, but they dared to be so arrogant and domineering, and looked down on everyone. They would definitely cause great trouble in the future.
According to Sheng Hong's father, the censors in the court have already written the impeachment memorial and are ready to submit it.
Not only that, even the female members of the royal family, led by Princess Qingning, were very unhappy.
The Zheng family of the Marquis of Zhongjing is such a fine family, both distinguished and kind. What's this? Our princesses and daughters, all of us royal family, wouldn't dare disrespect our husbands' sisters-in-law, yet you, the Empress's sister, are the first to open up? You act like a nouveau riche, and it's not even your turn to emulate Princess Taiping.
Empress Dowager Shotoku and several princesses laughed at her with disdain.
I remember that at that time, Minglan also expressed a few words of indignation, but Brother Changbai smiled lightly and said: "This is just a killing stick, the emperor can stop it in an instant." Later, Minglan understood that as a newly promoted relative of the royal family, the civil officials would usually intimidate and suppress her; what's more, Xiao Shen also had a brother-in-law who was the emperor and was working hard to build the brand trademark of "benevolence and filial piety".
As Brother Changbai had expected, several trusted ministers saw the opportunity quickly and the emperor acted quickly. They had a talk with the empress, and it was not known whether it was to persuade or reprimand, but the empress immediately summoned the women of the Zheng family into the palace. Before Empress Dowager Shengde could make a move, she gave her own sister a severe scolding and assigned two nannies to discipline her. Finally, she comforted the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law of the Zheng family with a pleasant face and rewarded them with a lot of things. Only then was the matter settled.
Little Shen suffered the most. She had only made a minor complaint (a practice she had always done since childhood). Her elder sister scolded her elder brother, who then scolded her mother-in-law, and then both mothers-in-law. When she was sent back to her husband's home, her parents-in-law were inevitably displeased. Even her husband was deeply displeased, and he apologized profusely to his eldest brother. After this incident, Little Shen became obedient.
"To be honest..." Little Shen imitated Minglan and put her head against the velvet cushion, sighing softly, "Although my sister-in-law doesn't like to joke, she is a very good person." She was not stupid and could not tell the truth from the falsehood or judge who was good or bad.
After all, Madam Zheng hadn't been too harsh on her. She hadn't asked her to set rules, nor had she bullied or ridiculed her. She had simply stopped Little Shen from appearing in public, and from pestering Little General Zheng on outings.
In addition, she would often remind her of social etiquette, so as not to make mistakes in her words and actions, so as not to make a fool of herself in public. She was much better than the sisters-in-law in other wealthy families, who were either superficially harmonious, or engaged in intrigue, or just watched the joke with a cold eye.
"Nonsense, everyone can see it. Don't be ungrateful for the blessings you have. Your sister-in-law is such a kind-hearted person." Minglan teased.
"Alas, now even the Empress Dowager keeps telling me to be grateful. I must have such good fortune in my previous life, coming from such a good family with such a clean and upright family tradition, and the sons and daughters are all well-behaved. She also tells me to listen to my sister-in-law and not to act recklessly." There was a sense of sadness in Xiao Shen's tone, as if the situation was hopeless.
This was Madam Zheng's brilliance. Regardless of what happened internally, she always protected Little Shen with all her might, adopting the attitude of, "My sister-in-law, we will discipline her ourselves, and it's not anyone else's place to judge." When someone once mocked Little Shen for her lack of proper manners and rusticity, she immediately lost her temper and walked away. Over time, even the Empress came to respect her, often inviting her into the palace for conversation. This was precisely why Minglan had singled her out as her point of attack.
What a clever person! There are indeed hidden dragons and crouching tigers in the boudoir. But...
"Tell me, if it had been back then..." Minglan carefully considered her tone and asked cautiously, "Would your sister-in-law really have divorced and begged for her life?" This was something she really shouldn't have asked, but she was as curious as a cat scratching itself.
Little Shen rolled her eyes at Minglan, thought for a moment, then slowly nodded, her expression strained. "I didn't believe it at first, but now I've been married for almost two years, and I've watched with cold eyes..." She let out a long sigh, "My sister-in-law's upbringing is to be indifferent to life and death, and to value etiquette and law. That's really her nature, and she's prepared to sacrifice her life."
Minglan leaned back, her little heart clutching her hands in fear, unable to bear the pain of being hurt.
Someone had already gone to the villa of Marquis Zhongjing's mansion to inform them. When they arrived at the gatehouse, several girls and maids were already waiting there.
The Zheng family's young daughter was generous and lovely, and seemed quite fond of little Shen. As soon as the aunt and niece met, they happily held hands and got into their own carriage, saying they were going first to Koushui Pavilion to buy freshly baked roasted pigeon, and then to Ziyunzhai to see the newly arrived Huixuan jade paper as a reward for the little girl's hard work and progress. Little Shen's enthusiasm made it seem she was really bored in the Zheng residence.
Minglan felt deep contempt in her heart for this behavior of using a child as an excuse.
The two children rode in Minglan's carriage, chattering about interesting things from class all the way. Xianjie, needless to say, had always loved reading, and even Rongjie was very interested. The Xue family's assessments didn't just focus on academic performance. Rongjie, though not a scholar, was an excellent arithmetician. While others were still fiddling with the abacus beads, she could already calculate in her head.
"Since it's on the way, why not go see Fifth Sister?" Minglan was so interested in what they were talking about that she suddenly had this idea. The temperature was just right today, and it was not easy for a lazy person like her to go out, so since she was out, she should not waste it.
The carriage and horses stopped at a large gate painted with double flowers. The Wen family's house was in the middle of Tianshui Hutong, in a spacious courtyard with more than three entrances.
"You came here empty-handed?" Rulan held her waist with one hand. She was wearing a light red, thin, silver mouse fur coat with a pattern of hundreds of butterflies. Her hair was tied into a neat bun, and she had a very eye-catching large South Pearl and red gold hairpin inserted in it.
She spoke with this sentence, her belly bulging. Minglan couldn't help but feel angry. Having such a sister really shortened her life. "I just had this idea on a whim. It's nothing! If you're not happy, I'll just send things over and never come to your house again."
"How could that be?" Rulan was just being blunt, not really wanting anything. She cheerfully asked Minglan to sit down. "You're lucky. Those two annoying people from my in-laws' family are out, and your brother-in-law's aunt has some issues."
At this time, a little magpie dressed as a woman came in with a tea tray. After hearing this, she couldn't help but say, "My great-grandmother, why are you saying this again..." She looked around and saw that there was no one else around. "Be sure not to let it slip out of your mouth if you keep saying it."
Rulan had no choice but to pout and say, "Well, this is the most annoying thing."
Minglan looked at the little magpie with a smile and said gently, "Are you feeling well? If you feel unwell, don't hide it. Just tell your fifth sister. She begged you two to come."
The little magpie put down the tea tray, covered his mouth and laughed: "Look at what you said, I can't bear to leave my girl, so I begged her to come. The sixth girl is still so fond of joking. The old lady and the second lady are out today, so Madam, why don't you talk to our eldest lady for a while..." As she spoke, she cleverly directed the maids who came in one after another to place the tea and fruit plates.
The two sisters sat down. Rulan glanced up and saw Minglan wearing a blue, gem-green brocade silver mouse coat. This was a tribute bestowed by the emperor and was not available outside. She was dressed in plain clothes and did not wear any jewelry. There was only a red gold filigree and emerald jade phoenix hairpin with a turned bead on her bun. The pearl hanging from it was as big as a thumb, swaying slightly on the side of her forehead, moving and shining.
Ever since their marriage, Rulan had always felt a little uncomfortable seeing Minglan in her glamorous and distinguished attire. But today… She lowered her head and gently stroked her belly, glancing at Rong Jie'er beside her. Having such a grown-up concubine standing right in front of her the moment she entered the house was quite an eyesore.
Thinking of this, she no longer felt that Minglan's wealth and splendor was so tempting. Rulan felt much better and immediately became kind and compassionate. She grabbed a handful of candies and stuffed them into Rongjie'er and Xianjie'er, then asked the maids to take them out to play.
"How does it feel to be a mother without having to give birth yourself?" Rulan whispered, with a malicious glint in her eyes.
What a foul mouth! Minglan clenched her handkerchief in anger. She immediately responded with a calm and sharp reply: "If Fifth Sister is capable, she will only be a mother to her own children for the rest of her life."
Rulan was speechless. She really didn't dare to make such a promise. Although she was straightforward, she was not naive. Her ideal life prospect so far was to be able to love her husband for twenty years or so. When her children grew up, she would be busy looking for wives, marrying off her daughters, and even enjoying her grandchildren. It would be a good idea to have two honest and dutiful maids in the room to help with the service.
Minglan watched with delight as Rulan's face turned red and blue, a dazzling display of color. She had never suffered a verbal setback from Rulan as a child, let alone now. After all, she'd at least offer some regards. She was pregnant, after all, and it wasn't right to bully her too harshly. Minglan sat up straight, smiled kindly, and said, "Fifth Sister, how are you these days? Is there anything I can help with?"
Rulan adjusted the gold hairpin at her temples and glared at Minglan before answering, "The doctor and several maids all said I was pregnant. It's nothing serious, just a case of gluttony and a love of sleep. I eat five times a day, and I fall asleep as soon as I open my eyes. Even when I close my eyes, I still feel sleepy, as if I've taken a love drug. But now, all these things are much better. And..."
Minglan listened with a smile, and for some reason, her heart suddenly moved.
It was three quarters past three in the afternoon when they left the Wen residence. The group slowly drove back to the mansion. After getting out of the carriage, the maids and servants took the two children back. As soon as Minglan returned to her room, she saw Danju pacing anxiously. As soon as she saw Minglan, she hurried to greet her, saying incoherently, "Madam, you're finally back. The Dowager's had come to ask for you three or four times, but you were out, so here comes the old lady."
"Who?" Minglan was exhausted and was about to collapse on the couch.
"Old lady!"
…
It’s been a busy day, a great topic for an elementary school composition.
The side hall of Xuanning Hall was wide open, with two noble and graceful old ladies sitting in the middle. One was the Madam Dowager, and the other was the younger sister of Marquis Gu, who later married into the aristocratic Yang family.
"Greetings to my aunt."
Minglan bowed gently and saluted softly. It was already late, so she might as well wash up and change into new clothes before coming.
Old Lady Yang had a round face that should have been very kind, but now she had a forced smile on her face: "My second niece's wife is a very busy person. I was almost leaving when you came back. It's really not easy for us to see each other."
Minglan glanced at Shao and Zhu, who were sitting nearby, and replied respectfully, "To answer Auntie's question, Minglan went to General Zheng's residence today to express her gratitude for recommending me as a teacher. I already told the Dowager, my sister-in-law, and my younger sister-in-law about this two days ago. Minglan honestly didn't know Auntie was coming today, otherwise I wouldn't have dared to leave the residence."
Old Lady Yanggu smiled, turned to the Lady Dowager and said, "Your daughter-in-law is so articulate. I only said one sentence, but she had ten more waiting for me. I really don't want to learn from her."
Minglan smiled but didn't answer. Call it sophistry, call it acquiescence, either way, it was wrong. Someone who hadn't even come to her wedding feast could hardly be close to her. Given that, she simply said what needed to be said, answered what needed to be answered, fulfilled her proper manners, and ignored the rest.
The atmosphere in the hall became depressed.
Old Madam Yang Gu stared at Minglan critically; Minglan stared at her toes, counting silently, intending to sit down after counting to one hundred; the lady-in-waiting held the tea bowl leisurely, without any intention of smoothing things over; Zhu naturally didn't say anything; but Shao felt a little reluctant, and glanced at the lady-in-waiting above her, then at Minglan, and slowly stood up.
"Sister-in-law, you must be tired. Come and sit down." She pulled Minglan to sit beside her and said with a smile, "Today there is a happy event. Our seventh sister's marriage is set."
Minglan sat comfortably against the back of the chair, her face full of surprise as she said, "Oh, seriously, congratulations to the Madam. Which family is so lucky to have our Seventh Sister?"
Shao smiled and replied, "He is from the Han family, the son-in-law of Princess Qingchang, and the princess's third son."
"The Han family. Is that consort the second son of the old Marquis of Zhennan?"
Minglan remembered it so clearly because there was a playboy in the Zhennan Marquisate who was as famous as Gu Tingye. However, ever since Gu Tingye left the family, the Han family's playboy had become the most prominent among the playboys. When the couple chatted, Gu Tingye would often use this man as an example, jokingly boasting about his own return to the right path.
The lady put down her teacup, her brows light with joy, and spoke modestly, "I have to thank her aunt for helping to set them up. Although the seventh girl was unlucky, as her father passed away before she could get married, she still has an aunt who cares about her. This is not a bad blessing."
Old Lady Yang turned and smiled, her golden brown brocade gown gleaming with brilliance. "Seventh girl is certainly blessed. The third son of the Han family is already a student of the imperial court at such a young age. His marriage was delayed because he was away with his husband, Han. Now that he's back in the capital, the people who have come to propose marriage are practically crowding the door. I just mentioned it casually, and Seventh girl is well-known for her talent. Everyone, young and old, is attracted to her the moment they hear about her, so that's why you asked me to bring this up."
"This is really a good marriage." Minglan expressed her joy cooperatively.
"It's all thanks to her aunt. I really don't know how to thank her." The old lady reached out her hand affectionately and pulled her. Old Lady Yang smiled proudly, and the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes almost blossomed into a flower. "It's hard not to say that the young master of the Han family has loved literature since he was a child, and the seventh girl is also well-read. It just so happens that Prince Consort Han has returned to the capital. Isn't this a match made in heaven!"
For a moment, everyone in the hall congratulated and thanked her one after another, and the lady-in-waiting smiled especially sincerely.
Minglan knew why she was so happy. This match was indeed a good one.
The death of Empress Jing'an caused chaos in the imperial palace, with numerous criminal cases and imprisonment. Most of Emperor Wu's princesses were implicated, either marrying off hastily or dying of depression. Few had a good ending. Princess Qingning was a lucky exception, followed by Princess Qingchang.
Her biological mother died before Empress Jing'an, so she avoided the subsequent bloody conflicts and grew up in peace and tranquility. Then, the late emperor's brother arranged for her to marry a suitable prince consort.
Princess Qingchang enjoyed good relationships within the court and the imperial family, and held considerable influence with the late emperor. More importantly, while her husband could not inherit the title of Marquis of Zhennan, his diligence and efficiency earned him considerable favor from the late emperor. Over the years, the Han Consort's Mansion had long since become more prosperous than the declining Marquis of Zhennan's.
With a distinguished and prosperous family background, powerful parents, and the fact that she was also a student and ambitious, she no longer had to worry about her stepbrother Gu Tingye. Well, this marriage was a good one, no wonder the two old ladies were so happy.
With Zhu and Shao adding to the fun, the Lady Dowager and Old Lady Yang were becoming increasingly delighted as they talked. Suddenly, they caught a glimpse of Minglan, who looked lost and clearly wasn't enthusiastic enough. Old Lady Yang, feeling displeased, suddenly asked, "Second niece's wife?"
Minglan was surprised to hear her name mentioned, and she quickly looked up. She saw Old Lady Yang with a sneer on her lips. "Marriage and the birth of children are the most important human relationships. For someone like you, marrying into our Gu family is a great blessing. But it's been almost a year since you've been married, and you're still pregnant?"
Minglan complained in her heart: Damn it, the elder sister of the girl sitting next to you has not given birth for seven or eight years since she entered the Gu family. Why didn’t you follow the "human ethics" at that time?
Seeing Minglan remained silent, Old Lady Yang became even more excited and said loudly, "It's pitiful that among the grandchildren of the Gu family's eldest son, there is only one boy, Xian'er. It's really sad to see so few children. How about this? I'll give you two fertile maids and let Ye'er take in a concubine to help you share some of the burden. What do you think?"
Minglan's heart was burning with anger, and she sneered continuously. Although she had many excuses to shirk responsibility, she did not intend to argue back. There was no need to reason with such a ridiculous person. It would be best to cheat, and she could even drag Da Qin out with her.
Just as he was about to speak, he heard a loud announcement at the door. "The Marquis is here!"
The smile on the lady's face froze immediately, and the happy expression on Old Lady Yang's face, as if teasing her prey, also broke; Shao and Zhu looked at each other, and immediately followed the rules of avoidance, both standing behind the screens on the left and right. Minglan slowly stood up and stood in the middle.
After a series of steady footsteps, Gu Tingye approached with a tiger-like gait. His expression was solemn and majestic, and he didn't even change his scarlet dragon robe before entering the inner hall. He stood still in the hall, his dark eyes, which were indistinguishable from emotion, shifting between the two elders' faces. The old lady and the old lady couldn't help but feel a sudden shock in their hearts.
He clasped his fists neatly, exchanged a few simple greetings, and sat down on the armchair beside him.
"Brother Ye, it's been a long time since we last met. Just now..." Old Lady Yang forced a smile, but was interrupted before she could finish her words. Gu Tingye simply said, "I heard what my aunt said at the door just now."
Old Madam Yang was startled, and her well-maintained face gave a dry laugh. Gu Tingye continued to himself, "Tingye would like to thank Auntie for her concern. However..." He smiled, the corners of his mouth curving a little coldly, "Gifts should be given to people in accordance with their wishes. Auntie, do you know what Tingye really wants?"
When asked this question, Old Lady Yanggu really didn't know what Gu Tingye meant and continued to be stunned.
Gu Tingye looked at the two elders, his tone becoming increasingly cold: "A legitimate son. What Tingye wants now is a legitimate son. I wonder if my aunt can help with this?"
The atmosphere in the hall suddenly turned cold. Old Madam Yang had a tense face and her chest was heaving violently. She must have been very angry. The lady-in-waiting also had an extremely ugly expression on her face, her slender white fingers tightly clenching a handkerchief.
The situation was reversed. Gu Tingye looked at the two old women coldly, his eyes full of sarcasm, and said bluntly: "My aunt was born in a noble family and married into a noble family. I think she must know that in a family like ours, there is no difference between legitimate and illegitimate children, and how big the difference is."
Of course there is a difference. Minglan stood aside with her head lowered, laughing wildly in her heart but trying hard to hold it back.
Although the succession of a noble family was a natural progression, it required the approval of the Imperial Clan Court. One of the most common criticisms was that "if there is no legitimate son to inherit, the succession may be changed to a new clan or the title may be revoked." This meant that if there was a legitimate son, the succession was a natural progression, but if there was no legitimate son, and a bastard son was to inherit the title, the emperor or the Imperial Clan Court would have to grant them some favors.
In other words, if Gu Tingye had no legitimate son, his legitimate brother Gu Tingwei, or his legitimate son Xian Ge'er, would have a legitimate claim to inherit the title. When Gu Tingye was powerful, he wouldn't be easily manipulated. But if he were to be left with an orphan and a widow, powerless, and surrounded by those with ulterior motives, things would be troublesome.
"Did my aunt really not know, or did she do it on purpose?!"
Gu Tingye stared coldly at old lady Yang Gu, and every word he said was ruthless and pressing, like nails hammering into bricks.
"What do you mean!" Old Lady Yanggu finally couldn't bear it anymore, so she stood up and asked sternly.
Gu Tingye said calmly: "Aunt knows it clearly."
From a more sinister perspective, if Gu Tingye was obsessed with his beautiful concubines and neglected his wife, then sending two maids would not only fail to solve the problem of having children, but would hinder the birth of a legitimate son.
Ten years ago, the brothers of the Fu'an Marquisate fought for the title, and the lawsuit lasted for three years; eighteen years ago, the Changxing Marquisate was stripped of its title; even the demotion of the Jinxiang Marquis the year before last was all caused by the two words "legitimate and illegitimate".
Old Lady Yanggu was so angry that she was shaking all over, her face turned purple from choking, and she couldn't utter a word.
Seeing this, the lady was afraid that something might happen to her and her daughter's marriage would be changed again, so she quickly stood up to support her and smiled to smooth things over: "Okay, okay, it's just a mistake. We are all family, so it's okay to misunderstand."
"I've been married for less than a year, and my aunt is already acting this way. I have to think twice." Gu Tingye cast a sniper-like gaze at the lady and smiled faintly, "If you want others to avoid misunderstandings, you should avoid doing things that are likely to cause misunderstandings."
The voice was low, like a warning.
The lady's heart sank, and she could only smile and say, "Tsk, tsk, really. You two, aunt and niece, what can I say? You're both of the same blood, and you both have the same temper. You speak so bluntly, and you don't realize how it makes people angry. Come on, come on, today is a good day, for my sake, calm down and let it go!"
After some attempts to smooth things over, Old Lady Yanggu was no longer willing to sit down and, without a word, stiffly stood up to take her leave. The Lady Dowager followed her out to see her off, while Gu Tingye only lingered in the courtyard for a moment before taking Minglan back to Chengyuan.
As soon as he returned to the house, Gu Tingye flew into a rage, ripping open his collar in frustration. Seeing Minglan still looking careless, he couldn't help but scold her, "You heartless person! Do you know how difficult it is to deal with my aunt? As soon as I heard she was coming, I hurried over."
Minglan gently undressed him and said with a smile, "Don't worry, I have a plan."
Gu Tingye snorted coldly: "What method? A jealous label is waiting to be tagged to you."
"No, why are you being so stubborn?" Minglan blinked and said mischievously, "I'll just say this, 'Aunt's kindness is profound, and Minglan is deeply grateful. Family members should help each other, and I'll definitely help not only Seventh Sister but also my aunt's cousins and nieces.' Haha, let's see what they say!"
Gu Tingye was speechless and looked at her for a long time: "Do you... think this is useful?"
"It doesn't matter if it's useless." Minglan spread her hands and said indifferently, "If I really accept it, as long as the Marquis agrees, I will send it to Lingding Pavilion to keep Miss Fengxian company. What's the trouble?"
This time Gu Tingye
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