"The master decided to reject Molan," said the old lady.
Minglan didn't remember for a moment: "Aunt Ju?"
"That was Jufang from Aunt Lin's room that year." The old lady curled her lips slightly, "She hasn't been able to get pregnant since then."
Minglan's heart slowly sank. Mrs. Sheng's words seemed simple at first glance, but they held a profound meaning.
Molan is anxious for Aunt Lin to come back. Is it because of the deep mother-daughter love and the reluctance to see her mother suffer, or is it because she realizes that not only is no one in her family speaking well of her, but some are even saying bad things about her, and she can't get any benefit from it, so she came up with this plan?
The human heart is unpredictable, no one can predict it.
"It seems that Fifth Sister is living a better life now." Minglan said softly.
Speaking of Rulan, the old lady finally put away her sneer and laughed, "Our fifth uncle is a wonderful man. Isn't he going to be sent away this time? Wen's mother-in-law wanted to keep Rulan to establish some rules, but she didn't know her son had already turned against her and secretly came to look for his mother-in-law. After a conspiracy, the wife went to turn the Wen family upside down. The fifth uncle-in-law just pretended to be pitiful. Ha, poor mother-in-law, how dare he put on airs anymore."
"He's quite clever, asking the Madam to be the bad guy!" Minglan was astonished.
"Forget it, it's not easy. As long as I can treat Rulan well, that's enough." This time the old lady was unusually tolerant, smiling and sighing, "Now it seems that your eldest brother-in-law is also a good man. Alas, your father is a mediocre husband and a so-so son, but he is not a bad father. He has a good eye for sons-in-law and daughters-in-law."
Minglan thought about it and couldn't help laughing. "Back then, Dad kept saying the Marquis wasn't a bad guy. After all, he'd seen it with his own eyes. He almost cursed him. But Grandmother just didn't believe it and kept scolding Dad."
The old lady's face turned stern and she scolded, "What trafficker doesn't say the land he sells is superb!"
Hearing the comparison of Sheng Hong marrying off his daughter to a trafficker, the two embraced each other and laughed. Minglan laughed until she cried, and it took a long time for her to stop. Minglan leaned her head against the old lady's soft belly and whispered, "Oh, it would be great if you could live with me."
The old lady patted Minglan gently and said softly, "I'm surrounded by children and grandchildren now, and the house is full of wealth. If I move in with you, wouldn't that be a disgrace to your father and elder brother? Oh, no, no." She sighed again, "Not only that, but you must not be so frivolous as to always run back to your mother's house. The Marquis is now of noble status, and you are the only one in power. There are so many eyes watching you, inside and outside. You must not let anyone use that as an excuse to criticize you... Knowing that you are living well is enough for me. You must live a good life. Remember that?"
Minglan buried her head in the old lady's arms like an ostrich, feeling extremely reluctant to leave.
When the banquet began, no one knew what Wang Shi said to Hualan and Rulan. Adding to the tears of Molan and Minglan, who had just cried, all four girls had red eyes. Compared to the relaxed atmosphere among the women inside, the atmosphere at the men's table outside was much more lively.
Looking at the feast on the table, Sheng Hong was both happy and proud. He couldn't help but feel excited while holding his wine glass. The young and inexperienced fourth son-in-law Liang Han had already been fighting with Chang Feng. He smiled and turned his gaze to the remaining three sons-in-law.
Yuan Wenshao knew Gu Tingye's alcohol tolerance, so he smiled at the man opposite him and said with his eyes: Strong man, be the vanguard.
Gu Tingye was calm and just raised his eyebrows, meaning: You are the boss, you go first.
Wen Yanjing, realizing the situation was not looking good, immediately leaned forward, leaning over the desk with his head propped up, using body language to explain: This person is drunk and needs to take care of himself. To enhance his persuasiveness, he even groaned and trembled, his movements rising and falling.
Afterwards, Gu Tingye said to Minglan that even though he had been in the bar for many years, he had rarely heard such realistic drunken moans.
The feast lasted until late feeding time, when the four sons-in-law finally departed one after another, staggering. Minglan, her drunken husband on her left, led Rong Jie'er, who was reluctant to leave her new friend, on her right. Her wet nurse held Tuan'er in her arms behind them, and they returned to the Marquis's residence in a grand procession. Everyone was exhausted that day, so they went home and slept soundly, waking only at nightfall and enjoying a light dinner.
Gu Tingye was still drunk, and after washing up, he kissed Minglan on the neck with an ambiguous smile. Minglan was wiping her wet hair with her head tilted to the side, and she just let out a cry when she was pushed down on the bed and kissed all over her head, face, and body.
After taking off her clothes, Minglan felt the man's skin was burning hot, and his breath was scorching. She felt excited and lingering for a moment, and leaned against him softly. They were both exhausted and fell into a deep sleep.
It wasn't until dawn that Minglan slowly awoke, only to find her husband lying on his side, propped up on his hands, looking at her with a gentle, deep gaze. Minglan's cheeks, newly awake, were as adorable as a child's, still tinged with pink sleep marks. Seeing her clumsily rubbing her eyes, trying to stay awake, Gu Tingye felt a softness in his chest, and suddenly, in a hoarse voice, he said, "Mother, what are we having for dinner today?"
Minglan tilted her head, blinked, and smiled, "Dad, go plow the two acres of land in the east first, then we can eat!"
Gu Tingye frowned and cursed, "What a cruel woman! You're asking a man to work during the New Year!"
The two stared at each other for a while, then laughed at the same time. Gu Tingye bit Minglan's earlobe and whispered in her ear, "Let's..."
Before he could finish his words, he heard hurried footsteps coming from outside. The man, who was in high spirits, suddenly looked displeased.
Through the door, Danju said in a panic, "My Lord, Madam, just now the Fifth Old Master sent someone to report that it was Master Yang who was afraid it might not be possible. He asked if we had any old ginseng at home. The older the better..."
Gu Tingye and Minglan looked at each other in shock. Gu Tingyang was going to die? How could this be said?
At this moment, they didn't bother to ask any questions. After all, they were cousins who had separated from the family for just over a year, and they couldn't just ignore them. The couple immediately got up, dressed quickly, and went out in the dim morning light.
It took about half an hour to reach the Fifth Elder's residence. Minglan had a good memory and immediately recognized the carriage parked outside as belonging to Madam Xuan. The Fifth Elder's residence was in chaos. Madam Xuan's attendant sent someone to lead the way, then led Gu Tingye and his wife all the way inside. When they reached the main hall, Gu Tingxuan and his wife were already there.
Looking up, he saw the Fifth Old Master sitting at the head of the table, his hands on his knees. His face was sallow and haggard, his expression was withered, and his gray hair was disheveled. He looked as if he had aged ten years. Gu Tingxuan was beside him, constantly trying to comfort him. When he saw Gu Tingye coming, he looked at him dully for a long time before he raised his head and nodded slightly, lost in thought and speechless.
Gu Tingye and Minglan stepped forward to greet him first, then asked, "I have a piece of old ginseng at home. I've asked someone to bring it over. I hope it can be used." Then he added, "I just don't know why Brother Yang..."
The fifth old master moved his lips but didn't say anything. Seeing the awkward situation, Gu Tingxuan chuckled a few times and came out to explain: "It's also Brother Yang's fault. He made a mistake and angered my uncle, so he asked... asked my uncle to beat him with a stick..." He didn't quite understand the reason and could only explain to this extent.
Mrs. Xuan rolled her eyes and said with a smile, "I'm afraid you won't have any breakfast, and your uncle hasn't had a drop of water either. Why don't we go get some rice porridge, otherwise Brother Yang will be fine while your uncle will be unable to bear it." As she said that, she came to pull Minglan, and Minglan agreed with a smile.
As soon as the two walked out of the hall, Mrs. Xuan couldn't wait to start talking.
Minglan was unfamiliar with the Fifth House's residence, but Madam Xuan was a frequent visitor, and the servants on both sides were also friendly. Since the couple had arrived early today, Madam Xuan quickly sent her personal maids out for a walk. Because the Fifth House's wife had fallen ill, Madam Yang had fainted, and Master Bing and his wife had to stay behind to care for them, the mansion was completely out of control, with not even a gag order in place. So, Madam Xuan quickly learned the news.
"What do you think is going on? It's really dirty to tell you!" Madam Xuan lowered her voice and whispered in Minglan's ear as she walked, "...such unfilial descendants...even those in his own father's room are not spared..." Since it was not her own ugly affair, Madam Xuan was happy to do Minglan a favor.
Actually, it wasn't surprising at all. It was just that Gu Tingyang's old habit of lusting after women and women had resurfaced, and with his father keeping him under tight control for the past six months, he couldn't go out to relax. After touching all the wives and maids in the house, he felt bored and actually set his sights on his father's beautiful maid.
The Fifth Elder was a scholar, fond of elegant affairs like the company of a beautiful woman. His two maids, who served him with pens and ink, were both beautiful and charming. However, their personalities were very different. One was raped by Gu Tingyang and, months later, found herself pregnant. She dared not disclose the pregnancy and had to secretly abort it. While the other was recovering from her pregnancy, Gu Tingyang set his sights on the other.
Unexpectedly, she had a strong temper. Yesterday, on the second day of the Lunar New Year, Gu Tingyang got drunk and dragged her to him to rape her. She immediately lost her temper, her hair and clothes in disarray, and with a pair of scissors in her arms, she rushed to the Fifth Old Master to complain. She told him everything in front of everyone, then stabbed herself in the throat.
During the festive occasion of New Year's Day, his beloved concubine was killed. The Fifth Elder was furious and tied up Gu Tingyang, ready to punish him with family law, but was stopped by the Fifth Elder Madam. At this time, another concubine got the news and rushed over regardless of her body. Seeing her sister's tragic death, she thought that the Fifth Elder Madam would not let her go either, so she threw herself into the fight and told him everything.
The Fifth Old Master refused to listen to the Fifth Old Lady anymore, so he immediately had his son tied up and punished according to the family rules, and he himself supervised the situation. At the same time, he also ordered people to tie up Gu Tingye's personal attendant and beat him to death. This beating really caused trouble.
The long-servant saw that he was about to die, and heard the fifth old lady crying and cursing that he had led the master astray, so he shouted angrily - Youlian in the old marquis's room was also raped and killed by Master Yang!
"The servant's shout was heard by everyone in the yard." Mrs. Xuan coughed lightly, her expression somewhat evasive.
The maid named Youlian was given to the old marquis by the lady-in-waiting, and it was said that he liked her very much. After she jumped into the lake, everyone thought that it was Gu Tingye's fault, and the lady-in-waiting cried especially hard.
Originally, the son's affair with his father's concubine was disobedient and scandalous, but the concubine was less important than the offspring, so the crime was not punishable by death; a severe lesson would suffice. However, the Fifth Old Master deeply respected and loved his deceased eldest brother. Only now did he realize that it was his own sin that had insulted his brother's dignity. Thinking of his deceased brother's kindness and care in the past, the Fifth Old Master could not help but feel ashamed and remorseful.
This time, he personally took the fight, swinging his club and beating him without thinking. Although he was old, he had always maintained good health. In addition, Gu Tingyang had already eaten a heavy meal, and years of drinking and sex had drained his body. This time, he was beaten half to death, and he had a high fever in the middle of the night, and he was about to die.
Minglan was stunned and didn't react for a long time.
After finding the housekeepers and asking them to prepare food, Minglan followed Madam Xuan back to the hall, where she saw the three men still in their previous positions. The Fifth Elder sat dejectedly, Gu Tingxuan sighing beside him, while Gu Tingye sat alone on the other side, his face expressionless, like a salt rock sculpture.
To be honest, Minglan was not surprised that Gu Tingyang was in trouble.
As far as she knew, Gu Tingye had been secretly keeping an eye on Gu Tingyang's ugly deeds outside, planning to expose them to the Fifth Old Master one day, but he never thought that things would happen so quickly, without him even having to do it himself.
Everyone sat in silence, with Gu Tingxuan occasionally saying something inappropriate, which would then get a glare from his wife, and he would chuckle awkwardly. There was no floor heating in the house, only a weak charcoal fire burning in the copper stove in the corner. No one brought the porridge, and Minglan felt cold and hungry, so she could only endure it.
I don't know how long I sat there before the thick cotton curtain was forcefully lifted, bringing in a biting cold wind. A panicked old woman came crawling in, plopping down on her knees. "Old Master, our master, he... he's gone!"
In the courtyard not far away, there were already deafening cries, which were carried by the wind, as if the result had been foreseen. An empty and desolate atmosphere filled the hall. Everyone was silent, no one said a word, leaving only a few sighs.
Minglan looked at Gu Tingye carefully. The man's profile was extremely cold and hard, like the blue-gray sky, with cold lines cut out by a steel blade.
He had long wanted to teach Gu Tingyang a lesson, not only to avenge himself and his son, but also to prevent Gu Tingyang from continuing to mess around outside and tarnish his family's reputation - but had he ever thought about killing him?
After a long time, the Fifth Old Master finally moved and said in a hoarse and dry voice: "Let's hold the funeral."
Buddha said, good and evil will be rewarded in the end.
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