Ever since Fang Mama was asked to be the matchmaker, she had been waiting for an answer. As soon as Minglan nodded, she brought Danju's aunt and uncle and the young man from the Lu family to kowtow within two days. Minglan looked carefully through the curtain, and seeing that this man was generous, healthy and kind, she felt happier. Then, seeing Danju's shy and overjoyed look beside her, she did not delay any longer and decided on the marriage immediately.
The young man was obviously very happy. He kowtowed so hard that the floor tiles in the hall made a sound, which made the maids in the room laugh. Luzhi laughed especially loudly, and while laughing she looked at Danju behind the curtain.
Marriages in smaller families didn't have many formalities, and the longest possible timeframe was six months, the fastest a month. Because the young man in the Lu family was older, delaying the process was difficult, so the auspicious date was set for five months later. The Lu family's parents had originally hoped to marry their son off to a well-matched young woman, but upon seeing Minglan's generosity and Danju's virtuous and beautiful growth, their initial regrets vanished.
After that, all matters were handled by Danju's aunt and uncle. Minglan handed the money to the housekeeper, believing they wouldn't dare waste money on household items under her watchful eye. When a full bolt of fine crimson satin arrived, Minglan gradually reduced Danju's chores, asking her to focus solely on embroidering her trousseau. From the mandarin duck pillowcases, the dragon and phoenix wedding dress, the brand new undergarments and undergarments, the embroidered shoes, and even the purse uppers for her husband, parents-in-law, and sisters-in-law after the wedding, all had to be meticulously crafted by the bride, stitch by stitch.
Because Danju was always kind, all the maids in the courtyard were happy for her. Bisi was the most envious, but the happiest one among them was Luzhi. Since Danju gradually stepped down from the top position, she had a sense of pride that "it's finally my turn". As Minglan became more and more important, she even walked with the wind, and it was only after Cuiwei scolded her several times that she calmed down.
"After we get rid of Danju, it will be your and Xiaotao's turn." Cuiwei deliberately joked.
Who would have thought that Luzhi was born with a bold and aggressive personality? She raised her head without any shyness and said, "To be honest with you, sister, I have already made up my mind that I will never marry outside the family. I can still serve the lady for several more years." If the marriage is within the mansion, most of the maids in the inner courtyard can be kept until they are twenty years old. If there are those who are highly valued, the master will not be willing to let them go, and sometimes they will be kept until they are in their twenties.
Cuiwei was somewhat surprised, but then she smiled and said, "You are so stubborn now, but when Madam finds you a good family, we'll see if you will change your mind."
Green Branch said, "Sister, you know that my brother is honest and dull. Even though I'm here, there are still those ignorant people who bully him from time to time. If I were to go out, I don't know what he would do." Then she sighed, "My parents died early, and only my brother and I are left. If I don't take care of him, who will? Now I only hope to serve the lady well. If I am lucky enough in the future, I can find a kind and considerate sister-in-law for my brother. Then I can do my best to repay my parents' spirits in heaven."
Cuiwei was quite moved and said, "My dear sister, I am sorry for that."
Some were happy while others were worried. When Ruomei heard that Danju was about to get married, she also came to congratulate her. However, she saw the bright red silk brocade box on the table and the half-cut and sewn bright red wedding dress hanging on the stand. She suddenly felt it was very dazzling. Ever since Danju told her what Minglan said and tried to persuade her, she became depressed for several days.
Seeing Danju's blushing face, and the indescribable joy and happiness in the corners of her eyes and eyebrows, Rumei felt a thorn in her heart. After chatting for a few words, she said goodbye and went to Minglan.
"I haven't come to pay my respects to Madam for a long time. I am very happy to see that Madam is still in good health." After paying his respects, Ruomei said the polite words dryly, and then he didn't know what to say next.
Minglan's eyes swept over her. She was dressed nicely, but she looked pale, with a dark look between her brows. "Sit down, Xiaotao. Go make me a bowl of Lan'an Maojian tea. Remember what you like."
Ruomei carefully sat down on the edge of the round stool: "Thank you, Madam, for remembering it."
Soon Xiao Tao came in with a small tea tray, her round face smiling: "I haven't seen you for a long time, sister. You look more beautiful than ever. You look so golden and bright!" Her tone was so sincere.
Ruomei paused for a moment while serving the tea, looking embarrassed. Minglan looked at the ceiling speechlessly. Speaking of which - it's true that Ruomei wears too many jewelry, and it's true that these jewelry contain too much gold... But, do you have to be so honest?
After saying this, Xiao Tao, oblivious to the situation, walked briskly out of the side room and waited outside. Ru Mei slowly suppressed her embarrassment and whispered, "Sister Dan Ju has already told me. I would like to thank Madam for her advice and care."
Minglan watched her quietly. She said thank you but didn't move at all, not even a half-bow. She knew she didn't understand, and was still the same self-admiring Ruomei. "It's good that you know. Serve Mr. Gongsun well in the future and have children for him soon. The Marquis and I will reward you handsomely."
Ruomei felt bitter. She had just called herself 'slave' on purpose, expecting Minglan to say something, but who knew... She could only say, "Slave, please don't bother." After a pause, she mustered up the courage to continue, "But I'm stupid and always make you unhappy. I hope Madam can give me some pointers on how I should behave properly."
The fact that she could bring herself to ask such a question showed that she was still hopeful. Minglan smiled and pointed to the door Xiaotao had just left. "I remember when we first arrived, Xiaotao served in the outer study for a while."
Ruomei didn't know what Minglan meant, so she nodded and said, "Yes, the teacher also said that Xiaotao is very useful." At first, she was jealous for a while and secretly unhappy why she was not chosen, since she was obviously the most literate.
"Actually, Xiaotao is not a smart person." Minglan slowly stirred the tea leaves.
This matter is not uncommon. I am afraid that everyone from Mucangzhai to Jiaxiju knows about it. Ruomei opened her eyes wide and waited for Minglan to continue.
"Especially since she had never served in the study. The Marquis and the Master suffered a lot during that period. When they asked her to heat a pot of wine, it was either too hot or too cold. When they asked her to organize manuscripts, she could fold them up for you page by page." Minglan couldn't help but laugh secretly when she recalled the complaints Gu Tingye had made when he came back during that period.
"I remember when I first arrived at Fang Madam's place, Danju told me one thing only once, and I remembered it immediately. She had to say it two or three times before she understood." Minglan smiled leisurely, "I was afraid that the master would blame me for sending such a dull person to serve. Who knew that the master would praise her later." In fact, Gongsun Baishi liked Xiaotao very much and intended to extend her employment period. Unfortunately, Xiaotao had no good feelings towards the study, especially the creature like the legal advisor. As soon as someone took over, she fled back like a flash.
Ruomei smiled dryly: "Master said that Xiaotao is a loyal servant."
"Master, your eyes are sharp." Minglan nodded. "I once told Xiaotao not to reveal anything she saw or heard in the study to anyone outside. You asked her about the study several times. Even if you were annoyed, did she reveal a single word?"
Ruomei was dejected. At that time, she admired Shuxiang and only asked about some irrelevant things. But even when she asked what kind of tea the master liked, Xiaotao refused to say a word. The two of them had a falling out and did not speak to each other for half a month.
"She's treating you like this. That shopping girl, Mrs. An, has always been fond of Xiaotao. That day, she was too lazy to check in person, so she secretly asked her if the silver charcoal in the study was all used up, but she refused to tell me." Minglan stared at Ruomei. "Actually, it doesn't matter what kind of person you are. What matters is what kind of person does the master want?"
Ruomei's body trembled slightly, she looked up at Minglan, and was speechless for a long time.
…
Looking at Ruomei's departing back, Minglan shook her head.
Ruomei was a clever woman; how could she not know what kind of concubine Gongsun wanted? It was simply "well-behaved, sensible, and law-abiding." Most importantly, she shouldn't dwell on romantic affairs. These days, Ruomei envied Danju not so much Danju's good marriage as her overflowing sense of happiness.
"If you feel bad in the future, always think about why you got married in the first place. Maybe you will feel better." - This was the last piece of advice I gave to Ruomei. From now on, it all depends on her own luck.
In the days that followed, Danju devoted herself to teaching the maids, giving them constant reminders, careful instructions, and meticulously explaining things one by one. Time flew by quickly, and more than a month later, her aunt and uncle came to pick up Danju to prepare for her marriage, saying that the house had been renovated and they could hold the wedding in a decent manner. The housekeeper who came with them also said that the household items were in good condition.
Minglan rewarded Danju with a set of pure gold headpieces and several bolts of fine fabric. She also gave her an additional thirty taels of silver, in addition to Cuiwei's dowry. She also had Xiaotao secretly place two silver notes, each worth one hundred taels, in Danju's box. Xiaotao, though slow-witted, was quick-witted and a reliable resource for such matters. Later, Shao Shi, to improvise, gave her a pair of gold shrimp-whisker bracelets, and Qiuniang followed suit with a small, side-gold hairpin.
After dismissing everyone, Minglan burned a personal indenture in front of Danju, and then pressed a flat box into Danju's hand, gently instructing her, "This contains your household registration. The matters at the government office have been handled. Live a good life from now on."
Danju knelt on the ground and burst into tears. Minglan persuaded her for a long time before she finally stopped crying. Danju slowly stood up and was about to turn around when she suddenly turned back, her eyes full of tears: "Miss, back then you always liked to sit on the pillars in front of the corridor and read."
Minglan smiled, holding back her tears, and said, "You were afraid I'd fall, so you made a bag overnight with scraps of cloth and tied it to the railing."
"The bag wasn't made strong enough, and it broke, causing the girl to fall pretty badly. When Madam Fang wanted to punish me, saying the master was wrong, not only did I not try to persuade her, I even gave her all these bad ideas."
"I lay in bed for three days, and you cried beside my bed for three days; when I got better, you fell ill again."
"Girl, just promise me that you'll never sit on the railing again."
"You still insisted on me making a pinky promise."
Danju couldn't hold it in any longer, she fell to her knees and cried, "Miss, please let me kowtow to you again."
Then he knocked his head down hard, and when he stood up, his face was covered with tears. He hugged Minglan's legs and said sadly, "Miss, I really can't bear to leave you!"
The past flooded back into Minglan's mind, and she was heartbroken and couldn't help herself. Tears rolled down her cheeks, and she covered her face with her sleeves. She pushed her away with a hard heart: "Go, go. In the future, you will have children, and your family will be happy and long-lasting! Go, go..."
Watching Danju slowly move toward the door, looking back every step of the way, Minglan suddenly remembered the scene when they first met. At that time, she was alone with Xiaotao, who knew nothing at all. When Fang Mama led her to her, she also looked back so frequently.
"Sixth Miss, I'll go get you some snacks."
"Girl, please sit still. There are many empty rooms here. Don't walk around."
"I will be back soon. Sister Xiaotao, please take good care of the girl."
The little girl spoke in a baby voice, with a face full of gentleness and thoughtfulness beyond her age, and she kept chattering. Minglan felt a wave of sadness in her heart, and turned her head away, not looking at Danju as she left.
Xiaotao accompanied Danju all the way to the intersection and almost followed her home. When she came back, her eyes were swollen like big peaches. After entering the house, she buried her head in the quilt and refused to come out.
When Gu Tingye returned to the room at night, Minglan was still in a depressed mood. Gu Tingye felt distressed and said, "Since you are so reluctant to let her go, why don't you leave Juzi in the mansion and marry her off to a promising young man."
Minglan wiped his wet hair with a cloth and whispered, "They were the first ones to follow me. I just hope they are well, so that these ten years of fate will not be in vain."
Gu Tingye was holding his son in his arms, tossing him gently back and forth, which made Tuan Ge'er giggle. He was quite surprised when he heard Minglan's words. In his mind, the master's grace was bestowed upon the servant, so there was no such thing as fate.
He put his son on the bed and let him crawl on his own. Then he pulled Minglan over and carefully examined her face. Seeing that her eyes were red and swollen, his face darkened slightly. "You've always treated them well. Seeing that the master is so reluctant to let them go, you should have asked to stay. It seems that you are also heartless!"
Minglan pried his big hands apart with all her strength, and cried unhappily, "Don't talk nonsense!"
Gu Tingye was slightly startled, then laughed and said, "Okay, okay, I won't talk nonsense." Then he joked, "There are so many girls. If you go through this for every wedding, how can you handle it?"
Minglan wiped her tears gently. Hearing this, she laughed at herself and said, "It's just her and Xiaotao. The rest... well, never mind."
Gu Tingye slowly leaned back and asked curiously: "Because these two people followed you first?"
Minglan pondered for a moment before saying, "...because at that time, the three of us were all sincere."
After hearing this, Gu Tingye was somewhat moved and couldn't help asking: "Could it be that the maids who came later were not sincere in serving you?"
Xiaotao was an unexpected prize when he was at his worst, and Danju was an encouragement prize when his future was uncertain. Later, the old lady doted on him more and more, and he also gained a foothold in the Sheng family, and his emotions began to become mixed.
Minglan thought carefully, organized her thoughts, and then replied, "Once I become Marquis Gu's wife, whether I am sincere or not won't matter much."
Gu Tingye looked at her quietly for a while, then said with a wistful look, "It would have been nice if I had met you back then."
After hearing this, Minglan blinked twice, and a very strange expression suddenly appeared on her face. She stared at the man and her face gradually turned red. Gu Tingye didn't understand at first, but after a moment he remembered that when Minglan was just able to run as a child, he could already ride a horse in the streets and do whatever he wanted.
The couple stared at each other for a long moment, not knowing what they were thinking, but they both laughed. Minglan swept away the sadness that had been in her eyes, her lips trembling with laughter as she tilted her head and recalled her childhood: "When I was little, I once followed my father and grandmother to the streets to watch the lanterns. Several young men in gorgeous clothes rode fast horses and sped through the streets. Mother Fang hugged me tightly and whispered to me, 'Look, look, girl, that's a bad guy!'"
This scene was too realistic. Gu Tingye twitched his lips and grabbed Tuan Ge'er who was about to climb over his head, his face turning a little dark.
Seeing his unfriendly expression, Minglan quickly tried to remedy the situation, changing the subject. "The Duke of Qi's residence sent an invitation today, saying that the old master will be holding a birthday banquet soon. It's rare for a person to reach seventy, and it's also rare for the old master to live to such a ripe old age. They held a sixty-ninth birthday banquet this year, and they won't hold another one in the future. So, they must invite us to attend."
By the way, Wang has known Princess Pingning for such a long time, but Minglan has never been to the Duke of Qi's Mansion once.
"So it's Hedong Prefecture?!" Gu Tingye raised his eyebrows after hearing this, and a hint of amusement appeared in his dark eyes.
Minglan was stunned for a moment: "What Hedong Mansion?"
"Madam, you are well-informed and have a wide memory. Have you not heard the roar of the Hedong Lion?"
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