As soon as Sheng Hong returned home, Wang hurriedly pulled him into the house and chatted for a long time. Sheng Hong has always been a sharp-eyed and sharp-eared official, and he is most attentive to the court affairs. He probably has a more intuitive understanding of Gu Tingye's value than the women in the inner house. He thought about the pros and cons for a while, and went out the next day to inquire about Gu Tingye's character. He inspected the project according to the standards he used to inquire about Yuan Wenshao.
After a few days of this, Sheng Hong told Wang that he agreed to the marriage.
After several days of fear and trepidation, Rulan was finally sentenced. She smashed half the things in the room, her screams were loud enough to wake up hibernating river fish, and her hair was disheveled and she lost her temper, frightening the maids half to death. When Wang came to lecture her, Rulan, with red eyes, retorted, "If you want to marry someone else, go get married!"
Wang was so angry that she was shaking all over. She just wanted to ask why she didn't want to marry into the Gu family, but Rulan couldn't explain it. She was not angry at all. If she told the truth, Brother Jing would probably be cannon fodder. Rulan racked her brains and screamed, "...Mother, are you confused? I am of a different generation than Gu Tingye! I used to call him 'Second Cousin'!"
The little magpie lying on the ground, silently picking up the broken porcelain pieces, smiled bitterly. In the past few days, her master had been forcing the Sixth Miss to come up with a solution. How could the Sixth Miss dare to interfere with the master and the mistress's good mood? Finally, she was forced into a corner and could only come up with such a bad idea.
Wang was indeed furious. She pointed at Rulan and yelled, "What generation?! You were just saying what others said at that time. There are so many close families in the capital who are actually related to each other. If you keep talking nonsense, I will tell your father to deal with you!" She hated Princess Pingning to death. She didn't get to eat mutton but ended up smelling of mutton. She almost made her son-in-law a peer.
Wang may have threatened her daughter many times in vain, but this time she kept her word. When Sheng Hong returned home that night, he called Rulan over and gave her a severe scolding.
Among his daughters, Sheng Hong disliked the arrogant and willful Rulan the most. He punished her from childhood to adulthood. Rulan refused to flatter him, so she was always the most afraid of her father. Sheng Hong scolded her with a cold face and made Rulan cry.
"What you've read all these years has been a waste of time. You have no idea what filial piety and chastity are. Marriage has always been a matter of parents' decision. When is it your turn as a girl to ask about marriage? Do you even know the meaning of shame? I'm so ashamed for you!" These words were really harsh. Rulan covered her face and cried as she left. Wang Shi held back her heartache.
The approval of the head of the Sheng family for the marriage was quickly conveyed to Gu Tingye through the circuitous route of Wang - Hualan - Yuan Wenshao. Gu Tingye was very efficient and within a few days, accompanied by Yuan Wenshao, he personally visited the old lady. The old lady claimed to be ill and did not want to show up, so Wang simply visited her alone. Minglan was not clear about the specific process of the meeting between the mother-in-law and the son-in-law, but judging from her reaction afterwards, Wang should have been very satisfied. She stood in front of Ruolan and condescendingly praised Gu Tingye's temperament, character, appearance, and virtues. She praised him like a flower, and Minglan got goose bumps when she heard it.
Rulan lowered her head and remained silent, her expression blank, as if she hadn't heard a word. Minglan, who was listening nearby, was utterly astonished. Wang's incessant chatter didn't sound like praise for a living person, but rather like a passionate speech at a hero's memorial service. She stealthily stepped away, approached Hualan, and whispered, "Madam, you have excellent eyes. You've seen so many good things in just one encounter."
Hualan tried hard to suppress the twitching at the corners of her mouth and the slight sense of guilt: "How could your brother-in-law's matchmaking be wrong? General Gu is a perfect match." In fact, although Gu Tingye tried his best to be humble, the murderous power unique to military men was undoubtedly revealed. Wang was embarrassed and didn't say a few words. Yuan Wenshao said that his mother-in-law was quite courageous.
Hualan looked at Rulan's stubborn face, feeling somewhat puzzled. She asked Minglan softly, "I wonder what's wrong with this girl? She's making a fuss about marriage for no reason, as if she and Gu Erlang have a huge feud."
Minglan felt a surge of panic and quickly changed the subject, saying, "Fifth sister is just a little angry. Dad scolded her severely earlier, and she probably hasn't come around yet. Why don't you ask Big Sister and Madam to give her some more advice?"
Unexpectedly, Hualan shook her head and turned to whisper to Minglan, "It won't take much longer to persuade her. General Gu told your eldest brother-in-law that his eldest brother is dying, and it's not good for a younger brother to marry before his brother's body is cold. So it's best to get married soon. Please help persuade her, at least make Fifth Sister understand quickly."
Listening to Hualan's enthusiastic tone, Minglan looked at the saliva at the corner of Wang's mouth who was trying hard to persuade Rulan. She felt deeply sad for Brother Jing, but... then again, maybe first love is meant to be shattered and missed.
Within a few days, the news that Gu Tingye was going to marry into the Sheng family gradually leaked out. No one knew which family it came from, Sheng, Gu, or Yuan. Fortunately, the old lady carefully reminded Sheng Hong and Wang that they should never reveal the truth before the engagement was made. Wang didn't take it seriously at first, but she soon realized that the old lady was indeed far-sighted.
The first person to react to the rumors of Gu Sheng's marriage was the Gu family's Madam. She immediately began to arrange for a daughter-in-law for Gu Tingye. Regardless of whether Gu Tingye was Madam Qin's son or not, she had some say in her stepson's marriage, especially since the old Marquis Gu had passed away. If she disapproved of the Sheng family's marriage, it would be considered "not informing the parents," which was against etiquette.
Wang was so anxious that she was running around in circles. Hualan comforted her, "Don't worry, mother. Gu Erlang has already prepared a backup plan." Recently, Hualan has been addressing Gu Tingye in an increasingly intimate tone, as if he were already her brother-in-law.
On November 12, Empress Dowager Sheng'an recovered from a minor illness. The emperor, overjoyed, held a simple family banquet to celebrate. During the meal, the empress dowager pointed to her newly engaged uncle, Shen Congxing, and said with a smile, "Your sister has worried a lot about you, and finally found you a good match." Empress Shen, standing by, smiled and said, "My brother is easy to deal with. I wonder how Lord Gu's marriage is going."
Gu Tingye, who had left his seat, smiled but said nothing. Shen Congqi, who was sitting next to him, stood up, bowed to everyone present, and replied with a smile, "You probably don't know, but I've never properly read a few days in my life, and I don't even know how many words I can recognize, yet now I want to marry the daughter of a scholar!"
The atmosphere at the banquet was relaxed, and the emperor seemed to be interested in asking questions. Gu Tingye then answered that it was the pearl of the Left Censor-in-Chief Sheng Hong. The emperor smiled and said, "This is a good match. Sheng Hong has a good reputation, is cautious and diligent, and is a perfect match for you."
Empress Shen's newly appointed brother-in-law, General Xiao Zheng, the Left Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guard, was the most unruly young man. After a few drinks, he joked, "Your Majesty, he comes from a family of scholars, and the whole family is full of scholars. I wonder if he wants this military commander!"
Everyone at the banquet burst into laughter.
The news spread outside the palace, and there was no more movement in the Ningyuan Marquis's residence. Wang breathed a sigh of relief. When the old lady learned about it, she was silent for a long time, and only said one sentence: "Hurry up and ask Rulan to change her mind."
Minglan understood what she meant. If this matter was the result of Gu Tingye's careful planning, then this person was very cunning and scheming, which was shocking and lamentable. If this matter was done intentionally by the emperor and several others, then this person must be favored by heaven. If the emperor had such intentions, he would definitely be given an important position. No matter which situation it was, Sheng Hong was more determined to get married.
Sheng Hong is not the kind of paper tiger father in Korean dramas who roars until his veins bulge and he is hoarse, but always forgives his conscienceless daughter in the end. He is a typical ancient feudal scholar who talks about morality and thinks about official career and economy. Although he treats his children more leniently than the serious old scholars, he still abides by the clan etiquette and rules of monarch, ministers, father and son. He has absolute authority in the family.
From this perspective, there were very few fathers among the ancient literati who doted on their children unconditionally, and they often had more than one child; as long as their daughters did not tarnish their reputation as virtuous women and waited to get married obediently, it would be fine; back then, given Hualan's favor and importance, no one dared to interfere in her marriage. Molan was once Sheng Hong's most beloved daughter, but ever since she ignored her family and selfishly schemed, almost ruining the reputation of the Sheng family, Sheng Hong no longer spoke to her kindly, and Minglan could clearly see the disappointment and disgust in his eyes.
In the face of reality, many things are vulnerable. Rulan does not have enough courage to resist her family and etiquette. Just like no matter how much Bao Gege likes Lin Daiyu and is favored by Lady Jia, he never dares to express his choice in front of Jia Zheng and Wang Shi. Moreover, since Molan's accident, Hai's vigilance has increased exponentially. When she saw that Rulan was unwilling to get married, she immediately guarded the Sheng Mansion inside and out as tightly as Guantanamo Bay, and the performance of "The West Chamber" had to be suspended.
Rulan cried for a few days in vain, and gradually her behavior softened, though she was still a little depressed. Wang and Hualan recounted Gu Tingye's various merits in a round-robin manner, and asked Minglan to join in the effort to show her support for the family's decision. Minglan knew a great merit of Gu Tingye, but she didn't dare to say it. After a long time of holding it in, her face flushed, and she finally said, "Fifth sister, think about it. If you had just married an ordinary husband, wouldn't that make Fourth sister superior to you?!"
Rulan's lifeless eyes suddenly lit up when she heard this. She and Molan had a deep grudge since she was born. If she could make Molan lose, she would be willing to bring her own food to the front line.
Wang and Hualan were inspired and changed their strategy immediately. After praising Gu Tingye three times, they would try their best to exaggerate how glorious Rulan would be in front of Molan after marrying Gu Tingye. The effect was very good. Rulan also gradually accepted her fate. It was not like pushing her into the fire pit. She was just asking her to marry a second-hand high-end product. Besides, Brother Jing might not be the original one.
Minglan, commended for her outstanding performance in persuading Rulan, was granted parole to return to Shou'an Hall to accompany the old lady, who rewarded her by sending He Hongwen off. Since Madam He's visit, He Hongwen has come twice more, but Minglan has not appeared. He simply bowed his head and apologized to Madam Sheng, acting like a prisoner. Seeing his apology, the old lady gradually softened her heart. Although she still hasn't spoken, her attitude has become much more friendly and amiable.
Minglan was walking on a small path that led directly from Shou'an Hall to the second gate. The side road was paved with broken stones and there were not many people coming and going. He Hongwen followed closely beside her. Every time at this time, Minglan would think that the old lady's thoughts were very cute.
She was born in the mansion of the Marquis of Yongyi, so she was tired of the lust and lust of men from noble families and hated it deeply, so she chose a man who had won the third place in the imperial examination. However, the civil servant was not much better. Not long after the marriage, Old Master Sheng brought back a beautiful concubine, and shyly explained that it was a gift from the superiors and he couldn't refuse it. He also hoped that his wife would be virtuous and help him take care of the concubine. After the failure of her marriage, the old lady was disappointed with the ethics of the civil servants, and turned to non-mainstream workers, such as He Hongwen.
"...Sister Ming...Sister Ming..."
Minglan finally came to her senses and saw He Hongwen looking at her shyly, calling her softly. Minglan calmed herself down and smiled, "What is it? Please tell me."
He Hongwen's eyes suddenly dimmed, and he lowered his head. After a while, he slowly said, "Sister Ming must be mad at me, otherwise she wouldn't speak like that."
Nonsense! I've already said what I need to say! But Minglan said, "Brother Hongwen, that's not true.
He Hongwen suddenly stopped, his eyes eagerly looking at Minglan. His throat moved a few times, and he seemed to be extremely excited, but he couldn't speak for a long time. After a lot of effort, he said, "Sister Ming! I know you are angry with me, but please listen to me!"
Minglan also stopped and waited quietly. He Hongwen took a breath and said with all his strength, "...I dare not say that I understand everything, but at least I know who I want to marry! I really treat my cousin as my own sister, and there is absolutely no love between men and women. But now that things have come to this, I can't watch her die, so I can only let you down! But, sister Ming, please believe that the He family is just a place for my cousin to live. She can have food and clothing, but that's all!"
He Hongwen was emotionally agitated, speaking incoherently about his helplessness in accepting Cao Jinxiu, and also implicitly promising his unwavering devotion to his wife in the future. Minglan listened quietly, neither moved nor mocking. He Hongwen, looking at Minglan, gradually became frustrated: "Sister Ming, you still refuse to believe me."
Minglan chuckled and shook her head, "Whether you believe it or not is not determined by what you say, but by what you do."
"Of course I do what I say!" He Hongwen's face flushed and sweat slightly appeared on the tip of his nose.
"For example..." Minglan ignored him, turned around, and walked slowly again, saying to herself, "While you and your wife were playing chess, your cousin suddenly had a headache, foot pain, and stomach pain, and wanted you to go over and take a look."
He Hongwen smiled, breathed a sigh of relief, and followed behind: "I am not very knowledgeable, so I will consult another doctor. If there is medicine, I will take it. If there is an illness, I will go to the doctor."
"If my cousin is sick every other day, it's not good to call a doctor every day. You just need to go and see her."
"Since it's a chronic illness, you should always have some medicinal herbs at home. Just boil a bowl and send it over."
"If my cousin plays the flute and the piano and recites sad poems, every sound is pleasant to the ears, and she cries so pitifully, she must have you to comfort her."
"Twisting the silk and bamboo is a refined activity, but it must be done in moderation, not disturbing others' peace. Otherwise, it would be intentional trouble. As for the pity, my cousin has been pitiful since the day my uncle was exiled. I wasn't by her side during those years, but she survived."
Minglan stopped abruptly, stared at He Hongwen, and said coldly, "Don't play dumb. You know what I'm talking about."
He Hongwen also stopped and stood in front of Minglan, his light brown face full of anxiety. "Sister Ming, do you know what you are complaining about? When I went to see my cousin that day, she was so thin that only bones were left. She was waiting for me with only her last breath, unable to speak, and only begged me with her eyes. I was weak and useless, and I couldn't harden my heart, so I agreed. But at that time, I also told her clearly that I gave her a way out, but it was only a way out. After entering the house, she can forget about the love between men and women and asking about each other's well-being. If she tries to commit suicide again, I will no longer feel guilty!"
Minglan listened in silence. He Hongwen took a deep breath, his broad chest heaving violently. "Sister Ming, if she died like this, it would become a lump in my heart for the rest of my life, forcing me to remember her forever! ... I, I don't want to keep remembering her. I should only keep my wife in my heart!"
Minglan slowly raised her head. With the sun behind her, He Hongwen's handsome young face was filled with sincerity and nervousness. A small part of her heart softened. "After all, we live under the same roof. I'm afraid you can't just turn a blind eye."
He Hongwen said seriously, "Sister Ming, I know what you're worried about. But I have eyes, and I won't be fooled. Zhang's fourth uncle is now traveling. He treated the illnesses of the Duke of Lingguo's mansion for over a decade. He's seen everything, from the old master's dozens of concubines to the mess of his descendants. As a doctor, how could he not understand the cunning tricks of the women in the inner chambers?"
Minglan raised an eyebrow in disbelief: "So you knew all this? And I thought you were just pitying Miss Cao's weakness."
He Hongwen smiled awkwardly and said helplessly, "Men are not all blind or foolish. Unless they are biased, there is nothing they cannot understand. Besides, I trust you and believe that you will take good care of cousin Jin'er."
Minglan looked at him for a long time and slowly smiled: "You're right,... maybe." No matter what, there is always Cao Jinxiu between them, she exists after all.
Could He Hongwen's words be trusted? She didn't know. Could he fulfill his promise today? She didn't know either.
She only knew that He Hongwen had done his best to achieve this. After all, he was just an ordinary ancient man. Marriage was just a beginning, and this beginning was neither good nor bad. What mattered most was how he would proceed.
The winter sun was warm, like soft cotton wool covering the skin. The bare branches above were shaking gently in the breeze. Minglan and He Hongwen walked slowly along the gravel path. The sky was bright, the sun was shining, the mountains and rocks were quiet and beautiful, and everything was so calm and composed. The Cao family had already left Beijing, Rulan had surrendered, and the old lady had basically made up her mind. It seemed that everything would slowly move forward according to the established trajectory.
But a long time later, when Minglan thought of this day, she suddenly realized that this was the last time she met He Hongwen.
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