On the round rosewood octagonal table carved with raised peony patterns was spread a fine array of food: at the center, a steaming basket of small soup dumplings; arranged around it were red bean and cornmeal steamed cakes, goose-fat-fried bean paste sesame balls, four varieties of scallion flower rolls, fried twisted dough fritters, and jujube-and-yam cakes. On a smaller side table sat two styles of porridge — golden millet and pumpkin congee, and mushroom and chicken congee — accompanied by sweet and savory pastry accompaniments.

Minglan’s appetite was immediately piqued — but she kept reminding herself that she was at her in-laws’ home and must conduct herself with grace.

The Mistress took her seat first, glanced about, and asked with a smile: “Where is little Can? Her sisters-in-law have all arrived — is she still not coming out?”

Matron Xiang, who had been standing nearby serving the congee, turned and replied: “Seventh Young Miss says she has been eating with Miss Sun and the young master and will come to pay her respects to Second Mistress afterward.”

Lady Shao, seated beside the Mistress, wore a faint smile: “These past days we must thank Seventh Sister — having her to keep Xian’er company has put my mind at ease.”

Zhu Shi, who had already pulled Minglan down to sit beside her and was softly asking what porridge she preferred, heard this and laughed: “My little sister-in-law has the most wonderful temperament — respectful and filial, and she loves children. I have no idea who the lucky person will be who gets her in the future!”

The Mistress chided her mildly: “Don’t talk nonsense, you’ll make your Second Sister-in-law laugh.”

Minglan accepted a bowl of mushroom and chicken congee — its fragrance rising delicately — and smiled as she said: “Whatever do you mean? I heard of Seventh Young Miss’s exceptional gifts long before today. Among the young ladies of the capital, she is counted among the finest. Now I learn that Younger Sister Tingcan is not only gifted in poetry, but also compassionate and kind — truly a rare quality.” These were not empty words. Once, when Jian Jie’er and Molan had quarreled, Jian Jie’er had declared loudly: My Seventh Paternal Aunt from Ninguan Marquis Mansion far surpasses you in poetry, prose, and painting!

The Mistress’s face bloomed with happiness, and she cried out repeatedly: “Do not spoil her with all this praise! That girl is really quite ignorant of the world!”

Minglan smiled and bent her head over her meal, savoring the salty-savory congee paired with the crispy dough fritters and sesame balls — the flavor filling her mouth completely.

If she recalled correctly, Miss Gu Tingcan was a few months older than herself. In a noble household such as the Gu family, with their long-established rank in the capital, the daughters of the house would typically have their marriages arranged well in advance. So why, then, had Tingcan’s betrothal yet to be settled? If it had been delayed by a year of mourning for the late Emperor, that would be understandable enough — but from the way people spoke, it seemed she did not even have a prospective family in mind.

The reason could only be one: the original match had fallen through. Either the other family had withdrawn its consideration of the Gu family, or the Gu family had withdrawn its consideration of the other. In the two years since the late Emperor’s passing and the new Emperor’s accession, over half the noble houses in the capital had been implicated in one matter or another — rises and falls among the titled families had been dramatic, and such things were hardly surprising.

It is said one should not speak during meals and not move about during sleep. The latter rule, Gu Tingye clearly could not observe; as for the former, his stepmother managed it perfectly. When the ladies had finished eating, a line of maids filed in with washbasins, towels, and rinse bowls. After a brief freshening up, Minglan held her teacup and sipped with quiet ease.

Raising her hand, pinching her fingers, dipping them in water, rinsing her mouth, lifting her teacup — the whole sequence was smooth and graceful, flowing like water. Elegant, and beautiful to watch. The nearby Zhu Shi glanced at her with a flicker of quiet surprise: This sixth-ranked official’s concubine-born daughter has quite remarkable poise. Whether amid the dazzling splendor of magnificent ceremony or under the strict solemnity of formal propriety, she seems utterly unruffled — always composed and unhurried, smiling at ease whether standing or sitting.

Zhu Shi had heard that Old Madam Sheng was born the legitimate daughter of the Jinling Yongyi Marquis Mansion, the most noble and proud of lineages. The Xu family had fallen from its heights, but back in the day it had been magnificent indeed. With that in mind, Zhu Shi understood — this new mistress had been raised at Old Madam’s side since childhood. No wonder her bearing and manner were so remarkable.

Meanwhile, Minglan was doing her utmost to hold the teacup’s saucer with a single finger while maintaining an expression of quiet, contained refinement — and inwardly reflecting that even Nanny Kong, when she had come to the Sheng household all those years ago to give lessons, had probably not anticipated that of the four girls she taught, only one would actually put it all to use.

Truly, elite educators are something else. The efficiency is extraordinary!

Matron Xiang glanced at the water clock and murmured softly: “Mistress, it is nearly time — Fourth Master and the others should be waiting. Shall I ask Seventh Young Miss and the others to come from their side? Going from where they were eating would be a shorter route.”

The Mistress considered this and nodded: “That would work.” She then turned to smile at Minglan and the others, “What a happy occasion — it seems we have all worked up quite an appetite, and have been eating for quite a while. Let us go now; it would not do to keep everyone waiting.”

Minglan and the other ladies bowed their heads in acknowledgment and followed the Mistress out.

They had barely gone a few steps when they saw Gu Tingye and another young man standing in the courtyard. As the group drew near, Minglan could see that this man had delicate features at the corners of his eyes, lips red and teeth white — looking very much like Gu Tingyu, yet with an added brightness and vigor about him. The moment he saw the Mistress’s party approaching, he straightened and cupped his hands in greeting, his expression open and cheerful: “Mother, I was just telling Second Brother about the gardens — how wonderful it would be if we could plant a courtyard full of scholar trees, like the Jinning Marquis household.”

The Mistress could not help but smile at the sight of her younger son, though she chided him: “You good-for-nothing — spending all your days on amusements, without a thought for your studies or advancement. Don’t let your Second Brother laugh at you!”

Gu Tingwei threw an arm around Gu Tingye’s shoulder, grinning from ear to ear: “Mother, I’ve always been this way — has Second Brother ever once laughed at me for it? When I was little and climbed trees to raid birds’ nests and couldn’t get back down, I’d be too scared of punishment to dare call for you, and Second Brother would always sneak over and carry me down on his back. Right, Second Brother?”

Gu Tingye gave him a faint smile: “You’re a father now. It’s past time you gave some thought to your career and livelihood.”

The Mistress was now visibly pleased: “I’ll rely on you to supervise this monkey of mine — it will set my mind at ease.” She then turned to Minglan: “This hopeless one is your younger brother-in-law.”

Minglan stepped half a pace forward, head lowered, eyes downcast, and said softly: “Younger Brother.”

Gu Tingwei straightened with a formal bow: “Second Sister-in-law.”

The two groups merged into one. Zhu Shi very naturally moved to stand beside her husband. Minglan was a beat slow to react, and by the time she noticed, Gu Tingye had waited long enough that he had to walk over and position himself at her side — not without shooting her a brief glare. But then he looked at her wide, clear eyes blinking in that artlessly baffled way of hers, the morning mist of the courtyard barely dispersed, still lending a faint dampness to her long lashes — and something in Gu Tingye’s chest quietly softened. He asked in a low voice: “Have you eaten enough?”

Minglan shook her head with an expression of quiet suffering.

Gu Tingye said quietly: “We will eat more when we return.”

Minglan immediately nodded, her entire manner eager to please — if she had a tail at that moment, she would certainly be wagging it. Gu Tingye’s lips curved just slightly, and he turned his head back forward with a composed expression.

Lady Shao walked with the Mistress at the front; the two couples followed behind. The party wound through a begonia-flower moon gate, followed a winding stone path along the front of the east side courtyard, and presently turned into the main courtyard. They passed around a tall, grand screen wall carved in white marble with a scene of ten thousand galloping horses — and then the view opened wide. A broad central walkway stretched before them; fifty or so steps ahead stood a vast and brilliantly lit hall, its sixteen gleaming red lacquered panels all thrown open. Above, a plaque bore the inscription: Ruixuan Hall — the characters large, bold, vigorous, imbued with the spirit of metal and stone.

Only now did Minglan raise her eyes to take in her surroundings. Everything she saw was simple, substantial, and weighty — and compared to the ornate luxury of Xiangyang Marquis Mansion, this place carried a kind of austere and dignified pride, magnificent in its own right.

As the group approached, a man of about forty, looking like a senior household manager, stepped forward and bowed. He had sharp and capable features, and spoke clearly: “Mistress, Marchioness, Second Master, Second Mistress, Master, Mistress — please, all of you enter. Both Masters are already here.”

The Mistress gave a slight incline of her head. Lady Shao glanced at her, then turned and said: “You have worked hard, Steward Qin — please do go and announce us.”

Steward Qin replied and went inside.

Minglan, standing beside Gu Tingye, suddenly sensed the air around him grow inexplicably cold. She could not help stealing a glance at him. His expression was calm, his brow drawn up in the faintest arc — but she caught sight of his hand inside his sleeve, clenched into a fist, the knuckles faintly white. Fortunately, his crimson wide sleeves today were expansive and flowing, concealing much.

Minglan’s heart quietly tensed. She took careful note.

They stepped inside. The hall was already full of people, alive with a murmur of conversation. Men and women sat in rows along either side, arranged by seniority of age; on the seats of honor above sat two pairs of elderly couples, with one space left empty in the center — presumably for the Mistress. When the Mistress’s party entered, everyone from the head seats down rose to their feet. The Mistress smiled: “We have made our uncles and aunts wait — a gaggle of women chattering away. We have kept you too long, and we are truly sorry.”

The middle-aged woman seated on the right rose with a smile: “Sister-in-law, what are you saying? It is only a moment’s wait — there is nothing to apologize for!”

The Mistress took her seat. Lady Shao sat at the head of the ladies’ row on the right; Zhu Shi followed in the next seat. Gu Tingwei moved to take his place among the men on the left. Then it was time for Gu Tingye and Minglan to pay their respects to the elders — prayer cushions and tea cups had already been prepared, and the couple knelt together as the Mistress made the introductions with warm cordiality.

Since these were not immediate family, Minglan did not need to prostrate herself — only to offer tea and call them by their proper titles. Naturally, the lower the effort, the smaller the reward; she received only two token sachets.

After rising, it was time to exchange greetings with the cousins of the same generation. Those older than Gu Tingye were to be bowed to; those younger were to bow to Minglan in return. The role of guide now fell to Zhu Shi, who was quick-tongued and thorough, and explained everything in clear and efficient detail.

In truth, before the wedding, Old Madam had given Minglan a general overview of the Gu family’s internal situation. Minglan, in the spirit of diligent study, had earnestly made notes — and now she knew: Ninguan Marquis Mansion was currently home to three branches, namely the main branch, the fourth branch, and the fifth branch.

In fact, when the previous Marquis’s father had passed, the family had already divided. The concubine-born branches had long since moved out — some living on Ninguan Street and depending on the main line for support; others, having made their own way in the world, establishing their own separate establishments.

The fourth and fifth branches had originally been intended to move out as well, but since the previous Marquis had spent years away on frontier campaigns and garrison duty, the mansion could not be left without someone to manage it, so his two full brothers had been asked to remain. When the Marquis was eventually recalled to the capital by imperial order and brought his household back to the city, the branches had continued to live harmoniously together, and so the arrangement of living under one roof had persisted.

The Fourth Master was a prosperous, well-fed-looking man with the air of a comfortable gentleman-scholar, though his eyes appeared somewhat clouded. The Fifth Master, by contrast, was dressed as a man of letters, with five long braided whiskers suggesting considerable refined pride. He was one of the few scholars in the Gu family — in his youth he had passed the provincial examinations, but had never managed to pass the palace examinations, and after serving in a few minor official posts, was now retired at home, spending his leisure hours composing poetry and painting. He had earned quite a reputation for refined elegance among the cultivated circles of the capital.

Minglan did her best to memorize them.

Then came an unbroken succession of names in the pattern of “Gu Ting-something” — male and female, all of them accompanied by spouses and children, trailing a complex web of connections. By the time it was over, Minglan felt her neural pathways had short-circuited. She recalled having given away eight gourd-shaped sachets and five lotus-shaped sachets, plus a large bundle of gold ingots and four jade ornaments — the expense was enough to make her eyes swim.

By the time Zhu Shi finally set down her teacup to signal the end of her recitation, Minglan had only managed to sort out her immediate in-laws with any clarity. The late Marquis had fathered a total of three sons and two daughters — each son born of a different mother, one each (an admirably equitable arrangement, Minglan privately conceded). As for the daughters: there was Gu Tingyan, a concubine-born daughter who had already married out and was not present today, and Gu Tingcan — a lovely girl with a round face, bright perceptive eyes, four parts alertness, four parts composure, and two parts reserve, carrying quite the air of a young woman of literary talent.

Beyond that, Minglan also confirmed that “Elder Sister-in-law Xuan,” mentioned in jest on their wedding night, was in fact the eldest daughter-in-law of the Fourth Branch.

Danju stood to one side of the great hall, several visible veins throbbing at her temples, her eyes wide and fierce with the effort of memorizing all these relatives, steeling herself to go over the knowledge points with Minglan later. Minglan, simultaneously grieving over the day’s outpouring of gifts and feeling quite ashamed of her own muddleheadedness, muttered a few words under her breath. The nearby Xiaotao, hearing her, immediately offered encouragement: “Young Miss, this is what they call — knowing people and putting them to good use!”

“Knowing people and putting them to good use.” Minglan felt considerably better.

With the introductions done, a succession of maids filed in carrying tea trays and pastry dishes. The men remained in the hall drinking tea and chatting; the ladies rose and moved a few steps inward. The hall was generous in its dimensions, with a decorative carved and painted lacquered wood lattice screen dividing the two sections. Sounds of laughter and the sight of faces could still be shared between both sides.

Inside, several round tables had been laid with four-color tea refreshments. Minglan was pulled warmly by Zhu Shi to sit beside her. A number of young wives and young ladies crowded around to make conversation with Minglan; not recognizing any of them, Minglan responded to each with a modest smile.

Those who praised her new gown, she met with: “Oh, you flatter me.”

Those who praised her jewelry and hair ornaments, she continued with: “You are too kind.”

Those who praised her radiant and dignified appearance, she capped with a rosy-cheeked: “I dare not accept such praise.”

…and so on, in continuous rotation.

After a few rounds of this, the assembled young wives and young ladies all found Minglan too dull to draw out — she returned nothing, deflected everything — and drifted off to sit together among themselves, chatting and laughing. At Minglan’s table now remained only the Mistress, the Fourth Mistress, the Fifth Mistress, Lady Shao, Elder Sister-in-law Xuan, and Zhu Shi.

“…I have to say, Sister-in-law is the truly fortunate one — her daughters-in-law are exceptional, every one. Look at Tingye’s wife — a beauty fallen straight from the heavens, if you ask me, I like her enormously!” The Fourth Mistress beamed with smiles, continuously regarding Minglan. Her double-layered purple-and-gold brocade vest was quite splendid. “Next to her, my own daughters-in-law are nowhere to be seen!”

Elder Sister-in-law Xuan was in the midst of swallowing a mouthful of tea and had to work hard to get it down: “Oh, my dear mother-in-law — if you want to praise this heavenly sister-in-law of mine, I have not a word of objection; she really is exceptional, after all. But might you leave a little face for your daughter-in-law?!” So saying, she leaned affectionately into the Fourth Mistress, who laughed and scolded: “You shameless creature! Now you want face too?!”

Everyone laughed. Minglan put on a pleasantly demure expression and bowed her head — watching these two, with their easy warmth, it would be difficult for anyone to imagine that the Fourth Mistress was in fact a second wife, and that Elder Sister-in-law Xuan was the son left by the first legitimate wife.

By comparison, the Fifth Mistress was considerably quieter. She simply took Minglan’s hand and said a few calm, earnest words: “You have just arrived and do not know — these past years, your mother-in-law has truly labored without rest. In the household, great and small, she has always been gentle and measured, compassionate toward those in hardship, respectful to the elderly, and loving to the young. She is the most capable person one could ask for.”

The Fourth Mistress added: “Who could say otherwise? Yu’er’s health requires looking after; Yu’er’s wife managing the household requires her guidance; Xian’er requires her care — and this whole large household requires her attention. It is truly a great deal for her to carry!”

The Mistress smiled: “Listen to you two — oh, well. I am thick-skinned enough not to feel embarrassed. Please, do continue.”

This remark sent everyone into another burst of laughter. Lady Shao’s gaze toward the Mistress was filled with gratitude.

The Fifth Mistress had a slender, refined face and spoke softly, continuing to Minglan: “Do not listen to whatever you may have heard from outside. Your mother-in-law has not had it easy. Now that you have entered this household, you must do your part to counsel Tingye — a family that lives in harmony is the foundation of a family’s prosperity.”

The Fourth Mistress chimed in enthusiastically with her agreement. Minglan, of course, nodded with vigor.

While all this conversation was going on inside, a sudden burst of loud argument erupted from outside. The Fourth Master’s voice rang out in fury: “…Gu Tingye, you! Now that you’ve made something of yourself, this is how you treat your own uncle! No one is asking you to climb a mountain of blades or wade through fire — just come out for a drink this evening. Your uncles and brothers are showing you goodwill, and this is how you look down on us?”

Gu Tingye sat quietly, entirely composed: “The garrison’s military affairs have not yet been settled, and there are several matters His Majesty has entrusted to me that still require attending to. This afternoon after the midday meal I must return to the Metropolitan Military Commissioner’s Office. As for the drinking — let us save it for another time.”

The Fourth Master was so furious his beard quivered, and he slapped the table loudly: “Don’t come to me with excuses about official business! Do you think I’ve never seen the world? Your father in his day was ten times busier than you, and whenever a family member called on him, when did he ever fail to answer? Your own uncle is speaking to you — and you dare to refuse?!” His voice rose as he seemed about ready to lunge, apparently intending to deliver a few kicks. The Elder Brother-in-law Xuan beside him desperately threw his arms around his own father, whispering urgently in his ear — only then did the Fourth Master remember that this was not his own son, and that one could not simply strike and scold as one pleased. He huffed back into his seat.

“Tingye cannot match my late father’s abilities and cannot attend to everything at once. Fourth Uncle, please excuse me.” Gu Tingye stared coldly at the Fourth Master; a fierce and dangerous light surged suddenly in his gaze — and then just as quickly was drawn back. Seeing that flash of lethal intensity, that oppressively dark expression, the Fourth Master felt a brief, involuntary chill, and found he no longer dared to be so brazen. He turned his face away and said nothing more.

Seeing this, the Fifth Master, not the least bit cowed, frowned and tugged at his beard: “If you have official duties and cannot attend a banquet, very well. But why must you insist on living separately? Would it not be better to remain in your own family’s home? Why make it so that people outside are talking — and only then are you satisfied?”

Minglan’s heart gave a small lurch. She remembered Gu Tingye mentioning last night that the Mistress had agreed to let them live separately — how had something changed? As she mulled this over, she stole a glance at the Mistress, who wore an expression of helpless difficulty. The Mistress had already risen and called out anxiously toward outside: “Fifth Uncle — enough, enough, say no more! If Tingye wishes to move out, he must have his reasons!”

The Fourth Mistress pulled the Mistress back down to sit, saying mildly: “What reasons could there be? One’s mother is still living. A son who does not remain at her side to show filial devotion — what sort of reasoning is that? No matter how much Tingye may shine in the world outside, failing in filial duty to one’s mother is the foremost offense.” As she spoke, she glanced toward Minglan.

Minglan kept her head bowed. Give it a rest, she thought. Do you think I am a simpleton? True, defying one’s parent is indeed a grave offense — enough to cost an official everything even if it does not cost him his life — but that only applies to one’s legal birth parents, or a primary wife who has been officially recognized as a mother! This woman before us is a stepmother, nothing more than a borderline case under ritual law. Since ancient times, disputes between stepmothers and stepsons have been largely left out of official jurisdiction.

Back when Sheng Hong was adjudicating cases in Dengzhou, he had handled two remarkably similar cases — each involving a stepmother and stepson situation — yet the judgments were vastly different. A concubine-born son who killed his legitimate stepmother was sentenced to execution pending review, later reduced to exile and hard labor. A legitimate-born son who killed his stepmother received only banishment a few distances away, with the expectation of returning home after a few years to reunite with family. For those rulings, Sheng Hong had been lavishly praised by the local elders and gentry, who even presented him with a commemorative plaque reading: The mirror hangs high and clear.

The only problem is — one cannot very well say this out loud. Poor Second Uncle. You really are in a pitiable position.

Sure enough, on the other side, Gu Tingye was momentarily without words. His brows furrowed deeply; a suppressed anger radiated from him. And yet the Fifth Master, as a man of scholarly pride, showed not the slightest intimidation, staring him down directly and continuing his reproof: “The imperial residence granted to you is yours whether you live in it or not. What compels you to go there? It is said that filial piety and benevolence come before all else; the debt of nurturing is greater than the debt of birth. You read books in your youth — how can you be so confused? Come now, apologize to your mother and say you are not going.”

Gu Tingye’s grip tightened on his fist; his face gradually hardened into cold, granite calm. He looked at the Fifth Master for a long, silent moment. The Fifth Master glared back unflinchingly. Then, slowly, Gu Tingye rose to his feet — tall and straight, his authority filling the room without a hint of anger — and said with quiet composure: “The imperial command is not to be defied. I leave this afternoon.”

Ten short words. And then Gu Tingye raised his hands in a formal bow, straightened his sleeves, turned, and walked out — leaving the entire hall behind in stunned silence, staring at one another. The Fifth Master was so incensed he nearly fainted — but just as Gu Tingye could not openly voice the true nature of their relationship, neither could the Fifth Master genuinely go to the authorities and charge Gu Tingye with defying a parent. The way Gu Tingye had wielded this maneuver was masterful.

Minglan could not help but feel like applauding — but then.

Gu Tingye’s departure had been rather abrupt, which left Minglan in a deeply awkward position. The assembled ladies turned looks of dissatisfaction toward her. Minglan herself would have liked to retreat, but her seat was in a corner, neatly hemmed in by Zhu Shi and the Fourth Mistress — there was no escape. With all eyes on her, the back of her scalp prickling, she cursed Gu Tingye inwardly with considerable feeling: Faithless wretch — look out only for himself and retreat, leaving me behind to hold the rear! And I’ve already been made into cannon fodder?!

Men truly cannot be relied upon!

It was Elder Sister-in-law Xuan who, unable to bear the sight any longer, stepped in to salvage things. Into the thick, silent standoff, she laughed lightly and said: “Ah, sister-in-law, now you see it — your Second Master has always had this stubborn streak. You will need to be careful of him going forward!”

Minglan nodded repeatedly.

The atmosphere eased slightly. Outside, the Fourth Master set his teacup down with a heavy thud and said with displeasure: “Such ignorance of propriety — all the merit in the world is worth nothing if one lacks it!”

At these words, voices on both sides of the hall joined in one by one, obliquely criticizing Gu Tingye — the words all carefully couched, but the general sentiment unmistakable.

Seventh Young Miss Gu Tingcan was especially aggrieved, and was saying loudly that their mother had treated Second Brother so well, yet Second Brother showed such a lack of filial respect, when she caught sight of Minglan sitting in silence with her head bowed. She raised her voice and called out: “Second Sister-in-law, what do you say?… I hear Second Sister-in-law has been well-versed in poetry and ritual from childhood — you must surely have a clear understanding of what filial duty means. Will you not offer us your judgment on today’s matter? Do you think what Second Brother did was right?”

Elder Sister-in-law Xuan immediately knit her brows with a look of concern and turned to watch Minglan. Every gaze in the room converged on her — even the men outside had gone quiet. Minglan inwardly gave a cold laugh, then slowly raised her head. Her expression was light and perfectly at ease, the faintest dimples still sitting at the corners of her lips. The assembled ladies looked on with considerable curiosity.

Rather than answering directly, Minglan raised her voice and said: “Two years ago, Former Minister of Works, the elder Lord Lu, was praised by His Majesty as ‘diligent, circumspect, of excellent virtue and high reputation.’ He was promoted to Deputy Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, and shortly thereafter was also bestowed with a residence within the Western Fortune Gate.”

“What does any of that have to do with—” Gu Tingcan could not help but interject, and was immediately quieted by Lady Shao.

Minglan ticked off her points on her fingers with unhurried composure: “In truth, Lord Lu’s old residence was perfectly respectable — a bit far from the imperial city, perhaps, but with clear mountains and beautiful water, lovely scenery; and best of all, many of Lord Lu’s old friends and relations lived in that area. He could take his ease, meet and visit, have a light drink and an easy conversation — it was all truly pleasant! Word was that at the time, many friends and relations advised him not to move — to stay where he was. After all, the imperial gift would always be there, and the residence would not run away. And yet… once Lord Lu received the imperial decree, he moved without a moment’s hesitation or a second word. His words were: ‘The Emperor’s grace is as boundless as Heaven itself. To not receive it is to show disrespect.'”

Both sides of the great hall fell even more silent. The only sound was the Fourth Master on the other side lifting and lowering his teacup again and again, the porcelain cover chiming crisp and clear. The Fifth Master’s chest was tight with indignation — but he had nothing further to say. That pronouncement had placed a very great cap on the matter; no one could find any further ground for criticism. The room remained in heavy silence for quite some time, until the Mistress sighed: “Our two uncles and Tingye have all been put in a difficult position on account of me, this old woman.”

Zhu Shi, ever quick-witted, immediately rose with a smile: “Quite so! Second Brother is being loyal to the Emperor; Fourth Uncle and Fifth Uncle are acting from filial devotion — no one is in the wrong. Let me go and see about things now. He really must stay for the midday meal at least before leaving. I will have some good wine prepared — Uncles and Second Brother can have a few cups together, talk things out, and all will be well!”

The Fourth Master also quickly moved to smooth things over, saying cheerfully: “Tingwei’s wife makes an excellent suggestion! Let us have our own table set up as well. We are all family here — what is there that cannot be said?”

After these few exchanges, the atmosphere lightened considerably. Conversation gradually resumed, and warmth and laughter returned to the room. Minglan let out a great inward breath of relief, bent her head, and began to chat easily with Elder Sister-in-law Xuan. They had barely exchanged a few words when a timid little maidservant slipped into the inner room. Minglan narrowed her eyes to look — it was Xia Zhu, her face drained of all color, trembling faintly as she murmured in a small voice: “…Second Mistress, Second Master is asking for you — he says he doesn’t know what to do with all the trunks and boxes…”

The expressions on the faces of all the ladies in the inner room turned distinctly peculiar, and they aimed knowing smiles at Minglan. Minglan felt her face burn. Inwardly she was furious: This great aunt has already won the battle here, and you come now to “rescue” me? Depend on him? This young lady was already written off as fodder long ago?!

Men truly cannot be relied upon!