Minglan startled for a moment, then her face broke into a wide, delighted smile, and she offered congratulations with warm enthusiasm.

At this, Wang Shi was visibly elated, her eyebrows fairly dancing with joy. “We’ve known for a while now, but it was still early days and we did not dare spread the word. Now that the pregnancy has settled, she came back for the family to see. And speaking of that — Grandmother really does watch over things quite tightly; she had barely received word before she dispatched two capable nannies over there, instructing them to keep a close eye on Rulan and take care over everything she ate and used and how she rested.”

This was exactly the sort of thing about Wang Shi that was most tiresome: when an elder showed care for her own daughter, the gracious thing to do was simply to accept it. But Wang Shi could not resist posturing, and was now twisting in her seat to chide Sheng Lao, saying, “Mother! I know you love Ru’er dearly — but carrying on like that, I’m afraid the in-laws are not going to be pleased. I visited them a few days ago and could see from their expressions that they were not happy!”

Hai Shi looked somewhat ill at ease. Minglan, well practiced in such situations, simply lowered her head and acted as if she had heard nothing. Although Grandmother was devout in her faith, she was no vegetarian — and Wang Shi had attempted this kind of posturing before, with results that were, as a rule, disastrous.

And indeed, Grandmother cast a light, dispassionate glance over her daughter-in-law’s self-satisfied expression, lifted her teacup and sipped, then sighed. “I used to hold back out of consideration for appearances, and disliked involving myself in such matters. But now, when I think of what Hualan went through, all I feel is that a daughter’s health and wellbeing must come first above everything. If that makes me appear discourteous to the in-laws, so be it. Rulan’s disposition is not even as resilient as Hualan’s — if there is bickering and conflict in that household, it will only damage either the harmony or her constitution. Better that I be the one to play the villain.”

The memory of Hualan’s frail, sickly appearance was enough to bring moisture to Wang Shi’s eyes; she lowered her head without reply. In truth, that family’s matriarch was no mild-mannered woman either — it was simply that the Sheng family stood on solid ground, and their son was wholly devoted to Rulan, leaving her no advantages to press on either front. That was why she had finally settled down.

Grandmother set down her teacup and spoke in measured, earnest tones to her daughter-in-law. “You are a woman blessed with the good fortune of children and grandchildren. Hualan now has two sons to depend on — she can breathe a little more easily. As for the other girls, I will not speak of them all. But Rulan was raised by your own hands. I am old, and there are things I cannot always keep watch over — you must guide her more in daily life.”

“She is someone else’s wife now — she must not be running back to her parents’ home day after day. If word gets out, people will say the Sheng family is domineering. She must treat her husband with consideration and deference, and must never adopt the air of one who has done a great favor. Unless, of course, she has no desire to go on living a peaceful life. Toward her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law, she must be gentle and accommodating — when forbearance is called for, she must forbear. She must not carry on as though every small thing were some great wrong done to her. Which daughter-in-law has not passed through exactly this? Does she suppose she is some jewel set in gold, exempt from it all? I can see that the Fifth Son-in-law is not a cold or unfeeling man — if Rulan does not overstep, then even should he advance and prosper later, he will treat her well.” Sheng Lao’s tone was not particularly severe, yet every word struck its mark — each pointed remark, overt or oblique, piercing Wang Shi like a needle between the ribs. A surge of air lodged in her throat, and she could not produce a single word in response.

“Mother is quite right; this daughter-in-law has taken it all to heart and will go and speak properly with Ru’er when I return.” Wang Shi’s neck was rigid; she labored a long moment before managing that much.

Hai Shi lowered her head and, studying Minglan’s manner, set her face in an expression of grave, earnest attention, counting the tea leaves in her cup.

Grandmother observed Wang Shi’s ashen complexion with something close to deep satisfaction — perhaps seven or eight parts of it — and then swiftly changed course. “If we commit errors in our own conduct, even the strongest position will lose its force. But if Rulan attends to every propriety, then even if the in-laws behave improperly, the Sheng family is not so easily taken advantage of!” As she spoke, a flicker of indignation stirred in her own heart — she grieved for the suffering of her beloved eldest granddaughter, yet that had at least been an upward match. If even a downward match were to be met with abject submission, the Sheng family would become a laughingstock.

In dealings between families joined by marriage, equality was the ideal — this was no case of deception or entrapment, and there was no reason anyone should be required to swallow grievances in silence.

By the time Minglan had counted through the tea leaves for the third time, she emerged to redirect the conversation. She turned to Hai Shi and said, “Sister-in-law, when do you plan to hold the full-month celebration for Hui Jie’er? I have been craning my neck waiting for quite a long while now.”

Hai Shi was quick and perceptive; she immediately smiled and replied, “Because my confinement was difficult, Mother was thoughtful enough to decide that we will hold a double full-month celebration for Hui Jie’er — this way, whether we’re receiving family and friends or hosting the celebration feast, both she and I will be in a better state for it.”

Wang Shi nodded, looking quite pleased; she cast an approving glance at her daughter-in-law, then turned to Minglan. “That is just right. By then, your eldest sister will have come out of her confinement too, and Ru’er’s pregnancy will have settled — it will be a good occasion for the whole family to gather.”

Minglan glanced toward Grandmother, who sat composed at the head of the room, idly turning over the dried tangerine peel in the dish with an air of studied indifference, a faint, quiet amusement at the corners of her mouth. Minglan suppressed a smile with some effort, turned to Wang Shi, and said earnestly, “It is after all you — with your wider experience and greater foresight — who plans so thoughtfully. Those of us who are younger still have much to learn.” Her bright eyes rested warmly on Wang Shi, her expression entirely sincere. This particular art Minglan had long since perfected — no matter how outlandish Wang Shi’s remarks might be, she could deliver full and wholehearted agreement without so much as a flicker of hesitation.

Wang Shi touched her lips lightly, and in the interest of appearing humble, changed the subject. “Speaking of your eldest sister — I went to see her a few days ago. She has grown thin, but her spirits are quite good.”

“That is a relief — the last time I saw Elder Sister was at the bathing ceremony, and I thought her clothes were hanging quite loose on her.” Minglan expressed her concern, wondering privately whether that “scheme” had done any good.

Wang Shi could not conceal her satisfaction and said gleefully, “Ha! Right now the Yuan household’s Madam Yuan has enough to occupy her own attention. Your eldest sister’s days are considerably better now — she mentioned how much she misses you. If you have no pressing matters, do go and visit when you have a chance.”

“Has enough to occupy her own attention? What has happened with the Yuan family?” Minglan felt a flutter in her heart — both excited and uneasy.

Wang Shi was just about to speak when Grandmother gave a firm, deliberate cough. Wang Shi caught herself, remembering that it was not fitting to speak disparagingly of another family’s elders in front of the younger generation. Hai Shi, ever quick-minded, smoothly stepped in with a smile: “Nothing of great consequence — it is only that a short while ago, the Loyal and Diligent Earl, Earl Yuan, welcomed a new Yiniang into the household. Madam Yuan, knowing that a newcomer would be unfamiliar with the proper ways of things and unable to properly attend to the Earl’s daily needs, naturally felt she must offer some guidance and instruction — which has kept her rather occupied of late.” Observe — the very same information, conveyed at an entirely different level of finesse. Wang Shi, one does wonder whether you will ever learn.

Minglan adopted the expression of someone hearing this for the very first time and let out a slow, measured: “Oh… is that so.”

Ah, indeed!

Granted, inserting a concubine into someone else’s marriage was a rather contemptible thing to do. But self-interest is self-interest — that woman had been making Hualan’s life miserable for years, and had practically stuffed her chambers full of serving girls. It was only fitting that she should now have a taste of the same medicine. Served her right. Minglan felt not the slightest pang of conscience.

“…Yuan Madam is truly so virtuous and magnanimous.” Minglan’s expression was perfectly guileless.

Grandmother gave her granddaughter a look that was somewhere between amusement and assessment. Minglan suddenly felt a stab of guilt and her face went pink; she dropped her gaze.

After being carried up onto the daybed, Quan Ge’er had been contentedly playing with the antique jade thumb ring threaded on the red cord around his neck. He poked one fat little finger in — too loose. He tried two fingers — still too loose. Finally he balled his little fist and pushed all four fingers through at once — and, oh dear, his small hand was stuck in the ring. The jade was smooth and warm, so it did not particularly hurt, but Quan Ge’er shook his little arm back and forth frantically, unable to shake it off, unable to pull it free. He finally held up his little fist and burrowed into Grandmother’s arms, demanding assistance.

Grandmother had no choice but to coax him and work the thumb ring free from his hand. At that moment, a maidservant’s voice rang out loudly from outside: “The Master and Young Master have arrived.”

Every female member of the household present rose simultaneously — excepting Grandmother — gathering their skirts in proper greeting. Sheng Hong and Sheng Changfeng entered the room one after the other. Quan Ge’er, who had been draped over Grandmother’s shoulder babbling away, spread out his short little arms and called out to Sheng Hong with eager, delighted sounds.

The sight of his small grandson instantly melted Sheng Hong’s middle-aged heart. After paying his respects to Grandmother with a proper bow, he reached out with a smile to lift Quan Ge’er into his arms, settled onto the seat beside the daybed, and placed the small, round boy on his knee to play with him.

“Granddad! Granddad!” The small boy’s speech was not yet entirely clear, but he reached with great enthusiasm for his grandfather’s whiskers.

“Yes, yes! My precious little one!” Sheng Hong beamed, entirely content to let his small grandson tug at his beard.

Grandmother still held the thumb ring in her hand. Watching this grandfather-and-grandson pair carrying on as though they had not seen each other in eight years, she felt equal parts exasperation and amusement, and scolded them with a laugh, “You ungrateful little thing!”

Sheng Hong hugged Quan Ge’er and chuckled heartily. The small boy flung himself against his grandfather’s neck and covered half of the old man’s face in wet, enthusiastic kisses. Wang Shi laughed. “They do say grandparents dote on their grandchildren — and truly, it is every word of it.”

Yet with all the younger generation present, Sheng Hong could not very well go on frolicking with his small grandson like this. After playing with him for a little while, he handed Quan Ge’er back to the wet nurse at his side. Grandmother said to Hai Shi, “This restless little creature won’t be satisfied until he’s had a few good romps outside. The sun is fine today — take him out to play for a bit longer.”

Hai Shi answered softly. And the small, round-faced little boy on the wet nurse’s arm proved himself quite sharp — seeming to have understood every word, he kicked his legs the moment the wet nurse bent down, landed steadily on his feet, and went bounding joyfully away, followed by five scrambling maidservants and nursemaids who rushed out after him.

Hai Shi was visibly flustered and hurriedly bobbed a curtsy. “This child, he has no sense of decorum whatsoever…”

“It is perfectly fine!” Sheng Hong watched the doorway through which his small grandson had just disappeared with a fond smile, waving his hand reassuringly. “Little boys are better off a bit boisterous when they are small — whether it is ten years of studying at a cold window or making their way in the military arts later on, it all depends on a strong and healthy constitution.”

“Quite so.” Grandmother’s heart was pleased, but she deliberately said, “With a sturdy frame like that, at least when his elders need to give him a good thrashing, we won’t have to worry about him. Not like his Sixth Aunt — utterly useless, could not even endure a single stroke of the palm board!”

“Grandmother!” Minglan was deeply embarrassed; she exclaimed, “That was just the one time, and you still— ?!”

Amidst the laughter that filled the room, Hai Shi gathered her skirts and withdrew. Everyone rearranged themselves by seniority: Sheng Hong and Wang Shi took the seats on either side of the daybed, while Minglan and Sheng Changfeng sat across from them.

“Where is the Sixth Son-in-law?” Grandmother asked, still slightly breathless from laughing.

Sheng Hong was about to stroke his beard, only to find it had been grabbed into a complete bird’s nest by small hands. He settled for combing it smooth instead. “He had a conversation with me in the study, then left for the Chief Military Commission. These past few days, with His Majesty away from the palace, morning court has been suspended — but there is no shortage of official duties.”

Minglan glanced at her father. Despite having slipped away from the office early that morning, his expression remained one of deep loyalty and patriotic devotion. Minglan played along dutifully and immediately added, “The two Empress Dowagers are mildly unwell and are recuperating at the Western Hills temporary palace — His Majesty visits every few days to see to their welfare. Truly the very image of filial devotion!”

Sheng Hong nodded with considerable satisfaction. Of all his daughters, Minglan was the sharpest — always especially adept at knowing when and how to play her part.

He was a seasoned hand in officialdom: he had put in a token appearance at the Censorate that morning, saw that there was nothing pressing, and simply returned home. When the Emperor was away, nothing particularly urgent was liable to come up anyway. Those burning the candle at both ends right now were mostly the inner-circle ministers, senior officials, and favored attendants close to the throne — such as his newly acquired sixth son-in-law, who had departed in such haste moments before.

“What were you all chatting about just now, Mother?” Sheng Hong was in high spirits and engaged Grandmother with genial deference. “We could hear the laughter from quite a distance away.”

Grandmother smiled and gestured toward Minglan. “The affairs of her sisters. Hualan has been missing Minglan, Rulan is well enough to be up and about — when the time comes to put on a feast for Hui Jie’er’s double full-month, we will have all the sisters together for a reunion.”

Sheng Hong smiled and added a few agreeable remarks, then fell into a brief, pensive silence. With quiet feeling, he said, “Come to think of it, Molan married even earlier than the others — why is there still no news yet?”

These words brought the warmth in the hall down a few degrees at once. Wang Shi turned her face away with a dismissive curl of her lip, saying nothing. Sheng Changfeng, who had been silent all this while, suddenly lifted his head; his expression held a suggestion of concern. Grandmother glanced at the father and son, then said evenly, “What is sown beforehand, one reaps afterward. Rulan’s blessings were not good enough for her — what can be done.”

Wang Shi felt a private surge of satisfaction. Sheng Hong could only breathe a long sigh. Grandmother looked at him for a moment, then relented, her tone softening with warmth. “You are a good father — you have done everything a father could possibly do. Molan’s situation is a path she herself demanded to walk, even at the cost of her parents and family. As it stands now… she has no one to blame.”

Minglan lowered her head without speaking. She had heard something of Molan’s situation — it was not exactly good, but not exactly terrible either. Not the sweet tenderness of a loving couple, yet nothing approaching the miserable humiliation that poor Jia Yingchun had been made to endure in the form of beatings and abuse.

Molan was also skilled at keeping up appearances; she managed well enough both inside and outside the household. Things were, broadly speaking, respectful enough, if below the threshold of genuine affection.

Concubine-born daughters were much like weeds: those who had survived and grown well had no shortage of tenacity. Even Hualan — the eldest legitimate daughter, raised with every comfort and indulgence — had endured. What cause did those born as concubine’s daughters have to consider themselves so precious? Perhaps, freed from Lin Yiniang’s sheltering and misguided direction, Molan might yet carve out a small place of her own.

The desire to act spoiled, to be willful, headstrong, or petulant? That luxury belonged only to those with rock-solid backing — and unconditional support from one’s own family. In this era, how many women who married truly found happiness? Even the ideal was merely mutual respect, each fulfilling their role — she managing the household and the concubines and children, he providing for the family, making his way in the world and upholding the household; the two of them carrying on as partners.

Everyone was struggling through life as best they could. Minglan saw no point in sparing sympathy or pity for any one person in particular.

Grandmother had no desire to linger on this subject. She turned to Sheng Hong and said, “Now that you are here today — have you something you wished to say to me?”

Sheng Hong recalled his purpose, and could not help brightening again. He said with a smile, “Mother was right to anticipate it. Today, I do indeed have happy news to report.” He glanced at Sheng Changfeng, then continued: “A few days ago we attended a gathering at the Liu family’s home. And then, unexpectedly, just days afterward, Liu Xiong came to find me and said that he had a mind to arrange a match with our family.”

Grandmother’s eyes lit up. “Which young lady?”

At this, Sheng Hong grew even more pleased. “His legitimate second daughter — who happens to be the same age.”

Wang Shi’s mouth fell open. Minglan was equally taken aback. Grandmother pressed eagerly, “Is this truly so?”

“Every word of it — Liu Xiong is a man of his word.” Sheng Hong stroked his beard, smiling as he looked at his son beside him, finding him more handsome and distinguished by the moment.

Sheng Changfeng’s face reddened. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat and ducked his head, fumbling for something to say. Minglan sat across from him, and since her stool was low, she caught a sideways glimpse of his expression — a peculiar mixture of bashfulness, reluctance, and something like resigned acceptance of fate.

Now, this Liu Ming — Liu Daren — was one of those rare men who had been classmates with Sheng Hong in their studies, achieved the imperial examination in the same year, and subsequently become colleagues; and they had remained on excellent terms ever since. He currently served as the Left Chief Secretary of the Court of Judicial Review, at the fifth rank of senior grade. Though his rank and position were both somewhat below Sheng Hong’s, he was nonetheless a true son of the main branch of the Yanzhou Liu family — genuine generations of scholarly officialdom, a distinguished clan with a lineage stretching back a century or two.

The Liu family of Yanzhou had maintained an unbroken line of successful examination candidates — progresses and jinshi alike — since the previous dynasty. They had produced two officials of the first rank junior grade, one of the second rank senior grade, and countless other clansmen who had entered government service below those heights. Though they had never reached the pinnacle of power or served as supreme ministers or great regional overseers, every generation had worn official insignia.

It was said that the genealogical tablets bearing official titles enshrined in the Liu family ancestral hall were enough to fill an entire set of dominoes, with room to spare. Though their influence and renown were not quite on a level with the Hai family, they were at least a clan with genuine roots and foundations. Whenever Sheng Hong spoke of the Liu family, he invariably failed to conceal an expression of undisguised envy, invariably followed by a sigh or two.

In years past, Sheng Hong had entertained ideas of arranging for a Liu family son to marry Rulan — but the Liu clan, as a great household, held to exacting customs and traditions, and the grandfather had already arranged matters directly. So that had come to nothing. But that being the case, how would a true legitimate daughter of such a household possibly… Minglan did not rush; she turned her head very slightly toward Wang Shi and waited quietly.

“What would make them look upon Feng Ge’er favorably?” Wang Shi could not contain herself and asked bluntly. “You had better inquire carefully, Master — there had better not be something wrong inside all of this.”

Sheng Hong was doused with a bucket of cold water over the head; he frowned at her in clear displeasure. Grandmother also furrowed her brow slightly. “A Liu family daughter? I seem to vaguely recall — was she not already betrothed?”

Sheng Changfeng’s head drooped lower and lower; he showed no inclination to lift it under any circumstances. Wang Shi cried out, “Could it be that the engagement fell through?”

Sheng Hong shot Wang Shi another look, then turned back to continue his account to Grandmother. “Mother, have no concern — would I ever be hasty in matters of our children’s marriages? Liu Xiong stands in the position of a nephew before you, and you know his character well. He laid out the whole situation with me from beginning to end. The Liu family daughter was indeed betrothed — to the Dingan Jiang family, the legitimate youngest grandson of the retired Grand Secretary Jiang.”

Grandmother narrowed her eyes slightly and nodded. “A fitting match in status.”

Sheng Hong noted that Grandmother’s expression had eased somewhat and moistened his throat with a sip of tea before continuing. “The wedding had originally been planned for before the New Year. But that year, Dingan suffered an epidemic — and the Grand Secretary Jiang’s father passed away. That Jiang young gentleman was then obliged to observe three years of mourning in his father’s memory.”

“That is only proper and right. Under such circumstances, the marriage would naturally have to be postponed,” Grandmother said.

Sheng Hong put down his teacup and sighed. “And so the two families agreed that once the mourning period was concluded, they would proceed with the wedding. But then, just a few months ago, the Liu family learned of something…” He let out a long breath. “That Jiang young gentleman — during his mourning period — had actually carried on with a servant girl. And she had actually given birth to a child.”

Grandmother’s expression darkened. Wang Shi curled her lip with contempt. “And this is the sort of man the Dingan Jiang family produces.”

“Liu Xiong’s wife also comes from a great clan, and has been scrupulously proper in her conduct and adherence to propriety all her life. Upon hearing this, she made a special trip to Dingan to ask what was to be done about the matter. The Jiang family offered apology after apology, and in the end added considerably to the betrothal gifts — but no actual resolution was ever put forward. Madam Liu then had no desire to send her daughter into that household.” Sheng Hong said quietly.

The room fell silent. After a long while, Grandmother finally spoke: “Were it my daughter, I would not wish to send her there either.”

Minglan privately nodded her full agreement. This Liu Madam was indeed a sensible woman.

For one thing, a young man who could conduct himself in such a manner during a period of mourning had plainly shown himself to be without filial piety or moral virtue — his character and capacity for self-restraint were not to be regarded highly. For another, the fact that a child had actually been born made clear that the Jiang family’s household discipline was lax — at the very least, the Jiang matriarch could not escape responsibility for excessive indulgence. Taking on such a mother-in-law would be no small burden. And thirdly, even now there had been no agreement to send the servant girl away and keep only the child — which suggested the girl possessed some considerable charm that had won the young master’s lasting devotion.

Given all of this, even if the Liu daughter were to marry in, her life there would likely not be easy. Better a short pain than a prolonged one — while she had not yet married, and the advantage was still on her side, it was far better to think the matter through clearly now rather than enter a household where the upper hand would belong to the Jiang family.

“If she is not marrying, then she is not marrying!” Wang Shi said with a note of scorn. “A family like the Liu household — is their daughter truly going to have trouble finding a match?”

“It is not so simple as that!” Sheng Hong said with a rueful smile.

Wang Shi was about to volley back a retort, but Minglan stepped in quickly to mediate, saying gently, “This is indeed a complicated situation. The Jiang and Liu families have ties going back several generations — even if they cannot become in-laws, there is no reason to become enemies. If the marriage is broken off and the Liu family wishes to clear their own name, they would have to speak openly of the Jiang young master’s unfilial conduct. Our dynasty holds filial piety above all — to do so would ruin his future prospects. But if they do not make it public, the blame for dissolving the engagement would fall upon the Liu family’s daughter, and seeking a new match afterward would not be easy…”

Her voice was soft, and Wang Shi, listening, could not help but pause in surprise. “This is… indeed a thorny problem.”

Sheng Hong glanced at Minglan with quiet approval, then turned back to Grandmother and continued. “Just as Minglan says — watching his daughter’s time passing, Liu Xiong has grown quite anxious, and so he came to seek this match with me. Others may not know the full circumstances, but we are in the know — it is entirely the Jiang family’s fault. And moreover, you have met that Liu family daughter yourself, have you not? Have you not often praised her for her virtue and character?”

By this point, Grandmother was very much moved. Their eyes met across the room — mother and son in silent understanding.

This was a good match.

To begin with, Sheng Changfeng, being a concubine’s son, was as yet only a provincial examination degree holder; the metropolitan examination was nowhere in sight. The Sheng family was no aristocratic clan with generations of titles, and to seek the hand of a legitimate daughter from an established family like the Liu household was to be reaching above their station. But this time, the Liu family had come of their own accord — which meant that even after such a daughter-in-law was welcomed in, there would be no cause to worry about Sheng Changfeng standing in the shadow of his wife’s family, or looking to his in-laws with lesser standing.

Grandmother set her hand firmly on the armrest of the daybed. “This match is possible. The Liu daughter’s character is without question — she would be a fine wife capable of managing a household. Go and have the birth characters exchanged when you return. If they are compatible…” She paused. “I will call upon them in person to propose the match.”

Wang Shi’s face went half green with suppressed indignation, and before she could even open her mouth, Sheng Hong quickly added: “Mother’s words are exactly right — I feel the same way. We cannot truly allow the young woman’s side to be the ones to approach us.”

“Since this match is to be made, it must be done with dignity.” Grandmother’s tone was decisive. “We will say, openly, that I had taken such a liking to the Liu family daughter’s character that, knowing full well it was reaching above our station, I shamelessly went to their door to seek her hand.”

“And then we let Liu Xiong feign reluctance and hesitation for a time, while the Jiang family comes forward on their own — citing some reason such as the extended mourning obligations making it unfair to delay the young lady any longer — and formally releases her from the engagement. That way there is a proper account for outsiders.” Sheng Hong had clearly already thought through the full plan.

“There will inevitably be some talk about this. We take a slight loss in face, but the Liu family comes out looking well — feeling grateful, they will naturally do more to support and advance Feng Ge’er in the future!”

Mother and son spoke back and forth with the ease of long practice, leaving no opening for anyone else to interject. Wang Shi was seething, but could not, in her moment of mental stalling, find a single credible objection. Minglan kept her head firmly lowered, avoiding all eye contact with Wang Shi. This was genuinely a fine match — even she, thinking it over now, could find nothing amiss.

Grandmother turned to look at Sheng Changfeng with genuine, warm affection. For all of it, she had watched him grow up, and she hoped his life would run smooth. The Liu clan had many members in office — and even if none held exceptionally high positions, numbers meant strength. In time, Sheng Changfeng would have someone to lean on.

Sheng Hong promptly told him to go and prostrate himself before Grandmother to express his gratitude.

“This grandson is unworthy and unfilial, and must trouble Grandmother once again — putting her to such effort over this grandson’s marriage at her age. I truly do not know what to say.” Sheng Changfeng had always been gifted with pleasing words; his face flushed, and he ducked and shuffled about in the most endearingly awkward fashion, like a shy young girl.

Grandmother laughed warmly. “If I can secure you a good wife, I would be glad to run my old legs into the ground for it.”

Everyone teased Sheng Changfeng with a few more jabs, after which Sheng Hong sent him back to his room to study.

Sheng Changfeng’s face was red as a cloud, his cheeks as pink as peach blossoms, and his eyes held a trace of mournful grievance and tragic resignation. Not daring to meet the eyes of his elders, he used his last moment before leaving to fix Minglan with a long, pointed look. Minglan was in the midst of loudly congratulating Sheng Hong and Grandmother, adding cheerful and festive remarks to the conversation — and when she suddenly caught sight of that look from Sheng Changfeng, she felt a pang of quiet unease.

She knew what Sheng Changfeng meant. But she did not dare raise it either.

After Sheng Changfeng left, Grandmother and Sheng Hong continued to discuss the details of the marriage arrangements with growing enthusiasm. Seeing Wang Shi’s face growing increasingly dark and sullen, Minglan quickly turned to her and began telling her amusing stories from their time in the countryside — catching wild rabbits, trapping sparrows in baskets, soaking in the hot springs…

Wang Shi gradually began to take interest, and asked, “Is that hot springs estate also in the Western Hills? They say it is a wonderful place — warm waters and gentle mountain air, excellent for restoring the spirits. Soaking in hot springs can even treat ailments, and your eldest sister’s health is not good…” She let her voice trail off meaningfully.

Minglan picked up the signal at once and said with a smile, “You are absolutely right — I had already thought of that myself. I have already instructed them to prepare the estate properly. Once Elder Sister has recovered her strength, I will invite her to spend a couple of days at the hot springs estate. And Grandmother too, of course — all of us together. A pity that Fifth Sister is with child and cannot soak in hot springs.”

Wang Shi, seeing Minglan so agreeable and obliging, was quite pleased, and continued, “I know you are a good child. We have so few relatives in the capital — even now that you are married, you must not forget about Aunt Kang. Let them benefit a little from your good fortune too…”

Before she had even finished her sentence, a sharp sound rang out — Sheng Lao set her teacup down heavily on the side table by the daybed, her expression cold as frost. “A daughter who is married out is part of another family now. Hualan’s health is poor and she needs to recuperate — that much can be allowed. But a whole flock of distant aunts and relations trooping out to the Gu estate in the Western Hills — what is the meaning of that? Imposing on their hospitality? Cadging what they can? Does the Sheng family still have any face left to speak of?”

Sheng Hong had always been meticulous about his reputation, and while he had not thought much of Wang Shi’s words as he was listening, now he wore a visibly displeased expression.

Wang Shi’s expression soured; she muttered under her breath, “It is only a small thing — now that Minglan has a comfortable situation, surely she can help her own family along a little…”

Grandmother gave a short, cool laugh, fixed Wang Shi with a steady gaze, and said slowly, “She has only been married how many days? And yet — what she has sent to Hualan, to you and Changbai’s wife, and to Rulan — how many generous gifts, how much in furs and ginseng and clothing and everyday necessities, from the very beginning until now — I have held my tongue about all of it. You treat it as if it fell from the sky, and still wish she would send more?”

To be thus reproved in front of the younger generation — Wang Shi burned with shame and anger. Hearing the anger in Grandmother’s voice, she dared not answer back. Minglan rose to her feet respectfully and stood properly at attention. She had no desire whatsoever to speak; as for members of the Sheng family, that was one thing. But as for Aunt Kang — she only hoped to see that woman as infrequently as possible. Every encounter ended with Minglan being subjected to some sort of lecture or criticism, and she was not the sort to turn the other cheek after being slapped.

The hall fell into quiet. Grandmother slowly swept her gaze over Sheng Hong and his wife, then said, with deep and unmistakable intent: “Take the matter of Feng Ge’er today — if it is truly a good match, I would drag these old bones over there myself to make the arrangements. But the Gu family? The pool runs deep, and the waters are murky beyond measure. That match was never one I welcomed from the start.”

These words brought a cold sweat to Wang Shi’s brow and a bitter taste to Sheng Hong’s mouth.

Grandmother looked at Minglan, who stood with head bowed to one side. The sight of that delicate, pointed chin kindled a flare of real distress, and she raised her voice: “Minglan is a child who likes her ease and her freedom — she ought to have been married into a plain and simple household. The Gu family is a pile of trouble upon trouble. Minglan is so young — a new bride, barely settled, without a single caring elder on her side who truly has her interests at heart. In that place, she does not know the lay of the land in any corner of it. She lives every day with her heart in her throat, not knowing when something might go wrong — she can barely keep up with managing her own circumstances! She has not even found her footing yet, and already someone is coveting the chance to ‘benefit from her fortune?'”

Wang Shi’s face burned. Sheng Hong shot her a sharp, cutting look — she was not his own daughter, so she felt nothing. If it had been he who had been left to handle Sheng Changfeng’s marriage arrangements, who knows what a mess it would have become.

Minglan felt a heat rising at the back of her eyes and made every effort to prevent the tears from spilling. She understood that this was Grandmother setting up a barrier on her behalf — to stop Wang Shi from coming day after day with demands and requests on behalf of one person or another. She blinked hard twice, pressing the moisture to the outer corners of her eyes, then looked up, walked to Grandmother’s side, and said with a bright smile, “Grandmother worries I will strip the Gu household bare for the Sheng family’s benefit, and have them send me back!”

Grandmother could not help the corner of her mouth curving upward. Minglan took her arm and coaxed her sweetly, “After all, it is only a few pools of hot springs — others perhaps not, but surely our own family must come! When the time comes, I will scrub Grandmother’s back and press her shoulders for her — Grandmother knows my skill well enough. At that rate, she might be so comfortable she cannot bring herself to climb out of the pool.”

Grandmother was laughing and swaying slightly from all the fussing, gave Minglan a firm pinch, and fixed her with a smile that was half exasperated. Minglan turned to Sheng Hong with a perfectly serious expression. “Daughter is willing to show her filial devotion, but there is the matter of propriety between men and women. Father had best place his hopes in the efforts of Brother and the sons-in-law. That said — a word of caution, Father: your Sixth Son-in-law draws a stone-heavy bow and shoots iron arrows, and can draw with either arm. I would advise you not to push your luck.”

The worry lines cleared entirely from Sheng Hong’s face; he lost his composure for a brief moment and burst out laughing, pointing at Minglan and shaking his head. “You, child!”

Grandmother finally laughed in earnest, reached out and pulled her small granddaughter into her arms, and gave her a sound patting. “You and your quick tongue!”

After the laughter and banter had run their course, Sheng Hong and Wang Shi both took their leave. Left alone in the hall, it was just the two of them — grandmother and granddaughter. Grandmother slowly let her smile fade, stood up from the daybed at once, and pulled Minglan by the hand directly toward the inner room.

“Speak,” Grandmother said, her expression sober and intent, fixing her eyes on Minglan. “What has happened at the Gu estate? I raised you myself — do you think I don’t know how many thoughts are turning over in that head of yours? No more hedging. Tell me.”

Minglan knew there was no hiding it from her; she simply told the truth, from beginning to end, and it took the length of two cups of tea to get through it all.

“So you wanted to come back and hide away for a few days?” Grandmother’s voice rose sharply, and her gaze landed on Minglan as though she were looking at a block of wood.

Minglan’s face tinged with embarrassment. She hedged and fumbled: “…It was just a passing thought. I know as well — it would not have been proper.”

“At least you are not entirely hopeless.” Grandmother gave her a none-too-gentle look.

Minglan rubbed the back of her neck and hunched her shoulders apologetically.

Grandmother drew Minglan close and spoke slowly. “Tell me the truth: do you feel that your husband has gone too far in this matter? That you do not agree with him inside, and so you did not wish to stay there — am I right?”

Minglan’s eyes were clear and lucid. She looked steadily into the old woman’s eyes for a long moment, then, at last, shook her head. In a quiet voice she said, “No. In truth — I think what he has done is not wrong.”

Grandmother’s eyes flickered. Minglan rested her head against her grandmother’s shoulder and said, word by deliberate word, “Those people — though they wept and wailed and called themselves wretched — I know they are nowhere near their true desperate limit. What Tingye has in his heart, they understand perfectly well. It is nothing more than two words: justice. And yet they do not breathe a single syllable of it.”

“Tingye has no intention of driving them to their deaths. They simply cannot bear to give up their wealth and glory. They wish to go on clinging to Tingye’s power to continue living in ease and luxury, without any genuine remorse for what they did to Bai Madam and to Tingye all those years — and these past years too. They wept and wailed and made a spectacle of themselves and played every underhanded card they had, simply to force Tingye’s heart to soften and his hand to loosen, and then carry them safely across.”

Minglan grew a little distant in her gaze. “I wanted to flee for a while, only… only…” Because she was tired of it, and did not want to be the one charging into battle.

Grandmother stroked her hair with a gentle, tender hand, her aged voice soft and warm as cotton in sunlight. “You are a perceptive child. Many things do not need me to say — you already understand them inside. Go home when you leave here, and live your life well.”

Minglan lifted her bright, clear face and wrapped her arms around Grandmother’s neck, answering with a resounding, “Mm.”

And so that day she ate a full and satisfying meal at Sheng Mansion, slept soundly all afternoon, and returned to Chengyuan with her fighting spirit renewed.

Her disposition restored, Minglan’s mood lifted considerably. She attended to Gu Tingye with every warm and thoughtful care — helping him change clothes and freshen up. Dinner was spread as usual in the cool open courtyard; the attendants were dismissed all around, leaving just the husband and wife to share a quiet cup of wine.

“I had thought you were staying there for good,” he said with a smile at the corner of his mouth, a faint hint of wine in his voice.

Minglan shook her head with a little sway. “Grandmother said that you and I are two grasshoppers tethered to the same string. Even if you were to kill someone and set the place on fire, my job would be to help dispose of the evidence.”

Gu Tingye’s handsome brows lifted. He raised his cup and extended it forward, laughing aloud. “The Old Lady has extraordinary wisdom!”

He drained it in one go. Setting down the cup, Gu Tingye felt a wave of clear-headed ease wash through him, and added, “And this marriage for your brother — it is quite a fine match. Liu Ming, to all appearances, seems inflexibly rigid and tone-deaf to the ways of the world, but in truth he is one who is firm on the outside and flexible within. Through all the upheavals in the capital these past years, the Court of Judicial Review has seen how many men dismissed or executed — and he has survived to this day without incident. He is a man of real substance.”

Minglan was not particularly surprised by this. After all, like draws to like — why had it been that Sheng Hong, barely two days into his posting at the Ministry of Works, had found himself in a meeting of minds with the then-Minister, Old Grand Secretary Lu? At their core, they were simply the same kind of person.

Old Grand Secretary Lu had originally planned to retire at the end of his tenure as Minister of Works; yet fate conspired to place him in the path of upheaval, and he had ridden the tide into the Grand Secretariat. Barring unforeseen circumstances, Sheng Hong had quietly set his own sights on following in Old Grand Secretary Lu’s footsteps as his model.

Having maintained such a warm friendship with Sheng Hong over so many years, Minglan estimated that Grand Secretary Liu’s impression of the austere and incorruptible official archetype was limited.

“It is a fine match — so why that expression?” Gu Tingye glanced at Minglan, noting the trace of some unnamed feeling in her face. “Can it be that your brother is unwilling?”

Minglan said, “How could he possibly be unwilling? This Liu young lady’s appearance and character are both remarkably similar to her father’s.”

Gu Tingye caught the undercurrent in her words. He studied Minglan for a moment. “Appearance — and character — both?”

A certain face, not a particularly agreeable one, surfaced quickly in his memory.

“The resemblance is striking.”

Not that the Liu young lady was shockingly plain — it was more that… every time Minglan caught sight of her, she would find herself thinking of the severe and solemn discipline master from her secondary school days, stern of brow and pursed of lip, now wearing a wig and adorned with jade hairpins.

Gu Tingye’s eyes brightened with curiosity. “Does your brother know?”

“He certainly does.”

The women of the two households visited back and forth regularly. Even if Sheng Changfeng no longer remembered what the Liu young lady had looked like as a child, Rulan — who had rarely encountered a young woman whose appearance differed so dramatically from her own — could never come back from a visit to the Liu household without wanting to broadcast it through a loudhailer.

Minglan’s eyes took on a mournful cast. “Which is why my brother has been so overjoyed he cannot even bring himself to eat.”