She had dozed off in the carriage and still felt it was not enough. After returning to the mansion and attending to a few household matters, she had slept soundly for nearly an hour after lunch, and only then did Minglan feel revived. She went to Shao Shi’s rooms and explained the whole matter to her from beginning to end.

“…I heard that Lady Xue herself will be teaching, and thinking it a rare opportunity, I thought of Xian Jie’er. What does Sister-in-law think?”

Shao Shi was taken aback at first. Xian Jie’er, seated nearby, was already lighting up with excitement, her little face eager and bright. Shao Shi saw her daughter’s expression and immediately softened; since her husband had passed away and the Fourth and Fifth branches had subsequently moved out, the only companion left in the house was that wild little Rong Jie’er. The girl spent her days keeping her mother company, often feeling lonely, and in isolated too much — over time that wouldn’t do.

After a moment’s thought, Shao Shi said with some hesitation: “To have Lady Xue guide her would be a gift of fortune. It is so kind of her aunt to always be thinking of us. But…”

Xian Jie’er’s heart hung in suspension, her eyes fixed on Shao Shi. She heard her mother continue: “Setting aside how inconvenient it is to go to someone else’s home — these are young ladies who must go out in public. One trip out requires such careful and thorough preparation: carriage and horses for transportation, manservants and servants in attendance, and so many other arrangements. How many servants and managers would need to be mobilized? Such a great undertaking — how could we impose…” Without extra money in the budget, how could one put those servants in motion?

Before she had finished speaking, Minglan had already understood her meaning and smiled: “Sister-in-law, do not worry about it. Girls are not going to sit for the imperial examinations, after all — a young ladies’ academy is not like a regular school for scholars. They only study five days out of every ten-day period. When the time comes, let Xian Jie’er come to my courtyard and ride out together with Rong Jie’er in the same carriage. The escort guards and household servants, as well as the rough-work maids and attendants, are all already in place — Sister-in-law need only send along two serving maids and a nanny-servant. That way it is neither a great production nor any great inconvenience — light and easy, is that not ideal?”

Shao Shi held her composure: “This is…” Xian Jie’er’s face was full of pleading, and she called out softly: “Mother.”

Her mother turned and looked at her daughter, and could only say: “This is truly wonderful. Xian’er, are you not going to thank your aunt?”

Xian Jie’er’s brow smoothed into open joy. She sprang up like a little rabbit, happily gave Minglan a formal bow of thanks.

“I have troubled you again.” Shao Shi thanked her once more.

Minglan waved a cheerful hand: “What trouble is this? Rong Jie’er is the one who causes worry — if she were as well-behaved and sensible as Xian Jie’er, there would be no need to go looking for a female teacher from outside. Rong Jie’er is a wild horse by nature. If anything, I’ll be counting on Xian Jie’er to keep an eye on her out there.”

Shao Shi laughed: “Young sisters looking after each other — that is as it should be.”

The two sisters-in-law exchanged a few more words and then went together to the Xuancao Garden. Passing through the main hall and into the inner room, they found First Madam and Zhu Shi chatting about something, the two of them in the middle of what seemed to be a lively and pleasant conversation. When they saw Minglan and Shao Shi arrive, they stopped their chatter. Minglan’s heart stirred slightly.

After paying her respects to First Madam, Minglan asked casually with a smile: “What were you and the young sister-in-law chatting about? You looked so happy.”

“Nothing much — the weather is nice today, and your sister-in-law was telling me a joke to pass the time.” First Madam’s expression was cheerful and at ease. Zhu Shi, her large belly straining, smiled and said nothing. Minglan did not press further.

First Madam said warmly: “You two look happy as well. Is there some good news?”

Shao Shi was pleased and told her all about it. First Madam’s brow shifted imperceptibly; she glanced at Minglan but said neither yes nor no. Shao Shi’s earlier delight began to fade, and she lowered her head slightly. Zhu Shi, from beginning to end, had not offered a single opinion — she only sat listening with a gentle, pleasant smile.

First Madam lightly opened and closed the enamel snuff box in her hand and said evenly: “How capable the Second Branch’s wife is — barely into the household, and she has already made such connections that even the wife of General Zheng can be persuaded.”

Minglan acted as though she had understood nothing and smiled pleasantly: “You flatter me, Madam. This is all thanks to our family’s standing.”

“However…” First Madam furrowed her brow. By now she was well accustomed to Minglan playing the fool, and had no choice but to make her meaning plain: “After all, it is the Loyal and Revered Marquis household’s own private academy. For us as outsiders to force our way in like this seems rather presumptuous.”

“Madam may not be aware.” Minglan smiled as she explained: “The Zheng household has four young ladies of their own, plus four more from the families of close relatives and friends. Together with our two, it is exactly the right number — no more, no less, as the General’s wife herself said. Setting aside the favor entirely, simply becoming acquainted with daughters of distinguished noble households is itself a good thing. Those families all have strict and upright household conduct, and their daughters are all well-read and courteous. From childhood, making friends as close as handkerchief sisters — when they are grown, it will be a bond like that of sisters.”

A prick of something sharp stirred in First Madam’s heart. She spoke coolly once more: “The only concern is that a child without proper upbringing, who might manage decently within her own household, could embarrass us out in public — and then what is to be done?” When she said the words “embarrass us,” Shao Shi’s fingers tightened slightly around the handkerchief in her hand.

Minglan caught this out of the corner of her eye. She turned with a smile: “Others I cannot speak for, but for our Xian Jie’er, I, as her aunt, will vouch for her completely. Her character is first-rate — she will only bring honor to the family when she goes. As for Rong Jie’er…” she covered her mouth with a small laugh, “…after all, she is still young. To start early is better than not starting at all, and if that goes well, there is nothing to worry about. But…”

Shao Shi’s brow unknotted.

As Minglan continued speaking, a mischievous impulse rose in her heart, and she said: “If Madam still finds it unsuitable after all, I will go immediately and decline the Zheng household.” Having said this, she fixed her gaze on First Madam and waited in gleeful anticipation…

First Madam’s frown deepened even further. A devoted stepmother who had gone to great trouble to secure a place at the academy for her stepdaughter and for her deceased husband’s niece — and a step-grandmother who tried to block the children from seeking education? If that got out, it would sound terrible beyond measure. Thinking of this, she could only say: “It is already arranged — let it stand as it is.”

Minglan allowed herself a small curve of the lips. She had never come here seeking anyone’s opinion. If Shao Shi had not accompanied her, she would have made the decision for Rong Jie’er on her own long ago. Now, seeing the matter settled, Zhu Shi stood and offered her congratulations to both sisters-in-law: “…Second Sister-in-law is so thoughtful and well-connected. Mother should be pleased.”

It was unclear what deeper meaning lay in those words, but upon hearing them, First Madam’s lips unexpectedly curved into a smile — one that seemed to rise from some genuine internal satisfaction. Minglan’s heart gave a small jump. She did not like that feeling.

When they had each returned to their own quarters, Shao Shi walked into her inner room with a furrowed brow. A servant woman of about ten years of age came forward to meet her, supporting Shao Shi as she sat down on the sleeping platform, tending to her as she removed her shoes, and chattering away: “…Our Young Lady is so happy — she spent a while putting away her brush, ink, paper, and inkstone, and is now practicing her calligraphy.” In the middle of speaking, she noticed Shao Shi’s troubled expression and said softly: “Madam, what is the matter?”

Shao Shi said in a low voice: “You must remind Xian’er more often — when she goes out to study from now on, don’t just look after herself. Keep a closer watch over Rong Jie’er.”

The servant woman was taken aback, but still agreed.

As she sat thinking, a sorrow suddenly rose and overtook Shao Shi. She pressed her face into the bedding and wept quietly: “My poor child — a properly born eldest young lady of a Marquis household, and now she must go and curry favor with some wild girl of unknown origins!”

The servant woman was greatly alarmed and hurried to her side: “Madam, what has come over you? Could it be that the Second Madam gave you a look of displeasure?”

Shao Shi shook her head: “No, she was actually quite courteous to me…” She seemed to have something lodged in her throat. “She may look girlish, but she is not simple. The First Madam — a woman of such stature — could not gain even a sliver of advantage in her presence. And yet — what have I ever done to offend her?”

“Then Madam, why all this? This is good news.” The servant woman was at a loss.

“When my late husband was alive, I couldn’t go out socializing much because I had to look after his health. And now that I am widowed, it is even less proper for me to go out and make connections. I only blame myself for being useless — no connections, no standing.” Shao Shi struggled to hold back her sobs.

The servant woman tried to console her: “You are thinking too much. With your position as Madam, even without going out to make connections, would anyone dare look down on you?”

Shao Shi shook her head, sat up, and murmured softly: “…Right now, our Tingcan sister is at home waiting for her marriage. But from a young age, what kind of splendor did she enjoy — spring flower-viewing parties, autumn poetry gatherings, inviting close companions from the finest households. One call and they all came running; every year there was quite a round of festivities.”

The servant woman fell silent. Born of the same principal wife and the same senior branch of the Gu household, Xian Jie’er was truly far behind Gu Tingcan.

“But my Xian’er…Xian’er can only endure the lonely days here by my side.” Shao Shi’s voice broke. “Even for something as simple as finding a teacher, she must rely on the second branch’s charity! Who knows what the future will bring.”

The servant woman’s own eyes also welled up with tears. Forcing a smile, she offered gentle comfort: “Madam, don’t keep thinking this way. We who live quietly on our own — sometimes we lean on this side, sometimes on that. Madam has always been a gentle soul, and from what I can see now, the Second Madam is also a good person. The days ahead for you and our Young Lady will surely not be hard.”

She continued softly with her reassurances, and gradually Shao Shi’s quiet weeping ceased.

“Our Young Lady has a perceptive mind, you know. Every time she goes to play in Chengyuan, she comes back bright-eyed and smiling. Have you ever seen even half a sign of reluctance from her? From the way the Second Madam looks at her, I think she genuinely likes the Young Lady. And Rong Jie’er, wild as she is, is also sincere and wholehearted. When all is said and done, it’s because our Young Lady is the kind of person who draws people to her.”

These words landed precisely in Shao Shi’s heart. She broke through her tears into a smile, and felt considerably comforted.

That evening, when Gu Tingye returned home, Minglan helped him out of his outer garments and said: “…And so it was — in the end, Xian Jie’er can go as well.”

Gu Tingye frowned and said nothing, his face dark as a lump of coal. Minglan studied his expression from the side and guessed that this fellow was probably brooding inwardly: to have been tormented by Gu Tingyu for so many years, and now to have to take care of his daughter — there was truly no knowing where to begin.

Minglan hurried to close that topic and moved on to the question she had been puzzling over that day: “…Since I entered the household, First Madam has always been composed and dignified, and I have never seen her this happy. What could it be about?”

Gu Tingye raised one thick eyebrow slightly, gave a cold, silent laugh, and then said: “What is there to guess? She has two children — it can only be one of two things.”

“What two things?” Minglan lifted the silver ear fungus soup and took a small sip to test the temperature.

“Either I am dead, and my younger brother has inherited the Marquisate.” The man settled his long frame into the study chair.

Minglan nearly choked, the teacup freezing in her hand, her wrist suspended motionless in mid-air. She stared at the man and looked him up and down slowly, then said with great deliberateness: “You appear to be in no danger of dying anytime soon.”

Gu Tingye smiled lazily: “The other possibility — it is Tingcan’s marriage.”

Minglan set down the still-scalding silver ear fungus soup to cool on the table, and her mind turned quickly. “It seems there is some progress on Seventh Sister’s marriage.” A mature young woman finally getting a marriage arranged was always a good thing — she wondered which fortunate family would have the blessing of receiving someone so cold and proudly aloof; on the hottest summer days they wouldn’t even need ice. Amitabha.

In the next moment, she noticed Gu Tingye wearing an expression of mild indifference, and couldn’t help giving him a reproachful, laughing look: “You’re also her elder brother — how can you show not even a trace of concern for your younger sister’s marriage?”

Gu Tingye smiled back at her with equal reproach: “And you are also her elder sister-in-law — and yet I don’t see you showing much concern either.”

Minglan smiled ruefully and walked to stand before Gu Tingye, sighing: “She and I haven’t even exchanged two complete sentences with each other. I genuinely don’t know where to begin.”

Gu Tingye reached out a casual arm and pulled Minglan down to sit on his knee, smiling with an ambiguous expression: “How remarkable — she and I have also never exchanged two complete sentences with each other.”

“How can that be?” Minglan was genuinely startled. After all, they had been brother and sister for over a decade.

Gu Tingye circled her soft waist and kneaded the soft flesh beneath her chin, his expression detached: “From a young age, she was of a pure and lofty nature — disdaining all worldly impurity. Naturally she found the sight of me, with my notorious and dissolute reputation, repellent.”

Minglan fell silent, not knowing what to say. These two siblings were nearly ten years apart. By the time Gu Tingcan was old enough to understand the world around her, it was precisely the period when Gu Tingye was at his most impulsive and recklessly defiant in youth — she had surely witnessed and heard more than a few explosive scenes.

Gu Tingye tilted his head back, gazing into the empty air above. A strange expression flitted briefly across his face, and he murmured softly to himself: “So it is. So it is…”

“So what is?” Minglan murmured half-dreamily. He had been kneading her in a way that was quite pleasantly soothing; she wrapped both arms around the man’s solid waist, leaned against his chest, warm and comfortable, and felt herself growing drowsy once more.

Gu Tingye lowered his head. He saw Minglan curled against him like a small cat with silky fur, her long eyes half-narrowed, her rosy cheeks faintly fragrant, seemingly almost asleep. But the soft, round bundle nestled in his arms was, he had to say, a very pleasant sensation.

He bounced his arm slightly, feeling the weight, and gave a soft sigh: “You really have become quite a plump little wife…”