From outside came the crack of the coachman’s whip and his shouting call, and then the wheels began their rolling rumble into motion. Inside the half-dark carriage, the brocade curtain lifted and swayed, letting in scattered threads of outside light that brightened the interior a little. Seated there was none other than Gu Tingye.

The carriage was strangely silent. He inclined his body slightly forward and said in a measured tone: “Paternal Grand-Aunt — it has been some time.”

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt had never in her wildest dreams anticipated finding him here. Stunned, she sat rigid on the spot, and after a long frozen moment, asked in a sharp voice: “What are you doing here?!”

Gu Tingye did not answer directly. Instead he spoke with unhurried ease of something else entirely: “When the Marquis Xuanmen married off his daughter, it was said to be the grandest spectacle the capital had seen. When Pingning Junzhu was married off, the Marquis of Xiangyang provided dowry beyond counting — the Old Madam’s admiration for these is entirely understandable.”

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt’s eyelid gave a sharp, sudden twitch. She fixed her eyes on Gu Tingye. She had left the Old Madam’s quarters less than half a cup of tea ago. She said grimly: “What sharp and far-reaching ears you have. Things are clearly not as they once were.”

Gu Tingye appeared entirely unconcerned, and smiled mildly. “Some ten-odd years ago, the Marquis Xuanmen, acting under imperial orders, was stationed in defense of the western northwest — in Yan Prefecture and Tong Prefecture. Unexpectedly, the Western Rong launched a fierce attack with heavy forces. At that time, the city held only a few thousand remnant troops, and relief could not arrive in time. As the city was on the verge of falling, and the Marquis Xuanmen himself along with his four sons were about to die defending it, the great clan Rui in the neighboring city received the news. The retired Rui Elder — a former governor, upright and loyal — immediately sent his clan’s younger men, along with household guard troops, to come to their aid. They held out until the relief forces arrived and lifted the siege. The Marquis Xuanmen’s entire family was saved — but the old Elder Rui, with a hall full of sons and grandsons, was left with only a single concubine-born youngest son.”

Having said all of this, he did not continue, but simply looked steadily at the Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt, with what seemed to be a trace of light mockery in his eyes. The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt surged with indignation, yet could find no proper ground to vent it — for she was well acquainted with the events of those years. Which was precisely why she had spoken to the Old Madam in that manner this very afternoon.

Gu Tingye was entirely satisfied with this expression, and only then continued at a leisurely pace: “When the Marquis Xuanmen returned to the capital, he gave his legitimate youngest daughter in marriage to the Rui Family’s young son, with fully half the family’s assets as her dowry. I wonder — has the Han Marquis’s household performed any service for the Gu Family that could compare to such a profound debt of gratitude?”

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt’s face had gone dark. Her teeth made a faint grinding sound. She still said nothing, maintaining a posture of nonviolent resistance.

“As for Pingning Junzhu’s marriage…” Gu Tingye smiled. “At that time, this nephew was still young, and I recall only that this match was made through the personal introduction of old Lord Yang of your family, and that Paternal Grand-Aunt accompanied several of my elder cousins to drink at the wedding banquet. Surely Paternal Grand-Aunt is not unaware of the connection that lay behind it?”

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt continued to oppose with silence, refusing all engagement. Gu Tingye gradually drew his smile away, his expression sobering to cold composure. “Paternal Grand-Aunt truly has changed her nature — such unruffled calm. It seems the Old Madam must have expended considerable ‘effort.'”

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt, who was by nature fierce-tempered, could no longer endure it. She raised her voice and said: “Don’t try to provoke me! At my age, I’ll soon have great-grandchildren. I am not afraid of anything you might pin on me. Just say it plainly — what exactly do you want?!”

“Nothing in particular. Only a word from Paternal Grand-Aunt.” Gu Tingye’s tone was composed, pressing upon her with a seemingly invisible hand. The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt endured and endured, breathing heavily several times before saying: “…You are right — this matter, she handled badly. I have already spoken to her about it. If she does not change her course, I will have nothing further to do with this matter. Is that enough for you?”

These words came out in a rush of anger and urgency, like a rapid volley. The corner of Gu Tingye’s lips showed the faintest trace of a smile.

Unable to contain her fury, the Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt’s wrinkled eyes glanced at him sidelong, then she added: “Though this was wrong of her, there are extenuating circumstances. Who told Tingcan to have so few to rely on? With an elder brother of no use to speak of, can her mother not be anxious? She has been a gentle and generous person her entire life — if in the end she made only this one mistake, do you have to be so unyielding about it?”

Gu Tingye’s expression showed faint contempt. He gave a cold sniff. “The merit-lands that the Gu Family has not touched in a hundred years — she says ‘give them away’ and gives them away. That kind of benevolence and generosity is better not had at all!” Each word was a blade’s edge.

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt would not concede an inch, and spoke in a strange, drawn-out tone of derision: “Quite right — how could I nearly forget? It is precisely thanks to your mother that the Gu Family’s ancestral assets were preserved. You need not remind us — every last person in the Gu household bears that debt of gratitude, and no one dares forget it!”

“And so the Gu Family repays her in this fashion?!” Gu Tingye’s gaze was cold as ice.

“Laughable! That you were unruly and difficult — was that also the Gu Family’s fault? You ran wild outside every single day. Your late father scolded you, taught you — did he not? When one cannot be made useful, one ought to blame only oneself — yet here you are faulting everyone else!”

Had these words been spoken in earlier years, Gu Tingye would certainly have flared into rage. But by now he had been so thoroughly weathered and toughened by the winds and frosts of life in the world that his skin was thick and his flesh was hard, and he was entirely unmoved. He simply shot back with cold mockery: “What I have done, I have never disavowed! But was I the only one in the Gu Family to conduct myself thus? Father may have been kept in ignorance — but Paternal Grand-Aunt, you — were you truly unaware of what was happening in the outside world?”

The two of them, alike in temperament in some ways, went at it word for word, parrying and pressing, neither conceding ground. The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt was choked on that last sentence.

The capital was full of diversions, and the young scions of aristocratic families were more or less prone to unsavory habits. Upon growing up and taking a wife, some might improve, while others learned how to better conceal their worst behavior and clean up after themselves. Gu Tingbing had been grasping and covetous of wealth and influence; Gu Tingyang had been dissolute, with no particular distinction between wives, concubines, and brothel girls — there was no shortage of incidents they had caused outside. Matters had even extended to the taking of lives. All of these things the Old Madam had helped smooth over and conceal, and so the fourth and fifth households harbored deep gratitude toward her. But as for Gu Tingye…

“Forming a connection by marriage with a salt merchant family — I suppose it was something of a disgrace to Paternal Grand-Aunt in the Yang household?” Gu Tingye relaxed his shoulders, leaning against the carriage wall at an angle, and smiled with half-mockery and half-ease.

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt fell silent for a moment, as memories came flooding back unbidden.

At that time she had borne two daughters one after another, watching as the eldest concubine-born son grew older day by day. Her mother-in-law was formidable; several of her sisters-in-law were also difficult. As the eldest daughter-in-law, she faced countless hardships. To make things worse, her eldest brother at home had taken a wife so mismatched as to be laughable. Her husband’s family made endless oblique remarks and mockeries — even when the food at a meal was a little bland, people would joke, “Has the elder sister-in-law started economizing? Why not ask your family to send some salt along?” followed by an extended round of laughter. She had always been proud and high-spirited, and unwilling to explain herself; she could only endure it and go on smiling.

She knew her elder brother was in a difficult position, that her sister-in-law Qin Shi was to be pitied, that her parents at home had been left with no other choice — and yet all the resentment she had nowhere to channel had been directed at Bai Shi. Naturally, it had extended to Gu Tingye as well.

Her throat tightened and loosened several times. She tried to form words, but none came. She raised her head — and saw, in the wavering and shifting light that filtered into the carriage, a now no longer bright and piercing white but an amber-tinged, reddening sunset glow falling upon the face of the man seated across from her. His broad forehead and straight nose were strikingly, uncannily similar to a long-ago memory — an aged face, wasted and near death.

“Elder Brother… your father, before he passed — he thought of you constantly.” She spoke suddenly, her gaze turned inward to some distant place, as though in a single moment she had aged many years further. Her voice was hoarse and low, raw with feeling. “Toward the end, Elder Brother could no longer recognize anyone. He only kept sending people to look for you to come home — worried you were out there living rough, afraid you were suffering and in hardship. But unfortunately…”

Even knowing all this now, even having known it for a long time — hearing it again, Gu Tingye’s chest seized tight, a rush of suffocating heaviness.

“Since we have come to this point today, I may as well speak plainly. From the very beginning, I made up my mind that your mother was unfit to be the principal mistress of the Gu household. Then came your subsequent conduct, which only confirmed my view that you too were unfit to inherit the title. And so, in some matters — even knowing what I knew — I never spoke up. Yet who can foresee the workings of fate — and now…” The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt’s flat, deliberate recitation, her gaze drawn taut to the verge of bleakness. In truth, since her elder brother’s passing, guilt had weighed upon her heart, and she had not set foot in Marquis Ningyuan’s estate again.

At this thought, a sudden surge of pride rose in her; she lifted her chin with a cold laugh. “A person of the Gu name never repents a decision once made. I am not like Fourth or Fifth — one in a muddle, the other without a backbone! In your days of hardship I never helped you. Now that you have risen to glory, I shall not come seeking your reflected light either! I did not come to your wedding. You are entirely at liberty to consider you have no such paternal grand-aunt as me. Even if the Yang Family should one day face great catastrophe, I will never come seeking you!”

Having said all this with decisive finality, it seemed as if every old bone in her body went slack. Her voice went hoarse: “But Tingcan… Tingwei is a man accustomed to comfort, and you and he share little by way of sibling feeling. Her maternal family, the East Changhou estate, has long since come to nothing. I — I cannot stand by and watch her life’s most important matter without acting. At the very least, let me find her a suitable and reliable family to marry into — then I can face Elder Brother.”

“After your younger sister’s marriage is settled, I will no longer enter the Gu household’s door. You may set your mind at ease — and let your wife set her mind at ease — I will not come putting on the airs of a paternal grand-aunt again.” The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt forced out these words through gritted teeth, then paused, and said quietly: “…If the Han Family match cannot be made, I will still need to look at other families. Tingcan is ignorant of the world, but you — help where you can. In the end, she is your own younger sister by blood.”

Gu Tingye had been watched over by her since childhood. Proud and fierce by nature, it would be a pipe dream to expect him to repay injury with virtue — it would be more than adequate if he simply did not return it in kind. There was certainly no possibility of putting on an elder’s dignity and extracting good treatment. These things she saw clearly. Things were very different from what they once were.

That day when she had come to the house to press for Gu Tingcan’s marriage, all her difficult posturing and point-scoring had simply been an old reflex. Seeing that well-matched and glowing young couple, she had been unable to suppress her ire; after returning home she had deeply regretted losing her composure and inviting her own humiliation. Yet no matter how she steeled herself, the moment she set eyes on this nephew she loathed, her temper rose beyond her control.

Gu Tingye listened through all of this, and only now, at last, allowed a small smile to appear: “Paternal Grand-Aunt need not worry on this score. The Han Family match will certainly go through.”

“How… how can you be so certain?” The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt asked, puzzled.

“After all this stir — if the Han Family accepts this match, both sides will have their dignity restored.” Gu Tingye smiled with mild irony. “Seventh Sister’s age will not allow for a slow and prolonged search. The Old Madam’s standards are high, and she will not accept anything beneath them.”

He lifted the curtain slightly to glance at the light outside. “The Old Madam certainly knows what course of action is best.”

“Could it be…” The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt’s heart gave a sudden premonition. “This whole matter — was it orchestrated by you?”

Gu Tingye gave her a sidelong glance. Beneath that glance, the Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt felt a chill run through her for no reason, and her fingers trembled slightly — but then she heard him say: “Does Paternal Grand-Aunt feel that the Old Madam has been wronged?”

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt was silent. Indeed it was fact — what was there to feel wronged about?

“The best outcome is that we’ve been able to speak plainly today.” Gu Tingye lowered the curtain, resting one hand lightly on the small table. “Within a family, there is no deep hatred between us — though there has been friction, it is not something that cannot be resolved. When Seventh Sister is married off, I hope Paternal Grand-Aunt will come and drink the wedding wine.”

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt turned this over carefully, understanding the meaning within the words, and nodded: “Now that you are the head of the household, I know what is right and what is not.”

She felt that this single day’s exhaustion and agitation could shave ten years from her life. Gu Tingye’s purpose in coming today, she understood clearly. Once married into another family, she was technically an outsider now. He didn’t mind having one more relative, but he hoped to have one fewer paternal grand-aunt coming to make disruptive noise. He had only just inherited the title, yet had one by one sparred with every senior member of his closest family — which, if spread around, would not reflect well.

At any rate, she had said what she needed to say. Going forward, she would refrain from putting on a senior’s airs; Gu Tingye likewise would not hold old grudges. The past would be left in the past. At present, neither was in a position to rebuild the relationship from scratch — so be it. Fewer enemies was always better.

“The hour is growing late, nephew takes his leave.” Gu Tingye bowed his farewell with folded hands.

He had only just called the carriage to a halt and lifted the curtain when he saw, outside, two weeping maids and one frightened young woman standing there — she was the one who had helped the grand-aunt into the carriage — along with a terrified coachman, and behind them, a column of vigorous and alert mounted guards on horseback.

“Old Madam, we — we…” the coachman and the young woman hurried to explain themselves.

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt waved her hand impatiently: “We’ll speak of it when we’re home.”

By now the sky had grown dark. This section of the alley had few passersby, and was very quiet. The lead mounted guard dismounted, leading forward a magnificent and powerful-looking horse, and respectfully moved to hand the reins over to Gu Tingye. At this moment, the old lady suddenly spoke: “Wait a moment.”

Gu Tingye was slightly surprised. He turned back to look at her, and walked a few steps closer. Only then did she say in a rapid, urgent voice: “I know you have no goodwill for her. On your account, she truly did harbor improper intentions, and in her conduct she went too far. But over these decades, she has managed a household full of young and old, great and small — if not achievement, then at least effort. You — for your father’s sake, be lenient, won’t you?”

Gu Tingye let out a short laugh. “Paternal Grand-Aunt may set her mind at ease on this point as well. So long as matters end here, and she does not try to pull any further tricks — I would naturally not go on squabbling with a woman without end. But if she is still not reconciled to it — then…” He gave two mirthless sounds of laughter.

The old lady sat in exhausted resignation. Having herself been a daughter-in-law for many years before becoming a mother-in-law, she understood the turns and twists of the inner household through and through. Xiao Qin Shi was a clever person — toward those relations who posed no threat or obstacle to her, she could be the most warm and gracious of people. But toward those who stood in her way, she spared no effort whatsoever. When all was said and done, there was still the bond of many years between them as sisters-in-law, and she had at least spoken up for her.

She said quietly: “If you can think of it that way — that is for the best.”

“Paternal Grand-Aunt need not worry. Such petty pinpricks and minor scores — are they worth my time and energy?” Gu Tingye saw the old lady’s face still creased with concern, let out a cold laugh and strode away, swung himself lightly into the saddle with one fluid motion. “A great man cannot rely on ancestral achievements alone — to build merit and achievements by one’s own ability, that is the true course! All things considered, if younger brothers flourish greatly — her position in the Gu household will be unshakeable iron!”

The words were barely out before the crack of the whip came, and then the sharp, ringing sound of hooves on flagstone — like a gust of swift wind sweeping through. In moments, the column of vigorous riders had vanished into the depths of the alley without a trace. The old lady watched them disappear, sitting alone in the carriage with a churning tide of thoughts.

On the small round table etched with sea crabapple blossom carvings, two sets of bowls, chopsticks, and dishes had long been laid out. Minglan, holding a volume of the comic story “Golden Jade Maiden — A Good-for-Nothing Struck with a Staff,” reclined against the beauty couch in the inner room, reading with absorbed delight. Danju came in from outside and reported softly: “My Lady, shall the meal be brought in?” Minglan freed one hand and gave a wave: “No — the Marquis has not yet returned.”

Danju urged: “It is not known when the Marquis will return. My Lady is now carrying two, so why not eat first?”

Minglan still held her scroll upright, not even lifting her eyes as she replied in jest: “My dear girl, today alone your mistress has already eaten five meals. Even a pig deserves a moment’s rest.”

Xiaotao, who was holding the purple bronze tongs with a brocade-padded handle in one hand, and using the other to lift the charcoal basket cover set with frozen pomegranate flower stone to ventilate the coals, heard this and burst out laughing. Danju shot her a look, stepped forward, and took the small white jade hand warmer from Minglan’s hands, going over to Xiaotao’s side to add fresh charcoal. She had only just picked up two small pieces of silver-threaded charcoal with the tongs when the door curtain lifted gently — Nanny Cui walked in, carrying a small tea tray.

Nanny Cui came to Minglan and said: “Waiting for the Marquis is perfectly fine — but eat this first. Just a little, it won’t fill you up and won’t spoil your appetite for the meal later.” On the small tray was a covered steaming bowl; lifting the lid released a rich, fragrant wave of milky and fruity sweetness. This egg and milk custard was made from fresh cow and sheep milk blended with a little egg yolk, with some apple puree mixed in, a sprinkling of crushed amber-colored longan fruit as garnish — steamed through thoroughly before serving.

“This is from the fresh milk that came from the estate this morning — delivered to the household just two hours after being drawn. Perfectly fresh — eat it while it’s hot.” Nanny Cui, brooking no argument, plucked the scroll from Minglan’s hands and pressed a spoon into them, the wrinkles in her face still carrying traces of cold wind. The egg custard was delicious and fragrant, and with Nanny Cui standing beside her like an iron guardian, eyes fixed with firm vigilance — despite having not the faintest trace of hunger — Minglan had no choice but to eat.

Nanny Cui saw her eat with apparent relish, and a smile rose through the lines of her plain face. Unable to suppress the urge, she murmured a few words: “While My Lady has not yet had any aversions, do eat more. Back when the Old Lady was with child, whatever she laid eyes on she brought back up…” She caught herself and fell silent. Grandmother Sheng’s early-lost child was a grief no one dared mention.

She had always excelled at nursing and nourishing; back in those days she had been able to raise a Minglan who had come into the world as small and frail as a tiny kitten, and bring her up plump and healthy and fair. She had clearly had some expertise in her hands. The custard was only about the size of a palm, and Minglan finished it quickly.

Nanny Cui glanced at the two maids, and said: “There was a bit extra — I left some for you, warming on the stove. Go and fetch it.” Xiaotao, who had already been hearing her stomach call for some time, was delighted and went out carrying the empty bowl with a spring in her step.

Danju, being perceptive, knew that Nanny Cui had private words to speak with Minglan alone. She tucked the white jade hand warmer back into Minglan’s hands, then dropped the thick cotton curtain and closed one of the doors, before going to keep watch in the outer room. Xiaotao had already reached the doorway; seeing this, she felt a little awkward, and leaned over to murmur in Danju’s ear: “Good sister, I’ll bring yours over to you.”

“Little scamp — at least you have a conscience.” Danju smiled and flicked a finger at her forehead.

Inside the room — “My Lady…” Nanny Cui, not being one for words, said these two syllables and then did not know how to continue.

Minglan heard the unusual note in her voice, and smiled gently as she waited for the rest: “Nanny, please speak.”

Nanny Cui steeled herself and said: “My Lady — I have heard that another girl has been given her coming-of-age ceremony and assigned to serve the Master.”

Minglan was slightly startled. “I recall that when Second Elder Sister-in-Law first became pregnant, there was already one girl given the ceremony.” Besides, Gu Tingwei was not without his own companions and concubines — there was no reason for his wife to become pregnant and leave him immediately without any women to sleep with.

Nanny Cui’s expression showed traces of disdain, but she pressed on: “It was that girl — I understand her health has not been good, and she cannot serve properly. So another new girl has been sent over.”

“Her health is not good?” Minglan said, puzzled. Had a jealous heart led to something underhanded — poison, perhaps?

Nanny Cui gave a helpless, slow purse of her lips, and lowered her voice. “I heard she is with child.”

Minglan was silent for a moment, then murmured an acknowledgment. Neither of them spoke. The room was very quiet. After a long pause, Minglan said softly: “I understand what Nanny means.”

Nanny Cui was deeply troubled. How could she bear to see the child she had raised suffer any grievance? Yet there was truly nothing to be done. She sat down beside Minglan and took her hand, speaking with difficulty: “My Lady — since your body is not convenient now, and rather than having some girl of unknown background turn up later, would it not be better to send someone reliable and honest to serve the Marquis…”

Minglan smiled bitterly inwardly. She had known this day would come.

Nanny Cui, seeing that Minglan did not speak, took it for reluctance of heart: “My Lady, I know you are not comfortable with this — but there is no other way.” Recalling how Grandmother Sheng had repeatedly argued with the elder Sheng Hong over the taking of concubines, until their relationship had been strained, Nanny Cui said with worry: “Over all these years I have watched: every one of these maids is a good girl. Xiaotao is honest and simple; Danju is loyal and devoted; Luzhi may have a sharper tongue, but she too is a straightforward person. Why not…”

Minglan shook her head slowly and sighed: “Nanny, you have served in the Sheng household for many years. Do you still remember the birth mother of Sixth Younger Brother — Xiang Yiniang?”

Nanny Cui was caught off guard by this sudden mention, and was momentarily bewildered. Minglan added: “Xiang Yiniang was once the principal mistress’s personal attendant — they grew up together from a young age, I’ve heard, close as sisters. But what happened afterward? After Xiang Yiniang was given the ceremony, the principal mistress began to be on guard against her, and the two of them grew estranged. After many years, when Xiang Yiniang gave birth to Sixth Younger Brother, whatever feeling had remained between them was entirely gone.”

“Who wouldn’t say so.” Nanny Cui sighed. “And yet Xiang Yiniang could endure — no matter what she lacked in food, clothing, and comforts, she never complained a word. In front of others she spoke only well of the principal mistress, and neither she nor Sixth Young Master dared take the slightest liberty. That was the only way she managed to maintain her position.”

Minglan nodded. Xiang Yiniang could be said to be a model concubine — careful and proper, never harboring any wayward intent, her station in the Sheng household lower than even the head stewardesses or established matrons. Minglan then put the counterpoint: “But can one say that is because of a narrow-minded heart? Once a woman has her own flesh and blood, it is another matter altogether…”

Nanny Cui was stifled. There was truth in this. If the child were a daughter, things would still be manageable — a concubine-born daughter could not make waves, and the concubine herself might remain more settled. But if it were a son — who would not wish for their son to have prospects, to receive a larger share of the family inheritance?

Wives and concubines in harmony, half-brothers living in ease and friendship — that was, in truth, the rare exception.

Minglan said slowly: “To be useful in one moment, and then to be used and set aside — and when not needed, to be guarded against. If they chose this path of their own accord, so be it. But to treat them as objects to be deployed at will — that is something I cannot do. I suppose I simply lack the magnanimity. I cannot truly treat these younger girls as sisters.” An ancient-era education was, to Yao Yiyi, nothing more than a surface coating.

“My Lady, what are you saying? Who in this world can treat concubines as sisters? And yet — what then is to be done?” Nanny Cui, at a loss for words, had nothing more to say.

“There is always a way.” Minglan smiled and said no more. For a man of this era who wished to seek out other women, it was frankly no difficulty at all — whereas resisting the temptations of this flock of orioles and swallows was the thing that required enormous willpower. She saw no point in rushing to bring trouble upon herself. Let things unfold as they would.

At that moment, Danju’s voice rang out loudly from outside: “The Marquis is back.”

Minglan’s mind returned to the present. She looked up, and saw Gu Tingye stride in from outside with long, purposeful steps. Nanny Cui, startled to attention, rose respectfully, paid her respects to him, and then withdrew. Minglan moved to rise and help him off with his outer robe, but was immediately swept up in his arms — the two of them half-reclining and half-sitting, settled together against the head of the daybed.

Gu Tingye caught the scent of fruit and milk drifting from Minglan and nuzzled at her face and neck in a wandering fashion: “What is that scent?” Minglan burst into a giggle, tickled by his stubble: “I had a little something just now — if you like it, why not have a taste?” Gu Tingye shook his head. In truth he did not care for sweet things — but the scent emanating from Minglan was like that of a milk-fed little lamb, fragrant and pleasant.

“Did you settle things clearly with Paternal Grand-Aunt?” Minglan exerted herself to straighten the head that was nuzzling freely at her neck.

Gu Tingye gave a vague sound of acknowledgment. Minglan did not understand his meaning, and asked again: “You didn’t somehow end up coaxing her into taking all her Yang Family cousins out to the pleasure houses, did you?” Gu Tingye rested his large hand against her abdomen, and said with reluctance: “Call it accumulating virtue for this little troublemaker.”

Minglan very much wanted to reply, “If your son is a little troublemaker, then what does that make you?” — but then, since the Paternal Grand-Aunt would not be coming to stir up trouble anymore, that was ultimately a good thing. She smiled contentedly and swallowed her words.

“However,” Gu Tingye said with some hesitation, “now that you are with child — if the other side relinquishes its hold, this entire great household… how will you manage? Perhaps we should delay a little while longer.”

Minglan thought for a moment, looked at him squarely, and said with all seriousness: “Do you think I am the sort of person who would wear herself to the bone and labor until her heart breaks?”

If Zhuge Liang had managed to live to Qianlong’s age, the empire might very well have remained surnamed Liu — Sima Yi’s constitution simply could not have outlasted him. Good health, and one can continue the cause.

Gu Tingye also thought about it seriously for a moment: “Absolutely not.”

The reply was overly swift, which left a certain person somewhat disgruntled.

In truth, Minglan was not particularly worried. Now that she was carrying a child, managing the Gu household well would be beyond what was expected of her — and if she managed it poorly, that too was entirely understandable. If anyone voiced resentment, she could go and weep outside, lamenting that the Old Madam had deliberately made things difficult for her by not relinquishing authority sooner, choosing precisely the moment of her pregnancy to hand things over. What a splendid pretext that would be.

Since the estate had sent over a supply of milk, and it would not keep fresh for long, Granny Ge had made some sweet curd and egg custard pastries. Minglan had them distributed to all the various quarters for everyone to taste, and a share was also sent to the Koux Fragrant Courtyard.

“Mm — these milk rolls are so fragrant, and still warm! They must have just come off the stove,” Qiu Niang said, biting into one with relish. “The flavor is so rich and creamy — one wonders how much fresh milk went into them.”

Gong Hongxiao idly stroked the spray of green-stamen apricot-yellow winter plum blossoms embroidered on her sleeve: “These are for Rong Jie’er, aren’t they? What good fortune do we have for such things? If the Lady found out, she’d think we were always pilfering from the young mistress.”

Qiu Niang pulled her hand back from the pastry, somewhat embarrassed. One of the maids behind her who had been arranging the food box could not help saying: “Yiniang, don’t you frighten her! When I collected these things from the matrons just now, they said very clearly: the small box is for the young mistress, this box is for the two of you.” Having said this, she turned and left in a huff, giving the door curtain an emphatic swish as she went out.

“Little Lotus is right — the Lady would not concern herself with something like this on our account,” Qiu Niang said, watching her depart with what seemed like a breath of relief.

Hongxiao glanced at her sidelong, smiled, and rose to close the room door. Then she turned back and said: “Good sister, just now I was overthinking things. I’ll tell you honestly — before, I worried that the Lady might be a difficult person. You at least had some history with the Marquis, something to hold you; whereas I, all on my own, had nowhere to turn. I had no way of knowing what might become of me. But after all these days — the Lady has truly treated us generously!”

Qiu Niang stared into the candlelight and sighed: “Indeed she has. The Lady… has a kind heart.”

Hongxiao’s eyes shifted thoughtfully. She moved to sit beside Qiu Niang, and in an intimate tone said: “I can see it clearly now — the Lady is a generous and good-natured person. Even if we make a slip or a misstep in some moment, she would never take it to heart.”

Qiu Niang’s powdered face flushed pink; she knew what matter Hongxiao was alluding to, and lowered her head awkwardly.

“Now that the Lady is with child, you should be helping to relieve her burdens.”

Qiu Niang blinked: “How am I to relieve her burdens?”

“You’re so simple — naturally, by tending to the Marquis.” Hongxiao laughed, the pearl-and-kingfisher ornaments in her hair dancing and trembling. “Good sister, think about it — the Marquis is particular, and others cannot serve him to his liking. But the Lady in her current condition cannot be made to overexert herself.”

A woman who could survive and maintain her position in the inner household to this point — even the most honest and simple-natured of them would have developed certain instincts. Qiu Niang might be slow-witted, but she could hear clearly enough that Hongxiao meant no good. Yet sometimes the most transparent of schemes were the most effective ones.

The thought of the Marquis with no one near him who knew his cold from his warm, who could serve him attentively — Qiu Niang couldn’t help feeling anxious. The long-dormant thought surfaced again. Better that it be she herself, than to let some calculating, restless girl seize the advantage. The Lady would surely understand.

Hongxiao watched her expression with a cold and perceptive eye, saw that her thoughts had begun to stir, and said no more. She slowly made her way back to her own quarters.

Qiu Niang returned to her room with a heart unsettled, and sat before the dressing table, gazing at her own still pretty and graceful reflection. At that moment, Little Lotus came in carrying a basin of hot water, followed by a small maid bearing a towel and inner clothes.

“Little Lotus — you…” Qiu Niang bit her lip. “Tomorrow morning, come with me to pay my respects to the Lady. You’re not close with several of the girls in the courtyard, are you? Go and discreetly find out something for me…”

“Miss!” Little Lotus cut her off with a furious burst. “I may not have been born as precious as you, but I have served you faithfully since I was ten years old. If you want to seek your own ruin, go do it yourself! Don’t use me as your stepping stone!”

“You wretched girl, what nonsense are you spouting?!” Qiu Niang was jolted by the outburst, and slapped her palm against the dressing table, firing back.

Little Lotus shoved the copper basin onto its stand with a forceful thud, turned around with hands on hips, and said: “Don’t take advantage of the Lady’s kindness and act like you’ve lost your senses! Look at what happened to Wuer — she dared go to the study to play the coquette, and she was given a sound beating by the head steward. Her legs were broken; she was sent to the estate to recover, and even if she heals, she’ll likely walk with a limp. I heard just yesterday that the estate matrons are already arranging a match for her! That courtyard across the way has been quiet now — and here you are about to start up again?!”

Qiu Niang’s face shifted between shades of green and red. Her fingers dug hard into the fabric of her clothes. Flushed with humiliation and anger, she said: “I haven’t even said anything yet! And already you’ve emptied a whole basket of grievances at me! Have you forgotten who is mistress here?!”

“All right, all right!” The other small maid hurried over to smooth things over. She gently closed the door, then came over and took Qiu Niang’s hand in both of hers, saying in a soft voice: “Good miss, please don’t take it to heart. Lotus Sister’s temper you know — she means it from her heart. With so many years of feeling between you, she is only thinking of your good! My Lady…”

Qiu Niang’s heart settled a little. The small maid was young, but she had a deft hand at smoothing things over. “The Marquis’s meaning has already been made very clear — he placed Rong Jie’er in your care as a show of grace and favor toward you. You will have someone to rely on in the future. So your only duty is to look after the young miss with a full heart. If the Marquis seeks you out of his own accord, that is another matter — but if you go pushing your way toward the Marquis, not only will the Marquis find it distasteful and feel you do not know your place, even everyone in the household will be laughing at you for being shameless.”

After this speech, Little Lotus also lowered her voice and said: “Miss, all the fault was mine — this wretched tongue of mine is truly a curse! I was only afraid you’d be taken in and used by that scheming woman across the way. Rong Jie’er trusts you and likes you — if we live out our days honestly and plainly, what is there to want for? And the Lady said last time that when Rong Jie’er turns ten, she will raise your status to that of Yiniang. If conditions permit, she may also promote your elder and brother to positions in the household.”

The two maids, one soft and one firm, reasoned with her back and forth at length. Qiu Niang, though her heart was not fully at peace, withdrew inward once more.

After settling Qiu Niang in for the night, the two maids stepped out together, and had walked some ten-odd steps before either spoke.

“Phew — Lotus Sister, it was fortunate you dared speak up today. Otherwise Miss Qiu would have muddled things again.” The small maid patted her own chest.

Little Lotus sighed: “She’s actually a clever person in her own right, and not bad-hearted either. It’s just that she can’t let go of the Marquis in her heart — always hoping that one day Heaven will open its eyes and look upon her. But she never stops to think — in a few more years she’ll be past thirty. How can she compete for favor? Wouldn’t that just make a spectacle of herself? Even if the Lady wanted to give a girl the ceremony, there are so many capable and trusted maids right here in her own quarters. Would she overlook all of them and choose her? I’ve followed her all these years — I can’t just stand by and watch her make herself a laughingstock.”

The small maid flattered her: “Sister, you are so good to her. With you by her side to advise her, the Miss is truly fortunate. I heard from the sisters in the Lady’s quarters that even the Lady considers you a good sort. She even told someone to let your family know — she intends to find you a good match.”

Little Lotus’s face reddened. She gave a dismissive sound: “Children talking nonsense! How old are we — to be thinking of such things every day?!” She let out another sigh. “No one is a fool. Her godmother told us to keep an eye on Miss Qiu — that too is for her own good.”

The small maid nodded repeatedly: “Exactly, exactly.”

Little Lotus gave a cold, thin smile: “In truth, if the Lady wanted to deal with Miss Qiu, it would be simpler to wait and catch her in the act of causing trouble — one instance and it would be settled. But she looks at her as someone who has at least shown some years of faithful service, and has not had the heart. That woman in Xuanrui Hall — she is absolutely the master of this particular method!”

Xuanrui Hall — situated in the very center of the main courtyard of Marquis Ningyuan’s estate.

At this moment, the night had only just fallen. The Old Madam was in a foul mood; waves of angry emotion surged repeatedly against her chest. Her well-tended hands nearly crushed the teacup. She had been mocked and cornered by the Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt in the afternoon and had not yet devised a response — and now, on top of it all, came this evening’s development.

Beside her, Zhu Shi, the effort of carrying her pregnancy visible in her face, smiled and said: “Mother, please don’t be angry — if your health suffers, it will be your daughter-in-law’s fault. Having children is a joyful thing. I have already assigned matrons and maids to look after Xin’er — I’m sure there will be no trouble.”

The Old Madam brought her palm down hard, and berated the kneeling Gu Tingwei: “You useless thing! No good at studying, no good at fighting — all you’re good at is this kind of petty, pitiful nonsense! With such a virtuous wife, how can you wound her heart this way?! How am I supposed to face her father?!”

Gu Tingwei knelt with aching knees, not daring to make a sound. Zhu Shi could only help to mediate: “Mother, please don’t blame the young master. Xin’er is clever and quick-witted — I can see that myself and I like her too. In the future, when she has children, she will be a support for Xian Ge’er as well.”

“Clever — my foot!” The Old Madam fumed. “That scheming little creature, working behind everyone’s back — I had made perfectly clear arrangements with the medical matrons, and she dared secretly undo them. Even if I wanted more grandchildren, I would not want offspring from such a base creature! Quickly — go and have someone come. Have that shameless woman tied up, sent to the estate, and given the medication again — don’t let her filth stain the Gu household!”

“Mother!” Gu Tingwei’s face showed reluctance. “Xin’er is a frail young woman — if she is treated this way, it’s not only the child — even her life might be at risk…”

“You be quiet! How dare you defy me!” The Old Madam demanded harshly. Gu Tingwei, ever filial, had no choice but to endure.

The Old Madam turned and took Zhu Shi’s hand in hers, saying with fond warmth: “Good child, do not worry — as long as I am here, no one will dare wrong you!” Zhu Shi felt simultaneously ashamed and deeply moved: “Mother, is this appropriate?”

“This matter you need not concern yourself with — I know what I am doing.” The Old Madam said decisively. “You are heavy with child — go home and rest at once. I still have to give this wretched boy a proper lesson!” Zhu Shi complied, leaning on her maid and slowly making her way out.

Gu Tingwei watched Zhu Shi depart, the thick curtain at the door slowly lowering. Then he said quietly: “Mother — are you truly going to deal with Xin’er? Was she not your gift to me?”

The Old Madam slowly lifted her teacup and took a sip. “Get up. You ignorant fool! That stupid girl — too little achievement and too much mischief; she dares to defy my word to my face. Today she dares act above herself because she has some standing with me — tomorrow she will dare to climb over the head of the principal mistress! She is not worth mourning over.”

Gu Tingwei’s head felt somewhat muddled; he slowly rose from the floor: “But Xin’er, she…”

“Not another word about her!” The Old Madam said with displeasure. Looking at her only son, she could not help her heart softening. She spoke in a gentler tone: “Do you not understand what I have in mind? What time is it now — exactly the moment when we must rely on the Earl of Chengping estate. Your father-in-law has only this one daughter. You, you… all right, enough — let’s speak of something else. That old position of yours cannot be returned to. I…”

Gu Tingwei hung his head in dejection, listless. At these words, he finally raised his head. “Mother, there is no need to trouble yourself with this matter. Second Elder Brother has already found me a new position — there happens to be a vacancy right now in the Five District Constabulary.”