Having resolved this matter, Minglan felt an immediate sense of relief in her chest. With a satisfied smile, she sent Rong Jie’er on her way. Sending a girl to school was simply a matter of registering and paying the fees — except that in this place of endless tedious formality, all manner of fussing and complications had to be added on top.

That very evening at the dinner table, Minglan broached the subject with her daughter’s father. She had fully prepared a mental outline of five major sections and twelve subsections, intending to expound from four angles and six levels on the importance of sending Rong Jie’er to school — drawing on such points as “adolescents need a peer environment to round out their character.” But she had barely gotten through the opening statement of her report when Gu Tingye dismissed the whole thing with a light, breezy five words:

“Do as you see fit.”

The man elegantly wiped the corner of his mouth, rinsed with water, dried his hands, then reached over and patted Minglan’s cheeks — which had grown considerably fuller of late — his eyes bending into a satisfied curve. “Keep eating. I’ll go to the study for business.” He then gave a gentle smile, swept up his robe, and walked away in long strides to the outer study.

In Gu Tingye’s view, this was absolutely a model example of “knowing how to employ people and trusting them once employed.” In Minglan’s eyes, however, it was plainly irresponsible and reprehensible behavior — (What, just because their mother isn’t cherished, the daughter gets the cold shoulder too?) Perhaps it was the dry autumn air, but Minglan felt an inexplicable half-belly of irritation smoldering inside her. That night when they went to bed, she turned her back pointedly toward her husband. Gu Tingye, entirely unaware of any of this, returned in the middle of the night, and with perfect equanimity curled against her back with an arm around her waist. Her skin was smooth and soft, her back small and graceful; he nuzzled her with his chin, finding the sensation quite pleasant, and then proceeded to take a few absent-minded nips at her before contentedly falling asleep — which he did soundly.

The following morning, Danju discovered, to her alarm, several neat rows of tooth marks on Minglan’s shoulder and back, arranged in orderly military formation. She immediately turned to look in the mirror on the dressing table, very much wanting to lodge a complaint on the spot — but then remembered Nanny Fang’s admonishment, and swallowed that impulse down hard, grinding her teeth as she helped Minglan dress.

Minglan herself, equally oblivious, had not noticed a thing — she only felt that her inner garment seemed to rub against her back very slightly today, but thought nothing of it. After breakfast, she looked out the window and saw the sunshine was lovely, taking it as an auspicious omen from Heaven. She cheerfully instructed Danju to go to the storeroom for a few bolts of fine fur, along with four selections of seasonal gift boxes, and had the gatekeeper call for a carriage to set out.

The late autumn sun was not harsh but warmly pleasant, the kind that made one feel drowsy. Minglan was very nearly asleep in the carriage when, just before drifting off, they arrived at the Zheng household, located in the back section of the Lotus Root Lane. Little Shen Shi had just finished some needlework and was idling about at a loose end. Upon hearing that Minglan had arrived, she was delighted and came all the way to the front courtyard to meet her: “What has the sun done today — risen from the west? You actually came to see me.”

Minglan could only disillusion her, saying with a laugh: “The sun is still rising from the east. I have some business with your sister-in-law.”

Little Shen Shi was visibly shaken: “You’ve come to see my sister-in-law?!”

Her expression and voice fully conveyed the ferocity of First Madam Zheng.

Before they could say another word or two, a servant woman came hurrying from the back with clear and articulate speech: “Greetings to the Second Madam. The First Madam heard that the Madam of Ningyuan Marquis has arrived and has already laid out tea and refreshments in the main hall. She invites Madam and the Second Madam to come in.”

Little Shen Shi had no choice but to press down her questions and link arms with Minglan as they walked inside. Minglan seized the opportunity to lean close to her ear and whisper: “Just a few days ago you were still being addressed as ‘Second Young Madam’ — how is it you’ve moved up a rank already?” Little Shen Shi tilted her head and murmured back: “My eldest nephew is in the middle of having a match arranged — the household will soon have a new bride.”

After a few more steps, they reached the entrance to the room, and Minglan saw First Madam Zheng standing upright in dignified composure. Daunted by the sight of that stern demeanor, Minglan quickly arranged her face into a full smile, stepped forward, and gave a curtsy. First Madam Zheng returned the gesture with restraint. After exchanging pleasantries, they sat down.

With the sister-in-law present, Little Shen Shi sat in a model posture of proper decorum, not daring to smile or joke, only communicating with Minglan through a rapid series of meaningful eye signals. The Gu and Zheng families were not close acquaintances; after a few polite sentences, neither party had much to say, and First Madam Zheng sat in composed silence — neither asking what had brought Minglan, nor suggesting that she and Little Shen Shi go off on their own — and the atmosphere began to grow a little cold.

Minglan remained unruffled. She had experience dealing with her own elder brother Changbai, and she knew that people of this silent, grave manner were usually possessed of inner wisdom — they might say little, but their eyes were sharp and their minds were clear. Circling around the subject would accomplish nothing; better to get straight to the point. She drew a quiet breath and spoke: “I will not hide my purpose. Minglan has come today because she has something to request.”

First Madam Zheng did not so much as raise an eyebrow. Without a word, she set down her teacup and looked at Minglan steadily.

Minglan made her best effort to keep her tone sincere and continued: “I have a young girl in my care — she is eight years old this year. Though she is pure and unaffected by nature, she has little grounding in the written arts and even less understanding of how people conduct themselves in the world. I felt it would not do to let her education be neglected this way, and that she needs some proper instruction. Yesterday, when a few of my sisters came to chat, I happened to overhear in passing that your honored daughter is also about to attend a young ladies’ academy. That is what gave Minglan the idea. I would like to ask for your help in placing my young girl there as well — and so I have come to trouble you.”

When she finished, Little Shen Shi was the first to be surprised. What did she mean, “a young girl in my care”? Minglan had not yet been married a year, and even the first wife had only entered the household four years ago — this eight-year-old girl must surely be illegitimate. The thought that Gu Tingye had a daughter even before their marriage gave her a momentary flash of private contempt; she managed not to curl her lip, but she was struck by the thought that Minglan would actually come to ask her own sister-in-law for a favor over such a matter.

For her part, First Madam Zheng felt a small inward surprise as well, but her expression did not change. She said only: “The Ningyuan Marquis household is a founding noble family of illustrious prestige. How would I dare display my inadequacy in the presence of such brilliance? Why does your honorable household not simply engage a private female teacher?”

Minglan had expected this question and answered it at once: “Madam, you may not be aware. In my household right now, there are altogether two young girls — in addition to my own girl, there is my elder sister-in-law’s niece. That being the case, making a great production of things for just two girls seems excessive. Secondly…” she allowed a slight smile, “…to speak honestly — I am young and not yet well-connected. Where would I even begin to look for a female teacher of fine character and genuine learning? Even if I happened to hear of someone, I probably could not engage her.”

First Madam Zheng’s mouth curved slightly with mild skepticism, and she said coolly: “When managing a household, it is always better to have many family members. Had you known things would come to this, why be in such a hurry to divide the household in the first place?”

Minglan’s heart gave a small lurch — but she did not hesitate for even a moment: “A large family is certainly good, but the people within it must also be of one mind. Otherwise, it is merely a temple with many voices reciting sutras, each chanting in their own separate hall.”

“How eloquently put, Marquis Gu’s wife.” First Madam Zheng’s expression remained impassive, without visible reaction. “I have long heard that Madam has a sharp tongue. Now that we have met in conversation, the reputation is well deserved. No wonder even the First Madam of your own household is compelled to avoid the edge of it.”

A surge of indignation rose and churned in Minglan’s chest. She had known that old woman’s twenty-odd years of reputation had not been built for nothing — she had surely been performing quite the show for others these past few days. Minglan forcibly suppressed the urge to retort sharply. After a brief pause, she composed herself and said evenly: “Madam, though you and I are not well acquainted, I have always held great respect for you as a person. I believe that the young ladies’ academy you would trust to place your daughter in must truly be an excellent one. It was precisely this thought that gave me the lazy notion of coming shamelessly to your door, hoping to let the children in my household benefit from your connections. That is the first point.”

Flattery, when delivered with skill, will rarely miss its mark. Sure enough, after these words, First Madam Zheng’s expression softened perceptibly — the look grew a touch less austere. Now came the more critical part. Minglan continued: “As for the matter Madam has heard of…”

She slowed her breathing, lifted her head, and met First Madam Zheng’s gaze directly.

“Minglan followed her grandmother in practicing Buddhism since childhood and has always believed deeply in the cycle of cause and effect. In one lifetime in this world, if one dares to do something, one must dare to answer for it. Regardless of who it is that has gone astray — whether in this life or the next, there will be a place where justice is rendered. No one should cry injustice. Minglan dares to stake her name on this declaration.”

The room fell so silent that a dropped needle could have been heard. Little Shen Shi had even held her breath. What was said was wrapped in clouds and mist — yet she had managed to understand the gist of it.

First Madam Zheng looked at Minglan. After a long moment, the corners of her lips softened — it was the first expression of any warmth that Minglan had seen from her all day: “Have you never heard the saying: repay enmity with virtue?”

Minglan’s voice was quiet, but her eyes were steady: “If we repay all enmity with virtue, then what do we have left with which to repay virtue itself? To repay directness with directness, and virtue with virtue — only then can the world know there is truly good and evil.”

First Madam Zheng gave a soft sigh and said no more, but her expression had already become something entirely different from the cool indifference of earlier.

Minglan gently knitted her brow and spoke slowly: “And then there is that young girl — for some things, I could choose to act, or I could choose not to. A single drop of water falling from a leaf’s tip is nothing to a person, but to an ant, it is a whole torrent of sweet rain. For some people, the slightest gesture of an outstretched hand may change another person’s fate entirely. Minglan is not particularly virtuous or benevolent — I only do what ought to be done, and seek only a peace of mind.”

If Rong Jie’er had been gentle and docile by nature, perhaps things would not be so troublesome — she could simply be properly raised and eventually settled into a good family. But she was wild and stubborn, and if things went wrong, she could easily stray onto a bad path.

First Madam Zheng’s gaze was unblinking and direct. She watched as Minglan spoke with genuine sincerity, her eyes calm and unclouded. And then that face — like an ancient glacier ten thousand years old — finally showed signs of thawing. After a moment, she said warmly: “Everyone says your learning is good. Why not teach the child yourself?”

Seeing First Madam Zheng’s expression, Minglan already knew the matter could be settled. She smiled with a touch of playfulness: “Is Madam’s own learning not good?” Little Shen Shi had once told her that her fierce eldest sister-in-law, before she was married, had also held a reputation for scholarly talent.

First Madam Zheng finally broke into a full smile. Understanding Minglan’s true concerns — this kind of stepmother who was not relentlessly virtuous in an empty, performative way was, precisely because of that, genuinely believable.

She shook her head with fond exasperation: “Very well, very well. I’ll take this upon myself. The academy is right behind the old branch estate of my husband’s family. The lead instructor is none other than the own younger sister of my eldest cousin-in-law’s wife — she previously ran an academy for young ladies back home in Xunyang.”

“Xunyang?” Minglan’s eyes lit up at once. “Could that be the one people call ‘Lady Xue the Great’?”

First Madam Zheng smiled: “Indeed it is.”

This Lady Xue had once been a celebrated woman of talent in the capital. Widowed young, refusing to endure the attitudes of her late husband’s relatives, and with the support of her natal family, she had resolutely taken her son and managed the household on her own, opening an academy for young ladies.

In her teaching, she did not fixate solely on the classical texts and historical chronicles — she incorporated medical principles, astronomy, financial management, household administration, law, and even the ways of human nature and social wisdom. Little by little, she had made quite a name for herself in Xunyang, garnering considerable reputation.

Only a few years ago, after her son had received his official post and taken a wife, she finally closed the academy and retired to enjoy her old age at home. As a footnote: her current daughter-in-law was one of her own prized former students, having been taught by her personally from the very beginning — and because of this, the relationship between mother and daughter-in-law was harmonious.

Back in the Sheng household, Minglan had once heard her grandmother mention this woman, and it had been with high praise.

Little Shen Shi had been suppressed for so long that she finally had somewhere to contribute. Seeing that her sister-in-law’s mood had improved, she jumped in to fill in the details, smiling: “She was originally in Xunyang. But her son has been posted far away this term, and fearing the journey would be too exhausting for his mother, he wouldn’t let her follow along. Lady Xue couldn’t bear to see her son and daughter-in-law parted, so she had her daughter-in-law go with him as well. My eldest cousin-in-law’s household has many daughters and was very much in need of someone to instruct them. When my eldest cousin-in-law’s wife saw this opportunity, she wasted no time in inviting Lady Xue to the capital — the sisters are looking after each other, and Lady Xue’s son can also rest easy. There is also a music teacher and an embroidery teacher.”

Minglan was delighted and clapped her hands with a laugh: “This is truly extraordinary good fortune. Minglan is most grateful to you, Madam.” Then, remembering something else, she pressed on while the opportunity was there: “I also have a niece at home — might she perhaps join as well?”

In ancient times, information traveled slowly — a fine teacher’s reputation had to spread by word of mouth. Even Master Zhuang had been so difficult to engage, let alone a female teacher, who was ten times more obscure and hard to find. This was an opportunity not to be missed.

First Madam Zheng smiled gently: “At most one more — any more and I fear it would be too much strain on Lady Xue.”

“Many thanks, many thanks. I will go home and tell my elder sister-in-law right away — she will be very pleased.” Minglan smiled like a happy child, her delight pure and unfeigned.

The rest of the visit passed in a pleasant and amiable atmosphere. After some more laughter and chatter, Minglan took her leave. Little Shen Shi came out to see her off and, once they were outside, gave her a jokingly reproachful look: “Well then, Gu-born Sheng Minglan — what nerve you have! You even managed to win my sister-in-law over!”

Having been out for so long, Minglan was truly exhausted. She said wearily: “If your sister-in-law had not already seen things clearly in her own heart, I could wear my lips to pieces and still get nowhere. Ah…some things — argue and it’s bad, don’t argue and it’s also bad. It really does make one’s head ache.”

Little Shen Shi had heard some of the inside story from her elder brother and said sincerely: “Don’t worry. Not everyone’s eyes are blind, no matter what others may say.” Minglan pursed her lips: “Not necessarily.”

After she was seated in the carriage, Danju quickly placed a pre-warmed cushion behind Minglan’s lower back. Seeing the exhaustion on Minglan’s face, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy: “And that First Madam Zheng — how could she speak that way? It was as though we were the ones in the wrong.”

“That’s not so strange.” Minglan narrowed her eyes, her voice light and quiet, as though talking to herself. “I had already anticipated it. Today I finally found the right opportunity…”

The things the First Madam did outside, the words she said — it wasn’t that Minglan didn’t know about them. She simply had no easy way to counter them.

Most of the noblewomen among the Gu family’s old acquaintances had already established friendships of varying depth with the First Madam. Decades of history between them — and here you come, a newly arrived illegitimate daughter who has somehow become the Marquis’s wife. Those who were envious and resentful were surely not few in number. Why would anyone believe you, or respect you, on your word alone?

On top of that, the First Madam had never said anything explicitly wrong. All she needed to do was wear a wronged and pitiful expression, and she could garner a great deal of sympathy. Add to that a carefully edited account of household matters — a beginning lopped off here, an ending omitted there — and misunderstandings would follow quite naturally. A partial truth is still a truth, and the woman had technically said nothing bad. How was Minglan to refute her? However one looked at it, a stepmother was still an elder. To defend herself furiously in public, countering the First Madam’s words, would only make others think Minglan was a haughty and ill-mannered woman who knew nothing of propriety. Yet she couldn’t simply leave it alone — if it accumulated to the point of destroying her reputation entirely, that would be a serious disaster.

So the matter was difficult to handle.

Rather than thinking about plugging every leak, it was better to strike out on a different path entirely. Minglan had mulled it over for a good half-month before the name of First Madam Zheng had gradually come to mind — but she couldn’t simply show up at the door out of the blue, which would seem calculated and contrived. Now, at last, a proper occasion had presented itself.

First: the woman’s background was impeccable — both her natal family and her husband’s family were renowned noble clans. Second: her moral character and conduct were praised throughout the capital without exception. Third: this woman had an exceptional temperament — she was not given to idle chatter or gossip, and the number of women who could genuinely count her as a friend was very small. If such a famously distinguished noblewoman in the capital were to acknowledge her, would that not make everything Minglan needed to accomplish twice as easy with half the effort?

Most critically of all: the two households had aligned interests, and First Madam Zheng was clear-headed and sharp. Through various channels, she had been able to obtain some knowledge of the inner workings of the Gu household — which made her a very persuadable candidate.

Today’s first battle had been a victory, and Minglan felt a deep settling of calm in her heart. In this world, being able to speak sweetly, being enthusiastically familiar, and calling everyone “sisters” were not the only forms of social skill. In time, she would build her own circle — she would have more and more friends who would speak up for her.

Not introduced into the right social circles? No matter — she didn’t need them. She had her own two feet. One steady step at a time, walking forward, she would make her own path.

The carriage swayed gently, and she let her eyelids droop, growing drowsy once more and nearly falling asleep.

In the hazy moment before she slipped under, she thought idly: to call her a great lazy creature who only knows how to sleep — that really is an injustice. With such a generous “salary,” she was hardly sleeping all the time and doing no work. Work requires a balance of exertion and rest — thinking sharply every day, scheming and calculating from morning to night, would lead to an early death.