Another ten-odd days passed, and it was time for school to begin.

This day — which in later generations caused countless children to wail and weep with heartbreak — was, to young girls living sheltered lives in ancient times, something fresh and exciting enough to make them leap with joy. Before the watchman’s drum had even struck the fourth quarter of the mao hour, the two little sisters arrived at the entrance of Jiaxi Residence, dressed head to toe in brand-new clothes.

One wore a scattered-gold, light peach-pink jacket embroidered all over with tender yellow bamboo sprigs and flower buds, a gleaming gold auspicious cloud lock pinned at her chest, and a nine-section curved red gold filigree necklace strung with twelve glass beads. The other wore a dark teal woven silk jacket trimmed with thin grey squirrel fur, adorned only with simple and refined silver accessories — just a slender silver chain at her chest from which hung a precious piece of mutton-fat white jade, smooth and lustrous throughout.

The room inside was quiet and still. The window panel on the east side was propped open half a pane, letting in traces of cold frost that had fallen on the courtyard flowers and grass in the early morning. On the table at the eastern end stood a small and exquisite purple jade incense burner in the shape of twin qilins protecting a sacred mushroom, from whose mouth curled wisps of fragrant smoke.

Gong Hongxiao and Qiu Niang stood properly to one side. Hearing faint sounds of chopsticks, spoons, and dishes coming from the east side room, Qiu Niang forced herself to suppress the urge to turn and peek, keeping her head bowed in silence. Gong Hongxiao, however, looked up at Minglan: “My Lady, why not have your meal first?”

“No need.” Minglan waved her hand. There was still some unshaken fatigue in her expression, and her voice was slightly hoarse. Gong Hongxiao felt it jarring to her eyes and ears, and quickly lowered her head. Qiu Niang, on the other hand, was distracted and kept turning her head toward the side chamber.

At this moment, Danju led two little girls into the room. After they had both completed their bows, Minglan — seated in the place of honor — straightened her posture, composed her expression, steadied her breath to her core, and began to speak.

“Outside is not like home. Your every word and action must be careful and prudent; do not act willfully or recklessly. You must know that when the two of you sisters appear outside, you represent the face of our Gu Family. Conducting yourselves appropriately is the dignity our Gu Family must uphold. In all things, listen and observe more, speak and do less. Watch carefully how others conduct themselves, think more deeply in your hearts, and learn diligently from your teachers…”

She spoke warmly and earnestly, and both little girls nodded solemnly in acknowledgment. Seeing their docile and obedient expressions as they promised, Minglan felt a great sense of gratification — even a little intoxicated by it. Truth be told, this business of moral instruction and education was not her forte. Her specialty was the art of punishment — things like the small paddle for smacking hands, docking monthly allowances, and throwing people into the earth cellar. Thought-work and ideological guidance belonged to the propaganda department in the office next door.

“Nanny Cui has already taught you the rules of etiquette. Outside, you must not be stubborn and contrary; listen to what the teachers say, and if there is anything you need, speak up properly.” Minglan kept a stern face as she reminded Rong Jie’er, then thought for a moment and added, “If it becomes truly unworkable, come home and tell me.”

Rong Jie’er’s face turned red. She nodded vigorously and said quietly: “Mother, please set your mind at ease. Your daughter understands.”

Minglan felt somewhat relieved. She turned to Xian Jie’er and said softly, “You are a good child. Auntie has always trusted you. I trouble you to look after things a little — don’t let Rong Jie’er be stubborn outside.”

Xian Jie’er smiled sweetly: “Auntie, please rest easy. We will certainly keep your earnest instructions in our hearts.”

Her tone was both bright and sincere, which Minglan found quite agreeable — until an unexpected soft, brief snort came from the east side room, barely audible, yet Minglan swore she could detect both displeasure and mockery in that sound. This morning, under Gu Tingye’s half-envious gaze, she had endured her drowsiness and gotten up early — solely because she intended to give a final round of guidance to the students who were newly starting school.

Minglan thought her lecturing manner must have looked rather foolish, so she bore the flush on her face, kept her head straight, and pretended she had not heard a thing.

“Very well, you may go now. In future there is no need to make a special trip to see me in the mornings — it is far too early, and you deserve a bit more sleep.” Minglan looked at them with full compassion. What a dreadful thing it was to get up in the early morning to go study.

Another sound came from the east side room — the crisp, clear chime of chopsticks being set down on a porcelain chopstick rest. Minglan felt an itch in her back teeth and exerted herself not to turn her head. Fine, it was she who wanted more sleep — she had sleeping in on her mind through and through — so what of it?

The others in the room said nothing. Only Qiu Niang stole several more glances eastward.

When the hour seemed right, Danju led the two girls out the door. Xian Jie’er stepped out first, while Rong Jie’er’s footsteps were a little dragging — she looked back at Minglan several times with each step, her clear, childlike eyes showing traces of unease.

Minglan’s heart stirred. She suddenly called out: “Rong Jie’er!” Rong Jie’er stopped at once, gazing at her eagerly.

“Study well. Be courteous and respectful to others — but don’t let anyone bully you either. Remember: your surname is Gu.” Minglan thought for a moment and added another line: “In this city of the capital, your father has never come off the worse in a fight.” Gu Family’s second son had been wild and unruly since childhood, his pair of fists having beaten every idle young rake in the capital. She ought to be thankful if he didn’t go around bullying others.

The moment she finished speaking, the east side room made another faint sound — what seemed like a stifled laugh. Rong Jie’er’s little face went blank. Minglan ground her teeth and quickly sent the child away. The little girl hung her head and turned to step out the door.

After all the maids and matrons had gone outside, a tall figure appeared from around the corner of the display cabinet — Gu Tingye stood beside the lattice shelves, holding a snow-white handkerchief in his hands and turning it lightly between his fingers. He wore an everyday robe of deep ochre-red brocade with dark gold patterns, his manner mature and composed.

Qiu Niang saw him and was instantly overcome with emotion, her lips trembling as she failed to find words to speak. Gong Hongxiao was far quicker-witted; she immediately said, “My Lady has been busy for quite a while now — please allow this servant to serve the Lord and Lady their meal.” And with that she moved to help Minglan up.

Gu Tingye frowned. “There are people here to serve. You and Qiu Niang may withdraw first.”

His tone was authoritative; no one dared object. Gong Hongxiao’s movement froze for a moment, then she smiled graciously and withdrew, followed by Qiu Niang — who trailed behind with her head bowed, full of worry and reluctant to leave.

“Rarely does one see a concubine so eager to pay her morning respects.” Minglan watched the two women depart with an air of forlorn reluctance, then turned to Gu Tingye with a smile that was not quite a smile. “Marquis, what do you suppose the reason might be?”

Gu Tingye said nothing, simply leaning silently against the carved lattice cabinet. Minglan proceeded to answer her own question: “It must certainly be because I, as the mistress of this household, am exceptionally benevolent — and moreover because my character is upright and open, which inspires their admiration and devotion.”

“Come and eat already.” The man’s expression remained unchanged, yet the corners of his lips curved slightly, and a trace of easy charm appeared at the tips of his brows.

Seven or eight days after the girls had started school, Minglan followed the customs of Great Zhou and paid a visit to express her gratitude. That afternoon she again prepared modest gifts and went to General Zheng’s residence, primarily to thank the First Madam Zheng for the merit of recommending the teacher. Based on her experience since childhood, someone as quiet and grave as First Madam Zheng did not enjoy people who were noisy and talkative — the more one said, the more one became an irritation. After Minglan had offered her sincere thanks, she fell into silence, not quite knowing what to say next. Yet she could not very well leave the moment she had just arrived, so she sat there racking her brain, drawing on real examples to lend credibility.

“These past few days, my Rong Jie’er has indeed been considerably better-mannered and more proper.” When she called her “Mother,” the tone was far more genuine than before — not like the mosquito-like squirming and reluctance of the past. It was clear that ideological guidance sometimes needed to come from an outside party.

After a moment’s thought, Minglan added, “She no longer needs someone watching over her before she knows to apply herself diligently.”

Although First Madam Zheng did not say much, she smiled with a warm and gentle benevolence, and seemed to appreciate Minglan’s halting, unpretentious manner of speaking. Little Shen Shi laughed and stepped in to lighten the atmosphere: “My niece mentioned that your girl is a determined one too — the first time the teacher tested the students on their lessons, she fell a little short, but the very next day she won back her dignity.”

“Not only that.” Minglan raised her handkerchief and covered a laugh with becoming reserve, then spoke as earnestly and plainly as she could. “The child also does not get into mischief, and she knows how to be filial toward her elders. I heard from the people in her quarters that these past few days she has been diligently practicing her needlework, intending to present me and the Marquis with a small token or two of filial devotion for the New Year. Heavens above — I pray for the sake of that needlework teacher that she doesn’t let my clumsy girl vex her to death.”

First Madam Zheng listened with amusement: “No matter — once she has learned the basics, she is sure to improve.” She paused, seeming to remember something, and suppressed a smile before saying, “My own girl once had… all ten fingers like wooden clubs as well.”

Seeing that the atmosphere in the room was harmonious, Minglan quietly breathed a sigh of relief. When she had been in front of Elder Brother Changbai and Grandmother Sheng back in the day, she had been able to play the small and sweet card — acting silly and cute because she was young. But she could hardly roll around at First Madam Zheng’s feet trying to look adorable now.

Truth be told, she was not good at getting close to people she did not know well. Had she apprenticed herself in her youth under her old father — the master of such arts — things might have been different. His disciples were, every one of them, skilled in the art of speaking eloquently and with deep sincerity, persuading not only your mind but moving your very heart — and if they couldn’t convince you, they would at the very least bore you to death. Their collective idol: the venerable Monk Xuanzang.

After chatting a while longer, Minglan rose to take her leave. Little Shen Shi immediately stood up and made a show of glancing at the water clock beside her. “Oh my — is it already this hour? I imagine school must be letting out soon.” Then she smiled and looked pointedly at Minglan.

Little Shen Shi had lost both parents in early childhood. Doted on to excess by her older brother and sister, she had grown up with little restraint and was accustomed to freedom. Yet after marrying into the Zheng Family, she had to observe proper wifely conduct — never stepping past the inner gate, cooped up day in and day out inside the general’s residence, with every word and movement guided and corrected by a sister-in-law as stern as a living judge of the underworld. It truly was suffocating.

How could Minglan not understand what Little Shen Shi was thinking? She very much wanted to play dumb, but could not withstand that fiery, expectant gaze, and inwardly laughing, she kept a natural expression and said, “Yes indeed. I had originally planned, after leaving here, to take the opportunity of passing by to collect the two children.”

Little Shen Shi cheered silently in her heart. Still smiling, she turned and said, “Sister-in-law, it is really just a few steps away — why don’t I go along and bring my niece home as well?” First Madam Zheng glanced calmly at Minglan and then at Little Shen Shi, lowered her head and sipped her tea without saying a word. Little Shen Shi looked at Minglan; Minglan lowered her head. The two of them were just beginning to feel uneasy when they heard First Madam Zheng say, “Very well — go together then.”

Little Shen Shi, reprieved as if from a sentence, hurried back to her own quarters, made a quick change, and then linked arms with Minglan as they set off out the door.

“Ahh — finally, a breath of fresh air.”

In the carriage, Little Shen Shi kept lifting the curtain a crack to peer outside, her face bright with irrepressible delight. “When I was on the Sichuan border, I always heard that the capital was a place of splendor and prosperity — the finest place in the whole empire. And yet, I’ve been in the capital all this time and never truly had a chance to explore and enjoy it.”

Minglan laughed. “Listen to you, sounding so pitiful. Surely you’ve been out of doors before?”

Little Shen Shi pursed her lips, dropped the curtain, and turned. “Either it’s visiting a Buddhist convent to offer incense, or a Taoist temple to perform rites — or else one is dressed up like one is going to an ancestral sacrifice, going off to eat and drink tea at someone else’s estate. At best, a stroll through a few familiar shops dealing in gold, jade, and antiques. Is that what anyone would call an outing?”

“What would you prefer then?” Minglan tilted her head and leaned against the small warming brazier, feeling drowsy and languid again.

Little Shen Shi’s eyes lit up, and she said spiritedly: “Naturally, to walk freely through mountains and valleys, city streets and markets, and to see the full breadth of human life and affairs — only then would one truly know what kind of place this is, the land beneath Heaven!” Minglan smiled. In a show of great face-giving, she lifted both hands from the warming muff and gave a light, gentle round of applause. Little Shen Shi flushed with indignant embarrassment. “Go ahead and laugh at me!”

Seeing her mild annoyance, Minglan dropped the teasing and said warmly, “I’m not laughing at you. Everything you said is right. It’s just a pity that, born as women, how can we go walking about everywhere? I have been in the capital longer than you, and the places I’ve gone are just these same few. Only that one year when the weather was lovely — the entire household’s womenfolk went to Wangchun Mountain nearby to walk among the spring blossoms. That was the one time I glimpsed the scenery of the outside world. And even that was only because Grandmother, in her old age, felt the urge to go. Without her taking the initiative, even my family would not have thought of seeking amusement.”

Little Shen Shi listened with a heart full of longing. After a while: “My mother-in-law can no longer walk very well, and as for my sister-in-law…” She gave a soft sigh and said no more.

Minglan’s heart was heavy with the same wistfulness. Who would not want to go wandering freely? She said in jest, “Then there is only one option. You must hurry and give birth to a whole brood of children — however many you can manage. When you yourself have become a grandmother, surrounded by children and grandchildren, you can go anywhere you please.”

Little Shen Shi’s face flooded crimson. She turned petulant and scolded, “I treated you as a confidante and shared everything with you, and here you are making fun of me! You really are heartless — I’m done talking to you!”

Minglan laughed heartily, shifting on the thick, soft cushions, and draped herself over Little Shen Shi’s shoulders, saying sweetly, “Good sister, I was wrong, please forgive me, I truly won’t dare again.” She said half a basket more of flattering words before finally coaxing Little Shen Shi back into good humor.

Little Shen Shi poked Minglan on the forehead, laughing and scolding: “You little troublemaker — I only feel sorry for your Marquis. What sins did he commit in his past life to marry such a dangerous woman? Either you’ve charmed him into a stupor or you’ve half-vexed him to death.”

The two, being close in age, laughed and tumbled about playfully for a while. After a moment, Little Shen Shi slowly sat up straight and said wistfully, “Though this is all very fine — it’s just far too full of complications. It’s not as free as life on the Sichuan border.” Minglan lay against the brocade cushion and watched her quietly.

After a pause, Little Shen Shi murmured softly, “I only miss my elder brother and sister.”

Minglan still said nothing. She had suddenly thought of the famous Princess of Wales. A tragic figure — longing to be a princess when unknown and overlooked, then wanting freedom and love when the whole world watched her, basking in wealth and honor. Where in this world are there so many situations where one can have it all? Little Shen Shi wanted both the splendor and prosperity of the capital and a life free of constraint. Accumulating good merit in a previous life was clearly not enough — she would have needed an extraordinarily auspicious horoscope on top of it.

Eat the salted fish, and endure the thirst. Accept the wealth and honor, and you must also endure the complications.

The affairs within the Zheng household had once been gossip among the capital’s noble circles, and Minglan had some knowledge of them.

When Little Shen Shi had first married in, emboldened by the backing of her imperial sister, she had gone to the palace to complain and press her case, hoping the imperial family would intervene — to clip her elder sister-in-law’s authority, so that she might live more comfortably.

What she had not anticipated was that First Madam Zheng was tougher and more unbending than she was. Little Shen Shi had only just finished her tearful complaints to her sister, and the Empress had not even had time to think of how to approach First Madam Zheng, when that very woman had already gone to kneel before Old Madam Zheng. There she declared that she was of humble virtue and unworthy to be the elder sister-in-law of Shen Family — and voluntarily requested to be dismissed and sent away.

The elderly Old Madam Zheng, in her seventies or eighties, was half-frightened out of her wits. After more than a decade of the mother-and-daughter-in-law bond, the attachment between them was far from ordinary. She had always been very satisfied with this eldest daughter-in-law, who had given birth to children, managed the household, and kept the family in harmony. How could she possibly let her go? Old Madam Zheng immediately rose despite her frail and ailing body, donned her full set of official court attire and rank insignia, and went to the palace to confess and beg for pardon.

For a time, there was discussion everywhere.

Though one might call it discussion, there was in fact no dispute whatsoever — public opinion was entirely on the side of First Madam Zheng. She was born of a venerable family renowned for virtue and prestige, and had always enjoyed an excellent reputation. Among her ancestors, there were those enshrined in the imperial ancestral temple; her family’s forebears were commemorated in the Hall of the Loyal and Heroic Martyrs; her clan had laid claim to a full tenth of all the chastity arches erected across the nation — a truly formidable family tradition. She herself was widely celebrated in the capital as a virtuous and upright wife.

That Little Shen Shi, within mere days of entering the household, had nearly driven away such a woman of virtue and propriety, was considered utterly outrageous. The rear of the Shen Family’s imperial relatives had barely warmed to its seat of influence, and already they dared to be so arrogant and haughty, showing regard for no one — they would surely bring great calamity upon themselves in due course.

According to Father Sheng Hong’s disclosures, censorate officials in court had already drafted impeachment memorials, blades sharpened and at the ready, prepared to submit them.

Not only that — the imperial clanswomen led by Princess Imperial Qingning were also greatly displeased.

What a fine household the Zheng Family of Marquis Zhongjing was — both distinguished and good-natured. What was the meaning of this? Even proper princesses and junzhus from the imperial house would never dare to slight their husbands’ family’s womenfolk — yet here was the Empress’s younger sister, making the first move? With all the airs of a newly enriched upstart, she was nowhere near the rank of a proper princess, so what gave her the right?

Sacred Virtuous Consort and several of the royal consorts were similarly contemptuous and dismissive.

At the time, Minglan had also voiced a few words of indignation, until Elder Brother Changbai said with a calm smile: “This is nothing more than the initial demonstration of authority. His Majesty can resolve it in an instant.” Later, Minglan came to understand: as a newly risen family connected to the imperial house, those in official and scholarly circles were customarily made to feel their vulnerability and be put in their place — and moreover, Little Shen Shi had an emperor for a brother-in-law, one who was ardently cultivating the reputation of being a “benevolent and filial sovereign.”

Just as Elder Brother Changbai had predicted, several trusted advisors read the situation quickly, and the Emperor himself acted swiftly — he had a long talk with the Empress, whether a counsel or a reprimand one could not say. The upshot was that the Empress immediately summoned the Zheng household women to the palace, and before Sacred Virtuous Consort could take action, gave her own younger sister a severe dressing-down. She then dispatched two proper-conduct matrons to enforce firm discipline, and finally extended warm and gracious consolation to the Zheng household’s mistress and her daughter-in-law, bestowing many gifts. Only then was the matter considered settled.

Little Shen Shi had suffered the worst of it. All she had done was lodge a small complaint — as she had done many times since childhood — yet her sister scolded her, then her brothers scolded her, followed by not one but two imperial consorts. When she was sent back to her husband’s household, her in-laws’ displeasure was to be expected, and even her husband was greatly disgruntled and could only keep apologizing to his elder brother. After this episode, Little Shen Shi became more subdued.

“In truth…” Little Shen Shi followed Minglan’s lead, resting her head against the cushion, and sighed softly. “My sister-in-law, though she is not one for laughter and smiles, is genuinely a good person.” She was not a fool — she could tell sincerity from pretense, a good person from a bad one.

When all was said and done, First Madam Zheng had not truly ill-treated her. She had not made Little Shen Shi stand and wait on her, nor had she squeezed her out or mocked her with cold sarcasm. She had simply prevented Little Shen Shi from going out and showing her face in public, and would not allow her to drag Young General Zheng out with her for excursions and amusement.

Beyond that, she regularly guided her on the protocols of social calls, so that her words and conduct would not give rise to blunders that would invite ridicule outside. This was far better than the typical great household, where sister-in-laws might be outwardly agreeable while inwardly at odds, scheming against each other, or watching coldly for one to make a fool of herself.

“Nonsense — who couldn’t see that? Don’t fail to appreciate what you have. Your sister-in-law has an exceedingly kind heart.” Minglan said in a teasing tone.

“Ah, even the Empress herself keeps telling me to cherish my blessings these days — what a fine household this is, how upright and proper the family values are, how all the men conduct themselves with decorum — it must be the fortune of many lifetimes, she says, and I should listen to my sister-in-law and not cause trouble.” Little Shen Shi’s tone carried a note of one who has conceded utter defeat.

This was also where First Madam Zheng showed her brilliance. Whatever might be happening behind closed doors, she invariably defended Little Shen Shi in public with full force, projecting the stance of: “My younger sister-in-law — our own family will handle her, and it is not for outsiders to pass judgment.” When someone had once mocked Little Shen Shi for being improper in her etiquette and rustic as a village girl, First Madam Zheng had dropped all cordiality on the spot, flicked her sleeves, and walked away. Over time, even the Empress came to hold her in genuine respect and frequently invited her to the palace for conversation. This was also why Minglan had initially singled her out as the point of approach among the group.

Truly a shrewd woman — the inner chambers of aristocratic households were indeed places that concealed extraordinary talents. But still…

“Tell me — if things had come to it at the time…” Minglan chose her words carefully and asked with cautious delicacy: “Would your sister-in-law truly have gone through with leaving?” This question was really not something she ought to ask, but her heart had been itching with curiosity, and she simply could not resist.

Little Shen Shi gave Minglan a sidelong look, thought for a moment, and then slowly nodded, her expression strained: “At first I didn’t believe it either. But now, having been in the household nearly two years and watching with a dispassionate eye…” She let out a long breath. “My sister-in-law’s family upbringing holds life lightly and upholds propriety above all else. Her true nature is exactly as it appears. She would have staked her own life on it, and she would have known precisely what she was doing.”

Minglan leaned back slightly, pressing her hand over her heart with exaggerated alarm. A person of such absolute sincerity truly cannot be underestimated.

Word had already been sent ahead to the Marquis Zhongjing estate’s separate residence. By the time they arrived at the gate, several girls along with their maids and matrons were already waiting there.

Zheng’s young niece was a spirited and lovely girl, and seemed to be quite fond of Little Shen Shi. The moment the aunt and niece laid eyes on each other, they happily clasped hands and climbed into their own carriage together, saying they wanted to first stop at Koushuige to buy fresh-from-the-oven roasted squab, and then go to Ziyunzhai to look at the newly arrived Huixuan jade-veined stationery — all as a reward to the young girl for her diligent studying and good progress. Judging from how eager Little Shen Shi looked, she had clearly been stifled to a considerable degree inside the Zheng residence.

As for this sort of behavior — using a child as a pretext — Minglan expressed her inward contempt in no uncertain terms.

The two children rode in the same carriage as Minglan. The moment they got in, they chattered away about amusing things from the classroom. Xian Jie’er needed no encouragement — she had always loved to study. But even Rong Jie’er was showing enthusiasm. Teacher Xue’s examination of the students’ lessons did not look solely at book learning. Though Rong Jie’er was not strong in that area, she had a good head for arithmetic — while everyone else was still fumbling with their abacus beads, she had already worked out the answer in her head.

“Since we’re passing this way, why don’t we stop and visit Fifth Sister?” Listening to the two of them had put Minglan in fine spirits, and the thought came to her suddenly. The weather today was just right — neither too cold nor too warm. Besides, for a lazybones like herself, going out was never a simple matter; since she was already out, she ought not waste the opportunity.

The carriage halted before a large double-flowered lacquered black gate. The household was situated at the middle section of Tianshuixiang alley — a spacious courtyard compound with more than adequate space within.

“You just showed up empty-handed like that?” Rulan, one hand braced at her waist, wore a water-pink gown with butterfly-and-flower motifs lined with thin silver squirrel fur, her hair drawn up in a neat, tidy round bun, from which protruded a conspicuous large South Sea pearl set in red gold.

She was heavily pregnant, and this was the first thing she said. Minglan couldn’t help but feel exasperated. Having such a sister was truly detrimental to one’s lifespan. “This was a spur-of-the-moment decision — how was I to bring anything! If you’re displeased, from now on I’ll only send things by courier and never set foot here in person.”

“Certainly not, certainly not.” Rulan was just being unguarded in speech — she did not truly begrudge the gifts. She laughed cheerfully and invited Minglan to sit down. “You’re in luck. Both of my mother-in-law’s tiresome pair have gone out today — your brother-in-law’s paternal aunt has something going on.”

At that moment, Little Xique — now dressed in the attire of a married woman — entered carrying a tea tray. Hearing this remark, she could not help saying, “My dear First Mistress, how can you keep saying such things…” She glanced around. Seeing there were no outsiders present, she added, “Just be careful it doesn’t become habit, and slip out at the wrong moment.”

Rulan was helpless against her and could only pout. “Well, now you’re the most tiresome of all.”

Minglan smiled warmly and looked at Little Xique. “How is your health? If you have any discomfort, don’t endure it in silence. Be sure to tell Fifth Sister — after all, it was she who begged and pleaded to have you and your husband sent here.”

Little Xique set down the tea tray and laughed, covering her mouth. “Listen to what you’re saying, My Lady. It was I who was unwilling to be parted from my young mistress, and I implored a thousand times to come. Sixth Young Lady is still as fond of teasing as ever. Both the Old Madam and the Second Mistress have gone out today — My Lady, please do stay and talk a while longer with our First Mistress…” As she spoke, she briskly directed a stream of maids filing in to arrange the tea and refreshments on the trays.

The two sisters settled in. Rulan glanced sidelong, taking in Minglan’s gown — a gemstone-blue cut-silk jacket lined with silver squirrel fur, a shade between blue and green, clearly an imperial tributary fabric unavailable outside the palace — and then noted her plain and restrained appearance overall, with no jewelry to speak of. Only at the top of her hair bun was set at an angle a red-gold filigree-worked jade-kingfisher-inlaid pearl drop phoenix hairpin, and the pendant pearls hanging from it were actually the size of a thumb. They swayed gently at the side of her temple, moving in a cascading ripple of brilliant luster.

Since her marriage, every time Rulan saw Minglan looking so bright and nobly attired, she had always felt a certain discomfort in her heart. But today… she lowered her head and gently stroked her own belly, then glanced briefly at Rong Jie’er standing to the side. Walking in the door only to have a concubine-born daughter standing right there in front of one’s face — that was certainly an eyesore.

Thinking of it this way, the splendor and wealth of Minglan’s situation no longer seemed so enviable after all. Rulan felt considerably better in her heart, and was instantly overtaken by warmth and generosity. She reached over and grabbed a large handful of sweets, pressing them into Rong Jie’er’s and Xian Jie’er’s hands, and had a maid and matron take them off to play.

“What is it like to be called ‘mother’ without having given birth yourself?” Rulan said in a low voice, a gleam of impish mischief in her eyes.

That dreadful mouth! Minglan clenched her handkerchief with fierce indignation — and immediately fired back with a calm and cutting reply: “Fifth Sister, if you have the ability, be a mother only to children you give birth to yourself, for your entire life.”

Rulan was momentarily speechless, for she truly did not dare make such a guarantee. Though blunt, she was not naive. Her most ideal vision of life thus far was to share her husband’s devotion and affection for some twenty-odd years, and then, when the children were grown, to be busy finding a wife for her son and marrying off her daughter — perhaps even dandling grandchildren on her knee. At that point, it would not be out of the question to bring in a couple of obedient, steady-natured girls to the inner chambers, to help with serving and attending.

Minglan cheerfully watched as Rulan’s face shifted between shades of green and red in a most vivid display. Since childhood, Minglan had never come off the worse in verbal exchanges with Rulan — and now even less so. Having finished her sparring, she thought it appropriate to exchange a few courteous inquiries. After all, the woman was pregnant, and it wouldn’t do to be too hard on her. Minglan sat up properly and smiled amiably. “How has Fifth Sister been lately? Is there anything I can help you with?”

Rulan adjusted the gold hairpin at her temples, cast Minglan another glare, and then answered: “The physician and the various matrons all say that my pregnancy is going well and there is nothing to worry about — just that I’m greedy for food and love to sleep. I eat five meals a day, fall asleep the moment I wake up, and feel sleepy even when my eyes are closed — as though I’ve been given a sedative. But now, things are much improved. And there is also…”

Minglan listened with a smile, and then, for some reason, her heart gave a sudden twitch.

They had left the Sheng household already at the first quarter of the shen hour. The whole party made its way back to the Gu estate at a leisurely pace. After stepping down from the carriage, maids and matrons took the two children back. Minglan had only just returned to her room when she found Danju pacing about inside with visible agitation. The moment Danju saw her, she rushed over — speaking in an incoherent tangle of words: “My Lady, you’ve finally come back! The Old Lady has sent to ask after you four times already — but you were out, My Lady — and the Paternal Grand-Aunt has come!”

“Who?” Minglan was weary all over, and had just been about to collapse onto the daybed.

“The Paternal Grand-Aunt!”

Truly this was a busy day — splendid material for a short entry in a diary.

The main side hall of Xuanning Hall was wide open. Seated in the positions of honor in the center were two elderly ladies of noble and elegant bearing. One was the Old Madam; the other was the biological younger sister of the late Old Marquis Gu, who had in her time married into the distinguished Yang Family.

“Paying my respects to Paternal Grand-Aunt.”

Minglan curtsied gracefully and greeted her in a gentle voice. She had arrived late regardless, so she had taken the time to wash up thoroughly and change into a fresh set of clothes before coming.

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt had a round, full face that ought by nature to have looked most benevolent — but at the moment it wore a smile that did not quite reach her eyes. “The Second Young Nephew’s Wife truly is a busy person. I’ve been nearly ready to leave, and only now have you returned. It is truly no easy thing to catch sight of you.”

Minglan glanced at Shao Shi and Zhu Shi, who were seated to one side, and answered respectfully: “To respond to Paternal Grand-Aunt’s words: Minglan went today to General Zheng’s residence to express gratitude for the recommendation of the teacher. I mentioned it to the Old Madam, my First Elder Sister-in-Law, and my Second Elder Sister-in-Law two days ago. Minglan truly did not know that Paternal Grand-Aunt would be coming today — had I known, I would certainly not have dared to leave the estate.”

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt smiled and turned to the Old Madam. “This daughter-in-law of yours has a truly nimble tongue. I only said one thing, and she has ten or eight replies ready for me. I truly cannot match her.”

Minglan smiled and said nothing in response. To argue back would be sophistry; to say nothing would be tacit admission — whichever way, one was wrong. This woman had not even come to attend the wedding banquet, so any genuine intimacy was unlikely to develop. Given that, Minglan would say only what ought to be said, answer only what ought to be answered, fulfill the requirements of courtesy — and think nothing further of it.

The atmosphere in the hall sank.

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt looked Minglan over with a critical eye. Minglan stared at the tips of her own shoes, silently counting — planning to take her seat of her own accord once she reached a certain number. The Old Madam sat there composedly with her tea bowl, showing not the slightest intention of smoothing things over. Zhu Shi naturally would not speak up. Shao Shi, however, seemed unable to bear it. She glanced at the Old Madam above, then at Minglan, and slowly stood up.

“Second Sister-in-Law must be tired — please come and sit.” She guided Minglan to the seat beside her, and said with a smile, “There is happy news today: our Seventh Sister’s marriage has been settled.”

Minglan settled comfortably against the chair back and put on a face of pleased surprise. “Oh, truly? That calls for congratulations to the Old Madam. Which fortunate family has won such a blessing as our Seventh Sister?”

Shao Shi answered with a smile: “It is the son of Marquis Han — the son-in-law of the late Grand Princess Qingchang — from that family.”

“Marquis Han. Might this be the legitimate second son of the Old Marquis Zhengnan?”

Minglan remembered this so clearly because the Marquis Zhengnan household had produced one of the capital’s most notorious idle young rakes — a figure of equal notoriety to Gu Tingye in his time. However, since Gu Tingye had reformed himself, that young man of the Han Family had been reigning supreme in the world of idle rakish young men unchallenged. During quiet moments at home, Gu Tingye frequently used this person as a cautionary example, congratulating himself with smug amusement on his own successful reform.

The Old Madam set down her teacup, a look of joy crossing her face, and spoke with measured composure: “One must indeed thank her paternal aunt for making the connection. Though poor Seventh Girl had the misfortune of losing her father before she could be married off, she still has an aunt who keeps her in mind — her blessings are not so thin after all.”

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt turned and smiled, her gold-brown brocade mandarin-square jacket shimmering with light: “Seventh Girl is naturally blessed. This young gentleman of the Han Family — young as he is — has already achieved the rank of stipendiary licentiate. Because he followed Marquis Han outside the capital, his marriage was delayed. Now that he has returned to the capital, the matchmakers calling at their door could nearly break down the threshold. I only mentioned it casually — Seventh Girl’s reputation as a cultivated young lady is known far and wide, and everyone, young and old alike, takes an immediate liking to her the moment they hear of her. It was they who urged me to come and speak on her behalf.”

“This truly is a fine match.” Minglan offered her congratulations cooperatively.

“It is all because of her aunt keeping her in mind — I truly don’t know how to express my gratitude.” The Old Madam reached out affectionately to take her hand. The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt smiled with self-satisfaction, the wrinkles at her eyes nearly blossoming into flowers. “It happens that the young gentleman of the Han Family has loved learning since childhood, and Seventh Girl is well-read and accomplished. Then it so happens that Marquis Han returned to the capital at just this time — is this not a match made by Heaven itself?”

For a moment, everyone in the hall was offering congratulations and thanks, with the Old Madam smiling most genuinely of all.

Minglan understood why she was so genuinely happy. This was indeed a very good match.

Because of the death of Empress Jing’an, the inner court had fallen into turmoil, with investigations and prosecutions spreading in all directions. Most of the princesses by the martial emperor had been caught up in the upheaval — some hastily married off to inferior matches, others dying in melancholy. Few had come to good ends. Grand Princess Qingning was one of the fortunate exceptions; Grand Princess Qingchang was another.

Her birth mother had died before Empress Jing’an’s time, which allowed her to remain untouched by the bloodshed that followed. She had grown up in peace and quiet, and was then given in marriage to a suitable husband by her late imperial elder brother’s arrangement.

Grand Princess Qingchang had good relations throughout the palace and among the imperial family, and had been able to speak before the late Emperor. More importantly, though her husband was not able to inherit the Marquis Zhengnan title, Marquis Han was diligent by nature and efficient in his work, and had been greatly trusted by the late Emperor. Over these years of careful management, the Marquis’s Residence had long since surpassed the increasingly declining Marquis Zhengnan府 in flourishing prosperity.

A distinguished and thriving family background, parents with power and influence, coupled with the young man’s own diligent scholarship — and no longer any need to worry about the dominant elder half-brother Gu Tingye. Indeed, this marriage was entirely satisfactory. No wonder these two old women were beaming like flowers.

With Zhu Shi and Shao Shi cheerfully joining in the conversation, the Old Madam and the Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt grew more and more animated. Then, unexpectedly catching sight of Minglan with the distant expression of someone whose mind had wandered elsewhere, and clearly lacking sufficient enthusiasm, the Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt felt a flash of displeasure within — and suddenly spoke up. “Second Young Nephew’s Wife?”

Minglan was caught off guard by being called upon by name. She quickly raised her head, and saw the Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt’s lips curved in a cold, mocking smile. “It is said that marriage and the bearing of children is the great human order of life. That you — being as you are — could marry into our Gu Family at all is already something of a blessing. And yet, it has been nearly a year since you entered this household, and still there is no movement in your belly?”

Minglan silently fumed: You old biddy — the woman sitting right beside you, your own relative by blood, was in the Gu Family for seven or eight years without giving birth! Why weren’t you reciting your “great human order of life” at her back then?!

Seeing that Minglan had fallen silent, the Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt grew all the more spirited and said loudly: “When you think of it — it’s quite pitiful. The long-established branch of the Gu Family currently has only Xian Ge’er as the sole male grandchild — truly a thinly populated line, it breaks one’s heart. This being so, I shall send you two good child-bearing girls in due course, for Tingye to take into his household — to help you share the burden somewhat. What do you say?”

Minglan raged inwardly and sneered to herself. Though she had a stomach full of ready rebuttals, she had no intention of arguing her case on their merits. Against this sort of preposterous person, there was absolutely no point in reasoning — outright shamelessness was the best approach, and she could always drag Da Qin Shi’s name into it for extra effect.

She was just about to open her mouth, when a loud announcement rang out from the doorway: “The Marquis has arrived!”

The smile on the Old Madam’s face instantly froze. The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt’s expression of someone toying delightedly with her prey also cut short. Shao Shi and Zhu Shi exchanged a glance, and at once complied with the rules of avoidance, each stepping to take her place behind the screens on left and right. Minglan rose slowly and stood in the center.

After a series of steady, unhurried footsteps, Gu Tingye came striding in with the bearing of a tiger. His expression was grave and imposing, and he had not even changed out of his crimson python robe before coming straight into the inner hall. He came to a stop in the center of the room. His dark, deep eyes — unfathomable as ink — moved expressionlessly over the faces of the two elder women. The Old Madam and the Grand-Aunt could not help but give a simultaneous inward start of alarm.

He gave a crisp salute with clasped fists, made simple and brief courteous remarks, and then sat down in the chair to one side.

“Tingye, it has been a long while — just now…” The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt mustered a smile. Before she could finish, she was interrupted. Gu Tingye said plainly: “At the door just now, I already heard what Paternal Grand-Aunt had to say.”

The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt was taken aback. Her well-preserved old face let out a dry laugh. Gu Tingye continued, addressing himself: “Tingye thanks Paternal Grand-Aunt for her concern. However…” he smiled slightly, the curve at the corner of his mouth carrying a cold edge, “a gift must suit the recipient’s wishes to be truly welcome. Does Paternal Grand-Aunt know what, precisely, Tingye wants?”

At this question, the Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt was genuinely at a loss to know his intent, and continued to stand there blankly.

Gu Tingye looked at the two elder women, his tone growing increasingly cool. “Legitimate heirs. What Tingye wishes for now — are legitimate heirs. I wonder whether Paternal Grand-Aunt might be in a position to render assistance in this regard?”

The atmosphere in the hall plunged to a sudden chill. The Yang Paternal Grand-Aunt’s face went rigid, her chest heaving in great surges — she was evidently extremely angry. The Old Madam’s expression also darkened considerably, and her fine, pale fingers gripped her handkerchief tightly.

The balance of power had now entirely reversed. Gu Tingye looked coldly at the two elderly women, contempt in his eyes, and spoke directly: “Paternal Grand-Aunt was born into a family of high officials and married into a family of high officials. Surely she cannot be unaware of the difference between legitimate and concubine-born heirs in households such as ours — of whether such a difference exists, and how great a difference it is.”

Of course there was a difference. Minglan stood with her head lowered to one side, laughing wildly in her heart and straining with all her might to contain it.

In noble families that held titles, the succession — though passing from generation to generation — still had to be reported to the Imperial Clan Court for the Emperor’s personal approval. The point most easily challenged was this: “If there is no legitimate heir to succeed, the title may, at the court’s discretion, be transferred to a relative of the collateral branch — or the title itself may be abolished.” In other words, if there was a legitimate heir, the succession was a matter of course, with nothing to be said against it. But if there was none, and a concubine-born son wished to inherit the title, the matter would require the Emperor’s or the Clan Court’s grace and favor.