The Old Madam paused; Gu Tingwei immediately added: “The Constabulary position is far more lucrative than serving in the camp garrison or palace guard, you know.”
After quite a long while, the Old Madam said slowly: “Your second elder brother has real ability.”
“Second Elder Sister-in-Law’s eldest sister’s husband — the Second Young Master of the Yuan Family of Marquis Zhongqin estate — is currently overseeing one of the districts, and is said to be a frank and spirited person. I rather want to make his acquaintance.”
“Your second elder sister-in-law also has real ability.”
The Old Madam released the fingers that had been gripping the armrest. Her well-tended face still looked like that of a woman in her early forties, yet the fine lines at the corners of her eyes could not be concealed — delicate lines, layered and intersecting, like a dense and thorough spider’s web.
She showed a smile that was difficult to read. “I imagine the Gu household in her hands will be entirely well-managed.”
The night wind was fierce. The window lattice gave off a light sound; the thick, fine-worked paper lining of the pane rose and fell in gentle pulses — like an unfettered moth beating its paper-thin wings, straining against the dark night’s constraints, yearning to break free and take flight on its fragile body. Minglan sat before the warm brazier with her hair spread half-dry, one elbow propped on the small side table, listening with a slightly tilted ear to this strange and beautiful sound.
“My Lady — the Marquis has sent someone to say that he and Master Gongsun are engaged in affairs and may be late, and that you should sleep first.” Danju entered with light, careful steps, holding a dry and soft towel, and slowly patted Minglan’s hair to dry it.
Minglan nodded, still silent. Danju said curiously: “What is My Lady thinking about?”
“Listening to the wind outside — it sounds as though rain may be coming.”
Danju smiled: “Indeed — these days, after each rain, it grows colder still.”
“Snakes and rodents will be coming out of their holes.”
Minglan gazed at the slightly wavering lines of heat around the brazier and gave a faint, quiet smile. Some things — merely fearing them will not keep them from coming. And there is no point in hoping to negotiate a peace with them — they may well take no prisoners.
Seven days later, the Old Madam called the Gu family elders to assemble and witness as she presented the complete register of ancestral estate properties and deed documents to Gu Tingye. Half a month after that, a delegation from the Princess’s residence came to the Marquis estate to formalize the engagement with gifts.