She learned later that it was an embrace — the kind of holding. “Bao Ju” — Minglan was silent for a long while. That name was even worse than “morning glory.”

The twelfth lunar month drifted in with ease. Great fluffy snowflakes, soft as goose down, fell in swirling drifts, wrapping the capital in crystal white. On the occasional clear day, Minglan had someone release a few little chicks and ducklings, then stood under the eaves holding Tuan Ge’er and laughed as she watched — sure enough, in the snow two lines of bamboo-leaf and plum-blossom tracks appeared.

In the silver-clad imperial capital, some homes rejoiced while others grieved. Chief Commander Liu Zhengjie of the Garrison Command led his guard unit in person, had several hundred jin of oil-soaked firecrackers used to blast open the ice surface of the Jing-Jin crossing, allowed the fleet from the two Huai regions to dock, and then personally escorted the convoy all the way to the capital.

Forty great ships in all, loaded into two silver-transport carriages — nearly eight hundred thousand taels of silver. The convoy stretched over dozens of li; when the first cart arrived at the Board of Revenue, the last had not yet passed through the city gate — the entire capital was in an uproar.

The Two Huai Salt Case: the Emperor had won a complete and overwhelming victory. The imperial envoy had employed sharp and decisive methods, removing dozens of official posts in one sweep. Nearly a hundred salt merchant households were implicated. Not only was the current year’s salt tax revenue collected in full, along with two rounds of funds that had gone missing the previous year — but numerous long-standing cases from years past had also been unearthed. Once the new year came and spring arrived, the Emperor would personally authorize a special investigation, and it was expected more silver could still be dug out. The Emperor governing the realm is not so different from an ordinary family running a household — with money in hand, the heart is settled. Whether stocking the armory, rectifying official conduct — all of it comes with confidence.

A month earlier, Gu Tingye had received the imperial edict in advance: once the silver was disbursed, he could resume command of his military post and make up the outstanding pay arrears.

The Emperor hosted a grand banquet for his ministers — full of ambitious resolve, determined to achieve great things in the coming year. The civil and military officials naturally sang his praises. The Empress summoned all noble ladies of the first rank and above in the capital to attend a banquet at the palace. Those of lower rank — the various Imperial Ladies and Worthy Ladies — also each received gifts.

The room was full of powerful and distinguished ladies. No small number came to seek Minglan’s acquaintance. She had to handle this one, cultivate a connection with that one. The meal made her stomach hurt. She was fortunate that the wife of the Duke of Ying looked after Minglan quite attentively — only with her help did Minglan manage to get through it all smoothly.

“Looking at your age, I think you might even be a little younger than my daughter — and yet you must run an entire great household. It’s truly not easy.” The wife of the Duke of Ying had a fair, clean face and spoke with gentle composure: “That recipe for brined green plums — I had someone make it following your method. My daughter found it delicious, both appetite-opening and soothing. I haven’t even thanked you yet.”

Minglan replied warmly: “It’s something I enjoy eating myself. I wasn’t sure whether the Zhang Family’s young lady would have a taste for it.”

The wife of the Duke of Ying smiled faintly. In her bearing there naturally arose an unspoken air of nobility: “When you have time, do visit the Wei Bei Marquis household more often. My daughter has a quiet temperament and isn’t fond of conversation, but she’s sincere at heart. I fear I’ll need to trouble you to go and cheer her up. Ai — come to think of it, since the Marquis Gu and my son-in-law are close, you and my daughter should be as close as sisters.”

Minglan’s scalp began to tingle. She could only agree to everything. She wasn’t foolish enough to miss what the wife of the Duke of Ying was implying: I hear you and Xiao Shen Shi are on very good terms — could you help mediate between her and her sisters-in-law? All right?

The following day was the imperial family banquet, which involved nothing to do with the wives of officials. However, Xiao Shen Shi reported afterward: the Shengde Empress Dowager had smiled with great effort.

“Ha ha ha — the Emperor’s position grows ever more stable — how could she possibly smile with ease!” Master Gongsun burst into loud laughter, his sparse beard trembling with each guffaw, interspersed with a few soft coughs. On a certain day before the onset of winter, this old man’s longstanding ailment had flared up again. Ji Kang — baring his shoulders — had sung and danced, and as a result had let the cold wind enter his body, and had been confined to bed ever since.

Gu Tingye sat at his bedside, brow lightly furrowed: “The Emperor is blessed with great fortune… Master, I beg you above all things to take care of your health. You are not young anymore — if something should happen to you, how would we not live to regret it?”

Gongsun Baishi pressed his fist to his lips to cover laughter mixed with coughs: “Zhong Huai — ever since he became a father, he has become so much less interesting! How long does any one man live — drink in hand, let us sing. Back when you were on campaign in Wan territory, the summer heat was unbearable, and you took the lead in jumping into the Bai Mao River to bathe. The young wives and young women of several villages along the river…” He stopped himself mid-sentence, shot a glance at Minglan who was over at the table filtering the medicinal broth, and the old man’s conscience caught up with him — he shut his mouth. Gu Tingye also gave a light cough, looking somewhat ill at ease.

Thousands of vigorous young men, bathing naked in the open air — what a spectacular sight. Minglan was laughing inwardly, but only pretended not to understand, blowing gently on the medicine bowl in her hands and steering the conversation elsewhere: “The Emperor may indeed be blessed with great fortune. But that poor imperial envoy — I pity him. Even we women of the inner household have heard that everyone outside is now petitioning against him.”

Gu Tingye said: “That one is a bookish idealist. He turned the officialdom of the two Huai regions completely upside down. Senior officials of the fourth rank — he seized them whenever he said to seize them. Beheadings, property confiscations — he didn’t fear even the Jade Emperor himself. His methods were somewhat excessive, and he has incurred widespread anger.”

Gongsun Baishi narrowed his eyes and shook his head: “When the late Emperor was on the throne, he had dispatched several waves of people in succession to investigate and audit the salt administration — they were gentle as a spring breeze, not wanting to offend too many. And what came of it? The officialdom of the two Huai regions had roots so tangled and rot so deep they had long become a quagmire. He also had to give the Emperor an account before year’s end — without lightning methods, how could he have broken through such festering decay?”

Gu Tingye smiled bitterly: “How would I not know that — on my last trip to the two Huai regions, in broad daylight, there were actually assassins bold enough to attempt to intercept and kill the imperial envoy. Ai — it’s just a pity for a loyal subject…” The meaning in his words carried more than a trace of sighing.

“You think he is a Dong An Yu — I see him more as a Zhu Fu Yan, perhaps a bit cleverer.” Gongsun Baishi stroked his beard with a smile: “Originally he was no more than a minor censor — his examination results were not distinguished, his performance not outstanding, with absolutely no foundation in the court. Yet he harbored great ambitions — so how was he to make a name for himself? He could only take an unexpected, risky gamble! He knew this assignment was fraught with danger and would make many enemies. He also knew that afterward he would certainly be the target of petitions against him. This man was staking everything on the Emperor’s mind and imperial will!”

Gu Tingye concentrated in thought, then immediately saw through it: “As long as the Emperor remembers his grievances and feels his loyalty, why worry that recovery and reinstatement would be impossible?” With the current Emperor’s inherently fierce and resolute character, even if this man had to endure a period of obscurity, once his official career smoothed out again, rising several ranks in succession was not out of the question.

Minglan had been listening with great absorption. She didn’t even notice when the medicine bowl in her hands grew too hot to hold. She interjected: “May I ask, Master — what if that official is truly loyal to the state and has no regard for personal glory or peril?” She herself felt there was nothing wrong with this question. Little did she know it would provoke a great burst of laughter from the old man.

A trace of light self-mockery passed through Gu Tingye’s brow. He said gently: “What does it matter either way?” For those who walk the paths of officialdom — allowing oneself to simply assume the best about people, without reservation, was a form of naivety.

Gongsun Baishi laughed and waved his hand repeatedly, laughing and coughing at once: “The Lady has an upright and candid mind — it is we who have read our books crookedly and fallen into a lower class.”

Minglan blushed, carried the medicine bowl slowly over, and said: “Please don’t make fun of me, Master. First, please take your medicine.”

“I trouble the Lady.” The old man made a bitter face and, with the air of a man going to his noble execution, tipped his head back and drained the medicine bowl. His old face puckered into the shape of a walnut. Gu Tingye, observing the etiquette of a nephew, rose and brought a cup of water to let him rinse his mouth.

The group chatted idly for a while longer. After pressing Gongsun the Elder to lie down and rest, the couple took their leave. Outside was a landscape of white snow. The two walked along the covered corridor at a leisurely pace. Gu Tingye was silent for some time, then suddenly said: “There is a matter that will require you to handle.”

Minglan turned her head to listen. Gu Tingye continued: “Master Gongsun is already past fifty and sadly has no offspring at his knee. Let us select a maid who is attentive in her service and likely to bear children, and give her to the Master as a concubine.”

“Is this… something the Marquis thought of on his own?” Minglan blinked. No matter how she heard it, it didn’t sound like it.

Gu Tingye gave a gentle sigh: “The Master is open-minded and has never taken the matter of having no heir to heart. But… a letter has come from the Master’s wife.”

Gongsun Baishi and his wife had once had a child, but it had sadly died young. And then his elder brother had passed away early, leaving behind a frail widowed sister-in-law and a pile of young nieces and nephews. As a result, Gongsun Furen had been obliged to take over the household affairs, serving in multiple roles at once — attending to her parents-in-law, caring for her widowed sister-in-law, and raising the nieces and nephews. She had been unable to leave home to be with her husband.

Gongsun Furen had several times proposed that her husband take a concubine outside to continue the family line — but at that time, the not-yet-old Gongsun the Elder had already begun his wandering travels across the land and rarely settled in one place for long, so naturally he had no thought for having children. This time, seeing that her husband had followed Gu Tingye to the capital with what seemed like an intention to settle here, and afraid he might raise objections and another change of circumstances would arise, she had been resolute in having Gongsun Meng directly deliver a letter to Gu Tingye, asking him to help identify a suitable candidate on their behalf.

“Even if he is to take a concubine, the Master’s wife should select the person herself and send her up to the capital — that would be proper.” Minglan said quietly.

Gu Tingye gave a faint smile: “The letter only said that in the countryside there are no particularly outstanding candidates, and she fears the Master won’t be pleased. I’ll go ask the Master — among the maids currently serving him, is there one he has taken a liking to? It must suit the Master’s heart above all.”

Minglan was exasperated. She felt like a matchmaker. And to think this dissolute old man who loved to run around bare — he was still going to be particular about it!

Gu Tingye went to persuade him the next day. At first the old man was unwilling. His aspiration was to be that incomparable refined recluse — plum trees as wife, cranes as companions — and he did not wish to be burdened by a family. However, Gu Tingye was persistent and kept nudging him, going from how pitiable the Master’s wife was, all the way to the topic of unfilial conduct and the three conditions of childlessness. The old man gradually warmed to the idea. As Gu Tingye saw it, the little chubby one would probably favor martial arts over literature — why not father his own son, teach him from the very first lessons? Would that not be immensely satisfying? And so, half-willingly, the old man agreed.

Thus it was already mid-twelfth lunar month. As Teacher Xue prepared to return home to his family for the New Year, Minglan made a point of going early to offer New Year gifts, and had the two girls present their respects for the New Year ahead of time. After they returned, Minglan announced that the winter holiday had begun and studies could be set aside for now. The two girls cheered and ran off.

Qiu Niang followed behind anxiously, like a thoughtful mother hen protecting her chicks: “Slow down — slow down! There’s still snow on the ground outside. Be careful not to fall!”

Minglan smiled faintly. She finally understood why Gu Tingye had said Qiu Niang was a decent person. Phoenix Fairy occasionally fluttered up little tricks — singing in the middle of the night, feigning illness and playing dead, that sort of thing. Qiu Niang, by contrast, had only ever had two moves: doing needlework, and intercepting people.

After having her feelings bruised a few times too many, she had finally understood that Gu Tingye’s heart had truly cooled toward her. She had no choice but to accept her fate, and gradually let go of her fantasies, turning her attention toward Rong Jie’er instead. If Qiu Niang was genuinely good to someone, she gave with whole-hearted sincerity. She sewed clothes and made shoes for Rong Jie’er, accompanied her in writing characters, memorizing books, and doing schoolwork, taught her needlework hand in hand, and went to elaborate lengths to dress the little girl up exquisitely. She cared for her and loved her. Human hearts are made of flesh — with time, the two had come to feel something of a true mother-daughter bond.

This woman had finally come to her senses. And so when Hong Xiao departed, Minglan took it upon herself to elevate Qiu Niang to the status of Yiniang, arranging several tables of banquet food and inviting the friends she was close to in order to celebrate. On the afternoon of that day, Rong Jie’er made a special trip back, purely to offer Qiu Niang a cup of wine. She also used her own accumulated monthly allowance to have a heavy gold hairpin made for her, which she personally placed in Qiu Niang’s hands. Qiu Niang’s eyes immediately filled with tears.

Qiu Niang of Shao Shi’s household, who had always been on good terms with her, put an arm around her shoulder and said softly: “The young lady is a person of conscience who will remember your kindness. Rest easy — with her here, your remaining years have something to depend on.”

When word of this reached Minglan’s ears, she was naturally pleased. If it were possible, she truly wished to treat these women of difficult fate with kindness.

But at present, she had another troubling matter: having a young girl become a concubine for an old man struck her as genuinely inhumane. After struggling with it for several days, her heart was still resistant. Then she happened to mention it to Cui Mama — only to be met with a burst of laughter.

“What is the Lady thinking? This isn’t forcing a good woman into depravity — what is there to feel distressed about? Master Gongsun is fine in every regard. He’s not really that old. The wife isn’t there in person. As long as she bears a son, the child will be reckoned as legitimate thereafter. The Master’s entire estate will be his — isn’t that better than marrying some minor servant or underling? Just you wait and see — once a little rumor is let out, you’ll find out how many maids are looking to climb this branch.” Cui Mama pronounced with iron certainty.

Minglan was taken aback, and then remembered that Gongsun Baishi was actually about the same age as her own father. But that face — dried and creased into wrinkles — compared to Sheng Hong, that fine-looking middle-aged gentleman of still-charming bearing, fell far, far short.

Acting on this suggestion, Minglan let a few whispers drift out in the direction of Master Gongsun’s small courtyard. According to Cui Mama’s reasoning: those who had no wish to be a concubine would make a point of keeping away at this moment; those who were willing would draw closer with added attentiveness.

The results were gratifying. While not everyone was racing and pushing forward, there were indeed a few who were noticeably more solicitous. Notably, among them were also two young widows who had lost their husbands — their behavior, in particular, stood out from the rest: rich without being cloying, charming without being coarse.

With the evidence right before her eyes, Minglan had no choice but to concede that in this era, the role of concubine was a perfectly legitimate occupation — one lived by one’s assets, and was compensated by one’s abilities. Very well, then — find a willing one, and bring this good thing to fruition. The only question was what sort the old Gongsun favored. This matchmaking business was truly not easy, and Minglan had absolutely no experience in it. At this moment she felt rather resentful toward the old Gongsun for his habitually upright conduct in daily life. If he had already cooked a ready meal with some little maid, all that would be needed now was a belated certificate — wouldn’t that be far more convenient?

After puzzling over it for two days, Minglan was beginning to form a decision. Laundress Auntie Pan’s granddaughter was currently serving tea and water in Gongsun the Elder’s courtyard — proper and honest, with a pleasant appearance. Jin Sao, who managed the gardens, had a fourth daughter who had studied a few days’ worth of books in childhood and was especially perceptive and considerate. And Lian Mama’s eldest niece — composed and thorough, of middling-to-above looks… but all of that was beside the point. The key was that Cui Mama had already made inquiries — all of these were willing.

Minglan was biting her lip in thoughtful contemplation when she heard a light, crisp sound. Danju, with a preoccupied expression, had for the fourth time knocked over the teacup on the kang table. The small purple-gold filigree-inlaid famille rose lidded teacup rolled about spinning, and the tea spilled all over.

“What has gotten into you today? Your mind is somewhere else entirely. I ask and you won’t say.” Minglan sighed, watching Danju scramble to clean it up. “If something’s the matter, just say it. In front of me, what is there to hide?”

Danju pulled a handkerchief from her waist and kept wiping up the water on the kang table. After much fidgeting, she finally stammered out: “That… Lady, are you… are you currently busy with the matter of finding a concubine for Master Gongsun?”

Minglan nodded. Just as she was about to tease her a little, she saw that Danju’s cheeks had flushed a brilliant red with barely suppressed shyness. An outlandish thought suddenly sprang to Minglan’s mind, and she was struck with horror: “Don’t tell me you’re volunteering yourself?”

Danju froze for a moment, just about to ask what “volunteering oneself” meant, when a clear, calm voice came from outside the door — “It’s not her — it’s me!” Then the curtain was swept aside and a slender, lovely girl stepped in — who else but Ruomei!

Minglan’s brow furrowed, and she said with gravity: “Have you forgotten your manners? Who gave you leave to eavesdrop at the wall!” Danju knelt in panic, saying over and over: “It’s all my fault — she… she… I called her here…” Her thoughts were already in disarray; now she was even more tongue-tied. It was Ruomei at her side who remained composed. She knelt lightly and said clearly: “If the Lady wishes to lay blame, lay it on me. It was I who kept pestering Danju’s younger sister to speak on my behalf. I only ask the Lady to let me finish before punishing me — afterward I’ll go receive my hand-slapping myself.”

Minglan narrowed her eyes and studied her. After a moment she said: “Speak.”

“Thank you, Lady.” Ruomei kowtowed gently, then raised her head: “Left or right, it comes down to one thing — I… I…” She clenched her teeth: “I am willing to go and serve Master Gongsun!”

Minglan’s expression slowly darkened, then she gave a slight lift of her hand. Danju, already red-faced as a pig liver, immediately fled out the door in one smooth motion, leaving just the two of them in the room.

“What has brought this about?” Minglan’s tone was unusually grave: “I still remember — you once said with your own mouth that you would absolutely never be a concubine.”

Ruomei knelt straight-backed on the ground. Her lovely face was pale to the point of frightening, and in her jet-black eyes it was as if two fires burned: “This servant admires Master Gongsun’s character and reveres the Master’s learning. I am willing to be the Master’s servant and slave for my entire life, even as an ox or horse.” With that she knocked her head to the ground heavily once more: “I beg the Lady to grant this.”

Minglan held the armrest of her chair, hesitating: “Do you know — I have already been making plans for the futures of all of you girls?”

One ought to know that the prospects for maids who came as part of the mistress’s dowry were entirely different from those of ordinary maids. For ordinary ones — even those who served at Shao Shi’s side — the best they could hope for was to marry a promising minor servant or a steward’s son.

Ruomei struggled with great effort to suppress the trembling in her voice: “The Lady’s kindness to us — this servant knows it all in her heart. This servant is going back on her word and is willing to lose years of her life — to receive heaven’s punishment. I only beg the Lady to grant this.”

The room fell silent. One could only hear the crackling of the charcoal in the purple-gold bronze burner. After a long while, Minglan said: “Let me first tell you two things — then you may decide.”

Ruomei looked up at her, eyes full of hopeful anticipation. Minglan looked at her, then continued: “The Master’s wife is virtuous and kind. She has worked and suffered greatly for the Gongsun family, and it is pitiable that she has been separated from her husband for half her life, with no child at her knee. Therefore, once a candidate is confirmed, first: I will send the new Yiniang’s deed of ownership to the Master’s hometown, to be placed in the wife’s hands.”

Minglan could almost sense Ruomei holding her breath. She continued: “Second, according to Young Master Meng, his elder brother is about to take a wife. In a few years, once the legitimate daughter-in-law enters the household, the wife may be relieved of her duties of care and management. Young Master Meng has even said that if all goes smoothly, he may very well bring her up to the capital this time, to be reunited with the Master as husband and wife. Once a child is born — a daughter would be all right, but a son would certainly be raised by the wife…”

Ruomei felt a throbbing pain at her temple — a wave after wave of aching. She was clear-minded and perceptive — how could she fail to understand?

She was the Marquis Gu’s wife’s dowry maid. That first point was clearly Minglan’s way of preventing her from relying on the Marquis household’s power and looking down on the country-bred primary wife in the future. And the second point — that must be because Master Gongsun felt he had let his wife down, and feared that a child born of a concubine might not show proper respect to the legitimate mother.

She gave a bitter smile. Compared to Danju and the others, it could be said that she had contributed the least to Minglan, and the bond between them was the most distant. It was Minglan who had done kindness to her — how could she not know her place? Even having gone so far as to beg for this, she had still harbored some hope: that given Minglan’s generous spirit, perhaps she would release her deed of ownership and give her a proper, dignified ceremony — she had, for a moment, been caught in a state of mixed longing and doubt.

“Lady, this servant understands your meaning.” Ruomei had nearly bitten her lips bloody. Her expression was stubborn and resolute: “This servant will show proper respect to the Master’s legitimate wife and will absolutely not presume to act with any impropriety. If I ever transgress, may lightning strike me down!”

Hearing her speak in this tone, Minglan knew that further words would be useless: “I understand your heart. You… may go down first.”

Ruomei knocked her head heavily to the ground once more, then walked out backward. After a while, Danju crept back inside with soft, careful steps, her face full of shame, stammering — not knowing what to say. It was Minglan who spoke first: “She wouldn’t tell me the truth — you come and tell me. Is she truly sincere?”

Danju gave a great sigh of relief and said quickly: “You may rest absolutely easy — she is genuinely and truly willing! We all thought she had her eye on some scholar from the outer courtyard, but it turns out she couldn’t even bring herself to look at those men!”

“Master Gongsun is old enough to be her father.” Minglan couldn’t help but smile. “And she still finds him appealing?”

Danju had a look of complete bewilderment: “Ruomei once said… she said… that Master Gongsun is like her late beloved father — so kind and warm it makes one’s heart feel like a gentle flame…” She herself didn’t really understand.

Minglan rather did understand, and had no wish to say more. Since Ruomei wanted to wed, let her wed. Based on those few occasions of delivering items and passing messages, it appeared that Master Gongsun also had quite a high opinion of Ruomei. Good — this was all well and good.

After Gu Tingye returned to the household that evening, Minglan told him the matter. Gu Tingye found it quite interesting.

Though Master Gongsun was supremely talented with vast knowledge and discernment, he was, when all was said and done, plain in appearance — that sparse beard, that half-bald head, and those faintly visible age spots. And yet true love had come just like that?

Minglan, too, felt rather wistful and sighed. She humbly acknowledged that her own cultivation was still too shallow — she was not yet composed enough.

Since Master Gongsun had not yet fully recovered, the concubinage ceremony was set for early the following spring. It would be no good if instead of completing the happy occasion, they accidentally sent the old man to his death. Gu Tingye proposed sending Ruomei over first, so there would be a caring soul to attend to him with soups and medicines, and he could also feel more at ease. And so Ruomei — like a happy little bird — red-faced and fluttering her wings with joy, flew happily away.

“What on earth does she even like about Master Gongsun?” Xiaotao was half in thought, unable to figure it out.

Minglan found it amusing, and rather than answering turned it around: “Never mind Ruomei. Let’s talk about you instead. What sort of person do you like? Have you ever thought about it?”

“I have.” Xiaotao nodded with great candor. “My mother always said that the family of Yao the butcher at the village entrance is a good one. She told me that when I grow up I must absolutely marry a man who sells meat — for every pig they slaughter, they earn half a jin of offal.” Her tone was resolute, carrying the air of lofty ambition.

Minglan nearly choked on her tea.

…

Amid the sound of firecrackers, the little chubby one welcomed the first New Year of his life. Gu Tingye stood outside holding his son. The deafening booming sound split the silence of the night, and fireworks in five radiant colors filled the sky, lighting it up as bright as day. Tuan Ge’er was not frightened in the slightest — he was ecstatic and flailing with excitement, arms and legs going in every direction. For this New Year, Gu Tingye had determined to celebrate with great festivity. Not only was the entire house decorated with colored streamers and draped in red, but every servant in the household received double monthly wages. Those who had performed their duties with particular distinction over the past year received additional generous rewards.

Minglan also exchanged four full basket-loads of copper coins to give to all the children in the household as New Year’s money — one handful for each child, no one left out.

Though there were even fewer people to celebrate than the year before, Gu Tingye’s spirits were visibly better. He stood in the ancestral hall and lit incense himself before dozens of spirit tablets, assembled four large tables into one, laid out a sixteen-course full banquet, and conducted a solemn and reverent ceremony of ancestral offerings. After Shao Shi departed, he dismissed everyone else and, with one hand holding Minglan and the other arm cradling Tuan Ge’er, he stood for a long while before the spirit tablets of the late Marquis and Bai Shi before finally stepping outside.

The first day of the New Year is for paying respects to one’s own parents; the second day is for paying respects to the wife’s family. Shao Shi’s family was far away and inconvenient to visit. Minglan went early to bid her farewell, then set out with her husband and children. Tuan Ge’er was excited in the wet nurse’s arms, his round little head trying to peek out through the carriage curtain at every moment. Rong Jie’er, however, had a pale face — at every such occasion, she always felt she was superfluous. Minglan soothed her gently: “Do you remember First Great Aunt? She was always very kind to you. Last time she even gave you a small gold bracelet. She also has a daughter about the same age as Xian Jie’er — you can play with her later.”

Rong Jie’er gave a stiff nod.

In truth, she had worried needlessly.

As the daughter-in-law who had married the most advantageously, which maidservant or attendant would dare show any disrespect to the concubine-born daughter Minglan brought along? Within the entire Sheng family, the only one who might give Rong Jie’er a cold look was probably Wang Shi — but today she had two daughters and a great many grandchildren to attend to, and had no time to bother with her.

All four sons-in-law came together to pay New Year respects. Sheng Hong felt greatly dignified and kept stroking his beard with a pleased smile — clearly truly happy. In the seat of honor, Sheng Lao was also glowing with health and good cheer. Only Wang Shi’s gaze toward Gu Tingye held a slightly complex emotion — if only he were her own daughter’s husband, how wonderful would that be?

After the New Year greetings, it was time to distribute New Year’s money. Hualan’s children earned the most — they alone received an extra share. Little Tuan Ge’er also came away with a full haul. Minglan held his two little chubby fists and made him bow like a little puppy to his elders. Everyone watched in delight and broke into great laughter.

While Sheng Hong was in the midst of a lengthy admonition — upon reaching the words “the whole family prospers, grandchildren flourish” — Wang Shi finally could hold back no longer. She turned a stern face to Minglan: “Among all my daughters, you’re the only one with no mother-in-law at your side. Don’t think that just because you run your own household with no elder to restrain you, you can do as you please with no regard for propriety. If your conduct falls out of proper order — even if others say nothing, I will reprimand you.”

Minglan felt inwardly resigned and couldn’t be bothered to argue. But Wang Shi grew ever more energized: “With no elder there to guide you — you may seem carefree and at ease, but in truth that is not at all proper. Minglan is only so young — what does she know? How could she possibly manage such a large household? When the embarrassment comes…”

She was proceeding to reproach her right in front of everyone. Gu Tingye dropped his smile. Hualan, perceptive as ever, caught sight of it and knew things were turning bad. She was just about to interject — when a soft sound was heard. Sheng Lao had set her hand on the tea table; the rosewood prayer beads at her wrist had clinked against it. Sheng Hong glanced back and saw his grandmother’s expression growing unfavorable. He immediately cut Wang Shi off: “What are you talking about nonsense? When has Minglan ever brought any embarrassment!” He then smiled at Gu Tingye: “Your mother-in-law is a born worrier. She’s overthinking it.”

Wang Shi ground her teeth in silent resentment. Turning her gaze to Molan, she affected a look of warm concern and said with a smile: “Molan, dear — among all your sisters who have married out, you’re the only one still without a child. I truly cannot stop worrying about you.”

Molan was standing at the far side of the room. She raised her head quietly and gave a gentle smile: “Thank you for your concern. However — with respect — I cannot agree with those words. As long as the child carries my husband’s blood, each one is my son or daughter.”

Sheng Hong felt greatly proud of his daughter’s broad-mindedness and nodded repeatedly. Wang Shi was deflected and, with a smile on her face but none in her heart, said: “True as those words may be — still, legitimate-born is best. I say, son-in-law — you must not neglect my daughter.”

Liang Han, standing nearby, could bear it no longer. His expression showed displeasure. Molan was unhurried, smiling gently: “What sort of thing is that to say? My husband treats me so well — I truly consider myself blessed in this life. As for the matter of children…” She looked at Liang Han with glistening, tender eyes and said softly: “It is perhaps that I lack the fortune.”

Liang Han’s heart filled with gratitude, and he looked at his wife with full tenderness and pity.

Wang Shi was about to say more when Sheng Hong brought his palm down heavily on the table with a deep voice: “Will you never have done? The New Year holiday is just here and you insist on stirring up trouble!” Wang Shi’s eyes reddened and she was about to retort, when Yan Jing — sharp-eyed and quick-witted — recognized instantly that his in-laws’ discord was nothing new, and immediately stepped forward to smooth things over: “My mother-in-law worries for her daughters and is never quite satisfied with her sons-in-law — Father-in-law, please don’t take offense. Even someone as rarely good a son-in-law as I am gets scolded by her regularly.”

Rulan suppressed a smile and scolded: “Shameless — what makes you such a good son-in-law? You’re blowing your own trumpet.”

Everyone burst into laughter. Wang Shi finally softened her expression, and Sheng Hong exhaled a breath. Sheng Lao watched all this with cold eyes and spoke in a flat, detached tone: “I have grown accustomed to quiet. You’ve all kowtowed, the New Year has been observed — now go.” Sheng Hong quickly rose to apologize, repeatedly calling himself an unfilial son.

After everyone had filed out of the Shou An Hall, Sheng Hong led the four sons-in-law toward the outer courtyard. The women went to the inner hall for tea.

The moment Hualan sat down, she called for Zhuang Jie’er and Rong Jie’er to meet each other. The two girls exchanged bows with a curtsy. Looking up at each other — one refined and naturally poised, sweet and lovely; the other with bold brows and large eyes, bright and spirited — they immediately took a liking to one another and sat side by side to talk.

Zhuang Jie’er had a more mature disposition than most girls her age and was very friendly and gracious to people. Hearing Rong Jie’er speak of lessons in Teacher Xue the Elder’s classroom, she was deeply envious and listened with great interest. The two exchanged words back and forth, growing more and more in sync. Before long, they were walking hand in hand into the courtyard. The remaining children were led by Liu Kun’s wife to the side rooms to play.

Liu Shi, her belly large with pregnancy, stood to one side helping Wang Shi and her four elder and younger sisters-in-law arrange tea and refreshments. Minglan felt sorry for her and said: “Sister-in-law, please sit down — you’re so far along.”

Wang Shi pursed her lips: “Who hasn’t given birth before? This fussing — standing a while longer isn’t necessarily any harm.”

Minglan looked up with guileless surprise: “Did you stand to attend upon Grandmother even when you had a big belly too?” Her eyes were entirely sincere and admiring.

Wang Shi was completely stumped and had not a word to offer in return. Hualan sighed to the heavens — this was her own mother, but she truly had no desire to help her. Minglan did not press her advantage — she only gave Molan a slightly puzzled look. Molan had not helped Liu Shi either.

It was Liu Shi herself who came forward to smooth things over with a smile: “The physician says standing and walking around a little is actually good — just not to overdo it. Oh, and I was just going to thank Sixth Sister. The dried salted fish you sent over last time — I’ve been enjoying it so much. With that, I can eat several bowls of rice.”

Minglan gave a slight bow and smiled: “It was Grandmother who mentioned that you had been craving something strong and briny. That’s when I thought of it. It’s a southern variety, sun-dried and cured by the locals — a very fine flavor. If Sister-in-law enjoys it, I have more.”

“Why didn’t you send any to me?” Rulan tilted her head, a touch of displeasure.

Minglan turned and gave her a blank look: “Oh, stop it! You couldn’t stand the slightest smell of anything at that point. Your husband, out of consideration for you, didn’t even dare grind ink in the room. If I’d really sent dried fish to your place, wouldn’t you have scrubbed the entire room down?!”

Rulan gave a sweet smile and offered no rebuttal.

After only a few words, Wang Shi was thoroughly frustrated. Scolding Liu Shi was pointless — that woman had long since perfected the art of hearing and ignoring, treating it as if it had never been said. Scolding Molan was equally pointless — her techniques were too refined, and it generally ended without any advantage gained. As for scolding Minglan — Hualan guarded her too closely. Losing her temper, Wang Shi simply dragged Hualan and Rulan off to the inner room for a private talk.

After watching that mother-and-daughters group depart, Liu Shi turned back with a smile: “Two Sisters-in-law — why not come and sit in my rooms? My family sent over some fine teas — do have a taste, and if there’s any you like, take some home with you.”

Minglan said with a smile that she would not presume to decline, and rose to follow. Molan gave a faint curl of her lips and went along as well.

For certain understandable reasons, Minglan had as a child often gone to Sheng Changbai’s quarters — delivering a pair of shoes, picking up a book. But she had never once set foot in Sheng Changfeng’s small courtyard. Seeing it today for the first time, she found the whole place — inside and out — suffused with a refined and dignified elegance: the scenery spacious and natural, without the slightest hint of affectation. She wasn’t sure whether it was because Sheng Changfeng himself had good taste, or whether it was Liu Shi’s doing. Just as the three women were going in, they ran into Sheng Changfeng returning from outside. Because Liu Shi was with child, today he had gone on his own to pay New Year respects to his in-laws’ family. After kowtowing and chatting for a while, he had come back.

“Are your parents in good health?” Liu Shi smiled and looked at her husband.

Sheng Changfeng moved habitually to support Liu Shi and settled her into a seat: “Everyone is well. Mother’s cold should be fully better — she talked with me for two cups of tea and didn’t cough once. Father wanted to catch me for a game of chess. Lucky your elder brother-in-law rescued me, otherwise I couldn’t have gotten away.”

“Father is like that too — with that terrible chess game of his, he still loves to lure his sons-in-law in to feed him moves.” Liu Shi’s voice had changed — playful and gentle at the same time, as soothing as a spring breeze.

Minglan turned to glance at Molan. Her expression was not pleasant.

“If it weren’t for promising you I’d come back early, I wouldn’t have minded playing Father a few rounds.” Sheng Changfeng was as warm and considerate as always — though something seemed to have changed about him; Minglan couldn’t quite put her finger on what.

Sheng Changfeng turned and said: “Fourth Sister, Sixth Sister — you’ve both come.”

Molan gave a light huff: “You’ve only noticed now? I thought your eyes had room for no one but your wife.” Sheng Changfeng laughed, unperturbed.

“Since Elder Brother and Sister-in-law are both here — good. There is something I wish to say.” Molan suddenly assumed a serious expression, her gaze bearing down on Sheng Changfeng. Slowly she said: “Father is growing ever more satisfied with Elder Brother, and Grandmother has grown fond of Sister-in-law too. Given that — why don’t Elder Brother and Sister-in-law find a way to bring Yiniang back? Can it really be that Elder Brother only cares about his own comfortable life and has no regard for Yiniang’s fate?”

Sheng Changfeng went crimson to his ears, stuttering and at a loss for words. His eyes sought help from his wife. Liu Shi calmly smiled: “Listen to what Fourth Sister is saying — making it sound as though your brother is some heartless and faithless person.”

Molan gave a cold huff and turned her face away: “I didn’t say that. But Yiniang gave birth to us siblings — how can that be forgotten? I am a daughter who has married out — there is nothing I can do. But Elder Brother is a grown man — why is there no action?”

Word by word, point by point — relentlessly pressing. Sheng Changfeng had no words of rebuttal, and could only look to his wife.

“My husband is a man — and precisely because he is a man, he knows even more clearly what must and must not be done! Fourth Sister is well-read — how could she not understand even this?” Liu Shi supported her belly and rose to her feet, naturally commanding.

“It is true that Yiniang has the grace of giving birth to my husband — but above Yiniang, there is still Grandmother, and Father, and my Mother-in-law. Surely one cannot discard one’s filial duties to Grandmother, Father, and Mother-in-law for the sake of one Yiniang?!” Liu Shi spoke with calm certainty and clear, reasoned argument: “Since I entered the Sheng household, I have sent clothing and food to the estate every season. People have also been reporting back regularly. Yiniang’s days are somewhat solitary, but she is not suffering hardship. So where does this ‘no regard for Yiniang’s fate’ come from?”

Molan suddenly stood: “Sister-in-law is so eloquent! What difference is there between enduring such dead and dreary days and being dead?!”

Liu Shi gave a soft smile and looked Molan directly in the eye: “Yiniang did wrong — naturally she must accept punishment.”

Molan’s eyes flared: “You—” She then turned to glare at Sheng Changfeng: “You!”

Sheng Changfeng shrank slightly. Liu Shi stepped forward, her voice gentle: “When all this happened — my husband has already told me everything. Ai… with all due respect — Yiniang’s conduct was indeed improper. Fourth Sister, you are a wife yourself, and a mother — surely you don’t think Yiniang was in the right?”

She slowly stroked her own belly: “A wife takes her husband as heaven; a daughter, while at home, obeys her father — these are principles that could hold even if the heavens themselves collapsed. I may not be as well-read as Fourth Sister — I only know that my child and I must in all things depend on my husband and follow my husband.”

These words were directed at Molan, but Liu Shi’s gaze was on Sheng Changfeng. Minglan looked sideways at her. She felt that Liu Shi’s gaze was full of trust and reliance. Even a short, timid man receiving such a gaze might feel himself grow into a towering hero — let alone Sheng Changfeng, who was tender-hearted toward women.

Molan’s expression darkened. She glared bitterly at them for a long moment. Then suddenly a note of sorrow came over her: “Sister-in-law is so admirable and understanding. Even if Yiniang was in the wrong — surely this punishment should have a limit? It cannot be that from now on, we mother and child will never be able to see each other again…” She could no longer contain herself, and said in a soft, mournful voice: “Elder Brother — don’t you remember how Yiniang doted on you when we were small? How can your heart be so hard? No matter how many faults she has, we are still her flesh and blood — how can you abandon her like this?!”

Sheng Changfeng was pained by her crying, and said urgently: “How could I abandon her? Your sister-in-law and I settled this long ago. Right now Grandmother, Father, and Mother are all still here — Yiniang cannot return. But if one day we separate households, your sister-in-law and I will naturally fulfill our duty to her.”

Molan’s heart went cold. Sudden fury blazed through her. A family like the Sheng household — an official family — would only divide the household after the father passed away. But Sheng Hong had always had a sound constitution. In several decades’ time, who knew who would outlast whom.