This night, Minglan couldn't sleep soundly.
She lay on her right side, and the little troublemaker in her belly kept kicking — fine, she understood what it meant, so she quickly asked Danju, who was sleeping on the side couch, to help her turn over to her left side, but the little troublemaker still kept kicking. Minglan sighed, fine, you win. Minglan tried to move a few times in discomfort, risking lying on her back, but the huge belly almost crushed her breath. Apparently, the little troublemaker didn't like this position either, kicking even more vigorously. Good, pat pat your head.
Minglan sat up on the bed in pain, one hand covering her belly, unable to help but cry out. "Little troublemaker, can't you be more quiet? I've tried every sleeping position for you, what else do you want? Do you want to sleep on your stomach? I can't squash you to death!"
In the middle of the night, in the warm room, Minglan walked around the cozy round table, holding her waist and patting her belly. She used to think that unruly children were the most difficult, but now she realized that the fetus was the most troublesome. You couldn't hit it, scold it, or even coax it. All sorts of human tricks were ineffective in front of a fetus. If it was uncomfortable, it would make you even more uncomfortable, even if it wasn't uncomfortable itself, but if it wanted to make you uncomfortable, you would still be uncomfortable.
The enemy was too powerful, and Minglan could only suppress her temper and speak kindly to it, "I'm sorry, Mom hasn't been treating you well lately, not eating properly, not sleeping properly, always thinking about... um... bad things. Tomorrow, let's continue telling stories. Where did we leave off last time? Oh, the three little pigs were building houses, one made of straw..." She also missed the lazy and carefree days before, without worrying, without being suspicious. Oh, the more she thought about it, the more melancholy she became.
The next morning, Minglan woke up feeling listless. Mrs. Cui looked at her with concern, touching her belly, "It's dropped a bit more, I'm afraid the baby will be born in the next few days." Minglan chuckled, "Mom said the same thing about a week ago." Mrs. Cui gently stroked Minglan's tired face, murmuring, "Before, we were worried the baby might come too early, and now we worry it might come too late. Sigh, children are debts from past lives, and this lifetime, they come to collect from their parents. When the little one grows up, they'll repay their parents' kindness and take good care of their wives."
Minglan sighed, carefully sitting at the table. She picked up a piece of plump lotus-scented corn cake and bit into it. Actually, she didn't have high expectations. She didn't care much about how successful the little rascal would be in the future. As long as he didn't bring trouble, it would be fine. It was hard enough to have given birth to a wastrel. She wondered if she should read some moral articles for prenatal education. As she pondered, she was interrupted by Danju's entrance, wearing a puzzled expression.
"Madam, the Yu family... they've sent someone."
Minglan blinked, "Which Yu family?"
Danju seemed to struggle with her words, "It's Miss Yanran's family, also... the maternal family of that lady from before." Minglan paused midair with her chopsticks. She instinctively became wary, "What about Lady Tai?" That old woman, what kind of trick is she up to now?! Then, without surprise, she heard the following response, "She's currently entertaining guests." Minglan slammed her chopsticks down on the table, glaring, "Tell them my health is poor, and I can't receive guests!" She was deliberately being difficult, what about it?! Danju's face turned bitter, "The messenger said that Lady Tai understands Madam's condition and has already taken the guests to the small flower hall. And...," she hesitated, "the one who came is, is Madam Yu Four."
This time, Minglan felt somewhat embarrassed.
When Senior Minister Xiong was building Chengyuan, he had originally constructed the small flower hall, which boasted beautiful scenery overlooking the water and mountains, to serve as a place for entertaining female guests and hosting receptions. Due to its proximity to the main residence, Jiaxi Manor, and the fact that the guests this time were from the original wife's maternal family, coupled with the presence of Madam Yu Four, Minglan, who was serving as a fill-in for the main wife, suddenly felt a lack of confidence. Therefore, she made sure to gather enough attendants, dressed neatly and solemnly, and went to the small flower hall with a retinue.
As she stepped into the flower hall, Minglan looked up and saw Lady Tai conversing with two middle-aged women dressed in luxurious attire. Two maidservants stood by, attending to them, and when they heard the announcement, they all turned to look. The woman sitting on the right side of Lady Tai, wearing a summer jacket in lotus color, stood up and walked over, taking Minglan's hand with joy, "Isn't this Minglan? Let me have a look at you. Oh, you've grown so tall and become even more beautiful."
Minglan felt a sense of familiarity upon seeing her and smiled as she bowed respectfully, "Greetings to Auntie Four. Has Uncle Yu's Qingtang Music Book been compiled? How are my younger siblings? Speaking of which, Yanrong sister is about to come of age, isn't she?"
Madam Yu Four's eyes seemed slightly red, showing traces of recent tears. She smiled through her tears, "Everything's fine. Your uncle has been busy as always. It's rare for him to have a moment of peace. It's commendable that you still remember Rongyao. She often mentions you and Yanran."
"Yanran sister sent me a letter recently, saying she's pregnant again. She complained that the Duan family forbids her from going to the tea garden anymore and insists she stays home to take care of her pregnancy." Minglan held Madam Yu Four's hand as she spoke, walking alongside her.
"Indeed. Yanran is a blessed child. Now that she has twins, the maids who went there all say that the Duan family treats her extremely well." Madam Yu Four's face was full of contentment, her fair and delicate features adorned with a smile. "This child even went as far as to exaggerate to her Uncle Four, saying that the tea flowers were blooming everywhere, the clouds were filling the sky, and the people were simple and kind-hearted. She said such things that even your Uncle Four was itching to go and take a look."
Uncle Four in the Yu family was actually the second son, but the generations in the Yu family's branch were mixed, so he was referred to as Uncle Four. It was amusing to Minglan that after all these years, he was still the same.
Madam Yu Four came from a scholarly family and could play hundreds of sets of chess at the age of ten. She could play the flute and zither, was skilled in painting fish, insects, birds, and animals. After marrying the fourth son of the Yu family, who shared her interests, they lived harmoniously together. For a long time, Madam Yu Four had been Minglan's benchmark for understanding ancient talented women. Although she was talented and literary, she didn't ignore the daily chores or taking care of the old residence in Dengzhou, looking after her parents-in-law, and educating her niece Yanran. She was basically all-rounded. Although she came from a prestigious family, she was kind and friendly, never looking down on those of lower status. Sometimes, when she felt inspired, she would give Minglan a few pointers on calligraphy with the gou pao brush. When accompanying her husband to the countryside, if she saw interesting little things, she would also bring back something for Minglan. The first clay doll, the first small windmill, even the first grasshopper cage woven from straw, and the first fluffy silly rabbit she received in this world were all given by her.
During her childhood, the Yu family was the paradise in Minglan's heart. Elderly Mr. Yu was dignified and wise, Madam Yu was gentle and kind, and Yanran treated her like a real sister. Sometimes, when playing in the Yu family garden, she could even see from afar the scenes of Uncle Four and Aunt Four playing chess or playing music together in the pavilion by the lake. The whole family would be chatting and laughing, making young Minglan feel extremely envious.
It had been a long time since Minglan had seen anyone from the Yu family. She was still exchanging pleasantries when Lady Tai on the other side laughed loudly, "Minglan, come over and sit. Your health condition is not an excuse to neglect the guests."
Minglan listened to this and didn't argue, just walked over with Madam Yu Four.
"This is the Madam of the Yu family. Come and pay your respects."
Madam Tai warmly pulled Madam Yu Four along, Minglan smiled and bowed, while Danju firmly supported her. Minglan discreetly scrutinized the other party, and was momentarily taken aback. Madam Yu Four was exceptionally well-maintained, unexpectedly young and beautiful, with almond-shaped eyes, arched eyebrows, high cheekbones, and fair skin. She exuded a mature and stunning aura, appearing to be no more than thirty years old.
Madam Yu Four also couldn't help but size up Minglan, from the golden phoenix hairpin on her head to the nine-sectioned red gold necklace with gourd pendants around her neck, down to the exquisite Ming jade pendant hanging below, and finally to Minglan's prominently bulging belly. Her eyes flashed momentarily, then she casually took her seat after receiving Minglan's bow.
She didn't speak to Minglan, only turned to Madam Yu Four beside her and said, "You just said Yanran is blessed. Her father personally found her in-laws for her. How could she not be blessed?!" Madam Yu Four suddenly realized that her words had offended her elder sister-in-law, so she smiled and remained silent, quietly taking her seat.
"All the girls in the family are blessed, but only my Yanhong's fate seems thin. Alas, I wonder if anyone has offered incense for her after all these years since she passed away. This poor lonely soul..." Madam Yu Four's imposing manner was overwhelming as she spoke.
"Yanhong sister is buried in the Gu family's grave," Minglan couldn't help but interject, "How can you say she's a lonely soul?"
Madam Yu Four was interrupted in the middle, looking very displeased, her eyes sharp as she stared at Minglan and slowly said, "...not even leaving behind a bone, she's not far from being a lonely soul."
Minglan's heart sank, resolutely avoiding this topic, she took the warm cup from Danju's hands and gently blew on the soup inside. Old Master Yu was strong and capable throughout his life, managing the government affairs externally and handling family matters internally. His wife was pure and kind, and their children were generally obedient. Even several daughters-in-law were personally selected by the old man himself. The family atmosphere was simple and pure, but Madam Yu Four, who was filling the house, was fierce and formidable, probably the exception in the entire Yu family. Unfortunately, her son seemed to be completely obedient to his daughter-in-law, causing Old Master Yu to be somewhat depressed.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Madam Tai calmly smiled and said, "What is Mother-in-law saying? Although Yanhong hasn't been in the Gu family for long, I really like her. She speaks straightforwardly and generously. Oh dear, saying something unpleasant, I like her even more than my own daughter. Mother-in-law has raised her so well. It's Gu family's fault for not treating her well..." She couldn't help but choke up.
Minglan looked at her coldly, inwardly sneering at how such good material was wasted by not becoming an actress.
Madam Yu Four listened sadly, also in tears, "If I had known she had no fate with the Gu family, I wouldn't have let her marry over there, causing her life to end prematurely at such a young age..."
Madam Tai, especially understanding, repeatedly called Madam Yu Four "Mother-in-law," blaming herself continuously, expressing that the lack of care for Yanhong was all Gu family's fault. She pressed her handkerchief to her face, choking up, "Even if Mother-in-law can't bear it, I, thinking of Yanhong's good qualities, also feel so upset. It's also Tingye's fault. Shortly after marrying, he started running around, leaving Yanhong all alone, which led to her falling ill and never recovering..."
Ah, bah! You old witch, you might as well just say it's Gu Tingye who caused Yu Yanhong's death! What "shortly after marrying, he started running around"? What about those military families? Their men go out for months or even years, and they don't drop dead! What "all alone"? You have parents-in-law above you, sisters-in-law below you. If your husband goes out for a couple of months and you die, you can call it deep affection between husband and wife, struggling with longing. Or, in blunt terms, it's not being able to bear the loneliness, unable to live without a man!
Based on the explosiveness of Gu Tingye's first marriage, the first statement clearly doesn't apply to Yu Yanhong. You old witch, are you speaking up for Yu Yanhong or criticizing her?
—Minglan silently cursed in her heart, but she had to keep her thoughts to herself and endure quietly.
"There's no way around it. At the beginning, my son-in-law wanted Yanran, so he didn't like Yanhong. Neglect was inevitable. To be unfilial, if that's the case, why must father-in-law insist on intervening..." Madam Yu Four became more and more unrestrained as she spoke, even causing Madam Yu Four, who usually had a good temper, to frown. Minglan finally seized the opportunity to interject and half-jokingly said, "Your words are not appropriate. How can you call it intervening? It was agreed upon by Old Master Yu decades ago. Old Master Yu had set the terms 'in advance'. How can it be considered intervening when it was decided years ago, which is much earlier than the 'setting terms in advance' a few months ago by Mr. Yu?"
With this remark, Madam Yu Four couldn't help but smile, giving Minglan a half-angry glance.
Madam Yu Four was speechless. She stared at Minglan for almost half a cup of tea's time before being brought back to her senses by a light cough from Madam Tai. She turned to Minglan, her tone firm, "We came here today with an unpleasant request. In recent years, my father-in-law's health has deteriorated rapidly. He came to the capital to seek medical treatment, and a few days ago, he lost consciousness..."
Minglan was shocked, "Old Master Yu is sick?" She turned to look at Madam Yu Four.
Madam Yu Four nodded tearfully, "Since last month, he has been fainting from time to time, especially this time it was particularly dangerous. That day, just after he took his medicine and seemed a bit clearer, he said... he said..." She looked at Minglan with difficulty, as if it was hard for her to continue.
Madam Yu, with a hint of mockery at the corner of her mouth, interjected, "If you can't say it, then let me be the villain. That day, the old master was slightly more lucid. He said he had no regrets in his life, surrounded by grandchildren, but Yanhong died young, leaving no offspring. Later, we invited Master Xuan Yuan from Qing Feng Guan, and he said, if there was a joyous event, perhaps things would change."
Minglan slowly widened her eyes, feeling her heart sinking.
"...That's when I had the idea to adopt a son for my unfortunate daughter. Firstly, it would provide her with someone to offer sacrifices to her grave in the future, and secondly, it would give my father-in-law some comfort. If he were to wake up after this, it would be a meritorious deed on your part. If not..." Madam Yu spoke as if she had rehearsed this many times before, her words flowing smoothly, "it would also bring peace to the old man. It's a win-win situation, don't you think?"
She stared straight at Minglan, as if expecting an immediate response.
Minglan was taken aback for a moment, blurting out, "Then who would be adopted?" She turned to look at Madam Tai.
"It's not Xian Ge'er," Madam Tai said leisurely, fanning herself with her round fan, smiling. "Since last year, Tingye told me that Xian Ge'er is the only son of the third son, how could he be adopted by someone else? I found it reasonable, and there was no way around it. But as luck would have it, we found an excellent candidate. Bring them in."
One thing followed another, and Minglan was somewhat overwhelmed. But as she turned her head, she saw Mother Xiang leading in two figures – one big and one small. The young woman behind Mother Xiang entered the room and knelt down gracefully, bowing her head, saying crisply, "Man Niang greets everyone." Then she pulled down the six or seven-year-old boy next to her to kneel. The boy seemed afraid and whispered, "Chang'er greets the elders."
For the first time in many days, Minglan was truly surprised. How did they come out from where Gu Tingye arranged them?
Madam Tai smiled and turned to the others, saying, "Second Young Master was a bit confused back then. It was youthful folly. He had an affair outside and had a son and a daughter. The girl has been raised by Second Young Master's wife."
Madam Yu Four smirked, "This Chang ge'er seems clever and obedient. Instead of leaving him outside, not acknowledging his ancestry, it's better to register him under Yanhong's name." Her implication was clear – she insinuated that Minglan's jealousy had prevented Chang from being acknowledged.
Minglan took a sharp breath, feeling anger boiling inside her like fire. Ignoring her discomfort, she suddenly stood up, raising her voice with a cold laugh, "What thorough thoughts you all have!" She looked straight at Madam Tai, not hiding the contempt in her eyes. "You are truly capable, there's nothing you don't know. Let alone airing dirty laundry, with Houye's current status, we barely have time to conceal his past deeds. You're just a step away from shouting it out in the whole capital."
Madam Tai couldn't hold her composure, her face turning cold as she said, "I'm only doing this for..."
Minglan promptly interrupted her, "Who you're doing this for and why, the entire Gu family knows very well. There's no need for you to repeat it. If I've offended anyone today, please forgive me."
Madam Yu Four stood up, her face filled with apologies and difficulties, saying repeatedly, "I understand your predicament." Despite being labeled as unfilial and having an absentee, sickly mother-in-law, she knew this matter wasn't right but dared not refuse.
Minglan nodded slightly before turning to Madam Yu, speaking softly, "I am well aware of who I am, and Aunt Four knows too. Today, I'm criticizing the matter, not the person. If I have offended, I sincerely apologize."
Madam Yu Four got to her feet, her expression a mix of apology and unease, as she said, "I understand your dilemma." Despite the unfilial label and the presence of her confused, frail mother-in-law, she knew this matter wasn't appropriate but still couldn't refuse.
Minglan nodded slightly before turning to Madam Yu Four, saying each word clearly, "Sister Yanhong was the legitimate wife of Houye. I don't need you to remind me of that. If Sister Yanhong had left behind a son, there would be no question about his status as the heir! But Sister Yanhong left no sons or daughters!" Madam Yu Four's expression changed drastically, and she stared at Minglan warily.
Minglan continued, "Today, if you want to adopt..." She sneered and raised her voice, "If Chang ge'er is recognized under Sister Yanhong's name, how will his status be determined in the future? Will he be considered a legitimate child or a child of concubinage?"
Madam Yu Four was momentarily speechless, then sneered, "You're just afraid that Chang ge'er will snatch the position of the heir from the child in your belly! Don't pretend otherwise. A son born to a concubine can't compete with the legitimate heir!" As soon as she spoke, she realized she had said too much, cursing herself for speaking recklessly.
Minglan burst into laughter, then looked serious and said, "Minglan has learned her lesson. However, the matter of inheritance is fundamental to the family. Minglan is just a daughter-in-law and dares not interfere. I only ask Madam, after Sister Yanhong married, her birth mother also had no heirs. If she were to adopt a child to be the eldest grandson of the Yu family, would you agree or not?"
Madam Yu Four angrily retorted, "How dare you be so insolent!"
"Who's being insolent?" Minglan retorted bitterly. "Many years ago, Houye was young and frivolous, wanting to bring this Man Niang into the family. But the old Houye and Madam rejected her outright because of her background as an actress. Now that the old Houye has passed away, his words hold no weight, and in the blink of an eye, they want a child born of an actress to be the future heir of Ningyuan Marquis? It seems the Yu family is deliberately trying to provoke the Gu family, isn't it?"
As these words were spoken, Man Niang, who was kneeling at the door, quickly raised her head to glance at Minglan, who happened to turn to look. Their eyes met, and Minglan saw in Man Niang's gaze not surprise at seeing her for the first time, but rather sharp resentment and bitterness. Minglan immediately knew that Man Niang had long been aware of her.
Minglan ignored her. There was no time for pity at this moment; there was only the distinction between friend and foe.
Madam Yu Four was trembling with anger, unable to speak for a long time. Suddenly, her eyes flashed with determination, and then she gritted her teeth and said, "My daughter died before she was even seventeen! The Gu family owes us an explanation!"
Madam Yu Four quickly pulled Minglan aside and said anxiously, "We never had such intentions!"
In fact, Elder Yu had only mentioned it casually, feeling sentimental about the sight of a full house of grandchildren. But now, with the eldest brother acting as the father figure and her husband not holding an official position, their words carried less weight. Added to that, the persuasion of that so-called Master Xuan Yuan made it seem disobedient to ignore Madam Yu Four's orders, which was seen as unfilial. The label was too severe.
"We only want to give Yanhong some consolation after her premature death, without any intention of interfering with the Gu family's succession," Madam Yu Four sincerely pleaded, repeatedly saying, "If you don't believe us, we can clarify everything with the family members when Gu Hou returns. We can write it down as a written agreement. But..." She burst into tears, saying, "Can we please handle this matter first? My father, he... he might not last much longer. Mother said that if you refuse, she'll come personally tomorrow to beg you, even if she has to kneel before you and Old Lady Sheng!"
Unable to hold back any longer, she covered her face and cried, while Elder Yu, who had always been gentle and frail, could only spend her days in tears.
Minglan took a deep breath. This was what she feared most.
She dared to declare war against any enemy. If she could win, she would fight; if she couldn't, she could run away, or even resort to trickery and deception. But she couldn't confront Madam Yu Four's sharpness and wit, and she definitely couldn't be sharp with Elder Yu, who always cared for her and stroked her hair lovingly.
In the blink of an eye, an idea flashed through her mind.
"Oh! My stomach hurts!" Minglan suddenly cried out, clutching her stomach and doubling over in pain, her face contorted in agony.
Madam Yu Four was alarmed and rushed to support her, urging her to sit down carefully. Danju also hurried forward to assist her, while calling for help. The people waiting outside heard the commotion and rushed into the room, some supporting her, some carrying her, some asking about her illness, and some muttering in concern. Before Madam Yu Four could react, Mama Cui had already led the crowd to take Minglan away.
Others were left in astonishment, while Madam Yu Four was infuriated, shouting loudly at the door, "If your lady isn't really about to give birth, I'll be back tomorrow!" Madam Yu Four, flustered and anxious, hurriedly tried to dissuade her, saying, "It's better not to, lest something happens! Look at how big her belly is, she must be really about to give birth!" Madam Yu Four pushed away her sister-in-law's arm, coldly snorting, "If you want to be a good person, you go ahead! My father is still hanging on by a thread. I won't bear the unfilial charge!"
Inside the room, Lady Sheng remained seated in her position, unmoving, as if watching a spectacle unfold before her, smiling as she sipped her tea....
Minglan's face was tense as she paced back and forth in the room, feeling extremely agitated. In truth, her stomach wasn't hurting at all; she had only feigned dizziness earlier. She didn't know what to do, resorting to her least favored tactic—pretending to faint.
But she couldn't keep using this tactic. Should she pretend again tomorrow?
What should she do? What should she do? What should she do... Minglan's mind was in turmoil. She didn't want to surrender, but she also found it difficult to refuse Madame Yu and Fourth Madam Yu. She cursed the old witch in her heart, first dealing with Kang Aunt, now the Yu family, going from a tough stance to a soft one. She couldn't come up with a solution after pacing several circles. If all else failed, should she... escape? The thought of escaping crossed her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. Maybe she should let Tu'er and the others escort her back to her mother's house to give birth. Whether it was shameful or not didn't matter anymore.
—No, that wouldn't work either. Minglan thought carefully, feeling helpless. Madame Yu would probably chase after her to the Sheng Manor, wailing to her grandmother. If it was for herself, letting these two old people end their friendship at the end of their lives would truly be a sin.
She wasn't a fool to think optimistically about resolving everything once and for all.
Not to mention, with Madame Yu watching closely, and the cold-hearted Manniang, just thinking about it made her dizzy. If she really allowed Changge'er to succeed Yanhong, regardless of whether it was explained beforehand or written down, it would be a never-ending trouble. If her son had some ability, it would be fine, but if he was weak and easygoing, and Changge'er manipulated some forces, gathered some clan members, it would be chaos.
Minglan sat down at the table, feeling at a loss.
As she racked her brain, she suddenly felt amused. Many estranged couples often say angrily, "I won't let you off even if I die," but most of the time, it's not possible. Yet, Yanhong had actually fulfilled this statement. Minglan found it both angry and funny. How did this lady die anyway?
—Right! How did Yanhong die?!
Minglan slowly straightened up, propping her arms on the table as she pondered. Scenes flashed before her eyes, faces passing like frames in a movie, until they settled on the murky smile at the corner of Madame Yu's mouth.
No, something was wrong with this whole situation.
Based on her understanding of the Yu family, Mr. Yu had always been keen on official careers. So, after his wife's death, he forcibly married a concubine from the Shang family, whom his father was not satisfied with, to fill the household. As for Madam Yu... Humph, she had seen her today as well. Why would such a powerful couple, who were keen on advancing their status and unwilling to suffer losses, only come to the Duke of Ningyuan's mansion now?!
Yanhong married into the Sheng family and died within a year. No matter how you looked at it, it was the Sheng family who wronged the Yu family. If that were the case, why didn't Mr. and Madam Yu come to request to marry another daughter of the Yu family when Gu Tingye rose to prominence later on?!
Yusi, Madam Yu's daughter, was about to come of age this year. Yanran had mentioned that she had a legitimate younger sister who was just one year older than Yusi, meaning that the girl had just come of age last year. If Madam Yu couldn't bear to part with her own daughter, she wouldn't be kind enough to spare her illegitimate daughter either, especially considering that there were many daughters in the Yu family. Even the Peng family had shamelessly come to seek marriage with the Sheng family, so why didn't the Yu family, with more qualifications and confidence, come forward?!
Not only did they not come to propose marriage, but the interactions between the Gu and Yu families were completely nonexistent. Originally, Minglan thought it was because the Yu family held a grudge against Gu Tingye and refused to communicate, but now it seemed that it wasn't so simple.
What was Gu Tingye's attitude towards the Yu family and his deceased first wife? Even if they were once estranged, shouldn't there be some remorse or reluctance after her death? Minglan racked her brain.
Still not right. Gu Tingye's demeanor didn't seem to show any remorse or reluctance whatsoever.
After being married for so long, the couple understood each other's thoughts, discussing almost everything from court affairs to household chores. Even the sensitive topic of Man Niang was occasionally mentioned by Gu Tingye, who would self-deprecatingly talk about his youthful recklessness. However, when it came to Yu Yanhong, Gu Tingye never mentioned a word, seemingly intentionally avoiding the topic. Gu Tingye was not a heartless or ungrateful person, so why would he act this way?
With that in mind, there was only one conclusion.
Minglan's thoughts gradually became clearer, but the hypothesis was too bold, and she dared not make a rash bet. After pondering for a moment, she called Danju over and whispered, "Go find Chang Mama. She doesn't need to come over, just ask her one thing... How did Madame Yu actually die? Does she know?"
Danju nodded vigorously, then hesitated and asked, "But what if Chang Mama doesn't know either?"
"If she doesn't know..." Minglan clenched her fist near her mouth and slowly said, "Then ask her how Duke Gu was feeling at the time of Madame Yu's death. If she had to guess, how does she think Madame Yu died? And whether the Gu family wronged her."
Danju carefully considered Minglan's words, understanding her intentions, then quickly left the room.
...
In Xuānzhì Hall,
Whispering a few words into Lady Tai's ear, Mother Xiang frowned slightly as Lady Tai listened. "You went to see that old fellow again?"
"Do you think that old fellow knows the truth...?" Mother Xiang asked anxiously.
Lady Tai pondered for a while before shaking her head slowly. "He probably doesn't know. If he did, we'd have to change our plans..."
"What about Hóngxiāo?" Mother Xiang remained concerned. "What if she lets slip?"
Lady Tai chuckled, "Unless we compel the Northern Garrison Command to use severe measures, she won't utter a word."