Chapter 182: The Way of the World - Neither Cold nor Warm
For a long time, the old man Gong Sun's status in the Guo family was rather awkward, being referred to as the "West Seat." When the new emperor first ascended the throne, political currents were tumultuous. As a close aide to the new emperor who had moved to the capital, his performance was scrutinized. If he did well, people would merely sneer, and if he behaved in any way that seemed improper, court officials would quietly criticize him, saying, "Look at the kind of people the emperor's confidants are."
Gong Sun Bai Shi advised Guo Ting Ye not to hastily expand his circle of advisors and retainers, especially since he was a minor military official, which would attract undue attention. Therefore, despite the official statement from the Governor's Office that there were "no heirs yet," despite Guo Ting Ye himself not being literate, and despite Gong Sun Lao Tou having never met Rong Jie'er, the main guests still shamelessly claimed to be the "West Seat" of the Guo family.
Later on, amidst the endless hustle and bustle, no one gave much thought to this matter. It was only when Tuan Ge'er was born that Gong Sun Bai Shi's title as "West Seat" was finally solidified. Unfortunately, from the moment the little bundle of joy could grasp objects, he showed a keen interest in tugging at Gong Sun Lao Tou's beard, far more than in holding a pen. However, Gong Sun Bai Shi's official title still read "Guo Hou West Seat."
Of course, this blatant pretense couldn't deceive the discerning eyes of the public. As Gong Sun Lao Tou approached the time to take a concubine, congratulatory gifts piled up in three rooms, towering a foot high, including coral trees, dazzling pearl earrings, and rolls upon rolls of valuable silks. Gong Sun Lao Tou graciously accepted everything, and while joking with Guo Ting Ye, he stroked his beard and self-deprecatingly said, "Indeed, once a person ascends, even the chicken and dog rise to heaven."
On the day of the ceremony, Ruo Mei was dressed in a brand-new peach-red spring coat, her wrists adorned with four dragon and phoenix gold bangles, and her hair pinned with a golden hairpin shaped like a sunrise with three wings and a pearl. Surrounded by a group of congratulatory wives and matrons, who continuously praised her good fortune with phrases like "Ruo Yiniang is so fortunate" and "Ruo Yiniang, may you soon bear a noble child," she could only force a smile, her face pale.
After Gong Sun Bai Shi recovered from his illness, Guo Ting Ye proposed taking Ruo Mei as a concubine. The old man, while fond of Ruo Mei's cultured demeanor, was inherently indifferent and averse to mundane customs. He had no desire to handle the arrangements, so it was only with Ming Lan's insistence that a few banquets were held to celebrate, inviting the household members to join in the festivities.
This arrangement left Ruo Mei feeling somewhat dissatisfied. Every newlywed bride inevitably harbors some expectations for her wedding. Unable to restrain herself, she complained to her personal maid, which led several sycophantic wives to inquire and then ask their husbands to purchase congratulatory gifts from local shops. As a result, the news of Gong Sun Bai Shi taking a concubine spread outside, attracting a flurry of enthusiastic "admirers" eager to present their gifts.
The old man was very displeased. If not for Ming Lan's sake, he would have almost called off the marriage.
"I don't expect you to be virtuous, but even basic propriety should be upheld. If you cannot manage even that, then let the future child be raised by the wife!"—Gong Sun Bai Shi's nature was so eccentric that he spoke directly and harshly. Ruo Mei was inevitably distressed and wept for several days and nights, full of regret and shame.
Upon learning of this, Ming Lan could only shake her head and sigh, feeling helpless.
Gong Sun Bai Shi was a man who, at his best, could be described as free-spirited and unconventional; at his worst, he was self-centered and selfish. In modern times, he would likely be a staunch advocate of celibacy. Unfortunately, in ancient times, with parental orders to follow, he had no choice but to marry and have children. He might have had some lingering guilt and respect for his first wife, but as for Ruo Mei…
Afterwards, Gong Sun Bai Shi only allowed Ruo Mei to attend to his daily needs and even barred her from entering the study. The news soon spread, and when Ming Lan learned of it, she only responded with a soft "oh" and did not inquire further, which surprised everyone in the household.
Previously, seeing that Mr. Gong Sun was greatly favored by the Marquis, many had sought to ingratiate themselves with Ruo Mei as she rose to prominence. However, now that the master was so indifferent, they gradually began to distance themselves from Ruo Mei.
The fickleness of human emotions was just as such. Ming Lan sighed lightly, leaning against the kang table, quietly reading a book, with her plump, rosy-faced son, Tuan Ge'er, sleeping soundly beside her, looking like a little piglet with soft, fine hair still growing. The room was peaceful, save for the anxious little maid, Dan Ju, sitting on a small stool, who seemed troubled and made frequent mistakes, having already had to redo a simple border twice.
"Put down the needle and thread," Ming Lan said softly. "Your fingers are nearly poked through."
Dan Ju, feeling embarrassed, lowered her head and murmured, "I'll redo it later."
Ming Lan glanced at her and asked, "What's the matter again this morning?" Dan Ju slowly set down her needle and thread, hesitating as she looked at Tuan Ge'er. Ming Lan added, "Speak up, the little fellow is still fast asleep."
Dan Ju, blushing, replied, "It was the little maid from Ruo Mei's side who came to find me, saying that she isn't feeling well."
"Oh? If she's pregnant, that would be good news," Ming Lan continued to read her book without looking up.
"Not really; she was just washed and changed a few days ago," Dan Ju said more softly. "She just feels a bit down and mentioned wanting to see her old friends."
Ming Lan remained silent, only offering a gentle smile. Seeing the hint of mockery in her smile, Dan Ju couldn't help but whisper, "Ruo Mei also has her difficulties. It's only been a month since she entered the house, and the master hardly pays attention to her. Even the servants in the courtyard have become somewhat indifferent…"
Before she could finish, Ming Lan interrupted, "Did Ruo Mei send you to say this?" She had kept quite a few informants in the courtyard, and the servants hadn't actually slighted Ruo Mei, only that they were no longer as obsequious as before.
Dan Ju quickly shook her head, "No, she always tells me not to mention it to you."
Hearing this, Ming Lan almost laughed out loud but quickly stifled it as she glanced at the little chubby baby beside her. The child was still soundly asleep, sprawled out like a letter "大" with a cute and silly expression, which made her smile involuntarily. She then set aside her book and moved to the edge of the bed, took Dan Ju's hand, and sighed softly as she said, "We've been together for over ten years. I probably know what's going on in your mind. I'll ask you one thing—speak honestly. What do you really think about this matter?"
**The character "大" (dà) in Chinese means "big" or "large." In the context you mentioned, it's describing the shape in which the baby is sleeping—sprawled out in a manner that resembles the Chinese character for "big," which is often used to depict a person lying down with arms and legs extended, creating a shape similar to the character. **
Dan Ju, unable to meet Ming Lan's probing gaze, turned her head and whispered, "She asked me to have some pastries, drink tea, and enjoy the spring plum blossoms. Each time, she talked to me about many things. Although she always says not to tell you, I know her intention. She hopes you'll speak a few good words for her in front of the master."
Ming Lan nodded, realizing the girl wasn't completely foolish: "So, should I go and speak on her behalf?"
Dan Ju, with a troubled expression, bit her lip for a moment and then lowered her head: "...I... I don't know." Remembering Ruomei's sickly appearance, she felt sympathy but didn't want to trouble Ming Lan.
Ming Lan looked at her for a while, then sighed deeply: "I've arranged a match for you."
The abrupt change in topic left Dan Ju both surprised and embarrassed, entirely stunned.
Ming Lan continued: "It's your uncle's nephew, the one you call 'cousin brother.'"
Dan Ju's entire family had originally served as attendants to the elderly Madam Sheng. When Dan Ju's uncle married off his sister, he requested a favor, and successfully arranged for her to marry into a wealthy family outside. Over the years, the family's business grew increasingly prosperous, and they had a son who is four years older than Dan Ju.
Seeing Dan Ju's flushed face, Ming Lan continued: "Housekeeper Fang says your cousin brother is very capable, able to manage farms and oversee shops. The family is small and it's a good match with some connection to your own family."
Dan Ju's face turned so red that her neck swelled, and after a long pause, she straightened and knelt down, saying, "I will not marry outside. I want to stay by the lady's side for the rest of my life!"
"Ming Lan smiled faintly with some bitterness. Dan Ju was not like Qin Sang, who had family support; she was not as bold as Lü Zhi or as cunning as Xiao Tao. Despite her meticulous and capable nature, she remained too soft-hearted. Although Mama Cui had found many potential matches outside, none were satisfactory. Some seemed honest but might be ineffectual, some appeared cultured but might be flawed, and others who were clever were suspected of being less than virtuous. After much selection, the choices were still difficult, and Ming Lan felt a heavy burden every time she thought about the possibility of Dan Ju ending up in an unhappy or tragic situation."
"From childhood to now, among you sisters, whether it was playing games, competing for pastries and clothes, or competing for trinkets, it was always you who yielded and made peace; whenever you were wronged, you never told anyone but swallowed it yourself. Your nature... I originally wanted to keep you in the house to manage things and stay close by so I could look after you." Ming Lan sighed, remembering how Dan Ju used to handle difficult housekeepers while working under Wang Shi, always smoothing things over and speaking kindly.
Dan Ju's face turned purple, her eyes filled with determination and stubbornness: "I do not wish to marry out; I wish to stay with you, Madam."
"Rare to find a priceless treasure, hard to find a devoted person..." Ming Lan said gently, "Your cousin has waited for you all these years, and despite everything, he never pressed the issue, and even his parents couldn't persuade him. It's truly not easy."
Hearing these words, Danju's face, which had been turning nearly black from the flush of anger, slowly returned to normal. Minglan couldn't help but find it amusing.
"You also like him, don't you?" Minglan asked gently.
Danju's face turned red, and after hesitating for a long time, she finally couldn't withstand Minglan's gaze and said, "When I was young, at my aunt's house... my big cousin came to visit... he treated me very well..."
Minglan understood this well. The family's background was thoroughly known to the housekeeper; they were all good and honest people. In the information-scarce ancient times, it was rare to have such thorough knowledge of someone's background. In such a simple and honest family, Danju being somewhat straightforward was not a problem. Minglan nodded and said, "I think he's quite good as well. Let's settle it then."
Danju still knelt on the ground, her face full of astonishment. She clearly remembered coming to discuss Ruomei's matter, but how did it turn into deciding her own lifelong affair?! With a dazed look, she turned her head, only to see the little bundle of flesh on the bed still sleeping soundly, with the round belly rising and falling.
"You no longer have parents, so your aunt and uncle will handle your marriage for you," Minglan said, dragging her soft-soled shoes around the room as she spoke to herself. "We need to inquire about the family, make the auspicious arrangements, and set the wedding gifts... According to the housekeeper, your future father-in-law recently lost his elder uncle, so it wouldn't be appropriate to rush the wedding. We'll need to wait for a while... That's fine; your uncle will have time to prepare a complete dowry for you. I'll cover the expenses..."
"Madam..." Danju softly wept, "I don't..."
Minglan tilted her head and asked, "What? Are you not going to listen to me?"
Danju, sobbing, stopped her protests. Minglan continued calmly, "I've always said that as long as you don't fail me, I will never fail you. This time, I want you to have all the formalities—the three letters and six etiquettes, the dragon and phoenix robes, and a grand wedding!"
"Madam!" Danju, tears streaming down her face, prostrated deeply, "I have been without parents since I was young and only realized what true care and affection are when I came to your side. The kindness you've shown me, I could never repay in this lifetime, no matter what I do..." By the end, she was crying uncontrollably.
The little bundle of flesh shifted a few times, smacking his lips as if he was not sleeping soundly. Minglan walked to the edge of the bed and gently patted him. "Alright, it's just you now. There probably won't be another like you in the future." The initial feelings are always the truest and most beautiful. "Go and call the wet nurse. The little one should be waking up soon, otherwise, he'll cause a disturbance at night."
Danju quietly stood up, wiped away her tears, and was about to slowly leave when Minglan suddenly spoke again. "If Ruo Mei seeks you out again, just tell her one thing." Danju paused, asking, "Madam, please instruct me."
She was inherently kind-hearted, and now that her future was settled and happiness was within reach, she felt even more pity for Ruo Mei.
"Tell her that, as we were once master and servant, whether it's the master or the Lady of the Public House, if there is any beating, scolding, or harsh treatment in the future, I will stand up for her." Even though Ruo Mei had been close to Minglan, the matter concerned the reputation of Marquis (House of Gu), and even in dealing with a servant, one should be mindful of the master's face.
Danju was a bit taken aback, stammering, "Beating and scolding? ...How could... How could the master...?"
"Just say it that way," Minglan said, as the little bundle of flesh began to squirm with his eyes squinted. She stopped explaining and waved for Danju to leave.
Dan Ju was confused and dazed as she left. She first sent Xiaocui to call the wet nurse, and then took her needlework basket back to her room. There, she saw Lvzhi ironing diapers, smoothing them out. She couldn't help but smile and said, "You're quite meticulous; you're even doing this task yourself."
Lvzhi set the iron down heavily on a nearby small rack and complained, "These little vixens, once they have something good to eat or wear, act like they're walking on oil. When it comes to doing their tasks, they all play dumb!" The diapers for infants need to be both dry and soft, and with the recent rainy weather, drying them properly has been a challenge.
Noticing the troubled expression on Dan Ju's face, Lvzhi's eyes lit up, and she teased, "I saw you being called over again this morning; did Rou Mei complain to you again?" Before Dan Ju could answer, she continued with a smirk, "She should be content now! In the future, her days might be even harder!"
Dan Ju was slightly startled: "What do you mean by that?"
Lǜ zhī added two more pieces of coal to the stove with the tongs, and said smugly: "Young Master Meng said that his elder brother is getting married, and he will be leaving the residence for a few months to return home for the wedding, haha."
"What does that have to do with it..." Before Dan Ju could finish her sentence, Lǜ zhī continued, "Young Master Meng said that once his sister-in-law moves in, his aunt will be relieved of her duties. He even mentioned that after so many years of hard work, if everything goes well, Young Master Meng might bring his aunt to the capital this time!"
Dan Ju's heart sank: "Then what about Rou Mei..."
Mr. Gongsun is a man, so even if he has some discord with Ruomei, it won't affect her daily life. However, once Mrs. Gongsun arrives, she will be like a top supervisor. At that point, with morning and evening greetings, serving tea and water, it will indeed be quite troublesome… Danju couldn't help but feel pity.
However, Lvzhi was all smiles, skillfully ironing the baby's diapers and mocking as she worked: "She still has the nerve to complain? Has the master beaten or scolded her? It's just that he isn't as considerate as the men in operas who compose poetry for their wives. She thinks the lady should speak up for her?! Hmph! Let her have her spring and autumn dreams! She's a concubine, not an ancestor, and still wants to live comfortably?"
Danju ignored her and continued to think deeply: The Marquis treats Mr. Gongsun with almost the respect of a half-teacher, so Mrs. Gongsun is like a half-teacher's wife. The thought of Lady Minglan having to plead with Mr. Gongsun on her behalf was something she simply could not accept.
Lvzhi grew increasingly cheerful, lifting the fire pan and pointing it at Danju, exclaiming loudly: "Don't be such a do-gooder anymore! Stay away from her, or you'll be asking for trouble!"
Danju frowned slightly: "When have I ever been a do-gooder? It's just that we've been sisters for ten years."
Lvzhi continued to vigorously iron the diapers, shaking the ironing stand, and kept talking: "In these ten years, has she ever looked up to us? I know, she's from a noble family, and we're just servants. Now she's trying to remember us as sisters."
Danju sighed lightly, turned around, poured a cup of tea for Lvzhi, and took the fire pan from her hands, saying: "You rest for a while, I'll do it."
Lvzhi carried the tea bowl to the window, looking quite content.
Danju asked casually while working: "Where did you hear these details?"
"I went to inquire myself," Lvzhi replied with a smile, looking down at the tea bowl. "Knowing that she isn't doing well, I feel relieved."