Chapter 191: The Ways of the World — This Gains While That Loses
That night's argument was one both of them were eager to forget. It was just how someone was by nature, and reality was as such; since it couldn't be changed, Gu Tingye could only accept it helplessly. In the following days, Minglan remained virtuous, and Gu Tingye continued to care for the family.One day, on his way back from the government office, he passed a tavern and caught a whiff of a familiar aroma wafting out. Feeling momentarily tempted, he bought a pair of plump crystal pig's trotters to take home. Wrapped in green lotus leaves, the rich, sweet aroma of the fully cooked meat awakened the little chubby boy, who had been dozing in the wet nurse's arms. He suddenly became alert, his bright black-and-white eyes fixed on the trotters.Minglan, feeling mischievous, walked over with a strange smile, intending to make him take a bite. However, the poor little boy, who had only a few tufts of glutinous rice hair and no front teeth, couldn't possibly manage to chew that slick, oily skin.When Gu Tingye emerged from his bath, he saw his son sitting in the armchair with his chubby legs crossed, looking pitiful and on the verge of tears. His not-so-well-meaning mother, on the other hand, was laughing uproariously, saying, "You need to reason with him; I didn't say he couldn't eat it—he just can't bite into it himself!"Then she laughed so hard that she nearly fell over, finding amusement in her greasy-faced son. Turning around, she spotted her husband standing a few steps away and immediately put on a timid and honest expression. Seeing this scene, Gu Tingye couldn't help but sigh. Having such a mole-like wife who would dig up dirt to cover his head, he felt he could enjoy a peaceful life—he truly wasn't an ordinary person with good fortune.The reconciliation between the marquis and his wife brought joy to some and concern to others in the household. Mama Cui and Cui Wei were naturally pleased, but Xiao Tao felt a bit puzzled. That night, she had stayed outside, vaguely hearing the sounds of their argument. Initially anxious, she was surprised to see the marquis climb into his wife's bed in the middle of the night. Why had the lady been so submissive to the marquis a few days ago, only for him to return after such a loud quarrel? Did fighting actually work? If that were the case, wouldn't it be even better to give the man a good beating?Xiao Tao sighed softly, thinking that her mistress was honest and weak (or at least that was her perception). She probably wouldn't dare hit the marquis, but perhaps she could try it in the future.After the news spread, when Qiu Niang came to pay her respects, she looked a bit resentful. A few days later, she timidly brought out two new moon-white shirts she had made, saying, "It's been really hot, so I made a summer outfit for both the lady and the marquis. I'm quite clumsy, so please don't mind it if it's not to your liking."Minglan took the clothes and examined them closely. The men's shirt was clearly well-crafted, while the women's shirt was not bad either—soft and neatly made. However, a glance from the experienced Cui Wei revealed that it had been rushed, as the stitching was a bit uneven.Seeing Qiu Niang's forlorn expression, Minglan couldn't help but feel angry. This elder sister seemed to believe she was like Wang Baochuan, steadfastly waiting for eighteen years in a cold cave, hoping that one day her lord would return, even if it meant bringing back a princess.Even after Gu Tingye had thrown the soup bowl that day, she continued to sew clothes without resentment. Unfortunately, before she could finish sewing on the sleeves, Gu Tingye moved back to Jiaxi Courtyard, so she had no choice but to wipe her tears and make another outfit.That evening, Minglan presented Qiu Niang's heartfelt effort to her husband. Gu Tingye held up the garment and shook it in front of her, his eyes filled with a look that said, "If you don't value me, there are plenty of others who do." Seeing Minglan pouting, he pretended to ask, "Why isn't the lady happy?"Minglan sulked, "I'm not afraid of thieves stealing; I'm afraid of thieves having their eyes on it.""There are quite a few who have their eyes on the lady," Gu Tingye said nonchalantly.Minglan fell silent, secretly frustrated—this was the consequence of laying everything bare.Until it was time to change and extinguish the lights, Minglan remained sullen. Gu Tingye rested his warm arm under her neck and asked, "What's wrong?""I'm thinking about something despicable.""What is it?""Even if I can't eat, I want to spit in the bowl so that no one else can eat."There was suddenly a pause in the tent, and Gu Tingye silently laughed. He rolled over, pressing himself on top of her, and reached into her inner garment, his voice low as he said, "If you eat a few more bites, then others won't get any."...However, that summer garment was never worn by Gu Tingye and was taken away by Xiaotao, after which its whereabouts were unknown.Luzhi was in high spirits and specially went to chat with the old woman from Kouxiang Courtyard. Inadvertently, she let something slip, and when Qiu Niang found out, she cried into her pillow for a long time. When Cui Wei learned of this, she poked Luzhi's forehead and scolded, "What am I going to do with you? Can't you be a little more discreet?"Lǜzhī stubbornly said, "The mistress has always treated her well, but just because she had a little spat with the lord recently, she rushed over to please him. If she doesn't face some hardships, I won't feel right about it!"As July arrived, on the day of Danju's wedding, Minglan specifically asked Xiaotao, Lüzhi, and Cui Xiu to go and enjoy the festivities. When the girls returned, they chattered excitedly about how joyful and lively everything was, describing the drumming and firecrackers, and how bright and beautiful the bridal attire and hairpins were. Cuiwei listened with both ears full, while the little maids either envied or exclaimed in amazement, chattering for most of the day before finally quieting down.Once everyone had left, Bisi quietly said, "Sister Danju has found a good match; I wonder how our futures will unfold."Lüzhi glanced at her, "The mistress has her own ideas. But... since you're so eager to plan for yourself, you've probably thought this through already!" Although it was a big statement, she never quite approved of Bisi's lazy nature.Bisi immediately blushed, "What nonsense are you talking about?"Within three or four days, Danju brought her newlywed husband to the marquis's residence to pay respects. When Minglan saw her rosy complexion and the joy and shyness that lingered in her brows, she felt relieved. "You must bring me wedding eggs next year." The room was filled with old friends and sisters, and light laughter echoed everywhere. Danju was so shy that she almost wanted to burrow into the ground, and in the end, her husband had to support her to leave the door.Around this time, there were many auspicious days, and the fourth room's Tinging was also getting married. The old lady of the fourth house, worried about dreams turning into reality if they waited too long, hurried to arrange the wedding within the year. Minglan ordered a pair of inlaid emerald and red gold headpieces at Cui Bao Zhai, along with three hundred taels of silver as a wedding gift, which was quite respectable. Since Tinging was marrying outside the capital, her eldest brother, Tingxuan, had to personally escort her. Fortunately, the husband's family was not far away, so it would only take half a month for a round trip.With the only flesh and blood getting married, the old lady of the fourth house had not stopped crying for a while. Minglan had no choice but to visit her. During the visit, she also saw the disheveled and dusty Liu Concubine, who was being ordered about, and the old master of the fourth house, who was being 'cared for' extremely well—he knew everything but couldn't move at all.Minglan felt not an ounce of sympathy; after living a carefree and indulgent life for most of his years, it was time to pay the price.The shifting fortunes affected not just one family but two women—one who had improved and another who had worsened. Minglan seriously suspected that the fates of these two women were in conflict. Previously, Mrs. Zhang often asked Minglan to mediate with the Zhang family, but now it was Mrs. Zheng who frequently came to ask her to talk to the young Mrs. Shen.Mrs. Zhang had pulled herself together; she was now in charge of managing the household and was dedicated to raising her children, living a fulfilling life. In contrast, the young Mrs. Shen had yet to recover from the recent low period of the Shen family. Her belly was getting larger, while she was becoming increasingly thin. Coupled with her spiritlessness and low mood, she seemed to be in a constant state of anxiety, which was truly alarming to those who saw her."How can she go on like this?" After everyone had gone to bed, Minglan stepped outside and whispered.Mrs. Zheng sighed, "Recently, I don't know where the rumor started, but it said that the emperor intended to depose the empress and dismiss the country uncle, which frightened this child so much that she cries several times a day and talks nonsense..."Minglan fell silent. She knew that the young Mrs. Shen was worried that if the Shen family fell from grace, the Zheng family would abandon her. With such a fragile mental state, how could she dare to compete with the women from the Zhang family? It was truly reckless.Before Minglan could lament further, the ripple effects of the Zhang-Shen turmoil had already reached her own household.Since Shen Congxing had been put in confinement for self-reflection, his duties had fallen once again onto Gu Tingye's shoulders. Along with his responsibilities, he also had to take on some of the affairs of the old Duke Zhang. This meant that he sometimes had to stay outside for several days at a time—short stays of three to five days, and longer ones of seven to eight days. At times, he would be at the military camp in the western suburbs, sometimes at the armory, and occasionally he would even have to go to the cavalry camp outside the city."Today, Mrs. Zhong came by to visit. She mentioned how busy the marquis is now and said she envies him," Minglan said as she packed some clean clothes into a bundle. "Is General Zhong very free these days?"Gu Tingye, sitting at the mirror to tie up his hair, replied, "It takes a thousand days to raise an army, but it only takes a moment to use it. Once the army is called upon, there will be no time to spare.""I'd rather you be busy in your daily life than on the battlefield," Minglan said.Wearing a purple-and-white two-color gold-threaded crown sash over his shoulder, Gu Tingye turned his head and smiled gently at her. He believed that she was sincere in her words. Before heading out, he picked her up and kissed her again—actually, without needing to delve deeply into anything, living life this way seemed quite nice.Slowly, Minglan began to get used to managing the affairs of the marquisate on her own. During her free time, she would occasionally visit the Zheng family, socialize with Madam Xuan, and occasionally check in at the Duke's residence. Life felt quite fulfilling.One day, after returning home, she found Cuiwei waiting at the door of Jiaxi Residence, her neck craned to look out. As soon as she saw Minglan, she rushed over, saying, "Madam, you're finally back! The old lady has come to visit."Minglan felt both surprised and delighted and quickly walked into the house. Inside, she saw a spirited old woman sitting in the middle of the room, playing with the little boy in Cui Mama's arms. The old lady was holding a jade toad attached to a red silk thread, shaking it in her hand. The little boy stretched out his tiny hands, making an effort to grab it. When he managed to touch it, he laughed joyfully; when he missed, he puffed up his cheeks in frustration, which made the old lady beam with delight.Minglan pounced in front of the old lady's legs and playfully said, "Grandmother, did you come specifically to see me today? You must have missed me after not seeing me for so many days."Old Lady Sheng poked her forehead with a finger and said, "Miss you, my foot!" Then she hung the jade toad around the little boy's neck and said to Cui Mama, "Change the silk thread to a red cord and tie it tightly. Be careful not to let the boy swallow it.""Grandmother, such a valuable item..." Over the years of being married to Gu Tingye, Minglan had seen quite a few good things, and her eye for quality had greatly improved. This jade toad was warm and green, crystal clear and flawless, clearly a rare find."Shut up," Old Lady Sheng said with a stern expression. "I'm giving something to my great-grandson; what does it have to do with you?" Then she told Cui Mama and Cuiwei, "You both go out first; I want to have a few words with this little nuisance."Minglan chuckled foolishly a few times and obediently sat to the side. Cui Mama suppressed a laugh in response and then carried the little boy outside. Once the door was closed, Old Lady Sheng turned back and said, "You honestly tell me, have you been quarreling with your husband?""...Where did you hear that, Grandmother?" Minglan stammered, taken aback.Old Lady Sheng's face turned as dark as a pot bottom. "And you say your husband isn't sleeping in the same room with you now?""He's back to sleeping early!" Minglan blurted out in a panic.Old Lady Sheng took a deep breath. "So, you did have a quarrel? Your husband really moved out?"Minglan's face turned red as she stammered, "What couple doesn't argue? But..." She couldn't help but raise her voice, "He moved back over half a month ago!" Where did this outdated information come from?!Suddenly, a thought crossed her mind, and she quickly asked, "Could it be Aunt Kang who told you, Grandmother?"Old Lady Sheng snapped, "It was your useless Madam! But she isn't the only one; her sister is also to blame." After letting out a sigh of relief, the old lady frowned again, "How did this matter get out to the outside world?"Minglan looked disgruntled. "Isn't it because of that colored ring Madam gave me? I left it at the estate, thinking that if there were no issues, I would return it to her parents for her to marry off. Who knew she bribed one of the maids in my household to constantly gather information?""That wretched maid!" Lady Sheng exclaimed angrily, slamming her hand down on the armrest. "What do you plan to do with her?"Minglan hesitated, "I... haven't really thought it through yet..." In truth, she wasn't good at being harsh when dealing with people."Leave her to me," Lady Sheng said sternly. "I'll find her a proper place."Minglan quickly waved her hands, "No, no, it's fine. I need to learn how to handle servants myself. After all, she was sent by the mistress; it wouldn't look good if you dealt with her personally."Lady Sheng scoffed, "She's never looked good. After your sister-in-law came back, I handed over the household matters to her. You can imagine how Madam has been behaving! It's not that I don't trust her, but now that the Wang family has returned, those two sisters have become even closer, and I can't say much..." After a pause, she stomped her foot and said, "Hmph, it won't end well sooner or later!"Minglan sighed, "Without Aunt Kang, the mistress is actually not that bad.""Who says she's not!" Lady Sheng replied angrily. "All she learns are poisonous tricks. Not long ago, she was incited to make Dongge's aunt kneel in the scorching sun for an hour!"Minglan was greatly surprised. "Why is that? Aunt Xiang has always been honest and upright." After more than ten years, when Aunt Xiang was young and beautiful, why didn't Wang Shi cause a stir, but now she is making a fuss?"Isn't it because your fourth brother passed the county exam?" Lady Sheng took a sip of tea. "Our good concubine said that we should suppress her power early to prevent future troubles!""This is only the first exam; the Madam is really something," Minglan remarked.Old Madam Sheng angrily said, "That child you recommended is truly exceptional; he did extremely well. Just when your father is encouraging Dong Ge'er to study hard, this happens. Your father is also quite furious!"The grandmother and granddaughter fell silent for a moment, both sighing."Let's not dwell on these bothersome matters. Why don't you tell me how you and your husband got into a quarrel?" The old lady's expression turned gentle.Minglan lowered her head, feeling embarrassed. "He thinks I'm not sincere enough."The old lady was puzzled.Minglan could only pick out the important matters to share, then indignantly said, "Isn't this person strange? Everything is going well, yet he keeps getting entangled in trivialities! Does he want me to scold him and dig into everything he does every day, how many people he has met, and what he has gone through?! Aren't men the ones who dislike this the most?"Old Madam Sheng laughed so hard she almost doubled over, pointing at her and saying, "You, you! Truly a child who doesn't understand!"Once her laughter finally subsided, she patted her chest and said, "In this world, things can't all be one-sided. You don't need to dig deep, but you should at least ask a few more questions! Go outside and inquire a bit. That woman doesn't like to ask her man, does she? Just scolding him as a 'dead ghost'? You, on the other hand, are polite about everything; do you think he is your boss or your superior?"Minglan almost said, "You guessed it right; I really do treat him like a boss."After joking around for a while, the old lady was too lazy to dwell on these trivial marital matters. "Well, now that your husband is treating you well, that's your blessing." Then she furrowed her brow and added, "It's just that military officials often leave home, which isn't good."Minglan shook her head. "Civil officials are no good either; they have strict and demanding mothers-in-law."Old Madam Sheng shifted from laughter to sighing: "The girl has indeed improved a lot in her temperament."As the time approached for Wen Yan to be officially appointed to a post outside, Lady Wen became increasingly busy. One moment she wanted to go to the countryside to escape the heat, and the next she wanted to return to her hometown to visit relatives, constantly dragging Ru Lan along. Ru Lan managed to endure it. However, Wang Shi once made a fierce remark, threatening that if Ru Lan didn't follow her husband to his post, she would cause a great uproar and disrupt her son-in-law's affairs."Fifth Sister has grown up!" Minglan sighed.Lady Sheng pinched her nose affectionately and said, "You've always been so sensible since you were little, like a little adult, but now you seem to be growing younger." Suddenly feeling sentimental, a look of satisfaction appeared in her eyes. "For a woman to become more innocent and naive after marriage is actually a blessing."It is when life is difficult that one is forced to grow up quickly; it is the care and love from others that allows one to develop into someone more innocent and naive. Like Old Madam Yu, who, despite her age, still retains the temperament of a young lady from her days in the boudoir.Minglan remained silent; she understood what this meant.Since marrying Gu Tingye, she hardly needed to please anyone or tolerate anything. She was in charge of the vast Marquis's residence (houfu) and had free rein over her finances, able to spend money as she wished and change servants at will. She could go out whenever she wanted or stay in bed as long as she liked; everyone scrambled to curry favor with her, and no one dared to give her a hard time or look down on her. Once the gates of the Marquis's residence were closed, there was nothing she couldn't do—Gu Tingye had granted her almost all power and trust.Of course, she also worked hard and remained cautious; yet compared to her previous life as a careful and cautious concubine, her current life was much easier. Although it was hard work, it was also quite comfortable.Thinking of this made her yearn even more for the source of her good life, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was doing at that moment.After feeling gloomy for two days, Minglan had just coaxed Tuan Ge'er to sleep when Lü Zhi rushed in, followed by Cui Ping, who had already married. As soon as she saw Minglan, she knelt down and cried, "Miss, please hurry back and take a look. The old lady is in trouble!"Minglan felt as if her heart had stopped for a moment, and she said sharply, "What did you say?"Cui Ping sobbed, "She was fine at first, but she started feeling unwell from the afternoon. At first, the old lady didn't want to call for a doctor, but just as the meal was being served, she fainted. Now... now..."Minglan collapsed onto the bed, her mind in a whirl. She needed to calm down, calm down... She shouted at Lü Zhi, "Get my message and ask Doctor Lin to come! Quickly, quickly, prepare the carriage and send someone directly to the Sheng residence!"