Chapter 210: A Predestined Bond - Part 1

Chapter 210: A Predestined Bond - Part 1

The upheaval over the division of the Yongchang Marquis family lasted for more than half a month. When the eldest of the Liang family returned to the capital in early February, he reported first to the Ministry of War. Afterward, he rushed home, where he knelt before his stepmother, crying and begging for forgiveness. In front of the family elders, he rebuked his wife for her ignorance and foolishness. To emphasize his point, he even slapped her once. Then, turning to his three brothers, he passionately recounted their late father's wishes for unity among them to ensure the family's future.

In the end, with the elders looking on in relief, the four brothers embraced, weeping. Madam Liang's lips twitched, while the four daughters-in-law stood awkwardly by, their expressions mismatched (showing their youth and inability to fully mask their emotions). Thus, the scene concluded.

"…So, they're not dividing the family?" Minglan was both amused and exasperated.

Madam Liu sighed, nodding. She hesitated before asking, "Sixth sister, do you think… that the eldest Liang truly had no idea what his wife had been up to?"

Before Minglan could respond, Hualan scoffed and said disdainfully, "That can't be true; it's all just an act! No wonder everyone says the Liang family's eldest is exceptionally capable, flexible, and shrewd. But seeing him act so inconsistently is laughable!"

Minglan pondered for a moment and then cautiously speculated, "I think the eldest master of the Liang family originally intended to inherit the title through merit. But when that hope was dashed, he grew resentful. Realizing that his brothers were not very capable and that the marquisate was weaker than before, he considered setting up his own household to avoid entanglements. So, in a letter, he hinted to his wife about the idea of splitting up the family."

Madam Liu and Hualan nodded, urging Minglan to continue.

"The idea of dividing the family came from the eldest Liang master in a moment of frustration after losing the title. He hadn't fully thought it through. But the eldest wife, already inclined toward it, seized on his hint and started making a fuss. Little did she expect…" Minglan gave a faintly mocking smile and stopped short.

"Little did she expect that the proud Madam Liang, who previously paid no attention to household affairs, would suddenly become formidable," Hualan laughed, picking up where Minglan left off. "She rallied relatives to build momentum and argued that discussing division less than a hundred days after the father's passing was a disgrace. Realizing he'd miscalculated, the eldest Liang master quickly backtracked. Ah, pity the eldest wife's face—it's all just a performance of self-pity!"

Listening to the sisters' sharp analysis, Madam Liu, though not personally aware of all the details, couldn't help but marvel at how closely it matched what the second lady of the Liang family had privately confided in her. She sighed inwardly at how intelligent and perceptive the Sheng family's children were—yet, somehow, she'd ended up with the two most naive ones. Her husband wasn't so bad, at least; he was willing to take her advice. But that straightforward sister-in-law of hers… sigh.

Since it was clear the eldest brother lacked loyalty, a family division was only a matter of time. The key was to encourage her husband to improve himself; once the three-year mourning period was over, they could have a son, and their future would be secure. The concubine of the Wan family couldn't have any more children, and only had a single daughter. No matter how much she was favored, what was the point of arguing over her? She was nothing but a clever face with a foolish mind.

As Madam Liu pondered and brooded, suddenly, the sound of children laughing echoed in from outside. It turned out Minglan had asked Xiaotao to open half of the window to disperse the heat from the charcoal.

It was still chilly outside, and the expansive courtyard of Jiayi Residence was covered in lingering frost. Lüzhi and a few young maids were clearing away the remaining snow. The thin layer of ice on the ground hadn't yet melted, and the girls were laughing and playing as they worked. They picked up pieces of ice to slip into each other's collars or sleeves, and pushed each other, sliding back and forth. They wobbled but kept their balance, luckily bundled up warmly and roundly, so no one got hurt—just rosy-cheeked and excited from their playful antics.

The three inside found the scene outside amusing. After a while, Minglan felt a slight chill and asked Xiaotao to close the window.

Turning back, Hualan chuckled, "Speaking of which, Fourth Brother was born around this time of year. I remember that year—I was playing outside in the cold wind when someone came to tell me, 'Eldest Miss, you have another younger brother.' I didn't think much of it, but the old nanny beside me started nagging, saying, 'You can't be mischievous anymore; you need to be more dignified.'"

Minglan covered her mouth with a handkerchief and giggled, "I've heard from Mama Fang that Eldest Sister was quite the mischievous one when she was little. Grandma and Father and Mother all doted on you, never willing to scold you, which worried the old nanny to no end. So every time a new child was born, she would go on for days, just hoping Heaven would bless her with the miracle of Eldest Sister suddenly becoming a role model for her younger siblings!"

Madam Liu also laughed. "Who would have thought? Now Eldest Sister is dignified and graceful, a model wife and mother. Everyone praises you—your old nanny should see you now."

Thinking back to her childhood, Hualan smiled wryly. "Dignified and graceful—maybe not quite. Ah, that old nanny was originally the wet nurse of Grand Madam and cared for me for many years. She got older and went back home to enjoy time with her grandchildren." She then pointed to Minglan and said to Madam Liu, "This girl was always the obedient one—ate when she was told, slept when she was told, never caused trouble. Unlike Fifth Sister, who was like a firecracker, never calm for even a moment. Ah, time flies…" She clicked her tongue and sighed at how quickly the years had passed, then asked about the progress of Changdong's marriage.

Madam Liu laughed, saying, "Look at how busy things have been lately—we're all getting muddled. I was just about to mention this. I'd like to trouble Sixth Sister to pass a message to the other side, saying that Master Sheng is extremely satisfied. However, since we haven't formally informed the elders yet, it wouldn't be proper to proceed without their approval. A few days ago, we sent someone to ask Grandmother's opinion; once we receive her reply, we can formally propose the marriage."

Minglan also laughed and said, "A few days won't make a difference. Who isn't busy during the New Year festivities? They're probably too occupied to give it much thought either." Sheng Laoye (Sheng Hong) always handled matters of decorum meticulously, leaving no room for anyone to find fault.

After seeing off Hualan and Madam Liu, Minglan was about to call for the nanny to bring little Tuan over to play when Sister Che entered, swaying her ample hips. Barely seated, she excitedly said, "Madam asked me to find a marriage match for Miss Fengxian, and there's already a lead."

Minglan was surprised, "So soon?" Then, smiling, she added, "Sister, you're quite capable!"

Lady Che didn't hide her satisfaction and, without any false modesty, said cheerfully, "Well, if I didn't have some skill, how could I make a living at this?"

As she explained the situation, Minglan learned that the family's surname was Guo. They were wealthy landowners in a remote county, with the husband and wife both known for their competence, having accumulated over a hundred acres of prime farmland. The wife was five or six years older than her husband and had reached an age where she accepted her limitations. Their eldest son had already married last year.

Madam Guo, feeling her own age and fading looks, wanted to bring in a beautiful young woman to serve her husband. However, there were few well-groomed young women in such a small town. A girl like Fengxian, the daughter of a disgraced official, was ideal—easier to control than a high-born concubine and more proper than a woman from a pleasure house.

"As long as Madam approves, we can send her over within a few days," Lady Che said.

Minglan was eager to settle the matter quickly and immediately sent Cuiwei to inform Fengxian.

After a while, Fengxian arrived, her face flushed, standing awkwardly in the hall with her floral-patterned dress. Minglan patiently listened to her sigh about her circumstances for half a tea's worth of time before Fengxian shyly asked, "Is there anyone better?"

Minglan's face stiffened. "Yes, a few of the village heads came to deliver New Year gifts. There are still dozens of strong men who don't have wives."

Seeing Minglan's expression sour, Fengxian quickly responded, saying she was willing to marry. Only then did Minglan relax a little and, in a more kindly tone, exchanged a few words with her. However, Fengxian, still blushing, asked, "How is that gentleman, my future husband?"

Minglan: …

Fengxian: "Uh, Madam, how much dowry do you plan to give me?"

Minglan: …

Fengxian: "It's a long journey, so it's inconvenient to bring anything else. I can just bring the silver."

Minglan: …

The woman sent by their malicious rival was treated well, fed and clothed, and provided with a marriage match. In the end, a dowry was even required. Minglan remained silent for a long time, unable to bear that she had somehow fallen into the role of a saint.

Before sending her off, Minglan refused to meet with Miss Fengxian again and agreed to provide a dowry of twenty taels of silver. However, she could take the jewelry that the Gan family had originally sent. Just before leaving, Lu Zhi, quite assertively, searched through Fengxian's luggage and found a pair of delicate Ru kiln official blue-and-white porcelain vases shaped like phoenixes and a small handwarmer with gold-painted pink glaze and jade tassels.

{ both items would be considered highly expensive, especially in a historical context, where such craftsmanship and materials were symbols of wealth and prestige.}

Lady Che wiped her forehead in sweat, saying, "I originally thought she was a delicate, fragile young lady."

Minglan sighed inwardly. Being a talented young lady came at a cost. Take her dear little sister-in-law, Miss Tingcan, for example. Since her marriage, she had been silent and invisible. The Princess's mansion was strict, and there was no way to gather information. It was only through Xiao Shen that she had heard some gossip from Madam Zheng, who had teased Minglan, saying, "Your little sister-in-law loves to stand out, doesn't she? The young ladies from the Han family held a poetry meeting, and she won first place."

It was occasionally mentioned by Madam Zhang, as if to help the new wife adjust quickly. In the second month after the wedding, the princess sent a wet nurse to teach the rules. Six months later, another was added, and a year later, two more.

While other mothers-in-law loved filling their sons' courtyards with concubines, this princess, on the other hand, kept sending wet nurses—truly a clever move.

This is the power of the royal family. In the princess's residence, if you please the right people, they'll say, "In our own household, there are no restrictions." But if they're displeased, they'll assign you the rules of 13 semesters, totaling 250 credits, or even delay your graduation—leaving you with no room to complain.

The world is tough, and in such times, even a concubine has it better than a talented lady.