Chapter 214: The Wind Grows Strong at Night

Chapter 214: The Wind Grows Strong at Night

This chapter title suggests a dramatic or tense event occurring at night, potentially involving an urgent or sudden change in circumstances. The phrase "night wind" often evokes a sense of foreboding or impending action in Chinese literature.

Madam Yu, or more accurately, the former Madam Yu, came from the Fang family. Her father and grandfather held high-ranking positions, making their influence quite formidable. This allowed her, a daughter born of a concubine, to marry into the Yu family as a second wife to the eldest son. However, by the time it came to Madam Yu's generation, the Fang family was already in decline.

After Madam Yu was sent back to her family, her legitimate elder brother, Master Fang, went to the Yu household to argue on her behalf. However, after a private conversation with Grand Secretary Yu in his study, he never mentioned the matter again.

As for the reasons behind this, the general public speculated three possibilities: First, the Fang family, now in decline and with many unworthy descendants, lacked the strength to contest the Yu family. Second, the sibling relationship between Madam Yu and her brother was half-hearted at best, as they were half-siblings with different mothers, and he was not deeply invested in her plight. Third… it was said that Grand Secretary Yu was exceptionally persuasive.

After being divorced and sent back to her natal home, Madam Yu was not treated too harshly by the Fang family. After all, her children remained in the Yu household under the personal care and upbringing of Grand Secretary Yu and his wife. If her children achieved success in the future, Madam Yu might still find a way to regain her standing.

Unfortunately for Madam Yu, her earlier years were far too fortunate.

As a young lady, her birth mother was the favored one in the inner quarters, and her father doted on her as if she were his very life. She had whatever she desired, and even her legitimate sisters dared not challenge her. After marriage, she spent more than a decade following her husband, Master Yu, while he served in various posts. She had him completely under her thumb, with her word being law.

Who would have thought that after becoming a divorced woman, Madam Yu would still be unable to change her arrogant and domineering ways? She spent her days scolding people and mistreating servants, constantly quarreling with her sister-in-law and nieces-in-law. Her behavior made it impossible for her to stay in the Fang household, and she was eventually sent to Baiyun Nunnery in the suburbs of the capital to live as a nun.

Originally, her story had seemingly reached its conclusion. But who could have guessed that, at some point, these two old hags would team up again?

"…I remember back when we had just separated from the Third Master's household, Madam Yu—oh no, I mean Madam Fang—didn't she visit the Old Madam once? But she got thrown out. So how come now…?!" The logic behind such connections was beyond the comprehension of honest people.

Lüzhi, however, was much sharper and immediately scoffed, "What good could come of the two of them getting together? If they've teamed up, it's probably just to plot more ways to harm others!"

Minglan remained silent for a moment before saying, "Ignore them. Even if this weren't happening, we should still remain cautious."

She glanced through the account book in her hands, then looked up and instructed, "Have Steward Hao deliver a message over there. Tell them that Madam Fang is not a good person, that her intentions are malicious, and it would be wise for the Old Madam to keep her distance."

Lüzhi immediately responded and prepared to leave, but Nanny Cui hesitated. "Madam, saying this will likely be in vain. The Old Madam won't listen."

Minglan smiled faintly. "Many words in this world are spoken in vain. Consider it fulfilling a duty of kinship."

Hearing this, Lüzhi wasted no time and lifted the curtain to carry out the task. Steward Hao, experienced and efficient, completed the errand in half a day and quickly returned to report to Minglan. He relayed that after receiving the message, the Old Madam merely sneered coldly and said, 'If you refuse to help the dying, then spare me the nonsense. Tell your Madam to mind her own business; everything else is none of her concern.'

Minglan was unsurprised and stopped the furious Nanny Cui from speaking. She waved her hand, signaling Hao Dacheng to leave and rest.

This matter was like a tiny pebble causing only a few ripples before quickly subsiding into calm waters. Afterward, Minglan continued her daily routine: nurturing her pregnancy, managing the household, teaching the little chubby boy to speak, checking the two girls' homework, listening to Xiao Shen's gossip about the amusing struggles of the Second Household at the Princess' residence, and occasionally worrying about Ruomei's belly, which seemed to swell like an overinflated balloon.

Since the two families had started preparing for the engagement, little Changdong finally realized he now had a fiancée. Who would've thought that carrying an old nanny down the mountain would earn him a wife with a rich dowry? The return on investment was better than selling opium—it truly seemed like good deeds bring good fortune.

One day during the bright spring of March, after his lessons, little Changdong avoided his friend Changnian and timidly came to see Minglan. He claimed he was visiting his Sixth Sister, but his words were clumsy and disjointed, and his face was as red as blood.

Minglan pretended not to understand his intentions and kept steering the conversation away. One moment, she praised his future father-in-law from the Shen family for his excellent knife skills, joking that he could discipline a misbehaving son-in-law if needed. The next, she mentioned how his future brother-in-law was well-learned, suggesting they could learn from each other after marriage.

—But she never got to the point! This left little Changdong so anxious that he was scratching his head and nearly steaming from his ears.

Mama Cui was an honest person. She shot Minglan a look and gently pulled the young boy aside, speaking kindly, "Don't worry, Dong-ge'er. That young lady was personally chosen by your sister—she won't steer you wrong. She's both virtuous and kind. Just the other day, she sent over a sachet, and her needlework is top-notch."

Little Changdong's eyes lit up, and he let out a soft oh, but he still sneaked glances at Minglan, hesitant to speak.

Minglan understood his thoughts perfectly. With a bold wave of her hand, she declared, "Mama Cui, leave this to me. There are some things you just wouldn't understand." Then, pulling her younger brother closer, she smiled mischievously, her expression full of teasing intent.

"Fourth Brother," she began, "that young lady looks just like…"

Little Changdong's heart leaped into his throat, and his ears perked up, hanging on every word. Minglan struggled to keep from laughing.

"…just like Mama Cui."

Little Changdong's mouth dropped open in shock as he turned to look at Mama Cui's face, stern and weathered with deep lines.

Minglan feigned earnestness, patting her younger brother's shoulder. "When choosing a wife, virtue is the most important quality. A good wife should be capable and virtuous above all else."

Changdong was utterly disheartened. He lowered his head, overwhelmed by despair and confusion, on the verge of tears.

Mama Cui couldn't take it any longer. She quickly pulled the young boy aside, reassuring him, "Dong-ge'er, don't listen to your sister. She's been fond of teasing people lately. That young lady is quite pretty!"

Hope rekindled in Changdong's heart. He drew a warm breath, looking at Mama Cui with gratitude. Meanwhile, his mischievous sister was doubled over with laughter, clutching her belly and pounding the bed in mirth.

After such playful antics, the household enjoyed a few carefree days. Unexpectedly, an unanticipated visitor arrived—Madam Zhu. Even Minglan was momentarily stunned. After a brief pause, she quietly uttered, "Invite her in."

Mama Cui, concerned, took no chances. She stationed several sturdy maids outside the room and personally stayed by Minglan's side with Xiaotao and others, pretending to busy herself serving tea and water, all the while keeping a hawk-like eye on Madam Zhu.

Madam Zhu noticed the setup and could only smile wryly, saying nothing.

The two sisters-in-law sat facing each other for half a cup of tea before Madam Zhu slowly began to speak. "I came here today without Mother-in-law's knowledge. She assumes I've returned to my parents' home…" A faint, self-deprecating smile appeared on her face. "Not that it matters; I've been going back often lately anyway."

Minglan raised her eyebrows slightly, feigning confusion.

Madam Zhu fixed her gaze on Minglan's eyes and said softly, "The other day, Mother-in-law came to see you about Tingcan. You've always been clever; you must have guessed as much. That's why you refused to see her."

Minglan remained silent, but instead replied, "I imagine the first person the Old Madam sought for help was you, her eldest daughter-in-law."

Madam Zhu shook her head helplessly and smiled bitterly. "This isn't the first time it's been about Tingcan. Although the Earl of Chengping's family has some influence, in the eyes of the royal family, what weight does it really carry?" She paused, then smiled faintly. "My parents and elder sister-in-law are wonderful people. The other day, they agreed to betroth my eldest niece to our Xian'er in the future."

Minglan nodded in acknowledgment.

The legitimate eldest granddaughter of the Earl of Chengping's family being betrothed to a son of a powerless branch of a marquisate—Madam Zhu's brother and sister-in-law were indeed magnanimous. Even if Gu Tingye turned a blind eye in the future, Xian'er's prospects would still be safeguarded by the Zhu family. After all, good resources should be used wisely. A married woman relying too frequently on her natal family for help could wear down even the most understanding siblings-in-law.

"Mother-in-law spoke to me about this matter several times, but I refused every time. She got angry and scolded me for being unfilial, even bringing up my parents and brothers. I couldn't hold back and argued back. Honestly, even if she weren't a princess's daughter-in-law, how has Tingcan's behavior been worthy of her family defending her?" Madam Zhu's voice unconsciously rose, as if venting grievances she had long suppressed, spilling them all at once.

"To put it bluntly—and forgive me for saying so—my second sister-in-law and I both have sons. If someone like Tingcan were to become our daughter-in-law, we'd probably be furious too! It's not just about her constant petty temper. Take filial piety, for example. Even the princess's first two daughters-in-law, who've already had children, were expected to adhere to the rules. Tingcan, on the other hand, after only serving for two days, acts so frail and weak, constantly seeing doctors and taking medicine as if she were on the verge of death. When her husband said a few words of reproach, she burst into tears, crying that he didn't care for her or pity her…"

Madam Zhu grew so animated in her speech that a faint flush appeared on her face. Back then, after saying those words, her mother-in-law had punished her by making her stand for an hour.

Minglan sat there with a dark expression, clearly exasperated.

It was said that years ago, when the elder Madam Qin first entered the household, she had barely served her mother-in-law for half a meal when she fainted dramatically. This happened right as the old Madam Qin's chopsticks were still in midair, in full view of a room full of maids, servants, and other sisters-in-law.

The filial son of the fiery temperament, Gu Yankai, rushed back at lightning speed, cradling his wife in his arms and refusing to let go. The iron-blooded warrior of the battlefield was nearly in tears, kowtowing and begging his parents with heartfelt cries. The old couple, already half-scared to death by their daughter-in-law, were then further enraged by their son. Half a meal resulted in such a fiasco, and the effort to establish rules for the elder Madam Qin had to be quietly abandoned.

When the news reached the Qin family, the Marquis of Dongchang and his wife were full of praise for their daughter-in-law's cleverness. Perhaps, as a young girl, the younger Madam Qin listened to these tales with awe and admiration, treating them as exemplary achievements to be shared with her own daughter.

Oh heavens, oh earth… Faced with such a fan of utter absurdity, Minglan could only be speechless.

Madam Zhu, having let out all her pent-up grievances, continued until she reached the part where Tingcan refused to eat after the new bride entered the household. Unfortunately, her resolve lasted only two days, breaking on the third day when she finally served tea as custom demanded.

Madam Zhu finally stopped, pressing her chest and catching her breath, clearly having vented enough. With an embarrassed smile, she said, "Second Sister, don't laugh at me. Honestly, these matters aren't something I can say just anywhere."

Minglan personally poured her a cup of tea, her smile warm and gentle, as she sat quietly waiting for the conversation to continue. Though the two hadn't spent much time together, she knew Madam Zhu was an absolutely practical and sensible person who wouldn't come to confide without reason.

Madam Zhu sighed, looking at Minglan with sincere eyes. "As a daughter-in-law, I have no way of influencing the matters of the elders. But I've always thought, in the future, when the children grow up, Tuan'er and Xian'er will still be cousins. Whether it's taking wives or handling responsibilities, they'll inevitably have interactions."

Minglan pondered for a moment before lifting her face with a smile. "That's only natural. With my sister-in-law's 'excellent' guidance, I trust that Third Uncle's children will grow up to be reasonable and understanding." She understood Madam Zhu's intentions in coming here.

Madam Zhu sighed in relief, clasping Minglan's hands. "Second Sister-in-law, your generosity is truly a blessing for our family."

As she was being seen out, Madam Zhu smiled and comforted Minglan. "With Second Brother away, Sister-in-law is at home all alone, expecting a child—surely you've been longing for his return. My family said that news already arrived a few days ago. Sister-in-law, just wait patiently a little longer."

Madam Zhu's family, all serving in the military, had access to more reliable information, even if they weren't directly on the front lines.

As expected, just two days later, the military report from the front arrived in the capital. The Jiejun, taking advantage of the terrain and their swift cavalry, were elusive and hard to catch. Several armies had been searching for the enemy's tracks, with mixed results.

Among them, the army led by Minister Shen had good luck. They managed to capture the left flank of King Zuo Guli of the Jiejun, who had been raiding a village. They executed a successful ambush, bringing back ten miles' worth of prisoners, including King Zuo Guli himself, and were now returning to camp. This victory made the Emperor and Empress extremely happy.

On the other hand, General Bo's army, with its overwhelming force and strong morale, seemed as if it were preparing for a world exhibition. Not only did the Jiejun dare not clash with them, but even the long-established bandits in the northwest temporarily closed shop and hid, resulting in no gains.

The more unusual report came from Gu Tingye's army: it was said that the Duke of Ying had overestimated his strength, advancing recklessly and pushing too far into enemy territory. With his reinforcements cut off, he was ambushed near the Black Water River, losing several generals, and was now retreating towards He Ying Mountain, hoping to reach Fu Ling Ridge.

"Duke Ying advancing recklessly?!" Minglan frowned deeply. This was like saying Old Master Sheng was an impulsive young man—completely unreliable.

Duke Ying and the retired Minister Shen were of the same ilk, old and crafty like foxes, with an unshakable reputation that had lasted centuries. No matter how many emperors came and went, they remained steadfast. Even if they returned with no achievements, they wouldn't recklessly push forward seeking glory.

Xiao Shen finished relaying the news she heard from the Empress, her face dark with mixed emotions—happy for her brother's success, but also worried for Minglan. Her expression was hard to control. Thankfully, Minglan didn't react like most women, shocked or tearful. Instead, she remained calm, thanked her, and asked her to pass along any further updates as soon as possible.

After sending Xiao Shen away, Minglan sat blankly for half a day. Cui Mama had urged her several times, but she only numbly ate and slept.

—It was hard to tell if she was scared, worried, or some other intense emotion, like a thin layer of fog, pervasive and yet impossible to explain.

As long as it wasn't a rebellion or something equally drastic, it shouldn't lead to the destruction of their family or harm to the wives and children.

"Then, the worst-case scenario would be that I have to become a widow earlier than expected. Luckily, there are still the young master and the baby in my womb. The emperor and the families allied with the Shen family will likely look after the widow and orphans.

Becoming a matriarch at such a young age means skipping decades of struggle, going from serving the boss to becoming the boss myself. Thinking about it this way, it doesn't seem too bad.

After a night of continuous nightmares, I woke up but couldn't remember what I dreamed. The pillow was damp, cold as if everything that happened was unreal, like a fleeting dream. I sat dazed at the edge of the bed, watching the sky shift from gray to light, not even feeling hunger, just wishing to sit there waiting for his return. Psychological crime novels.

I must not cry, I must not cry— I told myself over and over again.

I must stay strong, the harder the time, the stronger I must be, no room for weakness.

After the news spread, the Old Madam Qin sent someone with half-hearted words pretending to express concern, saying, 'I hope nothing happens to Yé'er.' I immediately responded with, 'I heard that the seventh aunt recently added another daughter, congratulations!' Ghost Blows Out the Light - Yellow Skin Tomb."

** The reference to "Ghost Blows Out the Light - Yellow Skin Tomb" seems to be a metaphorical or literary reference. "Ghost Blows Out the Light" is a popular Chinese adventure novel that deals with grave robbing and supernatural mysteries, while Yellow Skin Tomb could be a reference to tombs or burial places with certain associations in Chinese folklore or culture.**

Next came visits from a few familiar companions—Madam Zhong and Madam Duan, whose husbands were with the Duke of Shen; Madam Geng, who shared her predicament (her husband, Old Geng, followed Gu Tingye); and Madam Zhang, who came to encourage and uplift her—Ghost Blows Out the Light: The Lost Tomb.

"Has an imperial decree been issued to reprimand anyone? Has the Ministry of War released an official report? Everything is still shrouded in uncertainty. The court hasn't reached a conclusion, yet we womenfolk are already speculating wildly. Isn't that quite laughable?" Madam Zhang, who was once the epitome of a literary and refined woman, now fully displayed the calm and fearless nature of a general's daughter. She carried herself with more composure and confidence than ever before.

"Since I was young, every time my father went out, my mother would always say the same thing: The virtuous are protected by heaven; if trouble comes, it can't be avoided. Dear sister, as wives of military men, the last thing we should do at times like these is lose our composure. You're also pregnant now, so whatever you do, don't listen to gossip or idle chatter. If it unsettles your pregnancy, that would be the greatest misfortune."

Minglan was deeply moved, as if a warm current had rushed through her heart. She took Madam Zhang's arm and said softly, "Don't worry, sister. You can share any news with me. I won't be like those women who cry, panic, or carry on as if the sky is falling. The more I know, the more at ease I feel. It's being left completely in the dark that truly frightens me."

** The Lost Tomb is one of the stories in the series, characterized by suspenseful exploration of ancient tombs, supernatural elements, and encounters with curses or mythical creatures.**

Zhang Shi saw that Minglan's gaze was clear and her attitude composed, which finally put her at ease.

In the following days, people continued to visit frequently. Liu Shi and Hualan came to check on Minglan, repeating the usual advice for her to take care of herself and not to get startled. Then came the Fourth and Fifth branches, worriedly inquiring about news. Minglan personally reassured Madam Xuan of the First Household but left the rest, including the tearful Ruomei, to be handled by Shao Shi. Whether they cried rivers of tears or prayed to Buddha together, Minglan didn't involve herself. Eventually, she feigned illness and refused to meet anyone, letting the rumors outside assume that she was "too worried about her husband's safety to rise."

This commotion lasted for more than half a month, leaving Minglan exasperated. She couldn't even focus on reading historical anecdotes or storybooks. The baby in her belly became increasingly well-behaved, only kicking a couple of times in protest when the mother stayed awake late at night.

As time passed, Minglan gradually calmed down, methodically working to ease the fear and anxiety within the household. However, others didn't notice this change, assuming that the Marchioness of the Gu family had always been this composed.

One day, Tu Laoda personally delivered a letter. The envelope was somewhat worn from being folded. Upon opening it, she saw a tiny eight-petaled begonia drawn in the top left corner of the letter paper. Gu Tingye was ranked second, while Minglan was ranked sixth—this was one of the secret codes he had mentioned to her before leaving.

Minglan quickly finished reading the letter, let out a disdainful scoff, and her face showed the utmost contempt and mockery. She sneered and muttered to herself, "How fast they've come! Very well, then, let them come—I'll be waiting for their grand arrival!"