After the meal, Gu Xiyan first settled Meng Shuhui and the two children to bathe.

She then had someone clear the table.

While tidying up, she noticed some leftover vegetables that were quite rare for the servants to eat.

She called for Qiusang and instructed, “Take these leftovers to share, and remember to set aside some especially for Ping’er.

She worked hard today when she followed me to Shou’antang.” In truth, she felt guilty toward Ping’er, who had suffered unfairly when she was used as a scapegoat during the earlier incident.

Autumn didn’t ask further and replied straightforwardly,

“Alright, got it.

This girl has always been a bit scatterbrained.

If it weren’t for how busy it is today and the shortage of hands, I wouldn’t dare let her follow the young mistress.

Knowing she didn’t cause any trouble, I’m already grateful in my heart.” Gu Xiyan chuckled softly and then asked her to summon Stewardess Sun, who was currently helping out in these courtyards.

She arrived quickly.

Gu Xiyan first invited Stewardess Sun to sit and offered her tea.

Stewardess Sun said,

“In front of the young mistress, how dare I sit?

Please just say what you need me to do.” Gu Xiyan insisted on her taking a seat, and only then did she gingerly perch on the edge of the chair.

Gu Xiyan first thanked her for helping pass on the message, ensuring she could finally meet her sister-in-law.

She dared not imagine how miserable it would be if no one had notified her, leaving her sister-in-law unable to enter the door and ending up homeless on the streets.

Nanny Sun naturally replied politely, after which Gu Xiyan got straight to the point, mentioning her wish to rent a house outside.

She said with a smile,

“It’s just for the mother and her two children, so it doesn’t need to be too big.

We only want a place to settle down, and not too expensive.” Nanny Sun listened, thought for a moment, and said,

“Young Mistress, you may not be aware, but this year is a major imperial examination year.

Scholars from all provinces must come to the capital to take the exams, and they all need to rent accommodations early.

That’s why it’s so hard to find a place to stay now, and the rent has skyrocketed accordingly.” Gu Xiyan had long been prepared:

“Then there’s nothing to be done—one must find a place to settle down.” She had also considered simply stubbornly staying at the Duke’s mansion, thinking she couldn’t possibly be driven out.

However, on one hand, she couldn’t bear the disdainful glances and didn’t want her child to endure such humiliation.

On the other hand, living in the Duke’s mansion also involved significant expenses—even ordering an extra dish required tipping the kitchen steward.

It seemed better to step out and establish her own household.

Mammy Sun replied, “Alright, I’ll go tell my son to keep an eye out outside.

If he finds a suitable place, we’ll rent it.” Gu Xiyan let out a helpless smile and said, “Try to make it as quick as possible.” Mammy Sun was taken aback for a moment before realizing the implications.

When she looked at Gu Xiyan again, her eyes held a hint of sympathy.

“I understand, old woman that I am.

I’ll hurry my son along to help you find a place, madam.” Gu Xiyan once again earnestly thanked Madam Sun, and before leaving, she insisted on stuffing a handful of copper coins into Madam Sun’s hand—roughly about three hundred wen.

Madam Sun declined politely for a while but ultimately accepted.

She tucked the handkerchief into her sleeve and smiled, saying, “Madam, don’t worry.

I’ll keep an eye out for you and find the best bargain.” After seeing Madam Sun off, a young maid named Hui’er from the Third Lady’s courtyard came with a message, saying the Third Lady wanted Gu Xiyan to come over and that relatives had arrived, so she needed to meet them as well.

Hearing this, Gu Xiyan knew the visitor was likely not coming with good intentions.

She asked someone to fetch hot water, washed her hands, and changed into fresh clothes.

At home, she could dress more casually, but when visiting the Third Madame, she had to be plain and clean—wearing only black, white, blue, or gray—and meticulously checked from head to toe, with not a single strand of hair out of place.

As for Meng Shuhui, her attire also required care.

She gave Meng Shuhui her own daily-worn pale blue vest and indigo silk robe, which were not too eye-catching but still decent enough.

After both were properly dressed, the two women, sister-in-law and sister, hurried to the Third Madame’s chamber.

Upon arrival, they saw two maidservants on the steps, one holding a porcelain jade pillow and the other a tall white porcelain vase, both standing perfectly still.
The maids and servants serving at the doorway didn’t even dare to breathe heavily.

Gu Xiyan could tell at a glance that something had gone wrong with those two maids.

The third madam was setting an example of discipline—such was her fate, to have such a stern and harsh mother-in-law.

Seeing this scene, Meng Shuyi had already guessed what was happening and felt rather embarrassed and ill at ease.

According to proper etiquette, as relatives paying a visit, basic courtesy should have been observed.

Now, with her family in decline, she did not expect formal treatment.

Yet, encountering such a scene of maids being punished was ultimately a loss of face and left a sour taste in her heart.

Yet seeing Gu Xiyan’s calm expression and natural demeanor, she realized that the young woman was already accustomed to it.

It was clear that since her marriage, this young sister-in-law had only ever shared good news and kept hardships to herself.

In reality, life in such a prestigious household was immensely trying.

At that moment, Changchun’s wife arrived.

As a companion servant of the Third Madam and now assisting in managing affairs for the Third Household, she warmly greeted Meng Shuhui with a smile, addressing her repeatedly as

“Esteemed In-law Granny,” and ushered her toward the eastern gallery, explaining that the Third Madam and Sixth Mistress wished to speak with her.

Though this was somewhat unconventional, Gu Xiyan nevertheless gave Meng Shuhui a discreet look.

Unfamiliar with the customs of such a large, aristocratic family, Meng Shuhui had little choice but to comply, allowing herself to be escorted by Changchun’s wife to the eastern gallery for tea.

Gu Xiyan lifted the thick dark blue satin curtain and stepped inside.

As soon as she entered, she saw a carved rosewood six-panel screen.

Beside the screen stood a row of cross-legged chairs, each cushioned with somewhat worn dark blue satin cushions.

Nearby stood a large incense burner, upon which several lumps of ambergris were placed, emitting a faint, warm fragrance.

Gu Xiyan dared not step further.

She halted and bowed respectfully to the Third Madam.

Only after a while did coughing sounds come from within, followed by a long sigh.

“I was wondering who it could be—it turns out it’s my dear daughter-in-law.

So you still remember to pay your respects to your mother-in-law?” Gu Xiyan did not reply.

Instead, she glanced at the tea on the table nearby, walked over, and poured a cup.

She knew that when the Third Madam intended to lecture her, she had no choice but to listen.

Any attempt to argue or merely admit fault would only serve to provoke the Third Madam’s ire further.

Holding the tea, she walked behind the screen and respectfully presented it to the Third Madam with both hands:

“Madam, please have some tea.” Enraged, the Third Madam lifted her hand and swept it aside.

Instantly, the teacup fell to the floor.

As the ground was covered with thick rugs, the cup didn’t break, but the tea splashed everywhere, splattering both Gu Xiyan’s face and her skirt.

Yet, Gu Xiyan remained expressionless, her face still gentle and obedient.

The Third Mistress trembled with fury at the sight of her, pointing an accusing finger as she cursed,

“Did you come here specifically to drive me to my grave?

What sin have I committed to be saddled with such an ill-fated star like you?

Why didn’t you die in Cheng Yuan’s place?

How dare you have the nerve to go begging the Dowager now?

That sister-in-law of yours is nothing but bad luck, bringing misfortune wherever she goes.

And you’ve truly outdone yourself—barging into Shou’an Hall to make a scene and disturb the Dowager’s peace.

Now the whole household knows how accomplished you’ve become: a widow who beats and scolds maidservants.

What a glorious way to bring honor to our family!” Gu Xiyan replied,

“Madam, scold me all you like.

As long as there’s a place for me here, I will see to it that my sister-in-law is settled.

If you truly can’t stand the sight of me, I’ll simply pack my things and go live by Cheng Yuan’s grave—to keep watch over him and stay by his side.” With that, she bent down, picked up the teacup from the floor, and placed it on the table.

As the porcelain met the wood with a crisp clink, she called for a maid to come clean up the mess.

Actually, there had been movement outside for a while, but they dared not make a sound.

Now, hearing the call, they hurriedly pushed the door to come in.

Upon hearing these words, the Third Madame felt a surge of rage rushing straight to her head.

She grabbed the gold-threaded python-embroidered cushion by her side and flung it fiercely at Gu Xiyan, cursing, “You insolent, lawless little wretch!

Clearly, you’re deliberately trying to disturb Chengyuan’s peace in the underworld!

I should have known—someone as frivolous as you would never stay content and behave properly!” Her outburst startled those outside once again, leaving them unsure whether to enter or stay put.

Gu Xiyan let out a soft sigh and spoke helplessly, “Madame, scolding me won’t do any harm, but please don’t upset yourself to the point of harming your health.” As she spoke, she considerately fetched a satin quilt nearby and was about to drape it over the Third Madame’s legs, but the Third Madame forcefully pushed her away.

Gu Xiyan staggered, nearly falling.

She somewhat clumsily steadied herself against the desk, forced a smile, and said,

“Madam, since you’re not pleased to see your daughter-in-law, I will take my leave now.
As for my sister-in-law from my maiden family, I suppose you’re also not eager to meet her.

That’s perfectly fine.

To the outside world, we can just say we’ve met—it’ll preserve everyone’s dignity.

As for the future, I’ll let her stay here for a couple of days until she finds a place to settle.

She won’t be taking too much advantage of the household, so Madam needn’t feel so distressed and conflicted over it.” With that, she lowered her head and walked out.

Lifting the satin curtain, she stepped outside, only to find all eyes fixed on her.

At that moment, her hair was slightly disheveled, her face still bore traces of tears, and the hem of her skirt was splashed with water.

Coupled with the hoarse, angry shouts that had just echoed from inside, the many maids and servant women could easily guess what had happened.

Gu Xiyan could sense the variety of glances directed at her—some filled with pity and sympathy, others gloating with schadenfreude, and still others simply eager to watch the drama unfold.

She didn’t mind; she wanted everyone to see her disheveled state.

As the widow of a Duke’s Mansion, she had fulfilled all that was expected of her: she observed the proper rites and showed due reverence to her elders.

If things still did not go as hoped, it could not be blamed on her.

She went directly to the east wing corridor room.

Meng Shuhui had been pacing restlessly inside.

Seeing her come in, and in such a disheveled state, she was startled and hurriedly stepped forward to meet her, grasping her hands tightly as she asked,

“What happened?

What’s wrong?

Why is your face all wet?” So saying, she took out a silk handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe Gu Xiyan’s face clean.

Originally, Gu Xiyan had a light layer of powder on her face, which was now soaked through by the tea, leaving traces of powder and water stains intermingled, making her appear even more pitiful.

Meng Shuhui nearly shed tears:

“What has happened?

Who would dare to do such a thing?

Have they no fear of the law?” Seeing this, the stewardess of the Changchun household stepped forward and said,

“What law are you talking about?

Dear Madam, how can you speak like that?

As a daughter-in-law, serving one’s mother-in-law by her side is simply part of following the rules—what’s wrong with that?” Meng Shuyuan heard this and felt both pain and anger, her fingers trembling.

When she first entered the household, Gu Xiyan was just a little girl.

As the eldest sister-in-law, she always treated Gu Xiyan with special affection and closeness, often doing needlework together, laughing and playing with her.

When Gu Xiyan got married, she instinctively felt that marrying into a noble family meant she would lead a good life.
Even though she understood in her heart that her family’s situation was far from what it used to be, she always thought that such an extremely wealthy and noble family, with deep heritage and upright family traditions, would not mistreat a widow too much.

Who would have thought it would turn out like this!

No matter how lowly her status might be, she was still family.

The other party showed not the slightest concern, pouring tea over Gu Xiyan—it was clearly meant for her to see.

At that moment, Gu Xiyan turned around to comfort Meng Shuhui instead:

“Sister-in-law, Sister-in-Law Chang is right.

My mother-in-law setting rules for me is just her way of teaching me how things should be done—it’s no big deal.

But just now, my mother-in-law also told me that you can stay here for two or three days first.

It won’t be too late to move out once we’ve found you a place to live.” Meng Shuhui was stunned for a moment as she looked at Gu Xiyan, only to see that the woman seemed completely unfazed by her own sorry state.

She moved her lips but ultimately said nothing.

At this moment, she also realized that while Gu Xiyan had endured a scolding in front of her mother-in-law, it had indeed secured her the chance to stay here.

Since she was willing to lower her head and silently endure this humiliation, she herself must accept this favor.

******** After leaving Third Madam’s quarters, Gu Xiyan directly took Meng Shuhui to Shou’an Hall.

Whether the old madam would recognize this marriage or agree to meet them, Gu Xiyan felt she had to fulfill her duties of courtesy.

Along the way, I encountered several groups of people, all of whom were leaving after paying respects to the old lady.

Upon seeing me, they were quite surprised but didn’t dare to ask too many questions.

As I stepped through the crescent moon gate, I happened to run into Yingtong, who was wearing a silver-red waistcoat and served in Lu Chenglian’s quarters.

Yingtong was clearly surprised as well, but she quickly composed herself, gave a slight nod, and then left.

A sudden unease struck Gu Xiyan, wondering if Lu Chenglian would be there.

If he was— She found herself not wanting Lu Chenglian to see her in such a disheveled state.

Upon entering the courtyard, maids and female servants saw her, their expressions slightly changing.

It was clear they resented her, but someone still went inside to announce her arrival.

Moments later, Tortoiseshell came out, looking somewhat troubled, and said,

“The old madam is resting now.

She’s a light sleeper and has just managed to doze off, so we dare not disturb her—” Gu Xiyan didn’t actually want Meng Shuyi to see the old madam either, so she quickly said it was no problem and left with Meng Shuyi.

When she left, she deliberately walked past the several maids and attendants in the covered corridor.

Their faces were flushed with embarrassment, seething with anger but not daring to speak up.

She found it extremely amusing, thinking that they were just like that—no matter how angry they got, they wouldn’t dare to complain in front of the old madam!

In this household, there aren’t actually many rules; the key lies in who dares to push the boundaries.

On the way back, I simply took a detour to visit the Fourth Mistress.

The Fourth Mistress assists the Second Mistress in managing the household affairs.

Upon entering, one could immediately sense a different atmosphere, with a group of elderly female stewards waiting outside to report.

When everyone saw Gu Xiyan arrive, they were somewhat surprised, and maids hurriedly lowered their heads to report.

Soon, the Fourth Mistress came out, quite enthusiastic indeed, repeatedly addressing her as

“dear in-law” and inviting her inside, saying she wanted her to taste the newly acquired pre-dew tea.

Gu Xiyan relayed what he had obtained from the third madam’s words, to which the fourth young mistress smiled and said,

“Since we are relatives, it’s only proper and natural.” As they spoke, a servant woman happened to come in to report a message, saying that news had arrived from outside the second gate: the boat from Nanxun had arrived, carrying a full load of various silks.

Now the fourth master had already been informed and was sending people to unload the goods.

After unloading, a few large carts would be brought to the mansion first to distribute to the various madams and young ladies.

The servant woman said with a smile,

“I heard these are the latest patterns from over there, soon to be made into tributes, completely unavailable in the market.

It’s all thanks to the officials’ kindness that our family managed to secure an entire boat of them.” Gu Xiyan listened, noticing that the servant woman spoke as if sharing in the glory, yet in reality, it was utterly laughable.
She had long realized that while the appearance of endless glory might be dazzling, only a fraction of it ever truly touched her life.

After exchanging a few words with the wife of the fourth son’s household, the fourth mistress turned to Gu Xiyan with a smile and said,

“Later, we’ll distribute them to everyone.

I’ll set aside a few fine bolts for you.

Why not make a new dress for your mother-in-law?” Meng Shuhui naturally hurried to decline, saying it wasn’t necessary, before she and Gu Xiyan returned to their rooms.

Returning to the room, with the doors and windows shut, Gu Xiyan changed into fresh clothes.

Meng Shuhui held the soiled skirt in her hands, where tea stains had marred the white silk garment—a glaring, shocking sight.

Yet Gu Xiyan seemed unconcerned: “Sister-in-law, we’re both women of misfortune—one missing in action on the western frontier, the other lost at sea during coastal defense patrols.

No bodies to be found, left to live as widows in life.

But you and I are not the same.

At least you have Jing’er and Ming’er.

Raising two children gives you hope for the future.

But me?

I have nothing.” Meng Shuhui tilted her head to look at Gu Xiyan, who stood beside the bed curtains.

With her outer garments removed, she wore only a snow-white crepe silk undergarment, which strikingly accentuated her impossibly slender waist.

She remembered her own wedding day at sixteen, her face flushed with shyness, eyes bright with a mix of anticipation and anxiety for the future.

But now her heart was like dead wood, she had lost all hope.

Gu Xiyan sighed softly, picked up the garment, threw it aside, then opened the redwood chest beside him and chose a dress.

The chest was filled with plain black, white, gray, and blue, without a trace of bright color.
Meng Shuhui’s heart felt as though it had been pricked, a sharp pain—she wasn’t even twenty yet…

Gu Xiyan said,

“So sister-in-law, let’s not stand on ceremony with each other.

If you can establish yourself in the capital, have the children achieve something promising, and your life becomes more stable, only then can I have something to rely on.

Maybe then others will even look at me with a little more respect.” Gu Xiyan smiled slightly.

“Now that we’ve made this round of visits, you’ve seen everyone you should see.

At least we haven’t neglected any formalities.” Meng Shuhui’s eyes grew moist.

She bit her lip and nodded,

“Yes.” That evening, Meng Shuhui and her two children stayed overnight at Gu Xiyan’s place.

Since the nights were still chilly, Gu Xiyan had Meng Shuhui and the children sleep in the warm inner chamber while she herself slept in the outer room.

She also instructed Qiu Sang to place a brazier between the two spaces so that everyone could share a bit of its warmth.

The two children, being young, had endured much hardship, yet everything was new and exciting to them.

They looked around here and there, curiously chattering and circling Gu Xiyan.

Though it had only been a day, after all, they were bound by blood, and they had already grown especially close to Gu Xiyan.

Little Jing’er even insisted on sleeping with Gu Xiyan.

That night, Gu Xiyan held Little Jing’er as they slept.

The child’s body was soft and fragrant, and Gu Xiyan slept exceptionally soundly that night.

The next day, Grandma Sun came, saying there were two houses in two different estates available for rent.

However, it was still necessary to see them in person.

Meng Shuhui settled the two children with Gu Xiyan and asked her to look after them while she went out with Grandma Sun.

She returned around midday.

Madam Sun was quite excited,

“What a coincidence it is!

Out of the two places we looked at today, one was just so-so, but the other—the lady of the in-law’s family recognized the owner.

They are fellow villagers, so the owner became especially accommodating when they realized the connection!” Gu Xiyan listened, feeling quite surprised, though he noticed Meng Shuhui seemed somewhat hesitant.

Gu Xiyan inquired carefully and learned that the other party’s surname was Ye.

Upon hearing that surname, Gu Xiyan’s heart sank with a sudden thud.

In earlier years, regarding this marriage arrangement with the Duke’s household, it was only a verbal commitment, so the Gu family did not feel entirely secure about it.

Consequently, they never publicly announced it, treating her as if she were still unmarried.

Since she was exceptionally beautiful from a young age, quite a few suitors came to propose, one of whom was from the Ye family.

This second son of the Ye family, named Ye Erxun, was only two years older than her.

They had played together as children, and as they grew older, they occasionally saw each other during festive occasions.

Ye Erxun was tall, elegant, and quite handsome, so she naturally liked him.

Whenever he saw her, he was also filled with admiration and delight.

For this reason, the Ye family had intentions and sent a respected elder to mention the matter.

However, considering the arrangement with the Duke’s household, the Gu family dared not agree and simply declined, citing her young age as an excuse.

Once the marriage with the Duke’s household was settled, the prospect with the Ye family naturally came to nothing.

After Gu Xiyan had become engaged, she once went to offer incense at a temple and caught a distant glimpse of Ye Erxun.

His eyes were fixed on her, unwavering, so she had no choice but to quickly slip away.

Later, Gu Xiyan went through too many events—she married into the Duke’s mansion in a high-status union, experienced the peak of worldly wealth and honor, then lost her husband, becoming a lonely widow.

Now, listening to Meng Shuyun mention an old acquaintance, it felt like waking from a grand dream.

Madam Sun, full of enthusiasm, chattered on,

“This young master Ye is originally a provincial scholar who came to the capital for the examinations.

He arrived in the capital before the New Year and rented out a courtyard.

Because things are expensive in the capital and the cost of living is high, he wanted to live frugally.

Coincidentally, there’s another small annex in the courtyard, separate and independent, so he thought of renting it out.

And what a coincidence—we just happened to run into it!” Not wanting to say anything in front of Mother Sun, Gu Xiyan asked in detail about the price, which indeed wasn’t expensive—more importantly, it was someone she knew well living together, so there’d be someone to look out for her.

So she excused herself, saying she needed to consider it carefully, and first had Old Lady Sun inquire in more detail.

After Old Lady Sun went out for a moment, Gu Xiyan quickly asked Meng Shuhui,

“Is it really the Second Master Ye we know?”

📘 The complete novel is available for download in PDF via the link below.