After marrying Gu Tingye, Minglan became the new hostess of the Marquis's house. But the life there was much more difficult than she expected. Gu Tingye's stepmother, Madam Qin, was a calculating woman. She wanted to test Minglan's temper and plant her own people around the couple.

Madam Qin pretended to be kind and warm. She sent several experienced servant girls to Minglan, saying they would help her manage the house. In fact, these girls were her spies to watch Minglan and cause trouble. Minglan saw through the trick easily. She did not refuse rudely or get angry. She accepted the girls politely, but arranged all of them to work in the outer yard, with no chance to get close to her or Gu Tingye.

Minglan passed her first test in the house perfectly. She let everyone know that the new hostess was gentle but not easy to bully, and she knew how to protect herself without losing face.