There was a beautiful woman inside, and the three Lans hesitated to move forward. Molan looked at Rulan, who raised her head and stepped in. Molan and Minglan followed. The three sisters sat on a Luohan bench under the window. Then the maids and servants came in one after another, took out the tea, fruits and snacks brought from the car and placed them on the table one by one, and went outside to get hot water to make tea and serve them.
The girl was busy fiddling with the lid of the bowl when she saw the maids serving her. Minglan looked at her carefully and saw that she was wearing a long coat with a carved waist and a slanting collar made of peach-red Hangzhou satin. The collar and cuffs were covered with gray squirrel fur, and the whole area was embroidered with golden twined flowers. Her skirt was covered with moon-white embroidered stitches. On her chest hung a huge red gold locket with the words "Six Blessings" shone brightly. In her hair were a pair of jewel-studded gilded jade hairpins. The girl also looked at the three Lans. They were all dressed in luxurious clothes. Three jade lockets of high quality hung on the red gold necklaces on their chests. The jade was of the best quality. The three sisters behaved in a gentle and graceful manner.
After Molan took a few sips of tea, she approached the girl and started chatting with her. In a few words, she explained her family background. The girl said modestly, "My last name is Rong, and my nickname is Feiyan. My father is the Earl of Fuchang."
Molan paused and smiled, "So, sister is the niece of Concubine Rong."
Rulan and Minglan had different expressions. This family sounded very spirited, but was actually very miserable. A golden phoenix flew out of a bricklayer's family. Once a beauty was chosen to be by the king's side, her family would be granted titles. As everyone knows, unless a son can be born or a crown prince is appointed or a king is granted, most of the titles granted for this reason are not hereditary. The better ones can be inherited for three to five generations, while the worse ones can be inherited for one generation or be demoted to commoners. Therefore, such families would generally seize the time to arrange marriages or cultivate talents to continue the family's wealth.
Young Concubine Rong was the most favored concubine in the harem, but unfortunately the old emperor was powerless and she might never give birth to a son, which cast a question mark on the family's future marriage prospects.
Rong Feiyan smiled and said, "My brother and sister-in-law brought me here. There were too many people in that room, and the noise was giving me a headache, so I came here to find some peace and quiet. I'm sorry to bother you sisters."
Though her words were polite, her expression was clearly condescending. Rulan, who hated those stronger than herself, simply sipped her tea and rested, avoiding conversation. Minglan, remembering that Rong Xian, the man who had assaulted someone on horseback that morning, was actually her brother, felt disgusted and reluctant to speak. This left Molan to attend to the socializing, and she, by carefully flattering him, gradually provoked Rong Feiyan into a conversation, which then led to a discussion about the Sheng family's life in Dengzhou.
"...Are you related to the Qi family?" Rong Feiyan's eyes lit up, but she immediately realized she had gone too far. She restrained herself and asked cautiously, "Have you ever met the second young master of his family?"
Molan smiled and said, "Why not? He studied with my eldest brother in Dengzhou. My sisters and I also attended the Xiangyang Marquis' birthday banquet last year... and even met the Sixth Princess and the Princess of Jiacheng County."
Rong Feiyan snorted, seeming to be displeased. "Why don't the princes' families stay in their fiefdoms and keep running to the capital? If one or two of them do this, isn't this violating the ancestral rules?"
Molan's expression was warm and gentle, and she seemed to be comforting him: "Sister, please stop saying that. The Sixth Prince is very popular now, and there is no guarantee that he will have great fortunes in the future!"
Rong Feiyan's face was grim. She clenched her fist and placed it on the table. Her diamond-studded red gold pomegranate ring made a harsh sound against the surface. She sneered, "Great fortune? Don't let this become a joke."
Molan smiled very flatteringly. Only Minglan, who had been with her for several years, could see that she actually hated Rong Feiyan. Then Molan picked up some new topics about the ladies in the capital and continued chatting with Rong Feiyan.
The Sixth Prince's family and the Rong family are typical examples of two sides of the same coin. One is deserted now but may be popular in the future, and the other is powerful now but easily expires. Minglan lowered her head to fiddle with the crispy fried pine nut cream rolls on the plate and glanced at Molan inadvertently.
The capital city is so small, yet it gathers a bunch of noble ladies who look solemn but are actually very gossipy. The Rong family's interest in Qi Heng is nothing new, but the Rong family has expressed their intention to marry Qi Heng several times, but they have been rejected by the Qi family. Now, the Princess Jiacheng has come, and it's like two families are fighting over the same piece of meat and bone. It's so lively!
After a few more words, a maid from the Rong family came in to ask Rong Feiyan to go back, and a mother next to Wang also came to ask the three Lans to go back for vegetarian food. After this morning, the three Lans were already hungry. Even Molan, who had a refined appetite, ate a full bowl of rice. Minglan finished half a bowl of blanched Chinese kale by herself, and Rulan picked up a dish of braised spring bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms and refused to let anyone else. After the meal, everyone brought the Guangji Temple's homemade tea and drank it slowly. Minglan felt warm in her stomach and very comfortable.
They should have been leaving by now, but Hai noticed that Old Madam Sheng looked tired, so she said softly, "It's not good to get on the car right after dinner. Why don't you rest for a while before continuing on your journey? What do you think, Old Madam and Madam?"
Wang was also tired and felt that it was good. Old Madam Sheng also nodded. Seeing that the adults all agreed, Minglan immediately went to find Mother You to ask for a quilt, blanket, pillow and mattress, wanting to take a nap.
Unexpectedly, Molan walked up to the old lady and Wang and said with a smile, "Grandma, Madam, sister-in-law, I've heard for a long time that the Dilu Pavilion in the backyard of Guangji Zen Temple is an ancient relic from the previous dynasty. There are still poems inscribed on the pillars by the great scholar Gao from that time. And the Nine Dragons covering the wall is unique in the world and very elegant. Now that I'm here today, I want to take a look and see the world."
Rulan, who had been loath to stay still, became interested. She ran to Wang's side, shaking her arms and coquettishly saying, "Mother, you said the rules in the capital are very strict. They usually restrict us without any leniency. Now that you can rarely come out, let us go for a walk."
Wang Shi was moved by Rulan's plea. She turned to look at Old Madam Sheng, who was leaning against a Luohan bed with half-closed eyes. She said, "Call a few mothers to go with you and keep a close watch on him." Wang Shi knew she had agreed, so she turned back to Rulan and said sternly, "You can only go for an hour. Come back immediately after you're done!"
Rulan was overjoyed and bowed to Wang and the old lady like a monkey. Then she turned around and came to drag Minglan away. Minglan was feeling depressed and stayed beside You Mama. She said, "I won't go. Let me lie down for a while. You sisters can go by yourselves."
Rulan glared at her: "You just had a meal and you don't go for a walk. You will vomit when you take the bus later!" Then she bent her neck, leaned close to Minglan's ear, and growled: "I won't go out with her. You have to go whether you want to or not!" She pinched Minglan's arm with force.
Minglan had no choice but to go with them.
Behind the third main hall of Guangji Temple is a spacious stone-bricked area used for Buddhist ceremonies. In the middle of the area is a clear water pool. Behind the pool is an extremely long arched wall, one side extending to the Dilu Pavilion and the other leading to the plum forest on the back mountain. The courtyard is very quiet, and several young monks are gently sweeping fallen leaves.
Because it was early spring, the sun did not shine on people, but was very warm and comfortable. The three sisters walked slowly along the cobblestone path with several maids and old women. The first thing they saw was the center of the Nine Dragon Wall. A ferocious and majestic dragon was hovering in the middle, as if it was about to break away from the wall. The colored glaze on the dragon's body was still very bright after being polished by wind and rain.
Molan seemed to have suddenly developed a great interest in folk relief art. She admired it as she looked at it, praising every dragon's scales and even the glaze peeling off them. Rulan, unwilling to be restrained, had left the maids and servants in the yard, now prancing around happily, laughing and joking. Minglan followed lazily, trying hard to hold back her breath. As she walked, she suddenly became aware of the faint fragrance of plum blossoms. Looking up, she saw that the plum trees were increasing in number. Her expression faltered and she immediately stopped, saying, "Fourth sister, let's stop here. We should go to the other end. We haven't seen the Dew Pavilion yet."
Molan was walking forward with great interest. Upon hearing this, she turned back and said, "We haven't finished looking at this side yet. Let's go a little further."
Seeing her smile, which seemed genuine, Minglan smiled back, "This Nine Dragon Wall is symmetrical on both sides. If we look at one side, it's like we've already looked at this side. Wouldn't that save both time and effort?"
No matter what Minglan said, Molan refused to allow it and insisted on finishing the rest. Rulan didn't understand at first, but seeing Molan's gentle expression and remembering how she had carefully arranged her clothes and hair when she came out just now, she began to understand something and shouted, "Go a little further and you'll reach Meilin. There must be a group of people holding a poetry gathering there right now. It wouldn't be good if someone saw us."
Molan smiled softly: "We are just looking at the stone wall by ourselves. What does it have to do with others? It doesn't matter even if they see it." She said it very openly and honestly, and raised her head high to show her innocence.
Rulan sneered, "You always say the nicest things. Do you think I don't know what's going on in your mind? I'm telling you, give up as soon as possible! Look at you, that flirtatious and frivolous look. Don't bring shame to our family!"
Molan's pretty face turned red, and she immediately retorted: "I don't understand what you said, sister. Why do sisters have to say such harsh words? I still want to go forward and see what will happen?! Sister, if you have the guts, just shout for someone to come and catch me!" Then she turned and left.
Rulan was so angry that she almost collapsed. Although they were close to Merlin, she didn't dare to shout for help. She just stomped her feet in anger.
Minglan took a few light steps and blocked Molan's way, her face as gloomy as water. Molan said angrily, "You want to go against me too?! You've tarnished my reputation for no reason. Just to vent your anger, I have to move forward!"
Minglan raised her arm and grabbed Molan, saying calmly, "Are you really not going back?"
Molan got angry and said, "I won't go back!"
"good!"
As she spoke, Minglan raised something in her hand and sent it straight towards Molan. Molan screamed, and saw a big piece of mud on the hem of her blue Su embroidery skirt, which was as clear as the sky after the rain!
"What is this?" Mo Lanjiang blushed and growled.
Minglan gently unfolded the handkerchief in her hand, revealing a ball of mud inside. It turned out that Minglan had taken advantage of Ruolan's speech to wrap a ball of mud in her handkerchief.
"You, you, you..." Molan was shaking with anger, pointing at Minglan. Rulan beside her was also stunned.
Minglan said calmly, "If you have the guts, go meet those princes and nobles like this. If you do, I'll throw you in the face."
"How dare you do this to me?!" Molan finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Minglan sneered, "I wanted to slap you to wake you up! But since we are sisters, let it go! I just want to tell you one thing, you are shameless, but we still need it! Daddy has been cautious all his life, and the old lady and the mistress have been careful in managing the household, so how can we let you ruin it!" To be honest, she had wanted to beat her up for a long time.
Molan raised her arm, trying to hit Minglan, but Minglan cleverly dodged. Then Rulan grabbed Molan from behind. Molan's eyes turned red and she cried, "I'm going to tell Daddy, you two ganged up on me!"
Rulan was amused now. She said with a smile, "Go ahead and tell me! I don't believe it. If Dad hears you're going to show up in public, he'll even applaud and say yes. It's good that he doesn't beat you up!" After thinking for a moment, she added, "Sixth sister has always been honest and kind. Even if Dad doesn't believe me, he will definitely believe her!"
Molan bit her lip in dissatisfaction, glaring at Minglan and Rulan with blazing fury. Minglan was not afraid at all. She turned to Rulan and said, "Just now, when we were looking at the Nine Dragon Wall, Fourth Sister accidentally fell and soiled her skirt. Let's help her back home. It's getting late, the old lady should be returning home soon."
Rulan clapped her hands and laughed, "Fourth sister, why aren't you going back?"
Molan stomped her feet in anger, turned around and left. Rulan hurriedly caught up with her, shouting, "Fourth sister, let me help you!" At this moment, she wished more people could see Molan's filthy appearance.
Minglan laughed secretly in the back, feeling very happy, and all the fatigue of the morning seemed to have disappeared. Over the years, whenever Molan got angry, Minglan's original temper would make her go up and teach her a lesson, but she was persuaded by Old Madam Sheng. She said: Women have many constraints. Unless you have the other party's handle and can hit them with one blow, you should not start trouble lightly, so as not to leave an impression of being fierce and powerful in front of others, which would make it difficult for you to act in the future.
Molan and Aunt Lin have the same character. They are always gossiping, but when they are in front of Sheng Hong, they look pitiful, as if the whole mansion is bullying them. Last time, Molan made a fool of herself in front of Princess Pingning. Although Sheng Hong punished her, he was confused by Aunt Lin's tears and thought that it was Wang who deliberately made Molan look bad in front of outsiders.
The reason for such partiality is nothing but that Wang and Rulan have long left Sheng Hong with a bad impression of being domineering and arrogant. A mother and daughter as fierce and powerful as lions VS a mother and daughter as pitiful and weak as sheep. At this time, men usually have a brain short circuit, and their male hormones automatically make stupid judgments.
Therefore, she never argued with Molan, especially in front of Sheng Hong, they were like sisters in harmony.
Minglan shook the handkerchief, then twisted it into a ball and put it into her sleeve. When she was about to leave, she heard a chuckle from behind. Minglan's whole body tensed up and she turned around immediately. Because she lowered her head, she first saw a pair of cloud boots with a pink base and black satin, and a royal blue robe with silver embroidery on the corner. When she looked up again, a tall shadow fell directly on her head.
Minglan immediately took two steps back and squinted her eyes to see. The sun was shining brightly at that moment, shining on the royal blue robe on one side of the man's body, making the color pure and bright, while the other half of his body was covered by the shadow of the stone wall and turned into a dim ink blue. The patterns on the robe were as winding as enamel engraved with kingfisher feathers.
"Second cousin." Minglan bowed respectfully.
Gu Tingye twisted his lips and said sarcastically, "It's not good to treat your own sisters like this, right?"
Minglan lowered her head and spoke in a respectful tone, "It's difficult for a judge to judge family affairs. If my niece does something wrong, father will punish her." The implication was that you are meddling in other people's business!
Gu Tingye's eyebrows slanted, and his expression paused: "Since you call me uncle, I have to teach you a thing or two."
Minglan raised her head, smiled mischievously, and suddenly said, "I haven't congratulated my second cousin on his wedding yet." Then she held up a pair of plump white paws and blessed them lightly and pleasingly, "I wish my second cousin and aunt a happy and long life together!"
Gu Tingye's face immediately darkened and his eyes became sinister. Minglan felt a little regretful and couldn't help but take a step back.
At the end of last month, Gu Tingye married Yanran's younger sister. This second young mistress had been spoiled since childhood and had a very hot temper. From the moment they married, she set out to reform the famous playboy in the capital. On the fifth day after entering the marriage, she sold Gu Er's two concubines. On the tenth day, she forced Gu Er to study and practice martial arts, and forbade him from going out to play. On the fifteenth day, she drove away a friend who came to see Gu Er at the theater. On the twentieth day, she got some information from nowhere and brought a large group of women and servants to find Gu Er's concubine's house and smashed it up. Fortunately, Gu Er arrived in time, otherwise Man Niang and her son would have been tied up and sold.
Gu Er, not a good-tempered man, demanded a divorce, but Ningyuan Marquis naturally refused. Then a chaotic quarrel ensued, nearly leading to another incident at the Imperial Clan Court. These successive acts of brilliance provided ample fodder for gossip in the otherwise dull capital.
Seeing Gu Tingye's dangerous expression, Minglan's brain automatically activated a warning mechanism. She immediately put on an apologetic face, lowered her head and whispered, "Uncle, don't be angry. It's all Minglan's fault." Gu Tingye's anger subsided a little. He looked at Minglan's lowered head and wondered why he was angry with a child. He then said in a deep voice, "What is Manniang's fault?"
Minglan immediately agreed, "My second cousin is absolutely right! My aunt... is a little anxious too." She nodded vigorously in a very servile manner.
Gu Tingye's anger was aroused again when he heard this. He glanced at Minglan with an arrogant look and sneered, "Stop pretending! You are all the same, looking down on others! Who knows the suffering Man Niang has endured?"
Minglan was frustrated. She found it difficult to fool this man, so she sighed and said, "Second cousin, it doesn't matter what others think. As long as you understand the benefits of Man Niang... it's all good! For the Yu family, a single woman with two young children, who made it safely from the capital to Dengzhou and even had the guts to cause trouble at the Yu Mansion, would make anyone think she's extraordinary."
Gu Tingye snorted coldly, looking down at Minglan and saying, "She has had a hard time making a living since she was little. She is known for her wit and resourcefulness. She is certainly not as spoiled as you ladies!"
Yes! Another Sheng Hong, another Concubine Lin! Concubine Lin is always right. Even murder and arson are someone else's fault!
Minglan felt disgusted. She looked up at him, trying to calm down her anger and said calmly, "Second cousin, Minglan has a question. Could you please explain it to me?"
Gu Tingye was stunned for a moment and said, "Speak."
Minglan took a breath and spoke loudly, "The eldest sister of the Yu family lived in the capital with Lord Yu until she was thirteen. She was known among the boudoir for her virtuous and intelligent character. I believe my second cousin must have heard of this and made several sincere visits to ask for her hand in marriage. So, if Man Niang really only wants to be a concubine, she can just wait for the eldest sister Yu to come. Given her gentle and amiable nature, even if the old marquis and his wife object at first, they can eventually persuade her. Wouldn't Man Niang then get what she wants? Why bother running to Dengzhou to cause a scene? Provoking Lord Yu would only end up in vain and end up causing trouble."
Gu Tingye's lips moved. He had just said that Man Niang was always smart, so of course he couldn't say that Man Niang "didn't expect it" or something like that.
Minglan sneered in her heart, she had already thought about some things.
Man Niang went to Dengzhou, knocking on the door and begging, not because she wanted Yan Ran to accept her, but on the contrary, she was afraid that Yan Ran's virtue, character, and appearance would steal Gu Tingye's favor? What Man Niang really hoped was that Gu Tingye would marry a fierce and evil wife, and then they would quarrel and fight, so that she, as the concubine, could live a carefree and stable life!
Seeing Gu Tingye's uncertain expression, Minglan quickly softened her voice and said sincerely, "Uncle, you are an upright man. You can assume that Minglan is being mean-spirited. It's all because Minglan and the eldest sister of the Yu family have been good friends since childhood, and you feel sorry for her. Perhaps Manniang really has something to hide, something she can't express."
After all, Minglan dared to be so presumptuous, but she could see through Gu Er's character. He was arrogant, lawless and wanton. In modern times, he was just an avant-garde young man. Unfortunately, in the ancient times with strict ethics, he could only be a playboy. People like him, even if they are bad guys, are real bad guys, not hypocrites, nor dirty and despicable scoundrels. It's always right to flatter him a few more times.
Gu Tingye was in a state of confusion. After hearing Minglan's insincere words, he became even more angry and growled in a low voice: "Get out of here!"
Minglan heard as if she heard the sound of nature. She picked up the hem of her skirt and ran away, disappearing in a flash.
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