Early the next morning, Minglan sat in front of the basin stand with a large fine cotton towel wrapped around her chest. Yancao washed her face. Danju came in quietly from outside and leaned over to whisper in Minglan's ear: "Around three quarters after the hour of Yin, Aunt Lin had her hands and feet tied and carried out. I heard that she was sent to a farm owned by the old lady." - If she was sent to the farm under the name of Wang, she would probably not live for more than three months.
Minglan remained silent, only asking, "I heard a quarrel all night long at Linqi Pavilion. What's going on?"
Danju blushed, glanced at Yancao beside her, and whispered, "After they dispersed last night, I heard that Madam Liu brought a bowl of food to Miss Jufang... and she was in pain all night long, and she also scolded Aunt Lin all night long. She didn't come down until almost dawn."
Minglan's expression darkened and she said no more.
When I went to pay my respects to the old lady and Wang, I didn't see Hai. I heard that she was busy dealing with the people in Linqi Pavilion, from the housekeeper to the maids and servants, selling some and driving some away, especially Xia Xian's family, Lin's confidant. It seemed that Molan was able to roll smoothly into Liang Han's arms, and he had made great contributions to the family. Hai hated him so much that she wanted to take them all away from inside and outside.
For several days, Hai, with a chilling smile, began to overhaul the household, from the maids at Shanyue Residence to the kitchen staff. With this, Aunt Lin's nearly twenty-year hold on the Sheng Mansion vanished into thin air. Changbai, on the other hand, wore a scowl all day long. He couldn't bring himself to criticize his elders' mistakes, so he often glared at his one-year-old son, amusing himself with imagining how he would raise him to develop morally, intellectually, physically, aesthetically, and labor-intensively. Quan'er, a perceptive child, noticed his father's stern expression and gave a timid, toothy smile, promising to behave himself.
Sheng Hong ran to the old lady three times a day to pretend to be a filial son. After smiling too much, he usually went to Chang Feng to scold him severely to ease the stiffness of his facial muscles. Wang Shi simply became Xianglin Sao. The difference was that Xianglin Sao's catchphrase was "My poor Amao", while Wang Shi's opening words were "My poor Ru'er", and she repeated it at least ten times a day.
Every time she went back to pay her respects, Wang would hold Rulan's hand and sob for a long time, and stare at her daughter for a long time with grief-stricken eyes. Minglan watched from the side and came to the conclusion that attending the leader's memorial service was just like this.
After two days, Rulan finally couldn't bear it anymore and yelled, "I'm not dead yet!" and left.
Wang then turned to Minglan, covering her handkerchief with her hands and continuing to mourn: "Good girl, you must always accompany your fifth sister and don't let her have any wild thoughts... Don't let her handle needlework and scissors..."
Minglan nodded attentively, but she felt that Wang really didn't understand her daughter. If Rulan really had a sharp weapon, her first thing to do should be to remind Molan to run away quickly.
Wang Shi wiped her tears, the powder on her face no longer able to hide the wrinkles at the corners of her eyes. She looked at Minglan in a daze and said slowly, "You really look like Concubine Wei, but your nose is like the master's. ... Do you still remember Concubine Wei?"
Minglan was stunned and shook her head honestly: "I don't remember." In fact, she had never seen Aunt Wei. When she came here, Aunt Wei had already passed away.
Wang looked at Minglan's delicate face, her eyes flickering. Then she leaned back on the kang, leaning against the soft cushions. Her back felt much more comfortable, and she said slowly, "Your personality is like Aunt Wei's, honest and worry-free. Although Ru'er is her elder sister, you have always given in to her over the years. My son, I am sorry to trouble you!"
Minglan immediately lowered her head shyly and said, "We are sisters, what's the point of talking about giving in or not." She felt that Wang Shi didn't understand her either.
Wang Shi pulled Minglan to her side, patted her small hand gently, and sighed, "Although you weren't born from my womb, I've treated you like my own daughter all these years. I thought with your looks and personality, you'd be a perfect match for a noble husband. Alas... Miss Mo doesn't know how to behave, and has ruined your chance of marriage."
Minglan's face was still red as she whispered, "The old lady often told me that marriage is destined by heaven. Maybe Fourth Sister is the one who deserves this good marriage. After all, we are all daughters of the Sheng family, so it's the same." What did it mean to say this to her at this time?
Wang frowned, then suddenly became more energetic and raised her voice, "Silly child, you don't know that the few times the wife of the Marquis of Yongchang came to the mansion, she chose you!"
Minglan lowered her head even more and stammered, "Madam is praising Minglan. Fourth sister... also has its advantages. I... although my relationship with Fourth sister is not as good as that with Fifth sister, we can still see some." She was not good at acting in tender scenes and it was difficult for her to control her emotions. Shouldn't she be more enthusiastic? She shouldn't show too much sisterly love to Molan, otherwise Wang would be unhappy.
Minglan stood with her head bowed, her face flushed, her hands twisting together helplessly. From time to time, she would glance up at Wang Shi like a little bird. Wang Shi, feeling disappointed, sank back onto the cushions, her hatred for Molan growing even stronger. Wouldn't it be wonderful if this honest and obedient Minglan entered the Yongchang Marquis's mansion?!
In fact, Minglan really sympathized with Wang. Wang was not the best mother, but she was not the worst either. Although she never cared about Minglan, she never hated her and always thought about harming the illegitimate children. Although Xiao Changdong, who grew up by her side, was not treated well, at least he lived well until now and did not grow up to be a bad person.
So, Minglan listened to Wang's words and went to Taoranju, where she saw Rulan sitting in front of a mirror with her hair loose. A polished and extremely clear bronze mirror was embedded in the carvings on the pear wood, reflecting the girl's youthful and pretty face. Little Magpie stood beside her, taking a squeegee dipped in the fragrant osmanthus oil, carefully and evenly applying it on Rulan's hair, and gently rubbing it.
Seeing Minglan coming, the little magpie turned around and said with a smile, "Sixth Miss, come and have a look. Our girl's hair looks great these days. It's all thanks to the osmanthus oil that Sixth Miss sent. Our girl is using it very well."
Rulan was displeased when she heard this and snorted coldly, "So without this thing, I'm just a dead end?"
The little magpie was still smiling, and said with a smile: "Oh, my girl, the Sixth Girl is a guest, and I am not allowed to praise the guest! If the girl is not shy, I will definitely praise the girl first in the future!" Rulan pouted.
Minglan sat aside, watching the little magpie coaxing Rulan while implicitly complimenting herself, and at the same time asking the little girl to serve tea, without stopping his hands. Minglan could not help but admire that Liu Kun's family did not let their daughter be Rulan's personal maid, but chose this girl. It really showed their magnanimity and vision. The old lady of the Wang family sent such a person to her. She really loved Wang. It was a pity that she was so angry now. Poor mothers in the world.
After sending the maids out, Rulan immediately said angrily, "You don't have to come and see me all the time. I'm fine!"
"Fifth sister, are you really not angry at all?" Minglan picked up a fresh, bright red Lu jujube and bit it, and said vaguely, "Fourth sister is fine, but cousin Yuan'er, you are not angry either? You are so indifferent that the madam is worried." If Rulan really lost her temper, Wang might be relieved. Something unusual would naturally make Wang feel uneasy.
Rulan tilted her neck back, letting out a "ha" from her throat. She gathered her hair and sat down next to Minglan, sneering repeatedly. "You've never seen my aunt. She's so powerful, only my grandmother can control her. When we were in Dengzhou, I had to go to my grandparents' house with my mother every year. Tsk tsk, I've seen a lot. My uncle loves me, but how useful can he be? Look at my eldest sister. My brother-in-law is pretty good, and he cares about his wife. Old Uncle Zhongqin is a good man, but he still has so many concubines in the house. Humph! It's as easy for a mother-in-law to make things difficult for her as it is for Zhu Bajie to eat ginseng fruit, but it's really difficult for a daughter-in-law to put her in a difficult position! How can I know since I haven't suffered from my mother-in-law?!"
Minglan was stunned. One should look at a man with new eyes after three days of absence. Unknowingly, the reckless and brainless Ruolan had become clear-headed. On the other hand, she herself had only grown in height but not in wisdom. She was really a fool. Minglan felt very ashamed.
Rulan took the peeled orange slices from Minglan's hand without any hesitation and stuffed them into her mouth, then continued, "Also, my cousin Wang has been timid and filial since he was a child, and I have always looked down on him! Humph, your aunt thought she had picked up a treasure, but with cousin Yuan'er's temper... Humph, just wait and see, you will suffer in the future!" She became more and more excited as she spoke, and put another orange in Minglan's hand, motioning her to continue peeling the orange.
Minglan suddenly understood Rulan. In fact, they were very similar. When the entire Sheng Mansion was shrouded in dark clouds, only the two sisters had a strange and incongruous sense of relaxation. Although they were dragged down by their reputation, on the other hand, they also successfully got rid of their undesirable marriage partners.
Perhaps she was too engrossed in her thoughts. After peeling the orange, Minglan put the segments into her mouth and gave the peel to Rulan.
…
A few days later, the old lady chose a fine morning and went to the Yongchang Marquis's residence with only Fang Mama. Wang Shi initially expressed her willingness to go with them, but the old lady looked at her for a moment and said calmly, "Whether it's embarrassing or a rift, it's better for me to go alone. This will also give you some room to speak."
Although the old lady agreed to go and propose marriage, she had been proud all her life. Whenever she thought of this matter, she felt like she had swallowed a fly. In the past few days, she looked at everyone with a stern face, and Wang shrank her neck and dared not speak.
The Yongchang Marquis's Mansion was within the inner circle of the Imperial City, and the round trip took over an hour. The old lady didn't return until the early afternoon. Upon hearing the news, Wang Shi rushed over from the main room. As she stepped through the threshold of Shou'an Hall, she saw Minglan holding a bowl of warm bird's nest porridge and serving it to the old lady beside the soft couch. "...I've asked Cuiping to set the table. You can have some porridge to fill your stomach first."
The old lady was obviously tired, but she still glared at her and scolded her: "It's already so late and you haven't eaten yet. Have you become an immortal? It's so hard to feed you all these meats, do you think it's easy for me?!" Minglan's scalp was numb from the scolding, and she stuck out her tongue mischievously.
Wang calmed herself down, walked in slowly, and bowed. Minglan also got down to pay her respects and asked her to sit down. Seeing that Wang was restless and looked like she wanted to ask something but didn't dare, Minglan cleared her throat and asked carefully, "Grandma, how... happened?" Seeing that Minglan was so obedient, Wang looked at her with great satisfaction.
The old lady glanced at Minglan and said directly to Wang, "The 25th of this month is an auspicious day. The wife of the Marquis of Yongchang will come to make the engagement. You should prepare well. ... Here, this is Liang Jiahan's engagement letter. Take it and compare it with Mo's." As she spoke, she pulled a bright red envelope with gold sprinkled on it from her sleeve and handed it to Wang. The old lady seemed to think of something, and a sardonic smile curled her lips. "It's already this time. Even if your horoscopes are incompatible, there's nothing more to say."
Wang held the engagement letter, her jaw dropping. She looked up at the old lady at a 45-degree angle, her lips quivering as she tried to ask about the details, but couldn't find the words. Minglan was eager to ask as well, but the old lady suddenly said, "Tell them to bring the meal to the right side room, and then go to the back room and find me two pills of Ge Cao Dan."
It was obvious that the following topic was not suitable for children and not suitable for unmarried girls to be present, but the secondary room was right next door, so the old lady meant: You can listen in, but don't let me know.
This is the art of speaking of the ancients. Minglan touched her nose and obediently retreated.
Seeing Minglan's figure disappear behind the curtain, Wang whispered: "It's all because of the useless daughter-in-law. She has made the old lady work hard.... To be honest, it's all because of the daughter-in-law who didn't take good care of the family! Little Mo is so stupid. How can she do such a foolish thing without thinking carefully!" Then she took out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes.
Minglan, living next door, disagreed with Wang. After Hualan's marriage, Molan became the eldest daughter in the family. The mother and daughter leveraged Sheng Hong over the Sheng family's reputation, while Wang and the old lady leveraged Rulan and Minglan's marriage prospects, forcing the entire family to work for Molan's marriage. While the Liang Han incident seemed impulsive and reckless, it was the product of careful consideration by Concubine Lin and Molan. Judging by the outcome, while Concubine Lin was a victim, the goal was achieved.
"Okay, stop crying." The old lady said expressionlessly, "I'm not just doing this for Miss Mo. I'm doing this for the Sheng family's reputation and the marriages of the girls below! Stop wasting time. I hate to hear people crying!"
Wang finally stopped crying and asked, "What the old lady said is true. It's all for the future of the Sheng family. I dare to ask, old lady, how did Madam Liang agree to this?"
The old lady laughed coldly a few times: "You like to think you are smart the most in your life. Don't you think about it, the legitimate son of the Yongchang Marquis's Mansion, even if he is the youngest, can find a girl from any family, but he has to come to marry the concubine's daughter of the Sheng family! Are you so confident in letting Ming girl go out to meet people? You dare to swallow the pie that fell from the sky, aren't you afraid that it is poisonous?!" Her words were full of sarcasm.
Wang's face flushed, knowing that the old lady was going to settle an old score with her. She could only say softly, "I heard that the young master of the Liang family is a decent person, so I thought... since Madam Liang likes Minglan, then..."
The old lady stared at her with a cold, lightning-like gaze, and Wang didn't dare to continue.
The old lady snorted coldly, "Is his character acceptable? Not necessarily. I just returned to the capital and haven't had time to inquire about Liang Han's character, but just from what Molan said, I know he's not clean when it comes to matters between men and women! If a girl really was in danger, he could just lend a hand, take some money, and that's it, but why would he carry an unmarried woman all the way there? Where are the maids and servants?! Humph, in public, in front of everyone, and he was raised with good manners, doesn't he know that this will ruin the girl's reputation?"
After hearing this, Minglan next door was full of admiration. She might be very knowledgeable about other things, but she could not compare with the old man who had seen the world all his life when it came to the ways of the world. It was not that Wang Shi could not think of it, but she had never thought about it at all. As long as her daughter did not marry Liang Han, Liang Han's character was none of her business.
Wang Shi had a somewhat embarrassed look on her face, and she forced a few smiles, saying, "After all, she is the old lady. Since she has established the truth, I think Madam Liang won't dare to refuse any more."
The old lady put down the white porcelain bowl of bird's nest porridge and slammed it heavily on the kang table, saying coldly, "I just don't believe such a dashing young man would be quiet during the national mourning period. So I sent people to inquire, huh! It turns out that a distant cousin of Madam Liang's eldest son's wife's family came to live with Liang Han more than a year ago. Huh, just after the national mourning period, the cousin's belly is swollen! It's hard to say whether it was during the national mourning period. It's okay for other families, but his Liang family is a founding minister and a powerful family. If it gets out, even if we can't confirm it, we will be in trouble!"
Wang's spirits lifted, her eyes sparkling. She stepped forward and said, "So that's how it is! The Liang family has such a big handle on them, yet they still dare to look down on others. Are they worthy?! Old Madam, if that's the case, why worry about them not coming to propose marriage!"
The old lady sighed inwardly as she watched Wang's moods fade from her expression. Then she consoled herself, thinking that even a less intelligent daughter-in-law had its advantages. "Wife, you think it's too easy," she sighed. "Madam Liang never liked that cousin, and she was eager to use this as leverage to give her an abortion potion. But Liang Han refused, and even insisted on getting a new wife so that the cousin could serve tea, lest the child be left without a proper name. Speaking of which, the wife of the Marquis of Yongchang hasn't had it easy either. Over the years, her illegitimate son has made many achievements in the army, and everyone praises him. The old marquis also holds him in high esteem. Now that the illegitimate daughter-in-law is causing trouble, it's going to be tough to deal with."
Wang Shi didn't dare to speak lightly this time. After a moment's thought, she said, "I understand. With all the commotion going on inside and outside the house, Madam Liang is now hesitant to act rashly. She wants to punish that cousin, but she doesn't want her son to suffer. Now that the old lady has come to her house, offering kind words and advice, Madam Liang has given in. ...But, haha, with this kind of situation, I wonder if Fourth Girl will have a good life in the future."
The old lady thought of Madam Liang's arrogant look just now, and she couldn't help but feel angry. Wang was still gloating over her misfortune, so she shouted in a deep voice: "Don't be so anxious to laugh at Miss Mo, think about Miss Ru!"
Thinking of Rulan, Wang couldn't help but tear up again. She shed tears and said, "It was all fine before, but now... The capital is so vast. Finding a son-in-law is easy, of course, because there are so many high-ranking officials and so much wealth. But it's also hard, because I don't know anyone's background. Some of them don't even have any. Now I'm completely lost. I'd like to ask for your advice, old lady."
"You..." The old lady sat up straight, holding the armrest of the soft couch. She patted Wang's shoulder and sighed, "You were wrong about Rulan. You should choose your son-in-law carefully. You can't have your cake and eat it too. You're not making in-laws, but enemies! ...And your good sister!"
The old lady slammed the armrest heavily, her face showing anger: "Brother Bo's father has done so much for the Kang family. His son's official position and his daughter's marriage, which one of them came to our family? We are not sincerely thinking about their interests, but she is so good! She secretly stole my granddaughter's corner! Does she think the Sheng family is the one who is being taken advantage of? It's okay for Yun'er, now she is considered the daughter-in-law of the Sheng family, from now on..." The old lady pointed at Wang and shouted, "From now on, except during festivals, you will have less contact with the Kang family!"
Wang was furious because her sister from her natal family was not polite. Everything the old lady said made sense, and it was her daughter who suffered the loss. Wang also followed suit and complained about the Kang family's faults.
After cursing for a while and letting out a deep breath, the old lady felt relieved. She waved her hand and said, "Well, now that Brother Bo's daughter-in-law is helping you manage the household, you shouldn't be so sick all day. Get well soon so that you can arrange a marriage for Ru'er. I'll also go around and see if there's anyone I think is suitable. Don't worry. A girl who has just reached marriageable age shouldn't rush into marriages. You have to choose carefully. Good character is what's most important!"
Wang loved to hear this topic, and she nodded her head like crazy. Seeing that the old lady was about to leave the bed, she quickly squatted down and helped her mother-in-law put on her shoes with great filial piety. The old lady supported Wang's shoulders and put on the shoes. When Wang raised her head, the old lady grabbed her wrist, stared into her eyes, and said in a deep voice: "When the Yongchang Marquis's Mansion comes to make the appointment, you and I will take good care of it. Don't let any anger or mistakes happen. Only when Mo girl enters the house smoothly can the previous things be wiped away! You will have a house full of grandchildren in the future, so you can't ruin your reputation. Do you understand?"
Wang Shi felt very uncomfortable, but thinking of her own flesh and blood, she gritted her teeth and nodded. The old lady loosened her grip and said in a gentle tone, "You don't have to worry about the dowry. The master gave me all the property that was given to Concubine Lin. I divided it in half between Feng Ge'er and Mo Lan. When Mo girl leaves, I, as her grandmother, will add another 1,000 taels of silver as usual."
Wang was very good at math. After a rough calculation, she concluded that the dowry was neither too much nor too little. It was neither more than Hualan's nor embarrassing in front of the Yongchang Marquis' Mansion. She only needed to spend some manpower and prepare the banquet, so she happily agreed.
Seeing that Wang had agreed to all her requests, the old lady was very satisfied. "A few days ago, when Brother Bo's daughter-in-law was sent to Linqi Pavilion, she found a lot of gold and silver jewelry from the master and the treacherous servants. If the maid was implicated by Molan this time, then we can use all of it to help her with her dowry."
Wang Shi still had some sense, and quickly went to greet her with a smile on her face, her words like honey: "Look at what mother said, Ru'er and Minglan are good friends all day long. How can we have Ru'er without Ming's? They should each have half. Ming's coming of age is coming soon, so she should have some bright new clothes made for her. I'll go to Tianyi Pavilion to place an order later. And Jinbao's head ornaments and jewelry are also necessary..."
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