He Hongwen looked dusty and his dark cotton robe was torn. After the greetings, Old Lady Sheng asked someone to serve tea, while Minglan stood beside the old lady without saying a word.
"Brother, you look much stronger now." The old lady looked at He Hongwen with a smile, "You are tanned too."
He Hongwen looked up and saw Minglan, a graceful young lady, even more beautiful than before, with a pair of clear eyes that were extremely bright. His face flushed and he lowered his head and replied, "This time, I went with my grandmother's uncles and learned a lot of rare medicines. I also learned a lot about the rules of the pharmacy and the medicine market. Hongwen benefited a lot."
The old lady nodded slightly and said, "A good man should be independent. You are doing very well. I heard from your grandmother that you have been registered in the Imperial Hospital?"
He Hongwen seemed a little embarrassed and said respectfully, "It's all thanks to the support of my uncles. Actually... according to Hongwen, he still wants to gain some experience here. Medicine is not an ordinary profession, the more experience one has, the better."
The old lady nodded repeatedly, her smile growing even warmer. "You're a hardworking and sensible child, and your grandmother's careful upbringing is worthy of your kindness." As she spoke, she changed the subject and added, "It was very hot recently, and now it's getting cooler. Your mother is feeling unwell. I've prepared some things here. You can bring them to your mother later."
As she spoke, the housemaid at the side asked the maids to carry a small box, which was full of precious medicinal herbs, as well as rare silk gauze and shark-patterned satin. He Hongwen felt a sinking feeling in his heart when he saw this. Over the years, he had been filial to Old Madam Sheng, and the old lady had always accepted it with a smile, without much ceremony, and only adding a little more to the New Year gift. But today... He Hongwen carefully raised his eyes to look at the old lady, only to see that she was as harmonious as usual. The old lady did not mention anything about the Cao family, and He Hongwen had no chance to say anything.
He had already learned from the letter that the Cao family had returned to Beijing, and that Aunt Cao intended for him to marry his cousin Jin'er. He's mother had indeed intended this match, but times had changed, and He Hongwen had long since determined that Minglan would marry him. Over the years, the two families had tacitly agreed to this arrangement in their interactions, and he, a simple-minded and well-behaved man, naturally didn't want to change his mind. But a few days later, another letter arrived, stating that his cousin Jin'er was willing to be his concubine, but without further details, leaving him completely bewildered.
After a few more words, the old lady said she was tired, and He Hongwen stood up to say goodbye. The old lady said casually, "Minglan, please see me off."
He Hongwen's eyes lit up, he said goodbye respectfully, and left obediently with his head down. Minglan bowed in front of the old lady, turned around and smiled to see He Hongwen out. The two of them followed Danju and Xiaotao, and then walked out along the stone path outside Shou'an Hall.
"...How is Sister Ming these days?" He Hongwen held it in for a long time before finally uttering these words.
Minglan smiled and said, "Everything is fine. The Qingxin Glutinous Rice Balls that Brother Hong sent to the old lady last time were very delicious. I also ate two. They were sweet and quite delicious."
The girl's voice was so tender and sweet that He Hongwen immediately breathed a sigh of relief and laughed out loud, "I know you're most afraid of bitter medicine, so I added some licorice and plum chopped into it. If you like it, I'll send you more next year."
Minglan covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her cheeks flushed with lotus color. "Medicine is not for the faint of heart. If you are greedy, just eat a snack."
He Hongwen scratched his head sheepishly, his light brown face breaking into a handsome smile. "Next time I want to go to Yunnan and Guizhou. There are high mountains and dense forests there, and maybe I can find something even rarer there. I'm just worried my mother won't agree."
Minglan was filled with envy. She also wished she could travel widely, so she said, "Brother Hongwen is right. The famous doctor Zhen Baifang of the previous dynasty once said, 'Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles, consult a hundred doctors, and interview all over the world, only then can one master the way of medicine.'"
He Hongwen's eyes lit up, and he felt very relieved. Minglan continued, "Let's take a step back. If I can't cure the illness of a noble, I might get blamed. Why not practice it downstairs first?"
He Hongwen knew what she meant and couldn't help laughing. The atmosphere became relaxed for a moment. When they were almost at the second gate, He Hongwen suddenly stopped, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. Minglan knew what he meant, so she waved to the people following behind her. Danju and Xiaotao immediately stepped back a little.
He Hongwen finally spoke, looking embarrassed for a long time before he said with difficulty: "My cousin Jin'er is one year younger than me. She left Beijing for exile when she was ten years old. I lost my father when I was young, and I am the only one left by my mother. I treat her like her own sister, and I have no other thoughts." His voice was firm, as if he was making a promise.
Minglan remained silent for a moment before she said, "Brother Hongwen, let's talk about this after you get home. Some things... have nothing to do with whether or not we're biological sisters."
He Hongwen was speechless for a moment, then left with his head down; Minglan looked at him for a while from behind, then whispered to Xiaotao to see him off.
Calculating the time, the old lady must have gone to the Buddhist temple to chant sutras. Minglan went straight back to her own Mu Cangzhai and threw herself onto the bed, hugging a pillow woven out of rattan. She looked up gloomily at the pattern of "magpies climbing branches" on the beam of the bed. Yancao was doing needlework on the wooden kang in the outer room. She could only hear a soft "thumping" sound from inside, as if fists were repeatedly hitting the quilt.
Minglan balled up the thin quilt on the bed and punched it a few times before she felt a little better. Now she felt like she had bitten out a worm in an apple. Her chest was filled with suffocation, but she couldn't blame anyone.
A once-rich young lady, now destitute and dependent on relatives, has lost her innocence. Her righteous cousin is naturally her last straw! A mother who loves her daughter will naturally do everything she can to ensure her daughter's happiness! A sister who loves her sister deeply will naturally want to make her sister's family live a better life!
No one was wrong! Everyone had their reasons! Everyone was pitiful! But what had she done wrong? Why should she bear the consequences? It wasn't her sister who needed help! It wasn't her who embezzled mining silver in Xiaoliangshan, causing the landslide and deaths! And it wasn't her who forced Cao Jinxiu into becoming his concubine?!
Minglan was vomiting! Her chest felt stuffy. If only she could go outside and shout a few times, but... Minglan buried her head in the quilt again - no, wuwuwu, a lady from a noble family couldn't do this.
What a fucking place!
Just as he was sulking, he suddenly heard hurried footsteps in the outer room, and Yancao's voice rang out: "Xiaotao, slow down! What are you doing in such a hurry? Hey... the girl is in there..."
Then the curtain of the door was suddenly lifted, and Xiao Tao rushed in, sweating profusely, wiping her flushed face with a handkerchief, breathing heavily. Without waiting to calm down, she leaned over the bed and whispered something in Minglan's ear. Minglan's face changed in an instant, and she said in a deep voice, "Are you sure?"
Xiao Tao nodded vigorously, her chest still heaving violently: "Absolutely right!"
Minglan took a deep breath, her chest heaving with breath, as if there was a sandbag that could be punched through with one punch!
At this time, Yancao and Danju came in and saw the master and servant looking a little dazed. "What's wrong with the girl?" Yancao asked timidly.
Minglan forced a smile and said, "It's nothing serious. Yancao, you keep an eye on the house. If the eldest sister-in-law or the fifth sister come looking for me, tell them I'm out strolling in the garden. Danju, you and Xiaotao come and help me clean up."
Danju had served Minglan for many years and knew that she always had her own ideas. She stopped talking and helped Minglan to tidy up her clothes and makeup. Xiaotao tiptoed to comb Minglan's hair neatly and adjusted the hairpins and pearl flowers on her bun. Minglan whispered a few words to Xiaotao, who turned around and took a gauze veil hat from the cabinet, packed a few things for going out, and put them all into an exquisite little package.
Danju, worried about Yancao, took a few steps back and told Luzhi to watch the door carefully. Then the master and his servants went out. Halfway through, Minglan said to Xiaotao, "Go through the small gate in the back garden. Ask Old Huang to harness the carriage for me. Now! Go!"
Xiaotao responded and trotted over. Danju was shocked: "Girl, you... " Minglan's face was as gloomy as water. She just looked at Danju deeply, turned around and left. Danju didn't dare to ask more questions and hurried to catch up.
There was originally a small door on the side of the back garden, leading directly to a row of houses in the outer hall. However, today was the second day of the Autumn Examination, and the servants and maids in the courtyard had all gone to the outside of the examination room to wait for their masters. The outer hall was now sparsely populated. Minglan took Danju and walked quickly, passed through two hanging flower doors, quietly went out through the small door, and came to the gatehouse.
Old Huang had prepared a sturdy flat-top carriage with a green oil-wool tent. He was originally the old lady's companion and was a very honest person. His two sons were sitting next to him, and they were both reliable. When he saw Minglan's unhappy expression, he didn't ask any questions, got off the footstool of the carriage, and let the three girls get in.
"Uncle, let's go to the peach forest at the entrance of the alley!" Xiao Tao stretched her head and whispered to Old Huang. Old Huang responded, then whipped the horse and his two sons followed beside him, the wheels rumbling.
"Girl! You're making me so anxious. Where are we going?" As soon as they got on the carriage, Danju finally couldn't help but ask.
Minglan half-closed her eyes, not wanting to speak, so Xiaotao leaned forward and answered, "Just now I saw the young master of the He family out. He was talking about the scenery outside, and I wanted to hear more, so I walked him all the way to the gatehouse. Just as I was about to leave, I saw the Cao family's carriage waiting at the door of our mansion! The last time I went to the He family, I saw that carriage at the door on our way back home. The gray, coarse oilcloth curtains, the brown, flat wooden frame, and the driver, with a big black spot on his face! Then half a head popped out from inside. It was Miss Cao! The young master seemed quite surprised. I don't know what Miss Cao said, but he got in the carriage!"
Danju opened her mouth wide, smacking her lips a few times, and stared blankly at Minglan: "Could it be... that we should chase after them? That's not possible!"
Xiao Tao's forehead was still sweating. She tugged at Dan Ju's sleeve and continued, "I was a bit more cautious at the time and asked Xiao Shunzi, the doorman, to run over and take a look. But Xiao Shunzi came back a short while later and said he saw the carriage from afar entering the peach orchard at the entrance of the alley. I immediately came back and told the girl."
The Sheng Mansion was located in a very good area. Not far away, there was a small peach forest. Although it was not very neat and there were few visitors, it was still quite wild and interesting. Minglan roughly estimated the situation and thought that cousin Cao must have come alone. The cousins wanted to reminisce about the past alone, so the location was very important. It had to be poetic and picturesque, and sparsely populated. The He family's place would not work, and the Cao family's place would not work either. The small peach forest was just right.
Minglan counted the time on her fingers. It only took about seven or eight minutes by carriage from Sheng Mansion to Taolin. Xiao Shunzi and Xiao Tao were both good sprinters, so the total delay was only about half an hour. According to the routine of Korean dramas, the cousins had probably just finished recounting their experiences in the past few years since they separated. Judging from Cao Jinxiu's expression, it would have taken her quite some time to shed tears.
After Danju heard this, hesitantly said, "...So that's it. What do you want to do when you rush over?"
Are they going to catch someone cheating?! Danju was dumbfounded.
"nothing."
The carriage stopped, the curtain moved slightly, and a faint fragrance of peach blossoms filled the air. Minglan opened her eyes, smoothed the wrinkles on her skirt, adjusted the gold hairpin on her temples, and said lightly, "I'm impatient." After that, she held Xiaotao's wrist and stepped out of the carriage.
— Damn it! It's a real pain to be with such a blunt knife! In this ancient time when the average age of marriage was sixteen, her youth was incredibly precious! There are always better women out there, if that doesn't work out, quickly find someone else!
It was noon, and the sun was still strong in late August. There were almost no people in the peach forest. This area was located in the inner circle of the imperial city. Because of the martial law in recent days for the autumn examination, the public security was particularly good, and idle people were not allowed to walk around casually. Minglan, wearing a veil hat, followed Danju Xiaotao and the two boys from the Huang family into the depths of the forest.
Xiao Tao was agile and took a few quick steps forward. After a while, she hurried back and whispered to Minglan, "The Cao family's carriage is on the west side, and the young master of the He family and Miss Cao are on that side." She pointed to a row of tall and dense trees in front of her.
Minglan asked the two boys from the Huang family to wait here, and she led Xiaotao and Danju forward. When they took a few steps closer, they heard low crying and a man's voice constantly comforting them. Minglan and the other two immediately hid behind a big tree.
"... Cousin, Liangzhou is really not a place for people to stay. We can't even get clean water every day! The water from the well is salty and bitter. After drinking a few sips, Dad and Mom's faces are swollen..." Cao Jinxiu's voice was like tears and complaints, "That's not a big deal, but in the last few years, the money was used up. There was no money to bribe officials. The family couldn't make ends meet, so they... married me... to him... a captain stationed at the Liangzhou garrison... Cousin, I really wanted to die at that time! But I couldn't die. If I died, what would happen to Dad and Mom?!"
Whimpering sobs were heard, and He Hongwen whispered comforting words. Cao Jinxiu seemed very excited. There was a rustling sound, as if someone was pulling at the sleeve of her clothes. Cao Jinxiu cried again and said, "It would be worth dying to see my cousin again! All these years, I often remember the things we did when we were little... I liked the flowers on the pomegranate tree, and you climbed up such a high tree to pick them for me. Later, you fell down, and your aunt was angry and anxious, but you refused to say that you were picking flowers for me, and only said that you were naughty... And, every Lantern Festival, you made a small lantern for me with your own hands, sometimes a lotus, sometimes a little rabbit... In my dreams at midnight, what I fear most is that my cousin has forgotten me!"
He Hongwen's voice was also a little excited: "Don't worry, cousin, sit down and talk, don't cry, isn't your cousin here? Now that you are all back, life will be better!"
After crying softly for a few more times, Cao Jinxiu seemed to calm down gradually, and her voice was faint: "Then the amnesty order came, and my parents took out all the money they had and took me out of that thousand-household household. He didn't want me anyway, saying that I cried all day long and was a jinx, and that I had cried away his career! I wanted to just die, but I was afraid of making my parents sad, and I wanted to die without seeing my cousin! Now it's good, I have seen my cousin, and I can die with my eyes closed..."
He Hongwen advised again: "Don't talk nonsense, don't talk about life and death, you still have a long time to live!"
Cao Jinxiu said in a low, mournful voice, "...I've seen Miss Sheng. She's pretty and generous, and she comes from a good family. The old lady likes her, too. This is fantastic, fantastic. My cousin's lifelong event is settled. Miss Sheng is gentle and clever, and will definitely take good care of my aunt and cousin in the future... Mother said that my cousin should marry me, but how dare I hope? I'm no longer virginal, a fallen woman. I'll be my cousin's maid! I'll serve you and Miss Sheng tea and water, and be a servant. As long as I can see my cousin from time to time, I'll be satisfied..."
Danju's face turned red with anger. Xiaotao bit her teeth lightly, wishing she could pounce on him and take a few bites.
Through the dim branches, Minglan and the other two saw that Cao Jinxiu had rested her head on He Hongwen's shoulder. Her frail body, as thin as a bird, trembled constantly, and she cried softly like a helpless child. He Hongwen sighed heavily, gently stroking her back with one hand, constantly comforting her and whispering something like "...Ming sister is a very good person..."
Xiao Tao was shaking with anger, unable to bear it any longer. She stepped hard and with a "crack", a branch in the grass was broken. He Hongwen and Cao Jinxiu both exclaimed and turned to look at Minglan.
"Who's there?" He Hongwen shouted.
Danju glared at Xiaotao fiercely, but Minglan was not panicked. She straightened her clothes slightly, stepped out of the bushes calmly, and stood in front of He Cao. Xiaotao and Danju also came out with their heads lowered.
When He Hongwen saw Minglan, his face turned pale and red. After a long while, he said blankly, "Sister Ming, why are you here?"
Minglan waved back, and Xiaotao and Danju retreated, leaving the three of them alone in the shade of the trees. She glanced at the tear stains on He Hongwen's chest and forced a smile, saying, "I was going out on a errand and passed by the peach forest when I saw Sister Cao's carriage. I thought I'd come in and say hello, and I didn't expect Brother Hongwen to be there too."
He Hongwen was immediately at a loss after hearing these words so casually. He said awkwardly, "You...you heard everything?"
Minglan continued to smile: "I didn't hear much, just a little bit."
The late summer sunlight shone through the leaves, reflecting Minglan's face as delicate and clear as white jade. Her translucent skin was almost broken by the touch, and it bloomed with an incredible brilliance, extremely clear and beautiful. Her eyes were unusually dark and silent.
He Hongwen was in a trance. He knew very well that he was interested in Minglan. He liked her kind character and playful personality. He hoped to marry her and live a happy life with her. But when he turned his head, Cao Jinxiu was trembling like a leaf falling in the wind. She was dark, thin, sickly and withered. The lovely little cousin in his impression had become like this. He couldn't bear it and was in a dilemma.
Seeing He Hongwen's expression, Cao Jinxiu cried out in grief and threw herself at Minglan's feet. Tears streamed from her eyes, her lips moved, and her voice was mournful: "Miss Sheng! Please don't blame my cousin. It was me who didn't know the rules. I knew my cousin was coming today, so I had people watch the dock and followed him all the way here. My cousin was obsessed with you. You are the only one in his heart!"
Minglan nodded and said calmly, "This is a matter between your cousin and me. As an unmarried girl, you should be careful with your words and not speak carelessly, or you'll cause trouble for others. If you get up first, people will see you and think I'm bullying you."
Cao Jinxiu was stunned for a moment, then nodded immediately, but did not stand up. She apologized repeatedly, "Miss, you are right. It's all my fault! I am already a withered flower and a fallen willow. I am not as well-educated and well-mannered as you. Please don't be angry with me!"
He Hongwen hurried forward to help Cao Jinxiu up, but Cao Jinxiu only tugged at Minglan's skirt, still begging: "Miss Sheng, look at me, I am not as good as you in any way, please have mercy on me! ... These years, I have lived a life worse than death. I have wanted to die more than once. I am only alive today because I want to see my cousin. Please, please..."
Cao Jinxiu's voice was extremely humble, revealing endless sorrow and sadness. She looked at He Hongwen with the same gaze as a ghost from hell looking up at the human world. He Hongwen, who had always been soft-hearted, couldn't help but feel his eyes moisten. There seemed to be a faint pleading in his eyes as he looked at Minglan, and he murmured, "...Sister Ming, look, my cousin..."
He Hongwen couldn't continue speaking because Minglan was looking at him quietly.
Minglan's chest was boiling with anger. It seemed as if Cao Jinxiu would be a cruel person if she didn't agree. Minglan walked away a few steps and stood in the cool shade of a tree. Looking at Cao Jinxiu, who was still lying on the ground, she said calmly, "Cousin, please don't cry. I want to ask you a few things. ... I heard from Brother Hongwen that you have two illegitimate sisters and one illegitimate sister. How are they now?"
Cao Jinxiu looked up blankly, not really knowing what Minglan meant. This question was difficult to answer. After pondering for a long time, Cao Jinxiu said with difficulty, "They... are all fine. They didn't come back and stayed in Liangzhou."
He Hongwen was stunned and asked, "Why did they stay in Liangzhou? My aunt and uncle are back, what are they doing there?" Cao Jinxiu said in a weak voice, "They... are also promised."
He Hongwen immediately understood what was going on and his expression changed again.
Minglan desperately suppressed the anger that threatened to burst out, and said calmly, "Cousin, I know you are truly pitiful; but you are not the most pitiful person. Although your marriage was unfortunate, at least you have parents who care about you. They have done their best to bring you back. How can you speak so lightly about life and death? But what about your sisters? They are concubines. When your uncle Cao was rich and powerful, they may not have enjoyed the same happiness as you, cousin. But when the family fell into decline, they had to endure the same hardships. Now they are left in Liangzhou as concubines. Needless to say, they have experienced the ups and downs. Without any family by their side, no one cares about their well-being. To be honest, I think they are more pitiful, not to mention the orphans and widows of Xiaoliangshan. What do you think, cousin?"
Cao Jinxiu's face flushed red after being scolded. She stole a glance at He Hongwen, feeling uneasy. Her mother was not kind to her concubines' children, and He Hongwen had seen it a lot when he was a child. Sure enough, He Hongwen looked a little unhappy.
"We really have no money at home, and Mom and Dad... are really sorry and worried about us, but... the husbands of my sisters are all good people." Cao Jinxiu could only stammer like this, and then she threw herself in front of Minglan, sobbing and trembling slightly, "Miss Sheng, I heard the old lady of the He family and my aunt often praise you, saying that you are kind and benevolent, and often give alms and do good deeds. Please treat me as a beggar on the street and have pity on me! I won't compete with you for anything, and I can't win. I just want to see my cousin often..."
"No." Minglan shook her head firmly and slowly. He and Cao were both surprised. They didn't expect Minglan to be so resolute.
Minglan looked at Cao Jinxiu steadily, her voice as clear and cold as a mountain spring: "Miss Cao, have you ever seen a kind-hearted person who donates all his wealth to beggars?" Minglan turned to He Hongwen and said word by word: "For a woman, her husband is everything to her. Which woman would give her husband to pity other women?!" Unless she is a die-hard saint.
He Hongwen blushed instantly. Facing Minglan's firm and sincere gaze, he felt a surge of surprise and panic in his heart. Cao Jinxiu's lips trembled: "...But, all I ask for is..."
Minglan gently shook her hand, interrupting her. "Cousin, please don't fool yourself. You are not an ordinary maid, nor an ordinary concubine. You are Brother Hongwen's childhood sweetheart."
Cao Jinxiu's face was frighteningly pale. Minglan continued, "I'm a common person. I also dream of a happy life and a smooth life. But if I'm taking care of the household, being filial to my elders, and raising our children, and my husband is telling others about his childhood pomegranate and lotus lanterns and bunny lanterns, wouldn't I be ridiculous? What am I? Just a decorative ornament?"
After hearing this, He Hongwen felt embarrassed again and took a few steps away from Cao Jinxiu.
"You are definitely not just a decoration! You are the only one in my cousin's heart!" Cao Jinxiu pleaded anxiously.
Minglan interrupted: "As long as you are here, I am just a decoration!"
Minglan simply spoke it all out in one breath, looking straight at He Hongwen and saying softly, "My cousin is truly pitiful, but I have a question for you, Brother Hongwen. Is marrying her the only way to take care of her? If you don't marry her, will my cousin die? You just told me to treat my cousin like your own sister, and I remember that. So please treat her like a real sister! Find her a good family, give her a dowry, and give her support in her husband's family. Isn't that okay?"
He Hongwen was deeply touched, and his mind suddenly became clear. He had just been confused by Cao Jinxiu's crying and begging, but now he thought about it, isn't it the same?
Cao Jinxiu was so anxious that tears welled up in her eyes, about to fall. She looked at He Hongwen in silence for a while, then at Minglan's determined face. Her eyes widened and she almost fainted with grief. Her body was hot and cold. Minglan walked up to He Hongwen, looked him in the eyes sincerely, and advised him in a pertinent tone: "Brother Hongwen, I'm not forcing you. Think about it carefully. If you really have feelings for Miss Cao, I will never blame you. Over the years, Madam He has helped my family a lot, and you have treated me very well. The friendship between our two families will remain the same. I have only one thing to say. If you are here, there can be no Miss Cao. Side rooms, concubines, maids, none of them are allowed! After the marriage, it's best for your cousin not to see your brother anymore. If you have anything to say, just talk to me, so as to avoid the suspicion of being in the wrong!"
After saying this, Minglan also felt exhausted. She bowed to He Hongwen, and then politely saluted Cao Jinxiu. Then, without saying another word, she turned around and left without looking back.
As she walked, Minglan didn't care about etiquette and wiped the moisture off her face with her sleeves. Before Xiaotao and Danju saw it, she swallowed all the tears, wiped her face dry, faced the sunshine, and smiled. Everything was fine.
…
On the west side of the Sheng Mansion, in the main room of Shou'an Hall, the doors and windows were tightly closed, and there were only two people in the room.
With a "snap", a ruler fell to the ground. Minglan knelt in front of the old lady, retracted her left hand which was red and swollen from being beaten, endured the pain, lowered her head and said nothing.
"How dare you be so bold! Do you think I can't bear to punish you?!" The old lady leaned on the Arhat bed, gasping for breath in anger.
"Granddaughter dare not." Minglan whispered.
"You...you..." The old lady pointed at Minglan, speechless, and shouted, "Are you so afraid of not being able to get married? And you still rush to compete with others! Who are you? What is the status of the Cao family? Cao Jinxiu, you are not even worthy of carrying your shoes!"
Minglan was silent for a moment, then said, "Miss Cao is indeed a pitiful person."
"You are so kind?!" the old lady sneered.
"No, my granddaughter is a selfish person." Minglan raised her head and answered loudly, "No matter how pitiful Miss Cao is, you can't ask my granddaughter to give in! She wants to come in, but she's dreaming!"
The old lady finally calmed down a bit, took a slow breath, and said, "How can you be so stubborn! Without He the butcher, we'd have to eat hairy pigs. I'm not dead yet! Before I die, I'll find you a good and suitable husband!"
Minglan smiled bitterly, and slowly stroked the old lady's knees, saying, "Grandma, where in the world is there a perfect husband? Where in the world is there a truly suitable in-law family?!"
Old Madam Sheng was shocked, but she glared at Minglan stubbornly: "Do you think He Hongwen is so good?"
"No, he's not the best." Minglan was unusually calm, her eyes fixed on the old lady. "Over the years, Grandmother has sought so many families for your granddaughter's marriage, but in the end, you still chose the He family. Why? Because you know that Brother Hongwen is truly a gentleman of good character, self-reliant, kind and reliable. He vowed since childhood not to take a concubine. After all your choices, you still think Brother Hongwen is the best, don't you?"
Old Mrs. Sheng was speechless for a moment and turned away angrily.
Minglan gently stroked the old lady's knee, her voice choking with sobs. "That year when I moved to Mucangzhai, you said, 'No one can protect me from the wind and rain for a lifetime.' I've taken note. Now, the wind and rain outside are coming into the house. Grandma's afraid you'll be hurt, so you want to close the doors and windows to keep me out. But that won't work. Why? Why should we give in?!"
Minglan's tone suddenly became intense, her voice as resolute as a hammer striking iron. "Life is full of bumps and bumps. You can't just avoid them the moment you see a pothole! I'll try to step over it, fill it with sand, pave it with stones, and maybe I'll find a way through it! How can I reject someone I've worked so hard to get to know just because I encounter something unpleasant?"
Old Madam Sheng's heart was deeply shaken, her eyes misty with moisture. She looked at the girl she had raised, and she had no idea when she had become so brave and decisive. She herself lacked this kind of tenacity, having given up too easily in the past. After hearing this, the old lady hesitated: "Do you think... you can do it?"
Minglan shook her head, her eyes clear. "It's hard to say. Perhaps Brother Hongwen can live up to the old lady's wishes, but perhaps he's still in love with Miss Cao. If that's the case, I'll accept my fate! Man proposes, God disposes. I've done my best, and the rest is up to Heaven."
The old lady slumped down on the Luohan bed, speechless for a long time.
Minglan couldn't bear to see her grandmother's dejected face. She supported herself on the edge of the bed and slowly climbed up. Her knees were stinging and burning with pain, and she almost gasped. She endured the pain, sat down next to her grandmother, and smiled and advised: "Grandma, things are not that bad. Brother Hongwen is needless to say. Aunt He is actually a good person, but she is a little soft-hearted. If I marry someone else, I will have to fight against many monsters and demons in the future! If I marry Brother Hongwen, I will only have to fight against one family. The Cao family is not a concern. They have no power, no influence, no money, and no relatives. If they are honest, they can be sent back to their hometown with some money and asked to farm and study. If they are unwilling, "Stop it. I'm not the only one who keeps clinging to the He family and trying to get something for nothing. I have a loving and caring grandmother, a father and brother with successful official careers, and sisters who married into high-class families. What's there to be afraid of? Aunt He is sick and weak, unable to manage affairs. With Old Madam He around, I can manage the household after I marry into their family. Being easily influenced is not a bad thing. When the time comes, I'll clean up the He Mansion and not let the Cao family in casually. I'll also ask the maids and old women who serve my aunt to persuade them day and night. Over time, the accumulated criticism will destroy them. I don't believe Aunt He is so stubborn! ... If you're afraid of such a small thing, don't be a human being! Grandmother, believe me, your granddaughter still has this ability."
After much persuasion, the old lady's expression gradually softened. Looking at Minglan's resolute expression, she sighed and rubbed her head, saying, "I always thought you were just a child. It turns out you had already made up your mind. Now what? Are you just waiting?"
Minglan sighed softly, her lips filled with resignation. "My granddaughter said some very cruel things today! If the He family is interested, there will be news within a few days. Let's wait... ten days, okay? If there's no news after ten days, Grandma will find another husband for Minglan. He's definitely not the only family in the world with sons."
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