Mucangzhai, the western wing.
Minglan lay listlessly at the head of the bed. Danju carefully applied a layer of lightly scented ointment to her palms, softly scolding her, "...Miss, you can't blame the old lady for getting angry. What you've suffered today is truly undeserved. The old lady has always treated you like her own flesh and blood, never letting you get even a little bit hurt. And now you..." Danju sighed softly, "Why bother? Just wait patiently, the He family will eventually give you an explanation."
Minglan had been working hard all day and was exhausted. She lay lazily, not wanting to move. Hearing this, she scoffed softly, "Wait? What for? Wait until when? Wait until I'm a few years older, until I'm out of options, until the He family comes to propose marriage, and the old lady asks, 'Will your cousin come in?' Or wait until I'm married, and the Cao family comes and forces me to marry Miss Cao in with tears and snot?!" Minglan's mouth was slightly sarcastic. "Besides, given the old lady's temper, she won't wait a few days or she'll find another family for me." Minglan sighed softly again, her voice almost speechless. "It's precisely because I'm unwilling to let it go like this that I'm acting like this."
Danju's expression was gloomy. She gently put down the white porcelain medicine bottle with green fish's-tail patterns, took the gauze that had been cut into thin pieces, and slowly wrapped it around Minglan's palm. Then the curtain rustled softly, and Xiaotao came in with a tray with several bowls and dishes on it. She carried the things to the bedside and said with a smile, "I saw that the young lady had barely touched her dinner, so I asked Aunt Lian in the kitchen to make a bowl of three-fresh cat's ear soup. The noodles are freshly rolled and very chewy. Eat it while it's hot, young lady!"
On the black lacquered wooden tray was a glazed green bamboo cup with a pair of bowls and spoons of the same color next to it. In the bowls were emerald green beans, fresh and tender bamboo shoots, thinly sliced chicken, and small cat-ear noodles. The aroma of the broth filled the air, and Minglan was tempted to eat. She reached out to take the spoon, and Xiaotao smiled and held the tray for Minglan to scoop and eat.
"Hmm!" Minglan took a bite and found it salty and fresh, which made her mouth water. She looked up at Xiaotao and said, "Auntie Lian's noodles are really delicious. You can go and thank her with twenty or thirty coins later."
Xiao Tao nodded vigorously and grinned, "Every time the young lady ordered something special to eat, she would give her some money. No wonder the old lady excitedly opened the stove when I went there today."
Danju was full of worries, and seeing that Xiaotao didn't take it to heart at all, she couldn't help but roll her eyes at her: "You heartless little bitch! If the young lady hadn't stopped me today, I would have reported you to Fang Mama and had you given a beating! How dare you tell the young lady all the serious and minor things!" Although she said it harshly, she didn't stop her hands and found a handkerchief to wrap around Minglan's neck.
Xiao Tao stuck out her tongue and said, "Eating is the most important thing!" Then she turned to Minglan, her big eyes fluttering excitedly. She whispered, "Miss, I checked. Yancao and Luzhi are all asleep. Old Huang and the doorman will make sure they're all ready. The eldest lady and the fifth lady didn't come to look for you today, so no one will know that we left the house."
Minglan nodded and swallowed a mouthful of the rich noodle soup. Danju looked at her, wanting to say something but stopping herself. When Minglan was barely half full, Xiaotao left with the tray. While pouring a wet handkerchief into the copper basin, she hesitated and said, "Miss, even if the He family agrees now, what if they change their mind later?" Minglan said calmly, "Of course there is a way."
Danju was tired that day. After helping Minglan to wash and dress, she let down the curtains and lit some mosquito-repellent incense in a gilded copper incense burner. After turning off the lights, she tiptoed out. Minglan threw herself on the pillow with her hair tied up in a pile. The more tired she was, the harder it was to sleep. The more worried she was, the more excited she became.
Minglan is not afraid of facing the fire-breathing dragon. She will give it her all and have no regrets even if she loses. But this time, God has given her an opponent called a little white flower. If it is a fake white flower or a real man-eating grass like Aunt Lin, it would be fine. Minglan can put all her energy into the duel and will not feel any psychological burden if she uses any means. But this time, she met a real little white flower.
Humble, haggard, and from a ruined family, when she looked at He Hongwen, her eyes were full of desperate joy, as if a ghost from the underworld was looking up at the human world. Anyone with a discerning eye could see why Aunt Lin seduced Old Man Sheng, but Cao Jinxiu was different. She was sincere to He Hongwen. To be honest, it's not that Minglan had no compassion for him, but for herself, she had no time to pity others.
This is the most confusing thing in the world.
Minglan lay on her back on the bed, hugging the quilt and sighing softly: She is indeed a person with conscience.
As for He Hongwen, Minglan also has complicated feelings. Cao Jinxiu is not as good as herself in terms of appearance, talent, family background and cultivation. If He Hongwen still chooses Cao Jinxiu, Minglan may be depressed, but she will admire him very much - whether in ancient times or modern times, few men can give up their real interests for emotion and pity.
Yao Yiyi's immediate boss, the elderly judge, once said something profound: "Men, it's better to be soft-hearted." This statement elicited sneers from the young women in the office, but the other middle-aged women and elderly women in the group nodded in agreement. Soft-hearted men are easily seduced, but they can also be reluctant to abandon the families they've built over the years. While they may be bewildered by new loves, they're also reluctant to let go of their old ones. As long as a woman can hold on, time is on her side.
There was a daughter of a wealthy man in the office, who nodded in agreement after hearing this. Her indestructible mother had survived countless storms and had the last laugh. Now her father was old and his body could not take it anymore, but he missed the warmth of his family instead.
In fact, hard-hearted men are much more dangerous than soft-hearted men. When they like you, they will be obedient and determined, but once they change their minds, they will change their minds faster than turning the pages of a book. They will divorce you without any feelings at all. Classic case: Xu Zhimo.
Later, the longer Yao Yiyi worked in the civil court and the more joys and sorrows she witnessed, the more she felt that the old judge was indeed an experienced person and her words were very reliable.
Minglan was in a state of confusion and tossed and turned on the bed for over an hour. Her head started to hurt from sleeping, so she got up and walked around the room for a few steps. Feeling depressed again, she simply put on her clothes and went out. After passing through the screen, she saw Danju sleeping soundly on the lacquered bed in the outer room. She had a deep frown on her face and looked very tired.
Minglan moved lightly and as slowly as possible. Fortunately, it was getting colder at night, the doors and windows of the two side halls were closed, and the maids were all fast asleep, so Minglan was able to slip out of the yard.
The night sky in late summer was unusually quiet, casting a dim light on the garden. A pale crescent moon was faintly visible, like a pointed orchid finger, crystal clear with a hint of ambiguity that seemed to be wanting to speak but could not. Minglan walked slowly along the path. The vegetation in the garden was quiet, and the osmanthus flowers on the branches and the lotus in the pond competed with each other to emit a faint, cool and fragrant fragrance.
Minglan felt much better. She had to say that this was a good choice. Old Master Sheng had a very good eye for investing in real estate. It was not easy for him to have such a small garden in the capital.
After walking for who knows how long, Minglan's anger disappeared. The air was damp at night and she felt a chill. She saw a cluster of lush and beautiful lilies of the valley beside a rock not far away. Minglan was delighted. Now that the lilies were about to fade, she wanted to pick a few and go back to sleep. But just as she took a few steps closer, she heard a rustling sound.
Minglan was suspicious, so she lifted her skirt and moved over quietly. She squatted down next to the cluster of lilies and peeked inside. She was shocked when she saw two figures, one tall and one short, cuddling under the rocks, talking in low voices intimately!
Minglan froze there, unable to move - Oh my God, what kind of auspicious day is this? She caught two rapists in one day!
Our party is in the upper echelons. Minglan can raise three fingers and swear to the great Saturn that she absolutely supports free and sincere love. Although trysts are not advisable, Siqi's spirit is commendable. Nowadays, a girl who doesn't think about climbing into the bed of old masters or young masters is always respectable. I'll ask my sister-in-law to let out a group of girls who are of age and tighten the access control.
So after being stunned for three seconds, Minglan decided to retreat. Who knew that at this moment, a familiar female voice came from the other side of the rock: "...Brother Jing...I, I..."
The voice was gentle and sweet, full of affection, but to Minglan it was like a bolt from the blue!
Rulan actually became Rong's younger sister?!
Minglan was so shocked that she took a step back suddenly, making some noise; then there was a cry of surprise from the other side of the rocks, and the two people seemed to say something, then one of them hurried away, and the other walked towards this side.
After a while of pushing the grass and trees, Rulan stepped over the bushes and saw Minglan, who looked very embarrassed, from among the hosta flowers. Her skirt was caught on the branches. Rulan's eyebrows immediately raised and she put her hands on her hips, "What are you doing here?!"
Minglan was both amused and confused. "Your Fifth Miss is the one who was caught in adultery, okay? This line should have been hers!"
"I, I, I... I ate too much last night, so I'm going to take a walk to help it go." Minglan wanted to slap herself twice. She had nothing to feel guilty about. Then she raised her voice, staring at Rulan, and asked, "Fifth Sister, what are you doing here again?"
Two red clouds actually flew across Rulan's fierce face: "What does it have to do with you?!"
"Oh, I see. Then sister, continue walking." Minglan made a move to go over, but was grabbed by Rulan. Minglan had never been her match in terms of fighting power, and was dragged back on the spot.
"It's so late, be careful not to catch a cold. Let's go back quickly!" Rulan dragged Minglan away like a dead dog.
"I can walk by myself, I can walk by myself, please let go first!" Minglan's arm was pinched so hard that it hurt, and she gasped, but she didn't want to make a sound, so she had to give in.
Minglan wanted to go to Shou'an Hall to report the emergency, but Rulan insisted on taking Minglan to Taoran Pavilion. When two brave men meet on a narrow road, the braver one wins, and the more powerful Rulan gets the final decision-making power.
When they arrived at Taoran Pavilion, the other maids had all gone to bed. Only Little Xi Que was left in the room, anxiously waiting by the dim light of a lamp. She heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Rulan return, but unexpectedly, Minglan followed her. Her face turned pale, and she was almost crying with anxiety. Minglan felt sorry for her. Rulan might be fine if this happened, but Little Xi Que would be badly hurt, so she comforted her, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. I didn't see anything."
As soon as these words were spoken, the little magpie really burst into tears. Rulan was already annoyed and shouted impatiently: "Why are you crying?! I'm not dead yet! It's not your turn!" After sending the little magpie away with a few words, she took Minglan and went straight to the inner room.
After entering the room, he pressed Minglan on the edge of the bed and looked down at her condescendingly, his face dignified and menacing, but his slightly flickering eyes betrayed her mood. After thinking for a long time, he just growled, "You, don't tell anyone!"
Minglan was very amused: "Sister, you didn't see anything."
Rulan's face flushed dark red. She swallowed and glared at Minglan fiercely. Minglan smiled back at her. The two sisters stared at each other for a long time. Rulan said angrily, "Even if you say it, I won't admit it. It's not true!"
Are you acting like a scoundrel now?! Minglan was very surprised and said with a smile, "It's nothing. Madam has always had this intention. Why do you have to do this, sister? If it gets out, won't it turn a good thing into a bad thing?"
Ever since Molan's incident, the Hai family had become even more strict about their gatekeeping. Anyone who could enter the Sheng Mansion at night was definitely not an outsider. A quick thought immediately struck Minglan. The only gap in the Hai family's defenses was the row of academies outside the back garden. What a coincidence, wasn't it? The Autumn Examination was divided into three days. Unlike the Spring Examination, where students were kept in custody until completion, students could return home after each day of the Autumn Examination.
Minglan deliberately teased Rulan with her eyes, only to make her face flush. Then she smiled and said, "No matter which one of them is in the academy, he is the son of an official from a prominent family. Once he passes the imperial examination, he will propose to my wife."
Minglan tried desperately to recall which name among the five students could match 'Brother Jing'. After thinking for a long time, Minglan blamed herself for having a stupid brain and for not being able to remember it at all.
Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Rulan's rosy face turned pale and she whispered, "No, it's not them."
Minglan was surprised and blurted out, "Who is that?"
Rulan refused to say anything at first. She just lowered her head and sat on the edge of the bed in a depressed mood. Minglan did not ask any more questions. Just by looking at Rulan's face, she knew that things were not good. The more she knew, the more trouble she would have. It would be better for her to slip away now. Unexpectedly, Rulan finally said quietly: "He... is Wen Yanjing, and he is also living in the academy now." - It turned out that it was not Brother Jing, but Brother Jing.
Minglan covered her chest and her breathing stopped for a beat. She felt that the shock she had received today was really beyond her capacity. Her heart protested a little. She took a few breaths with difficulty and exclaimed softly: "Fifth sister, you are crazy! He, he... is Fourth sister's..." After thinking for a long time, she couldn't say anything. Minglan had to pull Rulan's sleeve hard: "Madam will not agree!"
Rulan's expression suddenly turned sad, and her smooth oval face darkened. She said sullenly, "I know...but I like him, and he likes me too."
Minglan's mind was in a mess. She couldn't figure out how these two people who had nothing in common could be so close to each other. She pointed at Rulan, her fingers trembling: "You, you, you..." Finally, she choked out a sentence: "How did you two...get together?"
Rulan raised her head slightly, her eyes sparkling. An indescribable charm emerged from her handsome face, the kind of expression only a girl in love would have. She spoke haltingly, "...He had seen me a long time ago... Later, he gave me a piece of poetry..."
Minglan was furious when she heard this. She hated this kind of lecherous trick used to coax little girls. She couldn't help but shout, "You believe this?! Is he trying to harass you because he lost his marriage to Fourth Sister?!"
Rulan was furious. She pushed Minglan away and twisted her arm hard. Gui complained, "What do you know?! Brother Jing is a real gentleman! Besides, he saw me first!" After taking a breath, Rulan continued, "Do you still remember that year when Mo girl beat you up and asked Daddy to put you under house arrest?"
Minglan nodded. It was such a big scene, of course she remembered it.
"After that, Daddy decided to marry... Master Wen." Rulan's face flushed at the mention of her beloved. "A few days after you and the old lady left for Youyang, Daddy and Mother invited Master Wen to their house for tea. That day, I happened to be feigning illness and feeling bored, so I secretly ran off to play in the garden. Master Wen passed by and saw me... He mistook me for a little girl, picked up my handkerchief, and smiled at me. Later, he came a few more times, and each time I was playing in the garden, thinking he could talk to him. He said... I'm pretty and energetic, and it makes people feel happy just by looking at me."
Rulan's expression was shy, her voice gradually lowering, but her eyes were unusually sweet and far-reaching. "Later, he found out who I was, and that it was Molan that Daddy wanted him to marry. He sent me a letter, saying that Daddy and brother had shown him such kindness that he dared not disobey. From then on, there was no news... Until that incident with Mo girl. The next day, he secretly sent a letter to me, saying that he was so happy that he didn't have to marry Molan anymore. He also said that he would wait until the spring examinations began, pass the exams, and then come to propose marriage in a dignified manner!"
Minglan was stunned. After finally letting out a breath, she spoke in a tangled stream, "But didn't you say at the beginning that... that... poor family background, a mean mother, and jerk brothers! Oh, right, right, and also that he's indecisive!"
Rulan regained her spirits, pulled Minglan over, pinched her cheek hard twice, and scolded her with wide eyes, "Don't talk nonsense! Brother Jing has no idea how kind he is!"
Minglan was speechless and thought to herself: You are the one who said both good and bad things.
After a while, Minglan gently moved closer, resting her chin on Rulan's shoulder, and said softly, "Fifth sister, have you ever thought that maybe... he just wants to climb up the social ladder..." Before she finished speaking, Rulan stood up, her eyes wide open, staring at Minglan murderously, almost wanting to slap her to death. Minglan shrank back in fear and laughed dryly, "Haha, haha, sister, I was just talking."
Rulan sat down on a round stool in a huff. The poor stool swayed twice. With her back to Minglan, Rulan said hurriedly, "I know what you mean. You just want to say that I have no talent or looks, but I have a capable family background. So Brother Jing is attracted to the Sheng family, not me!"
Minglan was speechless and continued to complain in her heart: Marrying the elder sister one moment and the younger sister the next, everyone would think this way.
Rulan's eyes seemed to be filled with tears, and her tone was bitter: "I know that from childhood to adulthood, I can't compare to my elder sister's glory and nobility, I can't compare to Mo's flattery, and I can't compare to you. Not to mention Daddy, even Mom doesn't think much of me!... But there is one person, he... he has been interested in me and liked me since he didn't even know who I was... He said that he doesn't like delicate and weak girls, he likes healthy and bright ones, like me who can run and jump, whose smile is like the bright summer sun, which makes people feel comfortable..."
Rulan looked like she was sleepwalking, and she was talking in a delirious manner. Minglan was moved by her words, but she couldn't help feeling sad: "Even if Master Wen passed the imperial examination and became a Jinshi, I'm afraid Madam won't agree." Molan picked up the leftovers, but Rulan treated them as treasures. Wang would be crazy.
Rulan's expression changed, and then she gritted her teeth with determination, pounded her fist on her palm, raised her neck, and said in a loud voice: "If you don't let me marry Brother Jing, I will hit my head against the wall and die, or cut my hair and become a nun!"
Young people in love are fearless. Even the Titanic hitting an iceberg couldn't scare Rousi away, and the tragedy of thousands of people drowning only strengthened Jack's infatuation. What's more, Rulan is even more formidable. Even if Sheng Hong used family rules to beat her, it might not be effective. Minglan felt that she had said all she needed to say, and finally added: "But Master Wen's family background... well... are you willing?"
Rulan understood what he meant. She wiped her eyes with a handkerchief, looked up, and snorted proudly, saying, "My elder sister married into a wealthy family, but I don't see her living a comfortable life! Madam will give me a generous dowry. I have my family's support, so who among the Wen family dares to nag me!"
Minglan sighed and felt that she had nothing more to say. She didn't know whether Wen Yanjing was a mean person who fawned on the powerful, but if Brother Changbai also liked him, then his character must be fine. Then, if he dared to risk damaging his reputation and come to meet Rulan at night, it was very likely that he really liked Rulan.
Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe this is what Brother Jing likes.
Just as she was about to pat her skirt and leave, Rulan grabbed Minglan and threatened with her fist, "Don't tell anyone about what happened tonight! Otherwise, otherwise..."
"What else?" Minglan was very curious.
Rulan pursed her lips, gritted her teeth fiercely, and grinned smugly: "Otherwise, I will turn around and say that you were meeting someone at night."
Minglan was not afraid at all. Instead, she clapped her hands and laughed, "That's great! I'll just marry into the Wen family. I'm sure Daddy has good taste."
Rulan was horrified and grabbed Minglan, panting heavily, wanting to eat her up in one bite. She uttered a few words through her teeth: "...You dare?!" Minglan laughed a few times and said: "Of course I don't dare. So my sister won't report it. It won't benefit me if she does, and I don't want to marry Master Wen."
Rulan's expression relaxed, her tense nerves finally letting go. With a slight sense of relief, she lowered her head and said embarrassedly, "Sixth sister, don't blame me. I know you're a good person. You've always been willing to give in to me since you were young. Even when I get angry at you, you never take it to heart..."
Minglan thought silently: In fact, she took it to heart. There were several times when Minglan was so angry that she imagined Ruolan's face and punched the pillow several times.
"You are different from Miss Mo. She is mean-hearted and vicious. She only cares about her own happiness and never cares about what's happening at home. Brother Jing is waiting for the spring exam, so you must not let the Madam know about it now. Sister, you have always been trustworthy. Later, I will let you choose from some new jewelry that the Madam has sent!" After the intimidation, Rulan began to bribe.
Minglan waved her hand and sighed, "No need for jewelry. Just pretend that I didn't see anything about this... I was wondering why you became interested in needlework? It turns out that..." Minglan finally understood, and many of Rulan's questions today were answered.
After expressing her determination, Minglan was really tired and wanted to go back to sleep. Unexpectedly, it started to rain outside. Ruolan was somewhat loyal and was willing to give half of her bed to Minglan. Minglan was most afraid of going out on rainy days, but she didn't want to disturb Danju and the others in the middle of the night and make the girls in the yard restless. After thinking about it, she decided to go out.
"If others ask why Sixth Miss sleeps here, what should I say?" The little magpie who came in to make the bed was more cautious and decided to prepare his story first.
Minglan burrowed into bed, saying casually, "Just say that your daughter and I watched the stars and the moon together last night, talking about poetry and life ideals. We got tired and went to sleep."
Rulan glared at her and said to Little Magpie, "Just tell her that I went to ask Sixth Sister for needlework instruction. I went to bed late. Tomorrow morning, go to Mu Cang Zhai to find someone."
Minglan was too lazy to talk nonsense. She was lying in the room peacefully, but suddenly disappeared. How could such a lame excuse get rid of Danju? Forget it, she would think of how to make up another excuse tomorrow.
Minglan, who was extremely sleepy, fell asleep immediately, but regretted it in the middle of the night. She should have gone back even if it was hail outside!
Rulan was sleeping in various positions, with one of her thighs pressing horizontally on Minglan's belly, almost suffocating Minglan. Gradually, Minglan, who was unable to breathe, woke up and used all her strength to move Rulan's thighs away!
Sitting at the head of the bed, looking at Rulan who was sleeping soundly with saliva still on the corner of her mouth, Minglan rubbed her belly and thought bitterly: You, Wen guy, dare to imitate Zhang Sheng and have a secret meeting with the lady, you deserve to be crushed to death by Cui Yingying's thighs for decades to come!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
