There are two ways to quickly heat up friendship: one is to have a common enemy, and the other is to have a common secret.
Ever since Minglan was forced to listen to an excerpt from The West Chamber that night, Rulan's feelings for her had obviously warmed. She often forced Minglan to eat, work, write, and even sleep together - something Minglan firmly disagreed with.
Minglan sternly warned Rulan that it was okay to like her in her heart, and it was also the right thing to do to propose marriage in the future, but she was not allowed to have any more secret meetings, otherwise she would expose them immediately. Rulan agreed without hesitation: "Don't worry. Brother Jing is busy preparing for the Spring Examination, so he doesn't have time to come out."
"If he has time to come out, would you go and see him?" Minglan was puzzled. It turned out that Rulan was a romantic.
Rulan's face flushed, but she was very proud: "One day without seeing you feels like three years have passed."
Love is truly great. Rulan, who couldn't even recite the Three Character Classic, actually showed off her knowledge. Minglan was jealous and immediately complained, "Then you'd better pray to the gods and hope that he will pass the imperial examination this spring, otherwise you really will have to wait another three 'autumns'."
The consequence of this sentence was that Rulan immediately threw herself into religious activities with great enthusiasm. Not only did she actively respond to Wang's request to burn incense and worship Buddha, she also frequently visited the old lady's Buddhist temple, so that if the old lady wanted to worship Buddha alone, she had to make an appointment in advance.
The results of the Autumn Examination were announced a few days after the end of the exam. The Sheng family's feng shui was very good this time. Not only did Chang Feng and Li Yu pass the exam, but three of the five scholars in the academy also passed. Sheng Hong was very happy that both his son and son-in-law were such promising candidates.
It is said that since Aunt Lin was sent to the farm, Changfeng has no control over his daily life. Wang insisted that it is better for the maid to be pretty. Sheng Hong suspected that Wang had special intentions. Hai thought that one should suffer first and then enjoy the sweetness. Changbai believed that everything depends on self-consciousness. After a democratic concentration of the four-member group, it was decided to let Changfeng be paid according to his work and distribute benefits according to his academic performance in the imperial examinations.
Minglan clapped her hands in applause. "If a family of scholars is supposed to be wiser than a powerful family, what's the point of just beating them up?" "There needs to be some real threat. If Jia Zheng had used the same tactic against Baoyu back then—detaining Xiren and Qingwen, preventing them from getting close, preventing Baochai and Lin Daiyu from seeing each other, and only allowing them to be served by disgusting servants like Mama Li—wouldn't Baoyu have immediately studied hard and passed the exam?"
Where there is pressure there is motivation. Chang Feng worked hard and got back the three gentle and pretty maids as he wished. It is said that if he can pass the spring examination, he will be able to regain the right to withdraw a certain amount of money from the accounting office. For this reason, Brother Chang Feng continues to work hard.
Molan was also very happy and went back to her parents' home to show off. Her main purpose was to encourage Changfeng to keep up the good work and reach new heights. Wang began to worry. It was not a problem that a bastard's son was successful, but what should she do if the bastard's son who had a grudge against his biological mother was too successful?
"The country holds a talent selection ceremony every three years. Juren can be appointed as an official, but only those who pass the imperial examination can be promoted to the highest rank. In the past, there have been as many as three or four hundred imperial examinations in each exam, and as few as thirty or forty. They then accumulate experience as low-ranking officials and are promoted slowly. This will require a lot of help from the family, so you can rest assured, mother." Hai completely confused Wang with the powerful data.
Wang was persuaded.
Minglan watched coldly and found Mrs. Sheng's temperament very interesting. When she was a wife, she was more stubborn than a melon and refused to compromise in the slightest. But when it came to Minglan's marriage, she became very open-minded and easy to talk to, and her mind was frighteningly active.
The Spring Examination was held in February of the new year. In order to prepare for the exam, Li Yu simply stayed at Changwu's house and came to Changbai from time to time to ask for advice on the examination essays. So, every time Li Yu came to pay his respects to Old Lady Sheng, the old lady looked kind and amiable, asking questions and asking about her well-being. Li Yu also cooperated very well, holding the old lady's hand in a very familiar manner, lowering his brows and being shy like a new bride.
But this guy was absolutely open-minded. He could even see Minglan's shadow through the screen. While talking to the old lady, he could also glance at the screen when he had a chance.
"Grandma! Look, look! He's been peeking at me!" As soon as Li Yu left, Minglan ran out from behind the screen, tugging at the old lady's sleeve and complaining, "This guy is not a good person!"
The old lady took a leisurely sip of tea. "When one is young, one admires one's parents; when one is lustful, one admires younger women. It's human nature." She gently lowered the lid of the teacup and looked at Minglan. "Your aunt Yun has made inquiries. The Li family has a clean record. Brother Yu doesn't have anyone else in his room. He was an honest student at Songshan and never messed around with those self-proclaimed playboys."
"So what?"
"Nothing serious, old man, nothing to do, just asking."
Just as they were saying this, the He family arrived with an invitation. Old Madam He invited them to taste some freshly brewed silver bud tea. The old lady raised an eyebrow in agreement, and Minglan pouted. The weather was cooler this time when they returned to the He residence, but the grandmother and granddaughter had lost interest. They sat in the carriage with stern faces, one on each side, with a small lacquered wooden table between them.
Arriving at the He Mansion, they entered the main courtyard. Second Madam He was sitting at the head of the table with Old Madam He. As soon as Old Madam Sheng entered, Second Madam He immediately welcomed the Sheng family and their grandson to sit down. As soon as Old Madam Sheng sat down, she rolled her eyes and snorted, "Where's the tea? Didn't you ask me to taste it?" Old Madam He had been feeling unhappy for the past few days, so she rolled her eyes and said, "What's the rush? Fresh tea needs to be brewed right away. Wait a minute! I've packed a few packets for you to take back."
The two old friends stared at each other and argued for a long time. Then they thought it was funny. With Mrs. He's jokes interspersed, the atmosphere became more relaxed. Mrs. He apologized and asked for tea and snacks to be served to both the host and the guest before leaving. The two old ladies talked for a few words before asking about He's mother. Mrs. He sighed and said, "Since... that time, she has been ill and has been lying on her sickbed every day." Mrs. Sheng also sighed.
At this moment, a maid came in and reported that He's mother was bedridden and could not see guests. She did not dare to trouble the elders to move, but she missed Minglan very much and wanted to ask Minglan to come over for a chat. Old Madam Sheng glanced at Old Madam He, only to see her shake her head helplessly. She then looked at Minglan, but she nodded calmly. Old Madam Sheng thought for a moment and let her go.
After Minglan followed the maid out the door, Old Madam Sheng's face immediately darkened. She turned to Old Madam He and said, "What on earth do you mean? Let me tell you first, if you want to wrong my Ming'er, there's no way!"
Madam He looked powerless and sighed, "It's been decades, and you still don't understand me? I'm most impatient with this kind of nonsense. It's true that relatives should help each other, but the money has been given, the house has been found, and we've promised to help the Cao family's brother establish himself in the future. What else do you want?! The He family is the He family, and the Cao family is the Cao family. Do we have to provide food, clothing, housing and transportation for the Cao family members to be considered as doing our best?" Madam He was a little excited. She took a few breaths, paused, and continued, "Having said that, if the aunt of the Cao family was implicated and wronged and was exiled to Liangzhou, I wouldn't say anything, but he... humph, he's so happy when he's greedy for money!"
The two of them were able to become close friends because they had similar personalities and were both straightforward and forthright. After hearing this, Old Lady Sheng felt much more at ease. She took Old Lady He's hand and said softly, "Old sister, I know you're not that kind of person, but...ah, I really don't want Miss Ming to go through the same hardships I've gone through myself."
Mrs. He felt sad as she recalled the hardships of her youth. "I know what you mean. I haven't had an easy life these past few decades. I'm not boasting, but my Hong'er is truly impeccable in terms of character, appearance, and talent. He's traveled extensively on his own at a young age, and has been through a lot with my uncles and brothers from my mother's side. He's brought home quite a bit of money over the years. He's caring, filial, and considerate. Ever since I mentioned Ming to him that year, he's been waiting wholeheartedly. Not only at banquets and social events, but even with the maids at home, he doesn't say much. Ming's girl is also impeccable. I often think that if these two children can live a good life, it would be a match made in heaven, not to mention how beautiful it would be. But unfortunately... well, even if she can't be my grandson's wife, I like her and hope she does well."
Old Madam He sighed deeply, and Old Madam Sheng also sighed that there is really nothing perfect in this world. There is no such thing as perfect. There must be a flaw to make things successful, so she also sighed deeply.
…
But if we talk about sighing, He's mother probably sighed the most these days. As soon as the list was announced, Old Madam He bluntly said to her, "Do you think your son is the only girl in the world who can marry? Look, the boys in the Sheng family academy are all from well-educated families. Who wouldn't be a son-in-law of the Sheng family?!"
He's mother was worried, afraid that she would lose a good marriage and ruin her son's life; her mother-in-law refused to give in, and her sister cried all day long. She was not a decisive person, and she was exhausted after these days. After thinking about it, she decided to talk to Minglan first.
"Good child, Hong'er has told me everything you want to say. Don't blame him. In the final analysis, it's all my fault!" Mother He was half lying on the bed, with a scarf wrapped around her head. Her face was yellow, her eyes were dark, her cheeks were deeply sunken, and she looked haggard. "But...Jin'er, she has no choice. I have always known that you are a very good child. Just take pity on her and let her go!"
Minglan knew this would happen before she came, so she was not panicked. She just turned her head to look at He Hongwen who was standing at the end of the bed. His eyes were full of apology and he was only looking at Minglan. Minglan turned to the right and saw Aunt Cao sitting opposite the bed, with Cao Jinxiu standing beside her. Both mother and daughter had red and swollen eyes and looked pale.
Aunt Cao wore no makeup this time, making her complexion appear even darker, rougher, and yellower. Seeing Minglan's lack of reaction, she approached, took her hand, and, bowing low, pleaded with all her heart, "My dear girl, I know you're upset, but there's really nothing I can do for my Jin'er. How can I promise her to anyone else in her condition? I only ask that Brother Hong, for the sake of our kinship, look after her a little."
They kept talking about how pitiful Cao Jinxiu was, how she would keep her duty, and how she would never compete with Minglan for favor. Minglan listened to it all but said nothing. Finally, when He's mother pressed her, Minglan just said calmly, "Minglan talked nonsense that day. Grandmother scolded Minglan after she returned home. It was just a joke that the elders said every day. It didn't mean anything. What does it have to do with me who my brother He wants to marry into the family?"
He's mother and He Hongwen were both startled. He's mother suddenly remembered what Madam He said, her heart started beating wildly, and she leaned softly against the head of the bed. He Hongwen was also frightened and looked at Minglan helplessly.
Aunt Cao was annoyed and said bitterly, "That's right! It's always been the mother-in-law who decides when to marry a daughter-in-law. What she says is final! It's common for a man to have three wives and four concubines. It's also because my sister is too lenient, letting others know what's good for them! After we get married, do you still want Hong'er to stay with only one wife?!"
Minglan listened with a smile and said slowly, "Mrs. Cao's words are very reasonable. Her situation is truly pitiful. However, Minglan still has a few questions. Could you please enlighten me?"
Aunt Cao waved her hand angrily, and Minglan continued to ask, "First, if it's really as Madam Cao said, then will your aunt's daughter-in-law treat you as her aunt or as a concubine? If she's just the mother of a concubine, then if the wife is happy, she can let her in to see her daughter and give her a few pieces of silver. If she's not happy, she can just kick her out without giving her a penny."
As soon as these words were spoken, Aunt Cao's face changed, and He's mother was dumbfounded; there is no good or bad thing about status, the difference here is huge.
Minglan looked at them leisurely, smiling, "Secondly, the word 'concubine' means 'standing' on top and 'woman' on the bottom. Together, it means a standing woman, a semi-slave serving the master and mistress. If the cousin from the Cao family becomes a concubine, will the future mistress of the He family be treated as a maidservant at her beck and call, or as a precious aunt and cousin?"
Aunt Cao looked at Minglan's relaxed expression and gnashed her teeth in hatred: "There are concubines among my concubines! I just don't believe it. With my sister and Hong'er here, who dares to touch my daughter?!"
Minglan chuckled softly, but the smile didn't reach her eyes. "Mrs. Cao is absolutely right. This is the most important point. Thirdly, no matter how noble a concubine is, she's still a concubine. She can never surpass the principal wife. Brother He can say a few more words or look at her a few less times, as he pleases. There won't be an aunt to point fingers and say if she's being ignored or treated poorly. But now, my cousin from the Cao family has Aunt He protecting her above and my aunt protecting her below... Hehe, Brother He, your future wife is going to be tough."
He Hongwen's face looked extremely ugly, and he stared at Minglan with his eyes. Minglan turned her head away and didn't look at her. She had said everything she needed to say. She didn't have that much passion. She kept repeating the same old things. The last time in the peach blossom forest, she had consumed a lot of impulse. Her emotions and physical strength were limited, so it was better to use them sparingly.
Minglan faced He's mother with a serious expression and a solemn tone, "Aunt, I heard what Madam Cao said just now. My cousin from the Cao family keeps saying she wants to be a concubine, but... is there such a noble and protected concubine? You will eventually have to find a proper daughter-in-law in the future. Have you ever thought about how the mother-in-law, daughter-in-law, husband and wife, and even legitimate and illegitimate children will get along in the future?"
No matter how dumb He's mother was, she understood. Aunt Cao was furious. She jumped up and pointed at Minglan and cursed, "You damned girl, why don't you just say that my Jin'er's marriage is the source of the chaos in our family! You rely on your good family background, you little bitch..."
"aunt!"
He Hongwen suddenly roared, interrupting Aunt Cao's shouting and cursing. Veins bulged on his forehead and his eyes glared. Aunt Cao was also startled and stood there clutching her chest. Cao Jinxiu's tears welled up in her eyes, and she choked with sobs, "Cousin... don't blame my mother. It's all my fault... I wish I had died in Liangzhou. I shouldn't have come back and made things difficult for you and my aunt..."
As she spoke, Cao Jinxiu knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly, weeping her heart out. Aunt Cao also cried out in pain, threw herself on her daughter, and burst into tears: "My poor daughter! It's all your parents' fault. We thought your cousin would take care of you when we returned to Beijing, but we didn't expect the world to change. People are looking for high-ranking officials... Who would care about your life or death? My daughter, just die with me. Who told you to have such a heartless aunt and cousin!"
The mother and daughter burst into tears. He's mother was pale and collapsed on the bed, unable to move. Minglan's face was as gloomy as water, and she slowly stood away.
He Hongwen clenched his fists in anger, his face turning purple. Since returning to Beijing, the Cao family came to see him three times a day. Sometimes it was because Aunt Cao was unwell, and sometimes it was because Cao Jinxiu fainted. They wished they could just leave He Hongwen in the Cao family. They cried and complained about everything. If it were an ordinary man, he would have been moved long ago, but he was a doctor, and he knew very well that his aunt and cousin were just depressed and weak.
He turned to look at his frail mother, then at Aunt Cao, who was still crying. A wave of indignation suddenly welled up in him. He had done so much for the Cao family, and now the Cao family was forcing him to do something against his will. He just didn't want to, so they started crying and accusing him and his mother of being heartless. How could this be justified?!
While they were arguing, a maid came outside to report that Madam He and Madam Sheng had arrived.
He's mother struggled to get up and salute, but Old Lady Sheng quickly held her down and repeatedly comforted her, telling her to have a good rest.
Madam He glanced at the Cao family mother and daughter lying on the ground, her face displeased. She shouted at the maid outside, "Come in! You're all dead! Hurry up and help the concubine up! How can this be so disrespectful?! Have you any shame?"
It was unclear whether this was to say that the maids had no shame, or to indirectly criticize Aunt Cao. Aunt Cao blushed, covered her face with her hands, and slowly crawled up. Cao Jinxiu didn't dare to cry anymore, and just sobbed.
Old Madam Sheng acted as if she hadn't seen anything. She simply pulled her granddaughter to her side and said with a smile, "What are you talking about? It's so lively."
Minglan walked over obediently, her tone full of innocence: "Just now, Madam Cao said that she wanted to ask my cousin to be a concubine for Brother He. Although it has nothing to do with my granddaughter, I did listen to it a little."
Madam Sheng glared at Minglan, then turned to Madam He and said, "Look at my granddaughter. She's been coming to your house often since she was little, and she doesn't even consider herself an outsider. She even heard something like this. If it gets out, won't she be laughed at?"
"It's no joke. I did have feelings for your daughter Ming." Madam He smiled broadly. "But it's just talk. I don't even have a name card or a matchmaking invitation."
Old Madam Sheng patted Old Madam He lightly and said with a smile, "Old sister is becoming more and more ridiculous. Are you talking nonsense about such an important matter as marriage?" Then, she turned to Aunt Cao and said with a smile, "Don't be offended, Madam. Old sister and I grew up together. We are used to talking nonsense. Don't take it seriously, Madam."
Aunt Cao smiled awkwardly, not knowing what to say. She saw He Hongwen standing beside her, who was already in a state of disarray, staring blankly at Minglan. She felt a surge of anger in her heart, and was about to say something disgusting when Mrs. Sheng spoke again.
"...Speaking of which, the concubine is also a lucky one. She can return to the capital after the amnesty and has relatives to take care of her." Old Lady Sheng suddenly said this in a leisurely tone and with a caring look on her face.
Aunt Cao's heart sank suddenly. What Old Lady Sheng said was exactly what she meant. Generally speaking, even if there was a general amnesty, convicted officials like the Cao family would be returned to their hometowns. There were families of convicted officials who secretly returned to the capital. If no one reported them, they would be fine. If they were reported, they would be punished again immediately, with a fine at the lightest and a prison sentence at the worst.
Madam He came over and said with a smile, "You're the only one who talks too much nonsense. The Cao family is blessed because of the good deeds our ancestors have accumulated. Naturally, good fortune will come and everything will go smoothly in the future." Madam Sheng sighed, "Yes, accumulate more good deeds, and God will always bless you."
The two old ladies sang the same tune. Aunt Cao was a smart person, so how could she not understand what they meant? That is to say, no matter whether Cao Jinxiu's affair was successful or not, and who He Hongwen would marry in the future, it had nothing to do with the girl from the Sheng family. If she dared to go out and make a fuss, the Sheng family would have ways to control her. Besides, words were not enough, there was no token of trust, and no matchmaker. Even if the Cao family told others about it, they would probably not end up well.
Aunt Cao shut her mouth in anger. It seemed she had to be more careful with her words. Suddenly, she changed her mind and thought, looking at Old Madam Sheng's attitude, could it be that she no longer wanted to marry into the He family? Aunt Cao couldn't help but feel happy.
"Forget it, let's leave it at that. We've tasted the tea, taken the bags, and seen your daughter-in-law. We're leaving now." Mrs. Sheng saw that it was almost time, so she wanted to take Minglan away. Mrs. He also stood up with a smile to see the guest off.
——"Aunt!" A loud roar rang out.
Everyone turned around and saw He Hongwen standing there straight, his cheeks tightly clenched, as if he had made up his mind in fear. He looked straight at Aunt Cao and Cao Jinxiu and said in a deep voice, "Aunt, I will never marry my cousin! I have treated her as my biological sister since she was a child, and she will always be my biological sister!"
He Hongwen's eyes were bloodshot, Aunt Cao collapsed to the ground, Cao Jinxiu looked at him in disbelief, her face as pale as a dead person, and Madam He and Madam Sheng smiled with satisfaction.
Minglan stood quietly at the door. Was this... a victory? Why wasn't she happy at all? Did Zhuo Wenjun welcome Sima Xiangru back when he turned prodigal? Didn't she beat him up, make him kneel on a washboard for two nights, or something? This was so suffocating.
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