Since she couldn't control them anyway, Cuiwei simply gave up and only took Danju and Xiaotao to guard Minglan's main house. She turned a blind eye to the others. Mu Cangzhai was like a monk holding an umbrella for a while, and the little maids followed suit, either going out to play or visiting other courtyards to chat. Only Yancao and the others were still honestly doing their own work. It turned out that Fang Mama's training over the years was not in vain.
The struggle among the women in the inner house is a test of patience. Minglan can endure it, but some people can't. Liu Kun's wife came to the door first and hinted to Minglan, asking her to discipline the maids in the yard well.
Minglan said innocently, "They are all very nice. What's wrong with them?"
Madam Liu suppressed her anger and said reluctantly, "That Mei'er is showing off to the young master, and the young lady doesn't care about it. That's fine, but there are also a few people wearing red and green who are running around all day, gossiping and causing trouble!"
Every day, Changbai and his friends walked to and from school, and only a few steps led to Mucangzhai. Cuiwei, Danju, and the others kept Minglan close by, and Ginkgo, with her passion brimming with enthusiasm, waited at the door every day, her neck stretched out in anticipation. As soon as she saw Changbai, she would go up to greet him and greet him, even inviting him to sit in Mucangzhai. Changbai was annoyed and complained a few times. Liu Kun's assistant housekeeper was startled and quickly picked up Ginkgo and scolded her. But Ginkgo, who had been getting a bit irritable lately, actually retorted, "Mom, don't worry too much. I'm Sixth Miss's wife now. She doesn't say anything about me, so why should you bother?"
Liu Kun's family was furious. Minglan was embarrassed and said, "Ginkgo was just being enthusiastic. Besides, she was given by the Madam. How could I not give her some respect?"
Liu Kun's family left in a huff. Dan Ju quickly said, "Miss, we can deal with those little hooves now!"
Minglan smiled and shook her head, "It's not the right time yet."
Two days later, Wang deliberately kept Minglan after paying her respects and scolded her: "The little girls in your yard are becoming more and more unruly. That girl named Ke'er was actually arguing with your third brother on the road, and you didn't do anything about it!" In fact, what she wanted to talk about was Ginkgo, who had appeared in front of Changbai more frequently recently.
Minglan continued to play dumb: "Ke'er originally lived in Third Brother's house. Brother gave her to me, but I want to punish her. Won't Third Brother be angry with me later?" Wang was very disappointed with her and encouraged Minglan enthusiastically. Minglan hesitated and nodded.
Helping Minglan out of the main courtyard, Xiaotao said excitedly, "Miss, now even the Madam has spoken, we can finally deal with those little hooves!"
Minglan still smiled and said, "Wait a little longer, be patient."
Minglan counted on her fingers for three more days until Sheng Hong finally had his day off. The whole family went to pay their respects to Old Madam Sheng early in the morning. Minglan had deliberately dressed somewhat sloppily. After the greetings, everyone sat down according to their seniority. Old Madam Sheng sat at the top with a sullen face, speechless. Sheng Hong noticed her unhappy expression and asked what was wrong.
Old Madam Sheng pointed at Minglan and said unhappily, "Ask the Sixth Girl. Her Mu Cang Zhai is almost being torn apart by those unruly people, and she doesn't even bother to clean it up!"
Sheng Hong was surprised. "What do you mean? Minglan, what's going on?"
Minglan looked hopeless and stood up cautiously. Wang was shocked. She knew that things in Mucangzhai had been a bit out of place recently. Many housekeepers had come to complain. Mrs. Sheng would find out sooner or later. Thinking that Minglan never went to complain to Mrs. Sheng, she was somewhat satisfied with her.
Others were fine, but seeing Minglan hesitating for a long time, secretly looking at Changfeng and Molan, but still unable to explain the reason, Rulan got anxious first and shouted, "Daddy, let me tell you! Sixth sister is too good-natured. She lets the maids in the house do whatever they want. Now the little maids in Mu Cang Zhai dare not do any work on weekdays. They just play in the garden, not taking care of the garden, not cleaning the house, and can't be ordered to do anything big or small. They also gossip and spread rumors. My eldest maid said a few words to them and got a good scolding!"
Sheng Hong slapped his thigh and shouted angrily, "Minglan! Why don't you take care of the people in the courtyard?"
This was the first time Sheng Hong accepted Rulan's complaint. Rulan was very encouraged. Before Minglan could reply, she rushed to say, "The two most mischievous children in Sixth Sister's room were given by Third Brother. How can Sixth Sister control them?"
When Sheng Hong heard that Concubine Lin was involved, he hesitated. He glanced at Chang Feng, who was looking down at him, and then looked at Wang Shi with some suspicion. Wang Shi saw Sheng Hong's expression and knew that he suspected that he was using Concubine Lin to punish him. She was furious for a moment, but she managed to hold back her anger and said with a forced smile, "Ruru, don't talk nonsense. Your third brother must have chosen the best person to give to your sister."
Rulan immediately retorted, "I'm not talking nonsense. Those two little girls, one has eyes as high as the sky, and she actually dares to look at big brother with disrespect, and the other one pretends to be a lady, she's sick every day and needs to be taken care of every day, her style is almost surpassing her master! Minglan, tell me, am I talking nonsense!" She pulled Minglan and asked her to testify.
Minglan said with a sad face, "Perhaps I have wronged them. Not only did I offend my eldest brother, but I also made Madam Liu repeatedly call doctors to our hospital to prescribe medicine. It's only been ten days since she came here, and Ke'er has fallen ill five times. Fortunately, my third brother often comes to visit Ke'er, so Ke'er is recovering faster!"
"Is there such a thing?!" Sheng Hong was shocked.
Old Madam Sheng said in a cold voice: "...Someone saw a maid pulling Brother Bai in broad daylight at the door of Mu Cang Zhai the other day. How disgraceful!" Wang was secretly angry and pinched the Rongyan cushion on the chair with her fingers.
No one knows a son better than his father. Sheng Hong looked up at the stern-faced Changbai, then at the guilty Changfeng, and knew that the story was true. He secretly cursed Aunt Lin for being so careless. She wanted to get rid of the maid she disliked, but why did she involve Minglan? Molan, who was standing by, was secretly anxious. She winked at Changfeng desperately and said with a smile, "Father, don't worry. It's just a small matter. I can teach those ignorant maids a lesson later. Why get angry! The same goes for Sixth Sister. No matter who gave her a maid, once she enters Mucangzhai, she is your slave. You can beat her or scold her with just one word. Maybe you are too soft-hearted and let the maids think you are easy to bully."
Chang Feng received Molan's glance and immediately expressed his position. With a blush on his face, he said to Minglan, "I'm sorry for causing trouble for Sixth Sister, but they're usually fine with me. I guess they're just not used to it. Just talk to them in a good way. They're both smart and clever!"
With just a few words, the matter was over. Rulan raised the corner of her mouth in disdain, sneering to herself. Old Madam Sheng was furious. She slammed her palm on the table and raised her voice, "What are you talking about? What do you mean by a trivial matter? What do you mean by being soft-hearted? You brothers and sisters, look at Minglan. It's only been twenty days since she moved out of my place, and she's already in such a state! Does the master have to give in to the maid?! If a wicked servant bullies the master, is it really the Sixth Girl's fault?!"
Changfeng and Molan saw that Old Madam Sheng was angry, and quickly stood up and stood respectfully aside.
Sheng Hong turned to look and saw that Minglan had indeed lost a lot of weight, her chin was pointed, and her face looked listless. She was no longer the plump and lovable girl she used to be in Shou'an Hall. He immediately frowned and asked Wang Shi, "How are you taking care of her? Minglan's room is in such a mess, and you don't care about it?"
Wang was suddenly affected and said aggrievedly, "...I thought the girl was old enough and should be in charge of her own affairs..." She actually wanted Minglan to deal with Ke'er and Mei'er herself. Before she finished speaking, she was interrupted by Sheng Hong: "What do you mean by old enough? Minglan has always been by the old lady's side. She just moved out to live on her own. Why don't you teach her how to manage the servants? You just watch the show from the side?!"
These words were a bit harsh, but they were indeed the truth. Wang's face looked very ugly, and she was secretly resentful. Minglan saw that it was almost time, so she slowly stood up and whispered, "Father, don't blame the madam. The madam is very good to her daughter and even gave me two maids to serve me. It's my daughter who is incompetent and can't control the servants." Her voice became lower and lower as she spoke, and there was a cry in her voice.
Wang's expression softened a bit, and she pretended to be aggrieved: "Those two girls were sent by Feng Ge'er after all. How could I refuse his respect? It's natural for the little girls to follow suit." As she spoke, she lowered her head and glanced at Sheng Hong.
Sheng Hong thought so too, and with a touch of guilt, he gave Wang a soothing look. Old Madam Sheng sat watching from above, a hint of sarcasm on her lips, and finally said, "Madam, you should be a little tired and teach Ming how to clean the house. She will learn better."
Sheng Hong immediately agreed: "The old lady is right. It's my wife who should teach her." As he said this, his subordinate secretly pulled Wang Shi, who also hurriedly said: "Minglan is also my daughter, so it's naturally my responsibility to take care of her."
Changfeng looked at Minglan with a worried and pleading look. Minglan tried her best not to turn her head and just stood in front of Old Lady Sheng and listened to the scolding. Rulan glanced at Molan provocatively. Molan had a blank expression on her face. She didn't care about the life and death of those girls, she just felt a little embarrassed.
Wang was decisive and acted immediately. She took the housekeeper and Liu Kun's family to Mu Cang Zhai that day and asked Minglan to sit aside and watch. Ruolan was determined to watch the fun, so she sat next to Minglan and watched how Wang showed her power outside.
Liu Kun's family gathered all the maids in Mu Cang Zhai and stood in an orderly manner in the yard. Wang sat at the top seat. Cui Xiao carefully brought her a cup of hot ginseng tea. Wang took a sip with satisfaction and glanced at the girls in the yard one by one. Although the girls usually played around, they knew that today was not a good day, so they all hunched their shoulders, lowered their heads, and held their breath.
"...I thought you were young, but I never thought you'd take advantage of Sixth Miss's good nature and actually get so far! You're so bold!" Wang slammed the chair and cursed, "Which one is Ke'er? Come out!"
Ke'er walked forward unsteadily, wearing a long-sleeved silk jacket with a light red fur trim. She looked delicate, charming, and pitiful. Wang Shi looked at her and sneered, "What a sickly beauty! I heard that you've been taking medicine and getting sick every few days these days, and you haven't recovered. It seems this place doesn't suit you. Well, I'll demote you to a third-class maid and send you back to where you came from!"
Ke'er was delighted. She was willing to go back to Changfeng even if she was demoted. She just bowed softly to Wang. Wang smiled secretly, waved her hand, and asked the maid to accompany Ke'er to pack up the things!
Then, Liu Kunjia whispered something in Wang's ear, then stood up and shouted, "Who is Mei'er? Come out!"
Mei'er gritted her teeth, straightened her back, and came out to salute Wang. Wang glanced at her sideways and said coldly, "What a big deal! I heard that you beat people and scold dogs all day long, quarreled with mother, and argued with sisters. You even dared to let the master eat!"
Mei'er trembled slightly, holding back her words, "To answer Madam, I... I didn't dare. It's just that the rules in this house are a little different from before, so I argued a little, but there was no quarrel or argument."
Wang's eyes gleamed brightly as she slapped the armrest hard. A nearby maid immediately stepped forward and slapped her across the face. Mei'er's jade-like face instantly swelled up on one side. The maid cursed, "You bitch! How dare you talk back to the mistress! Where did you learn this rule? If you say another word, I'll smash your mouth!"
Wang snorted coldly and glanced at Liu Kunjia. Liu Kunjia understood what was going on and announced loudly, "Mei'er's salary will be revoked for six months and she will be demoted to a third-class maid... drag her outside the second gate and give her ten lashes!"
As she spoke, someone carried the crying Mei'er away. Wang picked up the tea bowl and stirred it gently, her movements light and slow. Minglan sat there motionless. Ruolan was very happy to see this and from time to time she pulled Minglan's sleeve and said, "You should learn from her too. Don't come back crying and asking your mother for help!" Minglan responded with a forced smile, her small hands clenched into a fist in her sleeves.
Finally, Wang had someone drag Ginkgo out and looked her up and down with a sharp gaze. Ginkgo was already trembling with fear, and her knees gave way and she knelt down. Wang said calmly, "You came from my place. Since you care so much about my people, you'd better go back."
Ginkgo felt the chill in these words and kowtowed repeatedly in fear, but was unable to utter a word. Liu Kunjia had a scornful smile on his face and asked someone to take the already limp Ginkgo away.
After dealing with the troublemakers, Wang loudly scolded the remaining maids and left with Rulan. Minglan, with a nearly forced smile, thanked Wang profusely. As they left, the Mucangzhai suddenly became as quiet as a cemetery. Mei'er was carried back. Minglan asked Danju to get some medicine from the roommate and apply it to her. She herself quietly hid in the room, lying flat on the kang, staring blankly at the ceiling.
At noon, they went to Shou'an Hall for lunch. The two of them ate in silence. Seeing that she looked exhausted, the old lady did not say anything, but just let her do what she wanted. After the meal, she drank a cup of tea in silence. Minglan was also unwilling to go back. She stayed for a while, and then, like a lost puppy who found its home, she groped her way to the old lady's bedroom with her ears drooping, took off her shoes and socks, and rolled into the warm room of old lady Sheng like a little squirrel. Without taking off her clothes, she arched her little body and climbed into the quilt.
Old Lady Sheng found it amusing and followed her in to see her. Minglan was covered with a quilt. When she heard the noise, she lifted the quilt a little and knocked on it. Then a small hand stretched out from under the quilt, tugging at Old Lady Sheng's sleeve, and said sullenly, "Grandma, you and Minglan should take a nap together."
Old Madam Sheng was about to go to the Buddhist temple, but when she heard this, she sighed, sat on the edge of the bed, lifted a corner of the quilt, dug out the little man's head, and said gently, "Is everything over?" Minglan nodded dejectedly.
The old lady asked again, "Are you scared?" Minglan raised her head and shook her head woodenly, "No, I would have done what I knew earlier." Old Lady Sheng ruffled her granddaughter's hair and coaxed, "Then why are you acting so half-dead?"
Minglan buried herself in her grandmother's arms, her head buried in the sandalwood-scented clothes. Suddenly, she thought of Yao Ma, who had the same scent. A wave of sadness washed over her, and she whispered, "Grandmother, am I a bad person? I deliberately indulged them. Every time Ke'er was sick, I'd let Third Brother know. I also specifically let Ginkgo know when Big Brother was dismissed from school. Mama Liu scolded Ginkgo the first time she ran away. It was me who stood in front of her, making her feel emboldened. That's how she kept bothering Big Brother! ... Ginkgo keeps rummaging through my things and asking about Shou'an Hall. I've long been fed up with her! I know Madam hates maids seducing Big Brother the most. As long as things get out of hand, she'll definitely punish Ginkgo severely. I also know that Concubine Lin sent Ke'er here because she doesn't like her. Madam will definitely send Ke'er back to disgust Concubine Lin if she gets the chance... I've also started to scheme against people, but... I don't want to be that kind of person!"
As she spoke, her nose felt sore and tears began to fall. She felt that she was becoming more and more like the bad guys on TV.
Minglan lay in Old Madam Sheng's arms, sobbing non-stop, her tears soaking large tracts of her clothes. Old Madam Sheng lovingly caressed her small shoulders, hugged her and rocked her slowly, as if Minglan were still a little baby. She cradled her head and coaxed her softly, "Oh, oh... All right, all right, dear Ming, don't cry. Who in this world doesn't want to live a bright and upright life, who doesn't want to live a peaceful life? But how many people can do that?"
Minglan heard the resignation and vicissitudes of life in Old Madam Sheng's tone, and she felt sad. She had been thinking about this ever since the four maids first started making a scene. Jiu'er, though nosy, was quiet at heart. Her mother was the head of the inner chambers of the Sheng Mansion, and she couldn't be touched. Mei'er had a bad temper, so she could be dealt with slowly, but she was likely to suffer a heavy punishment. Ke'er was bait, a smokescreen to drag Wang into the situation and drive her away. The most troublesome was Gingko, someone sent by the Madam, and she couldn't be easily moved. If she were to, it would easily offend the Madam. The best solution was to let the Madam deal with her herself, and her target would be Changbai...
Minglan loathed herself in her heart. She raised her head with tears on her face and choked out, "Big Brother treats me so well, and I even schemed against him. I... I..."
"There's nothing we can do about it!" Old Madam Sheng suddenly interrupted and said lightly.
Minglan was surprised. She watched as the old lady calmly asked the housekeeper to fetch some water and a handkerchief. Turning to see Minglan's stunned expression, she said calmly, "If Bo-ge'er was your biological brother, would you still be so apprehensive?"
Of course not, she would just cry and ask her brother for support - Minglan was panicked.
Minglan figured this out and felt even more sad. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Old Madam Sheng. Her wrinkled face was as calm as a rock. She said quietly, "You have to remember—you have no uncle's family, no blood brothers, a powerful mother above you, and outstanding sisters below you. If you want to live a comfortable and free life, you have to be more clear-headed."
Minglan had never heard Old Madam Sheng say this before, and she was stunned for a moment.
At this time, the housekeeper came in, carrying a basin of steaming hot water. She carefully soaked a handkerchief in it and then wrung it dry. Old Madam Sheng took the hot handkerchief and carefully wiped Minglan's face. Her movements were gentle and loving, but her tone was surprisingly cold: "If you were my wife's child, why would you have to endure this? You could live your life with your head held high. If you were Aunt Lin's child, no one could plot against you. If you had a blood brother, you would have your family to rely on in the future. ... Apart from me, an old woman who won't live for many days, what else do you have? If you don't plot against me, you will have to live your life with humiliation, tolerate everything, and be humble. Are you willing?"
Minglan's mind was in a mess, and she couldn't utter a word. Mrs. Sheng returned the handkerchief to Fang Madam, took a white jade shell box, picked up some pearl almond oil, and gently rubbed it on Minglan's delicate face. After rubbing it in carefully, she felt that Minglan's face had lost a lot of flesh. The old lady felt a little distressed and said slowly, "There's nothing to feel bad about plotting against others, as long as you didn't deliberately harm them. This time, except for those maids, no one lost a piece of flesh, which is already good enough."
Mother Fang stood by, looking at Minglan with a look of pity in her eyes. She said softly, "Young lady, be obedient. This old lady is doing this for your own good. You need to be more careful and think about how to control your people in the future." Minglan was stunned, as if sleepwalking, and words slipped out unconsciously: "Control?... Madam scared them today, they must be scared, why should we control them?"
Old Madam Sheng flew into a rage. She flung Minglan aside and stood solemnly beside the bed, sternly saying, "They're afraid of the Madam now, not you, the legitimate mistress! If you don't show some ability to keep the servants in check, how will you manage the household after you get married? If you don't do your best, no one else can help! Quick, dress her and let her go. Don't let her stay here! I don't want to see such a useless person anymore! Quick! Quick!"
With that, she flung herself out the door. Her steps were a little unsteady in her rage, and her body was trembling slightly. Madam Fang hurried forward to steady her. She then told Cuiping to come in and help Minglan dress. Old Madam Sheng walked a little hurriedly, and when she entered the Buddhist hall, she began to pant. Madam Fang quickly helped her sit down and gently stroked her back: "... Old Madam, you're a little too harsh. Sixth Miss is just good-natured, not completely stupid. She knows everything."
Old Madam Sheng calmed down a bit, then sighed in frustration, "She's clever, sure. Even at such a young age, she knows the pros and cons of life, and doesn't act rashly. She knows when to retreat in order to advance. I'm relieved she's living away from home. But she's just too vain, lacking any courage. She lets the maid act up without getting angry!"
Mother Fang smiled and said, "Old lady, you said this because you feel sorry for Sixth Miss. If it were someone else, you would definitely say they were scheming and cruel! Don't worry, Old lady. Sixth Miss has a kind nature and is smart. She will be blessed with great fortune in the future."
…
Minglan was scolded for no reason and walked out of Shou'an Hall in a daze. In fact, she did not feel guilty at all. She was not an unprincipled saint. She knew that what she did was just self-defense. What she hated was that she was full of calculations. She had lost her original leisurely and free state of mind and started to worry about and plot, which was very disgusting.
She slowly returned to Mucangzhai, and as she walked through the courtyard, she suddenly said, "Let's go see Mei'er."
Having said that, she turned and left, walking around the porch. Today all the maids were particularly obedient. When they saw Minglan, they stood respectfully aside. There was a small medicine stove at the door. Qin Sang was watching the fire with a large palm-leaf fan. The medicine pot was bubbling with steam. Danju led Minglan into the rightmost ear room. As soon as she opened the curtain, Minglan smelled a strong smell of ointment. She frowned and saw Mei'er lying on the couch with a pale face. She turned around when she heard the noise and was about to struggle to get off the ground when she saw it was Minglan. Minglan gently pulled Danju, who hurried over to hold Mei'er down.
Yancao brought a soft cushion from outside for Minglan to sit on, and was about to prepare tea, but was stopped by Minglan: "Don't be in a hurry, I'll leave after sitting for a while. You guys go out, I want to talk to Mei'er." Danju then pulled the little maids out.
In the afternoon sunlight, Minglan carefully examined Mei'er. Her hair was disheveled, one side of her face was blue, the other side was red and swollen, her lips were bitten and bloody, and she looked uneasy. She didn't dare to look at her. Minglan looked at her for a while and said quietly, "...Ke'er has gone back. If you want to go back to Third Brother, I can ask for you..."
"No!" Mei'er suddenly screamed, leaning over and pulling Minglan's sleeve, begging, "Miss, please be kind and don't ask me to go back. I won't go back! I'm good at sewing, and I'll serve you well from now on and never cause any trouble again!"
Minglan asked curiously, "Why is that?"
Mei'er bit her lacerated lip, her face turning even paler. Minglan waited patiently for her. Finally, she whispered, "My former sisters came to see me and said...that Ke'er was severely beaten by Concubine Lin as soon as she got home, and was banished to the servants' quarters. Third Master...Third Young Master is irresponsible. He and Ke'er had exchanged countless affectionate curses, but today, when Concubine Lin was furious, he didn't even dare to protect Ke'er! Although Ke'er's illness was seven-tenths feigned, it was also three-tenths real. Now she can...she can..."
Tears began to fall as she spoke. Mei'er took a breath, raised her face, wiped away her tears with one hand, and said in a deep voice, "Ke'er is confused. She relies wholeheartedly on the Third Young Master, but I am not confused. My mother was a concubine. As soon as my father passed away, that female tiger sold us. I don't know... I don't know if I can see my mother again in this life...!"
Minglan knew that her father was a failed scholar, and that his family was in dire straits yet he still wanted to take a concubine. Mei'er choked up as she said, "I will never be a concubine, even if I have to eat coarse food! They all say that young masters' maids will become concubines in the future, so I looked so despised that I was pushed out! Young lady, I was blinded by greed. I was flattered by the Third Young Master for two days, and I don't know what I am. I took advantage of you because you are kind-hearted. You can punish me or beat me, but please don't chase me away!"
Minglan listened quietly and said slowly: "I once heard a saying that it is good for people to have pride, but they should not be arrogant. Now that you have figured it out, you can stay... By the way, what was your original name? Don't use the name Mei'er. It sounds disrespectful." Minglan was very surprised that she could change someone else's name at will in such a natural tone.
Mei'er was silent for a moment, then whispered, "...Rumei, my father named me Rumei; he changed it because it offended the Fifth Miss's name."
Minglan looked out the window and said softly, "From now on, you can call yourself 'Ruomei'. It's just a reminder of me."
Ruomei said softly, "Thank you for the name, young lady."
Minglan stood up and turned back before leaving, saying, "You can read, right? I've written a set of rules and regulations. Get well soon so you can teach the little girls the rules."
Ruomei looked surprised, then happy, and bowed her head to express her gratitude.
Minglan walked out of the side room. Suddenly, a warm breeze blew across her face. Looking around, she saw tips of lush green grass peeking out from the cracks in the ground. She stared at the distant scenery for a moment, then turned to Danju and smiled sweetly. "The wind's warm now. Let's ask Xiaotao to check if the lake's ice has melted. Let's go fishing! We've been staying here all winter, who knows what big fish there will be."
Danju followed Minglan in and out, knowing she was in a bad mood, and was too anxious to try to dissuade her. Suddenly, she saw her smile again, and knew she was fine. She happily responded, "Okay, I'll find you a big fish basket!"
——Sheng Minglan, whose real name is Yao Yiyi, is not an ancient indigenous person. She is a time traveler from time to time. She is eleven years old, unmarried, and dropped out of school. She is not as good as others but better than most. She is working hard to learn ancient survival skills on her own.
Volume 2: From the plum powder to the remaining makeup, apply new red to the crabapple
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