A few days later, Hualan came to see Minglan again, and the two sisters reached a consensus on the matter without saying a word.
If all the brothers and sisters were doing well, but Molan's family was struggling, they couldn't just stand by and watch, as it would be just as troublesome. For all the reasons above, it would be best for Molan and his wife not to separate and continue to live in the Yongchang Marquisate.
Hualan and Liu agreed that they would handle all other trivial matters, but Minglan had to go there at least to keep things under control.
On this day, Madam Liang came to invite the women of the Liang clan and their in-laws to gather for tea and discuss the division of the family. Hualan thought this was a suitable occasion. It would allow the women of the inner house to talk without causing a quarrel, and it would also make the Sheng family's attitude clear, so she asked Minglan to go along.
On the way, the three sisters-in-law rode in a carriage together. Minglan asked about the Liang family's recent situation. "I'm surprised too. Old Marquis Liang has just finished his seven-day marriage, so why is Madam Liang so blatantly asking for a division of the family?"
In ancient times, dividing the family property was not considered a respectable matter. If it was not ordered by the parents and handled by the elders, it would most likely be gossiped about.
Liu sighed. She was the one who couldn't escape. Her father-in-law and husband repeatedly urged her to do so, forcing her to work hard. She said, "Sixth sister is an honest person. She never thought of those mean tricks. Ever since the old marquis passed away, things have been going on between the couple in the first house. Then Master Liang went to Xuanfu, and things quieted down for a while. But when the decree of succession came, Madam Liang started making trouble again, and even worse."
Hua Lan sneered, "It's not hard to guess what he's up to. He saw that the old marquis hadn't appointed a heir, so he started thinking about making some achievements so he could win the title. Now that he sees there's no hope, he's thinking about dividing the family."
Liu said wearily, "That's what she meant. The eldest lady won't say she wants to divide the family property, but she's always teasing people and making indirect accusations. One day she accuses Second Lady Liang of withholding her share, the next day she says her mother-in-law is partial and that everyone in the mansion is bullying her. If she's not careful, she'll burst into tears or call in relatives to complain and seek justice. She's always threatening to die, and her constant complaint is 'I can't go on like this.' She even scolded Fourth Sister, accusing her of being mean to her cousin, Aunt Chun Ge."
Hua Lan was fed up with what she heard. "Mrs. Liang, can't you just turn a blind eye and let it go? Why bother with such a mean person?"
Minglan shook her head and said, "Aunt Liang is proud and arrogant, she will never tolerate this."
"Then use some of your mother-in-law's methods and don't let others bully you like a soft persimmon!" Hua Lan hit the carriage wall, which was wrapped in thick brocade cotton wool, silently.
Liu said, "Big sister, you don't know, but in recent years, Master Liang has been on a roll in his career, and everyone looks up to him. Even after the current emperor ascended the throne, Old Marquis Liang was reprimanded. But Master Liang is capable, and somehow he's earned the appreciation of General Fan of Xuanda, and he's continued to rise to prominence. People say that Old Marquis Liang's reinstatement was thanks to his son. People are quick to change, and this time around, with the split, many in the Liang family are siding with Grandmother, much to Aunt Liang's chagrin!"
After hearing this, the two sisters sighed, and Minglan was particularly sad: "No matter what, the most important thing is to have a strong offspring."
Hua Lan thought of herself, frowning deeply, and muttered softly, "Raising a tiger brings disaster." No wonder the legitimate mothers in the world are always wary of illegitimate children, and some even deliberately raise them to be useless. It shows that there is some truth in this, and the one in front of her is a good example.
Minglan glanced at her and said softly, "People like the Liang family are rare everywhere. Don't take it to heart, sister."
I don’t know if Hualan listened or not, she just nodded.
When they arrived at the Liang residence, the various immortals had already gathered in a side hall near the rockery. The female members of the household were lavishly dressed, adorned with pearls and jade. Minglan counted them briefly, and there were more than a dozen of them. Madam Liang pointed them out, and Minglan realized that two were Madam Liang's relatives, two were the mother and sister-in-law of Second Madam Liang's family, four were members of the Liang clan, and the rest were all members of First Madam Liang's family. Third Madam, a concubine, sat alone with her head bowed, and Fourth Madam Molan's family had just arrived.
"If you're not feeling well, you don't have to come over." Mrs. Liang said apologetically.
Minglan held her belly and smiled slightly, "It's okay. She's been doing well these past few months. If Auntie is in trouble, we, as the younger generation, have to come and see her."
After chatting and greeting each other, everyone took their seats.
Mrs. Liang was about thirty years old, petite and thin, with an above-average appearance. She glanced at Minglan and the other two warily, shook out her handkerchief, and continued the previous topic - complaining about how difficult it was to live under Mrs. Liang.
"...but I just want to eat a quail egg, which is not a precious thing. The old woman just perfunctorily answers me if it's good, but secretly says I'm making a fuss if it's not good. If it's my sister-in-law who speaks, I'm afraid I won't go to catch quails at night!" She wiped her tears as she spoke, "A little girl who is only four or five years old, what does she know? She still thinks her grandfather is still around. How can her father compare to her second uncle and fourth uncle..."
This woman was very skilled at complaining, leaving out every detail, even the smallest matter. She could make a big deal out of a delayed cup of tea, a cold bowl of soup, a word, a glance, and she could turn it into something respectable and decent.
There were a few other women beside her, talking one after another, joining in the conversation, some sighing about how difficult it was to be the eldest son's wife, while others, carrying their shoulders, said how sensible and magnanimous Madam Liang was, and that she would surely understand the grievances and difficulties of the eldest lady.
Mrs. Liang said with a sullen face, "You mean I'm unfair?" Grandma Liang sobbed and retorted, "Five fingers are not the same length, not to mention the difference between legitimate and illegitimate children. How is mother wrong?" Mrs. Liang couldn't bring herself to say, "I treat illegitimate sons better than legitimate sons," so she had to choke.
Grandma Liang wept as she spoke, rambling on and on. Despite her tears, her words were coherent and clear, not simply savage or violent. Minglan listened with amusement, sighing inwardly that it was her first time to witness such a master.
For example, if you openly accuse someone and say, "Brother Monkey, why are you only friendly with Second Brother and always ask me to do the work?", they can at least make some excuses, saying, "That idiot is greedy and lazy, nowhere near you, Junior Brother Sha, who is steady, reliable, beautiful and stylish, like a pear blossom outshining a crabapple." Even if it may not convince others, at least it is an explanation.
But Grandma Liang didn't act according to the usual rules. She went completely stream-of-consciousness and just said, "You have hidden resentment in your hearts, contempt in your eyes, and disgust in your behavior... There's no need to deny it. We are not blind and can see it clearly."
——When you meet an opponent like this, how else can you argue except blushing and yelling "Fuck your mother"? No wonder even Molan was defeated by her. Minglan suddenly realized that there are indeed masters among the common people.
Second Madam Liang was gentle and dignified, and had never spoken back to her elders. Third Madam Liang felt sorry for her situation and shrank back in silence. Molan wanted to speak several times, but was afraid of Madam Liang's power and dared not to speak out, so she could only sit aside in anger.
Grandma Liang cried for two cups of tea before finally getting to the point, saying, "You have hurt the feelings of the people in the first house and intended to overturn our peaceful life. This cannot go on."
Madam Liang was already furious and sneered, "If you want to split up the family, just say it. Do you think I'd stop you?"
Unexpectedly, Grandma Liang did not take over the conversation, but continued to cry and nag, "As the tree grows, it branches out. Separating the family is not a bad thing. The relationship between brothers cannot be severed. Even if everyone lives separately, they can still be close as long as they visit each other frequently." She went around in circles talking about how to support her two younger brothers.
Mrs. Liang was so angry that she was shaking all over. "If you want to leave, just go on your own. Why do you have to spare the third and fourth brothers? I told you it wouldn't work, and you still won't give up?!"
Second Madam Liang hurried over to support her mother-in-law, saying repeatedly, "Mother, calm down. Eldest sister-in-law is just talking nonsense. My two uncles and my younger sister-in-law have already said that they don't want to separate."
Grandma Liang San and Molan also quickly stood up and said, "We are willing to be filial and serve our mother."
Grandma Liang stopped crying immediately and said with raised eyebrows, "Since we are dividing the family, we should divide it all together. There is no reason to keep two and let one go. Let's get everything done now so that we don't have to worry about it later."
Minglan thought about it several times before she finally understood. Not only did the eldest branch of the Liang family want to separate, but they also wanted their two younger brothers to separate?! She turned around and saw Hualan looking at her, both of them with suspicion.
Liang Ernainai's sister-in-law could no longer sit still, and said politely: "The eldest grandmother wants to divide the family, but the two younger ones don't want to. Why force them? They should just take care of their own business." She came from a prominent family in southern Zhejiang. Her father, grandfather, and brothers had served as officials for three generations. Both her husband's family and her own family were humble and self-reflective. She had never seen such a scoundrel before.
Grandma Liang's expression changed several times before she calmed down and forced a smile, saying, "Madam, you are wrong. If you don't differentiate between the brothers and only we leave, wouldn't that make us seem unfilial?"
Minglan finally couldn't help herself and laughed, "Mrs. Liang is indeed very thoughtful, but she clearly doesn't want to, so why would she split the family just for you?"
Grandma Liang smiled wryly, "You can't even write two 'Liang' characters with one stroke. Can mother and uncles bear to see his eldest brother being criticized by outsiders?"
Minglan joked, "Didn't the eldest lady just now keep saying that the mother-in-law and sisters-in-law are not good? She is so blatantly mean to the eldest lady, not to mention 'pointing fingers'?!" This is not an argument, but a problem of logic.
Grandma Liang was immediately speechless, and the women around her sneered softly. Madam Liang relaxed her frown and smiled lightly like melting snow. Second Grandma Liang turned around and looked at Liu with gratitude. Third Grandma Liang also secretly raised her eyes to look at Minglan. Molan, however, had a complicated expression. She looked at everyone for a while, then stared blankly out the window.
Minglan added, "Besides, everyone has eyes for filial piety. It's been less than a hundred days since I passed away. Even if there were huge grievances, I should have endured them. Yet, some people are clamoring to divide the family, haha."
Grandma Liang gritted her teeth, knowing that what he said made sense. If she hadn't been afraid of bad reputation, she would have made a bigger fuss.
Seeing this, Hua Lan laughed out loud and said, "That's it. Aunt Liang has already said that those who want to live their own lives can separate; those who don't want to separate can stay. Although brothers are close, they should go their separate ways. Let's part ways amicably."
After a pause, she put away her smile and said coldly, "No one is afraid of causing trouble, but they care about their reputation and hope for family harmony. I advise Grandma to stop while she is ahead."
Mrs. Liang was very confident. She straightened her back slightly and said politely, "Sister-in-law, the third and fourth brothers are not divided anyway. You can do whatever you want." Ever since her husband inherited the title, she has been treated like the eldest sister-in-law.
Grandma Liang had a sullen face and said nothing. A woman beside her came out and said with a smile, "We're all family. You've been talking so fast, and now you've gotten so confused. Actually, Grandma doesn't have any other thoughts. It's just that the children are grown up and need to be separated."
She chuckled and tried to smooth things over, then added, "...If the family is to be divided, how will Madam divide it?"
Mrs. Liang said without hesitation: "The sacrificial land cannot be moved, and the permanent land cannot be moved. The fifth girl is not married yet, so leave her a dowry. The rest will be divided into four equal parts, one for each family."
Grandma Liang jumped up again and screamed, "This can't be! That row of shops on Huaixi Street, the other two silver shops, and the two farms we bought four years ago—Father said they were assets for us. How can these be considered public property?"
"Since these were purchased four years ago, why hasn't the master handed them over to you yet?" asked Mrs. Liang.
Grandma Liang bit her lips tightly and twisted the handkerchief with her fingers.
Madam Liang stared at her, speaking word by word, "It's not obvious when things are prosperous, and the master enjoys it. But when something happens, you, as the eldest son and sister-in-law, refuse to shoulder even the slightest burden. It doesn't matter if the family is in dire straits, or if your parents and brothers are in trouble, as long as you are well, you don't care about anything else! The master understood this, so he took the property and asked me to divide it equally."
Grandma Liang's face was tense and pale. After a moment, she suddenly threw herself on her knees and burst into tears: "There are four brothers in the family, but only his eldest brother is working hard outside. What can we do? A bastard's son has no good future and can only struggle to make a living! He has brought honor to the family, respected his father and brothers, and earned a lot of money. But it's a pity that he is only in his early thirties, and he is already covered with wounds. His legs hurt in the cold, the carbuncle on his back has opened in the heat, and the old wounds hurt when it rains. There is not a single healthy part on his body!"
She cried bitterly, stamping her feet and beating her chest, saying, "My second brother is lucky. He spends his days reading books and admiring flowers, leisurely and at ease, and he has his ancestral title to inherit. My third and fourth brothers are also comfortable at home. With their eldest brother's support, no one dares to look down on them..."
Mrs. Liang was furious when she heard this: "No matter what, you're just worried that our brothers will take advantage of you. Don't worry, even if disaster strikes, we still have several relatives we can rely on. We won't be able to beg for food at your doorstep!"
Hearing the word "relatives", Grandma Liang felt alert. Although except for her husband, the other three members of the Liang family were just lantern goods that looked good, they could not withstand the influence of powerful in-laws behind them, from the mother-in-law to the two sisters-in-law.
Her mind raced, and as she looked up, she saw Minglan looking at her with a smile, and she immediately shrank her neck.
The noblewoman sitting behind Madam Liang snorted coldly, "Humph, it turns out that the eldest son of the Liang family was born and raised by nature. He didn't need my sister and brother-in-law to raise him and teach him. He was born with great skills. He is like the Wu Qu Star descended to earth!"
Grandma Liang said nothing, lowering her eyes with resentment.
Seeing this, Minglan felt bored.
It's understandable that a capable elder brother, unwilling to be held back by his incompetent younger brother, wants to be self-sufficient. The Liangs, relying on the fact that the concubine's son is stronger than the legitimate son's, planned this division. Seeing their father's passing and their legitimate mother's pride, they enlisted the help of some relatives and friends, and their chances of success were high. Unfortunately, they forgot one thing: a broken boat still has three pounds of nails.
No matter how incompetent the brothers are or how arrogant their stepmother is, the aristocratic family relatives should not be underestimated. Behind Madam Liang and Second Madam Liang alone, there is a Governor-General of Guangdong and Guangxi, a Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, and two prominent families that have produced many powerful officials, not to mention the three families of Sheng, Gu, and Yuan.
No matter how capable Mr. Liang is, he can't offend all of them at once.
The fetus, perhaps sensing Minglan's boredom, moved a few times. Minglan didn't react, but uttered a soft "Ah," frowning and clutching her belly. Madam Liang saw this and hurriedly asked, "Is there anything wrong?"
Minglan gently stroked her belly and said with a smile, "It's okay, I just sat for too long."
Mrs. Liang knew it was inappropriate to ask Minglan to go back immediately, so she turned to Molan and said, "The room at the back is quite quiet. Go there with your sister to rest for a while. We can talk about other things after you calm down."
Molan meekly agreed, lowering her head to support Minglan. Xiaotao, who was serving beside her, cleverly took the lead and separated them from the side without leaving any trace. She supported Minglan and said with a simple smile, "Fourth Miss, you go ahead."
Molan glanced at the master and servant, then walked slowly to the back with light lotus steps. Minglan and Xiaotao followed. Before leaving the side hall, they heard Liang Ernai's mother slowly speak. The old lady's voice was old and firm - "If you want to divide the family, just say it directly. Why bother with the story that the stepmother is mean? It only shows your pettiness. My father-in-law's family assets are very rich. As the younger generation, you should take a long-term view and leave a way out for everything..."
Minglan nodded secretly after listening to this. This combination of persuasion and threat was indeed powerful.
After passing a large rosewood glass screen painted with peony and ruyi patterns, and turning two corners, we came to an elegant and spacious wing room with a couch against the wall, a table, chairs and stools by the window, and a large ruyi round table in the middle.
Xiaotao helped Minglan sit on the couch, bent down to take off her shoes, lifted her legs onto the couch, and whispered, "They're swollen again." Then she rubbed them gently. Minglan made a comfortable sound, but her sore and swollen calves were hardly comfortable.
Molan sat opposite Minglan, watching the maid from the Liang residence bring hot tea and snacks, and then send everyone away. The charcoal stove grill was opened on the side, and as the air flowed, the sound of an argument from the hall in front could be heard faintly.
She glanced at Xiaotao who refused to leave, then looked at Minglan. Minglan was also looking at her. The room was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop.
The two of them are too familiar with each other. It is useless for Molan to pretend to be weak and pitiful, and it is also useless for Minglan to pretend to be honest and sincere.
They have fought, quarreled, confronted each other, and framed each other. Now, even if they don’t know how many intestines the other person has in his stomach, at least they know the shape and color of those intestines.
Molan chuckled and said, "Sixth brother-in-law is out again. Sixth sister, are you feeling lonely? Alas, I just hope that Sixth brother-in-law will come back safely."
Minglan held the warming cup in her hand, ignoring the words, and said leisurely, "I heard that after the old marquis passed away, Aunt Liang personally made the decision to dismiss many of the girls in my sister's courtyard."
Molan's face darkened, but she couldn't help but argue, "My husband has to observe mourning for three years, so there's no need to delay those girls."
“——I see.” Minglan smiled.
Seeing her sister's expression, Molan became more and more annoyed. Her mother-in-law was dissatisfied with her and had hinted at it both openly and secretly. Whenever she talked about the Gu family, she would always praise it by saying "Mrs. Gu is a blessed person who can bring good fortune to her husband and children."
"You..." Molan bit her lip, "Do you think I'm useless?"
Minglan smiled and said, "When it comes to children, future prospects, and the relationship between husband and wife, compare yourself to Big Sister, Fifth Sister, and me, Fourth Sister."
Molan's eyes were filled with resentment. She stood up and took a few steps towards Minglan. Xiaotao jumped up and stood in front of the couch, shouting, "Fourth Miss, if you come within three steps of our young lady, it will be disrespectful!"
She has been in good health since she was young, and in recent years she has learned some boxing and kicking skills from Gu Quan and others, so it is no problem for her to knock down a few women in the inner house.
Molan glared: "You dare?!"
Xiao Tao glared back, "Fourth Miss, I still remember that year when you tried to scratch our young lady's face with a piece of broken porcelain. Madam Fang said that if it happens again, just hit Fourth Miss's face, no need to be polite!"
Molan staggered in anger. She knew Xiaotao was honest and straightforward, and she was a stickler for what she said. Then, looking at her sturdy, round body, she retreated back to her chair, slapping the armrests in anger and cursing, "I've had bad luck since I was a child, and today I'm making a fool of myself."
Minglan raised her body slightly and laughed, "Since I was little, whenever I encountered something bad, I always blamed everyone. I blamed Daddy for not doting me enough, or Grandmother for being partial, or my sisters for getting in my way. I haven't changed this habit even now. I planned this marriage myself, so I have no one to blame. I just blame it on luck. Why don't you think about it? Maybe all of this is your own fault?"
Mo Lan clapped her hands in anger, veins popping out of her forehead as she roared, "What have I done wrong?! Do you want me to watch you all climb the ladder one by one while I sit and wait for death?"
Minglan remained motionless, saying quietly, "Since Aunt Lin taught you not to 'sit and wait for death,' you've been wrong."
"You...!" Molan was furious.
Minglan said calmly, "What did Aunt Lin teach me? I can see it from my sister's current behavior. It's nothing more than competing for favors, disciplining concubines, keeping a tight grip on her husband, dividing favors, sowing discord, and flattering..."
She chuckled softly, "To be honest, it's no wonder Aunt Liang is dissatisfied with my sister. What is the status of Concubine Lin, and what is the status of my sister? A wife of the first wife is trying to imitate the ways of a concubine, and even wants to use these sneaky tricks to make a living."
Molan pinched the table tightly with her fingers and said in a hoarse voice: "Don't talk about my aunt, she has suffered enough now!" She remembered going to the farm to visit her biological mother a while ago. The once beautiful and elegant aunt Lin has now become a rough and bad-tempered old woman.
"Who else can teach me besides her? What else can I do if I don't listen to her and believe her?!"
Minglan looked at her and shook her head. "Madame Kong, Grandmother, even Father, often lectured us sisters, but Sister never listened. Are you unlucky? What about Big Sister? Did Aunt Liang scheme against your dowry? Did she stuff people into your house? Did she mistreat your children? Oh... I forgot, Fourth Sister hasn't even given birth yet."
Molan was filled with indignation and frustration, and felt discouraged and decadent for a moment. She felt that her life was hopeless. She wanted to scratch Minglan's face, but her body seemed to be frozen, unable to move, and she could only glare at Minglan with resentment.
"My eldest brother-in-law once said that my fourth brother-in-law is not a playboy. He is just young, fun-loving, soft-hearted, and easily provoked. But he is not a bad person at heart. If we keep a close eye on him and encourage him, he will have a bright future."
Minglan recalled Hualan's words and whispered, "Even if Fourth Brother-in-law doted on Concubine Chun in the beginning, if you had used reason, earnestly persuaded your husband to be more enterprising, and rebuked Concubine Chun's unreasonable behavior, Aunt Liang would have been delighted. How could she not support you? If you go this way, you can use more tactics, and Fourth Brother-in-law will surely listen."
"But my sister refuses to follow the right path, resorting to crooked ways. To compete for my concubine's favor, she constantly arranges for her husband to have concubines and maids, hoping to share her affection, causing chaos in the house. Over the years, my eldest brother-in-law has earned my eldest sister several times her dowry, but what about my fourth brother-in-law? After marrying my sister, he hasn't made any progress in his official career in the past few years! I just want to ask my sister, if Aunt Liang ever dies and you split up the family, will my fourth brother-in-law be able to support the family?"
Minglan took a deep breath and said, "If I were a mother, seeing my son, who used to be able to discipline me, being seduced by my daughter-in-law and losing all his ambition, and spending the whole day hanging out with other women, how could I like that daughter-in-law?"
When it comes to encouraging her husband to work hard and make progress, Liu is a textbook example.
Clap, clap, clap—loud applause.
Molan clapped her hands with a cold smile and said loudly, "Well, well said. After all, you are a first-rank lady, and your words are indeed very logical. It makes me, your useless sister, wish I could die and be reborn again! Sister, you are now very successful, so don't just focus on mocking me, at least give me a hand!"
Looking at her distorted and intense face, Minglan was silent for a long moment, then suddenly said, "Fifth sister went with her brother-in-law to an outpost. Fourth sister never asked, do you know where they went?"
Molan snorted disdainfully, "Who cares about any of this? You're just a petty official!"
"...It's Quanzhou," Minglan said softly, "where Daddy took us to live. Fifth brother-in-law is capable and found the job on his own. Daddy just gave him a push in the end."
After saying this, Minglan let out a long sigh and said, "I've rested enough. I'll go to the front to say goodbye. You don't have to see me off, sister. Let's say goodbye now." Then she got out of bed and put on her shoes.
As they walked out of the door, Xiao Tao held her tightly and muttered, "Young lady, you are too kind. How can the fourth young lady be worthy of you? She thought your kind words were a joke!"
Minglan ruffled Xiaotao's bangs and smiled, "Silly girl, sometimes we have to do things we 'should' do, not things we 'need' to do." Just think of it as doing a good deed for Madam Liang; she treated herself pretty well.
…
Molan was still sitting in the chair, as if powerless, with a blank mind.
Quanzhou, what a wonderful place it is.
The air was moist and warm, and everywhere there were shimmering ponds, reflecting the clear, pale blue sky. Amidst the aroma of fish, rice, and rice, the tender singing of children drifted in the air, and even Western goods were shipped in from across the sea...
That was her best time.
At that time, she was her father's favorite daughter, and her biological mother, Lin, was so respectable. Whenever she went out for fun or met guests, every lady would praise her beauty and intelligence. She was even more elegant than the two legitimate children.
Quanzhou, Quanzhou, Wen Yanjing, her father’s arrangement…Originally, this was all hers.
For a moment, she felt lost.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com