Minglan was stunned at first, then her face lit up with joy and she kept congratulating him.
Speaking of this, Wang's face beamed with joy. "I've had good news for a while now, but we didn't dare to announce it because it was so close. Now that the baby is stable, I've returned to let everyone in to see it. Speaking of which, it's the old lady who's been keeping a close eye on her. As soon as she got the news, she sent two capable mothers over to keep an eye on Rulan and make sure she eats well and rests well."
This is exactly what's annoying about Wang. It's obvious that her ancestors love her daughter and should have stopped while they were ahead, but she's acting all up. Right now, she's twisting her body around and scolding Old Madam Sheng, saying, "Mother, too! I know you love Ru'er, but I'm afraid your wife will be unhappy with you doing this. I went to the Wen family a few days ago, and she looked unhappy!"
Hai was a little embarrassed. Minglan was used to lowering her head and pretending not to hear: Although the old lady was a Buddhist, she was not a vegetarian. Wang was not without zhuangbability in the past, but her end was basically to be struck by lightning.
As expected, the old lady glanced indifferently at her daughter-in-law's smug face, sipped her tea, and sighed, "I used to be too concerned about my reputation to meddle in these matters, but now that I think of Hualan, my daughter's health is the most important thing. Even if she's a little rude to my in-laws, I can't care less. Ru'er's temper is even worse than Hua'er's. If there's a quarrel in the Wen family, it will either damage the harmony or hurt the health. It's better to let me be the bad guy!"
Thinking of Hualan's sickly appearance, Wang's eyes moistened and she lowered her head without saying a word. In fact, the old lady of the Wen family was not a good person either, but the Sheng family was strong and her son was devoted to Rulan, so she kept quiet.
The old lady put down her tea bowl and said to her daughter-in-law earnestly, "You are also blessed with children and grandchildren. Now Hualan has two brothers by her side, so she can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Not to mention the other girls, you raised Rulan by yourself. I am old now, and there are things I can't take care of. You should give her more guidance every day!"
"After all, she is someone's daughter-in-law. Don't run to her parents' home all day long. If others tell others about it, they will say that our Sheng family is domineering. She should be considerate and humble to her husband. She must not act like she is doing a favor, unless she doesn't want to live like this in the future! She should be even more kind and gentle to her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law. She should be patient when she should! Don't act like you have suffered a huge injustice over a small matter. Which daughter-in-law hasn't gone through this? Is it only her who is inlaid with gold and jade? I don't think the fifth uncle is a cold-hearted person. If Rulan doesn't overstep her bounds, even if she becomes successful in the future, the uncle will treat her well." Old Madam Sheng's tone was not particularly harsh, but she hit the nail on the head. She pointed out things explicitly and implicitly, and one sentence after another was like a poke in Wang's lungs. The breath was stuck in her throat, and she couldn't say a word.
"Mother is right. I have taken note of it. I will talk to Ruer about it later." Wang's neck was stiff, and it took her a long time to utter these words.
Hai lowered her head and imitated Minglan, counting the tea leaves in the tea bowl with a solemn and serious expression.
Seeing Wang's pale face, the old lady felt relieved and changed the subject: "If we make a mistake in etiquette, even the most reasonable one will be reduced by three points! And if Rulan is polite enough, then no matter what inappropriate the in-laws do, the Sheng family will not be able to control them!" As she spoke, she felt a little angry. She felt sorry for her beloved granddaughter suffering, but at least she was marrying up. If she married down, she would have to compromise, and the Sheng family would become a joke.
As for the so-called in-laws, it is best to be on equal terms. It is not a marriage fraud, so no one has to swallow their anger.
When Minglan counted the tea leaves for the third time, she changed the subject and said to Hai, "Sister-in-law, when are you planning to celebrate Hui Jie'er's full moon? I've been waiting with my neck stretched out for a long time."
Hai was quick-witted and immediately smiled, saying, "When my sister was born, I wasn't in good health. Mother was considerate of me and decided to hold a double full-month celebration for Hai. This way, Hui'er and I will have more energy when meeting friends and family or drinking."
Wang nodded, looking at her daughter-in-law with satisfaction, then turned to Minglan and said, "That's exactly what's going on. By then, your elder sister will have finished her confinement and Ru'er will be pregnant. Then we can all get together as a family."
Minglan glanced at the old lady sitting at the top, only to see her fiddling with the dried tangerines on the plate expressionlessly, with a hint of sarcasm on the corner of her mouth. Minglan suppressed her laughter and said to Wang, "After all, she is the madam. She is knowledgeable and thoughtful. We, the younger ones, have to learn a lot from her." She looked at Wang with her beautiful eyes, her words earnest and her expression sincere. Minglan was very good at this. No matter how outrageous what Wang said, she could express her 100% approval without blinking.
Wang covered her red lips lightly, and to appear modest, she changed the subject: "Speaking of your elder sister, I went to see her a few days ago. Although she was thin, she looked in good spirits."
"That's great. Last time when I saw my elder sister during her third bath, I felt that the clothes were just hanging loose on her." Minglan was worried, not knowing whether the 'clever plan' would work.
Wang Shi couldn't contain her pride and said happily, "Ha! Madam Yuan is busy taking care of herself right now, and your elder sister is living a much better life now. She keeps saying that she misses you. If you have nothing to do, go visit her when you have time."
"Too busy to take care of themselves? What happened to the Yuan family?" Minglan's heart skipped a beat, feeling both excited and uneasy.
Wang was about to speak when Old Madam Sheng coughed violently, bringing her to her senses. She realized she shouldn't be talking about other elders in front of the younger generation. Hai, ever so clever, immediately replied with a smile, "Nothing much. It's just that Master Zhongqin, Master Yuan, welcomed a new concubine a while ago. Madam Yuan thought the newcomer didn't know the rules and wouldn't be able to take care of Master Yuan's daily life, so she needed to teach her a few things, which is why she's been busy for a while." Look at them, the same words, but with such different delivery. Madam Wang, you're a lifelong learner.
Minglan seemed to be hearing this for the first time, and responded slowly: "Eh..." Oh yeah!
Although inserting a concubine between a married couple is unethical, if one does not take care of oneself, heaven and earth will punish him. That old woman always torments Hualan. She has almost stuffed a women's volleyball team into Hualan's room. Now she will have a taste of the same. It serves her right! Minglan has no psychological burden at all.
"...Mrs. Yuan is so virtuous." Minglan's eyes were pure.
Old Madam Sheng glanced at her granddaughter with a half-smile. Minglan suddenly felt guilty, her face turned red, and she lowered her head.
After being carried to the Luohan bed by his wet nurse, Quan Ge'er kept playing with the ancient jade ring on the red string around his chest. He put one chubby finger in, but it was too wide. He put two in, but it was still too wide. Finally, he stretched out his little fist and pushed all four fingers in. Oops! His little palm was stuck in the ring! The ancient jade was warm and smooth, so it didn't hurt much. Quan Ge'er shook his little arm repeatedly, but he couldn't get it out. He couldn't pry it off, so he raised his little fist and burrowed into the old lady's arms, asking for help.
Old Madam Sheng had no choice but to coax him into taking off the ring. At this moment, the maid outside announced loudly: "The master and the third master are here."
All the women in the hall, except the old lady, stood up and bowed. Sheng Hong and Chang Feng came in one after another. At this time, Quan Ge'er lay on the old lady's shoulder, moaning tenderly, opening his short arms and shouting happily at Sheng Hong.
When the middle-aged and portly old man Sheng saw his little grandson, his heart immediately softened. After bowing to the old lady, he smiled and reached out to hold Quan Ge'er, sat on the seat next to the Luohan bed, and put the little fat boy on his lap to tease him.
"Get rid of it, rude father!" The little fat boy spoke indistinctly and grabbed his grandfather's beard very skillfully.
"Yes! My dear baby!" Sheng Hong smiled and let his little grandson scratch his beard.
The old lady still held the ring in her hand. Seeing the affection between the grandfather and grandson, which had not been seen for eight hundred years, she was both angry and amused. She scolded with a smile: "This little heartless boy!"
Sheng Hong hugged Quan Ge'er and laughed. Quan Ge'er threw himself on his neck and kissed half of his old face with saliva. Wang smiled and said, "They say that the relationship between the next generation is closer. It is absolutely true."
After all, the younger generation were all there, so Sheng Hong didn't want to be too cheerful with his grandson. After playing with him for a while, he handed Quan Ge'er back to the wet nurse beside him. The old lady said to Hai Shi, "He's so restless. He won't stop until he goes outside to play for a few laps. Today is a good day. Take him out to play for a while."
Hai responded softly, and the little fat boy in the wet nurse's arms was very smart, as if he understood what she said. As soon as the wet nurse bent down, he kicked his legs, landed steadily on the ground, and jumped out happily. Behind him, three or five maids and old women hurriedly followed him out.
Hai was a little uneasy and bowed hurriedly: "This child is too unruly..."
"It's okay!" Sheng Hong smiled as he watched his grandson leave the door, shaking his hands repeatedly. "It's better for boys to be tough when they are young. Whether they study hard for ten years or join the army to learn skills in the future, they all rely on a healthy body."
"That's right." The old lady was pleased in her heart, but she said deliberately, "He's strong and healthy. When his father wants to beat him with a stick in the future, we don't have to worry! Don't be like his sixth aunt, who is useless and can't even withstand a beating!"
"Grandma!" Minglan was embarrassed and said angrily, "You, you, it was just that one time, and you still...?!"
Amidst the laughter in the room, Hai Fuli retreated and everyone sat down again according to their seniority; Sheng Hong and Wang sat on either side of the Luohan bed, while Minglan and Changfeng sat opposite them.
"Where is Sixth Uncle?" The old lady was panting from laughing, and asked after she took a breath.
Sheng Hong was about to stroke his beard, but he only touched a mess of bird nests that his grandson had messed up. He had no choice but to comb his hair instead. "He talked to me for a while in the study, then went to the Five Military Commandery. The Emperor has been away from the palace for the past two days, so the morning court session has been cancelled, but there are still many things to do."
Minglan looked at her father. Even though he had skipped work early in the morning, his expression remained loyal and patriotic. Minglan was very cooperative and immediately said, "The two Empress Dowagers are slightly ill and have gone to the Western Hills Palace for recuperation. The Emperor visits them every few days. He is truly sincere and filial!"
Sheng Hong nodded with satisfaction. Among his daughters, Minglan was the most obedient and especially cooperative.
He was a veteran in officialdom. He went to the Censorate to sign in in the morning, and returned home when he saw that there was nothing to do. After all, there would be no urgent matters when the emperor was away. Most of the people who were still busy at this time were close ministers, important officials, and favored officials, such as the new sixth son-in-law who had just left in a hurry.
"What was mother talking about just now? I heard her laughter from far away." Sheng Hong was in a very good mood and respectfully tried to please the old lady.
The old lady smiled and pointed at Minglan: "As for the sisters, Hua'er misses Ming, and Ru'er can walk now. When Huijie's double full moon comes, we can have a banquet and invite the sisters to get together."
Sheng Hong also smiled and agreed for a few words, but suddenly became melancholy and said softly, "Come to think of it, Mo'er got married earlier, so why is there still no news?"
This immediately lowered the temperature in the hall. Wang curled her lips in disdain and ignored it. Chang Feng, who had been silent until then, suddenly looked up, his face showing a hint of concern. The old lady glanced at the father and son and said calmly, "Everything has its cause and effect. She looks down on Ru'er's blessing. What can we do?"
Wang was heartbroken, and Sheng Hong could only sigh deeply. The old lady looked at him for a moment, her heart softening as she spoke gently, "You're a good father. You've fulfilled your duties as a father. Mo's path was earned by her own will, willing to risk her life and death, even at the cost of her parents' family. Now... she has no one to blame."
Minglan lowered her head and said nothing. She had also heard about Molan's situation. Her life wasn't good, but it wasn't bad either. Although not as sweet as a loving couple, she didn't suffer the beatings, scoldings, and humiliation like the miserable Yingchun.
Molan is also good at saving face, and can basically cover up both inside and outside. She is probably more than respected, but not yet overly favored.
Concubine daughters are like weeds. Those who can survive well are not weak in vitality. Even the eldest daughter Hualan, who grew up in pampering, has endured it. How precious can they be as concubine daughters? Perhaps without the protection and wrong-headed guidance of Aunt Lin, Molan can carve out a world of her own.
Want to act spoiled, willful, stubborn, or even aggressive? Sorry, that's only possible if you have a background as solid as granite and unconditional support from your family. In ancient times, few women could have a happy marriage. The ideal was mutual respect and reverence: I'd take care of your concubines and children, while you'd raise the family and support the household, and we'd all live together as partners.
Everyone is struggling to make a living, and Minglan has no intention of sympathizing with anyone.
The old lady didn't want to dwell on this topic anymore and said to Sheng Hong, "Do you have anything to tell me today?"
Sheng Hong couldn't help but feel happy again when he remembered the meaning. He smiled and said, "Mother was right. Today, I'm here to talk about a happy event." He glanced at Chang Feng and continued, "Didn't we go to the Liu family for a banquet a few days ago? Who would have thought that Brother Liu suddenly came to find me a few days ago and said that he was interested in marrying into my family."
The old lady's eyes lit up: "Which girl?"
Speaking of this, Sheng Hong was even happier: "She's the second daughter, so she happens to be the third."
Wang's mouth dropped open, and Minglan was also startled. The old lady hurriedly asked, "Are you serious?"
"Absolutely true! Brother Liu always speaks the truth." Sheng Hong stroked his beard and looked at his son beside him with a smile. The more he looked at him, the more he felt that he was handsome and elegant, with extraordinary demeanor.
Chang Feng blushed, shifted his body uneasily, and lowered his head hesitantly. Minglan was sitting opposite him, and the stool was too short for her. She glanced at him from the side and saw that he had a strange expression, as if he was shy, unwilling, and with a hint of resignation.
Speaking of this Lord Liu Ming, he was one of the few people who had been friends with Sheng Hong all the way from schoolmates, to colleagues, and colleagues, remaining close friends to this day. He currently held the position of Left Assistant Secretary of the Dali Temple, a fifth-rank official. While his rank and position were not as high as Sheng Hong's, he was a legitimate descendant of the Yanzhou Liu family, a true descendant of scholars and officials, a family of distinguished descent stretching back one or two hundred years.
Since the previous dynasty, the Liu family of Yanzhou has had many Jinshi and Juren among their clan. There have been two first-rank officials and three second-rank officials. Countless of their descendants have become officials. Although none of them have reached the highest position or become a provincial governor, they have been distinguished scholars for generations.
It is said that the tablets with official titles placed in the Liu family's ancestral hall are more than enough for playing a game of mahjong. Although their power and reputation are not as strong as the Hai family, they do have a foundation after all. Whenever Sheng Hong talked about the Liu family, he could not help but look envious and sighed.
Sheng Hong had once considered marrying the Liu family's son to Rulan, but unfortunately, the Liu family had strict rules, and the grandfather had simply arranged the marriage. But how could such a legitimate daughter...? Minglan was not in a hurry. She turned her head slightly towards Wang Shi and waited patiently.
"Why do they think highly of Feng-ge'er?" Wang couldn't wait any longer and asked directly, "Master, please ask carefully. Is there something wrong?"
Sheng Hong was dealt a cold shoulder and glared at her. The old lady also frowned slightly. "The third daughter of the Liu family? I vaguely remember that she seemed to be engaged."
Chang Feng lowered his head even lower, refusing to raise it no matter what. Wang Shi exclaimed, "Could it be that the marriage is over?"
Sheng Hong glared at her again, then turned to continue speaking to the old lady, "Don't worry, mother. How could I be careless about my children's marriages? Brother Liu treats you with respect, as if you were his nephew. You know him well, and he's told me everything. The Liu family's daughter is engaged to the Jiang family of Ding'an, to the youngest grandson of the retired Lord Jiang."
The old lady narrowed her eyes and nodded: "It's a perfect match."
Sheng Hong watched the old lady's breathing calm down a bit, and took a sip of tea to moisten his throat. "Originally, we were going to get married before the New Year, but wasn't there an epidemic in Ding'an that year? Lord Jiang's son passed away, so Mr. Jiang had to observe three years of mourning for his father."
"That's right. In this case, the marriage will have to be put on hold," said the old lady.
Sheng Hong put down his tea bowl and sighed, "So the two families agreed to arrange the marriage after the mourning period was over. But a few months ago, the Liu family found out..." He sighed deeply, "That Mr. Jiang, unexpectedly, unexpectedly had an affair with a maid during the mourning period, and even gave birth to a son!"
The old lady's face darkened, and Wang pouted in disdain: "The Jiang family of Ding'an is no different."
"Sister-in-law Liu is also from a prominent family. She has always been very polite and respectful. When she heard about this, she went to Ding'an to ask what happened. The Jiang family apologized profusely, but after arguing for a long time and increasing the betrothal gifts a lot, there was no explanation. Madam Liu was unwilling to marry her daughter to them." Sheng Hong whispered.
The room was quiet. After a long while, the old lady finally said, "If it were me, I wouldn't want to marry my daughter off to that place either."
Minglan nodded secretly in her heart. Mrs. Liu is indeed a sensible person.
First, Mr. Jiang Xiaoqi did such a thing, which showed that he was an unfilial and immoral person, and his character and self-control were not very good; second, she even gave birth to a child, which shows that the Jiang family rules are not strict. At least Mrs. Jiang cannot escape the blame of doting and indulging. It is also a big trouble to have such a mother-in-law; third, she has not agreed to leave the mother and the child until now. It is estimated that the maid is quite capable and Mr. Jiang likes her very much.
Once these three points come out, life will probably not be easy even if she marries him; it is better to suffer a short pain than a long pain. Instead of letting the initiative be in the hands of the Jiang family after she marries him, it is better to think carefully before she marries him.
"If you don't want to marry, then don't marry!" Wang said sarcastically, "How can a girl from a family like the Liu family not be able to get married?"
"How can it be that easy?!" Sheng Hong smiled bitterly.
Wang was about to retort when Minglan hurried in to mediate, saying softly, "This is indeed not easy. The Jiang and Liu families have been friends for generations. Even if they can't become in-laws, it's not good to make them enemies. If this marriage falls through, the Liu family will have to expose the Jiang young master's unfilial behavior if they want to clear themselves. Our dynasty values filial piety the most, and if that happens, the Jiang young master's future will be ruined. But if they don't make it public, the blame for breaking off the engagement will fall on the Liu family's sister, and then the marriage will be difficult..."
Her voice was so soft that Wang Shi couldn't help but be stunned when she heard it: "This... is a problem."
Sheng Hong glanced at Minglan with delight, then turned to the old lady and continued, "Just as Ming'er said, seeing that his daughter was approaching her age, Brother Liu was very anxious, so he came to me to propose marriage. Others may not know the details, but we do. The Jiang family is fundamentally at fault in this matter. Besides, you have met the young lady from the Liu family. Don't you often praise her character and virtue?"
At this point, the old lady was already very moved. She made eye contact with Sheng Hong, and after a brief exchange, both mother and son understood.
This marriage is excellent.
Originally, Changfeng was a concubine's son and was only a candidate for the imperial examination. It was not known when he would pass the imperial examination. The Sheng family was not a prominent family, so marrying the legitimate daughter of the Liu family was considered marrying up. But this time, the Liu family came to them, so even if they married this daughter-in-law in the future, they would not have to worry about Changfeng being short of breath or being looked down upon by his wife's family.
The old lady patted the armrest of Luohan's bed and said decisively, "This marriage is feasible. The character of the third daughter of the Liu family is beyond reproach. She is a good housewife. You can ask her horoscope later. If it is suitable..." She paused, "I will come to propose marriage myself."
Wang's face turned half green, and she was filled with resentment. Before she could say anything, Sheng Hong interrupted her, "Mother, you are right. I agree with you. We can't really let the girl propose marriage in the first place."
"Since we're getting married, we have to make it a beautiful one," the old lady said decisively. "Just tell everyone that I really like the character of the Liu family's daughter, so even though I know I'm marrying up, I still shamelessly came to ask for her hand in marriage."
"Then let Brother Liu pretend to be embarrassed and ask the Jiang family to come forward and find an excuse like mourning and guarding the mausoleum. They will say that they are afraid of delaying the girl and give the engagement. This way, they will have an explanation outside." Sheng Hong had already made a complete plan.
"It's inevitable that people will talk about this matter. Let's suffer a little loss of face and let the Liu family save face. They will think of the benefits and will definitely support Feng Ge'er in the future!"
The mother and son chattered back and forth, leaving no room for anyone else to interrupt. Wang felt nauseous, blaming her brain for not being able to think of a reason to object. Minglan resolutely lowered her head, not meeting Wang's gaze. This was indeed a good match, but even she couldn't think of anything wrong with it.
The old lady turned her head and looked at Chang Feng with loving heart. After all, she was the one who raised him, and she hoped that he would have a smooth life. Many members of the Liu family had served in official positions, and even if their positions were not high, there was strength in numbers, and Chang Feng would have a backer in the future.
Sheng Hong hurriedly asked him to kowtow to the old lady and express his gratitude.
"I am an unfilial grandson and have to trouble my grandmother again. I feel really sorry for asking my grandmother, at such an old age, to run around for my marriage." Chang Feng always spoke in a sweet voice, with a red face and shyness like a grown-up girl.
The old lady smiled and said, "I would be happy to run myself to pieces if I could find you a good wife."
Everyone teased Chang Feng a few more times, and then Sheng Hong told him to go back to his room and study.
Chang Feng's face was as red as clouds, his cheeks were like peach blossoms, and there was a hint of resentment and sadness in his eyes. He didn't dare to meet his elders' eyes, but before leaving, he looked at Minglan intently; Minglan was loudly congratulating Sheng Hong and the old lady, and saying festive words for fun. When she suddenly saw Chang Feng's eyes, she couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
She knew what Chang Feng meant, but she didn't dare to bring it up.
After Changfeng left, the old lady and Sheng Hong continued to discuss the details of the marriage, and the more they talked, the more they got along. Minglan saw that Wang's face was dark and gray, and she thought she was very unhappy. She quickly told her some interesting stories in the mountains, such as catching wild rabbits, catching wild sparrows, and soaking in hot springs...
Wang gradually became interested and asked, "Is the hot spring village also on the West Mountain? Everyone says it's a good place. The water is warm and the mountain is warm, which is best for regulating the mind and qi. Soaking in hot springs can also cure diseases. Your elder sister is not in good health..." She dragged out the tone.
Minglan was very understanding and immediately smiled and said, "Madam, you're right. I've been thinking about this for a long time. I've already ordered the manor to be tidied up. When Big Sister is well again, I'll invite her to rest at the hot spring manor for a few days. And Old Madam and Madam, let's go together. It's a pity that Fifth Sister is pregnant, so it's not easy for her to soak in the hot springs."
Seeing Minglan's gentleness and obedience, Wang Shi felt relieved and said, "I know you are a good child. We only have a few relatives in Beijing. Even if you get married, you can't forget Aunt Kang. Let them also benefit from your fame..."
Before she could finish her words, there was a thud as Old Madam Sheng slammed her tea bowl down on the bedside table. Her face was as cold as frost. "A married girl belongs to someone else's family. Hualan is not feeling well and needs to be nursed back to health, that's fine, but all the aunts and uncles from her family are flocking to the Gu family farm. What's going on? Are they seeking refuge or are they trying to get something for free? Does the Sheng family still have any dignity left?!"
Sheng Hong has always been very careful about his reputation. He didn't think much of what Wang said just now, but now he looks displeased.
Wang's face was extremely ugly, and she muttered in a low voice: "It's just a small matter. Ming girl is now in the limelight, why don't you help your parents..."
The old lady chuckled briefly, staring at Wang, and said slowly, "It's only been a few days since you got married, and she's already given so many generous gifts to Hua'er, to you and Brother Bo's wife, and to Ru'er! I've been holding back on the mink fur, snow ginseng, food, clothing, and other necessities, but you just picked them up on the roadside. Couldn't you have asked for more?"
Wang was extremely ashamed and angry at being scolded in front of the younger generation. She could hear the old lady's anger and dared not talk back. Minglan stood up respectfully and stood upright by the side. She didn't want to say anything at all. The Sheng family was fine; as for Aunt Kang, she just hoped to see her less often. She would be scolded every time she saw her. She was not an M who would turn the other cheek after being hit on the left cheek.
The hall was completely silent. The old lady slowly glanced at Sheng Hong and his wife, then said something with a hint of meaning, "Even if it's Feng'er today, if it's truly a good match, I'll still go and arrange it even if I have to drag my old bones! But the Gu family? The pond is deep, and the water is extremely muddy. This match wasn't something I wanted in the first place."
These words made Wang's forehead sweat and Sheng Hong's mouth bitter.
The old lady glanced at Minglan, who stood aside with her head lowered. Her pointed jaw was visible, and she felt a surge of anger. She raised her voice and said, "Ming-ya'er is lazy and carefree. She deserves to find an ordinary, honest family. But the Gu family is a mess. Ming-ya'er is so young, a child who just got married. Without a caring elder to look after her, she's clueless and lives a life of worry and anxiety. Who knows when something will go wrong, and she won't be able to handle it herself! She hasn't even found her feet yet, and already someone is thinking of taking advantage of her?"
Wang's face flushed, and Sheng Hong gave her a sharp look. "She's not his own daughter, so you don't feel sorry for her?" Fortunately, he was the one who arranged Changfeng's marriage personally, otherwise, who knows what would have happened.
Minglan's eyes burned, and she tried hard to hold back the tears. She knew the old lady was setting a barrier for her, to prevent Wang Shi from constantly making demands on her behalf. She blinked hard twice, squeezing the tears out of her eyes. She looked up and walked over to the old lady, smiling sweetly, "She's worried about me. She's afraid I'll empty my in-laws' house and give it to my parents, and then have them chase me back!"
The old lady couldn't help but smile. Minglan took her arm and coaxed her sweetly, "It's just a few hot springs. Others may not care, but we, as a family, will definitely go! I'll give you and your wife a back and shoulder massage. You know my craft best. Don't get too comfortable and can't climb out of the pool."
The old lady was shaken by her and gave her a hard squeeze, glaring at her with a smile. Minglan turned to Sheng Hong with a serious expression and a solemn tone, "Although my daughter is willing to be filial, there are differences between men and women. Father should still rely on the abilities of my brother and uncles. But I must remind you first, your sixth uncle wields a 300-stone bow and arrow, and can control the string with both arms. You should be careful."
Sheng Hong's worried look disappeared, and he couldn't help laughing. He pointed at Minglan and shook his head repeatedly: "You little girl!"
The old lady was finally happy. She hugged her granddaughter and patted her hard a few times, saying, "You're just such a chatterbox!"
After laughing and joking for a while, Sheng Hong and Wang both took their leave, leaving only the grandfather and grandson in the hall. The old lady slowly put away her smile, immediately got off the bed, and pulled Minglan straight into the inner room.
"Tell me, what happened at the Gu Mansion?" The old lady stared at Minglan solemnly. "I raised you. I know how many organs you have. Stop talking nonsense and speak!"
Minglan knew she couldn't hide it, so she just told the whole story straight. From beginning to end, it took her two cups of tea to finish.
"So you want to come back and hide for two days?" The old lady's voice rose straight up, and her eyes seemed to be looking at a wooden head.
Minglan blushed and hesitated, "...I'm just thinking about it. I know it's not right."
"You are not stupid!" Old Madam Sheng rolled her eyes at her unhappily.
Minglan touched her head and drooped her ears embarrassedly.
The old lady pulled Minglan over and said slowly, "Tell me the truth, do you think your husband has gone too far? You don't agree with it, so you don't want to stay there, right?"
Minglan's eyes were clear as she looked straight into the old man's eyes. After a long moment, she shook her head and whispered, "No, actually, I think he did the right thing."
The old lady's eyes flickered. Minglan leaned her head on her grandmother's shoulder and spoke word by word, "Those people may cry and wail like pitiful people, but I know they are far from finished. They know exactly what Tingye is thinking. It's nothing more than the word 'justice', yet they refuse to mention it."
"Tingye didn't mean to kill them. They just couldn't bear to give up their wealth and glory. They wanted to rely on Tingye's influence to continue enjoying honor and glory, but they were unwilling to sincerely repent for the mistreatment they had shown to Madam Bai and Tingye in the past and in recent years. They cried, wailed, and acted like scoundrels, hoping to force Tingye to soften his heart and loosen his grip so that he could carry them over."
Minglan was distracted for a moment, "I want to hide, but, but..." She was annoyed and didn't want to charge into battle.
The old lady stroked her hair lovingly, her aged voice as soft and warm as cotton wool under the sun: "You are smart. You understand a lot of things without me saying anything. Go back and live a good life."
Minglan raised her bright face, hugged the old lady's neck, and responded heavily: "Yes."
…
That day she had a hearty meal at Sheng Mansion, slept soundly for the whole afternoon, and returned to Cheng Garden with high morale.
After correcting her attitude, Minglan felt much happier. She considerately helped Gu Tingye change his clothes and wash up. Dinner was placed in the cool courtyard as usual. She dismissed the maids around her, leaving only the couple to have a drink.
"I thought you stayed there?" He smiled, a little tipsy.
Minglan shook her head and said, "Grandmother said that you and I are tied to the same rope. If you want to kill or burn someone, I will help you destroy the body and the evidence."
Gu Tingye raised his eyebrows slightly, raised his glass and pushed it forward, laughing loudly, "That's a good idea, old man!"
After drinking the whole thing in one gulp and putting down his glass, Gu Tingye felt relieved. He added, "And your third brother's marriage is quite good. Liu Ming seems stubborn and ignorant of current affairs, but he is straightforward on the outside and cunning on the inside. In recent years, the capital has been in turmoil, and the Dali Temple has dismissed and executed countless people. He has remained safe until now, which makes him a real character."
Minglan was not surprised. As the saying goes, birds of a feather flock together. Why did Sheng Hong meet the then Minister of Works, Mr. Lu, after only two days in the Ministry of Works? In essence, they were the same kind of people.
Originally, Mr. Lu had planned to retire from his post as the Minister of Works, but he encountered an opportunity of turmoil and was able to enter the cabinet. If nothing unexpected happens, Sheng Hong plans to take Mr. Lu as a role model.
Minglan estimated that Sir Liu Ming's cosplay of Hai Rui was limited, as he had been friends with Sheng Hong for so many years.
"It's a good marriage, why do you look like this?" Gu Tingye saw that Minglan seemed to be a little emotional, "Could it be that your third brother doesn't want to?"
Minglan: "Why wouldn't I? This Miss Liu is a striking resemblance to her father in both character and appearance."
Gu Tingye sensed something and looked at Minglan for a while: "Character and appearance, are they similar?" A not-so-pretty face quickly emerged in his mind.
“Exactly like.”
It’s not that Miss Liu San is so ugly, but... ahem, every time Minglan sees her, she will think of the stern dean of discipline in high school, who wore a wig and a pearl hairpin.
Gu Tingye's eyes lit up and he asked, "Does your third brother know?"
"Of course I know."
The women from the two families often visited each other. Even though Changfeng didn't remember what Miss Liu looked like when she was a child, Rulan rarely saw a lady who looked so different from her. Every time she came back from visiting the Liu family, she wished she could use a loudspeaker to broadcast the news live.
Minglan's eyes were melancholy. "So my third brother was so happy that he couldn't even eat."
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