Most wars within a family have the following two characteristics: one is that they break out without declaration, and the other is that they are protracted and dragged on. Things have come to this point, and she actually still has the mood to think about these unreasonable things. Minglan feels that she is not far from mental disorder.
Minglan had no chance to express her opinions these past few days. When she was about to speak, she was interrupted by the old lady: "Don't be afraid, Ming'er! Your ancestor is not dead yet, they can't manipulate you!" She looked murderous and scary.
The old lady was irritated and flew into a rage, just like when she had a divorce with Old Master Sheng. The spittle from her curses almost sprayed all over Sheng Hong's head and face. Sheng Hong, on the other hand, accepted it submissively and begged like a sticky candy, kneeling and crying at times. He talked about family affection, reason, and family reputation in an eloquent and unending manner, and made the old lady faint on the bed.
Minglan thought that it was okay to pretend to be sick in order to fight with her son, but she should not get really sick, otherwise she would not have the strength to fight later. The old lady agreed with her and even doubled her food intake, which showed that she was planning to fight for a long time.
Seeing the situation at a stalemate, Wang came up with a brilliant idea: she simply asked Minglan to go and express her willingness to marry into the Gu family to the old lady herself. Wouldn't that be the end of it? Since the main owner had agreed, what could the old lady do?
Sheng Hong was stunned when he heard this, and then he sighed deeply. They, scholars, like to make things complicated so as to appear to be very knowledgeable, but his wife likes to make things complicated simple, and would never use inducements when she can use coercion.
"Don't make things worse!" Sheng Hong stopped Wang, frowning unhappily. "How could a girl go and ask for a marriage on her own?! Besides, she's been raised by the old lady since she was a child. Doesn't the old lady know her personality? As soon as Minglan opens her mouth, the old lady will know you're behind it! And then you'll be adding fuel to the fire!"
The more Sheng Hong spoke, the angrier he became. He couldn't help but point at Wang's nose and yell, "A daughter's lack of education is the mother's fault! It's because of your unruly behavior, disrespect for your mother-in-law, and your reckless behavior that you've allowed this girl to be so disgraced! And you still have the nerve to criticize others!"
Wang's face turned red after being scolded, but she had nothing to say in response and could only remain silent.
The battle between mother and son was raging in the front, while Minglan was in a daze in the back, often not saying a word for a long time, because she really hadn't thought of what to say. She just had to put on a lonely and depressed look, and then sigh into the wind at the right time, and the image would be perfect.
The only thing she did these days was to report to Hai and ask to see Rulan.
"...What happened to the little magpie?" This was the first sentence Rulan said when she saw Minglan.
Minglan stared at her pale neck for a moment, where a purple-red mark still remained, and said slowly, "She's not dead yet. My sister-in-law asked a doctor to examine her injuries. She just woke up yesterday and can drink a few mouthfuls of porridge. I hope she's not seriously injured."
Rulan sat there blankly, like a deflated balloon. "Did she... say anything?"
Minglan raised a hint of sarcasm at the corner of her mouth. "She said that being able to work for the Fifth Miss of the Sheng family is truly a great honor. Not to mention being beaten to a pulp, even if she was beaten to death, it would be a well-deserved death!"
Rulan lowered her head, her fingers tightly clenched around the handkerchief until her knuckles turned white. Minglan stared into her eyes and continued, "Every time I tried to persuade you, you never cared, saying, 'Everyone has their own responsibility.' But what about now? Little Xi Que has served you for ten years, treating you better than her own family. How dare you implicate her!"
Now Minglan is most annoyed to hear people say nonsense like "it won't implicate the family". In ancient times, "taking the head or the life" was never popular. Collective punishment was the kingly way. If the mistress of the East family defected to the enemy, the mistress of the West family would also be punished.
Rulan's thin face revealed a deep sense of guilt. Little Xijuan, standing beside her, held back her tears and whispered, "Sixth Miss, please don't blame our daughter. She's feeling bad too. When Madam was about to beat Sister Xi Que to death, it was our daughter who rushed forward and pounced on her, taking several blows. Our daughter is still injured!"
Minglan looked at the dark circles under Rulan's eyes. She looked haggard and seemed like a different person. After a moment's silence, Minglan said, "I came here today to tell you something on behalf of Little Xi Que. Madam wants to kick her out to marry someone else. Eldest sister-in-law told her to wait until her injuries heal before leaving. She's afraid she won't be able to see you again. She said she has her parents to rely on outside, so you don't have to worry about her. She said she can't serve you by your side. I hope you will think twice before you act. Take your time before you act. Don't be impulsive. She... can't remind you again in the future."
Rulan was stunned by what she heard, and tears as big as beans fell down her eyes. She buried her head in her arms and sobbed. Minglan just looked at her quietly. Rulan suddenly sat up and asked Xiao Xijuan to go into the inner room to get something. After a while, Xiao Xijuan came out holding a box and a bundle.
Rulan wiped her tears, pushed the small box and bundle in front of Minglan, and pleaded solemnly, "Here are some jewelry and gold beads, and in this bundle are fifty taels of silver and some fine materials. She has served me well, and I can't let her marry empty-handed. My dear sister, please take them to her! I... I... I'm so sorry for her!"
Minglan took the item and looked at her quietly for a moment, thinking to herself, just based on this, Rulan is more conscientious than Molan. When Yunzai was sold, Molan didn't even ask a question. Thinking of this, Minglan softened her voice slightly and whispered, "Don't worry, Fifth Sister. She said she's received a lot of rewards over the years. The sisters in the courtyard have already packed up the money she saved and sent it away. Xi Que said it was a blessing for her to serve you. She doesn't blame you, she's just worried about you."
Minglan gave the things to Xiaotao who was standing beside her. Rulan winked at Xiao Xijuan, and Xiao Xijuan took Xiaotao out. Rulan looked at Minglan steadily, her eyes looking straight at her, and said bluntly: "I'm sorry to you too!" Then she bowed deeply.
Minglan had been holding back for a long time and finally blurted out: "Why on earth do you want to meet him? Could it be that... you want to..." Minglan thought of a possibility and her tone suddenly rose two scales.
Rulan's face flushed red, and she said angrily: "Who do you think I am?! Although I haven't read as many books as you, I still have a sense of shame! I, I... I really want to see you for the last time!" As she spoke, her voice became increasingly sad, and tears streamed down her face. "... We had agreed on this, but suddenly I had to marry someone else. I should have told him in person; who knew I would drag you into this!" She cried softly.
Minglan's anger suddenly deflated. She sighed, "Never mind. You didn't mean it! But..." Minglan felt depressed at the thought and couldn't help but say, "You finally got what you wanted! When big brother found out about this, he went out and beat up Master Wen..."
Rulan's heart raced, her expression flustered. Minglan continued, "...But don't worry, big brother won't dare to show off. Even a scholar's fists have limited strength. Judging from the Madam and Master's attitude, they've probably accepted this son-in-law."
Rulan felt happy but also a little lost. After Minglan finished speaking, she walked out with her head hung down.
Lately, Minglan has been feeling very low, manifesting in a kind of sluggish indifference. She honestly reflects on the experiences of her past two lives, and suddenly feels a surge of powerlessness. After a year of hard work supporting the border region, she was on the verge of a promotion and a raise, along with a lucrative blind date, when a mudslide swept her back to ancient times. She had longed to marry an affordable man from the past and raise him well after marriage, but her journey has been one of many setbacks. Finally, at the dawn of hope, her plans have been dashed.
Minglan chewed deeply, the direction of her struggle always deviated from God's development plan for her. But could God give her some hints in the future? She, Yao Yiyi, had been an obedient citizen since childhood and would never go against God!
During the war, Ms. Hualan, who was the initiator of the marriage, wisely kept her head down and avoided the limelight. She refused to participate in the persuasion and instead invited Minglan to be her guest. The old lady knew without a second thought that Hualan wanted to persuade Minglan, so she refused outright. Hualan thought hard for three days without success, and God helped her think of a good reason: she was pregnant again and wanted to see her mother and sister.
The old lady was silent for a while, then her expression eased a little and she allowed Minglan to go.
Early that morning, Wang Shi took Minglan and headed straight for the Zhongqin Marquis's residence. The Zhongqin Marquis's wife had gone back to her parents' home for some business and would be staying overnight before returning. Wang Shi was happy not to have to deal with this unpleasant mother-in-law, so she headed straight for the west courtyard.
Hua Lan was wearing a rose-purple silk gown with a sliver pattern and a hairband with a spider ornament inlaid with jewels. She was leaning against a soft couch, holding a enamel-shaped hand warmer with pomegranate branches in her arms, talking and laughing, with a blush on her face.
Seeing Hualan's excellent complexion, Wang Shi finally felt better after a few days of depression. She took her hand and asked her many questions about her health. Hualan smiled and answered them one by one: "...I'm fine, everything is fine. This is my third child. There's nothing I don't know. Don't worry, mother! ...Sister Ming, have some fruit. These little walnuts are imported. They're fragrant and crisp."
Minglan smiled and nodded, then moved closer to Ruyi's small round table. She took a pair of small copper tongs and began to peel walnuts with a crackling sound. Wang Shi let go of Hualan's hand, took the tea bowl, took a sip, and said with a smile, "It's a good day today. While your mother-in-law is away, let's chat for a while."
Hua Lan smiled and said, "More than that, we can chat for a while. My sister-in-law has gone with us. You might as well have dinner before you go back. I'll set up the dinner in my room. Your son-in-law went to the back hill of the Duke of Ying's mansion yesterday to practice shooting and brought back some musk deer. Although they're not as fresh as those sold outside, they're still pretty good."
"That would be great!" Wang smiled, reaching out to take an orange and slowly peeling it. "By the way, I heard from your father recently that your son-in-law might be getting a promotion." Hua Lan's beautiful eyes smiled, her teeth and cheeks full of smiles. "I haven't confirmed it yet, but... it's almost certain. This time he can get promoted to a deputy commander in the Wucheng Army."
Wang put down the half-peeled orange, clasped her hands together, and bowed, chanting a Buddhist verse: "Good, good, seeing you two young couple like this, I feel relieved. The Yuan family will be happy too, right? Your mother-in-law is always nagging you!"
Hua Lan curled her lips and snorted, "Father-in-law is really happy, but mother-in-law is spoiling the fun. But as soon as there was news of a promotion, she immediately asked Wen Shao to find a way to find a job for her nephews and nieces from her mother's family, but father-in-law scolded her!"
"So your mother-in-law is angry and took her eldest daughter-in-law back to her parents' home?" Wang laughed.
"Not really." Hua Lan covered her mouth and chuckled. "Her family has been getting worse and worse lately. The older generation squanders money recklessly, selling land to buy concubines, and the younger generation has no ambition and doesn't study hard, just thinking about using connections to get ahead. Her father-in-law has been fed up with it for a long time. This time, when her nephew's family got married, he didn't want to go, so they had to go on their own."
Minglan peeled a small dish of walnuts and placed them on a small plate. Wang took it and handed it to Hualan, saying with a smile, "No wonder your mother-in-law always dislikes you. It turns out she's jealous! ... Don't bring it to me, eat it yourself."
Minglan responded obediently, sat back down, picked up another plump little walnut, and was about to pick up the walnut meat. Hualan and Wang Shi ignored her, each with a meaningful look in their eyes. Hualan turned around and said with a smile, "Sister Ming, Sister Zhuang has been missing you a lot lately. She is now in the garden at the back. You two aunt and niece get along very well. Why don't you go and play with her?"
As she spoke, she called over the maidservant beside her to help Minglan wash her hands and put on her clothes. Minglan smiled inwardly. Why would Hualan let her little girl run around outside in the middle of winter? No banquet is a good one, she knew there was something fishy going on! Hualan had always been very sensible and was very capable in managing her servants. She believed that she wouldn't do anything too outrageous, not to mention that it was in her own courtyard, so it was okay for her to go, but...
Minglan smiled sweetly and said hesitantly, "It's cold outside. Let's ask Sister Zhuang to come in." Hualan's expression froze. Wang coughed lightly and said in a deep voice, "Sister Zhuang is naughty and will cry. Go and coax her in."
Minglan said "Oh" and followed the maid out obediently.
Wang watched Minglan leave before turning back to her daughter and saying suspiciously, "Will this method really work? This... isn't a good idea. If your father knew, he'd be furious again. He always says that if Minglan went to ask the old lady herself, it would only add fuel to the fire."
Hua Lan straightened up and sat facing Wang. She said in a low, serious voice, "Mother only knows one side of the story. The old lady doesn't tolerate any injustice. They have lived together for ten years. How could the old lady not know whether Sister Ming's words are sincere?! If we force Sister Ming to beg, the old lady will be even more angry! But what if Miss Ming is really willing?"
Wang's eyes still showed disbelief: "Ming girl only listens to the old lady, what opinions can she have of her own?"
Hua Lan shook her head profoundly, smiling, "Mother, you've misjudged me. Although Sixth Sister has been well-behaved and obedient since she was little, she's actually very opinionated and thoughtful. I couldn't see it when she was little, but since you came to Beijing, I've watched her a few times with a cold eye, and sometimes she can even confuse the old lady. Once she sees the real person, she'll know it's not a demon, and for the sake of the family, or for her own future, she'll agree..."
Wang was speechless for a long time, then sighed, "It would be great if it were really like this. Alas, it's a pity for your sister that Ming girl can marry into such a distinguished family, while she can only live in a humble family."
"Mother, please stop talking!" Hua Lan's face darkened at the mention of Ru Lan, and she said unhappily, "It's all because mother dotes on her too much. A girl actually had an affair with someone else. Her parents found her a good marriage, but she wasn't grateful and made a fuss. In the end, she even let General Gu know. Isn't that harmful! Fortunately, your son-in-law wasn't overly attentive. He only mentioned my sister twice and never made it clear which one he was promising. That way there was room for maneuver. Otherwise... humph!"
Wang Shi knew her daughter's predicament and didn't dare speak for Rulan. She could only sigh. Hualan continued, "It was mother who insisted on choosing Rulan in the first place. Actually, in my opinion, Mingjie is more suitable for Rulan. Look at how she looks when she's trying to please the old lady. It melts my heart. What about men? They're not as stiff and willful as Rulan, who loses her temper at the slightest disagreement! Minglan has her own ideas, and I don't think she can hold her own. As for Rulan, it's better to choose someone from a lower-class family. If there's a quarrel later, her family will have something to say."
Wang thought about it and reluctantly agreed. After a while, she became happy again: "...That's true. Ming girl doesn't have any brothers. If she doesn't get along with us, who else can she get along with? If she can do well, our family will be honored. If she can't stand up to the standard, we can't say anything about the Gu family. If the girl really gets bullied in there, I really can't bear it!"
Hualan nearly choked on her saliva and stared at her own mother, speechless for a long time. She simply ignored her and wondered if Minglan had arrived.
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