Kong Momo's face was extremely grim as she swept a cold, sneering gaze over the four girls. Her eyes suddenly sharpened, and her wintry, severe stare swept across them. The four girls instinctively shrank back, falling silent without realizing it. They stood respectfully to the side, their hearts filled with unease.
For a moment, the only sound in the room was Molan's soft sobbing. She wept pitifully into her handkerchief while stealing glances at Kong Momo, waiting for the matron to inquire about her grievances. To her surprise, Kong Momo paid her no attention and didn't say a word. Instead, she sat directly in the main seat and ordered a maid to bring four sets of writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, along with four copies of "Admonitions for Women," which were laid out before the girls.
The girls nervously twisted their handkerchiefs in their fingers and exchanged uneasy glances. Kong Momo's expression was as cold as ice, devoid of even a hint of a smile. She said coldly, "Fifty copies each. If you don't finish, don't bother coming to study again."
Rulan, unwilling to accept this, opened her mouth to argue but was abruptly silenced by Kong Momo's stern, intimidating glare. She shrank back awkwardly. Hualan bit her lip, picked up her brush, and began copying. Minglan sighed inwardly and followed suit. Only Molan stared at Kong Momo in disbelief, her tears drying as she stood frozen in place. Kong Momo paid no attention to any of them, instead picking up a volume of Buddhist scriptures to read. Left with no choice, Molan also began copying.
They copied until dusk, when it was time for the evening meal. Kong Momo remained unmoved, ordering a maid to light the lamps and silently signaling for the girls to continue. Minglan's arm was numb, and her head was spinning from exhaustion. She glanced at her fellow sufferers and saw that each wore a pained expression, with young Rulan in particular craning her neck repeatedly to look outside.
Several maids and older servants, sent by various households to fetch the young ladies for dinner, were waiting outside and had already inquired softly several times. The girls, hungry and exhausted, looked up hopefully. Yet Kong Momo acted as if she hadn't heard, merely sending a maid out to announce, "Class is not yet dismissed." The four girls slumped in unison, and Minglan grumbled inwardly—she was innocent, utterly innocent! A short while later, Kong Momo checked the water clock and instructed another maid, "Go and summon the master, the mistress, and Concubine Lin."
At this, all four girls grew fearful, realizing the situation was about to escalate. Hualan was especially uneasy, while Molan stole another glance at Kong Momo. Rulan, who feared Sheng Hong the most, trembled so much that her brush shook. Minglan continued copying without pause but felt a growing sense of panic. The scene reminded her of her childhood, when she had been kept after school for misbehaving, with a fierce homeroom teacher waiting for her parents to come retrieve her. She never expected that, after being reborn, she would once again experience such treatment—a strange sense of familiarity, like meeting an old acquaintance in a distant land.Before long, Sheng Hong and his wife arrived with Consort Lin. The four girls shrank under their father's stern gaze. Kong Momo rose and offered the central seat of honor to Sheng Hong and Madam Wang. Sheng Hong declined politely before sitting with his wife. Kong Momo then settled into a large gray squirrel-fur backed chair nearby, while a low stool was brought for Consort Lin to sit below them. Consort Lin gave a slight bow but remained standing instead of taking the seat. Minglan hadn't seen Consort Lin since leaving Madam Wang's quarters. She observed Consort Lin's slender figure, graceful and delicate, wearing an elegant blue brocade outer robe embroidered with plum blossoms. Her hair was adorned with a jade hairpin with tinkling bells that chimed softly as she moved, creating a lovely sight and sound that outshone Madam Wang's glittering jewels.
"You wretched children! What trouble have you caused? Speak up!" Sheng Hong demanded sternly, having immediately sensed his daughters' misbehavior, while casting an apologetic look toward Kong Momo. Madam Wang watched her two daughters anxiously but refrained from speaking. Consort Lin remained composed, standing quietly with her head bowed. None of the four girls dared to utter a word.
Once everyone was settled, Kong Momo gestured, and her four maids sprang into efficient action. Two went outside to keep other servants at a distance, while the other two closed all doors and windows of the main hall, leaving only a few trusted attendants inside.
When everything was arranged, Kong Momo smiled gently at Sheng Hong and said, "I apologize for disturbing everyone today. Normally such matters wouldn't require involving so many people, but since Old Madam entrusted this to me, I dare not delay. Thus I've troubled you, Master and Madam. As Miss Mo is raised in Consort Lin's care, I've disturbed her as well."
Sheng Hong immediately clasped his hands and replied, "Please speak freely, Momo. It must be these troublesome children who have offended you." He glared at his daughters again, making them shrink further into silence.
Kong Momo shook her head gently. "Not offended, precisely. But as the young ladies are growing up, certain matters need clarification. Yan'er, come forward and clearly recount what happened this afternoon." A young maid stepped out from behind Kong Momo, curtsied, and clearly repeated the afternoon's quarrel. Though young, the maid spoke clearly and vividly, repeating every word the four girls had exchanged during their argument without omission or addition. Hearing their own words repeated made the girls blush with shame and fall silent.
After listening, Madam Wang thought it somewhat exaggerated—just a squabble between sisters. But Sheng Hong grew angrier as he listened. When the account finished, he slammed the table and roared, "You wretched children! Kneel down at once!"
The frightened girls immediately moved to kneel, but Kong Momo stopped them. "The ground is cold—don't freeze the young ladies' knees." Instead, she had maids bring out four thick brocade cushions arranged in a row, then nodded for the girls to kneel on them. They knelt in a line. Minglan, being inexperienced at kneeling, wobbled awkwardly until Kong Momo kindly corrected her posture.Sheng Hong slammed the table with a resounding crack, his roar nearly shaking the roof beams. Pointing at the kneeling girls below, he thundered: "You wretched creatures! With such disregard for propriety and spouting such nonsense, how are you any different from vulgar village girls? How dare you call yourselves descendants of the Sheng family! Thank heavens you're girls - if you were sons, you'd inevitably fight over family property, bringing immediate disaster of brothers turning against each other! Enough, enough! Better to beat you to death now and be done with it!"
As he moved to fetch the family law implement, Minglan who had never seen it before remained curious, while Rulan's ignorance made her fearless. However, Hualan and Sister Mo burst into terrified tears. Madam Wang initially wanted to plead for them, but seeing Sheng Hong's extreme anger, she merely twisted her handkerchief silently, casting pleading glances at Kong Momo. Kong Momo smiled and waved her hand: "Master needn't be so angry. Pure punishment isn't ideal - they should understand where they went wrong. As the girls' upbringing matron, if I may be so bold, I'm half their teacher. Let me question them instead."
Sheng Hong, flushed with anger, apologized to Kong Momo: "Moments ago, your restraint and learning are first-rate. Even noble ladies in the palace were subject to your questioning and discipline, let alone these wretched creatures. Please proceed with your questions."
Kong Momo's gaze swept over the four kneeling girls. "Do you understand your wrongdoing?" The Lans immediately chorused their understanding. Kong Momo continued: "Then where exactly did you err?" The girls' expressions shifted - some gritting teeth, others wiping tears, some sulking, others dumbfounded. Hualan bit her lip and spoke first: "Your daughter was wrong to scold my younger sister, causing trouble and worrying Father and Mother."
Madam Wang glanced uncertainly at Sheng Hong, who remained expressionless. Kong Momo gave a slight smile before turning to Sister Mo, who trembled like willow catkins in the wind, clearly both frightened and heartbroken. She choked out: "Your daughter was wrong too, shouldn't have talked back to elder sister."
The corners of Kong Momo's mouth twitched slightly. Next was Rulan, who spoke resentfully: "I shouldn't have quarreled with my sister."
Finally came Minglan's turn. She truly felt wronged but couldn't articulate why. After racking her brains until her small face turned red, she timidly said: "I... I... I really don't know."
Sheng Hong's anger had somewhat subsided. Having heard the maid recount the incident, he couldn't identify any fault in Minglan - she hadn't quarreled, instigated, or fueled conflict, instead offering reasonable advice. Yet she knelt alongside the others. Seeing the child's pitiful, innocent appearance, he felt considerable sympathy. But glancing at Sister Mo's heartbreaking sobs and recalling Hualan and Rulan's harsh words, his anger flared again. Pointing at Hualan, he scolded: "You're the eldest sister, much older than them! We expected you to care for younger sisters and set a proper example! Instead you're so mean-spirited, showing no regard for your sister! When you marry out, you'll disgrace our Sheng family!"
Hualan burned with inner fury, her fingernails digging deep into her palms. Stubbornly lowering her head, she offered no defense. Sheng Hong then pointed at Rulan: "You're young but learn no goodness! Daring to spout such nonsense - 'who taught you those cheap tricks, always snatching others' things'? Sister Mo is your elder! Is this how younger sisters should speak to their elders? Seeing your sister crying bitterly, you don't even yield! Haven't I taught you 'Kong Rong giving up pears'? Ill-bred creature!"Rulan, who had a fiery temper to begin with, immediately retorted upon hearing this: "Must all the good things be given to her first? Last year, my uncle sent me a fine piece of seed jade to make a jade lock, but when Fourth Sister saw it, she cried and said she had no maternal uncle of her own—so Father gave the jade to her! And that other time when Father specially brought back a piece of Tianhuang stone for Eldest Brother to make a seal, Third Young Master intercepted it halfway! Why does Father always make us yield to her? I refuse to accept it, I just won’t!"
Sheng Hong was so furious his arm trembled uncontrollably, and he immediately moved to strike Rulan, but Madam Wang stopped him. Clutching his arm, she wept and pleaded, "Master, your heart is so biased! This time, when the children made mistakes, Kong Momo treated them all equally, yet you only scold the two I bore. Has Master grown to detest me? Should I just beg to leave now?"
For a moment, the room descended into chaos. Consort Lin bowed her head and gently wiped her tears, while Molan wept bitterly. Kong Momo glanced at the mother and daughter, her gaze tinged with mockery, then set down her teacup, stood up, and said to Sheng Hong with a smile, "Master, please do not be angry. This is hardly a grave mistake. However, as I am currently in charge of their upbringing, it is my duty to address this. It is my fault that you and Madam are so upset today."
Sheng Hong repeatedly waved his hand. "Kong Momo, not at all! It is my failure in managing the household that has made you laugh at us. Fortunately, you are an old friend of Old Madam and are like an elder to us... Well, please go ahead and speak."
Kong Momo stood at the head of the room and addressed the four girls clearly: "Most matters in this world cannot escape reason. I have never liked saying one thing to someone’s face and another behind their back, for it only leads to misunderstandings. Today, in the presence of your parents, I will make everything clear to you young ladies. Earlier, you all claimed to understand your mistakes, but I doubt it. Now, let me ask you."
The girls remained silent. Kong Momo continued, "Very well, let us start from the beginning. Fourth Miss, lift your head. I ask you: Fifth Miss accused you of constantly trying to outshine Eldest Miss and even causing her trouble. Do you admit this?"
Tears welled up in Molan’s eyes as she said mournfully, "It is all my fault for being ignorant. I only thought that since Kong Momo rarely visits, I wanted to learn more to bring honor to Father and dignity to the family. I never meant to upset my sisters... It is all my mistake..."
Sheng Hong’s expression softened upon hearing this, and recalling Madam Wang’s past complaints, he glanced at Hualan with dissatisfaction.
Hualan seethed with hatred, almost unable to resist lunging at her cunning sister to throttle her. Madam Wang gritted her teeth so hard it seemed they might shatter. Kong Momo let out a soft, short laugh and said, "Fourth Miss, you are clever and shrewd, and your words and actions are well-considered. Yet today, I must advise you: do not rely on your cleverness and treat others as fools. Remember, cleverness may overreach itself."
At these words, Molan immediately stopped crying, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Kong Momo. Then she turned to Sheng Hong with a look of grievance. Sheng Hong, too, seemed puzzled.Kong Momo remained unperturbed and continued, "You have committed two errors. First, your words were improper. When quarreling with your sisters, you should not constantly bring up the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate birth. Though I have not been in this household long, Fourth Miss, search your conscience and tell me: how has Master Sheng treated you? At the slightest disagreement, you theatrically threaten death and throw tantrums—is this the conduct befitting a young lady of noble upbringing?"
Molan sobbed softly. Consort Lin grew restless, shifting slightly and casting pleading glances at Sheng Hong, who deliberately avoided her gaze. He seemed persuaded by Kong Momo's words and listened attentively.
Kong Momo declared, "Second, your intentions are flawed. You repeatedly claim you wish to learn and bring honor to the family. But is there only one young lady in the Sheng household? Does the family's prestige rest solely on your achievements? What of your sisters? Should they not also learn and earn respect? Need I remind you that I originally came for your eldest sister's sake? Consider—how much longer will she remain with you? In mere months, she will marry into a Count's household, where mastering etiquette and decorum is urgent and essential. Even if you disregard sisterly deference, you ought to recognize her pressing circumstances. I heard Consort Lin hails from an official family—did she never teach you that regardless of seniority or legitimacy, one must distinguish between what is trivial and what is vital?"
Sheng Hong, ordinarily clear-sighted, had always harbored extra tenderness for Consort Lin and thus leaned slightly toward Molan. But Kong Momo's words struck a chord, and he thought with a start: She speaks truth. It seems Molan has been narrow-minded and selfish. His gaze toward Molan and Consort Lin grew complicated. Minglan, kneeling on the ground, stole a glance at Consort Lin and saw her slender hands clutching a handkerchief, veins bulging on their backs.
Kong Momo pressed on, "Fourth Miss, I know you habitually strive to outshine others, but each person has their own destiny. Though today's incident appeared provoked by the eldest miss, you bear significant responsibility. These past days, you have competed aggressively in everything, weeping and lamenting your illegitimate status at every setback. In acting thus, have you cherished even a shred of sisterly affection or gratitude for your father's kindness?"
Her series of questions, though gently spoken, struck at the heart of the matter. Molan was rendered speechless, tears still streaking her face as she gaped, unable to utter a word. She turned to see Sheng Hong regarding her with displeasure and reproach, then glanced at Consort Lin, who appeared shocked and furious yet unable to intervene. A chill settled in Molan's heart, and she slumped to the floor, quietly dabbing her tears.
Kong Momo turned to Sheng Hong and bowed slightly, saying gently, "Earlier, you mentioned my old friendship with Old Madam. I shall now presume upon that to offer two thoughts: In households with many children, parents must maintain impartiality to ensure domestic harmony. While sisters ought to yield to one another, it should be today one yielding, tomorrow another—not always the same one making concessions. Prolonged unfairness inevitably breeds resentment between father and daughters, among sisters. Do you not agree, Master?"Though aged in appearance, her voice remained gentle and melodious, speaking with such logical clarity that listeners couldn't help but be convinced. Sheng Hong naturally felt resonance, recalling his past conduct. While his daughters were manageable, if similar resentment grew among his sons, the Sheng family would not endure. Moreover, legitimate heirs had their ways, and concubines' children had theirs. His excessive favoritism toward Consort Lin's branch might indeed breed disaster. At this thought, cold sweat broke out on his back, and he repeatedly bowed to Kong Momo in agreement.
At this moment, the stubborn Hualan couldn't hold back her hot tears. Madam Wang dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, mother and daughter gazing at Kong Momo with immense gratitude. Minglan's eyes sparkled as she listened, utterly awestruck by Kong Momo—such directness was truly exhilarating!
After addressing Molan, Kong Momo turned to Hualan. By now, Hualan's heart had calmed, her temper soothed. Kneeling upright, she looked at Kong Momo with respect, awaiting instruction.
Kong Momo said solemnly, "Eldest Miss, as the Sheng household's first daughter, you naturally hold more dignity than your younger sisters. Lord and Madam, along with Old Madam, have always cherished you most. Over time, this has fostered arrogance and delicacy in you. When displeased, you bluntly scold your sisters without reproach—let alone these past ten-plus days when you've been stewing in frustration."
Hualan nodded with difficulty. Kong Momo gazed at her and spoke earnestly: "Eldest Miss, permit me some blunt words. A daughter is a precious guest—pampered and adored at home without consequence. But once married into another family, everything reverses instantly. You must respectfully serve your parents-in-law, cautiously attend to your husband, and diligently humor sisters-in-law. Not a single person in the husband's household can be lightly offended—any misstep becomes your fault, with no room for explanation! Even if your fourth sister erred, you shouldn't have wounded her with sharp words. As the eldest sister, you ought to devise a proper method—making your sister recognize her fault without damaging sisterly harmony."
Hualan couldn't resist asking, "Fourth sister never listens to me, resisting both soft and hard approaches. Momo, what should I do?"
Kong Momo said coldly, "That becomes your own skill to master. If you cannot even manage relations with your own blood sisters now, how will you navigate social complexities after marriage? With in-laws to the east, sisters-in-law to the west, uncles and cousins to the north, and stewards to the south—a house full of strangers connected by mere ties of marriage? Will you still rely on your parents to defend you?"
Hualan stared blankly, lost in thought. But Madam Wang, having lived through such experiences, recognized Kong Momo's heartfelt advice and repeatedly expressed gratitude: "Momo speaks profound truths from the heart. My Hualan will surely remember these sincere words. Hualan, thank Momo properly." Still dazed, Hualan was pressed down by Liu Kun's wife beside her to kowtow to Kong Momo.Seeing how Kong Momo had subdued her two elder sisters with just a few words, Rulan had already obediently lowered her head. Kong Momo shot her a glance, not the least bit pleased, and scolded, "Fifth Miss was quite impressive today! Originally, your two sisters were merely exchanging a few words of argument, and it would have blown over if left alone. Yet you, afraid the matter wouldn’t escalate, not only failed to mediate properly but also stirred up trouble, jumping around and adding fuel to the fire. Though you are young, you should not speak recklessly and spout nonsense. Earlier, when your father reprimanded you, even if his words were unpleasant, you should not have been so defiant and talked back. In my opinion, you deserve a heavier punishment than your sisters!"
Just as Rulan was about to protest, Sheng Hong’s fierce eyes bore down on her. She shrank back, repeatedly kowtowing and admitting her mistake: "I was wrong, I was wrong! Please forgive me, Father! I won’t dare to talk nonsense again!"
Seeing Rulan yield, Sheng Hong’s anger eased somewhat. He had always known this daughter was simple-minded but unruly by nature. Now that she had been subdued, his fury subsided.
Finally, Kong Momo’s gaze settled on Minglan. Minglan’s scalp tightened, and she quickly knelt properly, bravely lifting her head. Kong Momo looked into Minglan’s clear eyes and said, "You must think you’ve done nothing wrong and shouldn’t be implicated, don’t you?"
Minglan hesitated for a moment, then nodded firmly. Kong Momo calmly explained, "Let me teach you a principle today: siblings in a family are interconnected, sharing both glory and disgrace. Even if you personally have done nothing wrong, if your three sisters have erred, you are in the wrong by association. Therefore, I will punish you along with them. Do you accept this?"
Minglan’s jaw dropped. In the blink of an eye, she saw the maids beside Kong Momo already approaching with several rulers in hand. She nearly fainted on the spot. This... this was blatant collective punishment?! Good heavens, what kind of logic was this? But this was ancient times—resistance was futile. Minglan could only nod with a crestfallen expression.
Sheng Hong, however, felt sorry for Minglan and couldn’t help pleading on her behalf: "Momo, Minglan truly hasn’t done anything wrong. Besides, she’s the youngest and has a weak constitution. Why not just scold her a few words and let it go? She’s always been obedient and sensible—she’ll surely remember this lesson for the future."
To everyone's surprise, Kong Momo remained impartial and shook her head firmly. "That won't do. If we spare her alone, wouldn't it encourage the young masters and misses to stand aloof from family matters? What if they all choose to watch from the sidelines when their siblings face troubles in the future? Punishment is necessary. Today's caning for Minglan is meant to make all the young ladies understand what it means to be one family!"
Minglan inwardly wailed: Why use beating me as the example to explain this concept to everyone!
Kong Momo took a few steps forward and spoke calmly, "I never interfered with your usual squabbles, pretending to be deaf and mute for over ten days, thinking that you are after all blood sisters who would eventually reconcile on your own. I waited for you to resolve matters yourselves, never imagining that your disputes would resemble those in impoverished families fighting over fruits and clothing—utterly lacking the dignity of young ladies from great households. This has deeply disappointed me. You must understand that for a family to prosper, siblings must unite in purpose. Many great families decline precisely because of internal discord—I hope you young ladies will reflect deeply on this."
Sheng Hong kept nodding in agreement, feeling this was profoundly reasonable. If they were to enter the capital someday, they mustn't become laughingstocks. Kong Momo's words today were truly golden advice—even he himself had learned from them. She really was someone who came from the palace after all.
Kong Momo finally pronounced judgment: "Each of you shall receive ten strikes on the palms. Return and copy the 'Admonitions for Women' fifty times. Anyone who fails to complete this by tomorrow need not come see me again!"
As she spoke, she lifted the bamboo ruler from the tray and swung it slightly. The ruler, made of aged bamboo, was flexible yet powerful, gleaming with a faint reddish hue under the newly lit lamps. Its whooshing sound through the air was terrifying enough to make one's courage falter. Rulan went weak with fear, clutching at Madam Wang's skirts in supplication. Molan began weeping pitifully again, Hualan stubbornly stiffened her neck and bit her lip, while Minglan stared blankly.
Kong Momo softened her tone slightly, her eyes sweeping across the few people in the room as she added, "However, you are ultimately delicate young ladies. After today's punishment, this matter need not be spread outside, thus preserving your reputations."
She then instructed four maids to each take a ruler and stand beside the young ladies. Madam Wang, seeing the rulers, felt some pity and was about to plead for leniency when suddenly a delicate voice rang out—"Please wait, Momo."
Everyone turned to look—it was Consort Lin.
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