The Story of Ming Lan

The atmosphere in the room grew even more...

Sheng Wei said sincerely, "It was all thanks to Auntie standing up for us mother and son back then that our family has what we have today. Speaking of which, it's truly..."

Old Mrs. Sheng sighed, "What exhaustion? Your mother and I were sisters-in-law and got along very well. There's nothing wrong with a sister-in-law visiting her elder sister-in-law. Ah... I deeply admire your mother. As a vulnerable woman, she endured all these years and finally saw better days, yet it's pitiful that she's worn herself down with illness."

Rote education has a significant characteristic. For instance, learning Olympiad math, piano, or painting is for extra credits, studying hard is to get into a certain university, and attending that university is to land a good job and earn big money. Put nicely, this is having clear goals and direct action; put bluntly, it's highly utilitarian. Having come from that background, Minglan began pondering a question after finishing the "Thousand Character Classic."

Changwu, standing nearby, appeared about the same age as Changbai but was sturdily built with a broad face and cheerful demeanor. He happily kowtowed to Sheng Hong, who quickly helped him up, saying, "Elder brother, you're speaking like strangers again. If Wu Ge'er achieves success in the future, it will be our blessing too. With our own brothers supporting each other in the official circles, our family can thrive, isn't that right?"

After slightly polishing her thoughts, Minglan replied to her grandmother like this: "Needlework is practical. I can make warm hats for Grandmother, shoes for Father, embroider sachets for Mother and sisters, and even sew handkerchiefs for my brothers."

Sheng Wei's expression darkened slightly. "Everything at home is fine, but my mother has been increasingly lethargic lately, and her health is not as good as before. She often speaks of you, Second Aunt. I was thinking, when you have some free time, you could come stay with us for a while. I'm just afraid of tiring you out, which is why Mother forbade me from mentioning it."

A wave of suppression made the atmosphere even heavier. Sheng Hong shot Madam Wang a dissatisfied look, while she felt wronged—she hadn't known.

Minglan silently shed tears: Who in their right mind likes needlework! She didn't even do cross-stitch before, okay?

Minglan looked awkward, her little face flushed red. She stopped her busy, squirrel-like movements, her small hands and feet at a loss, and said sheepishly, "Well... no, probably... it's because when you receive gifts, you feel obliged."

Having suddenly received so much gold, Minglan felt genuinely embarrassed. Her face flushed red again as she bowed and cupped her hands in salute to Sheng Wei. Just then, Madam Wang arrived with all the children except Hualan. Minglan breathed a small sigh of relief and hurried to pay her respects to Madam Wang.

Minglan: ...

To make learning more interesting, Old Mrs. Sheng sketched a few simple plum blossoms for Minglan to practice embroidery. Minglan embroidered diligently, but by the time she finished one and a half flowers, the spring plums had already fallen and peach blossoms had begun to bloom. Mama Fang sighed and simply added a few strokes to the pattern, letting Minglan embroider them as peach blossoms instead.

When Sheng Wei came with Sheng Hong to pay respects at the Longevity and Peace Hall, Minglan was sitting by the kang table reciting "Ode to the Lotus": "Of all flowers that grow on water and land, there are many that are lovely... But I alone love the lotus for rising from mud unstained, cleansed by clear waves without being seductive, hollow inside and straight outside, not creeping or branching, its fragrance growing purer from afar, standing tall and clean..." Her childish voice recited clearly, the little girl swaying her head adorably. Old Mrs. Sheng sat upright on the kang, tilting her head with a smiling expression, her eyes filled with warm delight.Sheng Hong noticed the heavy atmosphere and wanted to lighten the mood. He glanced at Madam Wang, who immediately understood his signal. She smiled and said, "It's been so long since we returned to Jinling. How is Song Ge'er's wife? In her last letter, she mentioned she was with child."

Madam Wang replied proudly, "He still has one final academy exam before he can be considered a scholar, so don't praise him too soon, Elder Uncle. I've heard Wu Ge'er is also studying. Perhaps the two cousins can take the exams together."

After paying respects to Old Mrs. Sheng, Sheng Wei cheerfully pulled Minglan closer and said, "You must be the sixth girl. I've met all your older sisters, but every time I visited, you were ill. Are you better now?" He had a square face with weathered features. Though only a few years older than Sheng Hong, he looked a decade older, yet his expression was very kind.

Well, lightening the mood requires talent, and Madam Wang clearly needed more practice. Dissatisfied, Sheng Hong decided to take matters into his own hands. He smiled and asked, "What about that family we discussed for Wu Ge'er last time? Have you looked into them, Elder Brother? If they're suitable, I should start preparing a wedding gift as his uncle."

Sheng Wei shook his head with a laugh, "That won't do. I was never as good at studying as Second Brother, and my eldest son takes after me—he's only sharp with account books and gets dizzy with classical texts. Though my second son can read a bit, he's far behind Bo Ge'er. I think he prefers martial arts. After escorting my eldest niece to the capital for her wedding, I plan to have Wu Ge'er visit Chief Instructor Lu Kui and see if he can pursue a military path."

Her clear, childish voice spoke with such serious, adult-like manner that the adults in the room were amused. Sheng Wei laughed heartily, hugging little Minglan until she shook. Minglan's face flushed with embarrassment, feeling indignant. She had followed all the rules perfectly—what was so funny? They should be more serious!

Sheng Wei's expression grew somber. "What a pity. She recently had a miscarriage."

After Madam Wang and the children paid respects to the Old Madam and Sheng Wei, Rulan noticed the large golden locket on Minglan's chest and pouted. Molan remained demure and expressionless. Thanks to Kong Momo's teachings, both had become much better behaved. Sheng Wei exchanged a few pleasantries with his nieces. Rulan acted haughtily, while Molan was refined, neither saying much. Sheng Hong also had little to add. However, Madam Wang beamed and said, "Sister-in-law is too kind. We already feel bad having Elder Brother travel so far for Hualan, and you've brought so many gifts." She turned and added, "There are gifts for you all too. The young master's items are in the master's study, and the young ladies' are in Weirui Pavilion. You can collect them later."

The Old Madam nearly laughed until tears came, pointing and scolding through her laughter, "You impish children, no sense of decorum!" The maids and elderly servants nearby covered their mouths to hide their smiles. Minglan quickly picked over a dozen plump dates from the fruit tray and brought them to Sheng Hong, offering them with an ingratiating, silly smile. "Father, eat, eat! This date is fat..."

Old Mrs. Sheng was so moved her eyes grew warm. She hugged Minglan tightly, stroking her head for a long time. "Good child, you've gone through so much!As the primary wife's daughter, Old Mrs. Sheng would naturally say: To cultivate one's character, soothe the heart and nurture elegance, to have glorious achievements throughout the capital—this is the family's pride.Old Mrs. Sheng said seriously, "Although poetry is important, the imperial examinations don't solely test poetry. You should devote more effort to essays. Even your grandfather, who was renowned for his elegant poetry in the medical community, first mastered essay writing. From now on, you shall study alongside your elder brother." Changfeng smiled and agreed.

The children immediately thanked Sheng Wei. After exchanging a few more words, Rulan eagerly asked to see the gifts. Old Mrs. Sheng smiled and let the granddaughters go first. After the three girls left, the atmosphere in the room immediately quieted. Sheng Wei turned solemnly to Changbai standing opposite him: "I've heard Brother Bai has passed the prefectural exam. Your wife is truly blessed."

"Why make such a long journey? How could your wife manage such a large household while traveling? Our two branches needn't stand on such ceremony. How is your mother's health? Is she still well?" Old Mrs. Sheng asked cheerfully.

"But plum blossoms and peach blossoms are different! How can they be substituted?" Minglan protested quietly.

Having witnessed the living examples of Old Mrs. Sheng and Consort Lin, Mama Fang had been worried that Minglan might only love poetry while disliking needlework, especially since Minglan showed quick comprehension in reading and writing. To her surprise, Minglan cooperated fully from the start, approaching needlework with even greater enthusiasm than her studies. Both surprised and delighted, Mama Fang immediately devoted all her skills to training Minglan. Thus Minglan spent mornings studying with Old Mrs. Sheng and afternoons learning embroidery from Mama Fang, with the old madam watching contentedly.

After the recent uproar, everyone from the mistress and young ladies to the maids and servants showed doubled respect for Kong Momo's training sessions, not daring the slightest negligence. Particularly for Moran, who practically kept her head down. Through Kong Momo's guidance about future prospects, Sheng Hong temporarily let reason prevail over emotion, spending fifteen consecutive nights in Madam Wang's quarters to help Consort Lin and her daughter regain perspective. Madam Wang glowed with happiness daily, nearly wanting to set off firecrackers in celebration. This time Sheng Hong was determined, at least to make a show for Kong Momo, steadfastly refusing any meetings requested by Consort Lin.

"Don't worry, the difference in your embroidery isn't noticeable," Old Mrs. Sheng comforted her.

Minglan was puzzled, but Old Mrs. Sheng interpreted it as: reading and painting only benefit oneself, while needlework benefits the whole family - her granddaughter was showing concern for family at such a young age.

Sheng Wei felt moved, noticing Old Mrs. Sheng appeared more vibrant and healthier than two years ago. He glanced at Minglan, seeing her pitch-black eyes bright and clear. The moment she noticed his arrival, she immediately climbed down from the kang and stood properly aside. Her good manners and understanding pleased him greatly, making everything clearer to him.

But Minglan had no intention of becoming a concubine either.

When Madam Wang learned about this, she angrily declared: "The worst fear is an educated concubine!"

In the final days, Madam Wang subtly suggested that Kong Momo write to her old contacts in the capital to speak highly of their daughters, hoping to create better conditions for Hualan's future life. Unexpectedly, Kong Momo declined with a smile: "Eldest Miss isn't going for a short visit - she'll be living in the capital long-term. Over time, one's reputation must be built through their own conduct. If I praise Eldest Miss to the skies, the Zhongqin Marquisate might develop unrealistic expectations, which would be counterproductive."

Minglan thought silently: Those who cheat their way through and those who start from nothing are naturally different.This was a weighty pure gold ruyi lock. Minglan quickly brought it to Old Mrs. Sheng to see. The old lady smiled as she hung the fine chain of the gold lock around Minglan's neck. Minglan immediately felt her neck sink under the weight—it must have been several taels heavy. She promptly twisted her chubby little body and obediently bowed to Sheng Wei, saying as she bowed, "Thank you, Grandaunt, thank you, Uncle."

Sheng Hong said with a laugh, "That's wonderful. That Lu Gangzi's martial skills and character are both first-rate. When he was preparing for the military examination, we often drank together, and we've kept in touch over the years. I'll write him a letter later for Wu Ge'er to take along, so he can look out for him."

First, Minglan was made to practice needlework on small pieces of cloth, starting with stitching lines. Straight lines had to be perfectly straight, circles had to be perfectly round, the stitches had to be as fine and even as those made by a sewing machine, and the spacing had to be completely uniform. This was the foundation, and practicing this alone took Minglan a full month. A month later, Mama Fang chose a bright afternoon to test Minglan and barely gave her a passing grade.

By the fourth month, when the peach blossoms were in full bloom, a letter arrived from the Zhongqin Bo Manor in the capital saying that Yuanwenshao would set out at the end of the month to fetch his bride. Counting the days, he would arrive in Dengzhou in just a few days. Around the same time, Sheng Hong's eldest cousin, Sheng Wei, also arrived. Originally, Hualan's wedding should have had her maternal uncle present, but Wang Yan was now an official and could not leave his post at will. Only Sheng Wei, who managed business affairs, could move freely. This time, he brought his second son, Changwu, along to congratulate them, and later he would accompany Changbai to escort Hualan to the capital for the wedding.

Minglan clasped her chubby little fists and stepped forward properly to pay her respects, greeting him in a well-mannered way: "Your niece is doing well in every way, thank you for your concern, Uncle. You've traveled a long way, it must have been tiring."

Sheng Wei was overjoyed: "Then I must thank you, Second Brother. Wu'er, hurry and kowtow to your uncle to thank him!"

Seeing that the situation was turning against her, Consort Lin finally resorted to her ultimate move. She had her son Changfeng present a piece of delicate green silk to Sheng Hong while he was testing his studies. On it was written a sorrowful love poem in vivid cinnabar, with lines like "Morning and evening, my heart breaks thinking of you, dusk and dawn, I weep tears of blood like rain." After reading it, Sheng Hong was filled with tender emotions, and one night, unable to restrain himself any longer, he went to see Consort Lin.

After chatting for a while longer, Old Mrs. Sheng let the three boys go off to play while the adults continued their conversation.

And Consort Lin would probably say: On my path to success, poetry, songs, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting have been of great help to me.

After Kong Momo left, the girls returned to their respective routines of self-cultivation. Old Mrs. Sheng once again took Minglan back to learn characters and study, adding a new subject—needlework—with Mama Fang temporarily serving as the introductory teacher. Mama Fang had been a first-class maid who accompanied the old lady as part of her dowry and was renowned as the top needleworker in the marquis's household. She was skilled in every aspect of textile work, including weaving, sewing, embroidery, shoemaking, hat-making, knotting, and patchwork. Although her eyes were now too old for fine work, she was more than capable of teaching a novice like Minglan.Old Mrs. Sheng and the two brothers Sheng Wei and Sheng Hong burst into hearty laughter. Sheng Wei pulled Minglan into his arms for a hug, finding her tender little face timid yet utterly adorable. He then fished out an exquisite brocade pouch from his robe, placing it in Minglan’s hand, and teased, "Your uncle here has been won over by your treats! Here, these are ninety-nine newly minted little gold fishes—all for you! I say, little Ming, your family’s snacks come at quite the price!"

Changbai cupped his hands respectfully and said, "Uncle flatters me. Your nephew is still ignorant and must devote more effort to his studies."

Translated into plain terms, this meant: Don’t set expectations too high—overly high hopes lead to disappointment, while modest ones make it easier for Hualan to shine. Whether Madam Wang understood this remained unclear, but her disappointment was palpable. Thus, Kong Momo added, "The eldest girl is like a living signboard." Once she bears children and secures her footing, if I’m still around, I can speak up for the remaining sisters." Thinking of Rulan, Madam Wang smiled gratefully and thanked her.

Old Mrs. Sheng also found it curious: "Do you enjoy needlework this much? You pursue it more diligently than your studies."

As a sheltered young lady, what use was mastering poetry, music, chess, and painting? She couldn’t make a living from scholarship, barred as she was from imperial exams. Was it merely to earn a reputation as a talented woman among noble circles?

It wasn’t until Mama Fang once mentioned offhandedly that a medium-quality embroidery piece from Ruyi Studio could sell for two or three taels of silver that Minglan suddenly found her true calling—excelling too much in studies or finance might draw society’s criticism, but needlework was safe and respectable. It could earn her a good name and serve as a practical skill for uncertain times.

After the others had left, Sheng Wei respectfully addressed Old Mrs. Sheng: "Originally, your niece-in-law intended to come this time, but household affairs kept her tied up. I offer congratulations on her behalf to Second Aunt."

Changfeng had been standing by with a smile until now, when he finally cupped his hands and said, "I am ashamed, Uncle. I only hope to achieve half the knowledge of my elder brother someday. The former dynasty’s Zhang Tailiu became a child scholar at nine. Though untalented, I plan to attempt the exams next year."

Sheng Wei felt inside his robe and pulled out a red silk-wrapped bundle, handing it to Minglan. "This is from your grand-aunt. All your sisters have received one—yours was missing." Minglan glanced at her grandmother and father, only accepting it after they gave slight nods. Unwrapping the red silk, her eyes met a dazzling gleam of gold.

Old Mrs. Sheng waved her hands repeatedly to stop him. "Enough, let’s not speak of it."

Sheng Wei’s face darkened like a burnt pot. "Ah, best not mention it. That family’s daughter eloped with a groom!"

After this incident, Sheng Hong realized he could not indulge Consort Lin too freely, and she wisely toned down her flamboyance. Similarly, Molan became more subdued. In this conducive learning atmosphere, Kong Momo provided detailed guidance for over half a month. After Changbai’s county exam results were posted, Kong Momo took her leave. Sheng Hong added numerous trunks as tuition gifts, but Kong Momo kept only half, returning the rest: "At my age, half in the grave, carrying so much would make people think I came to rob you."At that moment, Cuiping entered carrying a small red-lacquered tea tray carved with lotus leaves and roots. Seeing Minglan approach, she habitually extended the tray toward her. Minglan took one of the teacups and toddled away. Sheng Hong had assumed she would bring the tea to him as usual, but halfway there, the little girl unexpectedly turned and presented the first cup directly to Sheng Wei instead, bowing her head respectfully. Only then did she bring the second cup to her father.

Next, Minglan stood on tiptoe to retrieve a plate of fresh Shandong dates from the kang table and diligently carried it over to place on Sheng Wei's side table. Amused, Sheng Hong couldn't resist chuckling and scolding playfully: "This sixth girl! Just from receiving one gift, she's already serving tea and offering dates like this. Have you forgotten your own father?"

Mama Fang found it somewhat peculiar: "Young miss applies herself so diligently to The learning of the mind, so why does her needlework progress neither as quickly nor as excellently as her reading and writing?"

But Minglan wasn't a legitimate daughter, and moreover, the Sheng family wasn't a marquis' household - she simply couldn't enter those top-tier aristocratic social circles.

Sheng Hong smiled as he drew Minglan closer, stroking his young daughter's soft hair. He then opened the embroidered silk pouch in her hand and picked out a small, exquisitely crafted gold ingot shaped like a fish, placing it in Minglan's chubby palm: "Isn't it pretty? Take it to play with."

Sheng Wei turned to look at Changfeng and said with a laugh: "You see, your cousin Wu is hopeless - he'll end up as nothing but a military man. It seems it'll be up to you brothers to take the imperial examinations together. I've heard Feng Ge'er's poetry is exceptional, already building quite a reputation for talent despite his youth. Surely he'll place first in the palace examinations someday."