The Story of Ming Lan

Liu Kun's wife assisted Madam Wang as she reclined on the Xiangfei daybed covered with thin silk-padded satin, placing a golden-threaded python bolster behind her back. Rulan followed closely, urgently saying, "Mother, won't you speak? I..."

Madam Wang waved her hand wearily. "I understand your thoughts, but... it's useless. Princess Pingning looks down on our family."

Rulan widened her eyes. "...How could that be? I thought Her Highness was quite amiable."

With a bitter smile, Madam Wang gazed at Rulan's naive face before suddenly turning serious. "Think carefully about what Her Highness said to your sixth sister today. You should start using your brain instead of being willfully foolish."

Rulan lowered her head in contemplation, gradually understanding. She murmured, "...Could it be?" Realization dawned, and a wave of despair washed over her.

Seeing Madam Wang's defeated expression, Liu Kun's wife said sympathetically, "Her Highness truly employs clever tactics. By deliberately finding reasons to speak with Sixth Miss, she clearly saw her childish demeanor - achieving her purpose without causing offense."

"But, but..." Rulan tugged at Madam Wang's sleeve anxiously, "I... I... Brother Yuanruo..."

Madam Wang irritably shook off her daughter's hand, speaking sharply, "What Brother Yuanruo? What kind of brother is he to you! From now on, address him properly as 'Young Master'!... No! Don't see him at all anymore. Sister-in-law Liu, henceforth whenever Qi Heng is in the residence, Fifth Miss is not to leave Weirui Pavilion, or she'll face family law!"

Having been spoiled since childhood, Rulan was stunned by her mother's unprecedented severity. "Mother, mother, how could you...?"

Madam Wang sat up abruptly, her expression stern. "This is my negligence. I treated you as a child, thinking extra indulgence wouldn't matter, not realizing you're growing up day by day. After Qi Heng's visit yesterday, hearing your words made me entertain ideas, allowing you to behave recklessly. Look at your appearance - what kind of attire is this? You don't resemble a legitimate young lady from a respectable family, rather like some vulgar woman competing for attention! You've utterly shamed me. If you don't obey, I'll slap you to death right now! Better that than having you disgrace yourself publicly!"

Never having been scolded so harshly before, Rulan was terrified into tears. Hearing her mother's cruel words, she collapsed at Madam Wang's feet, weeping uncontrollably while mumbling, "...Why... scold me..."

Seeing her daughter's gradually maturing figure, Madam Wang knew she couldn't soften anymore. She said calmly, "Sister-in-law Liu, fetch a damp cloth for the young lady to wipe her face... Rulan, stop crying. Come sit up here and listen to what Mother has to say."

Still sobbing, Rulan leaned against her mother. Madam Wang seemed to recall events from her maiden family as she spoke: "Throughout these many years, your mother has walked countless wrong paths - some due to others' schemes, others from my own willful ignorance. Thinking back now, every word your grandmother told me was truly precious advice. Sadly, I didn't take any of it to heart at the time, which led to that wretched woman in Linqi Pavilion today! Now you must listen to your mother's words."Rulan stopped crying and listened in a daze. Madam Wang paused briefly before continuing, "...In matters of marriage, it has always been the parents' decision and the matchmaker's words that count. No proper young lady goes out making promises herself. That shameless behavior is what concubines' daughters would do. You're a legitimate daughter—how could you act that way? Marriage should be between families of equal status. If the other family doesn't want you, if they look down on our household, could you really fawn and flatter them shamelessly?"

Rulan, being extremely proud, immediately flushed red and retorted indignantly, "Of course not!"

Madam Wang felt somewhat relieved. "You're still young. Enjoy a few more years as an unmarried girl. After you marry, you'll realize how comfortable a young lady's life truly is. With me here, you can live comfortably as a young mistress—isn't that better?"

Thinking of Qi Heng, Rulan still couldn't let go. "But Young Master Qi... Young Master Qi is very kind to me. Perhaps the Princess might change her mind?"

Madam Wang's anger flared up again. "You foolish girl with no discernment! Just because he shows you a little kindness, you lose all sense of direction! Think carefully—hasn't he been equally polite to all three of you sisters? In fact, he's been more affectionate toward Minglan, but that's only because she's younger and more childish! Besides, it's his parents who decide marriages. He might not even be interested in you! Magistrate Qi and the Princess naturally want a match of equal social standing—why would they want you? If you keep entertaining these wild thoughts, I'll tell your father immediately and have you caned again!"

Rulan started crying again, stamping her feet. "Mother... Mother..."

This time, Madam Wang hardened her heart. Pointing at Rulan, she scolded, "Have you no shame? A young lady from a respectable family, after merely meeting an outside young man twice, becomes so obsessed—it's utterly shameless and devoid of propriety!"

Rulan was stunned by the scolding, too ashamed and angry to speak. She turned and ran away, crying as she went. Liu Kun's wife moved to follow her, but Madam Wang stopped her. Instead, she shouted toward the curtain, "Let her cry! This shameless creature! If she comes to her senses after crying, well and good. If not, I'll beat her! I'll beat her until she understands propriety and shame! Go ask around—which respectable young lady involves herself in marriage arrangements? Proper young ladies leave everything to their elders. They shouldn't even ask about it normally—if they mention it once, they should blush for half a day! Even if she's young and doesn't know better, she could learn from her elder sister's dignified behavior! What sin did I commit in my past life to give birth to such a thick-skinned girl? It might be cleaner to beat her to death!"

Hearing this from outside, Rulan cried even more bitterly. She ran all the way to her chamber, threw herself onto her pillow and quilt, and wept as if her heart would break, refusing to come out.

Madam Wang remained seated, her chest heaving with anger. Liu Kun's wife went to soothe her. "Don't be too upset, Madam. The young lady is still young after all, and she's always competing with the fourth young lady. She might not truly be ignorant of propriety—she probably just copied the fourth young lady's behavior in a moment of rivalry."

Madam Wang said bitterly, "It's all that wretched girl's fault! Corrupting my child for no reason!"

Liu Kun's wife served Madam Wang another cup of tea. Seeing that Madam Wang had calmed down somewhat, she tentatively asked, "About the Qi family... are you really giving up on them, Madam? They are such a good family."Madam Wang shook her head and said, "As a mother myself, I understand the Princess Consort's thoughts. She only has this one son, with such character and appearance, and such family background—what distinguished young lady couldn't he marry? Although our master is good, after all, he doesn't come from an aristocratic lineage, nor is he a trusted noble in the Emperor's inner circle. The Qi family itself descends from ducal and marquis households—how could they possibly look favorably upon us?"

Pursing her lips, Madam Wang continued, "To speak bluntly, if it were Hua'er today, I might still contend for it, but as for Ru'er..." She sighed and went on, "Not to speak ill of my own, but in terms of looks and talent, how could she possibly match Qi Heng? If even I, her own mother, think this way, how much more would the Princess Consort? Let it be—why seek humiliation? Though we may lack other things, we still have our dignity. Ru'er isn't particularly clever either—in the future, we should just find her a match of equal social standing so she won't be bullied!"

Liu Kun's wife smiled and said, "Madam seems to have changed her temperament—so reasonable. The master would surely be pleased to hear this."

Madam Wang sighed, "Having suffered for half my life, I've come to realize how wise my parents' choice of marriage was for me. My mother-in-law is easygoing, my husband is ambitious—though not extravagantly wealthy, we live comfortably without want. If not for my own carelessness, that wretched woman wouldn't have entered our household! Thinking of my elder sister's current situation... ah, it was truly a close call. I used to envy my sister for marrying better than I did, but even with her capabilities, her marriage into the Kang Family has turned out like this. If it were me... ah, never mind."

Liu Kun's wife took away the empty teacup and returned to gently massage Madam Wang's back to soothe her: "When Madam was four or five, the master was assigned as Northwest Inspector. The Old Madam insisted on accompanying him, so you were entrusted to your uncle. Your uncle and his wife were truly good people—they had no daughters of their own and, being deeply fond of their brother, doted on you excessively. But they were merchants after all—their perspective couldn't compare to the Old Madam and master's. The eldest young lady learned all her skills from the Old Madam. You only reunited with your parents at age ten—how could anyone blame you?"

Madam Wang said wistfully, "It's hard to judge what's good or bad in this world. Since childhood, I always felt inferior to my elder sister in every way. When it came time to marry, her husband's status was higher than mine too—I made such a scene that I nearly received family law punishment from father. At that time, mother told me: the Sheng family has simple relationships, your mother-in-law isn't your husband's birth mother so she won't stand on ceremony or torment her daughter-in-law, and your husband is ambitious—with some support, you'll surely have a good life ahead. All you need to do is behave properly as a wife. As for your brother-in-law, though from a prominent family and quite learned, he lacks responsibility—he's just a pampered young master. Mother never liked him—the marriage only happened because the Kang Family's Old Master and father were close friends. Thinking back now, mother's every word was truly wise."

Liu Kun's wife smiled, "Young girls only understand their mother's wisdom when they become mothers themselves—this seems to be true indeed."

Madam Wang finally showed a smile: "My sister and I actually competed for that brother-in-law back then. Later my sister won—thinking back, it's really quite laughable! When I choose sons-in-law in the future, I'll be content if I have half of mother's discernment."

Liu Kun's wife laughed too. After a moment, she suddenly thought of something and said, "Madam, what do you think Fourth Young Lady will say to Consort Lin when she returns? Might Consort Lin approach the master to plead her case?"Madam Wang immediately burst into laughter: "I'd be delighted if she went to speak with the master! If she truly does, she can expect a thorough scolding!"

...

For once, Madam Wang's prediction proved remarkably accurate. That very night, after Sheng Hong returned from his official duties, he went to rest at Linqi Pavilion.

"...What did you say?" Sheng Hong asked in confusion. "Mo'er wishes to continue attending Zhuang Xiansheng's lessons?"

Consort Lin cooed sweetly, "I understand Your Lordship's concerns about propriety. It's fine for Rulan and Ming Yatou since they never cared much for books anyway. But Mo'er is different—she takes after Your Lordship's temperament, cultivated and well-read since childhood. Now that she's developing a genuine taste for Zhuang Xiansheng's lectures, why should they stop? I'm merely pleading on her behalf—we could always set up a screen if necessary."

Sheng Hong frowned. "This is inappropriate. After all, Mo'er isn't a boy. What use would vast literary knowledge be to her? Is she supposed to sit for the imperial examinations? A few years of schooling is sufficient for a young lady. Henceforth, she should focus on needlework indoors! Just the other day, Ming Yatou embroidered a dignified dark pouch for me—both elegant and practical. Mo'er ought to learn some sewing skills as well."

Consort Lin gritted her teeth in suppressed fury but maintained her composure. She glided to Sheng Hong's side, gently massaging his shoulders to ease his muscles. Leaning close, her breath fragrant as orchids, she whispered delicately, "Whether she studies or not is trivial. Why doesn't Your Lordship consider the long term? Think of young Master Qi... think of our Mo'er..."

Sheng Hong whirled around, staring at Consort Lin in disbelief. The drowsy warmth that had begun to spread through his body instantly chilled. "What connection could there possibly be between Young Master Qi and Mo'er?"

Unaware of Sheng Hong's changed demeanor, Consort Lin continued, "I observed that Young Master Qi is truly distinguished in both appearance and family background. Today he even discussed poetry and literature with Mo'er—they seemed quite compatible. Perhaps we could..."

Sheng Hong abruptly stood up, brushing aside Consort Lin's delicate crimson-tipped hands. He scrutinized her from head to toe until she grew uneasy under his gaze. Forcing a smile, she asked, "What is Honglang staring at?"

Sheng Hong sneered coldly. "I'm looking to see where you found such audacity—casually proposing marriage alliances with heirs of noble houses!"

Clutching her sleeves tightly, Consort Lin trembled as she spoke, "What does Honglang mean? Have I spoken improperly?"

Sheng Hong stepped away, waving for the nearby maid to withdraw. He moved to the window, closed the lattice, then turned back to gaze at Consort Lin. In a lowered voice, he said, "Qi Heng's maternal grandfather is the Marquis of Xiangyang. When the Marquis shielded the Emperor at the cost of his leg, His Majesty ennobled his only daughter as Princess Pingning. The Princess was raised in the imperial palace since childhood and is deeply favored. Official Qi holds a third-rank position, and the Salt Distribution Commission is an extremely lucrative post—only the Emperor's most trusted ministers and powerful nobles receive such appointments. There's more: the eldest lord of Marquis of Qi Manor has only one frail son who remains childless. If things go poorly, Qi Heng might even inherit the entire Marquisate someday!" Pausing to catch his breath, Sheng Hong took a sip of tea before continuing, "Among young masters born into noble houses, most are either mediocre or dissolute bullies. How many exceptional youths like Qi Heng do you suppose exist?"Consort Lin listened with shining eyes and a burning heart, wishing she could immediately secure Qi Heng as her son-in-law. But then Sheng Hong's tone shifted as he looked at her incredulously and declared firmly, "With Qi Heng's talent, family background, and parental lineage, which noble family's daughter couldn't he marry? Back in the capital, matchmakers nearly wore out their thresholds visiting his home—how could it ever be the turn of a mere prefect like me?"

Consort Lin felt as if a basin of icy water had been poured over her, her heart cooling considerably. Still unwilling to give up, she insisted, "Though there are many noble daughters in the capital, how many are as outstanding as our Mo'er? She's beautiful and skilled in poetry and literature—why shouldn't she have a chance?"

Sheng Hong sneered, "You're utterly deluded! When has a legitimate son of a noble family ever married a concubine-born daughter as his principal wife? Even in your wildest dreams, you should keep some sense! If this got out, people would laugh themselves sick! Even Rulan, born of the legal wife, might not be considered worthy, let alone a concubine's daughter like yours!His words, sharp and rapid like a steel blade, stripped Consort Lin of all her pretensions, leaving only her humility and downfall. She couldn't help but cry, "Master, why must you keep harping on legitimate and concubine-born to wound me? I said back then that I feared my status as a concubine would ruin Mo'er's future, and now it's come true!"

Sheng Hong snorted through his nose, "Ruin what? It's your lofty eyes and even loftier heart, your muddled mind spinning fantasies! There has to be a limit to social climbing! Consider Mo'er's background and theirs—you're just daydreaming without weighing things properly. Why not say you want Mo'er to become the Empress? Truly delusional!"

Consort Lin's heart twisted with hatred as if cut by a knife. After a moment's thought, she leaned close to Sheng Hong, her voice soft and silky, "Hong Lang, this isn't just for me and Mo'er. Think of the Qi family's excellent standing—if we could form a marriage alliance, your career would surely soar, and the Sheng family would benefit greatly. Why not give it a try..." Her tone was low, gentle, and alluring.

Hearing this, Sheng Hong was greatly moved and said to Consort Lin, "Try? You mean for me to propose?"

Seeing this, Consort Lin nodded, her eyes seductive as silk.

Sheng Hong took a deep breath, steadied himself, and angrily retorted, "Let me be blunt with you today: it was the Princess who suggested separating boys and girls, hinting that the girls in the residence shouldn't study together! Her meaning couldn't be clearer—she doesn't want our daughters involved! And even if the Princess changes her mind later, a concubine-born daughter would never be considered!"

Consort Lin, unaware of this, exclaimed in shock, "The Princess...? How could that be?"

Sheng Hong pondered the consequences, growing more fearful the more he thought. He shoved Consort Lin, who was clutching his sleeve, to the ground and scolded, "You want me to try? If I go propose and get rejected, how will I face Lord Qi afterward? You ignorant woman, utterly foolish, only thinking of your own petty schemes without considering the whole family! If I followed your stupid advice and ruined my career, what would become of us?!"Consort Lin, realizing she had spoken amiss, turned pale with fright. Tilting her neck back, she pleaded hoarsely, "Master, Mo'er has been exceptional since childhood—not only is she lovely in appearance, but she is also well-versed in poetry and refined in speech. I've always hoped her future marriage wouldn't be a disappointment to her! Master, she is your own flesh and blood—you cannot abandon her!"

Sheng Hong, seeing the woman still clinging to her misguided notions, slapped her hand away and declared, "As long as you aren't greedy or overambitious, I will naturally keep an eye out for a suitable match for Mo'er—I would never let her be wronged! Enough, enough! I'll have someone tidy up the vacant western courtyard of Weirui Pavilion. Tomorrow, Mo Lan will move in to live with Rulan. From now on, all matters will be arranged according to Old Madam's rules, so she won't stay in Linqi Pavilion and be corrupted by you! Learning your ways—do you want Mo'er to become a concubine in the future too?!"

Upon hearing this, Consort Lin nearly fainted from shock. Clutching Sheng Hong's leg, she begged pitifully. But thinking of his children's futures, Sheng Hong hardened his heart, kicked her away, and strode out.

Consort Lin remained collapsed on the floor. Hidden in the side room, Mo Lan lifted the curtain and emerged, her face streaked with tears. She gently helped her mother up, and the two gazed at each other through tear-filled eyes. After a long silence, Consort Lin took her daughter's hand and said, "Child, don't listen to your father. He's a man and doesn't understand the intricacies of the inner household. In terms of birth, you may not compare to Rulan, but in looks and talent, aren't you ten times—no, a hundred times—better than her? With the same father, why should you be beneath her in the future?! If you don't strive for yourself, how will the best come to you?! Do you want to be inferior to Rulan your whole life?"

Mo Lan, her vision blurred by tears, stammered, "B-but... if Father finds out, he won't let me off lightly..."

"Silly child, you must be clever about it. Find excuses and reasons—your father won't notice. Good child, you excel in poetry and are beautiful. Over time, Young Master Qi is bound to hold you in his heart... Child, don't cry. There are benefits to moving into Weirui Pavilion. Observe what Rulan has and what she lacks, then ask the madam for the same. If the madam refuses... hmph, I'll make her regret it! Didn't Old Madam say that all unmarried young ladies are equally noble?"

Consort Lin's delicate features suddenly took on a sharp, formidable edge.