Madam Wang entered and took her seat in the center of the main hall. Caipei immediately brought over a five-ringed double-blessing round-brass foot warmer. The three concubines who had followed Madam Wang in stood respectfully to the side, while the three Lan sisters rose and bowed their heads in greeting. Madam Wang glanced at everyone and waved her hand, saying, "Sit down. The weather is quite cold—stoke the stove a bit more."
The latter remark was directed at the maids. Caihuan promptly retrieved a curved-pattern double-pronged fire tong from the corner of the room and added some fine silver-wire charcoal to the nine-section cloud-and-dragon-patterned octagonal white-copper warming brazier in the center. The room grew much warmer. Rulan pouted and went to sit beside Molan. Minglan, knowing the rules, took her place in order next to Rulan. Across from them sat the three concubines in a row. On this side were large chairs with brocade cotton covers, while the concubines sat on three round stools.
This was Minglan’s first experience of a proper lady’s authority, and it immediately reminded her of a military inspection—Madam Wang only lacked shouting, "Greetings, comrades! You’ve worked hard!" Minglan’s thoughts wandered freely as she carefully observed the concubines across from her. Having not seen Consort Lin for several years, she noticed she had hardly aged, her face still delicate and charming, her demeanor graceful. Concubine Xiang’s appearance was not particularly striking, but she carried a gentle, bone-deep charm. Concubine Ping, however, was a beauty with cherry lips, arched brows, and slender eyes—unfortunately, her expression seemed somewhat frivolous and shifty, her manner timid and shrinking, exuding a rather petty air.
Their backgrounds were as follows: the daughter of an old friend, a maid brought by the lady as part of her dowry, and a concubine gifted by a colleague. Combined with the deceased Consort Wei, who had been a properly wedded concubine from outside, the sources of concubines were essentially complete. Minglan sighed inwardly—small as a sparrow, it had all the vital organs!
Madam Wang took a sip of warm tea and asked Minglan in detail about whether she was settling into her new residence comfortably. Minglan strictly followed the etiquette taught by Mama Fang, answering each question with deference. Madam Wang had initially assumed that, having long been favored by the Old Madam, Minglan might be somewhat spoiled and unruly. She had prepared to assert her authority to discipline her, but to her surprise, Minglan was so respectful and polite, not a single rule breached, her behavior docile and obedient. This put Madam Wang’s mind at ease and pleased her greatly.
"...If there’s anything you still lack, just come and tell me," Madam Wang instructed Minglan gently.
Minglan smiled slightly and replied, "With your permission, Madam, I may have to shamelessly come asking for things later."
Madam Wang chuckled and exchanged a few more words with Minglan before her expression suddenly shifted. She set down her cup and said sternly, "Just before I came in, what were you sisters arguing about?"
Minglan’s heart tightened. Madam Wang’s direct use of the word "arguing" indicated she intended to address the matter openly. Lowering her head, she glanced at Molan, who was nervously twisting her handkerchief, while Consort Lin on the other side curled her lips in a faint, disdainful smile. Minglan knew she was about to be used as a pawn and softly said, "Madam, please forgive me. It was my fault for being late on my first day paying respects to you. My sisters were teaching me the rules."
Madam Wang looked at her in surprise, thinking that this was indeed the Old Madam’s teaching. After a moment’s thought, she turned to Molan and Rulan and said, "As elder sisters, it’s not enough to just scold. Since you knew Sixth Miss was coming to me for the first time today, you should have reminded her this morning when paying respects to the Old Madam—not wait for your sister to make a mistake and then put on airs as elders!"Even straightforward Rulan could detect the implied meaning in those words. She suppressed a laugh and said, "Mother is right. If one hasn't reminded one's younger sister, what right does one have to scold her?"
Molan lowered her head, her expression resentful. Her face flushed red with anger, but she remained silent. Minglan couldn't help but glance at Consort Lin, who appeared completely unruffled. Minglan inwardly praised her composure - she truly had cultivation. Back in Longevity and Peace Hall, she had heard that no matter how arrogant Consort Lin might actually be, she never openly opposed Madam Wang. Her words and actions never gave anyone any leverage against her. Instead, she had ways of making Madam Wang lose her temper first, so even if matters came before Sheng Hong, she had nothing to fear.
Today, Madam Wang had finally seized an opportunity to demonstrate her authority as the legitimate mother. She spoke kindly to the three girls: "You're sisters by blood, why must you be at each other's throats whenever you meet? Unlike you, I haven't studied for years with learned tutors, but even I know that siblings - whether brothers or sisters - have only this lifetime together. We should cherish our familial bonds. When Kong Momo caned your palms back then, she said that sisters should share both blessings and punishments. Don't forget the pain just because the caning is over."
Her voice carried authority, and all three Lan sisters stood up to acknowledge her words. Feeling quite pleased with herself, Madam Wang waved her hand. Two thirteen or fourteen-year-old maids emerged from the inner chamber - one wearing a silver-red inner jacket with a blue vest, the other in an emerald long jacket with a ginger-yellow vest. They bowed respectfully to Minglan. Madam Wang nodded slightly and turned to Minglan: "The maids you have were given by Old Madam. While they're good girls, they're still rather young. Cui Mama has family responsibilities and often needs to return home, so she can't attend to you all day. I'm assigning Yingxing and Jiu'er to serve in your quarters - they're older and more steady."
Minglan smiled inwardly - as expected. Fortunately, she had already prepared her response. Though not surprised, she couldn't show it. She put on a startled expression: "But if Madame gives me your capable servants, who will serve you?"
Madam Wang waved her hand dismissively and softened her voice toward Minglan: "I originally intended for you to move into Weirui Pavilion, but Old Madam can't bear to part with you. So you'll have to make do with Twilight Cang Study. The place being small means we can't assign too many servants, but we can't let your establishment fall too far behind your sisters' either. Even with these two additions, you'll still have fewer servants than your two elder sisters."
Rulan affectionately linked arms with Minglan and laughed: "Mother, you should have assigned servants to Sixth Sister long ago! Otherwise when we visit her, there might not be anyone to serve us!"
Madam Wang shot her daughter a look and chided lightly: "And here I thought you were concerned about your sister, when actually you're just thinking of your own comfort!"
Rulan stuck out her tongue and smiled coquettishly. Concubine Xiang and Concubine Ping joined in the laughter. Feeling the moment was right, Minglan obediently said: "In that case, I thank Madame."
Madam Wang took Minglan's small hand and said affectionately: "...Though these two aren't very old, they've been trained by my side for several years. They're capable with both indoor and outdoor work. You can use them with confidence."
Minglan wore an expression of gratitude and trust: "Anyone from Madame's side must be good. I would respect them too much to lack confidence in them."After speaking for a while longer, Madam Wang dismissed everyone. Rulan, in particularly high spirits today, walked past Molan with her head held high. Molan followed silently, with Minglan behind her, and the concubines bringing up the rear. At the doorway, they all went their separate ways. Rulan gave a small yawn and returned to Weirui Pavilion, likely to catch up on sleep. Consort Lin headed back to Linqi Pavilion, casting a subtle glance at Molan before leaving, as if signaling something. Concubine Xiang and Concubine Ping quietly returned to their rooms. Minglan walked toward Twilight Cang Study, while Molan headed toward the library—their paths coincidentally aligned for a stretch.
The winter chill had yet to dissipate: a thin layer of ice covered the lake, withered leaves clung to branches, and sparse patches of white snow dotted the ground, creating a stark and serene atmosphere. The two sisters walked in silence for a while, ignoring each other. Molan, restraining herself repeatedly, finally couldn’t hold back: "Sixth Sister is truly fortunate, with Madam valuing you so highly. After all, you were raised by Old Madam—this elder sister could never catch up, even if she tried her hardest!"
Minglan sighed inwardly. The morning had been mentally exhausting, and she had little energy to educate a young girl. Yet, after a moment’s thought, she decided it was better to clarify things early to avoid endless conflicts. She halted and turned to her maids: "Yancao, take the two elder sisters back first and have Danju attend to them. Xiaotao, Qinsang, you two go to the lakeside and gather some smooth, round pebbles. My fish tank is spacious—it’ll look nicer with more decorations."
They obeyed and left. Minglan then turned to face Molan directly. Molan was momentarily taken aback but, being sharp-witted, quickly grasped Minglan’s intention. Recalling her own unresolved grievances and realizing it was unwise for maids to overhear, she straightforwardly dismissed her attendants. The two sisters moved to stand beneath a barren tree.
"What advice does Sixth Sister have?" Molan asked coldly, clutching a thick fur hand warmer and glancing toward Xiaotao and Qinsang gathering stones by the lake. Minglan raised an eyebrow and replied earnestly, "Elder Sister is intelligent, so I’ll speak plainly between us—let’s lay our hearts out today."
Molan was startled by her directness and shot Minglan a scrutinizing look. Minglan took a deep breath and continued fluently, "Since Eldest Sister married, there are only three of us sisters left at home. Frankly speaking, in terms of appearance, talent, and even our father’s favor, you are the foremost in this household."
Praise is music to anyone’s ears, especially a young girl’s. Molan’s cold expression softened slightly. Encouraged by this start, Minglan broached the main point: "The only thing Fourth Sister lacks is lineage..." Molan’s face immediately darkened. Not daring to pause, Minglan pressed on, "...If you had been born from Madam’s womb, you’d deserve a fortune like Eldest Sister’s. But fate decreed otherwise, leaving you just one step short."
Molan’s eyes burned with resentment, and she let out a soft snort, yet her thoughts drifted away from the earlier quarrel. Minglan cautiously steered toward her purpose: "Fourth Sister, if I may speak out of turn—I, too, am a concubine-born child. Aside from Old Madam’s pity, I fall short of you in every way. Why must you vent your frustrations on me?"Molán was startled and looked directly at Minglan, only to see her gazing straight back. Though Minglan hadn't yet shed her baby fat, the childishness around her had vanished. Her pitch-black eyes were as tranquil as deep lakes, serene and dignified like an adult's. Molán hesitated and said, "You're overthinking it, sister. When have I been angry with you? We merely exchanged a few words today."
For some reason, Molán felt her own momentum weakening, and the anger from their earlier quarrel had disappeared.
Seeing Molán unwilling to admit it, Minglan didn't press further. She smiled and said, "Zhuang Xiansheng once said that all matters in the world ultimately come down to 'benefits and harms.' We're both daughters of concubines, but you have Consort Lin protecting you above and Third Young Master supporting you below - you're far better off than I am in terms of 'benefits.' You're outstanding in character and appearance, as everyone can see, and you harbor lofty ambitions. You know Old Madam's preferences well. I, raised by Old Madam, only know how to live like a wooden puppet with my head bowed. There's no 'harm' between us at all. Couldn't we peacefully be sisters?"
Upon hearing this, Molán's heart churned like turbulent waves. She felt both somewhat proud and seen through, unable to refute anything. She merely covered up with two cold laughs: "What fine reasoning you have, sister! You were quite formidable earlier at the madam's place!"
Seeing Molán's expression, Minglan knew she had been convinced, though her pride wouldn't admit it. She smiled and said, "People need face like trees need bark. No matter how incapable I am, I must consider Old Madam's dignity. If on my first visit to pay respects to the madam I received a scolding, how would that reflect on Old Madam who raised me? It's the same reason you must consider Consort Lin's face. Especially as daughters of concubines, we can't let others look down on us, right?"
Molán's heart skipped a beat as she looked Minglan up and down, feeling as if she'd never known her before. She had always prided herself on her sharp tongue - Rulan often couldn't match her without help. But today facing Minglan, she could barely fight back, yet felt everything Minglan said made perfect sense, each word hitting home. Feeling both inferior and proud, unwilling yet unable to refute, having her inner thoughts laid bare, listening to Minglan's measured tone and gentle, childish voice, she found she wasn't even angry anymore.
Watching the changing expressions on Molán's face, Minglan knew she had achieved her goal for today. There was this advantage in speaking with clever people - once you explained the pros and cons clearly, they could easily accept it. If it were Rulan, once she became emotional, even the ancestor of reason would be useless.
Minglan turned away, slowly relaxing her facial expression, happily watching Xiaotao and Qinsang returning with collected stones. The slightly stinging cold wind felt refreshing and comfortable. Her gaze turned to the two tall, bare osmanthus trees in front of Longevity and Peace Hall, her heart filled with warmth and softness - after all... she didn't need Molán's genuine friendship, just peaceful coexistence was enough; she had people who truly loved and cared for her, in her previous life and in this one.
Heaven hadn't treated this half-martyr too unfairly after all.
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