Since she couldn't control them anyway, Cuiwei simply stopped trying. She only brought Danju and Xiaotao to guard Minglan's main quarters tightly, turning a blind eye to everything else. For a time, Twilight Cang Study became like a temple without rules—the junior maids followed this example, either going out to play or visiting other courtyards to gossip. Only Yancao and a few others remained dutifully at their posts. Mama Fang's training over the years had clearly not been in vain.
The struggles among women in the inner household were tests of patience. While Minglan could endure, others could not. Liu Kun's wife was the first to approach Minglan, hinting and then stating outright that she should discipline the maids in her courtyard properly.
Minglan replied with feigned innocence, "They're all quite well-behaved. What seems to be the problem?"
Suppressing her anger, Mama Liu said, "That Mei'er has been giving the eldest young master disrespectful looks, and you haven't done anything about it. Never mind that—there are others who dress flamboyantly and roam about all day, spreading gossip and causing trouble!"
Every day when Changbai and the others passed by on their way to and from school, it was only a slight detour to Twilight Cang Study. Cuiwei and Danju kept Minglan so well guarded that Xingyun, full of unspent enthusiasm, began waiting by the gate every day, craning her neck eagerly. The moment she spotted Changbai, she would rush forward to greet him and warmly invite him to visit Twilight Cang Study. Changbai, thoroughly annoyed, complained a few times. Liu Kun's wife, who assisted Madam Wang in managing the household, was alarmed upon hearing this and immediately reprimanded Xingyun. But Xingyun, whose temper had grown lately, retorted, "You needn't worry so much, Mama. I serve Liu Guniang now. Since she hasn't scolded me, why are you interfering?"
Furious, Liu Kun's wife left in a huff. Minglan feigned hesitation, saying, "Xingyun is just overly enthusiastic. Besides, she was given to me by Madam—how can I not show her some consideration?"
After Liu Kun's wife stormed off, Danju urged, "Miss, now we can deal with those little minxes!"
Minglan shook her head with a slight smile. "It's not time yet."
Two days later, Madam Wang deliberately kept Minglan behind after the morning greetings and scolded her, "The young maids in your courtyard are getting out of hand! That one called Ke'er was even seen tugging and pulling at your Third Young Master on the path—and you did nothing to stop it!" What she really wanted to mention was Xingyun, who had been appearing before Changbai even more frequently lately.
Minglan continued playing dumb. "Ke'er originally served Third Young Master. He kindly gave her to me—if I punish her now, won't he be upset with me?" Madam Wang, exasperated by Minglan's apparent naivety, enthusiastically encouraged her to take charge. Minglan responded with hesitant murmurs.
As she helped Minglan leave the main courtyard, Xiaotao exclaimed excitedly, "Miss, even Madam has spoken up! Surely we can deal with those little minxes now!"
Minglan still smiled faintly. "Wait a little longer. Be patient."
Minglan counted off three more days on her fingers. Finally, it was Sheng Hong's day off. The whole family went early to pay respects to Old Mrs. Sheng. Minglan deliberately dressed somewhat carelessly. After everyone had paid their respects and taken their seats according to age, Old Mrs. Sheng sat stern-faced and silent at the head of the room. Noticing her displeasure, Sheng Hong asked what was wrong.
Old Mrs. Sheng pointed at Minglan and said discontentedly, "Ask Liu Guniang! Her Twilight Cang Study is nearly turned upside down by those unruly creatures, and she hasn't done a thing to discipline them!"
Sheng Hong was startled. "What is this about? Minglan, what's going on?"Minglan rose cautiously with a thoroughly unimpressive demeanor. Madam Wang’s heart skipped a beat—she knew the recent commotion in Twilight Cang Study had gone too far. Many stewardesses had come to report incidents, and Old Mrs. Sheng would inevitably find out. Considering Minglan had never complained to the Old Madam, Madam Wang felt somewhat pleased with her.
Others remained silent, but Rulan grew impatient watching Minglan hem and haw, stealing glances at Changfeng and Molan without managing to explain. She burst out loudly: "Father, let me speak! Sixth Sister is too soft-hearted, letting her maids run wild. Now the young maids in Twilight Cang Study do no work—they only play in the garden all day. They neglect the garden, leave rooms untidy, refuse tasks big or small, and even gossip idly! When my head maid scolded them, they talked back fiercely!"
Sheng Hong slapped his thigh angrily: "Minglan! Why don't you discipline your courtyard people?"
This being the first time Sheng Hong had entertained Rulan's complaint, she felt greatly encouraged. Before Minglan could respond, she rushed on: "The two most troublesome maids in Sixth Sister's room were given by Third Young Master! How could she discipline them?"
Hearing this involved Consort Lin, Sheng Hong hesitated. He glanced at Changfeng, who hung his head, then shot a suspicious look at Madam Wang. Recognizing his suspicion that she was using Consort Lin as a pretext, Madam Wang fumed but suppressed her anger, forcing a smile: "Rulan, don't talk nonsense. Your Third Brother must have chosen the best maids for your sister."
Rulan immediately retorted: "I'm not lying! One of those maids acts so high-and-mighty she even dared disrespect Eldest Brother! The other puts on airs like a young lady, claiming sickness every day and demanding constant care—her pretensions nearly surpass her mistress's! Minglan, you tell them! Am I making this up?" She tugged at Minglan, demanding confirmation.
Minglan said with a troubled expression: "Perhaps my place isn't good enough for them. Not only did they offend Eldest Brother, but they've also made Nurse Liu repeatedly call doctors and prepare medicine for our courtyard. In just over ten days, Ke'er has fallen ill five times! Thankfully Third Young Master often visits Ke'er—that seems to help her recover faster."
"Such things actually happened?!" Sheng Hong exclaimed in shock.
Old Mrs. Sheng said coldly: "...Two days ago, someone saw maids openly tugging at Brother Bai outside Twilight Cang Study in broad daylight! How utterly improper!" Madam Wang secretly fumed, her fingers digging harshly into the rongyan cushion on her chair.
Knowing his sons well, Sheng Hong looked at Changbai's stern face and Changfeng's guilty expression, and knew the truth. He silently cursed Consort Lin for causing trouble—if she wanted to dispose of disagreeable maids, why involve Minglan? Meanwhile, Molan grew anxious, frantically signaling Changfeng while smiling: "Father, don't be upset. These are just trivial matters. We can discipline those ignorant maids later—no need for anger! Sixth Sister, regardless of who gave them those maids, once they enter Twilight Cang Study they're your servants. Beating or scolding them is your call. Perhaps you're too soft-hearted, letting them think you're easy to bully?"Changfeng caught Mo’er’s meaningful glance and immediately chimed in, his face flushed with embarrassment as he addressed Minglan, “I’ve caused trouble for Sixth Sister. But those two have always been well-behaved at my place—perhaps they’re just not used to it yet. Sister, just give them a good talking-to; they’re clever and quick-witted!”
With a few light words, he brushed the matter aside. Rulan curled her lips disdainfully and sneered coldly on the side. Old Mrs. Sheng was furious. She slammed her hand heavily on the table and raised her voice, “What nonsense is this? How can this be trivial? What do you mean by ‘soft-hearted’? As her elder siblings, look at Minglan—she’s only moved out of my place for barely over twenty days, and look at the state she’s in now! Since when should a master yield to her servants? If unruly servants bully their mistress, is it Sixth Sister’s fault instead?”
Seeing Old Mrs. Sheng’s anger, Changfeng and Molan hurriedly stood up and stood respectfully to the side.
Sheng Hong turned to look and indeed saw that Minglan had noticeably lost weight, her chin had sharpened, and her complexion looked weary—a far cry from the plump, cheerful girl she had been at Longevity and Peace Hall. Frowning, he reproached Madam Wang, “How have you been looking after her? Minglan’s quarters are in such disarray, and you’ve done nothing about it?”
Madam Wang, suddenly implicated, said resentfully, “…I thought since the girl is older, she should manage things herself…” She had actually intended for Minglan to deal with Ke’er and Mei’er herself, but before she could finish, Sheng Hong interrupted, “What do you mean, older? Minglan has always been with Old Madam and has only just moved out to live on her own. Shouldn’t you be teaching her how to manage servants instead of standing by watching?”
His words were harsh but struck true. Madam Wang’s face darkened with concealed resentment. Seeing the timing was right, Minglan slowly stood up and said softly, “Father, please don’t blame Madame. Madame has been very kind to me and even gave me two maids to serve me. It’s my own incompetence that I couldn’t control the servants.” Her voice grew softer, tinged with a sob.
Madam Wang’s expression eased slightly, and she put on a wounded air, “After all, those two maids were sent by Feng Ge’er. How could I refuse him? It’s only natural for the younger maids to follow their example.” As she spoke, she glanced covertly at Sheng Hong.
Sheng Hong considered this and felt somewhat apologetic, giving Madam Wang a comforting look. Old Mrs. Sheng, seated above, watched with a faint, mocking smile at the corner of her lips before finally speaking, “Let Madame take the trouble to teach Ming Yatou how to manage her household. She ought to learn.”
Sheng Hong immediately agreed, “Old Madam is right. It should be Madame’s duty to teach her.” As he spoke, he subtly tugged at Madam Wang’s sleeve. Madam Wang quickly added, “Minglan is my daughter too, so of course, I should take charge.”
Changfeng wore a worried expression and looked pleadingly at Minglan, who resisted the urge to turn her head and stood obediently before Old Mrs. Sheng to receive the reprimand. Rulan cast a few provocative glances at Molan, who remained expressionless. She couldn’t care less about the fate of those maids—she only felt somewhat embarrassed.
Madam Wang acted swiftly and decisively. That very day, she brought the stewardess and Liu Kun’s wife to Twilight Cang Study, instructing Minglan to sit and observe. Rulan insisted on tagging along to watch the excitement and sat beside Minglan, observing as Madam Wang asserted her authority outside.Liu Kun's wife assembled all the maids of Twilight Cang Study in the courtyard, standing them in orderly rows. Madam Wang sat in the central position above, while Cuiwei carefully served her a cup of hot ginseng tea. Madam Wang took a satisfied sip, her sharp gaze sweeping over the girls in the courtyard. Though usually playful, they all knew today was different—each hunched their shoulders, bowed their heads, and stood holding their breath.
"...I originally tolerated your youth, but I never expected you to take advantage of Liu Guniang's gentle nature, daring to climb over her head one after another! Such audacity!" Madam Wang slapped the armrest of her chair and scolded sharply. "Which one is Ke'er? Step forward!"
Ke'er swayed gracefully as she stepped forward, wearing a long embroidered jacket with fur trim in watery red, looking delicate and pitiable. Madam Wang glanced at her and sneered coldly: "What a delicate beauty! I heard since you arrived, you've been taking medicine and feigning illness every other day, never getting better. It seems this place doesn't suit you. Very well, demote you to third-class maid and send you back to where you came from!"
Ke'er felt a surge of joy in her heart—even demoted, she would be happy to return to Changfeng's side. She merely gave Madam Wang a slight curtsey. Madam Wang chuckled inwardly and waved her hand, instructing an old matron to accompany Ke'er to pack her belongings.
Then, Liu Kun's wife leaned close to Madam Wang's ear and whispered a few words before straightening up and calling out loudly: "Which one is Mei'er? Step forward!"
Mei'er clenched her teeth, straightened her back, and stepped forward to bow to Madam Wang. Madam Wang glanced at her sideways and said coldly: "Quite the attitude! I heard you spend your days beating and scolding others, quarreling with the matrons, bickering with your sisters, and even daring to give your masters trouble!"
Mei'er trembled slightly but restrained herself, replying: "Answering Madam, I... I wouldn't dare. It's just that the rules here are somewhat different from where I came from, so I reasoned a few times—I didn't quarrel or bicker."
Madam Wang's eyes flashed with sharp light as she forcefully slapped the armrest. Immediately, an old matron stepped forward and delivered a resounding slap across Mei'er's face. Mei'er's jade-like cheek instantly swelled up on one side. The matron scolded harshly: "You wretched girl! How dare you talk back to Madam! Where did you learn such manners? One more word and I'll smash your mouth!"
Madam Wang snorted coldly and glanced at Liu Kun's wife. Understanding the signal, Liu Kun's wife announced loudly: "Mei'er is to forfeit six months' allowance, demoted to third-class maid... Drag her outside the second gate and give her ten strokes with the rod!"
As she spoke, someone dragged the crying and screaming Mei'er away. Madam Wang picked up her tea bowl and gently stirred it with slow, deliberate movements. Minglan sat inside without moving, while Rulan watched with great delight, occasionally tugging at Minglan's sleeve and saying: "You should learn from this too, so you don't end up crying and seeking Mother's help again!" Minglan forced a smile in response, her small hands clenched into fists inside her sleeves.
Finally, Madam Wang had Yinxing brought forward. She scrutinized her up and down with knife-like eyes until Yinxing trembled with fear, her knees giving way as she knelt. Madam Wang said indifferently: "You came from my place. Since you miss my people so much, you should return."
Yinxing sensed the chill in these words and kowtowed repeatedly in terror, unable to speak. Liu Kun's wife wore a contemptuous smile as she ordered someone to drag away the paralyzed Yinxing.After dealing with the few troublemakers who had stepped forward, Madam Wang sternly reprimanded the remaining young maids before leaving with Rulan. Minglan forced a stiff smile, expressing profuse thanks to Madam Wang as she saw them off. Suddenly, Twilight Cang Study became as quiet as a graveyard. Mei'er was carried back, and Minglan sent Danju to Mama Fang to fetch medicine for her wounds. She then retreated alone into her room, lying flat on the kang, her gaze vacant as she stared blankly at the ceiling.
At noon, she went to Longevity and Peace Hall for lunch. The grandmother and granddaughter ate in silence. Seeing Minglan's dispirited expression, Old Madam said nothing and let her be. After the meal, they quietly drank tea. Minglan refused to return to her own quarters, lingering for a while like a lost puppy that had finally found its way home. With drooping ears, she shuffled into Old Mrs. Sheng's bedroom, took off her shoes and socks, and like a little squirrel, rolled into the warm chamber of Old Mrs. Sheng's bed. Without even removing her clothes, she burrowed under the covers, curling up small.
Old Mrs. Sheng found this amusing and followed her in to see what she was up to. She found Minglan completely covered by the quilt. Hearing movement, Minglan lifted a corner of the quilt to peek out, then extended a small hand from beneath the covers to tug at Old Mrs. Sheng's sleeve, mumbling, "Grandmother, take a nap with Minglan."
Old Mrs. Sheng had originally intended to go to the Buddhist hall, but upon hearing this, she sighed and sat on the edge of the bed. She lifted a corner of the quilt and uncovered the little one's head, asking gently, "Is it all over now?" Minglan nodded dejectedly.
The old madam asked again, "Were you frightened?" Minglan lifted her head and shook it woodenly. "No, I knew it would happen. What's done is done." Old Mrs. Sheng rubbed her granddaughter's hair and coaxed, "Then why are you acting so listless?"
Minglan buried herself in her grandmother's embrace, her entire head pressed against the sandalwood-scented clothing. Suddenly, she thought of Yao Mama, who carried the same scent, and felt a pang of sorrow. She whispered, "Grandmother, am I a bad person? I deliberately indulged them. Every time Ke'er fell ill, I spread the news so Third Young Master would know. I intentionally let Yinxing know when Eldest Young Master returned from school. After Yinxing ran out the first time, Mama Liu came to scold her, but I stood in the way, making Yinxing feel she had nothing to fear. That's why she kept bothering Eldest Young Master again and again!... Yinxing always rummaged through my things and pried into matters at Longevity and Peace Hall—I've long been tired of her! I knew Madam hated maids seducing Eldest Young Master the most, so if things escalated, she would surely deal harshly with Yinxing. I also knew Consort Lin disliked Ke'er, which is why she sent her here. If Madam had the chance, she would send Ke'er back to annoy Consort Lin... I've started scheming against people too, but... I don't want to be this kind of person!"
As she spoke, her nose tingled with emotion, and tears began to fall. She felt she was becoming more and more like the villains she saw on television.
Minglan sobbed uncontrollably in Old Mrs. Sheng's arms, her tears soaking a large patch of the clothing. Old Mrs. Sheng lovingly stroked her small shoulders, holding her and rocking her slowly as if Minglan were still an infant. Cradling her head, she murmured softly, "There, there... it's alright, it's alright, my good Ming'er, don't cry. Who in this world doesn't wish to live honorably and peacefully? But how many can truly do so?"Minglan detected the helplessness and world-weariness in Old Mrs. Sheng's tone, feeling a pang of sorrow in her heart. From the moment those four maids first caused trouble, she had begun contemplating. Although Jiu'er was meddlesome, she was ultimately manageable. Since her mother was the head stewardess of the Sheng residence's inner household, she couldn't be touched. Mei'er had a fiery temper and could be dealt with gradually, though she would likely face some hardship. Ke'er served as both bait and a smokescreen, capable of dragging Madam Wang into the fray and conveniently getting rid of her. The most troublesome was Yinxing, who was sent by the madam—she couldn't be easily dismissed, and doing so would risk offending the madam. The best approach was to let the madam handle her own mess, using Changbai as the target...
Minglan felt disgusted with herself. Lifting her tear-streaked face, she choked out, "Elder brother has been so kind to me, yet I even schemed against him. I... I..."
"There was no other way!" Old Mrs. Sheng interrupted abruptly, her tone light and dismissive.
Minglan was startled. She saw the old madam calmly instruct Mama Fang to fetch water and a towel. Turning to see Minglan's dazed expression, she said indifferently, "If Brother Bai were your full-blooded brother, would you still be so hesitant?"
Of course not—she would have directly sought her brother's support and intervention in tears. Minglan felt a wave of panic inwardly.
Understanding this point made Minglan even more distressed. Through blurry, tear-filled eyes, she gazed at Old Mrs. Sheng, whose wrinkled face remained as calm as stone. She said quietly, "You must remember—you have no maternal family, no full-blooded brothers. Above you, there is a shrewd legal mother; below you, there are outstanding sisters. If you wish to live comfortably and freely, you must be clear-headed."
Minglan had never heard Old Mrs. Sheng speak like this before. She froze, holding her breath.
Just then, Mama Fang entered carrying a basin of steaming water. She carefully soaked the towel, wrung it out, and handed it to Old Mrs. Sheng. The old madam gently wiped Minglan's face with the warm towel, her movements tender and affectionate, but her tone was strikingly cold: "If you were born of the madam, why would you need to endure such grievances? You could live arrogantly and proudly. If you were born of Consort Lin, others wouldn't dare scheme against you. If you had full-blooded brothers, you'd have support from your maternal family in the future... Besides an old woman like me with few days left, what do you have? If you don't scheme, you'll have to live compromisingly, yielding at every turn and speaking humbly. Would you be willing?"
Minglan's mind was in chaos, unable to utter a word. Old Mrs. Sheng returned the towel to Mama Fang, took a white jade shell box, scooped some pearl and almond oil, and gently applied it to Minglan's soft, tender cheeks, rubbing it in carefully. Feeling that Minglan's face had lost much of its plumpness, the old madam felt a pang of heartache and said slowly, "There's no need to feel guilty about scheming against others, as long as you don't intentionally harm anyone. This time, aside from those maids, no one lost a piece of flesh—it's already quite good."
Mama Fang stood by watching Minglan, her gaze tinged with pity. She said softly, "Young lady, you must listen. The old madam is doing all this for your own good. You need to be more shrewd and think about how to manage the servants in the future." Minglan felt numb, as if sleepwalking, and without realizing it, the words slipped out: "Manage?...
The madam's intimidation today must have frightened them all. What more is there to manage?"Old Mrs. Sheng was instantly enraged. She flung Minglan’s hand away and stood solemnly by the bedside, her voice sharp and stern: “What they fear now is the mistress, not you, the rightful master! If you don’t show some ability to subdue the servants, how will you manage household affairs and preside over the family after you marry? If you don’t strive for yourself, no one else can help you! Quick, dress her properly and send her back—she is not to stay here! I don’t want to see such a useless thing! Hurry! Hurry!”
With that, she turned and stormed out. In her fury, her steps were slightly unsteady, and her body trembled faintly. Mama Fang hurried forward to support her. Once outside, she called Cuiping in to help Minglan dress. Old Mrs. Sheng walked somewhat hastily, and upon entering the prayer hall, she began to pant. Mama Fang quickly helped her sit down and gently patted her back: “...Old Madam was too harsh. Liu Guniang is simply kind-natured, not entirely foolish. She understands clearly in her heart.”
Old Mrs. Sheng took a moment to compose herself, her frustration born of high expectations evident as she sighed, "She's clever enough—so young yet understands the stakes and refrains from rash actions, knowing when to retreat in order to advance. I'm at ease with her living outside now. But her temperament is too soft, lacking any backbone. She doesn't even get angry when her maids act up!"
Mama Fang chuckled, "Old Madam, you only say this because you care for Liu Guniang. If it were anyone else, you'd call them scheming and ruthless! Rest assured, Liu Guniang is naturally kind-hearted and intelligent. She has great fortune ahead of her."
...
Minglan, having been scolded without clear reason, walked out of Longevity and Peace Hall in a daze. In truth, she didn't feel particularly guilty. She wasn't an unprincipled saint—she knew what she'd done was merely self-defense. What she disliked was her own calculating mind, the loss of her once carefree and natural disposition. She found this new, scheming version of herself utterly repulsive.
She trudged slowly back to Twilight Cang Study. Passing through the courtyard, she suddenly said, "Let's go see Mei'er."
With that, she turned and walked around the veranda. Today, all the maids were unusually subdued, standing respectfully aside when they saw Minglan. A small medicine stove was placed by the entrance, where Qinsang was fanning the flames with a large palm-leaf fan. The medicine pot bubbled and steamed vigorously. Danju led Minglan into the small room on the far right. As soon as the curtain was lifted, Minglan caught a strong whiff of medicinal ointment and frowned. She saw Mei'er lying face down on the couch, her face pale. Hearing the noise, Mei'er turned her head and, upon seeing Minglan, tried to struggle out of bed. Minglan gently tugged Danju's sleeve, prompting her to quickly press Mei'er back down.
Yancao brought a soft stool from outside for Minglan to sit on and was about to prepare tea when Minglan stopped her: "Don't trouble yourself. I'll only sit for a moment before leaving. You all go out—I'd like to speak with Mei'er alone." Danju then led the younger maids out of the room.
In the afternoon sunlight, Minglan examined Mei'er closely. Her hair was disheveled, one side of her face bruised and the other swollen, her lips bitten until they bled, stained with traces of blood. She seemed anxious, avoiding Minglan's gaze. After watching her for a while, Minglan said quietly, "...Ke'er has gone back. If you wish to return to Third Young Master, I can speak on your behalf..."
"No!" Mei'er suddenly cried out, reaching across to clutch Minglan's sleeve, pleading, "Guniang, please have mercy! Don't send me back—I won't go! I'm skilled at needlework. I'll serve you faithfully from now on, I promise I won't cause any more trouble!"
Minglan asked in surprise, "Why is that?"
Mei'er bit her injured lips, her face growing even paler. Minglan waited patiently until she finally whispered, "Some of my former sisters came to see me. They said... Ke'er was severely beaten by Consort Lin as soon as she returned and was sent to work with the rough servant women. Third Young Master... he's spineless. He and Ke'er used to swear endless vows of love, but when Consort Lin flew into a rage today, he didn't dare stand up for her! Though Ke'er's illness was mostly feigned, some of it was real. Now she... she..."As she spoke, tears began to fall. Mei'er took a deep breath, lifted her face, wiped away the tears with one hand, and said resolutely, "Ke'er is foolish, pinning all her hopes on the Third Young Master. But I am not foolish. My mother was a concubine, and as soon as my father passed away, that tigress sold both my mother and me. I don't even know... I don't even know if I'll ever see my mother again in this lifetime...!"
Minglan knew that her father was a failed scholar whose family had fallen into ruin, yet he still insisted on taking a concubine. Mei'er spoke with a choked voice: "I will never be a concubine—I'd rather eat chaff and drink water than live that life! Everyone said that the young masters' maids would eventually become bedroom servants, so I deliberately made myself disagreeable and unlikable. That's why I was pushed out! Miss, I was blinded by arrogance. After being praised by the Third Young Master for a couple of days, I forgot who I was. I thought you were gentle-tempered and acted presumptuously. You can punish me or beat me, but please don't send me away!"
Minglan listened quietly and said slowly, "I once heard a saying: it is good for a person to have pride in their bones, but not arrogance in their demeanor. Since you've come to understand, you may stay... By the way, what was your original name? The name Mei'er should not be used—it sounds disrespectful." Minglan found it strange that she could so naturally and casually change someone else's name.
Mei'er was silent for a moment, then whispered, "...Rumei. My father named me Rumei. It was changed because it clashed with Fifth Miss's name."
Minglan lifted her eyes to look out the window and said softly, "From now on, you shall be called 'Ruomei,' as a keepsake."
Ruomei whispered, "Thank you, Miss, for bestowing this name."
Minglan stood up and, before leaving, turned back and said, "You are literate, aren't you? I've written a set of rules and regulations. Get well quickly so you can teach the younger maids the proper conduct."
Ruomei looked surprised, then pleased, and bowed her head in thanks.
Minglan walked out of the side room and was suddenly greeted by a warm breeze. Glancing around, she saw tender green grass tips sprouting from the cracks in the ground. Minglan gazed steadily at the distant scenery for a while, then turned to Danju with a radiant smile and said, "The wind has turned warm. Tell Xiaotao to check if the ice on the lake has melted. Let's go fishing! After being cooped up all winter, the fish must be plump."
Danju, who had been following Minglan back and forth, knew she had been in low spirits and had been too anxious to console her. Seeing her smile again, she knew Minglan was fine and cheerfully replied, "Alright! I'll find a big fishing basket for you!"
—Sheng Minglan, originally named Yao Yiyi, is not a native of ancient times but a time-traveling woman. Her apparent age is eleven, unmarried, no longer in school, neither exceptional nor lacking, and currently striving to teach herself the skills needed to survive in ancient times.
(End of Volume)
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