Brother Changbai seemed quite popular among middle-aged and elderly women. Lady Hai’s letters grew increasingly enthusiastic, shifting from an initially condescending tone to addressing him as "dear in-laws." Seeing that Changbai lived alone in the Sheng residence in the capital, she even wished he could move into her own home. As Sheng Hong’s term of office was nearing its end, he instructed the servants to gradually prepare the capital residence for the family’s eventual return.
Over half a month later, Changbai finally returned home, exchanging his mother-in-law’s warmth for his own mother’s fervent welcome. Madam Wang patted her son’s head, feeling that her ten months of pregnancy and over a decade of emotional investment had not been in vain. Tears of joy welled up in her eyes. In truth, she had prepared a tall white horse and a large red silk flower ball, intending for her son to parade through the streets to showcase his glory. However, Changbai firmly refused, leaving Madam Wang somewhat disheartened. Minglan understood her well—married to a husband who felt like a boss and raising a son who acted like a father, anyone would feel frustrated.
As compensation, Sheng Hong chose a cool, pleasant day to host a banquet at the residence. Coinciding with a day off, he invited colleagues and superiors to join in the festivities.
In the late spring and early summer, the garden was lush with greenery and vibrant blooms, complemented by elegantly arranged rocks, creating a perfect setting for entertaining guests. Madam Wang had initially wanted to hire a troupe to perform operas, but Sheng Hong thought it best not to be too ostentatious. Instead, they set up several banquet tables, with male guests feasting in the front and female guests in a separate area in the rear courtyard. Many families in Dengzhou were on good terms with the Shengs, and some close acquaintances arrived early. Surprisingly, the earliest arrival was Princess Pingning.
It wasn’t due to Madam Wang’s exceptional charm, but rather because there were few women in Dengzhou of equivalent status to a third-rank princess. Other official wives could only flatter and fawn, and after a while, Princess Pingning grew weary of the excessive praise. Madam Wang, having come from a prestigious family and experienced in the social circles of the capital, was adept at socializing. When middle-aged women gossiped about royalty, nobility, and influential families, the conversations ignited like dry wood meeting flames. Though Madam Wang could be domineering, she dared not act arrogantly in front of the princess. Especially since she had stopped promoting her daughters, her straightforward nature unexpectedly meshed well with the princess’s more intricate demeanor.
Princess Pingning first congratulated Madam Wang, then lamented her own son’s failure in the imperial exams. Though Madam Wang was in high spirits that day, she couldn’t show too much joy in the face of the princess’s sorrow. After racking her brains, she finally thought of a distressing topic to share: "They say marry your daughter to a high-status family and take a daughter-in-law from a lower one. With the Hai family’s background and traditions, how will I ever manage my future daughter-in-law!"
Madam Wang’s noble act of sacrificing her own joy to entertain the princess immediately paid off. The princess laughed through her tears: "Oh, you! You want both a high-status daughter-in-law and the freedom to discipline her as you please—since when does such a good thing exist in this world?"
Had anyone else spoken to her so mockingly, Madam Wang would have flipped the table in anger. But with the princess, she could only secretly clutch her handkerchief in frustration, force a dry laugh, and let the matter pass.Before long, more guests arrived, filling the hall with the glitter of jewels and the tinkling of jade pendants. Old Mrs. Sheng sat in the place of honor, while the three Lan sisters, dressed in fresh new clothes, stood shyly to the side receiving guests, enduring pinches and pats from a crowd of aunties. Minglan’s forced smile nearly made her facial muscles cramp, and waves of perfumed powder made her dizzy. Across the room, standing beside the wife of the retired Lord Yu was a girl of fifteen or sixteen, wearing a bright purple narrow-sleeved, waist-cinching gauze blouse and a lotus-root-colored long skirt with blue patterns from the Xiang River region. Noticing Minglan’s strained expression, the girl secretly flashed her a playful wink. Minglan was furious and bared her teeth at her in response.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Old Mrs. Sheng took Old Madam Yu to the Longevity and Peace Hall for a private chat. Madam Wang, after warmly greeting the other ladies and wives, wanted to discuss more adult topics like marriages but, mindful of the young girls present, allowed them to go off and play on their own.
Molan, skilled in social graces and with the most friends, was immediately surrounded by four or five chattering girls as soon as they stepped out. Rulan, conscious of her status, stayed close only to the legitimate daughters of the Liu and Li assistant magistrates. Minglan, having been sheltered by Old Mrs. Sheng and rarely allowed to meet guests, and needing to maintain a demure front in front of Madam Wang, had made few acquaintances. However, as Old Madam Yu often visited Old Mrs. Sheng to discuss Buddhist scriptures, Minglan had become familiar with her granddaughter, Yanran.
Yu Yanran was tall, slender, and elegantly charming. At one point, Old Mrs. Sheng had even considered her as a potential match for Changbai. Unfortunately, Yanran’s father, a fifth-rank vice minister in the Ministry of Revenue, felt that marrying his daughter to the son of Sheng Hong, who held the same rank, was somewhat beneath her, and the matter was dropped.
The group of girls was led into the Flourishing Pavilion for tea. Maids had already set out an array of brocade cushions, embroidered chairs, tea tables, and curved-legged stands, along with delicate snacks and covered teacups. Rulan smiled and said, “This white tea was brought by my uncle from Yunnan. Sisters, please taste it and see how you like it.” The girls showed great interest, lifting their cups to take small sips. Molan raised the corner of her eye slightly, covered her mouth, and chuckled lightly, “Fifth Sister, really—must you show off every rare treasure as if none of us have seen the world? Not to mention Yunnan white tea—even brick tea from Tibet, Sister Wu brought some for us to try last time!”
Rulan’s expression immediately darkened, though she restrained herself from lashing out. The discord between the sisters was no secret among their circle, and the surrounding girls remained unfazed, continuing to sip tea and chat. Wu Baozhu, ever tactful, smiled and said, “Sister Mo, please don’t bring that up again. That awful stuff left such a bitter taste in our mouths—I truly regret it. Today’s white tea is much better, mild and mellow.”
The daughter of Assistant Magistrate Liu also chimed in, “Each thing has its own flavor. There’s no reason not to share good things with sisters. Sister Rulan is just being hospitable.”
Chen Xinya, the only daughter of the prefect, was proud and willful by nature. Though a legitimate daughter herself, she clashed with Rulan but enjoyed being flattered by Molan. Pouting, she set down her teacup and said, “I find it rather plain—too bland and lacking in flavor. It’s not as good as the White Dew tea my father brought from Mount Lu.”
Rulan pursed her lips and suddenly turned to Minglan, who was sitting in a corner. “Sixth Sister, what do you think?”Minglan was edging closer to the door, hoping to slip away unnoticed when she was unexpectedly called upon. She froze momentarily before responding, "The flavor is indeed subtle, but its delicate fragrance and lingering aftertaste offer a unique charm. I'm fortunate to share this tea with all you sisters. Fifth Sister has been saving it for days, not even sharing it with her own sisters, reserving it especially for today's gathering!"
The sentiment behind the modest gift was deeply appreciated, and the surrounding girls expressed their thanks one after another. Rulan felt immensely satisfied.
Meanwhile, Yu Yanran, who had been cornered by a magistrate's illegitimate daughter, seized the chance to stand up and approach Minglan. She tapped Minglan's forehead with her slender, onion-like finger and chided, "You little rascal, why haven't you spoken to me today? How ungrateful!"
Minglan frowned and retorted, "Last month, when the weather warmed, flowers bloomed, grass greened, and the fish grew lively, I invited you several times to come fishing and enjoy fish soup. You merely sent word that you were busy without any explanation. Why should I bother with you?"
No sooner had she finished speaking than Minglan noticed most of the girls in the room exchanging strange, knowing looks. Puzzled, she turned to Yanran, who appeared uncomfortable. Chen Xinya turned and teased, "Molan, your little sister is quite clueless. Sister Yu has hooked a big, fat fish now—how could she have time to come fish for your little minnows?"
Over half the girls giggled conspiratorially without elaborating. Only the youngest, Hong Qingyu, still naive, clapped her hands and exclaimed, "I know! I know! Sister Yu is discussing marriage with the second young master of the Gu family, the Marquis of Ningyuan in the capital!"
Minglan exclaimed in surprise, "Really? Congratulations, Sister!" A chorus of congratulations, both sincere and feigned, arose around them. Yet Minglan sensed something off about the atmosphere—it felt... somewhat inappropriate. She glanced at Yanran, who was too embarrassed to lift her head, and awkwardly changed the subject: "Which Gu family? Isn't Princess Pingning's maiden name also Gu? Are they related?"
Rulan interjected quickly, "They're from the same clan! The Marquis of Xiangyang and the Marquis of Ningyuan are descended from brothers who fought together for Emperor Taizu and were enfeoffed together!" Minglan was genuinely happy for Yanran and smiled, "That's truly wonderful. Such a family must be excellent."
Just then, Molan suddenly cut in, "But... I've heard that the second young master of the Gu family has a rather eccentric temperament."
Whispers erupted again around them. Yanran hid behind Minglan, utterly mortified and silent. Minglan forced a loud laugh and declared, "Don't listen to my fourth sister's nonsense! We sisters haven't been to the capital since we were old enough to understand things—how would we know such details?" She shot Molan a sharp glare, and Molan pouted disdainfully before falling silent.
Gratitude shone in Yanran's eyes, but then Chen Xinya remarked coolly, "We may not know other details, but there's one thing: when I was young in the capital, I heard that the Old Marquis of Ningyuan once nearly dragged him to the Imperial Clan Court on charges of filial impiety."
Miss Liu feigned a loud, shocked gasp, prompting more murmurs among the girls. Minglan was stunned. She looked back at Yanran's humiliated and angry expression, then at the surrounding girls—some gloating, others keeping their distance, and the kindest among them offering only lukewarm comfort. Fury surged within her: She knew why they acted this way—it was nothing but jealousy.Speaking of which, Yu Yanran had the most distinguished background among all the young ladies. Although her father was merely a vice minister, her grandfather had served as Chief Grand Secretary, renowned for his integrity throughout the realm. The Late Emperor had personally inscribed the characters "Diligent, Prudent, and Conscientious" to commend him. It was this prestige that qualified her to directly discuss marriage with the legitimate second son of a marquis' household. In comparison, back when Hualan, as the legitimate eldest daughter of the Sheng family, married the second son of a declining earl's household, it had required immense effort.
Wanting to help Yanran out of her predicament, Minglan pointed at herself and declared loudly, "All boys are mischievous when they're young! Besides, rumors are mostly unreliable. Before meeting me, Sister Liu had 'heard' that I was aloof and eccentric, but look at me—aren't I both beautiful and kind-hearted?" Miss Liu gave an awkward smile, while the other girls burst into laughter. Minglan, unperturbed, continued, "What's wrong with what I said? Am I not beautiful? Not kind-hearted?"
Rulan pointed at Minglan, "You, you, you..." before collapsing onto a stool, clutching her stomach and laughing too hard to speak.
The quiet snickers in the room turned into uproarious laughter. Minglan noticed that Yanran's flushed cheeks had slightly faded and felt deep sympathy for her. Deciding to commit fully to the act, she added, "Sisters, you're making too much of a fuss. Isn't Sister Yanran just discussing marriage? I even want to arrange a match for Little Red and Little White in my fishbowl!"
The others laughed even harder, clutching their stomachs. Minglan maintained a serious expression and said, "Little Red and Little White have been with me for quite some time. Seeing that they're not getting any younger, as their owner, I must give some thought to their lifelong matters!"
The girls were doubled over with laughter. Wu Baozhu, leaning on another girl's shoulder with a flushed face, wiped her tears and asked, "So, did it work out?" Minglan shook her head. "It's quite challenging."
Chen Xinya, laughing so hard her stomach hurt, managed to squeeze out a few words in a teasing tone, "...Why is that?" Minglan adopted a grave expression, shaking her head solemnly. "Marriage is a serious matter, dictated by parents and arranged by matchmakers. But I... where am I supposed to find fish parents and a matchmaker for those two fish?"
Chen Xinya roared with laughter, "Why don't you just act as their parents, and I'll be the matchmaker! Let's have them bow and get married right now!"
The girls were nearly hysterical with laughter. Rulan rushed over, pinching Minglan hard, and said, "You little rascal, you're such a jokester! If you make all the sisters laugh themselves sick, how will you explain it?" Seeing Rulan's actions, the other girls swarmed around Minglan, tousling and teasing her. Minglan struggled vigorously, but being small and outnumbered, she was chased around the room, all the while shouting, "Be serious, be serious! We're discussing marriage here!"
The girls only grew more amused, chasing each other around the room. Seeing that everyone's focus had shifted to her, Minglan breathed a sigh of relief and exchanged a glance with Yanran, who had moved near the door. Yanran nodded and slipped away when no one was paying attention. Minglan finally managed to break free from the girls, her clothes disheveled from the tussle. Using the excuse of tidying her appearance, she took her leave. Just before departing, she heard Rulan still laughing, "My little sister is so much fun, isn't she? My father and brothers dote on her immensely..."
Then came Molan's voice, tinged with a hint of sarcasm, "That little girl certainly has a sharp tongue!"
Other girls chimed in: "I think Younger Sister Sheng is wonderful—both amusing and kind-hearted."
Another girl murmured softly, "...She's really nice... cheerful and interesting..."Minglan ignored them and went straight back to Mucangzhai with Danju. As soon as she entered the room, she indeed saw Yanran already there. At the sight of her, Minglan raised her eyebrows and pointed accusingly, "How dare you say I have no conscience! After all our sisterhood, when I asked you to go fishing you didn't come, when your marriage proposal came up I knew nothing about it, but when you became the subject of ridicule you expected me to cover for you! Look at my dress—tell me, how are you going to make it up to me?!"
She lifted the crumpled hem of her skirt, putting on an indignant expression. Yanran walked up to Minglan, clasped her hands together and repeatedly bowed, saying in a rush, "My dear sister, my dear sister, it's all my fault. If I deliberately hid it from you, may a big boil grow on my face! I was just about to come and tell you about it today. Dear sister, I truly owe you for earlier—if not for you, who knows how much they would have teased me!"
While speaking, Cuiwei had already brought out a new emerald-green embroidered silk jacket with gold thread and a green embroidered skirt. Minglan went behind the four-fold ebony carved satin screen to change her clothes, then came out still wearing a stern face: "Alright, tell me, what exactly is going on? Give me the full truth."
Yanran said with a bitter expression, "It's just this matter... the match was recommended by my father's superior..." She trailed off, hesitant to continue.
Cuiwei and Danju were perceptive. Seeing that their mistresses were about to share intimate words, they withdrew together after Xiaotao brought in tea and snacks. Minglan glanced at the door, then sat down beside Yanran and said softly, "Sister Yanran, I don't mean to criticize you, but this is still just a marriage proposal—it hasn't been settled yet. How did it become known throughout the city? If this matter doesn't work out, what will you do?"
Yanran, deeply moved, grasped Minglan's hands and said, "Dear sister, no wonder my Old Madam always praises your honest and sincere character. I have many close sisters, but only you would say such heartfelt words to me! It's just hateful that my mother passed away early, leaving me without any siblings. They say 'with a stepmother comes a stepfather.' After my father remarried, he only took my stepmother and my half-siblings to his post, leaving me here alone. Fortunately, my grandparents took pity on me, otherwise..." Her voice choked up, tears welling in her eyes.
Minglan felt sorrowful, lowering her head and gently rubbing the edge of Yanran's clothes. Yanran sniffled and continued, "This marriage proposal wasn't my grandparents' idea originally. My stepmother connected with some relative of the Marquis of Ningbei and urged my father to accept the matchmaker's proposal. Thankfully, my grandfather said he needed to consider and investigate further, so it hasn't been finalized yet. But that woman... that woman... has made sure everyone knows about it."
Yanran couldn't continue, sobbing quietly. Minglan's heart ached for her, but she couldn't find words to comfort her, only gently stroking the back of Yanran's hand and taking out a fresh handkerchief to wipe her tears. After a while, Yanran collected herself, took a deep breath, nodded firmly, and managed a smile: "Look at me—your family's happy occasion, and I'm carrying on like this! I must be a laughingstock to you, sister! But I suppose my father wouldn't deliberately harm his own daughter. After all, a girl must marry eventually. I'll tell my grandfather to stop investigating left and right—I'll just marry whoever it is and be done with it.""Don't you dare!" Minglan, who had been listening quietly, suddenly exclaimed in alarm upon hearing this: "You can't just muddle through and marry anyone! A woman usually only gets to marry once in her lifetime, and to only one man. If you don't exercise caution now, you'll regret it later with no way out! Have your grandfather investigate thoroughly, investigate properly - if he's unsuitable, you absolutely must not marry him!"
Yanran wiped her tears and laughed: "You little girl, how come you talk about nothing but marriage! Could it be that you're also thinking about getting married?"
This level of teasing wasn't even enough to fill the gaps between Minglan's teeth. Without changing her expression in the slightest, she said seriously: "Sister Yanran, I know you don't want your grandparents to oppose your father, but you should think of yourself too! Though I've never met your stepmother, I've heard some things about her - she's not an easy person to deal with. To put it bluntly, if you marry well, she'll surely rush to take advantage of your influence. But if you suffer grievances, do you think she'll stand up for you?"
Yanran's face turned pale, her mind in complete turmoil. Minglan stood up, walked to the center of the room and struck her palm with her fist, declaring resolutely: "Sister Yanran, you must stop wallowing in self-pity from now on. Though you've lost your birth mother, you're still the legitimate daughter with both grandparents alive and well. But what about me? I'm just a concubine's daughter with only one grandmother! Yet, though I'm inferior to you in every way, if someone tried to force me to marry some worthless man, I'd fight it to the death!"
Yanran stared blankly at Minglan. The girl's delicate, radiant face remained calm, yet revealed a hint of resolute determination. Suddenly, courage welled up in Yanran's heart. She intimately took Minglan's hand and said softly: "Dear sister, don't worry - I definitely won't belittle myself! You treat me with such sincerity, I'll never forget your kindness even if I die!"
Minglan felt embarrassed by her words. She glanced at Yanran and, seeing her composed expression, said reassuringly: "Don't talk nonsense about life and death! From now on, keep your distance from those gossipy types. My family's Old Madam rarely lets me socialize with them, always saying 'you don't need many intimate sisters, a few are enough.' Only now do I understand how wise she is!"
Yanran laughed: "Your Old Madam's intentions go beyond that. My grandmother hinted to me that your Old Madam already has plans in mind for your marriage. Unfortunately, these elders keep their mouths shut tighter than clams - I couldn't pry anything open no matter how hard I tried."
Minglan felt quite curious, but couldn't help blushing: "I'm still so young! You should worry about yourself first!"
In truth, Minglan soon understood Old Mrs. Sheng's considerations. There were only so many marriageable boys in Dengzhou City, and she already knew those she usually interacted with. With two sisters of similar age in the household, and neither Madam Wang nor Consort Lin being pushovers, any good matches would never reach Minglan. So rather than having Minglan show herself in society, it was better to find another approach.
Though Old Mrs. Sheng usually discussed everything with Minglan, when it came to marriage matters she wouldn't reveal a single word. Minglan couldn't very well impatiently press for answers either. Ah—she could only wait and hope that Old Mrs. Sheng had better judgment in choosing a grandson-in-law than she had in selecting a daughter-in-law.
Amitabha!
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