Minglan wasn't sure about other places, but in Youyang's customs, those without little brothers weren't allowed to participate in wedding chamber festivities. Coupled with the overwhelming amount of information received that day, Pinlan and Minglan went to bed early after washing up.
The new second sister-in-law from the Kang family had a very Korean-style name - Yun'er. When she served tea to the two old madams and her parents-in-law the next morning, Minglan observed her carefully. Indeed, she was gentle, graceful, and charmingly shy. Looking at her second brother Changwu grinning foolishly like a big pumpkin beside her, it seemed last night had been quite harmonious.
Sheng Wei and Li Shi both liked their new daughter-in-law very much, rewarding her with a thick red envelope and a pair of exquisite jade dragon-and-phoenix bangles. Kang Yun'er, her cheeks flushed, accepted the gifts with the Five-Phoenixes-Facing-the-Sun pearl hairpin trembling on her head. Mindful of her eldest daughter-in-law, Li Shi didn't mention anything about bearing children, only kindly instructing her to "maintain harmony among sisters-in-law."
After paying respects, Pinlan secretly told Minglan that Kang Yun'er's dowry wasn't as substantial as Shulan's when she married Scholar Sun. Minglan glanced at the guileless Pinlan - it seemed the Kang family had indeed declined somewhat, no wonder Yun'er, whose parents were both from prominent aristocratic families, had married beneath her station. However, misfortune might be a blessing in disguise. Judging by how Wen Shi, the eldest sister-in-law, had remained childless for years yet was still protected by her parents-in-law and husband, Yun'er seemed destined for good fortune as well.
Thinking this, Minglan couldn't help but sigh. Heavens! Why were the only few good ancient men she knew all within three generations of collateral relatives! She wondered what her future husband would be like. If she ended up with someone like Brother-in-law Sun, she'd have to choose between adultery or lesbianism. Wuwu
From their interactions in the following days, Old Mrs. Sheng's matchmaking proved excellent. Kang Yun'er was modest and polite, respectful to her elder sister-in-law and gentle with her younger sisters-in-law. Though she was rather reserved and prone to blushing, this complemented Changwu's straightforward nature quite well.
Yun'er showed particular respect to Old Mrs. Sheng. Once during meal service, upon learning there was vegetarian sesame greens - the old madam's favorite dish - she kept adding portions to the elderly woman's plate. Sheng Yun, who had come for dinner, teased: "They say once the newlyweds consummate their marriage, the matchmaker gets thrown over the wall. But my niece-in-law hasn't forgotten her matchmaker at all! What a good child, never forgetting her roots!"
Yun'er blushed all the way to her ears, wishing she could burrow into the ground. Da Lao Taitai slapped Sheng Yun twice, though she couldn't help laughing herself. Pinlan, eating in the adjacent room, deeply regretted not being present to join the teasing - she particularly enjoyed teasing this shy new sister-in-law. Minglan often came to the rescue, preventing Pinlan from bullying her. However, with Changwu chasing after them to scold his sister, Pinlan rarely succeeded, and the siblings often ended up roughhousing together.
Li Shi felt comforted seeing the family's harmony, though thinking of her eldest daughter Shulan made her sad. She could only silently chant "Amitabha Buddha," praying all her children would find happiness and harmony.
On the seventh day after the wedding, the entire Sheng family went to the ancestral hall to worship their ancestors. After the male members cut sacrificial meat and completed offerings, they withdrew to let the female members pay respects. The main purpose was to introduce Yun'er to both the Sheng family tablets and living relatives. After this registration, Yun'er would officially be considered a member of the Sheng family.The Sheng family rose to prominence rather late, so there weren't many ancestors with verifiable records. Minglan followed the rituals in a daze, bowing repeatedly—sometimes offering incense, sometimes kowtowing. In her dizzy state, she suddenly remembered that after Yun'er had been recorded into the family registry earlier, Da Lao Taitai and her own grandmother had exchanged a few words with several elderly female relatives of the clan. Then, the clan head Sheng Wei added a few more strokes of the brush—what exactly had he written?
On the carriage ride back, Minglan couldn't resist asking Old Mrs. Sheng. To her surprise, the old lady dropped a bombshell with a casual remark: "You've been registered under your mother's name. From now on, you'll be on equal footing with Rulan."
Minglan stared in shock, stammering after a moment, "How... how did this happen? Does... uh, does Mother know?" Old Mrs. Sheng glanced at Minglan, her expression unchanged. "I informed her."
Minglan's mind was a muddled mess as she sat dumbfounded in the carriage. The old lady acted decisively, without the slightest hint beforehand, and now spoke of it as if it were nothing. Though bursting with questions, Minglan didn't know where to begin. In the end, she simply clung to her grandmother's arm, rocking back and forth, burying her head against the old woman and whispering, "Thank you, Grandmother. You've gone to so much trouble for me."
Old Mrs. Sheng half-closed her eyes and uttered only one phrase: "...Nonsense."
The carriage's bluish-gray velvet canopy swayed gently overhead. Minglan looked up quietly, knowing that only children registered under the principal wife were considered legitimate heirs. In truth, this was merely a nominal improvement—relatives and friends would still know she was born of a concubine. But at least it would lend her some dignity when it came to marriage.
A faint, private smile tugged at Minglan's lips. From now on, Rulan wouldn't be able to call her "the child of a lesser woman"... The thought jolted her, and she tugged gently at her grandmother's sleeve, asking softly, "What about Fourth Sister? Has she been registered under Mother's name too?"
Without opening her eyes, Old Mrs. Sheng replied calmly, "You don't compete with Rulan. As for Molan... that depends on her own fate."
Minglan pondered this, only half-understanding. It seemed that even after being registered under Madam Wang's name, she wasn't truly equal to Rulan. She still ranked lower than Rulan. If their interests ever conflicted, then...
Minglan smiled wryly. So it was just a superficial upgrade—but still, better than nothing.
Another half-month passed. Changwu was to return to the capital to assume his post as Zhenfu of the Zhongwei Guard. Though Li Shi was reluctant to part with her son, she knew how fiercely contested this official position had been. It was only through Sheng Hong's extensive efforts that it had been secured. But Kang Yun'er felt uneasy, fearing her mother-in-law would order her to stay behind. In the dazzling capital, with Changwu alone, how could he resist temptation? She dreaded that when they reunited, there might be several additional concubines—recalling her own mother's grievances.
The thought sent chills down Yun'er's spine. She could only serve her in-laws with even greater reverence and attentiveness, rising early and retiring late, humbling herself in all matters. This endeared her even more to everyone in the Sheng household.
One day, while paying respects to Old Mrs. Sheng, Li Shi brought this up and sighed, "My son must pursue his career. As his mother, I can't hold him back. It's just pitiful that he's leaving his parents at such a young age. When he returns to the capital, I must ask you, Aunt, to keep an eye on him."
Yun'er stood waiting nearby, a fine sweat beading on her forehead. Li Shi glanced back at her and said slowly, "Wu Ge'er's wife has only just joined the family. I'm not entirely at ease and would like to keep her here a while longer for guidance. Yun'er, what do you think?"Yun'er felt a chill in her heart and warmth in her eyes, yet she forced a smile: "With Mother's guidance, this daughter-in-law couldn't be happier."
Minglan had been dozing against her grandmother earlier but was now somewhat awake. Unable to resist, she interjected: "Da Bomu, why not let Second Sister-in-law go to the capital with Elder Brother?" Li Shi asked deliberately: "Why so?"
Minglan said sheepishly: "Well... I can't bear to part with my new sister-in-law." This reason was too childish to be believed. Minglan then added in a small voice: "Actually... Wu Elder Brother would miss her even more."
Yun'er's face flushed crimson. Though she knew Minglan was merely speaking childish words, she felt grateful and secretly conveyed her thanks with a glance.
A few days later, the physician confirmed that Wen Shi, the elder daughter-in-law, was three months pregnant. Sheng Wei and Li Shi were overjoyed, declaring this good fortune was brought by Yun'er. Wen Shi heard this and believed it too, feeling particularly grateful to her sister-in-law. The two women held hands and chatted intimately for a long while.
In truth, Li Shi wasn't a harsh mother-in-law. She simply worried that Yun'er, coming from an official's family, might become spoiled without parental supervision. With Madam Wang's backing in the capital, she might neglect her husband. But upon reflection, Li Shi decided it was acceptable - if things didn't work out, she could always recall her daughter-in-law. Yun'er was so happy she nearly wept, but dared not show excessive emotion, only listening obediently as Li Shi instructed her on social interactions and caring for her husband in the capital. Several days later, she departed for the capital with Changwu.
The Sheng residence gradually quieted down. One day when the autumn wind had calmed and the sun was warm, Old Madam suddenly said to Minglan after breakfast: "Ming girl, accompany your grandmother to the city for some shopping."
Minglan was standing by the table cutting fabric, with Danju measuring with a ruler beside her. Cuiwei was flipping through pattern books while Xiaotao tended the tea stove. These days Pinlan had been taken by Da Bomu to learn account-keeping, so Minglan had decided to make a child's bellyband for Wen Shi during her free time. Hearing this, she looked up without immediately processing the words: "Go to the city? Aren't we already in the city?"
— Wasn't Youyang a county town? Could it be considered countryside?
Old Madam laughed: "Silly child, wait until we reach Jinling and you'll understand what a real city is. Let's visit our old house - we haven't been back for years, and need to organize many unused old items before they rot away or get eaten by insects."
When the old Master Sheng divided the family property, he left each of his three sons a residence. Because the second son had completed the transition from merchant to scholar before marrying the Marquis' daughter, the old master had acquired the second son's residence in Jinling.
Old Madam and Minglan boarded the carriage together with half their maids and serving women. Concerned about insufficient attendants, Sheng Wei assigned seven or eight strong servants and maids. The carriage prepared, they traveled slowly toward Jinling. As soon as they passed through Jinling's city gates, Minglan noticed the dramatically increased noise and bustle outside. But as a young lady from a respectable family, she couldn't lift the curtain to look outside. Minglan could only imitate martial arts masters, crouching in the carriage and listening to sounds, using the street vendors' calls to guess what was outside.
Old Madam watched Minglan itching with curiosity like a little squirrel, desperately resisting the urge to lift the curtain while pressing her small face against the carriage wall to listen carefully. Though secretly amused, she deliberately didn't point this out, letting the girl endure her curiosity.Upon arriving at the Sheng residence, Danju helped Minglan alight from the carriage, after which Minglan turned to assist her grandmother down. A dozen or so elderly servants had already gathered at the entrance to welcome them. An elderly steward stepped forward, knelt, and saluted loudly: "We humble servants welcome Old Madam and Liu Guniang back to the residence!" Behind him, a row of maids and servants knelt in unison, kowtowing and calling out greetings.
Old Mrs. Sheng nodded, seemingly satisfied, and waved for them to rise. With Minglan supporting her, the group filed into the mansion. The steward, visibly excited at the sight of the old lady, stammered incessantly along the way: "It's been many years since we last saw our mistress. This old servant is overjoyed! The residence has been empty and lacked proper upkeep. Would Old Madam like to take a sedan chair to tour the premises? Ah, this must be Liu Guniang! This old servant has never met her before—she's like a pearl flower and jade tree, truly magnificent!"
Old Mrs. Sheng smiled faintly and replied, "It's only natural for a house to feel desolate without occupants. There's no need for a tour; I trust your management. Your grandson serves well by Brother Bai's side."
Hearing that his grandson had earned the masters' approval, the steward beamed with delight and cheerfully ushered everyone into the main hall to be seated. He then had the household servants come forward one by one to kowtow to Old Mrs. Sheng. Minglan was bombarded with endless flattery until her ears rang, and she couldn't remember who was who. After much bustling, things finally quieted down.
Old Mrs. Sheng led Minglan to the inner hall, winding through several side rooms and passing behind the storerooms until they reached a secluded, chilly chamber. Mama Fang was already waiting there. Seeing her, Old Mrs. Sheng said calmly, "Have all the items been retrieved?"
Mama Fang bowed in affirmation, then led Cuiwei, Danju, and the other maids and matrons out, leaving only the grandmother and granddaughter in the room.
Minglan was puzzled by these actions. Judging by her grandmother's mysterious demeanor, it seemed she had something important to disclose. Turning around, Minglan saw Old Mrs. Sheng already seated in an old wooden chair at the center, pointing to seven or eight neatly arranged chests on the floor. "These were your grandmother's dowry," she told Minglan. A faint, almost sarcastic smile touched her lips as she added, "Only these remain."
Minglan stared blankly at the chests. Old Mrs. Sheng gestured for her to open them. Minglan walked over and lifted the lids of the already unlocked chests one by one. A musty odor assaulted her nostrils, causing her to cough violently. Damn, these hadn't been opened for at least thirty years! She worried about harmful bacteria or mold. Forcing her eyes open, she saw the interiors were dark and thick with dust, some even draped with spiderwebs. She could barely make out items like porcelain, bronze antiques, and similar artifacts. The last two smaller chests were more tightly sealed; the heavy rosewood boxes seemed to contain an inner layer of iron.
Old Mrs. Sheng's eyes grew distant, as if recalling many past events. She said quietly, "There used to be dozens more chests of fine fabrics—silks, brocades, velvets, furs—all of which I burned. Some I converted into silver for expenses and networking; one can't let your father navigate officialdom empty-handed. Of what originally came from the marquis's estate as dowry, only these remain... They are yours now."Minglan had just recovered from a cough when she nearly choked again, quickly responding, "Grandmother's possessions should naturally go to elder brother. Hehe, just give me some silver instead." She wasn't joking - if she were to carry these items as dowry, Madam Wang would surely strangle her, and even Changbai might not look favorably upon her.
Old Mrs. Sheng seemed not to hear, continuing calmly, "For you sisters, aside from the dowry your father provides, I'll add one thousand taels each as customary. For the boys, there's distinction between legitimate and illegitimate - I'll add fifteen hundred for your eldest brother's marriage, and eight hundred each for the two younger ones. Having spent my whole life in the Sheng family, whatever affection your grandfather showed me can be considered settled. But these chests have nothing to do with the Sheng family."
Her tone was matter-of-fact, almost like giving final instructions. Minglan felt sorrowful, knowing that Yanran's entire dowry totaled only fifteen hundred taels, and that was only because Lord Yu took pity on her marrying far away. Of course, this also reflected Lord Yu's integrity and his son's stinginess.
Minglan went over and tugged at her grandmother's sleeve, gently advising, "Grandmother, you should give these to elder brother. He's the family's eldest legitimate grandson after all." After a long silence, Old Mrs. Sheng finally came to herself, looking at Minglan with an unsettling gaze before slowly saying, "These chests may not be priceless, but they're enough to ensure your comfort for life. Are you truly refusing them?"
Minglan sighed and decided to speak plainly: "To be honest, everyone likes fine things. But one should act within their means. What's mine is mine, and what isn't can't be taken by force. These treasures would be impressive even in eldest sister's husband's family - how could I possibly deserve them? And..." Under her grandmother's interested gaze, Minglan trailed off awkwardly, concluding, "Anyway, I'm still young. If fate favors me, I'll have good days ahead. These bronze antiques should be forgotten."
In ancient times, money wasn't everything. Without corresponding ability and family protection, wealthy merchants easily became targets for extortion by officials or nobility. That Sheng Wei could accumulate wealth without trouble was because he had an official cousin - successive county magistrates in Youyang maintained good relations with the Sheng family. The same principle explained why the Li family insisted their sons study for official positions despite already having enough money. Offending Madam Wang and Changbai over these chests would be gaining little while losing much.
Old Mrs. Sheng looked amusedly at Minglan: "Who said all seven or eight chests were for you?"
Minglan froze. Well, she had presumed too much and could only smile awkwardly. Old Mrs. Sheng pointed to the last two chests: "Those are for you - just some jade pieces and jewelry I've worn before. I know about acting within one's means and won't let you overstep." Her voice softened, "I'm glad you're clear-headed and not greedy for wealth. Giving these to you won't be wasted. The other chests aren't for your eldest brother either - I have other plans for them. Today, you can broaden your horizons - they're artifacts from the previous dynasty."
Minglan cozied up to Old Mrs. Sheng, whispering softly, "How would I understand these? Please tell me about them, Grandmother."Old Madam shot her a glare, then helplessly led her little granddaughter to the chests, explaining the origins and names of each item one by one. As Minglan listened, she suddenly blurted out, "Perhaps Grandmother should keep these two chests for yourself."
This time, Old Madam was genuinely surprised and studied her granddaughter closely. Minglan hesitated for a long moment before speaking again, "Father, Mother, and my elder siblings are all naturally very filial! But Grandmother must keep some private savings for yourself. With reserves at hand, one need not panic..."
What she really wanted to say was: A thousand sons or ten thousand sons are not as reliable as the silver in your hands—especially since you're not even her biological grandmother. These were the heartfelt words of a petty clerk who had long worked in civil courts.
Touched by her words, Old Madam said gently, "Good child, don’t worry. Grandmother’s burial fund is quite substantial."
Among the servants kept in the residence, many were Old Madam’s original dowry attendants. As Old Madam intended to speak with them and worried Minglan might grow bored, she sent her to stroll in the garden. Minglan pouted, "I don’t like wandering in the garden." She wanted to go shopping.
Old Mrs. Sheng sternly shoved a small abacus into her hands. "Then practice with this. If you can’t even manage basic calculations, be careful not to ruin the household after you marry." Minglan gave her grandmother a resentful look, weighed her options, and said miserably, "In that case, I’d rather stroll in the garden."
She had attended math Olympiad classes in elementary, middle, and high school—mental arithmetic was her foundational skill!
Minglan walked half-heartedly around half of the lake, then sat on a white stone beneath a withered willow tree. Propping her cheeks in her hands, she stared blankly at the lake: The waters of Jinling were clear and sparkling, quite different from those in Shandong, reflecting Minglan’s wrinkled, bitter-melon face. Suddenly giving in to a childish impulse, she picked up a handful of pebbles and began tossing them randomly into the lake, one by one.
Even her dowry was being prepared—it seemed Grandmother already had a clear idea about her marriage arrangements. Yet she refused to let Minglan ask questions. No matter how much she doted on her, no matter how thoroughly Minglan charmed her, Old Mrs. Sheng steadfastly refused to involve Minglan in discussions about the marriage. It was said that Old Mrs. Sheng had made her own decision regarding her marriage back in the day, and the result... She had secretly caught a glimpse of the newly appointed Tanhua (the third-ranked scholar in the imperial examinations) at a floral banquet, heard him recite a couple of lines of poetry, fallen in love on the spot, defied her doting parents, and married down into the Sheng family. A few years into the marriage, affection faded, and the couple turned against each other.
It sounded just like a storybook tale. Indeed, the saying that art imitates life had its basis, but she was a rational legal professional! She wouldn’t fall in love at first sight and foolishly marry just anyone! Minglan sadly continued tossing pebbles. She really wanted to know who her future husband would be.
"Minglan, little sister." A clear, youthful voice called out.
Minglan looked up dazedly, scanning her surroundings vaguely before spotting a handsome young man standing brightly by the lakeside. He was walking toward her. Seeing Minglan’s blank expression, He Hongwen chuckled as he approached, "Little sister, don’t you recognize me?"
Minglan beamed, stood up, and playfully performed a slight curtsy. "Brother Hongwen, your little sister greets you!"
He Hongwen stopped three paces away from Minglan, clasped his hands, and bowed. "Today, Grandmother brought me for an unexpected visit. My apologies for the intrusion."Minglan noticed the plain mourning garments and white headband on He Hongwen, and composed her expression as she said, "For your great-grandfather's funeral, my grandmother and I originally intended to attend, but..." He Hongwen quickly waved his hand and smiled gently, "You were here for the wedding banquet after all, and staying at your uncle's house. It wouldn't be proper to mix joyous and sorrowful occasions—you made the right decision not to come."
Minglan said softly, "Old Madam He must be deeply grieved."
He Hongwen approached, looked at Minglan, and said kindly, "Grandmother is broad-minded. She often says that all living beings must face life and death—it is the way of heaven. My great-grandfather lived to a ripe old age and passed away in his sleep, which can be considered a blessed passing. What is there to fear in death?"
Minglan was taken aback for a moment, then nodded, "Old Madam He speaks wisely. I'm not afraid of death either—I only fear living unhappily."
He Hongwen was moved by her words and chuckled, "I'm not afraid of death either, only of not living long enough."
Minglan finally laughed. Seeing her smile, He Hongwen asked, "Why were you frowning just now, little sister? Did you receive too few red envelopes at your cousin's wedding banquet?"
Minglan shook her head and said with a pained expression, "I don't know how to use an abacus. Grandmother says I'll squander the family fortune." Of course she couldn't mention her worries about arranged marriages, so she casually made up an excuse.
He Hongwen chuckled ruefully: "What's the big deal? When I was young, I used premium ginseng paste to feed goldfish, wasted who knows how much, and the goldfish ended up belly-up. My father chased after me scolding me for being a spendthrift." Remembering his late father, Hongwen's expression darkened.
Minglan shook her head vigorously: "Your father was wrong to scold you. This wasn't being spendthrift - this was being a quack doctor! Our mistakes are completely incomparable, please don't drag me down with you."
He Hongwen burst out laughing, unable to suppress his amusement. Pointing at Minglan while shaking his head, the young man's gentle and composed demeanor, his warm and bright laughter, the lake and mountain scenery, and the autumn breeze carrying a faint grassy fragrance suddenly made Minglan feel her heart lighten.
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【Author's Note】
Regarding genealogy records, I've examined several ancient genealogies and found three situations:
One type doesn't record daughters at all, though daughters-in-law are recorded.
Another type records daughters, but only legitimate daughters.
The final type records both legitimate and illegitimate daughters.
Regarding legitimate offspring, there are also three recording methods:
One method lists all children under the principal wife's name regardless of legitimacy.
Another clearly indicates legitimacy status - those under the principal wife's name count as legitimate, while those listed under blank mother columns count as illegitimate.
Yet another even notes the concubines' names - so-and-so (child of concubine X).
...
These chaotic recording methods represent different inheritance customs across different regions and social classes.
It's relatively rare for illegitimate sons to be recorded under the principal wife's name, due to concerns about inheritance confusion. Principal wives are unwilling to weaken their own sons' rights, and their maternal relatives won't allow it either. However, recording daughters under the principal wife's name is more common, as this can facilitate better marriages and help the family build connections.
Generally speaking, the more prominent the family's status, the better life is for illegitimate daughters. If it's a farming family at subsistence level, or a merchant family with less emphasis on etiquette, then illegitimate daughters have a very hard time - it's not unheard of for them to be sold off by unscrupulous principal wives.
...
Speaking of gossip, I only found out after much research that Lin Huiyin was actually illegitimate. Her father Old Man Lin's principal wife had no children, so he took two concubines in succession - one gave birth to Lin Huiyin, while the other had both sons and daughters.
But all these children were recorded under the principal wife's name. Of course, this was also because Lin Huiyin was exceptionally talented and particularly doted on by her father. Both the Lin and Liang families were quite progressive, which is why she later married Liang Qichao's legitimate son (not sure if he was the eldest son).
This was also because it was the Republican era, with the New Culture Movement emerging.
As my friend Bajie once said, comparing Lu Xiaoman and Lin Huiyin's various choices and behaviors in marriage and relationships, one must admit Lin Huiyin was more rational than Lu Xiaoman (regardless of moral character or affairs). Especially Lu Xiaoman's choices after Xu Zhimo's death are truly lamentable.
Whether Lin Huiyin was truly happy or not, only she herself knew. But from an outsider's perspective, her life was still successful. Whether in love, marriage, or career, she managed everything with great care (I just learned that she was primarily involved in designing our national emblem).
Thinking about it now, could this be related to her being an illegitimate daughter?
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