After being away from home for nearly two months, Minglan suddenly felt her eyes grow warm, realizing she had come to regard this household as her own family. Sheng Hong now sported three short tufts of beard beneath his chin—arranged in a short-long-short pattern—reportedly the latest fashion among civil officials in the capital. Madam Wang had developed a mouthful of blisters from preparing for Changbai’s wedding, which even powder couldn’t conceal.
"Old Madam, if you hadn’t returned, I might have jumped into the river! This endless pile of tasks inside and out!" Madam Wang clung to Old Mrs. Sheng’s arm with unprecedented warmth.
The Hai family patriarch had secured an official post outside the capital, and to avoid the difficulties of a long-distance wedding later, they decided to hold the ceremony before the New Year. Madam Wang was overwhelmed, both settling the newly arrived family in the capital and preparing for the wedding.
Though the Hai family’s elder, a former tutor to two emperors, had retired, his prestige among scholarly circles remained. For this wedding, nearly half of the prominent northern literati were expected to attend. Their families might not all be wealthy, but each could spout a few cultured phrases.
"Your residence is truly elegant. Look at this ‘Lute-Playing’ by Lin Anzhi—inspired conception, capturing spirit through form, fully embodying Gu Chijue’s style," one Hanlin academic’s wife remarked pretentiously about the wall painting.
"The painting is excellent, but the calligraphy feels somewhat heavy, suppressing its ethereal quality. If it had employed Tanwei’s brushwork, it would have perfected the ‘Gu-Lu’ beauty. Don’t you agree, Madam Sheng?" another academic’s wife added, both turning to Madam Wang.
Madam Wang =_=... She chuckled dryly a few times and quickly changed the subject.
Could someone please tell her what they were just talking about?
The culprit behind Madam Wang’s troubles, Changbai, remained as stoic as ever. He pulled Minglan over to compare her height against his own and stated expressionlessly, "Two inches short by six-tenths."—As if he were selling fabric.
Changfeng had failed the Autumn Examination again but had made several poetry-loving friends in the capital, recently earning the moniker "Elegant Maple Young Master." He fanned himself pretentiously despite the cold weather. Changdong had changed the most, sprouting like a new bud and shooting up in height. "Sixth Sister, I’ve kept watch over your things. Not even the box surfaces were scratched," Changdong hurriedly assured.
"You’re so capable, Dong. Come by later to pick something up—I’ve saved some for Concubine Xiang," Minglan whispered close to his ear.
The nine-year-old Changdong’s cheeks flushed, seeming embarrassed. "Sister, you needn’t spend on us. Concubine said it’s unnecessary; Old Madam has already given us our allotted shares." Minglan leaned in and murmured, "It’s fine fabric from our aunt. You’re growing fast—have Concubine make you two bright outfits to wear proudly at school. This is the capital, after all."
Changdong felt grateful and thanked her softly with bowed head.
Minglan knew well that if they relied solely on monthly allowances, how could Mo Lan and Chang Song dress so finely? Everyone was aware, but Sheng Hong, as the master of the house, never noticed.
"Sixth Sister, you’re finally back! Any later, and your trunks might have been opened," Rulan said, her sharp tongue unchanged, irritating Mo Lan. Minglan quickly slung an arm over Rulan’s shoulder and grinned. "With Fifth Sister here, I’d know where to find anything even if it went missing! This time, I’ve saved several bottles of osmanthus oil for you!"
Rulan’s eyes lit up. "From Cangxiang?""Indeed!" Minglan smiled, her brows curved adorably as she said softly, "Though the osmanthus from Cangxiang isn't as fine as that from Xiyun Mountain, it's still tribute-grade. The annual supply is limited, and Aunt managed to secure some from the official workshop with great difficulty. I insisted on getting some and used every last drop to make hair tonic for you, sister!"
Rulan was delighted, wrapping an arm around Minglan's waist as she laughed, "How wonderful! This comes just when I need it. Dear sister, thank you for remembering me." Since childhood, her hair had been sparse and yellowish, and even after years of care, it had only improved slightly. Minglan's gift was exactly what she wanted.
Molan pursed her lips and said coldly, "Our little sister has learned quite a bit about currying favor during her trip back home! Look how happy she's made Fifth Sister." Minglan wasn't offended and turned to her with a beaming smile. "Of course! I haven't forgotten Fourth Sister either. Here—this is fragrant ink from the south, said to be blended with premium spices so that written characters carry its scent. It's truly elegant. As a simple girl who only knows a few characters, I'd be wasting such fine goods, so I'll give it to you, sister."
Molan received a small lacquered box inlaid with mother-of-pearl. Upon opening it, an elegant ink fragrance wafted out. The inksticks inside showed a subtle bluish-purple hue, their surfaces smooth and flawless without a single crack—clearly superior quality. Though secretly pleased, she maintained a calm expression. "Then I thank you, sister. Later, I'll share half of the southern pearls I received from Madam Hai with you."
Minglan didn't stand on ceremony, clapping her hands cheerfully. "That's wonderful! Hey, Fifth Sister, what about you?" She widened her large eyes and extended a small hand, adopting a playful begging posture. Rulan shot her a glare and scolded, "You little greedy thing! Of course I've saved something for you—a pair of jade rings from old mines with excellent water-like translucency."
Minglan held onto both sisters and sighed contentedly. "It's truly wonderful to have sisters! Even when I arrive late, I still get lovely gifts. How fortunate I am!" Perhaps infected by Minglan's joy, both Rulan and Molan shook their heads with laughter, creating quite a harmonious atmosphere.
That evening when Sheng Hong returned home, the mother, sons, and daughters shared another joyful reunion. Madam Wang simply opened the large dining table, and the whole family gathered for dinner. During the meal, Minglan raised a toast to Sheng Hong, declaring clearly, "To Father's smooth official career! Without your hard work, we daughters wouldn't enjoy such comfort. May you enjoy good health, abundant blessings, and longevity!"
Seeing Minglan's sincere tone and straightforward demeanor, Sheng Hong was deeply moved. He drained his cup in one gulp and repeatedly praised, "Our Minglan is so thoughtful!" Seeing this, all the children raised their glasses to toast their father. Overjoyed, Sheng Hong said, "Excellent, excellent! Your achievements make me happier than any promotion!"
The boys emptied their cups in one drink, while Old Mrs. Sheng quietly instructed the girls to only take small sips.
Today, the entire family was in high spirits, and conversation flowed freely during the meal as Minglan animatedly shared stories from her hometown journey.
"When we arrived, it was mid-autumn in the ninth and tenth months. Wow—the mountains were covered in osmanthus blossoms like spread gold, the fragrance permeating everywhere! Just walking through the osmanthus groves was enough to scent your entire being!""When we were gathering osmanthus flowers, we had someone tie ropes to the branches, then people below would hold the ends and shake vigorously—with just one shake, we'd be covered head to toe in blossoms! Pinlan had such bad luck—while others shook down flowers, she shook down several caterpillars! And there she stood under the tree with her mouth wide open—heavens, one caterpillar nearly fell right into her mouth!"
"The water buffalo by the fields were so gentle. When I gently guided them with a rope, they'd amble along slowly. But clumsy Pinlan pulled too hard and annoyed one buffalo—it nearly kicked her with its hind legs! It scared me to death!"
Minglan's voice was clear and lively, her expressions vivid as she skillfully selected amusing stories to share. When recounting embarrassing mishaps, her tone rose and fell dramatically; when describing scenery, she spoke with refined ease. The rustic charms of mountain life and pastoral landscapes seemed to materialize before everyone's eyes, evoking waves of laughter and longing from the listeners. The Sheng children had all grown up in grand mansions, raised in luxury since childhood—when had they ever experienced such simple pleasures?
"Our hometown is truly a wonderful place! The land is blessed with beauty and talent, the scenery enchanting." Even Sheng Hong felt stirred by nostalgia as he praised.
Changfeng couldn't help interjecting, "Is Youyang really that fun? I've been there too, you know." Molan, seeing Minglan stealing the spotlight today, felt somewhat sour and remarked, "Brother is a scholar—how can you compare with wild little girls?"
Sheng Hong frowned and said, "Your younger sister is still a child—it's natural for her to enjoy playing. Besides, with servants watching over them, how wild could they be? Your uncle and aunt wrote in their letters, praising Minglan's good nature and maturity, saying she's even helped tame Pinlan's restlessness."
Molan lowered her head in silence, displeased. Rulan, seeing Molan being scolded, was happier than if she'd been praised herself and cheerfully gnawed on another chicken leg.
Minglan whispered sheepishly, "I made a promise with Grandmother—she allowed me to play with Pinlan for a while, but once we return to the capital, I must behave properly." Sheng Hong laughed, "It's right to be close with relatives. There's no need to put on airs. Just mind your manners after coming back."
Minglan thought to herself: Of course relatives are good. This time, before coming to the capital, Sheng Wei, fearing that living expenses in the capital would be exorbitant and that Sheng Hong would need to settle the household and prepare for celebrations, worried there wouldn't be enough funds, so he sent who knows how much money again.
But between officials and merchants, isn't it always about mutual help? A win-win situation, that's all.
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