Without the moderating influence of a maritime climate, the capital in November was exceptionally cold. Mama Fang had lit the under-floor heating system right after lunch. At night, Minglan slept nestled with her grandmother in the warm chamber. While it was warm enough, the air was unbearably dry. Unaccustomed to such conditions, Minglan woke up several times during the night to drink tea, yet her mouth and throat remained parched. The next morning, she woke up feeling dizzy and muddled, listening to Mama Fang's chatter.
As the capital was the most prestigious place in the realm, close to the young emperor and swarming with sharp-eared, sharp-eyed censors who possessed highly developed salivary systems for gossip, Sheng Hong was extremely vigilant. He allocated the best row of rooms in the residence to Old Mrs. Sheng, still naming it Longevity and Peace Hall. Next were the main quarters where he and Madam Wang resided. Consort Lin's Linqi Pavilion remained in the western section, adjacent to Changfeng's small courtyard. Changbai had his own separate courtyard, prepared to serve as his bridal chamber.
The Sheng residence in the capital was not as spacious as the one in Dengzhou. With no way to house the three Lan sisters separately, they repurposed a large, empty courtyard. They roughly partitioned three rows of side rooms with fences and screen walls, then added front and rear annexes and verandas for the maids and matrons to use, creating decent semi-independent small courtyards. The former Weirui Pavilion had subtly incorporated Hualan's name, which both Molan and Rulan had long disliked. This time, they quickly gave their own small courtyards new names: Molan's became the Mountain Moon Residence, Rulan's the Joyful Abode, while Minglan's remained the same as before.
Minglan listened in a daze, but Cuiwei and Danju both remembered everything clearly. One oversaw moving the luggage from Longevity and Peace Hall to Twilight Cang Study, while the other directed the young maids and sturdy matrons in carrying, lifting, washing, and scrubbing. It took a full morning to complete the task. Old Mrs. Sheng, feeling uneasy, personally took Minglan to inspect the new quarters. Madam Wang accompanied them, her heart somewhat anxious, and only relaxed when she saw the old madam nod in approval.
The capital version of Twilight Cang Study consisted of only three large rooms: a central main room with two smaller side rooms on the left and right. Preferring private space, Minglan deliberately partitioned off the bedroom. Then, using a curio shelf and curtains, she divided the right side room into a study. Danju and Xiaotao personally unpacked the trunks one by one, carefully wiping clean the books and decorations inside, and arranging them according to Minglan's preferences.
Before Minglan could finish tidying the room, Rulan came visiting. Newly arrived in the capital, with Rulan's temperament, how could she make friends so quickly? She had long grown tired of bickering with Molan all day. She had accumulated a bellyful of words to share with Minglan. As soon as Danju served a steaming bowl of Maojian tea, Rulan eagerly pulled Minglan into the inner room.
"Sixth Sister, don't you think Fourth Sister has been quite unhappy this time?" Without even exchanging pleasantries, Rulan couldn't wait to get to the main point.
Minglan collected her thoughts, pondered for a moment, and hesitantly said, "Not really, I think Fourth Sister just has a lot on her mind. At noon, she came to my room to look around but left after saying only a few words." This was strange. Molan was all about appearances; no matter what she was thinking inside, she always maintained a pleasant demeanor on the surface and would usually linger to chat even without a reason.
Rulan wore an expression that said 'just as I expected' and mysteriously lowered her voice. "While you were away, Fourth Sister had a major setback at Princess Pingning's place."Theoretically speaking, aside from the crown prince and princes too young to leave court, all other princes were required to establish their feudal domains. The favored ones were granted prosperous regions, while the neglected ones were sent to remote border areas. However, the current situation was peculiar. With the crown prince yet to be designated, the Third and Fourth Princes had remained in the capital with the emperor's tacit approval. As for the Sixth Prince, his status was neither too high nor too low—he had been enfeoffed as a commandery prince with his domain in Daliang.
Last year, when the emperor celebrated his sixtieth birthday, the Sixth Prince arrived to offer congratulations accompanied by three neatly lined-up sons. This nearly made the Third Prince—who had been unable to produce a male heir—green with envy. The youngest boy, in particular, was only four or five years old, plump and fair-skinned, adorably naive. The more the Third Prince looked at him, the more he grew fond of him. Demonstrating brotherly affection, the Sixth Prince, along with his understanding wife, the Sixth Royal Concubine, frequently brought the young child to visit his third elder brother.
"Oh, I see! Back in Jinling, I heard that the Third Prince intended to adopt a nephew. Could it be this one from the Sixth Prince's family?!" Minglan suddenly understood, but then grew confused again. "Eh? But what does this have to do with Fourth Sister? This is a matter of the imperial family—how could we possibly have a say in it?"
Rulan shook her head triumphantly: "The Sixth Prince's family also has a County Princess who has just come of age. Recently, with the emperor's birthday approaching, the Sixth Royal Concubine brought this son and daughter to the capital."
Minglan pondered for a moment before tentatively asking: "Could it be that they are quite close with Princess Pingning?"
Rulan patted Minglan's shoulder and laughed: "Sixth Sister, you're so clever... That day when Princess Pingning hosted a banquet, Mother brought both of us along. Fourth Sister was extremely attentive to the Princess—flattering and ingratiating herself so overtly it was embarrassing. Yet the Princess largely ignored her, focusing entirely on conversing with the Sixth Royal Concubine and her daughter. After we returned, Madame told Father about it. He gave Fourth Sister a stern scolding and even confined her to her quarters for half a month! Heh heh..."
"That... that's truly humiliating." Minglan could imagine the scene and felt embarrassed too. No wonder since their return, Sheng Hong seemed particularly strict with Molan.
Now that the old emperor was growing increasingly frail, the Third Prince only needed a son to legitimize his position. The Sixth Prince's branch of the family immediately became highly sought-after. Princess Pingning, wanting to capitalize on this rising influence, had set her sights on County Princess Jiacheng as a daughter-in-law. Upon careful consideration, Molan's family background truly couldn't compare to that of the County Princess.
Rulan had been quite pleased and originally wanted someone to share her amusement, but Minglan wasn't joining in her merriment—instead, she wore a worried expression. Unable to help frowning, Rulan said: "What's wrong with you? Don't tell me you feel sorry for Fourth Sister!"
Milan smiled wryly: "Fifth Sister, what worries me is us. Although it's Fourth Sister who's disgracing herself right now, we sisters can't escape the fallout either. When people outside talk about it, they'll always say the Sheng family daughters lack proper upbringing."
Rulan's heart jolted. She turned the thought over twice in her mind and silently agreed—no wonder recently, during tea parties and poetry gatherings, those official's daughters had been somewhat dismissive of her, their words carrying subtle sarcasm. She had thought it was directed solely at Molan, but it turned out... she was being implicated! Rulan instantly burned with rage: "That... that little—!"
Unable to voice the curse, Rulan choked back her words, her face flushing red. Minglan hurriedly tried to calm her: "Quiet now! Don't say anything unnecessary. We're living much closer now—be careful not to be overheard!"Rulan slammed the table forcefully and spat out: "It doesn't matter! She just went towards Linqi Pavilion. Hmph! If she keeps associating with those over there, she might even do something more embarrassing!"
Minglan looked heartbrokenly at the overturned lidded bowl that had shattered on the floor - it was part of a complete set.
...
In Linqi Pavilion, a gilded incense burner with cloud and bat patterns was burning on the kang table. Consort Lin looked at her sulking daughter, adjusted her squirrel-fur handwarmer, and frowned: "You were only scolded once by your father, why are you making such a face?!"
Molan fiddled with a brocade sachet embroidered with the characters for fortune, prosperity, and longevity, glancing at Consort Lin: "This is the first time I've been punished like this! It's utterly humiliating! If Old Madam hadn't returned this time, I probably wouldn't even be allowed out yet."
Consort Lin sighed: "Useless girl! You have no ability yourself, only know how to mope without learning to scheme. Fine, fine, everyone has their own fate. Since you lack this capability, I'll just find you an ordinary family later!"
Molan's fair face flushed red, unwillingly saying: "That county princess is only average in character and appearance. Poor Brother Yuanruo."
Consort Lin was also gloomy for a long time before speaking: "She was born with better fate than you, that's what matters most! Stop thinking about Qi Heng. I had your Third Young Master inquire outside - Princess Pingning is also opportunistic. Seeing the Sixth Prince's family gaining power, she's rushing to curry favor! Enough, let's not talk about this... Hey, I told you to go see that Minglan girl, did you go?"
Molan listlessly raised her head: "The decorations are quite plain, but arranged quite exquisitely. As for valuable items, there are only a few. Many chests were being carried in and out, I couldn't really see what was inside. Mother, Old Madam dotes on Minglan. No matter how much we compete, it's useless. Why bother?"
Consort Lin slapped the kang table, glaring and scolding: "I said you were useless, and you really are! You insist on making scenes where you shouldn't, but won't compete where you should! This time Minglan went back to her hometown in Youyang, who knows how she flattered and pleased them - your uncle's whole family likes her. And you, back when I told you to befriend Pinlan, you insisted she was crude and unrefined! Now look - aren't you angry seeing Minglan return with loads of packages? You're of the same status. Speaking of which, her mother was just a village girl, while your mother comes from an official family. You even have your own brother for support - you should be ten times better than her, yet now you're falling behind!"
Molan turned her head sharply, snorting defiantly: "Old Madam is stubborn. She doesn't like me, what can I do?"
After her anger subsided, Consort Lin calmed down. Facing the curling incense smoke, she said slowly: "Judging by Old Madam's manner, it seems she's even arranged Minglan's marriage. Rulan's lady mother has long had plans - when Wang family's uncle returns to the capital from his provincial post, they'll probably start discussing it. My child, only you are still left hanging in midair."
Hearing this, Molan couldn't help but grow worried, gazing anxiously at her mother. Consort Lin turned and smiled at her: "If we just find an ordinary scholar or official's son, both your father and brother know plenty. But to find someone with both character and talent, from a wealthy and noble family - that's difficult!... I wonder what family Old Madam has found for Minglan?"
...Minglan looked at the weeping old woman before her with a blank expression, then turned her dazed eyes toward Mama Fang. The old woman was dressed in servant's attire, wearing a dark red patterned silk padded jacket covered by a black velvet vest. Clutching Minglan's hand, she sobbed, "...Miss, Consort Wei passed too soon. This old servant was useless—I fell gravely ill back then and couldn't take care of you!..."
Minglan couldn't quite grasp the situation and could only stare vacantly.
Mama Fang coughed lightly and said, "Cui Mama has grown old. Her son and daughter-in-law want to take her home for retirement. It wouldn't do for the young lady to be without a mama, so the mistress summoned Mama You from the estate. She was originally your wet nurse, so she should be well-suited to care for you."
Minglan nodded, though she had no recollection of this Mama You at all. She only remembered eavesdropping on the maids' conversations during her feigned ignorance period—they had mentioned that Consort Wei was meek and honest, with only one loyal maid named Die'er by her side. The rest were greedy and disloyal, scattering like rats abandoning a sinking ship when trouble arose. So what about this Mama You...?
After dismissing the others, Mama Fang spoke frankly: "Originally, Old Madam intended to select someone trustworthy herself, but since the mistress has already sent her, we can't openly reject the arrangement."
Minglan thought for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Since she was already at the estate, what connections did she use to get into the inner household?"
Being a young lady's wet nurse was a coveted position—not only did it come with generous monthly pay, but it also granted equal status with senior stewards and authority over junior maids. Minglan guessed she had fled back then to avoid being implicated in Consort Wei's death, yet now she had returned.
Seeing Minglan ask such an insightful question, Mama Fang felt half relieved and whispered, "You're quite perceptive, miss. I heard she's been trying to return for years, but you already had Cui Mama then. This time, it's said she bribed someone close to the mistress."
Minglan pressed further, "No one else behind this?"
Mama Fang shook her head: "If there were, Old Madam would never allow it. Since she was originally your wet nurse, it's reasonable for her to resume her position. I've investigated thoroughly—only the recommending matron received some benefits. My concern is that as your wet nurse, if she becomes lazy or troublesome, you might find it difficult to discipline her."
A slight smile touched Minglan's lips as she responded, "Don't worry, Mama. I'm grown now—I can't rely on Old Madam's protection forever." She chuckled wryly and added, "If I truly can't handle it, I'll call for reinforcements then."
After Mama Fang left, Minglan sat alone on the daybed in the main room, bowing her head in contemplation. Suddenly she said, "Summon Mama You."
Xiaotao acknowledged and departed. When Mama You entered, she immediately burst into tears again, rambling about how helpless she had been to leave and how much she had missed Minglan while at the estate. Minglan listened with a smile and gestured for Xiaotao to bring a stool.
Mama You wasn't particularly old—just a middle-aged woman with a diamond-shaped face and a wide mouth, appearing shrewd and capable. She had left when Minglan was only five, and now Minglan was nearly thirteen. She kept bringing up amusing childhood anecdotes and her own efforts in nursing Minglan, who listened quietly. When Mama You finally paused, Minglan said leisurely, "I'm afraid I don't remember much of that."Mama You was greatly startled. The memory card was the only trump card she held. She quickly wiped away her tears and hurriedly said, "Though you were young then, miss, you were extremely bright and clever. You learned everything with just one teaching. How could you have forgotten it all?"
Minglan took the teacup handed over by Danju, gently stirred the lid, and said softly, "After Consort Wei passed away, I fell seriously ill and was unconscious for many days. When I woke up, many things had become muddled. It's a pity you weren't here then, Mama, or I might have recovered faster."
Mama You's face showed a slightly awkward expression as she forced a dry laugh. "It was all because this old woman was useless, falling ill at that time." She very much wanted to say something about Consort Wei, but the stewardess had already warned her, so she didn't dare to speak.
Minglan sighed softly with a hint of melancholy. "Those were truly difficult days. Taking medicine daily, confined to the sickbed, with no caring person to look after me—only this clumsy Xiaotao by my side. Several times the physician said I might not make it. Fortunately, the mistress took meticulous care of me, and the Old Madam showed compassion, allowing me to reclaim this life of mine."
Mama You's face turned pale then red. She tightened the handkerchief in her hand and awkwardly uttered a few polite words that even she found feeble and unconvincing.
Minglan closed the teacup lid and smiled gently. "Now everything is fine. The senior maids in my chamber were all trained by the Old Madam and the mistress themselves—most sensible and capable. With you here now, Mama, my small courtyard is perfectly settled."
Mama You's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't help but look up, gazing at Minglan's elegant and soft eye lines, the gentle and subtle curve of her jaw that closely resembled that young, long-departed concubine from years ago. Yet her expression was completely different. No matter what she said or heard, those slightly upturned long eyelashes remained completely still, like tranquil, unmoving butterfly wings, while her delicate face smiled as peacefully as still water.
From this simple yet elegant girl before her emanated a sense of composure, the ease of someone in high position. Mama You felt somewhat dazed, unable to reconcile this with her memory of that timid, fearful girl who used to follow behind her. A nameless awe slowly crept up her spine.
Minglan looked steadily at Mama You: If she were smart enough, she wouldn't cause trouble for herself. Receive a salary, enjoy full benefits, curb greedy ambitions, fulfill her duties properly, and everyone could part on good terms when the time came.
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[Author's Note]
The princely systems of the Ming and Qing dynasties differed slightly.
The founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, Comrade Zhu, cherished his family members and thus decreed that all the emperor's sons would start as princes, followed by commandery princes and so on. Essentially, all legitimate sons would receive princely titles, with provisions for extremely high-level privileges—specified annual allowances in silver, silk and cloth, numbers of servants and guards for princely households, all expenses covered by the court. This set a problematic precedent from the very beginning.
Zhu Yuanzhang fathered 26 children. Many died during the family conflicts between Jianwen and Yongle, but over the subsequent two hundred-plus years, the Ming imperial family continuously multiplied, forming a massive locust-like collective. By the Jiajing era, the state remained impoverished, with one-third of the annual revenue needed to support the imperial household. Many historians suggest that if Zhang Juzheng had successfully reduced the princely establishments or at least lowered imperial expenditures, the Ming dynasty might not have fallen.Here is an excerpt of Hai Rui's dialogue from the TV series "The Great Ming Dynasty 1566." Personally, I think this series is quite reliable.
"Since the founding of the Great Ming Dynasty, imperial princes, commandery princes, and members of the imperial clan have spread across the land. According to regulations, a single imperial prince is entitled to 50,000 dan of rice, 25,000 strings of cash, 40 bolts of brocade, 300 bolts of ramie silk, 500 bolts of silk, 1,000 bolts of gauze and luo silk, 1,000 bolts of winter cloth, and another 1,000 bolts of summer cloth annually. Other miscellaneous expenses are too numerous to list. Have you ever calculated how much the national treasury spends on just one imperial prince? And what about the countless other members of the imperial clan? These imperial relatives, palace eunuchs, and officials at all levels occupy half of the land in the empire without paying taxes, while the common people, who farm less than half of the land, bear the entire tax burden. This is something everyone knows, yet no one dares to speak of! Take Zhejiang as an example: the annual reserved grain is 629,000 dan, yet the grain allocated to the imperial clan and government offices amounts to 1.23 million dan. Even two years' worth of reserved grain cannot cover one year's expenses for the imperial clan and offices. In the north, the Altan Khan invades year after year; in the southeast, Japanese pirates run rampant annually, threatening the entire empire. Yet, the military provisions and pay for our soldiers have to be scraped together from all corners!"
...
The Qing Dynasty learned from this lesson. As a result, not every son of the Aisin Gioro clan was granted the title of prince. Their status was first determined by the nobility of their maternal lineage, and then they had to earn their titles through their own merits. The struggle for the throne among the nine princes is a classic example: the ranks were Beizi, Beile, Commandery Prince, and Imperial Prince, or something like that. Moreover, titles were mostly downgraded upon inheritance.
This significantly reduced the cost of supporting the imperial clan, freeing up substantial funds for the national treasury.
However, recently, the author came across some sources suggesting that this view is now contested by certain historians. Although the Qing imperial clan saved money, the same cannot be said for the Eight Banner male population. As stipulated by Dorgon when he entered the Shanhai Pass, every adult male of the Manchu Eight Banners was entitled to a stipend from adulthood. Though the amount was small, it ensured they would not starve even if unemployed. With this guarantee of food and clothing without worry, many idle Eight Banner descendants emerged in the late Qing, spending their days carrying birdcages and fighting crickets.
In a certain time-travel novel about conquest, I recall reading some information, possibly from "The Madman of the Far East 1908," which indicated that after two centuries of reproduction, the number of Eight Banner males had become quite substantial. If this is factored in, the cost of maintaining the imperial clan or the Banner population in the Ming and Qing dynasties might actually have been similar.
I haven't found precise data, so I can't say for sure.
The Han Dynasty also treated its imperial clan very generously, but it was so generous that these feudal states gained enough power to challenge the central authority. As a result, they were suppressed multiple times, and the number of feudal states was reduced, which actually lowered the costs.
I once saw a post on Tianya's "Cooking Wine" section, written by a history enthusiast. He/she argued that the better system for the imperial clan was during the Tang and Song dynasties, where titles were downgraded with each generation until they reached commoner status. This allowed imperial descendants to pursue their interests freely—whether studying, engaging in commerce, or wandering the world with a sword.
That seems to be the case, but I'm not entirely clear on the details.
PS: I'm not a history major, just an enthusiast.
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