Minglan observed coldly from the sidelines that Mother You at least knew her place—over the past few days, she had zealously attended to Minglan’s daily needs without meddling in the chests, belongings, or finances. However… whether it was due to her long stay at the outer manor or because Consort Wei had lacked discipline from the start, Mother You carried herself with some arrogance. She frequently scolded and beat servants, seizing on every fault to rant and rave. Except for Cuiwei, whom she dared not touch as she was given by Old Madam, everyone from Danju down had been reprimanded. Ruomei and Lüzhi, being hot-tempered, had nearly come to blows with her several times.
Minglan said nothing but quietly took note. One day, a young maid in the courtyard was caught slacking off, failing to perform her duties as required. Mother You grabbed her by the ear and berated her loudly in the courtyard for a long while, alternating between scolding and hitting, chasing the maid around until the yard was in an uproar. Minglan sat in the inner room reading, silent. Cuiwei, unable to bear it, moved to intervene but was stopped by a single glance from Minglan.
After turning three pages of her book and waiting until Mother You had vented her anger, Minglan finally sent Xiaotao to summon her. Mother You lifted the curtain and entered the room. Minglan sat upright on the kang, Cuiwei embroidered in the corner, and Danju tidied the desk. Seeing Minglan’s calm expression, Mother You felt somewhat uneasy. Having served her these past few days, she knew this Liu Guniang had a mind of her own and was not easily manipulated. Forcing a smile, she was about to speak when Minglan preempted her, turning to say, “Xiaotao, brew a cup of hot tea for Mother. Mother, please sit.”
Mother You pulled over a stool and perched on the edge, then asked with a smile, “What did you call me for, Miss?”
Minglan smiled warmly and said, “You’ve been here for a few days now, Mother, and you’ve been diligent in both tasks and discipline. However, there’s one thing I find improper. Since I regard you as one of us, I’ll speak plainly. I hope you won’t take offense.”
Mother You’s heart sank, and she forced a smile. “Please go on, Miss.”
Minglan set down her book, interlacing her slender, delicate fingers, her tone gentle and demeanor relaxed. “It’s good that you discipline the young maids when they’re mischievous, Mother, but every time you lose your temper, you cause such a commotion in the courtyard that everyone finds out. That’s not ideal.”
Mother You, unconvinced, straightened up and retorted, “You’re young and soft-hearted, Miss, and don’t understand the severity of the situation. These little minxes are cunning, always slacking off and shirking their duties. Kind words won’t work—they need a taste of harshness!”
Minglan raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharpening as she countered directly, “You’re mistaken, Mother. Though I’m young, I know the saying, ‘Don’t air your dirty laundry in public.’ Even if we’re all one family, each manages their own affairs. Which courtyard doesn’t have mischievous young maids? But others take them inside and discipline them quietly. Who acts like you, Mother, as if you want to beat a gong and announce it to the world? Those who know might think you’re capable, but those who don’t would assume my little courtyard is in chaos!”
Mother You was startled, realizing Minglan spoke sense. But being reprimanded in front of the three senior maids made it hard to save face, so she muttered resentfully, “It’s usually the mother who scolds the young lady, not the other way around. And here I am, disliked by the young lady after only a few days.”Minglan, with her sharp ears, caught the words and chuckled softly, "You're right, I shouldn't have spoken of Mama like that. Very well, I'll go report this to Old Madam and Mama Fang, and let them have a proper talk with you."
As she made a move to rise, Mama You immediately set down her teacup and hurriedly pressed Minglan back into her seat, forcing an awkward smile. "Don't take offense, Miss. It was this old woman's foolishness. If you have anything to say, please speak freely. There's no need to disturb Old Madam's peace." While still at the outer estate, Mama You had heard that this Liu Guniang had been doted on by Old Madam since childhood, practically raised in her embrace. Knowing she had entered through Madam Wang's connections and might not be to Old Madam's liking to begin with, causing trouble just days after arriving would be unwise, so she quickly yielded.
Seeing Mama You so compliant, Minglan didn't press her advantage. She settled comfortably back into the heated kang mattress, picking up the cloisonné copper hand warmer to warm her hands, and said gently, "Mama, your intention in disciplining the younger servants is good, but good intentions can sometimes lead to bad outcomes. When the young maids make mistakes, you can note them down and discipline them later—scold those who deserve scolding, use the ruler I have here for those who need beating, and notify Mama Liu through Jiuer to deduct monthly wages for those requiring financial penalties. At your age, why get red-faced and loud with children? It only makes you appear undignified. Today when I speak with you, I haven't shouted for the whole courtyard to hear either."
In most cases, wet nurses remained loyal to the children they raised. They were selected by the mistress, with their family's future in her hands—sons might become young masters' attendants, daughters young ladies' maids—their interests were intertwined. For instance, Molan's wet nurse was Consort Lin's old nanny, Rulan's was Madam Wang's accompanying servant. Only she herself... this Mama You had come midway. Minglan only knew the general background of her family, so her loyalty was considerably diminished. Ah, well, even young Changdong's wet nurse was temporary, dismissed after weaning. Thinking of that, her own situation wasn't so bad after all.
Mama You's face flushed with alternating shades of pale and red, thinking to herself how formidable this Liu Guniang was—seizing on a minor fault to deliver such a well-reasoned lecture, yet doing so with such gentle demeanor and dignified composure that left no room for rebuttal. Forcing a smile, Mama You responded, "You're absolutely right, Miss. I understand and will correct my ways."
After awkwardly making a few conciliatory remarks, Minglan smiled gracefully and casually exchanged a few words, generously allowing Mama You to save face. Then suddenly she said, "I heard Mama welcomed a grandson yesterday—truly cause for celebration." Mama You paused briefly before smiling, "Nothing worth celebrating really, just another mouth to feed."
Minglan looked at Mama You with a smile, then turned and said, "Danju, prepare five taels of silver in a red envelope for Mama, to add some festive cheer. After all, it's her first grandson."
Mama You accepted the red envelope with profuse thanks, but her heart raced nervously. It wasn't that she had never seen money before, but she finally understood that Minglan was nothing like Consort Wei of the past—she was definitely not someone who could be easily manipulated.After Xiaotao saw Mama You out, Danju finally looked up from her busy housework and smiled, "Miss spoke so well, you finally put Mama in her place." Minglan shot her a glare, took a sip of hot tea, and said, "After all, she is a senior mama—her concerns and knowledge are more thorough. You all should still show her some respect. Besides, not everything she scolded about was wrong."
Danju understood Minglan’s meaning and lowered her head in awkward silence. Thinking of her own courtyard, Minglan couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. She sighed, set down her teacup, and said to Danju, "Speaking of which, you’re not entirely blameless either. You’re always too gentle and honest, letting them walk all over you. I know you grew up with Yancao and the others, so it’s hard for you to be stern. When Cui Mama was here, things were still manageable, but in the two months I was away, they’ve grown even more lax. The other day, with candles and a charcoal stove burning in the room, they all ran off—not a single one stayed behind. Such a serious mistake, and you just let it slide with a smile. It was Cuiwei who had to step in and scold them. But think about it—how much longer will Cuiwei be with us? After the New Year, she’ll be getting married."
Cuiwei, who was nestled on the heated kang doing embroidery, couldn’t help but retort, "Miss, why drag me into it when you’re lecturing?"
Minglan turned to her with a serious expression, "Don’t worry, Old Madam has already prepared your dowry. Since you’ve served me these years, I won’t let you leave empty-handed—I’ve prepared an extra portion for you. But my memory is poor, so when it’s time for you to leave, remind me, lest I forget." After years of being teased, Cuiwei had grown thick-skinned and didn’t even blush. She just wrinkled her nose at Minglan and continued stitching her embroidery.
Danju, however, felt embarrassed and lowered her head, mumbling, "I did say a few words to them, but they accused me of climbing the social ladder and looking down on my old friends."
Minglan turned back to continue her lecture: "In my household, aside from Xiaotao, you’ve been with me the longest. Not to mention Cuiwei, who receives double the allowance, who else gets a higher monthly pay or more favor from Old Madam than you? If you don’t want them punished by the mamas, you must discipline them. If nothing happens, it’s fine, but if something goes wrong and it alarms the Madam or Old Madam, who can escape blame? Our courtyard has its own rules. Follow the regulations, enforce the standards clearly, and who can say anything against you?"
In truth, Minglan’s reasoning was simple: work should match one’s position and salary. As a senior maid, besides taking care of the young lady, a significant part of her duty was to manage the other maids. Danju excelled at the former but clearly fell short in the latter.
Danju’s face turned pale as she stood there dumbfounded. Cuiwei sighed. As someone who had also grown up in the household, she knew Danju’s background: her father died early, her mother remarried and had many more children. Her stepfather didn’t care for her, and her birth mother didn’t protect her. Before the age of five or six, she had been like a wild child with no one to look after her. Fortunately, her aunt took pity on her and pulled strings to get her from the estate into the inner household, where she finally found some stability.
Putting down her embroidery hoop, Cuiwei pulled Danju to the edge of the kang and said gently, "Little sister, I know you’re honest and kind, but think of the young lady too. She’s growing up now—she can’t keep running to Old Madam for help at every little stir. If it happens every time, people will laugh at our young lady. Now, those two—"Cuiwei pointed towards the Mountain Moon Residence and Carefree Pavilion, speaking softly: "Living so close, everyone's watching. When the young lady first returned and brought gifts for the little maids, though clearly labeled and sorted, they disregarded rules and scrambled chaotically. That might be overlooked, but what if there's theft or fire later? Should the young lady personally settle disputes, or have the steward mothers discipline the sisters? That would truly harm harmony. Now with another formidable mother here, we must be even more careful. Sister, you must assert some authority, otherwise the Old Madam will replace you first. The young lady doesn't necessarily need you - if she hadn't favored you all these years, the Old Madam would have long picked someone more capable from among those 'Cui' girls for her."
Minglan gazed at Cuiwei with admiration, thinking Mama Fang was truly skilled at training talent. Cuiwei's speech was thoroughly considerate, highlighting both the stakes and consequences. Indeed, Danju gradually showed determination, nodding seriously with an exceptionally solemn expression as she listened to Cuiwei's guidance - had there been a sickle-and-hammer flag behind her, she could have directly pledged Party membership.
Though Minglan had never worked in corporate settings, she understood the core management principle was layered responsibility assignment. A CEO shouldn't handle staff punctuality issues. Several times Minglan had wanted to rush out and shout, but restrained herself - yelling wasn't her job; she only needed to appear when making final judgments.
"Young lady, young lady!" Xiaotao came skipping in breathlessly. "The eldest miss - no, the eldest married lady has come. The Old Madam asks all young ladies to go over."
Minglan finally registered this and exclaimed delightedly: "Eldest sister is here? How wonderful! The Old Madam has been longing for this."
Danju, quicker with her hands than words, immediately fetched a pair of foreign-style crimson lamb-skin boots with gold-threaded snow guards, kneeling to help Minglan put them on. Cuiwei hurried off the kang bed to retrieve a light red crane cloak with silver-gray squirrel lining from the mother-of-pearl lacquered cabinet. Xiaotao opened the handwarmer to add charcoal, stirring the flames. The three maids busily prepared Minglan, finally hesitating between a snow hood and large gold hairpin before choosing the hood. Leaving Cuiwei to mind the house, Minglan headed directly to Longevity and Peace Hall with Xiaotao and Danju.
Actually, Hualan had intended to visit the second day after Old Mrs. Sheng returned, but unfortunately her mother-in-law, the Marchioness of Zhongqin, fell ill. As a daughter-in-law, she couldn't rush to her maiden home, thus delaying until today.
Rushing along the path, upon entering the main hall Minglan saw a beautifully dressed woman weeping softly against the Old Madam's knees. The Old Madam looked tenderly at her, gently stroking her back. Having been separated for nearly seven years, grandmother and granddaughter embraced weeping upon meeting. Madam Wang held a handkerchief to her face, feigning emotion while feeling somewhat sour - when mother and daughter reunited after long separation two months prior, Hualan hadn't cried so bitterly.
Molan and Rulan stood nearby, chatting with a four or five-year-old girl.
Hearing the curtain-lifting maid announce, everyone looked over. The woman rose with tear-stained cheeks, smiling: "Isn't this Sixth Sister? Come, let me see you."
Danju helped Minglan remove the snow hood and cloak. Minglan stepped forward promptly, letting Hualan take her arm, calling clearly: "Eldest sister."Hualan studied Minglan carefully, her eyes holding a hint of astonishment. Seeing Minglan's poised and graceful demeanor, she recalled how obedient the girl had been as a child and felt her fondness grow. Turning with a smile, she said, "Indeed, our Old Ancestor knows how to nurture people. When I left, Minglan was just a bony little sick kitten, but now she's grown into a lovely young lady."
Minglan also stole glances at her eldest sister whom she hadn't seen for years. Hualan wore a gold-threaded peony-patterned Shu brocade jacket with a light-colored straight-pleated skirt, appearing both luxurious and elegant. Her beauty remained radiant, carrying the charm of a mature woman, though a faint unease lingered between her brows.
Hualan took an embroidered pouch from her maid and pressed it into Minglan's hands, then casually removed a gold floral hairpin from her hair and tucked it into Minglan's simple chignon. With a laugh, she said, "It's been years since we last met. This is just a small token from your elder sister—don't think it too meager."
Minglan's vision blurred before she could clearly see the hairpin, only feeling her head grow heavier—likely due to the substantial weight of the gold. She then weighed the brocade pouch in her hand, sensing it contained a jade pendant. Curtsying in thanks, she looked up and smiled, "Thank you, eldest sister. No wonder Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister are always eagerly awaiting your visits."
Everyone laughed. Madam Wang pulled Minglan over and pointed to a little girl, saying, "This is your niece, called Zhuangjie."
Minglan looked over to see a fair, chubby, and adorable little girl whose features closely resembled Hualan's, though her demeanor was entirely different. Shy and timid, she hid behind her nurse, only peeking out halfway when Madam Wang urged her, and softly called out, "Aunt Six."
Her voice was as delicate as a newly weaned young animal, instantly charming Minglan. Squatting down to meet Zhuangjie at eye level, Minglan beamed and said, "Zhuangjie is so well-behaved. Aunt Six has prepared something for you."
Taking a flat square box from Danju, she handed it to Zhuangjie, who clutched it blankly with both hands, her large eyes blinking curiously. Hualan stepped forward, crouched down, and opened the box for her daughter.
Inside lay several neatly arranged items: a polished and intricate brass Nine Interlocking Rings, a drum with a woven red dogwood pattern, a palm-sized white jade rabbit carved and strung on a red cord, and a pair of plum-blossom-shaped green jade peace knots. The jade's luster indicated their considerable value. Zhuangjie grabbed the drum with one hand, shaking it to produce a "dong-dong" sound, and with the other hand picked up the white jade rabbit, her fair little face breaking into a delighted smile as she looked at Minglan with newfound closeness.
Seeing her daughter's joy, Hualan was equally pleased. Smiling at Minglan, she said, "You've put so much thought into this, sister. You must have prepared it long ago? Your niece is truly fortunate, though it must have cost you dearly."
Minglan held up the brocade pouch and touched the hairpin on her head, replying seriously, "Not at all, not at all. I thought I'd be at a loss, but it turns out I've made a profit. If eldest sister gives us another chubby nephew to dote on as aunts, then we'll truly recoup our investment."
Hualan's almond-shaped eyes brimmed with laughter as she pinched Minglan's ear, scolding playfully, "You little imp, daring to tease your elder sister? Have you grown tired of living? Just wait till I teach you a lesson!" Minglan, stung by the pinch, quickly dodged and hid behind Old Madam. The entire room erupted in laughter, with Madam Wang laughing hardest as she pointed at Minglan and said, "Someone ought to pinch her mouth shut!"Hualan pinched Minglan twice, then glanced over and spotted Xiaotao. Playfully, she said, "Aren't you the one who used to follow Minglan around? Does your young lady still kick the shuttlecock these days?"
Xiaotao eagerly stepped forward and curtsied. Back in the day, she had been tasked with supervising Minglan's shuttlecock practice and had received many rewards from Hualan, so she held a fondness for this eldest young lady. With a simple, honest smile, she replied, "Greetings, Eldest Miss. I'm Xiaotao... Ever since you left home, Liu Guniang hasn't been diligent about kicking the shuttlecock. She slacks off one day and procrastinates the next!"
Everyone was well aware of Minglan's habits and burst into laughter. Rulan, ever eager to add insult to injury, seized the moment and loudly declared, "Eldest Sister, you wouldn't know this, but Sixth Sister has three 'no-go' rules aside from paying her respects: she won't go out on rainy days, snowy days, or when the sun is too strong!"
The room erupted in laughter, and everyone began teasing Minglan. Blushing, Minglan put on an earnest expression, allowing them to poke fun at her. In her heart, she thought, What a pity there's no thermometer here—otherwise, I'd add 'no going out above 28 degrees or below 15 degrees' to the list!
Amid the merriment, everyone gathered around Old Madam, chatting and laughing lightheartedly. Over the years, Hualan seemed to have become much more talkative. She animatedly shared amusing anecdotes and news from the capital, keeping everyone in stitches. She was even courteous to Molan, ensuring she wasn't left out. Yet, Minglan faintly sensed that Hualan was overdoing it, as if trying to conceal something. However, as a younger half-sister, she couldn't very well comment and could only chime in with a few lighthearted remarks.
As she chatted and laughed, Hualan discreetly observed her three younger sisters. Molan was as elegant and refined as a solitary bamboo, graceful and delicate, though with a hint of aloof pride. Minglan's features were exquisitely picturesque, exceptionally lovely. Though young, she carried herself with gentle charm and spoke with measured grace. She showed affectionate respect for her elder sister without ever overshadowing Rulan, making her quite endearing. Hualan nodded inwardly in approval.
Finally, she turned to her own full sister and sighed quietly. Rulan resembled Madam Wang in appearance—plain in looks, but with fair skin and bright eyes, carrying herself with the poised, affluent air of a legitimate daughter. Yet... Hualan couldn't deceive herself. Rulan was somewhat too ostentatious, lacking the steadiness and dignity befitting her status.
After chatting for a good while, Old Mrs. Sheng subtly signaled to Madam Wang and glanced at Hualan. Understanding the hint, Madam Wang rose with a smile and suggested the girls take Zhuang Jie'er to stroll in the garden. Minglan immediately realized that Old Madam wished to speak privately with Hualan. She stood up and allowed Danju and Xiaotao to help her into her snow hood and cloak. Molan and Rulan did the same. Madam Wang led the bundled-up Zhuang Jie'er out first, followed by the three "Lan" sisters. The maids and matrons then filed out of Longevity and Peace Hall in an orderly stream.
Once everyone had dispersed, Mama Fang and Cuiping closed the doors and windows, carefully standing guard outside. Seeing Old Mrs. Sheng take such precautions, Hualan felt a twinge of unease and forced a smile. "Does Grandmother have something to say to me? Why all this formality?"
Old Mrs. Sheng didn't respond directly. Instead, she drew Hualan closer, studying her complexion and expression intently until Hualan grew visibly unsettled. Then, she spoke slowly, "Eldest girl, in your letters these past years, you've always said everything is going well. Today, your grandmother asks you plainly—do not hide the truth. How are you really faring?"
Hualan's smile wavered. "What do you mean, Grandmother? Of course, everything is fine."Old Madam closed her eyes for a moment, let out a long sigh, and drew Hualan closer to her side. With a sigh, she said, "Would you even hide the truth from your grandmother?"
Hualan could no longer contain the unease in her heart. Bowing her head, she replied in a trembling voice, "I myself don’t know whether I am living well or not."
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