Hualan left Longevity and Peace Hall and headed straight for Madam Wang's quarters. Madam Wang had already heated the under-floor heating system in the inner room and was waiting. Seeing her daughter enter, she promptly instructed the maid to brew tea and bring a hand warmer. Noticing only Madam Wang in the room, Hualan asked, "Where is Zhuangjie?"
Madam Wang pulled her daughter to sit on the kang and smiled, "She's playing with your younger sisters. They moved aside the tables and chairs in their room to clear a space, and the girls are playing 'Blind Man's Bluff.' The nannies are watching over them, so don't worry."
Hualan took the hand warmer passed by Caihuan and turned to Madam Wang with a smile, "Why would I worry? This must be Sixth Sister's idea again. Last time, Rulan and Molan were too impatient to entertain the child."
"Sixth Sister is a child herself and loves to play—perfect for keeping Zhuangjie company." Madam Wang glanced at the door and waved for all the maids in the room to leave. The last one, Caihuan, lowered the curtain and stood guard outside.
Madam Wang sat beside Hualan and studied her daughter closely. Noticing her makeup looked freshly applied and her eyelashes were still slightly damp, she whispered, "Did you tell Old Madam everything?"
Leaning wearily against her mother, Hualan half-closed her eyes and replied, "Grandmother sees everything. How could I hide it from her? I ended up telling her everything." Seeing her daughter appear exhausted yet somewhat relieved, Madam Wang knew the conversation had gone well and asked, "What did Old Madam say to you?"
Hualan opened her eyes and smiled faintly, "Grandmother has seen the world after all. After hearing about the mess in my husband's family, she advised me on two things: first, to quickly hand over the household management duties." Madam Wang grew anxious and interrupted, "Has Old Madam lost her senses? You worked so hard to gain control of the household all these years—how can you just let it go?"
Hualan sighed, "I'm reluctant too, but Grandmother is right. The Zhongqin Earl's estate won't belong to your son-in-law in the future. No matter how well I manage it, I'd only be toiling for others, exhausting myself and wasting silver. Besides, my priority now is to bear a son."
Madam Wang snorted lightly, "That's obvious. I know you need a son—Old Madam's advice is no advice at all."
Hualan shot her mother a glare and retorted irritably, "You're the one stating the obvious, Mother. Grandmother didn't just say it—she gave me a solution. She said she knows He Laofuren from the White Stone Pool He family. He Laofuren's maiden family is the Zhangs, who served as the Imperial Hospital directors for three generations. She learned medicine from her family since childhood and excels particularly in women's internal ailments. However, as a woman, she couldn't practice medicine openly like men and kept it low-key. After marriage, few knew of her skills. This time, Grandmother will ask her on my behalf."
Madam Wang's face lit up with joy, "Really? I had no idea! Thank goodness Old Madam knows the details. Though you have a concubine-born child by your side, it's not the same as having your own. You've avoided openly seeking physicians for propriety's sake, and those male doctors can't examine you thoroughly. My poor child."
A glimmer of hope shone in Hualan's eyes as she said cheerfully, "Grandmother also said we needn't publicize this. I can just visit my maternal home when Mrs. He comes as a guest. That's why I must shed the household duties—to make it easier to slip away and focus on recuperating gradually."Madam Wang clasped her hands together, chanting repeatedly: "Amitabha, my Supreme Lord Laozi, now my son has hope. Old Madam speaks most truthfully—if she says He Laofuren is capable, then even if it's not ten out of ten, it's at least eight or nine out of ten." With the task of bearing a son at hand, Madam Wang felt that managing the household was no longer so important.
Hualan leaned lazily against Madam Wang's shoulder, cooing sweetly: "Mother, it's wonderful that you've come to the capital; now I have someone to back me up."
Madam Wang held her daughter close, cherishing her immensely, but scolded lightly: "It's all because of your stubborn nature, refusing to tell the truth in your letters. Your mother-in-law is so biased—when your sister-in-law couldn't bear a son, she was pampered with good food and drink, resting for years before finally having a son. You lost your child only a few years ago, and she hastily pushed a maid at you. Thankfully, you had the sense to promote your accompanying maid earlier, and having a son finally shut your mother-in-law's mouth."
Hualan felt displeased, saying bitterly: "Sister-in-law is Mother-in-law's niece, so of course she's closer than I am. Now that her family no longer holds official positions, she still puts on airs." Madam Wang patted her daughter's back and smiled: "As long as you understand. Your husband is capable; once you separate from the family, you'll have good days ahead. For now, don't quarrel with them—having a son is what matters most."
Hualan was also hopeful, whispering softly: "I hope so."
After cuddling with her daughter for a while, Madam Wang's thoughts drifted away: "Now that your brother is settled, once your sister finds a good family, I'll have nothing more to wish for."
Hualan lifted her head, let out a soft scoff, and drawled: "Mother, you'd better honestly betroth Rulan to our cousin. While Grandmother is still healthy and Aunt can't complain much, if you change your mind, Aunt will laugh herself silly."
Madam Wang, embarrassed and angry, made as if to hit Hualan, scolding: "You heartless girl! You married into a Count's household, and now you won't let your sister aim for a good match too? Your uncle is fine, but he's not as illustrious as in your grandfather's time. Besides, my nephew is honest and dull—I'm afraid your sister will find him boring."
Hualan laughed and dodged Madam Wang's slap, blocking her arm: "Even if Uncle's official rank isn't high, our maternal family's wealth has accumulated over many years. It's good that Cousin is honest—he won't have any cunning schemes." Suddenly growing melancholic, she added: "Mother, do you think my life in my husband's family is easy? The Zhongqin Count's household is already a neglected one—if it were a prominent noble family, who knows how they'd show off. You always say I have a bad temper, but Rulan is even worse than me, and her looks are average too. How would she survive in those high-ranking households?"
Seeing her daughter's weary expression, Madam Wang knew she had a hard time and sighed softly. After a moment of silence, Hualan brightened up with a smile: "But I really didn't expect Sixth Sister to have grown up so well. Her manners and conversation are quite charming. After the New Year, I'll take her out to meet people—she might just find a good marriage. Grandmother would certainly be pleased."
Seeing her eldest daughter belittle her own sister while praising Minglan, Madam Wang immediately glared: "Don't meddle. Old Madam already has plans for Ming Yatou's marriage—it's that grandson of the He family from White Stone Pool. Oh, and there's also your aunt's nephew and Da Bomu's maternal family brother. For this, Old Madam specially returned to our hometown and registered Minglan under my name."Hualan was momentarily stunned when Madam Wang listed three potential candidates in one breath, then smiled: "What's come over Old Madam? In her early years she only favored scholars, yet both Aunt and Da Bomu's maternal families are merchant households. The He family is quite good though - while they don't have many officials in their clan and the positions aren't high, they're ultimately a great family. But... would they consider Minglan worthy?"
Madam Wang also laughed, her face blooming with delight: "Exactly my thought! When arranging that wretched woman's marriage, Old Madam didn't care much. Now that it's Minglan's turn, she's considering everything carefully. She's truly biased, unwilling to let Sixth Daughter suffer! Oh, and that He family grandson is from a collateral branch."
Hualan raised her willow-leaf eyebrows, chiding: "Mother, have years of quarreling with Consort Lin muddled your mind? How can she compare with my sixth sister? She was merely taken in by Old Madam's kindness - no money, no influence, no relatives. Even if she wanted to choose a wealthy family, they might not consider her worthy. But Sixth Sister is our own flesh and blood, Old Madam's proper granddaughter. She has grandmother and father above her, madam and sisters below her. Even if she can't compare with me and Rulan, she's not bad at all."
Madam Wang said coldly: "Why are you so enthusiastic? She's not from the same womb as you!" Hualan spread her hands, her expression teasing: "What can I do? The one from the same womb as me isn't outstanding."
Having said this, she playfully dodged away. Surprisingly, Madam Wang didn't get angry this time, instead sighing: "Ah... you and your father speak with one voice. Your father said the same. In a few days at the Marquis of Xiangyang's seventieth birthday banquet, he specifically told me to bring both Molan and Minglan."
Hualan was somewhat surprised, then understanding dawned: "Father's reasoning makes sense. Securing more good marriages always helps the family. But... if Molan marries well, won't that wretched woman become even more arrogant?"
Mother and daughter exchanged glances, sharing the same thought. Actually, Madam Wang certainly wanted to interfere, but with Rulan still unmarried, she had to be cautious - she couldn't ruin the reputation of the Sheng family daughters.
That evening, Yuanwenshao came to the Sheng residence after completing his duties. He kowtowed to Old Mrs. Sheng to pay respects, then chatted and laughed with his father-in-law and three brothers-in-law. Yuanwenshao was clever - as a military officer from an inherited-enlightenment family, he normally found it difficult to connect with pure literary officials. But Sheng Hong's marriage arrangements for his children straddled both pure and muddy paths, conveniently pleasing both sides.
Seeing the household so lively, Madam Wang simply invited her elder sister and brother-in-law, the Kang couple, to gather together. Also coming were the young couple Changwu. Thus, the Sheng family set up two large banquet tables.
At the outer table, the men clinked glasses and talked about official connections and relationships, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere. The inner room next door was arranged for the women's banquet. Minglan listened carefully to the conversations outside, gaining some insight. Ancient society was indeed family-oriented - even the pure literary officials who rose through imperial examinations greatly valued the complex web of relationships between teachers and fellow candidates. But... wasn't modern society the same?
Minglan remembered reading in some magazine that most future political leaders in foreign countries were cultivated by a few top universities. For example, if you threw a bomb into a large Oxford-Cambridge alumni gathering, you could basically wipe out all notable British political figures.
Although none of the officials at the outer table held high positions - the highest being only Sheng Hong's fifth rank - when united, their family power was not insignificant.The family reunion brought Madam Wang great joy. Having drunk a few extra cups, her cheeks flushed rosy, enhancing her charm. In contrast, Kang Yima appeared somewhat haggard, paling in comparison to her younger sister. However, seeing Yun’er’s radiant complexion and the added delicacy after her recent marriage brought some comfort. At least this marriage had turned out well. She repeatedly toasted the Old Madam, who surprisingly drank heartily before having Mama Fang support her back to rest.
Zhuang Jie’s little face was as flushed as if rouged. After an afternoon of chasing and dodging games with Minglan, she became lively and sat next to Minglan during the meal. Seeing her daughter so cheerful and talkative, Hualan grew even happier.
Minglan was utterly exhausted. She deeply understood one truth: no matter how shy a little creature might seem, their playful antics were highly energy-consuming. Now, she desperately wanted to shake off this little burden.
When the evening gathering dispersed, Old Mrs. Sheng, fearing that the young maids might not properly care for Minglan after she had drunk and been exposed to the wind, instructed Mama Fang to personally bring Minglan to the Longevity and Peace Hall to sleep. After being fed a bowl of sobering tea and another of ginger soup, Minglan felt much more comfortable. Dazed, she allowed herself to be washed, changed, and undressed. Finally, with her full belly, she drowsily hugged her grandmother’s arm and fell asleep. After lying for a while, for some reason, she didn’t fall asleep immediately but instead grew more alert. The grandmother and granddaughter ended up chatting.
“This is the first time I’ve seen Uncle Kang. Why… is he so different from what I heard? He’s far from being like Father.” Minglan recalled the scene when she paid her respects and kowtowed earlier. Uncle Kang must have been as handsome and elegant as Sheng Hong in his youth, but now, while Sheng Hong remained a dignified middle-aged man, Uncle Kang looked dissipated from excessive drinking and indulgence, with dull eyes and an arrogant demeanor.
The Old Madam sighed. “Your father experienced the warmth and coldness of human relationships in his childhood. He knows how hard-won his current life is, so he exercises caution. But your uncle was the only son in his family, doted on by Old Mrs. Kang…” She didn’t continue.
Minglan silently added: A doting mother often ruins the son.
“Aunt Kang is really beautiful, not very much like Madam.” Remembering the weary yet beautiful middle-aged woman, Minglan suddenly felt a stir. Propping herself up on her round belly, she leaned close to the Old Madam. “Back then, why didn’t you marry her?”
By the faint glow of the charcoal fire on the ground, the Old Madam pinched Minglan’s warm cheek and scolded, “You little thing, acting so proper outside, but daring to say anything here. Is that a question for you to ask?” Minglan cozied up to her grandmother, nuzzling her head into her embrace until the Old Madam laughed from the tickling.
“Back then, I only went to propose marriage. It wasn’t specified which daughter I was asking for. It was Old Master Wang’s intention, and your Aunt Kang peeked from behind the curtain and made her own choice,” the Old Madam said calmly. “Old Master Wang and Old Master Kang were both key ministers of the Late Emperor. The two families were well-matched. At that time, your Uncle Kang had just passed the imperial examination and was full of ambition. As for our family, your grandfather passed away early, and we had no strong foundation in official circles. She didn’t exactly make a wrong choice.”
Minglan nodded along but then felt something was amiss. A flash of insight crossed her mind, and she had a thought. Leaning closer, she whispered, “Grandmother, could it be… you never intended to choose Aunt Kang from the start?”The Kang and Wang families had long been on good terms with a verbal marriage agreement, though it hadn't specified which daughter would be wedded. Everyone knew the Wang family's most outstanding daughter was the eldest, not the second daughter who had been raised in her uncle's household since childhood. Thus, barring any surprises, the Wang family would marry their eldest daughter to the Kang family and the second daughter to the less established Sheng family.
In the dim light, Old Mrs. Sheng's expression was unclear, but she reached out and patted Minglan's head, as if in approval. "You want both high status and a perfect girl—how could that ever be your turn? Besides, I've made inquiries. Your mother may be straightforward and impulsive, but she's fundamentally kind-hearted and skilled at managing household affairs. She's incapable of truly sinister or ruthless deeds—that's already quite good. If not for... ahem... our family would be rather harmonious."
Minglan nodded vigorously. Madam Wang was narrow-minded, prone to nitpicking, and not particularly generous, but she couldn't truly be considered a bad person. Schemes like poisoning, causing miscarriages, framing others, or sowing discord were beyond her capabilities... which was precisely why she had been outmaneuvered by Consort Lin back then.
"Your Kang Yima appears gentle and kind, but her methods are ruthless. Over the years, who knows how many lives have been lost among your uncle's concubines, and how many have been sold off," the Old Madam added.
This time, Minglan didn't respond immediately. After a moment of silence, she said slowly, "If she weren't formidable, the Kang family would likely be in worse straits now. Kang Yima is somewhat like 'oppression leading to rebellion,' inevitably bearing the reputation of 'jealous malice.' Those concubines are collateral damage, andbook they're often blamed for being seductive and deserving their fate. Yet the one truly at fault rarely faces much censure from society."
This was a patriarchal society. Who wouldn't want to be a pearl? Who would willingly become a fish-eye pearl? But under life's pressures, how few lucky pearls could maintain their luster and brilliance.
"Hehe, it seems my Minglan has grown up," the Old Madam seemed to be smiling. "Since you understand, that's for the best. You must remember, no matter how outstanding or strong-willed a daughter is, if she ends up with a worthless man, she's ruined. Marriage is a woman's second rebirth."
Minglan leaned into the Old Madam's neck, breathing in the warm, gentle scent of sandalwood, feeling an indescribable closeness. She murmured, "But learning to read a few words is easy; understanding a person is hard. Many scoundrels hide behind painted skins."
This amused the Old Madam, who hugged her granddaughter and chuckled for a while before saying, "Little one, why does your way of speaking remind me of Jing An Huanghou? She rarely blamed the imperial concubines, instead holding the Late Emperor accountable."
Minglan's heart stirred, but before she could speak, Old Mrs. Sheng continued, her tone unprecedentedly cold and solemn: "But remember, Minglan, when it comes to that point, it's a fight to the death. If you keep pitying others, you'll be the one who dies! Back then, Jing An Huanghou was betrayed by a so-called 'good sister,' which is why she died so young!"
Minglan was deeply shaken.
She knew the Old Madam was also speaking of herself—how her own child had been lost to a seemingly pitiful woman, leading to the final rift between her and her husband.
In the battlefield of women, when paths cross, mercy is the greatest taboo.
Minglan sighed inwardly: She didn't want to become a fish-eye pearl.
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