When Steward Laifu went to wait for Sheng Hong outside the Censorate, Sheng Hong was planning to have a few drinks with several newly assigned young officials to build connections and cultivate personal influence. Unexpectedly, Laifu arrived in haste to report, forcing Sheng Hong to rush back to the residence.
Since Molan was confined, Consort Lin could neither coordinate their stories with her nor manipulate the situation. She intended to wait at the main gate to preemptively plead her case to Sheng Hong with tears. However, Hai Shi had anticipated this and instructed Steward Laifu to use the pretext of a shorter route to guide Sheng Hong through the side gate, first taking him to Twilight Cang Study to see Minglan.
Sheng Hong saw Minglan reclining on a soft couch, her jade-like face bearing a distinct palm print. The young girl seemed terrified, trembling as she clutched his sleeve and shedding tears incessantly. As Sheng Hong listened to a quick-witted maid tearfully recount the incident and surveyed the chaotic room—shattered cups and broken bowls scattered across the floor—his expression darkened.
"Where are they?" Sheng Hong asked sternly.
Hai Shi bowed respectfully and replied softly, "Consort Lin was too anxious, fearing Fourth Sister might suffer, and refused to let Madam take her away. I took the liberty of bringing Fourth Sister to my own quarters to await your decision upon your return."
Sheng Hong nodded in satisfaction. Recalling the long-standing enmity between Madam Wang and Consort Lin, and suspecting possible foul play, his face showed hesitation. Hai Shi glanced sideways at him and gently added, "I arrived later and am unclear about the details. Father, please question Fourth Sister to avoid wronging her."
Thinking this reasonable, Sheng Hong instructed several maids to take good care of Minglan, then swept his sleeves and left. Hai Shi promptly followed, bringing Danju and Lüzhi along. The group proceeded to the main house, where Hai Shi had already made arrangements.
In the main hall, Madam Wang sat above, clutching her chest and panting heavily, with Liu Kun's wife standing beside her. Below stood Consort Lin and her two children, along with Concubine Xiang and her child. All the maids and matrons had been dismissed, leaving only a few trusted servants stationed at the door. Recognizing the importance of not airing family disgrace, Sheng Hong silently praised his daughter-in-law for her prudence.
Sheng Hong entered without a word. Consort Lin, who had been wiping tears, reached out to tug at him as he passed, crying, "Master—" Before she could finish, Hai Shi stepped forward, approached Consort Lin, pulled her back, and said with a smile, "The master has rushed back from urgent official matters. Shouldn't we let him speak first?"
Tears welling in her eyes, Consort Lin trembled, "Eldest Young Mistress, am I not even allowed to speak? Should we watch Fourth Young Miss be wronged without a word in her defense?"
Hai Shi, her expression gentle, replied kindly, "Today, we've gathered everyone here to clarify matters before the master. We are all family, bound by flesh and blood. If there are faults, the master will handle them. If there are misunderstandings, let's clear them up and remain harmonious, isn't that better? However, Consort Lin, I heard you also arrived after Madam and likely didn't witness the incident between Fourth Sister and Sixth Sister. What... did you intend to say just now?"
Consort Lin was immediately speechless. Hai Shi had said nothing accusatory, leaving her no opportunity to cry injustice.Sheng Hong stepped forward and took his seat at the head of the room. First, he looked at Molan and saw that she was unharmed, without a single scratch, though her expression was somewhat flustered. Then he glanced at little Changdong beside her, whose tender left cheek was blistered as if scalded, his right hand wrapped in gauze, his face showing signs of pain. Finally, he turned to Changfeng, who appeared cowering and timid. Sheng Hong’s anger flared instantly. With a sweep of his hand, he hurled a teacup that shattered at Changfeng’s feet, making him jump back in fright.
Sheng Hong roared furiously, "Have you no shame?! Instead of studying diligently in your study, you spend your days dabbling in frivolities, and now you’ve even meddled in the affairs of the inner household! Do you have any dignity left? Have you fed all the teachings of the sages to the dogs?! What use are you?! Get out now—I’ll deal with you later!"
Changfeng, pale with fear, staggered out of the room.
After venting his anger on his son, Sheng Hong turned to Molan and barked, "Fourth Daughter, kneel down!"
Molan dropped to her knees with a thud, tears welling in her eyes as she hurriedly defended herself, "Father, please understand, I merely quarreled with Sixth Sister. In the heat of the moment, we scuffled, and I didn’t realize how hard I was hitting her. I didn’t mean to! But then Mother wanted to punish me with family law, and Concubine couldn’t bear to see it, so things escalated. I know I was wrong, Father. Please punish me, but don’t blame Third Young Master or Concubine. They... they only acted out of concern for me." She began to sob pitifully.
Sheng Hong’s expression tightened. Considering that children might not control their strength in fights, he frowned and said, "But others tell a different story."
Consort Lin, hiding her face behind her sleeve, quickly chimed in tearfully, "The maids in Sixth Young Lady’s courtyard would naturally side with their own mistress."
Sheng Hong hesitated, his expression uncertain. Hai Shi, observing this, suddenly gave a light laugh and respectfully addressed Sheng Hong, "Father, Fourth Younger Brother was also present at the time. Why not ask him?" Sheng Hong, being a cautious man who had rarely shown bias since serving as Assistant Prefect, found his daughter-in-law’s suggestion reasonable. He immediately turned to Changdong and asked, "You tell me, what exactly happened?"
Consort Lin and Molan exchanged glances, their faces darkening.
Concubine Xiang, her head bowed, subtly pinched Changdong’s arm through her sleeve. Understanding her signal, Changdong stepped forward with his head lowered. Though no tears fell, his voice quivered as he clearly recounted the events: "...Just as we were about to leave, I went to ask Sixth Sister what else we should bring to Youyang. Xiaotao had just poured a cup of hot tea when Fourth Sister arrived..."
Changdong’s speech was not smooth, but he made up for it with exhaustive detail, describing every action and nuance, even including Molan’s insults toward Minglan—"little wretch" and "little slut." Such specifics were unlikely to be fabricated, and his halting delivery only added to his credibility. Consort Lin tried to interrupt several times, but Hai Shi blocked her each time.
Sheng Hong’s face grew increasingly grim. By the time Changdong described how Minglan tried to leave but Molan chased her down and slapped her, he could no longer contain his fury. Slamming his hand on the table, he roared, "You wretched creature!"Molan was trembling so violently she could barely form words. Seeing the situation turning critical, Consort Lin immediately knelt down as well, weeping towards Changdong: "Fourth Young Master, the entire household knows you've always been close with Sixth Sister. Winter cotton shoes, summer handkerchiefs—she made them all for you. Your fourth sister may have neglected you, but you needn't... needn't go so far... Aren't you trying to ruin your fourth sister?"
Even foolish little Changdong could tell Consort Lin was accusing him of favoritism and lying. His small face flushed crimson, and he threw himself on his knees before Sheng Hong, his neck stiff with indignation: "Every word I said is true!... If I've spoken one falsehood, may I... may I..." Feeling clear in conscience, Changdong declared resolutely, "May I never pass the imperial examinations in my lifetime!"
"Nonsense!" Hai Shi hurried over to cover Changdong's mouth, scolding gently, "How can you say such reckless words?"
Concubine Xiang also knelt weeping, kowtowing repeatedly to Sheng Hong: "Master, no one knows a son better than his father. You understand Fourth Young Master best—he's... he's just an honest blockhead who can't even speak properly on ordinary days! How could he possibly fabricate stories?!"
For scholars aspiring to official careers, this oath was as vicious as cursing one's entire family to perish. Though annoyed by his young son's lack of composure, Sheng Hong became even more convinced of the truth. His expression softened as he offered a few words of comfort before having someone escort Concubine Xiang and her son out. Just before exiting, little Changdong sobbed out one more sentence: "...Later, Fourth Sister even picked up broken porcelain from the ground to scratch Sixth Sister's face..."
His voice faded at the doorway as they departed, but everyone in the room simultaneously changed expressions. Sisters fighting still fell under matters of upbringing, but attempting to disfigure a younger sister became a character flaw. Liu Kun's wife moved swiftly, grabbing Molan's right hand and flipping it over. Under the lamplight, clear shallow cuts were visible on Molan's thumb, index, and middle fingers—even without Song Ci's expertise, everyone could tell these were caused by handling sharp fragments.
Sheng Hong's gaze turned icy, his voice piercing Molan like a sharp sword as he said quietly: "Fourth daughter, I ask you one last time—do you admit to what Brother Dong just described?"
Molan's face was frighteningly pale, swaying as if about to faint. Looking up to see her usually doting father glaring fiercely at her, her lips trembled as she whispered: "Yes." Then her body tilted and she collapsed to one side. Consort Lin wailed despairingly as she threw herself over her daughter's body.
Sheng Hong's face darkened with rage. Without even glancing at them, he called for the family law to be enforced. Consort Lin wept while waving her arms to push away the matrons on either side, crying out sharply: "Even if Fourth Young Lady struck first, Master should ask the reason! Ask Madam how she has shown favoritism and what unfair things she has done!"
"Bullshit!" Madam Wang, having restrained herself for so long, finally burst out swearing. "Your own daughter is worthless, and you want to shift blame to others again! A lowborn woman breeds lowborn offspring—Fourth Girl takes after you completely!"
With victory nearly in sight, Madam Wang couldn't resist provocation again. Hai Shi almost sighed aloud. She suddenly remembered Minglan's joking remark during their leisure time: "I don't fear opponents as fierce as wolves, but I dread teammates as foolish as pigs." She now felt this saying was profoundly true, but suppressed the thought, considering it disrespectful toward her mother-in-law.Sure enough, when Sheng Hong heard Madam Wang's furious shouting, his brow immediately furrowed. In that moment, Consort Lin had already crawled on her knees to his feet, clutching the hem of his robe as she wept bitterly: "Master, I know Madam has always looked down on me, but it's been twenty years now. I've served tea with bowed head, brought water on my knees, and attended to Madam diligently in every way. Even if I had ten thousand faults, shouldn't Madam consider your face if not mine? How could she vent her anger on Fourth Miss? She is still your flesh and blood after all. Though she may not compare to Fifth Miss, she's no different from Sixth Miss! Fourth Miss has already reached marriageable age. With distinguished guests visiting today, why wasn't she allowed to receive them? Poor Fourth Miss - both her younger sisters have found their places, yet she happened to be born from my useless womb and incurred Madam's displeasure. Delayed until now, is it any wonder she accumulated resentment and went to find fault with Sixth Miss? Though her actions were improper, her feelings are understandable! Master, everyone in this household is trying to trample us down - you must stand up for us!"
As she spoke, continuous streams of tears flowed down her delicate face. Consort Lin wept with such pear blossom-drenched beauty that Sheng Hong couldn't help but be momentarily stunned. Madam Wang trembled with rage, her fingers shaking uncontrollably: "You... you... how dare you be so shameless! Marquis Yongchang's Wife asked to see Minglan herself - what does that have to do with me? If she doesn't fancy Fourth Miss, is that my fault too?!"
Consort Lin wore an expression full of grievance and sorrow, choking out: "I may not go out and cannot move among other madams, but I still know that when people choose daughters-in-law, seventy percent depends on recommendations and only thirty percent on appearances. If Madam had spoken more favorably of Fourth Miss, things wouldn't have come to this! I beg you, Madam, for the master's sake, please help Fourth Miss - this concerns her entire life! You can beat or scold me as you wish - this humble concubine kowtows to you!"
With that, she began kowtowing repeatedly until her forehead turned red. Sheng Hong's expression softened, and Molan slowly regained consciousness, clinging to Consort Lin while weeping softly - truly a pitiful sight.
This was Hai Shi's first time witnessing Consort Lin's skills since entering the household, and she couldn't help but secretly admire them. No wonder her mother-in-law had been suppressed for twenty years - this woman truly possessed remarkable ability and cunning. She could completely reverse black and white in a clear-cut matter. Though Minglan was the one who had suffered, after Consort Lin's defense, it somehow became Molan who had been wronged.
Thinking this, Hai Shi exchanged a meaningful glance with Liu Kun's wife, who immediately understood and went to gently support Madam Wang, slowly rubbing her back while determined not to let her speak again.
Seeing Sheng Hong's troubled expression, Hai Shi composed herself and stepped forward, bowing before him as she said softly: "Father, perhaps you would permit your daughter-in-law to say a few words." After a moment of silence, Sheng Hong slowly nodded.
Hai Shi first instructed maids to help up the half-dead kowtowing Consort Lin, then said courteously: "Consort Lin, as a junior, there's something I truly don't understand. Might you enlighten me?"
As Consort Lin wiped her face in confusion, Hai Shi looked at her and said calmly: "According to your reasoning, does this mean that whenever Fourth Miss feels unfairly treated compared to her sisters, she may freely beat and scold her younger sister, harm her brother, destroy property, and defy her legal mother?"
These words made Sheng Hong jolt in realization, while Consort Lin's face changed color.Hai Shi turned to Sheng Hong and said gently, "Father, although my maternal family only had one elder sister, I understand that among siblings living together over time, minor frictions are inevitable. But not only did they quarrel intensely, even verbal disputes would invite ridicule. The madam only once didn't bring Fourth Sister along, yet Fourth Sister resorted to vile language to insult her own sibling and even attempted to harm her younger sister. Had anything unfortunate happened today, Liu Guniang's face would have..."
After his anger gradually subsided, Sheng Hong's mind cleared instead. He looked at Molan with disappointment in his eyes. Noticing how alert Consort Lin was and that she was about to speak again, Hai Shi quickly interjected, "Moreover, Concubine, in all conscience, since coming to the capital, hasn't the madam taken Fourth Sister along every time she went out? On the contrary, it's Sixth Sister who hasn't accompanied her often. Besides, in matters of marriage, how can the woman's family be the one eagerly pursuing? How could you expect the madam to help Fourth Sister in that manner?"
Hai Shi's words were simple but struck right at the key points. Consort Lin looked unwilling and said mournfully, "Then what about Fourth Young Lady? Are we to watch as all her sisters soar to great heights while she alone remains in the mud?"
Hai Shi couldn't help but laugh softly, covering her mouth as she said, "What nonsense are you saying, Concubine? Fourth Young Lady has Old Madam, the master, and the madam above her, and brothers and sisters-in-law below her. How could she be in the mud? Moreover, marriage is destined by heaven. Others' good fortune comes from merits cultivated in their previous lives—it's not something to be envious of."
Consort Lin was left speechless, her delicate appearance vanishing as a fierce light shone in her beautiful eyes. She said hoarsely, "The young madam speaks with such authority! It doesn't hurt you, after all—it's not you who has to marry those poor scholars or provincial graduates!"
Hai Shi sighed softly, "Which high official in the court today didn't start as a scholar or provincial graduate? Who began as a grand secretary or chief minister right away? Even the master sat for the imperial examinations, became a palace graduate, then worked diligently, accumulated experience, benefited the local people, and gradually became a pillar of the state. Why must you look down on scholars and provincial graduates?"
This flattery pleased Sheng Hong greatly, and he couldn't help but wonder: if he had been just a scholar or provincial graduate back then, would Consort Lin have...?
Consort Lin was cut short by this remark and glared fiercely at Hai Shi. Seeing Sheng Hong's dissatisfied expression and his sharp gaze sweeping over, her mind worked quickly. She immediately changed her tone, lowered her stance, and spoke softly in apology: "The young madam is right. It was all my lack of understanding. I apologize to the madam. Later, Fourth Young Lady will also go to apologize to Sixth Young Lady. If the master feels it's not enough, let her be beaten a few times to make her remember the pain. It wouldn't be good to confine her—she... she also needs to prepare for her marriage."
Her words were earnest, appearing genuinely remorseful.
Hai Shi sneered inwardly, thinking, "Do you think this can be brushed aside so easily?" She then composed her expression, bowed respectfully to Sheng Hong, and said solemnly, "Father, there's something I shouldn't say as a daughter-in-law, but today's incident, though minor, has the potential to bring disaster upon the family. Though the matter seems trivial, it could bring harm to future generations."
Sheng Hong was quite satisfied with his daughter-in-law and said gently, "Speak."Hai Shi straightened her posture, still keeping her head lowered as she spoke respectfully: "Though Fourth Miss's violent and unreasonable behavior today may have understandable reasons, it cannot be excused. Fourth Miss is grown now - how many more days can she remain at home? If she marries out in such a state, she won't fare well in her husband's household. Third Young Master is even more absurd - when women in the inner quarters have disputes, how could a man interfere? Ah... but then again, being raised by Consort Lin after all, he couldn't just watch his concubine mother and sister suffer. Still, this is inappropriate. And most hateful are the maids and matrons in the courtyard - regardless of circumstances, Madam is the mistress of the inner quarters! Right or wrong, how dare they interfere and obstruct Madam?! If they gossip loosely and the matter spreads outside, wouldn't that damage Father's reputation?"
Sheng Hong's heart shook. Hai Shi added another striking blow, speaking softly: "Father, the Yongchang Marquis's household doesn't necessarily have to form a marriage alliance with our family. If Fourth Sister continues making trouble, I'm afraid she might ruin Sixth Sister's prospects too. And most importantly... as you know, with the new emperor's ascension, what he detests most is the blurring of distinctions between legitimate and illegitimate children!"
Immediately, beads of sweat rolled down Sheng Hong's forehead. He recalled the nobles who had been stripped of titles and positions in recent months, and several cabinet ministers and high officials who had repeatedly encountered obstacles - his palms actually grew damp.
Madam Wang finally understood what was happening. Covering her face with a handkerchief, she wept softly: "Before Old Madam left, she repeatedly entrusted me to take good care of Sixth Miss, saying she's honest and kind, likely to suffer bullying without complaint. Now Minglan is about to depart for Youyang - if the marks on her face haven't faded when Old Madam sees them, imagine how heartbroken she'll be?"
She wasn't skilled in the art of crying, managing only a few dry sobs before stopping, silently sighing that indeed, every trade has its master.
Today, with everyone offering their opinions, Sheng Hong's mind had become completely clear by this point. The source of all the family's troubles lay in one place. His thoughts moved rapidly, and after pondering briefly, he delivered his final judgment: "Mo Lan has bullied her sisters, spoken vicious words, and shown no virtue of dignity or gentleness. From today onward, she is confined to her courtyard to diligently copy 'Admonitions for Women' and cultivate her character. She is not permitted to leave."
Mo Lan had initially expected physical punishment and felt relieved, but Consort Lin grew panicked - since there was no beating, there must be heavier punishment ahead. Moreover, no duration was specified for the confinement - did that mean she might be imprisoned indefinitely?
Sheng Hong turned to Madam Wang and said: "Mo Lan has reached marriageable age. That scholar Wen Yanjing I mentioned to you last time - I think he's quite suitable. In a few days, invite Madam Wen to our residence for a discussion. Inquire about birth dates and taboos. If everything is suitable, we'll arrange the marriage after the national mourning period ends."
Mo Lan and Consort Lin were greatly shocked, immediately screaming and begging Sheng Hong. Sheng Hong glared at them fiercely and scolded harshly: "My decision is final! Don't waste your words! One more word, and I'll disown you as my daughter!"
Mo Lan collapsed on the spot, while Consort Lin stared at Sheng Hong in disbelief. Madam Wang lowered her head, secretly pleased.Sheng Hong swept his stern gaze over the assembly and declared, "Consort Lin has failed in her discipline. From this day forth, she shall be confined to her quarters until the Fourth Young Lady's wedding. Should you meet with Mo'er before that time, I shall immediately issue a writ of severance and expel you from this household! Henceforth, without my express permission, you are forbidden from seeing Feng Ge'er! A person of such poor character as you would only corrupt innocent children with your instigations, dragging them down with you!" Sheng Hong's words were sharp and severe. Consort Lin covered her face and wept, attempting to grasp the hem of his robe, but Sheng Hong kicked her hand away in disgust, ignoring her completely. Consort Lin felt all hope vanish, and this time she broke into unrestrained sobs.
Sheng Hong himself felt utterly weary. Rising to his feet, he slowly approached Consort Lin and her daughter. Gazing at Mo Lan, he said in measured tones, "Since childhood, you have enjoyed my affection. I taught you poetry and literature, never imagining you would spew such vulgarities. I educated you in reading and writing hoping you would understand reason and discern right from wrong, yet you have proven yourself so vicious and ill-mannered, nursing grievances and bullying your younger siblings... As your father, I am profoundly disappointed." His eyes held Mo Lan with revulsion, cold and disapproving. Mo Lan felt as if her heart had plunged into an icy abyss, nearly suffocating from the shock.
Then he said softly to Consort Lin, "The Old Madam is right. Everything stems from the word 'greed.' If I hadn't shown you too much favor, you and your daughter wouldn't have developed such wild ambitions." After speaking, he ignored Consort Lin's tearful pleas and walked straight out. At the door, he turned back, glanced at Madam Wang and her daughter-in-law, and said word by word, "You should clean up the maids and servants. Sell off those who should be sold, punish those who should be punished. The inner household must be peaceful."
Madam Wang was truly overjoyed this time. Liu Kun's wife quickly pinched her arm again, and Madam Wang struggled to lower her head, suppressing her smile with great effort. Hai Shi, however, remained composed and comforted, "Father, don't take it to heart. Not to boast, but how many families in the entire capital are as peaceful and stable as ours? These are just minor flaws that will be resolved in a few days."
Sheng Hong felt slightly comforted and turned to leave.
...
Danju and Lüzhi returned. The case was closed, and the evidence no longer needed to be kept. Danju hurriedly searched for ointment to apply to Minglan's bruises, while Lüzhi, articulate and sharp-tongued, stood with her hands on her hips and briskly recounted what had just happened.
"The eldest young mistress is truly remarkable! Usually, she seems gentle and amiable, but who knew she could speak so incisively? Every word hit Consort Lin's weak points, leaving her unable to retort!" Lüzhi wore an expression of idol worship. "Now we can finally have some peace. The fourth young lady won't dare to cause trouble anymore, and the master must despise her now. I heard that Scholar Wen's family is very poor."
Minglan listened quietly and shook her head. "Father is afraid that Fourth Sister will make another mistake. This is for her own good. If she can endure it, and if her future husband proves capable and his career goes smoothly, Fourth Sister can still live a good life."
Lüzhi shook her head and began to voice pessimism. "There are so many scholars in the world. With exams held every three years, even if one becomes a jinshi and an official, how many can truly succeed? What if they end up needing the master and the eldest young master's support?" She had been bought from outside and had previously seen impoverished scholars in her village—some who had served as officials but were dismissed due to their inability to maneuver or flatter. The luckier ones could acquire some property and become gentry, while the worse-off had to find other means to make a living.
Minglan still disagreed. Essentially, Sheng Hong's judgment was quite accurate. Whether it was Yuanwenshao, Hai Shi, or even the current situation, his assessments were mostly correct. Any young man he approved of couldn't be too bad. However... forcing Mo Lan to live a life of relative poverty would be like asking for her life! Well, consider it a punishment.
Danju gently rubbed Minglan's bruised and aching elbow, looked up, and smiled. "No matter what... Consort Lin is in a sorry state now. From now on, it depends on whether the third young master can make something of himself. If not, she'll have no hope left."
This time, Minglan agreed. Thinking of Changfeng's timid demeanor, she couldn't help but nod.
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