The Story of Ming Lan

That evening, Minglan's nominal parents came to visit the injured. Madam Wang stroked Minglan's small face, her loving gaze almost dripping with affection, making Minglan's heart tremble with unease. Sheng Hong, however, was genuinely distressed and spoke many gentle words of concern. In return, Minglan, with tears in her eyes, softly defended Molan's behavior, hoping to ease Sheng Hong's anger and insisting that Molan likely hadn't acted intentionally—it was all a misunderstanding. Sheng Hong was deeply moved, feeling that his efforts in educating his children weren't entirely in vain, and with a trembling beard, he praised Minglan repeatedly.

Minglan secretly repented—there was no other way; the leadership preferred this delicate and virtuous demeanor. It was all for survival.

Whatever Hai Shi said to Madam Wang, the next day, Madam Wang claimed illness and handed over all household management to Hai Shi. Hai Shi first apprehended the servants who had been involved in the scuffle at Twilight Cang Study, giving each twenty strokes of the cane. Then, Liu Kun's wife led a search of their quarters, uncovering a trove of gold, silver, and valuables. Hai Shi charged them with embezzling their masters' property and threatened to send them to the authorities. Panicked, the servants began accusing each other, and like pulling up a radish only to bring mud with it, they implicated many of Consort Lin's trusted stewards and maids. Hai Shi dealt with them according to the severity of their offenses: some maids were married off, others sold, and the rest banished to the estates.

In just one day, Linqi Pavilion was completely restaffed. Consort Lin initially intended to make a tearful scene, but Hai Shi merely smiled and said, "We also found many improper items in Xia Xian's wife's room, but considering she's your most capable attendant, I haven't reported it to Madam yet." Xue Niang, who was supporting Consort Lin, immediately turned pale and knelt straight down. Consort Lin trembled with rage but dared not cause any more trouble.

When Ruomei returned from gathering news outside, she reported everything to Minglan: "Consort Lin now only has Xia Xian's wife and Ma Gui's wife left; the rest have been dismissed. Third Master and Fourth Miss were relatively untouched, with only a few of the most sharp-tongued and troublesome maids sent away. When they saw me, they begged me to help hide some of their valuables, fearing that if the Eldest Sister-in-law got angry, she might search again. I took a few insignificant items from two who've always been honest and reliable, but ignored the rest. If you think it's inappropriate, Miss, I can return them."

Minglan, curled up on the warm kang with her arms resting on the kang table, replied, "That won't be necessary. I doubt Eldest Sister-in-law will stir up more trouble." Hai Shi's goal was simply to consolidate power in the Sheng household. With Molan soon to marry, there was no need to offend her, and Changfeng was under their parents' care—hardly a matter for his elder sister-in-law to meddle in.

Just then, someone arrived from outside—it was Xique, Rulan's maid, saying that since Minglan was departing the next day, Rulan requested Minglan to come over for a chat. Before Minglan could respond, Ruomei couldn't help but remark, "Fifth Miss has quite the airs! Seeing her sister off, she doesn't come herself but summons our Miss over. What kind of etiquette is that?"

Xique awkwardly explained, "Our Miss... she's caught a chill." At this, everyone from Minglan down to Ruomei, Danju, and Yancao covered their mouths and laughed. Only Xiaotao, looking blank, bluntly said, "If she's ill, why ask our Miss to go? What if she catches it? Falling sick on a journey is the last thing anyone wants!"Magpie looked quite troubled. Being a quick-witted girl, she immediately leaned close to Minglan's ear and whispered, "These past two days the manor has been so lively, our young mistress has been itching with curiosity but couldn't leave her room. Please have pity on us servants and pay her a visit."

Minglan took a sip of tea, pursed her lips in a smile, and shot a mock-stern glance at her own maids before rising with a laugh and asking Yancao to straighten her clothes. Only then did Magpie breathe a sigh of relief. Danju fetched a thumb-sized white porcelain jar from inside and slipped it into Magpie's sleeve, saying cheerfully, "Please don't mind them, sister. Our young mistress is so kind-hearted that these girls have become impudent. This is clam oil - perfect for moisturizing hands and face in cold weather. If you don't find it beneath you, please accept it."

Magpie beamed, "Everyone says Sixth Young Miss is the kindest to servants. I'll be bold enough to accept without standing on ceremony."

Following Magpie past the Mountain Moon Residence, Minglan soon arrived at the Carefree Pavilion. Entering the room, she saw Rulan reclining against the bedhead with rosy cheeks, a bandage wrapped quite properly around her forehead. Spotting Minglan, Rulan immediately exclaimed, "What took you so long? Did I have to send for you repeatedly? I heard you were only slapped - don't tell me you broke your legs too!"

Minglan widened her eyes, "It seems Fifth Sister's illness is quite serious. I'd better leave before I catch something."

Rulan immediately cried "Wait!" afraid Minglan might actually leave. Magpie laughingly pushed Minglan forward while apologizing repeatedly, "Young mistress, now that you're here, please don't joke with our young mistress anymore." Turning to Rulan, she added, "And you, young mistress, when I went to Twilight Cang Study just now, Sixth Young Miss was quite busy. Besides, she's injured - it's already wonderful that she could come." Rulan puffed her cheeks in silence.

Minglan reluctantly sat by Rulan's bedside, saying sternly, "Well, what can a lightly injured person do against a seriously ill patient? I had to come!"

Rulan brightened, turned Minglan's face to examine it closely, and marveled, "No wonder your complexion looked odd - you've powdered it! Oh, the finger marks are still visible."

Minglan sighed, "I can't very well go around with a slap mark on my face, so I had to use powder."

Rulan said indignantly, "Eldest Sister-in-law is formidable, but she's too soft-hearted. They dared to contradict Madame like that, yet she didn't punish them severely. They still eat and drink well - why preserve their dignity?"

Minglan thought for a moment before replying calmly, "Eldest Sister-in-law's benevolence is a good thing. Besides... she has her considerations."

Unless one could strike a fatal blow in household affairs, a wounded snake might turn and bite. Since Consort Lin hadn't been confined to her courtyard or driven out, and remained Sheng Hong's concubine, everything might change if Sheng Hong spent a night with her. By leaving some room, even if Consort Lin wanted to complain, she'd have little to say, and Sheng Hong would consider his daughter-in-law kind-hearted rather than harsh.

Rulan sighed leisurely, frowning, "I hate this - if you like someone, say so; if you don't, say so. Why all this pretense?"

Minglan touched the bandage on Rulan's forehead and sighed softly as well. Suddenly Rulan cheered up, pulling Minglan's hand, "When you go next time, bring me more osmanthus oil - the colorless kind. After using it for over a year, look how much better my hair has become!"Minglan stared incredulously, pointing at Rulan: "I'm going this time for... Da Bomu and aunt will be crying their eyes out, and you still have the nerve to worry about your hair?! I'd be too ashamed to ask for it!"

Rulan, accustomed to getting her way, immediately narrowed her eyes in displeasure when Minglan refused. Then, catching sight of Minglan's face, she suddenly had an idea and said, "It's just a few bottles of oil. If you get them for me, I'll tell you something delightful that'll surely make you happy."

Truthfully, Minglan still had a few bottles left, but she couldn't stand Rulan's selfish attitude. Curious, Minglan asked, "What delightful thing?"

Rulan leaned in mysteriously and whispered, "Do you know what the man Fourth Sister is marrying is like?" Minglan shook her head—how would she know? There was no way to dig up information here.

Rulan began her revelation in a hushed voice: "I heard that the scholar's family is poor, his father died when he was young, his mother is harsh, and his brothers are scoundrels!" And he's indecisive—the only good thing you can say about him is that he's 'honest'! Just wait and see how she'll suffer from her mother-in-law and brothers-in-law!"

"It can't be that bad, can it? Father's choices are usually decent," Minglan replied without much surprise.

Of course, that went without saying. A scholar was just one step away from becoming a successful candidate. If he came from a well-off family with outstanding character, there were plenty of high-ranking officials in the capital with loads of legitimate daughters and illegitimate daughters—would he end up with a fourth-rank official's illegitimate daughter? Not to mention Wen Yanjing; even Li Yu, if he openly sought a marriage alliance in the capital, could surely find someone better than the Sheng family. It was just that the Li family feared marrying into an unknown family, ending up with in-laws who were arrogant and troublesome, a daughter-in-law who was haughty, and causing more trouble than it was worth.

Seeing that Minglan wasn't sharing her excitement, Rulan felt disappointed and pulled a long face in a sulk. Minglan laughed and coaxed her, "Alright, I'll definitely get you that Osmanthus oil!"

Early the next morning, Changwu arrived with six or seven large carriages to pick them up. Sheng Hong urgently gave Changwu a few instructions. Yun'er was already five or six months pregnant, and Madam Wang held her niece's hand, offering many pieces of advice. After a long while of arrangements, Minglan and Changdong finally bid farewell to their parents. Hai Shi saw them off at the door, secretly slipping a banknote into Minglan's hand. Then, she earnestly said to Changwu and Yun'er, "Since I entered the family, I haven't had the chance to visit the hometown. I should have gone this time, but I'm tied up with household affairs and can't get away. I've troubled Sixth Sister and Fourth Brother instead. Second Cousin and Sister Yun'er, please don't take offense. When you see Da Bo and Da Bomu, be sure to apologize on my behalf."

Changwu repeatedly agreed, and Minglan also nodded, adding with a childlike laugh, "Uncle and Aunt are the kindest people. Even if they're angry now, once they see their plump, fair-skinned second grandson, their anger will melt away."

Everyone around laughed. Hai Shi shook her head, half-scolding, "This child!" Yun'er blushed, covering her mouth with a handkercher as she giggled. Changwu, who had been looking worried, couldn't help but smile at this.

Along the journey, the carriages rumbled along. Changdong had wanted to ride horses with Changwu but was sent back, so he had to sit in the carriage with Minglan, craning his neck to look outside. Yun'er had initially felt uncomfortable in the carriage, but as Minglan and her younger brother chatted and laughed, she soon cheered up.Changwu, having left home at a young age and traveled extensively, was highly skilled at arranging accommodations. Throughout the journey, he meticulously planned rest stops and meals, never missing a lodging opportunity. Yun'er observed discreetly and noticed that Minglan didn't need to give many orders to the servants. The maids prepared the beds, lit stoves to warm the kang, organized the dressing cases and clothing, while the older women fetched hot water and meals, sterilized cups and dishes, and served meals. Though there were no elders present, everything was handled with perfect order. If there were minor disputes or clashes with other distinguished guests staying at the same inns, Minglan would gently soothe the situation, instructing the servants to yield a step and offering extra silver to resolve matters amicably.

Once, Lüzhi exchanged a few sharp words with the servants of an official's family also lodging there and returned fuming: "They're just from a councilor's household, flaunting some marquis's descendant title as if they're something grand!" Do they think they're the emperor himself?"

Minglan replied with a mix of amusement and sigh, "What can we do? Your young lady has only these capabilities. There's always a higher mountain—unless we send our Miss Lüzhi into the palace to serve the Empress herself; then she could put on any airs she wanted!"

Lüzhi flushed red. Just then, Xiaotao returned triumphantly from outside, reporting that another group of relatives of a minister had arrived, who were also connected to the Duke of Lian. The officials' servants immediately vacated the best rooms. At this, the young maids in the room chuckled softly. Thereafter, Minglan became even more meticulous in regulating the servants, forbidding them from stirring up trouble. Whenever the girls stepped out, they were accompanied by sturdy family retainers.

After observing for several days, Yun'er finally couldn't hold back and said to her husband at night, "No wonder my aunt always wanted Minglan to marry into a higher family. Look at her—a childlike figure, yet she handles everything clearly without a hint of confusion. And she's broad-minded; I feel inferior to her. With such looks and no full brothers, if only she'd been born from the wife's womb... ah, it's fate." Changwu hugged his wife and laughed, "Nonsense, I think you're the best."

Yun'er playfully punched her husband.

After a few more days of travel, they finally reached the river ferry dock. Changwu had already hired a two-story red tung-lacquered wooden ship. Then Yun'er asked Minglan to disembark from the carriage and board the ship together. No matter how robust one's health, the days of hardship had taken their toll. Once aboard, Yun'er lay down to rest during her pregnancy. Minglan stayed with her, chatting for a while until she fell asleep, then quietly left.

The ship was steadier than the carriage, allowing Yun'er to sleep soundly, unlike the previous days when she couldn't rest properly. In the following days, Minglan supervised Yun'er's medication and rest, keeping her company to relieve boredom, while also retrieving Changdong from the ship's railings to resume his studies.

"When we traveled from Quanzhou to Dengzhou, our eldest brother never let go of his books, whether in the carriage or on a ship. Look at yourself—have you touched your books these past few days?" Minglan cited the exemplary model.

Though Changdong was diligent, he was still a child at heart. For the first time experiencing such freedom, with Sheng Hong, Madam Wang, and Concubine Xiang all absent, and Changwu and his wife not strictly supervising him, he had gradually become playful. Chastened by Minglan's words, he drooped his ears and returned to his studies.

Seeing this, Yun'er chuckled softly, "Sixth sister is so formidable. You'll surely urge your future husband to advance." Minglan rolled her eyes and retorted, "Just you wait—when the one in your belly is born, won't you be pushing him to study and strive for the top scholar?"

Yun'er pretended to be angry and swatted at Minglan, but inwardly she was very pleased, hoping deeply for a son.For the next few days, the journey was smooth with favorable winds. The north wind swelled the sails, speeding the boat swiftly along the river. They made stops at Shizhou, Jining, Shangzhou, and Huaiyin. Changwu happily informed everyone that with such good winds, they would likely arrive in just three or four more days.

That evening, the wind died down and the waves calmed. Changwu decided to anchor the boat in the middle of the river for the night. He bought some fresh river delicacies from local fishermen and prepared a hotpot, inviting his younger siblings to join. Yun'er merely smiled and ate a little fish congee, but Changwu and his siblings devoured five or six baskets of fish and shrimp—boiled, salted, braised, and charcoal-grilled. The boat was filled with the aroma of seafood. Minglan, in particular, seemed to have a vendetta against the river crabs, eating them with relentless enthusiasm. It was only when Yun'er, worried about her stomach, forcibly stopped her that Minglan reluctantly gave up. Changdong, holding a set of crab-picking tools, stared in astonishment.

Eating crabs called for some yellow wine to ward off the chill. Changwu, slightly tipsy, retired early with his wife. The young maids, also half-drunk, went to bed early. Minglan, however, summoned young Changdong to her room. As soon as they entered, her expression turned serious, and she carefully closed the doors and windows.

Changdong was puzzled but obediently followed Minglan to the innermost stool. Minglan spoke earnestly, "I haven’t had a chance these past few days, and there were always people around. Fortunately, you don’t care for crabs and didn’t drink. Now, tell me everything I asked you to find out."

Changdong paused, realizing what Minglan was referring to. He had been holding it in for a long time—he’d wanted to speak back at the Sheng residence, but then the incident with Molan happened, and they had hurriedly boarded the carriage. Along the way, there were always others present. Minglan, ever cautious, refused to speak openly outside and had sternly ordered Changdong not to bring it up.

About half a year earlier, Minglan had picked up fragments of conversation from Mama Qian and learned that Madam Wang had discussed marriage matters with Princess Pingning and Marquis Yongchang’s Wife during a banquet at the Marquis of Qi Manor. Minglan grew wary, vaguely guessing that Madam Wang intended to arrange marriages with the Qi and Liang families.

According to Madam Wang’s logic, she would never let Molan benefit from any good opportunity—so it had to be either Rulan or herself. Ranking the potential suitors by their merits, Minglan reluctantly concluded: Madam Wang probably intended to marry her off to Liang Han.

Minglan’s heart was suspended in uncertainty. She had previously remained calm because she trusted Old Madam’s judgment. She had met He Hongwen and felt he was a suitable match for a stable life. But now... it wasn’t that she distrusted Madam Wang, but rather that Madam Wang wouldn’t prioritize her marital happiness.

Yet marriage was ultimately a matter of parental authority. Even Yu Yanran’s own grandparents, who doted on her, had nearly yielded to Lord Yu’s demands. If a marriage alliance with the Liang family proved highly advantageous to the Sheng family—benefiting Sheng Hong, Changbai, and the entire household—and there were no glaring flaws, what could Old Madam possibly say?

For the first time, Minglan felt anxious and adrift. She knew nothing about that man. Secretly, she had sent Danju to gather information under the pretext of visiting family at the estate. But maids in the inner quarters, especially those serving young ladies, were closely monitored to prevent illicit dealings. With only one or two opportunities, what could she possibly uncover? All she learned was that Liang Han had no major faults—he hadn’t killed anyone, had no scandals, no tendencies toward homosexuality, and nothing unusual was happening in his household.Minglan still felt uneasy, until Ruomei reminded her that the school where Changdong studied had students from scholarly families as well as children of noble and official households in the capital. Given that the Liang family had extensive marital connections and widespread influence—though not particularly prominent, they were certainly rich in gossip—Minglan asked Changdong to investigate. Young Changdong was honest and reticent, traits that often made others less guarded against him. He worked slowly and methodically, gathering information indirectly over time. After a full six months, he finally had a clear outline of the situation.

Liang Han was impulsive and straightforward, careless in his actions, and fiercely loyal to his brothers and friends. Since Marquis Yongchang's Wife kept a tight rein on him, aside from two or three bedroom servants, he was relatively clean. However, a few months ago, the Liang residence began to stir. The reason was that the wife of Marquis Yongchang's illegitimate eldest son had brought a young woman into the household.

"She's said to be the illegitimate daughter of the cousin of the wife of the Liang family's eldest son," Changdong, who had an excellent memory, counted the relations on his short fingers. "Her name is Chun Ge."

Minglan couldn't help but laugh at the time—so it was "Brother Chun."

Miss Chun Ge was naturally stunningly beautiful and, presumably, quite skilled in her methods. Under Madam Liang's very nose, she managed to develop some sort of relationship with Liang Han. The wife of the Liang family's eldest son then tearfully demanded that Madam Liang provide an explanation.

A woman of such status—the illegitimate daughter of the cousin of the wife of an illegitimate son—was utterly beneath Madam Liang's notice. Given her behavior and connections, Madam Liang wouldn't even accept her as a concubine. Miss Chun Ge, however, was fiercely determined. She threatened that if the Liang family didn't give her a proper resolution, she would dash her head against the gates of the Marquis Yongchang residence. She was willing to stake her life to let all of the capital know how cruel and unprincipled the Liang family was.

After listening to Changdong's halting account, Minglan took a deep breath and leaned back in her chair, lost in thought. This made sense; it aligned with her worries. To be honest, she never considered herself so precious as to warrant repeated attention and generous treatment from Marquis Yongchang's Wife. The legitimate youngest son of a marquis marrying the illegitimate daughter of a fourth-rank official was more than sufficient.

So what was the reason Marquis Yongchang's Wife regarded her so favorably?

Minglan tilted her head slightly. Against the wall stood a simple beechwood dressing table, its rhombus-patterned mirror polished to a brilliant shine, clearly reflecting her face. It truly resembled the glow of a pearl, the radiance of fine jade—no wonder Mo Lan had been driven to madness, wanting to scar her face.

The answer was disheartening, but given her inherent disadvantages, it was likely the most reasonable explanation.

The rest was easy to deduce.

After the incident, Marquis Yongchang's Wife acted decisively, agreeing to accept Chun Ge as a concubine but insisting that Liang Han first marry a proper wife. The two sides were deadlocked for a long time. Madam Liang could afford to wait, but Miss Chun Ge could not. In the end, Liang Han had to agree to marry first.

Madam Liang was shrewd. She knew that hastily choosing a daughter from a prominent family would not solve the problem and might even cause more trouble.

She already had a legitimate eldest son and a noble-born daughter-in-law, so she didn't lack well-connected brides for her sons. She understood her son well: Liang Han wasn't deeply in love but had been ensnared by a beautiful and cunning woman. What she needed was to find a woman more beautiful than Chun Ge, with manners and poise that could overshadow her. Once married, if she could win back Liang Han's affection, that would be ideal. If not, as long as she upheld the rules of propriety, no major chaos would ensue.Miss Chunge was very beautiful, but Madam Liang searched high and low without finding anyone satisfactory. It was at this moment that Minglan appeared before her, and her eyes lit up. Over the following months, Madam Liang gradually came to know Minglan better, and the more she saw, the more pleased she became. Minglan came from a scholarly family, her father and brothers were capable, and although she was born of a concubine, her upbringing and manners were entirely to Madam Liang's liking. Thus...

Minglan felt unusually clear-headed. Strangely enough, she wasn't even particularly angry. To be fair, the marriage proposal from Liang Han was actually beyond her social standing. If it weren't for that "Chunge" woman, would such an opportunity ever come her way? Even He Hongwen didn't necessarily have to marry Minglan—it was only because of the longstanding friendship between He Laofuren and her grandmother, plus the mutual goodwill between both families.

Surprisingly, Minglan suddenly felt relieved. It was like being a helmsman navigating through fog, uncertain of the dangers ahead. When the fog finally cleared, even knowing there were treacherous shoals and hidden reefs ahead felt better than the uncertainty.

Actually, the "Chunge" situation wasn't too serious. Looking at Consort Lin's example proved that for those aristocratic young men, romantic love was always fleeting—only family, career prospects, and heirs were eternal. As Liang Han's wife, with the support of social conventions, a mother-in-law's protection, plus some beauty, wit, and strategy, given time, there was no fear that "Chunge" wouldn't fall from favor.

Unless Liang Han was the "Fifth Prince" type—determined to hang himself on one tree—then she could only admit bad luck, though the probability of that was quite low.

Changdong watched Minglan anxiously. Though young, having grown up without much affection, he had learned early to read people's expressions. He knew this wasn't good news for Minglan. Seeing her leaning dazedly against the chair back staring at the ceiling, he uneasily tugged at her sleeve. Minglan snapped out of her thoughts and smiled at Changdong: "It's alright. Once we see Old Madam, everything will be fine."

Minglan weighed her own capabilities—she probably couldn't outmaneuver Miss Chunge. Better to forget it and let Madam Liang find someone else. This time Changdong had rendered great service. With this information, Old Madam could likely refuse with confidence. Madam Wang had been keeping the He family matter secret from Marquis Yongchang's Wife all along. Once Old Madam returned, she only needed to say Minglan was already betrothed, and all would be peaceful.

Just as she was thinking this, a sudden "boom" echoed from afar, shaking the entire water surface. Minglan swayed in her chair before steadying herself, then she and Changdong, who was holding onto the chair, looked at each other in astonishment.

—What happened?