From the moment she stepped through the main gate of the Sheng residence, Old Mrs. Sheng wore an icy expression. She first instructed young Changdong to return to see Concubine Xiang, then headed to the main house to visit Madam Wang. Just as she reached the courtyard entrance, a sharp woman's shriek pierced the air: "...Give up! I'd rather let my daughter remain unmarried her whole life than let that wretched woman have her way!" This was followed by Sheng Hong's roar: "Then what do you propose we do?"
Old Mrs. Sheng glanced sideways at Hai Shi, whose face flushed red. Hai Shi quickly nudged the maid beside her, who immediately raised her voice to announce loudly: "Old Madam has arrived!"
Silence fell inside the room. Old Mrs. Sheng and her party lifted the curtain and entered, passing through the curio shelf straight into the inner chamber. There they saw Madam Wang lying in bed, dressed in a honey-colored inner garment and nestled under a brocade quilt embroidered with gold thread. Her face was sallow, but her cheekbones bore an unnatural flush—clear signs of recent fury. Sheng Hong, standing nearby, hurried over to pay his respects when he saw Old Mrs. Sheng enter.
Old Mrs. Sheng gave him a cold look without uttering a word. Madam Wang struggled to rise and greet her, but Minglan quickly stepped forward to restrain her. Old Mrs. Sheng approached and said gently, "Don't get up. Rest properly."
Minglan stole a glance at Sheng Hong and his wife and was startled by what she saw. Sheng Hong had suddenly developed white hair at his temples, as if he had aged seven or eight years in an instant. Madam Wang also looked haggard, as if she had suffered a serious illness. Sensing the tense atmosphere, Minglan didn't dare linger. After respectfully bowing to Sheng Hong and Madam Wang and offering greetings, she withdrew quietly and returned directly to Twilight Cang Study.
Madam Wang glanced at Hai Shi standing in attendance nearby. Seeing Hai Shi's slight nod, she understood that Old Mrs. Sheng already knew the whole story. Tears welled up in her eyes as she choked out: "Old Madam... your daughter-in-law is useless! To have such a disgraceful thing happen right under my nose! I... I..."
Old Mrs. Sheng waved her hand, cutting off Madam Wang's words: "Mo Yatou's matter isn't your fault. There are thieves who've operated for millennia, but no one can stay vigilant for a thousand years. Besides, she's someone the master favors—who wouldn't show her some consideration? Naturally, it was difficult to impose strict controls."
The sarcasm in her words made Sheng Hong blush. He merely bowed his head in silence, not daring to respond. Seeing Old Mrs. Sheng speaking in her defense, Madam Wang covered her face with a handkerchief and wailed loudly: "Mother is right! If not for consideration of the master, who would have let them succeed in their sneaky schemes! But they've harmed my child..."
Old Mrs. Sheng interrupted her again: "Mo Yatou's matter isn't your fault, but Ru Yatou's situation is indeed your error! How many families do you plan to promise one daughter to? You're always coveting the mountain across the valley—wavering east one moment and west the next. Even your mother who dotes on you is now angry with you. Shouldn't you be properly reflecting on your mistakes!"
Remembering her mother's fury and her own sister's betrayal, Madam Wang felt a wave of bitterness. She buried her face in the pillow and began sobbing brokenly.
Sheng Hong looked ashamed and bowed his head: "Mother, what do you think... should be done now?"
Old Mrs. Sheng continued to ignore him, speaking directly to Madam Wang: "You should focus on recovering properly. Don't dwell on those distressing matters for now. Rulan has just reached marriageable age—her marriage arrangements can proceed slowly." After instructing Hai Shi to attend to Madam Wang properly, she turned and left without another word. Seeing Old Mrs. Sheng's stern expression, Sheng Hong didn't dare speak either, and could only watch helplessly as she departed.Upon returning to Twilight Cang Study, Minglan saw Ruomei leading a group of young maids standing neatly at the entrance to welcome her. Minglan smiled slightly. When she entered the room, she found it spotlessly clean with windows gleaming. Boiling tea was prepared by the door, and on the table sat Minglan's favorite spring set of white porcelain cups painted with colorful patterns, accompanied by a plate of fresh fruits. Quite satisfied, Minglan sincerely praised Ruomei a few words.
Once inside, Danju cheerfully opened a small chest, took out a light purple thin silk bundle, and handed it to Ruomei: "No wonder the young lady prepared such a generous reward for you—you truly deserve it!"
Ruomei raised her eyebrows proudly, accepted the gift, and said indifferently, "I'm not as eloquent as my elder sisters to win the young lady's favor. Left alone to watch over the courtyard, I naturally have to put in more effort."
Lüzhi, who was busy unpacking items from a large trunk, overheard this and couldn't resist emerging to argue, but Yancao pressed her back down. Danju smiled gently without responding further. Xiaotao couldn't help adding, "Sister Ruomei, I heard the young lady say that if anyone else had been left behind, they might not have managed the courtyard as well. You're steady and reliable—that's why the young lady trusted you to guard the place."
Ruomei pursed her lips noncommittally and turned to leave. Then Cuixiu slipped in through the bamboo curtain, smiling sweetly: "Elder sisters, you've worked hard. Sister Ruomei had us prepare your rooms and bedding in advance. Once you finish the young lady's tasks, you can rest. That's just how Sister Ruomei speaks—she actually cares deeply about all of you."
Hearing this, Lüzhi let out a sigh and continued working with her head down, while Danju and the others couldn't help chuckling softly.
After tidying up all afternoon, Minglan finally had a moment to herself. She took a thorough bath, feeling somewhat refreshed and relieved of fatigue. Once she felt more relaxed, she headed straight to Longevity and Peace Hall for dinner.
Following Old Madam's rule of no talking during meals, the grandmother and granddaughter sat properly to eat. While eating, Minglan secretly observed Old Madam's expression—she didn't seem particularly displeased, but her brow was deeply furrowed as if greatly troubled.
After the meal, with a cup of light tea in hand, Minglan didn't know what to say to Old Madam, so she went over and gently massaged her shoulders.
"...What do you think about this messy situation—should I intervene or not?" Old Madam spoke slowly, her face veiled in the steam from the hot tea, looking weary. Mama Fang had already reported that Consort Lin was locked in a side room, Molan was confined to her own chamber, and Sheng Hong had given strict orders that no one was to see them.
"...Intervene," Minglan blurted out. Seeing Old Madam's displeased expression, she quickly added, "But not too easily. Well... at least make Father beg you... three times!" She held up three chubby fingers on her fair palm.
Old Madam rolled her eyes at her and grumbled, "Your father already came to plead twice this afternoon."
Minglan felt embarrassed, inwardly criticizing her father Sheng Hong for his impatience. She forced a dry laugh: "Then... at least five times." All five plump fingers splayed open.
Old Madam sighed and shook her head gently. "Blood is thicker than water—they're still his own flesh and blood. Fine, we can't let this stalemate continue. But..." She gritted her teeth, "I refuse to let those shameless schemers have their way!"Minglan slowly stopped her hands, pondered for a moment, and said, "One thing is one thing. Consort Lin's wrongdoing is one matter, while the family's reputation is another. Those who deserve punishment must be punished, and what needs to be salvaged must be salvaged."
Old Madam closed her eyes in contemplation for a while before speaking, "That makes sense."
The next day, Old Madam instructed Minglan to distribute the items brought from Youyang one by one. Madam Wang remained bedridden to recuperate from her illness. Seeing Old Madam return to the residence, Hai Shi breathed a sigh of relief and actually seemed to regain some energy, her complexion no longer as unpleasant. In the afternoon, Minglan brought fresh osmanthus oil to Taoran Residence to console the victim.
In Minglan's estimation, Rulan was either in the midst of a tantrum, had just finished one, or was brewing one. Unexpectedly, Rulan was not as furious as anticipated. Although she still spoke harshly of Molan and her mother, she remained rational and even had the mood to ask her maid to trace floral patterns.
"She brought this upon herself—no one else to blame—yet she had to drag us down with her!" Rulan fumed, then relaxed her brow. "Marriage is a matter of fate, given by the heavens. There's no use complaining." It seemed she had no particular interest in Qi Heng or her Wang family cousin, so she appeared indifferent.
"Fifth Sister, you've grown up," Minglan remarked sincerely, only to receive a sharp flick on the forehead.
During this period, Sheng Hong was also having a hard time. The family's reputation was in tatters, and his usually formidable wife had abandoned her responsibilities. He had no choice but to seek out Old Madam. Over two days, he went to her four times, but each time, before he could speak, he was met with cold, cutting remarks. Sheng Hong knew Old Madam had always secretly blamed him for being too lenient with Consort Lin and failing to restrain her properly. See? Now trouble had arisen. Served him right!
Early on the third day, Sheng Hong, rubbing his nose, went to plead with Old Madam again. Old Madam, with her hands tucked into her sleeves, counted off on her fingers before her expression softened slightly. Overjoyed, Sheng Hong hurriedly begged, "Your son knows he was wrong. I earnestly beg Mother to discipline me!"
Old Madam looked at Sheng Hong quietly, her gaze stern. "I heard Consort Lin gave you one of her maids, who is now with child? And this happened during the national mourning period?"
Sheng Hong's face flushed crimson, and he thudded to his knees, repeatedly saying, "Your son was foolish!"
Old Madam snorted coldly. "No wonder she had the audacity to stir up trouble again—she had won your favor."
Madam Wang treated Sheng Hong like a prisoner, while Consort Lin, understanding his needs, provided him with a delicate and alluring maid, which suited Sheng Hong perfectly. However, afterward, he deeply regretted it. He had always valued his official reputation, but this time, he had been swayed and lost his composure.
"It is all your son's fault! Please punish me severely, Mother!" Sheng Hong knelt before Old Madam with his head bowed.
Old Madam slammed her hand on the table and sneered, "You fool! You don't even realize you've been manipulated! Have you considered that Molan's scheme wasn't concocted in a day or two? They likely planned it long ago, luring you into their trap first! They made you commit a wrongdoing so they could control you!"Sheng Hong's forehead was beaded with sweat. Old Mrs. Sheng took several labored breaths before steadying herself, speaking slowly: "Hong'er, do you remember our conversation years ago, after Consort Wei's death?" Sheng Hong was momentarily startled before replying: "Your son remembers."
Old Mrs. Sheng sighed: "Back then I urged you to properly restrain the Lin woman, but you didn't listen. Now this disaster has occurred. I said then - how can one's official career prosper when the household is unsettled? Look at the current situation..."
Sheng Hong burned with shame. Though the late May weather was growing warm, cold sweat kept breaking out on his body. He began to resent Consort Lin - if not for her repeated troublemaking, how would he have become the subject of his colleagues' gossip?
Old Mrs. Sheng asked seriously: "Do you truly want me to handle things this time?" Sheng Hong kowtowed and declared clearly: "Your son lacks virtue and talent. All these years I've relied entirely on Mother's guidance. I beg you to bear this burden once more!"
The old madam stared into Sheng Hong's eyes, enunciating each word: "This time I'm not making empty threats. There will be severe punishment afterward. Can you bear it?!" Sensing the cold determination in her words, Sheng Hong thought for a moment before gritting his teeth: "Naturally!"
The old madam pressed further: "Even if I demand her life?" Considering the implications and how his affection for Consort Lin had faded over the years, Sheng Hong hardened his heart and said loudly: "That wretched woman deserves death! Killing her would merely repay Consort Wei's life!"
After staring at Sheng Hong for a long while, the old madam nodded expressionlessly and said mildly: "I won't take her life, but... she cannot remain here either."
After dinner, Old Mrs. Sheng sent Minglan away. Minglan, being clever, found an excuse to leave Danju at Longevity and Peace Hall to later report back on what transpired.
Old Mrs. Sheng and Hai Shi had different approaches to handling matters. Hai Shi came from a scholarly family that preferred winning people over with virtue, wanting others to submit willingly with admiration. Old Mrs. Sheng, however, was the legitimate daughter of a noble family accustomed to giving orders without argument, having little patience for prolonged disputes. She would make her position clear - "I understand, and I don't need you to understand."
Sheng Hong and Madam Wang sat in the inner room of Longevity and Peace Hall - one at the table, the other on the window-side daybed. Both husband and wife were suppressing their anger, neither looking at the other. Outside, Old Mrs. Sheng sat alone in the main hall and had Consort Lin and Molan brought before her.
Consort Lin wisely knelt down, supported by a beautiful maid in watery red clothing. The old madam glanced at the maid several times - with her almond eyes, peach-blossom cheeks, and amorous expression, though her waist appeared somewhat thick. The old madam couldn't help but sneer inwardly. Molan on the other side was much more stubborn. Though she had suffered considerably recently, with careless grooming and somewhat dispirited appearance, she still stood in the center with her neck held high.
Looking at Molan, the old madam spoke slowly: "I won't lecture you about principles - presumably the Master, Madam, and your eldest sister-in-law have said plenty. I'll just ask you one thing: you can't marry into the Wen family anymore. How do you plan to resolve this situation now?"
Molan's anger surged in her chest as she snorted: "It's just my life at stake, what's the big deal! If you want me dead, then I'll die!"Without a moment's hesitation, Old Madam declared sharply, "Well said! Bring it in." Mama Fang entered from one end, carrying a tray. Pointing at the objects on the tray, Old Madam said, "Here is a white silk ribbon and a bowl of poisoned tea. Choose one; this will cleanse the reputation of our Sheng family!"
Molan's small face turned pale, her stubborn expression crumbling as she stared at the white silk and poison on the tray, her body trembling violently. Consort Lin let out a desperate cry, kowtowing and pleading, "Old Madam, spare her life! Molan, kneel quickly and apologize to your grandmother!... Old Madam, please don't! This foolish girl doesn't know any better and has angered you. Please, for the sake of the master..."
Old Madam waved her hand, and with a sharp "crack," a teacup shattered on the floor. Pointing at Consort Lin, she coldly snapped, "Shut your mouth! The greatest regret of my life was my momentary weakness in allowing you into the household and later into the family. Over the years, how much trouble have you stirred up? I won't argue with you about that now. If you utter another word, I will immediately pour this poison down your daughter's throat! You know me—I mean what I say, and I do what I say!"
Consort Lin gulped audibly and lowered her head, her eyes darting around as if searching for something. Old Madam sneered, "Don't bother looking for the master. He won't be coming today. I am handling everything."
Consort Lin slumped to the floor, her expression pitiful, but she dared not speak again. Inside the inner room, Madam Wang smirked mockingly and turned to look at her husband, only to see Sheng Hong motionless, which eased her anger somewhat.
Seeing the situation turn dire, Molan quickly knelt and repeatedly apologized, "Grandmother, spare your granddaughter! I know I was wrong, I know I was wrong! I won't dare do it again, I... I don't want to die!" She began to cry, glancing at Consort Lin kneeling beside her. Suddenly recalling their previous scheme, she hurriedly added, "I didn't mean to do it. I've been confined to the house every day and was so terribly bored that I went out to offer incense, thinking to pray for your longevity and for Father's promotion. How was I to know such a thing would happen... I had no idea! It was an unintentional mistake..." Molan trailed off as she noticed Old Madam's scornful gaze fixed upon her.
Inside the inner room, Madam Wang was nearly overcome with fury. Even at this point, Molan still dared to deceive others. Outside, Old Madam was both exasperated and amused, speaking slowly, "Your mother has had her sights set on the Liang family for months. She sent a formerly trusted servant of Consort Lin to cozy up to the Liang family's gatekeeper and found out that Liang Han would be accompanying his mother to offer incense that day. Then you had your maid, Yunzai, dress up as you and lie in bed while you sneaked out in servant's clothes. Outside, you changed into fine attire, and Xia Xian arranged a carriage for you... After three rounds of beatings, the servants confessed everything. If you and your mother aren't ashamed of your disgraceful behavior, I'll have them brought here to confront you. Hmph! To dare lie to my face like this—truly, you have talent! Consort Lin has spent her life twisting right and wrong, and it seems you've learned well!"
Molan's face drained of all color. Realizing Old Madam had uncovered every detail, she prostrated herself on the floor, trembling like a leaf in the wind.In the inner room, Madam Wang cast a mocking glance at Sheng Hong, who felt deeply humiliated; in the main hall, Old Madam signaled Mama Fang to set the tray aside before speaking again: "Now that your reputation is ruined, respectable families will likely shy away. The Liang family doesn’t want you either. Did you ever consider the consequences when you acted so recklessly?"
Upon hearing this, Molan trembled suddenly and cried out, "How do you know the Liang family refuses me when the proposal hasn’t even been made?"
Old Madam looked at her coldly: "So that was your and your mother’s scheme. But have you considered they might simply look down on you? Proposals have always been made by the groom’s family to the bride’s. Even in rare exceptions, both sides had prior understanding. If our family proposes and gets rejected, where will your father hide his face?"
Wiping tears from her cheeks, Molan argued, "If Madam Liang favors Minglan, why would she reject me? What makes me inferior to Minglan? My Concubine mother is far better than hers!" Her tone seethed with resentment.
Old Madam sneered, "Why they’d reject you? I’ve no idea. I only know that since that day, Marquis Yongchang’s household has sent no word. Your father tentatively dropped hints, but they vanished like clay oxen in the sea."
Molan’s chest heaved violently as she gasped for breath. Suddenly, like a drowning person clutching at straws, she knelt and tugged at Old Madam’s hem, pleading desperately: "Grandmother, have pity on me! Minglan is your granddaughter, and so am I! You’ve schemed tirelessly for her—can’t you care for me too? I know I’ve shamed the family and earned Father’s disgust, but I had no choice! Madam loathes us, the mother and daughter, wishing to devour my concubine mother. How would she ever put effort into my marriage? I… my Concubine mother and I just wanted a good match to avoid being trampled upon in our later years!"
As she spoke, streams of tears rolled down Molan’s face, her eyes reddening as she wept, "I envy Minglan for being so well-liked everywhere—by you, Father, Eldest Brother, Eldest Sister-in-law! Now she’s even won over a noble, Marquis Yongchang’s Wife! I can’t accept it! Why should she marry better than me? Grandmother, since things have come to this, please grant my wish! Have mercy on your granddaughter!"
By the end, Molan lay prostrate on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably with choked breaths.
"How do you expect us to grant your wish?" Old Madam asked slowly.
Molan quickly looked up, as if spotting a glimmer of hope: "Ask Father to plead with Marquis Yongchang! Father has a reputable official standing—the Marquis won’t refuse him! Madam Liang already intended to ally with our family anyway; it’s just a matter of switching the bride. Aren’t we both daughters of the Sheng family? What makes me worse than Minglan? Let Father go, and Madam too! If I enter the Liang household, it’ll benefit the Sheng family, won’t it? As long as Father and Madam try their best, it’ll surely work! Give me a way out!"
In the inner room, Madam Wang silently sneered repeatedly, while Sheng Hong clenched his fists, his face purpling with rage. Throughout his official career, he had always acted prudently, never making enemies lightly nor begging favors without cause, which had earned him his current status. Yet now he was expected to humiliate himself for an ill-mannered illegitimate daughter, with no guarantee of success. In this compact capital, if word spread, where would he ever hide his dignity?!Old Madam looked at Molan's tear-streaked face, then glanced at Consort Lin nearby, her heart gradually turning cold as she remarked sarcastically, "Are you implying that if things don't go your way, it means the master and madam didn't try hard enough? That they're denying you a path to survival?"
Molan started in surprise, lowering her head to say, "Since Father loves me, he ought to consider my interests!"
The room fell into complete silence, so quiet that only the rustling of osmanthus tree branches from the courtyard could be heard. Inside the inner chamber, Sheng Hong grew so furious his face turned deathly pale, his heart completely chilled toward Consort Lin and her daughter. Seeing her husband so distressed, Madam Wang's heart softened slightly.
After a long while, Old Mrs. Sheng finally spoke slowly, "You've grown up this much, and everyone in the mansion knows how dearly your father loves you. As a concubine's daughter, your food, clothing, and daily provisions are all on par with the fifth young lady's. Even Madam Wang dares not neglect you, all for fear of upsetting your father. Compare yourself to the concubine-born daughters in Kang Yima's household and search your conscience before speaking! And now you dare utter such unfilial and outrageous words! Your father's heartfelt efforts have all been fed to the dogs! The greatest difference between you and Ming Yatou is that she knows her place and understands what should and shouldn't be done. You say I scheme for her, but I've schemed for you in the same way—were you willing? You always covet wealth and status, which is precisely what I dislike. Ah... enough. If Madam Wang won't go to propose the marriage, I will!"
As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the inner and outer rooms was shocked. At this point, Sheng Hong's face turned icy cold, feeling that even if a bowl of poison were given to Molan, it wouldn't be unjust. Madam Wang also jumped up in alarm.
Molan looked up at Old Mrs. Sheng in disbelief, the resentment on her face instantly replaced with joy. Before she could express her gratitude, Old Mrs. Sheng continued as if talking to herself, "I'll shamelessly use my old face to go to the Liang residence to propose marriage on your behalf, speak well of you, and make plans for you. But while man proposes, heaven disposes. Whether the Liang family agrees or not, your grandmother cannot guarantee."
Molan's heart skipped a beat. Old Mrs. Sheng stared into her eyes and said with deliberate slowness, "If Madam Liang is willing to take you as a daughter-in-law, you needn't thank me—it's your own luck. But if Madam Liang absolutely refuses..." Molan's fingers trembled as Old Mrs. Sheng went on, "Your father and brother still hold official positions in the capital. A daughter of the Sheng family cannot become a concubine in the Liang household. Your eldest sister's husband is Liang Han's superior, and your eldest sister cannot bear such shame. I will send you back to Youyang and have your aunt arrange a marriage for you to a well-off farming family."
Molan was terrified, breaking out in a cold sweat that soaked through her back. She wanted to argue further, but Old Mrs. Sheng pointed directly at the tray holding the white silk and arsenic, stating bluntly, "If you still make excuses and refuse, then choose one from that tray or the shears! We'll give you a grand funeral, and we'll visit you often in the nunnery."
Molan was stunned into silence. Meanwhile, Consort Lin secretly rejoiced. She knew Old Mrs. Sheng's temperament—since she had promised to go all out, she would never resort to deception. With Old Mrs. Sheng personally stepping in, Sheng Hong would surely seek out the Marquis of Yongchang.
After saying this, Old Mrs. Sheng didn't spare Molan another glance. Instead, she turned to Consort Lin and said, "As for you, you cannot remain in the Sheng residence. After tonight, first thing tomorrow morning, you will be sent to the countryside estate."
These words struck like a bolt from the blue. Consort Lin gasped in shock, "Old Madam..." Before she could finish, Mama Fang, who had been waiting nearby with two sturdy matrons, immediately gagged Consort Lin and bound her hands and feet. Mother and daughter share one heart—Molan cried out, tugging at Old Mrs. Sheng's sleeve to beg for mercy, while Consort Lin struggled like a wild beast, frantic and crazed.
Old Mrs. Sheng fixed a cold gaze on Consort Lin and said icily, "If you cause any more trouble, I'll send you to the Bronze Pestle Nunnery in the outskirts of the capital!"Consort Lin dared not struggle any longer, and Molan was struck dumb. The Copper Pestle Nunnery was no ordinary convent—it was a place where women from wealthy families who had committed offenses were sent for punishment. The nuns there were quick to resort to beatings and scoldings, the labor was extremely arduous, and inmates suffered from hunger and sleeplessness. It was said that any woman who entered would be stripped of a layer of her spirit.
Old Madam rose to her feet and looked down at Consort Lin on the floor. She saw the resentment blazing in her crimson eyes, glaring fiercely back at her. Unfazed, Old Madam said calmly, "I deeply regret not insisting on taking Feng Ge'er and Molan from you back then, even if it meant displeasing the master. Look what has become of this son and daughter under your influence! One prides himself on being gallant but lacks ambition; the other is greedy for vanity and knows no shame. You may have ruined yourself, but you've also ruined these children! You, who have blood on your hands, should go to the manor to reflect in peace. Consider it penance. If, in ten or twenty years, your son and daughter prove accomplished, they may bring you out to enjoy the blessings of grandchildren. If not..."
She left the sentence unfinished. Fear flashed in Consort Lin's eyes—ten or twenty years? How old would she be by then? Desperately, she struggled to kowtow and plead for mercy, but the matron restraining her had a firm grip, and she could not break free.
Suddenly, Old Madam turned her gaze to the maid in watery-red clothing beside Consort Lin and smiled gently. "Your name is Jufang, isn't it?" The maid, already terrified by Old Madam's imposing presence, had been trembling in a corner. At the sound of her name, she hurriedly kowtowed.
Old Madam's expression remained kind. "Such a lovely appearance, what a pity..."
Jufang felt a flicker of joy at the first part of the remark and Old Madam's demeanor, but the follow-up sentence sent chills down her spine. Bewildered, she stared at Old Madam, who sighed and said, "Child, you've been harmed without even realizing it."
Jufang was shocked and stammered, "Who... who harmed me?"
Shaking her head with pity, Old Madam asked, "How many months along are you?" Jufang's face flushed pink with embarrassment as she whispered, "Four months."
"Then it was conceived during the national mourning period." Old Madam's icy words plunged Jufang into despair. Her mind reeled in panic, and after a moment, she wailed, "I didn't know! I didn't know! It was the concubine who told me to serve the master!"
"Your mistress had her own motives." Old Madam glanced at Consort Lin. "A pregnancy during the national mourning period—how could the master leave such a vulnerability? Once the madam finds out, you're finished."
In the inner room, Madam Wang glared fiercely at Sheng Hong. She had been completely kept in the dark about this matter, and the sudden appearance of another seductress infuriated her. Sheng Hong flushed with shame and turned away, but inwardly, he seethed at Lin's venomous scheming.
Jufang, pale with terror, cried out, "Old Madam, save me!" She cursed Consort Lin inwardly for her treachery—if she had truly meant to help her, she should have waited until after the mourning period and arranged things properly, instead of setting her up for ruin.
Old Madam beckoned to her. Jufang scurried over and knelt at her feet. Old Madam spoke slowly, "Here's what we'll do. Later, Mama Fang will prepare you a mild abortifacient. First, rid yourself of this vulnerability, then focus on recuperating. After that, I will officially elevate you to concubine status. How does that sound?"
Though reluctant to part with the child in her womb, Jufang thought of Madam Wang's violent temper and Consort Lin's fate. Gritting her teeth, she agreed, her heart filling with deep hatred for Consort Lin.Witnessing this scene, Consort Lin was truly frightened and couldn't suppress her trembling. She had originally thought Sheng Hong would remember their past affection and bring her back after a year or so, especially with their children frequently pleading on her behalf. But if such a young, beautiful, charming woman who deeply resented her remained by Sheng Hong's side, whispering in his ear every day, she feared Sheng Hong would only remember her with hatred.
Consort Lin's heart filled with terror, and she cast a pleading look toward her daughter. Molan saw this and wanted to speak up to beg for her birth mother's forgiveness, but unexpectedly, Old Madam had already risen and was being supported by Cuiping as she walked toward the inner room. Halfway there, she suddenly turned back and said to Molan, "In two days, I'll be going to the Liang residence. If matters succeed..."
Molan's heart skipped a beat, and she closed her mouth to listen to Old Madam. She heard Old Madam's voice tinged with weariness as she continued, "The Yongchang Marquis's household holds greater influence than the Sheng family, and you'll be entering through such circumstances. From now on, you'll have to rely entirely on yourself—pleasing your husband, winning your in-laws' favor. If you think to depend on your maternal family, it will be difficult."
Hearing this, Molan suddenly felt a surge of determination. Setting aside Consort Lin's matters for now, she secretly resolved to take charge both inside and outside the household, determined to show her maternal family how impressive she would become!
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