The next morning, Minglan sat before the washstand, a fine cotton cloth draped over her chest as Yancao cleansed her face. Danju entered quietly from outside, leaned close to Minglan's ear, and whispered, "Around 3:45 a.m., Consort Lin was bound hand and foot and carried away. I heard she was sent to one of Old Madam's estates."—Had she been sent to an estate under Madam Wang's name, she likely wouldn't have survived three months.
Minglan showed no reaction, only asking, "I heard commotion from Linqi Pavilion all night—what happened?"
Danju's cheeks flushed slightly. She glanced at Yancao beside them and murmured, "After everyone dispersed last night, I heard Mama Liu brought a bowl of something to Jufang... the young lady... She was in pain all night, screaming curses at Consort Lin until nearly dawn... when it was finally over."
Minglan's expression darkened briefly before she fell silent.
When paying respects to Old Madam and Madam Wang later, Hai Shi was absent—reportedly busy dealing with Linqi Pavilion's staff. From stewards to maids and servants, some were sold off while others were expelled. Particularly targeted were Consort Lin's confidants like Xia Xian's wife, who seemed instrumental in Mo Lan's successful entanglement with Liang Han. Hai Shi, seething with resentment, purged them all thoroughly.
Over the following days, Hai Shi wore a chilling smile as she began reorganizing the household, from maids at Shanyue Residence to kitchen procurement staff—leaving no one untouched. Thus, Consort Lin's two-decade entrenched influence in the Sheng household vanished like smoke. Changbai, meanwhile, maintained a perpetually stern expression. Unable to criticize his elders' faults, he frequently glared at his one-year-old son, mentally drafting comprehensive moral-intellectual-physical-aesthetic-labor education plans for the boy. Quange, perceptive for his age, would timidly bare his rice-grain teeth in a foolish grin at the sight of his father's corpse-like face, signaling his intention to behave.
Sheng Hong visited Old Madam thrice daily to play the filial son. After excessive smiling strained his facial muscles, he would invariably storm to Changfeng's quarters to vent. Madam Wang essentially transformed into Xianglin's Wife—with the distinction that while Xianglin's Wife's refrain was "My poor Ah Mao," Madam Wang's opening line became "My poor Rulan," repeated at least ten times daily.
During each visit, Madam Wang would clutch Rulan's hand while weeping intermittently, fixing her daughter with heartbroken stares. Minglan observed this and concluded: Attending a state leader's memorial service couldn't be more solemn.
After two days of this, Rulan finally snapped, shouting, "I'm not dead yet!" before storming off.
Madam Wang then turned to Minglan, dabbing her eyes with a handkerchief as she lamented, "Good child, you must often keep your fifth sister company... Don't let her dwell on dark thoughts... Especially keep needles and scissors away from her..."
Minglan nodded earnestly, though she privately thought Madam Wang misunderstood her own daughter. If Rulan ever wielded a sharp object, her first priority should be warning Mo Lan to flee for her life.
As Madam Wang wiped her tears, her makeup no longer concealed the crow's feet at her eyes. Staring absently at Minglan, she slowly remarked, "You look so much like Consort Wei... though your nose resembles the Master's... Do you still remember Consort Wei?"
Minglan froze momentarily before shaking her head honestly. "I don't remember." In truth, she had never seen Consort Wei—by the time she transmigrated, Consort Wei had already stopped breathing.Madam Wang gazed at Minglan's flower-like delicate features, her eyes flickering thoughtfully. She then leaned back against the kang, nestling into the soft cushions that eased the strain on her spine, and said leisurely, "Your temperament resembles Consort Wei's—honest and undemanding. Though Rulan is the elder sister, all these years it has been you constantly yielding to her. My child, you've endured much hardship!"
Minglan immediately lowered her head in shyness and replied, "We are sisters. What does it matter who yields to whom?" She felt Madam Wang didn't truly understand her.
Madam Wang drew Minglan closer, gently patting her small hand, and sighed, "Though you weren't born from my womb, I've regarded you as my own all these years. With your looks and disposition, I always thought you'd surely marry into a prominent family. But alas... that unruly Mo girl breached etiquette and ruined this fine match for you."
Minglan kept her blushing face down and murmured softly, "Old Madam often tells me that marriages are predestined. Perhaps Fourth Sister is meant for this good match. After all, we're all daughters of the Sheng family—it makes no difference." Why was Madam Wang bringing this up now?
Frowning, Madam Wang suddenly seemed energized and raised her voice, "Silly child, you don't understand—when Marquis Yongchang's Wife visited our household those times, it was you she had her eye on!"
Minglan bowed her head even lower, stammering, "You flatter me too much, Madam. Fourth Sister... has her merits too. Though I'm not as close with Fourth Sister as with Fifth Sister, I can still see some..." She wasn't skilled at playing sentimental scenes and found emotional control difficult. Should she act more affectionately? But she shouldn't appear too sisterly with Molan, or Madam Wang would be displeased.
Standing with lowered head, face crimson, Minglan nervously twisted her small hands together, occasionally glancing up at Madam Wang like a little bird. Madam Wang sighed in frustration at her lack of ambition, leaning back into the cushions again, her heart growing more resentful toward Molan. If only this obedient Minglan had married into the Marquis Yongchang's household—wouldn't that have been perfect?!
In truth, Minglan genuinely sympathized with Madam Wang. While not the best legal mother, she wasn't the worst either. Though she'd never shown particular concern for Minglan, she'd never harbored bitter hatred or constantly plotted against the concubine-born children. Young Changdong, raised under her care though not treated lavishly, had at least survived unharmed and hadn't grown crooked.
So Minglan still heeded Madam Wang's words and went to Taoran Residence. There she found Rulan sitting before the dressing mirror with her hair unbound. The pearwood carving was inlaid with an exceptionally polished bronze mirror that reflected the girl's youthful, charming face. Little Magpie stood beside her, using a comb dipped in fragrant osmanthus oil to carefully and evenly apply it to Rulan's hair, massaging gently.
Seeing Minglan arrive, Little Magpie turned and said cheerfully, "Come see, Liu Guniang! Our young lady's hair has been so lovely lately—all thanks to the osmanthus oil you sent. It works wonderfully for her."
Hearing this, Rulan displeasedly snorted, "What? Without this stuff, my hair would be like straw?"
Little Magpie continued smiling playfully and chided, "Oh, my young lady! Liu Guniang is our guest—can't I praise a guest? If you're not afraid of embarrassment, I'll praise you first next time!" Rulan pouted in response.Minglan sat to the side, watching Little Magpie skillfully coax Rulan while subtly flattering her, all while directing the young maids to serve tea without pausing her hands. Minglan couldn't help but admire Liu Kun's wife for not choosing her own daughter as Rulan's personal maid but selecting this girl instead—truly demonstrating both magnanimity and discernment. The Old Madam of the Wang family sending such a person showed genuine affection for Madam Wang. It was a pity she was now thoroughly angered—such is the heart of a loving mother everywhere.
After dismissing the maids, Rulan immediately retorted defiantly, "You don't need to keep checking on me all the time. I'm perfectly fine!"
"Fifth Sister, are you truly not angry at all?" Minglan nibbled on a fresh, crimson Shandong date, her words slightly muffled. "Fourth Sister is one thing, but you're not even upset about Cousin Yuan'er? Your complete indifference is what worries Mother even more." If Rulan had thrown a proper tantrum, Madam Wang might have felt somewhat relieved. Unusual behavior naturally stirred her unease.
Rulan tilted her head back and let out a sharp "Ha!" from her throat. Gathering her hair, she moved to sit beside Minglan and sneered repeatedly, "You've never met our aunt—she's fiercely domineering, and only Grandmother can keep her in check. Back in Dengzhou, I had to go with Mother to our maternal grandparents' house every year. Tsk, I've seen plenty. Uncle dotes on me, but how much can he really do? Look at Eldest Sister—her husband is decent enough, cares for his wife, and the old Marquis of Zhongqin is kind too, yet his chambers are still filled with bedroom servants and concubines. Hmph! For a mother-in-law to make life difficult for a daughter-in-law is as easy as Zhu Bajie eating a ginseng fruit, but for a daughter-in-law to restrain her mother-in-law? Now that's truly difficult! Mother has never suffered under a mother-in-law herself—how could she possibly understand?!"
Minglan was astonished. Three days apart, and one must regard another with new eyes—unconsciously, the once reckless and thoughtless Rulan had actually become clear-headed. In contrast, she herself had only grown in height without gaining any wit, truly like the incompetent Liu Shan. Minglan felt deeply ashamed.
Rulan unceremoniously took the peeled orange segments from Minglan's hand and stuffed them into her own mouth, then continued, "Besides, that Cousin Wang of mine has been timid and submissive since childhood, blindly filial—I've always looked down on him! Hmph, Aunt thought she'd picked up a treasure, but with Cousin Yuan'er's temperament... just wait and see, she'll have plenty of suffering ahead!" Growing more excited as she spoke, she placed another orange in Minglan's hand, signaling her to continue peeling.
Minglan suddenly understood Rulan. In truth, they were quite similar. During this period when the entire Sheng household was clouded in gloom, only the two sisters shared a peculiar and discordant sense of relief. Though their reputations had been tarnished, on the other hand, they had also successfully rid themselves of undesirable marriage prospects.
Perhaps lost too deep in thought, after peeling the orange, Minglan absentmindedly put the segments into her own mouth and handed the peel to Rulan.
...
A few days later, Old Madam chose a clear morning to visit the Yongchang Marquis residence, taking only Mama Fang with her. Madam Wang had initially offered to accompany them, but Old Madam looked at her for a moment before coolly remarking, "Whether I have to swallow my pride or break all pretense, it's better I go alone. This way, you'll still have room to maneuver later."
Although Old Madam had agreed to undertake the marriage proposal task, having been proud her entire life, the mere thought of it felt like swallowing a fly. These past few days, she had been glaring at everyone with a stern face, while Madam Wang kept her head down, not daring to speak.The Marquis Yongchang's residence was located within the inner ring of the imperial city, and the round trip took over two hours. It wasn't until the beginning of the weishi hour (1-3 p.m.) that Old Madam returned. Upon hearing the news, Madam Wang immediately rushed from the main residence and arrived at Longevity and Peace Hall in a flash. As she stepped over the threshold, she saw Minglan holding a bowl of warm bird's nest porridge, attending to Old Madam by the soft couch: "...I've asked Cuiping to set the meal. Please have some porridge to settle your stomach first."
Old Madam was clearly exhausted but still glared at her, scolding, "What time is it, and you still haven't eaten? Are you trying to become an immortal? Do you think it's easy for me to help you put on this much weight?!" Minglan felt her scalp tingle from the reprimand and playfully stuck out her tongue.
Madam Wang composed herself and walked in slowly, straightening her clothes and bowing in greeting. Minglan also got up to bow to Madam Wang and invited her to sit. Noticing Madam Wang's restlessness and her apparent desire to ask questions but hesitation to do so, Minglan cleared her throat and cautiously asked, "Grandmother, how did... that matter go?" Madam Wang shot Minglan a satisfied glance, pleased by her perceptiveness.
Old Madam rolled her eyes at Minglan and spoke directly to Madam Wang, "The twenty-fifth of this month is an auspicious day. Marquis Yongchang's Wife will come to formalize the engagement. Prepare well... Here is Liang Han's birth chart. Take it and compare it with Mo'er's." As she spoke, she took a large red envelope sprinkled with gold from her sleeve and handed it to Madam Wang. A hint of sarcasm curled at the corner of Old Madam's lips as if she had thought of something, "At this point, even if the birth charts don't match, there's nothing more to be said."
Madam Wang held the birth chart, her jaw nearly dropping in astonishment. She looked up at Old Madam at a forty-five-degree angle, her lips trembling as she tried to ask about the process but couldn't bring herself to speak. Minglan was eager to ask as well, but Old Madam suddenly turned to her and said, "Tell them to set the meal in the right side room, then go to the adjacent room and find two Ge Cao pills for me."
The implication was clear: the upcoming conversation was not suitable for unmarried girls. However, since the adjacent room was right next door, Old Madam's intention was: you may eavesdrop, but don't let me know.
Such was the art of speaking in ancient times. Minglan rubbed her nose and obediently withdrew.
Only after Minglan's figure disappeared behind the curtain did Madam Wang whisper, "It's all my incompetence that has troubled you, Old Madam... To be honest, it's my fault for not managing the household properly! That foolish Mo'er, how could she do such a reckless thing without thinking it through!" As she spoke, she took out a handkerchief to wipe her eyes.
In the next room, Minglan disagreed with Madam Wang's view. After Hualan's marriage, Mo'er was the eldest girl in the household. She and her mother had manipulated Sheng Hong using the Sheng family's reputation, and they had pressured Madam Wang and Old Madam by leveraging the marriage prospects of Rulan and Minglan, forcing the entire family to work tirelessly for Mo'er's marriage. Although the incident with Liang Han seemed impulsive and reckless, it was actually the result of careful deliberation by Consort Lin and Mo'er. From the outcome, although Consort Lin was sacrificed, their goal had been achieved.
"Enough, stop crying," Old Madam said expressionlessly, cutting straight to the point. "I'm not doing this just for Mo'er alone, but for the Sheng family's reputation and the marriages of the younger girls! Stop dawdling and sniveling—I can't stand to see people weeping and wailing!"
Only then did Madam Wang hold back her tears and ask instead, "You're right, Old Madam. It's all for the Sheng family's future. May I ask, how did Madam Liang agree to this?"Old Madam let out a few cold laughs. "You've always loved thinking yourself clever all your life. Have you ever stopped to consider—the legitimate son of Marquis Yongchang's household, even if he's the youngest, what family's daughter couldn't he find? Why would he specifically come to propose to the illegitimate daughter of the Sheng family! How could you so readily let Ming Yatou go out to meet people? You dare swallow a pie that fell from the sky without worrying it might be poisoned?!" Her words were dripping with sarcasm.
Madam Wang flushed, knowing Old Madam was settling old scores with her, and dared only whisper: "Your daughter-in-law heard that Young Master Liang's character is still passable, so I thought... since Madam Liang likes Minglan, then..."
Old Madam's gaze sharp as lightning fixed on her, and Madam Wang didn't dare continue.
Old Madam snorted coldly. "Passable character? I doubt it. Though I've just returned to the capital and haven't had time to inquire about Liang Han's character, just hearing about the Mo Lan incident shows he's far from clean in matters between men and women! Even if a young lady truly found herself in danger, helping her would be one thing—a simple rescue would suffice. Why did he have to carry an unmarried woman all that way? What were the maids and servants doing?! Hah! In full public view, under everyone's watchful eyes—wasn't he raised with proper education? Didn't he know this would ruin a young lady's reputation?"
Listening from next door, Minglan marveled at this. While she might speak eloquently on other matters, in human relationships she couldn't compare to this old fox who'd seen a lifetime of worldly affairs. It wasn't that Madam Wang couldn't have thought of this—she simply hadn't bothered, as long as it wasn't her own daughter marrying Liang Han, what did his character matter to her?
Madam Wang looked somewhat embarrassed, forcing a few laughs as she said: "After all, it's you, Old Madam. Since you've grasped the reasoning, I suppose Madam Liang wouldn't dare make excuses."
Old Madam put down her white porcelain bowl of bird's nest soup, thumping it heavily on the kang table as she coldly mocked: "I refuse to believe such a dashing young man would remain quiet during the national mourning period! So I sent people to investigate. Hah! Turns out the wife of Madam Liang's illegitimate eldest son had a distant cousin come from her maternal home who entered Liang Han's chambers over a year ago. Just after the national mourning period ended, that cousin's belly swelled up! To avoid unclear explanations about whether it happened during mourning—other families might get away with it, but the Liang family are founding ministers, a powerful noble house. If this gets out, even if it can't be proven, they'd still be skinned alive!"
Madam Wang's spirits greatly lifted, her eyes shining as she leaned forward: "So that's how it is! With such a big handle against the Liang residence, how dare they look down their noses at people? Are they even qualified?! Old Madam, with this, why worry they won't come to propose marriage!"
Seeing how Madam Wang's emotions were so plainly written on her face, Old Madam couldn't help sighing inwardly, then comforted herself—well, a not-too-bright daughter-in-law had her advantages too. She sighed: "Daughter-in-law, you're thinking too simply. Madam Liang never liked that cousin to begin with, and would gladly use this handle to serve her a bowl of abortion medicine. It's Liang Han who absolutely refuses, urgently seeking a wife so that cousin can formally enter the household and serve tea, lest the child be left nameless. Speaking of which, Marquis Yongchang's Wife has it hard too. Over the years, her illegitimate eldest son has achieved considerable military merits, praised everywhere he goes. The Old Marquis thinks highly of him too. Now with the illegitimate eldest son's wife making trouble, it's quite difficult to handle."Madam Wang did not dare to comment lightly this time. After thinking for a moment, she said, "I understand now. With all this commotion inside and outside the household, Madam Liang is now in a dilemma—she wants to deal with that cousin girl but doesn’t want her son to suffer. Now that Old Madam has gone to her home with kind words and reasoning, Madam Liang simply took the opportunity to step down. ... But, hehe, entering the family in such a manner, I wonder if Fourth Daughter will have a good life in the future?"
Old Madam recalled Madam Liang’s haughty demeanor earlier and couldn’t suppress a surge of anger. Seeing Madam Wang still gloating, she snapped sternly, "Don’t be so quick to laugh at Mo Yatou’s misfortune—hurry and think about Ru Yatou instead!"
At the mention of Rulan, Madam Wang’s eyes reddened again, and she shed tears as she said, "Everything was fine before, but now... The capital is such a large place. Finding a son-in-law—it’s easy to say it’s easy, with so many officials and wealthy men; but it’s also hard to say it’s hard, as many have unclear backgrounds, and some simply have no roots at all. I’m completely at a loss now and beg Old Madam for guidance."
"You..." Old Madam straightened up on the soft couch, patted Madam Wang’s shoulder, and sighed. "You made a mistake with Rulan’s matter. It’s true that a son-in-law should be chosen carefully, but you can’t be greedy and keep looking for better options while neglecting what you have—this isn’t forming a marriage alliance but making enemies! ... And that fine sister of yours!"
Old Madam slapped the armrest heavily, her face filled with anger. "How much has Brother Bai’s father done for the Kang Family? Whether it was her son seeking an official post or her daughter’s marriage, whenever they came to our family, didn’t we sincerely consider their interests? And how does she repay us? She schemes behind my granddaughter’s back! Does she take the Sheng Family for fools? Yun’er is one thing—she’s considered a Sheng daughter-in-law now, but in the future..." Pointing at Madam Wang, she scolded, "From now on, aside from festival visits, you are to have little contact with the Kang Family!"
Having her own elder sister act so unreasonably made Madam Wang’s face burn with shame. Old Madam’s words were all justified, and it was her own daughter who had suffered. Madam Wang joined in criticizing the Kang Family’s wrongdoing.
After venting her anger, Old Madam felt much more relieved. Waving her hand, she said, "Enough. Now that Brother Bai’s wife is helping you manage the household, don’t spend all day moping about your illness. Quickly recover your health so you can arrange Rulan’s marriage. I will also look around to see if there are any suitable families. Don’t be impatient—she’s only just reached marriageable age. We mustn’t rush into a decision out of desperation; we need to choose carefully, with good character as the most important factor!"
This topic was Madam Wang’s favorite. She nodded eagerly, and seeing that Old Madam intended to get off the couch, she quickly knelt down and dutifully helped her mother-in-law put on her shoes. Old Madam leaned on Madam Wang’s shoulder as she put them on. When Madam Wang looked up, Old Madam grasped her wrist, stared into her eyes, and said gravely, "When the Yongchang Marquis’s family comes to finalize the betrothal, you must assist me properly. Do not let personal feelings cause any mishaps. Only when Mo Yatou enters their household smoothly can the past matters be completely erased! You will have halls full of grandchildren in the future—do not ruin your reputation. Do you understand?"Madam Wang felt deeply uncomfortable, but thinking of her own flesh and blood, she gritted her teeth and nodded. Old Madam loosened her grip and said gently, "Don’t worry about the dowry. Back then, the master handed over all the properties he had given to Consort Lin to me. I divided them equally between Feng Ge’er and Molan. When Molan gets married, as her grandmother, I will add another thousand taels of silver as is customary."
Madam Wang was quite good at arithmetic. After a quick calculation, she concluded that the dowry was neither lavish nor meager—it wouldn’t surpass Hualan’s, nor would it be embarrassing in front of the Yongchang Marquis household. All she needed to do was arrange for some helpers and the banquet, so she agreed quite happily.
Seeing that Madam Wang had agreed to everything, Old Madam was quite satisfied: "A few days ago, when Brother Bai's wife was dealing with Linqi Pavilion, they found many gold and silver valuables from the masters to those treacherous servants. This time, Ru Yatou was implicated by Molan, so let's add all these to her dowry."
Madam Wang was perceptive enough to understand the hint and quickly stepped forward with a beaming smile, her words sweet as honey: "Look what you're saying, Mother. Ruer and Minglan are so close they spend all day together. Wherever Ruer has something, how could Ming Yatou be left out? Let the two young ladies split it half and half. Ming Yatou is about to have her coming-of-age ceremony soon, so she really ought to have some bright new clothes made. I'll go place an order at Heavenly Clothes Pavilion right away, and we can't forget the head ornaments and jewelry from Golden Treasures either..."
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