As summer deepened and Molan's wedding day drew near, Minglan pondered whether she ought to send a gift as a final sisterly gesture—perhaps one that might subtly hint at the challenges Molan would soon face.
Lost in thought, she had Danju fetch the sandalwood case Old Madam had given her and place it by her bedside. With a free afternoon ahead, Minglan closed the doors and windows, took out her personal double-fish key, and began unlocking the compartments one by one, taking stock of her possessions alone.
Since her daily jewelry and accessories were stored separately in a pearwood inlaid dressing case, this imposing ebony begonia-patterned case was mostly empty. Pulling out the bottom drawer, Minglan was met with a glittering sight: gold accumulated since childhood, along with old gold ornaments unused for years.
As an unproductive member of this ancient aristocracy, Minglan's income came from three sources: festival gifts from elders, regular subsidies from Old Madam, and her monthly allowance.
Sheng Wei and his wife were the most generous, giving her a small pouch of gold nuggets every year. Her two visits to their ancestral home in Youyang had been particularly lucrative, though jade and porcelain jewelry couldn't easily be pawned. Her aunt Sheng Yun proved most practical by having nine pairs of little gold pigs made for her, each weighing a full two taels.
Her monthly allowance was always spent, and Old Madam's subsidies never accumulated much—either tipped to stewards and matrons or used to improve the maids' living conditions. In such ancient great households, frugality among masters was easily misconstrued as stinginess. Though it pained her, Minglan had to adapt to local customs.
After counting her gold, Minglan finally selected a pair of mandarin duck bracelets she had never worn from her jewelry case. Having Danju weigh them on the scale, she found they amounted to seven or eight taels—a decent enough gift. She also took out three pairs of plump gold pigs and a handful of small fish-shaped gold nuggets, thinking she'd have these melted down at Cuibao Studio to make fashionable jewelry when it came time for Rulan's marriage.
Truly, she was part of the ruling class now! Back when Yao Yiyi's favorite cousin married, she'd only splurged a month's salary on a bottle of Chanel Allure. Now she was giving gold! How corrupt she'd become.
Being the younger sister was truly unfair! Minglan collapsed on the bed, clutching her chest with a theatrical whimper.
The next day, Minglan had Danju pack the glittering bracelets in a brocade pouch along with two bolts of new fabric before leaving Twilight Cang Study for Shanyue Residence. The July heat was relentless—even Xiaotao sweating as she held the parasol—prompting Minglan to quicken her pace.
Shanyue Residence had changed dramatically, with strict matrons guarding both courtyard gates and permitting little passage. Hai Shi visited Molan daily to lecture on propriety and wifely virtues, though how much Molan absorbed remained unclear.
Entering the inner chamber, Minglan found Molan leaning on a rattan chair, her cheeks thin and pale. Though lacking her former rosy glow, she possessed a new fragile beauty. Dressed in a blue gauze jacket, she barely glanced at the gifts Lu Zhong presented for inspection. Minglan's heart ached at the sight.
Noting Molan's silence, Lu Zhong hurried to ease the tension: "This maid thanks Liu Guniang on our young lady's behalf! Please take a seat, I'll prepare tea at once!"Minglan hadn't intended to stay long in the first place. Having delivered the gifts to fulfill sisterly obligations, she waved for Luzhong to stop fussing and was about to take her leave when Molan—who had been lounging listlessly—suddenly straightened up and said, "Since you're here, stay awhile."
Turning back, Minglan observed Molan's despondent expression and took a seat on a round stool nearby.
Molan turned to Luzhong. "Are there any fruits left from Eldest Sister-in-law's delivery? Take those two out for some treats. I'd like to speak with Sixth Sister alone." Understanding her mistress's intention, Luzhong went to pull Xiaotao and Lüzhi along. However, the two maids remained rooted, awaiting Minglan's instruction. Only after Minglan gave a slight nod did the three girls exit together.
Molan's gaze followed them out before she turned back, a sarcastic smile curling her lips. "Sixth Sister manages her courtyard well. Everyone is thoroughly disciplined—they guard your gates faithfully no matter how long you're away." Minglan lowered her long lashes and replied softly, "We share a master-servant bond. They show me loyalty, and I ensure their security. That's all."
Molan recalled Yunzai—beaten half-dead before being sold off—and felt a wave of discomfort. After a long pause, she suddenly chuckled lightly. "Do you remember Eldest Sister's wedding? Our household was draped in festive lanterns and decorations, her room overflowing with celebratory items. I was young then, watching with envy, wondering what my own wedding would be like. But now... heh, look at this place. It's even drearier than a widow's quarters."
Minglan scanned the room—chillingly desolate, devoid of daily visits or congratulations from sisters and in-laws, without a birth mother's whispered advice for married life. After a lengthy silence, she finally said, "Fourth Sister wasn't born from the Madame's womb." Pausing briefly, she added quietly, "Where there is gain, there must be loss."
Molan's face darkened, her eyes flashing with ferocity. "You think just because I've fallen out with Father and the Madame, you can speak recklessly! I know Marquis Yongchang's Wife wanted you as her daughter-in-law! Now that I've taken the lead, you must be resentful! Daring to mock me now?!"
Minglan shook her head. "High-status marriages aren't easily climbed. Fourth Sister has courage and vision, naturally unafraid. But I'm timid—without the diamond drill, I won't handle porcelain work."
Molan stared blankly before collapsing into laughter on the couch, covering her mouth. When she finally caught her breath, she declared proudly, "Just say it outright! Marquis Yongchang's household has that formidable cousin! Rulan already came to sneer about it! Hah! Women are born into a world of contention—is marrying low any guarantee of peace?!"
For some reason, a gaunt, frail figure flashed through Minglan's mind, casting a shadow in her eyes. After contemplation, clarity returned, and she shook her head again. "It's different. No matter how much Father favored Consort Lin, Old Madam Wang could send dowry servants to assist, and Uncle Wang could write letters with guidance—no one could surpass the Madame. Even with a scoundrel like Scholar Sun, Shulan had a capable maternal family to rescue her from misery and find a better match. But marrying up... that's far harder."Molán's face flushed crimson with frustration. She knew well that by convention, a legitimate daughter ought to marry better than a concubine-born one; yet she simply couldn't swallow this injustice. Watching Molán's shifting expressions, Minglan said softly, "For Eldest Sister's marriage, so many have suffered consequences. I do hope Eldest Sister finds it worthwhile."
Thinking of Consort Lin, Molán felt even more distressed. After several changes of expression, she finally managed to calm her breathing. Lifting her chin defiantly, she declared, "Of course it's worth it!" Knowing Molán's temperament well, Minglan understood she must be scheming about how to turn the tables in the future.
Seeing Molán's proud demeanor, Minglan was reminded of Cao Jinxiu.
Though Molán appeared gentle and delicate, she had been raised with utmost pampering and indulgence. The innate arrogance born of believing herself superior could never be erased. Unlike Cao Jinxiu, whose entire family was exiled when she was just ten years old—spending her most beautiful youthful years buried in the harsh winds and sands of Xiliang, her skin coarsened and sallow, hands and feet rough, her frame gaunt. That kind of deeply ingrained humility was truly pitiable.
Minglan felt inexplicably irritated. Lately, for some reason, she kept recalling these unpleasant matters. She had always been clear-headed and decisive, never dwelling on complications. Problems that couldn't be solved now shouldn't be pondered!
Minglan looked up, smiling at Molán who was still chattering about her "grand ambitions." Unbeknownst to her, this would be the last time Minglan saw Molán speak so freely.
...
On the eighth day of the seventh month, the Liang and Sheng families united in marriage. Old Madam made only a brief appearance before returning to her room to rest. Only Madam Wang, with a stiff expression, managed the arrangements, barely assembling one hundred twenty-eight dowry chests—though had Consort Lin been present, a careful inspection would have revealed one-third were merely for show.
The Yongchang Marquis' household didn't seem inclined toward extravagance either. However, Madam Liang's rhetorical skills clearly surpassed Madam Wang's. She eloquently declared, "...The national mourning has just ended, and His Majesty hasn't even selected new court ladies yet. How can we subjects grandly celebrate weddings?"
Not only did no one gossip, but she won considerable praise. Old Madam couldn't resist using this exemplary case to educate Madam Wang further.
Upon learning of Madam Liang's stance, Madam Wang was secretly pleased for some time. However, on the wedding day, when she saw Liang Han in red robes on a white horse—handsome, majestic, and smiling—her anger surged again. Liu Kun's wife had to tug her sleeve repeatedly before Madam Wang's twitching lips finally relaxed.
According to custom, the groom must be stopped at the gate and compelled to produce several "gate-opening" red envelopes. Eldest Sister's husband, Yuanwenshao, demanded Liang Han perform a sword dance to "Invitation to Wine." Changfeng insisted he compose an impromptu poem about summer peaches. Changbai was the most accommodating, mainly because he remained completely silent.
When Molán returned three days after the wedding, Madam Wang saw her sitting there shyly in a magnificent red gauze jacket embroidered with pomegranate blossoms, with Liang Han appearing quite amiable beside her. Madam Wang's barely suppressed anger flared up again. Unable to contain herself, she sternly lectured Molán: "...The Yongchang Marquis' household may not match the Sheng family, but that doesn't mean you can willfully misbehave! Now that you're married, you must dutifully serve your parents-in-law, befriend your sisters and brothers-in-law, and avoid reckless words or actions that would disgrace the Sheng family!" She then launched into a lengthy reprimand.Liu Kun's wife was speechless. Consort Lin and her daughter were most adept at handling such frontal assaults. Sure enough, in response to Madam Wang's series of stern words, Molan kept her head bowed in agreement, yet her eyes glistened with unshed tears. When she glanced sideways at Liang Han, she appeared so fragile she might collapse at any moment. Liang Han's heart ached for her, and his words and actions became increasingly protective of Molan.
Madam Wang grew doubly furious! After a moment's thought, she turned and whispered a few instructions to Caipei, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips.
Sheng Hong observed that while Liang Han displayed some spoiled young master tendencies, he was otherwise acceptable. Changfeng was the most delighted—Liang Han was now his legitimate brother-in-law—and he pulled Liang Han into endless conversation. Unfortunately, one thought Wang Xizhi and Wang Xianzhi were brothers, while the other knew nothing of the eleven uses of battle-axes, so their conversation never quite aligned.
Changbai remained as taciturn as ever. "Rather than hastily judging someone, it's better not to judge at all."
This was a saying Changbai often repeated, and Minglan wholeheartedly agreed.
After Liang Han kowtowed to Old Madam with Molan, he rose to his feet and glanced up. Standing beside Old Madam were two elegantly dressed young women. The one on the left was ordinary enough, but the girl on the right wore a light rose-pink feathered gauze jacket with paired lapels, over a snow-lotus colored satin long gown, with a matching embroidered skirt underneath. Her hair was simply styled in a falling horse bun, secured with a lotus-headed carnelian hairpin. Beside her stood an ebony flower stand holding a crystal-white porcelain vase filled with fresh, fragrant summer lotus blossoms.
When Liang Han's gaze fell upon her, he thought the girl's features were like a painting—exquisitely beautiful beyond description. Though she stood there solemnly with lowered eyes, her mere graceful presence seemed to dim the brilliance of all other finely dressed figures in the room.
In a daze, he heard Madam Wang making introductions: "...This is your sixth younger sister. We're all family now..."
Liang Han's heart suddenly sank. When the Sheng family had proposed the marriage, he had agreed immediately—partly because Chunge's pregnancy couldn't wait, and partly because he thought the fourth Sheng daughter was a rare beauty. Now, he finally understood the profound meaning in his mother's eyes at that time—"You'd better not regret this," Madam Liang had said.
Molan was furious. Traditionally, during the third-day bridal return visit, one paid respects to elders and met brothers and in-laws. Except for Hualan's mother-in-law who was "ill" again and hadn't come, unmarried younger sisters didn't necessarily need to meet their elder sister's husband. Yet Madam Wang had arranged things this way clearly because...
Molan gritted her teeth, then turned her head and gave Liang Han a radiant smile, her eyes brimming with charm and her lips delicately alluring. Liang Han was momentarily stunned, then felt somewhat comforted; though she might not match the other in appearance, such coquettish charm made up for it. Rulan saw this and curled her lips in contempt, while Minglan desperately kept her head lowered. She understood Madam Wang's intention but couldn't refuse her face, so she could only play dead.
After the formal greetings, men and women separated for banquet seating. Following the meal came tea and pastries. Molan had been wanting to boast about the Yongchang Marquis residence's wealth and grandeur, but neither Madam Wang nor the two Lan sisters showed any interest in asking about the marquis household. Even when she tried to broach the topic herself, Rulan would immediately divert the conversation whenever she began. Specific examples included:
Molan gently fanned her rosy cheeks with her handkerchief, appearing quite warm: "...The weather is truly hot, but fortunately the marquis residence's icehouse is large enough that we can use ice every day...""The cheese pastry Lianjie sent over last time was truly delicious. I think it might have been made from goat's milk, what do you think, Sixth Sister?" Rulan looked at Minglan with keen interest.
"Um... I couldn't tell." This was the truth.
Later, Rulan practically took over the occasion, chattering and laughing incessantly with Madam Wang and Minglan, leaving the actual protagonist of the third-day bridal visit completely unable to get a word in. Mo Lan's pretty face turned pale with anger. It was only when Hai Shi, finding the situation awkward, smiled and asked Mo Lan how she had been faring that the atmosphere was somewhat salvaged.
Such behavior was improper. That evening, Hai Shi went to Taoran Hall to advise Rulan, unexpectedly finding Minglan there as well.
"Fifth Sister wanted to learn needlework, so she asked me to come take a look." Minglan was actually quite tired. As the young lady grew older, Rulan had gradually developed an interest in needlework and often called for Minglan's guidance. "Teaching someone embroidery is much more exhausting than doing it yourself," Minglan rubbed her eyes, unable to resist complaining, while secretly adding—especially when the student isn't particularly bright.
Hai Shi noticed Minglan looking somewhat listless and, knowing Rulan's impatient nature, felt a pang of sympathy. She suggested they rest first, then turned to speak with Rulan.
"Fifth Sister, listen to your sister-in-law. After all, she's your own sister. Now that she's married, you rarely get to see her normally. Why not get along well? If outsiders found out, wouldn't they laugh at our family? Moreover, Mo Lan has married into a marquis' household. Between sisters, there might be times in the future when you need to rely on each other. What do you think?" Hai Shi truly carried herself with the authority of an eldest sister-in-law, advising with earnest sincerity.
Unexpectedly, Rulan was completely unreceptive, instead arguing confidently, "How would outsiders know about matters between us sisters at home? Unless Mo Lan goes out and tells them herself. Eldest Sister-in-law, the issues between me and Fourth Sister didn't start just yesterday. She detests me, and I can't stand seeing her. Eldest Sister-in-law, think about it carefully: even if I started getting along well with her from this moment on, would that stop her from speaking ill of me outside? If I were in trouble, would she really do her utmost to help? I'd be lucky if she didn't kick me when I'm down! Forget it, I'd rather rely on Father, Mother, and you, Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law."
Hai Shi was left speechless. Upon reflection, she realized there was some truth to it. Minglan, who was holding the embroidery frame nearby, felt the same in her heart and even found it rather satisfying. If she had been reborn as a legitimate daughter, with a formidable mother and brother, perhaps she would act this way too.
Hai Shi was silent for a moment, then smiled wryly. "I won't say more about other matters. But in the future, when you're outside or in front of others, you still need to put on the proper appearance to avoid giving people grounds for criticism."
Rulan pouted and nodded reluctantly. Hai Shi went on with a long-winded lecture until even Rulan grew annoyed and petulantly declared she wanted to sleep. Only then did Minglan seize the opportunity to slip away.
After they had walked some distance, Lüzhi couldn't help but grumble indignantly, "Fifth Miss is really something. If she wants to learn needlework, why not call for a seamstress to teach her? When the young lady gets an idea, she calls for our Miss regardless of day or night, without considering whether others have already gone to bed. What does she take our Miss for?"
Even Danju was somewhat displeased: "Those who do needlework fear straining their eyes the most. Even if she wants to learn, she should pick a suitable time."
Minglan was silent for a while, then gently chided, "Enough."Walking through the courtyard under the starry summer night sky, the surroundings were unusually tranquil. Minglan took a deep breath, feeling much more at ease. Humans are creatures of comparison—if she constantly measured herself against Hualan and Rulan, she would have surely entered early menopause long ago. But thinking of the destitute Cao Jinxiu, wasn't she far better off? In this era without psychologists, a time-traveling woman must learn to build her own mental resilience.
After a while, Danju whispered gently, "Judging by Fourth Madame's demeanor today, it seems she's doing quite well in the Marquis' household?" Danju thought to herself that if it truly were a happy marriage, it should have originally been her young lady's.
Lüzhi let out a disdainful snort and muttered sarcastically under her breath, "Today means nothing. You have to look at the long term. Even a newly built latrine gets three days of excitement!"
Minglan was utterly mortified.
※※※
※※※
[Author's Note]
Regarding ancient currency:
I've mentioned before that this story is set in an alternate universe, drawing inspiration from Ming and Qing customs. However, I didn't realize there were quite a few differences in currency systems between the Ming and Qing dynasties.
First, I consulted online sources which generally indicate that during the Ming dynasty, the exchange rates were as follows:
1 tael of gold = over 10 taels of silver
1 tael of silver = 1 string of copper coins = 1 diao of copper coins ≈ 1,000 copper coins
PS: There were slight variations depending on the period. For instance, in the early Ming when the dynasty was newly established after turmoil and livelihoods were impoverished, gold and silver were more valuable. Thus, 1 tael of gold could exchange for about 20-30 taels of silver, while 1 tael of silver could fetch over 1,000 copper coins.
Later, with the opening of maritime routes and flourishing trade, ancient China (before the Opium Wars) consistently maintained a trade surplus in foreign trade. Gold and silver continuously flowed into China from the West, Southeast Asia, and other regions. By the mid-to-late Ming period (the so-called early stage of capitalist emergence), with abundant gold and silver, 1 tael of gold could only exchange for about 10 taels or even less of silver, while 1 tael of silver could only fetch 800-900 copper coins.
Initially, I thought I'd just take an average and be done with it. But then I consulted Dream of the Red Chamber and became confused again.
...
In Dream of the Red Chamber, Chapter 36, Concubine Zhao complains about missing one string of coins. Xifeng mentions that the monthly allowance for her two maids has been halved—from one string each to five hundred coins each. This clearly shows that one string refers to one thousand coins.
Still in Chapter 36, Xifeng says that Xiren originally belonged to the Old Madam's household with a monthly allowance of one tael of silver. Bao Yu doesn't have any maids with a monthly allowance of one tael—seven senior maids like Qingwen and Sheyue receive one string each, while eight junior maids like Jiahui receive five hundred coins each. From this, we can deduce that maids' monthly allowances follow a halving pattern.
What does this mean? Does it imply that one tael of silver equals two strings of copper coins?
Not giving up, I went on to examine currency usage in The Plum in the Golden Vase and Water Margin, only to become more confused. After wasting much time, I finally decided to muddle through and adopt the decimal system for simplicity and clarity.
If you're interested, you can research this yourself.
OpenNovel