He Hongwen arrived travel-worn, his dark cotton robe showing signs of wear and tear. After paying his respects, Old Mrs. Sheng instructed servants to bring him a seat and serve tea, while Minglan stood silently by the old madam's side.
"You've grown much sturdier this time, young man," the old madam observed with a beaming smile, studying He Hongwen. "And you've tanned quite a bit."
When He Hongwen looked up and saw Minglan standing gracefully, more beautiful than ever with exceptionally clear, bright eyes, his face flushed red. He lowered his head and replied, "This time I went with my grandmother's uncles and learned about many rare medicines, as well as the rules of the medicinal trade and markets. Hongwen has benefited greatly."
The old madam nodded slightly and said, "A true man should establish himself independently - you're doing very well. I heard from your grandmother that you've already registered at the Imperial Hospital?"
He Hongwen appeared somewhat embarrassed and responded respectfully, "It's all thanks to the uncles' support. Actually... in my opinion, I'd prefer to gain more experience at the grassroots level. The medical profession is different from ordinary trades - the more experience one has, the better."
The old madam nodded repeatedly upon hearing this, her smile growing even more gentle. "You're a good child who's willing to work hard and be practical, sensible and understanding - worthy of your grandmother's careful upbringing." As she spoke, she changed the subject, "The summer heat was particularly strong recently, and now it's cooling down quickly. Your mother hasn't been feeling well, so I've prepared some things for you to take back to her."
As she spoke, Mama Fang signaled to the maids to bring in a small chest containing valuable medicinal ingredients, along with rare qiluo gauze and jiaowen satin. Seeing this, He Hongwen's heart sank. Over the years, he had often presented gifts to Old Mrs. Sheng, who had always accepted them cheerfully without much ceremony, only reciprocating with more generous gifts during festival seasons. But today... He Hongwen cautiously glanced at the old madam, finding her attitude as cordial as usual. Since the old madam made no mention of the Cao family matter, He Hongwen had no opportunity to bring it up.
He had already learned from letters about the Cao family's return to the capital and that his maternal aunt intended for him to marry his cousin Jin'er. Initially, He Mu had indeed been interested in this marriage alliance, but times had changed. Now He Hongwen was convinced that Minglan would marry him - over the years, both families had silently acknowledged this understanding through their interactions. Being honest and principled by nature, he naturally had no intention of changing his mind. Yet just a few days later, another letter arrived from home saying that cousin Jin'er was willing to become his concubine, without clarifying other details, leaving him thoroughly confused.
After exchanging a few more words, the old madam mentioned feeling tired, so He Hongwen rose to take his leave. The old madam casually said, "Minglan, see him out."
He Hongwen's eyes lit up. After bidding respectful farewells, he obediently lowered his head and departed. Minglan curtsied before the old madam, then turned and smiled as she escorted He Hongwen out, followed by Danju and Xiaotao. They walked along the gravel path outside the Longevity and Peace Hall.
"...How have you been recently, Mingmei?" He Hongwen finally managed to ask after struggling for words.
Minglan smiled and replied, "Everything's been fine. The qingxin glutinous pills you sent last time suited the old madam very well. I tried two myself - they were sweet and quite delicious."
Hearing the girl's soft, tender voice, He Hongwen immediately felt relieved and laughed heartily, "I know you dread bitter medicine the most, so I added plenty of crushed licorice and preserved plums. If you like them, I'll send you more next year."Minglan covered her mouth with a light chuckle, her cheeks tinged with a lotus-blossom pink: "Medicine isn't something to be taken lightly. If you're craving a snack, you might as well have some proper treats."
He Hongwen scratched his head sheepishly, his light brown face looking quite handsome when he smiled: "Next time, I'd like to visit Yunnan and Guizhou. The mountains are high and the forests dense there—perhaps I can find even rarer herbs. I'm just afraid my mother won't agree."
Minglan listened with great envy, wishing she could travel around too, and said: "Brother Hongwen, you're quite right. The renowned physician Zhen Baifang of the previous dynasty once said, 'Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles, gather knowledge from hundreds of scholars, and seek insights from all directions—only then can one truly embody the way of a healer.'"
He Hongwen's eyes lit up, feeling deeply comforted. Minglan continued: "Even if we take a step back, if you fail to cure a high-ranking official or noble, you might face blame. Isn't it better to hone your skills among the common people first?"
He Hongwen understood her meaning and couldn't help but laugh. The atmosphere relaxed for a moment. As they approached the second gate, He Hongwen suddenly stopped, his lips moving as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. Minglan understood his intention and waved to those following behind. Danju and Xiaotao immediately stepped back a short distance.
Only then did He Hongwen speak, his expression troubled for a long while before he finally said with difficulty: "Cousin Jin'er is one year younger than me. She was exiled from the capital at the age of ten. I lost my father young, and as my mother has only me, I've always treated her like a real younger sister. Beyond that, I have no other thoughts." His tone was firm, as if making a vow.
Minglan, however, remained silent for a while before speaking: "Brother Hongwen, you should say this after returning home. Some matters... have little to do with whether she's like a real sister or not."
He Hongwen was momentarily speechless and left with his head bowed. Minglan watched him for a moment from behind, then softly instructed Xiaotao to see him off.
Calculating the time, she knew Old Madam would be in the Buddhist hall reciting scriptures at this hour. Minglan went straight back to her Twilight Cang Study, threw herself onto the bed, hugged a cool pillow woven from wicker and grass, and gloomily looked up at the "Magpie on a Branch" pattern on the bed canopy beam. Yancao was doing needlework on the wooden bed in the outer room, only hearing soft "thump, thump, thump" sounds from inside, as if someone were repeatedly punching the bedding.
Minglan bundled the thin cotton quilt into a ball and punched it fiercely a few times, finally feeling somewhat relieved. Her current feeling was like biting into an apple and finding half a worm—her chest was unbearably stifled, yet she couldn't blame anyone.
A former young lady from a wealthy family, now impoverished and relying on relatives for support, her purity gone—her upright cousin was naturally her last lifeline! A mother who dearly loves her daughter would naturally do everything in her power for her daughter's happiness! A sister with deep affection would naturally want her sister's family to live better!
No one was wrong! Everyone had their reasons! Everyone was pitiable! But what had she done wrong? Why should she bear the consequences? It wasn't her sister who needed saving! It wasn't her who embezzled mining silver at Little Liang Mountain causing collapses and deaths! And it certainly wasn't her who forced Cao Jinxiu to become a concubine?!
Minglan was furious! Her chest felt tight—if only she could go outside and shout a few times. But... Minglan buried her head in the brocade quilt again—no, wuwuwu, a young lady from a good family couldn't do that.
This damned wretched place!
Just as she was sulking in anger, suddenly there was a flurry of hurried footsteps in the outer room. Yancao's voice rang out: "Xiaotao, slow down! What's all this rush? Hey... the young lady is inside..."Then the door curtain was abruptly swept aside, and Xiaotao rushed in, sweating profusely. Wiping her flushed face with a handkerchief, she gasped for breath in great heaves. Without waiting to calm down, she leaned over by the bedside, whispering a few words into Minglan’s ear. Minglan’s face instantly turned pale, and she asked in a low, serious tone, "Are you sure you didn’t mistake it?"
Xiaotao nodded vigorously, her chest still heaving violently. "Absolutely not!"
Minglan took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling with anger—if there had been a sandbag nearby, she would have punched right through it!
Just then, Yancao and Danju entered, looking somewhat bewildered by the sight of the mistress and her maid. "What’s wrong, Miss?" Yancao asked timidly.
Minglan forced a smile and replied, "It’s nothing important. Yancao, keep a close watch over the room. If Eldest Sister-in-law or Fifth Sister come looking for me, tell them I’ve gone for a stroll in the garden. Danju, you and Xiaotao come help me get ready."
Danju, having served Minglan for many years, knew that her mistress always had a clear mind and strong will. Without another word, she began adjusting Minglan’s clothes and appearance, while Xiaotao stood on tiptoe to smooth and tidy Minglan’s hair, straightening the hairpins and pearl flowers in her bun. Minglan then whispered a few more instructions to Xiaotao, who turned to fetch a sheer veil hat from the wardrobe and packed a few items for going out, all neatly arranged in an elegant little bundle.
Worried about Yancao, Danju lingered behind for a moment to remind Lüzhi to keep a careful watch on the door. Only then did the mistress and her two maids set out. Halfway along the path, Minglan turned to Xiaotao and said, "Use the small gate in the back garden. Tell Old Huang to prepare the carriage for me—now! Hurry!"
Xiaotao acknowledged the order and dashed off at a run. Danju was taken aback. "Miss, you… you…" Minglan’s expression was as still as water, and she only gave Danju a deep look before turning to leave. Danju dared not ask further and quickly followed.
There was originally a small side gate in the back garden that led directly to a row of rooms in the outer residence. However, as it was the second day of the Autumn Examination, most of the servants and maids had gone to wait outside the examination hall for their masters, leaving the outer residence sparsely populated. Minglan, pulling Danju along, walked swiftly through two arched doors, slipped quietly out through the small gate, and made her way to the gatehouse.
Old Huang had already prepared a sturdy, plain-topped carriage with a dark green oilcloth canopy. He was originally Old Madam’s attendant and was known for his honesty. His two sons, both reliable men, stood by his side. Seeing Minglan’s troubled expression, he asked no questions but simply set down the carriage step stool, allowing the three girls to board.
"Uncle Huang, to the peach grove at the entrance of the alley!" Xiaotao leaned out and whispered to Old Huang. He acknowledged with a nod, then cracked his whip to urge the horses forward. His two sons followed alongside as the carriage wheels began to rumble along.
"Miss! I’m dying of curiosity—where are we going?" Once inside the carriage, Danju could no longer hold back her question.
Minglan half-closed her eyes, unwilling to speak. Xiaotao leaned in and answered instead, "Earlier, when I was seeing Young Master He off, he was talking about the sights outside. I wanted to hear more, so I walked him all the way to the gatehouse. Just as I was about to leave, I spotted the Cao family’s carriage waiting right outside our mansion gate! Last time we visited the He family, I saw that carriage when we were leaving—it had a dull, coarse oilcloth curtain, a brown flat-wood frame, and that coachman with a big black blotch on his face! Then, a head popped halfway out—it was that Miss Cao! Young Master He seemed utterly shocked. I don’t know what Miss Cao said to him, but he got into the carriage!"Danju’s mouth fell open. She blinked several times and stared blankly at Minglan. “Surely… we’re not going to chase after them? That won’t do!”
Xiaotao, whose forehead was still beaded with sweat, tugged at Danju’s sleeve and continued, “I had a hunch, so I asked Shunzi from the gatehouse to run over and take a look. He came back shortly after and said he saw the carriage from afar entering the peach grove at the entrance of the alley. I rushed back to tell the young lady right away.”
The Sheng residence was located in a rather nice area. Not far away, there was a small peach grove. Though somewhat untidy and sparsely visited, it had a rustic charm. Minglan estimated the situation: likely, Miss Cao had come alone. For a cousinly reunion to reminisce privately, the setting was crucial—it needed to be poetic and secluded. Neither the He residence nor the Cao residence would do, but that little peach grove was just right.
Minglan counted the time on her fingers. From the Sheng residence to the peach grove, it was only about a seven- or eight-minute carriage ride. Shunzi and Xiaotao were both fast runners, so the whole delay amounted to roughly half an hour. Following the formula of Korean dramas, the cousins were probably just finishing recounting their experiences over the years apart. Judging by Cao Jinxiu’s demeanor, she must have spent a fair amount of time shedding tears.
After hearing this, Danju stammered, “…Even so, what does the young lady plan to do by rushing over?”
Was she going to catch them in the act?! Danju was dumbfounded.
“Nothing.”
The carriage stopped. The curtain shifted slightly, and a faint fragrance of peach blossoms drifted in. Minglan opened her eyes, smoothed the wrinkles on her skirt, adjusted the gold hairpin at her temple, and said calmly, “I’ve run out of patience.” With that, she took Xiaotao’s arm and stepped out of the carriage.
Damn it! If they were going to make a scene, let it be quick! This slow torment was too exhausting! In this era where the average marrying age was sixteen, her youth was exceptionally precious! There were plenty of fish in the sea—if this wasn’t going to work out, it was time to move on!
It was noon, and the late August sun was still fierce. The peach grove was nearly empty. Located within the inner perimeter of the imperial city, the area was under strict security due to the Autumn Examination, making it particularly safe, with idlers forbidden to wander freely. Minglan, wearing a veil hat, followed Danju, Xiaotao, and the two Huang family servants deep into the shaded grove.
Xiaotao, nimble and quick, hurried ahead and soon returned, whispering to Minglan, “The Cao carriage is to the west. Young Master He and Cousin Cao are over there.” She pointed toward a row of tall, dense trees.
Minglan instructed the two Huang servants to wait there, then led Xiaotao and Danju forward. A few steps closer, they could hear soft sobbing and a man’s voice offering comfort. The three of them immediately hid behind a large tree.
“…Cousin, Liangzhou is no place for humans! We couldn’t even get clean water daily! The water from the well was salty and bitter. After drinking it for a few days, Mother and Father’s faces swelled up…” Cao Jinxiu’s voice was tearful and pleading. “But that was nothing. In the later years, when our silver ran out and we had nothing left to bribe the officials, the family couldn’t survive, so they… they married me off… to him… a garrison commander of Liangzhou… Cousin, I wanted to die back then! But I couldn’t—if I died, what would happen to Mother and Father?!”A soft sobbing could be heard as He Hongwen comforted in a low voice. Cao Jinxiu seemed extremely emotional, and there was a rustling sound as if she were tugging at his sleeve. She wept, "If I can see my cousin again, I would die without regrets! All these years, I've often thought of our childhood memories... I loved the flowers on the pomegranate tree, and you climbed that tall tree to pick them for me, only to fall later. Aunt was both angry and worried, but you refused to say you were picking flowers for me, insisting it was just your own mischief... And every Lantern Festival, you would make a small lantern for me—sometimes a lotus, sometimes a little rabbit... In my midnight dreams, my greatest fear was that you might have forgotten me!"
He Hongwen's voice was also somewhat emotional: "Cousin, don't be upset. Sit down and talk properly, don't cry. I'm right here, aren't I? Now that you're all back, life will get better!"
After a few more sobs, Cao Jinxiu seemed to gradually calm down, her voice faint and sorrowful: "Later, when the amnesty decree arrived, my parents used all their savings to get me out of that Qianhu's household. He didn't want me anyway, saying I cried all day, that I was an ill omen who drove away his official luck! I thought about ending it all, but I was afraid of hurting my parents, and I couldn't bear to die without seeing you one last time! Now it's wonderful—I've seen you, and I can die in peace..."
He Hongwen urged again, "Don't talk nonsense. No more about death—you have a long life ahead of you!"
Cao Jinxiu whispered mournfully, "...I've seen that Miss Sheng. She's so beautiful and graceful, with a good family background, and the old lady likes her too. It's truly wonderful, wonderful. Your lifelong matter is settled. Miss Sheng is gentle and clever—she'll surely take good care of Aunt and you in the future... Mother said she wants you to take me as a concubine, but how could I dare hope for that? I'm no longer pure, a ruined woman... Let me be your little maid instead! I'll serve tea and water for you and Miss Sheng, be your servant—I'd be content just to see you often..."
Danju's face flushed with anger, while Xiaotao gritted her teeth softly, wishing she could pounce and bite them.
Through the faintly visible branches, Minglan and the other two saw Cao Jinxiu resting her head on He Hongwen's shoulder. Her small, frail body trembled incessantly like a helpless child weeping softly. He Hongwen sighed heavily, gently patting her back with one hand, continuously comforting her and murmuring something like "...Ming-meimei is truly good-hearted..."
Xiaotao trembled with rage and could no longer hold back. With a forceful step, a branch in the grass snapped under her foot with a 'crack.' He Hongwen and Cao Jinxiu both gasped in surprise and turned to look toward Minglan's direction.
"Who's there?" He Hongwen shouted.
Danju shot Xiaotao a fierce glare, but Minglan remained unflustered. She straightened her clothes slightly and stepped gracefully out of the bushes, standing calmly before He and Cao. Xiaotao and Danju also emerged, heads bowed.
When He Hongwen saw Minglan, his face turned pale then red. After a long pause, he stammered blankly, "Ming-meimei, what are you doing here?"Minglan waved her hand toward the rear, and Xiaotao and Danju retreated, leaving only the three of them under the shade of the trees. Minglan glanced at the damp tear stains on He Hongwen’s chest and forced a smile, saying, “I had some business to attend to outside and happened to be passing by the peach grove. I noticed Miss Cao’s carriage and thought I’d come in to say hello. I didn’t expect to find Brother Hongwen here as well.”
With this casual remark, He Hongwen immediately became flustered and stammered, “You… you heard everything?”
Minglan continued to smile. “Not everything, just a small part.”
The late summer sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting a glow on Minglan’s face, which was as delicate and translucent as fine jade. Her semi-transparent complexion seemed as if it might break at the slightest touch, radiating an incredible brilliance—both pure and strikingly beautiful. Her eyes were exceptionally dark and silent.
He Hongwen’s mind was in a daze. He was well aware of his affection for Minglan. He admired her gentle character and playful nature and hoped to marry her, living a harmonious and happy life together. But as he turned his head, he saw Cao Jinxiu trembling like a leaf in the wind—sallow, emaciated, frail, and withered. The memory of his once-charming younger cousin had been replaced by this pitiful sight, and he couldn’t help but feel a pang of compassion, leaving him torn and conflicted.
Seeing the expression on He Hongwen’s face, Cao Jinxiu let out a mournful cry and threw herself at Minglan’s feet. Tears streamed from her eyes as her lips quivered, her voice filled with sorrow: “Miss Sheng! Please don’t blame my cousin! It was my lack of propriety—I knew he would be arriving today and had someone watch the docks, then followed him here. My cousin only has thoughts for you; his heart belongs to you alone!”
Minglan nodded calmly and said, “This is a matter between your cousin and me. As an unmarried young lady, you must speak with caution and avoid reckless words that could cause trouble for others. Now, please get up. If someone sees you like this, they might think I’m bullying you.”
Cao Jinxiu was taken aback for a moment but quickly nodded in agreement. However, she made no move to rise and instead repeatedly apologized, “You’re right, Miss! It’s all my fault! I am nothing but damaged goods, not as cultured and reasonable as you are. Please don’t hold it against me!”
He Hongwen hurried forward to help Cao Jinxiu to her feet, but she clung to the hem of Minglan’s skirt, continuing to plead, “Miss Sheng, look at me—I am inferior to you in every way. Please, have pity on me!... Over the years, my life has been worse than death. I’ve thought of ending it all more than once, but the hope of seeing my cousin again kept me alive. I beg you, I beg you…
Cao Jinxiu’s voice was utterly humble, filled with boundless grief and sorrow. Her gaze toward He Hongwen was like that of a soul in hell looking up at the world of the living. He Hongwen, always soft-hearted, felt his eyes grow moist. His eyes held a faint plea as he looked at Minglan, murmuring, “…Mingmei, you see, my cousin, she…”
He Hongwen couldn’t finish his sentence, for Minglan’s eyes were fixed on him in silence.
A surge of frustration welled up in Minglan’s chest. In this situation, it seemed that if she didn’t agree to Cao Jinxiu’s pleas, she would be cast as heartless and cruel. Minglan took a few steps back, standing in a cooler patch of shade, and looked down at Cao Jinxiu, who was still prostrate on the ground. She said calmly, “Cousin, stop crying. I’d like to ask you a few questions.… I heard from Brother Hongwen that you have two elder half-sisters and one younger half-sister. How are they faring now?”Cao Jinxiu looked up blankly, truly unable to comprehend Minglan's meaning. The question was rather difficult to answer. After pondering for a long while, she finally spoke with difficulty: "They... are all well. They didn't return, but stayed in Liangzhou."
He Hongwen was taken aback and pressed further: "Why did they stay in Liangzhou? Since your aunt and uncle have returned, what are they doing there?" Cao Jinxiu's voice grew as faint as a mosquito's hum: "They... have also been betrothed."
He Hongwen immediately understood what was happening, his expression shifting once again.
Minglan desperately suppressed the torrent of curses threatening to burst forth, forcing herself to speak calmly: "Cousin Cao, I know you are truly pitiful; but surely you are not the most pitiful one. Though your marriage was unfortunate, at least you have parents who care for you, who spared no effort to bring you back. How can you speak so lightly of life and death? But what of your sisters? They are the daughters of concubines. When your father was prosperous and esteemed, they may not have enjoyed the privileges you did, yet when the family fell, they shared the same hardships. Now they remain in Liangzhou, serving as concubines—their joys and sorrows need no elaboration. With no family by their side, if anything happens, no one will care. To be honest, I find them even more pitiable, not to mention the widows and orphans at Xiaoliang Mountain. What do you think, Cousin Cao?"
Cao Jinxiu’s face flushed crimson from the reprimand. She stole a glance at He Hongwen, her heart uneasy, for her mother had never been kind to the children of concubines, and He Hongwen had witnessed this often in their youth. Sure enough, He Hongwen’s expression turned displeased.
"Our family truly has no money left. My parents... feel deeply remorseful and concerned, but... the families my sisters married into are all good people." Cao Jinxiu could only murmur this before throwing herself before Minglan, sobbing softly, her body trembling lightly. "Miss Sheng, I’ve often heard Old Madam He and my aunt praise you, saying you are kind-hearted and virtuous, always charitable and compassionate. Please treat me as a beggar on the street—have pity on me! I will not contend with you for anything, nor could I. I only beg to see my cousin often..."
"No." Minglan shook her head, firmly and slowly. Both He and Cao were taken aback, not expecting Minglan to be so resolute.
Minglan fixed her gaze on Cao Jinxiu, her voice as cool and clear as a mountain spring: "Miss Cao, have you ever seen a benevolent person who gives all their possessions to a beggar?" Minglan turned her face to He Hongwen, enunciating each word: "To a woman, her husband is her everything. What woman would offer her husband to pity another?" Unless she were a saint of the highest order.
He Hongwen’s face flushed bright red. Facing Minglan’s steadfast and sincere gaze, he felt a surge of delight mixed with panic. Cao Jinxiu’s lips trembled: "...But all I ask is..."
Minglan gently waved her hand, cutting her off: "Cousin Cao, do not deceive yourself. You are no ordinary maid, nor are you a typical concubine. You are Cousin Hongwen’s childhood sweetheart, his cousin."
Cao Jinxiu’s face turned frighteningly pale. Minglan continued: "I am a thoroughly ordinary person. I, too, dream of marital bliss and a smooth-sailing life. But if, while I manage the household, honor the elders, and raise the children, my husband is off reminiscing with someone about pomegranate blossoms, lotus lanterns, and little rabbit lanterns from their childhood, wouldn’t I be a laughingstock? What would I be then? A mere ornament?"
Upon hearing this, He Hongwen felt another wave of embarrassment and subtly stepped a few paces away from Cao Jinxiu.
"You would never be an ornament! Cousin only has you in his heart!" Cao Jinxiu pleaded urgently.
Minglan cut her off with a single sentence: "With you here, I am the ornament!"Minglan decided to speak her mind in one breath, gazing directly at He Hongwen as she said softly, "Cousin Cao is indeed pitiful, but let me ask you, Brother Hongwen: is taking her as a concubine the only way to care for her? If you don’t marry her, will she truly be unable to survive? You just told me you regard her as a younger sister—I’ve remembered that. Then please treat her as a true younger sister! Find her a good family, prepare a dowry for her, and support her in her marital home. Wouldn’t that suffice?"
He Hongwen was deeply moved, his mind suddenly clearing. The earlier confusion caused by Cao Jinxiu’s tearful pleas faded, and he realized the truth in Minglan’s words.
Cao Jinxiu’s tears fell incessantly, her delicate frame trembling as if on the verge of collapse. Watching He Hongwen’s silence and Minglan’s resolute expression, her eyes widened in despair, her body alternating between chills and fever. Minglan stepped closer to He Hongwen, looking sincerely into his eyes as she earnestly advised:
"Brother Hongwen, I’m not forcing you. Think carefully: if you truly have feelings for Miss Cao, I won’t resent you. Over the years, He Laofuren has helped our family greatly, and you’ve treated me well. The friendship between our families will remain. But I have one condition: if I am to be your wife, there can be no Miss Cao—no secondary wife, no concubine, no maidservant, none at all! After marriage, it’s best for Cousin Cao to avoid meeting her elder cousin frequently. If she has matters to discuss, she should speak with me directly to avoid any suspicion!"
After saying this, Minglan felt utterly exhausted. She curtsied to He Hongwen, then politely bowed to Cao Jinxiu. Without another word, she turned and walked away, never looking back.
As she walked, Minglan disregarded propriety, using her sleeve to vigorously wipe the moisture from her face. Before Xiaotao and Danju could see, she forced back her tears, dried her cheeks, faced the sunlight with a smile, and told herself everything was fine.
...
In the main room of Longevity and Peace Hall on the west side of the Sheng residence, the doors and windows were tightly shut, leaving only two people inside.
With a sharp crack, a ruler was thrown to the floor. Minglan knelt before Old Madam, withdrawing her left hand—now red and swollen from the strike—enduring the pain in silence.
"How dare you be so bold! Do you think I won’t punish you?!" Old Madam leaned against the luohan bed, panting with anger.
"Your granddaughter wouldn’t dare," Minglan murmured.
"You... you..." Old Madam pointed at Minglan, speechless, then snapped, "Are you so afraid of being unmarriageable that you’d rush to compete with others? What is your status? What is the Cao family’s status? That Cao Jinxiu isn’t even fit to carry your shoes!"
After a moment of silence, Minglan replied, "Miss Cao is indeed a pitiable person."
"Oh, so you’re compassionate?!" Old Madam sneered.
"No, your granddaughter is selfish," Minglan answered clearly, lifting her head. "No matter how pitiable Miss Cao is, I won’t yield! If she thinks she can enter this household, she’s dreaming!"
Only then did Old Madam’s anger subside slightly. She gradually calmed her breathing and said, "Why are you so stubborn! Without this He butcher, must we eat unplucked pork? This old woman isn’t dead yet! Before I close my eyes, I will find you a suitable and good marital family!"
A bitter smile touched Minglan’s lips as she slowly reached out to stroke Old Madam’s knees. "Grandmother, where in this world is there a perfect husband? Where is there a truly flawless marital family?"Old Mrs. Sheng was deeply shaken, yet she stubbornly glared at Minglan: "Do you really think He Hongwen is that good?"
"No, he is not the best," Minglan replied with unusual calmness, her gaze fixed steadily on the old madam. "Over the years, Grandmother has considered so many families for your granddaughter's marriage, yet in the end, you still favored the He family. Why is that? Because you also know that Brother Hongwen is truly a gentleman of upright character—self-reliant, gentle, and dependable. Since childhood, he has vowed not to take concubines. After all your searching, you still feel that Brother Hongwen is the best, isn't that so?"
Old Mrs. Sheng was momentarily speechless and turned away in frustration.
Minglan gently rested her hand on the old madam's knee, her voice choked with emotion: "That year when I moved to Twilight Cang Study, you told me, Grandmother, that no one can shield your granddaughter from storms forever. I have remembered that... Now, the storms from outside are blowing into the house. You fear your granddaughter will suffer and want to close the doors and windows to block the wind and rain for her. But that won't do. Why? Why should we be the ones to yield?!"
Minglan's tone suddenly grew intense, her voice resolute as if striking iron: "In this lifetime, there will always be many uneven paths and obstacles. We cannot simply detour every time we see a pit! I want to try crossing it—filling it with sand, paving it with stones. Perhaps once I pass, it will become a smooth road! How can we reject a family we've carefully chosen just because we encounter difficulties?"
Old Mrs. Sheng's heart trembled violently, her aged eyes growing misty with tears. She looked at the girl she had raised from childhood, unaware of when she had become so brave and decisive. What she herself had lacked was precisely this kind of resilience—she had given up too easily back then. Hearing these words, the old madam hesitated: "Do you think... it can work?"
Minglan shook her head, her gaze clear and lucid: "It's hard to say. Perhaps Brother Hongwen will live up to your expectations, but it's also possible that he harbors feelings for Miss Cao. If that is the case, then I will accept my fate! Man proposes, God disposes. Your granddaughter will have done her best—the rest is up to Heaven."
The old madam slumped wearily onto the luohan bed, remaining silent for a long time.
Seeing her grandmother's defeated expression, Minglan's heart ached with pity. Supporting herself on the edge of the bed, she slowly rose to her feet, her knees burning with piercing pain that nearly stole her breath. Suppressing the agony, she sat down beside her grandmother and spoke with a gentle smile to console her:"Grandmother, actually things aren't that bad. Brother Hongwen goes without saying, Aunt He is truly a good person too, just somewhat easily influenced. If I were to marry someone else, your granddaughter might have to contend with countless demons and monsters in the future! If I marry Brother Hongwen, I'd only have to contend with one family. The Cao family isn't worth worrying about - they have no power, no influence, no money, and no connections. If they behave themselves, we can give them a sum of silver to send them back to their hometown and have the Cao family children farm and study. If they refuse to give up and keep clinging to the He family trying to mooch off them, your granddaughter has ways to deal with it too. I have a compassionate grandmother watching over me, a father and brothers with smooth official careers, and sisters married into prominent families - what is there to fear! Aunt He is frail and ill, unable to manage affairs. With He Laofuren there, I can take charge of the household after marrying in. Being easily influenced isn't necessarily a bad thing either - when the time comes, I'll organize the entire He residence properly and prevent the Cao family from entering freely. Then I'll have the maids and matrons serving Aunt He advise her day and night. Over time, with constant slander wearing down the bone, I don't believe Aunt He would remain so stubborn!... If I were afraid of such trivial matters, I might as well not live! Grandmother should believe that your granddaughter has at least this much capability."
After much persuasion, Old Madam's expression gradually softened. Looking at Minglan's determined expression, she sighed deeply, patting her head as she lamented: "I always thought you were still a child, but you've already thought everything through. What next? Are we just to wait anxiously?"
Minglan let out a soft sigh, her lips curling with helplessness: "Today your granddaughter spoke some harsh words! If the He family is interested, we should receive news within a few days. Let's wait... ten days. If there's no message after ten days, Grandmother can find another match for Minglan. There are indeed other families with suitable young men in this world besides theirs."
OpenNovel