The Story of Ming Lan

Twilight Cang Study, Western Wing.

Minglan lay listlessly against the headboard as Danju carefully applied a lightly scented ointment to her palms, softly chiding, "...Miss, no wonder Old Madam was so upset. What happened today was truly improper. Old Madam has always treasured you like her own flesh and blood, never letting you suffer even the slightest scratch. Yet today you..." Danju sighed softly, "Why must you do this? If Miss just waits patiently, the He family will surely give an explanation."

Exhausted from the day's mental and physical strain, Minglan lay lazily without moving. Upon hearing this, she let out a light, derisive laugh: "Wait? How should I wait? Until when? Until I'm a few years older? Until I have no other choices left? Until the He family comes with a marriage proposal, and Old Madam asks, 'Will your cousin be joining the household?' Or until after I've entered their family, when the Cao family comes with tear-streaked faces, pressuring me to accept Miss Cao into the household?!" Minglan's lips curled slightly with irony. "Besides, given Old Madam's temperament, she won't wait more than a few days before seeking another match for me." Minglan sighed again, her voice barely audible, "It's precisely because I refuse to accept this outcome that I acted as I did today."

Danju's expression darkened. She gently set down the white porcelain medicine bottle with its blue fish-tail pattern and picked up pre-cut strips of gauze, slowly wrapping Minglan's palms. Just then, the curtain rustled as Xiaotao entered carrying a tray with several bowls and dishes. She brought it to the bedside and said cheerfully, "I noticed Miss barely touched dinner, so I begged Aunt Lian in the kitchen to make a bowl of three-delicacy cat's ear soup. The dough was freshly rolled—very chewy! Miss, please eat it while it's hot!"

On the black-lacquered wooden tray sat a glazed blue-and-white green bamboo tureen, accompanied by a matching bowl and spoon. The bowl contained emerald-green peas, tender bamboo shoot tips, thinly sliced chicken, and small pinched cat's ear pasta, all in a richly aromatic broth. Minglan's appetite stirred, and she reached for the spoon. Xiaotao grinned, holding the tray steady for Minglan to serve herself.

"Mmm!" Minglan took a bite and found it savory and delicious, whetting her appetite. She looked up at Xiaotao and said, "Aunt Lian's handmade noodles are truly excellent. Later, take twenty or thirty coins to thank her."

Xiaotao nodded vigorously, beaming. "Every time Miss orders extra food, you give a reward. No wonder today when I went, Aunt Lian eagerly stoked the fire."

Danju, still full of worry, shot Xiaotao an exasperated look upon seeing her carefree demeanor. "You heartless little wretch! If Miss hadn't stopped me today, I'd have reported you to Mama Fang and made sure you got a taste of the rod too! How dare you blab everything, serious or trivial, to Miss!" Though her words were harsh, her hands kept moving as she found a napkin to tuck around Minglan's neck.

Xiaotao stuck out her tongue. "A meal fit for an emperor!" Then she turned to Minglan, her large eyes sparkling with excitement, and whispered, "Miss, I went to check—Yancao and Lüzhi are already asleep. Mama Fang will handle Old Huang and the gatekeepers. Today, the Eldest Young Mistress and Fifth Miss didn't come looking for you either. No one will know we left the estate."Minglan nodded, swallowing a mouthful of the rich, savory noodle soup. Danju glanced at her, hesitating to speak. Only when Minglan had eaten her fill halfway did Xiaotao take the tray and leave. As Danju dipped a cloth into the copper basin to wet it, she asked tentatively, "Miss, what if the He family agrees now but goes back on their word later?" Minglan replied calmly, "There are ways to handle that."

Exhausted from the day, Danju helped Minglan wash up, then let down the bed curtains. She lit a mosquito-repelling incense pellet in a gilded bronze censer, extinguished the lamp, and tiptoed out. Minglan, her hair loosely tied, buried her face in the pillow, but the more tired she was, the less she could sleep. The more troubled she felt, the more her spirits seemed to stir.

Minglan wasn’t afraid of facing a fire-breathing dragon—she could fight with all her might and have no regrets even if she lost. But this time, fate had pitted her against a delicate "little white flower." If it were someone like Consort Lin, a fake white flower but a true man-eating weed, Minglan could muster all her energy for the confrontation, using any means without a guilty conscience. Yet, this time, she had encountered a genuine little white flower.

Humble, haggard, and from a ruined family, Cao Jinxiu gazed at He Hongwen with a look of desperate joy, like a ghost in the underworld gazing up at the mortal world. When Consort Lin had entangled with Sheng Laoye, everyone could see her motives, but Cao Jinxiu was different—her feelings for He Hongwen were sincere. To be honest, Minglan wasn’t without pity, but for her own sake, she had no time to feel sorry for others.

There was nothing more vexing in the world than this.

Lying on her back in bed, hugging the quilt, Minglan sighed softly: she truly was a person with a conscience, after all.

And then there was He Hongwen. Minglan’s feelings toward him were complicated. Cao Jinxiu was inferior to her in every way—looks, talent, family background, and cultivation. If He Hongwen still chose Cao Jinxiu, Minglan might feel frustrated, but she would also respect him—whether in ancient or modern times, few men would give up practical benefits for the sake of emotion and compassion.

Yao Yiyi’s superior, the elderly judge, had once said something profound: "It’s better for a man to have a softer heart." This remark drew sneers from the young women in the office, but the middle-aged and elderly ladies in the group nodded in agreement. A soft-hearted man might be easily led astray, but he would also find it hard to abandon a long-established family. Though he might be tempted by a new love, he would still cling to the old one. As long as the wife held on, time was on her side.

The daughter of a wealthy man in the office also nodded in agreement. Her indomitable mother had endured countless storms this way and laughed last. Now that her father was old and his health failing, he had come to cherish the warmth of family.

In truth, a hard-hearted man was far more dangerous than a soft-hearted one. When he loved you, he might be utterly devoted and resolute, but once his heart changed, he could turn on you faster than flipping a page, divorcing without a shred of affection. A classic case: Xu Zhimo.

Later, as Yao Yiyi worked longer in the civil court and witnessed more joys and sorrows, she came to realize that the elderly judge, as a seasoned veteran, had spoken wisely.Minglan's mind was in turmoil as she tossed and turned on her bed like a pancake on a griddle. After over two hours of restless turning, her head ached from lack of sleep. She rose and paced around the room briefly before growing increasingly agitated. Deciding to dress properly, she slipped out through the screen partition and saw Danju sleeping soundly on the lacquered bed in the outer chamber. Even in slumber, Danju's brow remained deeply furrowed, her face etched with exhaustion.

Moving with deliberate care, Minglan tread softly. Fortunately, the cooling night air meant the windows and doors of both verandas were shut tight, and the young maids slept deeply, allowing Minglan to slip unnoticed from the courtyard.

The late summer night was profoundly still, casting the garden in muted shadows. A pale crescent moon flickered intermittently like an upturned orchid-shaped fingernail, its translucent glow hinting at unspoken secrets. Minglan strolled slowly along the path as tranquil plants surrounded her. Osmanthus blossoms on branches and lotus flowers in the pond competed in emitting their subtle, chilling yet fragrant scents.

Gradually, Minglan's spirits lifted. She reflected that this rebirth hadn't been too unfortunate - Old Master Sheng's real estate investments had been remarkably astute. To own such a charming little garden in the capital was truly no small feat.

Having walked long enough to dissipate her pent-up frustrations, Minglan began feeling the night's damp chill. Noticing a cluster of delicate hosta flowers blooming vibrantly near some rockery, her heart leapt with delight. As hostas were nearing the end of their season, she decided to pick a few blossoms before returning to bed. But approaching the flowers, she detected faint rustling sounds.

Suspicious, Minglan lifted her skirts and crept closer, crouching low beside the hostas to peer through the foliage. What she saw made her blood run cold - two figures, one tall and one short, nestled intimately together beneath the rockery, whispering affectionately!

Minglan froze completely - Good heavens! What auspicious day was this, to witness two illicit trysts in single day!

By all that was holy, Minglan could swear on Saturn's rings that she wholly supported sincere romantic love. While secret rendezvous were inadvisable, the determination shown was commendable. In these times, any maiden not scheming to climb into a master's bed deserved respect. She'd simply have her eldest sister-in-law release the older serving girls and tighten gate security later.

After three stunned seconds, Minglan resolved to retreat. But just then, a familiar female voice carried from the rockery: "...Brother Jing... I... I..."

The voice was tender and melodious, dripping with affection, but to Minglan it struck like a thunderbolt from clear skies!

Rulan actually playing the role of the seductress?!

Startled, Minglan stumbled backward, creating audible rustling. Exclamations immediately came from the rockery as the two figures seemed to exchange hurried words before one departed hastily and the other approached.

Pushing through foliage, Rulan stepped across the shrubs and discovered the thoroughly embarrassed Minglan, whose dress had caught on branches. Instantly, Rulan's willow-leaf eyebrows shot up as she planted hands on hips: "What are you doing here?!"

Minglan didn't know whether to laugh or cry - Fifth Young Lady was the one caught in an illicit affair! That line should have been hers!"I... I... I ate too much tonight, just taking a stroll to aid digestion." Minglan wished she could slap herself twice across the face. What did she have to feel guilty about? Immediately raising her voice, she stared at Rulan and asked, "What is Fifth Sister doing here?"

Surprisingly, two patches of crimson bloomed on Rulan's fierce face. "None of your business?!"

"Oh, I see. Then I'll continue my walk." Minglan made as if to move forward but was abruptly seized by Rulan. In terms of physical strength, Minglan had never been her match. She was promptly dragged backward.

"It's so late, you might catch a chill! Let's hurry back!" Rulan hauled Minglan away as if dragging a dead dog.

"I'll walk on my own, I'll walk on my own! Let go of me first!" Minglan's arm ached from the tight grip, making her gasp softly from the pain. But ultimately, she didn't want to make a scene and had no choice but to comply.

Minglan wanted to report this unexpected situation at Longevity and Peace Hall, but Rulan insisted on dragging her to Taoran Pavilion. When two adversaries meet, the bolder one prevails—and the more formidable Rulan won the final say.

When they arrived at Taoran Pavilion, the other maids had already retired for the night. Only Little Magpie remained in the room, waiting anxiously by a dim lamp. At the sight of Rulan's return, she breathed a huge sigh of relief—only to pale and nearly burst into tears when she noticed Minglan trailing behind. Minglan felt a pang of sympathy. If this matter were exposed, Rulan might escape unscathed, but Little Magpie would be skinned alive. She comforted her, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid. I actually didn't see anything."

At these words, Little Magpie truly began to cry. Already irritated, Rulan snapped impatiently, "What are you crying for?! I'm not dead yet! It's not your turn to weep!" After dismissing Little Magpie with a few sharp words, she grabbed Minglan and marched straight into the inner room.

Once inside, she pushed Minglan down onto the edge of the bed, looming over her with a stern and imposing demeanor. But her slightly flickering eyes betrayed her inner turmoil. After a long pause, she finally growled in a low voice, "You—don't you dare speak of this!"

Minglan found it quite amusing. "What would I have seen, Sister?"

A dark flush spread across Rulan's face. She swallowed hard and glared fiercely at Minglan, who smiled back calmly. The two sisters stared each other down like fighting cocks for a long while before Rulan finally grumbled resentfully, "Anyway, even if you talk, I'll deny it! Nothing happened!"

So she was resorting to shameless denial?! Minglan was taken aback, then chuckled. "Nothing did happen. Mother already has such intentions, so why go to such lengths, Sister? If word gets out, wouldn't a good thing turn into a disaster?"

Since Molan's incident, Hai Shi had tightened security at the gates. Anyone who could enter the Sheng residence at night was definitely not an outsider. After a moment's thought, Minglan immediately realized that the only weak point in Hai Shi's defenses was the row of study halls outside the back garden. And wasn't it a coincidence that a group of talented young scholars happened to be residing there now? The Autumn Examination spanned three days, unlike the Spring Examination where candidates were confined until the end. During the Autumn Examination, candidates could return home after each day's test.

Minglan deliberately teased Rulan with her gaze, making her cheeks burn with embarrassment before she finally laughed and said, "Whoever it is from the study halls, they're all sons of reputable official families. Once they pass the examinations, they can simply propose to Mother."

Minglan racked her brains trying to recall which of the five scholars' names matched "Brother Jing." After thinking for a long time, she cursed herself for having a memory like a sieve—she simply couldn't remember.To everyone's surprise, upon hearing these words, Rulan's rosy little face turned pale as she whispered, "No, it's not them."

Minglan was astonished and blurted out, "Then who is it?"

Rulan initially refused to speak, merely sitting gloomily on the edge of the bed with her head lowered. Minglan didn't press further—just looking at Rulan's expression told her things were bad. The more she knew, the more trouble she'd have; it would be best to make a quick escape now. But then Rulan finally spoke softly: "He... is Wen Yanjing, who currently resides at the academy as well."—So it wasn't Brother Jing, but Brother Jing.

Minglan covered her chest, her breath catching for a moment. She felt today's shocks had exceeded her quota, and her heart protested somewhat. After struggling to catch her breath, she gasped in a low voice, "Fifth Sister, you're mad! He, he... is Fourth Sister's..." She thought for a long time but couldn't finish, so she just tugged hard at Rulan's sleeve: "Mother would never agree!"

Rulan's expression suddenly turned sorrowful, her smooth oval face dimming as she muttered gloomily, "I know... but I like him, and he likes me too."

Minglan's mind was in chaos, unable to comprehend how these two completely unrelated people had now become kindred spirits. Pointing at Rulan with a trembling finger, she stammered, "You, you, you..." Finally, she choked out just one sentence: "How did you two... get together?"

Rulan slightly raised her head, her eyes shining, a subtle charm appearing on her proper face—the kind of expression only a girl in love would have. She spoke haltingly, "...He had seen me before... Later, he sent me poetry letters..."

Minglan exploded upon hearing this, hating this kind of playboy trick used to deceive young girls. She couldn't help raising her voice: "You believe such methods?! Did he lose Fourth Sister's marriage arrangement and come to pester you instead?"

Rulan flew into a rage, pushing Minglan away and even pinching her arm hard. She complained resentfully, "What do you know?! Brother Jing is a genuine gentleman! Besides, he saw me first!" After catching her breath, Rulan continued, "Do you remember that year when Mo girl had you beaten and Father confined her?"

Minglan nodded—such a big drama, of course she remembered.

"After that, Father settled on... Young Master Wen." Whenever mentioning her beloved, Rulan's face would blush pink. "Not long after you and Old Madam went to Youyang, Father and Mother invited Young Master Wen for tea. That day I happened to be pretending to be sick and was bored, so I sneaked into the garden to play. When Young Master Wen passed by, he saw me... He thought I was a little maid, picked up my handkerchief, and smiled at me. Later, he came several more times. Each time I was playing in the garden, hoping to exchange a few words. He said... I was pretty and spirited, that seeing me made his heart feel bright."Rulan's expression was shy, her voice growing softer as she spoke, yet her eyes held an exceptionally sweet and distant look: "Later, when he found out who I was, and learned that Father wanted him to marry Molan, he sent a letter saying he owed Father and Elder Brother a debt of gratitude for recognizing his talent and dared not defy them. After that, there was no news... until that incident with Molan happened. The very next day, he secretly sent me a letter, saying he was overjoyed he didn’t have to marry Molan anymore. He also said that when the spring imperial examinations began, he would earn a scholarly honor and come back to propose to me properly!"

Minglan was stunned. She finally let out a heavy breath, her thoughts in disarray as she said, "But didn’t you say back then that... his family was poor, his mother was harsh, and his brothers were troublemakers? Oh, right, right, and that he was indecisive!"

Rulan regained her energy, grabbed Minglan, and pinched her cheeks firmly. With wide eyes, she scolded, "Don’t talk nonsense! Brother Jing is as good as they come!"

Minglan was speechless, thinking to herself: Weren’t those your own words, both the good and the bad?

After a while, Minglan gently leaned closer, resting her chin on Rulan’s shoulder, and said softly, "Fifth Sister, have you ever considered that perhaps... he just wants to climb the social ladder..." Before she could finish, Rulan shot to her feet, glaring at Minglan with fiery eyes, looking as if she might slap her to death. Minglan shrank back in fear, forcing a dry laugh: "Heh, heh, I was just saying."

Rulan plopped down angrily on a round stool, which wobbled precariously. With her back to Minglan, she said urgently, "I know what you mean. You’re just trying to say that I have no talent or looks, only a powerful family background, so Brother Jing is interested in the Sheng family, not me!"

Minglan couldn’t find the words to respond, continuing her inner monologue: First, he was to marry one sister, then another—anyone would think that.

Tears seemed to glisten in Rulan’s eyes as she spoke bitterly, "I know. Since childhood, I could never compare to Eldest Sister’s wealth and status, or Molan’s skill at currying favor, or your likability. Not even Father, and even Mother, doesn’t think much of me!... But there is one person who... from the moment he noticed me, before he even knew who I was, he took a liking to me... He said he doesn’t care for delicate, frail girls. He prefers healthy, lively ones like me, who can run and jump, whose laughter is like the summer sun, warming people’s hearts..."

Rulan’s expression was dreamy, as if she were sleep-talking. Watching her, Minglan felt deeply moved but also somewhat sad: "Even if Young Master Wen passes the imperial examinations, I’m afraid Madam won’t agree." Molan had discarded him, yet Rulan treated him like a treasure—Madam Wang would be furious.

Rulan’s expression shifted, then she gritted her teeth with determination, clenched her fist, and struck her palm. Lifting her chin resolutely, she declared, "If they won’t let me marry Brother Jing, I’ll dash my head and die! Or else I’ll cut my hair and become a nun!"Young lovers in the throes of passion are the most fearless. Not even the Titanic hitting an iceberg could scare Rose away, and the tragic drowning of thousands only served to highlight Jack's devotion. How much more true was this for the even more formidable Rulan? At this point, even if Sheng Hong were to come at her with the family law, it might not be effective. Minglan felt she had said all she needed to say, but added two final sentences: "But regarding Young Master Wen's family background... that... are you willing?"

Rulan understood the implication. Dabbing the corner of her eye with a handkerchief, she lifted her head and snorted proudly, saying, "Elder Sister married well, but I haven't seen her living all that comfortably! Mother will surely prepare a generous dowry for me. With my natal family backing me, let's see which of the Wen family dares to give me any trouble!"

Minglan sighed, feeling there was nothing more she could say. She didn't know whether Wen Yanjing was an opportunist, but if even Elder Brother Changbai thought well of him, his character was probably not an issue. In that case, his willingness to risk his reputation by meeting Rulan at night likely meant he had genuinely fallen for her.

Well, to each their own. Perhaps Brother Jing simply had a taste for this type.

Just as Minglan was about to brush off her skirts and leave, Rulan suddenly grabbed her, clenched her fist, and threatened, "You mustn't breathe a word about tonight's events! Otherwise, otherwise..."

"Otherwise what?" Minglan asked curiously.

Pursing her lips, Rulan fiercely gritted her teeth and flashed a triumphant, menacing grin. "Otherwise I'll turn the tables and claim it was you meeting someone at night."

Minglan showed no fear, instead clapping her hands with laughter: "That would be perfect! I might as well marry into the Wen family myself. Father's judgment surely can't be wrong."

Rulan was horrified, grabbing Minglan while panting heavily, as if she could devour her on the spot. Through gritted teeth, she spat out: "...How dare you?!" Minglan chuckled repeatedly: "Of course I wouldn't dare. So younger sister won't report this either - it brings me no benefit, since I've no intention of marrying Young Master Wen."

Rulan's expression relaxed as her tense nerves finally eased. With slight relief and some embarrassment, she lowered her head: "Sixth Sister, please don't blame me. I know you're good-hearted, always yielding to me since childhood, never holding grudges when I lose my temper with you..."

Minglan thought silently: Actually she did hold grudges. Several times when Minglan was thoroughly angered, she'd imagined Rulan's face while fiercely pummeling her pillow.

"You're different from Mo. She's malicious and poisonous, caring only for her own pleasure regardless of family consequences. Elder Brother Jing is waiting for the spring imperial exams, so we absolutely mustn't let Mother know now. Younger Sister, you've always been trustworthy - later I'll let you choose from the new jewelry Mother just gave me!" After threats came inducements.

Minglan waved her hand, sighing lightly: "No need for jewelry. Let's pretend I never saw anything... No wonder Sister has been so dedicated to needlework recently? So it was..." Minglan finally understood, all of today's mysteries about Rulan now solved.

Having declared her position, Minglan was exhausted and wanted to return to sleep. But then rain began pattering outside. Showing some camaraderie, Rulan offered to share half her bed. Minglan hated going out in rain and didn't want to disturb Danju and others late at night, disturbing all the courtyard girls. After consideration, she agreed.

"If others ask why Sixth Young Lady slept here, what should we say?" The cautious Xiaque, who came in to prepare the bed, decided to coordinate their story first.

Minglan burrowed into the blankets, casually saying: "Just say your young lady and I were stargazing, moon-watching, discussing poetry and life ideals last night. We talked until tired and fell asleep here."

Rulan glared at her, telling Xiaque: "Say I was consulting Sixth Sister about needlework, talked late and stayed over. Tomorrow morning, just go to Twilight Cang Study to fetch her people."

Minglan couldn't be bothered arguing. This flimsy excuse would never satisfy Danju - how to explain her sudden disappearance from her room? Well, she'd figure out a better story tomorrow.

Exhausted, Minglan fell asleep immediately, only to regret it by midnight - she should have returned even if it were hailing outside!

Rulan slept in contorted positions, one thigh squarely pressing on Minglan's stomach until Minglan nearly suffocated. Gradually breathless, Minglan woke up and used all her strength to shove Rulan's leg away!

Sitting bedside, watching Rulan snoring spread-eagled with shiny drool at her mouth, Minglan rubbed her stomach while thinking bitterly: Well done, Wen! Daring to play Zhang Sheng meeting young ladies in secret? Serves you right to be crushed by Cui Yingying's thighs for decades to come!