"Caihuan, go hurry the eldest young lady along. Don't let her dawdle any longer. The master is already waiting." Madam Wang stood before a full-length bronze dressing mirror, turning slightly as two young maids adjusted her attire. She wore a dark red straight jacket with gold and silver threaded embroidery, and her hair was loosely pinned with a beeswax hairpin adorned with gold filigree flowers.
"Mother, no need to rush, I'm here." With a light laugh, Hualan lifted the curtain and entered. A magpie-on-plum-blossom hairpin adorned with red gemstones matching her mother's sparkled at her temple. Her rose-gold and deep pink thick silk squirrel-fur jacket complemented her rosy, radiant complexion. "Mother, I just saw Ming Yatou's nanny hurrying to her room. Are you planning to bring Ming Yatou along? Please don't—she's unwell, went to rest right after dinner, and might already be dozing off."
"Rest? She must go today," Madam Wang said coldly.
Hualan studied her mother, lowered her head thoughtfully, then softly dismissed the two maids. Stepping closer, she tentatively asked, "Mother, is this about Old Madam wanting to raise a girl?""
As expected, Madam Wang snorted. "Your father is quite the schemer, thinking I don't know what he's up to! Barely two days after suppressing that vixen, he's already plotting how to elevate her again! I kept quiet before because Old Madam has never favored her all these years and likely wouldn't want her daughter. But who knew... Hmph! Like mother, like daughter! Your dear fourth sister has been serving Old Madam day and night lately—bringing tea, water, humbling herself, and ingratiating herself with all her might. Now everyone in and out of Longevity and Peace Hall praises her to the skies, calling her benevolent, filial, and reasonable—the most devoted granddaughter before Old Madam. I suspect your father will press Old Madam to make a decision tonight."
Hualan's expression turned grave. "So you plan to push Minglan forward for Old Madam to raise?"
"I'd rather let anyone have the advantage than that vixen!" Madam Wang spat.
Hualan pondered briefly, then raised her voice. "Caipei, come in!"
A young maid in a sapphire-blue cloud-patterned embroidered vest entered and bowed. "What are your orders, young lady?"
"Go tell Nanny Liu to prepare Rulan as well. We'll all visit Old Madam later to inquire after her health," Hualan instructed. Madam Wang's face tightened, and Caipei acknowledged before leaving.
Madam Wang quickly chided, "Why involve Rulan?"
"Do you know what I'm planning, Mother?" Hualan asked calmly.
After a moment, Madam Wang sighed softly. "I know Minglan is useless, but... how can I bear to send Rulan? Her temperament has been spoiled by my indulgence, and she hasn't been properly taught yet. How can she endure hardships under Old Madam's care?"
Hualan bit her lip discreetly and leaned in to whisper by her mother's ear, "Do you want to see that woman succeed?"Madam Wang gritted her teeth. Seeing her mother wavering, Hualan said, "Even if Mother pushes Minglan forward, Father will just block it with one sentence: 'Having the old madam raise a girl is merely to alleviate her loneliness. Sending a sickly child over would only exhaust the old madam.' What could you say then? Only Rulan will do. First, by sending your own daughter to be raised by the old madam, you'll gain favor in Father's eyes and earn a reputation for virtue and filial piety. Second, Rulan's willful nature can be tempered under the old madam's care. Third, if the old madam were to raise Molan, she might grow close to Consort Lin again after a few years. But if she raises Rulan, how could she not remain close to you? This achieves three benefits at once."
Madam Wang's expression shifted, seeming hesitant. Hualan added another point: "Longevity and Peace Hall is right here in the residence. If you miss Rulan, you can visit anytime. If you're worried, just assign some trustworthy and capable mamas and maidservants. It's not like Rulan would suffer."
Madam Wang weighed the matter several times in her heart, then hardened her resolve. When she went out, she brought both Rulan and Minglan along. Sheng Hong was waiting in the outer room and looked somewhat startled to see so many people emerging. Madam Wang smiled and said, "Today I heard from the physician that the old madam has greatly recovered. Seizing this opportunity, I brought the younger children along so they can show their filial devotion before the old madam. Brother Dong is too young, so we left him behind."
Sheng Hong nodded.
The group left the main residence, surrounded by maids and older servants, with two mamas carrying Rulan and Minglan. They walked to Longevity and Peace Hall and saw Mama Fang waiting at the entrance. Sheng Hong and Madam Wang immediately went up to exchange greetings before being led inside.
In the center of the room stood a Vajrapani Buddha bronze heater, from which misty clouds drifted. The under-floor heating system made it very warm. By the window was a heated kang bed, spread with a thick, dark blue velvet blanket. Old Mrs. Sheng was reclining on the kang, propped up by an "Auspicious and Double Flower" round pillow, with a ginger-yellow large quilt embroidered with rich floral patterns scattered beside her. On the kang was also a small black lacquered waist table with mother-of-pearl inlay, holding cups, bowls, dishes, spoons, and some snacks and medicinal soups.
Upon entering, Sheng Hong and Madam Wang paid their respects to Old Mrs. Sheng, followed by the younger children. After receiving their greetings, Old Mrs. Sheng had the maids bring two straight-backed chairs with thick cotton cushions and several warm cotton stools. Everyone sat in order. Sheng Hong smiled and said, "Today we see that you've greatly recovered, Old Madam, and your spirits are high. So we brought the younger children to visit you, though we fear disturbing your rest."
"Not so fragile! It was just a chill. These past days I've taken more medicine than in the previous several decades combined!" Old Mrs. Sheng wore a dark headband with gold and silver double-happiness patterns on her forehead. Her complexion was still pale and her voice weak, but she seemed in good spirits.
"They say illness strikes like a landslide, but recovery is like reeling silk. You've always been strong and healthy, Old Madam. It was just the exhaustion from moving house this time. You should take this opportunity to rest properly and take more strengthening tonics," Madam Wang said with a smile.
"I'm fine, but I've troubled you two with all the running around. You haven't had a good night's sleep these past few days either, and I can see you've both lost weight. This is my fault," Old Mrs. Sheng said quietly.
Madam Wang quickly stood up. "Mother, your words shame your daughter-in-law. Serving elders and attending to their medicine is a daughter-in-law's duty. How could it be trouble? Your daughter-in-law is anxious." Seeing Madam Wang so respectful, Sheng Hong felt quite pleased.Old Mrs. Sheng smiled faintly and waved her hand, her gaze drifting toward the window lattice. "I've truly been feeling much better these past couple of days. Today I even opened the window for a while to look at the snow outside."
Hualan laughed. "Your courtyard is far too plain, Old Madam. If you planted some red plum trees, the sight of red blossoms against white snow would be truly beautiful! When I was little, you taught me how to paint red plum blossoms. Even now, the arrangement of decorations in my room follows what you taught me back then."
A warm light glimmered in Old Mrs. Sheng's eyes. "When you're old, you grow lazy. Young ladies like you should be dressing up and tending to pretty things—how can you compare yourself to an old woman like me?"
As they chatted and laughed, the door curtain was pushed aside, and a maid entered carrying a tray. Following closely behind her was a small figure. At first glance, Madam Wang recognized it as Molan, and half the smile instantly froze on her face.
Molan stepped forward with a charming smile, took a shallow white lotus-patterned porcelain bowl with cloud motifs from the maid's tray, and said sweetly, "Grandmother, this is freshly stewed glutinous rice and golden thread date soup. It's warm, sweet, soft, and easy on the stomach. Having a bowl before bed is perfect for soothing the lungs." As she spoke, she brought it to Old Mrs. Sheng's side, and Mama Fang took it from her.
Watching her behavior, Madam Wang felt her teeth begin to itch with irritation. Sheng Hong, however, felt his eyes grow slightly warm. Hualan tilted her head dismissively, while Rulan and Minglan appeared drowsy.
Old Mrs. Sheng took a bite of the stewed honeyed dates and said with a gentle smile, "Look at this child. I told her she didn't need to come, but she insisted. The weather is terribly cold—I was afraid she might catch a chill. It's truly touching how filial she is."
Mama Fang, feeding her the honeyed dates spoon by spoon, added with a smile, "It's not that I'm boasting, but Fourth Young Lady is truly thoughtful and devoted. Whenever the Old Madam coughs, she pats her back; whenever she frowns, she offers her tea. I've served the Old Madam for nearly half my life, yet I’ve never been so attentive and considerate."
Sheng Hong said with relief, "It is Molan's good fortune to serve at Old Madam's side. After all, she is her own granddaughter—what does a little fatigue matter? Molan, you must take good care of Old Madam."
Molan answered softly with a warm, endearing smile. Madam Wang also smiled and said, "That's true. After all, Consort Lin spent many years at Old Madam's side. Molan has naturally absorbed some of Old Madam's preferences and habits and can serve her well."
At these words, everyone in the room was taken aback. The atmosphere grew chilly. Molan lowered her head without a word, her eyes reddening slightly.
Ignoring Madam Wang, Sheng Hong leaned forward and said directly, "As I mentioned to you earlier, Old Madam, you are growing older, and it must be lonely without anyone around. Why not take in a child to keep you company? What do you think?"
Old Mrs. Sheng shook her head. "I'm used to being alone and quiet. I wouldn't want to bore a child. There's no need."
"Mother, saying that only makes me more concerned," Sheng Hong continued. "When you fell ill this time, several renowned physicians in Dengzhou said that your illness was largely caused by pent-up emotions. You live alone all year round, with hardly anyone to talk to on ordinary days. Stagnation in the liver and spleen, unresolved worries—such loneliness is not good for the elderly. You can't keep your courtyard doors closed forever. That's why Elder Bai of Baohe Hall suggested that you take in a well-behaved child to bring you joy. On one hand, it would ease your loneliness, and on the other, it wouldn't be too taxing for you. Besides, you are so well-read and learned—for a child to receive your guidance would be a great blessing."Seeing she couldn't decline, Old Mrs. Sheng sighed and glanced around the room full of people, seemingly somewhat helpless. "Which child do you think should come to stay with me?"
Sheng Hong was overjoyed. "Naturally, you should choose for yourself, Old Madam. Find one who is well-behaved and considerate, to your liking, so that your days may be more pleasant."
Madam Wang smiled and added, "Indeed, with so many girls in the family, there must be one who suits your heart. Hualan's knowledge and insight today are all thanks to the time she spent by your side. Now, Rulan is mischievous and Minglan is naive. If you could guide them a little, it would truly be their good fortune."
Old Mrs. Sheng looked at the couple with their varied expressions, straightened her posture slightly, and sat up a bit more on the kang. "Let's ask the children instead." With that, she first looked at Mo Lan and asked, "Sister Mo, I ask you, are you willing to come live here with me?"
Mo Lan blushed and replied in a soft voice, "I am more than willing. Not only is the Old Madam our family's matriarch, to whom I should show filial piety, but you are also widely experienced, kind-hearted, and generous. You have shown me great kindness, and I am willing to receive your guidance. Besides, apart from Eldest Sister, I am the oldest among the sisters. It wouldn't be right for me to shirk my duty and let my younger sisters bear the burden."
Madam Wang laughed. "Sister Mo has truly grown. In just a moment, she's come up with so many reasons."
Old Mrs. Sheng nodded and turned to Rulan. "Ru Yatou, what about you? Are you willing to come live here with your grandmother?"
Little Rulan had been dozing off and was suddenly called upon. She stood up in a fluster, looked around blankly, her face full of confusion. Madam Wang broke out in a cold sweat, regretting that she hadn't properly coached her daughter on what to say before coming out. She never expected the Old Madam to ask in front of everyone, and now she could only watch her daughter improvise.
Seeing Rulan's bewildered expression, Old Mrs. Sheng smiled and repeated the question. Rulan turned to look at Madam Wang and stammered, "...Why do I have to move here?... Will Mother come too?... Can I bring all my things from my room?"
Though Sheng Hong had already decided on a candidate, he couldn't bear to see Rulan behave like this and scolded, "The Old Madam inviting you here is an honor! How can you be so improper?!"
Rulan, scolded by her father, immediately teared up, her little face turning bright red, on the verge of crying. Madam Wang's heart ached, but she didn't dare comfort her daughter in front of everyone. Hualan gently stepped forward, led her sister back, and took out a handkerchief to wipe her face.
Old Mrs. Sheng smiled and waved her hand, then turned to the last one. "Minglan, come out. Yes, step forward. Don't be afraid of your grandmother asking—are you willing to come live here with me?"
The impostor Minglan had also been dozing off earlier, but by now she was fully awake. Unlike Rulan's flustered state, she had long experience with dozing off. As any law student knows, law and politics are inseparable, and on the long battlefront of political lectures, she had left traces of her "combat" drool everywhere. By the second semester, her skills had matured, and she could be called upon at any time during a doze and still answer questions clearly.
As they say, many skills are never a burden. Little did she expect that her napping skills from her previous life would come in handy in this one. When her name was called, Minglan calmly moved to the front and replied, "I am willing."It was as if someone had asked her whether she preferred meat from the hind leg or the foreleg of a pig. With remarkable composure, she replied that she wanted the pig’s head meat.
Old Mrs. Sheng seemed taken aback. She paused and glanced around at the others. Sheng Hong and his wife, along with the young ladies, all wore identical expressions of disbelief. Clearly, the image of Liu Guniang as a simpleton was deeply ingrained. Even Andy Lau had issued several announcements when transitioning from an idol to a serious actor—why hadn’t Liu Guniang released a trailer in advance?
After a moment of silence, Old Mrs. Sheng cleared her throat and asked, “Minglan, tell me, why are you willing to come stay with me?”
Madam Wang grew somewhat nervous. Old Mrs. Sheng and this foolish girl had barely exchanged a few words. How could Minglan explain it? She certainly couldn’t claim that she and her grandmother shared a deep, unspoken bond and an unbreakable affection.
Minglan was reluctant to put on an act of childish innocence—it felt far too artificial. But humanity’s greatest strength lies in adapting to reality. Even if she were a Martian, she would have to follow local customs.
So, suppressing the inner cries of self-disgust, Minglan stammered in a soft, hesitant voice, “Father said… Grandmother fell ill because she had no one to keep her company. If someone stays with you, you won’t get sick. Being sick is awful—you have to take bitter medicine. Grandmother, please don’t get sick anymore.”
Her answer was flawless, striking a perfect balance between artistry and practicality. The room fell into a hushed silence. Old Mrs. Sheng felt a warmth in her heart, Sheng Hong was once again pleased, Madam Wang breathed a sigh of relief, Hualan felt a glimmer of hope, Molan suddenly realized that her sister was a hidden talent, Rulan began dozing off again, and Minglan felt her own teeth ache from the saccharine sweetness of her words.
She sincerely admired those seasoned actresses in their forties who insisted on playing eighteen-year-old roles—their spirits and their gums must be exceptionally resilient.
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