Domestic conflicts often share two characteristics: they erupt without warning and drag on endlessly. At this point, she actually had the leisure to ponder such trivial nonsense—Minglan felt she was not far from losing her mind.
These past few days, Minglan never had a chance to voice her opinion. The moment she tried to speak, Old Madam would cut her off sharply: "Don't be afraid, Ming girl! Your old ancestor isn't dead yet! They can't manipulate you!" Her murderous expression was truly frightening.
Old Madam had been provoked into a rage, adopting the same ferocious stance she'd taken decades earlier during her marital conflicts with Old Master Sheng. She showered Sheng Hong with furious spittle as she berated him, while he endured it all like sticky rice candy—kneeling, weeping, and pleading desperately. He relentlessly invoked family bonds, reason, and clan reputation until Old Madam finally collapsed onto her bed in dizziness.
Minglan privately thought that pretending to be ill while quarreling with one's son was harmless enough, but actually falling sick would undermine one's future combat effectiveness. Old Madam deeply agreed with this logic and actually doubled her food intake, clearly preparing for a protracted war.
Seeing the stalemate, Madam Wang came up with a fanciful solution: why not have Minglan personally tell Old Madam she was willing to marry into the Gu family? If the principal party agreed, what grounds would Old Madam have to object?
Sheng Hong stared dumbfounded before sighing deeply. Scholars like him tended to complicate simple matters to showcase their erudition, but his wife preferred simplifying complex matters—always opting for coercion over persuasion.
"Stop making trouble!" Sheng Hong snapped at Madam Wang, frowning displeased. "Since when does a young lady beg for marriage proposals?! Besides, she was raised by Old Madam since childhood—doesn't Old Madam know her temperament? The moment Minglan opens her mouth, Old Madam will know you forced her! That would be like pouring oil on fire!"
Growing angrier as he spoke, Sheng Hong pointed accusingly at Madam Wang: "A daughter's faults reflect her mother's failures! It's your unruly behavior—disrespecting your mother-in-law and acting recklessly—that has spoiled Ru Yatou into becoming such a disgrace! How dare you criticize others!"
Madam Wang flushed crimson but had no retort, sulking in silence.
While the mother-son conflict raged upfront, Minglan remained in the rear pretending to be dull and listless. She often stayed silent for hours, mainly because she genuinely hadn't decided what to say. She only needed to maintain a melancholic, lonely demeanor and occasionally sigh into the wind to perfect her image.
The only concrete action she took these days was reporting to Hai Shi to request a meeting with Rulan.
"...How is Little Magpie?" were Rulan's first words upon seeing Minglan.
Minglan stared at her pale neck, still marked by a purplish-red ligature scar, before slowly answering: "Not dead yet. Eldest Sister-in-law called a physician to examine her injuries. She just regained consciousness yesterday and can sip some porridge. Let's hope she won't be permanently disabled."
Rulan deflated like a punctured balloon, sitting there dazedly: "Did she... say anything?"
A sarcastic smile touched Minglan's lips: "She said it was the honor of three lifetimes to serve Fifth Miss of the Sheng family. Even being beaten until half her body bore no intact flesh—or being beaten to death—would be a worthy sacrifice."Rulan hung her head low, fingers clutching her handkerchief so tightly her knuckles turned white. Minglan stared directly into her eyes and continued, "Every time I try to advise you, sister, you brush it off with 'I alone bear the consequences.' But look what's happened now! Xiaque served you faithfully for ten years, treating you closer than her own family. How could you drag her into this?"
Nothing irritated Minglan more lately than hearing empty promises like "I won't implicate my family." In ancient times, "take my head if you must" was never the norm - collective punishment reigned supreme. If the third son of the eastern household defected, the fourth son of the western household would still be punished.
A profound guilt surfaced on Rulan's gaunt cheeks. Nearby, Xiaojuan fought back tears and whispered, "Liu Guniang, please don't blame our mistress anymore. She's suffering too. When the madam ordered Xiaque beaten to death, our mistress threw herself over her body and took several blows herself. She still bears the injuries!"
Observing the dark circles under Rulan's eyes that made her appear utterly transformed, Minglan paused briefly before speaking. "I came today to deliver a message from Xiaque. The madam is sending her away to be married. Eldest Sister-in-law suggested she leave after recovering from her injuries, so she likely won't see you again. She said she has parents to rely on outside and begged you not to worry. Though she can no longer serve you, she hopes you'll think thrice before acting hereafter, to pause when troubles arise and avoid impulsiveness. She... won't be there to remind you anymore."
Rulan listened in stunned silence, fat teardrops beginning to fall one by one before she buried her face in her arms with muffled sobs. Minglan simply watched quietly until Rulan suddenly sat upright and sent Xiaojuan to fetch something from the inner chamber. Soon Xiaojuan returned carrying a small box and a bundle.
Wiping her tears, Rulan pushed the box and bundle toward Minglan and pleaded earnestly, "These are some jewelry and gold pearls in the box, and fifty taels of silver with fine fabrics in the bundle. After all her years of service, I can't let her marry empty-handed. Dear sister, please bring these to her! I... I... have failed her."
Accepting the items, Minglan studied her quietly for a moment, thinking: At least in this regard, Rulan showed more conscience than Molan, who hadn't even inquired when Yunzai was sold off. Softening her voice slightly, she murmured, "Fifth sister, set your mind at ease. She said over the years she's received ample rewards, and the courtyard sisters have already sent out the private savings she accumulated. Xiaque considers it her blessing to have served you. She bears no grudge - she only worries about you."
Minglan passed the items to Xiaotao who stood nearby. Rulan threw a meaningful glance at Xiaojuan, who promptly led Xiaotao out of the room. Fixing Minglan with an unwavering gaze, Rulan stated bluntly, "I've also wronged you!" Then she dipped into a deep curtsy.
The words Minglan had suppressed for so long finally spilled out: "Why did you ever go to meet him?! Don't tell me... you intended..." A sudden possibility made Minglan's voice rise two pitches sharply.Rulan's face flushed crimson with indignation. "What do you take me for? Though I haven't read as many books as you, I still know what shame means! I... I just wanted to see him one last time!" Her voice gradually filled with sorrow as tears streamed down her cheeks. "...We had an understanding, then suddenly he's marrying someone else. I had to hear it from him directly! Who knew it would drag you into this?" Her weeping grew muffled.
Minglan's anger abruptly deflated. She sighed, "Fine, I know you didn't mean it! But..." The memory made her gloomy, and she couldn't help adding, "At least you got your wish! After Elder Brother found out about this, he went and beat up Wen..."
Rulan's heart leaped into her throat, her expression panicked. Minglan continued, "...But don't worry, Elder Brother wouldn't dare make it public. Scholars throwing punches probably don't have much strength anyway. Judging by Madam and Lord's attitude, they'll likely accept this son-in-law."
Rulan felt both happy and somewhat bewildered. After Minglan finished speaking, she hung her head and went out.
Lately, Minglan had been deeply despondent, manifesting as a dazed sort of detachment. She earnestly reflected on her experiences across two lifetimes and suddenly felt overwhelmed by powerlessness. After toiling for a year in border support work, just when she was about to get promoted with a raise and meet a wealthy match, a mudslide had swept her back to ancient times. She had set her heart on marrying an economically suitable ancient man, planning to properly train him after marriage. Despite repeated setbacks, she had finally seen dawn approaching, only for things to fall through again.
Minglan bitterly pondered how her efforts always seemed to deviate from Heaven's plan for her development. Couldn't Heaven at least give her some hints? She, Yao Yiyi, had always been law-abiding since childhood and would absolutely never oppose Heaven's will!
During the ongoing conflict, Hualan, as the marriage proposal's initiator, wisely kept her head down to avoid the storm. She steadfastly refused to participate in persuasion attempts and instead invited Minglan over. Old Madam immediately knew Hualan wanted to persuade Minglan and flatly refused all such requests. After three days of fruitless pondering, Heaven provided Hualan with a perfect excuse: she was pregnant again and wanted to see her mother and younger sister.
Old Madam remained silent for a long while, her expression gradually clearing, before finally permitting Minglan to go.
Early that morning, Madam Wang took Minglan straight to Zhongqin Bo Manor. The Bo Lady had returned to her maternal home for some matters and wouldn't be back until the next day. Madam Wang was delighted to avoid dealing with this unpleasant in-law and went directly to the western courtyard.
Hualan wore a rose-purple silver squirrel fur jacket embroidered with hundred-sons pattern, her hair adorned with a filigree spider hairpiece inlaid with jewels. She reclined gracefully on a soft couch, holding a pomegranate-branch famille-rose porcelain hand warmer, chatting cheerfully with rosy cheeks.
Seeing Hualan in such good spirits lifted Madam Wang's depressed mood of recent days. She took Hualan's hand and asked numerous questions about her health, all of which Hualan answered smilingly: "...I'm fine, perfectly fine. This is my third pregnancy - what could I not know about it? Don't worry, Mother!... Ming sister, have some fruits. These little walnuts are tribute items - fragrant and crispy."
Minglan smiled and nodded, moving closer to the small round table to pick up a delicate copper nutcracker. She began cracking walnuts with crisp sounds. Madam Wang released Hualan's hand, took a sip of tea, and said cheerfully, "How wonderful today is! With your mother-in-law away, we mother and daughters can chat longer."Hualan smiled cheerfully: "Why just chat a while longer? Since even sister-in-law has come along, you might as well stay for dinner before returning. We'll set the meal in my quarters. Your son-in-law went hunting yesterday in the hills behind the Duke of England's estate and bagged several roe deer. Though not as tender as game from beyond the passes, they're quite decent."
"That would be wonderful!" Madam Wang laughed, picking up an orange to peel slowly. "By the way, I heard from your father recently that your husband might be promoted?" Hualan's beautiful eyes sparkled with a radiant smile: "Nothing's confirmed yet, but... it's almost certain. This time he'll likely become a deputy commander in the Five-City Military Command."
Madam Wang set down the half-peeled orange, clasped her hands and bowed slightly, murmuring a Buddhist invocation: "Excellent, excellent. Seeing you young couple like this sets my mind at ease. The Yuan family must be pleased too - now your mother-in-law won't keep nagging you!"
Hualan pouted and snorted: "Father-in-law is genuinely happy, but Mother-in-law just spoils the mood. As soon as news of the promotion came, she immediately pressed Wenshao to find positions for her nephews. Father-in-law flatly refused!"
"So your mother-in-law got angry and took your elder sister-in-law back to her maiden home?" Madam Wang chuckled.
"Not exactly." Hualan covered her mouth with a light laugh. "Her maternal family has been deteriorating lately. The older generation squanders money recklessly, selling land to acquire concubines, while the younger generation lacks ambition, neglecting studies and only thinking about currying favor. Father-in-law has long been displeased with them. This time when her nephew gets married, Father-in-law refused to attend, so they had to go by themselves."
Minglan had shelled a small plate of walnuts and brought it over. Madam Wang took it and offered it to Hualan, smiling: "No wonder your mother-in-law always finds fault with you - she's green with envy!... Don't bring more, have some yourself."
Minglan obediently acknowledged and returned to her seat, picking up a plump little walnut to crack open. Hualan and Madam Wang exchanged meaningful glances. Turning to Minglan, Hualan smiled: "Ming sister, Zhuangjie has been missing you terribly. She's in the back garden now - you two have always been so close. Why don't you go play with her?"
She then instructed her chief maid to accompany Minglan to wash up and tidy her clothes. Minglan smiled inwardly - on such a cold winter day, would Hualan really let her young daughter run around outside? There's no such thing as a free lunch; she knew there must be some scheme! Still, Hualan always acted with discretion and managed her household capably. It probably wouldn't be too outrageous, especially in her own courtyard. But...
Minglan smiled obediently but hesitated: "It's cold outside. Shouldn't we ask Zhuangjie to come indoors?" Hualan's expression stiffened. Madam Wang coughed lightly and said firmly: "Zhuangjie can be quite willful and might throw a tantrum. You should go coax her inside."
Minglan murmured "Oh" and dutifully followed the maid out.
Only after watching Minglan leave did Madam Wang turn back to her daughter with a doubtful expression: "Will this plan really work? This... doesn't seem proper. Your father will be angry if he finds out. He always says that if Minglan personally pleads with Old Madam, it would only add fuel to the fire."Hualan straightened up and sat facing Madam Wang, speaking earnestly in a low voice: "Mother, you only know half the story. Old Madam can't tolerate any deception - after ten years of living together day and night, how could she not tell whether Minglan's words come from the heart? If we force Minglan to plead, Old Madam would only grow angrier! But what if Ming Yatou is truly willing?"
Madam Wang's eyes still held disbelief: "Ming Yatou only listens to Old Madam. What opinions could she possibly have?"
Hualan shook her head meaningfully with a faint smile: "You've misjudged her, mother. Though Sixth Sister has been obedient since childhood, she actually has very firm opinions and meticulous understanding. It wasn't apparent when she was younger, but since you came to the capital, I've quietly observed several times - sometimes she can even steer Old Madam's intentions around. After she meets the person in question and realizes he's no monster, whether for the family's benefit or her own future, she'll be willing..."
Madam Wang remained silent for a long time before sighing: "If only that were true. Ah, but what a pity for your sister - while Ming Yatou can marry into such an illustrious family, she can only settle for a humble household."
"Don't speak of that, mother!" At the mention of Rulan, a dark cloud passed over Hualan's face as she said displeasedly: "It's all because you usually spoil her too much! A young lady actually engaging in secret dealings with a man, then causing trouble instead of being grateful when her parents arrange a good marriage - and even letting General Gu find out! This harms everyone! Fortunately your son-in-law wasn't overly enthusiastic, only mentioning my sister twice without specifying which one, leaving room for maneuver. Otherwise... hmph!"
Knowing her daughter's difficulties, Madam Wang dared not defend Rulan, only sighing softly. Hualan continued: "It was your insistence that settled on Rulan initially. Actually, in my opinion, Minglan would be more suitable than Rulan. Look at how she charms Old Madam - just seeing it makes my heart melt, let alone a man's! Not like Rulan, so rigid and willful, losing her temper at the slightest disagreement! Minglan has her own opinions - I think she can handle it. As for Rulan, better find her a family of lower status so we can still speak up for her if trouble arises."
After some thought, Madam Wang reluctantly agreed, then cheered up after a moment: "...That's true. Ming Yatou has no full brothers - who else can she rely on if not us? If she does well, our family shares the glory. If she can't measure up, we have no influence with a family like the Gus. If it were Ru Yatou being mistreated there, I'd truly feel heartbroken!"
Hualan nearly choked on her saliva, staring at her mother speechlessly for a long moment. She simply ignored her, thinking only: I wonder if Minglan has arrived yet.
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