Do you know? Do you know? It should be Green Fat Red Thin Episode 25

  Liu Kun's family supported Wang Shi as she leaned back onto the quilted, brocade-covered, smoke-patterned, fragrant mattress of the Xiangfei couch, and inserted a golden-thread embroidered pillow behind her back. Lan followed closely behind, hastily saying: "Mother, you should speak up! I..."

  Wang shook his hand wearily and said, "I understand what you're thinking, but... it's all useless. The Princess of Pingning looks down on our family."

  Ruolan widened her eyes: "...How could that be? I thought the young lady of the county was quite gentle..."

  Wang's expression turned serious as he gazed at the innocent face of Lan: "Think carefully about what the princess said to your sixth sister today, you should also use your brain, don't just act impulsively."

  Like an orchid bowing its head, she thought carefully and gradually became clear. She muttered to herself: "...Could it be?" As soon as she understood, a wave of despair surged up in her heart.

  Seeing Wang's disheartened face, Liu Kun's family couldn't help but say: "That young lady is indeed clever, intentionally finding fault with the sixth girl, isn't it because she looks like a child and can't offend anyone while still making her point?"

  "But, however..." Lan hastily pulled on Wang's sleeve and anxiously said, "I, I... Brother Yuan Ruo..."

  Wang's irritable hand pushed away his daughter, and he sternly said: "What 'Yuan Ruo brother'? He is whose brother of yours! From now on, properly call him 'young master'! ...No! From now on, don't let them meet again, Liu Shu. From now on, whenever Qi Heng is in the mansion, do not allow Fifth Young Miss to take a step out of Yi Rui Xuan, otherwise, the family rules will be waiting!"

  Like an orchid, she had been spoiled since childhood. Wang's family had never been so severe in color, and suddenly became stupid: "Mother, mother, how can you...?"

  Wang's expression turned stern as she sat up abruptly: "It's all my fault, I treated you like a child and spoiled you, not thinking that you would grow up one day. Yesterday, after Qi Heng came home, I listened to what you said and also had thoughts about it, so I let you do as you pleased. Look at your appearance now, what kind of dress is this? You don't look like a young lady from a noble family at all, but rather like some flirtatious woman! You've really disgraced me. If you don't listen to me, I'll slap you to death right now and spare you the humiliation of going out and losing face!"

  Like an orchid, she had never been scolded like this before. She was frightened to tears, listening to her mother's harsh words. She collapsed at the feet of Wang Shi, crying uncontrollably and murmuring: "Why... are you scolding me..."

  Wang looked at her daughter, who was gradually showing a maidenly figure, and knew she couldn't be soft-hearted anymore. She said calmly: "Aunt Liu, give the girl a wet towel to wipe her face... Rulan, don't cry, come sit up straight and listen to what I have to say."

  Rulan sobbed and leaned on her mother, Wang Shi seemed to recall the past events of her natal family and said: "For your mother all these years, I have walked through countless unjust roads, some were due to others' schemes, while some were indeed my own fault for being ignorant. Now that I think about it, what your paternal grandmother told me back then was truly words of gold, but unfortunately, I didn't take any of them to heart at the time. That's why we have that Lin Juemin now! You must listen to my words from now on."

  Like an orchid, she stopped her tears and listened intently. Wang Shi paused for a moment before saying: "This matter of marriage has always been decided by one's parents and the matchmaker's words; it's not something that can be taken care of by the bride herself going out to accept. That kind of shameless behavior is what those lowly women do, you are a legitimate young lady, how could you act in such a way? Marriage should be between families of equal social status, if they don't want you and look down on our family's background, can you really swallow your pride and go fawn all over them?"

  Yu Lan's face suddenly turned red with anger and she said indignantly: "Of course I won't!"

  The Wang family felt a bit relieved: "You're still young, enjoy your life as a daughter for a few more years. After you get married and become a wife, you'll know how comfortable it is to be a daughter-in-law. With your mother around, you can live comfortably as a lady; isn't that good?"

  Ru Lan thought of Qi Heng and still couldn't bear to part with him: "But Yuan... Master Qi was very good to me, maybe the princess will change her mind?"

  The Wang lady's anger rose again, and she scolded: "You blind and foolish girl! When someone gives you a little attention, you're immediately charmed and lose your sense of direction. Think carefully, isn't he equally polite to all three of you sisters? To say the least, he's even more affectionate towards Minglan, but that's because she's young and childlike! Besides, it's his parents who are making the decisions for the marriage, not him. He doesn't have any intentions towards you. The Qi family and the Duke's household are thinking of a suitable match, what do they need you for? If you continue to indulge in these wild fancies, I'll tell your father right away and let you get another beating!"

  Ruolan burst into tears again and stamped her foot: "Mother... mother..."

  Wang was heartless this time, pointing at Rulan and scolding: "You want to lose face, a young lady from a good family, but after meeting an outsider twice, you are so infatuated, it's simply shameless!"

  Like Orchid was scolded silly, it's really embarrassing to say, she turned her head and ran away, crying while running. Liu Kun's family wanted to chase after her, but was stopped by Wang Shi. Instead, he shouted loudly at the curtain: "Let her cry! This shameless bastard, if she wakes up and understands, then that's fine. If she can't understand, I'll beat her again! Beat her until she knows what's right and wrong! Go outside and ask, which family's young lady would take care of her own marriage? In a decent family, the young ladies are all controlled by their elders, they don't even dare to ask a single question, let alone say anything. Even if they're young and don't understand things, they can learn from their older sisters how to behave properly. What sin did I commit in my previous life to give birth to such a shameless dead girl? It's better to beat her to death!"

  Like Orchid heard it outside, cried to the point of fainting, ran all the way back to her room, dove headfirst into the pillow and blanket, cried until she was on the verge of death, and refused to come out again.

  Wang sat still, her chest heaving with anger. Liu Kun's wife came over to calm her down: "Don't get too worked up, madam. The young lady is still young and usually gets along well with the fourth miss. She probably doesn't really know any better, but seeing how the fourth miss behaves, she imitates her, and in a moment of anger, she learned from her."

  "Wang's family resentfully said: 'It's all because of that cheap woman! She has no way to corrupt my son!'"

  Liu Kun's family poured another cup of tea to serve Wang Shi, seeing that Wang Shi was a bit more comfortable, and tentatively asked: "That Qi family... Madam really gave up? Is it really a good family?"

  Madam Wang shook her head and said, "As a fellow mother, I understand the thoughts of the county lord's daughter. She has only this one son with such good looks and family background, which family's daughter would not be suitable for him to marry? Although our old master is also good, after all, he is not from a noble or aristocratic family, nor is he a trusted official of the emperor. The Qi family itself is from a public or imperial clan, how can they look down on us?"

  She pursed her lips, and Wang said: "To be honest, if it were Huahua today, I might have competed with her. But as for Ruhua...". She sighed and continued: "It's not that I'm saying my own daughter is inferior, but in terms of appearance and talent, how can she compare to Qiheng? My own daughter, I've thought about it, let alone the young lady from the Guo family. Forget it, why bother with something that will only lead to embarrassment? We may not have anything else, but we still have our pride. Ruhua doesn't have any skills, so in the future, just find her a suitable husband who won't bully her."

  Liu Kun's wife smiled and said: "The mistress has indeed changed her ways, she is so reasonable now, if the master hears about it, he will surely be delighted."

  "Wang sighed and said: 'I've suffered for half my life, only to realize that the marriage arranged by my parents was actually a good one. My mother-in-law is easy-going, my husband is successful, although we're not wealthy, we have enough food and clothing. If I hadn't been careless myself, that woman wouldn't have entered our household! Thinking about my sister's life now... Ah, it's really fortunate for me. I used to envy my sister for marrying into the Kang family, but she ended up like that. If it were me...' Ah, never mind."

  Liu Kun's family took away the empty tea bowl and came back to continue massaging Wang Shi's back: "When you were four or five years old, your father was sent to inspect the northwest. Your mother insisted on following him, so she entrusted you to Uncle Liu and his wife. To say that Uncle Liu and his wife are good people, they have no daughters of their own, and they have a deep brotherly relationship with your father, so they spoiled you dearly. However, they are businesspeople after all, and their vision is not comparable to that of your parents. Eldest sister's skills were all learned from your mother, and you didn't reunite with your parents until you were ten years old, how can you blame yourself?"

  The Wang lady sighed and said, "It's hard to say who is good or bad in this world. I've always felt inferior to my sister since childhood. When we got married, her husband's family was even more prestigious than mine. I made a big fuss about it back then and almost got punished by my father. At that time, my mother told me that the Sheng family is simple and straightforward, and since the mother-in-law isn't a blood relative, she wouldn't be too demanding of her daughter-in-law. My husband is ambitious and will have a good future as long as I'm a virtuous wife. On the other hand, my sister's husband comes from a noble family and has a good education, but he's not very reliable and is a spoiled rich kid. My mother didn't like him much, but she agreed to the marriage because of the close relationship between our father and Old Master Kang. Now that I think about it, my mother was absolutely right."

  Liu Kun's family laughed and said: "As a young lady, only when you become a mother yourself will you understand the benefits of having an old mother. It seems that this is indeed true."

  Wang finally cracked a smile: "In the past, my sister and I even quarreled over her husband, but in the end, she won. Thinking about it now is really funny! In the future, when I choose a son-in-law, if he has half of his mother's abilities, I'll be satisfied."

  Liu Kun's wife also smiled, and after a while, Liu Kun suddenly thought of something and said: "Madam, what do you think? When the fourth daughter returns, how will she explain things to Lin Niang? Will Lin Niang go and tell Master about it?"

  Wang burst out laughing: "I'd love for her to go tell Master about it! If she really does, just wait for a good scolding!"

  ……

  Wang's rare moment of foresight was that night, when Sheng Hong went down to the yamen and rested at Lin Qi Ge.

  "What did you say?" Sheng Hong asked in confusion, "Is Mo still going to continue taking lessons from Mr. Zhuang?"

  "Lin's wife said with a smile: 'I know the old master is avoiding suspicion, if it doesn't matter to sister and Ming sister, they didn't like books anyway. But Mo Yaotou is different, she has followed the old master's temperament since childhood, knowing books and being reasonable. Now Mr. Zhuang's lesson is just what she likes, how can it be stopped? So I'll speak up for her, at most we can just separate with a screen.'"

  Sheng Hong frowned and said, "It's not suitable. Mo Er is a girl after all, no matter how much poetry and books she has read, what can she do with it? Can she go take the imperial examination? It's enough for a girl to have read these few years of books, in the future she should learn some needlework at home. Ming Yatou made me a dark-colored pouch the other day, it was steady and elegant, very suitable. Mo Er should also learn some needlework."

  Lin Yiniang listened with gritted teeth, forcing herself to endure it. She walked gently to Sheng Hong's side, replaced him and gently pinched his shoulders, loosening his muscles. She leaned into Sheng Hong's ear and whispered softly: "Whether or not you read books is a small matter, why doesn't Master think about the long-term? Think about that young master of the Qi family, think about our Mo'er..."

  Sheng Hong suddenly turned his head, looking at Lin Niang in disbelief. His body, which had just felt a little dizzy and hot, immediately cooled down: "What does the young master of the Qi family have to do with Mo Er?"

  Lin Yiniang did not notice Sheng Hong's unusual behavior and continued to say, "I think that Qi Gongzi is indeed a talented and handsome young man with a good family background. Today he was discussing poetry and literature with Mo Er, they really hit it off, why not..."

  Sheng Honghe stood up, brushed aside Lin Niang's soft red hands, and looked her up and down. Lin Niang was stared at until she felt a chill run down her spine, and forced a smile: "What are you looking at, Lang?"

  Sheng Hong sneered: "Look at you, where did you get such a big tone, opening and closing your mouth to talk about marrying the young master of the Gonghou family!"

  Lin Yiniang clutched her sleeves tightly and trembled with voice: "What does Lang mean? Did I say something wrong?"

  Sheng Hong took a few steps back, waved his hand to let the maid go, and then stood in front of the window, closed the window lattice, turned around and looked at Lin Niangniang, saying in a low voice: "Qi Heng's grandfather was the Marquis of Xiangyang. In those years, the Marquis of Xiangyang had protected the emperor and had been rewarded with a title for his daughter as the Princess of Pingning. The princess grew up in the palace since she was young and was extremely favored; Qi Gong is an official of the third rank and has been transferred to be the salt transport commissioner, which is a very lucrative position that only trusted officials can hold; Moreover, there is another thing, the old master of the Qi Guo Gong Fu has only one weak son, who still does not have any children. If something goes wrong, it's possible that in the future, even the title of Guo Gong will be passed down to Qi Heng!" Sheng Hong paused for a moment, picked up his tea cup and took a sip, then continued: "Since ancient times, the young masters from the public and noble families are either mediocre or tyrannical. There are really not many children like Qi Heng who are ambitious and capable."

  Lin's aunt's eyes lit up, her heart racing with excitement, and she couldn't wait to invite Qi Heng as her son-in-law. But just then, Sheng Hou's tone changed, and he looked at Lin's aunt with an unexpected gaze, saying: "A talented person like Qi Heng, from a good family background, whose parents are of high social status, which noble family's daughter can't afford to marry him? In the past, when we went to his house in the capital to propose marriage, almost every family was eager to form an alliance with them. How could it be possible for me, a small and insignificant official, to have a chance?"

  Lin's aunt suddenly felt a basin of cold water poured over her, and her heart cooled down a lot. She still didn't give up and said: "Although there are many noble ladies in the capital, how many can compare to our Mo Er? She is born with a good fate, and she is skilled in poetry, songs, and essays. How could it not be her turn?"

  Sheng Hong sneered, "You're simply absurd! When has anyone ever heard of a legitimate son of a noble family marrying a concubine-born daughter as his official wife? You're dreaming if you think that's possible! Don't make a fool of yourself by spreading such ridiculous rumors! Even if the mistress had given birth to a child as lovely as an orchid, they might not have even looked down on her, let alone you, a concubine-born daughter!"

  These words were spoken harshly and urgently, like a sharp knife stripping away Lin Niang's elegant appearance, leaving only her humble and disheveled self. Lin Niang couldn't help but burst into tears: "Master, you've said your piece, why must you keep mentioning the hurtful distinction between born of the first wife and born of a concubine? I said it before, I was afraid that I, this concubine, would one day ruin Mo Er's future. And now, it seems my words have come true!"

  Sheng Hong snorted, saying: "What's the delay? Is it that you're too proud and your brain isn't clear, with wild thoughts? Even if you want to aim high, there's a limit! What's Mo Er's background, what's their family background, you don't even consider it carefully, just indulging in daydreams. Why not say let Mo Er become the Empress instead?! Truly absurd!"

  Madam Lin's heart was as if being strangled by a knife, she thought for a moment and leaned over to Sheng Hong, softly saying: "Hong Lang, this isn't entirely for me and Mo Er, think about it, the Qi family has such a good background, if we can establish a relationship with them through marriage, Master's future career will definitely be smooth sailing, and the Sheng family will also greatly benefit from it. Master might as well give it a try..." Her voice was low and gentle, moving and alluring.

  Sheng Hong listened and was deeply moved in his heart. He then asked Lin Niang: "Try it out? Are you asking me to propose a marriage?"

  Lin Yiniang saw this and nodded her head with a charming smile.

  Sheng Hong took a deep breath, calmed himself down and said angrily: "I'm telling you the truth today, it was that Princess who suggested that men and women are different, implying that we shouldn't let the girls in the house study together! Her intention couldn't be clearer, she doesn't want to associate with our family's girls! And even if the Princess changes her mind later on, it still won't be the turn of those born out of wedlock!"

  Lin Yiniang didn't expect this matter and exclaimed: "Is it Princess Jun...? How could that be?"

  Sheng Hong thought about the consequences for a moment, and the more he thought, the more afraid he became. He suddenly pulled Lin Niang's sleeve and pushed her to the ground, scolding: "You want me to try? What if I propose and get rejected? How can I stand in front of Lord Qi afterwards? You foolish woman, you're really stupid! You only think about your own interests, without considering the well-being of our whole family. If I listened to your nonsense, what would happen to my future career?"

  Aunt Lin knew she had misspoken, her face turned pale with fear, and she raised her neck to say in a hoarse voice: "Master, Mo Er is talented since childhood, not only does she have a good appearance, but she also knows poetry and etiquette. I always thought that the future marriage should not be humiliating for her! Master, she is also your biological daughter, you can't ignore her!"

  Sheng Hong saw that the woman was still entangled, and with a slap of her hand, she said: "As long as you are not greedy, do not overstep your bounds, I will take care of Mo Er's marriage myself, and will not wrong her! Alright, alright, I'll have someone clean up the empty west wing of Wei Ruo Xuan tomorrow, and have Mo Lan move in with Ruolan. From now on, everything suitable will be arranged by Old Madame, to avoid you corrupting her while she's living in Lin Qi Ge! Are you trying to teach her your ways? Do you want Mo Er to become a concubine too?"

  Lin Yiniang heard this, and her breath caught in her throat, she almost fainted, clutching onto Sheng Hong's leg and begging pitifully. Sheng Hong thought of his children's future and steeled himself to kick her away, striding out the door.

  Lin's aunt was still kowtowing on the ground, while Mo Lan, who had been hiding behind the curtains, came out with tears all over her face. She gently helped Lin's aunt up, and the mother-daughter pair looked at each other with tearful eyes for a long time. Then, Lin's aunt held her daughter's hand and said: "Child, don't listen to your father. He is a big shot who doesn't understand the intricacies of the inner courtyard. If we compare backgrounds, you can't match up to Mo Lan, but in terms of looks and talent, how are you not ten or a hundred times better than her?! With the same father, why should you be inferior to her in the future?! If you don't strive for excellence yourself, when will you get what's good for you?! Do you want to spend your whole life being worse off than Mo Lan?"

  "Mo Lan's eyes were blurry with tears: 'But, but if Father finds out, he will definitely not let me off lightly...'"

  "Silly child, you should be more clever and find some excuses to get what you want; your father won't notice. Good child, with your good poetry and looks, it's only a matter of time before Qi Gongzi falls for you... Don't cry, child. Once you move into the Weirui Pavilion, there will be benefits too. Keep an eye on Rulan and see what she lacks; if she doesn't give it to you... Hmph! I'll make sure she can't get away with it! Didn't Old Lady say that all girls are equally noble before they marry?"

  Lin's weak and delicate eyebrows suddenly became sharp and fierce.