Do you know? Do you know? It should be Green Fat Red Thin Episode 9

  "Cai Huan, hurry up and urge the young lady to get ready. Don't dawdle, Master is already waiting." Wang Shi stood in front of a full-length bronze mirror, turning around as two little maidservants helped her dress. She wore a crimson silk jacket with gold and silver embroidery, and on her head was a slanted hairpin adorned with a golden filigree flower made of beeswax.

  "Mother, don't urge me, I'm coming." With a smile, Hualan lifted the curtain and wore a hairpin with a ruby ??inlaid with a magpie on plum blossoms, which was the same color as her mother's. She was wearing a rose-gold inlaid crimson thick satin gray mouse fur coat, which reflected the girl's face, making it look ruddy and beautiful. "Mother, I just saw Mama rushing into the house beside Ming Yatou, are you going to take Ming Yatou along too? Or let's forget it, she's not feeling well, she went to bed after dinner, maybe she's already asleep."

  "What's the point of resting? She must go today." Wang said coldly.

  Hua Lan looked at Wang Shi, lowered her head in thought, quietly dismissed the two little maids, then stepped forward to Wang Shi's side and asked tentatively: "Mother, isn't it because of Old Lady's intention to raise a daughter?"

  "Indeed, Wang coldly snorted: 'Your father is really good at scheming, thinking he can manipulate me! He suppressed that fox spirit just a few days ago, and now he's thinking of how to promote her again! I didn't speak up earlier because I thought the old lady wouldn't want her daughter after all these years. But... Hmph! It's truly 'dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes'! Your good fourth sister has been serving the old lady day and night, pouring tea and water, speaking softly and currying favor, trying to win people over with a flattering heart. Now everyone in Shou'an Hall is praising her to the skies, saying she's kind, filial, wise, and reasonable, the most obedient granddaughter in front of the old lady. I reckon tonight your father will urge the old lady to make up her mind again.'"

  "So Mother plans to push Minglan out and let Old Madam raise her?"

  "Nobody is cheaper than that fox spirit!" Wang cursed.

  Hua Lan thought for a moment and said loudly: "Cai Pei, come in!"

  A little maid in a sky-blue cloud-patterned silk jacket came in, curtsied and said: "What are the young lady's orders?"

  "Go and tell Liu's mother to get Rulan ready too. We'll all go visit Old Lady together later." Hualan said, Wang Shi's face tensed up, Cai Pei responded and went out.

  "Let Rulan go and do what?"

  "Does mother know what I'm going to do?" Hualan was silent.

  The Wang family looked at their daughter for a moment, and then let out a soft sigh: "I knew that Minglan was useless, but how could I bear to send Rulan away? Her temperament had been spoiled by me since she was young, and I hadn't taught her well. How could she go to the old lady's place to suffer?"

  Hua Lan bit her lip secretly and leaned close to Wang's ear, whispering: "Do you want to see that woman succeed?"

  Madam Wang gritted her teeth, and Hualan saw that her mother's heart was moved. She said: "Mother, even if you push Minglan to the front, it will only take one sentence from Father to block her. 'Letting Grandma raise a girl is just to alleviate loneliness, sending a sickly child over would exhaust Grandma.' What can Mother say then? Only Rulan going there would work. Firstly, Mother sending her own daughter to be raised by Grandma in front of Father would gain her praise and earn the name of a virtuous and filial daughter. Secondly, Rulan's arrogant nature could be tempered under Grandma's care. Thirdly, if Grandma were to raise Minglan, who knows, maybe after a few years she would become close with Lin Mama again. But if she raises Rulan, how could Mother not be close to her? This is a win-win situation."

  Wang's face moved, seemingly hesitant, and Hualan added: "Shou'antang is right in the mansion, if Madam wants to see Rulan, she can go visit anytime, if not at ease, just instruct some trustworthy mothers or maids, would Rulan still suffer?"

  Wang's wife thought for a moment, steeled herself and brought Rulan and Minglan out with her. Wang Xing was waiting outside and was taken aback to see so many people coming out. Wang's wife smiled and said, "Today the doctor said that Old Madame is much better, so I'm taking advantage of this opportunity to bring all the children to pay their respects and show filial piety. Dang'er is too young, so let's leave him behind."

  Sheng Hong nodded.

  A group of people left the main house, surrounded by maids and servants. In the middle, two mothers carried Rulan and Minglan on their backs as they walked to Shou'antang. Seeing House Mother waiting at the door, Sheng Hong and Wang Shi immediately went up to exchange a few pleasantries before being led inside.

  Inside the house, a golden Buddha bronze stove stood upright in the center, with mist spreading from within, and the dragon-shaped brazier burning warmly. By the window was a kang, covered with a thick, dark green woolen blanket. Old Lady Sheng was reclining on the kang, propped up by a auspicious double-flower headrest behind her back, with a yellow brocade quilt spread out beside her. On the kang was also set a small, black-lacquered, inlaid wooden table, upon which were placed cups, bowls, plates, and spoons, as well as some snacks and medicinal soups.

  Sheng Hong and Wang's family entered the house and paid their respects to Old Mrs. Sheng, followed by several younger ones. After receiving their respects, Old Mrs. Sheng ordered a maid to bring in two straight-backed chairs with thick cushions and several warm woolen cushions. Everyone sat down in order, and Sheng Hong smiled: "Today I see that you're much better, old lady, your spirits are high too, so I brought the little ones to visit you, just afraid of disturbing your rest."

  "What's the big deal, just caught a chill. I've taken more medicine in these few days than in my entire life!" Old Lady Sheng wore a dark forehead band with silver and gold double happiness patterns, her face was still pale, and her voice was weak, but she looked quite cheerful.

  "They say that illness comes like a mountain and goes like pulling silk. Old lady Wang has always been in good health, but this time she was exhausted from moving house. She might as well take this opportunity to rest and recover, and eat some nourishing tonics to strengthen her body."

  "I don't mind, it's just that I've been troubling you two to be busy every day, and in these few days, I haven't had a good night's sleep. Looking at you both, you've also lost weight. This is my fault." Old Lady Sheng said calmly.

  Madam Wang hastily stood up: "Mother said this and it's really killing the daughter-in-law, serving the elderly and waiting for medicine is what a daughter-in-law should do, why mention it at last, the daughter-in-law is terrified." Xing Zong saw Madam Wang being so respectful and was very pleased.

  The old lady smiled and waved her hand, turning her eyes to the window frame: "I really feel better these two days, today I even opened a little window and looked at the white snow outside."

  Hua Lan smiled and said, "The old lady's courtyard is too plain, if we plant some red plum blossoms, the white snow will reflect the red plum blossoms, wouldn't that be beautiful? When I was a child, the old lady even taught me to paint red plum blossoms. The decorations in my house now are all arranged according to what the old lady originally taught me."

  The old lady's eyes had a few warm colors: "People are old and lazy; you young girls are just right to dress up and serve, how can you compare with me, an old woman."

  Just as they were laughing, the door curtain flipped open and a maid came in with a tray, followed by a small figure. Wang Shi looked over and was surprised to see Mo Lan, her smile immediately froze halfway.

  Only saw Mo Lan smiling and coming forward, taking a shallow-mouthed lotus-flower-patterned white-based porcelain bowl from the maid's tray, laughing and saying: "Old grandmother, this is freshly stewed glutinous rice golden silk date soup, warm sweet and soft, also doesn't accumulate food, you sleep before moistening your lungs is best." Saying that she handed it to Sheng Lao Tai Tai, Housekeeper Mama took it over.

  Seeing her like this, Wang felt his teeth itching, Sheng Xiang felt a heat in his eye sockets, Hua Lan disdainfully tossed her head, and Rouran and Minglan looked drowsy.

  The old lady ate a mouthful of stewed honey dates and smiled, saying: "Look at this child, I said she didn't need to come, but she insisted on coming. The weather is so cold today, I'm afraid it will hurt her. Poor thing, all for the sake of filial piety."

  Mrs. Fang was spoon-feeding the old lady with honey dates, smiling and saying: "I'm not bragging, but Fourth Miss is really considerate and filial, whenever Old Lady coughs she massages her back, whenever Old Lady frowns she hands over a tea cup, I've been serving Old Lady for half my life, yet I'm not as meticulous as she is."

  Sheng Hong said with a smile, "It's Mo Er's blessing to be able to serve in front of the old lady. After all, she is her own granddaughter. It doesn't matter if it's tiring, Mo Er should take good care of the old lady."

  Mo Lan replied with a smile, her voice gentle and endearing. Wang Shi also smiled and said: "That's true, after all, Lin Niang had been by the old lady's side for many years, Mo Er has learned from her and knows the old lady's preferences and habits, so she can take good care of the old lady."

  As soon as these words came out, several people were stunned, the atmosphere in the house was a bit chilly, Mo Lan lowered her head and didn't speak, her eyes were slightly red.

  Sheng Hong didn't bother to reason with Wang Shi, and instead turned his body slightly forward and said directly: "I've also discussed this with the old lady before. You're getting older, and it's desolate under your knees. Why not raise a child in front of you? What do you think, old lady?"

  The old lady shook her head and said: "I'm used to being alone and quiet, I don't want to spoil the child, no need."

  "My mother said so, and my son cannot be at ease," Sheng continued to say. "This time, my mother was ill for a while, and several famous doctors in Dengzhou all said that your illness is mostly caused by depression. You have been living alone for many years, and even on ordinary days, there is no one to talk to. Your liver and spleen are depressed, and your sorrow is not spread out. It's too lonely for the elderly, and you can't always close the gate of the courtyard. Therefore, Mr. Bai from Baohe Hall said that you should raise a well-behaved child to please you, on the one hand, to dispel loneliness, and on the other hand, not to tire you out too much as an old man; besides, you have read extensively and can give guidance, which is a blessing for children."

  The old lady sighed and looked around the room full of people, seemingly helpless: "Which child do you think would be good to come to my place?"

  Sheng Hong was delighted: "This is naturally chosen by the old lady herself, find a clever and suitable one that suits your mind, also good for you to have a better life."

  Madam Wang smiled and continued, "Yes, with so many girls in the family, there must be one that you like. Hua'er's understanding today is all thanks to her time spent by Old Madam's side. Now she's mischievous, tomorrow she'll be ignorant; if only Old Madam could guide them a bit, it would truly be their good fortune."

  The old lady looked at the couple with different expressions, stretched her body, and sat up straight on the kang: "Let's ask the child." She said, looking at Mo Lan first, asking: "Mo sister, I'm asking you, are you willing to live with me here?"

  Mo Lan's face turned red as she replied in a soft voice, "Of course I'm more than willing. Firstly, not to mention that the old lady is our ancestor, as her granddaughter, I should fulfill my filial duties. Secondly, the old lady has seen and experienced much, and is kind-hearted and benevolent, having shown great kindness to me. I am willing to receive some teachings from her. Now, apart from elder sister, I am the eldest among the sisters, if I don't take on some responsibilities, it would be unfair to let my younger sisters bear the burden."

  Wang smiled and said: "Mo Jie has really made progress, thinking of so many excuses in such a short time."

  The old lady nodded and turned her head to look at Rulan: "Rulan, you say, are you willing to follow your grandmother to live here?"

  Like Orchid, the little girl was dozing off when she was suddenly called upon, hastily getting up, looking around in all directions with a bewildered expression. Sweat broke out on Mrs. Wang's forehead as she regretted not teaching her daughter how to respond properly before they left home. She had not expected the old lady to ask questions in public, and now she could only watch her daughter improvise.

  The old lady looked at Rulan with a confused face, smiled and asked again. Rulan turned her head to look at Wang Shi, and hesitantly said: "...... Why do we have to move over? ...... Is the mistress also moving over? Can all my things be moved over?"

  Sheng Hong had already decided on a candidate, but he couldn't bear to see Ruolan like this and scolded: "The ancestors want you to come over and lift you up, how can you be so ungrateful?!"

  Like Orchid was scolded by her father, and she turned a few tears in her eyes, her face flushed red, and she was about to cry; Wang's heart ached, but didn't dare comfort her in front of everyone, Hua Lan quietly went over, took her sister back, and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her face.

  The old lady smiled and waved her hand, then turned to look at the last one: "Ming'er, come out, yes, stand up, don't be afraid of Grandma asking you, are you willing to move here and live with Grandma?"

  The fake Minglan little classmate was actually dozing off just now, but she's fully awake this time. Unlike Rulan, she has long-term dozing experience. Those who study law know that politics and law are inseparable, and on the long battle line of political science, there are marks of her fighting spirit everywhere. By the second semester, her skills have been honed to perfection, and even if she's woken up suddenly while dozing off, she can still answer questions clearly.

  It's said that having many skills won't burden oneself, but unexpectedly the skill of sleeping soundly from past life can also be used in this life. After being called by name, Minglan calmly moved forward and replied: "I'm willing."

  It's like someone asked her if she wanted pork hind leg or pork front leg. She calmly replied that she wanted pork head meat.

  Old Mrs. Sheng seemed to have not expected it, paused for a moment, looked at the crowd, and the expressions of Mr. and Mrs. Sheng and several young ladies were all the same, apparently the image of Sixth Sister being stupid had already deeply entered people's minds. Liu Dehua transformed from an idol to a powerful one and released several announcements, how come this Sixth Sister didn't even shoot a preview trailer in advance?

  The old lady was silent for a moment, cleared her throat: "Tomorrow is indeed said, why are you willing to come to my place?"

  Wang was a bit nervous, the old lady and this silly girl hadn't exchanged more than a few words, how could Minglan explain that they had an inexplicable bond between them, after all.

  Minglan was unwilling to pretend to be innocent, it's too fake. However, the greatest advantage of human beings is to compromise with reality, even if she is a Martian, she has to adapt to local customs at this moment.

  Then Minglan, suppressing the self-deprecating cry in her heart, spoke in a soft and hesitant tone: "Father said that Grandma got sick because no one accompanied her. If someone accompanies her, Grandma won't get sick. Getting sick is very painful, and you have to take bitter medicine. Grandma shouldn't get sick."

  This answer is perfect, with both artistic and practical value. The room fell silent, Old Lady Shen felt a bit uneasy, Shen Qian was relieved again, Wang Shi let out a sigh of relief, Hua Lan secretly hoped, Mo Lan suddenly realized that there were still hidden dragons among her sisters, Rulan began to doze off again, while Minglan was so sour that she almost fell over.

  She sincerely admires those powerful actresses who are still insisting on playing the role of eighteen-year-old girls at the age of forty, their spirit and gums must be exceptionally strong.