Do you know? Do you know? It should be Green Fat Red Thin Episode 32

  Wang knew that Shou'antang had sent another big servant girl and thought for a long time, coldly saying: "The old lady is really strict."

  "Madam, don't be foolish," Liu Kun's wife hastily advised. "The old lady is just greeting you; as I said before, the old lady understands things clearly. If you treat everyone equally, she won't mistreat Fourth Miss. Just look at how much she dotes on Big Sister, frequently sending letters to Beijing to ask about her well-being. After all, she's her own granddaughter, and it's just a pity that Wei's mother passed away early. Madam, why bother with a maid and make the old lady unhappy? Now, what's most important is for Bo'er to make a good showing."

  Wang's face was gloomy, and he said, "It's better for the girls to know some things, they can't be kept in the dark all the time. Knowing just enough is fine."

  This matter is not over yet, this afternoon two more girls were sent to Mugangzhai, Liu Kun's family personally led them over and bitterly smiled, saying that Lin Niang and Sheng Zhong had complained, it was not enough for his sister to serve people, but as a brother he could call slaves and servants at will, so he took out the two best ones from Changfang House and sent them over to Liu Liu.

  Sheng Hong looked at the two maidservants and indeed they were knowledgeable about books and etiquette, their needlework was also exceptional. At that moment, he was deeply moved and heavily praised Lin Niang's broad-mindedness and Chang Feng's deep brotherly love. Probably due to being praised, Chang Feng was very inspired and spent several days studying behind closed doors.

  Looking at the two beautiful girls, Ke'er and Mei'er, 13 or 14 years old, one delicate and the other elegant, shy and charming, with a gentle demeanor. The crowd in the evening warehouse was quiet, and Xiao Tao, who had never seen the world, touched her own face, staring blankly, her chin almost dropping off. Dan Ju Mu went to look at Ming Lan, Yin Xiang and Jiu Er looked at each other, Cui Wei was still calm, smiling and holding their hands talking. Ming Lan almost sighed to the sky, indeed "the higher the virtue, the higher the evil". So she quickly announced: The evening warehouse is small, although not full, it's already full, please everyone rest assured, there are enough people to serve.

  Minglan looked at the two pretty girls and thought of San Ge's Long Fengbing, almost wanting to ask: You two... is that yellow flower still there? --- Just had a thought, also felt that she was too evil.

  As a result, the Wudangzhai became lively.

  Jiuer had a mother who liked to interfere in other people's business, and she also inherited this habit of loving to meddle in everything. As soon as she entered the Muzhao Studio, she didn't consider herself an outsider at all. When she saw several young maids quarreling, before Cuiwei could even speak up, Jiuer had already started scolding them, saying that their mother would drive them out of the inner courtyard. The young maids were frightened to tears, and Danju was displeased, thinking that Jiuer had overstepped her bounds a bit.

  Minglan smiled wryly: "No matter whether it's a black cat or white cat, as long as it can catch mice, it's a good cat." Jiuer had indeed shocked the little maids.

  Yingao is very low-key, diligent and hardworking, but likes to eavesdrop and loves to rummage through things. She often sneaks into Minglan's room, flattering her with excessive praise. Danju had to use a lot of effort to keep her at bay. Cuimiao scolded her several times: "Do you understand the rules? You've only been here for a few days and you're already barging into the young lady's inner chambers! The young lady's belongings are not for you to touch! Stop doing chores in the courtyard, start with needlework first, and stop snooping around all day!"

  Ginkgo nodded silently, turned around and continued on her own, while Little Peach could only be responsible for keeping watch; Minglan comforted herself: after all, this was progress in a troublesome sense, the other two were going to be the death of her.

  One day the weather was warm, and several maids were collecting things in Minglan's room to go out and dry. Suddenly, a crisp sound was heard, and Mei'er accidentally knocked over a blue-and-white pen holder, shattering it into pieces on the ground. Minglan couldn't help but feel heartbroken: "Be more careful, if you can't do it properly then put it down, let Danju or Xiaotao handle it." But unexpectedly, Mei'er raised her almond-shaped eyes and said in a low voice: "It's just a pen holder, I've knocked over many valuable items in Third Master's room before, but he never said a word. They say that the young lady has a good temper, but I didn't expect..."

  Minglan was stunned at the moment, as a transmigrated woman she didn't have very serious hierarchical thoughts, but even in modern times, if you knock over your roommate's or friend's things, shouldn't you say sorry? The delicate beauty in front of her, with her eyebrows furrowed and eyes cold, looked like she was going to make Minglan coax her.

  Minglan stood there, not knowing what to say. Xiaotao, who was standing beside her, couldn't bear it anymore and scolded with her hands on her hips: "You're so arrogant! The young lady hasn't even said anything to you, yet you've already started slandering her! You broke something and still have the nerve?! This brush washer is part of a set, a birthday gift from Master Wei Da from the south two years ago. Now that one is broken, the four treasures of the study are incomplete! If you're so fond of Third Master's place, why did you come to our humble abode? If you feel humiliated, hurry up and leave! Our temple is too small to accommodate a great Buddha like you!"

  Mei'er cried and left at that time. It is said that she cried for two hours in the house, and only got better after Cui Wei went to comfort her.

  This is still okay, Mei'er has a high and proud temper, but at least she's still doing her job as a maid. But Ke'er is like a literary young lady, hiding in the house every day with a book of poetry, sighing and lamenting the passing of spring and autumn. She doesn't even do the chores assigned to her, and if she picks up needlework, she'll only work for two stitches before putting it down again. If a leaf falls, she'll cry for half a day, and when she hears geese honking, she'll write two lines of tragic poetry in the style of "Du Juan's Blood". Every time I see her, she's either brewing tears or has tears streaming down her face. When Cui Wei reminds her not to cry all day and bring bad luck to the master's house, she'll go out into the garden that night and cry for a whole night, then fall ill.

  Qin Sang was gentle, Yan Cao was refreshing, and it took all her might to make her smile. She wouldn't take medicine for three days or eat for two, wanting someone to coax and accompany her. Green twig was angry and wanted to scold her, but was stopped by Dan Ju. Later, after inquiring, she found out that she was originally the daughter of a guilty official.

  "What's the big deal? She was just a phoenix before, and now she's just a maid. She should do her job as a maid! We didn't buy her to be a mistress, did we? This is ridiculous, we're all serving her!" Green Branch glared at Mei'er with anger still simmering in her heart.

  "She was also served as a young lady, and it's hard to avoid having some discontent after becoming a maid." Dan Ju took over the medicine pot, carefully filtering out the dregs, and said with sympathy.

  Bixi said in a soft and delicate voice: "She entered the mansion with us, this maid has been serving for several years, but still puts on airs like a young lady; it's just because she can write poetry and paint that she's so arrogant! Humph, who in this house doesn't know a few characters?" Bixi is actually a talented person, beautiful and literate, with a comprehensive quality superior to the other three Lanz.

  Mo Lan and Lan may be like fire and water, but when it comes to aesthetics, they surprisingly agree. Don't let appearance and talent surpass yourself, Bi Xi passed; Chang Feng actually likes beautiful eyebrows, unfortunately, the quota is limited, so he chose someone even more beautiful and talented, Bi Xi was passed again, and finally came to Ming Lan's side.

  Yan Cao poured water from the teapot, coaxing Ke'er until she was exhausted. She let Qin Sang take over first and then went back to switch with someone else. After pouring half a pot of water, Yan Cao said with difficulty: "It's also because our young lady is too kind-hearted, one by one they all dare to show off in front of her. If Housekeeper Fang were here, they would have been beaten with a board long ago!" The several little maids beside her heard this and suddenly missed Housekeeper Fang's strictness, sighing endlessly.

  "It's all because of Third Master's pampering, but our girl has to suffer the consequences!" Green Branch concluded.

  Danju was sent by the sisters to Minglan's place to convey the public opinion, and finally, she also tactfully said: "Miss, this won't do, the next few good ones are easily called by Housekeeper Mom to teach them some rules, not completely spoiled."

  Minglan said with difficulty: "They are the masters and Third Brother's people, it's not good to lose face in front of them! I know Mei'er has wronged you, but... her parents are no longer around, it can't be helped that she's being bullied!"

  "Wrongly accused—?!" Cui Wei looked at Ming Lan strangely, "What are you talking about, miss? I heard my father say that Mei'er's father was a county magistrate in a nearby county of Dengzhou, extremely greedy and corrupt. That's why he was dismissed from office and imprisoned, his property confiscated, and his family sold into slavery." Her father was the manager of the outer manor, and all the new maidservants and young servants were brought in by him.

  "Could it be that her father was wrongly accused?!" Minglan thought of those loyal and honest officials' families in the TV dramas who were also wrongly accused.

  Cui Wei lost her smile: "My lady, officials who have committed crimes and been dismissed from office are numerous, but none of them have implicated their families. Not to mention being sent to the Teaching Bureau, it's unprecedented! Mei'er's father's case is well-known to many people, he was indeed a corrupt official, squandering money recklessly every day. Even after confiscating his property, it wasn't enough to make up for it, and yet his family was implicated."

  "The man has committed a crime, what guilt is on his wife and daughter?"

  Xiao Tao just entered the house, she had been worried about the silver apricot and thief-like things lately, her brain was tired and swollen. Just hearing these two sentences, she said in a bad tone: "Miss, the silk and satin on the body of the corrupt official's family, the mountain treasures and sea flavors in their mouths, are all the people's fat and oil; How many ordinary people were ruined by her father, walked away without a home, sold their children and daughters, but it doesn't matter if she pays for her father's debts! It's her good fortune to enter our house."

  Minglan fell silent, can't blame her, TV dramas are all like this; complaining aside, Minglan let things slide, thinking of slowly educating those few careless ones, who knew the education plan wouldn't change quickly.

  On this day, Zhang Bai came to the Meng Cang study in the morning to inspect. Minglan promised to make him a pair of cotton shoes and finally delivered them. He took the opportunity to come and collect the account. Minglan personally went to welcome him. As soon as Zhang Bai walked in, he saw a beautiful young woman holding a broom and sweeping the floor. Zhang Bai thought she was born with a cold face, so he looked at her for several more eyes. Who knew that she raised her neck, hummed coldly, and had a proud and elegant expression? Zhang Bai immediately frowned and said to Minglan: "How can your servant be so unruly? You don't even discipline them!"

  Mei'er angrily put down the broom and went into the house, Minglan felt very awkward.

  She walked a few steps into the courtyard, and saw a delicate girl leaning against a pillar, softly reciting a poem. Zhang Ping listened for a moment, and it was actually "Qing Qing Zi Yin You You Wo Xin". He frowned again at Dan Ju and scolded: "The maids can recognize characters and understand things, but why teach this? Women have no talent and are virtuous, let alone a maid!"

  Ke'er's face turned pale and she stumbled back into the house. Minglan was very depressed and let out a dry laugh.

  As soon as they sat down in the house, Minglan hadn't exchanged a few words with Zhang Bai when Yin Xiao took over Dan Ju's duties, sometimes serving tea and sometimes offering refreshments. She stood aside, smiling and nodding, her beautiful eyes constantly beckoning to Zhang Bai. Little Peach pulled at her but she didn't leave. Zhang Bai's expression turned stern as he slammed the teacup onto the table and said in a low voice: "Sixth sister should properly manage the maids in the household!"

  After finishing speaking, he picked up his new shoes and turned around to leave; Minglan almost vomited blood!

  Just after lunch, Chang Feng came out for a walk and ended up at the twilight pavilion. Ming Lan, although not very familiar with him, warmly invited him in to have tea. Chang Feng was clearly distracted, and as soon as he saw Mei Er, he immediately stood up and repeatedly asked: "Mei Er, how have you been lately?" Mei Er said with a tone of resentment: "I've been driven out, but I won't die! Third Master doesn't need to worry." Chang Feng trembled and said: "...you...you suffered injustice!"

  At this time, Ke'er was weak and trembling as she walked, her eyes were already moist: "Ke'er, you've lost weight!" Ke'er couldn't hold back anymore, tears streaming down like broken threads: "Third Master~~~ I thought I'd never see you again in this lifetime..."

  Chang Feng held her in his arms, but Xiao Er burst into loud wails. Chang Feng comforted her incessantly as the cries shook the sky within the Musou Study.

  Cui Wei Dan Ju stared blankly, even Yin Xiang Jiu Er was stunned, standing there not knowing what to do. Then, they turned their gaze and went together to Ming Lan, indicating what should be done. Ming Lan was speechless, secretly hurt beyond measure.

  Thought it was bad enough, didn't expect the worst part is yet to come.

  Mr. Qi had submitted a memorial to the Emperor before the New Year, and the Emperor approved the Qi family's request to return to Beijing for the New Year. Mr. Zhuang announced a short winter break, and before leaving, he sent over a gift for the new house - a Western-style lacquer frame with a pair of white jade fish-shaped ornaments, accompanied by a small white jade hammer on the side. The large piece of white jade was truly translucent and crystal clear. Minglan didn't dare to put it in the main hall where everyone could see it, so she placed it on her bedside table instead.

  Who would have thought that on this day, Mo Lan and Ru Lan came to visit together. Originally, Ru Lan had already sat down on the kang bed to drink tea, but Mo Lan insisted on visiting Ming Lan's new house, pulling Ru Lan straight into Ming Lan's bedroom. At that time, Ming Lan felt something was off, only to hear Mo Lan pointing at the white jade pendant and saying in a coquettish voice: "This is the gift that Yuan Ruo gege gave you, isn't it?"

  Like an orchid, she fixed her eyes on Yu Ru for half a moment, then looked at Ming Lan for another half a moment. Her gaze made Ming Lan's back feel cold sweat. Mo Lan smiled and said: "Sixth sister is really lucky to have Yu Ru brother think of her like this. When I moved into the Wei Ruo Pavilion, I didn't see him send a gift; what reason does Yu Ru brother have for treating his sister with such kindness?"

  Minglan stared blankly with wide eyes, and said stupidly: "...Really? What's the reason for this, Fifth Sister, do you know?" As she spoke, she looked at Rulan with a face full of ignorance. Rulan looked at Molan with a smug expression, and a surge of unnamed anger rose in her belly. Looking at Minglan again, she weighed the two evils and chose the lesser one, then said loudly: "Isn't it simple? Qi family's brother often eats with Liu Yatou at Shou'antang, treating her like a little sister! Mother said that our families are related, we're all siblings!"

  The more she spoke, the louder her voice became, and Lan was convinced by herself. As she spoke, she looked at Minglan's innocent face and thought that her explanation made perfect sense. Minglan clapped her hands and laughed, saying: "Fifth sister, you're so smart! I understand everything now!"

  It's a pity to see that Lan has grown up like this and for the first time be praised for her wisdom.

  Mo Lan was about to say a few more words, but Ming Lan shook her head and said innocently: "…No wonder fourth sister often sends pastries to Yuan Ruo's study, it turns out they're siblings!" Yu Lan shot Mo Lan a sharp glance, causing Mo Lan's face to flush red as she exclaimed loudly: "What nonsense are you talking about? I was sending pastries to both brothers!"

  Minglan rubbed her head, bewildered: "Huh? I thought I heard Big Brother and Fourth Brother say that Fourth Sister gave all the pastries to Yuanruo... Did I hear wrong?" As she spoke, she looked at Rulan with suspicion. Rulan had already made up her mind, and with a look of disdain, glared at Molan, coldly laughing: "Fourth Sister's skills are truly impressive, a true family heirloom!"

  Mo Lan slapped a teacup with her palm and shouted, "What did you say!" Ru Lan's heart skipped a beat, if she implicated Lin Niang, she would be in trouble again. Ming Lan quickly added, "Fifth sister means to say that treating guests warmly is an old tradition of the Sheng family, Fourth sister indeed has the demeanor of the Sheng family!"

  Ru Lan let out a sigh of relief and patted Ming Lan's head in satisfaction, while Mo Lan glared at them. Ming Lan whispered: "No choice, I was defending myself."

  After seeing them off with a smile, Danju returned with a cold face, closed the door and said seriously to Minglan: "Miss, we must clean up the yard properly. We can't let these little girls lose face and affect your reputation!" Xiaotao and Cuimiao also echoed in agreement.

  Minglan sat on the kang, holding a needlework book and an embroidery hoop to compare, smiling and saying: "Don't rush, don't rush, you all don't have to do anything, let them make a fuss; when you go out visiting, pick that good servant girl to tell everything about our household to the mistress, especially what happened when big brother and third brother came, it's essential to let the mistress know!"

  Tangerine's eyes lit up and she exclaimed: "Miss, you——" but didn't continue speaking.

  Cui Wei shook her head: "Even if everyone knows, it's still a joke that the young lady is incompetent and can't bear it. In the future, the young lady might even have to blame herself for being too tolerant."

  Xiao Tao also nodded and said: "Yes, Madam won't necessarily support the young lady, there are people who want to see her make a fool of herself."

  Minglan waved her hand, signaling them to stop talking, and calmly said: "After dinner, the three of you come over and help me with some things."

  The three girls had no choice but to leave dejectedly.

  Minglan quietly opened the window a crack, gazing outside to see that patch of red plum blossoms, vibrant and radiant, swaying with life. The icy sky and snowy ground seemed to have their own unique beauty - she couldn't help but feel angry now; it wasn't about letting things slide anymore. These maidservants didn't take her seriously at all, daring to be so presumptuous because they thought she wouldn't dare cause trouble or offend the master behind their backs!

  Minglan began to understand the complexities of ancient large families for the first time. She wasn't afraid to discipline these maids, but she couldn't afford to offend Chang'an and his wife. She had the backing of Old Lady Sheng, but she couldn't let her take charge all the time. As the grandmother of all the grandchildren, she couldn't show favoritism, there were some things she couldn't do, Minglan had to do them herself.

  If she had the status of Lan, she could be elegant and carefree as a young lady, living a leisurely life. But she isn't; wherever there is a place, there is a world of its own, and now that she's in this world, wanting to stay out of it would be laughable. Think about what the first step should be?

  In the evening, Danju and Xiaotao closed all the doors and windows. Cuimiao helped Minglan cut a large white paper, prepare brushes and ink, and Minglan said: "You three help me think about what are some unseemly and unruly things that the little maids usually do, sort them out, let's make a list of rules, write it down in black and white, so we can use it to restrain them later."

  Cui Wei thought it was a good idea, but Dan Ju was pessimistic: "I know what you mean, girl, but even if we write it down, how can we punish them?"

  Minglan began to grind the rice, her eyebrows and eyes shining under the lamp light, a small dimple appearing at the corner of her mouth as she smiled and said: "Don't get angry, don't get angry. Eat your meal one bite at a time, and solve problems one by one. You do what I say first." Don't let these insignificant people ruin your good character, they're not worth losing your peace and happiness over.

  Xiao Tao is the most obedient, and as she speaks, she lists one by one the improper behaviors of the maidservants that she has seen in her daily life. Cui smiles and summarizes them on the side. Dan Ju is meticulous and slowly fills in the missing places. Although the three silly girls may not be as clever as Zhuge Liang, they are definitely better than Minglan herself. They quickly summarize and list the rules: "Do not leave the Musou Cottage at will", "Do not discuss the master's affairs", "Be diligent during work hours", "Do not quarrel and cause trouble", "Do not enter the main house without permission" and so on.

  Three girls have been serving as maids since childhood, most familiar with the trivialities and taboos below. At first, they were still a bit hesitant, but later on, the more they discussed, the more thorough it became. Minglan personally poured tea for them and served snacks, then took up her pen to record everything one by one. They talked until deep into the night, when Cuiwei and Xiaotao cleaned up the scattered paper scraps and ink, while Danju brought a basin of warm water for Minglan to wash her hands.

  One side carefully rubbed the ink marks on Minglan's hand, Danju couldn't help but say: "Miss, is this really useful? Can't we ask Old Madam to take charge instead?"

  Minglan used her wet fingers to gently scratch the tip of Danju's nose: "Mountain people have their own wonderful plans." Danju turned his face away, pouting and handing a dry handkerchief to Minglan to wrap around her hand.

  Suddenly thought of something, picked up the pen again, licked the ink, and added a sentence at the bottom of the big paper: To be continued...