Volume 3: The Lotus Does Not Spare Its Rouge Colour, Nor Does It Wait for a Golden House to Recommend a Grand Hall Chapter 103

  The door-opening wine party was also very lively, with six tables opened inside and out. Not only did many relatives and friends come, but also Mo Lan and his wife, as well as Kang Yima. The old lady was very displeased, staring at Wang Shi with cold eyes for a while during the meal, making Wang Shi lower her head and not dare to speak. Kang Yima sat beside Wang Shi, still with a gentle and elegant demeanor.

  After dinner, Old Lady Wang and Mrs. Wang asked Yulan a few questions about her life after marriage, then the three sisters went off on their own to chat and drink tea.

  Mo Lan and Ru Lan returned to their respective rooms, reminiscing about past events. They then gathered together in Ming Lan's Wu Cang Zhai. When Ming Lan saw the two troublemakers in her own room, she was suddenly startled, but could only force herself to ask Dan Ju to serve tea.

  The refreshing and pleasant slices of cucumber, after being steeped twice, reveal a beautiful pale green color. Mo Lan wears a light blue silk blouse with a subtle sheen, like the first spring dawn, exuding elegance and charm. She gazes at the white porcelain tea bowl, her eyebrows and eyes hinting at a poetic melancholy, as she says softly: "Sooner or later, our courtyard will be occupied by others; I never thought it would be vacated so quickly, without even leaving a trace behind. It's like spilled water, gone forever."

  After Mo Lan got married, Shan Yue Ju was gradually emptied, leaving only a small maid to take care of the cleaning. The embroidery pavilion, which used to be filled with laughter and chatter, was now deserted; in fact, Tao Ran Guan had also started moving out, but it wasn't time yet.

  As soon as Yu Lan saw Mo Lan, she puffed out her feathers like a fighting cock, ready to do battle. Upon hearing this, she immediately wanted to retort, but Ming Lan hastily intervened, smiling and saying: "Elder sister is about to give birth to a second child, third brother and fourth younger brother are also going to take wives, we'll all be married off one by one, and the house will eventually belong to the younger generation. A prosperous family with many children is a good thing, isn't it?"

  Mo Lan smiled lightly and said, "Sixth sister is getting more and more eloquent, no wonder she can marry into a wealthy family. Among us sisters, you're probably the luckiest one."

  Minglan immediately composed herself: "A marriage is a major event, and as a younger sister, I only know to listen to the instructions of my parents."

  Like an orchid covering her mouth and smiling lightly, she immediately said: "That's right! Marriage is a big deal that naturally has to listen to parents, how can you act on your own?" Minglan couldn't help but glance at her, this guy obviously forgot how her own husband came about.

  Mo Lan surprisingly remained calm and smiled: "The two sisters are absolutely right... by the way, Fifth Brother has finished his imperial examination, I wonder what he plans to do now?"

  Like an orchid, her face was slightly flushed, and her plain features revealed a hint of newlywed beauty. The corners of her eyes and eyebrows were all filled with joy. Minglan tilted her head and began to daydream, guessing that X's life was very harmonious.

  "...first enter the Hanlin Academy, and then slowly plan for a job, who knows what will happen in the future." With a proud look on her face, like applying lip balm, Wen's husband may not have been able to become a Jinshi like Zhang Bo, but being able to enter the Hanlin Academy means that his official position won't be bad either.

  Mo Lan's eyes sparkled, and she smiled sweetly: "What's so difficult about that? Just go back and rely on your sixth sister, don't mention a few county magistrates or prefects, even higher official positions are not guaranteed!"

  Yu Lan's face changed instantly, and she glared at her with anger. Minglan quickly retracted her careless words, and solemnly said: "Fourth sister, don't speak nonsense! The six departments' control is a major event for the country to select talents, how can it be taken lightly? If someone heard you say this, they would think that Fourth Brother's...oh no, the official positions of Fourth Brother's family are all obtained through connections!"

  Mo Lan's face changed color, and like an orchid, she held a handkerchief and smiled hehe.

  Minglan saw that it was almost done, and didn't want to make Mo Lan lose face too much, so she quickly changed the subject: "On Fifth Sister's wedding day, the house was bustling with activity, but Fourth Sister didn't come, what a pity!"

  Mo Lan's face showed a strange expression, a mixture of happiness and annoyance, then calmly said: "There are some things at home... Wan Niang is about to give birth, I don't want to leave."

  Minglan was still thinking about who Wan Niang was, but Rulan immediately reacted and asked excitedly: "Is it a boy or a girl?" Mo Lan smiled and took a sip of tea, saying slowly: "It's a daughter."

  Ruolan let out a sigh, with a disappointed look on her face. Minglan finally remembered that Wang's wife was actually Chunxiu Miss.

  Mo Lan put down her tea cup, slowly and carefully wiped the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, and said with a worried and sorrowful expression: "The doctor also said that due to the difficulties during childbirth, Madam Wan is likely to be unable to bear children in the future; alas... it's also a matter of bad luck."

  "Why is it not going smoothly?" asked Ruolan with a questioning tone.

  "Doctor says, the fetus is too big..."

  Minglan's heart tightened slightly, she had also heard at home that Mo Lan was very virtuous in the Liang family, taking good care of Chun Xiang, asking about his well-being every day, serving him with exquisite dishes and rare delicacies, and sometimes even using her own dowry to make up for it, earning the admiration of everyone.

  However, Minglan clearly remembered that Wei's wife had a miscarriage because the fetus was too big and she ate cold food, and also did not find a midwife in time, which cost her life.

  Minglan lowered her head and didn't want to speak anymore.

  Yu Lan didn't understand, thought it was boring, and changed the subject again. She asked: "Sixth sister, why did Kang aunt come again? Didn't mother say that she would never let her in again?"

  Minglan sighed, "It's because of your wedding that Aunt Kang took the opportunity to come again. I didn't see her myself, but I heard she cried and talked for a long time in the mistress' room. It seems... hmm... Yuan'er's sister had a hard time at the Wangs'. Anyway, being close sisters after all, the mistress finally softened up."

  "What's wrong with Yuan Er?"

  "What's wrong with her?"

  Molan and Rulan were particularly in sync at this time, both grasping the key points, speaking in unison, and then exchanging a glance, coughing awkwardly twice, looking at Minglan with their eyes.

  Minglan was speechless, and after organizing her thoughts for a moment, she said: "It seems to be so, Yuan'er's older sister, oh, should call her older sister-in-law now... She disobeyed her aunt or something, and her aunt got extremely angry, and fired several maids who were close to her; Her grandmother was also annoyed, wanting Yuan'er's older sister to learn etiquette, punished her to copy "Admonitions for Women" hundreds of times, and every day made her stand in front of her to correct her behavior... If she didn't behave well, she wouldn't even be given food to eat...... That's what Kang Yima said."

  Lan's expression suddenly became calm and composed, with a pleased smile on her face. "I told you so!" she said. "Yuan'er's temper is too impatient and irritable, she can't even be a good daughter-in-law, let alone a good wife! How could Aunt possibly approve of her?"

  Minglan sighed, "It's okay if it were someone else, but I heard from Old Madame that Wang family's great aunt is a fair and broad-minded person. If even she got annoyed, then it must be Eldest Sister-in-law's fault."

  Molan pouted, seemingly with a hint of disdain. Her eyes rolled, and she suddenly let out a long sigh, saying sorrowfully: "Yuanni did something wrong, but still has the chance to make amends. It's just pitiful... my aunt... I heard she's not eating or sleeping well in the countryside. Now that we're all married off, she's also been punished. Who knows when she can come back? Sixth sister, now that you have a high status, could you please speak up for her in front of the old lady and madam?" As she spoke, her eyes welled up with tears again.

  Ruolan sneered and said disdainfully, "Sister has already married out, it's better to mind your own business at home. Why don't you take care of that one mu three fen land first? I heard that the Liang family is not doing well these days, they have been reprimanded by the imperial edict twice in a row. Originally a good family, I don't know what kind of disaster star has entered their house, and they've had bad luck one after another!"

  Mo Lan's face turned red with anger, and she retorted: "I may be a good-for-nothing, but I'm still living off my husband's hard work. Unlike some people who are still relying on their dowry to support their whole family; no wonder people say that daughters are a waste of money!"

  "What did you say?!"

  "Human speech! Can't you understand it, Fifth Sister?"

  Minglan sighed as she looked up at the sky. Her last sisters' gathering before her marriage had ended in discord between Mo Lan and Ru Lan. After tallying up the damages, they found that two teacups, three saucers, and a pair of matching pastry plates had been broken.

  "What a close call!" Dan Ju patted her chest, "Luckily I'm quick on my feet and saw Fourth Aunt and Fifth Aunt coming from afar, so I hastily put away the exquisite Haitang frozen stone banana leaf tea set that Old Lady had just sent over... But it scared Little Peach half to death, she was just drinking tea in the house when I snatched the teapot and cup out of her hands, haha, broke your things, don't be mad, Little Peach."

  Xiao Tao slowly wiped the table, seeming a bit embarrassed: "Uh... actually, I used your teacup."

  Minglan: ……

  A few days before leaving the house, the old lady called over the manager of the dowry estate and had Minglan identify each person.

  "You've been following me for quite some time now, I'm telling you this beforehand, don't rely on your own seniority to put on airs in front of the master and mistress. If anything goes wrong, Sixth Young Mistress can deal with you immediately! I won't give an inch of face!" The old lady's expression was stern and severe as she scolded clearly.

  A row of people knelt down, and an old man with a square face in the middle came out, hastily kowtowing and saying: "Whatever Old Lady says, from today on, Miss Sun is our top priority, how dare we be slow!"

  The old lady nodded and said: "You're a sensible one; if you take good care of yourself, Ming Yatou won't mistreat you either."

  Old Cui led his two sons, Cui Ping and Cui An, to kowtow to Minglan, who nodded in response.

  Lao Cui's head is not very old, less than fifty years old. Due to many years of exposure to the sun, his face is dark and wrinkled. He is good at managing crops and has two sons who appear to be strong and sturdy. One son helps his father manage the farm, while the other plants fruit trees in the mountains. In addition, there are two accompanying rooms, one named Liu Man Gui, with a clever and neat face, not smiling or speaking. The other is called Ji Qiang, who speaks stutteringly, with mud still stuck in his fingernails. Upon closer inquiry, it turns out that he is Ge Zi's brother.

  Minglan was quite surprised, these two siblings were simply worlds apart.

  "My parents died early, and my brother is too honest, often bullied by others. All the bitter, dirty and tiring work was pushed to him. When mistakes were made, they would blame my brother. If it weren't for House Mom, I don't know if my brother would still be alive!" Green Branch recalled the past with a gloomy mood, "He's already 25 years old, but he hasn't even found a wife yet."

  "Green Branch Elder Sister is so formidable." Little Cui said with a smile.

  "What's so fierce? This is called being experienced." Qin Sang smiled gently, poking the back of Xiao Cui's head, "When you return to your husband's house, don't dare speak recklessly, or else not only will you lose face for your wife, but also make our Sheng family look uneducated."

  Xiao Cui covered her forehead with her sleeve and nodded, saying: "Ah... it's a pity that Yan Cao sister and Jiu Er sister can't go together. We've been together for many years, and I always feel like something is missing."

  Her eyebrows lightly curled into a cold smile as she said, "Those two are blessed with good fortune, their parents dote on them; what business is it of yours to worry about?"

  Biqi covered her small mouth and smiled: "Don't mention Jiuer, Liu's mother didn't plan to have her accompany the bride anyway, just letting her spend a few comfortable years in our courtyard. As for Yancāo sister, hehe, her parents were afraid she would suffer with the young lady in her husband's household, so they went to Fang's mother early on to ask for a self-arranged marriage. Who knew that people's plans are not as good as heaven's plans? The young lady's husband's family is much stronger than our own! Now it's too late to change their minds, what can't be seen about our young lady?"

  "Enough of this nonsense! How dare you discuss the master's affairs?! Miss is kind and doesn't want to break up families, and besides, I've heard that Yan Cao's parents have found a good match for her, so she was allowed to stay. What are you people talking about?! Qin Sang's sister said it right earlier - after Miss leaves, everyone needs to be careful with their words and watch their mouths, don't learn from those gossiping old women! You all know Miss's temper, she's not someone to be trifled with!"

  Danju is the head of the courtyard, normally in charge of all the girls. Although she is a kind and gentle person, after several years, she also has some dignity. Bixi pouted and didn't speak, Yufei also lowered her head and remained silent.

  Xiao Cui, although small in stature, was quick-witted and clever. Seeing the awkward atmosphere, she hastily went over to tug on Dan Ju's sleeve and coquettishly asked: "Good sister, I have something I don't understand, can you tell me?... I heard that when the eldest sisters got married, they only brought four maids with them; later, when the fourth sister got married, she also only brought four. Why do the fifth sister and our sister need to bring so many maids?"

  Tangerine pulled up the corners of her mouth and smiled at her, saying: "This can't be compared. The eldest uncle and fourth uncle are both noble families, what's not in the mansion, taking more servants over would be inappropriate; Fifth Uncle is a scholarly family, with simple household staff, taking a few more people to serve would be better; As for our young lady... I heard from Housekeeper Fang that General Gu is setting up his own household, the day of opening the mansion is near, and there are no reliable servants in the mansion, so it's convenient for you, little maid, to follow along and see the world."

  Xiao Tao finally lifted her head, with juice all over the corners of her mouth, and asked foolishly: "But... I heard that your marriage was arranged at the Ningyuan Marquis's residence?"

  "Tangerine smiled and said: 'The wedding will be held there. After paying respects to our ancestors and elders, we'll return to the Governor's Mansion.'"

  Everyone exclaimed in unison, suddenly enlightened; immediately everyone had a joyful expression - without the elders in charge, wouldn't the Governor's Mansion be under Minglan's control? Their days would also be much better.

  On the tenth of March, just as the sky was getting light, General Bao's wife rushed over. Dan Ju immediately presented two large red envelopes and repeatedly said "You've worked hard". The maid next to Mrs. Bao took them over.

  As soon as she saw Minglan, Old Madame Wang's mouth curved into a smile and said: "Good, this is a child with good fortune; your esteemed family truly has accumulated blessings, both the son and daughter-in-law are well-matched!"

  Mr. Wang smiled all over his face and respectfully replied with a few words "Thank you for your kind words".

  After Minglan finished her bath, she was pressed in front of the mirror and dressed neatly. Although Old Madame Lin was advanced in age, her hands were very steady, and when she applied the facial cream to Minglan's face, it was quick and efficient. Before Minglan could even let out a few cries of distress, a thick layer of fragrant cream had been applied to her face, followed by four or five layers of white powder being patted on like a wall being plastered with powder, after which came the eyebrow pencil and lip rouge.

  Minglan sat there with a resigned expression, and after it was all over, she didn't even have the energy to look in the mirror. Having witnessed her three sisters get married, she knew that at this moment, she probably looked like a white bun smeared with rouge.

  However... Brother Bao is indeed sharp-eyed, under this ultimate disguise, among a thousand faces, he can still tell apart Sister Bao and Lin Mei. Sister Bao, if you had put on more powder, you might have been able to fool everyone on the wedding night, at least get Baoyu to sleep first, so as not to let those X scholars who are full and idle every day, with a serious academic attitude, speculate on topics like "whether Baochai is in a sexless marriage".

  The next process was a complete mess for Minglan, as if her head was weighed down by many things, and with just a slight movement, it would make a loud clanging noise, and her neck would immediately shorten by three inches.

  After eating a few mouthfuls of sweet bird's nest and red date congee, a large group of old, middle-aged and young women came into the house, chattering away with many auspicious words. Minglan didn't need to respond, just lowering her head in embarrassment was enough. Little Peach held a small porcelain jar on the side, containing some heart-calming medicine and ginseng slices, just in case. Danju was busy taking care of Minglan's personal belongings, hoping not one item would be left behind.

  It was unknown how long it took, but outside there was a sudden burst of noise and commotion, the wedding procession had arrived.

  Gu Tingyan wore a big red wedding dress, with high head and horse, on the left was the newly baked Weibei Marquis Shen Congxing, on the right was the eldest son of Wuying Temple University Scholar Qiu Xun, also the new Ke Tanhua, behind him followed the Imperial Forest Army Commander Zheng Jun and the Emperor's brother-in-law Zheng Xiao brothers.

  Chang Bai stood in front of the gate, his mouth twitching. Very good, very good, Wen Wu's new nobles, imperial relatives, all present.

  As usual, make things difficult for the groom.

  Liang Huan had just put forward his experience of using the long gun, and General Zheng Xiao immediately rolled up his sleeves to express his willingness to try it out in practice.

  Wen's brother-in-law cleared his throat and brought out two questions to test them. Qiu Tang raised one point and responded with three, answering fluently. Wen's brother-in-law saw that they were doing well and stopped the questioning. The two new jinshi scholars clasped each other's arms in delight, opening their mouths to say "Just like the year of the imperial examination, how was it?" In fact, the imperial examination had just passed a few days ago, and there was no need to think about that year at all. On the side, the fallen scholar Zhang Fang looked very melancholy.

  Yuan's brother-in-law was the most tactful, with a face that was just and not crooked, but he quietly moved to the side of the door, secretly opened the door bolt, and sent a secret signal. Gu Tingyan's heart was clear and his eyes were bright, and with a whistle, the young men received the order, and with a loud shout, they rushed forward fiercely, and the Mengfu gate was immediately breached.

  Inside there are traitors, the will to fight is not firm enough. Outside there are strong enemies, cunning and ferocious in style. The thunder has sounded, the rain has come, everyone hurry up and collect your clothes, wash and sleep.

  Next to his leg, the small long cabin pinched the red envelope that had just been stuffed in and gently rubbed it. The rustling sound of the silver ticket inside, tactfully told the deep feelings of the newly appointed sixth sister's husband. He couldn't help but say: "But, big brother, you didn't help block the door earlier either!"

  Those few are not enough to make an effort, but they have passed the intention, which is like Chang Bai standing on one side pretending to be a door god.

  Chang Bai still held onto his hand, slowly saying: "Because I received a painting of Qiu Ying's 'Fishing by the Wei River' sent by your sixth sister's husband."

  "What?! Zhang Da's mouth was agape, stuttering, "T-then... what about the few brothers-in-law..."

  Chang Bai's face turned serious, and he instructed his younger brother in a gentle tone: "I've accepted the painting, so it's not good to stop them anymore; what does this have to do with me telling them or not? Dong Ge, you must remember that when dealing with people and matters, one must distinguish between right and wrong."

  After finishing speaking, he calmly turned around and slowly walked away, his clothes fluttering, with a bit of the elegance of the Wei and Jin dynasties' young nobles.

  Chang Dong stayed behind, his face full of admiration.

  A close friend sent me a video, I happened to watch it and was deeply moved, so I came to share it.

  P.S: Firstly, the opinions expressed inside do not represent the author; secondly, the author has no intention of sarcasm or ridicule.

  That certain Guan Yu has been scared out of his wits by being shot at with bricks, now he's seeing enemies everywhere.