Volume 3: The Lotus Does Not Spare Its Rouge Colour, Nor Does It Wait for a Golden House to Recommend a Grand Hall Chapter 85

  To say that the daughter is the mother's confidante, Wang Shi thought what Hualan understood very well. For this reason, Hualan actively inquired about Moolan's situation at Yongchang Houfu, no need for post-processing, the process was thrilling and ups and downs like a beautiful drama.

  Mo Lan's days in Yongchang Hou Fu were not easy. On the night of her wedding, Chun Xiang's aunt was shouting that she had a stomachache and called her trusted maid to rush into the bridal chamber to find Liang Huan. If this happened to Ru Lan, it would have been beaten out on the spot. Fortunately, Mo Lan had a good temper and endured it. She pressed down on Liang Huan who wanted to run out and gently advised him, "From now on, we are all sisters-in-law, men don't need to see women's troubles." Then she left her new husband in the bridal chamber and personally went to visit Chun Xiang, asking about her well-being with concern. She invited a doctor, decocted medicine, and Mo Lan personally guarded the door, not closing her eyes for the whole night. Even the most picky eldest lady of Liang Fu couldn't say anything.

  Wang's face turned iron-green, and she slapped her palm heavily on the wicker tea table. The teacups clinked a few times. It was obvious that Mo Lan had been prepared for this trick, which Lin Niang often used to get rid of Sheng Kou from her room years ago. Hai Shi hastily presented a new cup of tea to her mother-in-law, and like an entranced orchid, she urged Hua Lan to continue speaking.

  On the wedding night, Chunxiang still refused to give up, and on the second night, she had stomach pain again and called someone to find Liang Huan. Mo Lan was moved and patiently endured it, but couldn't see any dissatisfaction, and instead came to comfort Liang Huan: "It's hard for a woman to be pregnant, and it's not guaranteed that there won't be three disasters and five difficulties." She even went to visit Chunxiang herself, taking care of her as usual for a night, and also begged Liang's wife on behalf of Chunxiang, asking for several high-quality old ginseng, which made herself look pale and haggard.

  The new daughter-in-law had only been in the house for two days when she was thwarted by a concubine and unable to consummate her marriage with her husband. This caused everyone in the Yongchang Marquis's household to start gossiping about Miss Chunxiang's misbehavior. Rumors spread like wildfire, reaching the ears of the Yongchang Marquis himself, who became enraged. He summoned his eldest daughter-in-law for a scolding, while Madame Liang criticized her mother-in-law, saying that she had no family discipline and had raised such an ungrateful girl. She had only been in the house for a few days and already dared to compete with the first wife for favor.

  A beauty as lovely as a flower was placed in his mouth, yet he couldn't accomplish anything for two consecutive nights, and even Liang Huan felt somewhat dissatisfied with Chun Xiang.

  On the third night, Chun Xiao's stomach hurts again, and she calls Yan Rong to find Liang Huan. This time, public opinion is all directed at Mo Lan, and Miss Chun Xiao is in big trouble. According to reliable sources, Liang Huan, who was furious, ran out wearing only his underclothes and kicked Yan Rong more than a dozen times, sending him away on the spot. He also severely reprimanded Yan Rong's mother, who was taking care of Chun Xiao.

  "The lady is unwell, so she called the doctor. If you want to see a man, just say it straightforwardly! What's the point of being so reserved every day? Are our masters doctors who only look at women? You can even do such a despicable trick without feeling ashamed!" The housekeeper of the Liang family deliberately spoke in a cold and harsh tone; Mo Lan, on the other hand, looked virtuous and said many good things to defend Chun Xiang.

  After that, Liang Huan was both apologetic and affectionate towards Mo Lan, which led to the situation of three visits to the door. Although Rulan disliked Mo Lan, after hearing this, she couldn't help but be shocked: "This cousin... oh no, Spring Xiao's wife is too much! How dare she? The Madame of Yongchang Hou doesn't even follow the rules

  Hua Lan took a sip of the plum tea that had just been poured, and with her index finger, she gently tapped the forehead of Rulan, saying leisurely: "Silly girl! I've said so much, can't you figure it out? Now that Yongchang Houye's eldest illegitimate son has gained power, there are rumors that Houye intends to make him the heir, and his wife will also gain face. In order to avoid suspicion, Liang Furen cannot easily move against that aunt of yours."

  Like an orchid, Minglan seemed to understand and yet not understand, and she quietly nodded her head. In her heart, she knew that if Madam Liang were to take action against Spring Breeze, it would be hard to avoid gossip about favoritism between the wives. But if Molan were to take action, it would simply be a matter of conflict between wives within the household.

  Wang sighed deeply, her emotions were complex. She didn't want Mo Lan to live a life of turmoil, but as the legitimate wife, she had to admire Mo Lan's cunning and strategy. If she had been this capable and clever back then, Lin Niang wouldn't have been so glorious.

  Minglan looked at Wang's somewhat gloomy face and turned to ask, "Elder sister, how are the fifth sister and the others in the Liang household? Are Grandmother, Uncle, and Little Aunt doing well?"

  Hua Lan reached out and gently scratched Ming Lan's nose, smiling: "Sixth sister is still clever, asking the right questions."

  Mrs. Liang was lukewarm towards Mo Lan, neither overly affectionate nor difficult to get along with. The day before, Mo Lan had served tea to her parents-in-law, and Mrs. Liang had given her a generous gift as a matter of course. However, anyone with discerning eyes could tell that Mrs. Liang did not particularly like Mo Lan. Not only was she not fond of Mo Lan as the legitimate daughter-in-law, but also the other concubine wives, who often accompanied their husbands to chat and have tea with Mrs. Liang, were treated more warmly than Mo Lan.

  Wang's spirit suddenly lifted, and he sneered with a smile: "She'll rely on her own abilities from now on, anyway, it's unreliable to rely on her mother-in-law." Hualan rolled her eyes and smiled, with a look of disdain: "The fifth sister is being virtuous, having only been married for a month, she has already let her husband take over the several maids by her side.

  Ming Lan secretly sighed in her heart: This is where Mrs. Liang's cunning lies, with Mo Lan having no one to rely on, she would have to put all her energy into her husband, and according to Hua Lan's description, that Chun Xiang Miss seems to be a Yu Sanjie-like person, although beautiful as a peach blossom, with a fiery temper, but in the first chapter of "Ants fighting together", Mo Lan's gentle tactics might not necessarily be defeated. Mrs. Liang has long been wary of the eldest son and his wife, how could she let her own legitimate son keep Chun Xiang by his side, stirring up trouble, using Mo Lan's hands to get rid of Chun Xiang would be best, even if it meant both sides suffering losses, Mrs. Liang wouldn't lose anything either. Indeed, when the snail and the mussel fight, the fisherman benefits.

  Minglan's mood was still a bit down, and when she saw Hualan off at the door, she gently grasped her arm and said: "Big sister, Madam Yuanjia is friends with Madame Shoushan and Marquis Yongchang. If you have the chance, just mention fifth sister to them briefly."

  Hua Lan's face sank, and she coldly snorted: "You're indeed kind-hearted, but even if you forgot about her hitting you, you shouldn't have forgotten how Wei Niang died."

  "Little sister is a role model, and if she were to do something out of line, our family's reputation would be ruined," said Minglan, shaking her head sincerely at Hualan. "If Mo Lan's methods are too extreme and ruthless, the first to be criticized will be our mother's upbringing." Hualan's expression turned solemn, and after a moment's thought, she understood. She warmly wrapped her arms around Minglan's shoulders and smiled: "Good little sister, you're perceptive, I'll remember this."

  Minglan's face lit up with a smile, and two cute dimples appeared at the corners of her mouth: "The little shoes I sent last time, are Zhuang sister and Shi brother wearing them well?"

  "It's all good, it's all good." As soon as she mentioned her own children, Hualan's expression immediately softened. "The doll you made for Zhuang sister, she likes it so much that no one is allowed to hold it; kids grow up fast, shoes are the most expensive thing. Next time, don't do such fine embroidery, it's a pity. You're thinking of your sister like this, and your sister will definitely not forget your kindness. When you get married in the future, your sister will give you a thick dowry! Minglan looked at Hualan's blooming smile and knew that she had been doing well recently, and was happy for her too.

  In August, the autumn examination was approaching, and students from all over the Northern Metropolitan Area were arriving in Beijing one after another. The Sheng Mansion welcomed five guests, three of whom were sons of old friends of Sheng's, and two of whom were nephews of his fellow townspeople who had come to take the exam but had no relatives in Beijing. Every three years during the autumn examination season, the prices of inns, guesthouses, and other accommodations in the capital would skyrocket, not only making it difficult for them to afford the expenses, but also making it hard for them to focus on their studies. Sheng and his wife discussed this and decided to allocate a row of houses at the back of their garden for these students to stay and study temporarily. This time, Wang's generosity was clearly motivated by ulterior motives, as there were many wealthy and influential young men among them.

  At the end of the eighth month of pregnancy, Chang Yu's nine-month mourning period was over. He brought his wife and daughter back to the capital again. His cousin Li Yu also came with them. This time, whether it was Li Yu taking the exam or himself being reinstated, they had to rely on Sheng Tong. As soon as he settled down, Chang Yu rushed to the Sheng Mansion. Yun'er went to see Wang Shi ahead of time and apologized tearfully, saying that her mother had wronged Wang Shi and she was extremely ashamed.

  Wang's heart was filled with resentment, but she couldn't bear the sight of Yun'er crying so hard that it seemed like the sky and earth were darkening. She presented box after box of lavish gifts, thinking to herself that in the end, it wasn't her business to interfere, and that she had been too trusting of Kang's mother. Her own sister's character was something she needed to figure out for herself, and she couldn't help but blame herself.

  "Never mind, bring your daughter next time; she's both my niece and my nephew's wife, I'll have to give her double the red envelope. Finally, Wang said with a faint tone, forget it."

  Li Yu was meeting the Sheng couple for the first time and was about to kneel down and kowtow when Sheng Xun hastily helped him up, saying: "We're all family, let's not bother with formalities."

  The old lady looked up and down at Li Yu, seeing that he had a clear brow and beautiful eyes, and his sky-blue thin satin shirt made him look even more handsome. She smiled and said: "It's been several years since we last met, and you've grown taller, Yu'er."

  Li Yu bowed his head slightly and smiled: "The old lady looks even more spirited than before, this time I came, my mother asked me to bring some white ginseng from Yunnan, which is not only non-irritating but also nourishing, as a token of filial piety." Then he turned his body slightly, facing Wang Shi and said: "My mother has also prepared some small gifts for you, madam, and the sisters, please don't refuse them."

  The old lady nodded in satisfaction, and Wang also smiled slightly. Seeing Li Yu's words were considerate and his attitude was proper, he liked him very much too. He said: "Good! You should study hard first, then I'll ask Bo Ge to take you and your brother together to visit the masters and make friends. The imperial examination is not like the local examination, there are so many doors and paths. Those several masters of Songshan Academy have been examiners before, as long as you grasp the basics well."

  Li Yu's face flushed with joy, and he bowed his head repeatedly in gratitude.

  As Lan stood by, bored to death, Wang Shi pulled Yun'er over to Old Lady's side for a chat. Minglan was somewhat surprised to find that Sheng Hui seemed to like Li Yu very much. After taking a closer look, she finally understood why Old Lady said Li Yu resembled young Sheng Xian.

  Chang'an may look like Sheng Ou, but after all, he was born and raised in luxury, with a few more airs of a noble young master. On the other hand, Li Yu, who came from a merchant family and took the official path, had a vigorous spirit and a strong desire to advance, and... Minglan narrowed her eyes slightly.

  From the time Minglan and Sheng Hong talked about their past, Li Yu would occasionally steal glances at her. Once, their eyes met, and he even smiled at her with a hint of affection. Minglan was shocked and quickly looked at Rulan beside her, seeing that she was staring blankly out the window, seemingly lost in thought. Only then did Minglan feel relieved. Okay, this guy really does resemble Sheng Hong.

  The old lady often said that Sheng Xian was not actually bad, and when he first married to Wang Shi, he really wanted a happy marriage. He respected his wife and trusted her, allowing the two servants who had been serving since childhood to be dismissed without saying anything. If it weren't for Wang Shi relying on her family background to order people around and interfere in affairs excessively, or if she were more gentle, virtuous, and understood some romance, even if Sheng Xian would have two concubines in the future, he wouldn't have ended up with a mistress like Lin Niang.

  In modern terms, Sheng Tong has a kind heart but also emotional needs; so he knew it would offend the Wang family and still foolishly doted on Lin Niang.

  Just like Li Yu. Now, in this situation, it's clear that Minglan, the legitimate daughter, has more value to strive for than herself. L's appreciation and fondness for her would only increase if she were to smoothly pass the exam and marry into a good family; yet this useless guy is stealing glances at her with a hint of shyness - does he understand reason?! Beauty is easy to come by, what with Yangzhou thin horses and northern fragrant lip rouge, after achieving fame one can just take in 17 or 18 beautiful concubines. But having a capable and supportive mother-in-law is more practical than anything! Young people just don't understand things; Minglan + regret.

  The old lady has been quite busy lately, often calling Zhang Bai over to ask about Li Yu's situation, asking about his treatment of people and things, his speech and behavior, and so on. Until the day of the autumn trial, when Zhang Bai finally spoke up: "This person is diligent and thoughtful, with a quick mind, although young but handles matters smoothly and will surely have some accomplishments in the future." The old lady's eyes sparkled several times.

  Minglan knew that Old Madam had changed her mind, ever since she met the Cao family mother and daughter. Although nothing was said, Old Madam's enthusiasm for the He family had clearly decreased. Minglan understood what Old Madam meant: no matter how much was said, it all depended on He Hongwen's attitude; if he was also as foolish as his mother, then there was no need to say anything else. The autumn examination was about to take place in three sessions. On the second day, early in the morning, Minglan was doing needlework in Shou'An Hall when suddenly Housekeeper Fang rushed in from outside with a smile all over her face: "Young Master He Hongwen has returned! He just delivered several carts of goods to the pharmacy and even sent some back to his own home. He said he had taken care of some things for Old Madam and brought them over on his way."

  Minglan put down her needlework and looked up at Old Madam, clearly seeing the satisfaction in her eyes.