The 61st time

  For a long time after that, Minglan lived in peace and tranquility. Sheng Hong was very kind, Wang Shi was very caring, Lan'er was very enthusiastic, and Old Lady Sheng pinched her ear, laughing and scolding: "Little girl, you're pretending to be mysterious!"

  Minglan's face turned red as she twisted her fingers, saying in an embarrassed tone: "Grandmother won't blame me for being so calculating?"

  The old lady's gaze turned to the window, outside which was a sea of new green that had spread all over the treetops. She slowly said: "Our family is considered safe and sound now, you haven't seen real 'scheming' yet, even the dirty mud pit is cleaner than that."

  Minglan's emotions were somewhat downcast as she said: "Isn't there a way to be done with it once and for all? Must we always be on guard like this?"

  The old lady's mouth, full of wrinkles, floated a hint of a smile: "Of course there is, it depends on whether you can bear to part with it."

  The old lady said, "Your father only has that much requirement. The ones over there are all in their teens. Buy a girl who understands romance and poetry, don't let her give birth to children, just marry her."

  Minglan fell silent for a moment before sighing softly: "Madam will never agree; this is like cutting one's own heart with a knife."

  The old lady smiled with a hint of irony: "Then we can only endure, enduring for a moment, exchanging for a lifetime; enduring for a lifetime, a life of peace."

  "What if I couldn't bear it?"

  The old lady looked at Minglan's pale face and said lightly: "I and your great-grandmother didn't calculate, I was too proud to care, she was kind-hearted and couldn't bear it. Later, I couldn't bear it anymore, and she endured."

  Minglan remained silent, while Old Madame Sheng had finally found relief after a lifetime of hardship and loneliness. None of the people in the manor with the surname Sheng were her blood relatives, but she had endured decades of tears and blood to raise them as her own. Now, surrounded by her children and grandchildren, she was able to live out her days in peace and contentment.

  Ming Lan let out a small sigh. A man should be strict with himself, while a woman should be strict with others.

  In March of Yangchun, magpies chirp on the branches, warm and cozy days, these days Wang's spring breeze is delightful.

  First, Hua Lan spread the good news, and Old Lady He's words were firm and decisive, saying it was a boy. Wang Shi was overjoyed and tearfully prepared a thick gift to ask Old Lady Sheng to thank Old Lady He on behalf of Hua Lan. Then, she repeatedly went to temples and monasteries to scatter silver coins. When the abbot of Guangji Temple found out, he was very dissatisfied, thinking that humans should be single-minded in their faith. Believing in both Buddhism and Taoism is like a woman serving two husbands - it's a sin! Wang Shi was very worried, not knowing which god had helped more on her life journey. If she chose one, what if the other got angry?

  When Wang was worried about the issue of faith, Lin Niang had a series of misfortunes because her house arrest was strictly enforced this time. The business outside went wrong, and it was difficult to do business in the capital without any backing. So she took silver to lend money at interest, which led to someone being implicated and dying, and the matter was exposed.

  In fact, usury was also a legitimate industry in ancient times, but it had a bad reputation. When Sheng Hong found out, he was so angry that he took back all the land and property he had given to Lin Niangniang and handed them over to his mother to manage.

  It is said that when Sheng Hong rushed in with a burst of anger, Wang was striking the wooden fish. After Sheng Hong slapped the table and scolded Lin Niang out, Wang decided to choose Buddha's letter, after all, it was also an imported good, wasn't it?

  Minglan secretly thought that Sheng Hong had left a way out for Mo Lan and Chang Feng, and Old Lady Sheng was known for her noble character, so she wouldn't take the property. She just wanted to teach Lin Shi a lesson, but in the end, she didn't even take away the silver that Lin Shi had secretly accumulated over the years.

  Afterwards, Lin's wife pounded her chest and stamped her feet behind the door, making a big fuss as if she was going to die, but Sheng Hong didn't go to comfort her, determined to ignore her for a year or two before speaking again.

  The Wang family went to the Zhongqinbo Mansion twice in three days to visit Hualan, who was pregnant. Every time they went, they brought a large cart of supplements and then brought back a bellyful of gossip from the Wang Palace nobles' circle, greatly enriching the spiritual life of the Shengfu ladies who had just arrived in the capital. It wasn't a bad deal either.

  In chronological order, Gu Tingyan finally had a falling out with his family and left home alone, abandoning his father, mother, wife, and even the concubine. The old master of Ningyuan Hou was so angry that he fell ill in bed, but for the sake of the family's reputation, the Ningyuan Hou Mansion still had to announce to the outside world: In order to experience the hardships of the common people, he went out to practice and live a simple life.

  Minglan felt a little guilty: It should... have nothing to do with herself, right?

  Then there was a scandal that shocked everyone, the young lady of the Fu Chang Hou family went out one day and was kidnapped by a group of thugs, only a maid escaped, fortunately met Zhao's wife, the university scholar of the Zhongji Temple, and Qian's wife, the deputy director of the Ministry of Rites, who were on their way to worship together, so they sent their servants to rescue her, the young lady of the Rong family was rescued, but unfortunately...

  "Is it Miss Fu Changhou? Could it be Fei Yan's sister?" Minglan suddenly realized.

  "Nonsense!" Lan Ba said with a glance at Minglan, then carefully asked, "Could it be... she was...?" She paused very artistically.

  "Even if it's not true, the young lady's reputation is ruined. What a pity! The Rong family only has this one daughter, and Rich Duke was so angry that he had a stroke, while Little Princess Rong cried until she fainted."

  Minglan felt uneasy in her heart and asked softly, "Have you caught those bandits?"

  Hai nodded mysteriously and said in a low voice: "The Prefect of Shuntian searched the entire city all night, but there was no trace."

  As Lan Qi said: "Can't they fly away? Or are the officials and soldiers useless?" Hai Shi smiled subtly and said: "Something has happened to Xiaorong's maternal family, so naturally the officials and soldiers are useful."

  Minglan lowered her head and said nothing.

  With the strict household registration system in the capital, not to mention a group of ordinary strong men, even Ximen Chuixue, Shuntian Prefecture and Wucheng Bingsi would have heard the news early; if they can't find out like this, then that group of so-called strong men are not really evil people!

  A few days later, news spread that Rong Feiyan could no longer bear the humiliation and hanged herself.

  A month later, the Qi State Duke's mansion and the Sixth Prince's household became in-laws. The eldest princess's daughter-in-law served as the matchmaker for the bride, while the heir of the Liang State Duke served as the matchmaker for the groom. Qi Heng married Jiacheng County Mistress with a ten-mile-long red wedding procession, half the city celebrating, and a grand feast lasting three days and nights. The banquet tables outside the city walls stretched out for several miles.

  That day, Mo Lan, who was under house arrest, listlessly only ate two bowls of porridge. Lin Daiyu, on the other hand, converted her sorrow and indignation into appetite, and had three bowls of rice, plus a midnight snack. Minglan locked the gate of the Miao Yu Xuan, dismissed everyone, and took out all the things that Qi Heng had given her over the years, one by one, wiped them clean, wrapped them properly, put them in boxes, and locked them with a large lock.

  At the beginning of summer, He Hongwen's mother's illness improved, and Old Lady He invited the ladies of the Sheng family to come and play. Hai was pregnant and had morning sickness, Rulan had caught a cold, Wang was taking care of them and couldn't leave, Molan was under house arrest, so only Old Lady Sheng took Minglan with her.

  Minglan met her future mother-in-law for the first time, and she was nervous at heart. Unexpectedly, although He Mu was frail and pale, with a sickly appearance, her temperament was very gentle, and when she smiled, she looked especially like He Hongwen, as soft and warm as a gentle spring breeze.

  Mrs. He thought that Minglan, being a concubine's daughter, might have some petty and narrow-minded thoughts, which would be unfair to her son. However, when she saw how gentle and elegant Minglan was, with her dignified demeanor and lovely smile that revealed small dimples on her cheeks, she thought that this girl must have been raised well by Old Lady Sheng, and therefore her character should be trustworthy. She took a liking to Minglan and chatted with her while holding her hand, but when she started coughing, she quickly distanced herself, afraid of passing on her illness to Minglan. Knowing that there was a pregnant woman in the Sheng household, she carefully instructed Minglan to bathe with medicinal herbs made from honeysuckle and wormwood after returning home before visiting anyone else.

  As for the medicine, it was naturally provided by He Hongwen out of friendship.

  "Is Brother Hongwen's mother a gentle person? Her illness isn't contagious, why be so careful?" Minglan finally let out a sigh of relief on the way back.

  The old lady warmly hugged her granddaughter and smiled: "Don't worry so early, even if she won't be called a daughter-in-law to serve in the future, can't the daughter-in-law still live a peaceful life?"

  Minglan thought for a moment, looked up, her face slightly red, and said in a low voice: "I'm willing to be filial to her, she's lonely by herself, I can talk to her to alleviate her boredom."

  The old lady smiled with satisfaction all over her face, gently stroking Minglan's hair and said: "My family's Ming'er is a good child."

  Minglan whispered softly into Old Madam's bosom, "I'll be filial to her and wait for her to take a liking to me. Once that happens, I can bring you over... We can live together, and with the two of us added to Old Lady He and the others, we can often play cards together. That way, no one will feel lonely."

  The old lady scolded with a stern face: "Nonsense! Which daughter who has married out would be called by her grandmother to live in her husband's family?"

  "Some, some!" Minglan hastily lifted her head, "I've already inquired about it, Madame Liu's mother-in-law lives with him, and is treated like her own mother, the two mothers-in-law get along well!"

  The old lady smiled: "That's because she has no children under her knees, and in her old age, she lives alone, so she moved to her daughter's house. I have a full house of sons and grandsons."

  So it's "small stay" after all, often "small stay".

  The old lady listened with a daze, her heart warm and fuzzy, her eyes seemed to be moistening, but she didn't say anything, just hugged Minglan gently swaying back and forth, as if rocking a mischievous little baby.

  Hua Lan's belly grew bigger day by day, and Ming Lan was busy making small clothes and bellybands for the little treasure. As Lan was forced by Wang Shi to also work in Ming Lan's room with scissors, needles, and threads for two days, at least when they were sent out, her name could be added.

  These days, Minglan spent her time leisurely. In the evenings, she would chat with Old Madam and play a few rounds of cards; during the day, she would do some needlework, copy some scriptures, and accompany Rulan to play shuttlecock in the garden. Rulan would use Minglan as a sparring partner, winning every match, and naturally, her mood was excellent.

  Occasionally, He Hongwen would make excuses to send some seasonal medicinal supplements and tonics, taking the opportunity to secretly meet with Minglan for a moment. If he was lucky, they could exchange a couple of sentences; if not, they could only steal glances at each other from behind the screen. Even so, He Hongwen's heart was filled with joy, his pale and delicate face flushing red, as he skipped home, turning back three times in every step.

  Mo Lan was quite fortunate, on the second day after her confinement period ended, Wang Shi brought new gossip from Hua Lan, very exciting and explosive, saying that Qi Heng and Jia Cheng County Master had a very bad relationship, the county master was arrogant, not only frequently beating and selling female servants, but also suppressing the entire family of the Grand House of the Qi State, making them unable to hold their heads up; once, it seemed that Qi Heng intentionally took in a young maid, the next day, Jia Cheng County Master found an excuse and had the maid beaten to death.

  Qiheng was furious, and he took his bedding to sleep in the study. No matter how much the county master cried and made a scene, he refused to share a room with her. This stalemate lasted for two months. Later, it wasn't until Princess Pingning fell ill that Qiheng finally agreed to return to their bedroom after she repeatedly begged him from her sickbed.

  "Hmph, this is indeed a good daughter-in-law chosen by the young mistress!" Rulan conveyed, adding her own thoughts with a self-satisfied tone.

  Molan's poem had more meaning, she lowered her eyebrows and gently frowned, softly sighing: "Poor Yuan Ruo gege! The Qi Guo Gong Fu is also not easy." She came to apologize to Minglan and expressed her hope to restore their intimate sisterly relationship. Minglan of course 'sincerely' agreed.

  Ming Lan said calmly, "In the future, we can all make a profit." It was just a political investment, and everyone took what they needed. No one had to sympathize with anyone else.

  The days of getting back on track will come soon.

  The seriously ill old emperor finally made up his mind, and in his dying breath, he issued an edict to the Zongren Fu to re-establish the Jade Butterfly, ordering the third prince to adopt the youngest son of the sixth prince's family as his heir, and at the same time, opening the granary to distribute grain, to show universal celebration. This act was equivalent to announcing that the crown prince had been determined.

  "Amitabha Buddha, the Holy One is indeed wise!" Hai began to follow Wang in worshiping the Buddha, "This matter can finally be understood, it's been dragging on for so long, people's hearts are not at peace."

  Minglan said: "If the emperor is naturally wise and enlightened, can he be called an emperor if he is not wise and enlightened?"

  That night, Wang's family set up a banquet at home and called the family to gather together for dinner. Sheng Hong was overjoyed, drank several cups in a row, and praised the great emperor several times with a big tongue. Even Zhang Bo couldn't help but recite a passage from "Taizu's Teachings" with a straight face. Chang Feng improvised a poem on the spot, highly praising the old emperor's wise decision-making and far-reaching influence.

  "Is it really that exciting?" asked Yu Lan, who was somewhat perplexed by the extreme politics.

  "Of course, of course." Minglan's small face turned red as she giggled and said, "The common people have a master to kowtow to, the officials have a direction to pledge their loyalty, and the country has a goal to strive for, isn't everyone delighted?"

  It was indeed a joyful occasion, and the Qi Guo Gong Fu alone set off tens of thousands of taels worth of fireworks. The entire capital city was decorated with lanterns and streamers, filled with joyous atmosphere, except for the unfortunate Fourth Prince's family. However, after all, they were their own people, and under the good communication of De Fei and Shu Fei, the two brothers made amends in front of the old emperor, choking back tears as if nothing had happened.

  Only the Right Chancellor of the Fourth Prince's mansion and the two lecturers of the Fourth Prince were pitied, as they had offended the Third Prince too much and were filled with gunpowder. They have been dismissed and investigated, and their old accounts from before are to be settled.

  This is the royal family's rules, the young princes are not good at reading, and the ones who get beaten are the small servant readers. When they grow up a bit, when the prince makes a mistake, the one who gets caned to death is the palace maid eunuch by their side. After growing up, the princes' intrigue and struggle for power and profit, the first to be cannon fodder are naturally the dog legs.

  I admire those predecessors who shuttled back and forth among the high-risk princes and came out unscathed. Nowadays, the world is in decline, one generation is not as good as the previous one, look at myself!

  The author has something to say: There will be one more chapter tomorrow and the second volume will end.

  After reading "Draft History of Qing", I found that Kangxi Emperor was actually a ruthless and cunning emperor, but he was ironically praised as the "Benevolent Emperor" in the Qing dynasty. Our history teacher once commented on him, saying that he perfectly used both "cruelty" and "benevolence" to maintain his reputation among the scholar-officials and royal nobles.

  Poor little four, he doesn't understand this set, relying on a mouthful of air, offending people everywhere, from the Manchu nobles to the scholar-officials, all of whom have been provoked, leaving behind a clean government, a full treasury, and a reputation as fiery as a volcano.

  According to Jin Lao's standards, Xiao Si is a true and genuine guy!

  Reprinted: Two jokes in Yongzheng's thirteen memorials

  He Shuo and others, including Prince Yinxian of Qing, petitioned for Wan An to be punished.

  27th day of the 7th month in the 2nd year of the Yongzheng reign

  He Shuo and other officials, including Minister Yun Xiang, respectfully wished the Emperor a thousand blessings.

  On the twenty-second day, we humbly submitted a memorial to inquire about Your Majesty's well-being. The imperial rescript stated: "I am in good health." We were overjoyed upon seeing this. Furthermore, it was decreed: "Are you all well?" We were deeply moved by this and felt grateful. As we are all people who have received the emperor's great favor, to again receive such a benevolent decree is truly a cause for rejoicing. The sage ruler manages the myriad affairs of the empire, while we follow your instructions and carry out our duties with diligence, aside from receiving favors, there is nothing else. If Your Majesty does not worry about us, your humble servants, then it will be our good fortune. We respectfully submit this memorial to express our gratitude.

  Ho?uo Guiqin Wang Yǒn Xiáng, Ho?uo Zhuangqin Wang Yǒn Lù, Commanding General of the Imperial Guard and Minister of Public Works, Marquis Saisai.

  The Emperor's comment: I am quite well, are you all doing well? I am indeed worried about you. What I worry about is that when you return strong and healthy, I might not be able to recognize you.

  He Shuo and others reported that they had gone to the siege with many people to study and hunt, and their bodies were strong and healthy.

  August 4th, year 2 of Yongzheng reign

  He Shuo and other officials, including Xin Yu Xiang, respectfully wished the Holy Emperor a long life.

  On the 27th of July, Qi Chen and others memorialized to inquire after the Emperor's health. The Imperial rescript was as follows: "I am quite well; are you so? I have been anxious about you, fearing that when you return in robust health, I shall hardly know you."

  Your servants, upon hearing this edict, truly do not know how to report. This time, the people who went to the hunt, specially received the emperor's gracious favor, and must learn about the tour and hunting. Moreover, your servants' old illnesses have also been cleared up, and their bodies will become strong and robust. If it is indeed a case of smallpox, but not severe, (Imperial comment: Very good.) then what would be the best course of action? Your servants are waiting with trepidation to report on this matter.

  Ho?uo Gui Xiang Qin Wang Minister Yunxiang, Ho?uo Zhuang Qin Wang Minister Yunlu, and the Minister of the Imperial Guard, Marquis Saisai.

  I'm in good health. Are you all well? As for the matter of sending off the fat horses, don't worry at all, send them off as much as possible and return happily. Only when Marcellus comes back, I fear that his horse may not be able to withstand it, and I am really worried about it. Let Yi Wang select two horses with strong legs and endurance to reward Marcellus. If he has not sent off the fat horses yet, then there is no need to reward him.

  I still have some opinions about Xiao Si and don't completely rule him out.