The First Volume of The Dream of the Red Chamber Chapter 56

  Just after the New Year, Zhuangzi handed it over to Shou'antang and said: "Master Cuiwei is looking at me with his eyes, pointing at his daughter, hoping that she can get married as soon as possible, and asking for a blessing from the old man." Master Cuiwei was the eldest sister in the family, and all her siblings had already gotten married. Her parents were just relieved to see her getting older, so they nodded their heads and ordered Housekeeper Wang to give them three taels of silver to prepare her dowry.

  Lan De immediately took out two taels of silver from his room to give to Cui Wei as a dowry. Cui Wei pushed back, saying: "Good girl, this is enough for you. Previously, I already gave you two gold and silver hairpins and five pieces of satin, which was already quite generous. At the time when my sister got married, I also gave her two taels of silver because I am considered an elder in the household, so I added a bit more. Girl, if you give again, it's not only good for now but also considerate for your sisters' future marriages, what will they use then?

  Lan Fen was moved to know that she was considering herself: I know sister's kindness, but... if you're at ease, I would have gotten married last year.

  Cui Wei glanced around and saw that no one was there, so she quietly closed the door and window, pulled down the curtains, and then said: "I asked Miss earlier, this time I went, Miss will have to promote one of us. We've been watching Miss with our eyes open, does Miss have any intention in her heart?" Lan had already passed this question, first asking: "How do you look at it?"

  Cui Wei thought for a moment: If it's about seniority, then it should be Yan Cao. If it's about being capable and efficient, then it should be Jiu Er. If it's about appearance and temperament... Cui Wei started to hesitate when she mentioned Ruo Mei.

  Lan hesitated for a moment and said in a low voice: I'll take the green branch

  Cui Wei exclaimed: How could Green Branch's soft-spoken girl be her?

  Lan smiled and asked rhetorically: "If I were to take a concubine, wouldn't I have to bring in another little daughter-in-law? Your mother has been recommending her family's daughter to me all along. What do you think?"

  Cui Wei shook her head and said: "Auntie You is a worry-free person, relying on the girls to suppress her. Now that she's come to your house, wouldn't it be better to avoid trouble? Besides, if you show respect to the elderly, they will also send some gifts during Chinese New Year."

  Lan nodded solemnly and said: Good sister, you are right. Saying that, she pushed the two silver boxes on the table back to her and said in a low voice: These years, sister has been working hard for me and has offended some people. You must take this silver, but if you're afraid of drawing attention, just quietly put it at the bottom of the trunk.

  Cui Wei was choked with sobs, and the master rewarded her by spreading a good reputation everywhere. She hated that she could say that Liu Gu Niang had a kind heart and had made an effort in vain. Suddenly, one day, Fang Mama told her that when Liu Gu Niang got married, she would let her family be the accompanying house. Cui Wei's heart was moved at this.

  Cui Wei is the legitimate heir of Fang's mother, and the news spread quickly. The next day, Lao found Lan and asked with a smile: "Do you want to propose to Lu Zhong?"

  Lan was frank and honest: Jiu'er will follow me for a long time, Liu's mother insisted on keeping her daughter, but it was useless to mention it; Yan Cao Dan Ju were all of the same temperament, with sufficient prestige and power. If Mei had a bit of arrogance, she would still look down on this one, and if she mentioned Da Yutou, she might cause trouble. In the end, Sun Nu felt that Qingzhi was better, although her mouth was a bit sharp, but she had less arrogance and more kindness, which was not bad for teaching... At first, I thought so

  Old Xing's taste: At first? Now?

  Lan shook her head with a mature demeanor: "After all, I didn't call them sisters for nothing. It's still about seniority, let's talk about the swallow grass. She's thorough and kind, keeping her by my side is stable - efficiency is key, stability overrides everything."

  The old man nodded slightly and said: I also thought it was good for you to be in charge... some things are better left unmanaged... after all, the tone is somewhat sentimental, looking at Lan's white and delicate face, thinking of the tender and chubby little girl from back then, now able to take charge and manage things, the mother hen's emotions arose.

  They barely made it through the first month when Hai's father, Mr. Hai, was about to leave. Before he left, Mrs. Hai came to the Wang residence and took her daughter aside to instruct her on many things. She also spoke with Mrs. Wang for a good while, her tone humble and gentle. After several people went out to bid farewell, they returned to their rooms. The three Lanzhu, as usual, gathered in the Lan house to have a tea party.

  Madam Hai is indeed a noble lady with elegant demeanor, and her words are full of refinement. It's said that Lord Hai has been appointed as the third-rank official in the Ministry of Revenue this time.

  Lan smiled and said: "Of course, we're family."

  Mo Lan glanced at Lan and blew the tea bowl, saying: "It can be seen that last time we went to Zhongqin Bo's mansion, Big Sister Niang didn't speak so well, sitting for half a day before serving snacks and tea."

  Orchid is going to have an eye attack again @ All good articles are in Jinjiang Literature City

  You guys will die from arguing all day! Lan sighed and changed the subject, pretending to be curious: "Hey, auntie, is it true that your family allows concubines? Aunties, are you comfortable with that?"

  Lan was delighted to say: The family is a scholarly family for generations, and many imperial scholars and officials have emerged from it. Because of this, the marriage into the Hai family has become even more prestigious. They are even more particular about choosing a daughter-in-law than the emperor is in selecting a prime minister. They require that one's character, talent, appearance, and family background be all perfect, and they must also consider whether the person is from a legitimate or illegitimate line before discussing marriage.

  The last sentence was dragged out on purpose for the other two Lanz to hear, but Lan's thick skin didn't seem to care, knowing she was just a fake daughter. She only responded with an "oh". However, Mo Lan's face turned red with rage and she coldly sneered: What kind of family rules are these? Can you take concubines and have illicit relationships? You're still young and already have a house outside, huh? It seems like you're just pretending to be virtuous on the surface but actually deceitful.

  Really?! Lan suddenly realized that her intelligence system was lagging behind.

  Lan Qiang said: Linzi is so big, what birds are there at Haomen's side? How can we manage such a large population?

  Lan's heart was racing as she watched Mo Lan slam her beloved cup onto the table with a loud thud, narrowly avoiding it from shattering.

  Mo Lan sneered: I didn't say anything, it's just that under the fame, it's actually hard to live up to, and it's a big name, what's the point of having both?

  Orchid energy half dead Orchid feels that there is nothing in ancient official families to find a monogamous relationship, just like finding a pure man in a stud farm. Since you are an ancient woman, you have to be open-minded and not make it difficult for yourself.

  After a few more days, Cuiwei bid farewell to Lao Lan and was taken back home by her family members. Yancao received a promotion, and the sisters all congratulated her together. Then, from Shou'andang came a little girl named Cuixiao, who was only one or two years old, clever and quick-witted, and soon became familiar with the girls in the Musouzhai. Seeing that everyone was happy, Lan called Danju to bring copper scissors and cut off two or three silver coins to give to the kitchen mothers, letting them simply prepare two tables of food. Then, they locked the courtyard gate early and let the girls drink a little wine to celebrate.

  The girl is too kind, these little rascals are all drunk and staggering around, fortunately Yu's mother is in the house saying something; now they've all been driven onto the kang, I can finally put my mind at ease. Danju only had one cup of wine and then came out to watch the house, Yancao was also okay, but it's infuriating that Xiaotao has no conscience and also came to keep watch by the fire; still, Roumei's eyes are red from drinking too much, now she's holding a lantern to inspect the house.

  Lan Yicai also drank a few cups, feeling dizzy and looking at the busy scene of people giving themselves blankets to make their beds. Danju said leisurely: "This year's New Year is so busy, they haven't had a good time, all because of their playful age, it's pitiful. Let's just consider this as drinking at Weimiao's wedding banquet." Alas, do you know how Weimiao is doing? Is the groom treating her well? Has he bullied her?

  Danju smiled and said: "As for marriage, it's all up to Mother Fang. If we can get a mistress like Miss Cuimiao, that would be a blessing. We're already lucky to have a young lady as our master. If some families were not careful, they would be taken advantage of."

  "How is Ke'er doing?" Lan suddenly asked.

  Tangerine spread out the bedding and laid a quilt on the kang, sighing softly: "Lin Niangniang's heart is really going to break. She hurriedly moved to the city with her family and actually married off such a delicate girl like a flower to that good-for-nothing son of the Wangs who only knows how to drink and gamble. How many days can she endure? She was tied up, gagged, and taken away, and in less than two months, she's gone."

  Did third brother say anything?

  Tangerine originally had a warm and thick complexion, but now some dandruff is showing: San Ye cried for a while after three to five days, and now he likes a person named Rou Er.

  Lan felt a pang in her heart and said softly: "It's still the same, I'm most afraid of being greedy. Lan was downcast for a while before regaining her composure and speaking seriously: "From now on, you, Yanzhuo, Xiaotao, must all be careful with your words and actions. Don't let them chat and laugh freely with the young men outside, we must guard our household strictly."

  Tangerine looked at Orchid with a solemn expression and replied seriously.

  ……

  Lan was lying on the kang in the outer room, copying a Buddhist scripture for Old Mrs. Wang. Old Mrs. Wang was sitting on the divan in the main hall, and Lan's mother, Wang Shi, was stretching her neck to look outside, saying that it was like trying to hurry an ox with a horse's mouth. Originally, she had been leisurely watching, but now she said: "Don't worry, it's still early; the Hua family lives in Hui Chun Alley, and even if they leave at dawn, they won't arrive so quickly. Why are you getting anxious all of a sudden?"

  Hua Lan smiled awkwardly: "Grandma, granddaughter... is it troubling you?" Lao Bai glared at her and scolded: "If I had known earlier, I would have dragged this out for many more years!"

  Three people talked about it in detail and Lanyi guessed what was going on.

  Just then, a maid outside reported: The guest has arrived

  Lao said: Hurry up and call out the girl inside, while I invite the guests in.

  One person's voice moved the screen and went out, and soon saw Mrs. He, who had not been seen for a long time, standing next to her was a slender young man. Mr. Sheng rarely spoke kindly: "It's been a long time since I've seen you, please sit down."

  Mrs. He was still the same, with a ruddy and round face, white hair neatly combed into a bun, held in place by a white jade auspicious four-inch flat pin. After exchanging pleasantries, she asked the younger generation to pay their respects. Hua Lanlan first kowtowed to Mrs. He, then He Wen paid his respects to Old Lady Wang.

  Wang dragged He Wen to left and right, nodding in praise: indeed a talented young man. Ge Er said strangely, "I've been boasting about you all the way back to the city." As he spoke, he warmly asked He Wen his age, what books he had read, and what food he liked. Lao couldn't help but interrupt with a laugh, saying, "Alright! Let the child sit down, are you interrogating him or demanding debt?"

  Everyone in the house laughed. Hua Lan stepped forward, pulled Wang Shi back, and smiled: "Don't mind me, Mother." He Zuo shook his head, turned around, and saw Lan, then smiled: "After the New Year, my daughter has grown taller!" Lao smiled: "This child only grows taller, but her heart is still mischievous."

  Hua Lan's face lit up with a smile and she said: "Grandma, look at you, even if you want to be humble, you can't treat Sixth Sister like this. My sister is filial and sensible."

  Wang said with a smile: Indeed, among my several daughters, Liu Yatou is the most pleasing to me.

  With such a high degree of praise, Lan was taken aback and felt a strange sensation in her heart. She looked at He Wen who was sitting opposite her, only to see his face turn red and his eyes darting back and forth. Whenever she glanced over at him, he would quickly look away like a little rabbit.

  Lan's heart sounded a loud alarm as she looked at the five old, middle-aged and young women present: what did they know that she didn't?

  The old man pointed at Hua Lan and said with a smile: "My big granddaughter brought several pieces of thick velvet fabric, I think they are good, let me send some to you, come in and take a look, which one do you like?"

  Old Mrs. He's eyes, full of wrinkles, smiled like a flower, with a hint of mischief, and said: "Since it's your eldest granddaughter who brought her, call her to come and keep me company."

  Together they went, together they went, Sheng Lao's face was full of smiles, Hua Lan's face turned red, but she quickly stood up and followed the two old men into the inner room. A maid from the He manor, carrying a plump box, also followed them in.

  These few sentences say that Lan's heart is thinking: after all, it's just a prenatal expert clinic!

  It was obvious that Wang's mind was elsewhere, and he mechanically congratulated He Wen. After a cup of tea, Wang had already asked He Wen for the third time "Is your mother well?" He Wen couldn't help but laugh naturally and said: I'll go take a look inside too.

  Then only Lan Xuewen was left, the two of them sat facing each other, one holding a tea bowl and carefully examining the floral pattern on it, the other with eyes cast down as if a sea of peach blossoms had bloomed on the ground; they were originally familiar with each other, having met several times before and chatting freely, but this time Lan Xue felt that the atmosphere was unusual, so she resolutely spoke first.

  Inside the room, there was a dead silence, only the sound of the seventh layer of lotus platform in the middle, the warm charcoal fire in the copper stove made a crackling sound. He Wenxian endured it and coughed lightly twice, saying: "How come this material hasn't been looked through yet?"

  Orchid also replied in a similar tone: It must be because there's too much material.

  It's time to finish watching some episodes of "The Legend of Zhen Huan"

  It's definitely good material Lan is very calm

  They looked at each other in silence for a moment, then burst out laughing. He Xian's pair of handsome eyes sparkled like a spring day by the lake, warmly gazing at people. He let out a deep sigh and said, "Being a doctor is easy, huh?"

  What's the point? Just take a good look at it. Lan also let out a sigh.

  He Wen's mouth corners rose in a smile: "Since ancient times, people have been afraid of doctors, let alone women with 'evil diseases', the two words that hurt people the most. Your elder sister is also helpless."

  Endless good articles are all in Jinjiang Literature City

  Lan quietly looked at him and said: Do you also think women are easy?

  Endless good articles are all in Jinjiang Literature City

  He Wenmei's eyes were warm and gentle, like a spring, as she said seriously: "If grandma had been born as a man, her medical skills would have been known throughout the world. Unfortunately, she could only manage household chores in the boudoir and teach me, this useless grandson, in her old age."

  Lan smiled: No way, which can become a vessel? I heard that you have opened a clinic and are seeing patients. Since it's a medical hall and pharmacy, I wish you prosperity and good fortune! Congratulations on getting rich!

  He Wen couldn't help but smile inwardly, casting a glance at Lan's flushed cheeks. He composed his face and said: Since you've praised me so highly, I'll have to say something in return.

  Please say it in Italian

  It's best to drink cold beer especially before bedtime

  Uh——Lan reflexively covered her mouth, being caught on the spot and angrily muttered: "You...you actually saw it too?!"

  He Wen sighed: No way, who made me so talented?

  Lan held her sleeves and stifled a laugh, almost bending over at the waist.

  Wen looked at the opposite Lan, curved mouth corners revealing two cute small white teeth, looking both shy and annoyed, with emerald eyebrows reflected on her pale, almost translucent skin, a lovely color like peacock blue.

  He hung his head in shame and didn't dare look again