The 70th time

  At the end of autumn and the beginning of winter, the north wind suddenly rose. Due to the national mourning period, Mo Lan's hairpinning ceremony was very simple. Wang Shi only invited a few officials' wives who had been friends for a long time, made a new set of clothes, and set up two or three tables as a gesture. Lin Niang felt that her daughter was being wronged, but she also knew that the recent crackdown on extravagance was severe, even high-ranking officials were punished, let alone the Sheng family, who dared not to make a big show.

  For this, Lin Niangniang cried sadly in front of Sheng Hong for half the night, expressing both understanding and grievance. As soon as Sheng Hong's heart softened, he took out 300 taels of silver to buy a set of golden hair accessories for Mo Lan. Judging from Sheng Hong's generous gesture, Lin Niangniang's services that night should not have been limited to just crying.

  The capital is not like Dengzhou and Quanzhou, as soon as winter comes, it's dry and cold to the bone. The maids and wives in the government office have successively changed into thick winter clothes, and through the vast white air, they all look like balls of people. Minglan dislikes going out most in this kind of cold weather, holding a warm hand warmer and sitting on the kang in a daze is so comfortable, but things are not as wished.

  The old lady sent a letter saying that the elderly lady would pass away in these few days, and Mo Lan was about to discuss marriage, so it's inconvenient for her to attend the funeral, fearing she would be affected. Like Orchid had unfortunately caught a cold, Chang Feng had to prepare for the exam, Hai Shi had to take care of Quan Ge, Sheng Xiang counted on his palm and then called Ming Lan to pack her luggage and return with Zhang Dong first.

  Looking at the young children standing in front of him, Sheng Hong suddenly felt a pang of guilt, thinking of his decades-long brotherly relationship with Sheng Wei. Every year, they would send carloads of silver and gifts to celebrate the new year, but now that Sheng Wei's mother was dying, he had only sent his youngest son and daughter, which seemed...

  "It seems... somewhat improper, I'd better go myself." said Sheng Hong hesitantly.

  "What the father worries about, the son all knows." Zhang Bai stood up and bowed to his father: "This matter is not yet settled, and now that the new emperor has just ascended to the throne, it is a time when the Ducha Yuan can make great achievements. Father should not take leave either, let Liu Mei and Fourth Brother go first to pay their respects, wait... son will go to report his leave and rush back for the funeral later."

  Sheng Hong sighed softly, he also knew that Chang Bai, as a leisurely Hanlin Academy librarian, occasionally taking leave was no big deal, but for himself, a fourth-rank left censor-in-chief, it wasn't easy to take leave due to his aunt's illness and death, lest others criticize him for being arrogant.

  Chang Bai looked at his father's face and knew his temper, then said: "Father doesn't have to be polite, Second Brother has already asked for leave to return to the countryside. If Old Lady is really... he will be in mourning, and when that time comes, Father can just lend a hand or two."

  Sheng Hong furrowed his brow and then relaxed it, turning to Minglan and Changbai: "When do you set off?"

  Minglan stood up and respectfully said: "Father, Changyu brother has already hired a carriage and boat, he will come to pick up daughter and fourth brother in five days."

  Sheng Hong nodded, his expression stern as he scolded, "You're going to Rao Yang now, be careful with your words and actions, don't cause any trouble or annoyances for your uncle and aunt. Take good care of Grandma, don't let her worry; on the road, listen to your older cousin's words."

  Minglan and Changzhong bowed their heads in greeting; Sheng Hui listened to their childish voices, sighed again, and sat down beside Wang Shi, who smiled at them gently and instructed them a few words: "Don't get off the carriage without permission", "Don't run around on the boat", "Don't lean too close to the side of the boat", "Don't show your face" and so on. Finally, she reminded Minglan again: "You are the elder sister, take care of Changzhong along the way."

  Jian Wangshi dui shu zi shu nu ci yin, Sheng Hong ce tou, man yi de kan le yan Wangshi.

  Translation:

  Wangshi was kind to the concubine's children, and Sheng Hong nodded in satisfaction as he glanced at Wangshi.

  After returning, Minglan gathered the people in the house and instructed them one by one on the matters to be taken care of while she was away. Then she called Danju and Xiaotao to go with her to Shou'andang. The old women guarding the house saw that it was Minglan and all stepped aside, letting her enter the inner room. She asked Danju to take out a warm hat with a yellow fox fur trim from a tall black lacquer wooden cabinet, a large gray squirrel fur coat, and a dark brown silk cloak with a gray squirrel lining, as well as several other winter clothes of various colors. Xiaotao helped them fold and pack everything up together.

  Minglan walked to the back of the old lady's bed, took out a key from under her skirt, opened several large chests that were locked with heavy locks, and took out a large package of silver coins and a bundle of silver bills. Thinking that she also had to leave, this place was not safe, so she simply took all the deeds in the house and put them into her small pouch.

  In the following days, Minglan was busy packing her boxes. Xiaotao was generous and kept putting gold, pearls, and jade into the boxes. Minglan couldn't help but tease her: "This time is going to be a long trip, why bring so many treasures? What if we encounter thieves?"

  Xiao Tao said solemnly: "Alright, I'll redeem you."

  Minglan: ……

  The orange had just put away the inkstone and pens, when Green Branch came in with a smile, saying: "The wife of Duke Yongchang has arrived, and Mother is calling for you to go over." As she spoke, she winked her eyes.

  "Have Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister gone?" Minglan thought Green Branch's expression was a bit strange.

  "No, the lady just called out to a girl and said that Mrs. Hou was coincidentally returning to her maternal home today, knew that the girl would be leaving tomorrow, and came to see the girl on the way." Green Branch had a flying face, with You Rong Yan, "Girl, go quickly."

  Tangerine and Little Peach knew about He's family situation, they exchanged a glance, their faces somewhat solemn.

  Mrs. Liang had come to the Sheng Mansion twice in the past half year, but each time she was accompanied by others. The first time, she came with Hualan and Shoushan Bo's wife, and the second time, she followed several other official ladies. In fact, the relationship between the Sheng Mansion and the Yongchang Hou Mansion was a distant one, without any necessary interactions; yet her actions had sparked some gossip in the mansion, saying that Mrs. Yongchang Hou was looking for a daughter-in-law, which made Lin Yiniang take notice and often called Mulan to come forward and show off her courtesy.

  Mrs. Ke Liang was cautious and meticulous, speaking with precision, never revealing her thoughts in words, not even to Wang Shi, who couldn't grasp her intentions. As the hostess, Wang Shi maintained a dignified demeanor, refraining from asking about the marriage beforehand, pretending to be clueless, saying nothing, and only calling out Sanlan to take a walk each time.

  The first time she came, Mrs. Liang was cold to everyone, only hearing Wang talking loudly with others, occasionally chiming in a sentence, and mostly sitting quietly; as for Mo Lan's enthusiasm, she just smiled faintly and never responded, which made Mo Lan embarrassed several times in front of people.

  But the second time she came, Mrs. Liang showed obvious kindness to Minglan, sat down and asked her questions in detail, with a very warm expression, and was increasingly close to Wang's attitude; Mo Lan gritted her teeth, she wanted to say straightforwardly 'Minglan has been promised to He family', but as a girl, if she said such things about her own sister in front of outsiders, her reputation would be ruined.

  It was easy to seize the opportunity, and a lady mentioned that Taiyi's diagnosis was not accurate. Mo Lan hastily interjected: "The old lady of the He family in Baishi Pond is also from a medical family, my mother is very close to her, and every time she calls me this sixth sister to accompany her."

  At that time, Wang's teacup was placed on the table with a bang. No one in the house responded, either lowering their head to drink tea or talking to themselves. Mo Lan couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed. She stopped showing off her poetry skills, lowered her head, and began to flatter, serving tea and snacks, speaking eloquently, making all the ladies laugh so hard they couldn't close their mouths. They all praised Wang's good fortune, even Liang's wife complimented her several times. Mo Lan was pleased with herself when suddenly Liang's wife lightly said: "The fourth young lady of your household has already reached adulthood, shouldn't you hurry up and arrange her marriage? Don't delay it."

  A faint sentence, and Mo Lan's eyes suddenly turned red.

  After the guests dispersed, Sanlan returned home. Mo Lan sneered in front of her two sisters: "What a big deal about that family? The Yongchang Hou Mansion has so many rooms, and the young master has many sons. After dividing them up one by one, how much can each person get?"

  On a cold winter day, like Lan smiled and said with a bright smile: "Sister is right." Anyway, Wang Shi had hinted that her future husband's family was very rich.

  Minglan does not participate.

  Today is the third time Madame Yongchanghou has come.

  The maid opened the curtain, and Minglan slightly curved her body to the side, from her left shoulder to her waist to the hem of her skirt and then to her toes, a line as quiet and elegant as flowing water, with a beauty as still and calm as a mirror. Mrs. Liang, sitting beside Lady Wang, couldn't help but reveal a few hints of admiration in her eyes.

  Minglan curtsied and bowed to Wangshi and Liang Furen, noticing a trunk in front of Wangshi with something fluffy inside. Wangshi's voice was slightly panicked as she said, "Madam is too polite, how can this be?"

  Mrs. Liang said slowly, "My brothers in my hometown are in the north, where it's cold and icy, but the fur is extremely good. Every year they send some over, I picked a few to bring here, they're quite rough, don't mind."

  Mr. Wang hastily waved his hand and smiled: "How could that be? Look at what the lady said, I'm grateful here. Tsk, tsk, such good leather I've never seen before, today is indeed thanks to the lady's blessing. Later, I'll have to talk to the needlework expert about it, must be careful not to waste good things; Ah..., Ming Yatou don't daze off, quickly come and thank the lady."

  Minglan thanked her with a curtsy, despite the incomplete gift. Madame Liang's demeanor remained unchanged, but her gaze was gentle and seemed to hold a hint of concern: "It's so cold outside, you must take care of yourself, make sure to wear warm clothes." For someone as aloof as her, these words were already quite tender.

  Minglan smiled and said, "Thank you, Mrs. Xie, for reminding me. My mother-in-law made a wonderful fur coat for me, so I won't be afraid of the cold anymore." In fact, that coat was originally made for Rulan, who had taken her measurements in the spring. Who knew that by winter, Rulan had grown much taller and bigger, and the coat no longer fit her.

  Watching Mrs. Liang smile at her, Wang felt comfortable in her heart and laughed scoldingly: "You silly child, the lady just sent over a fur coat, and you're showing off your own, aren't you making people laugh?"

  Minglan lowered her head, a blush of shyness on her face.

  After Mrs. Liang left, Minglan felt a sense of unease in her heart, feeling that something was off about this deliberate and exclusive meeting, and the explicit concern, combined with Wang's unusually enthusiastic attitude, seemed to indicate that things had already been settled. Minglan furrowed her brow and slowly walked back to the Musou Cottage, where she saw Changdong sitting there, with Xiaotao serving him a hot cup of tea with a bitter face. As soon as Changdong saw Minglan, he smiled and said: "Sixth sister, this is already the third night's tea, you've finally come back, from today on I'll be taking leave from school."

  Minglan's face was stern as she said, "Don't be too happy yet. I've asked Xiangniang to take away all your books. On the way back, you'll have to study hard!" She casually handed the silver fox fur hand warmer that Liang Furen had given her to Danju and told her to put it in the box as well.

  "Sixth sister, don't rush to put a lid on me this time. I've made great contributions! It's been half a year and I finally found out..."

  The words had not been finished, the thick cotton package curtain at the door was opened with a 'swish', and Mo Lan was seen standing there, her fists clenched, her face iron-green. Minglan couldn't help but retreat a few steps, shaking her head behind her back to Changzhu, and sending a glance to Xiaotao.

  "Good, good, good!" Mo Lan sneered, walking in step by step. "I underestimated you, I didn't think you were someone who eats from the bowl but eyes the pot!" Her eyes were bright red, as if they were about to spit out fire. Several maids wanted to come up and persuade her, but she pushed them all away and locked the door behind her.

  Minglan said in a low voice, "Sister, be careful what you say! Even if you don't care about yourself, think about the family's reputation." She wasn't afraid of fighting and might not even lose to Mo Lan, but if sisters from their own household were to clash and come to blows, it would really sound terrible when it got out. At that time, no matter who was right or wrong, they would all end up with a bad name for being cruel and violent.

  Mo Lan's face was almost ferocious, and she shouted angrily: "You little scoundrel! You're always using big hats to cover me up! Today I'll give you some color to see!" As she spoke, she stepped forward, with a loud crash, and overturned the round table in the middle. The hot tea that Zhang had just poured was spilled all over the floor, and a few drops even splashed onto Zhang's face and hands.

  Minglan never thought that Mo Lan would have such a violent and fierce side, she looked at Chang Dong who was covering his face and the back of his hand with a pained expression, turned her head and smiled: "Fourth sister is indeed capable of both literature and martial arts, not only can you write poetry, but also flip tables! No matter what mistakes your younger sister makes, as long as older sister has vented her anger, it's all settled."

  Who would have thought that at this moment, Mo Lan saw the silver mouse skin hand warmer and became even more furious, her delicate face twisted in anger, pointing at Ming Lan and scolding: "You shameless little prostitute! You say one thing but mean another, saying you want a peaceful life, no competition, looking good on the surface but dirty and corrupt inside, just like a cheap goods, saying one thing but doing another..."

  Chang Dong was shocked, not knowing what to say. Mo Lan scolded more and more harshly, and her words gradually involved Lao Tai Tai. Ming Lan's face didn't change, but her eyes were on fire, and her tone became even calmer as she said quietly: "Fourth sister seems to be possessed, daring to say such dirty and smelly things. I'll go invite someone to take a look at you." She thought it was over, but it seemed like she still needed to show some color.

  As she spoke, Minglan was about to leave, and as she slowly counted her steps, there were indeed footsteps behind her. Mo Lan rushed over and knocked Minglan to the ground with a slap, but before Longtan could come over to mediate, a loud "slap" sound was heard. Mo Lan was stunned, having only wanted to scold Minglan severely and then smash up her room; however, upon seeing Minglan's jade-like face, she became enraged and picked up the broken porcelain on the ground, slashing it at Minglan's face!

  Minglan saw that the bitter meat had already been sold, and she was unwilling to eat it again. With a push of her arms, she pushed Mu Lan away, and with a swift kick, she tripped her to the ground. Minglan touched her burning cheeks, and without needing a mirror, she knew there must be a red palm print on her face - her skin was the type that easily left marks.

  Minglan pinched her sister's arm and whispered, "I'll tell you something. Your mother got pregnant in the first month of the fourth year of Yuan Dynasty after drinking tea with the mistress, but your brother was born in May that same year; people say it takes ten months to conceive, do you know what this means?"

  Mo Lan's face turned red as she struggled desperately, cursing and swearing loudly. Ming Lan deliberately used a smooth tone to continue, "Your mother is the real cheap goods! She's the one who says one thing and does another, enjoying Old Lady's care, eating Old Lady's food, using Old Lady's things, shedding tears of gratitude, and then getting into bed with Father! What ingratitude!"

  At this time, a loud and clear shout came from outside: "Madam! You've finally arrived!" It was Xiao Cui's voice!

  Minglan immediately let go of Mo Lan, jumped three steps away from her, and a loud knocking sound and shouting came in. Zhangsun hurried to open the door, and Wang entered, seeing the room in disarray, Mo Lan's face full of anger, Minglan standing with her head down, her expression unclear, with a clear palm print on her face, and several red scalds on Zhangsun's face and hands.

  "Are you all crazy?!" Wang shouted. Then he turned to scold the maids, "Are you all dead?! Hurry up and help Sixth Miss down to rest!... Cai Huan, go find Liu Kun's family and ask for their rules! You few, why haven't you held onto Fourth Miss yet?!"

  Mo Lan heard the family law and was frightened for the first time with a flustered expression.

  Just then a woman's voice came from outside: "They are sisters quarreling, how can the mistress not ask a single question and want to hit people?!"

  Madam Lin came in a moon-colored brocade jacket, swaying as she walked, with several maidservants following behind her. When Mo Lan saw her birth mother arrive, she suddenly gained courage and shook off the maid who was holding her, dashing to Madam Lin's side.

  Looking at the mother and daughter's appearance, Wang couldn't help but sneer: "What are you? You also dare to crawl out and shout? Do you have a place to speak here?"

  Lin Yiniang forced a smile and said, "Having been in this mansion for almost twenty years, now that something unjust has happened, can it be that I, as a concubine, am not even allowed to speak? You're being unfair, Madam. Are you afraid of what others might say?"

  Wang's anger surged up, and he pointed at Mo Lan: "You've raised a good daughter! So insolent and rude, beating and scolding her younger siblings, can't you punish her?"

  Lin Yiniang covered her mouth and smiled, saying in a silvery voice: "Madam is really joking, little sister quarreling with each other, having a few pushes and shoves is normal, what's the big deal? It's just a matter of fifty blows."

  "Ah! What's this about each of us getting fifty big slaps? Fourth Sister has beaten our sister's face swollen, and Fourth Brother's hands and face are all scalded. We're not blind, who can't see that?!"

  Lin's aunt's face changed, and she scolded: "You garrulous little hoof! What right do you have to say anything?!"

  Mo Lan poked her head out from behind and retorted, "You're all on Ming Yatou's side, a gang of you, how can what you say be trusted? Even if Ming Yatou made the first move, I just returned a few blows!"

  The green branch was about to burst into anger, but was pulled back by the swallow grass behind it, and had to hold its tongue in frustration. At this moment, Liu Kun's family arrived, just in time to hear Wang Shi angrily say: "I am the mistress of a family, I have to discipline my children, what does it have to do with you? You are just a slave in our household, don't think that having children has given you power!" Liu Kun's eyebrows furrowed, every time it was like this, Wang Shi's temper flared up, and she would be provoked into a frenzy of nonsense, only to be refuted and made to suffer again.

  Wang's scolding was so satisfying, but Lin Niangniang kept denying everything. In a fit of rage, Wang called for the maid and servant to grab Mo Lan. Unexpectedly, Lin Niangniang's people were not weak either, and they immediately started fighting each other. The scene was accompanied by Mo Lan's mournful crying and Lin Niangniang's shrill shouting: "Don't you go call Third Master yet? Her sister is going to be beaten to death!" The atmosphere in the study was chaotic.

  Before long, Chang Feng rushed over and insisted on escorting Lin Niang and her daughter. The slaves hesitated, causing another commotion, until Wang Shi was half-supported and half-dragged by Liu Kun's family, only able to gasp for breath.

  Minglan sighed inwardly as she listened, wanting to go out and give some advice. Wang's combat skills were too monotonous, lacking variation, making it easy for her opponent to see through them.

  "Stop!" A clear and bright female voice rang out, everyone turned their heads, only to see Hai standing at the entrance of the courtyard. Her cold and majestic gaze swept across the crowd, without saying a word, she first turned her head and said to Liu Kun's family, "Madam is not feeling well, please have Liu's mother take her back to rest first."

  Liu Kun's family had been waiting for this sentence for a long time, and immediately half-forcedly supported Wang back, Hai Shi sent off Wang leaving, then turned her head to look at Chang Feng, lightly saying: "Except for the master of the house, I've never heard that the internal affairs of the house have anything to do with the sons' interference, Third Brother has read a lot of books, could it be that there's some great principle in this? ... Or else hurry back and study, next year's imperial examination is important."

  Her face turned red all over her ears, and she walked away with a sullen look.

  Lin Yiniang saw Hai Shi driving everyone away one by one, and smiled hypocritically: "After all, it's a family of scholars, the eldest lady is really knowledgeable, she knows what's good and bad, I'll thank her first, Mo Er, don't you thank Eldest Sister too? Let's go."

  "Halt!" Hai suddenly spoke up, addressing the three maids on either side, "You three, go and support Fourth Young Miss over here, have her sit in my room, not a moment's delay, not even a blink of an eye is allowed."

  "Wait another hour, the old master will be back from his official duties. I've already sent someone to ask him to hurry back and we'll have father mediate then; everyone has seen the slap marks on Sixth Sister's face, but as for Fourth Sister... Alright, go to my room and wait, I'll get the maid to take good care of you, not a single finger will touch her." The last sentence was spoken with each word enunciated clearly, Lin Yiniang felt a shock in her heart, knowing she had met a formidable opponent, and forced a smile saying: "Why bother, let's just..."

  "Cutting her off, Hai said bluntly: 'If I leave my eyes behind, if there's anything wrong with Fourth Sister's body later on, it can't be explained! Auntie, if you insist on taking her back, then take her back.'"

  As she spoke, the three maids beside Hai Shi went to invite Mo Lan. Mo Lan was now frightened and wanted to seek help from Lin Niang again. The servants behind Lin Niang seemed to be getting restless. Hai Shi's mouth curled up into a sarcastic smile as she said coldly: "Today, every single person in this courtyard will not be able to escape. Whoever dares to pull or fight again, I'll take note of their name one by one! Hmph! Others may be noble and beyond my control, but you...". Hai Shi let out a soft, cold laugh. "If there's a need to beat or sell, I'm afraid I still have the final say; if not all can be solved, then I'll just pick a few ringleaders to deal with!"

  The voice was murderous, and Lin's wife stayed in the local area. A group of maidservants looked at each other, no one wanted to be the first to make a move, and they all withdrew their hands and feet, becoming honest.

  Minglan nodded secretly, still thinking that Da Bao had a wife's fate.

  A fight scene that's hard to write, I've thought about it for a long time, and I really admire Mr. Li Zi for being able to create such a powerful argument scene.