The 83rd time

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  The He family was originally from Bainishitan, Sunan. Because He Hongwen's grandfather, He Lao Da Ren, was serving as the Minister of the Imperial Stables, this branch settled in the capital city. The He residence was a three-section compound with front and back sections. Minglan had visited several times before and knew that the household consisted of Old Mr. and Mrs. He, Second Master He's family, and He Hongwen and his mother.

  At the end of June, the sun was already quite scorching. Minglan sat on her grandmother's right side, fanning herself with a large palm-leaf fan all the way, cooling both of them down. After shaking the carriage for more than half an hour, they finally arrived at the He manor. The maidservants of the He family were already familiar with the grandmother and grandson of the Sheng family. As soon as they met, they welcomed them with smiling faces, supporting and covering them with a parasol, leading the two into the flower hall in the back garden.

  He's house is a bit far from the imperial city, with trees and flowers everywhere. As soon as they entered the back garden, it was cool and refreshing. Minglan let out a hot breath, took out her handkerchief to gently pat her face, and asked Danju to check if her makeup was messy. Danju said in a low voice: "You just applied a layer of fragrance, not even powder, so it's okay if you sweat a bit."

  Xiao Tao glanced sideways at Ming Lan's fine skin that was almost poreless, "Don't worry, Miss, not even a sweat."

  Through a hanging flower gate, and around the main house courtyard, stepped into the rear flower hall, only to see the hall inside four windows open, in the middle of a large round table with various colorful fruits and pastries, on both sides are rattan soft chairs, at the windward side of the willow leaf door there is a copper basin on the ground, with some ice cubes inside, the melting ice cools the air, the house is refreshing, Old Lady and Minglan simultaneously felt invigorated.

  Only then did Old Lady He sit in the middle of the upper seat, smiling as she stood up to greet her guest: "My old sister, are you feeling a bit better? Come, let me take your pulse first!" As she spoke, she reached out to grab Old Lady Sheng's wrist, but was rebuffed by the latter, who scolded: "What kind of hostess are you?! A guest arrives and you don't invite them to sit down, nor do you offer tea; instead, you grab their hand to take their pulse! Are you afraid people won't know that you're a famous doctor's daughter from the Zhang family?!"

  The women standing around couldn't help but burst out laughing, and a middle-aged woman wearing a light yellow silk dress with embroidered flowers and birds, over a pale-colored skirt with delicate lace, walked over, gently supporting Old Lady He, and said with a smile: "Old lady, you don't know, my mother-in-law has been thinking of you every day at home, and it's not easy to finally have you here."

  As she spoke, she invited the Sheng family's ancestors to sit down and familiarly called out to the maid to serve warm summer heat-relieving soup. Minglan bowed her head first to pay respects to Madame He, then lightly turned around to pay respects to He Hongwen's mother who was standing quietly by the side, before finally sitting down in the wicker chair at the lower seat.

  After everyone sat down, He Hongwen's mother stood up, bowed to Old Lady Sheng and said in a weak voice: "Thanks to your kindness, my sister's family is now living in that good house. I'd like to thank you on behalf of my sister's family." Old Lady Sheng waved her hand lightly and declined the thanks, saying: "It's nothing, we should help each other out in life."

  He Mu's mother was weak and thanked her several times, her face slightly pale. Old Lady He hastily called for the maid to support her in sitting down.

  Madam He's figure was slightly plump, with a round chin and spoke very considerately, obviously a seasoned person who had managed the household for many years. She smiled warmly and said: "I heard that your esteemed family will have good news soon, I'd like to offer my congratulations in advance! Don't be stingy with a cup of celebratory wine when the time comes, okay?"

  Old Lady Shen was quite relaxed in the He residence, jokingly saying: "As long as you've prepared enough betrothal gifts, come whenever you want!" Old Lady He scolded with a smile: "In your younger years, you used to call those gold and silver 'burdens', but now that you're older, you're becoming more and more greedy! How can this be good!"

  The old lady deliberately glared and said: "Even if it's just because of what you said, I'll have to get two portions!"

  "This cup of joyful wine is too expensive! Daughter-in-law, let's not go!" Old Lady He also pretended to be spoiled.

  He Er's wife stood beside her mother-in-law, gently fanning herself and smiling: "Mother, don't worry, your daughter-in-law can calculate and knows that the Sheng family will definitely have a celebratory feast that won't disappoint you! At that time, even if it means spending more silver, you'll be delighted!"

  The words had a hidden meaning, and her eyes swept over Minglan sitting at the lower seat; both Old Madame Guo and Old Madame Sheng had smiles playing on their lips.

  Minglan's seat was right in front of the window, very cool, and she had just cooled down a bit, but upon hearing this, her face flushed again, and she lowered her head, refusing to speak. Lady He, sitting opposite her, saw that she was embarrassed and couldn't help but say softly: "Second sister-in-law!" Then she walked over and gently patted Minglan's shoulder, saying warmly: "Good child, it's cool here, why don't you change seats?"

  Minglan listened and stood up, then sat down opposite to He Mu. He Mu held Minglan's hand and asked in a low voice, "Has your body been well lately? Are you still doing embroidery? Don't strain your eyes." Minglan felt the dry and cool palm of He Mu's hand, which made her feel very comfortable and at ease. She answered softly and obediently.

  Madam He asked questions while carefully examining Minglan, who was wearing a pale green soft gauze knee-length shirt with a snow-white cloud-patterned hundred-pleat skirt underneath. Over the skirt, she wore a thin, embroidered silk jacket in a deep green color. Her black hair was styled in a slanted bun, with half of her hair hanging down and a soft fringe covering her forehead. She only wore a pair of jade-studded silver and gold pins on either side of her head, and a small white jade comb adorned with flowers and a crescent moon shape held back her chignon. Her face was as tender as a young scallion, set off by the pink color of her cheeks, making one want to take a bite out of it. Madam He's heart was delighted, and she became even more affectionate and warm towards Minglan, whispering a few words of caution about things to pay attention to during the summer months.

  The old lady glanced sideways and saw that He Mu and Minglan were getting along so well, she felt relieved and comforted in her heart; she raised her eyes to glance at Mrs. He on the side, but saw that although she was smiling on her face, there were a few melancholy colors in her eyes, as if she had worries.

  Outside the flower hall, two extremely tall jasmine trees were planted. At this time, it was the best season for blooming, with green leaves and white flowers. With the gentle breeze, the fragrance was softly sent into the flower hall. The women in the hall were tasting the fragrant tea and listening to the two elderly people talking about old times. He Ertao occasionally chimed in with jokes, and everyone felt very comfortable.

  In the flower hall, laughter filled the air. As they chatted, Old Lady He began to talk about He Hongwen going out to purchase medicinal herbs, and her words were full of pride. Just as she was saying "Hong'er should be getting married" to Old Lady Sheng, a servant woman rushed in to report: "The second wife of the Cao family has arrived."

  Then, the hall suddenly seemed to have a gust of cold wind, and Old Lady He's smile gradually stopped. Her eyes swept over He Mu, who was lowering her head, and she shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

  Mrs. He nodded slightly at her mother-in-law before saying loudly, "Why don't you invite them in?"

  Miss Lin raised her eyes to look at Old Lady Shen, who seemed completely normal and unaffected, so she also sat steadily. After a while, an old woman opened the curtain and two women came in. The first woman was about fifty years old, with a worn-out face, and although she had thick makeup on, it couldn't hide her dark yellow coarse skin tone. However, there was some resemblance to He Mu between her eyebrows and eyes. The second woman was about seventeen or eighteen years old, with her head lowered, hunched back, and a thin figure. She wore a silver-red satin dress, but the dark gold embroidery on the collar and cuffs had faded, showing that it was an old and worn-out garment. Her exposed hands looked dry and shriveled.

  Mrs. He's expression was not pleasant, she sat there without saying a word, with no intention of introducing anyone. Mrs. He had to stand up herself and awkwardly said to Old Lady Sheng: "This is Brother Hong's aunt, this is his cousin, whose nickname is Jin Xiu."

  Mrs. Cao hastily pulled her daughter to pay respects to Old Lady He and Old Lady Sheng, who waved her hand for them to rise and then ordered Second Lady He to arrange the seating and tea and fruit. After everything was in order, Mrs. Cao immediately began flattering, one moment praising the beautiful scenery of the flower hall, another moment praising Second Lady He's culinary skills, saying that the cooling soup was delicious and the tea and fruit were also tasty. She even hurriedly called for Cao Jinxiu to come forward and serve Old Lady He, changing the tea water and selecting fresh fruit, all in an attempt to curry favor. However, Old Lady He responded indifferently, her expression growing even more stern.

  He Mu saw it and became even more nervous, not daring to speak; even He Er's wife didn't say much either.

  Mrs. Cao was still chattering away, but when she saw that Old Lady He didn't seem to be paying much attention to her and her daughter, she gradually stopped talking. Old Lady He turned her head and started speaking with Old Lady Sheng: "When September arrives, Mingyu will be coming of age, have you thought about who will preside over the hair-pinning ceremony?"

  The old lady smiled and said: "Among us sisters, you are the most blessed, naturally it's you, I don't know if you're willing or not?"

  Old Mrs. He had long been thinking of this, and upon hearing the words, she clapped her hands in great delight, saying: "This is wonderful! Don't worry! I'll go prepare the precious hairpin right away, it will definitely match your precious granddaughter!"

  Mrs. Cao saw them talking to themselves, completely ignoring her and her daughter, and couldn't help but feel a surge of suppressed anger. She immediately turned around and went towards Minglan, who dodged too late, and was grabbed by the arm. All she heard was a burst of giggles: "Wow, you're really a beauty carved from jade! Look at those eyebrows, that figure..."

  Old Mrs. Shi frowned upon hearing her words, which also involved Minglan, but Mrs. Cao continued to say: "Tsk, tsk, what a good appearance! As for our family's Jinxiu, she was also praised by everyone since childhood for being beautiful, unfortunately, she didn't have the same good fortune as Miss Ming! At such a young age, she had to suffer in that place, now people don't think she looks very spirited. If only she could be well-fed and well-cared for, she would definitely not lose to anyone!" While speaking, she also went to touch Minglan's clothes.

  Minglan quietly exerted her strength, bending her elbow to skillfully release Cao's hand, slightly turning sideways to dodge. She couldn't help but wonder why Cao, being the sister of He Mu, was so rough and unrefined like a village woman. Glancing sideways again, she saw He Mu's face alternately flushing red and white with embarrassment, yet unable to do anything but watch her own sister make a fool of herself. On the side, Cao Jinxiu kept her head down, and when Minglan took a closer look, she noticed that her skin was slightly darkened, her face bearing the marks of wind and frost, and she looked rather thin and frail, with an unremarkable complexion.

  As a guest, He's family didn't dare to say anything, so Cao Tai Tai became even more pleased with herself and turned her head towards Sheng Lao Tai Tai: "I heard from my sister that you and my sister-in-law are the closest of friends, so I won't be shy about it. Our Jinger and my nephew Hong Gege grew up together since childhood, their relationship is... isn't me bragging, when our family left Beijing, Hong Gege was chasing after us crying out for Jinger! With such deep feelings, our Jinger naturally...

  Mrs. He's face had changed, and she heavily slammed the teacup on the table, making a crisp "crack" sound. The cup cover was already shattered on the tea tray. Mrs. He II and Mrs. He I knew her temper well - usually cheerful and talkative when nothing was wrong, but once enraged, even Mr. He dared not mess with her fiery personality. They immediately stood aside in fright.

  Old Mrs. He's heart was filled with rage, but a smile spread across her face. She slowly pulled out a celadon hairpin adorned with the characters for "good fortune" and "longevity" from her own hair and placed it on the tea table, pointing at it as she said: "Auntie, I've always wanted to give this pin to Jin'er, and since everyone is here today, if you don't mind, please take it."

  Mrs. Cao was taken aback, then overjoyed, took small steps forward, stretched out her hand to take the hairpin, and repeatedly praised it as good. Old Lady He's face had a strange smile on it, and she said slowly: "Now that we have the hairpin, let's get Jin'er to put up all her hair when we get back; this attire should also be changed, no need for a married woman to still dress like an unmarried girl!"

  As soon as this was said, the hall was like a silent thunderclap above everyone's head. Cao Jinxiu suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with tears, and she stood there like a wooden stake, unable to move; the expressions of the people in the hall changed abruptly.

  With a "crash", Mrs. Cao was so frightened that she dropped the hairpin on the ground, breaking it into two pieces. Old Lady He turned her head and sneered at He Mu's pale face: "It seems your sister looks down on this hairpin of mine!"

  Mrs. He's mother was also frightened, her hands and feet trembling, she didn't dare to believe it and went to look at Mrs. Cao, her eyes full of suspicion. Mrs. Cao avoided her sister's gaze, secretly gritted her teeth, then forced a smile on her face again, and smiled at Mrs. He: "Mrs., you must be mistaken, my Jin'er hasn't come out yet..." Mrs. He waved her hand to cut off her words, grabbed Cao Jinxiu's wrist with three fingers pressing on her pulse, then stared at Mrs. Cao with a cold smile.

  Mrs. Cao suddenly remembered that her sister had said before, Old Lady He had studied medicine since childhood, and whether a woman was a maiden or a married woman could be guessed just by looking at her figure, let alone taking her pulse; thinking of this, she immediately broke out in a cold sweat, and went to look for her own sister, only to see that she too looked like she had lost her soul.

  Seeing this situation, He Mu is already transparent. His mother-in-law was suspicious early on, but she didn't dare to point it out because of her own face. However, now she has spoken out in front of the Sheng family's ancestors and Er Sao, not only clearly expressing her attitude towards outsiders but also indirectly showing her strong dissatisfaction with the Cao family. He Mu has been a widow since she was young, and over the past decade or so, she has been able to live a stable life, raising He Hongwen to success, thanks in large part to the help of his mother-in-law. She has always been very respectful of He Lao's wife, but now seeing her so angry, she is also afraid.

  Next, everyone else didn't have the heart to admire the flowers anymore. Old Lady Sheng said that her body was not fully recovered yet and took Minglan to bid farewell. Old Madame He held her hand and said several words to her. Second Madame He escorted them all the way to the door, full of apologies, and had already prepared a box of summer medicinal herbs for everyday use, which she handed over before respectfully bidding them farewell.

  After getting on the horse cart, the old man and his grandson remained silent for a long time.

  Minglan bowed her head in contemplation. When she first met Old Lady He, she thought the old lady was straightforward and easy to talk to. But now that she thinks about it, Old Master He was quite the ladies' man in his youth, with many concubines. Yet after decades of marriage, they didn't even have an illegitimate child. Now that they're old, Old Lady He has a firm grip on the family, and whatever she says goes - whether it's dividing property or giving how much to He Hongwen and his mother. Her husband, son, and daughter-in-law all listen without complaint, living quite comfortably.

  Today, seeing her make a move, it's a killer move, such a person, how can she be simple?! The inner house is like a delicate and hidden competitive arena, those who can survive in the end are not born with good luck like Yu Yanran's grandmother, but all have two skills!

  It wasn't until a while later that Minglan let out a sigh and said, "Fortunately, there's Old Madame He around."

  The old lady's expression was profound, and her eyes flashed with a hint of disapproval: "When two families become related by marriage, what matters most is that both parties are willing and happy. If it requires the elderly to intervene to make it happen, then it's not a good match. Let's observe for now, who knows what Mrs. Hongwen has in mind..."

  ……

  At this time, He Mu was standing in the inner room of He Lao's house with a frightened heart. There were only two women in the house, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and all the doors and windows were closed tightly. The room was a bit stuffy, but He Mu still felt a chill on her back.

  "You've lost your mind!" Old Lady He slapped her palm on the tea table, causing the teacups to jump. "You clearly knew what I meant, yet you still told the Cao family about today's gathering! What are you thinking?! Are you really willing for Jin'er to become their daughter-in-law?!"

  Mother He's face was flustered, and she hastily waved her hand: "No, no, no! I extremely like that child Minglan, how could...". As she spoke, her eyes grew hot, and she choked with sobs, "But sister kept begging me, so I... The daughter-in-law's family only has this one sister left!"

  "Ah!" Old Mrs. He scolded, "It's just because you're too soft-hearted! Let me make things clear to you today, our He family isn't one that looks down on the poor and favors the rich. If the Cao family had agreed to engage their daughter to Brother Hongwen before they got into trouble, I would have acknowledged this daughter-in-law by now, even if it meant being ridiculed by others! But don't forget, back then the Cao family looked down on your orphaned mother with no one to rely on. They were so arrogant, saying they wanted to marry their daughter off to a good family! Hmph! Now that their family has fallen and is in decline, they're thinking of you, this younger sister, and Brother Hongwen, this nephew!"

  At this point, Old Lady He raised her voice and angrily said: "What's even more hateful is that they actually dare to deceive my family, clearly not perfect but still trying to cover it up! Truly hateful to the extreme!"

  Mother He sobbed and said intermittently: "Just now, my sister told me that at the time of Liangzhou, they really couldn't make ends meet. They were forced to be helpless, and Jin'er became a concubine of that military officer. Who knew that it would be a general amnesty in just a few months? Now the Cao family is also extremely regretful!"

  "What's the point?" Old Lady He glared and said, "They're foolishly optimistic in front, but deceitful behind your back. Do you really want to fulfill your sister's wishes and have such a poor and declining family as your son's in-laws?!"

  A single mother who raised her son on her own has invested more heart and soul than an ordinary mother. She also hopes that her son will become a dragon, but she is gentle and weak by nature, and her ears are soft to her sister's cries and pleas, so she softened. Now that things have been dragged out, one side is the deep sisterly love, the other side is her son's future, she can't help but panic.

  Finally, He Mu wiped away her tears and looked up to say: "Mother, I've thought it through, my daughter-in-law is still better off as Ming Yatou! ... However, just now my sister begged me before she left, saying that even if Jin'er becomes a concubine, it's also good; Mother, what do you think?"

  "Think about it!" The old woman, He, slapped her hand on the table again, speaking through gritted teeth. But seeing the frightened look on her daughter-in-law's face, she softened her tone and said, "Daughter-in-law, think carefully, this marriage with the Sheng family is the best opportunity. Your father-in-law is getting old and will retire soon. When that happens, I'll either return to our hometown in White Stone Bay or follow his older brother to a new post. Who will your son rely on then? You should find him a wife from a family he can depend on! We can't climb up to the high-ranking families, and those lower-ranking families are not good enough. Ordinary families' daughters aren't suitable either. You've considered this before, is there anyone more suitable than Minglan? Her father and brothers are officials in the imperial court, their family is wealthy, and although she's a concubine-born daughter, her appearance and temperament are top-notch. She's been raised by my older sister and will be able to manage household chores, take care of her mother-in-law, and assist her husband! I've observed this for many years, and Minglan is the most suitable one. But now the Cao family is causing trouble! Become a concubine?! Humph! You haven't even entered our family yet, and they're already preparing a concubine's quarters? I don't have the face to see my older sister!"

  He Mu called Ba Po said with a moved heart, slowly wiping away tears, and hesitantly said: "Mother is absolutely right, but... what about Jin Er?"

  "Mind your own business, woman! She has her own parents, you're just the aunt, don't interfere too much! You've helped with finding a house, providing for the family, and getting a job, what more do you want? Do you think you need to take care of the Cao family for the rest of their lives?! And put your hands together properly! I gave you a large share of our family's wealth when we divided it among the children, it was meant for Hong's future marriage and career, not for you to use to support the Cao family. You need to prioritize between your son and the Cao family! The Cao family has men and sons, they have hands and feet, do you think they can't take care of themselves?! In this world, there's only helping in times of crisis, not poverty! If I were still in charge of the family business, it would be fine, but once I'm gone, with your soft heart, if you don't find a reliable daughter-in-law, who knows what will happen to our family's property?! I've made myself clear, now it's up to you to decide whether to find a wife for your son or not!"

  These words were very severe and implied deep meaning. He Mu was shocked in her heart and knew the meaning of Po Mu, and she didn't dare to speak again.