NOVEL NEXT “Caihuan, quickly tell Eldest Young Miss to stop dawdling. Master is already waiting.” Wang shi stood before a full sized copper dressing mirror, turning to let two young maids make adjustments to her clothing. She wore a vermillion outer coat with silver and gold lining its lapels, and in her hair was a beeswax buyao with a gold filigree inlay.
“Mother stop hurrying me, I’m here!” Accompanying the sound of laughter was the sight of Hualan pushing the curtains aside and entering the room. In her hair was a hairpin the shape of a magpie on a plum blossom branch, set with a rubies as red as her mother’s outer coat. The rose gold and red brocade of her mouse furred coat cast a rosy tint over her features, making her look bright and refreshing.
The Hairpin
The hairpin with a magpie on a plum blossom branch
“Mother, I just saw the mama who serves little Minglan rushing into her room. Could it be that you intend to bring her along as well? She ought to be excused since she is not feeling well; she even went to rest right after dinner, and might even be taking a nap right now.”
“Resting? What resting? She must come with us today,” Wang shi said coldly.
Hualan glanced at Wang shi before lowering her head and quietly dismissed the two young maids. It was only then did she took a step forward to Wang shi’s side and asked tentatively, “Mother, is this because of Old Madam’s offer to take care of the girls?”
As expected, Wang shi huffed coldly, “Your father is a calculative one. He thinks he can get away with it so long as I remain unaware of his intentions! After keeping that sly fox for less than two days, he’s already thinking of ways to help her rise in status! I remained silent at first because I thought that since the Old Madam has been displeased with that woman for all these years, she would surely not be willing to take care of her daughter. Who knew… hmph! Truly dragons beget dragons and phoenixes beget phoenixes That good little fourth sister of yours has been sticking by the Old Madam’s side, serving her tea and bringing her water, all humble and obedient. How carefully she behaves and demure she speaks, all to win the pleasure of others! Now, all within the Hall of Peaceful Age have been praising her to the high heavens these past few days. They say she is filial and sensible, that she is Old Madam’s most filial granddaughter. I believe your father will be urging the Old Madam to make her decision tonight.”
Hualan’s expression turned serious, “Therefore, Mother plans to push Minglan out so that the Old Madam will take care of her?”
“I’ll give that advantage to anyone except for that sly fox!” Wang shi gritted her teeth.
After pondering this for a moment, Hualan raised her voice and called out, “Cai Pei, come in!”
A little maid who wore a sky blue dress entered and bowed, “Miss, what are your orders?”
“Go and tell Mama Liu to get Miss Rulan ready. In a short while, we shall all go and pay Old Madam a visit to see if she has recovered from her illness.” As Hualan spoke, Wang shi’s face tightened while Cai Pei exited the room.
Wang shi quickly asked, “Why do you want Rulan to visit her?”
“Mother knows what I want to do?” Hualan said quietly.
Wang shi stared at her daughter for a moment before sighing lightly, “I know that Minglan isn’t useful for this, but but how can I bear to let Rulan go? Her personality has been used to the spoiled lifestyle I’ve given her, and I haven’t even trained her yet. How can she be sent to bear the hardships that come with being by the Old Madam’s side?”
Hualan secretly bit her lips, and went up to whisper into Madam Wang’s ear, “Do you really want to see that woman achieve her goal?”
Wang shi gritted her teeth. Hualan noticed her mother wavering, and said, “Mother, even if we insist on pushing Minglan up to the task, a single sentence from Father would be enough to put Minglan back. What if he said, ‘We’re only sending a girl to raise for Old Madam so that she won’t be lonely, if we send over a troublesome child then we would be tiring the Old Madam instead. How would the Madam respond? It’ll only work if we send Rulan over. First, if Madam sends your own daughter for the Old Madam to raise, you’ll give yourself a good image of a virtuous and filial wife in front of Father. Second, Rulan’s personality is spoiled, she can improve herself under the care of Old Madam. Third, if Old Madam ends up raising Molan, then she might become close to Concubine Lin again, but if she raises Rulan she’ll be closer to you instead. We’re killing three birds with one stone.”
Wang shi was moved, and as if sensing her hesitation, Hualan also added, “The Hall of Peaceful Ages is in our household, if Madame misses Rulan, you can see her anytime. If you’re worried about her, you can send her some trustworthy mamas. Would Rulan still suffer?”
Wang shi’s heart thudded for a while, then she finally made up her mind. When she left, she brought along both Rulan and Minglan. Sheng Hong was in the outer room waiting, he was shocked when he saw that both her little daughters and her older daughter were brought along.
Wang shi smiled, “Today I heard from the doctor, that the Old Madam has recovered a lot. I want to take this chance to bring the children along so that they can show their filial to the Old Madam. Little Boy Dong is still too young, so I left him.”
Sheng Hong nodded.
The procession of people then left the room. There were maids and mamas in the front and back. In the bunch, there were two mamas who carried Rulan and Minglan on their backs. They walked towards the Hall of Peaceful Ages, where they saw Feng Mama waiting by the entranceway. Sheng Hong and Wang shi immediately went up to give their greetings, then they were led into the room.
In the middle of the room was a bronze brazier in the shape of the Vajrapani Bodhisattva. The brazier spread tendrils of cloudy smoke, and the heating beneath the floorboards kept the temperature comfortably warm. Near the window was the heated bed, and on it was a thick blue-green cover. Old Madam Sheng was leaning on the heated bed, behind her was a cushion decorated with a design of a two flowers of fortunes, and next to her there was a ginger yellow cotton padded mattress decorated with luxurious floral patterns. On the heated bed was a small black lacquered table inlaid with mother of pearl, and on the table was a bowl and a spoon as well as some desserts and medicine.
Vajrapani Bodhisattva
The protector and guide of Gautama Buddha and rose to symbolize the Buddha’s power.
The moment Sheng Hong and Wang shi arrived, they bowed down to pay their respects to the Old Madam, followed by the younger ones. After the Old Madam received their greetings, she called for the maid to bring over two thick cushioned straight backed chairs, and a few warm stools. After everyone sat down according to their ranks, Sheng Hong smiled and said, “I see that Old Madam is feeling much better today, and you’ve regained your energy as well. Therefore, I’ve brought the children here to visit Old Madam, although I’m afraid we may be disturbing your rest.”
“How can I be that delicate? It’s only a mild cold, but I’ve taken more medicine for the past few days than what I’ve had in past few decades!” Old Madam Sheng wore a cheerful silver and gold threaded headband. Her face was still pale, and her voice was weak, but it looked like she was in a good mood.
Silver and Gold Threaded Headband
“I am feeling fine, but the two of you have been so bogged down with responsibilities and stress. You haven’t had a good night’s sleep in days. I see that you’ve both lost a lot of weight, that is my fault,” Old Madam Sheng said lightly.
Wang shi then hurriedly stood up, “Mother, your daughter-in-law doesn’t deserve these warm words. It’s my duty as a wife to wait for you and serve you medicine, as your daughter-in-law, your words make me fearful, as there’s no fault on your part at all.”
Shen Hong was very much pleased to see Wang shi being respectful to Old Madam.
Old Madam Sheng smiled softly as she waved off Wang shi’s remarks lightly with her hands and turned her gaze towards the window. “I truly felt better these past few days, I’ve even opened the window so that I can see the snow outside.”
Hualan grinned, “Old Madam’s courtyard is too simplistic. If we were to plant some plum trees, there would be beautiful red plum flowers shining in front of the white snow, it would be beautiful! When I was young, Old Madam had taught me how to draw plum flowers and even now, I still decorate my room according to what I have learned from the Old Madam.”
As they continued to laugh and chat, the curtain flipped and in came a maid holding a tray, followed by a small figure. As Wang shi glanced over, she saw that it turned out to be Molan, and the smile on her face immediately stiffened.
She watch as Molan walked up while smiling beautifully. She came with a bowl decorated with lotus flowers, which contained some milky substance. Molan smiled and said, “Grandmother, this is broth with glutinous rice and golden dates. It is sweet and light, and wouldn’t cause indigestion. It’s best to sooth the lungs before you sleep.” She said, while walking to the Old Madam’s side and holding the soup for Fang Mama to receive it.
Bowl decorated with Lotus Flower
Seeing her actions, Wang shi clenched her jaw very hard. Shen Hong, on the other hand, felt his eyes warm. Hualan looked away in disdain, while Rulan and Minglan both felt sleepy.
Old Madam Sheng ate a mouthful of stewed sweet dates, then smiled and said, “Look at this child. I have told her that she doesn’t need to come, but she came in the end. The weather is bitterly cold, I’m worried that she might fall ill. If that happens, then I’d feel sorry for her filial heart.”
Stewed Sweet Dates
Feng Mama fed spoonful after spoonful of sweet dates to the Old Madam all the while laughingly saying, “I’m not just exaggerating, but the Fourth Lady is truly filial. If the Old Madam coughs, she would pat her back. If the Old Madam frowns, she would bring her tea immediately. I have served the Old Madam for almost half my life, but I have never been as attentive as her.”
Sheng Hong said reassuringly, “To be able to serve the Old Madam is Mo’er’s pleasure. She was as if her very own granddaughter. A little hard work wouldn’t bother her. Mo’er, you must take good care of the Old Madam.”
Molan promised him with a charming voice, and her smile was pleasant and enough to comfort people. However, Wang shi said with a snide laughter, “With that said, since Concubine Lin has been with the Old Madam for so many years, Mo’er would also have observed Old Madam. Which is why she would more or less know the likes and dislikes of Old Madam. Naturally she would be able to take care of Old Madam. ”
A few people in the room agreed to those words, and the atmosphere of the room chilled a little. Molan lowered her head and did not say anything, but her eyes turned slightly red.
Old Madam Sheng shook her head and said, “I am a person who is accustomed to living a quiet life; I do not wish to have a child suffer my lifestyle, so there’s no need.”
“If Mother says such things, then of course I would worry more.” Sheng Hong continued, “Ａ while back, when Mother fell sick, all the reputable physicians from the Deng Prefecture we brought in said that your illness was caused by a pent-up stress within. You have long lived in isolation. You almost go everyday without speaking to a person. Your liver and spleen would have blockage from that, it is very worrisome. Living in thus isolation is very bad during your golden age. You should not just shut yourself in the house all day. That’s why Old Master Bai from the Baohe Medical Hall has said that we must let you take care of an obedient child. Firstly, this would solve your loneliness and secondly, it would lessen your weariness. Besides, since you read the scriptures intensely. It would be the child’s pleasure to be in your favor.”
Old Madam Sheng knew that she couldn’t evade this and let out a sigh. She took a look at all the people within the room and said with a hint of helplessness, “Which child do you think is the most fit to be with me?”
Sheng Hong happily said, “They should naturally be picked by Old Madam herself. You should find a child who is obedient and who you have a good relationship with. Also, a child who would make your days pass meaningfully.”
Madam Wang smiled as she continued, “That’s correct, our family has many daughters. Surely there will be one who you like the most. Hua’er is only capable as she is right now because of her fortune of having stayed by Old Madam’s side. But currently Ru’er is naughty and mischievous, while Ming’er is still uneducated. If Old Madam manages to give them a pointer or two, it would be their pleasure.”
Old Madam looked at the expression of the mother and daughter duo. She stretched her body slightly before sitting up straight, “It’s best to ask the children.”
After saying that, she first looked at Molan and asked, “Mo’er, let me ask you. Are you willing to stay here with me?”
Mo’er’s face turned red. She answered with a soft voice, “I am very willing to stay with you. It is right for this granddaughter to do her filial duty towards her elders like Old Madam. Moreover, Old Madam is knowledgeable, experienced, gentle-hearted and tolerant. It will be Mo’er’s greatest pleasure for the Old Madam to teach her. Besides, as of the now, I am the eldest among my sisters other than Elder Sister Hua. It is best that I come serve you, rather than for my little sisters to be tired out .”
Madam Wang merely smiled and said, “Mo’er has matured, she’s able to think of so many justifications in such a short time.”
Old Madam Sheng nodded and turned to face Rulan, “Little Ru, say, are you willing to stay here with Grandmother?”
Young Lady Rulan was unfortunately still sleeping when her name was called out. She stood up confused and looked around her surroundings, her face puzzled. Wang shi dripped with cold sweat. She truly regretted not teaching her daughter how to come up with reasons prepared before they left their courtyard. She did not expect that the Old Madam would actually question her. Now, she can only helplessly watch her daughter express her words freely.
Old Madam Sheng looked at the ignorant Rulan. She smiled and asked again. Only, Rulan instead turned to Wang shi and stammering said, “…Why would I stay here…? Would Mother also stay together? My room…Could I move it all here?”
Despite the fact that Sheng Hong had secretly decided on Molan, he could not stand to watch Rulan continue to behave like this and criticised her, “Your elder wanting you to come here is a boon for you, why are you so disrespectful?!”
As she was scolded by her father, Rulan’s eyes started to form teardrops, and her small face turned red; she looked as if she was about to cry. Wang shi’s heart ached, however, she dared not show it. Hualan slowly walked over and brought her little sister back. She also raised her hand to wipe her sister’s face.
Old Madam Sheng laughed while waving her hand and turned around to look at the last one, “Minglan, please come out. That’s okay, please stand out here. Don’t be afraid of Grandmother asking you this question. Are you willing to stay here? To stay here with Grandmother?”
The false little Minglan had actually dozed off as well, however she immediately came to her senses after her name was called. Unlike Rulan’s who had been an unprepared mess, she had had years to perfect the skill of dozing off without anyone noticing it. The students who studied law all understand that politics and law were all part of one big family. Political Science classes were long arduous battles in which she left puddles of drool like the scars of war. However, she trained hard and by her second semester, she managed to perfect this amazing skill. She had learnt to doze off during class discussion and still manage to answer questions correctly and clearly when she is called out.
As the idiom goes, carrying many skills wouldn’t burden the body. She just did not expect that her skill of dozing off from her previous life could be used in this kind of situation. When her name was called out, Minglan calmly moved to the front and said, “I am willing to.”
This situation is like if someone asked her if she wanted the pig’s hind leg or the pig’s forelegs. She firmly answered that she wants the pig’s head.
Old Madam didn’t expect this, and paused for a while. She looked at the crowd, Sheng Hong’s wife and the few young ladies had the same expression, since the Sixth Young Lady had left a dumb impression embedded in everyone’s mind.
Old Madam was quiet for a moment before she cleared her throat and asked, “Ming’er, why are you willing to stay with me? ”
Wang shi was a little anxious. Before now, Old Madam and that dumb girl had exchanged a few words. How was Minglan going to explain? She can’t possible answer something to the point of- both of them think the same, and their love is more solid than gold.
Minglan was unwilling to act like a pure, because for her it feels completely fake. However, humanity’s greatest advantage was being able to adapt according to situations in front of them. Even if she was an alien, she’d still need to conform to the customs in the area. Or as they say in her previous world, “when in Rome, do as the Romans do”.
Hence, Minglan had to suppress her own embarrassment that was screaming within her and stutteringly said, “Father said that Grandmother fell ill because there wasn’t anyone to be with Old Madam. With someone to be with Old Madam, she would not fall sick. Being sick is very tough, you would have to eat bitter medicine. Old Madam, please don’t fall sick anymore.”
This answer was perfect. It was a masterful combination of art and practicality, leading to the silence of the entire room. Old Madam Sheng was touched by its sweetness, and Wang shi let out a sigh of relief. Hope quietly welled in Hualan, while Molan was surprised that there was a hidden intelligence and talent among her sister. Rulan started dozing off again, while Minglan was embarrassed by what she just said.
She now had complete respect for all actresses who are over forty but still used lots of their energy to act like an eighteen year old young lady. Their fortitude and talent was stronger than anyone on earth.