After Old Madame Sheng finished asking the three granddaughters, she said she was tired and allowed the descendants to return to their houses, the old person wants to go to bed already. Originally Sheng Hong wanted to speak a few more words for Molan, only have to hold back and return.
When they returned and still yet to have change and wash up, Mama Fang from the Old Madame side suddenly arrived. Sheng Hong couple hurriedly invited her inside. Mama Fang is a veteran at the Sheng household, her words nimble and explained her coming clearly in a few words— Old Madame wants to bring Minglan over.
Once the words came out, Sheng Hong couple immediately one on heaven and the other under the earth. Wang shi was overjoyed at this unexpected news and hate that she could not immediately go burn two incense to fulfil her promise. Sheng Hong on the other hand, was somewhat dismayed and felt that the Old Madame in the end still does not like Concubine Lin.
“Master, the Old Madame has received your piece of filial heart. This old woman give thanks on behalf of the Old Madame. ……Madame, trouble you to find some to tidy things up for the Sixth Young Lady. Pass me a message later, I will then come to receive her.”
Mama Fang is usually an efficient person, after speaking she then bowed and returned.
“What does the Old Madame mean? The young ladies in our house, except for Hua’er, it is Mo’er who is the oldest. Naturally it is the eldest sister to take on the labour, is it possible to allow an immature and sickly child go?” Sheng Hong extended his arms to allow Wang shi undo his clothing. No matter how he thought, he still felt that Molan is more suitable than Minglan. “Not to mention these few days Mo’er has always been serving at Old Madame’s side. In every case she is filial and considerate. What is Old Madame hesitating about?”
Wang shi is relaxed physically and mentally, she smiled “This is Old Madame’s choice, it is useless even if you feel that it is good, she must be willing for it to work! I have often told Hua’er that she should wear brighter colors to appear fresh and tender but she simply likes dull colored clothing. Master ah, in everything, it is only good if the person has to be perfectly happy. It cannot always be that you think it is good then forcefully make the decision. Old Madame is looking upon the face of Master and will not refute you but it does not mean that her heart is comfortable. Therefore ah, you should broaden your thoughts, no matter which child Old Madame picks, are they not all Master’s daughter? Since Old Madame has decided, just do as instructed. It is aligned with her desires, you are filial to your utmost, is it not the best of both worlds? Besides the Old Madame is compassionate and kindhearted, she must have seen that Concubine Wei has died early, Ming’er is also sickly and ignorant and it is possible that she wants to favour her.”
Sheng Hong felt that this reason is relatively reasonable, the more he thought the more he feels it is possible. Even if he wants to promote Molan, he is also unable to force Old Madame to accept her; however Concubine Lin and he truly love each other and Molan is the creation of that love. Because of this creation, he decides to try harder.
On the second day when Old Madame Sheng just woke up, Mama Fang held a hundred years-old blanc de chine with silver marble lines to serve the Old Madame bird’s nest congee. The maid outside reported facing the room “Master has come.” Afterwards opened up the indigo velvet curtains to let Sheng Hong enter. Old Madame shot a quick glance at him, the corner of her mouth rose and let Mama Fang withdraw the porridge.
“What have you come to do this early in the morning? The weather is cold, why not sleep more.” Old Madame Sheng said after Sheng Hong bowed and sat down.
Sheng Hong respectfully said “Yesterday after Mama Fang left, I thought throughout the night and still thinks it is not appropriate. I know that Old Madame Sheng is sympathising with Ming’er but your body is still not very good. If you add an ignorant child, how you do expect this son to be assured? Why not let Mo’er come, she is mature and obedient, her words and actions are suitable and dedicated in serving Old Madame. What do you say?”
“This matter is not suitable.” Old Madame Sheng shook her head “Although your intentions are good but you did not consider it carefully. The child is the mother’s treasure. That time I brought Hua’er over for merely three days, daughter-in-law has lost much weight, practically shedding off her form. She dared not say but within her is like oil in a pan. I am also a mother before, how can I not know? Therefore at that time even though you were recorded under my name, I still allowed Concubine Chun to raise you. Although Madame is then the children’s legitimate mother but blood affections cannot be removed. Allowing Mo’er to leave Concubine Lin at such a young age, I really cannot bear…… that time did not you use the reason of blood affections and did not allow Madame to raise Mo’er, why then you are able to bear it today?” While she said, she was casting side glances at Sheng Hong.
Sheng Hong pulled a smile “What Old Madame said is right but Ming’er she……”
Old Madame Sheng indifferently took over the topic “Naturally it is good that Minglan is now at Madame’s place but Madame has to manage the house and also prepare Hua’er for marriage, still must take care of Ru’er and Changbai. Really somewhat too much to handle; moreover at the end of the day, she is not Minglan’s biological mother. Inevitably she will be over-cautious when handling matters, it is just nice to come over to my place, benefitting both sides.”
Sheng Hong was stopped for words, forced a smile “It is still Old Madame who is thoughtful. Only afraid that Ming’er is ignorant and will tire you out. Then that is all the fault of this son.”
Old Madame Sheng slowly said “Ignorant? ……. Not necessarily.”
Sheng Hong replied puzzledly “Oh? How so.”
Old Madame Sheng sighed slight, turning her head to signal to Mama Fang at the side who busy smiling and continued “Speaking of which, it is really pitiful. After coming to Deng Prefecture, the first time Master brought your wife and children to pay respects to Old Madame, after breakfast the others young masters and young ladies have been received by the mamas and maids. Only that Mama of Sixth Young Lady was concerned with eating and asked the Young Lady to wait. Sixth Young Lady was walking all over the place until she reached Old Madame’s prayer room. When I went to look for her, it was then I saw Sixth Young Lady kneeling on the prayer mat, kowtowing to Guanyin. The pitiful her restrained herself not to cry aloud, only dare to suppressed her cries.”
Old Madame Sheng said in a low voice “Have always thought that she is a foolish one, who knew she understood everything. Having bitterness in her heart and dare not say it out, only able to secretly cry before Guanyin.”
Sheng Hong remembered Concubine Wei and felt somewhat sad. He lowered his head to grieve silently. Old Madame Sheng looked at Sheng Hong, sneering at him slightly “I know that you have given most parts of your heart to Concubine Lin. Molan herself is clever and also have such a mother around, even if you worried less also would not drop a piece of your flesh. However Sixth Girl, frail and confused, looking upon the fact that Concubine Wei died early, you also ought to care more for her. That then truly is without someone to rely on.”
Sheng Hong has been persuaded till he is at loss for words.
After sending off Sheng Hong, Mama Fang supported the Old Madame to lie down on the heated bed by the windows. She cannot resist and said “It is such a pity for Fourth Young Lady, putting aside how Concubine Lin is, she on the other hand is a good child.”
Old Madame Sheng lightly smiled “Once bitten, I am just afraid of those clever and witty young ladies. Their minds alert and thoughts deep. I have not understood a single intentions, their stomachs have already turned seventeen eighteen times, might as well have a foolish and dazed one to save trouble. Moreover she is not really foolish, did you not say that she was reminiscing before Buddha about her mother that day. To be able to miss her deceased mother, it can be considered that she is a considerate child. Just her then.”
Wang shi felt pleased, this matter developed in the direction she hope for most. That vixen does not get her way, Rulan does not need to leave herself and still able to throw out a troublesome sweet potato. This Deng Prefecture is really a good place, good fengshui1, prosperous her! Thus the next day, she rose up early and instructed the maids to pack up for Minglan, intending to send her over when she goes to pay her respects later.
1. Literally meaning wind-water, it teaches harmony with people and the surrounding environment.
The Legend of the Concubine’s Daughter Minglan Chapter 10 Part 2
DECEMBER 20, 2016
ALPENGLOWPALED
Everyone is bustling around, Hualan sat upright dignified on the heated bed. Minglan sat on a small stool, listening to Big Sister give instructions— not allowed to sleep in, not allowed to be lazy and not work out, not allowed to be late when paying respects, not allowed to be bullied…….each sentence Hualan said, she answered. She was sleepy in the morning but unfortunately Hualan was like Xuanzang1 chanting on and on. Minglan was puzzled, she was just a fourteen fifteen years old young lady and unexpectedly nags more than the manager auntie in the dormitory when she was a student. Really an exotic flower.
“Have you been listening? What are you thinking that made you foolishly chuckle all the day long.”
Minglan was now awake, muttering in sorrow “He certainly has some luck, having this kind of attentive care from Big Sister.”
“Who?” Hualan could not hear clearly.
“Big Brother-in-law.” Minglan tried hard to open her big eyes, very foolish and very innocent.
The maids in the room who were busy all covered their mouth to snigger. Hualan went red in the ears. She wanted to tear Minglan into shreds and also run out to hide in embarrassment. Minglan innocently blinked and blinked her big eyes at her, using her body to express: what is wrong, did I say anything wrongly.
Wang shi’s joys put a heart into a man. She is mentally pleased and the way she does things fine. In order to show that she is actually a very virtuous and devoted legitimate mother, she gave Minglan ten over rolls of top-notch cloth, satin, velvet, textiles, silks, damasks, engrave silks…… because it is taken directly from Hualan’s dowry thus it is extremely honourable. Furthermore, a few pieces of tiny gold and silver head ornaments made for Rulan have all been given to Minglan, enough to hang onto the whole body.
After paying respects, Minglan was led to the new room by a mama and Rulan followed along energetically. Wang shi and Hualn continued to talk with Old Madame Sheng. Wang shi is similar to a salesperson delivering the goods because she is worried that the goods will be returned therefore she profusely praised Minglan in front of Old Madame Sheng, how simple and honest, how obedient and sensible she is. Praising till Hualan cannot take it anymore, smiling “Old Madame you see, Madame is afraid that you do not want Sixth Younger Sister and is trying really hard to praise younger sister.”
The room of masters and servants all laughed. Old Madame Sheng love Hualan this kind of competent words the most, laughing and said “Silly little girl, even inventing stories about your own mother. Be careful she will deduct from your dowry, later you have nowhere to cry to!”
Once again redness appeared on Hualan’s face, turning her body and did not speak. Wang shi was smiling from ear to ear “What Old Madame said is right, I am worried that this girl has been cheeky at home and later will be mocked at her in-laws.”
Old Madame Sheng turned her body towards Wang shi, firmly said “I was about to talk about this. Ever since Hua’er’s marriage has been settled, I wrote a letter to the old sisters from the capital and entrusted them to recommend a momo2. Those veterans that came out from the palace has temperance and understands the rules as well as educated and well-balanced. Letting her come to our household to help educate Hua yatou some rules, only hope that Madame to do not blame me for being a busybody.”
Wang shi was overjoyed at the news, immediately stood up to give the Old Madame a deep kowtow, with a sobbing tone “Thankfully Old Madame is thoughtful, originally I was also worried about this. If it was government house of equal ranks then let it pass but the one Hua’er is promised to is a count household. Although our family can also be considered aristocrats but those aristocrat households has many rules and routines, how would the common family learn those. Do not mention that household of Count Zhongqin, then it is the relatives and friends afraid that if they are not the prince household it is the nobles. Hua’er has a straightforward character, I have always worried that she do not understand etiquette and caused others to take her lightly in the future! Today Old Madame has really lifted the big burden on my head, I will give Old Madame a kowtow here in gratitude! Come, Hua’er, you come here also, give Old Madame a kowtow!”
While Wang shi spoke, tears just flowing. Hualan hurried came over, she still has not knelt down and was pulled into Old Madame Sheng’s embrace. On one hand, Old Madame called Mama Fang to lift Wang shi up and on the other held onto the eldest granddaughter, looking at her earnestly and said choking with emotions “You are a child with good fortune, your father has asked around for your marriage and have measured it. That young man’s character and talents are considered exceptional, there is the Old Marquis above you protecting you and below there is also your husband’s maiden family. Ought to be mature and obedient in the future, wait for a few days when that governess comes, you must properly learn the rules and how to conduct matters from her. Then you would be respected when you are at your in-laws. Ah…… thinking of those times when you are still not bigger than a pillow, this moment you are about to marry another already…….”
Hualan endured and endured, her tears still trickled down “Old Ancestor be assured, I will be well. You must also properly care for your body, this granddaughter will come visit you often in the future.”
Old Madame Sheng felt emotionally and nodded her head towards Mama Fang. Mama Fang took out an enormous flat wooden case from the inside, it looked like it has been kept for ages but the four corners are all engraved with cloud dragons, the handle gorgeous and dazzling. Mama Fang sent the case to the heated bed and Old Madame Sheng took it and said to Hualan “Your dowry has been created at Quan Prefecture the previous year, your father and mother have all done their best. There is also nothing lacking, this ruby pure gold set of jewelries is my dowry when I got married, today I will give it to you.”
The case opened up, rays of gold immediate flow within the room. That gold and red, obvious that it has been recently cleaned. Red jewel was very shiny, every piece was as big a thumb. The crimson burning, dazzling the eyes, even Wang shi who was born into a wealthy home was shocked. Somehow she was not able to move her eyes, Hualan was even more stumped and held her breath.
Mama Fang smiled and stuffed the case into Hualan’s hands “First Young Miss quickly receive it. This red jewel on top was taken from Mount Daxue in Kievan Rus’3
by the Old Marquis and was into an entire set of jewelries for Old Madame’s dowry. From the head to the body to the hands have eighteen pieces, using pure gold and carefully embedding them to create it. Two teams of artisans used three months to create it. It is good enough to wear it to meet distinguished guests in the palace. First Young Miss, this is Old Madame’s good intentions, quickly receive it.”
Hualan at the same time was moved, buried herself in Old Madame’s embrace and cried, thanking and crying at the same time. At the side, Wang shi is also wiping her tears, this time her tears is absolutely the genuine goods.
The matter of the Old Madame wanting to raise Sixth Young Lady is to be settled, news spread throughout the Sheng household in one afternoon. After Concubine Lin heard the news, she immediately smashed a teacup. Molan sat at the side wiping her tears, cried till her tears kept dropping “I said not to go, not to go. You insist to let me go, see, this round made me to be a disgrace!”
Several personal maids at the side dare not make a sound, the entire Sheng household knows that these few days Molan was attentively serving by the Old Madame. Everyone thought that the person who will go over would be Molan, who knows the goal was changed. This time it was a huge humiliation.
Concubine Lin stood in the center of the room, hairpin in a mess, her beautiful features twisted into a fierce look, hatefully said “Pah! That damned old woman wants money when there is none, also not Master’s biological mother. Putting on what stinking airs, she does not want you, we still do not cherish. Wait and see, see where she can be cocky until!”
1. The buddhist monk that inspired Journey to the West, emphasis here is more of Hualan being like a monk chanting away.
2. 嬷嬷 (Mo Mo): An elderly woman, it usually used for women who served in the palace. It is the palace equivalent of Mama in the household.
3. Invaded by the Mongols in 1204 and today is part of many countries such as Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Romania etc.