"Chapter 180: The Paths of Good and Evil - Part One (A Wide Range, Involving Steamed Buns and Lunchboxes)"
Early the next morning, after sending the two girls off to school, Minglan finally instructed the preparation of breakfast. The morning of a young mother was always busy, but because her parents were busy fighting demons last night, the little meatball had waited for half the day without anyone paying attention to him. Feeling ignored, he puffed up his little belly in anger and refused to sleep despite causing a ruckus with the wet nurse for most of the night. As a result, he was now sleeping soundly.
With sudden free time in the morning, Minglan felt bored. She nibbled on her spoon and used chopsticks to poke holes in the fried cakes in front of her, which had already cooled down. She hadn't finished her porridge yet. At that moment, there was a report of a visitor outside, and Minglan snapped out of her daze, quickly getting up.
"... What a rare visitor. Fifth Sister, I've been looking forward to your visit. Please sit down quickly. Elder Sister often comes by, so there's no need to be polite."
Minglan looked in astonishment at the refreshed appearance of Rulan in front of her. It was just the beginning of winter, and the chill was not yet evident, but she had already put on a bright red jacket embroidered with silver mink and flowers. A large red gemstone and gold hairpin adorned her elaborate phoenix bun, while her ears were adorned with dangling emerald earrings. On her wrist hung a pair of heavy gold bracelets embedded with pearls. For a moment, the room was filled with the shimmer of her jewels.
Shaking herself out of her daze, Minglan quickly instructed the maidservants to bring tribute tea for the guest.
Rulan pouted lightly, "You're the noble Marquess consort. I didn't dare ask you to come to my humble abode, so I had to come myself." Minglan raised an eyebrow, smiling, "Last time, didn't you ask me to visit your place less? You said it would be less troublesome with your mother-in-law and sister-in-law." Rulan responded quickly, undiminished from their younger years, "I just said a polite remark, and you took it seriously, using it against me here." Minglan didn't hold back, "Oh, spare me. You were serious when you cursed me at that time." The two sisters bantered back and forth, very familiar with each other.
Hualan quickly intervened, "Stop it, both of you. You haven't even sat down yet, and you're already bickering! How old are you? You're both mothers now, yet you're acting like young girls." She turned to a young woman behind Rulan, "Xique, hurry up and bring your noble sister over to meet her sixth auntie... And you, Danju, don't just stand there. Quickly get someone to bring Tuan over. Oh dear, these poor little cousins haven't even met yet."
Reluctantly, Rulan sat down and gestured for Xique to bring the child over. Minglan smiled and also took her seat.
Compared to Hualan, Rulan rarely visited the Gu Manor. When invited to Minglan's home, she found her own house too simple and feared comparison, so she didn't want Minglan to visit often. However, when invited to Chengyuan, she felt uncomfortable seeing the grandeur and opulence of the Marquess's residence, feeling a sourness in her throat—a subtle and conflicting mindset.
Xique took the child from the arms of the maid behind her. The little girl had quite a temper and loudly declared, "I can walk by myself." Xique smiled and supported her as she walked over. Despite her wobbly steps, like a little duck, she managed to walk steadily. What was rare was that despite meeting many strangers, she showed no fear or shyness, displaying a confident and graceful demeanor.
Today, Rulan brought her daughter along unexpectedly, catching Minglan unprepared. Minglan smiled and exchanged glances with Danju. Understanding her intention, Danju went inside to find a new bright red purse, in which she placed a precious and smooth white jade pendant. After some thought, she also took a string of small golden ingots and a small tray made of cherry blossom lacquer, then went outside.
Meanwhile, Minglan had already seated herself on a small stool, holding the little girl in her arms. She gently asked, "You're so pretty. What's your name?" The little girl had delicate features, fair and rosy cheeks, and a tiny red dot at the center of her forehead, resembling a cute porcelain doll. With clear diction, she replied, "My name is Guixiao."
Minglan gently touched the little girl's delicate face and accepted the items Danju brought over. Kindly, she said, "These are for you to play with." The little girl obediently turned her head to look at her mother. Seeing Rulan nod, she extended her small, jade-like hands to receive the gifts and said, "Thank you, Aunt Six." Her childish voice was adorable, which pleased Minglan. She instructed someone to bring snacks for the girl and asked about her interests and favorite activities. Though Guixiao couldn't form long sentences yet, her pronunciation was very clear.
"They truly are cousins. This child bears some resemblance to Zhangjie, both obedient and sensible," Minglan remarked, feeling sentimental.
Hualan was blowing on her tea and couldn't help but sigh, "When Zhuang Yatou was this age, my days were not easy. Her grandmother didn't like her, so she had to rely on her wit to get by. How could she compare to this child? His parents dote on him as if he were their heart and soul, and the entire household treats him with reverence. Even his grandmother and aunts dare not look down on him, yet he still understands manners and is so generous." She shook her head repeatedly as she spoke.
On the other side, Rulan was holding Tuan'er and kissing his little face non-stop. Hearing this, she lifted her head and scolded, "Look at what Big Sister is saying. How can my mother-in-law be easy to deal with? Today she might give a little, but tomorrow she'll take some back. If I'm not careful, who knows how much will be left... Oh dear, this little one is still asleep. He won't wake up even after all this."
She herself had given birth to daughters, so she cherished boys very much. She felt that Tuan'er was different from delicate and exquisite girls; he was lively and robust, unlike anything else. When she held him in her arms, he felt solid and substantial, like a soft and heavy weight that pressed against her heart and gave her a sense of security.
Minglan smiled and said, "Last night was quite eventful, and I didn't sleep much. Now, I'm feeling sleepy."
Tuan'er was a good sleeper; no matter how he was held or moved, he slept soundly with his head tilted. Hualan craned her neck to take a few looks and couldn't help but chuckle when she saw the chubby baby sleeping soundly in the bright red swaddle, sprawled out in all directions. "This child is indeed steady. My two boys would wake up with the slightest movement. Mothers say that boys like them are not easy to raise and require constant attention."
At gatherings of married women, there were usually only a few topics of conversation, and Minglan was no exception. After the nursemaid took Tuan'er away, she asked Xiaotao to take Guiji'er downstairs to play. The three sisters closed the door and chatted incessantly about parenting experiences and family matters. As they talked, Minglan couldn't help but glance over at the others. She saw that Rulan was dressed elegantly, with a healthy complexion, indicating that she was doing well.
However, she still couldn't compare to Hualan.
This mother of three, who was approaching her thirties, appeared increasingly radiant. Her skin was radiant, her lips were rosy, and there was a delicate charm about her that seemed to overflow from her eyes and eyebrows. It is said that the thirties is a turning point for women; if this hurdle is not crossed well, they will quickly wither and age, but if managed properly, they will blossom like flowers and become more fragrant with age.
She wore a simple white-based embroidered indigo-blue floral jacket, a plain skirt with contrasting stitches, and no visible jewelry, yet Hualan's entire demeanor radiated elegance and brilliance, outshining Rulan, who was adorned with pearls and jewels.
"... Not only her nose and eyes, but this girl looks just like her father everywhere. She learns to read and memorizes songs after being taught twice. Ah, she's clever, but she doesn't take after me at all. It's really annoying," said Hualan, expressing her frustration. After chatting for a while, when she heard Rulan boasting for the umpteenth time, Hualan interjected, "Alright, let's get back to the point."
Although interrupted, Rulan wasn't upset; instead, her expression of pride intensified. She turned to Minglan and said, "Your brother-in-law is probably going to be transferred." Minglan was taken aback, not expecting this, and blurted out, "But to Fujian?" This time, it was Rulan's turn to be surprised, "How did you know?" Minglan responded quickly, waving her hand and saying, "I've heard Marquis mention it. There's been a significant corruption case in Fujian recently, and the Emperor has dismissed many officials, so there should be plenty of vacancies."
Hualan glanced at Minglan somewhat surprised, "Your brother-in-law seems to tell you everything." Minglan retorted with a smile, "Oh, what could my brother-in-law possibly hide from my elder sister?" Hualan chuckled and gave her a sideways glance, "You little troublemaker!"
The conflicts in the officialdom of the two Huai regions had escalated to a white-hot stage, with factions pulling their forces and fighting relentlessly day and night. As is customary in battles, when the main battlefield reaches a temporary stalemate, often there are casualties on the sidelines. Recently, the newly-dismissed Fujian Provincial Governor was one such casualty. Given his long tenure in Fujian and his extensive network of friends, relatives, and proteges, his removal led to a cascade of further dismissals, creating a significant upheaval in the officialdom of southern Fujian.
Feeling elated at the prospect of leaving her mother-in-law's home and being able to manage her own affairs freely, Rulan couldn't conceal her joy, "They say it's Fujian we're heading to, but it's not certain yet. But it's fine. Even if it's that remote place, my elder brother and sister-in-law are going there too. I'll grit my teeth and get through it."
Minglan sincerely congratulated, "It's a great thing to be able to go out and see the sights of different places. Congratulations in advance, Sister Wu."
Rulan was happy in her heart and graciously accepted the congratulations, saying, "It's also thanks to everyone's blessings. When I come back, I'll bring you some local gifts from Fujian." She then playfully wrinkled her nose and muttered, "Thanks to your brother-in-law's decisive decision, otherwise that old lady..." Seeing Hualan giving her a stern look, she quickly changed her tone, "My mother-in-law even wanted me to stay and serve her!"
Minglan lightly bit her lip, smiling mischievously, "It's all thanks to your brother-in-law's thoughtful consideration. The child hasn't even been born yet, how can he be separated from Sister Wu?" Rulan blushed, feeling a wave of shyness, and playfully went to hit Minglan. Hualan teased with a smile, "Do you feel it's better to have a daughter this time? If it's a boy, either your mother-in-law will insist on keeping her eldest daughter-in-law, or the grandmother will want to keep the eldest grandson!"
Rulan said in a coquettish tone, "When did I ever think Sister Wu wasn't good? Sister, really!"
"But you mustn't talk about this outside." After laughing and joking for a while, Rulan grabbed Minglan's collar and repeatedly reminded her, "We don't know if it will work out. If it doesn't, we'll be laughed at!" Minglan nodded vigorously like a woodpecker pecking, only then did Rulan let go of her. Minglan then turned to glare at her elder sister, "Big sister, you're not allowed to say anything either! Your brother-in-law said that everything must be done cautiously."
Hualan deliberately didn't respond, teasing instead, "Hmm, hmm, hmm, Brother-in-law is quite capable, to be able to suppress the Monkey King under the Five Elements Mountain. My stubborn little sister, is she obedient now?!"
Rulan, feeling embarrassed and annoyed, was about to pounce again, but Minglan quickly grabbed her arm and coaxed, "Don't mind big sister, she's the worst. Lately, she's been taking advantage of her good relationship with brother-in-law to mock us sisters!" Joking aside, Danju, being straightforward, had brought out the tea set for entertaining guests this time, which was just released by the Songxi Imperial Kiln, the top-grade porcelain in the entire mansion. If Rulan rashly knocked a few over, she wouldn't have a place to cry.
Seeing her younger sister genuinely upset, Hualan smiled and coaxed, "Alright, alright, don't be mad at sister, okay? Yesterday, your brother-in-law managed to get some fresh mushrooms and made soup and dishes with them, all with excellent flavor. I'll let you all taste them later."
Rulan, seeing her elder sister relent, relaxed her tension, but Minglan remembered something and asked, "Hmm, wasn't brother-in-law just following the Chief Steward to pick horses for the Five Cities Garrison a few days ago? Why did he come back so soon?" Just three days ago, Hualan had come to lament the 'hardships of separation for husband and wife' with a look of a sentimental young wife.
"It's nothing much. Your brother-in-law just made a trip back last night," Hualan tried to act nonchalant. This time, even naive Rulan sensed something amiss and asked, "Is the pasture of the Ministry of Works very close to the capital?"
Hualan smiled sweetly, her fair complexion taking on a blush as she whispered softly, "There are a few outside merchants doing business there, and your brother-in-law saw that their wild mushrooms were of excellent quality, so he bought some to bring back."
Minglan understood the situation but pretended to be sarcastic, "He could have just sent a servant to bring them back. There was no need for him to make the trip himself."
"I said the same thing, but your brother-in-law..." Hualan's expression was a mix of shyness and pride, but she had a straightforward nature and spoke openly about everything. "He rode through the night to get here. We didn't even exchange a few words before he had to rush back, afraid of missing his duties." As she spoke, she chuckled to herself.
"Riding for hours just to see you?" Rulan couldn't comprehend. "Hasn't he seen you before?"
Hualan's voice seemed to drift like a cloud, barely audible, "He said, suddenly, he just wanted to see me..."
As someone who had heard quite a bit, Minglan remained calm as she held her tea cup and looked at the ceiling. Hualan was indeed a daughter of the Wang family, her innate tendency to flaunt herself was unmistakable. Moreover, when middle-aged people fall in love, it's like an old house catching fire—it's unstoppable. For this couple, married for nearly a decade, to suddenly plunge into a torrent of love together was a rare and unexpected occurrence.
On the other hand, it was Rulan's first encounter with such a situation, and she was utterly astonished. In the past, when Madame Wang complained about her elder daughter's various shortcomings, Rulan had thought Madame Wang was being unreasonable. Now she understood. Hualan's current display of love, as if nothing else mattered, was quite infuriating.
"I and your brother-in-law are also a loving couple, not like sister here, so shy!" If Rulan thought for a moment, then asked suspiciously, "Then why did you take a concubine?"
Hua Lan gave her a sideways glance: "Your brother-in-law often has to travel outside, in the cold and harsh weather, without someone to cook hot meals and fetch hot water, how would it be? Pick a honest and obedient one to accompany him on the road, I can rest assured. Would everyone be as jealous as you? As soon as you heard that your brother-in-law wanted to take a concubine, you went out crying in the rain with your belly out, luckily you're strong, otherwise something might have happened!"
"Oh, is that so?!" Ming Lan's spirits soared, the gossip had arrived!
If RuLan was angry and embarrassed: "Don't listen to her nonsense!"
The three sisters chatted and laughed, teasing each other for quite a while. Then, Minglan invited Shao Shi out, arranged a table with good food and hot wine. The four women enjoyed each other's company, eating and laughing until past midnight. Finally, Hualan and Rulan stood up to bid farewell. Their niece was already very sleepy, leaning on Xique's back, rubbing her eyes with her small fists.
As soon as the sisters got into the carriage, Hualan quickly leaned on the cushion. She had been quite happy these past few days and had indulged in quite a bit of wine. Now, feeling the effects of the alcohol, she began to chatter: "Little sister, listen to me. When you and your husband take up your positions outside, remember to stay within your bounds. Don't meddle in official matters. When I was your age, I didn't know any better, and Mother suffered a great deal because of it. I listened to others' sweet words, accepted their favors, and pressured Father to do this and that..."
Rulan leaned against the carriage wall, swaying gently with the rhythm of the wheels. She seemed to have fallen asleep. "Don't worry, sister. I won't follow Mother's path," she whispered softly, barely audible over the noise of the carriage. It was unclear whether Hualan heard her or not.
...
Shao Shi had been lonely and cold for a long time, but suddenly she found herself in the midst of warmth and liveliness. With Hualan and Rulan's cheerful and talkative nature, the meal was very enjoyable. Shao Shi kept praising, "The ladies of the Sheng family are truly remarkable. They often invite me over..."
Smiling, Minglan accompanied the semi-drunk Shaoshi back home, dispersing the effects of alcohol along the way. Upon returning to her own room, she noticed that Tuan Ge'er was lying on the kang with his eyes wide open, looking very awake. Minglan wanted to pretend she hadn't seen him and quickly turned to go for a nap, but the little one was wide awake and eager to be with his mother. As soon as he saw her, he stretched out his little arms for a hug.
Minglan lay down on the bed with her son in her arms. Despite being filled with the smell of alcohol, Tuan Ge'er wasn't bothered by it. She could only pat him and playfully tease, "When I tell you to sleep, you won't. But when it's not time for you to sleep, you sleep soundly. Your fifth aunt came, and you didn't even open your eyes. Now that Mama is tired, you're wide awake... Is your little cousin pretty? She's so obedient. But you, you little rascal, never listen..."
Thinking back to the private conversation between the sisters just now, her thoughts slowly drifted away.
Perhaps Hualan's mindset was the normal thinking of ancient noblewomen. Taking a concubine for her husband, assisting in serving and attending to him, not only fulfilled her own reputation but also displayed her status. Nowadays, obtaining several concubines is like buying a carriage. For men of status and reputation, it's embarrassing not to have a few concubines, just like not having a car worth over a hundred thousand. As long as they don't cause trouble or attract attention, it's completely irrelevant. Take Lady Zheng and General Zheng, for example. They are considered to have a harmonious marriage, yet there are still two or three concubines and several illegitimate children in their household.
The Sheng family was somewhat unique.
Due to the significant turmoil caused by Mrs. Lin's rise in the Sheng family, the female members of the Sheng family inherently harbored strong vigilance against concubines. The women sent over by Mrs. Yuan in the past have now been thoroughly cleared out by Hualan, leaving only those who are either of inferior quality or under her firm control.
However, the situations of Rulan and Hualan were different. Rulan was born and raised during the tumultuous times when Aunt Lin exerted considerable influence in the Sheng family. With her own mother seething with resentment like a witch every day, and having a half-sister who was almost the same age as her, surpassing her in beauty and talent, and enjoying the love of their father and the favor of their stepmother, Rulan felt that her legitimate status as the eldest daughter had been almost entirely overshadowed.
No one knew how deeply she had been hurt, not even the petite her. Today, the three sisters gathered together, laughing and chatting leisurely, but no one mentioned Mulan, not even Minglan herself. They were willing to forget, but forgiveness came harder.
However, Rulan was also fortunate. After countless setbacks and criticisms during her adolescence, she finally learned to control her temper and, more importantly, to think. The maid from the Wen family had been serving Wen Yanjing since childhood. When Rulan became pregnant, Madame Wen proposed to take the maid as a concubine, citing her son's lack of personal attendants as the reason. This seemed like a natural course of action.
However, Rulan immediately woke up and realized that it was absolutely not acceptable. This maid had been serving her since childhood, and even though there was no romantic attachment from the master's side, the bond from their shared upbringing was significant. Moreover, she would be difficult to control completely.
Rulan remained calm as never before, refraining from causing a scene but instead revealing her sorrow.
From Wangshi, Rulan learned that the authority of her natal family could intimidate anyone, even her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law, but it should never be used to coerce her husband. And from Lin Yiniang, she learned the importance of showing vulnerability and expressing emotions.
Crying in the rain, she was just a jealous and confused young woman deeply in love with her husband, unable to let go. Afraid of her husband's infidelity, she forgot all about rules and etiquette, behaving like a child as she hid in the rain to weep silently.
Wen Yanjing was deeply moved and felt incredibly fortunate. He couldn't bear to disappoint such deep affection and kindness. The next day, he personally arranged the marriage for the servant girl. Furthermore, he refrained from touching any of the servant girls selected by Rulan to serve as concubines.
Rulan emerged victorious in this matter. In her husband's eyes, she was a loving and virtuous wife who sacrificed her own happiness out of concern for him. Despite her internal turmoil, she endured the pain and allowed her husband to take a concubine because she couldn't bear to see him neglected. In the eyes of others, wasn't she simply fulfilling her husband's wishes by allowing him to take a concubine? How could she be considered a jealous woman?
As for the appearance of the new concubine, Lady Wen had some minor reservations. The elder women of the Sheng family, who accompanied the bride, were not to be trifled with. They believed that taking a concubine was for the purpose of producing offspring and serving the master, and the best concubines were those who were healthy and virtuous. They saw no need for beauties who could captivate men. They were concerned about what Lady Wen had in mind by arranging such a concubine, especially considering her son's aspirations for scholarly pursuits.
The Wen family was originally a simple and rustic farming clan. When rumors spread to the clan about Lady Wen's actions, even the elder relatives were discontented (it wasn't easy for the clan to produce a scholar), and they criticized Lady Wen for being senile. Lady Wen was infuriated but could only suppress her anger.
As for the concubine who was bound by a contract, with her parents and siblings' lives in Rulan's hands, Lady Wen feared what trouble she might cause if provoked?!
After years of ups and downs, Rulan remembered the impulsive and clumsy girl who always blushed and clenched her fists but could never outsmart her clever and bold stepsister. Now, she had learned to use cunning and tactics herself.
Minglan felt a sense of melancholy, as if she were gradually losing the most innocent part of herself.
In a patriarchal society, men have laid down rules and regulations, constraining everyone into a complex mold. To survive and thrive within it, women must give up their original selves bestowed by heaven. Through countless polishings and trials, they must shape themselves into forms suitable for this mold – smooth, coquettish, worldly-wise, or charming, distorting themselves to fit.
As she pondered this, Minglan suddenly smiled.