Chapter 208: Before and After the New Year
Not wanting to delay, and fearing that the busy preparations for the New Year would prevent the mistresses of the households from having time, Minglan sent out invitations at the end of November. After receiving confirmations from the various families, she instructed Cuiwei to make the necessary arrangements.
On the second day of the twelfth month, Liu Shi and Hualan arrived early, unable to hide the excitement on their faces. Hualan, after taking a sip of tea and putting down her handkerchief, said, "When I left home, Fourth Brother was just a little kid, still unable to speak clearly. In the blink of an eye, he's about to ask for a wife."
Liu Shi, showing a hint of fatigue on her face, replied, "Yes. When Sixth Sister sent the news, both Father and Brother-in-law were stunned. It took them half a day to snap out of it. Father said I should help find a match for him, which really made things difficult for me. I'm still so young, what do I know about finding a wife for a younger brother-in-law? I couldn't sleep well last night, and fortunately, Big Sister and Sixth Sister were there to help."
Hualan laughed and said, "Now that both the madam and the old lady are not around, it's left to the younger sisters-in-law to handle things at home. If today's match turns out well, there will be many more things for you, Fourth Sister-in-law, to manage in the future. You mustn't refuse."
Minglan leaned on her elder sister with a playful smile, saying, "Fourth Sister-in-law, don't worry. With Big Sister here today, whether it's good or bad, we won't be blamed, right?"
Liu Shi, who was concerned that if the new wife was unsuitable, she might face complaints, felt greatly reassured by Minglan's words.
Hualan pinched Minglan's ear, glaring and laughing as she scolded, "No wonder the old lady calls you a little troublemaker. You're pushing everything onto Fourth Brother and me. If anything goes wrong in the future, only Father and Fourth Brother will blame me, and you two will be completely blameless!"
Liu Shi quickly said, "Elder Sister, don't say that. Not to mention that Father relies on the eldest daughter, but you have eaten more years of food than we have and seen more of the world. With you leading, we will have more confidence."
"You two stop trying to flatter me. Fine, fine, I'll be honest and take the lead, alright?" Hualan pretended to be angry.
The three of them joked for a while, and then Cuiwei came to deliver a message, saying that Madam Wei Bei and the Shen mother and daughter had arrived.
Madam Shen, nearly fifty years old, had a slightly dark complexion. Her features were not bad, but no amount of fine clothing and decoration could hide the signs of hard work and wear from her earlier years. The Shen young miss, however, was delicate and charming, with clear eyebrows and a lovely appearance.
In terms of looks, Hai Shi and Liu Shi did not compare well to her, but she was extremely shy. When Hualan softly asked her about her likes—what she enjoyed eating or playing with—she answered in very few words, almost like the buzz of a mosquito, and it was only with great effort that Minglan could understand her by reading her lips.
Madam Shen smiled awkwardly, her heart filled with bitter amusement. In fact, her daughter had a rather bright and clever personality, but ever since she learned that the marriage proposal was with a scholarly family, and after hearing her second son talk about how the Sheng family had no sons without official titles, as well as the high status of the in-laws, she had become like this. She was afraid that if she spoke one more word or raised her voice just a little, people would think less of her.
Hualan smiled on the surface, but in her heart, she couldn't help but compare the situation to her own family with three sons, both legitimate and illegitimate. She couldn't help but adopt a mother-in-law's perspective. Shen Miss's bashful manner didn't sit well with her straightforward temperament. If she had to choose a legitimate daughter-in-law, she certainly wouldn't pick her, fearing that she might not be able to uphold the family name in the future. However, for the sake of family harmony, a more modest and gentle daughter-in-law like this would be fine. After all, being shy and gentle was better than being aggressive and unruly.
On the other side, Liu Shi had already decided in her mind that it would be acceptable. In-laws' relationships often suffered from competitiveness, and her eldest sister-in-law, Hai Shi, was already formidable enough. If another strong-willed sister-in-law came along, she wouldn't be able to cope. A daughter-in-law like Shen Miss, who was more reserved, was just right.
Minglan, with her relaxed attitude, chatted easily while observing Shen Miss's still youthful face. She was only two years older than Rong Jie, yet she was already being considered for marriage. Minglan secretly felt guilty, thinking that such a young girl was already being caught in the web of matchmaking, and it seemed like she was being forced into a situation that was too much for her.
She had already asked Zhang Shi in detail before, and while skills in embroidery were secondary, having a kind and sincere heart was the most important. Although Chang Dong seemed honest and a bit dull, in reality, he had big plans in his heart. As long as he and his wife could live harmoniously and with mutual respect, even if Shen Miss didn't understand much now, she could gradually learn.
After understanding this, Zhang Shi immediately praised Shen Miss, saying that her character was impeccable. When living in the countryside with her family, she often helped the elderly cross ditches and was fond of carrying the elderly down the mountain. She and Chang Dong were truly a perfect match.
Minglan remained silent… This was her first time being a matchmaker, wasn't it?
While they were sizing up Shen Miss, Madam Shen was also quietly observing the several daughters-in-law of the Sheng family. Seeing Hualan poised and elegant, Minglan warm and gentle, both with excellent manners and family upbringing, and then looking at Liu Shi—though her appearance was plain, she had a dignified and proper presence—Madam Shen thought that she probably wouldn't be too difficult to get along with.
Madam Shen couldn't help but nod to herself in approval, thinking that this was indeed a well-established family. They were knowledgeable and reasonable, cultured and polite, yet not pedantic or pretentious, using rules to impose on others.
After having tea three or four times, Zhang Shi and Madam Shen stood up to take their leave. Minglan sent them to the second gate, and after exchanging many kind words, they finally parted ways. When she returned to the room, Liu Shi and Hualan had already discussed the result of the matchmaking. One said that Shen Miss had a neat and graceful appearance, someone you couldn't help but pity, while the other mentioned that the Shen family was wealthy, with capable father and brothers. In short, both agreed that the marriage was a good match.
"After all, it was Sixth Sister who acted as the matchmaker, so we didn't need to worry too much; we should have known it would be reliable," in the end, Liu Shi pulled Minglan over again to thank her and then took her leave, saying she would go back and inform Sheng Hong.
Watching Liu Shi leave, Hualan turned around and smiled, saying, "This is quite the smooth operator. Even you got dragged into it."
Minglan sighed, "She's just the third sister-in-law, neither a legitimate nor eldest wife. It's understandable for her to handle the fourth brother's marriage; she's in a difficult position. We are the fourth brother's real sisters, so if we need to take on a little more responsibility, so be it."
"…Grandmother always says you're kind-hearted and will be blessed in the future, and now I believe it," Hualan paused for a moment and sighed. "You're right. The third sister-in-law really has it tough. You don't know, but the third brother, that useless fellow, recently had a maid in his house who was found to be pregnant, and it made Father furious!"
"How could this happen? The third sister-in-law hasn't even given birth yet," Minglan was shocked. "The third brother is too foolish, doesn't he know Father's intentions? Everyone in the house knows. The third brother and third sister-in-law are still young, how can their eldest son not be a legitimate child? Didn't they give her medicine to take?"
"Of course, they did. But that maid is sly. She secretly dumped the medicine and tried to use her pregnancy to climb the social ladder," Hualan pouted. "Father was really angry and scolded the third brother for being lazy and not trying to make progress, instead wasting his time in the flower beds. In the end, Father had the third brother tied up and disciplined him, but it was only after third sister-in-law cried and begged for him that he was spared the punishment of kneeling in front of the ancestral tablet."
"...What happened to that girl?"
Hua Lan replied disdainfully: "She was given some medicine and sold off to a brothel. Not that I'm saying this, but it's all because of the third brother's indulgence. The maidservants in his household all have attitudes like imperial concubines, with big tempers. They don't know their place and even have the audacity to break the household rules!"
Ming Lan sighed. Without the sentimental Jia Baoyu, there wouldn't be a fiery, rebellious Qingwen either. Liu Shi is not simple; she probably took this opportunity to thoroughly clean house, and a group of girls will probably be out of luck.
"Even back then with Ke'er and Ruo Mei, sigh, why can't the third brother rein in his overly affectionate and soft nature? If he didn't let those maidservants develop improper thoughts, they wouldn't end up causing trouble."
Hua Lan furrowed her brows, unconsciously expressing her disdain: "It's all because of Lin Shi's upbringing. What good can come of it?"
After a pause, Hua Lan said, "Now the fourth sister's side is also very troublesome. The family has been waiting for the official document to grant the title from the Zongren Mansion, but it hasn't come through. So, the whole family is just waiting around. Your brother-in-law said, especially since their eldest son is now highly valued by the General of Xuanda. Sigh, poor Mrs. Liang…"
Ming Lan was silent for a moment before replying, "This marriage was something the fourth sister worked hard to arrange. Whether it's good or bad, no one else can be blamed. If something happens with the Liang family, we'll just fulfill our duty as relatives, and that's all."
Hua Lan agreed, "That's exactly right."
…
For the New Year, in order to avoid it being too quiet, Ming Lan handed over the task of making winter clothes to Rong Jie'er and Xian Jie'er early on. She had the two girls running back and forth, sometimes checking the newly bought cotton fabric, sometimes seeking advice on the sewing thread. Ming Lan even got involved with the distribution, making things lively, but in the end, she ended up spending an extra thirty taels of silver.
Shao Shi came with her daughter and Rong Jie'er to apologize, saying apologetically, "These two silly girls, they were so caught up in their own excitement that they almost delayed the important work. Luckily, sister-in-law had already ordered some clothes from the tailor, or I don't know how you two would have dealt with it!"
The two girls blushed, wringing their hands, too shy to lift their heads.
Ming Lan leaned against the bed and smiled, "A few dozen taels of silver to teach the girls a lesson isn't too expensive."
Xian Jie'er happily raised her head, sincerely admitting her mistake, while Rong Jie'er also shyly followed suit, expressing her willingness to deduct the silver from her monthly allowance.
Ming Lan found it amusing and patted her chest, saying, "Now you understand, studying is one thing, but managing things is another. You've learned from this mistake, so there's no need to deduct your monthly allowance. Just go home and think about where you went wrong, and make sure not to repeat it next time."
She added, "This was your first time handling something, and I expected you to blame each other. But now you are both willing to share the responsibility, and the two sisters are getting along well—that's very good."
The two girls, receiving this praise, soon forgot their earlier regret and walked out laughing and holding hands, chirping happily like little birds. Shao Shi watched them, shaking her head and smiling.
By the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month, Ming Lan led the housewives and managers in offering sacrifices to the Kitchen God, then everyone shared a meal of soup noodles. They cleaned each courtyard and prepared the New Year's Eve feast. On New Year's Eve, everyone ate dumplings together. A few lucky maidservants even found silver ingots worth two or three taels of silver in their food, and they were all overjoyed. To avoid disturbing the pregnant women, the maidservants went to the yard to set off firecrackers from a distance. Rong Jie'er, who was braver, dared to set off firecrackers herself, while Xian Jie'er was tightly held by Shao Shi and could only light a couple of sparklers.
Ming Lan, holding Tuan Ge'er, leaned by the window with him, watching the colorful fireworks in the sky. The little chubby boy stretched out his chubby fingers and pointed at the sky, cooing and babbling, not quite sure what was amusing him.
On the first day of the New Year, early in the morning, Liao Yong's household and Hao Dachen, along with the full staff of servants and managers, came to Ming Lan to bow and wish her a Happy New Year. As usual, Ming Lan had several baskets of copper coins brought out to distribute as New Year's money, with each manager receiving an extra portion.
In the following days, they hosted relatives and friends who came to pay their New Year's greetings. Everyone was considerate; knowing that Gu Tingye was not around and that Ming Lan was pregnant and looking tired, the guests did not linger too long. After a brief chat, they would leave. However, it was a particularly happy time for Mrs. Che San, who had just received a letter from her husband saying that the military grain issues had been resolved and that he would soon be able to return and bring her back to Jianghuai.
The first month of the new year arrived, and the emperor also distributed New Year's money. Except for the imperial family and royal relatives, those like Ming Lan, whose husbands were on the frontlines fighting, such as the Duan, Geng, and Bo families, also received rewards. Ming Lan received a large sea bowl made of pure white jade and several pots of golden kumquats to warm the house.
In the middle of winter, seeing such bright, lively plants with a faint fruity fragrance made the two girls very happy. Little Tuan Ge'er, however, stared at the plump, bright fruits and couldn't resist his craving, fluttering around, wanting to pick one to eat. Ming Lan didn't coax him, but swiftly plucked one, peeled it, and tore a small piece of the pulp for him to eat.
…
Little Tuan Ge'er was so sour that he was stunned, his eyes brimming with tears, his small mouth pouting, and his face wrinkled up like a crab shell dumpling, fresh and juicy.
No one was interested in the kumquats anymore. The emperor's favor was overwhelming, Amen.
Apart from that, the emperor also granted other favors, one of which was the decree for the eldest son of the Yongchang Marquis to inherit the title.
Mrs. Liang finally felt relieved. Since the funeral had only just passed, she could only hold a small banquet to celebrate. Ming Lan followed the proper etiquette and sent congratulatory gifts, while Mo Lan also took the opportunity to show off when she returned to her family. Unfortunately, Liu Shi's attitude was cold, and Chang Feng's injury had not yet healed, so he was not fit to meet people.
However, Sheng Hong was very supportive. Since the family title had been secured, he continued to urge his daughter to quickly have children, or else she would have no status in her husband's family. Truly rubbing salt into the wound, Mo Lan felt frustrated and thought it would have been better not to come to show off.
The first month was full of joyful events. Not long ago, good news had arrived: the General of Xuan and Datong had annihilated a small group of Jielu bandits who had been roaming in Xuanfu and Datong. The remaining troops had retreated to the northwestern border, setting the stage for the upcoming great battle.
The Emperor was greatly pleased, and during the award ceremony for merits, the master of the Liang family was surprisingly among the top three. For a time, the Yongchang Marquis's residence was bustling with activity again, with people coming and going in great numbers.
Unfortunately, this good fortune only lasted for about ten days.
One day, Liu Shi came to see Ming Lan and, with just a few words, casually mentioned that the Yongchang Marquis's family was going to split up. The matter had been causing a stir for several days, involving Liang Han and Mo Lan. She asked Ming Lan whether she would like to go and take a look.
Ming Lan fell silent for a while before replying, "Ask Elder Sister when she's going, and I'll go with her."