The Legend of the Concubine's Daughter Minglan Chapter 7 Part 1

NOVEMBER 28, 2016

ALPENGLOWPALED

Minglan, servant you bring me a tangerine, it must be properly peeled. Young Lady Rulan sitting on the swing.

Minglan sat on the stone chair staring blankly at sky with no movements. Rulan called out a few more times and seeing that Minglan still has no reaction, she smoothly picked up a stone and threw it. Minglan's shoulders felt pain, turning her hand in pain and saw Young Lady Rulan smiling with her teeth shown You this foolish one, still do not hurry get tangerine for this young miss!

Minglan looked at the sky without saying anything, slowly walked to the table by the side and picked up a tangerine. She was just about to peel it, a hand from the side stopped her. That hand was tender and beautiful, ten pointy nails dyed with a light red balsam juice.

Rulan, you are bullying Sixth Younger Sister again! You come down now! First Young Miss Hualan angrily rushed over and drag Rulan from the swing with a hand A few days ago, what did Father say? Among the sisters, Sixth Younger Sister is the youngest, as older sisters we ought to considerate and care for her. You are actually good, bullying her the whole day! Be careful that I tell Father!

Who bullied her? I merely asked her to peel a tangerine! Young Lady Rulan stuck her little belly out and crossed her arms.

Have all the servants have been exterminated, asking the masters to peel tangerine?! Or is the maid by your side especially precious and actually cannot be ordered around?! Hualan's big pretty eyes glared. The three, four maids that originally have watching this mockery hung their heads, withdrawing to the side in terror. Seeing that Sixth Young Lady is about to peel the tangerine, each and every one of is already dead and do not know how to stop?! What capable maids, actually dare to make a mockery of the masters. One of these days, I will report to Master and Madame, allow you guys to return back home and watch your own mockery all the day long! First Young Miss Hualan sharply rebuked.

Rulan immediately did not comply, went forward to pull at her older sister's skirt and loudly said Big Sister, you are not allowed to bully my people, I will tell Mother! For the sake of a foolish person, born by a concubine and you make things difficult for your own real younger sister!

Go tell go tell! I wanted to tell earlier, what concubine's daughter, Sixth Younger Sister is our sister. Besides Father personally carried her over to Mother's place, she is definitely our real younger sister! If you speak of such shameful words like concubine-born again, be careful Father will beat with you the planks! Hualan forcefully used her index finger to poke at Rulan's forehead.

Rulan was fuming and unable to retort; Minglan lowered her head, act dumb and not speaking.

Although Hualan and Rulan are sisters from the same mother but their appearance are different. Hualan looks like Sheng Hong, beautiful and elegant, thriving heroic spirit between her brows. Rulan looks like Wang shi, round-faced, features upright, her looks inevitably somewhat common but in the future when she grows up, she might head towards the direction of looking dignified. The creator was obviously not fair towards these sisters from the same father and mother. Regardless of looks, talent or parents' love, the younger sister is totally inferior to the older sister. Minglan only hopes that Rulan's disequilibrate heart will not become even worst.

Actually it is not very hard to make a living at Wang shi's side, Older Sister Hualan and Older Brother Changbai already have their courtyards. Little Brother Changdong is still at the stage of drooling, Minglan only needs to deal with Young Lady Rulan. Rulan is actually not a bad person, she only likes to throw her temper and act impressive, itching for others to praise her daily. However she cannot afford to offend the one older sister and brother above her, the one older brother and sister at Concubine Lin's place she also not able to provoke till there. It is pointless for her to provoke the Younger Brother Changdong who cannot even stand steadily thus the unlucky Minglan is the only one remaining that allows her to order around.

Whenever this happens, First Young Miss Hualan would be like the Great Sage from heavens coming to uphold justice. She may not necessary like Minglan but she cannot watch Rulan's arrogant behaviour. Being the favoured eldest daughter, her authority at the Sheng household is only second to the three elders. Rebuking younger sisters, punishing servants, whatever the heart wishes, the hand accomplishes, it is clear and logical.

Minglan is very thankful towards this beautiful and dignified big sister. She is really the heaven's favoured one. Looks, family background, courage, she lacks nothing. She really hopes this big sister will always be this blessed and proud in the future.

Every morning now, Minglan will be carried by a mama and go together with Wang shi to pay respects to Old Madame Sheng. Before that, every concubine will pay their respects to Wang shi first, Concubine Lin has a regular pattern to paying respects. She will probably pay respects for three days and rest for two days. Reason is Tiger's Balm her body is not well. If the night before, Sheng Hong rested at her place, she will support her waist and says that her body is tired. If the night before Sheng Hong did not go, she will support her chest and says that her heart is tired. Every time Concubine Lin comes to pay respects, Wang shi needs to tune her mental condition for a very long time, so as to avoid herself raging and throwing herself to scratch off that lovely cheeks of Concubine Lin. It is an extreme challenge to Wang shi's cultivation.

In contrast little Minglan, merely five six years old, do not have a favoured mother, young and stupid. It is not essential for Wang shi to bully her however she also would not specially care for Minglan. Anyways eating and sleeping with Rulan however the attentive ones still can see the differences.

Every food displayed are all Rulan's favourites during meals, Minglan followed to eat, no rights to pick the dishes. Rulan's clothes are all new, Minglan wears the remaining although it is ninety percent new. Any new fruits or desserts, naturally it is urgently given to Rulan to eat first, the leftovers then are given to Minglan. As for the jewelries such as gold silver jade necklaces and chains, Minglan have not seen them from the start. However each time Wang shi goes out, she will still give her to wear something on her neck and head to fulfill the facade.

Minglan planned her occupation road, when it is time to act foolish, act foolish, when it is time to complain, complain. Young Lady Yingchun's1 bitter experience has already told us that it is not to suffer in silence that peace and security is obtained. A concubine-born daughter with no one to rely on, if you do not fight for yourself, who will still pay attention to you. This is called heavens will help if you help yourself.

The mama by Minglan's side is a lazy and careless old woman, when you want the east often she will give you the west. More assignments, the more noise. Often times she will pout her lips in displeasure. The young maids will also follow her example, all are also cannot be more lazy, they will have 'private talks' frequently in a voice that Minglan can hear. What 'the left once, the right once, never-ending, really tormenting people to death', 'acting what haughty, still thinking that she is some affluent families' daughter, merely just born by a concubine', 'calm down the sooner the better, who is patient enough to serve her' and such.

Minglan did not utter a single word and pretended not to hear a single word, ordering around as usual. Because Sheng Hong has not completely trusted Wang shi, so every now and then he will go check up on Minglan. During this time, Minglan will honestly and bluntly say I was thirsty last night, Mama did not give me water has the crab-apple flower you gave me the last time blossomed yet? I have not seen it the desserts Madame gave? Mama said that her little grandson loves it, so she took it away Mama said to wait till she is free then she will patch up this hole on my clothes.

Sheng Hong's expression immediately dropped, Wang shi also utterly embarrassed. Recently she has been busy with Hualan's age of coming ceremony, where does she have the effort to care for Minglan. Once she got angry, she punished every maid that embarrassed her. In the beginning the maids were not happy an as usual created difficulties for Minglan. Minglan also did not take it seriously and continued to complain. Just two times, the servants all became well-behaved, Minglan's days are also better.

Actually complaining is a skill, it is the same living in the modern-day workforce and in the olden times Sheng family. Complaining well will improve your own life while complaining badly produces the opposite effect. There is a trick to this. Firstly, the person you are complaining to must be correct, in the beginning Minglan knows that Wang shi did not take her to heart only raising and it is fine if she does not die. On the contrary, Sheng Hong still remembers the good of Concubine Wei and felt guilty that she died at such a young age so Minglan's complaint is to Sheng Hong. Secondly, the target of your complaint must be specific. Minglan only complained about the maids and did not mention Wang shi at all. Instead she often speaks of what Wang shi gives, it is the servants who are lazy and evade work, it is still fine if Wang shi listens at the side. Lastly, it is also the most important, must act foolish. From the time Minglan woke up, she is always acting foolishly and blankly. Her words not nimble and her reaction is also slow, completely like a dummy with no schemes, actually is safe.

1. From the Dream of Red Chambers, she is known to be weak-willed and very unwilling to meddle in the affairs of the family, after her marriage, she was abused by her husband

The Legend of the Concubine's Daughter Minglan Chapter 7 Part 2

NOVEMBER 30, 2016

ALPENGLOWPALED

Gradually they are entering into summer. The day is blistering hot and the summer heat burns one's skin. This day, Minglan is taking an afternoon nap in the inner house, the two day-shift young maids outside the hall idly gossiped.

First Young Miss' age of coming ceremony is certainly imposing, it is said that Madame invited some of the important madames and ladies in Deng Prefecture. Just the sedan chairs alone are arranged into two rows at the doorway. Because they are afraid that the guests will be hot, Madame still bought ten over carts of ice at a stretch to suppress the heat, valued water running towards ice bowl. Master also specially returned to the household to look at the ceremony. One about eleven years-old young maid said.

Madame specifically ordered a custom-made head ornaments from the precious jade building, mama said that is the capital's first jade bead. Do not know how much money they have spent, also the clothes on First Young Lady, mama said the embroidery on it is Liushang1 embroidery, it seems like every stripe will move as she walks. That was sent over by the Old Madame from the maiden family of Madame, First Young Lady's life is really good, Older Sister Xiaomei, you say our Young Lady in the future A round-faced seven eight years-old young girl said.

Ai! How can our lady compare, First Young Miss is from the legitimate line

Minglan lied in the room, listening to the conversation of the maids. These two young maids are given by Wang shi to be her personal maids, the older one is called Qiuyu, the younger is called Xiaotao. The former is originally a third class maid from Wang shi's place and the latter is from promoted from the Courtyard of Servants2, said to be able get along with Sixth Young Lady as they are of a similar age thinking till here, Minglan cannot help but smack her face.

The entire inner Sheng household has to be reorganised, Sheng Hong wished that he could change all the servants. Other than Madame and Concubine Lin's capable aides, the other second and third class servants are practically sold. After that picked some new ones from the Courtyard of Servants to replenish. Those that looked intelligent was all first given to the several older young masters and young miss. When it reached Minglan, only the foolish Xiaotao was left.

But also good, Minglan flipped her small small body on the bed.

Minglan did not watch Sheng Hualan's age of coming ceremony but could imagine that scene. She did not especially admire or envy, during the daze of her sleep she thought, Sheng Hualan this kind of background ought to be a time-traveller's reincarnation.

After the age of coming ceremony was over, Wang shi immediately with unlimited enthusiasm, threw herself into the job of finding the first son-in-law. From time to time, she wants to exchange her thoughts with Sheng Hong and the Old Madame, whenever it is this time, Hualan will just shyly returned back to the room. Minglan cannot help but sighed, the society sure enough has improved. Thinking back to those times when Mother Yao held up a picture of Yao Yiyi's matchmaking partner, Yao Yiyi indeed participated fully and possess the final veto power and authority. But this place, even if it is Sheng Hualan who was this pampered, she is also unable to be involved in her marriage. For the first time ever, Minglan experienced what is called the order of the parents, words of matchmaker.3

After going through a periods of discussion, Sheng Hong husband and wife have the last two candidates left. Duke Ling's fifth grandson and the second son from the household of Count Zhongqin. The conclusion of the couple's discussion is not out yet, the one who is appointed to magistrate Kaifeng, His Excellency Qiu Jing has come to propose a marriage for his son.

Hualan has just reached her marriageable age and we are originally not hurried to pick a son-in-law. But once this His Excellency Qiu has proposed, we cannot help but hurry. It is either we agree on this marriage of His Excellency Qiu if not we need a reason for not agreeing. Wang shi sat on an ebony bat flying through clouds table, in front of her was piled up with several red and gold card. The tassels on her gold dragon phoenix hairpin would not stop moving.

Brother Qiu is of my age and our two families also deeply rooted. Originally forming this marriage is also not impossible, but Sheng Hong held a little leaf box fan walking up and down the room.

But what, Master quickly say it Wang shi hurried.

Sheng Hong sat opposite Wang shi, picked up the blanc de chine teacup from the table and lightly drank a mouth That Second Master Qiu I have seen before, both his appearance and conduct matches Hualan. Originally I did not like Hualan to be married into the households of aristocrats. Although it is rich and honourable there, in the end the doors are tightly locked, Hualan is also proud and arrogant. If she really married into that kind of place may not be desirable. We are well-matched on social status with the Qiu family, not afraid that Hua'er will suffer but this time I went to the capital, I see that it is not appropriate.

Wang shi nodded her head continuously when she heard that difficulties if Hualan married into the duke and marquis household. When she listen to the last bit, she still lightly fanned Sheng Hong with the circular fan in her hands. Sheng Hong relaxed, moving closer and said in a low voice The current Empress has no sons, regarding the legitimate, it cannot happen already and the next step would the older one is the more precious. Only Imperial Consort De and Imperial Consort Shu4 gave birth to the two princes, Third Prince and Fourth Prince, the Emperor delayed in establishing the crown prince. Merely because the Third Prince's body is weak and still no news of an heir. And the Fourth Prince who has an heir simply is late in coming to the world. The Emperor's body is still not bad and healthy now, in the future if there is a collapse of the Emperor, afraid that something will happen to the officials by the side of the princes.

Wang shi do not understand a single matter regarding the imperial courts, she said at a loss What has this matter got to do with Big Girl's marriage? His Excellency Qiu is an outside official.

But Qiu Jing's older brother is the classical teacher of the Third Prince! Sheng Hong was enraged, he actually wishes very much to confide completely with his wife but his wife's thoughts is always not on the same step as his. On the contrary, Concubine Lin's is always the same as his yet unfortunately is a concubine.

Wang shi thought and thought and cannot help but turn pale in fright Master, this is absolutely inappropriate. No matter if the Emperor wants to establish the Third Prince, so long as he cannot bear a son, in the future this title also has to give away! I heard that the Fourth Prince is not a vegetarian.

Seeing that his wife finally reached, Sheng Hong nodded and sighed I also often advise Brother Qiu Jing, it is alright to be like us outside officials, secretly make friends with the inner officials but must not by any means be implicated into big matters like establishing the heir. There are so many dukes, marquises, counts in the capital, everyone elite and several few mixed into it! At that time the former Emperor succeeded is also considered smooth, but also forced out a few good insightful aristocrats, removed do not know how many second ranked high officials, what more us. I advised a few times, Brother Qiu always do not listen and instead became closer to the Third Prince with his older brother. I also know that the Third Prince's conduct is one that is kindhearted, highest virtue of filial piety, but, but

But he has no sons! Wang shi immediately supplemented for Sheng Hong, No sons, No matter how virtuous the Third Prince is, it is also useless. His Excellency Qiu is also too muddle-headed, how is the strive to be the heir something playful, I see that the Fourth Prince is certain to have the leading position.

That might not be confirmed. Sheng Hong counteracted with a sudden thrust Brother Qiu as well as all the other officials by the Third Prince also are not completely muddle-headed, they know if not for the issue of an heir, the Third Prince would have been established as heir, thus they thought of an idea.

Wang shi said What idea?

Sheng Hong spoke in an increasingly low voice This is also not some secret, they urged several ministers outside enthusiastically promote to imitate the story of Song Yingzong.5

Wang shi twisted the handkerchief and indignantly said Master just do not throw literature at me. I do not recognise a basket of big words, how would I know what Song Yingzong story.

Sheng Hong restrained himself from clicking his tongue, grudgingly explained That is to say if after the Third Prince has been established yet still does not have any sons, allow him to continue the line from one of brother's son. The Emperor's sons did not just stop at these two princes. The several young princes all have sons, in any case they are considered Emperor's grandson.

Wang shi smiled and clapped her hands That is a good idea, not mentioning about those several young princes' mother clans are low, the Emperor will not need to careful. There is no competition for Emperor, having their sons to inherit is the most satisfactory; but can this work? The Fourth Prince will agree?

Who will say? With current whole matter of enthusiastic promoting adoption, several have already become the Fourth Prince's thorn in the side and flesh. Better to be safe than sorry. If in the future it is the Fourth Prince who is established, then the Qiu family Sheng Hong did not finish his sentence but Wang shi completely understood.

This precisely is a gamble, if the Qiu family wins, they would be riding on success. If they lost, the Qiu family will receive a crushing defeat, but why is it necessary to gamble? Qiu family currently both have riches and honour. Sheng Hong sighed.

Master, this proposal from the Qiu family, let us not agree. His Qiu family is willing to gamble we certainly cannot use Hualan to gamble. If it is not handled properly, our entire family being implicated is also possible. Wang shi's train of thoughts suddenly became clear. She took out a purple-red dry handkerchief embroidered sunflowers from her waist and gently pat her forehead, suddenly raised her head and turned and asked Usually at work, Master's conduct is kind and honest, often getting along with others, there is not one that can be tied in marriage?

Sheng Hong said It is not that there is none. When we were still at Quan Prefecture, I carefully surveyed that the group of friends of the same year, all are not suitable.

All are not suitable? Wang shi suspiciously asked.

How did you say you want to pick son-in-law that day? Sheng Hong looked at her, imitating Wang shi's tone and slowly said Family status must be good, family properties many, simple people, parents-in-law and sisters-in-law must be good to care for. The most important thing is the younger generation must have the capability, either study and achieve scholarly honour, or handle properties or hold a noble position in the military. Usually the good friends I make are all scholars, the ones from my branch and age, not many are high officials. Good reputation and high position yet family properties little. However those with many properties have already been settled by their elders. Dali government office's Brother Liu is actually suitable but his family's legitimate son is still young, in the future can be discussed for Rulan instead. Ai

1. A super smooth and curvy embroidery like a long river that curves a lot

2. I am thinking this is where the servants who are not assigned to a master is just doing random tasks is kept or it is a place to buy servants

3. , (Fu Mu Zi Ming, Mei Shuo Zi Yan): The children's marriage are based on the parents decision and matchmaker's advice

4. They are titles given to the concubines of the emperor and considered to be just below the empress. Both titles carry the meaning of virtue.

5. Emperor Yingzong of Song, he was established as crown prince as a result of his predecessor not being able to have sons so the ministers advised the former emperor to bring in his relatives for adoption.

The Legend of the Concubine's Daughter Minglan Chapter 7 Part 3

DECEMBER 2, 2016

ALPENGLOWPALED

Wang shi's expression has became somewhat awkward, embarrassedly smiled Master need not worry, is there still not other families. I see that Duke Ling is very good, although they have descended from their inherited ranks from their duke great grandfather's time is merely just three generations. On the contrary, Count Zhongqin has inherited the same title, their family circumstances are not so good, already been rejected by the Emperor, still better to not consider. The household of Duke Ling is good, outstanding and triumphant, family background a racket and impressive also exuberant.

That is yet to be seen. Sheng Hong composedly opened the fan, slowly waving it I followed Old Master and Old Madame to live in the capital when I was young, studied at Duke Ling's household together with Old Brother Wei, that family I do not look up very much. On the surface it looks like bright and neat but the insides are utterly filthy. That family's private school is also very disgusting, Older Brother Wei and I studied for half a year and came out. This time, I went to the capital to handle work, listened to more unbearable news of the household of Duke Ling. Numerous people in the house, all the masters and servants are well-off and respected. The several young masters are still merely around the age of Changbai, their houses unexpectedly have twenty over maids to serve them. Indulging in such luxury, the older and younger all without exception are extravagant. Output more, input less; the purse would have already been emptied. I merely just told Uncle Geng about that come of age for Hua'er is near, then they found me and within the discussion, they revealed the intentions of marriage.

Wang shi got a shock You are saying, they are eyeing on Big Girl's dowry?

That is hard to say, besides their family coveting the daughter-in-law's dowry, is also not the first or second time. Sheng Hong contemplated.

Wang shi hesitantly said But at the end of the day, that is a duke household, that kind of well-off family, if not for the current difficulties, it also would not be the turn of our Hua'er.

Sheng Hong coldly laughed If it was only the lack of money, I would also not be this way. Just that that family's descendants are worthless1, so big a family and unexpectedly there is not half a person that is a scholar or a general or a strategist. The old duke couple themselves are okay but those several sons Humph! The first branch corrupt, father and son have always been ridiculed for gathering females. The second branch, Oh, it is the second son from this branch in the proposal. That second branch, he is already of a certain age yet still would not stop getting concubines, lewd with the house's maids all over. I heard news when I was in the capital, he even slept with his daughter-in-law's personal maids. Really disgraceful and not cultured, extreme scum of society!

Wang shi listened till her soul flew and was scattered I say that they are the magnificent duke household, why would they hurry to propose a marriage with us, a six ranked provincial government house? Afraid that those honourable families in the capital are not willing to marry their daughter over?

This time Madame got it right. Sheng Hong received the fan, shaking his head.

That also cannot be the household of Count Zhongqin, his Yuan family's courtyards are very desolate now. Wang shi furiously said.

This might not be the case. Sheng Hong finally became interested, feverently said This time I specially went to visit the household of Count Zhongqin, seen several of the Old Count's young masters. The eldest legitimate son has already been betrothed to the daughter of Imperial Academy Senior Official His Excellency Mei. I see that the second son is good, steady and knows etiquette, impressive. At a young age, take command of several assignments in the military. I still specially asked Commander Dou to find out his character and talents, you also know that Dou Laoxi, usually domineering. However he too praised that Yuan Wenshao to no end, still sighed saying that that young master has been implicated by his family background. All the official and aristocratic families in general dare not tie the knots with them, those families a little worst than them, they do not consider. A good young man has been delayed to almost twenty and still not married. Most probably it is because I revealed my intentions in front of Dou Laoxi, the second day, the Yuan family entrusted someone to discuss.

Wang shi still pulled a long face You too have said, the official and aristocratic families in general dare not tie the knots with them. They currently want power but have no power, want money but no money, why on earth are we rushing for!

You do not say! If not for the current difficulties, it is also would not be the turn of our Hua'er. Sheng Hong used Wang shi's words to bicker back Their family is also unlucky. When the former Emperor was still reigning, unconsciously involved in the scheme to rebel and still forcibly removed of their nobility along with several aristocratic families. Dejected for several years, under the amnesty of the current reigning Emperor, reinvestigated the old records and realised that several dukes, marquises and counts including Count Zhongqin have been really wrongly accused. Considered to be implicated, finally reinstated four five families, his family is included. However still been reprimanded for not being careful in handling matters, behaviour inappropriate, stripped of no less than ten years of the salary2 and became desolate.

Since what Master is clear and logical, why still want to tie the knots with them? Wang shi pouted.

What do you know? Those grand young masters descended from aristocratic families, most of them are idle and incompetent. Because there is shade from the forefathers, not considering to study, do not want to practice martial arts, do not wish to go forward, two three generations later they have become ruined. However this Yuan family have met with disasters, his family's descendants generally are more capable and sensible. The difficulty of building yourselves after going through tribulations, I see that Yuan Wenshao is very good.

Wang shi is still not happy, turned her head and did not speak. Sheng Hong walked over and held on to Wang shi's shoulders, quietly said Hua'er is our first-born daughter, how will I wrong her. Remember in those days, I was still a small small substitute manager and was still assigned to that cold and bitter place. When Hua'er was born, we actually cannot even find a suitable nanny. On one hand I was studying for the examinations as well as managing, you also have govern the house and serve both myself and Old Madame. Hua'er at that time was obedient to the point where people loved her dearly, never crying or throwing tantrums, when she was a little older, still able to help you care for things. Saying these words worthy of punishment, among these many sons and daughters, it is the Girl Hua that I love the most.

Wang shi recalled that period of challenging days, her eyes immediately turned red. Sheng Hong voice also slightly trembled That time I have already thought, no matter who I wrong also cannot wrong Hua'er. I will not use Hua'er to curry favour with the rich in hopes of advancement, only hope that she can marry a capable man. Husband and wife peaceful, in perfect harmony, bear and raise children in the future, a smooth-sailing life throughout.

His words earnest, a heart of a compassionate father. Wang shi cannot bear it any longer and her tears hurriedly fell, Sheng Hong said again No matter how bad the Yuan family is, it has it's nobility to protect. If the official career is not smooth, at least there is count household to depend on. If Yuan Wenshao is determined, in the future there will be riches and honour waiting for Hua'er.

Wang shi has already been persuaded. On one side, wiping her tears with the handkerchief, the other side angrily said Pah! A dejected goods have been said to be like a flower, the things Master have seen are clearer than my understanding. In addition, let me find out the character of that Yuan Wenshao. Already twenty years old, also do not know how many people are in his house, if there is any that is naughty and domineering ones, I will not comply, my Hua'er marrying over is not to suffer there.

Okay okay okay, all in accordance to wife Sheng Hong affectionately hugged If that rascal is lascivious, I will be the first to disagree. We must definitely carefully consider, finding a very good husband for Hualan.

1. (Bu Xiao): Carries the idea that the descendants are unlike the parents

2. Officials' salary are usually in the form of money as well as grains