Minglan felt uncomfortable but knew she couldn't blame Tangerine; TV dramas always portrayed such scenes. She tried to pacify the situation, hoping that education would gradually change their minds.
On this morning, Brother Changbo inspected Mucangzhai, and Minglan had finally finished making his cotton shoes for him. He came in to collect payment as well. As soon as he entered, he saw a coldly beautiful girl sweeping the floor. Changbo was surprised by her appearance and looked at her more closely, only to have her lift her head with a disdainful sneer. He frowned and said to Minglan: "Why are these servants so unruly? Can't you control them?"
Mei'er, humiliated and ashamed, put down the broom and went inside. This made Minglan feel awkward.
Walking a few steps into the courtyard, they saw a fragile girl leaning on a pillar, softly reciting poetry. Changbo recognized the words: "A youth in black robes, my heart is filled with sorrow," and frowned at Danju, saying: "It's understandable if maids know some things, but why teach this to them? Women should be uneducated and virtuous."
Cao Er looked pale as she staggered back into her room. Minglan felt depressed, forcing a laugh.
Entering the room, just before they could talk, Yingxian quickly took over Danju's duties, bringing tea and snacks with a constant smile on her face. Tangerine tugged at her but couldn't stop her. Changbo frowned and placed his cup firmly on the table: "Sixth Sister should properly control these maids."
He left without another word. Minglan almost fainted.
After lunch, Brother Changfeng, who had been reading in seclusion, wandered into Mucangzhai to take a stroll. Seeing Mei'er, he immediately stood up and asked anxiously, "Mei'er, how are you?" Mei'er retorted angrily: "I might as well be dead! No need for concern." Changfeng trembled: "... You must have suffered."
At that moment, Cao Er approached, her delicate figure almost melting with emotion. "Brother, you've lost weight!" Cao Er couldn't hold back and wept: "Brother… I won’t see you again in this life…"
Changfeng embraced her as she sobbed uncontrollably. The entire Mucangzhai was in tears.
Cuirui and Danju were shocked, even Pomegranate and Yingxian had no idea what to do. They turned to Minglan for guidance but found her speechless with deep sorrow.
Thinking the worst was over, they didn’t expect a grand finale.
Ji Zhi, the official, submitted a petition before the emperor, who approved Ji’s family's return to Beijing during the New Year. Zhuang Sheng announced a short break and sent a gift of a gilded jade bi-fish chime with an elegant hammer as a moving gift. Everyone was surprised by this lavish gift.
One day, Mulan and Rulan came over, with Rulan already sitting on the couch sipping tea. But Mulan insisted that she wanted to see Minglan's new home. She dragged Rulan into Minglan’s bedroom, where Shang Si immediately sensed something wrong. Hearing Mulan say excitedly: "This must be Yuanruo's gift!"La fragancia de la flor yulan quedó petrificada, fijando su mirada en aquel cuenco durante unos momentos. Luego, volvió a mirar a Ming Lan, y el brillo de sus ojos hizo que Ming Lan se sintiera sudoroso por la espalda. Murmurando entre risas, Melinda observó: "Mi querida hermana menor es verdaderamente afortunada; Yuan Ruo te recuerda con tanta emoción que cuando yo me mudé a la Cámara de Vivero, él no me trajo nada para celebrarlo. ¿No será que te tiene tan especial?"
Ming Lan abrió su gran ojo y dijo confundida: "… ¿Cómo? ¿Cuál es el motivo?"
Melinda prosiguió riendo mientras observaba a Ming Lan con una mirada llena de diversión, y la rabia en la barriga de Yulan se elevó. Al ver a Ming Lan, pensó que era mejor arriesgar lo poco que tenía, por lo que gritó: "¡Es tan simple! Yuan Ruo se sienta a comer con Yu Lvxiao en el Establecimiento de Longevity frecuentemente; ella es como su hermana pequeña. Mi madre dice que somos parientes del Clan Qí, todos somos familia!"
Su voz fue cada vez más alta, hasta convencerse a sí misma. Mientras explicaba, observaba la actitud infantil de Ming Lan y se sintió satisfecha con su explicación. Ming Lan aplaudió mientras reía: "¡Mi querida hermana mayor es tan inteligente! Me lo hiciste entender."
¡Oh cielos, Yulan nunca había recibido elogios por ser inteligente en toda su vida!
Melinda continuó provocándola, pero Ming Lan sacudió la cabeza, confundida: "… No me sorprende que Mis hermanas mayores dieran dulces a Yuan Ruo cada día; es una hermana mayor y un par de hermanos." El mirada de Yulan se volvió amenazante. Melinda se puso colorada y exclamó: "¡Eres tú quien habla como si lo supieras todo! Los dulces los envié a mis hermanos mayores!"