The 9th session: the willing, the unwilling, the willing...

The saying goes that having multiple skills is never a burden. Unexpectedly, the skill of taking deep naps from my past life has come in handy in this life as well. When her name was called, Minglan calmly stepped forward and replied, "I am willing"

She sincerely admires those formidable actresses in their forties who still insist on playing the role of eighteen-year-old girls, for their spirit and resilience must be extraordinary.

Madam Sheng seemed taken aback, pausing for a moment before looking at everyone. The expressions of the Sheng Hong couple and several young ladies were the same, clearly indicating that the image of the Sixth Young Lady as foolish had already taken root in people's minds. Liu Dehua had successfully transitioned from an idol to a powerhouse and even released several announcements; why didn't the Sixth Young Lady at least film a teaser in advance

"No one is cheaper than that vixen!" Wang said disdainfully.

As they were joking, the door curtain lifted, and a maid entered holding a tray, followed by a small figure. Wang looked over and was taken aback to see Mo Lan, her smile instantly faltering by half.

Only then did Mo Lan approach with a charming smile, taking a shallow white lotus-patterned porcelain bowl from the maid's tray. She said with a smile, "Grandmother, this is freshly stewed glutinous rice and golden silk jujube soup, warm, sweet, and soft, and it won't cause indigestion. It is best for you to soothe your lungs before sleep." As she spoke, she brought it to the side of the elderly lady, and Mama Fang took it over.

Old Lady Sheng smiled and waved her hand, her eyes turning to the window frame: "I truly feel better these past couple of days. Today, I even opened the window for a while and looked at the white snow outside"

Old Lady Sheng, seeing that she could not decline, sighed and glanced around the room full of people, seemingly a bit helpless: "Which child do you think would be good to come to me?"

"What rest? She must go today," Wang said coldly

Old Lady Sheng glanced at the couple, whose expressions varied, stretched her body, and sat up a bit straighter on the kang: "Let’s ask the child first." Saying this, she turned to Mo Lan and asked, "Mo Jie'er, I ask you, do you wish to live here with me?"

It is as if someone asked her whether she wanted pork hind leg or pork foreleg. She calmly replied that she wanted pig head meat

Seeing her behave this way, Wang felt a tingling in her teeth, while Sheng Hong felt a warmth in his eyes. Hualan disdainfully turned her head, and Rulan and Minglan appeared to be drowsy.

Hua Lan thought for a moment and called out loudly, "Cai Pei, come in"

Old Lady Sheng nodded slightly, then turned to look at Ru Lan: "Ru girl, you tell me, do you wish to live here with your grandmother"

A group of people left the main house, flanked by maids and servants. Among them, two women carried Ru Lan and Ming Lan on their backs, walking to the Shou An Hall. Upon arrival, they saw Fang Mama waiting at the door. Sheng Hong and Wang Shi immediately approached to exchange a few pleasantries, and were then ushered into the room.

Mother Fang was serving the jujubes one spoonful at a time, while smiling and saying, "I am not boasting, but Fourth Girl is truly considerate and filial. Whenever the old lady coughs, she rubs her back; whenever the old lady frowns, she hands her a tea bowl. I have been serving the old lady for nearly half my life, yet I have never been this attentive and meticulous."

The young girl, like a delicate orchid, was dozing off when suddenly her name was called. Startled, she stood up in a flurry, looking around with a bewildered expression. Mrs. Wang broke into a cold sweat, regretting that she had not properly instructed her daughter on what to say before leaving the house. She never expected the old lady would ask a question in public, and now she could only watch her daughter improvise.

Sheng Hong disregarded the Wang family, tilted his body slightly forward, and said directly, "I previously mentioned to the old lady that since you are of advanced age and have few descendants, it would be better to raise a child by your side. I wonder what the old lady thinks about this?"

"Mother said this, and my son felt even less at ease," Sheng Hong continued, "This time, Mother fell ill, and several renowned doctors in Dengzhou all said that your illness is largely due to emotional distress. You have lived alone for many years, and there is not even a person to talk to on a daily basis. Your liver and spleen are congested, and your worries remain unresolved. Such excessive loneliness is detrimental to the elderly; you cannot always keep the courtyard gate closed. Therefore, the old gentleman from Baohatang suggested that you raise a well-behaved child to enjoy your company. This would not only help alleviate your loneliness but also not overly tire you. Moreover, you are well-read, and receiving your guidance would be a blessing for the child."

Wang smiled and continued, "Indeed, with so many girls in the family, there must be one that suits your fancy. Hua's current understanding is largely thanks to being by the old lady's side. If she is mischievous today and ignorant tomorrow, it would truly be their fortune if the old lady could offer some guidance.

Old Lady Sheng smiled and waved her hand, then turned to look at the last one: "Tomorrow, you come out, yes, stand up, don't be afraid, Grandmother will ask you, do you wish to live here, to live with Grandmother?"

Sheng Hong said with great joy, "This is naturally up to the old lady to choose. It would be good to find someone who is well-behaved and suitable, someone to your liking, so that your days can be more enjoyable."

Mo Lanhong, with a gentle voice, replied: "Of course, I am willing in every way. Not to mention that the old lady is our ancestor, and as a granddaughter, I should fulfill my filial duty. Furthermore, the old lady is knowledgeable and kind-hearted, and has shown great kindness to me, so I am eager to receive her teachings. Now, aside from my elder sister, I am the eldest among the sisters, and it would be unthinkable for me not to contribute, leaving my younger sisters to bear the burden."

Wang looked at his daughter for a moment and gently sighed: "I certainly know that Minglan is not capable, but how can I bear to part with Ruan? Her temperament has long been spoiled by my indulgence, and I have not properly educated her. How can she go to the old lady's side and suffer?"

Wang pondered several times in her heart, steeling herself. When she went out, she brought both Ru Lan and Ming Lan along. Sheng Hong was waiting in the outer room and was somewhat astonished to see several people coming out. Wang smiled and said, "Today, the doctor said that the old lady is much better. Taking this opportunity, I brought the little ones along to show our filial piety in front of the old lady. As for Dong Ge, he is too young, so we will leave him behind."

Hua Lan secretly bit her lip and leaned close to Wang's ear, softly saying, "Do you really want to see that woman succeed"

This response is truly perfect, embodying both artistry and practicality. The room is enveloped in silence, and Mrs. Sheng feels a sense of warmth. Sheng Hong is once again gratified, while Wang sighs in relief. Hua Lan secretly hopes for more, and Mo Lan suddenly realizes that there are hidden talents among the sisters. Ru Lan has begun to doze off again, while Ming Lan is left feeling sour about her own situation.

"I have no objections; it is just that I have troubled you both with all the busyness. These past few days, I haven't had a good night's sleep, and I can see that you both have lost some weight. This is my fault," said Old Lady Sheng淡淡.

Old Lady Sheng looked at Ru Lan with a puzzled expression and asked again with a smile, while Ru Lan turned her head to look at Wang and stammered, "...Why do we have to move over? ...Will the lady also move over? Can I move everything from my room?"

Wang's expression shifted slightly, as if in hesitation. Hua Lan then added, "Shou An Tang is right in the residence. If the lady wishes to see Ru Lan, she can go anytime. If there are concerns, just appoint some trustworthy and capable maids. Surely Ru Lan will not suffer any hardship"

A young girl dressed in a deep blue cloud-patterned silk robe entered, bowing respectfully and asking, "What are your instructions, Miss?"

Old Lady Sheng took a bite of the stewed candied dates and smiled, saying: "Look at this child, I told her she didn't need to come, but she insisted on coming. The weather is quite cold, and I fear she might catch a cold. How pitiful is her filial heart?"

"Go, tell Mother Liu to tidy up for Miss Rulan as well. We will go together to visit the old lady later," said Hualan, and Wang's expression tightened. Caiping responded and went out.

It is often said that illness comes suddenly like a mountain collapsing, but departs slowly like pulling silk. The old lady has always been in good health, but this time she has been worn out from moving. It would be wise to take this opportunity to rest well and consume more nourishing tonics to strengthen her body

Indeed, Wang let out a cold snort: "Your father is quite calculating, thinking I am unaware of his intentions! Just a few days after suppressing that vixen, he is already considering how to elevate her! I initially refrained from speaking, believing that the old lady, having never favored her over the years, would not want her daughter. Who would have thought... hum! Truly, dragons give birth to dragons, and phoenixes to phoenixes! Your dear Fourth Sister has been serving by the old lady's side day in and day out, pouring tea and water, humbling herself, and doing her utmost to please, making people happy. Now, the Shou'an Hall is praising her to the skies, saying she is benevolent, filial, and wise, the most dutiful granddaughter in front of the old lady. I suspect that tonight your father will again urge the old lady to make a decision."

Old Lady Sheng shook her head and said, "I am used to being alone in peace; I do not want to bore the child, so it is unnecessary."

Sheng Hong nodded slightly

Hua Lan smiled and said, "The old lady's courtyard is rather plain; if some red plums were planted, wouldn't it be beautiful with the white snow reflecting the red plums? When I was young, the old lady taught me to paint red plums, and now all the decorations in my room are arranged just as she taught me back then"

Minglan is very reluctant to put on an innocent facade, as it feels too false; however, the greatest virtue of humanity is to compromise with reality. Even if she were an alien from Mars, she must conform to local customs at this moment

The counterfeit Minglan classmate, who had also been dozing off just moments ago, is now fully awake. Unlike Rulan's disheveled state, she possesses extensive experience in napping. Those studying law are well aware that politics and law are intertwined; along the long frontlines of political classes, traces of her battles are evident in the marks of her drool. By the second semester, having honed her skills, she has reached a level where she can be called upon at any moment during her slumber and still respond to questions clearly.

Hua Lan's expression darkened: "So, Mother intends to push Ming Lan out, allowing the old lady to raise her?"

Mo Lan replied charmingly, smiling with warmth. The picture and the book were quite appealing. Wang also smiled and said, "That is true. After all, Aunt Lin has been by the old lady's side for many years. Mo Er has been influenced by her, and she knows the old lady's preferences and habits to some extent, so she can naturally serve the old lady well"

Sheng Hong and the Wang family entered and immediately paid their respects to Old Lady Sheng. Following them were several younger ones. After receiving their greetings, Old Lady Sheng instructed the maid to bring in two straight-backed chairs with thick cotton cushions, along with several warm cotton stools. Everyone took their seats in order. Sheng Hong smiled and said, "Today, it seems that the old lady is in great health and full of spirit, so I brought a few younger ones to visit you, fearing that we might disturb your rest"

"Cai Huan, hurry and urge the young lady, don’t dawdle, the master is already waiting." Mrs. Wang stood in front of a full-length brass-framed dressing mirror, turning around as two young maidservants tidied her up. She was wearing a deep red silk jacket with gold and silver embroidery, and her hair was adorned with a honey-colored wax flower pinned at an angle.

Although Sheng Hong had already decided on a candidate, he could not tolerate someone like Ru Lan and scolded, "The ancestor summoned you here to promote you, how can you behave so improperly!"

Did Mother know what I was going to do? Hualan was quiet.

In the center of the room stands a brass warm stove shaped like a Vajra Bodhisattva, from which clouds of mist emanate, and the ground dragon burns warmly. By the window, there is a kang (a traditional heated bed), covered with a thick stone blue velvet blanket. Old Madam Sheng is reclining on the kang, with a double-flower auspicious pillow behind her. Beside her lies a large yellow ginger-colored blanket adorned with rich floral patterns. On the kang, there is also a small black lacquered table inlaid with mother-of-pearl, on which are placed cups, bowls, plates, spoons, and some snacks and medicinal soup.

"Mother, do not urge me, I have arrived." With laughter, Hualan lifted the curtain, her hair adorned with a magpie hairpin inlaid with a ruby of the same color as her mother's. She wore a gray squirrel coat of rose gold and deep pink silk, reflecting the youthful glow of her face. "Mother, just now I saw Ming girl’s mother hurriedly heading into the room. Are you planning to bring Ming girl along as well? If so, I would advise against it; her health is not good, and she has already rested after dinner. At this hour, she is likely already dozing off.

Wang stood up hurriedly and said, "Mother, your words truly overwhelm the daughter-in-law. Serving the elderly and attending to their medicine is the duty of a daughter-in-law; how can it be said otherwise? In the end, the daughter-in-law feels anxious." Sheng Hong, seeing Wang's respectful demeanor, felt greatly reassured.

The old lady fell silent for a moment, cleared her throat, and said, "Why do you wish to come here?"

Wang Shi was busy and asked, "What should we let Ru Lan do?"

Ru Lan was scolded by her father, and in that moment, tears welled up in her eyes, her little face flushed red, on the verge of crying; Wang felt heartbroken but did not dare to comfort her in front of him. Hua Lan gently approached, led her sister back, and took out a handkerchief to wipe her face.

Thus, Minglan suppressed the self-deprecating cries within her heart and stammered in a soft and tender voice: "Father said that the old lady is ill because no one is keeping her company. If someone is with her, she will not fall ill. Being sick is very uncomfortable, and one has to take bitter medicine. Please do not fall ill, old lady"

Wang was somewhat nervous; the old lady and this silly girl had hardly exchanged a few words. How could Minglan explain this? She certainly could not say that the two of them, grandmother and granddaughter, shared a deep, unspoken bond that made their feelings stronger than gold.

"Why be so delicate? It's just a little chill; I've taken more medicine in these days than in the past several decades!" Old Lady Sheng, wearing a dark headband adorned with gold and silver double happiness patterns, had a somewhat pale complexion and spoke in a weak voice, yet her mood seemed quite good

Wang said with a smile, "Mo Jie'er has truly made great progress, coming up with so many excuses in just a short while"

Old Lady Sheng's eyes glimmered with a few warm hues: "As one ages, one becomes too lazy to move; you young ladies are precisely at the time to dress up and take care of yourselves, how can you compare with an old woman like me"

Upon these words, several individuals were taken aback, and the atmosphere in the room grew somewhat chilly. Mo Lan lowered her head in silence, her eyes slightly reddening.

Sheng Hong expressed with satisfaction, "To serve in front of the old lady is a blessing for Mo'er; after all, she is her own granddaughter. What does it matter if it is tiring? Mo'er, you must take good care of the old lady"

Hua Lan looked at Wang Shi, lowered her head in contemplation, gently dismissed the two young maidservants, and then stepped forward to Wang Shi's side, tentatively asking, "Mother, could it be that you are concerned about the old lady wanting to raise a girl?"

Wang clenched her teeth, and Hualan, seeing her mother moved, said: "Even if Mother pushes Minglan to the forefront, with just one word from Father, she would be sent back. 'Let the old lady raise a girl just to alleviate her loneliness; sending a sickly child over would only tire her out,' what would the lady say then? Only Rulan can go. First, by sending her own daughter to be raised by the old lady, Mother can gain favor in front of Father and earn a reputation for being virtuous and filial. Second, Rulan's proud nature can be tempered in front of the old lady. Third, if the old lady raises Mulan, perhaps in a few years she will become close to Concubine Lin again; if Rulan is raised, how could she not be close to Mother? This would achieve three benefits in one go.