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

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 girl, I ask you, do you wish to live here with me?"

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

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.

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 is filled with trepidation." Sheng Hong, seeing Wang's respectful demeanor, felt greatly reassured.

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

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

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.

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 chill. How pitiful is her filial piety."

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."

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."

Wang's expression shifted slightly, as if in hesitation. Hua Lan 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"

Mo Lan blushed and replied in a soft voice, "Of course, I am willing in every way. Not to mention that the old lady is our ancestor, and as her granddaughter, I should fulfill my filial duties. Furthermore, the old lady is knowledgeable and kind-hearted, having bestowed great blessings upon me. I am eager to receive her teachings. Now, aside from my elder sister, I am the eldest among my sisters, and it would be unthinkable for me not to contribute, leaving my younger sisters to bear the burden."

It is often said that illness comes like a mountain collapsing and departs 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

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

Madam Sheng seemed taken aback, pausing for a moment before looking at everyone. The expressions of the Sheng couple and several young ladies were identical, clearly indicating that the image of the Sixth Miss as a simpleton had already taken root in people's minds. Liu Dehua had transitioned from an idol to a powerhouse and had even released several announcements; why hadn't the Sixth Miss filmed a preview in advance?

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 Hualan can go. First, by sending her own daughter to be raised by the old lady, the lady can gain favor in front of Father and earn a reputation for being virtuous and filial. Second, Hualan'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 she raises Hualan, how could she not be close to the lady? This would achieve three goals at once.

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

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

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

Wang was somewhat nervous; the old lady and this silly girl had hardly exchanged a few words. How could Minglan explain? 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.

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

"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."

"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 after dinner, she has already gone to rest. At this hour, she is likely already dozing off.

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

"I have no objections; it is just that I have troubled both of you, making you busy day and night. You haven't had a good night's sleep these past few days, and I can see that you both have lost some weight. This is my fault," said Old Lady Sheng淡淡.

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"

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

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?"

Old Lady Sheng looked at Ru Lan with a puzzled expression and asked again with a smile, "...Why do we have to move over? ...Will the lady also move over? Can I bring all my things over to my room?"

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"

This response is truly perfect, embodying both artistry and practicality. The room is filled with 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.

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?"

Mo Lan replied charmingly, her smile warm and endearing. Wang said with a smile, "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"

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

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 offering water, humbly accompanying her and making her happy. Now, everyone in 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."

Sheng Hong nodded slightly

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?"

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

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.

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"

Wang smiled and replied, "Indeed, with so many girls at home, there must be one that suits your fancy. Hua has gained her current insights 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.

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

"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 made of gold thread.

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

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 be so disrespectful!"

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

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 won't be sick. Being ill is very uncomfortable, and one has to take bitter medicine. Please don't be ill, old lady."

Sheng Hong said with great delight, "This will naturally be chosen by the old lady herself. It would be good to find someone who is well-behaved and suitable, one that meets your preferences, so that your days may be more enjoyable."

In the center of the room stood a brass warm stove shaped like a Vajra Buddha, from which clouds of mist emanated, and the ground dragon was burning warmly. By the window was a kang, covered with a thick stone blue velvet blanket. Old Lady Sheng was reclining on the kang, with a double-flower auspicious pillow behind her. Beside her lay a large yellow ginger-colored blanket adorned with rich floral patterns. On the kang was also a small black lacquered table inlaid with mother-of-pearl, on which were placed cups, bowls, plates, spoons, and some snacks and medicinal soup.

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"

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."

In the eyes of the elderly Mrs. Sheng, there was a hint of warmth: "As one grows old, one becomes reluctant to move; you young ladies are at the prime time to adorn and take care of yourselves, how can you compare with an old woman like me"

Wang said with a smile, "Mo Jie'er has truly made great progress; in just a short while, she has come up with so many reasons."

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 sternly questioned, "What is the purpose of sending Ru Lan?"

As they were joking, the door curtain lifted, and a maid entered holding a tray, accompanied by a small figure. Upon seeing them, Wang's expression immediately froze halfway, for it was Mo Lan.

Only then did Mo Lan approach with a charming smile, taking a shallow white lotus porcelain bowl with cloud patterns 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.

"Why be so delicate? It's just a little chill; I've taken more medicine these days than in the past few 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

Sheng Hong expressed with relief, "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"

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 front lines 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 from her slumber and still respond to questions clearly.

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"