The Legend of Concubine's Daughter Minglan

Chapter 35

Sheng Hong was talked into her assertion and began to feel sorry, so he gave a soothing glance to Wang shi. Witnessing the scene, Old Madam Sheng quirked up the corners of her mouth and said finally, "Madam, pleased take the bother to teach Minglan how to manage house affairs and let her learn more."

Sheng Hong immediately echoed, "Yes, Old Madam. She should have taught Minglan." While speaking he covertly pulled Wang shi's sleeve, who also chimed in in a hurry, "Minglan is also my daughter. Teaching her is my duty."

Changfeng wore a face of worry, staring at Minglan imploringly. While Minglan forced herself not to turn to him and only stood well-mannered in front of Old Madam Sheng, listening to her reprimand. Rulan shot out challenging look to Molan who remained an indifferent face because she didn't a bit care about the fate of those servants except for feeling a little embarrassed.

Wang shi was a speedy act-taker, so on the day, she brought with her steward Mama and Liu Kun's wife to the House of Clear Dusk. Minglan was left to sit next to them and watch, and Rulan, who tried every means to come, sat beside Minglan, waiting to enjoy how Wang shi would play her power.

Liu Kun's wife convened all the girl servants in the House of Clear Dusk to stand in order in the yard. Wang shi was sitting up in the main chair and Cuiwei served with every caution her a cup of ginseng tea. Wang shi took a sip of it and screened with her eyes the girls one by one. Though they were playful, they knew their day was coming. Everyone stood obediently, shoulders locked, head bowed, and breath constrained.

"...I tolerated you since you are young, but I didn't expect that you should take advantage of sixth young lady's kindness to bully her! How dare you!" Wang shi scolded, patting on the chair, "Which one is Ke'er? Stand out!"

Ke'er swayed her way forward. She was wearing a red long jacket edged with fur embroidered with silk, looking fragile, pitiful yet charming. Wang shi sneered, "What a sick beauty! I heard that since you came here, you fell ill time and again and never recovered. It seems this place is not suitable for you. Alright, you're degraded to third-level servant and go back to where you were!"

This exactly hit the spot because Ke'er was willing to be degraded as long as she could return to Changfeng's side. Therefore, she only slightly curtseyed Wang shi who snickered up her sleeve and waved to let steward Mama help Ke'er pack her staff.

After that, Liu Kun's wife whispered to Wang shi's ear, then strengthened up and shouted, "Which one is Mei'er? Stand out!"

Mei'er bit her teeth and squared her shoulders, curtseying to Wang shi. The latter squinted at her and said in an icy voice, "What a manner! I heard you've been putting on air, bickering with Mama, scolding sisters, even turning a cold shoulder to the young lady!"

Mei'er tried hard to constrain herself from trembling and answered, "My Madam...I...I didn't. It's just the rules here are different from where I was, so I reasoned with them but never quarreled."

Wang shi glared at her and heavily tapped the chair arm when the Mama standing aside immediately stepped forward and slapped right in her face, fair as white jade, swelled at once. The Mama cursed, "You bitch, how dare you talk back to Madam. Where did you learn your manners? Your face will be torn up on one more sentence!"

Wang shi snorted and took a glance at Liu Kun's wife, who picked up the hint and announced loudly, "Mei'er shall not receive monthly allowance for six months and be degraded to third-level servant... Pull her out and give her ten planks!"

Upon the words, the crying Mei'er was dragged out. Wang shi lifted the tea cup and elegantly stirred the tea-leaves in slow motion. Minglan sat there without any movement while Rulan looked really enjoy the scene, pulling Minglan's sleeve from time to time and saying, "Learn this. Don't cry and ask mother for help in the future!" Minglan squeezed a smile, her little hand clenched tight in the sleeve.