The Legend of Concubine's Daughter Minglan

Chapter 144

Fifth Old Master only felt greatly mortified and humiliated after being forced to move away. Then he stayed in his study all day and refused to see the complacent face of his 'rebellious nephew'. Only on the day when his family moved did he show up again. However, under the great grievance, he had made a great achievement in art. His handwriting was unrestrained and powerful, showing how indignant he was. The poems he improvised were passionate and heroic with perfect rhymes. Now he didn't need to hear the compliments from the guests and already knew that he had made great progress.

"... Taibai was dejected for half of his life and has drifted from place to place homeless. Huaisu lived in poverty for all his life and became a monk at last. All the great people in the history have endured hardships. Does one have to go through a lot of sufferings to make great achievements..."

He muttered that while wondering whether the reason for his failure in the study and career was that he had lived too comfortably. 'Maybe I can only achieve something after enduring hardships?' He thought. (He finally realized the truth.)

Fifth Old Master could still abandon himself to art when feeling aggrieved, but Fourth Old Master was not able to be cool about this. The latter swore and cursed all day and always found excuses to beat and abuse others. The whole Fourth family were in depression. This day, after Concubine Liu had reminded him, he was finally enlightened and realized that he had to pinch for a little bit more before he left.

"Fifth Brother..." Fourth Old Master hesitated, "wouldn't fight with us for the silvers."

Concubine Liu was a well-preserved woman. Although she was about to turn fifty, she looked like thirty. She gave a charming smile and then approached Fourth Old Master, "Don't forget about Fifth Old Madam. You know about Fifth Old Master. As long as he's incited, he would fight with us no matter what."

As a winner of the family feud, Concubine Liu was a very intelligent woman. As she had expected, Fifth Old Master hadn't wanted to go at first. However, after Fifth Old Madam had cried about the hardships in their family and the difficulties of living independently, he had to agree to her at last.

This day, Minglan sent Xian back by herself. Shao shi saw the smiling face of her daughter as well as Rong who stood beside Xian with a reluctant look. As Shao shi observed closely, she found her daughter having a rosy face and getting taller. Xian pulled Shao shi's sleeve and kept babbling like a yellowbird with a vigorous and lively look. Shao shi had already heard from the Momo who had followed Xian to the Cheng Manor that Xian had lived well there, so she felt very grateful to Minglan. The two sisters-in-law chatted for a long while with their hands holding together and then stood up.

Minglan left Rong and Xian in the room to let them talk for a while and went to Old Madam Qin's room with Shao shi. While Minglan showed her concern for Zhu shi who already had a baby bump, Old Madam Qin who leaned on the cushion also chimed in. The atmosphere in the room seemed quite harmonious.

"Your Eldest Sister-In-Law's condition gradually got better. Now the only thing I'm concern about is your sister's marriage." Old Madam Qin sighed worriedly, "She's not young now, but still haven't been engaged."

Shaoshi who had just recovered from the serious illness said in a soft voice, "Mother, don't worry. Our sister's great character and beautiful appearance are famous in the capital. Her engagement has been delayed only because of the accidents which showed up one after another."

Old Madam Qin found those words pleasant to hear, and the look on her face turned softer.

"Eldest Sister-In-Law, you are right." Zhu shi leaned over and said gently, "Mother, take it easy. The First Lady of Marquis Zhongshan's family is about to turn eighteen. Also, the ladies of Duke Han's family, the lady of Minister Yan's family... Come to think about it, Sister Tingcan is not the only noble lady whose marriage has been delayed in the capital." With the anxious look on Old Madam Qin's face fading away, she chuckled, "You are trying to cheer me up. I wish things were like what you have said. Alas... Minglan, what do you say?" Saying that, she glanced at Minglan.