Legend of Concubine's Daughter Minglan 知否知否 应是绿肥红瘦

C13 - I Lift My Drink, for Who Knows If Life Will Be Short or Long

Ten days flew by in the blink of an eye until one fine day when the last snowflake fell, Governess Kong that Wang Shi had been eagerly awaiting for finally arrived. It was said that her origins were the latter generation of the Shangdong household's Kong branch family and from a lowly palace maid, she rose all the way to the rank of an ill.u.s.trious female official. Over the past ten years, the emperor had changed multiple times yet she safely retained her post as an official in the Six Bureau. She resigned a few years ago due to advancing age and retired with honour and favour.

Currently, many duke, marquis, count households and other distinguished families invited various retired palace officials to their houses to instruct their daughters in rules and etiquettes. Minglan reasoned that this would add market value to the girls.

This governess has previously been at Duke Ying, Duke Zhi and even Marquis Xiangyang's household teaching several n.o.bel daughters. Everyone praised her character of being gentle, patient and meticulous when teaching rules. Unlike other governess who would punish and beat students at will, she would still educate well without these methods. Wang Shi was surprised that Old Madame Sheng had a enough high reputation to be able to invite this highly qualified governess and came to Shou'an Hall to proffer her endless grat.i.tude.

Having the ability to stay in the palace as a female official for over ten years and not run into any major difficulties, Minglan figured that the governess was relatively safe and after meeting, it was as she expected. Governess Kong is only a few years younger than the Old Madame, her build thin, eyes not big, her nose not high with a round bread like face that seemed to exude friendliness. She came dressed plainly in silvery gray brocade with fur embroidered on her cuffs and hair that was bound with a simple white jade pin, her whole appearance seemed very modest and neat.

She greeted the Old Madame according to palace etiquette, but was hurriedly held up by the Old Madame, both then sat on the couch and started chatting. She looked like an ordinary person but once she started talking, she gave others the impression that they were being cleansed by spring wind, every motion smooth, modest and dignified. Sheng Hong and Wang Shi smiled and accompanied them seated at the side. Hualan was so excited to the point where her face turned shades of red, deliberately restraining her movements, not daring to utter a single word. Molan sat elegantly, maintaining that perfect smile, listening to the two elders speak. Wang Shi was afraid that Rulan would act immaturely and embarra.s.s the Sheng family so she forbid her from attending.

"His Excellency Sheng as an official is upright, kind in governing and I have frequently heard of you in the capital. Now the descendants fill the halls, the household's young masters and young misses are all n.o.ble and beautiful, like the snow tree. Old Madame indeed is fortunate." Governess Kong said with a smile on her face.

"In truth, being able to have a person as busy as you here, is indeed my luck. I humbly hand over my Big Girl to you, if she does anything wrong please feel free to beat and punish her, you need not restrain yourself." Old Madame Sheng smiled and gestured at Hualan.

"What are you talking about, Old Madame? Although I may have some reputation now, it was merely awarded to me by n.o.bility. After all, I was merely just a slave in the palace. According to my interpretation, rules are to be used to manifest virtue and uphold ethics and not for tormenting others. Rules have to be learnt but not studied to death, it is sufficient to have the correct att.i.tude. Besides, how bad can the Old Madame's granddaughter really be." While Governess Kong spoke she looked at Hualan. It was as if Hualan received a surge of motivation, she sat upright with her back straightened, her eyes glittering with antic.i.p.ation, using her body to express her determination.

"Governess being able to attend, is really thanks to Mother's fortune. If Governess has a spare moment from teaching Hua'er, could you speak to us of news from the capital, so we who live in the countryside may gain knowledge." Wang Shi said.