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

60. Hualan Visiting Sheng Mansion (2)

Cuiwei pointed to the direction of House of Mountain Moon and House of Carefree and whispered, "They live quite close to us and are always watching over us. Our lady brought gifts to the young maids with obvious labels when she came back, but the young maids acted so recklessly to rummage without any manner. Despite all these, what should you do with possible theft and fire in the future? Ask our lady to solve the problem or let Mama in charge to punish our sisters? Both will hurt the harmony. Now here came a tricky Mama, which means we have to be more careful. Dear sister, you should really learn to be tough or you will be the first one kicked out by Old Madam. You are not irreplaceable to our lady. Were it not for our lady's care for you, Old Madam would have already sought out a capable one from those maids named Cui."

Minglan looked at Cuiwei adoringly and felt that Fang Mama was really good at training capable maids. Cuiwei's words were logical to point out all the critical concerns and consequences. As expected, a sense of resolution showed on Danju's face. She nodded seriously while listening to Cuiwei's instruction. With exceptionally solemn expression, Danju could even directly swear into the party if you set up the flag of sickle and hammer there for her.

Although Minglan had never worked in a company, she knew that the central idea of ​​management was to move forward gradually and implement the responsibility system. There was no way for a CEO to check attendance records. Every time Minglan wanted to rush out and yelled at them, she just kept her temper. Shouting was not her job. Only making decisions and judgements needed her intervention.

"May lady!" Xiaotao ran and jumped from the outside and gasped, "The big young lady, oh no, the married lady came, -Old Madam called all young ladies over for the gathering."

Minglan was surprised and responded after a moment of daze, "Big sister comes, that's great. Old Madam has been expecting her for a long time."

Danju acted faster than said. She immediately found a pair of snow-proof boots in magenta that were made of sheep leather inlaid with gold. Then she kneeled down and served Minglan to wear them. Cuiwei hastened down the brick bed and fetch a light-red camlet coat with silver squirrel-skin lining from the inner room. Xiaotao opened the stove to add some charcoal and poked the flame. After the three young maids got everything done for Minglan, Cuiwei hesitated between the snow cap and the gold hair pin for a while, finally she chose the snow cap for Minglan. Cuiwei stayed to watch over the house while Minglan went to the Hall of Peaceful Ages with Xiaotao and Danju.

In fact, Hualan meant to come the second day after Old Madam Sheng returned. But unfortunately, her mother-in-law, Countess of Zhongqin (Lit. Loyalty and Diligence), fell ill. As her daughter-in-law, Hualan couldn't return back until today.

Hurrying into the main hall, Minglan saw a beautiful woman cry on Old Madam's knees. Old Madam gently stroked the lady's back with affectionate expression. The grandmother and granddaughter hadn't met for six or seven years, so they cried on each other's shoulder once met. Wang Shi pretended to be sad by wiping her face with handkerchief but her envy grew inside. Two months ago, when they reunited after a long separation, Hualan didn't cry sadly like this.

Molan and Rulan stood on the side and entertained a girl about four or five years old.

Upon hearing the hailing voice of a young maid who was lifting the curtain, everyone in the room looked up. The lady stood up and smiled with tears still on her face, "Isn't this my sixth younger sister? Come on, let me see."

After Danju helped Minglan take off the snow cap and camlet coat, Minglan immediately stepped forward to let herself be held by Hualan, greeting with a clear voice, "Big sister."

Hualan's eyes landed on Minglan and showed faint amazement. Perceiving Minglan's good manners, Hualan recalled her clever childhood and smiled with more fondness, "Indeed, our Old Madam is a really nurturing expert. Minglan was skinny like a sick cat when I left here, but now she has become a real beauty."