Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at viki.com
The Story of Ming Lan
Episode 9
Weirui Balcony T/N: where the Mistress lives
Now that Ru'er and Ming'er has been listening to the nanny's teachings it has benefited them much.
Mo'er is the only one left alone.
She even told me that she misses her younger sisters.
Then she can visit her younger sisters after her school has ended.
Mother, you are right.
It's just... it's just that at the school, back then, there was only the Young Marquis, a single male guest,
who is a good and righteous young man. But now the Second Young Master Gu is here as well and both her little sisters are not present,
I fear it's not convenient for Mo'er to be there alone.
You are right too.
Let her stay in the house and do embroidery then.
Why don't...why don't we let her study with her two younger sisters with the nanny too?
That day, she also went to the front hall. Though I didn't punish her,
we should let her learn too so that she can change her bad temper.
That makes sense as well.
But why are you discussing these trivial matters with me?
Your main wife should be handling this.
You two should make the decision.
As long as you instruct Nanny Kong, she will agree.
This unimportant matter should be left to your main wife to bring it up.
Nanny Kong is our guest, but she cannot overstep our rules either.
Nanny.
Nanny, look. I brought Manniang here.
These are our two children. The older child is Miss Rong. The younger child is Chang'er.
Quick, address Nanny.
Hello, Nanny.
Xiao-Cui.
- Take the children to the courtyard to play. - Yes.
Let's go and play with me.
Go and play.
Nanny, I personally made these cakes.
Nanny is old and your teeth are not strong. I specially made them soft, sweet and mushy.
Nanny, try them.
I'm a servant. I don't have the blessing to eat cakes.
Then how bout I give you a massage?
Don't. Miss you need not pander to me like this.
You only need to serve Young Master well and I will be thankful.
Nanny.
Manniang is my woman.
She will eventually enter the manor of the Marquis.
If you want me to be your son, she's your daughter-in-law then.
What do you mean? Are you going to marry her as a legitimate wife?
If she can't be the legitimate wife, she can be the concubine. Manniang wouldn't mind.
Younger master, stop talking about such matters. You have yet to marry,
and already found a lowly woman and had two children.
I fear it won't be easy for you to get married in the future.
I can lower my requirements.
I don't need to marry one who's noble and from a distinguished family.
I only want a gentle and virtuous one, who would allow her into the family and give her a name.
As long as I can serve Second Master at all times,
I don't care if I don't have any status.
If Nanny doesn't believe me,
I'm willing to swear to heaven.
If I'm not sincere with Second Master, I will be struck dead by thunder and lightning.
Manniang, why are you making this oath? Get up now.
If Nanny doesn't let me stay with you, I won't get up.
You...
You are threatening me.
I wouldn't dare.
In order to stay with Er'lang*, and also for my children T/N: Er'lang lit. "second son", intimate address
I'm willing to shoulder this accusation.
You are great at tricking him well.
If you are happy to kneeling, continue to kneel then.
Nanny! Nanny!
Manniang, get up.
Nanny has always been reasonable.
Since young till now, I have never seen her so angry.
Let her cool down her temper.
Second Master, Nanny doesn't know me. You should know that.
Even if you are penniless and out on the streets,
I'm willing to be with you.
Alright.
Nanny.
Look at these two children. They are so well behaved.
It's only when I had them, that I finally feel I have a family.
It's not for me to say if you a few mistresses out there.
Even if she's a singer, if her character is good, I wouldn't mind.
With the way she is, what kind of family can she give you?
What's wrong with her?
The first thing she does is kneel and refuse to get up.
It's looks sincere, but in reality it's a threat.
How can this be considered good character?
Nanny, Manniang was just momentarily anxious.
I already told her to get up. She wouldn't dare to threaten you.
- She got up? - Yes, she did.
She got up when you told her too. She wasn't enough willing to act till the end.
Nanny.
I'm so alone in the Marquis' house.
Luckily, I met Manniang who could talk to me and relieve my frustrations.
Although she's from a poor background but she cares about me.
Even more than the younger-Miss Qin.
I know it's because you have suffered
but you cannot put your hopes on loose sand and pond weed.
It will be even harder for you to gain a place in the manor of the Marquis in the future.
The way they treated my mother, will I rely on them for the rest of my life?
Worst come to worse, we can always split the House.
You must not.
You have yet to marry or start your carrier and your parents are still alive. T/N: refers to the step mother
House splitting will need to address at in Court.
Then I will get married first before I do that.
Let's leave this place where we are bound to get into trouble and find a clean and quiet place to live.
Talking about this, it's my fault.
I shouldn't have left you here and went back to Yangshou.
If I was here,
I wouldn't have let you suffer alone in the manor of the Marquis.
Nanny, don't be sad.
Give Manniang a name,
and these two children will have a family.
Especially when they are my son and daughter.
Look at how happy they are.
If they don't have name, people will call them bastards,
then it would be my fault as their Father.
The children are innocent.
Nanny,
you are the best! I know you dote on me the most.
Tell that woman to bring her children and live here.
Alright. Manniang will do whatever you say.
You are taking the examination soon. You shouldn't have wasted your energy on these things.
I will listen to Nanny.
Whatever Manniang or Huaniang,
I will supervise her on your behalf.
Fine. Whatever Nanny says, Manniang must obey.
Regarding that matter, Mo'er was totally without any faults too.
If she were mature,
before her younger sisters went to the hall, she should have advised them to go back first.
She shouldn't have been sandwiched between them and went there too.
I think, Mo'er
should also go and listen to the nanny's teachings.
You are right.
Since that's the case, let's have Mo'er receive slaps on her first.
And go kneel at the shrine for a few days.
I will go and scold her soon.
In all matters, there's process.
She should be punished if she commits a mistake. If she's punished, she will learn her lesson.
This Nanny Kong is from the palace.
She has broad outlook, knowledge and experience.
Our daughters, being able to receive her teachings,
it's considered a blessing.
Since this is the case, you should treat everyone equally.
You must not favor one party and slight the other.
Who's favoring one party and slighting the other?
The order of main and secondary has been flipped upside down for decades.
Now that the Nanny is here to teach the proprieties,
that's useful for marrying into a rich and influential family in the future.
Initially, only Rulan has the rights to listen to her,
Minglan got to go due to honor of Mother.
But what about Molan? By Lin Qinshuang's honor?
Shut up!
You are the proper main wife too.
How could you speak so viciously? Can't you go easy on her?
Mo'er is also a daughter of the Sheng family.
Nanny Kong is here.
Nanny, you have worked hard
for the mediocre daughters of the Sheng family.
I caused you to be tired. Please take a seat.
When I just arrived, I heard the both of you quarreling.
You are cracking a joke.
We have another daughter.
She is born by the second house, Lin clanswoman.
She heard that you are here and also wanted
to listen to your teachings.
Fine.
Before I came, I already heard some news
that the daughters of the Sheng family are highly cultured and educated.
One is just as smart and beautiful as the other.
I met the Fifth and Sixth daughters for the past two days.
I have never met the Fourth daughter.
You are getting in age.
How could I exhaust you?
No need to be so polite.
I can withstand this.
Now that I'm old, I like it to be boisterous.
With one more child, the lesson will be more boisterous.
Yes, that's right.
I will have to trouble you then.
No need to be formal.
Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at viki.com
Look at how bewitching your mother's skill is.
That's how she got you here.
Why are the both of you still standing here?
Didn't you see my table being squeezed over there?
Move it here.
Greetings, Nanny.
Alright.
Nanny Kong, this is the poem which I usually write.
If it's not written well, please guide me.
Fourth Miss is already trying to curry favors with me?
I only know a few words.
I don't really understand poems
and can't discuss the finer points.
Nanny is too humble.
Fourth Miss. Since you are learning proprieties, we are a teacher and student then.
As a teacher, if my words are too harsh,
Fourth Miss, please forgive me.
I wouldn't dare to.
If I commit any mistakes, please punish me.
Go
and place the table of Fourth Miss at the back.
Place it together with the other two young ladies.
Go now.
Calling her a savage is going too easy on her.
Fifth Miss.
Don't talk privately during lessons.
Miss, are you still embroidering the drawing for Aunt Yu?
If you still don't read the Classic of Tea,
you won't be able to answer Nanny Kong's questions tomorrow.
I already read it.
Why don't I remember that you have already read it?
Between Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister, who can I get along with?
If they haven't read it,
do I still need to?
I understand.
You are always the last person to enter the class room.
Aren't you trying to be ignorant?
Silly Xiaotao, I really couldn't get up.
This is letter delivered by the servant from second house.
Xiaotao.
Simple Elegance and Serene Leisure
These little tasks, you used to be best at it.
Why didn't you personally teach her?
I don't like to eat such dense things.
Cloud feet are looser.
I don't expect her to marry a wealthy and influential man.
Find an ordinary man and live a peaceful life.
You taught her horse riding and throwing arrows into the container instead.
It was her mother who taught her that.
My household is unruly.
Can I still be the head of this household?
The others each have their own mother.
If I am too wordy, I'd just offend them.
I think raising at anyone else's courtyard,
isn't as good as the girl raised in your yard.
As wise as her.
She's also honest but not bright,
unlike the rest.
Older Sister, are you shortsighted?
Come, drink your tea.
From what I see,
the Sixth Miss from your household
is, in fact, the best.
She noted my important points
and wrote them down.
I have taught many people
but with such a child like her,
it's rare to see one like her.
Whatever prospects she has in the future,
if others were to give compliments, don't forget to say that I taught her.
She's using a stupid method.
She can't remember, that's why she wrote it down.
Look at her Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister.
She can't be bothered. That's why she wrote it down.
How is this being stupid?
One will forget after time passes.
She's being diligent in writing them down to help her remember them forever.
Look at her writing.
I worked very hard to teach her.
Her writing still looks like chicken scratches.
It may not be written well. What's crucial is the meaning behind it.
If we can't read it clearly,
it's fine if she can.
When she goes and listen to your teachings,
it's also equivalent to the Crown Prince studying with you.
You don't need to spend time on her.
Just leave her be.
I say, you are getting old and your heart is old too.
Who's sleeping and who's awake, you can't even see clearly.
If this is the case, why do you even call me here
to teach them all these tricks?
Fine, I will leave. I'm leaving tomorrow.
I'm taking my bag and going back to my hometown.
My dear Old Madam, this is not what I meant.
I say, the ladies in this house.
When they are old, they become narrow minded.
They can't make any decisions here.
You even detest the girl that you have raised.
In my opinion, if you detest her, you might as well let her go.
It can relieve the frustrations in your heart.
You...everyone say that you are the smartest.
I think the supervisor spoiled you rascals too much.
Raised you a whole body full of arrogance, cursing at everyone.
I raised her from young till now.
How could I not dote on her?
As for those two,
one is a child of a concubine, the other is a pampered child.
She only has this old woman holding her back.
Yes, I am the old one, the elder.
Everyone pay respects to me
but I'm getting old.
Once I take my shoes and socks off tonight, it's not a guarantee that I see the light tomorrow.
Minglan is prudent and careful at home.
You... you praised her. Would that two girls feel secure?
The more you praise her, the more harm you will bring to her.
You said that I'm narrow minded.
Yes, I am.
I'm worried about chaos and tolerance.
Not only do I bear it,
Ming girl has had to bear so many things because of me.
She never gives me problems at all.
If I don't dote on her, who would?
If you want to leave, fine.
Just leave now.
Take it that I don't know you when I was in the palace.
How would I know you have so much problems in your heart?
Su Qin, your tea is excellent.
I haven't drank enough. How can she kick me out before I drank enough of it?
It's not enough.
Yes, wait for Nanny to finish my tea.
Older Sister.
Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at viki.com
The water's boiled!
Be careful Miss. Don't get burnt!
Luckily I didn't give you the 12 piece Jade tea set your Eldest Uncle Sheng Wei gifted us with.
Mother you came.
Mother, can you tell Momo-Kong to stop making me come to her classes anymore.
Why?
It's too difficult!
Curtsying or small talk, they're not too bad. But tea brewing is too hard!
Not to mention the water used, or where the tea is sourced, I can't even get the foam to stick.
Yesterday I whisked too hard and knocked over a tea bowl, I even sullied my clothes.
You dare say it's difficult when you can't even make tea.
I'm different from those two concubine born girls.
They need to pander to people to even have a place.
I am the daughter of a legitimate wife.
No matter who I marry, they should all think highly of me.
You are not allowed to talk about children of concubines again. Did you forget about your father?
Mother. Look at older sister in husbands' house. I think that
marrying into high class or noble families isn't all that good.
You'll just be bullied or oppressed. It's better to marry into a commoner family.
Even if it's the family of an Official, it's best if they're not more senior than Father.
That way, I'll be able to stand tall and be able to control things better.
Unambitious. Listen to what you're saying.
Your Maternal-Uncle's House have many generations decorated military service. How grand that is. How can you be so unambitious.
You're letting down all the effort I put into planning you and your brother's future.
No matter how good the plans, if you can't live comfortably what's the point?
Do you not want your Brother Yuanruo anymore?
You want to take it easy, then the one in Lingqi Pavilion will get a lucky break.
Miss, if you marry into a small family,
and the other marries into a grand family,
people will not think that you're actually a sensible young lady,
instead they'll think you as a daughter of a legitimate wife is even less capable than a concubines' girl.
Who said I'm unambitious. Apart from acting innocent and pitiful what else can she do?
That's right. All these years, your Father unfairly favours those wenches in Lingqi Pavilion.
Even if it's just for this, Ru'er, you can not lose to Molan.
Just diligently study under Momo-Kong, gain some abilities.
Pick a grand house and marry into it. Then get made a "Mandated Lady". So that you can avenge my indignity. T/N: Mandated Lady - Noble ladies who've been granted titles by the Emperor
Look. Is this that difficult?
Try it again.
Looking good.
You made a mistake when adding water, that's why the foam dissipated.
I did according to what Nanny Kong taught me.
It's all because it's not written clearly in the book, but she still makes us read it.
The tea in the previous dynasty is 'tea brewing'
but nowadays the tea requires you to first make the tea paste, then whisk to make foam. Of course the old books can't explain it clearly.
Momo-Kong wants you to read it because she wants you to understand tea culture.
Only you could be so block-head to follow the steps in that.
Was it me or you Mother, who've listened to Nanny Kong's teachings?
If you think I'm block-headed, then why don't you come whisk it your self.
Are your wings hardened now? You've had a nanny from the Palace teach you a few things so now you're amazingly impressive?
I can't even teach you. Do it yourself then.
What's wrong?
Sixth Miss's Aunt Wei is here.
Aunt, the meal has already been prepared,
I personally made barbecue lamb for you, you should have it all!
Miss.
Hello, Madam. I'm the Miss's personal maid, my name is Danju.
If Madam needs anything, please let me know.
Let me help you with your bag.
Let's go, Aunt.
Xiao-Tao, start the meal.
Alright.
Wait. T/N: She's testing for poison using silver needles.
Aunt, we washed these ourselves. They're clean.
If it's just some dust, there's no matter even if we ingest it.
But if it's other things, who knows.
Madame, what is this for?. T/N: She's testing for poison using silver needles.
Okay, we can new drink wine with a peace of mind.
Aunt, have some meat.
Have more meat.
I don't like light.
Tonight, put up some bed curtains for me.
Yes Madame, we have prepared a guest room for you.
I'll sleep with Ming'er tonight.
You eat too, have some more.
Miss, good night. Madam, good night. I'm leaving first.
Go now.
Ming'er.
- Ming'er, come here. - What is it Aunt?
Come here now.
Aunt, what's wrong with you? Why are you so nervous?
I saw xiao-Die a few days ago.
Who?
I was at Qionghua Taoist temple the other day, to add incense oil for your Mother's. Coincidently
I bumped into your mother's old maid, xiao-Die.
Xiao-Die? Sister xiao-Die? How is she?
Xiao-Die told me that she dares to swear before Sanqing Immortal spirit
that she never stole anything from your mother.
Someone must have placed those items in her room.
Who was it?
She didn't say.
She thought a bout it but couldn't figure it out. Anyone is possible.
Child, the Sheng family is like a brambles grove.
You are all alone here. Heavens know when someone wants to harm you.
Grandmother appointed all the people serving me. They're all capable.
Aunt, don't worry.
Aunt, who do you think wanted to frame her?
What benefit would the person gain?
Coveting her position?
No.
Serving my mother was a thankless job.
What benefit would the person get?
It must be maid servants and old-nanny's fighting over positions and favours.
It happened so long ago, how are we to find out.
Either way, there is too much intrigue in this House of yours.
I'm worried about you. That's why I'm here.
Do not be careless or lower your guard.
When you eat in the future, just do what I do.
Test with silver needles and rinse with boiling water.
You should be careful during the night as well.
You must check the items in your room every two to three days.
Check if you've lost anything,
but more importantly check that you don't have something extra.
Remember this.
I understand, Aunt.
The person who framed her may still be in this house
or perhaps not anymore.
Who could it be?
I picked this piece of meat from Butcher Zhang's store.
It's good for both barbecuing or roasting.
Aunt has a good appetite. It even made Grandmother's appetite better.
Greetings, Sixth Miss.
Madam Zhou.
Miss, are you going to personally cook again?
Yes.
I heard that your Aunt is here. Why haven't I seen her?
Aunt is from a farming family. She's not very good at conversations and doesn't go out much.
That's no good. You must allow us to invite her a meal.
We dare not trouble you Madame Zhou, we'll host her ourselves.
It's just an extra pair of chopsticks.
Miss, if you don't mind, come over tonight
we can have the most popular Icy Custard banquet in the Capital these days with Mistress Lin.
Mother Zhou, you can make the decision for Mistress Lin now?
But it's most unfortunate,
my Aunt is going back to Yangzhou tomorrow.
Why the rush?
She should stay for a few more days and have fun in Dongjing.
She should stay for a few more days.
She came to speak to me on some matters,
now that is done, naturally she'll head back. Don't want things to awry because of her late return.
I understand.
That Ms Wei came from afar. I wonder what she said.
It must be something fishy.
Watch her.
Incense burning can teach one tranquillity and calm.
Flower arrangement can best sooth one's feelings and temper their character.
In learning these skills, your bearing and methodology is only secondary.
What's more valuable is cultivating your disposition.
Besides you, you have the best quality Chenshui incense.
If you control the fire well,
a finger nail sized piece can burn for four hours.
The fragrance will last without dissipating.
You may all start preparing it.
Sister, could you have forgotten to place the silver divider over the coal?
The coal as burnt the incense?
Xiao-Die told me that she dares to swear before Sanqing Immortal spirit.
that she did not steal from your mother
Someone must have pace those things in her room.
Nanny, I'm clumsy. I will be done soon.
Sixth Sister, don't get anxious, this kind of thing
requires focus and deft hands.
Those without the power of comprehension will not be able to do it.
Go away.
Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at viki.com
♫One morning, a flower opened and approached a willow tree, beautifully fragrant and mistaking him for her lord♫
♫Even if drinking in water in the morning, red clouds have half a day of sunshine, the wind and rain do not affect them completely♫
♫In the palace, you are constantly brave and growing thin, from on high, your cold tears of distress flow♫
♫Brocade letters delivered to me dismiss me, only suddenly to recall me, not for many years can I see you other than stealthily♫
♫Last night, gusty winds and rain during my deep slumber did not spoil the wine's lingering effect♫
♫When I asked someone, they rolled the blind up and told me that all the crab-apple trees are as before.♫
♫Don't you know, don't you know, there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers?♫
♫Last night, gusty winds and rain during my deep slumber did not spoil the wine's lingering effect♫
♫When I asked someone, they rolled the blind up and told me that all the crab-apple trees are as before.♫
♫Don't you know, don't you know, there must be flourishing leaves and fallen flowers?♫