Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at viki.com
The Story of Ming Lan
Episode 9
[ Weiruixuan (Lush Balcony, Big Madam's wing of the house) ]
Now that Ru'er and Ming'er have been listening to the momo's teachings, it has benefited them a lot.
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 Lord, 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 momo 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 together.
As long as you instruct Momo 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.
Wait a moment.
Nanny.
Nanny, look. I brought Manniang here.
These are our two children.
The older child is Rongjie'er. The younger child is Chang'er.
Quick, address your Nanny.
Hello, Nanny.
Xiaocui!
- Take the children to the courtyard to play. - Yes.
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 Second Young Master well and I will be thankful.
Nanny.
Nanny. Zhu 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, a wife? Are you going to marry her as a legitimate wife?
If she can't be the legitimate wife, she can be the concubine.
Manniang won't mind.
Younger Master, stop talking about such matters.
You have yet to marry, but 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 will allow her into the family and give her a name.
As long as I can serve Second Young 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 Young Master, may I be struck dead by thunder and lightning!
Manniang, why are you making this oath? Rise.
If Nanny won'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 Erlang, and also for my children (T/N Intimate form, Second Husband or Darling Second)
I'm willing to shoulder this accusation.
You are great at tricking him well.
If you are happy to kneel, continue to kneel then!
Nanny! Nanny!
Manniang, rise. Rise.
Nanny has always been reasonable.
Since I was young until now, I have never seen her so angry.
Let her cool down her temper.
Darling Second, 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 felt that I had 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 to.
She wasn't willing enough to act until 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, she cares about me.
Even more than the younger Miss Qin. (T/N his stepmother, third main wife of the Marquis)
I know it's because you have suffered,
but you cannot put your hopes on loose sand and pond weeds. (T/N something unstable/shifting)
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 career, and your parents are still alive. (T/N won't inherit the title yet, his official mother, the third main wife is referred to here plus his father)
House-splitting would need to addressed in the Imperial 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 gone back to Yangzhou.
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 since they are my son and daughter.
Look at how happy they are.
If they don't have a name, people will call them bastards, (T/N officially acknowledged, get a surname of father)
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 fault 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 in there too.
I think Mo'er should also go and listen to the momo's teachings.
You are right.
Since that's the case, let's have Mo'er receive slaps on her hands 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 Momo Kong is from the palace.
She has a 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 wife and concubines has been flipped upside down for decades!
Now that the Momo 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 right to listen to her,
Minglan got to go to honor Mother.
But what about Molan? By Lin Qinshuang's honor?
Shut up!
You are the proper Big Madam too?
How could you speak so viciously? Can't you go easy on her?
Mo'er is also a daughter of the Sheng family!
Momo Kong is here.
Momo, you have worked hard
for the mediocre daughters of the Sheng family. I have caused you to be tired.
Please take a seat.
When I had just arrived, I heard the both of you quarreling.
You are cracking a joke.
We have another daughter.
She was given birth to by the Second House, the 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 Misses for the past two days.
I have never met the Fourth Miss.
Momo, you are getting up in age.
How could I exhaust you?
Big Madam, 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.
Since this is the case, 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 in here.
Why are the both of you still standing here?
Didn't you see my table being squeezed over there?
Move it here.
Greetings, Momo.
Alright.
Momo 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.
Momo 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 Momo 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 the Second House.
Xiaotao. My maternal aunt wants to come visit the capital!
[ Simple Elegance and Serene Leisure ]
These little tasks, you used to be best at them.
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 horseback riding and touhu instead.
That touhu, 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 them in anyone else's courtyard,
isn't as good as the girl raised in your yard.
As wise as she is.
She's also honest but not bright,
unlike the rest.
Elder Sister, are you short-sighted?
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 such a child like she is,
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 listens 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 did 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 when she was young until 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 will see the light tomorrow!
Minglan is prudent and careful at home.
You... you praised her.!
Will those other 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,
that 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 will?
If you want to leave, fine.
Just leave now.
Take it that I didn't know you when I was in the palace!
How would I know you have so much problems in your heart?
You...
Suqin, your tea is excellent.
I haven't drunk enough of it. How can she kick me out before I drink enough of it?
It's not enough.
Yes, wait for Momo to finish my tea.
Elder Sister.
Translation and Timing carefully crafted by the Mei Daxia Team at viki.com
The water's boiling!
Be careful, Miss! Don't get burned!
Luckily I didn't give you the twelve-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 should I do that?
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 Eldest Sister in her husband's 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 has many generations of 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 of you as a daughter of a legitimate wife who is even less capable than a concubine's daughte.
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 favors 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 great house and marry into it, then become a "Mandated Lady". (T/N title from the Emperor by decree)
All so that you can avenge my indignity.
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 it according to what Momo 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 wooden-headed to follow the steps in that.
Was it I or you, Mother, who've listened to Momo Kong's teachings?
If you think I'm block-headed, then why don't you come whisk it yourself?
Are your wings hardened now? (T/N flying insects wait until wings dry so they are rigid to fly)
You've had a momo from the palace teach you a few things, so now you're amazingly impressive?
I can't even teach you. Very well! Do it yourself then.
What's wrong?
Sixth Miss' Aunt Wei is here.
Aunt Wei, the meal has already been prepared.
I personally made barbecued lamb for you, you should have it all!
Miss!
Hello, Madam. I'm Miss' 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.
Xiaotao, start the meal!
Alright.
Just a moment.
Aunt, we washed these ourselves. They're clean.
If it's just some dust, there's no matter even if we ingest it. (T/N precaution against poison on plates/cups)
But if it's other things, who knows.
Madam, what is this for? (T/N now she's testing with silver needles for poison in the food/drink.)
Okay, we can now drink wine and eat with peace of mind.
Aunt, have some meat.
Aunt, have some more meat.
I don't like light. If it's extremely bright, I can't sleep.
Tonight, put up some bed-curtains for me.
Yes. Madam, 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.
You may leave us.
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 just ran into Xiaodie a few days ago.
Who?
I was at Qionghua Taoist temple the other day, to add incense oil for your Mother.
Coincidentally, I bumped into your mother's old maid, Xiaodie.
Xiaodie? Sister Xiaodie? How is she?
Xiaodie told me that she dares to swear before the Sanqing (T/N The Three Pure Ones, the three Taoist deities who are the manifestation of the Tao itself.)
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 about it but couldn't figure it out. Anyone is possible.
Child, the Sheng family is like a bramble thicket.
You are all alone here.
Heaven knows when someone might want 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 have been maidservants and old nannies fighting over positions and favors.
It happened so long ago, how are we to find out.
Either way, there is too much intrigue in this Sheng 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.
Aunt...
Who could it be?
I picked this piece of meat up 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.
Miss 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 to a meal.
We dare not trouble you, Miss 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.
Miss Zhou, you can make the decisions 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 Madam 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 are only secondary.
What's more valuable is cultivating your disposition.
Beside you, you have the best quality calming incense.
If you control the fire well,
a fingernail-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 has burned the incense?
Xiaodie told me that she dares to swear before the Sanqing
that she did not steal anything from your mother.
Someone must have placed those things in her room.
Momo, 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
T/N In the following song, "Don't You Know, Don't You Know?", Lines 5 to the end are the poem by Li Qingzhao, a famous female poet of the Song Dynasty, the poem is titled "Spring Ends".
♫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?♫