From the moment Old Madam Sheng walked into the gate of the Sheng Mansion, she put on a frosty look. She asked Changdong to see Concubine Xiang. Then she went to the main house to visit Wang shi. When she reached the gate of Wang shi's courtyard, she heard a sharp voice, "... You are daydreaming! I would rather keep my daughter in Sheng Mansion than do as that bitch wishes." Then there came Sheng Hong's roar, "Otherwise, how can you deal with this matter?"

Old Madam Sheng turned to look at Hai shi who immediately blushed with shame and gave the maid beside her a push. The maid promptly raised her voice, "Here comes Old Madam!"

The room quietened down at once. The maid lifted the curtain and Old Madam Sheng went into the house and walked through Treasure Racks with Minglan and Hai shi. When they reached the wing room, they saw Wang shi in pale pinkish grey underwear lying on the bed, a quilt with gold thread over her. Her face was sallow with a flush in her cheeks. Obviously, she had lost her temper and quarreled with her husband. At the sight of Old Madam Sheng, Sheng Hong instantly came up to her and made a bow.

Old Madam Sheng gave him a cold look without saying a word. Wang shi struggled to get up to greet Old Madam Sheng. Minglan hurried to stop her. Old Madam Sheng went over to Wang shi and said friendly, "Don't get up. You should take a good rest."

Minglan stole a glance at Sheng Hong and Wang shi, surprised to see her legal parents look drawn and tired. Sheng Hong had got some grey hairs, looking six or eight years older than his age. Wang shi looked harassed and drawn as if she had a bad illness. Minglan knew that it was not appropriate for her to stay here, so she showed her respects to Sheng Hong and Wang shi by curtsying to them, and then walked out of the main house and went straight to the House of Clear Dusk.

Wang shi looked at Hai shi who stood beside Old Madam Sheng. Hai shi slightly nodded to her mother-in-law. Realizing that Old Madam Sheng had known the whole story, Wang shi said with tears welling up in eyes. "Old Madam... I'm useless. I should have kept a watchful eye on Molan so that she would not have done such a disgraceful thing. It's my fault. I...I..."

Old Madam Sheng waved her hand to stop her self-blame, "It's not your fault. After all, we can't forestall a person with evil intentions by monitoring her movements all the time. Moreover, they are Master's beloveds and no one dares to offend them. In this condition, who would dare restrain their freedom of action?"

Her voice was dripping with sarcasm. Sheng Hong blushed, bowed to Old Madam Sheng with his head bent and dared not answer her. Realizing that Old Madam Sheng was defending her, Wang shi covered her face with a handkerchief and cried aloud, "Mother, you are right. If it were not for Master's sake, I wouldn't treat them with leniency and they wouldn't have had a chance to do such an ignoble thing. My poor Molan, she..."

Old Madam Sheng interrupted her again, "I won't blame you for Molan's mistakes, but you should take responsibility for Rulan's unsuccessful marriage. Since you betrothed Rulan to your nephew, how could you make a promise to Junzhu Pingning? Your mother loves you so much, but now she is annoyed by you. You'd better reflect on your behaviors."

Recalling her mother's anger and her sister's betrayal, Wang shi felt her heart sting with pain. She buried her face in the pillows and sobbed sorrowfully.

Sheng Hong lowered his head with shame and asked, "Mother, can you tell me what should I do now?"

Old Madam Sheng ignored him and said to Wang shi, "Just take care of yourself and don't bother about these lousy things. Rulan has just reached the age of fifteen. Be patient. We can arrange a new good marriage for her." After that, she asked Hai shi to look after Wang shi properly before she turned around and left with a cold expression on her face. Sheng Hong watched Old Madam Sheng walk away and dared not say a word.

As soon as Minglan reached the House of Clear Dusk, she saw Ruomei leading a group of young maids lined up in two rows to welcome her at the gate. Minglan smiled and walked into the house, satisfied to find that everything in the room was in good order. The room was kept clean and tidy. A maid was boiling the kettle and making the tea by the door. On the table was a set of white porcelain teacups decorated with colored drawings and a plate of fresh fruits. Minglan praised Ruomei with satisfaction.

Dangju, upon entering the room, opened a small box with a smile and took out a light purple chiffon parcel. Then she thrust it into Ruomei's hands and said, "You are a capable girl. No wonder Lady gives you more gifts."

Ruomei raised her eyebrows with an air of arrogance and took the parcel while saying, "I'm inarticulate and not good at pleasing Lady as sisters are. Since I was left to look after the house, I have to do my best to tend it."

Luzhi, who was burying herself in taking things out of a big box, was annoyed at Ruomei's remarks.... Click the external link to read the whole chapter 106 ↓