Do you know? Do you know? It should be Green Fat Red Thin Episode 6

  Comrade Sheng Hong has just taken office, and with the new term comes a new atmosphere. He is determined to create a good image for the first family of Dengzhou, setting an example for all the people in the state of being a filial son and having a harmonious family. To contribute to building a new Dengzhou with a good feudal social atmosphere, after completing the handover, he chose a sunny morning, brought Wang Shi and his three sons and four daughters, as well as several maidservants, to pay respects to Old Lady Sheng in a grand manner.

  They entered the main hall of Shou'antang, and Sheng Hong and Wang Shi paid their respects to Old Mrs. Sheng, sitting on either side of her in armchairs by the Buddhist bed. Then they had the maids lead the children in, one by one, to pay their respects in order: first the three legitimate ones, then the four illegitimate ones; there were no concubines.

  Minglan, also known as Yao Yiyi, got up early in the morning, still drowsy, and hadn't even eaten breakfast before being carried out of her room by a 14 or 15-year-old maid to pay respects. As she was second to last in line, when it was her turn to kowtow, she had already woken up somewhat. With this one kowtow, she immediately became fully awake and stuttered out a phrase: "Greetings to our ancestors."

  It's been a long time since she spoke, and Minglan was afraid of saying something wrong. As soon as she opened her mouth, her voice was weak and her words were not fluent, immediately causing a few soft snickers. Minglan turned her head to look, and the little girl Rulan standing beside her was covering her mouth with her hand. Next to her stood another little girl who looked slightly older, probably Miss Molan, the fourth in line. She wore a pair of white jade earrings with green gems, dressed in a light green fine silk gauze, standing upright with her head slightly bowed, gentle and respectful.

  Sheng Hong slightly frowned and went to see Wang Shi, who immediately glared at the mother beside Rulan, causing her to lower her head in fear.

  Looking at Rulan and Molan, Old Lady Sheng sighed inwardly. She glanced again at Minglan, who was still standing there foolishly, not even aware that she had been ridiculed. Her expression unchanged, she took a sip of tea, her eyes cast downward. After the youngest, Sheng Changfeng, had finished paying his respects, she said, "I'm accustomed to a quiet life and dislike crowds. We're all family, so there's no need for formalities. Let's just go back to normal. Just come visit me every ten days or so."

  The Wang family's face turned red with anger, and it was estimated that she had slept well the night before: "Look at what the old lady said, being filial in front of you is just a junior's duty. In the past few years, I didn't understand things and neglected my filial piety. The other day, my husband scolded me, and my wife has already known her mistake. I hope the old lady will see that my wife is foolish and won't treat her like an ordinary person. My wife is apologizing to you here."

  As she spoke, she got up and knelt down to Old Lady Sheng. Old Lady Sheng looked at Sheng Hua for a moment, and then Sheng Hua followed suit, saying: "Mother, don't mention the morning and evening greetings, it's her duty to serve you tea and water at all times; if Mother doesn't allow it, I'll assume you're still angry with my wife, and that our family is not strict enough is my fault. I'll go to Father's spirit tablet to confess my guilt."

  She knelt down and said to Old Lady Shen, "Mother, I was wrong. In the past when I was at my parents' home, I also learned that filial piety is the most important of all virtues. But after entering the Shen family, I was blinded by selfish desires and neglected my duty to you. Please punish me as you see fit, but don't take it to heart. If you're worried about causing trouble with others, we can come to pay our respects separately from now on."

  Speaking in a low voice, Sheng Hong's eyes also turned red.

  Minglan stood at the last position on the left, looking forward, thinking to herself that this couple must have practiced together overnight, their coordination was so perfect, they could cry at the mention of sadness. Minglan's suspicious gaze slipped towards their sleeves, were they using onions? Just as she was thinking about it, the three boys opposite and the girls on her side all knelt down, begging Old Lady Sheng in unison, each one speaking sincerely, as if Old Lady Sheng would not allow them to pay their respects, they would immediately die of heartbreak. Lan, the little girl, was a beat late, and was pushed by her mother from behind, also kneeling down. Minglan looked at her, and belatedly followed suit, but didn't know what to say.

  The old lady sighed and did not insist, waving her hand to let the maid help up the Sheng couple: "Very well, have it your way." She looked at Minglan again, who was still standing there dazed, the last one to get up.

  Sheng Zhangdong was too young and couldn't even stand steadily. After bumping his head, he was carried away by his wife, and the rest of the people sat down one after another.

  Minglan had never been quite clear about what "inquiring after someone's health" meant. From the literal meaning, it seemed to be just asking an elderly lady a question like "how are you", at most adding two sentences like "will you die" or "are you ill". But looking at the young maids serving the young masters and misses with round tea trays, Minglan felt that she should correct her understanding.

  Please calm down, it was a very important activity in ancient inner houses. The wife who managed the household reported to her mother-in-law about recent work situations or asked for instructions on future work plans. If the child was raised by the grandmother, she would take advantage of the opportunity to see her own child, lest she couldn't recognize which child was born from which belly when she turned back. If the child was raised by herself, she would bring it out to show to the grandparents and create some family joy or gossip about family affairs to amuse the elderly.

  Unfortunately, Mr. Wang hasn't done this job for a long time, and his tone is not familiar or awkward, nor is it good to weigh what to say to Old Lady Sheng, so today Sheng Hou classmate specially accompanied him to pay respects, serving as a peacemaker, and also responsible for breaking the ice first.

  "Mother, have you been comfortable these past few days? The weather in Dengzhou is warm and humid, just like Quanzhou." said Sheng Hong.

  "It's cooled down a bit, doesn't matter." Old Lady Sheng said.

  "I think this place is better than Quanzhou, with its big mountains and rivers, high and spacious, near the sea and a pleasant climate. I said to my husband that he has gotten a good job, not too hot or cold." Madam Wang smiled.

  "I'm an old woman and it doesn't matter to me, but I don't know how the younger ones feel? Is there any discomfort?" Old Lady Sheng said, her eyes looking at the rows of grandchildren on both sides.

  Wang's eager eyes immediately swept towards Sheng Changbai, and Changbai's brother stood up straight and slightly bowed: "In response to Old Lady's words, the grandson thinks it's very good."

  Conclusion, twelve words, concise and to the point, then sit down.

  Old Lady Sheng put down her tea bowl, looked at Sheng Hong and Wang Shi, then turned to look at the remaining children. Sheng Hong didn't react, while Wang Shi seemed a bit embarrassed, secretly glaring at her son.

  The second speaker was Sheng Changfeng, who looked quite similar to his younger sister Mo Lan. His round and pale face wore a humble smile, and his voice was clear: "Quanzhou is warm and gentle, Dengzhou is majestic, each place has its own advantages, what's not good about our dynasty? My grandson read Du Fu's poem the other day, 'How is Mount Tai, Qi and Lu are still unfinished, the creation of the gods is beautiful, yin and yang are divided at dawn.' Shandong has produced saints, and there is also Mount Tai, it's really a great place. One day when our ancestors have the inclination, we can go take a look at that mountain where the emperor was enfeoffed."

  His voice was loud and clear, his words were articulate, and Sheng Xiang couldn't help but nod repeatedly, with a look of satisfaction on her face. Old Lady Sheng also couldn't help but take another two glances at him, saying: "Feng Ge'er is indeed well-learned, it's said that Feng Ge'er's studies are exceptional, his poetry and essays have received much praise from his teacher."

  The atmosphere in the Shou'an Hall became harmonious for a while, and Sheng Hong was even more delighted. The younger ones also breathed a sigh of relief, but only Wang Shi smiled somewhat awkwardly. Minglan stole a glance and found that she was tightly clutching her handkerchief, as if trying to choke Sheng Changbai's throat, hoping he would say a few more words.

  Hua Lan glanced at Wang Shi and turned her head to the upper seat, pouting: "The old grandmother only praises the third brother, but looks down on us girls."

  The old lady smiled warmly: "What nonsense are you talking about, child? When you were young, your father taught you to read and write with his own hands, and even hired a teacher for you. Who dares to look down on our family's eldest daughter? The more Hua Yatou grows up, the more mischievous she becomes."

  Sheng Hualan was born at the best time, when Wang and Sheng Hong were newlyweds, and got along well with Sheng's mother-in-law. Soon after, a younger brother was born, and Sheng Hualan was spoiled and loved by everyone as the eldest sister of the family. She had also been taken care of by Sheng's mother for a while because Wang couldn't bear to part with her, but she was already the most affectionate among the grandchildren and the old lady. In comparison, her younger sister Rulan was not so lucky at birth.

  "Has Father taught sister? Why didn't he teach me? I also want to invite the teacher!" As expected, Rouran jumped down from the low stool, ran to Sheng Hong's side and pulled at his sleeve, coquettishly saying.

  Wang dragged Rulan to his side and scolded, "Don't be naughty! Your father is busy with official duties now. How can he accompany you to play? You can't even sit still for a moment when drawing red, what kind of Mr. are you asking for!"

  Like Orchid was unwilling, stamping her foot and pouting, Lady Wang coaxed and persuaded, but Sheng Hong's face had already fallen. Old Lady Sheng smiled as she watched, when suddenly Mo Lan, who had been quietly silent until now, spoke up: "Fifth sister is still young, and embroidery requires patience, so it's naturally not interesting. However, learning some poetry and reasoning is good. I think there's no need to invite a teacher; big sister's knowledge is so good, why not ask her to come teach? Wouldn't that be just right?" After finishing speaking, she puckered up her mouth and smiled, looking elegant and innocent.

  Sheng Hong saw his daughter speaking politely, with a gentle attitude, and couldn't help but praise: "Mo Er said well, girls don't need to take the imperial examination or official path, so there's no need to practice writing rigidly. However, reading some poetry and articles to cultivate one's temperament is not bad. Hua Er should teach Ru Er when she has time, as an elder sister should instruct her younger siblings."

  Wang's face was expressionless, ignoring her. Hua Lan had a hint of disdain, but Old Lady Sheng was looking at the only one who hadn't spoken, Sheng Minglan, who was staring foolishly at Mo Lan, with a sigh in her heart.

  After beating around the bush for a few sentences, Wang slowly brought up the topic of Hualan's hairpinning ceremony. Before two sentences were spoken, Old Lady Sheng ordered her mother to set out breakfast here, setting two tables, one in the main room for three adults to eat, and another in the next room for the children to eat together.

  Breakfast was served, unexpectedly simple, even Minglan, who didn't understand the situation well, felt a bit shabby. A large ceramic plate held white steamed buns and fragrant oil rolls, accompanied by clear porridge made from glutinous rice, along with several small dishes.

  Minglan raised her head and saw that Changbai's expression seemed to be apologetic, while Changfeng and Molan continued eating with their usual expressions. Hualan and Rulan, on the other hand, both pouted slightly, although the extent of their movements differed, but the angle was identical.

  Minglan was served by her maid and slowly ate, recalling the breakfasts she had eaten in the mistress's room over the past few days: lotus seed and honey cake, buttery flaky pastry rolls, fried dough sticks, meat floss scallion flower rolls, honey syrup sesame balls, date paste millet porridge, red rice porridge, cured meat steamed eggs, bird's nest stewed eggs, stir-fried beef strips with vermicelli, sesame oil mixed smoked meat shreds...

  In a big family, they attach importance to not speaking while eating and not talking while sleeping. What's more, the six siblings come from three different production teams, previously they hadn't even exchanged a few words, now it's even more so that all you can hear is the light sound of chopsticks and spoons moving.

  After finishing breakfast, Sheng Hong hurried to the government office. Wang Shi returned to her own courtyard, and the children were taken away by their respective mothers after they finished eating. The mother in charge of Minglan had not arrived at the main hall yet, so Minglan jumped down from the stool and went to the door to take a look around. She didn't dare to wander around unfamiliar places, but taking a stroll along the corridor at the entrance should be okay.

  The architecture of the north is different from that of the south, with tall corridors and square stone benches. Although not as delicate and elegant as the Quanzhou government office, it is still spacious and bright. Minglan walked along the wall, looking around, and didn't know how many turns she had taken or how many rooms she had passed through. The more she looked, the more she shook her head. Here, the houses are empty and simple, with only the necessary furniture, and no gold, jade, or antiques. The servants and maids are all middle-aged, except for a few young girls who are sweeping and washing. They look poorer than those in other places. There are no flowers or trees in the courtyard, just some simple pruning. The gate is very deserted, it's like a poor and cold cave.

  It seems the rumors were true.

  This old lady of the Sheng manor came from the Yongyi Hou manor, was born with a proud temperament, and in her youth looked down on everyone. In her early years, she loved to cause trouble and allegedly offended both her husband's family and her own natal family. After Old Master Sheng passed away, she became a widow and changed her ways. When Sheng Hong grew up and got married, the Sheng manor's estate was completely handed over to him without any reservations, but for herself, there wasn't much personal silver left.

  She chants Buddha and eats vegetarian food, isolating herself from the world. All the servants in Shou'antang also followed her to become monks, eating simple meals every day, with no oil or water for chores, living a plain life. For a while, even the gate of the courtyard was closed, as if it were completely isolated from the bustling world. The servants did not want to go to Shou'antang to suffer, so those who served here were all old people who followed the old lady when she got married.

  Summary of Minglan: Underperforming unit, low efficiency, thin welfare, leaders lack enterprising spirit, employees lack positivity.

  As she walked to another corner, Minglan suddenly smelled a familiar fragrance. She was stunned, and the scent seemed to come from the deepest part of her memory, a past she had intended to forget. Following the scent, she came to a door, pushed it open, and entered a small room. Directly opposite her was a long, dark wood desk with only a few volumes of scriptures on it. To the left were two armchairs with auspicious patterns, next to which was a purple sandalwood table with a lingzhi pattern. Further inside, Minglan saw a small Buddhist altar, above which hung an autumn-colored cloud-patterned gauze canopy. Below the altar was an incense table, on which sat a white jade four-legged, double-eared censer, in which incense smoke was slowly rising. The fragrance Minglan had smelled turned out to be sandalwood. On either side of the incense table stood a statue, and below it was a meditation cushion. It turned out that this was an inner Buddhist chamber.

  On the altar, a small white jade Guanyin was enshrined. Minglan raised her eyes to look at it and saw that Guanyin looked dignified and solemn, but with eyebrows and eyes full of compassion, as if she had seen all the hardships in the world. Minglan suddenly felt a surge of heat in her eye sockets and couldn't help but shed tears. She remembered that before she went to the countryside, her mother had specially bought a jade Guanyin pendant, had it blessed at the temple, and instructed her daughter to wear it for good luck on her journey. At the time, Minglan was impatient with her mother's nagging and hastily got on the bus. Now, however, she couldn't hear her even if she wanted to.

  Now recalling the moment before she lost consciousness, she vaguely remembered that someone outside was prying open the car door, it seemed that the rescuers had arrived, and she didn't know if Judge Lao Tai and other colleagues were rescued or not? Was she the only one who died on duty? Thinking of this, she suddenly felt indignant and sorrowful, after indignation came numbness, and after numbness came negativity, she had no particular will to live.

  She thought heaven was unfair to her, if death was destined, then she should have been reborn in a better body. Why did Hualan, Rulan and even Molan get to be pampered, while she had to start over and struggle through life again? She had to get used to this unfamiliar world, try to please Wang Shi who wasn't her real mother, probably swallow her pride and endure some grievances, learn to read people's faces, relearn the survival skills of ancient women.

  But this is not a world suitable for women to live in.

  A long time ago when watching "Blue Life and Death", friends all cried for Eun-hee's bumpy fate, but Yao Yiyi sympathized with that heartless person. Under the law of the heroine, Eun-hee seemed so good and kind, while Heartless was cunning and cruel. Everyone's emotions were directed towards Eun-hee, but everyone ignored a problem: being born into a rich family as a young lady should have been Heartless originally, she was born to belong to that warm and comfortable family, while Eun-hee would have grown up in that dirty and poor little shop, being bullied by her brother and enduring her mother's temper.

  In Yao Yiyi's view, Xinqing was treated unfairly. If Xinqing had grown up in a warm and caring environment from the beginning, she might not have developed her nitpicky and sharp temper. Due to this unfortunate experience, even if she returned to her parents' side later on, she still felt distant from her mother and couldn't be as close as biological mothers and daughters. Who should Xinqing blame for this account?

  In the end, both male and female protagonists died together. Yao Yiyi even thought viciously that Enxi was destined to go to that family to demand debt repayment. She must have died of leukemia anyway. Not only did she gain more than a decade of happiness that didn't originally belong to her, but she also took the only son of her adoptive parents with her to the underworld. In the end, the child who stayed by the side of the adoptive parents and fulfilled their filial duties was left with only the unloved Ahai.

  Eun-hee is indeed pitiful, but can't a loving heart be pitied too?

  Now Yao Yiyi is the same, her originally happy life was stolen away, replaced with a miserable girl's life. If she were reborn as a spoiled and pampered girl, she might feel guilty, but after some affectation, she would accept it anyway. However, the current situation is a reversal of history.

  Although her original life was not served by maids, at that time her life was free. She had survived the college entrance examination and job hunting, and the first pass of life's difficulties had passed. She had a good job and a warm family. Two days before the mudslide, Mrs. Yao called to say that there were excellent goods waiting for her to return home for matchmaking. As long as no small three or two milk absolute car accident occurred, she would live an ordinary and fulfilling life like most ordinary girls.

  Nowadays, Minglan is a young girl whose biological mother was a concubine and has already passed away. It's likely that her spirit is waiting to be reincarnated. Her father has three sons and four daughters, and it seems he doesn't particularly like this illegitimate daughter of his. Moreover, there's also a stepmother who doesn't plan on being a saint.

  The advantage is that she won't have to take exams for civil service or professional titles. The disadvantage is that she won't have the right to express her opinion about her future husband, and her future life will be left to chance. If she suffers domestic violence, she can't call the police; instead, she'll just have to put up with it and pretend everything is fine by applying some lip balm. Even if there are mistresses or other women involved, she won't be able to make a fuss about it; she has to be "virtuous" and treat them like her own sisters. If her husband turns out to be despicable and she can't take it anymore, she still can't take him to court.

  Oh, right, and it's even worse, she might not even be able to get a proper husband, after all, a concubine is always the best material for a woman of humble birth.

  Such a challenging life, how can Yao Yiyi be willing to accept it.

  But she could only resign herself to it.

  She learned from her mother's way of worshiping Buddha, kneeling respectfully in front of Guanyin Bodhisattva, with hands clasped together, sincerely praying for the peace and well-being of her brother and mother in that world, not to worry about their daughter; From today on, she will also care about food and vegetables, care about rivers and mountains, and live a diligent life.

  Scalding tears gushed out in big drops, she sobbed silently, the tears streaming down her slightly pale face, dripping onto the light blue cushion, some seeping in and disappearing, others rolling to the ground, merging with the dust. The morning sunlight filtered through the lotus-colored window into the Buddha hall, shining brightly and radiantly.

  Minglan's small body was prostrate on the couch, her heart filled with an unprecedented sense of calm and tranquility. She sincerely prayed in a low voice, wishing that Guanyin Bodhisattva would have mercy, see that all five aggregates are empty, and deliver all suffering. May my heart be free from attachments, without attachments, there is no fear, far away from inverted dreams, and ultimately attain Nirvana.