Do you know: I am Qi Heng

Minglan's words subtly revealed a hint of resentment.

She was young once too. With her family background, she could have married into a noble family, but because she fell in love with Old Master Sheng, she disregarded her family's objections and married into the Sheng family.

The reason she took a liking to Old Master Sheng was simply because he was well-educated and handsome.

Being able to pass the imperial examination with flying colors demonstrates one's learning, and being selected as the third-ranked scholar is enough to show how handsome Old Master Sheng was in his youth.

Although the third-ranked scholar is only second to the top scholar (状元) and the second-ranked scholar (榜眼), the quality of their learning is actually far inferior to that of the top scholar and the second-ranked scholar.

In terms of talent and performance in the imperial examinations alone, they might not even be able to compare with those who ranked second.

Because when selecting the third-ranked scholar, talent and learning are only one aspect; appearance is more important than talent and learning.

The selection was based on a combination of their performance in the imperial examinations and their appearance.

Having experienced it all, Grandma Sheng knew best what these things held for a young girl.

Qi Heng's character, family background, talent, and appearance are all top-notch.

In the entire capital of Bianjing, no one from a better family could match his character or appearance.

Those who are better looking than him come from ordinary families.

It can be said that, considering all his advantages, there are very few people in the entire world who can compare with Qi Heng.

Such outstanding people, who also study together in the same classroom, are bound to be very attractive.

Although Minglan was clear-headed, she probably didn't even realize that she had already become somewhat attracted to Qi Heng.

Grandma Sheng wanted to say something, but for a moment she didn't know how to say it.

This attraction is something that reason cannot resist; if it were to be exposed, it might not be a good thing.

Grandma Sheng sighed silently in her heart, but ultimately said nothing.

Minglan is sensible and intelligent, and will not be as willful as she was back then. Even if she becomes aware of her inner feelings in the future, she will restrain herself.

So what impact will it have if she says it or not?

Moreover, judging from Qi Heng's performance, there's nothing to worry about.

"Madam!"

At this moment, Madam Fang came in, bowed, and said, "The master has sent someone to invite the sixth young lady to the main hall."

"It must be because of Ru Lan and Mo Lan."

Grandma Sheng said, "Go ahead and tell the truth. Don't worry about anything."

She knew that Minglan was in a difficult position in this matter, and if she sided with Rulan, Lin Xiaoniang and her daughter would definitely hold a grudge.

However, if he favors Mo Lan, he will incur the wrath of Madam Wang and Ru Lan.

This was meant to reassure Minglan.

"Yes, granddaughter understands!"

Minglan curtsied and went to the main hall.

On the way, she pondered what to say. Although Grandma Sheng told her to tell the truth, she had to add her own subjective judgment to some things.

It is true that Ru Lan pushed Mo Lan, causing Mo Lan to fall to the ground.

But Minglan thought about it carefully afterward. Given the distance at the time, and the fact that Rulan didn't attack suddenly, it was impossible for Molan to be unprepared and fall so hard.

It was obvious that Mo Lan deliberately tripped and fell down.

After thinking for a moment, Minglan decided not to add her own judgment and simply to recount what had happened.

Although she realized that her mother's death was somewhat related to Lin Xiaoniang, doing so had little impact on Lin Xiaoniang.

At most, it can only provide temporary relief, but it will expose her and make Lin Xiaoniang wary of her.

Besides, it will also provoke Mo Lan to target her, and there will be no peace in the future, which will not be conducive to her hiding her talents.

Upon entering the main hall, Minglan curtsied and then bowed in turn.

"No need for formalities. You were present when Rulan pushed Molan today. Tell me what happened in detail."

When Sheng Hong saw Minglan, his cold expression softened considerably.

Minglan usually doesn't have a high profile, but Rulan and Molan had a conflict and even got into a physical fight.

Although he believed that the fault did not lie with Mo Lan, it takes two to tango, and Mo Lan must have made some mistakes.

Sheng Hong came home from work and still had to deal with these things, which made him very irritable.

At this moment, he also felt a bit dislike for Mo Lan.

When he saw the well-behaved Minglan, he felt a sense of relief, unlike the troublesome Lan Molan.

"yes!"

Minglan responded and began to recount the story. She didn't add any personal opinions; she simply told the story of how Molan spoke to Qi Heng alone after class.

As she and Rulan passed by, Rulan overheard Molan asking Qi Heng to help her get an invitation to a polo match. Rulan, wanting to join in the fun, went up to Qi Heng and asked him for help.

Qi Heng agreed to ask and then left. Then came the complete account of how Ru Lan and Mo Lan's argument escalated into a physical fight.

Minglan not only recounted the events, but also repeated every word of what the two had said at the time.

"My lord, did you hear that?"

Madam Wang said aggressively, "Ru'er just wanted to join in the fun. When she heard that Mo Lan was asking Young Master Qi for help, she went to ask him for help as well."

"It was Mo Lan who provoked her first. You know Ru'er's temper. If Mo Lan hadn't provoked Ru'er, why would Ru'er have attacked her?"

"Father!"

Mo Lan knelt down with a thud and cried, "I just heard that Madam Wu's polo match is exciting and I wanted to go and see it."

The fifth sister never spoke up earlier or later, but as soon as her daughter started talking, she spoke up.

This would not only trouble the young master, but also displease him.

The daughter then said a few words, admitting her mistake!

Previously, Lin Xiaoniang had completely concealed this part, only saying that Rulan mocked Molan for being born out of wedlock, Molan couldn't help but retort, and then Rulan, unable to contain her anger, pushed her.

When Madam Wang saw Sheng Hong, she started cursing at him as soon as they met. She was so busy arguing with Sheng Hong that she didn't bother to explain what had happened in detail.

He was furious when he learned what had happened from Minglan.

Regardless of the circumstances, Mo Lan privately sought out Qi Heng and asked him for this favor. What will Princess Pingning think of the Sheng family when she finds out?

Do you think the Sheng family is trying to extort benefits from Qi Heng? Do you think the Sheng family is trying to curry favor with powerful figures at the polo club?

Neither possibility is acceptable to Sheng Hong, who values ​​his reputation.

Before he could even get angry, Madam Wang and Mo Lan spoke up one after the other.

The two women had different attitudes. Madam Wang was completely in the position that her daughter was not at fault and that it was all Mo Lan's fault.

Although Mo Lan tried to explain herself, she knelt down and admitted her mistake.

"Knowing that it would displease Young Master Qi, you still dared to speak up?"

Seeing that Mo Lan admitted her mistake, Madam Wang felt she had won and sneered, "Even I wasn't qualified to be invited to that polo match, and you, a concubine's daughter, actually wanted to join in the fun!"

Upon hearing this, both Minglan and Liu Mama were speechless.

This is what you call a terrible teammate.

Although Minglan did not show favoritism to anyone, Molan was in the wrong first because she asked a man outside the family for something and also verbally abused Rulan.

Rulan, however, took direct action, which was no better.

The two are roughly equal, but strictly speaking, Rulan's problem is more serious.

Because taking action and a run on the bank are two completely different concepts.

If you're sincere, Sheng Hong might just say a few words and the matter will be over.

But Aunt Wang, on the other hand, not only spoke with the tone of a victor, but also personally mocked and ridiculed Mo Lan for being an illegitimate daughter.

Even if the matter is still unresolved, it would be inappropriate for the legal mother to say such things.