Xianglan was startled and quickly alighted from the carriage. She fished out copper coins from her purse to pay the fare and dismissed the coachman. The courtyard gate was only loosely latched. Pushing it open and rounding the screen wall, she spotted two neatly dressed young servants standing at the main entrance—a pair of twins with regular features yet radiating sharp-wittedness. Her heart immediately sank: these were none other than Jixiang and Shuangxi.
Upon seeing Xianglan, their faces broke into broad smiles as they hurried over to greet her. "Miss, you've returned just in time! Our master has only just arrived and is inside speaking with your parents," said one.
The other added, "What fortune smiles upon you, miss! The Eldest Master came straight here the moment he learned of your whereabouts. He brought all sorts of goods—food, drink, clothing, and accessories—for your family's New Year celebrations."
Xianglan stared wide-eyed in horror.
Shuangxi chuckled, "The Eldest Master has kept you in his thoughts all along. His first order of business upon returning home was to ask after your whereabouts. When he discovered Da Nǎinai had sold you off, he flew into a rage and sent us searching high and low. Fortunately, heaven rewards the diligent—we finally tracked you down. Knowing you'd suffered injustice and endured Da Nǎinai's beatings, the master came personally..."
As Shuangxi prattled on, Xianglan's face grew increasingly pale. Noticing this, Jixiang tugged at Shuangxi's sleeve and said to Xianglan with a smile, "Please come inside, miss. Standing in this bitter wind will make you ill, and we'd never forgive ourselves."
Xianglan's face remained wooden, unable to muster even a false smile. Fear and shock churned within her, a bitter taste rising in her throat that she forcibly suppressed. Lin Jinlou had found her after all. After being brutally beaten beyond recognition by his lawful wife, nearly plunged into a den of wolves that would have ruined her life, finally seeing clear skies and enjoying a few peaceful days—what did he want with her now?
From Jixiang and Shuangxi's eager manner and their insinuations, she understood perfectly. Her heart sank like a stone. Though she was now a maid in the Song household, Lin Jinlou had the temperament of a bandit. With Song Ke far away in the capital, what could she possibly do if Lin Jinlou resorted to underhanded methods?
As Shuangxi prepared to speak again, Jixiang pulled him back, shooting him a meaningful glance. Both fell silent. Moving like a wraith, Xianglan slowly approached the doorway. She took a deep breath and pushed open the door. A wave of warmth rushed out to meet her, yet to Xianglan it felt sharper than the biting cold wind.
After Xianglan entered, Shuangxi frowned and tucked his hands into his sleeves. "Brother, do you think that girl's gone stupid with joy?"
Jixiang rolled his eyes. "What poor judgment! Can't you see she's terrified? Xianglan fears our master. From the look of things, she doesn't seem pleased about his visit."
"Perhaps she's afraid of Da Nǎinai?" Shuangxi suggested. "Now that the master has dealt with her and she's bedridden with illness, there'd be nothing to fear if Xianglan returned."
Jixiang lowered his voice, "It's not that simple. She was purchased by Master Song. Look at her clothing and appearance... tsk, not your typical servant girl. Maybe those two have already..."
Shuangxi stuck out his tongue. "No wonder the master darkened with anger when I told him Xianglan had been bought by the Song family. If the master lets this go, or if that Song fellow knows what's good for him, all well and good. Otherwise, there'll be quite the spectacle."
The brothers exchanged glances, shook their heads, and stood silently by the door with their sleeves tucked.It is said that Xianglan pushed the door open and entered the room, only to see Lin Jinlou sitting in the main seat in the hall. He was still wearing his dark blue cloak, though his hat had been removed. When he saw her come in, he narrowed his eyes slightly, and his handsome face broke into a smile, making his features come alive with charm.
Xianglan dared not look at him and quickly lowered her head.
Chen Wanquan sat sideways on the chair to the right, not daring to sit fully. Only a small part of his rear touched the seat as he straightened his back and leaned forward. His face was twisted with an awkward smile, unsure of how to please the guest. Xue Shi cautiously presented a tray of fruits and pastries, her expression equally fearful and deferential.
Xianglan thought to herself, "My parents are already in such a state. If I don’t stand firm, what will become of us? I refuse to believe he would dare to forcibly seize a commoner’s daughter. If he tries to force me, I’ll risk everything and fight back." Taking a deep breath, she steadied herself slightly and gracefully performed a curtsy, saying, "I wish Master Lin a thousand autumns of golden peace."
Lin Jinlou’s smile widened. "Look at this, you’ve only just left the Lin family and already grown distant. You used to say, ‘I wish the Eldest Master peace,’ but now you’ve added ‘Lin family.’ I wonder who you’re referring to as ‘Eldest Master’ now?"
Chen Wanquan bowed and scraped, forcing a flattering smile as he replied, "I just mentioned to the Eldest Master that Xianglan was purchased by the Song family and is now serving in their household."
Lin Jinlou nodded as though hearing it for the first time, murmuring, "Oh, so it’s the Song family…" He tapped his fingers on the table and casually asked, "Is there any tea?"
Xinglan hurriedly replied, "Yes, yes! The water has just boiled. I’ll brew a pot right away. It’s just that we don’t have anything particularly fine at home, so please make do, Eldest Master." She swiftly prepared a cup of tea and discreetly nudged Xianglan, whispering, "Hurry up and take it over."
Xianglan picked up the tray and walked over with her head lowered, placing the teacup on the table. As Lin Jinlou reached for the tea, whether intentionally or not, his fingers brushed against the back of her hand. Xianglan recoiled as if stung by a wasp, quickly pulling her hand back.
Lin Jinlou frowned briefly, then immediately relaxed his brow and casually asked, "Old Chen, what are you doing for a living these days?"
Chen Wanquan bent his knees, his rear nearly lifting off the chair, and replied respectfully, "I’m currently working as a shopkeeper at a pawnshop, just enough to support the family. This year, I acquired a few valuable items and made a small fortune, which allowed us to buy this courtyard."
Lin Jinlou nodded and proceeded to ask Chen Wanquan about his daily life, occasionally inquiring about Xianglan as well—how much her monthly allowance was, what kind of work she did, and so on. Though Chen Wanquan was usually loose-tongued, he was so terrified of Lin Jinlou that he dared not boast recklessly and answered reasonably. Xianglan remained on edge, standing beside Chen Wanquan with her head lowered.
Then Lin Jinlou said, "I went off to fight in the war and suppress bandits. When I returned, I found out Da Nǎinai had you beaten and sold off. I sent people everywhere to inquire but couldn’t find any news. Later, I heard the Song family had bought you. Your parents were freed from servitude and even acquired property. Today, I happened to be passing by on business and decided to stop in for a look."
The Chen family once again expressed their fearful deference.
Lin Jinlou stood up and said, "Alright, it’s New Year’s Eve, so I won’t stay long. I’m off." With that, he rose and walked out.The three members of the Chen Family hurried out to see him off. After giving Jixiang a few instructions, Lin Jinlou mounted his horse while Shuangxi promptly took hold of the reins. Xianglan stood at the courtyard gate, watching Lin Jinlou ride away before finally letting out a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to close the gate, Jixiang unexpectedly ran back and whispered, "The Eldest Master said for you to come with me to the back of the house. He has something to ask you."
Xianglan’s heart instantly tightened again. Seeing Jixiang standing motionless at the gate, she had no choice but to step out, close the gate, and follow him toward the rear of the courtyard. After turning a corner, she indeed saw Lin Jinlou leaning against the wall, with Shuangxi holding the horse some distance away, his back turned to them. Jixiang whispered, "Miss, the Eldest Master is right there. Go on now." With that, he too turned his back.
Left with no alternative, Xianglan lowered her head and shuffled forward, stopping after a few steps and standing rigidly in place. Suddenly, she heard the rustle of footsteps and shivered inwardly. A pair of black court boots appeared before her eyes, and Lin Jinlou’s voice came from above her head: "Don’t just keep your head down. Lift it up and let me have a good look at you. Earlier in the house, I was too busy talking to really see your face." As he spoke, he reached out, pinched her delicate chin, and tilted her face upward.
Xianglan’s eyelashes fluttered as she glanced up and saw Lin Jinlou gazing at her with a faint, mocking smile. After not seeing him for some time, he appeared largely unchanged, except his eyes had grown even sharper and more commanding, exuding an air of dominance. She quickly lowered her gaze, struggled slightly, turned her face away, and brushed his hand aside, her voice strained as she said, "Eldest Master Lin, I must return home. This… this is hardly appropriate."
Lin Jinlou released her, and Xianglan immediately buried her face again. She heard him sneer, "Inappropriate? How so? My little Xianglan, have you forgotten what I said before I left—that I would honor you properly upon my return? If you’ve truly forgotten, it doesn’t matter. Tomorrow, I’ll go to the Song Family and demand you back. Do you think that brat Song Yifei would dare refuse?"
Xianglan’s face paled, and she lifted her head. "I am truly unworthy of your favor, Master. Besides, I’ve already left the Lin Family. I will always remember your kindness, but… but I do not wish to be a concubine."
Lin Jinlou maintained his amused expression. "Oh? You don’t wish to be a concubine? Not mine, but you’d be willing to be that Song boy’s?"
"No, that’s not it."
Lin Jinlou’s expression darkened, and he let out a cold laugh. "Well, well, you’ve grown bold since leaving the Lin Family. What has that Song boy promised you? Did he offer to make you his legal wife?"
Xianglan shook her head hurriedly. "No, he—"
"No?" Lin Jinlou scoffed. "Do you take me for a fool? The clothes you wear, the jewelry in your hair, the property your family has acquired—none of it is ordinary. Song Ke has treated you quite well, hasn’t he? He’s been eager to take you in for a long time. Given the Song Family’s current situation, this is quite the extravagance on his part. No wonder you’re so devoted to him."
Xianglan pressed her lips tightly together and remained silent.
Lin Jinlou, however, pinched her cheek playfully and said, "I must say, after not seeing you for over half a year, you’ve grown even more charming. No wonder Song Ke is so bewitched. Even I find it hard to let you go. Go pack your things at the Song Family’s place. I’ll send someone to fetch you."
Xianglan abruptly raised her head and looked directly at Lin Jinlou. "I’m afraid I cannot comply."Lin Jinlou frowned and raised his eyebrows. "What, still not agreeing? Is following Song Ke more respectable than following me?" After a moment's thought, he suddenly appeared enlightened and said, "You don't need to fear Zhao Shi. From now on, she's out of here."
Xianglan shook her head and knelt on the ground. "Eldest Master, I beg you. I'm nothing but a worthless person who only wishes to live a peaceful life and make a living. You have countless stunning beauties by your side, why bother with someone as lowly as me?"
Lin Jinlou bent down, looked at Xianglan's face, and sneered, "I want to."
Xianglan said calmly, "Then I have no choice but to die." As she spoke, she suddenly pulled the sandalwood hairpin from her hair and stabbed it toward her throat.
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