To be fair, Lin Jinlou did hold a certain degree of admiration for Song Ke. As the son of a declining official family, he supported his elderly mother and younger sister single-handedly. Despite his youth, his speech and actions were meticulous, and his methods were systematic and strategic. He had even managed to pass the imperial examinations as a Successful Candidate—a feat achieved by only a handful of individuals in their teens in the current dynasty. While Lin Jinlou believed in innate talent, he placed greater faith in the principle that hard work yields rewards. The polished elegance displayed in public was the result of a hundredfold effort behind the scenes. Take himself, for example: many claimed his appointment as a fourth-rank general at such a young age, commanding significant troops, was solely due to his family’s influence. He considered such talk nonsense. Though born with a silver spoon as a child of privilege, every military merit he earned was won through genuine blood and steel. While he rose at the crow of the cock to train, many scions of noble families were still being coddled by wet nurses, let alone enduring the harsh drills of winter’s coldest days and summer’s hottest spells. The Lin Family had produced some talents in his generation, but who among them could match his resolve to endure such hardships, risking their lives on the edge of a blade?
Song Ke’s family background and prospects were naturally incomparable to his own. What did passing the imperial examinations really amount to? Without exceptional opportunities, it was common for Successful Candidates to stagnate at the fifth rank for life. Even if Song Ke married the daughter of Duke Xian, it might not guarantee him a brilliant future. Yet, Lin Jinlou had witnessed firsthand how diligently Song Ke applied himself. From his relentless studying, Lin Jinlou detected a burning ambition within him. After a few interactions, Lin Jinlou recognized that Song Ke was no easy character to deal with.
Lin Jinlou tapped his fingers on the table. Initially, upon hearing of Song Ke’s success in the examinations, he had briefly considered releasing Xianglan. After all, the Lin Family had shown kindness to Song Ke, and it made little sense to create enmity over a woman. But he quickly dismissed the thought. He was a man accustomed to commanding wind and rain—why should he yield to some greenhorn? Song Ke’s wings were still unformed, and even if he eventually stood on his own, he would never be a match for him.
Lost in thought, Lin Jinlou heard the young servant Guiyuan on duty outside the corridor announce at the door, "The Master has heard that the Young Master is awake and requests your presence at the front to share a few cups of wine and socialize for a while."
Lin Jinlou acknowledged the message. He picked up two pieces of pastry from a plate, ate them, changed into more formal attire for receiving guests, and made his way to the front. In the courtyard, several tables had been set up, densely packed with dozens of guests. A stage stood at the front, where opera performers were singing in melodious tones. Lin Changzheng and Lin Changmin were seated among the guests, chatting amiably with those around them. The moment Lin Jinlou arrived, the atmosphere at the tables immediately livened up, with many raising their glasses to toast him. A faint smile played on Lin Jinlou’s lips as he responded to each greeting, holding his wine cup with the graceful poise of a scion from an esteemed family.
Someone in the crowd whispered, "See that? That’s the eldest son of the Lin Family. Lin Changzheng’s appointment as Governor of Shanxi was entirely due to his maneuvering and networking in the capital—courting every high official, noble, and powerful minister. At such a tender age, his rank already surpasses ours."
Another remarked, "People are stratified into classes. With parents like his, it’s hard not to prosper."Among those present was one person whose eyes had been firmly fixed on Lin Jinlou since he emerged from the rear, never once looking away—this was Xia Yun. It turned out that Han Yaozu had spent a large sum of silver to secure connections with the Lin Family through intermediaries, presenting generous gifts during festivals. When the Lin Family hosted a banquet for familiar officials of all ranks in Jinling, an invitation was extended to him. Han Yaozu had originally intended to bring his eldest son, but the son happened to have caught a cold. Knowing his son was prone to drinking and causing trouble, and considering Xia Yun’s honest, obedient nature and consistent reliability in handling affairs, Han Yaozu ordered Xia Yun to accompany Han Guangye instead, subtly implying an intention to promote Xia Yun.
Xia Yun was naturally grateful and elated. He specifically changed into a brand-new silk outfit, feeling even more ambitious, eager to showcase his talents before high officials at the banquet and strategize for further advancement, perhaps even securing a great opportunity that might lead to a future of nobility and high office. Along the way, he made earnest conversation with Han Guangye, but inwardly scoffed at Han Guangye’s lack of learning and empty mind. Upon arriving at the Lin residence, Xia Yun was slightly startled by the bustling scene of a crowded gateway. Once inside, he saw magnificent buildings, elegant windows with carved beams, exotic rocks, and rare birds, leaving him utterly dazzled. Only when seated did he realize that among the dozens of banquet tables, he and Han Guangye were placed at the farthest one, with Han Yaozu’s seventh-rank official status being the lowest present.
Xia Yun sat upright, not daring to speak much, yet he observed that the barely literate Han Guangye was skillfully engaging with others, addressing everyone as "Uncle" or "Elder," toasting frequently, and chatting cheerfully. Knowing Han Guangye was a legitimate Recommended Man, others merely raised their cups slightly in courtesy without any warmth. Xia Yun felt quite unsettled. When Lin Jinlou appeared, the crowd treated him like stars surrounding the moon, as if such dignity and authority were his birthright. Watching from afar, Xia Yun felt a mix of envy and admiration, along with an indescribable melancholy. He then realized how naive his earlier grand ambitions had been; this eye-opening experience showed him the true grandeur of a wealthy, influential family, dampening half of his fervor. No longer daring to dream of seizing a great opportunity, he mustered his spirits to exchange pleasantries with the seventh-rank official beside him. For now, this is set aside.
Meanwhile, Yin Die was dragged away by several old women and returned to her room, weeping incessantly. All the maidservants disliked Yin Die for being troublesome and meddlesome, so not one went to console her. Xiao Juan, cracking melon seeds, said coolly, "Pack your things. The Master wants you out tomorrow morning. Don’t delay and get us blamed."
Yin Die retorted angrily, "Even if I’m leaving, it’s tomorrow morning. What’s it to you?"
Xiao Juan put her hands on her hips and sneered, "Watch your tone—you’re no longer a proper maid in this household. Instead of arguing with me, you’d better think about yourself. A maidservant convicted of theft—what decent family would buy you? Even if you’re sold tomorrow, you can’t stay in the residence tonight, lest you steal something again!" With that, she flung the curtain aside and left.
Furious, Yin Die cried again. Being somewhat resourceful, she wiped her tears, pulled out a handful of coins from her chest, and called a young maidservant, saying, "Go to the third young lady’s room and ask Han Fang to come. Tell her I have an urgent matter."
The young maidservant put her hands behind her back, pouted, and said, "The mothers all said not to get involved in your affairs!""You..." Yin Die raised her eyebrows and glared, stepping forward as if to strike, but forcibly suppressed her anger. Instead, she grabbed another handful of coins and handed them over, saying, "Go quietly, no one will know. Go on!"
The little maidservant finally took the money and left. Before long, Han Fang arrived. As soon as Yin Die saw her, she rushed forward and cried, "Cousin, save me!"
Han Fang was startled and quickly asked what had happened. Yin Die explained the whole story, tears streaming down her face, and said, "I... I never thought a golden horse would cause such trouble. When it comes down to it, it's all because of that wretched Xianglan. She left this cursed thing behind—even when she was in the mansion, she made my life difficult, and now that she's gone, she still won't let me live in peace..."
Han Fang frowned and scolded, "What kind of talk is that? You were the one who greedily took someone else's belongings. How can you blame her?"
Yin Die wiped her tears and said, "Anyway, she was sold off by the mistress. If I hadn't taken it, someone else would have sooner or later! It's just my bad luck to run into this mess... Wuwu..."
Han Fang sighed, "It's too late for regrets now..." After a moment's thought, she added, "You've angered the Master, so you can't stay in the mansion anymore. I'll send you out first. Your family can gather some money and ask someone we know to buy you out. You're not young anymore—stay quietly at home for a few days, and we'll find you a decent match. From then on, just live a peaceful life."
Yin Die wailed, "I won't go out! I'd rather die than marry some pauper!"
Han Fang slapped her twice in anger and snapped, "Who's to blame for losing a perfectly good position? Be thankful your family still has some savings. If there wasn't a single coin to your name, and you were sold off to some old man as a concubine, what could you do about it?"
Yin Die collapsed onto the heated brick bed, crying even louder.
Just then, Wu Mama lifted the curtain and entered, frowning as she said, "Why aren't you ready yet? The women at the second gate are growing impatient. Any later, and the Inner Chambers will be locked for the night!"
Han Fang quickly smiled apologetically and stepped forward to greet her, saying, "My cousin here is nothing but trouble. Please don't be upset, Mama. I'll personally escort her out shortly and have her family meet her outside."
Since Han Fang had some standing with Lin Dongling, Wu Mama softened her expression and said, "Even so, don't be too late."
Han Fang replied with a smile, "Of course not." As she spoke, she took out two qian of silver and said, "The women at the second gate have been kept waiting—let them buy some wine with this."
Wu Mama glanced at Yin Die and said to Han Fang, "If your cousin had even half your sense, she wouldn't have been driven out by the Master."
Han Fang repeatedly agreed and saw Wu Mama out. Turning back, she glared at Yin Die and snapped, "Still crying? Hurry up and pack your things. Later, tell Nai Cai Pozi to have someone bring a small sedan chair to take you back!"
Left with no choice, Yin Die packed her belongings into a single trunk. Han Fang led her out, but as they reached the Hanging Flower Gate, the servant boy Guiyuan stopped them and said, "Sisters, don't go any further. The Master is hosting a banquet up ahead, and it's all male guests. It wouldn't be proper if you were seen."Before the words faded, two servant boys were seen supporting a heavily intoxicated man past the doorway, followed by a tall young gentleman. Yin Die looked over and saw the young man dressed in a moon-white tussah silk robe, appearing refined and scholarly. His fair, regular features were accentuated by a rectangular face with a pair of keen, bright eyes. The newcomer was none other than Xia Yun. It turned out Han Guangye had drunk too much and begun acting unruly. Xia Yun promptly attended to him, asking the Lin Family’s servant boys for tangerine peel sobering soup. After forcing a bowl down his throat, Han Guangye gagged as if about to vomit again. Fortunately, the steward came out and said, "It’s late now, and your young master has had too much to drink. Why not rest here? The row of annex rooms outside were just tidied up yesterday in preparation for guests. Please do not refuse."
Xia Yun was only too glad to agree and nodded repeatedly, sending someone back to deliver the message. A servant boy stepped forward to support Han Guangye, and the group headed toward the rear annex rooms, coincidentally meeting Yin Die and the others at the Hanging Flower Gate.
The servant boy Guiyuan is played by damima~ Thanks to fat wanghua001 for the Begging for Skills Talisman, Big Bear Fool for the sachet, Handelian for two Peace Talismans, chljyaa for the Peace Talisman, Sukiishi, and Yi Amy for the Little Yellow Chick. Also, thank you to everyone who cast pink votes for me! I was really exhausted today, so the update is a bit late, sorry ^_^ The show is about to begin, folks—why not quickly cast some votes for me? Hehe.
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