First Madam Qin Shi of the Lin family sat in the carriage with her eyes closed, resting her mind while silently pondering matters concerning their Jinling household. Her thoughts then drifted to Lin Jinlou, unsettling her heart. Lin Jinlou was her eldest son, exceptionally bright since childhood but also remarkably mischievous. Though he showed some talent in reading and writing, he gradually lost interest in proper studies, preferring instead to indulge in unofficial histories and trivial tales. At thirteen or fourteen, he accompanied relatives and friends to the imperial examinations and unexpectedly passed as a xiucai. However, no matter how Old Master Lin beat or scolded him, he refused to participate in the spring metropolitan examinations again. Yet he particularly loved martial arts; in his youth, he sought out a master for training and surprisingly achieved the title of military top graduate. The entire Lin family was overjoyed, hosting a grand banquet for relatives and friends. Old Master Lin pulled strings everywhere, securing Lin Jinlou the position of capital military judge. Within two years, he was promoted to a sixth-rank battalion commander.
Holding a military official post, Lin Jinlou was adept at navigating official circles and skilled in managing the family's businesses, expanding their shops all the way to the capital. He spent two months each year in the capital overseeing affairs, using the substantial silver he earned to maintain a strictly disciplined "Lin Family Army" under his command.
As Lin Jinlou gradually matured into a young man, Qin Shi began seeking suitable marriage prospects. Indeed, many families sent intermediaries to inquire. As the legitimate eldest grandson of the prominent Lin family of Jiangnan—with a grandfather who had once been a second-rank court official, a father Lin Changzheng serving as Vice Minister of Revenue, and an uncle Lin Changmin as a military commander—Lin Jinlou, accomplished in both literary and martial arts, handsome and graceful, was highly sought after. Qin Shi had already shortlisted two families, but man proposes, God disposes. On the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth of the first lunar month, Lin Jinlou went out for amusement and encountered a maiden at the lantern fair who was as stunning as a painting from a masterpiece. She repeatedly glanced back at him with charming, alluring smiles. Lin Jinlou became utterly captivated and later learned she was known as Jinling's top beauty, the youngest daughter of Zhao Xuede, a sixth-rank administration vice commissioner, named Zhao Yuechan.
When Qin Shi heard that Lin Jinlou had taken a fancy to Administration Vice Commissioner Zhao's daughter, though the family status was somewhat lower, she initially had no major objections since the Zhao family was a centuries-old prominent clan with many talents in court. However, after sending people to investigate in detail, she learned that Zhao Xuede had a poor official reputation and that Zhao Yuechan was flirtatious and sentimental, even having ambiguous relationships with her cousin and domestic servants. Upon hearing these two points, Qin Shi became unwilling and intended to reject the matter. Unexpectedly, Lin Jinlou went to plead with his grandmother. Old Madam Lin, who had always indulged Lin Jinlou, actually entrusted a matchmaker to propose and finalized the marriage. When the news reached the capital, Qin Shi was both shocked and furious, but the matter was already settled, leaving her with no choice but to accept it.On his wedding night, Lin Jinlou discovered that Zhao Yuechan was not a virgin and was quite experienced in intimate matters. Feeling the weight of betrayal, half of his tender affection instantly evaporated. Observing her coldly, he saw that Zhao Yuechan cared only for fine clothes and adornments, lacking any substantial character. Lin Jinlou regretted being blinded by lust and ignoring his elders' advice, thus treating Zhao Yuechan with indifference. Filled with resentment, he impulsively took Yingge, Chunyan, and Huamei—three beautiful and charming maids—as his Bedchamber Attendants.
For her husband to take on Bedchamber Attendants during their newlywed period, and three at once, felt to Zhao Yuechan like a stinging slap across her face. She threw tantrums, weeping and wailing incessantly at Lin Jinlou, at times threatening to dash against the wall or slit her own throat. Lin Jinlou sneered, "If you wish to die, don't do it here—you'll only dirty my family's grounds! Do you want this to go to the authorities so I can accuse you of losing your virtue before marriage? As it stands, the Lin family isn't afraid of losing face!" At these words, Zhao Yuechan dared not make another scene. She took great pride in this marriage and had no choice but to swallow her anger.
Just one year into their marriage, Lin Jinlou took a liking to a distant relative of Qin Shi's family, a girl named Furong, who was exceptionally beautiful and dignified. She had been betrothed but her fiancé died, and she had grown up with Lin Jinlou, harboring deep affection for him. Lin Jinlou intended to take her as a high-ranking concubine, and Furong's family was more than willing.
The Lin family prepared to formally hold a banquet to welcome Furong into their household. However, unforeseen misfortune struck—Furong was lured away by villains, violated, and murdered, a case that remains unsolved to this day.
Three years later, seeing that Lin Jinlou still had no children, Qin Shi sent people to search far and wide, eventually selecting the daughter of a scholar named Wang Qinglan. She was peerlessly beautiful, gentle-natured, and highly perceptive. Qin Shi kept her by her side for a period of training, then personally arranged a banquet in the capital for Lin Jinlou to take her as a concubine. Upon hearing this, Zhao Yuechan could only seethe in secret but was powerless to object.
"Madam, are you feeling unwell?" Qin Shi, lost in her troubled thoughts, suddenly heard someone calling her. Opening her eyes, she saw Qinglan holding a small cloisonné box, saying considerately, "I noticed you frowning earlier, probably because the long journey and the carriage jolts have given you a headache. I have a box of borneol and mint ointment here; applying a bit to your temples or sniffing it can refresh and clear your mind."
Qin Shi smiled faintly, "I'm perfectly fine. It's you—these past two days in the carriage, you've been dizzy and vomiting terribly, your chin has grown sharp. When Jinlou sees you, he'll worry that I haven't taken good care of you."
Hearing Qin Shi mention Lin Jinlou, Qinglan's face flushed slightly, and she lowered her head. Qin Shi patted Qinglan's hand just as someone outside the carriage announced, "Madam, we've reached the second gate."Cao Lihuan, upon hearing in Luoxue Courtyard that the First Branch's carriage had arrived, grumbled, "Weren't they supposed to return tomorrow afternoon? How did they arrive so quickly?" She hastily washed and dressed, putting on the finest seasonal outfit she owned—a tea-white full-embroidered silk satin long gown with colorful gold floral and bird patterns, both the fabric and embroidery being of superior quality. She had Huier meticulously apply her makeup. Though naturally fair-skinned, her complexion was not smooth and had scattered freckles. With skillful hands, Huier evened out her face using jasmine-purple foundation cream to conceal the flaws, then lightly dusted it with rouge, subtly brushed her eyebrows, and carefully styled an elegant yet distinctive peach-heart bun. Adorned with plain silver hairpins and ornaments, she was entirely transformed—not a beauty, but possessing a unique charm.
Since Huairui was on leave visiting home, Cao Lihuan considered bringing Huier to greet the arrivals but distrusted Xianglan, fearing she might steal things if left alone in the room. Thus, she had no choice but to leave Huier behind and took Xianglan instead. On the way, she heard that the First Branch party had already gone to Shouxi Hall, completed their greetings, and were about to start the meal. She hurriedly made her way to Shouxi Hall.
Xianglan glanced at Cao Lihuan, who was walking briskly, and cautiously chose her words: "Miss, the meal at Shouxi Hall is a family banquet, and no one has been sent to invite us. Wouldn't it be... inappropriate to go uninvited?"
Cao Lihuan curled her lip and said, "What's inappropriate about it? Just because it's a family banquet, I can't attend? I'm a legitimate relative of the Lin family. Perhaps the maid sent to invite us missed us on the way. Rather than making everyone wait for us to start the meal, it's better to go directly." Cao Lihuan had always looked down on Xianglan and shot her a contemptuous sidelong glance, saying coldly, "You've been in the mansion for several months now, haven't you? Why do you still act so timid and unsophisticated? You should learn from Huier's perspective and knowledge! Don't embarrass me later."
Xianglan, who had offered well-intentioned advice, was instead rebuked. She lowered her head and fell silent, sighing inwardly: "It's obvious she's an unwelcome distant relative in the mansion, yet she insists on acting important. If they had truly intended to invite her, they would have sent word days ago. With the First Branch back and the meal already set at Shouxi Hall without any notification, it's clear they don't want to see her. To push herself forward like this... alas, she'll only end up humiliated later."
At the Lin mansion's Shouxi Hall, the three main rooms were tall and magnificent, with exquisitely carved doors wide open. Inside the bright hall, a gilded purple sandalwood table held a large bronze tripod in bluish-green antique style, from which incense burned, emitting a faint, slender wisp of white smoke.
"Please return, Miss Cousin. This gathering was arranged by the Old Madam for the First and Second Branches to dine together. You may come another time," said Xuezhan, the head maid serving Old Madam Lin, speaking softly and slowly. "Besides, the meal has already been served. It wouldn't be appropriate for you to enter now."
Cao Lihuan stood outside the courtyard of Shouxi Hall, clutching her handkerchief, her face alternating between red and pale. She still insisted, "Since it's a family banquet, and I'm a relative of the Lin family, why can't I go in? I've even prepared gifts for Uncle, Aunt, and my cousins."
Liubei said, "It's thoughtful of you, Miss, to prepare gifts, but let me remind you of one thing: Our First Master and First Madam are your maternal uncle and aunt—there's a 'cousin' distinction, so they're not actually close relatives." Liubei was a second-rank maid in Old Madam Lin's quarters, known for her sharp tongue and often leaving no room for courtesy.Xianglan stood behind Cao Lihuan, hands tucked in her sleeves and face lowered, thinking to herself: "Just as I expected. Miss Huan, they've made it perfectly clear they don't want you inside. Why insist on humiliating yourself? Got your face slapped, didn't you? Now you've lost both dignity and reputation. Tsk, this Miss Huan has such a fiery temper. There's bound to be quite a scene later - I just hope I don't get caught in the crossfire and punished along with her."
Cao Lihuan's expression grew increasingly stormy. Pointing at Liubei, she demanded sharply: "Is this your idea or Old Madam's? I refuse to believe she'd shut me out!" She smoothed her robes and made to charge inside.
Xuezhan spread her arms and barred the way, her chest thrust forward, though she maintained a smile: "Please return, cousin. This is Old Madam's order - don't make things difficult for us."
Cao Lihuan sneered: "Don't you dare use Old Madam as an excuse! Today I will get inside no matter what! I'll ask Old Master and Old Madam myself whether it's proper to shut out their own kin! Are they bullying me because I'm an orphan with no parents to rely on?" Cao Lihuan, being tall and sturdy, shoved Xuezhan aside and tried to force her way in.
As Xuezhan staggered from the push, Liubei stepped forward, chest out, blocking Cao Lihuan with knitted brows: "What do you think you're doing? How dare you cause trouble at Longevity Hall!" Liubei stood even taller than Cao Lihuan. With a cold expression, she thrust out an arm and forcefully pushed Cao Lihuan back.
Never expecting a maid would lay hands on her, Cao Lihuan stumbled backward. Xianglan quickly reached out to catch her from behind, but being petite herself, she failed to hold steady and retreated half a step, nearly tumbling into the flowerbed.
"How dare you push me! This is rebellion! Outright rebellion!" Cao Lihuan flew into a rage. Striding forward, she slapped Liubei hard across the face, pointing and shouting: "You shameless, ill-mannered little slut! Just something bought with a few taels of silver, yet you dare strike your mistress! Today I'll teach you proper manners and show you how servants should behave!" She raised her hand for another slap.
Liubei, stunned by Cao Lihuan's sudden violence, covered her cheek in bewilderment. Only when the second blow descended did she snap to her senses, seizing Cao Lihuan's wrist with a cold laugh: "I was bought by the Lin family. The Lin masters, madams, young masters and misses are my proper masters. What kind of mistress are you? Just some distant relative living off the Lins' charity, constantly demanding this and that - fish today, chicken tomorrow, gold and silver and fine silks the day after! You're not even worth us servants!"
Xuezhan hurried over to pull Liubei back: "What nonsense are you spouting!" Then she said to Cao Lihuan: "Don't be angry, Miss Huan. Liubei has no filter - the matrons will discipline her later."
But Cao Lihuan wouldn't relent. Every word from Liubei had struck her shame and fury raw. She wished she could tear the maid apart with her teeth. Gnashing them, she said: "I refuse to believe I can't deal with a wretched servant like you today!" Her other hand shot out to claw at Liubei's face.
Startled, Liubei threw up a hand to block. Missing her target, Cao Lihuan instead grabbed handfuls of Liubei's hair and yanked hard, screaming: "You little whore! I'd rather die than let you live after this! How dare your filthy mouth slander me like that?"Liubei grimaced in pain, crashing into Cao Lihuan's embrace as she wailed, "Go on, beat me to death! Just kill me today! At worst, I'll drag you down with me!" The impact sent Cao Lihuan stumbling backward, yet she refused to let go, still clutching Liubei's hair. Seizing the opportunity, Liubei threw herself onto Cao Lihuan, and the two tumbled to the ground together.
Blinded by rage, Cao Lihuan lost all sense of reason, pounding Liubei with her fists while screaming, "You little slut! You wretched girl!" Liubei lay stiffly on the ground, enduring the blows as she bawled at the top of her lungs.
Xianglan stood frozen in disbelief. Having lived two lifetimes—one in luxury and another in hardship—she had never witnessed a mistress and maid brawling like this. She could only manage a few feeble cries of, "Stop fighting!" Xuezhan, frantic, circled around with several matrons trying to pull them apart. Seeing Xianglan standing dumbly aside, she stamped her foot and scolded, "Why are you rooted there like a stick? Hurry and talk some sense into your mistress!"
Xianglan had no desire to intervene. Cao Lihuan had never favored her—whatever she said or did was wrong, and she risked becoming a target for vented fury. Still, for appearances' sake, she had to make an effort. Watching Cao Lihuan swing her arm wide to slap Liubei, Xianglan rushed forward and grabbed her arm, pleading, "Miss, please stop! Don't harm yourself with anger."
Cao Lihuan shoved Xianglan away and kicked her, snarling, "Useless wench! How dare you stand by while your mistress suffers?"
Xianglan welcomed the kick as if she had been waiting for it. She staggered back a few steps with an exaggerated "Aiyo!" and collapsed to the ground, clutching her stomach as she feigned injury.
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