The Lin Family's First Madam, Qin Shi, sat in the carriage with her eyes closed, resting her mind while silently pondering matters back home in Jinling. Her thoughts then turned to Lin Jinlou, stirring a wave of unease within her. Lin Jinlou was her eldest son, exceptionally clever since childhood but also notoriously mischievous. Though he showed some talent for reading and writing, he gradually lost interest in scholarly pursuits, preferring instead to indulge in trivial books and idle gossip. At thirteen or fourteen, he accompanied friends and relatives to the imperial examinations and unexpectedly earned the title of Licentiate. Yet no matter how Lord Lin beat or scolded him, he refused to participate in the Imperial Examination again.
However, he had a deep passion for martial arts. As a child, he sought out renowned masters for training and astonishingly passed the Martial Arts Top Scholar examination. The entire Lin family was overjoyed, hosting a grand banquet in celebration. Old Lord Lin pulled strings everywhere, and soon Lin Jinlou secured the position of Military Commissioner Adjudicator. Within two years, he was promoted to Battalion Commander, a sixth-rank military official.
Holding a military post, Lin Jinlou proved adept at navigating official circles while also skillfully managing the family’s business ventures. He expanded their shops all the way to the capital, visiting twice a year to oversee operations. The gleaming silver he earned funded a strictly disciplined private force known as the "Lin Family Army."
As Lin Jinlou grew into a striking young man, Qin Shi began searching for a suitable marriage match. Many families sent inquiries—after all, he was the eldest grandson of the prestigious Lin family of Jiangnan. His grandfather had once been a second-rank court official, his father Lin Changzheng served as Vice Minister of Revenue, and his uncle Lin Changmin was a military commander. With Lin Jinlou’s literary and martial talents, coupled with his handsome and refined demeanor, many families were eager to form an alliance. Qin Shi had already shortlisted two candidates, but fate had other plans.
On the Lantern Festival, the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Lin Jinlou went out to enjoy the festivities. Amid the lantern displays, he encountered a young woman as beautiful as a painting, who cast him frequent glances with a bewitching smile, exuding irresistible charm. Lin Jinlou became utterly infatuated. Later, he learned she was Jinling’s most celebrated beauty—Zhao Yuechan, the youngest daughter of Zhao Xuede, a sixth-rank Judicial Secretary in the Provincial Administration Commission.
When Qin Shi heard her son had taken a liking to the daughter of Judicial Secretary Zhao, she initially had no objections despite the Zhao family’s slightly lower status. After all, the Zhaos were an old and distinguished clan with many talented officials in court. However, upon further investigation, she discovered Zhao Xuede had a poor reputation as an official, and Zhao Yuechan was known for her flirtatious nature, with rumors of improper relations even with her cousin and household servants. These two points alone made Qin Shi adamantly opposed. She intended to reject the match outright—until Lin Jinlou pleaded with his grandmother.
Lin Old Madam, who had always indulged Lin Jinlou’s every whim, actually arranged for a matchmaker to propose the marriage, sealing the engagement. When the news reached the capital, Qin Shi was both shocked and furious. But the deed was done, and there was nothing she could do about it.On his wedding night, Lin Jinlou discovered that Zhao Yuechan was not a virgin and was quite experienced in intimate matters. Feeling utterly humiliated, half of his tender affection instantly evaporated. Observing her coldly, he saw Zhao Yuechan cared only for fine clothes and jewelry, lacking any substantial character. Lin Jinlou regretted letting lust blind him to his elders' warnings and treated Zhao Yuechan with indifference. Furious and resentful, he took three beautiful maids—Ying Ge, Chunyan, and Hua Mei—as Bedchamber Attendants in quick succession.
For the bride to have her husband take concubines so soon—and three at that—felt like a stinging slap to Zhao Yuechan. She threw tantrums, weeping and wailing, threatening to dash her head against the wall or slit her throat. Lin Jinlou sneered, "If you want to die, don’t do it here—don’t dirty my family’s ground! Or do you want me to take this to the magistrate and expose your premarital impurity? At this point, the Lin family has no shame left to lose!" At these words, Zhao Yuechan dared not make another scene. She was still immensely proud of this marriage and had no choice but to swallow her anger.
Just a year into the marriage, Lin Jinlou took a liking to Furong, the daughter of a distant relative of Qin Shi. She was exceptionally beautiful, dignified, and had been betrothed before her fiancé’s untimely death. Having grown up alongside Lin Jinlou, she harbored deep affection for him. Lin Jinlou intended to take her as a noble concubine, and Furong’s family eagerly agreed.
The Lin family prepared a formal banquet to welcome Furong into the household. But fate proved cruel—Furong was lured away by villains, violated, and murdered. To this day, the case remains unsolved.
Three years later, seeing that Lin Jinlou still had no heir, Qin Shi sent people to search far and wide. They eventually settled on Wang Qinglan, the daughter of a scholar. Exquisitely beautiful, gentle, and sharp-witted, Qin Shi personally groomed her for some time before arranging a banquet in the capital to officially marry her into the family as a concubine. Zhao Yuechan could only seethe in silent resentment, powerless to stop it.
"Taitai, are you feeling unwell?" Qin Shi, lost in her troubled thoughts, suddenly heard someone calling her. Opening her eyes, she saw Qinglan holding a delicate cloisonné box.
"I noticed Taitai frowning earlier—perhaps the long journey and the carriage’s swaying have given you a headache," Qinglan said considerately. "I have some Borneol Mint Balm here. Applying a little to your temples or even just smelling it can refresh your mind."
Qin Shi smiled faintly. "I’m quite well. It’s you who’s been suffering—these past two days in the carriage, you’ve been dizzy and vomiting so much your face has thinned. When Jinlou sees you, he’ll surely scold me for not taking better care of you."
At the mention of Lin Jinlou, Qinglan’s cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head. Qin Shi patted her hand reassuringly when a voice outside the carriage announced, "Taitai, we’ve arrived at the second gate."Cao Lihuan, upon hearing at Gauze Snow Dock that the First Madam's carriage had arrived, grumbled, "Didn't they say they'd return tomorrow afternoon? How come they're back so soon?" She hurriedly freshened up and changed into her finest seasonal outfit—a tea-white, full-length BeiZi of embroidered floral and avian silk brocade, both the fabric and needlework of the highest quality. She had Hui'er meticulously apply her makeup. Though naturally fair, her skin wasn’t smooth and bore faint freckles. With skillful hands, Hui'er evened out her complexion using Jasmine Purple Powder Cream to conceal imperfections, then dusted on a light layer of rouge, lightly brushed her brows, and styled an elegant yet distinctive peach-heart bun. Adorned with simple silver hairpins, Cao Lihuan was transformed—not a beauty, but possessing a unique charm.
With Huairui on leave, Cao Lihuan intended to bring Hui'er to greet the arrivals but distrusted Xianglan, fearing she might pilfer items if left alone in the room. Thus, she left Hui'er behind and took Xianglan instead. Midway, she learned the First Madam's party had already gone to the Hall of Longevity and Joy, completed introductions, and was about to dine. She hastened toward the hall.
Xianglan glanced at Cao Lihuan’s brisk steps and cautiously ventured, "Miss, the Hall of Longevity and Joy is hosting a family banquet, and no one has invited us. Wouldn’t it be... improper to go uninvited?"
Cao Lihuan scoffed, "Improper? Just because it’s a family banquet, I can’t attend? I’m a proper relative of the Lin family. Perhaps the maid sent to fetch us missed us. Rather than keeping them waiting, we might as well go directly." She always looked down on Xianglan and shot her a disdainful sidelong glance, adding coldly, "You’ve been here for months, yet you still cower like a timid fool. At least learn some of Hui'er’s poise! Don’t embarrass me later."
Xianglan’s well-meant advice earned her a scolding. She lowered her head and fell silent, sighing inwardly: Clearly an unwelcome distant relative, yet she insists on acting important. Had they truly wanted her there, they’d have sent word days ago. Now, with the First Madam’s return and the banquet already underway without any notice, it’s obvious they don’t wish to see her. Clinging like this—ah, she’s in for humiliation.
The Hall of Longevity and Joy in the Lin residence boasted three grand, exquisitely adorned main chambers. The intricately carved doors stood open, revealing a gleaming red sandalwood table in the central hall, upon which rested an ancient bronze cauldron emitting a wisp of faint, white incense smoke.
"Cousin, please turn back. This gathering was arranged by the Old Madam for the First and Second households. You may visit another time," Xue Zhan, the Old Madam’s senior maid, said gently. "Besides, the meal is already served. It wouldn’t be appropriate for you to enter now."
Clutching her handkerchief outside the courtyard, Cao Lihuan’s face flushed and paled alternately. She stiffly retorted, "If it’s a family banquet, why can’t I join? I’m also part of the Lin family. I’ve even prepared gifts for Uncle, Aunt, and my cousins."
Liubei interjected, "How thoughtful of you to bring gifts, but let me remind you—our First Master and First Madam are your distant uncle and aunt. The word ‘distant’ makes all the difference." As a second-tier maid in the Old Madam’s quarters, Liubei was sharp-tongued and never minced words.Xianglan stood behind Cao Lihuan, her hands tucked into her sleeves and her face lowered, thinking to herself: "Just as I expected. Miss Huan, they’ve made it clear they don’t want you inside. Why go looking for trouble yourself? Now you’ve been humiliated, with no dignity left inside or out. Tsk, this Miss Huan has quite the temper—there’s bound to be a scene later. I just hope I don’t get caught in the crossfire and punished for it."
Cao Lihuan’s expression darkened further as she pointed at Liubei and snapped, "Is this your idea or the old madam’s? I refuse to believe she’d shut me out!" With that, she straightened her clothes and made to push her way in.
Xue Zhan spread her arms and blocked the way, still smiling. "Please turn back, Cousin. This is the old madam’s order—don’t make things difficult for us."
Cao Lihuan sneered. "Don’t hide behind the old madam! Today, I’m going in whether you like it or not. I’ll ask the old master and madam myself—since when do they shut out their own kin? Or do they think they can bully me just because I’m an orphan with no parents to rely on?" Tall and strong, Cao Lihuan shoved Xue Zhan aside and barged forward.
Xue Zhan staggered from the push, but Liubei stepped in front, blocking Cao Lihuan with a scowl. "What do you think you’re doing? The Hall of Longevity and Joy is no place for your tantrums!" Liubei was even taller than Cao Lihuan, her face icy as she thrust out an arm and shoved Cao Lihuan back with force.
Caught off guard, Cao Lihuan stumbled backward. Xianglan hurriedly reached out to catch her, but being petite herself, she staggered half a step further and nearly tumbled into the flowerbed.
"How dare you push me! This is outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!" Cao Lihuan flew into a rage, striding forward and slapping Liubei hard across the face. "Shameless, ill-mannered little wretch! Just a bought thing worth a few taels of silver, and you dare raise a hand against your mistress? Today, I’ll teach you your place—how a servant ought to behave!" She raised her hand for another slap.
Liubei, stunned by the sudden attack, barely reacted until the second slap was coming down. She caught Cao Lihuan’s wrist and sneered, "I was bought by the Lin family. The Lin masters, Taitai, young masters, and young ladies are my masters. Who are you to call yourself my mistress? Just some distant relative leeching off the Lins, always demanding this and that—fish today, chicken tomorrow, gold and silver and fine silks the day after. You’re worse than us servants!"
Xue Zhan quickly pulled Liubei back. "Enough of that nonsense!" Then she turned to Cao Lihuan. "Don’t be angry, Miss Huan. Liubei has no filter—the matrons will discipline her later."
But Cao Lihuan was beyond appeasement. Every word from Liubei had struck a nerve, and she seethed with humiliation. "I refuse to believe I can’t deal with a lowly bitch like you today!" She lunged for Liubei’s face with her free hand.
Liubei blocked just in time, but Cao Lihuan grabbed a fistful of her hair instead, yanking hard as she spat, "You little slut! I’ll die before I let you get away with this! How dare your filthy mouth slander me like that?"Liubei, wincing in pain, threw herself into Cao Lihuan's arms, wailing, "Go ahead and kill me today! At worst, we'll perish together!" The impact knocked Cao Lihuan backward, but she still refused to let go of Liubei's hair. Seizing the opportunity, Liubei collapsed onto Cao Lihuan, and the two tumbled to the ground together.
Blinded by rage, Cao Lihuan had long forgotten all sense of propriety. She pounded Liubei with both fists while screaming, "You little bitch! You little bitch!" Liubei lay stiffly on the ground, enduring the blows as she bawled at the top of her lungs.
Xianglan stood frozen in shock. Though she had lived two lifetimes—one in luxury and another in the gritty underbelly of society—she had never witnessed such a brawl between a mistress and her maid. She could only manage a feeble cry of, "Stop fighting!" Xue Zhan, frantic, circled around with a few matrons trying to pull them apart. Seeing Xianglan standing dumbly aside, she stomped her foot and snapped, "Why are you just standing there like a stick? Go talk some sense into your mistress!"
Xianglan had no intention of intervening. Cao Lihuan already despised her—anything she said or did would be wrong, and she might end up as the scapegoat for their anger. But for appearances' sake, she had to act. Watching Cao Lihuan swing her arm wide to slap Liubei, she stepped forward and grabbed Cao Lihuan's arm, pleading, "Miss, please stop! Don't hurt yourself in anger!"
Cao Lihuan shoved Xianglan away and kicked her, snarling, "Useless wench! Can't even help when your mistress is suffering!"
Xianglan took the kick gladly, staggering back with an exaggerated "Oof!" before collapsing to the ground. She rubbed her stomach where she'd been kicked and played dead.
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