Lin Dongqi brought over another cup of tea and said, "Big brother, please don't take offense at our behavior. We're all just mischievous monkeys, full of mischief."
Lin Jinlou slammed the teacup onto the heated brick bed table with a "smack" and said coldly, "I'll say this one last time—Xianglan is my woman. You'd all better show her respect from now on. If I hear any more gossip about her, don't blame me for being merciless. Today, I only had the servants beaten. Next time, I'll beat you all directly. At worst, after finishing, I'll personally go to grandfather to receive punishment. As for today's matter, considering your youth and ignorance, I'll spare you the humiliation." Seeing the three of them hanging their heads and shrugging, he raised his voice sharply, "Did you all hear me?!"
Ting, Ling, and Xiu were startled and nodded hurriedly.
Lin Jinlou snorted, "If you understand, then get out of here quickly!"
The group felt as if they had received a pardon and immediately stood up to leave.
Lin Jinlou said, "Wait, Xiao San'er, don't go. Come with me."
Lin Jinting quickly followed Lin Jinlou into the bedroom. Lin Jinlou sat down and said, "A while ago, you mentioned Han Guangye's matter to me. After considering it for a few days, there's currently an opening for an eighth-rank sergeant position. It doesn't offer much in terms of perks, but there is some salary to be earned."
Lin Jinting hurriedly replied, "He would naturally be willing. The Han family father and son know how difficult it is to secure an official position these days. Han Guangye can barely read, but he has a clever mind and knows how to handle affairs. Starting directly as an eighth-rank official, he should be content."
Lin Jinlou chuckled and said, "He is clever indeed, knowing to seek your help."
Lin Jinting said, "He begged me several times, and I couldn't shake him off. I pitied him. If he doesn't perform well in his duties, big brother, just dismiss him."
Lin Jinlou said, "I've heard you haven't been studying much lately, spending all your time with a bunch of idle rich kids. If you don't want to take the imperial exams anymore, you might as well purchase an official position under me. Later, you could take on a lucrative and important post—that's also a legitimate path."
Lin Jinting shook his head and said, "Forget it. At least I have some foundation in reading and writing essays. I know nothing about martial arts or military affairs. Grandfather still expects me to pass the provincial exams."
Lin Jinlou laughed at this and said, "With your daily loafing around, if you could actually pass the provincial exams, the Lin Family would have to hold a grand ancestral ceremony and cast a golden statue for Buddha. Grandfather would be so delighted he might live another twenty years."
Lin Jinting hung his head and said, "Didn't I pass the licentiate exam? Back when Yifei was here, I studied diligently day and night. I've only been slacking off recently. Starting tomorrow, I'll go back to the academy to continue my studies."
Lin Jinlou said, "If it doesn't work out, you could try bribing the examiners. Last year's chief examiner was my father's colleague from the same year."
Lin Jinting shook his head and said, "I'd rather give it another try." He lifted his eyelids and glanced at Lin Jinlou again, wanting to ask about Xianglan, but his lips moved without a sound, and he ultimately didn't dare to speak up.
As Lin Jinting was leaving, he saw Shuran standing in the courtyard and approached her, saying, "Sister Shuran, are you busy?"
Shuran smiled and said, "I noticed the fairy flowers are blooming beautifully, so I'm picking a few to dye my nails."
Seeing no one else around, Lin Jinting inquired, "Dear sister, please tell me quickly, what's the story with that Xianglan in my brother's room?"
Shuran said, "I don't know how she came to be here. Third Master, you'll have to find out for yourself."
Lin Jinting grinned playfully and said, "Good sister, you're the 'all-hearing ears' of Knowing Spring Pavilion. If you don't know, who would?"Shuran pursed her lips and smiled. "Don't flatter me so much. I truly don't know about her affairs. It was only when the Master ordered the rooms to be tidied up and clothes and jewelry were brought in that I knew someone new was joining the household." She sighed. "That Xianglan... actually has it tough. She was beaten by the Master on her very first day. I saw with my own eyes that she didn't seem very willing."
Lin Jinting was taken aback for a moment, then sneered. "When Yifei fell from grace, she put on an act of icy purity and chaste virtue to kick him aside. Now that she's managed to cling to my brother, this great tree, she'll enjoy endless wealth and luxury from now on. What could she possibly be unwilling about?"
Shuran shot Lin Jinting a reproachful look. "My Third Master, didn't you see how furious the Master was earlier? You'd better say less."
Lin Jinting rubbed his neck, suspicious. "Has my elder brother really become infatuated with her? Does he value her that much?"
Since Shuran usually got along well with Lin Jinting due to his candid and carefree nature, she decided to give him some advice. She glanced around, lowered her voice, and said, "Whether he's infatuated or not, I don't know. But I do know that aside from Zhao Yuechan, no other woman has had the capability to reside in the Main House! All the women the Master has taken as concubines have been placed in the side rooms. Only this one—he's insistently kept her by his side. Third Master, you've always been close with the Master. Don't be foolish about this matter. It won't hurt to show Xianglan more respect in the future."
Lin Jinting's eyes widened, and he murmured, "It can't be... Oh, dear mother, this woman is truly a calamity."
Shuran laughed. "Why worry? What kind of calamity hasn't the Master encountered before? None of them lasted more than a few days before he grew tired of them." She chuckled lightly and left.
Meanwhile, Xianglan returned to the eastern side room and leaned against the windowsill again, staring blankly outside. It was midsummer, and in the courtyard of Knowing Spring Pavilion, there was a rockery with exquisite stones covered in rare flowers and exotic plants. Vines trailed down, their emerald strands swaying gracefully. Various orchids bloomed luxuriantly, each flower as large as a teacup, exuding fragrance and vibrant colors. Magnolias, white as fine snow, and roses dotted here and there added to the enchanting scene.
Xianglan gazed obsessively, trying to suppress the bitterness in her heart. She had long known that Lin Dongling and Lin Dongxiu would mock and ridicule her. No matter how humiliating it was, she comforted herself by treating it as wind blowing past her ears—it would eventually pass. But when Lin Jinting arrived and looked at her with such surprise and contempt, she felt a pang in her heart. Song Ke would find out sooner or later. The thought of it made her chest ache. She had insisted on parting with Song Ke back then for the sake of dignity and self-respect, but now it had turned into a joke. She thought again that Song Ke had already married a fine woman, and she had become a faint shadow in his memory. What did it matter if he found out? Perhaps it would barely cause a ripple.
Chun Ling approached and said, "The scenery outside is lovely, but you shouldn't sit by the window for too long. The sky is overcast—it might rain soon. If you sit here, you might catch a chill." Just then, she saw Lin Jinlou stride in and quickly retreated.
Lin Jinlou saw a slender figure sitting with her back to him on the Luohan bed, leaning against the windowsill and motionless. He let out a cold laugh, sat down on the other side, picked a cherry from the fruit dish on the heated brick bed, chewed it, spat out the pit, and said, "Still thinking about your old flame? How many stories of tender affection do you have? Tell me a few."
Xianglan turned her face and looked at Lin Jinlou for a moment. "Which part would the Master like to hear?"Lin Jinlou gazed coldly into her eyes, curling his lips as he said, "Well, well, didn't expect you to be such a sentimental soul. Serve me well from now on. If you manage to please me, I might just let you go reunite with Song Ke once I've grown tired of you. Though who knows if he'll even remember you by then." With that, he rose angrily and called for Lianxin to bring him fresh clothes. As he changed, he tried to calm his temper, thinking how ungrateful Xianglan was. He had initially been drawn to her delicate beauty, slender figure, sweet voice, and elegant grace—assuming she would be tender and affectionate. Who knew she could be so irritating? Glancing toward the eastern chamber, he saw Xianglan still leaning alone against the windowsill and sneered inwardly: Go ahead and dig your own grave. Do you think you'll benefit from upsetting me?
He had returned home primarily to change clothes before going out for social engagements. Once dressed, he prepared to leave. Lianxin hurriedly presented Lin Jinlou's waist sword to him. Suddenly, he asked, "I have a green sachet with some Cooling Pills inside—where is it?"
Lianxin replied, "You did have one, Master, but I haven't seen it in the room. I recall you last wore it four or five days ago. You've been busy with official duties lately and have been sleeping in the study—perhaps you left it there. I'll go look for it right away."
Lin Jinlou said, "No need." He started to leave but paused, adding, "Have someone tidy up the bedding and supplies in the study. From today onward, I'll be staying here again. The curtains in the room are too dark and oppressive—replace them with something fresher."
Lianxin quickly assented and asked, "What color would you prefer, Master?"
Lin Jinlou said offhandedly, "Go ask Xianglan. Let her choose."
Lianxin was astonished but swiftly concealed her surprise, repeatedly agreeing to the task.
Meanwhile, Xianglan had been leaning by the window for some time when Chun Ling came to urge her to eat lunch. Glancing at the meal on the heated brick bed table, Xianglan saw it consisted of simple, light dishes prepared according to her tastes, so she mustered her spirits and ate a little. After the meal, Chun Ling sat on the Luohan bed doing needlework while Xiao Juan worked on knotting tassels, both attempting to engage Xianglan in casual conversation. Xianglan remained by the windowsill, gazing outside. Before long, Shuran arrived, first greeting everyone with a beaming smile, then inquiring about Xianglan's daily routine and whether she needed anything. She offered a few words of comfort, to which Xianglan responded with slight nods—polite yet distant. Chun Ling, with her clever tongue, exchanged pleasantries with Shuran, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
Seeing the timing was right, Shuran smiled apologetically and said, "I must apologize to you, miss. My younger cousin Luan'er has been spoiled since childhood and often speaks without thinking. If she has offended you in any way, please be magnanimous and don't take it to heart. I beg your forgiveness on her behalf." She stood and made a slight bow.
Xianglan replied, "You're too kind, Sister Shuran. I know she meant no harm." She thought to herself: "Shuran is steady and thorough in her work, thoughtful in every detail—a capable and sensible person. It's puzzling how she has a cousin like Luan'er. The two share no resemblance in either appearance or temperament."As they were speaking, Nuanyue, Rushuang, Tinglan, and several other prominent maids from Knowing Spring Pavilion came in, all to visit Xianglan. Each wore a beaming smile, inquiring warmly after her well-being, exuding both affection and deference. Xianglan was inwardly surprised; though she had no heart for socializing, she had no choice but to force a smile and exchange pleasantries with them.
Chun Ling emerged from the eastern side room and, spotting Lianxin through the window, quickly called out to her. She stepped out into the corridor and asked, "What’s going on today? All sorts of deities, great and small, are flocking to the eastern side room."
Lianxin laughed and said, "There’s a reason, of course." Lowering her voice, she added, "When Xianglan first arrived a couple of days ago, those opportunists were still waiting to see which way the wind blew. Who would have thought that on the third day, the Master would snub several young masters and ladies for her sake? Just now, he even gave orders to return to Knowing Spring Pavilion to sleep and had some books and bedding moved back from the study. Who do you think all this is for?"
Chun Ling also laughed and said, "No wonder a few young maidservants tried to offer me gifts at noon. It turns out they noticed Xianglan has few attendants and are already scheming."
The two exchanged a few more words before parting for the time being.
Thank you to Fat Wanghua001 for the Peach Blossom Fan, Du Xiao Ba for the sachet, Yu21yu21 and Tuberosa for two Peace Talismans, Mkh_Texas, Yueyue Ai Yueyue, and Wqpaqm for the Peace Talismans. Also, thank you all for the pink votes ^_^
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