As Lin Dongqi's wedding date drew nearer, the entire Lin household grew increasingly busy, yet the Knowing Spring Pavilion remained the most leisurely place. Xianglan would only take a stroll in the courtyard or return to her room to paint, and every day she could hear the sound of the pipa and vocal exercises coming from Luan'er's room, with Hua Mei occasionally playing the qin and singing as well. Before bed, Xiao Juan would make Xianglan's bed, and as Xianglan lay down, Xiao Juan secretly glanced at her while drawing the bed curtains, saying, "The Master loves listening to songs the most, Sister Xianglan. You upset him when he left—why not practice a song? If you sing for him, I guarantee he'll be pleased no matter what..."
Xianglan closed her eyes without responding. Xiao Juan didn't press further, extinguished the lamp, and left.
Xianglan lay wide-eyed in the darkness. Since Lin Jinlou had departed, she had moved back to the eastern side room and no longer allowed maids to keep watch at night, lying alone in bed hugging her quilt, often tossing and turning several times before falling asleep. Those around her, Chun Ling and Xiao Juan, both hoped she would get along with Lin Jinlou and had offered plenty of advice, both openly and subtly. The day before, two women from outside the estate had come to take her measurements, explaining that for Lin Dongqi's grand wedding, Lin Jinlou had sent word back to have two festive outfits made for each of them.
Xianglan was reluctant to have new clothes tailored—what did Lin Dongqi's wedding have to do with her? In truth, she admitted to herself that she deeply envied this second young lady of the Lin family, even feeling a hint of jealousy. Lin Dongqi seemed like her former self in a past life: possessing a respectable family background, doting grandparents and parents, and a magnificent wedding with a grand trousseau, marrying a gentle and accomplished man. On such a joyous occasion for others, her own desolation and pity were only magnified. Though she refused to wallow in self-pity, she had no desire to join in the festivities.
Chun Ling and Xiao Juan both urged her to make new clothes. Xiao Juan said, "Others are only getting two outfits, but the Master said that since you've just arrived at the estate and haven't had much added to your wardrobe, you can have as many made as you like. Hmph, when Luan'er found out, she immediately pulled a long face and slammed her door shut."
Chun Ling looked troubled and said, "Since the Master has given the order, we should still make two sets. Autumn is approaching, so it's the perfect time to add seasonal clothing. The brocade silk and singed wool are top-quality materials, and the tailors from Nichang Studio have been invited—their craftsmanship is excellent."
Since Lin Jinlou had spoken, his word was like a divine decree, and the clothes had to be made. Chun Ling brought in two women in their thirties, who measured Xianglan with rulers, their expressions respectful.
One slightly plump woman was particularly talkative and said with a laugh, "Oh my, I've been in and out of so many inner chambers and seen all sorts of pretty young ladies, but it's rare to find as many beauties as in the Lin family. Just now, when I saw Miss Yingge and Miss Luan'er, I thought they were great beauties, but after meeting the Concubine in the east wing, I realized there's always a higher mountain. I thought I'd seen it all, but looking at this lady, I finally understand what it means for a celestial maiden to descend to earth."Xianglan merely smiled faintly, thinking to herself: "Those who frequently enter and exit the Inner Chambers to serve the wealthy in business dealings naturally have their own set of underworld ways. Just from their food and lodging, one could tell that Ying Ge and Luan'er were merely maids with some status, while Hua Mei was addressed as 'new concubine,' naturally different from them. These two knew that since Lin Jinlou separated from Madam Zhao, he hadn't remarried. Seeing me residing in the Main House, they couldn't quite determine who I was, but since I was an honored guest, they decided to flatter me by addressing me as 'Madam,' showering me with praises."
The thinner one respectfully asked Xianglan what kind of clothes she wanted made. Xianglan said, "Just make a lined jacket and a thicker skirt, something I can wear often."
Chun Ling felt this wasn't dignified enough and said, "Such simple things aren't sufficient!" She then discussed further with the seamstress.
Knowing Chun Ling loved to show off her competence, Xianglan let her handle it, sitting on the Imperial Concubine Couch and gazing out the window. Though the leaves were still lush and green, the wind was growing cooler—autumn was indeed approaching.
After Chun Ling finished discussing the clothing styles and fabrics with the two seamstresses, Xianglan glanced over and saw narrow-waisted jackets, slim-fitting skirts, and bright red undergarments—all chosen according to Lin Jinlou's preferences.
Xianglan understood Chun Ling meant well, but she wondered how, given Lin Jinlou's violent nature, so many maids in the Lin Family still hoped to climb into his bed. She only wanted to escape far away. For now, she had no choice but to find a way to return home first, inform her mother, and then make plans.
Xianglan drifted into sleep after some random thoughts. During the night, she heard noises outside and sat up groggily, lifting the bed curtain to look. Seeing only darkness outside, she let the curtain fall and lay back down to sleep.
The next morning, Xianglan woke unusually early, before Chun Ling and Xiao Juan came to rouse her. She draped a purple-red jacket over herself, put on her shoes, and got out of bed. The sky was dimly lit, everything was quiet, and the maids hadn't yet risen. However, a pot of steaming hot tea sat on the table in the main hall, and the door was open.
Just as Xianglan was puzzling over this, she heard footsteps. Turning her head, she saw a tall man walk in—bare-chested and muscular, wearing only dark silk trousers that accentuated his strong, long legs, with satin court boots on his feet. He carried a sword, exuding a murderous and domineering aura, sweat trickling down his neck.
Shuangxi followed behind him, hastily handing him a towel and a small teapot. He took them, wiping his sweat while cursing, "Those bastards must've been whoring and gambling these past few days thinking I wasn't around. This morning, after just a couple of moves, their legs were trembling—must've been fooling around with some woman yesterday that weakened them. Useless guards just eating for free! A bunch of worthless scum, all deserve military caning!" He looked up and noticed Xianglan, suddenly freezing in surprise.
Xianglan never expected Lin Jinlou to appear out of nowhere. She turned pale with shock, stunned and speechless, her legs going weak. She stumbled backward two steps, nearly knocking over the beauty-shaped incense burner on the table.Lin Jinlou saw a girl standing there wearing a jacket and inner garments, with dark hair and a beautiful face. A ray of morning light fell on her face, which was so fair it seemed translucent. She appeared as faint as a wisp of shadow, her expression full of alarm and panic, flustered and pitiable. Just as he was about to speak, he caught sight of Shuangxi still standing there, also staring blankly at Xianglan. Lin Jinlou flew into a rage and scolded, "What are you still standing here for? Get lost!"
Only then did Shuangxi snap out of it, shuddering violently before hastily scrambling away.
Xianglan was also startled, trembling like a frightened little rabbit and trying to hide behind the chair.
But Lin Jinlou merely glanced her up and down, helped himself to the tea on the table, and strode steadily past her. Just as Xianglan was about to breathe a sigh of relief, she saw Lin Jinlou pause mid-step and toss back a remark: "Tidy yourself up and come join me for breakfast." Then he sauntered leisurely toward the bedroom.
Thank you to Naiyou Xiaofang for the He's Jade Disc, to Pangwanghua001 for the sachet, to bubu8915 for two Peace Talismans, and to Yin Zi, Qianruo Qingfeng, 130928150416907, wqpaqm, and 05111039283 for the Peace Talismans. If I missed anyone, please don’t take offense~~ Also, the extra updates for the He's Jade Disc will be made up! It’s too late now, so I’ll stop here. I’ll write more tomorrow!
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