Ying Luo said, "Sister Shanhu, wait a moment before going to find Third Miss. I have something to tell you. Did you notice how Fourth Miss hasn't left First Madam's side all day today? She's never been this close to her before."
Shanhu replied, "I did notice. Alas, what can one do when not born from Taitai's own womb? That's just how it is. Our miss is truly fortunate. Though Master usually pays no mind to family matters, he's extremely concerned about Third Miss's marriage prospects."
Ying Luo sneered, "The Master is thinking of having Third Miss marry into a powerful family. I heard he wants to marry her to Marquis Yongchang."
Shanhu was startled, "Marquis Yongchang? But... how old is he? He could be Third Miss's father!"
Ying Luo said, "He's just over forty. His wife passed away two years ago, and now he's looking for a second wife. Just when the Ministry of War promoted him to fill a vacancy, giving him real power, the Master became interested."
Shanhu hesitated, "How... how do you know this?"
Ying Luo explained, "Second Master was discussing it with Taitai yesterday. Taitai firmly refused to agree, so the Master slapped her and said the matter was settled with no room for negotiation. He said it's a tremendous blessing that Marquis Yongchang would consider Third Miss, something others couldn't even hope for. You were busy helping First Madam yesterday, so you didn't know. They're still keeping it from Third Miss - if she finds out, who knows what trouble might arise!"
"This probably won't succeed. Not only does Taitai disagree, but Old Master and Old Madam might not consent either."
"Not necessarily. Though Marquis Yongchang is older, he's in his prime. He gets summoned to the palace for imperial audiences during festivals, has some military achievements to his name, and holds considerable prestige. He's also an old acquaintance of our Master. I heard his family wealth is substantial, and he owns a large estate. Being a second wife is still a proper mistress position - the Marchioness of Yongchang. When entering the palace, she would wear the ceremonial robes of a third-rank noblewoman. Our Master is only fifth-rank - if not for the Lin Family's foundation, Third Miss would be marrying above her station."
"That's true. If she really becomes Marchioness of Yongchang, the dignity and honor would surpass even Second Miss's status. Second Miss only married the second son of Duke Zhenguo, who can't inherit the title and has to strive for achievements on his own."
Later, the two continued chatting, but Lin Dongxiu heard none of it. She just sat there in a daze. That ignorant, thoughtless, inarticulate Lin Dongling had actually found such an eminent marriage prospect! Why? Simply because she was born from Taitai's womb and had good fortune in her birth? Apart from her birth status, in what way wasn't she superior to Lin Dongling!
Lin Dongxiu clenched the hand mirror tightly in her hand, all her previous elation and ambition turning to ashes.Though young in years, Lin Dongxiu possessed a clarity of vision surpassing her peers. For women, marriage was merely about securing prospects for their later years—a handsome and elegant suitor was but an embellishment; what truly mattered were his official rank and family background. Her elder sister, Lin Dongwan, born of a concubine, had married a dashing scholar. Though he came from an official family, his status was ultimately inferior. Now, with her husband failing in his studies, the household expenses relied on her mother-in-law's whims, forcing her to dip into her own dowry. Her life was fraught with discontent and constraints. A close childhood friend of hers, originally an overlooked daughter of a concubine who had always acted timidly, later married a widower in his fifties. Yet, with genuine authority in her hands, she transformed entirely—adorned in gold and silver, her entire demeanor elevated, becoming unrecognizable from her former self. Observing this silently, Dongxiu vowed to find a noble husband, regardless of his age. Now, Lin Dongling, whom she deeply despised, had obtained such a match, filling Dongxiu's heart with envy and jealousy, leaving a sour taste in her mouth. For the moment, she lost all interest in adorning herself, lazily putting away her rouge and mirror before lifting the curtain to step outside.
Shanhu and Ying Luo were already nowhere to be seen. Listlessly, Dongxiu made her way back, suddenly feeling disheartened. What did it matter if she outshone everyone at the banquet? Those from high-ranking families would never deem her worthy, while those of lower status were beneath her acceptance. From a young age, she had been fiercely competitive, determined to rise above others. Now, to be outdone by Lin Dongling in matters of marriage—how could she swallow such humiliation?
The more Dongxiu dwelled on it, the more agitated she became. She decided against attending the banquet and wandered into the garden, lost in thought. White willows arched over the slopes, leaves tinged with yellow, and fallen petals dotted the narrow path. Though the autumn sky was clear and the sun brilliant, Dongxiu felt only desolation and loneliness. Suddenly, she spotted a group of maids in vibrant attire carrying large trays laden with delicacies, gracefully passing through the covered corridor. Her heart ached even more, and she thought to herself, "Only a daughter born of the main house’s wife could have such a grand wedding. Unloved and pitied as I am, who knows where I’ll end up in the future?"
Sighing in self-pity, she crossed a winding bridge over the lake and headed toward a rockery. Remembering that the Gauze Snow Dock was nearby—once occupied by Cao Lihuan but now vacant and used for storing potted plants—she recalled how she and Lin Dongling had picked two pots of flowers there recently. She thought, "There’s a pot of begonias in that room, with blooms as large as bowls. It would be perfect to clip one and wear it in my hair, matching my dress perfectly. Nowadays, standing out through impeccable grooming might just lead to some unforeseen opportunity." So she made her way to the Gauze Snow Dock, only to find the door locked.
It turned out the old women tending the Gauze Snow Dock had scattered to enjoy drinks and merriment. She circled to the back door and, just as she reached beneath the window, overheard faint whispers inside—a man and a woman. Startled, Dongxiu wondered how a man could appear in the inner chambers and courtyards. Summoning courage, she pierced the window paper and peered inside. There, she saw Lin Dongling nestled intimately with a young man.
Dongxiu was nearly frightened out of her wits, stumbling back two steps, her heart pounding violently. Yet, unable to resist, she mustered her nerve and leaned in again to look.The man was strikingly handsome and robust, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a straight nose bridge. His lips seemed to carry a hint of a smile even when closed. He wore an indigo straight robe and looked unfamiliar, as if they had never met. This man turned out to be Hua Mei’s older brother, Du Bin. Though he had failed in his scholarly pursuits, he excelled in martial arts and was adept at social climbing. Thanks to his sister’s influence, Lin Jinlou had given him a leg up. Clever-minded, charming, and unrestrained, Du Bin had a knack for understanding his superiors’ intentions. After handling several important tasks competently, he gradually earned Lin Jinlou’s trust, with hints of further promotion. Du Bin began visiting the Lin residence frequently. Ambitious by nature, he begged Hua Mei to ask Lin Jinlou to promote him to a commissioned Battalion Commander of the eighth rank. However, when Hua Mei broached the subject, Lin Jinlou’s displeased expression made her drop the matter.
Du Bin then tried to seek favor through Lin Jinting. Unfortunately, Lin Jinting, with his wealthy young master’s airs, looked down on someone like Du Bin and refused to see him. Du Bin was left waiting idly in the small Flower Hall after several futile attempts. Unexpectedly, he encountered Lin Dongling there.
Spoiled by Wang Shi, Lin Dongling was used to having her way at home and paid no heed to the distinction between inner and outer quarters. She had come to the front to find Lin Jinting but instead met a male guest in the Flower Hall. The man was dignified and dashing, with an air of untamed charm. At an age when romantic thoughts stirred her heart, the sudden sight of an outsider made her blush, and she hurriedly retreated. Yet, she couldn’t resist stealing a glance back at Du Bin, her expression full of infatuation.
A seasoned player in matters of the heart, Du Bin understood immediately. Hearing the maids outside address her as "Third Young Lady," he realized she was the Lin family’s third daughter. Instantly, he hatched a plan and began visiting the Woyun Pavilion more frequently. Sure enough, he encountered Lin Dongling again. Seizing the opportunity, Du Bin flirted with her through meaningful glances and, when no one was watching, tossed a sachet he had prepared in advance under her skirt. Lin Dongling picked it up and later discovered inside two love poems—one praising her beauty, the other pouring out longing—along with a dragon-and-phoenix jade pendant, symbolizing "the union of dragon and phoenix." Flattered and thrilled, she initially had no intention of responding. Yet, as Du Bin continued to visit every few days, she couldn’t resist sneaking glances. Thus, the two became involved, and before long, they were deeply entangled, inseparable in their affection.
After the Spring Festival, Lin Jinlou promoted Du Bin to his personal guard, allowing Du Bin to visit the Lin residence even more frequently. He would sneak into the estate to rendezvous with Lin Dongling.
Du Bin nudged Lin Dongling and said, "The banquet starts at noon. You should head back, and I should go too."
Lin Dongling frowned. "Are you so unwilling to see me?"
Du Bin laughed. "How could that be? I think of you day and Night. Otherwise, why would I take the risk to come see you? But you really should go back now. I’ll return another time."
Lin Dongling scoffed twice and turned away in a huff.
Du Bin quickly apologized with a smile. "Why are you upset all of a sudden? How about I come back tonight? But the garden is locked after dark. It’s easy for me to climb over the wall, but it won’t be as simple for you to come out."
Lin Dongling said, "I wonder which little Goblin has caught your eye outside, making you so eager to leave and abandon me here. You’ve only just arrived and won’t even stay with me a little longer." As she spoke, she began to cry.Du Bin hastily swore an oath: "There's only you in my heart, my dear. For your sake, I've even divorced my wife—can't you see my devotion? My only regret is being born into the wrong family, without wealth or status, which shames me from proposing to your household. All I yearn for is to fly side by side with you like lovebirds; no other woman could ever catch my eye." He coaxed her with endless tenderness.
Lin Dongling retorted, "Today my second sister marries, and soon it'll be my turn. Yet when I ask you to visit my home, you always make excuses! Who knows if you truly care for me? You only spout empty words to deceive me! Perhaps you'll be content only after I've wed another!"
Du Bin replied, "If I were to propose, your father would never consent—unless we find another way..."
Lin Dongling, her eyes tearful, asked, "What way?"
Du Bin kissed her cheek, a shrewd glint in his eyes, and whispered something into her ear. Lin Dongling immediately flushed crimson with embarrassment, scolding, "Shame! Shame! How dare you speak of such indecent things!"
Pulling her close, Du Bin murmured, "Dearest, don't you understand my heart? Only when the wood is already carved into a boat can we stay together till old age..." As he spoke, he kissed her lips and pressed her down onto the Luohan bed. At first, Lin Dongling resisted, but Du Bin slipped his hand into her trousers, caressing her while showering her with kisses. Before long, her body melted like soft water.
Thanks to Mu Xing, Qian Ruo Qingfeng, Damima, Qian2005197, Yu21yu21, and Tian Wan Yu Yu for the sachets, and to everyone for the pink votes ^_^
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