Lin Dongqi brought over a cup of tea and said, "Big brother, please don't take offense at our behavior. We're just a bunch of mischievous monkeys, always up to some mischief."
Lin Jinlou slammed the teacup onto the kang table with a sharp "smack" and said coldly, "I'll say this one last time: Xianglan is my intimate servant. You'd all better show her respect from now on. If I hear any more gossip circulating, don't blame me for being merciless. Today, it was just the servants who got beaten. Next time, I'll thrash you lot directly. At most, I'll go to Grandfather afterward and accept my punishment. As for today's matter, considering you're still young and foolish, I'll let you off lightly to save your dignity." Seeing the three of them hanging their heads and shrinking their shoulders, he raised his voice sharply, "Did you all hear me?!"
Ting, Wan, and Qi shuddered in fear and hurriedly nodded.
Lin Jinlou snorted, "If you understand, then get out of my sight!"
The group scrambled away as if granted a pardon.
Lin Jinlou called out, "Wait! Third brother, don't leave. 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. I've considered it for a few days, and now there's an opening for an eighth-rank sergeant position. It doesn't offer much in the way of perks, but there is a regular salary."
Lin Jinting promptly replied, "He'd be delighted. The Han father and son know how difficult it is to secure an official post these days. Han Guangye can barely read, but he's clever and capable. Starting directly as an eighth-rank official—he should be content with that."
Lin Jinlou chuckled lightly and said, "He is clever, 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, always hanging out with a bunch of idle rich kids. If you don't want to take the imperial exams, you could donate for an official position under me. Later, you could secure a lucrative or important post—that's a legitimate path too."
Lin Jinting shook his head and said, "Forget it. At least I have some foundation in reading and writing essays. I'm completely clueless about martial arts and military affairs. Grandfather still expects me to pass the provincial exams."
Hearing this, Lin Jinlou laughed and said, "With your daily lazing about, if you could actually pass the provincial exams, the Lin family would have to hold a grand ancestral ceremony and gild a Buddha statue. Grandfather would be so happy he might live another twenty years."
Lin Jinting hung his head and said, "Didn't I pass the county-level exams? When Yi Fei was here, I studied day and night. I've only been slacking off recently. Starting tomorrow, I'll go back to the academy and 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 glanced up at Lin Jinlou, wanting to ask about Xianglan, but his lips moved without a sound, and he ultimately didn't dare to bring it up.
As Lin Jinting was leaving, he saw Shu Ran standing in the courtyard and approached her, saying, "Sister Shu Ran, are you busy?"
Shu Ran smiled and said, "I noticed the balsam 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, what's the story with that Xianglan in my brother's room?"
Shu Ran said, "How she came to be here, I don't know. Third Young Master, you'll have to find out for yourself."
Lin Jinting said with a cheeky grin, "Good sister, you're the 'all-hearing ears' of the Hall of Knowing Spring. If you don't know, who would?"Shu Ran pursed her lips and smiled. "Don't flatter me so much. I truly don't know about her affairs. It was only when the Eldest Master ordered the rooms to be tidied up and clothes and jewelry were brought in that I knew someone new was coming to the chambers." She sighed. "That Xianglan... actually has it tough. On her very first day, she was beaten by the Eldest Master. I saw with my own eyes that she didn't seem very willing."
Lin Jinting was taken aback for a moment, then sneered. "Since Yi Fei is no longer of use, she put on an act of chaste purity and kicked 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?"
Shu Ran shot Lin Jinting a reproachful look. "My Third Master, didn't you see how furious the Eldest Master was earlier? You should say less."
Lin Jinting rubbed his neck, suspicious. "Has my elder brother really become infatuated with her? Does he value her that much?"
Since Shu Ran had a good rapport with Lin Jinting due to his candid and carefree nature, she decided to offer 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 ability to live in the main room! All the women the Eldest Master has taken in have been placed in the side rooms. Only this one—he insisted on keeping her by his side. Third Master, you've always been close to the Eldest Master, so don't be foolish about this. It won't hurt to show Xianglan some respect in the future."
Lin Jinting widened his eyes and murmured, "It can't be... Oh, my dear mother, this woman is truly a troublemaker."
Shu Ran laughed. "Why worry? What kind of troublemaker hasn't the Eldest Master encountered? None of them lasted more than a few days before he grew tired of them." With a light laugh, she 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 the Hall of Knowing Spring, there was a man-made hill with delicate rocks, covered in rare flowers and exotic plants. Vines trailed down, their emerald tendrils swaying gently. Orchids of various colors bloomed luxuriantly, each flower as large as a teacup, exuding fragrance and vibrant beauty. Among them, magnolias were as white as fine snow, and roses dotted the scene like stars, creating an enchanting sight.
Xianglan gazed out wistfully, 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 mere background noise that would eventually pass. But when Lin Jinting arrived, looking at her with such surprise and disdain, she felt a pang in her heart. Song Ke would inevitably find out sooner or later. The thought made her chest ache. She had insisted on parting with Song Ke for the sake of dignity and self-respect, but now it had become a joke. She thought again that Song Ke had long since married a fine wife, 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.
Chunling approached and said, "The scenery outside is lovely, but you shouldn't sit by the window for too long. The sky is overcast, and it might rain soon. If you sit here, you might catch a chill." Just then, Lin Jinlou strode into the room, and Chunling quickly retreated.
Lin Jinlou saw a slender figure sitting with her back to him on the Arhat Bed, leaning against the windowsill and motionless. He let out a cold laugh and sat down on the other side. Picking a cherry from the fruit dish on the kang table, he chewed it and spat out the pit. "Still thinking about your old flame? How many tales of tender love and affection do you have? Tell me some."
Xianglan turned her face to look at Lin Jinlou for a moment and said, "Which part would the Eldest Master like to hear?"Lin Jinlou stared coldly into her eyes, his lips curling slightly as he said, "Fine. I never would've guessed you're such a sentimental soul. Serve me well from now on, and if you manage to please me, I might just release you to reunite with Song Ke once I grow tired of you. Though who knows if he'll even remember you by then." With that, he rose angrily and left, instructing Lianxin to fetch him fresh clothes. As he changed, he tried to calm his temper, thinking how utterly ungrateful Xianglan was. He had initially been drawn to her delicate beauty, her graceful figure, and her sweet, melodious voice—she seemed so gentle and refined, the kind who would surely be tender and caring. Who could have known she would be so aggravating? Glancing toward the eastern chamber, he saw Xianglan still slumped alone by the windowsill and sneered inwardly: Go ahead and dig your own grave. Do you think you'll gain anything by displeasing me?
He had returned home solely to change clothes before heading out for social engagements. Once dressed, he prepared to leave. Lianxin hurriedly presented Lin Jinlou's waist sword, but he suddenly asked, "I had a pale green pouch with a few cooling pills inside—where is it?"
Lianxin replied, "You did have one, Eldest Master, but it's not 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 walk out 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 this room are too dark and oppressive—replace them with something fresher."
Lianxin promptly agreed and asked, "What color would you prefer, Eldest Master?"
Lin Jinlou said offhandedly, "Go ask Xianglan. Let her choose."
Lianxin was astonished but quickly concealed her surprise, repeatedly assuring him she would do so.
Meanwhile, Xianglan remained by the window, gazing outside for a long while until Chunling came to urge her to eat lunch. Glancing at the kang table, Xianglan saw the dishes were all light and plain, prepared to her taste, so she mustered some energy to eat a little. After the meal, Chunling sat on the Arhat Bed doing needlework, while Xiao Juan twisted silk cords, occasionally trying to engage Xianglan in conversation. Xianglan, however, continued to lean against the windowsill, looking out. Before long, Shu Ran arrived, beaming with warmth as she inquired after Xianglan's well-being, asked if she was accustomed to her daily routines, and offered her assistance. She offered a few words of comfort, to which Xianglan responded with polite nods—friendly yet distant. Chunling, with her clever tongue, bantered lightly with Shu Ran, creating a harmonious atmosphere.
Seeing the timing was right, Shu Ran smiled apologetically and said, "I must apologize on behalf of my younger cousin, Luanr. She's been spoiled since childhood and often speaks without thinking, so her words can be offensive. Please be magnanimous and don't take it to heart. I beg your forgiveness." She rose and curtseyed.
Xianglan said, "You're too kind, Sister Shu Ran. I know she didn't mean it." She thought to herself, "Shu Ran is steady and thorough in her work, thoughtful in every detail—she's capable and understands the bigger picture. How is it she has a cousin like Luanr? The two of them share no resemblance in either appearance or temperament."As they were speaking, Nuanyue, Rushuang, Tinglan, and several other prominent maids from the Hall of Knowing Spring came in, all to visit Xianglan. Each of them beamed with joy, inquiring warmly after her well-being, exuding an air of great familiarity and deference. Xianglan was inwardly surprised. Though she had no heart for socializing, she had no choice but to force a smile on her face and exchange pleasantries with them.
Chunling emerged from the eastern side room and, spotting Lianxin through the window, quickly called out to her. She stepped out of the room onto the corridor and asked, "What's going on today? All sorts of big and small deities are heading into the eastern side room."
Lianxin smiled and said, "There's a reason, of course." Lowering her voice, she added, "When Xianglan first arrived a couple of days ago, those opportunists still had to gauge the situation. Who would have thought that on this third day, the Eldest Master would snub several young masters and ladies for her sake? Just now, he even gave orders to return to the Hall of Knowing Spring to sleep and instructed that some books and bedding from the study be moved back. Who do you think all this is for?"
Chunling also laughed and said, "No wonder a few young maids tried to curry favor with me 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.
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