In the room, Nuanyue and the others gathered around Xianglan to chat. Seeing her in low spirits, they knew she had been reprimanded by the young masters and misses of the Lin family that morning and was likely still upset. Sensing her mood, they tactfully took their leave. Tinglan lingered, turning back after reaching the doorway and approaching Xianglan with an ingratiating smile. "Chunling mentioned that your skirt is missing a peach-pink tassel. I found some free time and made a few—you can attach them to your clothes or waist. There are also some smaller ones that can be used as fan pendants if you add jade or beads. See if you like them." As she spoke, she took out a small cloth pouch and emptied its contents onto the bed.
Xianglan looked and saw several exquisitely crafted tassels in peach pink, pine-green, tender green, and bright red—each vibrant and skillfully made.
Xianglan glanced up and noticed Tinglan’s eager-to-please expression. Understanding dawned on her. She thought to herself, "Back when Zhao Yuechan locked me up and planned to sell me, Tinglan brought me food. I begged her to pass a message to Song Ke, but she refused out of fear. Now that I’ve returned to the Lin family, she’s worried I hold a grudge. But the fact that she risked bringing me food back then was already a great kindness—one I’ll always be grateful for. We’re all just trying to survive in this world; everyone faces difficulties. Why does she have to act like this?" She raised her eyes and noticed the dark circles under Tinglan’s eyes, barely concealed by powder, realizing she must have stayed up late making these tassels. Feeling uneasy, Xianglan was reluctant to accept them, but she knew refusing would only make Tinglan worry more. Summoning her energy, she smiled and said, "These are all lovely. It’s too kind of you to remember such a small matter—it makes me feel almost guilty." Pointing to a pine-green one, she added, "This one is especially beautiful. I’ll attach it to my pouch later."
Seeing Xianglan’s genuine-seeming delight and warmth, Tinglan breathed a sigh of relief and said cheerfully, "If you’re putting it on a pouch, I’ll make a few more fringe tassels to hang from it—that’ll look even nicer."
Noticing they were alone, Xianglan lowered her voice. "Sister, you needn’t go to so much trouble. When I first entered the household, you took care of me and offered guidance. Later, when Zhao Yuechan wanted to sell me, you risked bringing me food... I haven’t forgotten." She squeezed Tinglan’s hand.
Tinglan understood immediately, feeling both ashamed and touched. "Dear Xianglan, you’re truly kind-hearted. Hearing you say that leaves me at a loss for words..."
Before she could finish, a neatly dressed maid in a crimson-edged vest entered, carrying an octagonal gift box. Smiling, she announced, "Second Miss sent me to deliver something for Xianglan."Xianglan recognized her as Ta Sha, the chief maid serving Lin Dongqi, and quickly rose to express her thanks. Ta Sha opened the gift box, revealing two jars of fresh tea, a plate of seasonal fruits, and a small dish of pastries—all common items but prized for their freshness. Xianglan understood that the value lay not in the gifts' worth but in Lin Dongqi's intention to honor her and repay a past favor. She smiled wryly, thinking, "Back when I had no one to rely on in the Lin family, I hoped for someone to lean on and make life easier. Yet few offered help in times of need, while many belittled and oppressed me. Now that I have no desire to stay here, they come one after another to show me respect—but what use is it?" Still, she felt grateful to Lin Dongqi. Worried about having nothing to return, she suddenly remembered two boxes of palace powder in her drawer and handed them to Ta Sha, saying, "Since you're here, please take these back for Second Miss and convey my heartfelt thanks."
Ta Sha laughed upon seeing them. "Oh, this is the jade hairpin powder from Yangzhou, a tribute to the palace! It's incredibly rare. Our young lady had one box before, but after it ran out, we could never find another. I never expected to stumble upon such a treasure today." After thanking Xianglan, Chunling gave her a handful of coins before she left.
For a while, nothing happened.
Meanwhile, Lin Jinlou announced he would reside daily at the Hall of Knowing Spring from then on, throwing everyone into a frenzy. First, his clothes and bedding were moved from his study, and the room's curtains, chair cushions, table skirts, and beddings were replaced with brighter colors. Lianxin and Nuanyue's attendants brought several sets of curtains and bedsheets for Xianglan to inspect.
Xianglan saw they were either kesi tapestries, brocades, or gold-woven fabrics—all expensive items—and asked, "Why are you showing these to me?"
Lianxin smiled. "The Eldest Master said the room looks too dull and wants it brightened up. He asked you to decide."
Xianglan was taken aback. Earlier that day, when Lin Jinlou questioned her about Song Ke, she had retorted sharply, expecting him to slap her again. Instead, he left in a huff, and now he wanted her to choose curtain colors. How absurd—she wasn't the mistress of the Hall of Knowing Spring. Wouldn't this overstep her place? Seeing Lianxin's eager, flattering smile, she sighed and dismissed thoughts of Lin Jinlou's ulterior motives. Pointing randomly at a gold-threaded, gardenia-colored brocade with persimmon calyx patterns, she said, "This one."
Lianxin immediately ordered it hung.
Nuanyue chimed in, "An excellent choice! It's fresh and pleasing to the eye, with the gold threads shimmering as if alive."
Rushuang added, "Indeed, and it carries a fine meaning. Since ancient times, persimmon calyx patterns have symbolized steadfastness and flourishing descendants in weddings." She glanced at Xianglan, and the others, knowing Xianglan's gentle nature, giggled without fear of offending her.
Xianglan blushed at such talk and lowered her head, her heart troubled. What if I accidentally conceive Lin Jinlou's child? Wouldn't that make it harder to leave? The position of his wife is vacant, and the Lin family has strict rules—they probably wouldn't allow a firstborn from a concubine. But who knows? Lin Jinlou is the eldest grandson with no heirs yet. Old Madam Lin and Qin Shi are eager to fill his chamber with women precisely to ensure he produces descendants soon. The other day, when he and I... no elderly maid brought me contraceptive soup afterward...Xianglan was utterly distraught. Lianxin, thinking she was embarrassed and annoyed by the teasing, quickly led the other maids out.
But no sooner had Lianxin and the others left than Huamei arrived, standing at the door and asking Xiao Juan to announce her. Xianglan thought to herself, "Huamei is clever-tongued but vicious at heart. Back then, with just a few smooth words, she tricked Lan Yiniang into countless foolish deeds. In the end, not only did she escape unscathed, but she also climbed a step higher by stepping over Qinglan's bones, becoming a concubine. Even Zhao Yuechan couldn't do anything about her—such are her methods. I've never liked her character; the farther away from such a person, the better." So she said to Chunling, "It's been a strange day today. This room has been like a revolving lantern—do they think this place is a marketplace? Tell her I'm tired and have already gone to bed."
Chunling hesitated, "That might not be appropriate... Huamei is, after all, a concubine and one with some influence. You know her schemes and tactics. If we openly snub her like this, I'm afraid she'll hold a grudge, and it's also rather impolite."
Xianglan sneered, "If she's unhappy, she can go complain to Lin Jinlou. If Lin Jinlou finds me displeasing, he can just throw me out. The young masters and misses are all like ancestors who demand my service, but is Huamei an ancestor too? Besides, she's no good person. When we meet, she’s all honeyed words but a dagger in her heart, pretending to be affectionate while secretly wishing me dead. I don’t have the patience to play along with her false pleasantries."
Chunling chuckled, "You speak so bluntly. If Lan Yiniang had been half as clear-headed as you, she wouldn’t have died in such a muddled way." After saying this, she sighed, shook her head, and went out to turn Huamei away.
Xianglan leaned against the large headrest, feeling agitated. Her thoughts wandered, and before she knew it, it was time to light the lamps.
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the courtyard. Moments later, Lin Jinlou pushed the door open and walked in. It was rare for Lin Jinlou to return home on time, and this startled everyone in the Hall of Knowing Spring. They hurriedly gathered around, attending to him—wiping his face, changing his clothes, and serving tea.
After changing into casual clothes, Lin Jinlou went to the eastern chamber and saw Xianglan still leaning by the window. He cleared his throat, but Xianglan didn’t turn around.
Lin Jinlou sneered, sat down on one side of the Arhat Bed, reached out his long arm, pinched Xianglan’s small chin, and turned her face toward him. "Tell me, what fascinating spectacle is out there that has you so captivated?"
Xianglan kept her mouth shut and didn’t speak, her long eyelashes lowered.
Chunling hurried to serve Lin Jinlou tea, saying softly, "Eldest Master, this is a cooling tea to reduce internal heat."
Lin Jinlou thought to himself, "I do need to cool down, or this stubborn mule will piss me off to death sooner or later. She’s like a stinking, hard stone in a latrine—even now she doesn’t understand her place. Defying me, huh? Fine, let’s see who out-stubbs whom." He released her and ordered, "Serve the meal."
The small kitchen had long been prepared. Upon Lin Jinlou’s command, the maids filed in with trays, and the kang table was soon laden with dishes: a dry-steamed and sun-dried chicken, deep-fried roasted bones, crystal braised pork knuckle, and a steamed shad fish, along with minced pork and garlic flower rolls, sesame oil cold-tossed shredded smoked meat, and more. Rushuang brought a small silver wine pot, two pale pink sunflower-patterned wine cups, and two pairs of ivory chopsticks, placing them on the table.Lin Jinlou ate with an air of leisurely ease, picking up his chopsticks to begin his meal. Xianglan stole a glance at him. He was dressed in a soft blue silk garment and loose-legged pants with an ink wash painting design, his hair tied up simply with a gold filigree hairpin. Seated cross-legged on the bed, he leaned against two pillows behind him. In this casual attire, illuminated by the candlelight, he appeared even more tall and robust. Xianglan’s thoughts drifted back to the events of the previous night, and her heart grew uneasy, her palms damp with sweat.
Lin Jinlou was clearly famished, devouring the pork knuckle and polishing off a plate of spare ribs with gusto. Xianglan sat quietly with her head bowed, while Chunling, growing impatient, shot her meaningful glances, urging her to pour wine for Lin Jinlou. Seeing Xianglan remain motionless, Chunling had no choice but to step forward herself and refill Lin Jinlou’s cup.
After Lin Jinlou had eaten his fill, the maids cleared away the empty plates and brought in some light, fresh seasonal vegetables. Lin Jinlou dismissed the attendants and studied Xianglan for a moment before speaking. "Eat something," he said. "You haven’t had a proper meal since the day before yesterday, nibbling on greens like a rabbit. Today, your chin looks a bit sharper." As he spoke, he picked up a piece of chicken breast with his chopsticks and placed it in the small gold-rimmed dish in front of her.
Xianglan thought to herself, So Lin Jinlou could also speak a few gentle words. Just as she was marveling inwardly, she heard Lin Jinlou continue in a calm tone, "Eat some meat. If you keep this up, you’ll grow thin, and your chest will shrink."
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