After Xianglan returned home, the Knowing Spring Pavilion became lively again. Lin Jinlou had slept in the study for two consecutive days, and every room was bustling with activity. Hua Mei embroidered a mandarin duck handkerchief, while Ying Ge made a pair of cotton-silk shoes for Lin Jinlou to wear indoors during winter. Both sent their gifts via the young servant under the corridor, and Lin Jinlou rewarded them accordingly. Only Luan'er remained silent.
By the time the lamps were lit on the third day, Shuran had sat in Luan'er's room for half an hour. As soon as she left, Luan'er opened her dressing case and began to groom herself. She had Cun Xin redo her hair, adorning it lavishly with her finest hidden jewelry, then meticulously applied makeup. She then ordered her trunks opened to find brightly colored clothing. Cun Xin brought out a vibrant rose-red sleeveless jacket with light pink undergarments, along with a lake-blue lined jacket embroidered with pale yellow plum blossoms, saying, "These two are newly made and haven't been worn yet."
Luan'er tried them on, twirled twice, but found them unsatisfactory and took them off entirely. "The Master doesn't like such styles," she said. "He prefers clothes that accentuate the waist. Find my peach-red narrow-waisted jacket and the slim-waisted pomegranate-phoenix skirt."
Cun Xin hesitated. "Those are summer clothes, with gauze sleeves. It's too cold to wear them now..."
Luan'er urged repeatedly, "Just find them as I said."
Cun Xin had no choice but to retrieve the garments. Luan'er changed into them and finally felt satisfied. Cun Xin advised again, "Dear miss, you've just eaten. The Master is in the front study, and who knows how long he'll stay? At least drape a coat over yourself—you can remove it when he arrives. Catching a chill is no joke."
Confident in her robust health and unafraid of the cold, Luan'er refused to wear extra layers. She merely hugged her pipa, plucking it intermittently while humming softly. Knowing Luan'er's temper was as fiery as charcoal, Cun Xin didn't press further. Instead, she brewed hot tea and occasionally urged Luan'er to sip some to warm up.
Luan'er paid no heed until she suddenly shivered, her whole body trembling, followed by two sneezes. Cun Xin exclaimed, "Oh dear, you must have caught a chill!" Seeing Luan'er's cheeks flushed like spring peaches—far beyond the shade of rouge she had applied—she hurriedly fetched a mirror. "Your face is so red; you're falling ill."
Luan'er, however, found the rosy hue beautiful and didn't consider it sickness. She still refused to put on more clothes, but after five or six consecutive sneezes, she began to cough. Cun Xin wrapped her in a thin quilt and went to search for cold-relief pills, muttering, "How can you neglect your health? That narrow-waisted jacket is too thin. If you truly fall ill tomorrow, won't you be the one suffering?"
Luan'er fretted anxiously, "What about the coughing? I won't be able to sing for the Master later."
Cun Xin rolled her eyes inwardly, thinking, "With a cold, how can you serve the Master? If you pass the illness to him, it'll be even worse." But seeing Luan'er's flustered state, she softened and momentarily didn't know what to say.
Meanwhile, Shuran went to the front study and found Shuangxi dozing on the embroidered stool by the door. She gently nudged him and said, "What's this? Falling asleep like that? Who's attending inside?"
Shuangxi jolted awake, wiped his face, and replied, "It's Mr. Qi and Mr. Kang. Guiyuan is inside serving tea."Shuran peeked inside and saw Lin Jinlou seated behind the desk, with Qi Shao and Kang Shiyuan standing on either side, discussing something. Not daring to interrupt, she asked Shuangxi, "Has the Master said where he'll rest tonight? Will he return to the Inner Chambers?"
Shuangxi shook her head. "He hasn't mentioned it." But inwardly, she sneered, thinking, "Shuran is trying to speak up for Luan'er. She's usually shrewd, but with a cousin like that... Originally, if the Master had favored Luan'er, it would've been an advantage for Shuran. Who knew she'd be hopeless—more a burden than a support. The Master hasn't paid Luan'er any attention lately because she made a scene in front of the other gentlemen, embarrassing him, and then refused to apologize. She acts like she's Chen Xianglan, that living ancestor who repeatedly snubs the Master, yet he still chases after her. Without the charm, she pretends to be some fairy—she's just a Bedchamber servant. The Master is leaving her out in the cold."
Turning it over in her mind, Shuran went to a small side room, fetched some pastries, arranged them on a crystal plate, and carried it to the doorway. Just then, she saw Qi Shao and Kang Shiyuan exiting the room. Shuran quickly hid behind the door, waiting until they had left before entering. Seeing Lin Jinlou still staring intently at some papers, she carefully set the plate down, observed his expression, and said softly, "Master, these are fresh pastries, all soft and flaky. Have a couple."
Lin Jinlou glanced at the pastries, picked one up absently, and popped it into his mouth, still lost in thought. Shuran added gently, "There's also chicken soup in the small clay pot. Would you like a bowl, Master?"
Lin Jinlou looked up and smiled. "You're always so thoughtful. Those lads are too rough around the edges. Bring me a bowl."
Shuran hurried to fetch the soup and returned, saying, "Master, don't stay up too late tonight. Perhaps rest by the hour of Hai... Would you prefer to sleep in your quarters or the study?"
Since Xianglan had returned home, the Main House felt empty. Lin Jinlou replied, "I'll stay in the study. I have some official matters to attend to late into the Night, and I'll sleep after."
Shuran forced a smile. "I know it's not my place to say... but I'll risk mentioning it once... Luan'er has long realized her mistake. It was utterly wrong to anger you, Master. These days, she's been reflecting behind closed doors and has cried to me countless times... I thought her youthful temper needed to be curbed, so I ignored her at first. But seeing her pitiful state now, she truly understands her error. Could you please forgive her this once, Master?"
Lin Jinlou lifted his head and stared at Shuran for a moment.
Shuran quickly smiled obsequiously, though her heart pounded. Lin Jinlou was never easy to deal with—frightening in his rage, yet even in calm, he carried an innate dignity that inspired awe.
Lin Jinlou sneered. "Shuran, what tricks are you playing with me? I believe Luan'er has cried plenty, but 'reflecting behind closed doors'? That's nonsense."
Shuran waved her hands hastily. "No, no, I wouldn't dare deceive you, Master."
Lin Jinlou gave her a deep look, then lowered his head. "Remember this: stick to your duties. If you meddle in my personal affairs again, don't expect me to show any mercy."
Cold sweat dripped down Shuran's back. She clasped her hands, bowed her head, and said respectfully, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't, absolutely not."Lin Jinlou said indifferently, "You may go now. I'm giving you face today. I'll visit Luan'er's room tonight to check. If you try any tricks again, you'll learn what consequences mean."
Shuran repeatedly acknowledged the instruction, her legs weak as she exited the room. A cold gust of wind made her shiver all over. Untying a handkerchief from her collar to wipe away sweat, she thought to herself: "The Master is angry with me. I must never interfere with Luan'er's affairs again." Waves of lingering fear and regret washed over her, mingled with resentment toward Luan'er for failing to uphold her dignity. Sighing deeply, she departed.
A bit thin, too late now, can only manage this much. Thank you to fat wanghua001 for the sachet~
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