As Lin Dongqi's wedding day drew nearer, the Lin household grew increasingly busy, yet the Hall of Knowing Spring remained the most tranquil place. Xianglan would only take a stroll in the courtyard or return to her room to paint. Every day, she could hear the sound of the pipa and vocal exercises drifting from Luanr’s room, and occasionally, Huamei would play the qin and sing. Before bedtime, Xiao Juan prepared Xianglan’s bed. As Xianglan lay down, Xiao Juan stole a glance at her while drawing the bed curtains and said, "The Eldest Master loves listening to songs the most, Sister Xianglan. You upset him before he left—why not learn a tune? If you sing for him, I’m sure all will be well..."
Xianglan closed her eyes without responding. Xiao Juan said no more, extinguished the lamp, and left.
Xianglan lay wide-eyed in the darkness. Since Lin Jinlou’s departure, she had moved back to the eastern side room and no longer allowed maids to keep watch at night. Alone, she hugged her quilt, tossing and turning several times before sleep would come. Those around her, Chunling and Xiao Juan, hoped she would reconcile with Lin Jinlou and had subtly urged her to do so. 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 for them all to have two sets of festive clothing made.
Xianglan was reluctant to be measured for new clothes. What did Lin Dongqi’s wedding have to do with her? In truth, she admitted to herself that she deeply envied the Lin family’s Second Miss, even feeling a hint of jealousy. Lin Dongqi seemed like her former self—born into a respectable family, cherished by grandparents and parents, marrying with splendid dowry and fanfare into a union with a gentle and promising man. On such a joyous occasion, her own desolation felt all the more pronounced. Though she refused to wallow in self-pity, she had no desire to join the festivities.
Both Chunling and Xiao Juan urged her to have the new clothes made. Xiao Juan remarked, "Others are only getting two sets, but the Eldest Master said that since you’ve just arrived and haven’t had much added to your wardrobe, you can have as many as you like. Hmph, when Luanr found out, she pulled a long face and slammed the door loudly."
Chunling looked uneasy and said, "This is the Eldest Master’s order. We should still make two sets. Autumn is approaching, and it’s the perfect time for seasonal clothing. The kesi tapestry and singed wool are top-quality materials, and the tailors from Nichang Studio are highly skilled."
Since Lin Jinlou had spoken, his word was as good as a divine decree—the clothes had to be made. Chunling ushered in two women in their thirties, who respectfully took measurements with their rulers.
One slightly plump woman, particularly talkative, exclaimed, "Oh my! I’ve been in and out of many inner chambers and seen plenty of pretty young ladies, but it’s rare to find a household with as many beauties as the Lin family. Just now, when I saw Miss Yingge and Miss Luanr, I thought they were stunning. But upon meeting the Concubine in the eastern wing, I realized there’s always a higher mountain beyond. I thought I’d seen it all, but looking at you, madam, I finally understand what it means for a celestial being to descend to earth."Xianglan merely smiled faintly, thinking to herself: "Those who frequently enter and exit inner residences, serving the wealthy with their trades, have their own set of unspoken rules. Just from observing their food and lodging, one could tell Yingge and Luanr were merely maids with some status, while Huamei was addressed as 'Concubine'—naturally different from them. These two knew Lin Jinlou hadn't remarried since parting from Zhao Shi, and seeing me residing in the main chamber, they couldn't quite determine my identity. Yet, to flatter an honored guest, they simply bestowed the title of 'Madam' upon me, heaping praises in a continuous stream."
The thinner of the two respectfully asked Xianglan what kind of clothing she wished to have made. Xianglan said, "Just a lined jacket and a thicker skirt, something I can wear often."
Chunling felt this wasn't dignified enough and exclaimed, "How could such a small order suffice!" She then discussed further with the tailor.
Knowing Chunling loved to flaunt her competence, Xianglan let her take charge, sitting on the reclining couch and gazing out the window. Though the leaves remained lush and green, the wind carried a growing chill—autumn was indeed approaching.
After Chunling finished discussing the garments and fabrics with the two tailors, Xianglan took a look: there were narrow-waisted jackets, slim-fitting skirts, and crimson breast wraps, all chosen to match Lin Jinlou's preferences.
Xianglan understood Chunling meant well, but she wondered how, given Lin Jinlou's violent nature, so many maids in the Lin household still aspired to climb into his bed. She only wished to flee far away. For now, she had no choice but to find a way to return home once, first to confide in her mother before making further plans.
Xianglan drifted into sleep after some restless musing. In the night, a noise outside stirred her; she sat up drowsily, lifted the bed curtain to peer out, but saw only darkness. Letting the curtain fall, she lay back down and slept.
The next morning, Xianglan woke unusually early, before Chunling, Xiao Juan, or the others came to rouse her. She draped a purplish-red jacket over herself, slipped on her shoes, and got out of bed. The sky was dimly lit, everything quiet and still, the maids not yet risen. Yet, in the main hall, a pot of steaming tea sat on the table, and the door stood open.
Just as Xianglan was puzzling over this, she heard footsteps. Turning, she saw a tall man stride in—bare-chested, revealing a robust torso, wearing only dark silk trousers that accentuated his powerful, long legs, and satin court boots on his feet. He carried a sword, exuding a fierce, imposing aura as sweat trickled down his neck.
Shuangxi hurried after him, offering a towel and a small teapot. He took them, wiping his sweat while cursing, "Those bastards, seeing I've been away, must've been indulging in drinking, whoring, and gambling. Just tested them this morning—legs trembling, probably softened from fooling around with some woman yesterday. Useless Household Guards, freeloading good-for-nothings! All deserve a military flogging!" He looked up and spotted Xianglan, freezing in surprise.
Xianglan never expected Lin Jinlou to appear out of nowhere. She paled, stunned and speechless, her legs going weak as she stumbled two steps backward, nearly knocking over the decorative vase on the table.Lin Jinlou saw a girl standing there wearing an unlined outer garment and inner clothing, with dark hair and beautiful features. A strand of morning light fell upon her face, which was so moist and pale it seemed translucent. She appeared as faint as a wisp of shadow, her expression full of alarm and timidity, flustered and clumsy, exuding an air of pitiable delicacy. Just as he was about to speak, he caught sight of Shuangxi still lingering nearby, also staring blankly at Xianglan. Lin Jinlou flew into a rage and scolded, "What are you still standing there for? Get out!"
Only then did Shuangxi snap back to reality, shuddering violently before hastily scrambling away.
Xianglan was also startled, trembling like a frightened little rabbit, and instinctively tried to hide behind a chair.
But Lin Jinlou merely looked her up and down twice, then casually picked up the tea from the small table to drink. With steady steps, he walked past her. Just as Xianglan was about to heave a sigh of relief, she saw Lin Jinlou pause mid-stride and toss back a remark: "Tidy yourself up and come join me for breakfast." Then he sauntered leisurely toward the bedroom.
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