Wu Mama first took a sip of tea and smiled, saying, "Though you've grown thinner, I see your complexion is still good, and that dress you're wearing is quite lovely. At your age, you should wear bright colors. I've brought you some snacks. Though the Hall of Knowing Spring doesn't lack for such things, it's the thought that counts. You can have them as nibbles when you're idle."
Xianglan said, "Mama, you're always thinking of me. I don't know how to thank you."
Wu Mama moved closer to Xianglan, took her hand, and said with a smile, "I came here for another piece of good news... I'm here to congratulate you."
Xianglan was taken aback, immediately blushed, and withdrew her hand.
Wu Mama continued, "Good child, since you've entered the Hall of Knowing Spring and are now the Eldest Master's person, you must kowtow to Old Madam and Madam to gain their recognition. Before, Madam for some reason always thought you had flaws and was unwilling to see you. I was anxious watching this, but who knew she suddenly relented these past few days and said she wants you to go kowtow. Tsk, this is truly wonderful news. I've watched the Eldest Master grow up since he was little. Though his temper isn't the best, he's always been responsible. I've kept an eye on all the girls in the mansion, wanting to find him a reliable one, but they were either not pretty enough, had bad temperaments, or were simply foolish - never a complete package. Until you came along. I've observed you - not just your looks and disposition, but also how you receive guests, conduct yourself, and carry out tasks - there's nothing about you that isn't proper and pleasing. You're a hundred times better than those with bewitching charms! And coincidentally, the Eldest Master loves you too. It's truly the best of both worlds. You're not like maids like Luanr. Once you kowtow to Madam, you'll surely become a Concubine, brought in with a grand banquet, letting those gossipy women who usually wag their tongues see properly!"
Xianglan lowered her head and after a long while said, "I appreciate Mama's good intentions, but could I beg Madam to let me leave?"
Wu Mama was startled and said, "Oh my child, how can you say such things? You're unwilling to follow the Eldest Master? Then you'd truly be a foolish girl. This... is to become a proper mistress."
Xianglan said, "What does being a mistress matter? Still one step lower. Lan Yiniang serves as a warning - didn't she die just like that? Mama probably doesn't know how I came here... I wasn't willing myself."
Wu Mama persuaded, "Good girl, are you frightened by that wretched Zhao Yuechan? Just rest assured, when the Eldest Master remarries, he'll definitely choose someone with a good temperament who can tolerate others."
Xianglan gave a cold laugh and said, "You all think the Eldest Master choosing me is giving me face, but I haven't properly evaluated him either!" To Wu Mama she said, "Mama, I know you mean well by me, and I'll remember this kindness forever. But this face that Madam is granting me, I don't care to have it. I don't think I owe Madam anything. Standing straight with my back erect, who is really three inches shorter than whom? It's just that she has more power, but I, Chen Xianglan, have no intention of currying favor with her."
Wu Mama was dumbfounded and hurried to cover Xianglan's mouth, saying, "Such imprudent words must not be spoken carelessly outside!"
Xianglan said quietly, "I know. It's only because Mama isn't an outsider that I speak my mind. No matter how good the Lin family is, in my eyes it's like a prison. I just want to leave..."
Wu Mama was secretly astonished, thinking to herself, "I shouldn't have mentioned this matter to her. Later I'll go tell the Eldest Master about Madam wanting Xianglan to kowtow." Then she picked some other topics to discuss, which need not be detailed here.After changing his clothes to pay respects to the elders, Lin Jinlou emerged from Lin Zhaoxiang’s quarters only to be subjected to a lengthy round of solicitous inquiries from Old Madam Lin and Qin Shi. It was nearly noon by the time he returned. Lianxin reported, "The Eldest Master’s friends have arrived and have been received in the flower hall of the front courtyard. The Third Master has already gone to entertain them."
Lin Jinlou changed his attire once more and headed to the front. The flower hall was bustling with activity: an Eight Immortals table was laden with an assortment of tea, pastries, and dishes, while a few young opera performers sang softly to the accompaniment of stringed instruments. Seated around the table were Xie Yu, son of the Vice Minister of War; Liu Xiaochuan, grandson of the Valiant General; and Chu Dapeng, son of the Minister of Justice. Lin Jinting was engaged in lively conversation with them.
Spotting Lin Jinlou’s entrance, Liu Xiaochuan slapped the table and whistled, "Look, the Emperor’s favorite has arrived! Quick, line up to welcome him!"
The group turned, rising to their feet one after another, clasping their hands in greeting. After exchanging pleasantries, Lin Jinlou took a seat, and a young servant promptly poured him wine. Chu Dapeng grinned, "I heard you’ve distinguished yourself again, brother. It seems a promotion to the third rank after the Mid-Autumn Festival is all but certain."
Lin Jinlou shook his head with a wry smile, "Third rank? That’s nothing but a shadow of a rumor. I gave that bastard Sun Lifan a beating, and now a few pedantic scholars are making a fuss about it. If I’m not demoted, I’ll count myself lucky."
Xie Yu raised his wine cup and said, "Even if you are demoted, you’ll be reinstated in a couple of months. Everyone knows you’re the Emperor’s favorite. Sun Lifan is nothing—I heard he rose to prominence by offering his stunningly beautiful daughter to the Second Prince as a concubine."
Liu Xiaochuan interjected, "Fighting the Japanese pirates is a cushy assignment. How about taking me along next time?"
Xie Yu chuckled, "You? You’ve barely set foot on a battlefield. You’d probably wet your pants in fear. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, you’d better return to the capital and honestly serve as an Imperial Guard."
Liu Xiaochuan retorted indignantly, "What’s wrong with me? I just haven’t had the chance! Fighting pirates brings fame and fortune, and you even get Japanese maidens to attend to you. How delightful!"
Chu Dapeng clinked cups with Lin Jinlou and said, "Brother, you excel in warfare, profit from maritime trade, and prosper from salt dealing. At such a young age, your rank surpasses even the old-timers. I can’t help but envy you. Meanwhile, I’m still buried in classical texts—my father insists I must earn the Presented Scholar degree to honor our ancestors. After this winter, I’m to go to the capital and study under his watchful eye."
Lin Jinlou laughed, "The court has always been dominated by civil officials, who prioritize scholarship over military prowess. Besides, you’ve been known as a romantic talent since childhood—you should at least secure the Provincial Graduate degree. And with two shops under your management, surely you’re not short on silver?"
Chu Dapeng waved his hand, dismissing the performers and servants before continuing, "That’s precisely why I’m here. I was hoping to benefit from your influence and earn a little extra silver. A few of us have pooled our funds and would like to ask you to use your connections at the Salt Distribution Commission to find a head merchant. We’d invest our silver as shares—surely there’d be returns by year’s end, wouldn’t there?"
Lin Jinlou smiled, crossing his legs as he replied, "Such dealings are forbidden by the court..."Chu Dapeng personally poured wine for Lin Jinlou and said with a smile, "Brother, we've been running around bare-bottomed together since we were kids. Even if I'm no good with fists and kicks, I've played the role of the cunning advisor plenty of times. With that kind of bond, why are you still being evasive with us? The court forbids it? The court also forbids officials from engaging in business, yet how many of them have large enterprises in their hands? Things that are clearly forbidden are often done in secret. Besides, we still abide by the court's laws. I have a lesser brother who will handle this openly—it won't be connected to any of us. You just need to be aware and lend a hand when needed."
Lin Jinlou pondered briefly, and Xie Yu chimed in, "Naturally, you won't be shortchanged, Brother. You'll get thirty percent of the annual profits. Is this worth doing?"
Lin Jinlou pointed a finger and laughed, "Well, well, I see it now. You lot, with your fine words of welcoming me back and washing away the dust, were actually scheming to rope me in."
Seeing Lin Jinlou's expression, the three knew he had agreed and couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, their faces lighting up with joy. Xie Yu smiled and said, "This isn't scheming—it's asking for your guidance. Today, we specially invited the young performers from the Wanxia Troupe to sing some new, intimate tunes." He rang a bell to summon the performers, and the singing resumed. Raising his cup, he added, "Let me toast you first, Brother," and downed his drink in one go.
The group drank and ate to their hearts' content. After several rounds of wine and many dishes, Chu Dapeng forgot his manners and leaned in to ask, "Just now, I heard from Little Third that you've taken a new concubine, Brother. The last time you took one was in the capital. With such happy news, why not host a feast to celebrate?"
Liu Xiaochuan, his face flushed red, exclaimed, "What? Brother has taken another? Why not bring out our new sister-in-law and let us have a look? Heh heh, let's see if she's pretty."
Lin Jinlou raised his cup and smiled without a word.
Lin Jinting, already quite drunk, smirked and said, "Of course she's very pretty. Do any of you know Song Yifei?"
Chu Dapeng squinted and replied, "Yes, yes, we've even shared drinks before. He's in the Hanlin Academy now, isn't he? And married the daughter of Duke Xian. My old man told me to get closer to him."
Lin Jinting said, "The new one in my elder brother's household came from the Song family."
Lin Jinlou raised his eyebrows slightly. Though his face still wore a smile, his eyes gradually turned cold. Xie Yu, who was most skilled at reading expressions, quickly coughed and said, "Little Third, come, let me toast you."
Lin Jinting, now dizzy and muddled, grew even more unrestrained in his speech. "She really is quite a beauty, but her cunning and methods are also remarkably sharp..."
Xie Yu glanced at Lin Jinlou's expression and gave Lin Jinting a hard kick under the table. "You've had too much to drink—go lie down and sleep it off!"
Lin Jinting jolted in pain and said, "Why did you kick me?" Turning his head, he caught sight of Lin Jinlou's expression and realized he had misspoken. Cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and he quickly stood up, saying, "I've had too much. I need to go to the back and lie down."
Lin Jinlou called out, "What's the hurry? Sit down and have a couple more cups before you go."Lin Jinting dared not disobey and sat back down. The thought of Xianglan made him uneasy. She had previously vowed not to become Song Ke’s concubine, yet now she was eagerly clinging to his elder brother. Yesterday, when he received Song Ke’s letter, Song Ke had even asked him to look after Xianglan’s family. He felt conflicted, especially since Xianglan was becoming his elder brother’s concubine. If it were anyone else, he could have vented his frustration for Yi Fei. But how was he supposed to reply to this letter? Even he found it awkward.
Liu Xiaochuan, already half-drunk, said, "Is she that good-looking? What kind of beauty is she? You’ve got to let us have a look." Chu Dapeng and Xie Yu chimed in agreement.
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