However, Xianglan only sat for a short while and left before even finishing one act of the opera. Nothing eventful occurred for the time being. By the next morning, Hua Mei arrived, beaming with delight as she greeted Xianglan. Seeing Xianglan cutting fabric for clothes by the large heated brick bed near the window, she leaned in to take a look, covering her mouth with a laugh. "Oh, this fabric is far too dull in color and coarse in texture. Why are you making something like this?"
Xianglan replied, "My master’s birthday is in a few days. I’m making her a monastic robe as a small token of my filial devotion."
Hua Mei sat down and said, "I did hear you used to live in a temple. What was life like there? What did you study and recite? Did you learn to read in the temple, sister?"
Xianglan answered, "I only learned a few characters from the sutras."
Hua Mei continued, "I heard your father is now the in-house manager at a pawnshop. That must be quite a grand position, right? How much is his monthly salary? For a manager of his stature, it must be at least five or six taels of silver a month, isn’t it?"
Xianglan glanced at Hua Mei and bent her head over her sewing, saying, "I don’t know. My father never discusses such matters with me."
Hua Mei laughed, "How could you not know?" Seeing Xianglan remain silent, she pressed on, "Where does your family live now? How big is the courtyard?"
Xianglan said, "We live in a shabby house, not worth mentioning or even talking about."
Hua Mei thought to herself, "I intended to pry some information from her, but she turns out to be someone who claims ignorance to every question." She then inquired about Lin Jinlou’s daily routine, but Xianglan had Chun Ling answer instead, continuing to focus on her needlework without uttering an extra word.
Hua Mei, however, was extremely patient and chatted idly about various topics for a long while before finally taking her leave. Chun Ling gritted her teeth and said, "Miss, why did you let that gossip into the room? Don’t you remember how Concubine Lan met her end? She comes in asking all sorts of questions—how utterly annoying!"
Xianglan smiled and said, "Let her ask. She’ll stop when she gets no response."
By noon, after lunch, Ying Ge arrived, bringing some two-color needlework she had made herself. She first thanked Xianglan, then chatted with her for a while. Before leaving, Xianglan gave her some embroidery patterns and a package of pastries. Knowing Ying Ge was currently in difficult circumstances, she also gave her several pieces of leftover silk fabric. Ying Ge expressed profuse gratitude before departing.
At lamp-lighting time, Luan’er came by, clearly dressed with care. She wore a water-red satin jacket, a pea-green plain plum blossom skirt, and emerald-green embroidered shoes with mandarin duck patterns. Her face was lightly powdered, and her hair was neatly and tightly styled. Because of the rift between her and Xianglan, Luan’er was unwilling to humble herself by speaking to Xianglan. Upon entering the room, she merely nodded as a greeting and sat stiffly in a chair with a stern expression.
Since Luan’er remained silent, Xianglan was content with the peace and quiet, continuing to focus on her sewing. Out of consideration for Shuran, Chun Ling served Luan’er a cup of tea and attempted to make conversation. But when Luan’er remained aloof and cold, Chun Ling inwardly sneered and walked away without another word.
The room fell into silence.
Luan’er had only visited the main house a few times. She looked around and noticed that the furnishings had changed since her last visit. The curios on the curio cabinet had been replaced with more exquisite and valuable pieces, and several calligraphy and painting scrolls now adorned the walls. The curtains, cushions, backrests, and chair covers were all in lotus-root color, a departure from the deep indigo and dark green hues that Lin Jinlou typically favored.Xianglan sat on the heated brick bed, her needle flying swiftly as she embroidered. She remained perfectly composed, as if she naturally belonged in this room, while Luan'er felt herself an unwelcome presence. Luan'er grew increasingly uncomfortable, thinking of her own small chamber. Though furnished with some pieces, how could it compare to this place? The thought twisted her heart with discontent.
Xianglan stole several glances at Luan'er and noticed her restlessness—shifting positions constantly, occasionally sipping tea, repeatedly rising as if to leave yet forcing herself to stay.
Lifting her head to rub her neck, Xianglan prompted Xiao Juan to set aside her work and refill her teacup. After taking a sip, Xianglan reflected on the day's bustle. Luan'er had arrived first, likely testing the waters and probing for information, staying for a full three hours. Ying Ge came specifically to express gratitude but left after finishing a cup of tea. Luan'er, however, was the most sincere, eagerly waiting here for Lin Jinlou's return.
Xianglan sighed inwardly. Luan'er was merely an inexperienced girl after all. Proud and fiery-tempered by nature, she would typically erupt in fury at such neglect. Yet today she endured it—dressed exquisitely, sitting primly—all to await a man who held no regard for her. The sight was truly pitiable.
Just as these thoughts crossed her mind, the door curtain lifted and Lin Jinlou strode in, loudly complaining of thirst before collapsing onto the heated brick bed. Xianglan hurriedly gathered her half-finished sewing while Chun Ling rushed to pour tea. Luan'er also sprang to her feet, about to approach with greetings, but Lin Jinlou didn't even notice her. Instead, he picked up the monk's cap Xianglan was making, fiddled with it, and said, "Hey, what's this thing? What're you working on?"
This was the first time he had spoken to her in days. Xianglan glanced covertly at him and noticed the smile playing on his lips, his demeanor radiant as if blessed by spring breezes. Sensing he must have encountered good fortune outside, she replied, "My master's birthday approaches soon. I'm making monastic robes for her."
Lin Jinlou frowned and tossed the cap back into Xianglan's lap. "Oh, so you can sew this sort of thing. Since you arrived, you haven't even made me a sachet. I thought you didn't know how." He took Xianglan's hand, rubbing it in his palm as he chuckled, "Make me something tomorrow. I'll reward you later." He leaned in to kiss her.
Xianglan felt distinctly uneasy. She couldn't comprehend how this man—who had been a scowling demon yesterday—could now jest with her so amiably, as if nothing had ever happened between them. Glancing up, she saw Luan'er standing pale-faced nearby and immediately flushed crimson, pushing Lin Jinlou away as she stammered, "I... I need to fetch something from my room," before darting out like smoke.
Lin Jinlou frowned in displeasure. Turning his head, he noticed Luan'er still standing there and asked in surprise, "Why are you here?"
Luan'er grew flustered, stammering incoherently in her panic.
Chun Ling, who had been waiting outside, hurried in and explained, "Miss Xianglan invited Luan'er over to keep her company and ease her boredom..."
Lin Jinlou nodded and said to Luan'er, "If Xianglan asks you to come, then come. She's such a quiet one—having someone to chat with is good for her. Better than letting her brood and take it out on me."
His words drained the color from Luan'er's face once more, then flushed it red. She stood frozen, uncertain whether to respond, her heart aching with humiliation as tears welled in her eyes.Lin Jinlou downed a cup of tea and called Chun Ling over, saying, "Have the kitchen prepare something warm for the evening. The noodles from yesterday were quite good, have them make that again today. The osmanthus cakes are nice too, go steam a fresh batch."
Upon receiving the order, Chun Ling sent the young servant to relay the dishes.
Lin Jinlou drank another cup of tea and, turning his head, noticed Luan'er still standing there. He asked in surprise, "Why haven't you left yet?"
Too tired, a bit thin. Sorry and thank you Fei Yikesi for the Peace Talisman, thank you Jian and Meigui for the long reviews—you two are truly talented! Also, thank you all for the pink votes. ^_^
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