Yingluo said, "Sister Shanhu, wait a moment before going to find Third Miss. I have something to tell you. Did you notice how Fourth Miss hasn't left First Madam's side all day today? They're usually not that close."
Shanhu replied, "I did notice. Alas, what can one do when not born from Madam's own womb? That's just how it is. Our young lady is truly fortunate. Though the master usually pays no mind, he's extremely attentive when it comes to Third Miss's marriage prospects."
Yingluo sneered coldly, "The master is thinking of having Third Miss marry into a powerful family. I heard he wants to marry her to Marquis Yongchang."
Shanhu was startled, "Marquis Yongchang? He... how old is he? He could be Third Miss's father!"
Yingluo said, "Just over forty. His wife passed away two years ago, and now he's looking for a second wife. With the Ministry of War recently promoting him to a substantial position with real authority, the master has become interested."
Shanhu hesitated, "How... how do you know this?"
Yingluo explained, "Second Master was discussing it with Madam yesterday. Madam absolutely refused to consent, but the master even slapped her and declared the matter settled with no room for negotiation. He said it's a tremendous blessing that Marquis Yongchang would consider Third Miss, something others couldn't even hope for. You were busy assisting First Madam yesterday, so you didn't know. They're still keeping it from Third Miss - who knows what might happen if she finds out!"
"This probably won't succeed. Not only does Madam object, but Old Master and Old Madam might not agree either."
"Not necessarily. Though Marquis Yongchang is older, he's in his prime. He's summoned for imperial audiences during festivals, has achieved military merits, and holds considerable prestige. He's also an old acquaintance of our Eldest Master. I've heard his family wealth is substantial, and he owns a large estate. Being a second wife still makes one a proper mistress - the Marchioness of Yongchang. When entering the palace, she'd wear the Official Lady's Cape of the third rank, while our master is only fifth rank. If not for the Lin family's foundation here, Third Miss would be marrying above her station."
"That's true. If she truly becomes the Marchioness of Yongchang, the dignity and honor would surpass even what Second Miss has. Second Miss only married the second son of Duke Zhenguo, who can't inherit the title and must strive for achievements on his own."
Later, the two continued chatting, but Lin Dongxiu heard none of it. She simply sat there in a daze. That ignorant, foolish, inarticulate Lin Dongling had actually secured such an honorable marriage! Why? Simply because she was born from Madam's womb and had good fortune in her birth? Aside from lineage, in what way wasn't she superior to Lin Dongling!
Lin Dongxiu clenched the Target Mirror in her hand tightly. All her earlier pride and ambitious confidence had turned to ashes.Though young in age, Lin Dongxiu understood matters more clearly than anyone else. For a woman, marrying was merely about securing a prospect for the latter half of her life. A handsome and elegant young man was nothing more than a bonus; what truly mattered in the end was his official rank and family background. Her elder half-sister, Lin Dongwan, had married a dashing scholar. Though he came from an official family, his status was ultimately lacking. Now that her husband had failed in his studies, the household expenses depended on her mother-in-law’s whims, and she often had to dip into her own dowry to make ends meet, living a life of discontent and constraint.
A close friend from her maiden days, originally an overlooked illegitimate daughter who had always been timid in her actions, had married a widower in his fifties. Yet, as he held real power, she transformed completely thereafter—adorned in gold and silver, her entire demeanor elevated, she became a different person altogether. Observing this silently, Lin Dongxiu vowed to marry into nobility, regardless of the man’s age. Now, the very Lin Dongling she utterly despised had obtained such a marriage alliance. Lin Dongxiu felt a mix of envy and jealousy, her heart unsettled. For a moment, she lost all interest in adorning herself. Listlessly, she put away her rouge and mirror, lifted the curtain, and stepped outside.
Shanhu and Yingluo were already nowhere to be seen. Lin Dongxiu trudged back despondently, suddenly feeling disheartened. What did it matter if she outshone everyone at the banquet? Those from prestigious families would never consider her worthy, while those of lesser status were beneath her acceptance. From a young age, she had been fiercely competitive, determined to rise above others. Now, not only had she been outdone by Lin Dongling in marriage, but she found it unbearable to swallow this humiliation.
The more Lin Dongxiu dwelled on it, the more agitated she became. She decided to skip the banquet altogether and wandered into the garden, weighed down by her thoughts. White willows arched over the slopes, leaves tinged with yellow, and fallen blossoms dotted the path. Though it was a crisp, clear autumn day with brilliant sunshine, Lin Dongxiu felt only desolation and loneliness. Suddenly, she caught sight of maids in vibrant reds and greens carrying large trays laden with delicacies, gracefully passing through the covered corridor. Her heart sank further, and she thought to herself, "Only a daughter born of the official wife receives such a grand celebration. Someone like me, unloved and uncared for, who knows where I’ll end up in the future?"
Sighing in self-pity, she crossed a winding bridge over the lake and approached a rockery. She recalled that Luoxue Courtyard was located there—it had originally been assigned to Cao Lihuan, but after she moved out, it had become a storage place for potted plants. A few days earlier, she and Lin Dongling had come here to select two pots of flowers. She thought, "There’s a pot of begonias in that room, with blooms as large as bowls. It would be perfect to clip one and wear it in my hair to match this outfit. Nowadays, standing out through appearance is the only way to seize opportunities." So she headed to Luoxue Courtyard, only to find the door locked upon arrival.
It turned out the matrons of Luoxue Courtyard had all scattered to drink and enjoy themselves. She circled to the back door and, just as she reached below the window, overheard faint voices inside—a man and a woman. Startled, Lin Dongxiu wondered how a man could appear in the inner quarters. Summoning her courage, she pierced the window paper and peered inside. To her astonishment, she saw Lin Dongling nestled intimately with a young man.
Lin Dongxiu was nearly frightened out of her wits, stumbling backward two steps, her heart pounding violently. Yet, curiosity overpowered her fear, and she cautiously leaned in again to look.The man was strikingly handsome and robust, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a straight nose bridge. A hint of a smile graced his lips even before he spoke. He wore an indigo straight gown, unfamiliar to the eye, as if they had never met before. This man turned out to be Huamei's elder brother, Du Bin. Though he had failed in scholarly pursuits, he excelled in martial arts and was adept at social climbing. Thanks to his sister's influence, Lin Jinlou had given him a leg up. Clever-minded, charmingly unrestrained, and highly perceptive of his superiors' intentions, Du Bin had handled several tasks with such competence that Lin Jinlou gradually valued him more, even hinting at a promotion. Du Bin began frequenting the Lin residence more often. Ambitious by nature, he begged Huamei to ask Lin Jinlou to promote him to the rank of Outer Commissioner, a proper eighth-grade official. Huamei broached the subject with Lin Jinlou once, but seeing his displeasure, she dared not mention it again.
Du Bin then sought to approach Lin Jinting. However, Lin Jinting, with the airs and mannerisms of a wealthy young master, looked down on someone like Du Bin and refused even to meet him. Du Bin visited several times but was repeatedly turned away, left to wait idly in the small reception hall. Unexpectedly, it was there that he encountered Lin Dongling.
Lin Dongling, spoiled by Wang Shi, was accustomed to acting domineeringly at home. Unconcerned with the distinction between inner and outer quarters, she came to the front to find Lin Jinting and happened upon a male guest in the reception hall. The man she saw was dignified in appearance and charmingly untamed. At an age when romantic thoughts stirred her soul, the sudden sight of an outsider made her blush instantly, and she hurriedly retreated. Yet, before leaving, she stole a glance at Du Bin, her eyes filled with clear affection.
Du Bin, a seasoned player in matters of the heart, understood immediately. Hearing the maids outside address her as "Third Miss," he realized she was the third young lady of the Lin family. Instantly, he conceived a plan and began visiting the Woyun Hall more frequently. Sure enough, he encountered Lin Dongling again. Seizing the opportunity, Du Bin flirted with her in every way possible, conveying his feelings through meaningful glances. When no one was watching, he tossed a pouch he had prepared in advance under Lin Dongling's skirt. Retrieving it later, Lin Dongling found inside two love poems—one praising her beauty, the other pouring out longing—along with a Dragon and Phoenix Jade Pendant, symbolizing the auspicious union of dragon and phoenix. Lin Dongling felt both flattered and thrilled, though she initially had no intention of responding. Yet Du Bin kept visiting every few days, and she couldn't resist stealing glances at him. Thus, the two became involved, and before long, they were deeply entangled in passion, inseparable as glue and lacquer.
After the Spring Festival, Lin Jinlou promoted Du Bin to the position of Personal Soldier, allowing him to visit the Lin residence even more frequently. Du Bin took advantage of this to sneak into the estate and rendezvous with Lin Dongling.
Du Bin nudged Lin Dongling and said, "The noon banquet is about to begin. You should head back, and I ought to leave as well."
Lin Dongling frowned and retorted, "Are you so unwilling to see me?"
Du Bin laughed and replied, "How could that be? I think of you day and night. Why else would I take the risk to come see you? But you really should go back now. I'll return another time."
Lin Dongling let out two cold laughs and turned away in a huff.
Du Bin quickly apologized with a smile and asked, "Why are you upset all of a sudden? How about I come back tonight? But the garden gates are locked after dark. It's easy for me to climb over the wall, but it won't be as simple for you to come."
Lin Dongling said, "I wonder which little enchantress outside has caught your eye, making you so desperate to leave and abandon me here. You've barely arrived and already refuse to stay with me a while longer." As she spoke, she began to cry.Du Bin hastily swore an oath: "There is only you in my heart, my dear. For your sake, I have even divorced my wife. Don't you understand my feelings? I only regret that I was not born into a wealthy family in this lifetime, which is why I lack the courage to propose to your household. My heart yearns for nothing but to be united with you in marriage, and no other woman could ever catch my eye." He coaxed her with boundless tenderness.
Lin Dongling retorted, "Today my second sister is getting married, and soon it will be my turn. I invited you to my home, but you made endless excuses. Who knows if you truly care for me? All you do is spout empty words to deceive me! Perhaps you will only be content when I marry someone else!"
Du Bin replied, "If I were to propose to you, your father would never agree unless there is another way..."
Lin Dongling, her eyes brimming with tears, asked, "What way?"
Du Bin kissed Lin Dongling's cheek, a cunning glint in his eyes, and whispered something into her ear. Lin Dongling immediately blushed crimson and scolded, "Shame on you! How dare you speak of such indecent things!"
Du Bin drew her close to his chest and murmured, "My dear, don't you understand my heart? Only when the deed is done can we grow old together..." As he spoke, he kissed her lips and pressed her down onto the Arhat Bed. At first, Lin Dongling struggled, but Du Bin slipped his hand into her trousers, caressing her while showering her with kisses. Before long, her resistance melted away, and she became as pliant as water.
OpenNovel