Although Qin Shi disliked Hua Mei's heavy makeup and flashy attire, she held some favor for her due to her clever speech, straightforward manner, and flattering attentiveness, as well as her ability to read people's expressions. Recalling that Hua Mei had sought a fertility talisman at the temple softened Qin Shi's heart further. Seeing her weep for Lin Jinlou raised Hua Mei even higher in Qin Shi's estimation.
Witnessing this scene, Xianglan couldn't help but inwardly admire Hua Mei's silver tongue. Meanwhile, Wu Mama, Chun Ling, Tinglan, Lianxin, and others who were close to Xianglan felt intense resentment and worry on her behalf.
To everyone's surprise, Xianglan let out a soft laugh and shook her head, saying, "Hua Mei, there's a saying: 'Scheming too cleverly by half.' You may have a glib tongue, excel at performance, understand how to read moods, and know how to please others—transforming from a minor concubine gifted by the Master's superior into a full-fledged Concubine. But don't think you're so brilliant that you can treat everyone else as fools. Do you really believe no one knows about the things you've done behind the scenes?"
Hua Mei's expression shifted at these words, but she quickly resumed her sorrowful demeanor, crying out in exaggerated grievance, "Sister! Are you slandering me like this just because I uncovered your plot to harm the Master?"
Xianglan replied, "First, in the dead of night, you disregarded Taitai's orders and barged into the master's bedroom with ulterior motives. Second, you claimed, 'Sister told me you entered the household unwillingly because the Master forced you, that you resent him and dream of leaving.' When did I ever say such a thing to you? Every time we met, three or four maids were present—they can all testify. You're framing me, spreading malicious lies, and stirring up trouble."
Hua Mei was stunned and opened her mouth to retort, but Xianglan cut her off: "Just now, you and Nuanyue performed a duet, pressing aggressively with every word sharp as a blade, trying to destroy me. Yet you claim you wanted to plead for me? Anyone with eyes can see through your tactics. You've never been a kind-hearted person. Previously, Concubine Lan agreed to organize the poetry club only after you incessantly urged her, inciting conflict between her and Madam Zhao—all while posing as a 'caring sister.' Don't you know Concubine Lan is inherently naive, simple-hearted, and inexperienced in worldly matters? Moreover, she's heavily pregnant and should be resting peacefully. Even if you care nothing for Qing Lan, if you truly had the Master's interests at heart, you'd care about the child in her womb and not provoke her whims."
Qin Shi listened intently, her brow furrowing.
Hua Mei clenched her hands inside her sleeves, snapping a fingernail over an inch long, yet maintained her pitiful expression. Whimpering, she said, "Sister, your words make me wish I were dead. I merely mentioned the poetry club to Concubine Lan—how did I incite her?" Then, turning to Qin Shi, she pleaded, "Taitai, Taitai, you must uphold justice for me!"
Xianglan sneered, "The departed are gone, and there's no use dwelling on it. But I want Taitai to know that you've always been this sinister and vicious."
Though Hua Mei wore a wounded expression, a cold smile tugged at her lips. "Sister, are you truly angry with me, or are you guilty and trying to shift focus onto me to divert attention from your own crimes? We're discussing the talisman cursed to kill the Master—what does Concubine Lan have to do with it?"Xianglan gave a light laugh. Hua Mei's delicate and fragile appearance was indeed an act, and now she had been pushed to the brink of revealing her true self. She then said, "Of course it's related. Among the people in the Master's quarters, Ying Ge is honest, Luan'er is straightforward and blunt—whether good or bad, it's all written on their faces. Only you, with your warm and gentle smile, are fiercely competitive at heart, determined to stand out in the inner household. I know your character and have always kept my distance from you. I never expected that today you would still join forces with Nuanyue to frame me."
Xianglan then turned to Qin Shi, softening her voice as she said, "I am ignorant and lack proper manners. I have never paid my respects to Taitai, so it's only natural that Taitai dislikes me. I come from a humble background, merely a drifting soul, and returning to the Lin Family was never my wish. But the Master has shown me kindness after all, and such despicable acts—I, Chen Xianglan, would never stoop to them!"
Just then, someone at the door said, "Enough, stop talking." Before the words had fully faded, Lin Jinlou strode in, went straight to Xianglan, grabbed her arm, and forcibly pulled her to her feet, saying, "Hey, hey, I'm helping you up, why are you still sliding down to the ground? It's freezing cold—kneeling on the floor, aren't you afraid of catching a chill?" He then looked up at Qin Shi and said, "I heard everything from outside just now." After speaking, he glanced at Hua Mei.
That glance, though seemingly indifferent, was cold and piercing, like the frost on a blade. Hua Mei instantly felt a chill run down her spine, shuddered all over, and collapsed weakly to the floor, her heart filled with both shock and fury. Lin Jinlou personally helping Xianglan up had made his stance clear. Out of the corner of her eye, Hua Mei saw Nuanyue already slumped on the ground and thought to herself, "In this situation, I have no choice but to sacrifice a pawn to save the king."
Xianglan was unwilling to tussle with Lin Jinlou in front of everyone, so she struggled briefly, but Lin Jinlou gripped her arm and lifted her up. She stole a glance upward and saw Lin Jinlou looking directly at her, so she quickly turned her face away. As soon as Lin Jinlou released his grip, she lowered her head and took a quick, light step backward, standing properly with her body slightly turned.
Lin Jinlou thought to himself, "When I was peeking from the doorway earlier, she still had a fierce look about her, with a bit of presence. Why does she turn into a frightened little rabbit as soon as she sees me?"
Now, Changfa's wife was someone who loved to play petty tricks. Seeing Hua Mei at a disadvantage while Xianglan had turned danger into safety, she regretted backing the wrong horse. Moreover, Xianglan was currently the most favored person in Lin Jinlou's eyes. If Xianglan truly held a grudge against her, she feared she would face retaliation. Although she had often heard of Lin Jinlou's formidable reputation, she had rarely witnessed it firsthand. She also considered herself a trusted servant in the old lady's household, and even Qin Shi showed her some respect, let alone Lin Jinlou. Therefore, as soon as Lin Jinlou entered, she resolved to curry favor with her master, flaunt her status, and make Xianglan think twice before acting against her. She stepped forward, her face plastered with a smile, and said, "The Master is back. Is it cold outside?" She glared at Xianglan, poked her shoulder with a finger, and said, "Are you deaf or blind? Didn't you see the Master just come in? Don't you know to pour a cup of hot tea? You useless thing."
Xianglan was furious and was about to scold Changfa's wife for laying hands on her when she saw Lin Jinlou had already kicked out, cursing, "Where did this dog come from, barking nonsense! What kind of trash are you? Who gave you the nerve to order my people around!"
That kick sent Changfa's wife stumbling back several steps before she fell to the ground, clutching her stomach in pain and moaning.Lin Jinlou pointed at Changfa's wife and asked Qin Shi, "I'm somewhat familiar with the respected steward wives in the mansion, but I've never even laid eyes on this one. How is she fit to enter my chambers? By tomorrow, the Knowing Spring Pavilion might as well turn into a marketplace, with all sorts of riffraff coming by to shout and clamor—that would surely please me."
Qin Shi, also fearing Lin Jinlou's anger, scolded Changfa's wife, "You must have drowned yourself in alcohol tonight! How dare you speak out of turn, with no regard for rank or propriety? Who gave you the right to speak? Get out of here at once!"
[Author's note: It's too late to express thanks for the rewards in this chapter; I'll do so in the next. This scene has been particularly challenging to write, requiring careful deliberation, and coupled with an overwhelming workload recently, updates have slowed. I apologize and hope for your understanding. I want to do my utmost to write something enjoyable—the plot for this scene has undergone numerous additions and revisions. Once this scene is over and work eases up a bit, things will improve. Xiao He loves you all =3=^_^~~]
OpenNovel