After Xianglan returned home, the Hall of Knowing Spring became lively once more. Lin Jinlou had slept in his study for two consecutive days, and every room was bustling with activity. Huamei embroidered a mandarin duck handkerchief, while Yingge made a pair of cotton-silk shoes for Lin Jinlou to wear indoors during winter. Both sent their gifts via the young servants in the corridor, and Lin Jinlou rewarded them accordingly. Only Luanr remained silent.
By the time the lamps were lit on the third day, Shu Ran had sat in Luanr’s room for half an hour. As soon as she left, Luanr opened her dressing case and began to adorn herself. She had Cunxin redo her hair, lavishly adorning it with her finest, rarely worn jewelry. After meticulously applying makeup, she instructed Cunxin to open the chest and find brightly colored garments. Cunxin brought out a new sleeveless jacket in vibrant rose red with a light pink undergarment, as well as a lined jacket in lake-blue with pale yellow plum blossom embroidery, saying, "These two are newly made and have never been worn."
Luanr tried them on, twirled around twice, but felt dissatisfied and took them off, saying, "The Eldest Master doesn’t like such styles. He prefers clothes that accentuate the waist. Find my peach-red narrow-waisted jacket and the slim-waisted pomegranate-and-phoenix fairy skirt."
Cunxin hesitated, "But those are summer clothes, with gauze sleeves. It’s too cold to wear them now..."
Luanr urged repeatedly, "Just do as I say and find them."
Cunxin had no choice but to retrieve the garments. Only after changing into them did Luanr feel satisfied. Cunxin advised again, "Dear girl, you’ve just eaten, and who knows how long the Eldest Master will remain in his study? At least drape a coat over yourself—you can take it off when he arrives. Catching a chill is no joke."
Confident in her robust constitution and unafraid of the cold, Luanr refused to wear extra layers. Instead, she picked up her pipa, plucking it intermittently and humming softly. Knowing Luanr’s fiery temperament, Cunxin dared not press further. She brewed hot tea and occasionally urged Luanr to take a sip to warm up.
Ignoring her, Luanr suddenly shivered, her whole body trembling, followed by two sneezes. Cunxin exclaimed, "Oh dear, you must have caught a chill!" Seeing Luanr’s cheeks flushed like spring peaches—far beyond the shade of rouge she had applied—she hurriedly fetched a mirror and showed Luanr, saying, "Your face is so red—you must be falling ill."
But Luanr, admiring the rosy hue on her face and unaware of any ailment, still refused to put on more clothes. However, after five or six consecutive sneezes, she began to cough. Cunxin wrapped her in a thin quilt and went to search for cold-relief pills, muttering, "How can you neglect your health like this? That narrow-waisted jacket is too thin. If you truly fall ill tomorrow, you’ll only suffer for it."
But Luanr anxiously fretted, "What if I keep coughing? I won’t be able to sing for the Eldest Master later."
Cunxin rolled her eyes inwardly, thinking, "You’ve already caught a cold—how can you serve the Eldest Master? If you pass the illness to him, it’ll be even worse." Yet, seeing Luanr’s flustered state, she softened and found herself at a loss for words.
Meanwhile, Shu Ran went to the front study and found Shuangxi dozing on an embroidered stool by the door. She gently nudged him and asked, "What’s going on? Why are you sleeping? Who’s attending inside?"
Shuangxi jolted awake, wiped his face, and said, "It’s Mr. Qi and Mr. Kang. Gui Yuan is inside serving tea."Shu Ran peeked inside and saw Lin Jinlou seated behind the desk, with Qi Shao and Kang Shiyuan standing on either side, discussing something. Not daring to interrupt, she asked Shuangxi, "Has the Eldest Master said where he'll rest tonight? Will he return to the inner residence?"
Shuangxi shook his head, "He hasn't mentioned it." But inwardly, he sneered, thinking, "Shu Ran is trying to speak up for Luanr. She's usually shrewd, but with a cousin like that... Originally, if the Eldest Master had favored Luanr, it might have been an advantage for Shu Ran. Who knew she'd be hopeless—more of a burden than a support. The Eldest Master hasn't paid Luanr any attention lately, all because she made a scene in front of the other young masters, embarrassing him, and then she didn't even know how to apologize—just kept being stubborn. Does she think she's Chen Xianglan? That living ancestor has snubbed the Eldest Master repeatedly, yet he still chases after her. Without that kind of charm, she's pretending to be some fairy—she's just a Bedchamber maid. The Eldest Master is leaving her out in the cold."
Shu Ran pondered for a while, then went to a small side room to fetch some pastries, arranged them on a crystal plate, and carried it to the door. Just then, she saw Qi Shao and Kang Shiyuan coming out. She quickly hid behind the door, waiting for them to leave before entering. Seeing Lin Jinlou still staring intently at some papers, she carefully set the plate down, observed his expression, and said softly, "Eldest Master, these are fresh pastries, all soft and flaky. Have a couple."
Lin Jinlou glanced at the pastries, picked one up casually, popped it into his mouth, and remained deep in thought. Shu Ran added gently, "There's also chicken soup in the small clay pot. Would you like a bowl, Eldest Master?"
Lin Jinlou looked up and smiled, "You're always so thoughtful. Those lads are still too rough around the edges. Bring me a bowl."
Shu Ran immediately went to fetch the soup and returned, saying, "Eldest Master, don't stay up too late tonight. You should rest by the hour of Hai... Would you prefer to sleep in your room or the study?"
Lin Jinlou, thinking that Xianglan had returned home and the main room felt empty, said, "I'll stay in the study. I have some official matters to finish late, then I'll sleep."
Shu Ran forced a smile and said, "I know I shouldn't say this... but I'll risk mentioning it once... Luanr has long realized her mistake. It was wrong of her to anger you, Eldest Master. These days, she's been reflecting behind closed doors and has cried to me countless times... I thought her youthful temper needed to be curbed, so I ignored her, but now, seeing her pitiful state, she truly knows she was wrong. Could you forgive her this once, Eldest Master?"
Lin Jinlou looked up and stared at Shu Ran for a moment.
Shu Ran quickly smiled obsequiously, but her heart pounded with fear. Lin Jinlou was never an easy man to deal with—his rage was terrifying, but even in calmness, he carried an innate authority that inspired awe.
Lin Jinlou let out a cold laugh and said, "Shu Ran, what tricks are you playing with me? I believe Luanr has cried plenty, but 'reflecting behind closed doors'? That's nonsense, isn't it?"
Shu Ran hurriedly waved her hands, "No, no, I wouldn't dare lie to you, Eldest Master."
Lin Jinlou gave her a deep look, then lowered his head and said, "Remember this: focus on your duties. If you meddle in my personal affairs again, don't blame me for not showing mercy."
Cold sweat dripped from Shu Ran's forehead. She clasped her hands, bowed her head, and said respectfully, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't, absolutely not."Lin Jinlou said indifferently, "You may go now. I'm giving you face today. I'll visit Luanr's room tonight to check. If you try any tricks again, you'll learn the consequences."
Shu Ran responded repeatedly, her legs weak as she exited the room. A cold wind blew, making her shiver all over. She untied a handkerchief from her collar to wipe away her sweat, thinking to herself, "The Eldest Master is angry with me. I must never interfere with Luanr's affairs again." Waves of fear and regret washed over her, and she also felt resentful that Luanr had failed to uphold her dignity. Sighing deeply, she left.
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