Lin Jinlou had been busy for a while before realizing how late it had grown. Gui Yuan entered to refill the tea and used silver tongs to brighten the lamp flame. As she was about to withdraw, Lin Jinlou asked, "What time is it?"
Gui Yuan replied, "It's already the second watch, almost the third."
Lin Jinlou stood up and stretched, saying, "Let's go, time to retire to my room."
Gui Yuan hurried to fetch a lantern, but Lin Jinlou pushed the door open and saw the bright moonlight outside. "No need for the lantern," he said, and strode back toward his quarters. Upon passing through the moon gate, he headed toward Luanr's room. Before entering, he overheard voices through the window.
Shu Ran was saying, "She brought this on herself. Catching a chill in this weather while still wearing summer clothes—it's her own fault."
This was followed by the sound of Luanr coughing.
Cunxin said, "Miss, have some water and rest. If you don't improve, we should call a doctor immediately."
Luanr coughed again and insisted, "Don't you dare! The Eldest Master is coming later. If Madam finds out I'm sick, she'll surely send me home to recuperate, and I refuse to go."
Shu Ran coaxed, "I'll inform the Eldest Master that it's nothing serious—just a chill. We'll have a doctor examine you, and you can recuperate here in the mansion. It's cleaner here than at home, with servants to attend to you, much better than being at home. It's late now; we'll call the doctor first thing tomorrow."
Before she finished, Huamei's voice cut in, "Heh, it's true what they say—'connections at court make tasks easier.' Two months ago when I had a cough—not even contagious—I was sent home for half a month to recover. Now Sister Luanr here has a fever and a cold, yet she doesn't have to leave and even expects the Eldest Master to visit. Tsk, tsk. It's the season change—if she infects others, it's one thing, but what if she infects the Eldest Master? Sister Shu Ran, Sister Luanr is young and ignorant, but you're a trusted senior around the Eldest Master. You should know better, shouldn't you?"
Luanr, lying in bed, flared up at this and scrambled upright, shouting, "Huamei, if you have something to say, say it to me! Why drag my sister into it? If you're afraid of catching my illness, then get out of here! Your presence alone is sullying my floor!"
Shu Ran quickly restrained Luanr, saying, "Why are you getting angry again? Lie down before you catch more cold."
Huamei sneered, "My kindness is thrown back in my face. Cunxin came to my place asking for cough pills, and I came to check on you when I heard you were sick. You certainly put on airs, daring to tell me to 'get out.' Fine, fine! Remember your words today. Who knows which of us will be thrown out tomorrow!" With that, she stood to leave.
Shu Ran hurriedly grabbed Huamei, smiling, "She's young and doesn't know better, and she's sick, so her temper is flaring." Concubine, please don't take it to heart."
Huamei merely gave a faint, cold smile and said to Shu Ran, "Your sister here is quite imposing—not just more than you, but even more than me, a Concubine. From what I've observed, I daresay even the former Da Nǎinai wasn't as high-handed as her." She snorted and walked out.
Lin Jinlou slipped into the shadows and watched as Huamei swayed her way toward the eastern wing.
Luanr, furious, her delicate brows furrowed, cursed wildly, "That wretched woman! Thinks she's half a mistress now, coming to bully me when I'm sick. Just wait until your lady recovers—I'll strip your skin off and make you regret crossing me!"Shu Ran advised, "You still haven't changed this temper of yours. I know you're strong-willed, but she is still a Concubine after all. Why must you lock horns with her?"
Luanr panted angrily, "How can I swallow this insult? What's so great about her being a Concubine? Everyone in this world has their own karma and destiny. Who's to say I won't become a mistress someday?"
Cunxin hurriedly tried to calm her, "Miss, please say no more. Rest properly and focus on recovering from your illness." As she spoke, she stepped forward to tuck Luanr's quilt.
Luanr glared at Cunxin. Feeling somewhat afraid, Cunxin forced a smile and asked, "What does the young lady need? Would you like some water?"
Luanr grabbed Cunxin and started hitting her wildly, cursing, "You damned girl! Who told you to ask Huamei for medicine? Am I dying? That you had to go running to that woman. Or are you afraid I won't die, you disgraceful thing, bringing that temptress here to upset me! I'll beat you to death, you blind fool!"
Cunxin, in pain and feeling wronged, couldn't help but cry. Shu Ran quickly pulled Cunxin away and shielded her, scolding angrily, "Why are you hitting her for no reason? It was you who sent her to find medicine for your cough. When she couldn't find any, she came to me. At this late hour, where do you expect me to get medicine for you? I remembered Huamei had a cough recently, so I told Cunxin to ask her for a couple of pills. I never thought she would come herself."
Only then did Luanr realize she had wrongly accused Cunxin, but being stubborn, she refused to admit it. She remained silent, turned her face away, closed her eyes, and lay down.
Shu Ran sighed and led Cunxin outside to comfort her. While gently consoling her, she suddenly noticed Lin Jinlou standing under the corridor. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought, "How long has the Eldest Master been here? I wonder how much he overheard." She put on a smile and went up to greet him, saying, "The Eldest Master has returned."
Lin Jinlou didn't respond. He glanced at Shu Ran, then turned and walked away.
Just then, Xique came out with a basin to toss water. Seeing Lin Jinlou, she hurried back to inform Huamei. Huamei immediately came out of her room and called out, "Eldest Master." She approached with a beaming smile and said, "It's been quite some time since you last visited me, Eldest Master. I've recently acquired something special. Please come and take a look." Without waiting for Lin Jinlou's response, she tugged his arm and pulled him toward the eastern wing.
Meanwhile, Luanr in her room had heard Shu Ran call out "Eldest Master." She quickly sat up, ignoring her dizziness, straightened her hair, and got out of bed. Peering through the window, she saw Lin Jinlou being dragged away by Huamei. Overwhelmed with fury, she was about to curse when a wave of dizziness hit her. With a soft "aiyo," she collapsed weakly onto the bed.
Huamei pulled Lin Jinlou into her room and urgently instructed Xique, "Quick, brew some piping hot tea. The Eldest Master has two sets of casual clothes here—fetch them at once." She then led Lin Jinlou to the bedside, invited him to sit, and asked softly, "Are you hungry, Eldest Master? I have some pastries here, all in flavors you usually enjoy."
Lin Jinlou half-closed his eyes and leaned against the headboard. After a long pause, he grunted in acknowledgment.
Huamei bustled about preparing everything. Tiptoeing to the door, she whispered to Xique, "Change the jasmine incense in the burner. Use the warm-scented begonia-style incense and put two pellets in." Xique acknowledged and went to do as told.Huamei walked to the dressing table and glanced at her reflection, then reapplied some powder and touched up her lips with rouge. Treading softly, she approached Lin Jinlou and sat beside him, reaching out to undo the buttons on his outer garment. In a low voice, she said, "Allow me to help you change out of your outer robes, master. It’ll be more comfortable to wear something casual at home."
Lin Jinlou, still with his eyes closed, gave a vague "Mm" in response, letting Huamei attend to him.
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