Huamei noticed the slight furrow in Lin Jinlou's brow and knew he was displeased. Everyone was aware of Lin Jinlou's temperament—once he turned hostile, he'd show no mercy, like the King of Hell himself. Ordinarily, when others saw his face darken, they would flee as far as possible. Huamei somewhat regretted having hastily dragged this tyrant inside, unsure where he had encountered some vexation. If she failed to serve him properly, his pent-up frustration would likely be vented on her. But for now, she could only brace herself, wring out a hot towel, and wipe Lin Jinlou's face.
Lin Jinlou was somewhat displeased. He had some understanding of the petty schemes among women but couldn't be bothered to intervene. They all lived by his favor—how could they possibly cause any real trouble? However, today, Luanr had genuinely irked him. He did appreciate Luanr's delicate charm and her rare, captivating voice. With these two qualities, a bit of arrogance was tolerable—beauties often had tempers. When he was in a good mood, he might coax her a little for amusement; when he wasn't, he could simply ignore her without any real consequence. But lately, Luanr had grown not only arrogant and domineering but also increasingly unruly. Seeing her disheveled, brawling with a young maid on the bed, particularly disgusted him. He had given her the cold shoulder a few times, yet she hadn't learned her lesson—instead, she had become even worse.
Huamei gently untied Lin Jinlou's belt and opened his outer robe, saying with a smile, "Eldest Master, please sit up a bit so I can help you change for bed."
Lin Jinlou opened his eyes to see Huamei sitting beside him, draped in a water-red gown embroidered with gold-threaded plum blossoms, a white soft satin undergarment beneath, faintly revealing a hint of a crimson bellyband. Her hair was already loosened, cascading over her shoulders, making her face appear even fairer, her lips more crimson, and her eyes glistening with a tender, lingering gaze. The small black mole added an alluring charm. Leaning forward, her slender fingers rested on his chest as she smiled faintly and said, "Eldest Master, please sit up to remove your clothes."
Lin Jinlou sat up, allowing Huamei to assist him in undressing, and asked, "What were you all shouting about in the room earlier?"
Huamei was taken aback, realizing Lin Jinlou had likely overheard her argument with Luanr. She replied, "It was nothing. Sister Luanr is ill, and Cunxin came to me for some cough medicine. I was concerned, so I took four pears and a citrus fruit on a tray to check on her. It turned out she wasn't suffering from a cough but a cold. Thinking that the wrong medicine shouldn't be taken recklessly, especially since her illness is contagious, I said a few words. Unexpectedly, it provoked her temper, and we ended up exchanging a few pointless words. Now, thinking back, I regret it—she's unwell, so why should I have provoked her?"
Lin Jinlou had initially been somewhat displeased by Huamei's earlier sour tone, but hearing her admit her mistake now slightly improved his mood. He thought to himself that Huamei's greatest virtue was her perceptiveness. Though she could be a bit too clever at times, she knew her limits—understanding what should and shouldn't be said—and was adept at pleasing others. If only Xianglan had half her tact.
Seeing Lin Jinlou's expression soften slightly, Huamei quickly ordered a maid to bring in a kang table and set out a food box with wine and dishes. She said to Lin Jinlou, "Though eating so late isn't conducive to health, Eldest Master, you've been so diligent and rarely visit me. Having a bit of wine and food before bed shouldn't hurt, should it?"
Lin Jinlou laughed and said, "That sounds a bit sour."Huamei shot him a reproachful glance and said, "Ever since Eldest Master acquired that fairy-like beauty in his chamber, he seems to have forgotten all us sisters. No wonder Luanr is so irritable and quick to scold."
Xique, who was warming wine over a small stove on the floor, thought to herself: "The Concubine is truly clever. Though clearly displeased herself, she deftly shifts the blame onto Luanr without a trace."
Lin Jinlou smiled without responding.
Seeing that he neither denied it nor attempted to sweet-talk her as usual, Huamei felt a pang of jealousy, though she showed no sign of it on her face. She merely selected some delicate pastries and placed them in the small dish before him. Then she moved a plate of roast goose closer, washed her hands, tore off a piece of thigh meat, and fed it to Lin Jinlou.
After drinking half a cup of wine, Lin Jinlou asked, "Earlier when you pulled me in, you said you had something special to show me. What is it?"
Huamei smiled coquettishly and said, "The treasure is right under your nose, but Eldest Master is so accustomed to fine things that he fails to notice its worth." Having said this, she signaled Xique to withdraw with a glance.
Lin Jinlou turned his head and saw a small exquisitely crafted six-panel peacock screen on the floor. Inlaid with mother-of-pearl and adorned with gems, jade, amber, pearls, conch shells, crystal, agate, and other precious materials, it glittered brilliantly, clearly a piece of great value.
Lin Jinlou reached out and touched it, saying, "This is indeed a rare treasure. Where did you get it?"
Huamei replied with a smile, "This piece originally belonged to a highly prominent figure. But when fortunes changed, it passed through many hands—exchanged back and forth—until it finally ended up with my brother. Not daring to keep such a treasure for himself, he had me bring it into the mansion."
Lin Jinlou, being exceptionally shrewd, narrowed his eyes and said with a half-smile, "Huamei, you clever little monkey, still trying to play tricks on me, eh? This piece is clearly extraordinary. How did it end up in your brother's hands? I hope it hasn't caused any trouble?"
Huamei quickly waved her hands in denial. "No, no! It originally belonged to a wealthy merchant. After he died, his descendants proved worthless. While drinking and gambling with my brother, they lost this treasure to him. My brother gave the screen to me, and since you alone hold the dearest place in my heart, I wanted to offer it to you."
Lin Jinlou understood perfectly well that Du Bin must have set up a scheme to acquire it. Still, since it was won fairly in a gamble and had entered the Lin family through his sister, he silently praised the young man's cunning. After examining the screen carefully, he laughed and said, "You and your brother are quite the pair of little rascals." He had already considered promoting Du Bin to a seventh-rank deputy magistrate. Seeing the eager hope in Huamei's eyes, he nearly mentioned it but held his tongue, choosing instead to continue drinking.
Huamei understood that Lin Jinlou had accepted the gift and felt relieved. Yet, seeing that he made no further comment, she couldn't help but feel disappointed. She recalled Du Bin's words before she came: "Lin Jinlou is not someone who lacks silver. If others try to offer gifts, he may not even accept them. But if he does take it, even if he says nothing, it means he intends to promote me." If Du Bin secured a promising future, she would have a reliable support and backing. Settling her thoughts, Huamei became even more gentle, charming, and attentive in her service.After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, Huamei noticed Lin Jinlou gradually smiling and grew unrestrained herself, leaning against him. Having not been intimate with Huamei for some time, Lin Jinlou felt a stir of desire seeing her charming demeanor. He sat up, pinched Huamei’s chin, and said, “Tell me, how do you plan to serve your master?”
Huamei giggled, covering her mouth with her sleeve. “Eldest Master knows yet still asks me.”
Lin Jinlou then drew Huamei close and kissed her cheek, catching a whiff of heavy powder scent. In the past, he wouldn’t have minded—what woman didn’t use cosmetics? But Xianglan disliked makeup; her face was smooth, tender, and soft, making him reluctant to let go. In contrast, Huamei’s heavily powdered face felt coarse and heavy. He stared at her face for a moment, noticing her thick makeup. From afar, it looked stunning, but up close, it seemed like a mask, and his interest waned instantly.
OpenNovel