Mama Han said, "Don't be upset, Taitai. Perhaps the Knowing Spring Pavilion has indeed encountered some ill fortune. I've heard the eminent monks from Xiangguo Temple chant scriptures most effectively. Let's invite them tomorrow to perform a Buddhist Mass. Any demons and monsters will naturally vanish when the Buddha arrives."
Qin Shi quickly responded, "You're absolutely right. I haven't felt at ease either. We should indeed invite the masters to chant." She placed her prayer beads and scripture book on the small table, rubbed her temples, and suddenly asked, "What do you think of that Chen Xianglan?"
Mama Han was taken aback, thinking to herself that the girl had been chosen by the Master and specially kept by his side. His protective words earlier clearly showed she was no ordinary person. Looking at her clothing and accessories, she appeared even more refined than the young ladies of the household. Were she just any ordinary girl in a gentleman's quarters, she might have been willing to gossip a bit. But regarding someone favored in Lin Jinlou's chambers, she preferred not to comment. However, since Qin Shi had asked, she chose her words carefully: "She has a lovely appearance and speaks cleverly. No wonder the Master is so taken with her."
Qin Shi said, "Who do you suppose taught her such excellent calligraphy?"
Mama Han replied, "I heard this girl was raised in a temple when she was young. The head abbot personally taught her painting and calligraphy."
Qin Shi said thoughtfully, "Pretty face, knowledgeable in painting and calligraphy... You haven't studied writing so you wouldn't know, but being able to write various scripts so elegantly and freely is truly remarkable. Not to mention finding a calligraphy teacher in the first place - that's no easy matter. As far as I know, there was previously a Shen..." She stopped mid-sentence, realizing her mistake, and continued, "Only those great families that produced Grand Preceptors and Tutors, those lineages of high officials, could have both men and women skilled in calligraphy. Yet this young girl can write too. I heard she's been helping Qing Lan manage that poetry club. Tell me, how can a maid know all these things? Even ordinary young ladies and madams might be overshadowed by her. Did you see how she carried herself in the room earlier? Neither anxious nor greedy, neither humble nor arrogant, she explained her reasoning point by point, every word hitting the mark without losing composure. Such remarkable poise. I doubt I had that kind of steadiness at her age - if the master said something unfair to me, I'd still stiffen my neck and argue loudly."
Mama Han laughed, "You've always had that quick temper, Taitai. Xianglan has a gentler disposition - they shouldn't be compared."
Qin Shi smiled faintly, "She appears gentle, but her bones are strong. She seems mild-mannered, but actually has sharp wits and an active mind." As she spoke, she shifted slightly. Mama Han quickly placed a green satin pillow with red accents under Qin Shi's arm. Qin Shi continued slowly, "Her speech shows intelligence... but she's too intelligent, which isn't necessarily good. She might aspire too high for her station, become restless. Not as fortunate as those simpler souls."
Before she finished speaking, Wu Mama entered carrying a bowl of soup and said with a smile, "You worry too much, Taitai. Qing Lan was simple-minded, but what happened in the end? She passed away early. In my opinion, intelligence is better. Haven't you considered, Taitai, how long it's been since the Master went out carousing since Xianglan arrived? Perhaps you'll be holding a grandson next year."These words slightly moved Qin Shi. Wu Mama brought the soup before Qin Shi and said, "The Master is the hardest to serve—his standards are high and his tastes particular. All the maids attending to him at home are neat and pretty, yet he either finds them lacking charm or not clever enough, or he loses interest after a brief infatuation, his mind always wandering outside. Those seductive and bewitching women can't be brought home. Now that he's finally taken a liking to one, I see he treats Xianglan differently... Taitai knows the Master's temper best. Wouldn't it be better to indulge him? Since he favors that girl, and Xianglan has no faults—she comes from a respectable background and has a gentle disposition—if she bears a child in the future, it would fulfill the Master's filial duty, wouldn't it?"
Qin Shi stirred the spoon in the soup and after a long while said, "Lou Ge'er is such a strong-willed person, excellent in every way, yet he struggles in this one matter..." She let out a long sigh.
Wu Mama lowered her head and remained silent. Mama Han wanted to offer some comfort, but seeing Wu Mama quiet, she swallowed her words. After Qin Shi finished the soup, Hongjian and others came in to assist with washing up, made the bed, drew the curtains, and then withdrew.
Outside the door, Mama Han glanced at Wu Mama and said with a faint, mocking smile, "You certainly had a lot to say earlier."
Wu Mama straightened her clothes and replied, "Wasn't every word for the Master's good?"
Mama Han narrowed her eyes, leaned in, and lowered her voice, "You praise her so highly, but be careful not to get thanks for your pains. Taitai hasn't taken a liking to her."
Wu Mama looked at Mama Han twice, smiled slightly, and reached out to grasp her hand, also lowering her voice, "Elder sister, we've been together for many years, and my son still calls you 'Godmother.' Let's speak plainly—are you still scheming to place your niece before the Master? After tonight's commotion, aren't you scared out of your wits?"
Mama Han's face changed slightly, then she laughed and said, "What are you talking about? I don't understand."
Wu Mama pointed at her and said, "Tsk, tsk, you old fox, you're not being honest. I originally had some good news to tell you, but now I won't." She turned to leave.
Mama Han quickly stopped her, saying, "Hey, hey, you can't just say half of it."
Wu Mama stopped and said calmly, "You're a clever person too. Stop thinking about the Knowing Spring Pavilion. Instead of scheming to place your own people there as the Master's concubine, you'd be better off currying favor with Chen Xianglan and forming a good relationship. In a couple of years, if she bears a child, I'm afraid you won't even have the chance to curry favor then."
Mama Han sneered, "Whether she has that fortune or not is still uncertain!" Then she couldn't resist adding sourly, "You're staking your future on Xianglan, so naturally you're afraid someone might come and share her favor."
Wu Mama laughed with a hint of mockery, "Your niece is quite pretty, but in all conscience, can she compare to Xianglan in looks, character, demeanor, or speech? She's not even as good as Luan'er, whom the old lady gave, or Hua Mei, who once enjoyed Grandeur. What skills does your niece really have? Wan Xia, we've both served by Taitai's side all these years. You've never accepted me, yet I've always been a step ahead of you. It's not because I'm better at serving than you, but because my vision is a bit sharper and more far-sighted." After saying this, she gently patted Mama Han's hand, which was still clutching hers, and turned to leave.
Mama Han's face flushed red. She took a few deep breaths, forcibly suppressing her displeasure, and spat out, "Pah! What's there to be so proud of!" But in her heart, she felt somewhat disheartened.Back when she and Wu entered the Qin family as maids together—one named Zhaoxia, the other Wanxia—their names sounded like sisters, yet they secretly competed. Both had strong, competitive personalities. Zhaoxia was two months younger than her and inferior in every skill, yet always managed to outshine her. Later, they married in the same year, returned after bearing children, and she became a stewardess, remaining Taitai's right-hand woman. Zhaoxia, however, turned down respectable positions to willingly serve as the Master's wet nurse. In those years, she enjoyed great success, surrounded by flatterers wherever she went, and reaped many benefits.
Zhaoxia couldn't even see her own son, and with the Master being mischievous, she had no rest day or night, constantly anxious about any mishaps or illnesses befalling him. She secretly mocked Wu Zhaoxia countless times, often using her as a topic for gossip. But as the Master gradually grew up and achieved success, the tables turned. Zhaoxia returned to Taitai to take on duties, and as the Master's wet nurse, her status surpassed that of ordinary servants. The Master was sentimental; besides the monthly allowance, Knowing Spring Pavilion gave Wu Zhaoxia extra silver. Not only that, she also promoted her nephews to serve by the Master's side. Now her eldest son had become the Master's personal guard, securing a promising future that made everyone envious.
Everyone in the Lin Family kept an eye on the Master, but he had little patience for dealing with the old women and servants at home. She realized it was no longer easy for her to meddle in Knowing Spring Pavilion or curry favor with the Master, and she regretted missing her chance. Seeing Wu Mama strutting proudly, maneuvering skillfully between Taitai and the Master, she gritted her teeth in secret.
She stood under the corridor for a while before slowly returning to the outer night-duty room. After a hasty wash, she lay in bed, tossing and turning before finally falling into a fitful sleep.
The next morning, Mama Han woke before dawn. Lying in bed, she heard someone outside whispering to her maidservant, Xiao Fang'er: "Is Auntie awake yet?"
"Not yet. She was up late last night—probably won't be early."
"...Yesterday... what happened with the Master? Auntie stayed in the residence instead of going home, so the family is worried. This morning, a young servant brought a message asking about it."
"How would I know what happened? I wanted to ask you, sister. Last night, several senior old women and stewards from the residence went over and didn't return until midnight."
Mama Han coughed in her room, and the voices outside immediately fell silent. She threw off the covers, got up, and dressed. Moments later, a girl of fifteen or sixteen lifted the curtain and entered. She was plump and fair-skinned, with an oval face, emerald eyebrows, red lips, and eyes like watery apricots—quite striking. She wore a light purple BeiZi embroidered with parrots picking peaches, a blue satin skirt underneath, and her hair was intricately styled. As a maid, she dared not be too flashy, wearing only two gold hairpins and a light red Palace Flower pinned at the back of her bun. This girl was Mama Han's niece, now a third-class maid in Taitai's room, called Zidai.
Zidai entered the room, offering Mama Han an ingratiating smile. "You're up early—did you sleep well last night?" She stepped forward to help with dressing and shoes, quickly fetched the toiletries and vanity case, set up the mirror, and began combing Mama Han's hair with a peachwood comb.Mama Han's hair had already begun to silver and was thinning. Zidai applied osmanthus oil to her palms, smoothing it only on the hair at the forehead before gathering it back and carefully combing it. She took a false hairpiece from a box, coiling it atop Mama Han's head and securing it firmly with several hairpins. Zidai stole a glance at Mama Han in the mirror and saw her eyes slightly closed but her brow furrowed, so she lightened her touch even more.
The entire household's dignity now relied on Mama Han's favor with Taitai, so Zidai served with even greater care.
Xiao Fang'er brought in hot water, tidied the bed, and went to empty the spittoon. After Mama Han washed her face, applied ointment, and dusted on fragrant powder, Zidai hurriedly presented a pair of silver bracelets engraved with a dragon and phoenix in harmonious union, fastening them onto Mama Han's wrists.
Mama Han lifted her head, her gaze meeting Zidai's directly.
Zidai quickly smiled and said, "Taitai hasn't woken up yet. There's no hurry to go serve her—why not have something to eat first? There's still some almond milk left from yesterday. Would you like a bowl?"
Mama Han didn't answer but half-squinted as she scrutinized Zidai—her fair, rosy cheeks, full bosom, and slightly plump hips that didn't make her look heavy but instead gave off an alluring charm. This figure was what the elders often praised as an "auspicious shape for bearing sons." Such a fresh blossom could almost rival Lan Yiniang, whom Lin Jinlou had once doted on. If the family lacked a presentable girl, they might even adopt a goddaughter from within the mansion. With such a talent in their own household, why worry about lacking opportunities to cling to a powerful tree? And now, the Knowing Spring Pavilion was just short of maids...
Mama Han couldn't help but drift into thought.
Seeing her aunt staring at her, Zidai felt somewhat uneasy. Noticing that Xiao Fang'er had left, she whispered to Mama Han, "Auntie, what happened at the Master's place last night?" In the past, Wu Mama had hinted at the idea of sending Zidai to the Knowing Spring Pavilion someday. Zidai understood and couldn't help feeling shy. Lin Jinlou was handsome and powerful, and Zidai naturally felt drawn to him, harboring a maiden's affection and paying extra attention to the Knowing Spring Pavilion.
Mention of last night made Mama Han shudder, immediately recalling how Lin Jinlou had dealt with the concubines in his quarters and thinking of what Wu Mama had said the previous night. Her heart chilled. Coming back to herself, she saw Zidai looking at her eagerly. Taking in Zidai's sparkling eyes and remembering her sweet, endearing nature, Mama Han felt indecisive. She opened her mouth, but when she spoke, she asked, "I haven't seen that outfit on you before. Is it new?"
Zidai replied, "Auntie, have you forgotten? You gave me the fabric. Last New Year, when you were making a jacket and sleeveless jacket, you said this color was plain and elegant. There was some leftover, so you gave it to me—just enough for a BeiZi, with scraps left for handkerchiefs or shoes. I finished the BeiZi a while ago, but the embroidery took some time, so I only just completed it. The pattern came from Chun Ling—isn't it novel? Chun Ling said there are plenty like it; Miss Xianglan loves drawing these."
Hearing "Xianglan," Mama Han frowned.
Misinterpreting this, Zidai quickly added, "I know I shouldn't wear something so eye-catching, but they say the Master likes it. He even had Xianglan's designs embroidered on his knee pads and sword bag..."
Mama Han waved her hand. "That's not the issue."
Just then, someone outside the window asked, "Is Mama Han here?"Mama Han heard clearly, recognizing Lianxin's voice, and hurried out from the room, responding, "I'm here, I'm here." Seeing Lianxin standing at the door, she quickly invited her inside and called for Zidai to brew tea.
Just as Lianxin was about to enter, she noticed Zidai in the room and stopped, pulling Mama Han aside and saying, "No need to trouble yourself, Mama. I'll just say a few words and be on my way."
The two went under the corridor, where Lianxin took a piece of silver from her sleeve and pressed it into Mama Han's hand, whispering, "The Master sent me to relay a message: Miss Xianglan has a difficult temperament—she doesn't like to interact with others, cries often, and is rather foolish and clumsy. He asks that you look after her for his sake. This silver is for you to buy some wine, and he'll repay the favor in the future."
Mama Han felt the silver in her hand—it was a full five taels—and was startled, though she smiled and said, "The Master is too kind. A message would have been enough; I dare not accept this silver." She tried to push it back.
Lianxin quickly closed Mama Han's hand around it and laughed, "Don't refuse, Mama. If you do, how will I report back?"
Mama Han licked her dry lips and asked quietly, "Is this silver just for me, or do others have it too?"
Lianxin leaned closer and whispered, "Since you asked, I'll be honest: not only do you have it, but Wu Mama does too, as well as Hongjian and Lu Lan, who are trusted by Taitai. The Master gave instructions early on and even gave Chun Ling a sachet, saying that second-tier servants like Qiang Wei should also receive some silver, and even the maidservants get a dozen coins each."
Mama Han gasped sharply. The amount of silver wasn't the main point; what mattered was that the Master had stepped in to give Xianglan such face.
After Lianxin left, Mama Han returned to her room in a daze and sat on the couch. Zidai hurried over and asked, "Auntie, what did Lianxin want with you so early in the morning?"
Mama Han shook her head blankly, glanced at Zidai, and let out a long sigh. "Good girl, let go of the idea of going to the Knowing Spring Pavilion, alright?"
She had only heard about how favored Chen Xianglan was but had never seen it for herself—now she truly witnessed it. That lord, who usually couldn't be bothered to look at anyone, had actually sent someone with silver for that girl. It was clear that Chen Xianglan was truly extraordinary. With such a figure ahead, Zidai was unlikely to gain any advantage and might even end up causing trouble for herself.
Mama Han smacked her lips; even if she was unwilling, she had to admit that Wu Zhaoxia had some skill in judging people. Over the years, though they often jabbed at each other, they also shared an unspoken understanding and bond. The advice she received last night must have been well-intentioned. It seemed... she would have to soften her stance toward Chen Xianglan...
As Mama Han was lost in thought, Xiao Fang'er came in and said, "Mama, Taitai is awake and wants everyone to have breakfast before coming over." Mama Han acknowledged it and told Xiao Fang'er to fetch the dishes. Turning her head, she saw Zidai still sitting beside her, head bowed, tears streaming down her face.
Mama Han frowned and scolded, "What are you crying for? Crying over this is shameful! If you don't care about face, I do!" Her words made Zidai's face flush red; covering her face with a handkerchief, she lifted the curtain and ran out.
Now, to tell of another branch of the story.It is said that Xianglan woke up early to help Lin Jinlou dress. After he went out to practice martial arts, she lay back down for a while before rising to wash up. Since she was going to see Qin Shi, Chun Ling felt as if facing a formidable enemy. In the morning, she and Tinglan spent a long time selecting clothes, finally settling on a sapphire-blue silk jacket paired with a dark blue skirt—somewhat old-fashioned but very dignified and plain. Her hairstyle was also simple, adorned with a filigree gold phoenix hairpin studded with pearls and two jade hairpins, not even daring to wear fresh flowers.
Xianglan found their nervousness somewhat amusing but let them fuss over her. She wasn’t afraid of meeting Qin Shi, just reluctant. As for what Qin Shi thought of her, she didn’t care in the slightest.
Apologies, I’ve been repeatedly feverish and coughing these past couple of days, feeling unwell, so the updates fell behind and are quite late. I’ll collectively thank the supporters in the next chapter. Xiao Fang'er in this story is played by Creamy Cube.
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