After Ling and Xiu left Qin Shi's courtyard, Lin Dongxiu stopped in her tracks and sneered, "You're quite the schemer, aren't you? Ignoring your own cousin while cozying up to that servant seed. I've finally seen your true colors today!" With that, she turned and stormed off in a huff, her maid Nan Ge quickly following after her.
Lin Dongxiu's face turned livid with rage. Han Zhi hurriedly tried to console her, saying, "Fourth Young Lady has always been like this. Please don't take her words to heart."
Clenching her handkerchief tightly, Lin Dongxiu fought back tears and retorted, "That's just how she is? Then why doesn't she dare confront Second Sister? Let alone speak such vile words! It's only because I wasn't born from Taitai's womb that she bullies me like this!" She glared at Lin Dongling's retreating figure and gritted her teeth. "Just wait until I achieve Grandeur someday—you'll get what's coming to you!"
Han Zhi quickly took out her own handkerchief to dab the corners of Lin Dongxiu's eyes, murmuring, "Don't be angry, Young Lady, don't be angry."
Swallowing her humiliation, Lin Dongxiu walked back with tears in her eyes, thinking to herself, "I was born unlucky. If I were Taitai's own daughter, I could put on airs too, scolding whoever I please. Who'd want to curry favor with that servant seed Xianglan? I wouldn't even glance her way if I didn't have to! It's only because Big Brother dotes on her. When Second Sister got married, Big Brother added two whole chests to her dowry—not just silver, but antiques and paintings too. If I stay on good terms with her, Big Brother might be pleased enough to add more to my dowry as well. Then, if I ever face bullying in my marital home, Big Brother would be someone I could rely on. Only a fool like Lin Dongling would openly oppose Chen Xianglan." As these thoughts crossed her mind, she wiped her tears haphazardly and returned to her room to sulk, though we shall set this aside for now.
Meanwhile, Qin Shi, feeling weary, leaned on Hongjian as she returned to her room and instructed Xianglan to copy the Diamond Sutra at the desk on the Heated Brick Bed in the outer chamber. Mama Han and Wu Mama both withdrew. Mama Han sighed and said, "This morning, I already told Taitai that I didn't want Zidai to go to Knowing Spring Pavilion, but Taitai didn't respond and still sent her there in the end."
Wu Mama cast a indifferent glance at Mama Han. "Who told you to always praise Zidai's virtues in front of Taitai? Originally, the Master already had four Concubines in his household. Adding another would be inappropriate and might offend future in-laws, so Taitai never agreed and delayed promoting Zidai. Now that two have left the Master's quarters, this is your opportunity. Now that you've gotten what you wanted, why are you pretending with me?"
Mama Han clicked her tongue in frustration. "Don't play dumb with me. You know what I mean. After what you said to me yesterday, how could I possibly feel at ease?"
Wu Mama snorted. "You've become much shrewder than before, you old thing. Zidai has some cleverness—she should keep a low profile over there and show respect to Xianglan. If she's fated to be taken in by the Master, that would be her good fortune. Out of consideration for your face, she could earn the title of 'Young Lady.' She shouldn't follow Luan'er's example and throw her life away. If the Master doesn't favor her, she shouldn't force her presence either. When the Master gets angry, he won't care whose niece she is." Having said this, she walked away.
Watching Wu Mama's pretentious and self-important demeanor, Mama Han knew she spoke sense, yet her heart felt as if blocked by a lump. She spat in disdain, lifted the curtain, and entered the room.The hour was approaching noon. Qin Shi changed into a mud-gold jacket embroidered with peonies and leaned against a brocade pillow with scattered red flower patterns on the Luohan bed, closing her eyes to rest. Hongjian removed the half-warm tea from the small crabapple wood table and replaced it with a steaming fresh cup. Just as she was about to quietly withdraw, Qin Shi suddenly opened her eyes and asked, "What has she been doing outside?"
Hongjian naturally knew whom Qin Shi meant and replied, "She just finished copying a few pages of scriptures. Following Taitai's instructions, we didn't let her idle about. Right now, she's outside sorting threads. Qiang Wei and the others tried to engage her in conversation, but she only smiled faintly and didn't say much."
Qin Shi sat up straight, and Hongjian hurried to support her, saying, "Taitai stayed up late last night, you should rest more this morning." She then handed her the engraved gold banana leaf cup and asked, "Shall we have her stay for lunch?"
Qin Shi took a sip and said, "Why keep her? There's no portion allotted for her here."
Remembering the five taels of silver Lianxin had slipped her this morning, Hongjian tentatively suggested, "I think Xianglan is quite reserved—she doesn't speak out of turn. We deliberately gossiped about Luan'er and Hua Mei in front of her, but she didn't join in. When we asked about the Master, she claimed ignorance. She doesn't seem frivolous."
Qin Shi wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and chuckled lightly, "She may not show it on her face, but she's arrogant at heart. That pride runs deep in her bones. If she isn't thoroughly disciplined, even if she becomes a concubine, she won't be content. If she were dull-witted, it wouldn't matter, but this girl is clever. If the wife Lou Ge'er marries in the future can't control her, she might stir up even greater turmoil than Madam Zhao."
Hongjian smiled faintly, "No wonder Taitai deliberately humiliated her several times today—it was to assert authority. I was puzzled since Taitai is usually so lenient. Even when Lan Yiniang made mistakes or spoke out of turn before, Taitai was gentle. Why the sudden change?"
Qin Shi pointed to her legs, and Hongjian promptly sat by the bed, picking up the beauty's hammer to massage them. Qin Shi sighed contentedly and said, "Now Xianglan lives in the main courtyard of the Main House. Whenever Lou Ge'er returns, he heads straight to her place. Even a respected maid like Lianxin serves her—she carries herself like the primary wife... Tsk. When I visited Knowing Spring Pavilion yesterday and opened her jewelry box, it was filled with pearls, jade, and exotic treasures from overseas. She has several large trunks of clothing... How long has she been in the household? Never mind what she wore today, the Ying Luo necklace around her neck is finer than what Fourth Miss wears. That foolish boy Lou Ge'er spoils her too much. He excels in everything except when it comes to women—he becomes muddled. If I don't curb his indulgence, what will become of him?"
Just then, Mama Han entered and overheard Qin Shi's words. Recalling Xianglan's lavish attire and the opulent furnishings in Knowing Spring Pavilion, her feelings grew complicated. One moment she regretted her past shortsightedness in not securing Lin Jinlou's favor; the next, she envied Wu Mama's family for gaining his patronage and rising above her. At times, she secretly hoped Zidai could also catch Lin Jinlou's eye and enjoy such grandeur like Xianglan; yet she also feared Zidai might fail and bring trouble upon the family, thinking it better to remain cautious.Hongjian said, "The Master favors Miss Xianglan, and I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. Wu Mama also mentioned that ever since Xianglan entered Knowing Spring Pavilion, the Master hasn't gone out to fool around. It's truly admirable how Taitai thinks of the Master in every matter and even personally teaches Miss Xianglan."
Qin Shi replied, "There's no harm in teaching her more. We don't want another Hua Mei or Luan'er situation." Spotting Mama Han, she called out, "You're here. Have you sent Zidai over?"
Mama Han beamed, "Yes, I have. Thank you for your concern, Taitai." Curious, she added, "Taitai mentioned teaching Miss Xianglan—how do you plan to go about it?"
Qin Shi smiled without answering, pausing for a long moment before saying, "First, let her copy scriptures for a few days to calm her mind." She then turned to Mama Han, "Tomorrow, have Zidai come as well to study with her."
Mama Han was stunned, feeling as if a heavenly pie had fallen into her lap. Overwhelmed with excitement, she quickly kowtowed and said, "This old servant thanks Taitai for elevating Zidai!"
Qin Shi gestured vaguely to help her up, her smile distant, "No need for thanks. I have the intention, but it depends on whether she has the fortune." Zidai was gentle and appeared fertile. Eager for a grandson and considering Mama Han's years of loyal service, with Lin Jinlou's quarters now empty, it wouldn't hurt to send Zidai over. If it succeeded, it would kill two birds with one stone and curb Xianglan's influence. If not, in a couple of years, they could prepare a dowry for Zidai to marry into a decent family, preserving the dignity of her longtime servant.
Mama Han trembled with excitement. Lin Jinlou's greatest virtue was his filial piety—Qing Lan had been taken as a concubine by Taitai's arrangement. If Taitai took charge of this matter, it was eighty percent assured! She kowtowed repeatedly in gratitude, and by the time she withdrew, her forehead was swollen.
The young maid Xiao Fang'er brought hot water and wrung out a towel for her to wash her face. Mama Han stared into the propped-up mirror for a long time, then suddenly chuckled to herself, muttering, "Wu Zhaoxia, you old hag, always putting on airs and acting superior, flaunting that 'I'm better than you' disgusting attitude as if you're half a master. You think just because you've latched onto the Master and backed Chen Xianglan, you can boss everyone around in Knowing Spring Pavilion and hog all the benefits? Hmph! No matter how much the Master dotes on Xianglan, she's still of servant seed origin and can't override the face Taitai gives. There are plenty of pretty, clever, and sensible maids in the mansion—our Zidai is among the best. Do you think everyone else in the mansion is dead?" Having been suppressed by Wu Mama for decades, she felt a sudden surge of relief after saying this and snapped the mirror case shut with a "smack."
Everyone had their own calculations. Xianglan worked in Qin Shi's courtyard all morning and was dismissed at noon, instructed to return early the next day.
As soon as Xianglan returned to Knowing Spring Pavilion, Lianxin arrived with Xue Ning and Zidai. Xianglan said, "Since you're all assigned by the old lady and Taitai, you must be capable. How to arrange you should wait for the Master's decision. You shouldn't be asking me."
Lianxin thought to herself that the Master had already declared that Xianglan could dismiss any maid in Knowing Spring Pavilion she disliked. Though Xianglan's position was awkward and this wasn't proper, how could she dare not let Xianglan have a say?Xue Ning was of average height, fair-skinned and delicate. Though not exceptionally beautiful, she possessed a certain charm and bore some resemblance to Xue Zhan, the most favored maid by the old lady, suggesting they might be sisters. With a smile on her face, she said, "Before coming here, the old lady specifically instructed us to pay our respects to you, miss. From now on, we will be serving by your side. We hope you won’t find us too clumsy."
Zidai also wore a smile but could not conceal her radiant expression. "From now on, we’ll be together. I’m young and inexperienced, so please teach me more, sister."
Xue Ning addressed her as "miss," while Zidai used "sister." Chun Ling immediately frowned.
Thanks to Fat wanghua001 for the sachet, sosohuang, Ling Ling Qing Qing, and Slightly Floating By for the Peace Talismans, and also to everyone for the pink votes ^_^ Xue Ning is played by Slightly Floating By.
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