Nuanyue had been waiting outside, and as soon as she heard laughter from inside the room, her heart grew restless like grass sprouting wildly. She stealthily peeked inside but saw nothing. When she heard Lin Jinlou call for tea, she hurried in with the teapot. She overheard Lin Jinlou say to Chunling, "Record this screen under your mistress's account. I'm bestowing it upon her."
Nuanyue's hand trembled, nearly spilling the tea, and she quickly steadied herself. She glanced at the screen a few times, feeling dazzled, and when she left the room, her steps were unsteady. Although Lin Jinlou had always been generous with women, he had never been so extravagant. The time he rewarded Qinglan with a shop was only because she was pregnant with his child. The screen was clearly extraordinary, gleaming with a golden radiance and exquisitely lifelike. Though it couldn't compare to the "Spring Terrace Sunlit Ivory Peony Bonsai" in the room, which was adorned with gems, it was still more valuable than the "Luminous Crystal God of Longevity" statue. Yet Lin Jinlou had bestowed it upon Xianglan so casually. Nuanyue felt both envy and jealousy, as if hundreds of insects were gnawing at her heart. She sat down, stood up, paced around a few times, and only then managed to calm herself. Letting out a long sigh, she stared blankly at the boiling water on the stove.
For someone like her, who had been taken by Lin Jinlou but failed to gain his favor, the future was uncertain. If she were lucky enough to earn the title of "Miss," she would consider herself blessed and devote herself to a life of piety. But if she remained overlooked, she would eventually be married off to some lowly servant, a fate that would be nothing short of humiliation and waste. On one side was the glorious favor akin to flowers on brocade, and on the other, the desolation of a cold stove and dark room. The contrast brought tears to Nuanyue's eyes, and she couldn't help but weep.
Meanwhile, Lin Jinlou was in high spirits. After finishing his meal, he went to his desk to attend to official matters. After some time, he looked up and saw Xianglan sitting on the daybed behind the curio cabinet, doing needlework. He noticed she had changed her clothes, her hair loosely tied up, revealing a section of her snow-white neck. Unable to resist his rising desire, he tossed his brush aside and approached her, sitting close to her. "What are you doing?" he asked, not waiting for an answer before pulling her into his arms and kissing her neck. Instantly, her delicate fragrance filled his senses, making his bones feel weak. He began to undo her clothes, but as soon as he unfastened a button, Xianglan pushed his hand away and rebuttoned it, saying, "I haven't washed up yet..."
Lin Jinlou pressed closer, kissing her lips and teasing her with his tongue while his hands roamed over her body. He whispered flirtatiously in her ear, "Let me see if your breasts have shrunk these past few days without my touch." With that, he untied her undergarments, lifted her pomegranate-red skirt, and pulled down her white silk cotton trousers. After toying with her for a while, he entered her. Xianglan bit her pearly teeth and closed her starry eyes. Lin Jinlou's member was thick and large, and he thrust vigorously and urgently, as if trying to hollow her out each time, leaving her feeling stretched and uncomfortable. During intimacy, he loved to whisper vulgar words in her ear, which only heightened her shame and embarrassment. Though her body gradually began to feel pleasure, her heart remained tormented.
Naturally, Lin Jinlou was unaware of Xianglan's inner turmoil. To him, she was fragrant and soft, like a sweet cake or a peach, intoxicating him completely. Having abstained for several days, he was already restless and unable to hold back. It was only after a long while that the storm of passion subsided. Knowing Xianglan was shy, he wrapped her in her clothes, carried her to the bed, and drew the curtains. They made love once more before he called for water. After washing up, he held Xianglan and fell asleep. For now, this is where we shall leave them.It so happened that today it was Nuanyue's turn to serve. She carried out the basin of used water to toss it when she vaguely spotted a figure beneath the grape arbor. Startled, she exclaimed, "Who's there?"
The figure turned around, holding a lantern. Upon closer inspection, Nuanyue recognized Huamei and patted her chest in relief. "So it's you, Concubine. You gave me such a fright just now! What are you doing standing here so late at night?"
Huamei replied, "While removing my makeup earlier, I realized I'd lost a gold ring. I searched the entire room but couldn't find it. If it were any other trinket, I wouldn't mind losing it, but this one has a valuable pearl set in it—a gift the Eldest Master had specially brought back from overseas. I simply can't bear to lose that pearl. That's why I brought a lantern out to search."
Nuanyue initially had no intention of getting involved, but then she remembered that she would need Huamei's help with her future plans. Now was the perfect time to curry favor. So, she tossed the water under the grape arbor, set the basin on a stone stool, and crouched down to help Huamei search for the ring by the lantern's light.
Huamei glanced at Nuanyue and noticed her eyes were slightly red and her complexion glistened with tears. She asked, "Have you been crying?"
Nuanyue, burdened with grievances and eager to vent, confided in Huamei, "I'm just feeling upset. You wouldn't know, Concubine, but earlier the Eldest Master was so pleased that he rewarded that little minx Xianglan with a peacock screen adorned with pearls and jewels..."
Before she could finish, she saw Huamei's face darken abruptly. Huamei pressed, "What did you say? What peacock screen?"
Nuanyue said sourly, "The one that was recently placed in the Eldest Master's room. Tsk, tsk. Even Lan Yiniang, who was so favored by First Madam, only received such honors after bearing children. She really is a lucky one." Noticing Huamei's unusually dazed expression—one she had never seen before—Nuanyue tentatively provoked, "Of course, the screen belongs to the Eldest Master, and he can reward whomever he pleases... I'm just resentful. Someone like me naturally doesn't catch the Eldest Master's eye. But someone as beautiful, clever, and well-liked as you, Concubine, being cast aside by him—it must be that little seductress scheming behind your back. If you don't teach her a lesson, won't it seem like you lack the means?"
Huamei was momentarily lost in thought but snapped back to reality upon hearing this. She eyed Nuanyue coldly and sneered, "Don't try to provoke me with such foolish words. I was playing these tricks long before you even knew where you were!"
Nuanyue forced a smile and said, "What are you talking about, Concubine? I only said it because I truly believe it."
Huamei cursed Nuanyue inwardly, thinking, "Trying to egg me on, to make me the scapegoat while you reap the benefits? You little wretch. I'll deal with that seductress and take you down along with her." Outwardly, however, she smiled and said, "So that's how it is. I've always thought you were clever and knew whom to trust. Just follow me, and what you have in mind will surely come to pass." Seeing that no one was around, she whispered a few words to Nuanyue.
Nuanyue had expected it to be a difficult task, but Huamei made it sound simple. Tempted, she nodded repeatedly, agreed, and left.
When Huamei returned to her room, Xique and an old matron were still on their hands and knees searching for the ring. Seeing Huamei enter, they asked, "Concubine, did you find the ring?"Huamei shook her head and waved her hand, dismissing all the maids. She sat at the head of the bed and let out a deep sigh. That screen was precious—it was exchanged for her brother's future prospects, her own future reliance, and Lin Jinlou's special regard. She wanted Lin Jinlou to know that her maternal family had capable people who should not be underestimated, and that she herself was by no means comparable to ordinary maids or common respectable women. Who could have expected that on the very night the screen was delivered, Lin Jinlou went to the Chen Family, and later gave the item to that little wench Xianglan? It was like a slap—"smack!"—right across her face.
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