Lin Jinlou held Xianglan on his lap, noticing she kept her head bowed, her eyes unblinking, appearing both dazed and pitiful. Fearing she had been thoroughly frightened, he touched her palm and found it indeed icy cold. He kissed her temple and said, "You ate little this morning and must be weak now. Shall I have the maidservants bring a bowl of soup?"
Xianglan nodded meekly.
Lin Jinlou then called Chun Ling in and ordered her to fetch a bowl of soup. As Chun Ling withdrew, she pondered inwardly: the leftover Nine-Shred Soup from this morning had long been given away, and it was unlikely the small kitchen had any ready at this hour. Arriving at the kitchen entrance, she saw the head cook, Huang Wu's wife, standing outside chatting with another matron. Spotting Chun Ling, Huang Wu's wife immediately approached, her face wreathed in smiles as she greeted, "Why has Miss Chun Ling come at this hour? It's only 9:45—lunch is still cooking. Does your lady wish for something?"
The Knowing Spring Pavilion maintained its own kitchen. Previously, the head cook had been You's wife, but she had returned to her hometown for her father-in-law's funeral, so Huang Wu's wife, the second cook, had taken over. Recently, Zidai had gained influence, and the small kitchen inevitably curried favor with her. Huang Wu's wife, being friendly with Mama Han and having accepted benefits from her, secretly used communal funds to prepare separate meals for Zidai. Though not outright neglectful of Xianglan, she was far less attentive than before, often requiring repeated reminders for requested dishes. Some days prior, when Xianglan craved a light Dragon Whisker Noodle—a common dish—Xiao Juan went to place the order. Huang Wu's wife, busy arranging Zidai's meal, didn't even glance at Xiao Juan, muttering, "How noble of Miss Xianglan to skip simple dishes and pick this troublesome one. Who has time to knead dough and hand-pull noodles in this rush? It'll take at least half an hour! And without pork bone broth, this noodle won't taste right. The pork we got days ago is already gone—tell your lady to have it another day." Xiao Juan returned fuming, complaining, "If not for the lady's repeated warnings about 'caution and restraint,' I'd have made a scene in the kitchen today. When You's wife was here, she prioritized our needs, greeting us warmly every time. Why should we endure this nonsense? She claims no time for noodles, yet has plenty to fry gluten for Zidai!"
Chun Ling remarked, "Now that Zidai has seized control of the small kitchen and taken the account books, even promoting Huang Wu's daughter, Xiao Luo, as her personal maidservant, it's no wonder Huang Wu's wife is falling over herself to please." She comforted Xiao Juan but secretly seethed with anger. Now, seeing Huang Wu's wife's sudden amiability, Chun Ling instantly understood it was because Lin Jinlou had returned. Clearing her throat lightly, she said, "The Master instructed me to fetch a nourishing soup for the lady."
"Soup? Of course, of course! Please follow me, miss." Huang Wu's wife's smile widened as she led Chun Ling into the kitchen, retrieving a clay pot from the stove. "What a coincidence! Hearing Miss Xianglan had no appetite lately, I specially prepared this assorted soup. It's been simmering for two hours and is fully flavored." She filled a bowl to the brim and placed it on a Foreign Lacquer crabapple tray.
Chun Ling sneered, "Specially for our lady? This morning when I came for the meal box, I heard Xiao Luo say someone wanted assorted soup for lunch."Huang Wu's wife secretly cursed Chun Ling for her sharp tongue but maintained a smiling face, saying, "I'm afraid you must have misheard. This soup was indeed specially prepared for Miss Xianglan."
Chun Ling responded with a mocking smile, "Is that so? Could my ears have deceived me? Previously, the young lady had to endure sour looks just for wanting a bowl of dragon whisker noodles. Now receiving such grand treatment truly makes us feel unworthy!"
Though inwardly fuming, Huang Wu's wife recalled how a trusted matron under Qin Shi had informed her of Lin Jinlou publicly shaming Zidai to support Xianglan. The revelation had shocked her profoundly, making her realize she had been worshiping the wrong ancestor while offending the true Buddha. Now she was determined to curry favor through any means necessary - even if Chun Ling slapped her face, she would have to endure it. Forcing a smile, she said, "Dear Chun Ling, I was blinded by foolishness, my eyes like those of a muddled chicken failing to recognize Mount Tai. Please find it in your magnanimous hearts to forgive me." She discreetly slipped a piece of silver into Chun Ling's hand, then called out loudly, "Sister Liang! Can't you see your elder sister Chun Ling is here? Pack a box each of the tuckahoe cakes and osmanthus cakes steaming in the basket!" Rubbing her hands apologetically, she added, "From now on, just tell me whatever you'd like to eat. Today we have specially marinated Goose Feet and Duck Tongues for lunch - absolutely delicious. I'll save a plate for you and little sister Xiao Juan..."
Chun Ling snorted, tucked the silver into her sleeve, picked up the soup and left. Returning to the room, she saw an open chest beside the bed where Lin Jinlou sat holding Xianglan, pointing out various items inside.
After presenting the soup, Chun Ling withdrew. Xianglan had no appetite whatsoever, but Lin Jinlou brought the bowl to her saying, "At least have some while it's hot."
Xianglan finished half the bowl, whereupon Lin Jinlou took the remainder and drained it in one gulp. Noting her surprised expression, he chuckled by her ear, "What? Surprised to see me finishing your leftovers? Back home I feast on delicacies, but during campaigns I've eaten all manner of foul provisions. Besides, this soup tastes exquisite - tinged with your fragrant saliva, it's better than any nectar." He kissed her lips, murmuring, "See how I kept thinking of bringing you gifts during my travels? No one else receives such consideration. Stay with me properly from now on, stop overthinking things. Your best days are yet to come."
Xianglan sighed inwardly, leaning motionless against Lin Jinlou's chest. She had once considered herself somewhat clever, but now realized she was no match for his cunning deceit. This man provided her with fine clothes and delicacies, silks and jewels, yet could never offer her dignity, tenderness, or vitality. How could she not yearn for freedom?
With this fragrant beauty in his arms, Lin Jinlou felt desire stirring and began unbuttoning Xianglan's dress when Lianxin's voice came through the curtain: "Reporting to the Master, Shuran has arrived."
Lin Jinlou cursed under his breath, "Couldn't have picked a worse timing." As Xianglan blushed and struggled free, he kissed her cheek and laughed, "I'll deal with you later." Straightening his clothes, he summoned Shuran inside.
Upon entering, Shuran immediately knelt and paid respects.
Lin Jinlou maintained an impassive expression as he said, "Shuran, you know perfectly well why I dismissed you. I originally intended to never employ you again, but Xianglan spoke favorably of you before me, mentioning your years of loyal service and competent work. We'll consider your previous actions a momentary lapse of judgment." He paused briefly here.Shuran was a shrewd one, immediately kowtowing with a thud and saying, "What Miss Xianglan said is correct, it was this servant who lost her mind and failed to live up to Master's sincere intentions."
Xianglan, standing nearby, curled her lips in disdain. Firstly, she had never spoken well of Shuran, and secondly, Shuran's expulsion was due to Lin Jinlou's misplaced anger over the Luan'er incident—truly an unjust punishment that had little to do with whether Shuran had lost her mind or not.
Lin Jinlou said, "As long as you understand. I know you're reliable in handling affairs. From today onward, you will serve under Xianglan. Your previous duties at Knowing Spring Pavilion remain unchanged. These past couple of days, a troublemaker has stirred up chaos there, making the place unruly. Starting tomorrow, report for duty and manage things properly."
Tears welled up in Shuran's eyes as she immediately kowtowed again. "For Master to take this servant back is a blessing. If this servant ever displeases Master again, I will accept any punishment without complaint. Thank you for your grace, Master." She then kowtowed to Xianglan. "Thank you for your grace, Miss." As she did so, a bitter smile tugged at her heart. She had once been the most capable stewardess in Lin Jinlou's inner chambers, yet now she was to serve a concubine without even a formal title. In the past, she would never have agreed to such an arrangement, and even if forced, she would have harbored resentment and performed her duties half-heartedly. But now, she dared not. After Lin Jinlou expelled her, she had lost all dignity and authority, experiencing for the first time the fickleness of human relationships. Even the matrons and young ladies who once flattered her now treated her with disdain, not to mention the snobbish maids and servants in the mansion, along with all the gossip. The past few weeks had felt like a nightmare. Now that Lin Jinlou had allowed her to return and restored her former authority, serving someone as favored as Xianglan—or even someone as out-of-favor as Ying Ge—was something she had to accept gladly and serve wholeheartedly.
Lin Jinlou waved his hand, dismissing Shuran.
Xianglan stared at Lin Jinlou, somewhat dazed. Suddenly, she understood why he had expelled Shuran earlier—it was to assign her to serve under Xianglan. But a proud and clever servant like Shuran would naturally be unwilling to serve someone of Xianglan's status. So, Lin Jinlou had crushed Shuran's pride by casting her into the mud before sending her to Xianglan's side, deliberately claiming that Xianglan had put in a good word for her, thereby doing Xianglan a favor.
Lin Jinlou pulled Xianglan into his arms and said, "Those two maids of yours—the sharp-faced one lacks experience and poise, and the round-faced one is rather foolish. Neither is of much use. I'm giving Shuran to you so you'll suffer less bullying in the future." Noticing Xianglan's dazed expression, he chuckled and tapped her nose. "What are you thinking? I've gone to such lengths for you—aren't you touched?"
That morning, Xianglan had first watched Lin Jinlou stand up for her and vent her grievances, and before she could recover, she heard his vicious threats. The shock had yet to fade when Lin Jinlou handed her a capable servant. This tactic of offering a few sweet dates, then a blow, followed by more sweet dates left Xianglan utterly bewildered.
She parted her lips, still unsure of what to say, when she heard Lin Jinlou chuckle twice. He flipped her onto the bed, his hand slipping beneath her skirt, and said, "If you're touched, then serve me well. Last night, you fainted before I was satisfied. Feel this—my fire hasn't gone out yet."Xianglan had originally intended to thank him, but upon hearing his words, she was left speechless. Her vision darkened as the bed curtains were pulled down by Lin Jinlou. With one hand grasping a plump, soft mound and the other lifting the flower-patterned skirt to pull down the pale, soft silk trousers, he revealed two slender, fair legs. Instantly, his breathing grew heavy, and the amorous scene within the curtains needs no detailed description.
At that moment, on the covered corridor of the Main House in Clumsy Guard Garden, Wu Mama and Mama Han passed each other and came face to face. Mama Han was walking hurriedly, but Wu Mama stopped deliberately and said, "Old sister, where are you off to in such a rush? Master just sent me some local specialties from out of town, and some of the food is quite exquisite. If you're not too busy, why not come to my place for a bite?"
Mama Han, already burdened with troubles, grew even more agitated at the mention of "Master." She halted abruptly, turned her head, and sneered, "What do you mean by that, you old hag? Don’t make me pull out the few scraggly hairs on your head like a horse’s mane!"
Wu Mama reached up to touch the gold hairpin in her bun and retorted coldly, "Old sister, I don’t understand what you’re saying. Your niece caused trouble, so why take it out on me, an unrelated party? I warned you all with good intentions not to provoke Xianglan, but Zidai refused to listen. She failed to seize power and ended up with a heap of trouble. And you went to extremes—to protect your niece’s reputation, you deceived that little minx Yin Liu into taking the blame. You told her that offending Xianglan would bring no good, made her kowtow and apologize, and lied that she was ill from the wind and should go home to rest for a few days. Poor thing, she misjudged you and was sold out the moment she stepped out, even damaging Xianglan’s reputation in the process. Scheming against Yin Liu is one thing, but scheming against Xianglan... Tsk, as the saying goes, 'A rat in the granary borrows grain from a crow—the one who has none borrows from the one who flies.'"
Mama Han’s face changed color, and she merely sneered repeatedly without uttering a word.
Wu Mama continued, "Did you think your actions were secret? I’ve been in the Lin Family for decades, after all. The Knowing Spring Pavilion has its own rules—what could possibly escape my notice?" She took half a step forward and added, "I’ve kept this to myself out of consideration for our years of friendship. After all these years together, despite our quarrels and rivalries, we’re still old sisters who’ve seen each other day in and day out. If you’re not well, it pains me too. Take my advice: stop letting Zidai hover around the Knowing Spring Pavilion. Use this as an opportunity to beg Taitai for grace and let her marry outside. Taitai will surely show concern. Zidai has already earned Master’s displeasure—what more can be done?"
Mama Han seemed deeply moved and sighed heavily, saying, "Yes, what more can be done?" Her eyes reddened as she took out a handkerchief to dab them, adding, "Zidai grew up under my care, as dear to me as a daughter. As her aunt, I’ve always hoped she’d have a bright future..."
Wu Mama thought to herself, "This old hag still hasn’t given up!" She looked down on Mama Han but softened her tone to offer some comfort.As soon as Wu Mama left, Mama Han immediately wiped away her tears and spat, "Claiming silence out of regard for years of affection? How noble! The truth is you kept quiet because Taitai tacitly permitted it. If even Taitai won't intervene, how dare you meddle?" She turned back into her room, pushed open the door to the small side chamber, and saw Zidai kneeling on the floor, weeping mournfully with her head buried against the bedside. Already seething with anger, Mama Han grew even more furious. Her brows knitted sharply as she rebuked harshly, "Crying! How dare you still have the face to cry!" After scolding, she let out a long sigh and sat down on the bed, looking as if she had aged several years in an instant. After a long pause, she finally said, "I warned you not to be so impatient, but you couldn't wait. Now that things have come to this, I can no longer manage it. What do you plan to do from now on? If you wish to beg for grace to leave and marry, I will speak to Taitai on your behalf."
Zidai abruptly lifted her head, her tear-streaked face a mess of smeared makeup, and sobbed, "I will never leave! I just can't swallow this injustice. I’ve struggled so hard to reach this point today—if it all goes to waste just like that, I’d rather die and be done with it!" With that, she buried her face in the bed and resumed crying.
Mama Han let out a long, deep sigh, raised her head to gaze at the ceiling, and gently rested a hand on Zidai’s jet-black hair, stroking it over and over.
Thank you to 05111039283 for He's Jade Disc, qian20051978 for the sachet, Luoyuemixiang, Xiaoxiao66, and Zuiyuqingfeng for the Peace Talismans, and also thanks to everyone for the pink votes ^_^
OpenNovel