Winter had arrived, coinciding with Qin Shi's birthday. As Lin Changzheng had gone to Shanxi, the household was not as lively as in previous years. Temples and Taoist monasteries had sent various gifts, along with a large gift box filled with the choicest fresh fruits from their offerings. Relatives and friends who frequently visited also presented clothing, shoes, socks, sachets, and curios. Since it wasn't a milestone birthday, Qin Shi had no intention of making grand arrangements, even forgoing temple visits, prayers, and Buddhist Masses. Instead, she simply invited a few monks and nuns to chant scriptures for blessings and longevity at home for two days. However, with Lin Changzheng now serving as a high-ranking official and Lin Jinlou also holding significant power, those delivering birthday gifts nearly wore out the doorstep.
On this day, Xianglan was sitting on the large Heated Brick Bed inside the Green Gauze Cabinet doing needlework. She glanced beyond the screen and saw Lin Jinlou seated outside, flipping through a thick stack of gift lists. These had already been screened by his aides. For the past two or three days, four silver platters were filled daily. Lin Jinlou sorted the acceptable gifts into one pile, those to be returned into another, and set aside a few separately. Shuran, holding a brush dipped in ink, marked the lists according to Lin Jinlou's instructions.
Shuran had returned to Knowing Spring Pavilion a few days prior and immediately set about restoring order, reclaiming all authority. She punished disobedient maids and old women—none of those promoted by Zidai were spared—and carried herself with great pride. Zidai had also returned to Knowing Spring Pavilion but kept a low profile, staying shut in her room all day without even entering the Main House. Although there were some rough maids and old women in the courtyard who had been friendly with her, they now kept their distance, while others avoided her entirely, whispering and pointing behind her back. Rumors spread that Xianglan was "arrogant and domineering," though no one had actually witnessed it. In contrast, Zidai's humiliation by Lin Jinlou and her drinking of Xianglan's foot-washing water were witnessed by all. The gossip grew increasingly exaggerated, eventually falsely claiming that Zidai had "tried to seduce Gentlemen" and failed, then drank Lin Jinlou's foot-washing water, trampling her dignity into the mud. This even caused Mama Han's face to turn ashen.
"If it weren't for considering Taitai's face, she would have been sent away long ago. There are several unmarried guards around Master; marrying that little wench Zidai to one of them would still be an honor, much better than matching her with a servant. But I'm afraid Mama Han won't let it pass and might complain to Taitai, unnecessarily implicating you. For now, it's best to keep her here but not allow her into the rooms, so you won't be annoyed by her." This was how Shuran explained it to Xianglan. She treated Xianglan with exceptional respect, personally selecting four clever and nimble maids for her. Xiao Juan, who "had no great ambitions," was fine with it, but Chun Ling feared being replaced by the newcomers and became increasingly attentive to Xianglan. Only after Xianglan entrusted the four young maids to her management did Chun Ling's heart settle, and she even felt somewhat proud.
At that moment, Chun Ling sprayed some liquor on an embroidered longevity peach, carefully ironed it smooth, and handed it to Xianglan.
Xianglan carefully stretched the embroidery onto a piece of silk fabric. She was making a four-sided harmony sachet, as it wouldn't do to show up empty-handed for Qin Shi's birthday. After Lin Jinlou finished reviewing the gift lists and posts, he instructed Shuran to take them to the front study. He stood up, stretched, walked into the Green Gauze Cabinet, sat on the Heated Brick Bed, and stared at Xianglan for a long while before saying, "My sachet is old. Make me a new one later." With that, he took off the square black brocade sachet woven with gold thread from his waist and tossed it beside Xianglan.Xianglan took a look at the sachet. Though not brand new, it was still bright and clearly hadn’t been worn for long. She lifted her head and stared at Lin Jinlou without speaking.
Lin Jinlou cleared his throat lightly and said, “The weather’s getting cold. It’s not good to keep wearing brocade all the time. Later, make me one with gold-edged lambskin.”
Xianglan acknowledged his words. Then she heard Lin Jinlou continue, “I won’t be back for dinner tonight. Marquis Yongchang has invited me to his residence for drinks, likely to discuss Third Sister’s marriage. Since her parents passed away early, her uncle is handling the arrangements. He’s worried about slighting our family, and with Second Uncle suffering from a recurring illness these past couple of days, the Old Master wants me to go in his place.”
Xianglan was inwardly surprised. She had once stumbled upon Lin Dongling meeting a young man in secret and had assumed that, given Lin Dongling’s temperament, she would throw a fit—crying, making a scene, even threatening suicide—if a marriage were arranged for her, refusing to rest until she had turned everything upside down. Yet, to her surprise, Lin Dongling had remained quiet. Instead, it was Wang Shi who complained, unhappy that Marquis Yongchang was older. Although his previous wife had left no heirs, his two concubines had borne children, and the eldest illegitimate son was nearly the same age as Lin Dongling. Wang Shi was deeply displeased at the thought of her delicate daughter marrying as a replacement wife. However, Lin Changmin was very keen on having such a distinguished son-in-law. Moreover, Marquis Yongchang enjoyed considerable imperial favor, was in the prime of life, and was widely known for his generosity and sense of righteousness. Lin Jinlou also often spoke highly of him. Reluctantly, Wang Shi had given her consent. Still, she felt her beloved daughter was being terribly wronged and had recently thrown herself into preparing an extravagant dowry for Lin Dongling. As for Lin Dongling, she had initially cried and made a fuss upon hearing of the match, but for some reason, she had quieted down afterward.
Since Lin Dongling seemed to have accepted the marriage, Xianglan certainly wouldn’t say anything more. Besides, she had little interest in meddling in the Lin Family’s affairs. Hearing Lin Jinlou’s words, she simply nodded in agreement.
Lin Jinlou added, “If you get bored tonight, call a few more people to keep you company. I heard from Xiao Chu that his family has a female storyteller. I’ll have her come to our house another day to tell a few tales and help pass the time.”
Just as he finished speaking, Lin Jinyuan came running in, pattering loudly. Seeing Lin Jinlou, he called out “Big Brother!” and threw himself into his arms. Although Lin Changzheng doted on his youngest son, he maintained a stern fatherly demeanor, often adhering to the saying, “A gentleman embraces his grandson, not his son.” He usually wore a stern expression and lectured the boy, which made Lin Jinyuan somewhat afraid of him. As the saying goes, “An elder brother is like a father.” Lin Jinlou, in contrast, was extremely affectionate toward his younger brother. He would play with him when he returned home and sometimes even take him out for wild adventures. From a young age, Lin Jinyuan felt closer to his elder brother than to his own father and often longed to visit the Knowing Spring Pavilion. However, since he was being raised by the Old Master and Old Mistress and had already begun his studies at a tender age, he rarely had the chance to come out.
Lin Jinlou beamed with joy, picked up his little brother, and set him on the Heated Brick Bed. He ordered Lianxin to set out pastries and had a cup of fruit nectar, a gift from the imperial palace, brewed for him. Lin Jinyuan rolled around on the kang, giggling, then lunged toward Lin Jinlou. Lin Jinlou caught him by the ankle with one hand, lifted him upside down, and swung him through the air.
Lin Jinyuan was overjoyed, chattering and shouting with laughter. His wet nurse and the maids who had followed him stood by the door, their hearts nearly leaping out of their chests in fear, yet they dared not intervene. Lin Jinlou gently tossed the child back onto the kang and said, “Alright, rest for a bit. Let your sister Xianglan shell some chestnuts for you to eat.”Lin Jinyuan's little face was flushed with laughter, so Xianglan handed him some fruit syrup to drink. Having spent these past few days in Qin Shi's quarters, he had already grown familiar with Xianglan. Precocious for his age, he knew Xianglan was his eldest brother's favored one, so he always sweetly called her "elder sister," fond of her gentle nature. Now he lay across her lap, grabbing pastries from the plate.
After he finished his second piece, his wet nurse came over to stop him, saying, "Young master, you mustn't eat any more."
Lin Jinyuan pouted, pointing at the wet nurse as he complained to Lin Jinlou in a drawn-out whine, "Brother, look at her."
Lin Jinlou said, "It's just a pastry. Why restrict him over this?"
The wet nurse hurriedly smiled apologetically and explained, "Master, you may not be aware, but one of the maids in the third young lady's room has come down with the pox. Taitai was so frightened that she had the rooms cleaned and made offerings to the Goddess of Smallpox first thing this morning. The old lady has ordered the young master to avoid certain foods and forbade him from eating anything fried. These sugar cakes are deep-fried—having two is acceptable, but any more might not be good for him."
Lin Jinlou frowned and said to Lin Jinyuan, "In that case, don't eat any more." He ordered a maid to take the plate away.
Lin Jinyuan pouted, extremely displeased. In the old lady's and Qin Shi's rooms, he was constantly supervised and rarely got to enjoy many snacks. He clung to Lin Jinlou, acting spoiled and silly.
Lin Jinlou then leaned close to his ear and said, "If you behave, I'll give you something special. I have a curio from Persia here, exquisitely crafted."
Instantly forgetting about the pastries, Lin Jinyuan pestered him for the Persian curio. Lin Jinlou suddenly scooped him up and carried him outside, making Lin Jinyuan laugh heartily again. Before leaving, he instructed Xianglan, "Select some light pastries and put together a box to send over for Yuan Ge'er."
Xianglan watched Lin Jinlou's beaming expression, so unlike his usual sinister and cruel demeanor, and was momentarily stunned. It took her a while to collect herself, after which she ordered Chun Ling to fetch a round lidded box. She picked out several types of pastries and, after a moment's thought, selected a few soft ones separately, assembling another box for the old lady.
Delivering pastries to the old lady's room was a task that offered a chance to be noticed, but Xiao Juan happened to be absent. Chun Ling also disdained competing with junior maids for such duties. Just as she reached the corridor intending to summon a maid, she saw Zidai approaching from the covered corridor. Spotting Chun Ling, Zidai smiled and came forward, saying, "What are you standing here for? Do you need something delivered? I happen to be free—I could make the trip for you."
Chun Ling glanced sideways at Zidai and said sarcastically, "No need, I wouldn't dare trouble your ladyship. Later, rumors might spread that our young lady is so arrogant she dares order Concubine Zi to run errands. That would surely shorten my lifespan." Just then, Cun Xin and a few other maids approached. Chun Ling beckoned her over, placed the lidded box in her hands, and said, "I'm giving you a good task. Take these two boxes of pastries to the old lady's room. The square one is for the old lady, the round one is for the fourth young master. Off you go."
Cun Xin had originally been Luan'er's maid. After Luan'er was expelled, she was also dismissed to menial labor in the back quarters. It wasn't until Shuran returned that she was promoted again and assigned to serve Xianglan. Chun Ling felt uncomfortable about this and always treated her coldly. This sudden assignment of a favorable task took Cun Xin by surprise, and she repeatedly assured, "Don't worry, elder sister, I'll definitely handle it properly." Clutching the lidded box, she hurried off as if carried by the wind.
Chun Ling snorted and turned away, muttering to herself, "So thick-skinned. Anyone else would have died of shame long ago, yet she still clings on shamelessly. It's truly nauseating..." She deliberately raised her voice to ensure Zidai heard every word.Zidai was instantly so enraged that her entire body trembled, tears welling up in her eyes before rolling down her cheeks. She quickly covered her face with a handkerchief and hurried away.
Hua Mei stood quietly behind the pomegranate tree in the courtyard, witnessing the entire scene. Today, she wore a half-new, half-old emerald-green satin cloak with scattered floral patterns, adorned with only two or three gold hairpins engraved with symbols of fortune, prosperity, and longevity. Though her makeup was heavy, it appeared much lighter than usual, and this simplicity carried its own charm. She had always been meticulous about her appearance and loved dressing up, but while choosing her outfit earlier, she had secretly resented, "All my clothes are in bright colors. In my current situation, drawing attention with flashy attire would be suicidal, yet the plain-colored ones are mostly from years ago and look too shabby when worn." Feeling disheartened, she recalled Lin Jinlou's fondness for beauty. As someone who had already incurred his displeasure, if she didn't dress carefully to rekindle some of his past affection, she feared he would truly send her to the family temple after the New Year. Thus, she mustered her spirits, selected her outfit anew, and meticulously applied her makeup.
Zhi Cao stood to the side, silently observing Hua Mei's delicate profile. Originally a third-tier maid, Zhi Cao had been demoted to rough labor after being instructed by Zhao Yuechan to push Chunyan, nearly causing Ying Ge to miscarry. Later, during the talisman incident, Hua Mei's attendants, including Xi Que, were beaten half to death by Lin Jinlou and sold off. Noticing Zhi Cao's tall and sturdy build, Shuran assigned her to serve Hua Mei—though in truth, she was there to monitor Hua Mei alongside two old women. Hua Mei, being clever, remained quiet for a few days before using silver and jewelry to win over the two old women and eventually bribing Zhi Cao into compliance.
After standing for a moment longer, Hua Mei was urged by Zhi Cao, "Miss, it's time to go. We mustn't be late for kneeling in the ancestral hall."
Hua Mei lowered her eyelids in acknowledgment and glided away gracefully.
The maids and old women sweeping the courtyard whispered among themselves, "That little minx Hua Mei is so strange—she’s not even ashamed to go kneel in the ancestral hall, yet she dresses up as if she were one of the mansion’s ladies going on an outing."
"What 'lady'? She’s no lady anymore. The Master’s favor stays in the Main House—didn’t you see he even gave Shuran to Xianglan? She’s the real lady now."
Hua Mei paid no heed and proceeded to the ancestral hall. Zhi Cao took out a cushion and laid it on the floor, upon which Hua Mei knelt. The cushion was padded thickly with fur, shielding her from the cold, and the vast hall was utterly silent. Zhi Cao stood by for a while, feigning duty, then stepped out, closing the door behind her. She slipped a few coins to the old woman guarding the ancestral hall and struck up a conversation with her.
Hua Mei sat on the cushion, and Zhi Cao stealthily brought her hot tea twice. After sitting idly for nearly an hour, Hua Mei finally rose to return. Outside, the sunlight was brilliant, which only deepened Hua Mei’s irritation. She halted and said, "I’m feeling stifled. I’ll take a stroll in the garden before going back."
Zhi Cao hesitated, "This... isn’t appropriate, is it?"
"What’s inappropriate about it? It’s just a walk—nothing major."
"If the Master finds out... alright then, just stroll in areas far from him and Taitai." As she spoke, Zhi Cao tucked the dozen or so coins Hua Mei had given her into her pocket.Hua Mei wandered near the Second Household's side of the garden, where only half a pond of withered lotus remained, and chrysanthemums clung faded to their stems. The westerly wind grew colder, carrying a desolate air. Even someone as pragmatic and unfeeling as Hua Mei felt a pang of sorrow, seeing herself as that last withered chrysanthemum—clinging precariously to the branch. Returning home meant facing her wolf-like father and brothers; staying meant being sent to the family temple. Either path led to "hair black as crow’s feather turning silver, rosy cheeks withering to husks." She couldn’t hold back her tears.
Just as she sighed in despair, a sudden flare of fire emerged from behind the rockery. Startled, Hua Mei heard someone scold from behind the stones: "Huairui, are you trying to get us killed? Why light such a big fire? Can’t you see the wind blowing this way? You nearly singed my hair!"
Thank you to 05111039283 for the Peach Blossom Fan, qian20051978 for two Peace Talismans, and Kakami for the Peace Talisman. Also, thanks to everyone for the pink votes ^ ^ This chapter brings back familiar faces—do you all remember Zhi Cao? She appeared earlier. And Huairui, who originally served Cao Lihuan alongside Xianglan. The grand drama begins ^ ^
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