The room instantly fell silent. Qin Shi sat down in the master's chair beside the small Huanghuali side table, smoothing the folds of her skirt. Lulan had already stepped forward to present tea, while Han Mama and Wu Mama, who had entered with Qin Shi, stood together, with Hongjian and Lulan positioned on either side.
Xianglan and the two Lin young ladies all rose to their feet. Lin Dongling and Lin Dongxiu stepped forward first to pay their respects, after which it was Xianglan's turn. Qin Shi acted as though she hadn't seen Xianglan, saying, "Sisters Ling and Xiu, please sit. We're family, no need for such formality," leaving Xianglan standing alone. Lin Dongling felt a surge of satisfaction and shot Xianglan a triumphant glance.
Xianglan, however, felt no embarrassment. In her life, she had faced far more humiliating situations than this, and Qin Shi's disregard was within her expectations. She stood slightly bowed to one side, her gaze fixed on the exquisitely embroidered table skirt, lost in thought.
These past few days, Wang Shi of the second branch had caught a chill. Qin Shi first inquired about Wang Shi's condition. Lin Dongling replied, "She's already feeling better. The fever broke last night, and she took a dose of dispersing medicine today, but she's still listless and didn't eat much this morning."
Qin Shi said, "With this illness, it's best to fast. If you're short on any medicine, just come and ask. If she craves anything to eat, let me know as well."
Lin Dongling repeatedly agreed.
Qin Shi continued, "I called you here today because there's a joyous matter. Xuan Ge'er's marriage was settled long ago—it's the fourth daughter of Lord Tan. Your father has written a letter inviting Minister Xie of the Dali Temple to serve as the matchmaker. Since Xuan Ge'er is in poor health, the wedding will have to be held in the capital, and your fourth uncle will help manage the arrangements there. However, the betrothal gifts must still be prepared by our family. I've discussed it with Old Madam, and we've decided to entrust this matter to the two of you—drafting the list and taking inventory. Every item must be presentable."
Upon hearing this, Lin Dongxiu's eyes lit up. Preparing the betrothal gifts would inevitably require opening the storerooms. She had long been eyeing the treasures within. Now that she was growing older and would likely marry within the next couple of years, this was a perfect opportunity to see what was stored away. If she could discreetly note the valuable items, she could later make requests from the family. Unlike Lin Dongqi, who was a legitimate daughter set to marry into a respectable family with Qin Shi even adding private funds to her trousseau, Lin Dongxiu was at a disadvantage. Her birth mother, Concubine Bao, was an honest woman with little savings of her own. If she married beneath her status, her dowry would likely amount to no more than five thousand taels of silver. Had Lin Dongqi not set such a lavish precedent with her ten-mile bridal procession, five thousand taels would have been generous. But now, how could she swallow such a disparity? This was indeed a golden chance to also gauge the family's financial standing.
Qin Shi looked at Lin Dongxiu and sighed inwardly. She could see right through Lin Dongxiu's thoughts. Qin Shi believed she had never treated Lin Dongxiu unfairly and had even intended to mentor her. However, though the girl was observant, she was too focused on immediate gains and prone to "internal strife," with a narrow-minded approach to life. This gradually cooled Qin Shi's enthusiasm, limiting her guidance to manners, conduct, and household management. If Lin Dongxiu were to marry, aside from the family's allocated funds, the main branch would naturally add to her trousseau. Lin Changzheng had also instructed that, as daughters of the Lin family, they should not be treated too differently. If Lin Dongxiu married well, her dowry should match Lin Dongqi's; if she married modestly, it still shouldn't be too meager. Qin Shi had long set aside the silver for marrying off a concubine-born daughter. Seeing Lin Dongxiu's current demeanor, she felt a slight chill in her heart, finding the girl both pitiable and laughable.Qin Shi picked up her teacup, blew away the steam, and took a sip before turning her gaze to Lin Dongling. Lin Dongling was lost in thought; having not seen her second brother in the capital for years, she had long forgotten his appearance and felt that his marriage had nothing to do with her. Instead, she stared blankly at the small potted plant on the windowsill, idly twisting the silk tassels on her skirt.
Qin Shi sighed again. Wang Shi had asked her to discipline Lin Dongling and even sent gifts regularly, with daily treats never ceasing. Qin Shi was willing to teach, but Lin Dongling, spoiled from childhood, was bristling with defiance. Since she wasn’t her own daughter, Qin Shi had no desire to play the villain.
Her eyes then fell upon Xianglan, who stood quietly nearby, head bowed and hands clasped, her demeanor respectful and gentle. Qin Shi felt somewhat pleased, thinking to herself, "Though her mind is too clever, her gentle nature is a virtue. She’s not like Huamei with her bewitching charms, nor is she as arrogant as Luanr." Setting down her teacup, her expression calm as still water, she asked, "Before I came in, I heard lively chatter in your room. What were you discussing? Ling’er, tell me."
Xianglan’s heart skipped a beat. By directly calling on Lin Dongling to speak, Qin Shi clearly intended to seize upon her mistakes.
Lin Dongling, who had been waiting for an opportunity to complain, perked up immediately. She glanced at Xianglan and said to Qin Shi, "I... dare not say."
Qin Shi replied, "Is it some secret matter? What is there to fear?"
Lin Dongling sneered, "Of course I dare not. What is my pride worth? If I’m bullied by some insolent servant, I’ll just endure the loss and consider myself unlucky. But if I offend Eldest Master’s favorite and anger him, it would only upset the elders."
Just as Qin Shi was about to speak, she saw Xianglan curtsy and say, "It was all my fault. I spoke improperly, and Third Miss reprimanded me a few times."
Qin Shi was taken aback, not expecting Xianglan to admit her mistake so unequivocally. She thought to herself that this Chen Xianglan was truly clever. Outside the curtain earlier, she had clearly heard Xianglan gaining the upper hand, leaving Lin Dongling speechless. Now, by framing it as "Third Miss reprimanded me," she had lightly brushed aside the earlier conflict.
Lin Dongling snorted, "Reprimand you? I wouldn’t dare! She said she’s no longer a servant of the Lin family!"
Qin Shi also scolded, "Though Eldest Master favors you now, and I’ve shown you some respect, you must know your place. Don’t think you’re a mistress now, daring to confront a proper young lady and putting on airs in front of your true superiors!"
Lin Dongling was delighted, curling her lips into a smile as she said, "Exactly! A servant at heart, given a little face and she truly puts on airs!"
The words were harsh, and the maids and servants in the room secretly frowned. Qin Shi also slightly furrowed her brow before turning to look at Xianglan, who remained composed and humble, her expression unchanged.
Qin Shi asked again, "Do you have anything else to say?"
Xianglan gave a slight curtsy and replied, "Madam’s reprimand is justified."Qin Shi thought to herself, "She knows when to yield and when to stand firm—truly shrewd for her age. Unlike other young girls who either sulk or look distressed at harsh words, she remained calm and composed even when Lin Dongling repeatedly provoked her indoors. Her responses were dignified yet perfectly measured. Those who flare up at disagreements may win arguments but lose grace, while those who remain steady and tolerant truly embody noble bearing."
Qin Shi withdrew her gaze and softened her voice, saying, "Everyone in this world has their own way of living and rules to follow. Remember your place: young ladies ought to be reserved and magnanimous, while maids should be understanding and obedient. Each must fulfill their duties without overstepping. People must always save face for one another—what would it look like if we squabbled like chickens and geese upon meeting?"
Lin Dongling, feeling vindicated and pleased, responded brightly. Lin Dongxiu stood up to acknowledge the admonition. Xianglan understood that Qin Shi was reprimanding her and curtseyed in acceptance.
After discussing other matters, Qin Shi dismissed Dongling and Dongxiu, leaving Xianglan alone in the room. Qin Shi took a sip of warm tea and asked Xianglan, "Did the Eldest Master sleep well last night?"
Xianglan replied, "He slept soundly and even got up early to practice martial arts."
Qin Shi sighed, "Amitabha! Who would have expected such a wretched affair last night? Why has Lou Ge'er been surrounded by such treacherous scoundrels all these years?"
Upon hearing this, Xianglan immediately understood: Qin Shi intended to assign new maids to Lin Jinlou's household. Sure enough, Qin Shi summoned Zidai and said to Xianglan, "Zidai was trained in my quarters. She was too young for promotion in previous years, but now Lou Ge'er's household is short-handed. Lianxin is too meek, Tinglan too naive, and Shu Ran has been married off. From what Lou Ge'er says, she won't be allowed to serve in the Hall of Knowing Spring anymore, leaving no competent help indoors. I already discussed this with the Old Madam during my morning greetings. The Old Madam happens to have a maid named Xue Ning assigned to Lou Ge'er, and I'm sending Zidai as well, promoting her to second-rank. Her monthly allowance will still come from me."
Xianglan looked up and saw a plump girl of about fifteen or sixteen with almond eyes and a small mouth, dressed in a lotus-root-colored satin jacket, quite comely in appearance.
Seeing this beautiful maid, Xianglan guessed Qin Shi's intentions but wondered why she was being informed. Then Qin Shi added, "Zidai is Han Mama's niece. She excels at needlework and has a gentle temperament. There are areas where you could learn from her."
This was a blatant slap in the face, clearly signaling that Zidai was related to a prominent servant under Qin Shi's wing and openly backing her.
Han Mama put on an obsequious smile and said to Qin Shi, "You flatter her, Madam. What does she know? At her age, she's still frivolous. She ought to serve Miss Xianglan well and attend to her masters properly—that's what matters."
Qin Shi waved her hand dismissively, "I've observed Zidai for years. She handles every task I assign flawlessly. With someone you've trained, I have no doubts."
Zidai stole a few glances at Xianglan, noting her stunning beauty and delicate charm, and felt a twinge of envy. Seeing her luxurious attire and the gleaming gold necklace with Yingluo ornaments around her neck, Zidai's heart swelled with longing.Xianglan looked up, and their gazes met, causing Zidai to hurriedly lower her head. Out of the corner of her eye, Xianglan noticed Qin Shi staring intently at her, so she curtsied and said, "Everyone from Madam’s quarters is clever. Madam cares deeply for the Eldest Master, which is why she sent the best to the Hall of Knowing Spring." She neither acknowledged Qin Shi’s suggestion that she learn more from Zidai nor accepted Han Mama’s proposal to have Zidai serve her.
Qin Shi raised an eyebrow.
Wu Mama and Hongjian exchanged a glance, and Hongjian leaned in closer to Qin Shi, speaking warmly, "Xianglan certainly knows how to speak well. Zidai is truly the finest maid among us, leaving the rest of us burnt offerings to serve Madam—what a pity for Madam! If Madam’s needlework ever lacks a skilled hand, alas, Lulan and I won’t be able to slack off."
Qin Shi finally broke into a faint smile and said, "No wonder your needlework has improved so much—it turns out you’ve been slacking off and taking advantage of Zidai all along!"
Wu Mama, Han Mama, and the others quickly joined in with amused laughter.
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