Zidai smiled warmly, bustling about to serve tea to Lin Jinlou and rearranging the fruits and pastries. "Madam will finish her recitations in two more rounds. Please wait a moment, Eldest Master," she said cheerfully.
Lin Jinlou ignored her, keeping his younger brother Lin Jinyuan nestled in his arms while smoothing the child's hair. He addressed Xianglan: "I originally planned to come see you earlier, but was delayed paying respects at Old Master's residence where we discussed family matters. My prolonged absence recently was partly due to official duties and partly family affairs. Second Brother's marriage has been settled, and it's time to arrange Third Brother and Third Sister's weddings. Old Master has taken a liking to the granddaughter of Li Weien, Vice Minister of Revenue. Her father serves as Assistant Prefect in Zhejiang. After concluding official business, I went with Second Uncle to propose the match. Third Brother even wrote to me, repeatedly urging me to secretly check what his future wife looks like. If she's unattractive, he insisted I sabotage the engagement." He leaned toward Xianglan with a mischievous grin, "Guess what the girl looks like?"
Xianglan's curiosity was piqued. She blinked and couldn't resist asking, "What does she look like?"
Lin Jinlou pointed to his cheek, "Give me a kiss and I'll tell you."
Xianglan was stunned he'd flirt so openly in front of others. Suddenly, Lin Jinyuan threw his arms around Lin Jinlou's neck and planted a loud kiss, chirping, "Kissed! Kissed! Now tell me what Third Brother's wife looks like!"
Lin Jinlou stared in astonishment. The room erupted in suppressed giggles. Swatting the child's bottom, Lin Jinlou laughed, "You're still wet behind the ears! What would you know about such things!" He lifted the boy and handed him to the nurse to be taken away.
Lin Jinyuan struggled briefly, but when his elder brother glared, he immediately ducked his head and went obediently.
Though Zidai maintained her smile, she felt uneasy. Lin Jinlou hadn't even glanced at her earlier. Now with only three of them in the room, he merely flipped through writings on the kang table while chatting intermittently with Xianglan—mostly monologues with Xianglan remaining silent. Zidai found the situation dull but couldn't bear to leave. Seizing an opportunity to approach, she placed a plate of delicate pastries before Lin Jinlou and cooed, "These snowskin buns were freshly steamed this morning. Please try some, Eldest Master. Even Madam praised them."
Xianglan observed Zidai's ingratiating smile—cheeks flushed peach-blossom pink, eyes sparkling with autumn waves—gazing yearningly at Lin Jinlou with clear affection and maidenly shyness. She wore a flesh-pink satin jacket embroidered with gold scattered flowers and a plain peach-red gauze skirt. Opting not to wear a sleeveless jacket to avoid looking bulky, she instead accentuated her prominent bust, creating a striking allure. Even Xianglan acknowledged she was an exquisite beauty, undoubtedly the finest among Qin Shi's maids. Glancing at Lin Jinlou, she noticed his gaze fixed on Zidai's chest. Xianglan sneered inwardly, thinking how foolish she'd been to expect this scoundrel to uphold justice for her. She should have remembered Lin Jinlou was a lecher, insatiable in his appetite for women—brutal, cold-hearted, and merciless. He always discarded previous conquests like stable wind once he found someone new. Now he'd likely pursue that seductive Zidai. If he didn't mistreat her, it would be fortune enough—how could she expect him to restore her reputation?She quietly moved a bit further away from Lin Jinlou. Listening to the desolate autumn wind outside, she felt increasingly isolated and helpless in this vast Lin residence. But she quickly suppressed this self-pitying thought, mocking herself inwardly: "It's not like I've only lived this rootless existence in the Lin family for a day or two. Why bother sighing and moaning? This life will eventually come to an end one day."
Lin Jinlou stared at Zidai's chest for a few moments before looking up. Seeing her skin like congealed fat, her dark hair like a cicada's wings, he thought to himself: "This maid has some charm too. Those full, soft breasts should be quite enchanting. Pity she's such a flashy piece, full of schemes. These self-proclaimed clever ones are the most annoying. Otherwise, out of respect for Mother, I might have taken her in."
Noticing Lin Jinlou's gaze fixed on her, Zidai couldn't help but feel pleased. Although Chen Xianglan was currently in favor, Lin Jinlou had always been a philanderer. While she couldn't compare to Xianglan's beauty, she was still quite a beauty herself. If she could truly serve Lin Jinlou, with Qin Shi's tacit approval and her aunt's influence, the title of "Concubine" would be within her grasp. Once she bore a Lin heir, she would become a respectable mistress enjoying endless wealth and luxury. Having made up her mind, she ignored Xianglan's presence and pressed closer, reaching to remove Lin Jinlou's boots. Softly, she said: "Madam won't be here for a while. Wouldn't it be more comfortable if you took off your boots and rested on the kang, Eldest Master? I've mastered the skill of massaging legs—I always do it for Madam when she's tired. We see how hard you work for the household every day, and it pains our hearts that we rarely get to repay you. Please allow me to show my gratitude today."
Xianglan sighed inwardly at this performance, thinking she was truly witnessing something extraordinary today. She had thought Huamei was the most skilled at flattery, but now she realized Zidai was also a master, even surpassing Huamei in sycophancy. Such words would never occur to her even if her life depended on it. And men always fell for this kind of thing—Lin Jinlou allowed Zidai to remove his boots and cradle his feet in her lap, her slender fingers applying just the right pressure.
Seeing Lin Jinlou enjoying himself with closed eyes, Zidai grew bolder: "Actually, if we wait until evening after you've soaked your feet, I could give you a proper massage that would surely make you feel completely refreshed..."
Xianglan watched Zidai's suggestive expression and subtly flirtatious words, feeling increasingly out of place sitting there. She could only bury her head and pretend to be invisible, listening to Zidai's soft chatter with Lin Jinlou, who merely reclined against the ornate python robe and embroidered pile with closed eyes.
Suddenly, Zidai called out: "Sister Xianglan."
Xianglan quickly looked up.
Zidai smiled and said: "Could you fetch a basin of hot water? The master will need to soak his feet after the massage. And pour me a cup of tea—I've suddenly become quite thirsty."
Xianglan was taken aback and glanced at Lin Jinlou, who still had his eyes closed.
Zidai said with a full smile: "I'm massaging the Eldest Master's feet and can't leave. You've been writing for half the day—you should move around a bit. Besides, serving the master is nothing to be ashamed of. No need to put on airs like a young lady."Zidai had always spoken in this manner—though her words were barbed, she wore a smile and spoke softly, as if those irritating remarks were merely innocent, unintentional utterances. To take offense would only make one seem petty-minded. Xianglan had encountered this numerous times in Qin Shi’s chambers and knew Zidai was deliberately provoking her. Each time, she endured it silently. The sharp-eyed maids and matrons all pitied Xianglan, yet none dared offend Han Mama and her allies, so they kept their mouths shut. Lulan and other maids friendly with Wu Mama had admonished Zidai a few times, but Zidai merely played the fool.
By now, Xianglan had long since composed herself. Hearing Zidai’s words, she rose to fetch water. Zidai felt a surge of triumph. She aimed to test whether Xianglan truly enjoyed such favor and to diminish Xianglan’s prestige in Lin Jinlou’s eyes. Fetching foot-washing water was secondary; the true point was the cup of tea Xianglan had poured for her. She wanted every snobbish soul in Qin Shi’s quarters to witness how she ordered Xianglan about—to see that no matter how beautiful or clever Xianglan was, she could never outshine Zidai!
But as Xianglan stood, Lin Jinlou seized her hand, cracking his eyes open slightly. "Stay seated," he said, then raised his voice: "Someone! Bring a basin of hot water."
At once, Lulan personally carried in a basin of hot water. Lin Jinlou ordered it placed on the kang and said to Xianglan, "Take off your socks."
Xianglan stared blankly. "Huh?"
"What do you mean, ‘huh’? Can’t you understand plain speech? Calling you foolish would be a compliment."
"I won’t… Hey, what madness is this?"
Before Xianglan could retreat, Lin Jinlou had already grabbed her ankle, stripped off her silk sock, and plunged her porcelain-white foot into the water. Blushing furiously, Xianglan pummeled his shoulder twice. Lin Jinlou chuckled, "Perfect. A bit harder would be even better." He held her foot submerged for a moment before releasing it. Xianglan immediately yanked it back, not caring that it was dripping wet, and hastily tucked it beneath her skirt.
Lin Jinlou pointed at the brass basin and said to Zidai, "Drink."
The smile froze on Zidai’s face.
Lin Jinlou sneered, "Weren’t you just saying you were thirsty? This is water bestowed by your master. Why aren’t you drinking?" Few could remain unafraid when Lin Jinlou’s expression darkened.
Seeing his grim face, Zidai instinctively rose from the kang’s edge and retreated two steps, forcing a smile as she stammered, "Eldest Master… you must be joking…"
"Which eye of yours sees me joking?" Before the words faded, he slapped her across the face. "I thought you were blind—unable to tell master from servant. How dare you order my people about, putting on such airs? Today, I’ll teach you the rules!"
The slap left Zidai’s vision swimming, tears streaming down her face. Overwhelmed by grievance and resentment, she knelt and wept.
Lin Jinlou said coolly, "Do you submit?"
Zidai, face streaked with tears, bit her lip and remained silent.
Lin Jinlou repeated, "Do you submit?"
Only then did Zidai sob out, "This servant was wrong. I beg Eldest Master for mercy."
Lin Jinlou pointed at the basin. "Take two sips from that basin, and this matter ends here. Otherwise, pack your things and get out."
Zidai wept even harder. Kneeling by the kang, she tremblingly lifted the basin and took a sip, then immediately retched, vomiting all over the floor.Lin Jinlou stepped aside with disgust and said coldly, "Next time you gossip about someone from my household, I'll make you eat back everything you vomited." With that, he lifted the curtain and left, but suddenly paused. Turning his head, he saw Xianglan still sitting dazedly on the kang. He roared, "What are you still dawdling for? Can't you see your master is leaving!"
Xianglan shrank her neck, hurriedly put on her shoes and socks, and followed Lin Jinlou out the door. Outside, many maids were already standing there, having heard the commotion inside but not daring to look in. Lin Jinlou went to see Qin Shi on his own and sent Xianglan back to the Hall of Knowing Spring first.
After the morning's turmoil, Xianglan hadn't yet recovered. Upon returning, she lay on the bed, staring at the embroidered birds and flowers on the canopy for a moment before turning over to face the wall. Lin Jinlou's sudden move had caught her completely off guard. She felt a mix of satisfaction and disappointment—if Lin Jinlou had taken Zidai, her plans to leave the mansion might have progressed more smoothly.
Lost in her thoughts, she suddenly felt a tightness around her waist. Startled, Xianglan turned her head and realized Lin Jinlou had entered the room unnoticed and was holding her in his arms. He said, "What are you doing here? Reflecting on your mistakes facing the wall?"
Xianglan didn't want to respond. Lin Jinlou pinched her chin and said, "Not talking to me again, eh? You ungrateful little thing. I stood up for you and vented your anger for nothing." He sat down on the bed.
After hesitating for a long while, Xianglan finally said, "Won't this offend Madam..."
Lin Jinlou replied absentmindedly, "Second Uncle wants to marry Third Sister to Marquis Yongchang and asked me to inquire about it. Marquis Yongchang is a fine man, though he's a bit older—already in his forties. Third Sister is young and has a fiery temper; she might not agree. I just asked Old Master his opinion, and he didn't seem opposed either. He told me Second Uncle's official rank isn't high, so marrying his daughter to a marquis isn't a disgrace. With this marriage likely to be settled soon, Madam will be busy for a while and won't have time to bother with a servant's affairs." He chuckled and nibbled on Xianglan's plump, fair earlobe, whispering, "Did that feel satisfying today?"
Xianglan hurriedly pushed him away. Lin Jinlou continued, "When you're wronged, you don't tell me. Is it because you don't believe I can stand up for you, or are you scheming something else?"
Xianglan was startled. Lin Jinlou leisurely stroked the hair on her back but gradually tightened his grip, pulling so hard it made her scalp ache. "You're a clever girl. Though you're a bit soft-hearted, you value your reputation above all else. Your words are sharp as a knife, yet you let others slander you without a word. Little Xianglan, tell me, what's on your mind? Are you waiting for me to take another woman and lose interest in you, so you can seize the chance to leave the Lin family?"
He had guessed almost exactly right. Xianglan widened her eyes in shock and hurriedly defended herself, "No, no, really not..."
Lin Jinlou chuckled softly, kissed her snow-white neck gently, released his grip, and caressed her face. "If not, then not. Look how scared you are—your face has turned pale."
Xianglan stared at him as if she had seen a ghost.Lin Jinlou said as if carelessly, "It's fine if you think that way. You've always hated me to death, and ever since I nearly strangled you last time, you've hated me even more. You've been trying your hardest to get out of here, yet you pretend as if you want to stay in the Hall of Knowing Spring, isn't that right?"
Xianglan broke out in a cold sweat on her forehead. So he knew! He knew everything!
"Silly girl." Lin Jinlou kissed her lips as if with great affection. "Your little tricks are nothing in my hands. Don't play games with me. If you behave properly, you'll have many good days ahead. Otherwise, next time I might really break your little neck, along with your parents... Tsk, do you understand?"
His tone was gentle, yet it carried a sinister and ruthless edge, with a murderous intent that chilled to the bone.
Xianglan was so frightened she didn't dare move a muscle, tears slowly welling up in her eyes.
Lin Jinlou wiped her eyes very tenderly with his sleeve and chuckled softly, "Look at you, why are you crying again?" He held her and rocked her gently, patting her back as if comforting Lin Jinyuan, saying, "Don't be afraid, don't be afraid."
Xianglan leaned on his shoulder, as docile as a little rabbit.
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