Lin Jinlou held Xianglan on his lap and noticed she kept her head bowed, her eyes fixed and unmoving. She looked both dazed and pitiful, clearly frightened out of her wits. When he touched her palm, it was indeed icy cold. He kissed her temple and said, "You ate very little this morning, and now you’re weak. Shall I have the maids bring you a bowl of soup?"
Xianglan nodded meekly.
Lin Jinlou called Chunling in and ordered her to fetch a bowl of soup. As Chunling withdrew, she thought to herself that the leftover Nine-Silk Soup from the morning had already been given away, and there was likely nothing ready in the small kitchen at this hour. When she reached the kitchen entrance, she saw Huang Wu's wife, the head cook, standing outside chatting with another servant woman. Spotting Chunling, Huang Wu's wife immediately stepped forward with a beaming smile and greeted her, "Miss Chunling, what brings you here at this hour? It’s only half-past ten, and lunch is still cooking. Does your mistress want something to eat?"
The Hall of Knowing Spring had its own kitchen. Previously, the head cook had been You's family, but she had returned home for her father-in-law’s funeral, so Huang Wu's wife, who had been in charge of the second stove, took over. These days, Zidai was in favor, and the small kitchen inevitably curried favor with her. Huang Wu's wife was also on good terms with Han Mama and, having received benefits from her, secretly used the household funds to prepare extra dishes for Zidai. Though she did not openly slight Xianglan, she was no longer as attentive as before, often dragging her feet when Xianglan requested food. A few days earlier, Xianglan had wanted a light bowl of Dragon Whisker Noodles—a simple dish—but when Xiao Juan went to ask for it, Huang Wu's wife was busy arranging dishes for Zidai and didn’t even bother to look at Xiao Juan, saying dismissively, "How particular Miss Xianglan is! She doesn’t want something simple but insists on this difficult dish. Who has time to knead and stretch the dough in such a rush? It’ll take at least half an hour! And without pork bone broth, this noodle dish won’t taste right. The half pig we got the other day is already gone. Tell your mistress to have it another day." Xiao Juan was fuming when she returned, grumbling, "If not for our lady repeatedly reminding me to ‘watch my words and actions,’ I would’ve made a scene in the kitchen today. When You's family was here, she always prioritized our requests and treated us with respect. Why should we put up with this nonsense? She claims she has no time to make noodles, yet she has time to fry gluten for Zidai!"
Chunling remarked, "Now that Zidai has taken control of the small kitchen and seized the account books, and since she’s promoted Huang Wu's daughter, Xiaoluo, as her personal maid, it’s no wonder Huang Wu's wife is falling over herself to please her." She comforted Xiao Juan but also felt a simmering resentment. Now, seeing Huang Wu's wife’s sudden change in attitude, Chunling immediately understood it was because Lin Jinlou had returned. Clearing her throat lightly, she said, "The Eldest Master asked me to fetch a bowl of nourishing soup for our lady."
"Soup? Of course, of course! Please come with me, miss." Huang Wu's wife smiled even more broadly and led Chunling into the kitchen. She brought out a clay pot from the stove and said cheerfully, "What a coincidence! I heard Miss Xianglan hasn’t had much appetite these past couple of days, so I specially prepared this Assorted Delicacies Soup. It’s been simmering for two hours and is perfectly seasoned." She ladled a full bowl and placed it on a small foreign-lacquered crabapple-wood tray.
Chunling gave a cold laugh and said, "Specially prepared for our lady? This morning when I came to the kitchen to fetch the meal box, I overheard Xiaoluo saying someone wanted Assorted Delicacies Soup for lunch."Huang Wu's wife secretly cursed Chunling for her sharp tongue but maintained a smiling face, saying, "You must have misheard. This soup was indeed specially prepared for Miss Xianglan."
Chunling responded with a mocking smile, "Is that so? Could my ears have deceived me? Previously, even asking for a bowl of Dragon Whisker Noodles required enduring others' displeasure. Now receiving such grand treatment truly feels beyond our station!"
Though inwardly fuming, Huang Wu's wife had just learned from Qin Shi's trusted maid about how Lin Jinlou had publicly shamed Zidai while defending Xianglan. Shocked to realize she had been currying favor with the wrong person while offending the true power, she now felt compelled to grovel desperately. Even if Chunling slapped her, she knew she'd have to endure it. Forcing an obsequious smile, she said, "Dear Chunling, I was blinded by foolishness, like a pheasant unable to recognize Mount Tai. Please find it in your magnanimous hearts to forgive me." She discreetly slipped a silver ingot into Chunling's hand, then called out loudly, "Liang Jie! Can't you see your sister Chunling is here? Prepare a box each of the steamed poria cocos cake and osmanthus cake from the steamer!" Rubbing her hands apologetically, she added, "From now on, just tell me whatever you'd like to eat. Today we have especially delicious Drunken Goose Feet and Duck Tongues for lunch—I'll save a plate for you and Sister Xiao Juan..."
Chunling snorted, pocketed the silver, took the soup, and left. Returning to the room, she saw an open chest by the bed where Lin Jinlou sat holding Xianglan, pointing out items inside.
After presenting the soup, Chunling withdrew. Xianglan had no appetite, but Lin Jinlou lifted the bowl to her lips, saying, "Eat a little while it's hot."
Xianglan finished half the bowl; Lin Jinlou took the remainder and drained it in one gulp. Noticing her surprise, he chuckled by her ear, "What? Surprised I'd finish your leftovers? At home I feast on delicacies, but during campaigns I've eaten far worse. Besides, this soup tastes exquisite with a trace of your sweetness—better than any delicacy." He kissed her lips, murmuring, "See how I thought of bringing you gifts while away? No one else receives such honor. Stay by my side faithfully, stop overthinking, and your best days are ahead."
Xianglan sighed inwardly, leaning motionless against Lin Jinlou's chest. She once believed herself clever, but now realized she was no match for his cunning. He provided silks, jewels, and luxury, yet could never offer her dignity, tenderness, or vitality. How could she not yearn for freedom?
Holding her soft warmth, Lin Jinlou felt desire stirring and began unbuttoning her gown when Lianxin announced from behind the curtain, "Eldest Master, Shu Ran is here."
Lin Jinlou cursed under his breath, "Of all times..." As Xianglan blushed and pulled away, he kissed her cheek, grinning, "I'll deal with you later." Adjusting his clothes, he summoned Shu Ran inside.
Shu Ran entered and immediately kowtowed in greeting.
Lin Jinlou replied impassively, "Shu Ran, you know why I dismissed you. I intended to never employ you again, but Xianglan spoke on your behalf, praising your years of loyal service and competence. We'll consider your previous folly a momentary lapse." He paused meaningfully.Shu Ran was a shrewd one, immediately kowtowing with a "thump" and saying, "Miss Xianglan is absolutely right. It was this servant who lost her senses and failed to appreciate Eldest Master's kindness."
Xianglan, standing nearby, curled her lips disdainfully. Firstly, she had never spoken well of Shu Ran, and secondly, Shu Ran's dismissal was due to Lin Jinlou venting his anger over the Luanr incident—truly an unjust punishment that had little to do with whether Shu Ran had lost her senses or not.
Lin Jinlou said, "As long as you understand. I know you're reliable. From today onward, you'll follow Xianglan. Your previous duties at the Hall of Knowing Spring remain unchanged. Lately, there's been a troublemaker causing chaos in the hall—it's a disgrace. Starting tomorrow, report for duty there and sort things out properly."
Tears welled up in Shu Ran's eyes as she promptly kowtowed again. "It is this servant's fortune that Eldest Master is willing to employ me again. If I ever displease you in the future, I will accept any punishment without complaint. Thank you for your grace, Eldest Master." She then kowtowed to Xianglan. "Thank you for your grace, Miss." A bitter smile tugged at her heart. She had once been the most capable steward in Lin Jinlou's inner household, yet now she was to serve a concubine without even a proper title. In the past, she would have never agreed—even if forced, she would have complied resentfully and performed her duties half-heartedly. But now she dared not. After Lin Jinlou dismissed her, she had lost all dignity and authority, experiencing for the first time the fickleness of human relationships. Even her former mother-in-law and sister-in-law, who had once flattered her, now treated her coldly, not to mention the snobbish maids and servants in the household and their gossip. For over half a month, she felt as if she were living a nightmare. Now that Lin Jinlou had allowed her return and restored her former authority, she would gladly serve even a favored concubine like Xianglan—or even a disfavored one like Yingge—with utmost dedication.
Lin Jinlou waved his hand, dismissing Shu Ran.
Xianglan stared at Lin Jinlou in a daze. Suddenly, she understood why he had dismissed Shu Ran earlier—he had intended to assign her to serve Xianglan. But a proud and clever servant like Shu Ran would naturally be unwilling to serve someone of Xianglan's status. So, Lin Jinlou had crushed her pride by casting her into the mud before sending her to Xianglan's side, deliberately crediting Xianglan with speaking on Shu Ran's behalf to curry 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 Shu Ran to you so you'll suffer less bullying in the future." Noticing her dazed expression, he chuckled and tapped her nose. "What are you thinking? I've gone to such lengths for you—aren't you touched?"
In just one morning, Xianglan had witnessed Lin Jinlou standing up for her, then heard his vicious threats before she could recover, and now he had thrust a capable servant into her hands. This cycle of rewards and punishments left her utterly bewildered.
As she parted her lips, still unsure how to respond, Lin Jinlou chuckled darkly, pinned her to the bed, and slid his hand under her skirt. "If you're touched, then serve me well. Last night, you fainted before I was satisfied. Feel this—my fire hasn't died down 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, he used the other to lift the Scattered Flowers Skirt and pull down the Camellia White Soft Silk Pants, revealing two slender, pale pink legs. His breathing immediately grew heavy, and the spring scenery within the curtains need not be described in detail.
At that moment, in the Covered Corridor of the main residence of Zhuoshou Garden, Wu Mama and Han Mama passed each other and came face to face. Han Mama was walking hurriedly, but Wu Mama stopped and deliberately said, "Old sister, where are you rushing off to in such a hurry? The Eldest Master just sent someone to deliver some local specialties to me, and some of the food items are quite exquisite. If you're not busy, why not come to my place and have a taste?"
Han Mama, already burdened with worries, grew even more agitated at the mention of "Eldest Master." She abruptly halted, 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 that look like a horse’s mane!"
Wu Mama reached up and touched the gold hairpin in her bun, replying with a cold laugh, "Old sister, I don’t understand what you’re saying. Your niece caused trouble, so why take it out on an unrelated person like me? I meant well when I warned you not to provoke Xianglan, but Zidai refused to listen. Instead of gaining power, she ended up with a heap of trouble. And you went to extremes—to protect your niece’s reputation, you tricked that little minx Yinliu into taking the blame. You told her that offending Xianglan would bring no good, making her kowtow and apologize, then falsely claim she was ill from the wind and needed to hide for a couple of days. Poor thing, she misjudged you. The moment she stepped out, she was sold out, and Xianglan’s reputation was tarnished. If you schemed against Yinliu, fine, but scheming against Xianglan... Tsk, as the saying goes, 'A barn rat borrowing grain from a crow—the one who has none asks the one who flies.'"
Han Mama’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 Hall of Knowing Spring 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. We’ve been together all these years, and even though we’ve quarreled and competed, we’re still old sisters who’ve spent our days side by side. If you’re not well, it pains me too. Take my advice: don’t let Zidai linger around the Hall of Knowing Spring anymore. Use this opportunity to beg Madam for a favor and let her marry outside. Madam will surely take care of her. Zidai has already earned the Eldest Master’s displeasure—what else can be done?"
Han Mama seemed deeply moved and couldn’t help but sigh, "Yes, what else can be done?" Her eyes reddened as she spoke, and she took out a handkerchief to wipe them. "I’ve watched Zidai grow up since she was a child. She’s 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 Han Mama but softened her tone to offer some comfort.As soon as Wu Mama left, Han Mama immediately wiped away her tears and spat out, "How dare she claim it's for the sake of years of affection? Fine words indeed! How dare she not admit it's because Madam tacitly allowed it? Since Madam doesn't interfere, how dare you meddle?" She turned and went back to her room, pushing open the door of the small side chamber to find Zidai kneeling on the floor, leaning over the bed and weeping bitterly. Han Mama, already seething with anger, grew even more furious. Frowning sternly, she snapped sharply, "Crying! How dare you still have the face to cry!" After scolding her, 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 told you not to be so impatient, but you couldn't wait. Now that things have come to this, I can't manage it anymore. What do you plan to do from now on? If you wish to beg for mercy to leave and marry, I will speak to Madam on your behalf."
Zidai abruptly raised her head, her tear-streaked face a mess of smudged makeup, and sobbed, "I will never leave! I can't swallow this injustice. I’ve struggled so hard to get to where I am today—if it all goes to waste just like this, I’d rather die and be done with it!" With that, she buried her face in the bed and resumed crying.
Han Mama let out a long, deep sigh, lifted her head to gaze at the ceiling, and gently rested a hand on Zidai’s jet-black hair, stroking it over and over.
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