"Oh my dear young mistress, isn't it a bit late to say such things now?... Enough now, stop crying. Those seven or eight people from the Lin family have nothing to do with you. Someone in your elder brother's courtyard has smallpox—what does that have to do with you? Besides, Hanfang is a family-born servant—her life is in your hands. If she can sacrifice herself for her master's affairs, that's her good fortune. And didn't you generously reward her family members too..."
Lin Dongling remained silent, still weeping.
"Good sister, don't blame me for being cruel. I'm doing this for you, for our future together... I promise you, after this matter is settled, from now on I'll listen to everything you say... Don't cry anymore. Do you really want to abandon me and marry that half-old man?" He continued with gentle words to comfort her for a long while, then whispered, "Tomorrow night, stay alert..." His voice gradually lowered as he leaned close to Lin Dongling's ear, becoming inaudible to others.
Lin Dongxiu strained her neck trying to eavesdrop when she heard her maid Shu Tong calling outside: "Fourth Miss!" Clearly coming to look for someone. Afraid of being discovered by Lin Dongling, Lin Dongxiu hastily lifted her skirts and ran out from the main hall.
Seeing Lin Dongxiu rushing out of the Hall of Three Saints in a panicked state, Shu Tong was immediately startled. Before she could inquire further, Lin Dongxiu grabbed her and pulled her toward the guest hall, not stopping until they entered the inner room, where she collapsed into a chair, panting uncontrollably. Shu Tong moved closer for a look and saw Lin Dongxiu's pale face, with a dense layer of sweat on her forehead despite it being winter. She exclaimed in alarm, "What's happened to you, miss?" Taking out a handkerchief to wipe her brow.
Lin Dongxiu's mind was in complete disarray. She pushed away Shu Tong's hand, feeling an uncontrollable chill in her heart. Seeing Lin Dongxiu trembling slightly all over, Shu Tong grew increasingly anxious. Originally, Lin Dongxiu had valued Hanzhi highly, and Shu Tong had worked hard and struggled to slowly rise in status. During this trip for the religious ceremony, which maid hadn't hoped to be chosen to accompany them? Yet Lin Dongxiu had bypassed Hanzhi and directly selected her to come along. Shu Tong had felt she was about to advance. But if anything happened to Lin Dongxiu, she would be the first to bear the blame. Shu Tong repeatedly asked, "Miss, are you feeling unwell? We brought a physician from home—I'll go fetch him right away!"
Lin Dongxiu grabbed Shu Tong's arm tightly. Though she was somewhat clever, she was ultimately a girl raised in the inner chambers, still young, and having just overheard such a secret, she had completely lost her composure. She thought to herself: "Shu Tong is the most sharp-witted and utterly loyal to me. I might as well tell her, so we can discuss it together and come up with a plan." So she quietly recounted what had happened in the Hall of Three Saints.
Shu Tong's face instantly turned deathly pale. She thought to herself: "That little slut Lin Dongling has the audacity to consort with a rogue and harm her own family members—she's worse than a common whore!"
Lin Dongxiu hesitated and said, "What should we do about this? Should we report it to Madam immediately? But Madam tolerates no misconduct, and the Hall of Knowing Spring has seen the most fatalities. If she finds out, she definitely won't let it slide. This also concerns Third Sister's reputation... If I inform on her like this, I'll surely make enemies with the second branch, offending people for no reason. Besides, my marriage hasn't been settled yet—in the future, the second branch should also contribute to my dowry..."
Shu Tong had already calmed down. She rolled her eyes, leaned closer, and said, "This servant has something to say, but I'm afraid you'll slap my mouth for saying it. Yet if I don't speak up..."
"Go ahead."
"I'm truly doing this for your own good, miss.""I understand, speak your mind. You sly thing, when have you ever bothered with empty formalities with me? Though Hanzhi is good, she's not as clever as you. Do you know why I brought you along?"
"Then this servant will speak frankly... In my opinion, Miss should bury this matter deep in your heart and pretend you never heard of it! The person is already dead, the household has generously compensated with silver, and even if it's known that Third Miss was responsible, the family would still cover it up. If the second branch learns that you exposed this matter, they would surely resent you. Why bring such trouble upon yourself!"
"I've been thinking the same... but that man mentioned tomorrow night. If Third Sister truly engages in such disgraceful behavior, my reputation would also suffer, making future marriage prospects difficult."
"Tsk! That man must be planning to elope with Third Miss! If she leaves, wouldn't that work to your advantage, Miss? Don't forget that Marquis Yongchang is about to send matchmakers - this marriage between our families is practically settled. If she runs away, wouldn't that benefit you?"
Lin Dongxiu was taken aback, slowly sitting up as she thoughtfully said: "It's not that simple."
"Miss only falls short of Third Miss in lineage, in all other aspects you're not inferior. Though Marquis Yongchang holds high rank and power, he is after all a widower and somewhat advanced in years - how could he afford to be picky about you? If Third Miss elopes, a family like ours would certainly value face and wouldn't let this spread. But the Old Master is eager for this marriage alliance, and you're the only marriageable girl left in the household. Besides, Marquis Yongchang is close with Eldest Master - he would surely be pleased to marry his dear friend's sister." As Shu Tong spoke, Lin Dongxiu sat up straighter, her expression growing serious.
Shu Tong said cheerfully: "There's a saying 'better to destroy ten temples than ruin one marriage.' Since Third Miss and that actor are in love, why should we play the villain and separate them? Wouldn't it be better to help the lovebirds fulfill their wish, adding another happy marriage to the world. Meanwhile, Miss would achieve her desire to marry a distinguished nobleman. This benefits everyone. If you ask me, this could even make for an opera that would be remembered through the ages."
Lin Dongxiu burst out laughing, pointing at Shu Tong: "Your glib tongue certainly knows how to persuade." Then she composed herself, frowning as she said: "Let me think about this matter."
Shu Tong knew Lin Dongxiu had taken her words to heart and said no more. Thinking about how Lin Dongxiu might eventually marry the Marquis, and how her own ambitions would finally have room to flourish, she couldn't help feeling secretly pleased, quietly withdrawing to the side.
Enough of digressions.
Soon the religious ceremony concluded. Qin Shi and Wang Shi went to attend to Old Madam Lin, while Xianglan and Hongjian stood in the outer room. They exchanged glances and smiled. Hongjian stepped forward and whispered: "Tired? Go rest, I'll stay here. Xuezhan and Shanhu are inside, that's enough to serve."
Xianglan said: "I'm not tired at all. I'll check the reception hall - if the vegetarian meal is ready, I'll bring it over." As she turned to leave, she saw Zidai approaching carrying two small boxes, heading straight for Old Madam Lin's room. Lifting the curtain, Zidai said cheerfully: "These are pastries the temple abbot offered for the Old Madam and Madams to try. They're all cream-fried dough pastries - not sure how they taste, but they look exquisite and delicate. Old Madam, please have a taste..." With that, she entered.
Xianglan and Hongjian looked at each other in surprise.
After a pause, Hongjian said: "Han Mama was supposed to come, but her old ailment flared up, so she sent Zidai in her place."Xianglan nodded with sudden understanding, then pursed her lips into a smile. "Sometimes when I look at her, I feel exhausted on her behalf." Bending over backward to act humble and subservient, currying favor left and right, enduring scoldings and insults while maintaining a smiling face—clinging desperately to Qin Shi's coattails—Xianglan asked herself if she could ever stoop so low.
Hongjian also laughed. "You're not her. Perhaps she doesn't feel tired at all but rather finds great pleasure in it."
"That might be true." Xianglan nodded with a smile. "You are not a fish, so how can you know the fish's happiness?" She fastened her cloak and lifted the curtain to leave.
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