Xianglan's eyes were red-rimmed as she leaned against Xue Shi. Although Chen Wanquan was delighted to see his daughter, he couldn't help but secretly survey the room's furnishings. The dazzling gold and opulence made him feel as if he had entered a palace. With Lin Jinlou standing right beside him, his knees felt weak, and he didn't know where to put his hands and feet.
Lin Jinlou said, "Why is everyone standing? Xianglan, you should have your parents sit down."
Xianglan then offered seats, pulling Xue Shi to sit on the heated brick bed in the warm chamber. A maid brought over an embroidered stool, and Chen Wanquan cautiously perched on the edge, not daring to let his eyes wander. He watched as Xue Shi held Xianglan's hand, asking after her well-being.
Soon, Xiao Juan brought tea and replenished the fruits and snacks. Xianglan stole a glance at Lin Jinlou, who stood by the curio cabinet with a lazy smile before turning and leaving after a moment. Only then did Chen Wanquan heave a great sigh of relief.
Xianglan earnestly inquired about her parents' welfare. Xue Shi asked where she had been all these days and why she hadn't sent word home. Xianglan could only evade with lies. Noticing there was no one else in the room, Xue Shi lowered her voice and asked Xianglan, "How is Master treating you... now?" She still felt her heart constrict remembering how Lin Jinlou had nearly strangled their daughter last time.
Xianglan whispered, "I'm living well in the residence... don't worry, Mother and Father."
Xue Shi sighed, "How can I not worry?" But seeing that Xianglan's complexion looked better than before, she finally felt somewhat reassured.
Seeing his daughter now adorned in gold and silver, dressed from head to toe in fine silks and satins, carrying herself with the bearing of a noble household's lady, Chen Wanquan's face broke into a proud expression. He complained to Xue Shi, "I always said our daughter would live in luxury at the Lin Family, but you refused to believe me. Even the proper madams of imperial relatives can't compare to our Lan now." Turning to Xianglan, he said, "When Master treated you poorly before, it was because you were too stubborn, always dreaming impossible dreams. You must settle your heart now - someone as distinguished and impressive as Master is impossible to find even with a lantern. Just speaking of the New Year gifts alone, the amount sent to our house... I sold what we couldn't use, added to our savings, and not only opened a shop but also bought land. Now even Magistrate Han calls me brother. When your father goes out now, he's considered somebody at last - heaven has finally opened its eyes. My child, you've always been clever. If you were still an unmarried maiden, I would never have agreed to you becoming a concubine, but this is the situation now. Doesn't the saying go 'Marry a chicken and follow the chicken, marry a dog and follow the dog'? If Master were to tire of you, what would become of you?"
Xue Shi frowned at these words and kicked Chen Wanquan, saying, "What are you saying! We finally get to see our daughter, and you speak such painful words to her."
Chen Wanquan immediately widened his eyes, "Tsk tsk, am I wrong? She's always been too ambitious!"
Xue Shi hurriedly said, "Enough now, have some tea and rest properly." As she spoke, she carefully watched Xianglan's expression.Xianglan said calmly, "Father knows exactly what our family's standing is. If you want me to fare better in this household, you must manage yourself properly—drink less, keep away from those wretched friends of yours, and stop boasting about me everywhere. Now that the entire household has their eyes on me, the slightest misstep from you will be seized upon by those with ill intentions to spread rumors and stir up trouble. The Master isn't a man of enduring affection. If you cause trouble that makes him resent me, and I'm driven out like Hua Mei and Chunyan were, then come New Year, there'll be no more of those gifts."
Chen Wanquan, being a timid and weak-willed man, immediately lost the arrogant air with which he had earlier prided himself on lecturing Xianglan. His face changed color, and he hurriedly said, "How could that be? I would never cause you trouble." Yet he knew he had been rather unrestrained and boastful lately, saying many things he shouldn't have, and he couldn't help but fret inwardly.
Xianglan shook her head. In the past, if Chen Wanquan had spoken to her like this for even half the time, she would have flared up, frowning and glaring as she argued and defended herself. But after experiencing several ups and downs, her temperament had grown calmer, and she no longer cared to confront him head-on as she once had. Her father's narrow-mindedness and limited perspective couldn't be changed overnight, so why bother getting angry and ending things on a sour note? Now that she couldn't stay by her parents' side and her future felt uncertain and directionless, it was better to offer a few words of advice and simply hope that her parents would be well.
After they had talked a while longer, Xue Ning came in and said, "The kitchen has prepared the meal. The Master asks the young lady to have Master Chen and his wife stay for dinner." As she spoke, she led the group to the Flower Hall.
Inside, a Huanghuali Eight Immortals Table was already set with four small plates of cold dishes. Lin Jinlou sat casually by the table, holding a birdcage and teasing a small yellow oriole. When people entered, he handed the cage to Lianxin, who stood nearby. Seeing Xianglan enter with swollen eyes, he smiled broadly and said, "Oh, crying again? Too happy to see your parents?" Without waiting for her reply, he waved them over. "Since you're here, take a seat."
Chen Wanquan didn't dare even breathe loudly, shrinking back nervously. "No, no, how could we dare..." Before he could finish, Xue Shi poked him sharply, curtsied to Lin Jinlou, and said, "We're imposing on you." She pulled Chen Wanquan down to sit and shot him a fierce glare.
Xianglan sighed silently to herself and took her seat as well. Xiao Juan, Ling Qing, and Ling Su stood nearby holding boxes, while Chun Ling lifted the lids to reveal two hot dishes in each. She and Tinglan brought them out, and soon the table was laden with delicacies from land and sea. A maidservant brought a silver basin for handwashing. The Chen couple, imitating Xianglan, washed their hands, their faces and bodies stiff, not daring to utter a word.
The room was quiet. Lin Jinlou laughed and said, "I'd been meaning to invite you over, but never found the time. Now that you're here, don't stand on ceremony—help yourselves freely." With that, he glanced at Lianxin, who immediately picked up the wine pot to pour a drink for Chen Wanquan.
Chen Wanquan repeatedly murmured his unworthiness, and though he picked up his chopsticks, he didn't dare reach for any food.Xianglan noticed her parents' discomfort and looked up at Chunling. Standing to one side with a handkerchief in her hand, Chunling knew Xianglan was watching her but remained resentful, so she pretended not to see and kept her head down. Lingqing and Lingsu, holding rinsing bowls and horsetail whisks on the other side, exchanged glances before stepping forward. They picked up serving chopsticks and said cheerfully, "We're not sure which dishes Master Chen and Taitai prefer, so allow us to serve you." They then placed selections on the couple's plates, after which Chen Wanquan and Xue Shi finally began eating.
Xianglan breathed a quiet sigh of relief, while Chunling's face darkened.
The Lin Family traditionally observed "no talking during meals." Lin Jinlou ate leisurely without particularly urging the Chen couple to eat. The two visitors barely tasted their food, not daring to serve themselves and only eating what the maids placed on their plates.
When Lin Jinlou had nearly finished, he set down his chopsticks and gestured for a maid to bring a Western cloth towel. Wiping his hands, he smiled and said, "I invited you here today to share some happy news. Xianglan is quite delightful, and I've long intended to make her my new concubine. I've just been too busy to arrange it. Once things settle down, I'll host a banquet to celebrate properly—she won't be treated shabbily."
These words struck like a thunderclap from a clear sky. Xianglan's hand stilled, her chopsticks turning white-knuckled. She could eat no more and sat with lowered head in silence. The Chen couple was equally astonished, exchanging glances. Chen Wanquan felt genuine delight—with her status confirmed, his daughter would have lifelong security in the Lin Family. As long as she avoided major mistakes, she could enjoy wealth and comfort forever. He quickly beamed, "We're honored by your regard, Master. This is Xianglan's great fortune."
But Xue Shi grew secretly worried, especially seeing Xianglan's silent, bowed head. She anxiously nudged her daughter's leg and whispered, "Go thank the Master."
Lin Jinlou's expression darkened slightly.
Noticing this, Xiao Juan immediately smiled broadly and exclaimed, "Congratulations, Mistress! This afternoon I saw two magpies chattering in the trees—they were heralding this joyful event! Truly, congratulations!" Xiao Juan's naturally charming demeanor made her words persuasive, and the other maids rushed to offer congratulations, eagerly addressing Xianglan as "Mistress."
Xianglan bit her lip. To outsiders, being elevated to concubine was an immense honor. As someone born into servitude—who'd struggled desperately to escape bondage—staying with the Lin Family would have meant eventually being matched with a servant. Now she could become concubine to a third-rank general; her whole family ought to weep with gratitude and burn incense at their ancestral graves.
Since deciding to shed her servant status and enter the Lin Family in this life, fortune had never favored her. Each time she escaped a desperate situation, another blow would immediately plunge her deeper into despair. She blamed no one—it was simply fate. Among all the runaway concubines from wealthy families, she was likely the most docile, quietly remaining in the temple, yet trouble always found her, unavoidable no matter how she tried to hide.She was well aware of her own status and limitations, having never harbored delusions of becoming the esteemed lady of the Lin Family. In this lifetime, being with Lin Jinlou meant nothing more than serving as a concubine who relied on her looks for favor. Who knew when, while her beauty remained, his affection might already fade? She would then become like a decorative object, displayed within the deep courtyards of the Lin Family, slowly withering away her youth. She simply couldn’t resign herself to a lifetime as a plaything, forever serving the master and mistress with servile humility. Had she been willing to accept the fate of a concubine, she would have long ago agreed to Song Ke’s proposal. Lin Jinlou called her a “mute gourd,” and everyone thought her ungrateful. The maids whispered among themselves, calling her pretentious, but how could she voice the thoughts filling her heart? Who could possibly understand her feelings? Every time she defied Lin Jinlou’s wishes, she was met with violence. The last time, when he saw a fan gifted to her by Song Ke, he flew into a rage and nearly strangled her. If she dared say she didn’t wish to be Lin Jinlou’s concubine, he would surely punish her severely. She couldn’t afford to risk everything—she still had her parents to care for. The defiance she once mustered against Lin Jinlou had long been worn away by his ruthless methods, leaving only a sliver buried deep in her heart. She carefully guarded her words and expressions, growing increasingly silent, playing the part of a meek, purring cat in Lin Jinlou’s presence.
She had known since Yangzhou that this day would come. Having saved Qin Shi and her daughter, it was only natural that Lin Jinlou would grant her some status. But once this status was confirmed, it would be difficult to break free in the future.
Yet, given the current circumstances, what difference did the title of “Concubine” really make?
Seeing Xianglan bow her head in silence, Lin Jinlou’s broad smile gradually faded, his expression turning colder. Suddenly, Xianglan stood and curtseyed, saying, “Thank you for your favor, Master.”
Chen Wanquan, Xue Shi, and the maid Xiao Juan breathed sighs of relief. Lin Jinlou smiled, feeling somewhat pleased, but noticing Xianglan still with her head bowed, he looked closer and saw a glimmer in her eyes, as if tears were welling up. His brow furrowed again, and that flicker of joy vanished.
After the meal, Chen Wanquan and Xue Shi prepared to leave. Xianglan was reluctant to see them go, holding Xue Shi’s hand and saying, “Take good care of yourselves, you and Father. Come visit me often. In a couple of days, I’ll return home to see you.” The maid Hua Shan and servant boy Huacai, who attended to Chen Wanquan and Xue Shi, had also arrived. Xianglan called them over, giving each one tael of silver, presenting Hua Shan with a silver hairpin and Huacai with a silver button. She instructed them to serve diligently and to ensure her father drank less alcohol, among other reminders.
Lin Jinlou ordered Shuangxi to prepare a carriage to escort Chen Wanquan and Xue Shi home. As they departed, the maids brought out identical embroidered silk gilded five-colored large boxes filled with fine dishes and food, along with a ghost-faced blue floral jar containing excellent wine. Additionally, there were local specialties and silk fabrics brought back from Yangzhou, a pair of exquisite antique vases for Chen Wanquan, and a set of gold hair ornaments for Xue Shi.
After seeing them off, the Knowing Spring Pavilion grew quiet. Lin Jinlou picked up a book and read by the lamplight, surrounded by a stack of official documents and letters—matters delayed during his recent trip to Yangzhou. Xianglan stole a glance at him, then quietly washed up in the warm chamber, let down her hair, changed her clothes, and slipped along the wall to the bedside. Gently lifting the quilt, she lay down without a sound.Lin Jinlou caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye, and half of his initial fury subsided. He found it somewhat amusing inwardly, thinking, "How foolish. If you knew it would upset me, why didn’t you act earlier?" Still displeased, he tossed the book aside and strode toward the bed.
Xianglan was startled and wrapped herself tighter in the quilt, burying her head beneath it. Lin Jinlou stepped forward, yanking the quilt away with a swift motion. His face was stern as he snapped, "Get up!"
Xianglan trembled all over in fear.
Lin Jinlou said coldly, "I’m talking to you! Stop pretending to be dead here!"
Ling Qing had intended to come in and add tea, but she was frightened by his shout. Just then, she felt a tug on her sleeve and saw Xue Ning standing behind her, shaking her head. Xue Ning whispered, "Let’s go. Don’t go in now. We’ll wait until the master calls for us." Hesitantly, Ling Qing followed Xue Ning away.
Inside the room, Xianglan slowly sat up, curling her legs and lowering her head.
Lin Jinlou pointed at her and demanded, "Who were you making faces at during the meal earlier, huh? I gave you face, and you don’t want it, is that it? Are you feeling wronged being my concubine? Speak!" He then sneered, "Are you still thinking about Song Ke in your heart?"
Xianglan was truly afraid of Lin Jinlou’s anger. She cautiously glanced up at him. The mention of "Song Ke" had ignited Lin Jinlou’s fury, but as he was fuming, he suddenly noticed Xianglan’s frightened, pitiful expression and froze, the rest of his words catching in his throat.
Xianglan twisted her fingers together nervously and whispered softly, "I haven’t..."
Perhaps these three words pleased him. At first, Lin Jinlou thought he had misheard, but once he understood, he felt all the anger in his chest vanish completely. He clenched his hand into a fist, coughed lightly into it, and sat down on the edge of the bed.
Thanks to 1301429098 for the Peach Blossom Fan,胖wanghua001 and 目泯空花 for the sachets, qian20051978 for two Peace Talismans, and 可爱柚子 and 書海路人 for the Peace Talismans. Also, thank you all for the pink votes^_^
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