Xianglan kept her head lowered, twisting her fingers, only hearing Lin Jinlou’s slow, deliberate voice above her: “Oh, so that’s not what you meant. Then what was that expression about earlier?”
Xianglan thought to herself, “If I say it’s because I don’t want to be a concubine, who knows how furious he might get. It’s definitely not something to bring up.” After turning it over in her mind a few times, she managed to come up with an excuse: “Because… because my zodiac sign clashes this year. It’s not a good time for such matters, and I was afraid you’d be upset if I mentioned it…”
Lin Jinlou paused, skeptical. “Really? That’s all?”
Xianglan hummed in affirmation, staring down at her fingertips and saying nothing more.
Lin Jinlou frowned slightly. He didn’t care much about zodiac signs, but his parents—even his grandfather—paid attention to such things. A few years ago, when he went out to suppress bandits, his mother had cried all day, adamantly refusing to let him go, saying his zodiac was inauspicious that year and he might suffer bloodshed. On the battlefield, he did indeed get slashed by a blade and had to recuperate for some time… Perhaps there really was something to these taboos? Little Xianglan had always believed in Buddha and the gods, so if that was the reason, it made sense.
Impatiently, Lin Jinlou said, “Just because of this nonsense, why didn’t you say so during the meal?” Then he remembered how afraid of him Xianglan was. If she had dared to bring it up at the table, he would have been displeased anyway, likely thinking she was unwilling and simply making trouble. He fell silent awkwardly, running a hand through his hair. “Well… if it can’t be this year, then forget it. There are already plenty of celebrations this year—Second Brother just finished his in the capital, and Fourth Sister’s wedding is coming up soon. Taitai thinks highly of you and has already told me she wants to give you a Grandeur ceremony. I’m worried she might overexert herself. We’ll wait until next spring and pick an auspicious day.”
“There’s no need for Grandeur, and no need to trouble Taitai. It’s not a big deal anyway.”
“How is it not a big deal? You foolish girl, this is Taitai showing you respect, making sure no one can look down on you in the future. Why would you turn down such a good thing?”
“Taitai is quite busy…”
“Then let Shuran handle the arrangements, and Taitai can oversee it when the time comes. I’ll also invite a few friends to make it lively.” Lin Jinlou reached out, pulling Xianglan into his embrace. “This is to show those servants in the mansion—every one of them has eyes only for wealth and status… Ah, well, we’ll have to wait until next year anyway.” As he spoke, he patted Xianglan absently, lost in thought for a moment.
Xianglan leaned against Lin Jinlou’s chest, breathing in the scent of his clothes—a mix of soap, mint from his sachet, and his masculine aura—feeling slightly uncomfortable. She could only fix her gaze on Lin Jinlou’s hands. They were large and broad, the calluses on his palms worn from gripping a sword and reins, entirely different from Song Ke’s slender, pale hands… When she and Song Ke parted, she had thought she would eventually marry a scholar, regardless of status, as long as he was virtuous, ambitious, gentle, and kind-hearted, with a respectable family. The man would study diligently, earn an official rank, and she would sell her paintings for silver, gradually acquiring a few acres of land. Life would surely get better and better.
Who could have imagined things would turn out like this…
Xianglan sighed silently. Some things were better not pondered too deeply—dwelling on them only brought distress. She didn’t want to push herself so harshly anymore. Before, her heart had burned with anxiety, each day in the Lin Family feeling like an ordeal. In the end, aside from tears, what had her stubbornness earned her but wounds and pain?She took a deep breath, as if doing so could cool her troubled heart. The worst outcome at present was becoming Lin Jinlou's concubine, but as long as she drew breath, she would struggle against these shackles—she couldn't spend her life as a plaything trading on her looks. Still, this matter couldn't be rushed.
Lost in thought, she suddenly heard Lin Jinlou say, "I'll be heading to the capital in a few days—first to have an audience with His Majesty, second to handle some affairs there, and third, since the fourth sister is getting married and Marquis Yongchang's residence is in the capital, to deliver some dowry gifts. This time, you'll come with me. Have the maids pack your luggage later."
Xianglan was taken aback. She lifted her eyes to glance at Lin Jinlou, who was casually examining the glass screen on the table. Sensing her gaze, he looked down at her with a smile. "What? Don't want to go?"
Xianglan quickly lowered her head and said swiftly, "No, I'd very much like to go." It had been over ten years since she last returned to the capital. Everyone from Shen Jia was dead, and those who survived were scattered who knew where. Though the capital held no one she cared about now, it was filled with memories. She wanted to go back, yet she felt somewhat timid.
Lin Jinlou pinched Xianglan's small chin, lifting her face, then reached out to tuck the hair beside her cheek behind her ear. Seeing her slightly flushed face, he softened his voice. "Once we reach the capital, I'll take you around to see the sights. Wherever you want to go, just tell me, and I'll definitely bring you." He then made promises to her—where they would eat, which operas they would listen to, and whose gardens they would visit.
After speaking for a while, Lin Jinlou felt content. He patted Xianglan's head, told her to rest first, and then went back to reviewing official documents.
Xianglan lay on the bed, her mind wandering, and eventually drifted into a hazy sleep without realizing when.
The next day, after breakfast, Lin Jinlou went out. Before leaving, he instructed Shuran to handle the packing for him and Xianglan. Xianglan then ordered Chun Ling to open the trunks and select spring and summer clothes to bring along, also picking out a few items to reward the maids around her.
Chun Ling quietly asked, "For this trip, who does the new concubine wish to bring along?"
Xianglan hesitated slightly. Lin Jinlou had told her to bring four or five maids this time, "so it won't be like in Yangzhou, where you had no reliable people to serve you." Xianglan mentally reviewed the options: Lianxin and Tinglan were helping Qin Shi with arrangements and naturally couldn't be taken. She wanted to bring Chun Ling, Xiao Juan, Ling Qing, and Ling Su. The first two had a special bond with her, having shared hardships—that went without saying—while Ling Qing and Ling Su were ones she wished to promote. However, ever since her return, Chun Ling had been at odds with her. Xianglan knew perfectly well that Chun Ling was unhappy about Ling Qing and Ling Su, hence her aloofness and reluctance to be directed.
Xianglan felt displeased but, remembering their past closeness and considering Chun Ling as someone who spoke without malice, she tolerated it. She planned to have a proper talk with her later to clear the air, yet the thought of Chun Ling's fiery, unyielding temperament gave her a headache.
Faced with the question now, Xianglan hesitated again. After all, she was closer to Chun Ling and feared that mentioning she would also bring Ling Qing and Ling Su would upset Chun Ling even more.
Just then, Xiao Juan lifted the curtain and announced, "Fourth Young Lady is here."
The announcement came as a relief to Xianglan. She quickly stood up and said to Chun Ling, "Hurry and prepare tea for Fourth Young Lady."Lin Dongxiu had already entered with her maid, wearing a bright peach-red silk embroidered jacket with birds and flowers, and a water-blue lark-pleated skirt. Her hair was intricately styled, adorned with a full set of red gold lantern hair ornaments, and her face was lightly made up with rouge and powder. Not a trace of her previous sickly appearance remained; she was radiant, with delicate cheeks, as if she had become a different person. The maid following her was Qiang Wei, who had originally served in Qin Shi’s quarters. Because Lin Dongxiu was getting married and Lin Zhaoxiang had given his approval, Qin Shi had selected four maids from her own household, promoting Qiang Wei to first-class status and assigning her to serve Lin Dongxiu.
As soon as she entered, Lin Dongxiu took Xianglan’s hand, looking her over left and right, and said, “Amitabha, you’re finally back.” She warmly linked arms with Xianglan and continued, “I heard you returned yesterday and came over, but you were already asleep. Knowing you must be exhausted from the journey, I didn’t dare disturb you. And you even specially brought gifts for me—every flower in that box is lovely, and the Court Powder, Hair Oil, and Rouge are all wonderful, so fragrant and fine. You’ve truly gone to great lengths.” As they spoke, the two sat down together.
Seeing her like this, Xianglan thought to herself, “Some weep while others laugh. I heard Lin Dongling’s spirit tablet has been set up, and no one knows where she’s been sent off to. Meanwhile, Lin Dongxiu has gained an unexpected advantage. As the saying goes, ‘Good fortune lies within bad, bad fortune lurks within good.’ With her temperament, marrying into that family may not necessarily be a blessing. Still, since she’s achieved her wish in the end, it’s worth celebrating.” So she smiled and said, “You’re about to be a bride—even if something unflattering were smeared on your face, you’d still look charming.”
Lin Dongxiu pretended to be angry, saying, “Even you’re teasing me!” Then she covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed.
Lin Dongxiu had originally disliked Xianglan, but now, owing Xianglan a favor and feeling proud of her advantageous marriage, her aversion had completely vanished, replaced by a sense of closeness. She instructed Qiang Wei to open the box she had brought. Inside, Xianglan saw two-color needlework, all made by Lin Dongxiu, along with two books, writing brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, all given to Xianglan as gifts.
Lin Dongxiu said with a cheerful smile, “These writing tools are top-quality items my father gave to us sisters. I don’t have much use for them usually, but you’re a refined person—giving them to you is a perfect match.”
Xianglan smiled faintly and replied, “Since it’s your kind intention, I’ll accept them.”
After chatting for a while, as noon approached, Shuran came in to speak with Xianglan, and Lin Dongxiu took her leave.
Xiao Juan came in to clear the cups and tea set, grumbling, “I never knew the Fourth Young Lady was such a chatterbox. Just now, it was all her talking nonstop, going on and on about her wedding preparations. She drank cup after cup of tea and didn’t even think to leave.”
Xianglan rubbed her temples and said, “This is her moment of triumph; it’s hard for her to hold back.” Lin Dongxiu was overjoyed about her prestigious match, and though Xianglan had tried several times to change the subject, Lin Dongxiu would inevitably steer it back to her trousseau, so Xianglan had simply let her talk to her heart’s content.
Xianglan took a sip of tea and asked, “Where’s Chun Ling? I haven’t seen her since earlier. I asked her to serve tea to the Fourth Young Lady, but she left and never returned.”
Xiao Juan pursed her lips and said, “Her? Who knows where she went. Today, Qiang Wei came, and those two have been at odds ever since the promotion to first-class maid. Later, Qiang Wei followed the Fourth Young Lady and became a Secondary Miss, which made Chun Ling uncomfortable. Seeing Qiang Wei here with the Fourth Young Lady today, she probably didn’t want to stick around and serve.”As they were speaking, Ling Qing and Xue Ning entered, each holding a vase with long branches of peach blossoms, clearly having just cut fresh flowers from the tree. Hearing Xianglan ask about Chun Ling, Ling Qing said, "Sister Chun Ling has already gone home. Didn't she inform you, Madam?"
Xianglan was taken aback and asked, "What happened?"
Ling Qing replied, "This morning, Sister Chun Ling came into our room to summon us to serve the Fourth Young Lady for tea. When she saw Ling Su and me packing our belongings, she asked what we were doing. We told her it was your order for us to accompany you to the capital. Sister Chun Ling then... she said she was going home immediately. I saw her carrying a bundle out of the Knowing Spring Pavilion."
Xianglan was astonished and furrowed her brows.
Xue Ning added, "I happened to be there when Chun Ling was leaving... I stopped her at the Hanging Flower Gate and tried to persuade her for a long time, but I couldn't change her mind. She said she wasn't feeling well and was afraid of passing her illness to her masters..."
Xianglan's expression turned grim. Anyone could see what was really happening—Chun Ling's tantrum felt like a slap across her face.
Shuran said sharply, "What does she mean by that? Who gave her permission to leave the residence without authorization? If even persuasion couldn't stop her, does she expect Madam to personally go and beg her to return?"
Xiao Juan glanced at Xianglan and said, "Should I... should I go to her home and try to persuade her to come back?"
Xianglan closed her eyes briefly. Though she was good-natured and knew to repay kindness, she was no fool who would allow herself to be bullied and manipulated. When she first came to the Knowing Spring Pavilion as a concubine, she had been utterly despondent and indifferent to everything else, letting Chun Ling take charge. Chun Ling had grown accustomed to making decisions for her, so now, at the slightest hint of dissatisfaction, Chun Ling dared to make a scene, trampling her dignity underfoot.
When Xianglan opened her eyes again, they were clear and resolute. She said to Xue Ning, "Go and get ready. Since Chun Ling is ill, you will take her place." Then she turned to Xiao Juan, "Go to the drawer by my bed, take twenty taels of silver, and deliver it to Chun Ling. Tell her that since she's unwell, she should rest properly at home and not rush to return. This twenty taels is for her medical expenses. If it's not enough, I'll give more."
Xiao Juan pouted, "Even after all this, you're still so good to her."
Xianglan only urged, "Go quickly." By having Xue Ning replace Chun Ling, she was sending a clear message of displeasure to Chun Ling. Giving the silver, on the other hand, showed that she still cherished their past relationship. If Chun Ling was smart, she would know to restrain her behavior upon returning, and Xianglan would treat her as before. If not... Xianglan shook her head. She would repay Chun Ling's kindness, but she couldn't allow anyone to act recklessly around her.
Shuran couldn't help but nod in approval. She hadn't expected this seemingly gentle girl to handle matters so adeptly. Servants like Chun Ling, who flaunted their past favors, were the hardest to manage—if treated too harshly, one would be accused of ingratitude; if too lenient, they would be seen as weak and unable to command respect. Xianglan's approach was just right—flawless and leaving no room for criticism.Chunling returned home in a huff, carrying her bundle, and immediately gulped down a large bowl of tea upon entering. These past days had been particularly frustrating for her. She couldn't understand why, despite being Xianglan's most capable maid—whose words carried more weight than even Lianxin's in the Knowing Spring Pavilion, with countless junior maids eagerly running errands for her—she was consistently passed over for first-class positions. She had hoped Xianglan would speak up for her upon returning, but Xianglan had changed too. Previously, new maids were always sent to Chunling for training, yet this time, two newcomers were directly assigned duties that encroached on her authority and given second-class allowances—clearly a deliberate snub!
What grated most was seeing Qiangwei today. That little wench had been promoted to first-class after serving the Fourth Young Lady and now swaggered around the Knowing Spring Pavilion, flaunting her status until Chunling felt sick to her stomach. If she didn't make a stand now, she'd soon have no place left at all!
She knew Xianglan's temperament well: upon hearing of her departure, Xianglan would surely send someone to coax her back. But this time, no messenger would suffice—only Xianglan herself coming to apologize would make her return. If nothing else, she'd force Xianglan to remember this lesson about respecting her dignity.
That afternoon, Xiao Juan arrived. Chunling initially feigned illness to avoid her, but Xiao Juan barged in anyway, rattling off Xianglan's message like frying beans, plunked some silver on the table, and left without another word.
Chunling stood dumbfounded, utterly stunned.
Note: I was occupied with matters on Saturday, hence the delayed update—apologies. I've created two new characters—everyone please go vote for them! You each have three votes ^_^
Check the pinned post for the extra roles thread—those interested in cameo appearances, please comment there.
Also, Xianglan will definitely become the legal wife, not a concubine.
Many thanks to Qianniuyang and Huashan Lüshuizhou for the Peach Blossom Fans, Tuobawan'er for the sachet, Rikezhe, Lovely Pomelo, and Lonely Waiting for the Peace Talismans, as well as everyone for the pink votes! ^_^
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