Now, as for the young ladies of the Lin family, after the lively events of the morning, everyone dispersed after lunch. Lin Dongqi kept Song Tanzhai at Huifeng Studio, which displeased Lin Dongxiu. She snorted and, leaning on her maid Hanzhi's hand, walked out. Just as she left the courtyard, she heard Lin Dongling calling from behind, "Sister, wait for me!" With that, Lin Dongling trotted over, linked arms with Lin Dongxiu, and nudged Hanzhi aside.
Lin Dongxiu glanced at Lin Dongling and sneered, "Why didn't you stay? It's bustling in Huifeng Studio."
Lin Dongling smiled cheerfully, "How could I bear to stay there? That one puts on a hypocritical act, always posturing and acting high and mighty, pretending to be the epitome of a refined young lady. I can't stand the sight of her."
"That one" clearly referred to Lin Dongqi. Lin Dongxiu had been competing with Lin Dongqi since childhood, and though she also looked down on Lin Dongling, she found her somewhat agreeable at the moment. A slight smile touched her lips as she whispered, "So Third Sister is sharp-eyed too. Even though we haven't seen each other for years, you've figured out who's loyal and who's treacherous in just a few days."
Lin Dongling lifted her chin proudly, "Of course! What demon or monster could escape my discerning eyes?" Then she frowned and added, "Second Sister is merely irritating to look at, but the truly detestable one is that Cao Lihuan. She's barely a relative, yet she clings to our household, refusing to leave. She acts all aloof, claiming she doesn't take a monthly allowance from the Lin family, but where does she get her food, clothing, shelter, and expenses if not from us? She's always demanding this and that. And she thinks she's superior, flaunting how much she spends on this and that."
"Exactly! She calls herself a renowned talented woman from Yuzhou, boasting dozens of poems compiled into a collection," Lin Dongxiu sneered slightly. "But she doesn't even recognize her own vulgar demeanor. Does she think wearing gold and silk makes her a noble lady? She's nothing but a shrew, yet she believes she's a beauty, constantly talking about how many talented suitors sought her hand in Yuzhou. Pah! For a young lady to discuss such things in the inner chambers—how shameful!"
Lin Dongling burst out laughing, "She's full of nonsense, and everyone in the household knows it."
Chatting back and forth about Cao Lihuan, the two grew much closer. They parted ways only when they reached a fork in the path. After Lin Dongling left, Hanzhi approached Lin Dongxiu and, gazing at Lin Dongling's retreating figure, whispered, "What is Third Miss up to? Why is she suddenly trying to befriend you?"
Lin Dongxiu snorted, "Unexpected kindness is either deceitful or thievish. What good intentions could she have? She used to think that as Song Tanzhai's proper cousin, she could always take the lead. But she didn't expect that little minx Lin Dongqi to cling to Song Tanzhai and keep her with just a few words. That's why Lin Dongling came running to me, hoping we could unite against outsiders. Does she think I can't see through her? Her eyes turned green the moment Young Master Song arrived."
Hanzhi supported Lin Dongxiu as they slowly walked back, "Speaking of Young Master Song, he is truly handsome, learned, and capable—a perfect match for you, miss. But Third Miss is his direct cousin, while we're more distant. With that relationship, it might be tricky. And we must also be wary of Second Miss."Lin Dongxiu sneered, "Second Sister crawled out from Madam's own womb. Madam would never willingly let her marry into a declining family like the Songs. She's wholly focused on securing a match with a prominent, powerful household. If Madam had any regard for the Song family, she would have arranged the marriage long ago. Similarly, Second Aunt shares the same sentiment. I've heard Second Uncle has his eye on the son of a colleague in the capital, a family with illustrious military achievements. Third Sister's little schemes will likely come to nothing. What is the Song family's current state? Old Master Song is dead, leaving behind a widow and orphan who've separated from the main family to live independently. Even if Brother Song is diligent and ambitious, he's only a xiucai for now. Even if he later passes the provincial exam and achieves honors on the golden list, it would take at least ten years to revive the family's fortunes."
Hanzhi worriedly said, "Miss, then such a family..."
"Such a family is perfect for me. The Song household is simple in structure, and Aunt Song has a gentle disposition. I wouldn't suffer any mistreatment after marrying in. As the saying goes, 'A starved camel is still bigger than a horse.' The Song family may appear to be in decline now, but they have considerable hidden wealth and assets—not to mention several shops in the capital. Brother Song is intelligent, driven, and responsible. A man like that is a hundred times better than any young master from a prominent family!" Lin Dongxiu grew more impassioned as she spoke, clenching her fists tightly. The thought of Song Ke's elegant and handsome demeanor made her face flush bright red.
Hanzhi said, "If that's the case, Miss, you should drop a hint to the Master and Madam soon. It's just a pity that Concubine is so timid; otherwise, she could help you a little. As it is, you're already this age and still haven't settled your marriage."
Lin Dongxiu patted Hanzhi's hand and sighed, "You're absolutely right. Concubine was thoroughly intimidated by Madam and now refuses to take any initiative. And I don't have a brother to support me either..."
It turned out that the eldest daughter of the main branch, Lin Dongwan, and Second Master Lin Jinxuan were siblings born of the same mother, Concubine Yin, who originally served as a senior maid by Lin Changzheng's side before being taken as a concubine. In earlier years, Qin Shi had a fierce temperament and frequently quarreled with Lin Changzheng. Concubine Yin, with her gentle and attentive nature, shared a long-standing bond with Lin Changzheng, who thus favored her. However, Qin Shi was also clever; she gradually tempered her disposition. With the support of her influential natal family, which greatly aided Lin Changzheng's official career, and through deliberate efforts to win him over, Lin Changzheng came to appreciate his principal wife's insight and broad-mindedness, qualities he found lacking in concubines who only knew how to serve. Consequently, he grew warmer toward his wife.
As Concubine Yin gradually fell out of favor, she grew resentful and secretly employed some tricks. Qin Shi, while consolidating her position by winning over Lin Changzheng, simultaneously suppressed Concubine Yin behind the scenes. After two or three severe reprisals, Concubine Yin—who was fundamentally honest at heart—was thoroughly cowed by Qin Shi and dared not entertain any further rebellious thoughts, becoming submissive in all matters. Later, Lin Changzheng's superior gifted him a beautiful concubine named Bao, whom he doted on for a time before losing interest. Concubine Bao bore only one daughter, Lin Dongxiu, and became little more than a decorative fixture in the household. Lin Changzheng no longer paid her any mind, and by extension, he was not particularly attentive to Lin Dongxiu either. In contrast, five years ago, Qin Shi, despite her age, gave birth to another son, named Lin Jinyuan. Lin Changzheng was utterly overjoyed and grew even more respectful and affectionate toward Qin Shi.With a capable birth mother, children have someone to rely on. At this moment, Lin Dongqi had changed into a half-new indigo blue silk gown and was sitting by the kang table on the Arhat Bed sketching floral patterns, while Song Tanzhai sat on the other side making a pouch. The two occasionally exchanged a few words. Ta Sha brought over a cup of hot tea and said, "Both young ladies should rest for a while."
Lin Dongqi whispered, "I'm not tired yet." She then gestured with her lips toward Ta Sha: "Go fetch the candy and pastry box."
Ta Sha returned shortly with it. Lin Dongqi pushed the red sandalwood eight-treasure box inlaid with mother-of-pearl toward Song Tanzhai and said, "These cream almonds and amber walnuts are freshly made. Try them while they're fresh, sister."
Song Tanzhai picked up a piece and put it in her mouth. Lin Dongqi took the pouch Song Tanzhai was working on, examined it, and praised, "Sister, you truly have skillful hands. I wonder who will be fortunate enough to marry you in the future."
Song Tanzhai's face flushed instantly, and she stammered, "What are you saying, sister!"
Lin Dongqi smiled and said, "Why are you embarrassed? There are no outsiders here anyway. What kind of family background are you looking for? I'll mention it to Mother later and have her keep an eye out for you too." Seeing Song Tanzhai lower her head without speaking, she probed indirectly, "Speaking of which, it's only proper for the eldest brother to get engaged first before you can discuss marriage. Brother Song isn't young anymore either."
Song Tanzhai said, "Mother has been wanting to arrange a marriage for brother too. She's looked at several families and thought they were all good, but brother isn't satisfied. He says he'll get engaged after achieving scholarly honors, and that it doesn't matter if a real man waits a few more years to marry. So Mother has let it be for now."
Lin Dongqi nodded with a smile, agreeing: "What your brother said makes perfect sense. After all, he has maids attending to him in his chambers, so it's not too late to start a family later... Take my eldest brother for example—he had two Bedchamber Attendants serving him before marriage, and that worked out quite well." She silently added in her heart, "Though they were all dismissed before the wedding, none were kept."
Song Tanzhai shook her head: "Originally, there was a maid named Hongxiu in brother's room who was different from the others. But who would have thought she fell ill and died a year ago? Mother wanted to give him Shanhu from her side, but brother refused, saying that next year's spring imperial examination is coming up and everything should focus on his studies and achievements."
Having extracted the information she wanted, Lin Dongqi was satisfied and went on to inquire about other family matters of the Song family. The two engaged in a question-and-answer conversation for a long time.
After dinner, Song Tanzhai accompanied by her personal maid Juanhua went for a walk by the lake. Seeing no one around, Juanhua couldn't help but complain to Song Tanzhai: "Young lady, really, you said so much about your own family affairs to Miss Qi today, even bringing up whether the Eldest Master has Bedchamber Attendants to gossip about. These aren't things young ladies in the inner chambers should discuss, let alone tell outsiders. What if word gets out and causes trouble?"
Song Tanzhai rubbed her temples and said, "Don't worry, I said it on purpose. Brother's character and appearance are both outstanding—originally, seeking to marry a legitimate daughter of the Lin family wouldn't be anything remarkable. But now that the Song family is in decline, it's not so easy anymore. Brother always says that among the Lin family's young ladies, only Second Miss is relatively kind, and he told me to get closer to her. From what I've observed, Sister Qi seems to have the same intention, so I revealed a bit to let her know. It's nothing serious."Juanhua nodded repeatedly, and the mistress and maid left together, not to mention for now."
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