In recent days, the maids had been busy packing luggage. Xianglan reported to Lin Jinlou and found an opportunity to return to the Chen family. Upon hearing that Xianglan would accompany Lin Jinlou to the capital, Xue Shi called Hua Shan inside and, holding her hand, said to Xianglan, "This girl is very clever and sensible. Take her with you. The Lin Family maids may not be loyal to you—they might flatter you now but turn against you once the Master marries a new wife... Alas, no matter how good they are, they can never compare to someone from our own family."
These words struck a chord with Xianglan. Even Chun Ling, whom she had once trusted wholeheartedly, had turned against her without hesitation, leaving Xianglan more guarded. Aside from Xiao Juan, she truly had no one else reliable by her side. She observed Hua Shan, who had grown considerably taller since first arriving at the Chen family. With delicate features and dressed in a willow-green gown, she presented a clever and pleasing appearance.
Xianglan smiled and said, "She has always been quick-witted. Since Mother is giving her to me, you can buy another good one when you see one." As she spoke, she took out a fifty-tael banknote.
Xue Shi quickly declined, "I still have Fanhua to attend to me. Our family isn’t wealthy like those with crowds of Female Servants; having someone to serve tea and water is enough."
Just then, Chen Wanquan brought over a sandalwood box carved with dragons and handed it to Xianglan, beaming with joy. "My dear daughter, open it and take a look."
Xianglan opened the box and found a complete set of antique gold jewelry inlaid with kingfisher feathers, glittering brilliantly and adorned with various gems, jade, and coral. The set included hair flowers, hairpins, hair ornaments, bracelets, necklaces, and more—over a dozen pieces filling the box to the brim.
Xianglan exclaimed in surprise, "This... what is this?"
Chen Wanquan rubbed his hands together, wearing an expression of both pride and eagerness to please. "This set is an antique from the previous dynasty, said to have been part of the dowry of a nobleman’s principal wife. I thought that since you’re now esteemed and the Master is even hosting a banquet for you, even though our family isn’t as wealthy as the great households, we now live comfortably with servants and carriages. This is, after all, your marriage—we can’t let others look down on you. I had to get you some dignified items. This set was recently acquired, and it was no easy task to gather a complete collection. You have to credit your father’s discerning eye—I spotted it right away. Though the price was steep, it was worth it. I gritted my teeth and bought it. Hurry and put it on so we can see how it looks."
Xianglan looked at her father’s face, now marked with more frost at his temples, and saw him smiling at her cautiously, urging her repeatedly to wear the jewelry. In this life, her father, despite his flaws, had always done his utmost to give her the best.
Xianglan felt a lump in her throat and quickly turned away to hide it, picking up a jeweled hair flower to pin in her hair. Chen Wanquan showered her with praise, and the family chatted together until Guiyuan came to the door several times to hurry her along. Reluctantly, Xianglan finally took Hua Shan and left. For now, this is all that shall be told.
On the day Lin Jinlou set off for the capital with Xianglan, the procession was grand and imposing. Accompanying them were Shuran, Xiao Juan, Ling Qing, Ling Su, Xue Ning, and Hua Shan, along with the servant boys Ji Xiang, Shuangxi, and Xianglan’s own servant boy Guiyuan. Additionally, a troop of guards, armed with swords and mounted on horses, added to the majestic air.Xianglan had nothing to do in the carriage, so Xiao Juan, Xue Ning, and others kept her company by playing cards to pass the time. Xianglan wasn't particularly fond of card games and grew tired of it after a while. She simply smiled as she watched the maids play, taking out a handful of coins to distribute among them for betting. At times, she leaned against the soft cushions to nap, or slightly lifted the carriage curtain to peek at the scenery along the way, finding it quite a pleasant diversion.
During a rest stop, Xianglan quietly pleaded with Lin Jinlou, asking if she could step out for a stroll. Lin Jinlou was highly reluctant. Seeing his stern expression, Xianglan lowered her head, knowing it was hopeless. Observing her dejected demeanor, Lin Jinlou's heart softened slightly. He ordered someone to fetch a conical hat with a veil and placed it on Xianglan's head before allowing her to step down from the carriage.
Nowadays, Xianglan and Lin Jinlou managed to coexist peacefully. On the day she brought Hua Shan home, fearing Lin Jinlou's displeasure, she racked her brains and recalled that he had once asked her to make a lambskin sachet. Shuran had even specially procured a piece of fine leather for it. At the time, preoccupied with her desire to leave the estate, she had only cut the pattern before abandoning the project. Now, she dug it out again, sewed it up, added a trim, and adorned it with tassels. From a small box, she selected a fan pendant, removed the orchid-shaped jade from it, and attached it to the tassel, stringing a few glass and amber beads along it. The sachet was completed in an afternoon.
Xianglan had always been skilled with her hands and possessed an elegant taste. Xue Ning and Ling Qing both praised the sachet for its beauty.
When Lin Jinlou returned, she handed him the sachet, saying only, "I finished this sachet a while ago but forgot to give it to you, Master..." After a long silence with no response, she grew puzzled. Looking up, she saw Lin Jinlou turning the sachet over and over in his hand, a slight smile curling his lips, though his words were critical: "What kind of thing have you made here, huh? A perfectly good sachet, yet you added a trim and this dangling string at the bottom—it looks like something a woman would use... Ahem, but since you put your heart into it, I'll reluctantly make do." With that, he fastened it to his belt.
Xianglan inwardly complained about his difficult nature, but during dinner, she noticed he ate an extra bowl of rice and afterward hummed a tune while playing with his birds. Sensing his good mood, she seized the opportunity to bring up the matter of Hua Shan. Lin Jinlou was utterly indifferent, merely saying, "Tell Shuran about it later—she can receive a monthly allowance like the others."
Since she made that sachet, Lin Jinlou had shown a bit more amiability. Though his temper was explosive, it was like a firecracker—it wouldn't ignite unless provoked.
Finally, they arrived in the capital. The Lin Family also owned a residence here, which, though not as grand as their estate in Jinling, was still quite imposing. Exhausted from the journey, everyone was worn out. Xiao Juan, who was naturally fond of eating and sleeping, and Hua Shan, who was still young, went to rest first. Xue Ning went to heat water, while Ling Qing and Ling Su carried in the trunks containing bedding and began unpacking and making the beds. After washing her face and changing clothes, Xianglan let her hair down and dismissed everyone to rest.After being busy for a while in the front, Lin Jinlou returned to the Inner Chambers. He saw the curtains drawn low, and Xianglan was already fast asleep. Only Xue Ning remained in the room, forcing her drooping eyelids open to attend to him. Lin Jinlou merely washed his face before dismissing her. After changing his clothes, he lay down beside Xianglan. Turning over, he noticed her rosy cheeks and dark hair spread across the pillow, making her appear even more delicate. He couldn't understand how this woman, as beautiful as a flower, could have so much stubbornness in her bones—sometimes it pained him to the core, yet he couldn't let her go.
Lin Jinlou was exceptionally clever; he had long seen through it. Though Xianglan now appeared docile, deep down she remained untamed, likely harboring something in her heart. She had slipped away once before, and this time Lin Jinlou dared not be careless. He had resolved to keep her by his side from now on, watching her closely under his very eyes—
PS: I've created two characters. Now, by clicking into the work's character section, you can vote for the characters in the book. This doesn't cost any money. If you have votes, please lend a hand, thank you~~^_^
Thanks to Fat wanghua001 for the Peach Blossom Fan, qian20051978 for the sachet, bubu8915 for two Peace Talismans, and jojo8129, Bookfriend 131025212020758, and Weifeipiaoguo for the Peace Talismans. Also, thank you all for the pink votes. Additionally, by clicking into the work's character section, you can vote for the characters in the book. This doesn't cost any money. If you have votes, please lend a hand, thank you~~ There's a pinned thread for extra roles; those interested in making a cameo can reply there. Try to use more classical names—this will increase your chances of appearing.
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