A small sedan chair stopped beside the Hanging Flower Gate of the Lin Family residence in the capital. An old woman stepped forward to lift the curtain and helped the woman inside alight, smiling as she said, "The Eldest Young Miss has arrived. The Master is currently receiving guests in the front and isn't here at the moment."
Lin Dongwan, the elder sister of Lin Jinlou and daughter of Concubine Yin, straightened her clothes before bending down to lead a child of about three years old out from the sedan. She smiled and said, "I'll wait for my elder brother then." Holding up her skirt with one hand and leading the child with the other, she walked inside, asking, "Who came along this time?" Just then, she saw Shuran emerging from the main room. Lin Dongwan immediately left the old woman behind and approached with a beaming smile, saying, "Let me see who this is."
Shuran smiled and said, "So it's the Eldest Young Miss. Please come inside and sit." She then bent down to playfully tease the child, saying, "This must be Hui Ge'er, right? You've grown so tall."
Hui Ge'er clung to Lin Dongwan's leg, sucking his finger without saying a word. Lin Dongwan patted the child's head and said to Shuran with a smile, "This child is shy, as gentle as a girl, and doesn't talk much." Seeing no one else around, she quietly took Shuran's hand, pulled a sachet from her sleeve, and handed it over, whispering, "It's been so long since we last met. This is a small token of my affection. Last time you mentioned wanting to make a silver necklace but were missing a lock. Coincidentally, I happened to get one. Please don't refuse it."
Shuran reached out and felt the sachet, finding it quite heavy. She smiled and said, "How can I accept this?"
Lin Dongwan put on a stern face and said, "Back at home, we even slept in the same bed, and you used to comb my hair. Why wouldn't you accept it?" Then, her expression softened into a smile again. "This is a token of our bond..."
Shuran held the sachet but did not put it away, merely smiling as she asked, "The Master has just returned. Is there something important that brings the Eldest Young Miss here today?"
Lin Dongwan replied, "What could be so important? I just missed my family and came to visit." After a pause, she added, "How has my elder brother been lately? I heard he was promoted again? Ah, since we're all family, I'll speak frankly. My good-for-nothing husband recently purchased an official position, but it's all for show—sounds impressive but lacks substance. He's not very satisfied with it. I heard there are some good positions in the Ministry of War. I wonder how well my elder brother is acquainted with the people there? You handle the visiting cards every day. Have you noticed anything?"
Shuran thought to herself, "Lin Dongwan is shrewd and calculating. I really don't want to get involved with anything she gives, but since she's asking about this, it might be acceptable to accept her gift." She smiled and said, "The Eldest Young Miss flatters me by asking such a question. I'm just a servant—how could I be involved in such matters? I only run errands for the Master. Matters regarding the visiting cards are handled by Mr. Kang and Mr. Qi in the front."
Lin Dongwan couldn't help but frown. Back when she was unmarried, she had helped her mother, Concubine Yin, scheme against Qin Shi in the Lin Family, and Lin Jinlou had always treated her coldly. After she married, Lin Jinlou's career flourished, and she couldn't resist trying to cozy up to him, but he remained unresponsive. Now that she had a favor to ask, she felt even more uncertain. She said to Shuran, "Then, about this matter..."
Shuran replied, "I'm too insignificant to be of help in this matter, Eldest Young Miss. Matters among gentlemen should be handled by gentlemen themselves. Why not have your husband invite the Master for a drink? Since we're all family, the Master surely wouldn't refuse such a gesture, would he?"Lin Dongwan's expression grew increasingly troubled. Seeing this, Shuran said no more and thought for a moment before speaking: "There is another way..." Noticing Lin Dongwan's intense gaze fixed upon her, she lowered her voice: "You probably haven't heard in the capital - the Master has taken a new concubine named Xianglan, whom he treasures above all others. From what I've observed, no one compares to the warmth he shows her. She came to the capital with no one to rely on. You might try getting closer to her - if the Master becomes pleased, half your request will be accomplished." As she spoke, she tucked the sachet into her sleeve.
Though Lin Dongwan felt suspicious, seeing Shuran accept the gift made her think: "Shuran is known for being reliable - if she weren't somewhat confident about this matter, she wouldn't take my things." She smiled and said: "Fortunately you've thought of this plan for me. If this succeeds, I'll show my gratitude further." Patting Shuran's hand, she led Hui Ge'er into the house.
Shuran naturally saw Lin Dongwan into the room attentively. After coming out, she found a secluded spot to open the sachet, pouring its contents into her palm. It was a silver lock, with "Long Life and Hundred Years" engraved on the front and "Auspiciousness and Good Fortune" on the back, hanging with four peach-shaped silver pendant tassels. The silver was of decent quality, clearly brushed clean before coming here, shining brightly.
Seeing the lock, Shuran felt somewhat disdainful, thinking: "This longevity lock must have been given to Hui Ge'er for his hundredth day celebration - something that's been stored for years, now brought out for social connections. Lin Dongwan was always calculating even before marriage. If she were sincerely asking for my help, she should at least have melted it down to recast a 'Fortune and Longevity Forever' lock suitable for adults - that would show some generosity." Thinking this, she passed through the second gate and summoned a servant boy to call her husband Xu Fu over. Thrusting the lock into Xu Fu's hand, she said: "Your brother had a son, and your mother complained the lock we gave was too small, giving me cold looks for no reason. Take this one instead and see if she's satisfied now."
Xu Fu looked at the lock in surprise: "Where did this come from? It's so exquisitely made."
Shuran sneered: "Never mind where it came from. Just take this lock back to save her from finding fault with you." Her eyes reddening as she spoke, she took out a handkerchief to wipe her tears and choked out: "I've been wholeheartedly devoted to our family, yet your mother always thinks I want something from your family. What could I possibly want? I only wanted you for your character, that we could live honestly together - otherwise, aren't there plenty of sons from shop managers at home? Any of them would be wealthier than your old Xu family!""Alright, alright. You know how my mother is. Now that we're in the capital and far away from her, let's not bring it up anymore." Seeing his wife in tears, Xu Fu felt utterly overwhelmed. His mother often warned him that a wife like Shuran was ambitious, always following the Master around and thinking too highly of herself. If not properly disciplined, she might not only become uncontrollable but even domineer over her husband. Yet Shuran was not one to be easily subdued, and she despised her mother-in-law's petty and vulgar temperament. Several times, the household had nearly descended into conflict. Caught in the middle, Xu Fu resented his mother for meddling and was displeased with Shuran's refusal to yield. But both were like deities to be revered—he dared not offend either.
Xu Fu, being somewhat capable, quick-witted, and eloquent, took advantage of the empty surroundings to pull Shuran into a corner. He pressed the lock into her hand and said with a smile, "Don't worry about Mother—I'll handle it. This lock looks quite nice; it'd be a pity to give it away. Let's keep it for ourselves. When we have a son someday, we can let him wear it."
Shuran spat in disdain, "Pah! Who's going to bear you a son?"
Xu Fu chuckled, "Of course, my wife will." After coaxing her gently for a while, Shuran's expression finally softened. She said, "From now on, take Guiyuan with you more often. Find opportunities to guide him, whether there's a reason or not."
Xu Fu asked, "Why?"
Shuran explained, "The Master can't let go of Xianglan. If she bears him a child in the future, she'll become even more formidable. Guiyuan is the only servant boy by her side. If you treat him well, he'll remember your kindness, and we'll benefit from it too. Right now, the Master hasn't married his principal wife yet. Once he does, the situation will change entirely. With me holding authority like this, the new mistress definitely won't tolerate it. It's better to build some goodwill now so we'll have more people to support us later."
Knowing his wife had considerable foresight, Xu Fu nodded in agreement and let the matter rest.
Meanwhile, Xianglan removed a few hair ornaments and changed into casual home clothes. She picked up a book to read when someone announced, "The Elder Miss has arrived." Rising to look, she saw a woman in her twenties enter. The woman had thick eyebrows, eyes that weren't particularly large, a high nose, red lips, and heavily powdered cheeks. Though not exceptionally beautiful, she had quite a charming presence. She wore a purple BeiZi embroidered with colorful cold plum blossoms and a lotus-root-colored cotton Ling skirt. Her hair was slicked back neatly, adorned with gold hair ornaments and a necklace. Before even speaking, she wore a smile and approached, saying, "This must be the young sister-in-law, right? My, you're so lovely—I thought I'd seen a Celestial Maiden!"
Only Xue Ning, an old-timer in the room, whispered to Xianglan, "This is the Master's elder sister, married to a young master of the Lu family in the capital."Xianglan hurriedly bowed and invited her to sit on the heated brick bed, ordering the maidservant to pour tea. With a slight smile, she greeted her and said, "I've only recently arrived in the capital and am not yet familiar with everyone. Please forgive any oversights." She thought to herself, "Concubine Yin is a beauty, and Lin Changzheng is also handsome, yet Lin Dongwan seems to have inherited their less favorable features. Though her features are regular, she doesn't compare to her two younger sisters in looks. Still, she's heavily made up and quite skilled at dressing up." She further pondered, "The Lu family in the capital? There is indeed a prominent family named Lu in the capital, but I wonder if Lin Dongwan married into that one." Noticing a young child dressed in silk with his hair tied in a topknot, she assumed he was Lin Dongwan's son, so she praised him a few times, had the maid bring him to the heated brick bed, and offered him some fruit to eat.
Lin Dongwan quickly glanced around and noticed that the clothes draped over the incense burner were all women's garments. Seeing Xianglan sitting in the room in casual attire, she realized that Xianglan usually resided in the main quarters. It suddenly dawned on her why Shuran valued this person so highly. Observing that Xianglan was dressed in fine silks, adorned with gold and silver, and possessed a radiant beauty, all her suspicions vanished. She merely smiled and said, "As a married daughter living far away, I haven't been able to return to my maiden home. Now that I'm in the capital, seeing how delightful you are, sister—even a Celestial Maiden couldn't be more adorable—I feel an instant connection. We must grow closer from now on." She then lavished praise on Xianglan, saying things like, "You couldn't find someone so charming even with a lantern," "Your elegance surpasses even that of a princess," and "No wonder my elder brother is so taken with you—the ones he had before, all put together, couldn't measure up to you," elevating Xianglan to celestial heights.
Xianglan sensed Lin Dongwan's flattery and felt extremely uncomfortable, merely replying, "You flatter me too much, Madam." She thought, "I've never had any relationship with Lin Dongwan before. Her efforts to please me clearly indicate she must want something."
As they spoke, unexpectedly, Lin Dongqi also arrived. Entering the room, she paused in surprise, then smiled gracefully and said, "So elder sister is here too."
Xianglan stood up to offer her a seat and instructed the maid to serve tea.
Lin Dongqi had her hair styled in a married woman's bun, adorned with pearls and jade, making her appear a couple of years older than before. She wore a peach-blossom patterned jacket and a bright red foreign crepe skirt, her makeup impeccably applied, radiating vitality. Beaming with joy, she greeted everyone, played with Hui Ge'er for a while, and then sat down, saying, "I heard you arrived in the capital yesterday, but it was already late, so I didn't want to disturb you. This morning, my husband urged me to come with him to see you. He and your elder brother are old acquaintances and often speaks of him."
The mention of "old acquaintances" made Lin Dongwan uneasy, and she remained silent, holding her tea bowl.
Xianglan also greeted Lin Dongqi, inquired after her well-being, and then steered the conversation to other casual topics, asking about the local customs and practices of the capital.
Just then, Shuran entered the room. Xianglan subtly signaled her with a glance and said to the two women, "Please make yourselves comfortable, ladies. I'll be back in a moment." She went to the eastern room, with Shuran following behind.
Xianglan asked, "Why is the elder young lady showering me with such excessive flattery?"
Shuran laughed and replied, "She came to ask the Master to help her husband secure a position in the Ministry of War. Since she's flattering you, Madam, just enjoy it. You've been rather bored staying in the residence all the time. It's good to socialize in the capital and build connections with other ladies. Forming a friendly relationship with her will give you a companion in the future."Xianglan said, "Seeking official positions outside is the gentlemen's affair. You know the Master's temperament well—this matter shouldn't be acknowledged, yet we can't afford to offend her either. Next time she comes, find excuses to decline if possible." With that, she started to leave.
Shuran quickly stopped her, saying, "Madam, you should still socialize with her to some extent. If she requests anything from you, as a clever person, you can judge the importance and decide for yourself."
Xianglan halted her steps but remained silent, merely looking at Shuran with a smile.
Shuran felt as though Xianglan had seen right through her and hurriedly added with an apologetic smile, "Don't you think that makes sense?"
Xianglan smiled again and simply said, "I understand." She thought to herself, "Even Lin Jinlou said the social interactions of the women in the household are up to me, yet Shuran is eagerly speaking up for Lin Dongwan, urging us to befriend each other. Someone like Lin Dongwan is clearly a 'camel trader across nine nations' at first glance—hardly an easy person to deal with. Shuran has likely accepted some favor from her. But since she put it this way, I might as well give Shuran some face and do Lin Dongwan a favor in passing." With this in mind, she went to the dressing table, opened a drawer, took out a pair of small silver ingots shaped like Ruyi scepters, placed them in a sachet, and came out to hand it to Hui Ge'er, saying, "For our first meeting, this is a small token of my regard. I hope the elder lady won't find it beneath her."
Lin Dongwan warmly replied, "What is this about? I didn't bring anything for you this visit, and here you are giving this child a gift." She repeatedly urged Hui Ge'er to express thanks. Hui Ge'er merely nestled in Lin Dongwan's arms, holding the sachet without saying a word.
After some more conversation, it was nearly noon. Lin Jinlou sent Guiyuan to inform them that he had guests in the front and wouldn't be back for the meal, asking Xianglan to host Lin Dongwan and Lin Dongqi for lunch in the residence. Xianglan thought for a moment, then instructed Ling Qing to invite Madam Tan and sent Xiao Juan to the kitchen to order dishes.
Madam Tan had originally intended to attend to Lin Jinxuan during his meal, but upon receiving Xianglan's invitation and hearing that both ladies had come, she hurried to change her clothes. After some consideration, she took out the most valuable set from her trunk, changed into it, re-did her hair and added flowers, applied makeup, and only then did she lean on her maid's hand and go.
This was Madam Tan's first time visiting Lin Jinlou's residence. She saw a crimson soft curtain hanging from the bronze hook outside the door, and inside, a large heated brick bed stretched beneath the south window, where Xianglan and the others were sitting and chatting. When they saw Madam Tan enter, they ordered the meal to be served.
Thank you to qian20051978 for the Peach Blossom Fan, and thanks to everyone for the pink votes^ You can now vote for characters in the work by clicking into the character roles—this doesn't cost anything. If you have votes, please help out, thank you~~ There's a pinned extra roles thread; those who want to make a cameo can post there. Try to use more classical names, as that increases the chance of appearing.
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