Early the next morning, Xianglan helped Lin Jinlou get up for his martial arts practice, then returned to bed for a short nap. It wasn't until Ling Qing called her from outside the curtain that she finally rose. After washing up, Xiao Juan brought over the mirror case and combing tools to do Xianglan's hair. It was already late spring, and the mornings still carried a chill. Feeling her spring dress was too thin, Xianglan draped a Plum Orchid Chrysanthemum embroidered Sleeveless Jacket over it.
Xiao Juan came over and stroked the fabric a couple of times, admiringly saying, "This material is so smooth. Clothes made from high-quality silk are truly different, and paired with this embroidery pattern, it's absolutely perfect."
Seeing no one else around, Xianglan lowered her voice and said, "There's still some of this fabric left. If you use it sparingly when cutting, you could make a Sleeveless Jacket. If you like this pattern, I'll draw it for you later."
Xiao Juan exclaimed happily, "Really?" She shook Xianglan's arm and said, "Good Mistress, dear sister, you're the one who cares for me most... I don't want the pattern from your clothes, lest I embroider it and wear something too eye-catching. If you have time, just give me a simpler one—a peach blossom branch or a landscape would be fine. It would be easier to embroider and wouldn't waste the fabric."
Xianglan agreed repeatedly. Seeing Xiao Juan's delighted expression, she couldn't help but smile and say, "This month is your birthday. Let's pick a day when the Master is away, close the doors, order a table of good dishes, and have a proper celebration."
Before she could finish speaking, Lin Jinlou walked in wiping sweat from his brow, half an hour earlier than usual. He sat down directly beside Xianglan, pinched her chin, and stared at her face, saying, "What were you talking about just now? You looked so happy." Seeing Xianglan's cheeks flush pink, he lowered his voice and said, "I remember when you were a maid, you'd wear an orchid in your hair, look at your reflection in the lake, and sing and laugh. You should smile more often." With that, he leaned in to kiss her.
Xianglan blushed with embarrassment, dodging and pushing Lin Jinlou away as she said, "Master, go wash up first. You're covered in sweat."
Xiao Juan, noticing the teasing and affectionate look in Lin Jinlou's eyes, swiftly served tea and then slipped away.
Xianglan couldn't avoid him and ended up being held by Lin Jinlou, who kissed her before letting go and saying, "Don't eat anything yet, and don't drink tea either. A physician will be here soon to check your pulse."
Xianglan asked in surprise, "A physician? But I'm not sick. Why is a physician coming?"
Lin Jinlou said, "You haven't been able to conceive. I've found a highly skilled imperial physician to examine you."
This statement shocked Xianglan to her core. She hurriedly said, "I... I'm not sick, I..."
Seeing her face turn pale, Lin Jinlou assumed she was afraid he would resent her for not being able to bear children. He said dismissively, "What are you afraid of? Of course, you're not sick. Having a physician take a look and help you recuperate is a good thing." He then called the maids in to prepare washing supplies and said to Xue Ning, "Keep an eye on her. Don't let your Mistress eat or drink anything." With that, he went behind the screen to bathe.
Xianglan sat outside, restless and uneasy, clutching her handkerchief so tightly it was nearly damp with sweat.
Just after he finished bathing, someone outside announced, "Imperial Physician Zhang is here." Lin Jinlou quickly changed clothes and invited him into the main hall. After exchanging pleasantries, he said, "I've invited you here today to examine the health of a member of my household."
Zhang Shiyou asked, "What ailment does she suffer from? Has she seen a physician before? Were any prescriptions left?"
Lin Jinlou replied, "It's my beloved Concubine. She's in good health, but she hasn't been able to conceive for a long time, which is quite troubling."With that one sentence, Zhang Shiyou understood the situation. Among high officials and noble families, there were many seeking fertility treatments, but most were discreetly requested by the principal wives. This was the first time he had been called to treat a concubine. Zhang Shiyou was inwardly surprised but showed no trace of it on his face. Upon entering the chamber, he saw three or four maids dressed in red and green silks and satins, all more elegant than ordinary young ladies. A single beauty sat on the bed, exceptionally lovely in appearance. Zhang Shiyou calculated in his heart: in his thirty years of serving princes, nobles, and wealthy families, the women he had seen who could match such beauty were few and far between. He then understood why Lin Jinlou had specifically requested his diagnosis for her. He thus asked Lin Jinlou, "Is this the lady of the house?"
Lin Jinlou replied, "Indeed. I trouble you, venerable sir, to examine her pulse."
The maids brought over a large pillow. Xianglan had no choice but to roll up her sleeve and expose her wrist. Zhang Shiyou first pressed on the pulse of her right hand, carefully diagnosing for a while, then requested her left wrist. After inquiring about her daily diet and such, he finally rose and said, "Let's go out and sit."
When they reached the main hall, an old woman served tea. Zhang Shiyou took a couple of sips. Lin Jinlou asked, "Venerable sir, what do you think of her condition..."
Zhang Shiyou said, "From the lady's pulse, the left pulse is deep and sluggish, the right pulse lacks vitality. There is weakness in heart energy, blood deficiency, and qi stagnation..."
Lin Jinlou grew impatient listening to Zhang Shiyou recite medical texts and interrupted, "I trouble you, venerable sir, to speak plainly. Will her condition affect childbearing?"
Zhang Shiyou smiled, "It won't hinder. She needs careful recuperation. I'll write a prescription—take several doses and recuperate well. Since your household lacks no silver, use only the finest medicines. There should also be some moderation in marital relations; in the first two months of taking medicine, it shouldn't be too frequent. Fortunately, the lady is young. It may take as little as three months, or up to half a year, and she will recover. Childbearing won't be affected."
Lin Jinlou smiled, "That's good. Whatever fine medicines are needed are no issue." Knowing that Zhang Shiyou was accustomed to such symptoms and had seen many difficult cases, if he said there was no hindrance, then it was truly so. A smile unconsciously appeared on his face.
Zhang Shiyou added, "However, this new concubine worries excessively, which may harm the liver. I'll write another prescription to soothe the liver. She should also take good care of herself daily." With that, he picked up a brush and swiftly wrote two prescriptions, then gave Lin Jinlou some additional instructions.
Feeling relieved, Lin Jinlou took out a thick red envelope and said, "This small token is but a humble gesture. I'm afraid we may trouble you to visit again in the future."
Zhang Shiyou felt its weight in his hand—it was heavy—and accepted it graciously, smiling, "General Lin, you're too kind."
Just then, Shuran entered to refill tea and signaled to Lin Jinlou with her eyes. Understanding, Lin Jinlou found an excuse to step out. Shuran whispered, "Master, Concubine Yin has come. She says the second young master has been listless since this morning. Hearing that you invited an imperial physician, she wishes to ask the physician to examine him."
Lin Jinlou relayed this to Zhang Shiyou and ordered an old woman to escort the physician. After reviewing the prescriptions and seeing they contained nourishing and restorative ingredients, he called Shuran over and handed her the prescriptions, saying, "There's a family herbal shop in the capital. According to these prescriptions, get ten doses of the finest quality. If our shop doesn't have good quality, buy from outside." After a pause, he added, "Have Xu Fu handle this personally. When he returns, have the medicine decocted and given to Xianglan. Make sure to watch her take it yourself."
Shuran said, "When I came in to refill tea just now, I overheard a few things the physician said. There are some matters I'm not sure if I should mention."Lin Jinlou said, "Speak."
Shuran replied, "Although Xianglan has a gentle and amiable nature, often smiling when she meets people, inwardly she is extremely strong-willed. She is meticulous and perceptive, and such a thoughtful disposition has understandably caused stagnation in her liver. In my opinion, Master, why not take her out to relax? Whether it's enjoying the scenery or sharing laughter, it would do her good. There are also many families in the capital on good terms with us. Let the mistress socialize with them, make a few close friends, and talk more—that should help her recover. Although we are fond of the mistress, we are, after all, servants, and there are inevitably shortcomings. Moreover, the mistress's thoughts differ from others', and sometimes we fail to understand her feelings. I noticed yesterday that the elder and younger young ladies got along well with the mistress, but they can't always come to the house either."
Lin Jinlou nodded and said, "I understand. You may go now. Take good care of your mistress, and I will remember your contribution."
This was exactly the acknowledgment Shuran had hoped for. Beaming with a smile, she took the prescription and left.
Lin Jinlou returned to the room and saw Xianglan sitting there restlessly. He went over, embraced her, and said, "Calm your heart. The imperial physician said this isn't an illness. Rest for a few days, and you'll surely give birth to a healthy boy."
Xianglan forced a slight smile, but inwardly she was filled with anxiety. As it was, she was merely enduring her days—how could she possibly handle having a child now?
Seeing her dazed expression, Lin Jinlou patted her small hand and said, "In a couple of days, Old Master Lu will be celebrating his birthday. He sent an invitation, and as relatives, we ought to pay a visit. You should come along too. Socialize, watch some opera, and relax a little." Initially, he had planned to send gifts for Old Master Lu's birthday, but before Lin Dongwan left, she had earnestly invited him. Hearing that Lin Dongwan was not faring well in her marital home, and considering they were family, Lin Jinlou decided to attend the celebration in person to show support for his elder sister. After hearing Shuran's advice, he resolved to bring Xianglan along as well. With Lin Dongwan at the Lu family, Xianglan would not be at a disadvantage.
Xianglan's mind was in turmoil, and she absentmindedly agreed to whatever Lin Jinlou said. Suddenly, an old woman came to report that Imperial Physician Zhang had finished examining Lin Jinxuan and was taking his leave. Lin Jinlou had no choice but to see him off. He turned to Xianglan and said, "My younger brother is ill again. If we didn't know, it would be one thing, but since we do, go to the storeroom and see if there's anything suitable to send over. Go on my behalf to check on him. I have matters to attend to later and won't be able to go myself."
Xianglan had no choice but to agree. She asked Shuran for the storeroom key and opened it to find only large curios, some cloth and fabric, and remnants of medicinal herbs. Shuran explained, "Since we don't stay in the capital often, there aren't many items here. Some medicinal herbs were moved to the family's herb shop to prevent spoilage or cross-contamination of their properties."
Xianglan sorted through the cloth and said to Shuran, "The fine cloth is still acceptable, but these silks and satins have been stored for too long—they might have lost their luster or even mildewed."
Shuran replied, "The best materials were taken back to Jinling. What's left in the storeroom is the remainder. Although they may not compare to Suzhou and Hangzhou silks, these are known as 'capital silks' and still hold some reputation. Mistress, feel free to pick whichever you think is suitable."Xianglan, recalling her previous unpleasant encounter with Madam Tan and knowing her fondness for fine attire, chose a pomegranate-red cloth with the intention of reconciliation. Upon returning, she instructed the small kitchen to prepare a bowl of bird's nest soup. Shuran placed it in a food container and carried it, accompanying Xianglan to Lin Jinxuan's residence, Kangfu Ju.
As they entered the courtyard, they saw a maid in a crab-shell green sleeveless jacket crouching under the eaves, tending to a small clay stove as she brewed medicine. She held a round fan, gently fanning the flames. Xianglan glanced at her but paid no further attention, stepping forward to enter the house. Just then, Madam Tan's voice came through the window, saying, "Where is the medicine? Why isn't it ready yet? Could it be that you've gone out to fool around and didn't hear the Second Master coughing?Thank you to 1301429098 for the Peach Blossom Fan, qian20051978 for three Peace Talismans, and FF殿下 for the Peace Talisman.
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