Madam Tan, having inadvertently witnessed an intimate scene, felt her soul take flight and her senses reel. Retreating from Chun Tang Hall and turning through a covered corridor, her legs gave way and she sank onto a stone bench, her cheeks flushing crimson as her thoughts wandered into forbidden territory. Suddenly, she noticed a man peeking from the corridor entrance, who immediately ducked away upon seeing her. Startled, Madam Tan rose and shouted, "Who's there?" Lifting her skirts, she gave chase.
The flustered man, unsure where to hide, cleverly decided to stand his ground instead. Turning around, he clasped his hands in salute and said, "I am Dai Rong. Having drunk too much, I mistakenly wandered here. I beg your forgiveness, Madam."
Madam Tan looked closely and saw a fair-faced young gentleman before her. He had delicate eyebrows and slender eyes that tilted upward at the corners, a straight nose, high cheekbones, thin lips, and a pointed chin. At first glance, he appeared to be an ordinary pretty boy, but upon closer inspection, he proved quite captivating—especially with his thoroughly rakish and libertine aura. His face bore a frivolous expression, and his luxurious brocade robes accentuated the carefree elegance of a wealthy young master.
Frowning, Madam Tan asked, "May I ask which family you belong to?"
Dai Rong smiled and replied, "I am a friend of Liu Xiaochuan. My father holds a fifth-rank position as a Reader in the Hanlin Academy. Today, for your esteemed household's celebration, Young Master Liu invited me to assist. I was just returning after escorting the ceremonial gifts to the storeroom when I became disoriented and lost my way. I beg your pardon, Madam." With another bow, he subtly glanced upward and saw a rather comely young matron. She wore a filigree gold hairpin with kingfisher feather inlay and pearl drops, an eight-treasure gold-wire chignon densely adorned with floral gold hairpins, her glossy coiffure immaculately arranged. Inch-long amber earrings dangled from her ears, a pearl necklace graced her neck, and she was dressed in a brand-new foreign-red satin jacket embroidered with hundreds of butterflies and peonies, paired with a hibiscus-patterned skirt. Her delicate, moon-shaped face featured limpid, soulful eyes, and the wine had added a flush to her already fair and lovely complexion. Tall and alluring, she was exceedingly beautiful. Seeing her appearance, Dai Rong vaguely guessed her identity. Being a leader in romantic pursuits and a commander in amorous adventures, he felt half his body melt at the sight of Madam Tan's peach-blossom-like charm. Beaming, he said, "This must be Second Mistress Lin? Your humble servant pays his respects," and made a deep, formal bow.
Madam Tan asked in surprise, "You know me?"
Dai Rong replied with a smile, "Who doesn't know of Second Mistress Lin's reputation? Even in her maiden days, she was famed for excelling in all aspects—Needlework, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—and was said to possess the beauty of the moon goddess. But seeing you in person today, I realize the rumors were untrue. No matter how extravagantly people praise you, the reality surpasses it ten thousandfold."
Madam Tan's face had initially held some anger at Dai Rong's trespass into the Inner Chambers, but upon hearing this praise, her rage vanished to the land of Java. Moreover, Dai Rong was a handsome man, which added seven parts delight to her heart. A faint smile touched her lips as she said, "Those are just idle tongues wagging nonsense. I'm nothing like what they say." She couldn't help but look Dai Rong over again. Finding him dashing and silver-tongued, her favor toward him grew. Combined with the arousal from recently witnessing amorous intimacies and the influence of wine, her heart surged at the sight of a young man. Her expression betrayed her feelings, and the scene became somewhat unseemly.Dai Rong immediately recognized the look in Madam Tan's eyes and knew he had a chance. He teased even more playfully, "It must be fate that brought us together today. Otherwise, why would I happen to be accompanying the gift delivery? And after delivering the gifts, why would I get lost? And after getting lost, why would I run into Second Mistress? And when I tried to leave, why would Second Mistress call me back? Tell me, if this isn't fate, what is?" As he spoke, he kept glancing at Madam Tan, throwing her a meaningful look.
Madam Tan was far from being an oblivious or dull person. Seeing this situation, she understood completely. She had always prided herself on outshining all other women and attracting numerous admirers, which pleased her immensely. Looking at Dai Rong again, she found him even more handsome and extraordinary. She smiled and said, "Master Liu is my brother-in-law's childhood friend. Since you're close with Master Liu, you're naturally a guest of the Lin Family. However, I hadn't heard my brother-in-law mention you before, otherwise I wouldn't have questioned you earlier. Please forgive my impropriety." After speaking, she made a slight bow.
Dai Rong said, "Second Mistress is truly different from those women from lesser families. They're all timid and fussy, claiming they're too young to see people easily, but in truth, they lack courage and vision, which is why they hide away in shame. Someone like Second Mistress, who speaks frankly and carries herself with grace, truly embodies the demeanor of a proper lady from a prestigious family."
This flattery hit right where Madam Tan liked it most, making her even more delighted. She maintained her smile and said, "You flatter me, Master Dai. Since you're a friend of the Lin Family, you should visit more often."
Dai Rong smiled, "I would like to come frequently, but General Lin has high standards and keeps strict household rules."
Madam Tan said, "Your father holds a respected position in the Hanlin Academy, clearly showing your family's scholarly heritage. You must have studied the classics as well. My husband is also a scholar, though his health is poor and he rarely receives guests. He often says he lacks literary companions to study with. If you're willing, why not visit our home and study with my husband?"
This was exactly what Dai Rong had been hoping for. Hearing these words, he was overjoyed and said with a laugh, "Excellent, excellent! I shall certainly pay a visit." He then bowed and stood up, saying, "I've delayed too long and should be going now." As he spoke, he looked at Madam Tan several more times, even glancing back repeatedly before finally leaving.
Madam Tan had wanted to chat more with Dai Rong and felt reluctant to see him go. She watched wistfully as he turned the corner and disappeared from sight before collecting herself and returning to the banquet.
After turning the corner, Dai Rong slowed his pace and thought to himself, "I thought this trip to the Lin Family would yield nothing, but I never expected such a fortunate encounter. Tsk tsk, with careful planning in the future, I'm sure to gain some advantage."Dai Rong’s visit to the Lin Family had a specific reason. Previously, Zhao Yuechan had suffered a loss at Xianglan’s hands and returned home seething with resentment. She secretly plotted how to vent her anger, imagining Xianglan dying by her hand and tasting her methods. But now Xianglan was in the Lin residence, never stepping beyond the inner gates, leaving Zhao Yuechan no opening to exploit. After much thought, she devised a vicious plan. She recalled Qian Wenze mentioning that brothels often forced a certain drug on newly purchased girls, rendering them sterile and incapable of bearing children. Quietly, she sent a trusted old woman to procure the drug, then summoned Dai Rong and said, "In a few days, there will be a celebration at the Lin Family. Go there and find a way to sneak into the Inner Chambers. Put this drug in Chen Xianglan’s bowl and make her consume it. She has some past grievances with me—this medicine will cause diarrhea, making her lose face in front of everyone and easing my hatred. If you succeed, I’ll credit you greatly, and you’ll have ample rewards."
Dai Rong was startled and eyed Zhao Yuechan sideways, saying, "Are you joking? The Lin Family hasn’t even sent me an invitation to their celebration, and their household is tightly guarded—how could I possibly enter? Even if I did get in, how would I reach the Inner Chambers? I’ve only glimpsed Chen Xianglan from afar, and she’s Lin Jinlou’s beloved Concubine—how could I drug her?"
Zhao Yuechan replied, "Don’t you always boast about your wide circle of friends? Today you’re close with some official’s son, tomorrow you’re inseparable with a general’s nephew. Among those fair-weather friends of yours, there’s one named Liu Xiaochuan who has a strong friendship with Lin Jinlou. Go and seek his help."
Dai Rong hesitated, saying, "I’ve only shared a few drinks with him—we’re not that close. And that Overlord Lin Jinlou isn’t someone to be trifled with—" His tone implied he wanted no part of it.
Zhao Yuechan’s face darkened. "Brother Rong, think carefully—who covered your gambling debts these past months without your father knowing? And you even stole from my maid—I haven’t mentioned that to your father yet. I’ve been bullied and humiliated outside, and now I’m asking you to do this small thing to help me vent my anger, yet you keep making excuses. You still owe a hundred taels of silver outside, and I was planning to pay it off for you and give you another fifty for daily expenses. What, have you found someone else to fund you?"
This last remark hit Dai Rong’s weak spot. He quickly put on a smiling face, speaking in an ingratiatingly gentle tone, "We’re family—no need for such formalities. Since Mother came to our home, she’s shown me nothing but affection, and I’ve kept it all in my heart. If it’s just this small matter, no matter how difficult, I’ll find a way to handle it, won’t I? Heh—it’s just, well, about that silver—if I go out, I’ll need to treat that Liu fellow to a meal, cheer him up, so he’ll take me into the Lin Family, right?"
Zhao Yuechan glared at him and sneered, "With your wretched character, I’ve had enough of you for half a month. You’ll get the fifty taels after it’s done, plus additional rewards." Her glare held a mix of anger and allure, full of charm, making Dai Rong’s heart flutter. He cursed inwardly, "I’ve seen many women, but none compare to this temptress. If only she weren’t so formidable—I’d really like to get my hands on her and taste her charms."After giving her instructions, Zhao Yuechan rose to her feet and swayed gracefully away, fan in hand. She hadn’t truly expected Dai Rong to succeed in this endeavor, yet her jealousy and resentment burned too fiercely to ignore. She thought to herself, "If this fails, I’ll only lose a few dozen taels of silver. But if it succeeds, heaven itself will have aided me! That wretched little strumpet will be doomed—unable to bear children in the future, and once Lin Jinlou’s affection for her fades, we’ll see what becomes of her!" She then ordered Qiongzhi to dress and adorn herself alluringly to escort Dai Rong out.
Dai Rong and Qiongzhi had only managed one secret encounter at the Lu family’s, and their flirtatious exchanges had left them longing for more. The moment their eyes met now, they were instantly captivated. As Qiongzhi saw Dai Rong to the gate, she whispered, "Taitai said that if you handle this matter properly, she will arrange for us to meet again. Among the female guests at the Lin Family, she has a close confidante. If you dare deceive her without acting, she will know." Driven by both silver and lust, Dai Rong readily agreed and departed.
Two days later, Dai Rong indeed invited Liu Xiaochuan and others to a feast. He flattered them generously and summoned two heavily made-up courtesans to encourage drinking. With repeated coaxing and praise, he claimed he wished to befriend the Lin Family’s third young master and attend the wedding banquet. Only then did Liu Xiaochuan reluctantly agree to bring him to the Lin Family.
Thanks to Four Eyebrows Young Master Hua for the He's Jade Disc, qian20051978 for two sachets, and the following for sachets: Bookfriend 130423212055532, Crazy Gallop Little Horse 721, Bookfriend 140512220112720, Huihui~Sister, Fat wanghua001, Rongyu 8163, Bookfriend 131102013021215. Thanks to Yueyue Loves Yueyue, Damima, Flora9999, Rongyu 8163 for two Peace Talismans each, and the following for Peace Talismans: Shmilyaw, Liu563473013, Pingping 2012, Book Sea Wanderer, Bookfriend 110820150320220, Yao Yao, Mingzixi, Daxiang8911, FF Your Highness, Hch12333, Fanfan 2000513. Apologies if anyone was missed^ ^. Also, thank you all for the pink votes—much appreciated^ ^
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