It is said that Dai Rong followed Liu Xiaochuan to the Lin Family, not daring to let Lin Jinlou catch sight of him, he kept hiding behind the crowd. Liu Xiaochuan introduced him to Lin Jinting and then brought him to meet the steward Xu Fu before leaving him to his own devices. Xu Fu glanced around and saw that the inner tables were all occupied by highly distinguished guests, leaving no place for Dai Rong. However, despite his shortcomings, Dai Rong was still the son of a fifth-rank Hanlin scholar. After careful consideration, Xu Fu noticed a table under the corridor where several young gentlemen of similar status were seated, so he led Dai Rong there and settled him in. After three rounds of drinks and five courses of dishes, and with the opera halfway through, Dai Rong kept stealing glances toward the interior. Seeing Lin Jinlou leave his seat, Dai Rong pretended to relieve himself and quietly trailed behind Lin Jinlou, sneaking furtively into the Inner Chambers.
He only dared to follow Lin Jinlou from a distance, watching him enter Chun Tang Hall. Knowing this was Lin Jinlou’s residence, he dared not enter and only peeked around outside, unable to make up his mind. Originally, he had been impulsive and thought things would be simple, but once inside the Lin Family, he realized how difficult it would be to carry out the drugging. He thought to himself, "Lin Jinlou’s fearsome reputation is well-known; people call him the 'Living Yama.' If I cause trouble in his residence, I’d be asking for misfortune. Last time, his punch nearly broke my nose. But that Zhao Yuechan is no easy mark either... Tsk, I might as well go back and spin some tale to deceive her, then swindle a few dozen taels of silver to spend." As Dai Rong pondered this, he circled the courtyard twice. Fearing that his absence from the banquet might be noticed and someone would come to apprehend him, causing an embarrassing scene, he decided to retrace his steps. Unexpectedly, he ran into Madam Tan halfway.
Let us set aside for now how these two each harbored their own schemes. Meanwhile, inside the rockery cave of Chun Tang Hall, Lin Jinlou had finished his amorous encounter. After fastening his clothes, he turned to see Xianglan trembling as she tried to put on her undergarments. He laughed and said, "If you keep going like this, you won’t finish dressing by tomorrow." He wrapped her haphazardly in his outer coat, picked her up horizontally, and carried her out.
Xianglan was startled and struggled, clutching his lapel as she said, "I haven’t put on my trousers inside... I... I haven’t done my hair yet..."
Lin Jinlou couldn’t help but laugh heartily and said, "Silly girl, no one will see you, so don’t worry." He strode into the room with large steps. Once inside the bedroom, he set Xianglan down on the bed, and she immediately pulled the quilt over herself, shrinking into the corner.
Lin Jinlou laughed again, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking at Xianglan. "With all these rules of yours, isn’t life exhausting? When we’re doing it, even a single cry from you seems like it’s killing you... Tsk, to be honest, did you enjoy it just now, hmm?"
His words grew even more improper. Xianglan, who had buried her head under the covers, flushed so deeply it seemed as if blood would drip from her face. Then she heard Lin Jinlou shamelessly add, "I think you did enjoy it. You grabbed my shoulders at the end, and it still hurts now."
Xianglan could no longer bear the shame. She threw off the covers, sat up, and said angrily, "You’re vile!"
Lin Jinlou stroked his chin and said, "How is that vile? Next time we do it, why don’t you show me some elegance—like reciting Tang or Song poetry? I quite liked the sounds you made back then."
Xianglan was both embarrassed and furious. Just then, Xue Ning heard the commotion and entered. At a glance, she saw Xianglan sitting on the bed disheveled and clutching the quilt, with Lin Jinlou sitting beside her. She hastily retreated.
Xianglan closed her eyes and simply ignored him, turning over to lie down. Lin Jinlou leaned in again to provoke her, saying, "Don’t sleep, keep me company for a chat."Xianglan frowned and slapped away Lin Jinlou's hand, saying, "I'm tired, let me rest for a while."
Her impatient little expression carried an alluring languidness that made Lin Jinlou adore her even more. He also took off his boots and lay down beside her, his hand slipping inside her clothes as he said, "Fine, you rest. Your master isn't tired yet."
Startled, Xianglan found Lin Jinlou already pressing down on her. She hurriedly begged for mercy, "I really can't go on. The wedding banquet hasn't even ended yet. Have mercy, Master—I'm truly exhausted..."
Lin Jinlou chuckled lowly, "My sweet Xianglan, count on your fingers how many days it's been since we last were intimate..." He held her down for another round of intimacy. By the time they finished, Xianglan was too weary to even open her eyes. Lin Jinlou dressed, let down the bed curtains, and called Xue Ning in, instructing, "Tell Shuran that your mistress isn't feeling well and to have her manage things. When it's time to see the guests off, let Second Mistress handle it."
Xue Ning repeatedly assented and was about to withdraw when Lin Jinlou called her back, "Where have all the maids in the house gone? Summon them all back—later there won't even be anyone to attend to things in the rooms." With that, he strode out.
Xianglan slept deeply and when she opened her eyes, everything was pitch black before her. She jolted upright, pushed aside the bed curtains, and saw that it was already lantern-lighting time outside. Ling Qing and Ling Su were sitting in the corner of the room, shelling dried fruits and speaking in very low voices. Seeing Xianglan awake, they hurried over to attend to her—one handed her tea while the other fetched water and a towel.
Xianglan asked anxiously, "What time is it? Has the banquet ended?"
Ling Su replied, "Don't worry, Mistress. Shuran is managing the banquet—nothing has gone wrong. You were so meticulous in preparing everything; Shuran just needs to oversee it. Most of the guests have already left, and Second Mistress is seeing them off. It's just the gentlemen's feast at the front that hasn't ended yet—a few are still gambling and drinking, and a new troupe of performers has taken over, singing some refined operas."
Only then did Xianglan's heart settle, though soon she felt ashamed, realizing that anyone could guess what she had been up to. Knowing Xianglan was easily embarrassed, Ling Qing and Ling Su exchanged a glance. Ling Qing pretended nothing was amiss and said with a smile, "Are you hungry, Mistress? Would you like something to eat? The Master said that since it's late today, Third Master and Third Mistress will return to Jinling tomorrow morning, and he wants you to see them off together in the morning."
Xianglan, suppressing her embarrassment, got up and went behind the screen to wash and change into fresh clothes, then combed her hair. Ling Su brought two plates of nori and vegetarian meat patties along with a bowl of soup. Xianglan, feeling quite hungry, finished everything. While rinsing her mouth and washing her hands, Shuran came in to report, "The banquet in the inner chambers has ended, and the remnants have been cleared. The remaining utensils, table skirts, and chair covers are to be stored. I request the Mistress's key and inventory list to check them."
Xianglan instructed Ling Qing to fetch them and inevitably went with Shuran to inspect. They first secured the valuable items and locked the rest in the room to be tallied and stored in detail the next day. Xianglan took a small gold ingot from her sleeve, pressed it into Shuran's hand, and said, "You've worked hard these past days. Buy some nourishing food to replenish yourself. Everyone has done well—I'll report to the Master later and have him reward you all properly."Shuran beamed with a radiant smile. "The new concubine is most generous, allowing us to share in your good fortune. Today, the Master has already rewarded the servants with red envelopes—even the old woman who sweeps the floors received a hundred coins." She paused briefly before adding, "Both the elder and younger young mistresses have returned home. Earlier, they mentioned wanting to speak with you, but upon hearing you were unwell and resting, they dared not disturb. They'll be staying overnight tonight and likely haven't retired yet. If you have a moment to spare, perhaps you could visit them?"
Xianglan thought to herself, "Shuran truly handles affairs meticulously, adept in all directions and considerate of everyone's needs—no wonder Lin Jinlou values her so highly." Aloud, she replied with a smile, "You're absolutely right. I'll go at once." She first returned to Chun Tang Hall to fetch something.
By then, the maids had returned in small groups, chattering and playing boisterously in the rooms. Hua Shan sat in the warm chamber, noisily pouring the reward money from her brocade pouch and counting it coin by coin. Xiao Juan teased her for being money-obsessed and snatched the jade-green fan pendant Xianglan had gifted her. Hua Shan, flustered, lunged to reclaim it, and the two tumbled together on the heated brick bed. Ling Su, cracking melon seeds nearby, clapped and laughed heartily. Xue Ning and Ling Qing sat on small stools beside the bed, guarding the kang table as they nibbled snacks and sipped tea. Ling Qing, having overheard some gossip earlier, chattered incessantly to Xue Ning. Suddenly, Xiao Juan's grip slipped, and the fan pendant plopped into Xue Ning's teacup, splashing tea across her face. Startled, Xue Ning exclaimed, "Oh heavens!"
The others froze for a moment, then burst into even louder giggles and laughter. Little Hua Shan hurriedly climbed down from the bed to fish out the pendant, while Xiao Juan, doubled over with laughter, used a handkerchief to wipe Xue Ning's face.
Amid the uproar, Shuran entered and immediately darkened her expression. "Have you no sense of the hour? Carrying on like this without restraint! Coming to the capital has spoiled you all. Tomorrow, I'll write to Taitai and have her send two old matrons to discipline this unruly lot!"
The maids fell silent, too intimidated to utter another word. When they noticed Xianglan entering, they quietly stepped forward to attend to her. Suppressing her amusement, Xianglan pretended ignorance of the earlier commotion and instructed Xiao Juan to open the cabinet and retrieve the gifts she had prepared earlier. Accompanied by Shuran and Xiao Juan, and with an old woman carrying a lantern, she made her way to the courtyard where the two young mistresses were staying. Since they were in their maiden home, the couples did not share rooms; the two sons-in-law had been accommodated in the front courtyard by Lin Jinlou, while Lin Dongwan and Lin Dongqi resided together in a rear courtyard.
As Xianglan reached the doorway, a maid adorned in bright red and green emerged carrying a silver basin. Spotting the visitors, she hastily lifted the curtain and announced, "The new concubine has arrived!" Entering the room, Xianglan saw Lin Dongqi with her hair loosely tied in a bun, already changed into casual home wear. It was clear she had removed her makeup and washed up, and was about to rise from the bed. Xianglan quickly stepped forward to stop her. "Please don't get up. It was thoughtless of me to come unaware that you'd already retired. Had I known, I would have waited until tomorrow."
Lin Dongqi smiled. "I retired early—the others are still over there eating, drinking, and chatting." She pulled Xianglan to sit by the bedside and ordered a maid to serve tea.
Xianglan studied Lin Dongqi closely, noticing she had grown thinner, her complexion slightly sallow without cosmetics. Concerned, she asked, "Younger Young Mistress, are you unwell? Your complexion seems off—should we call a physician to examine you?"
Lin Dongqi shook her head with a smile and whispered in Xianglan's ear, "I'm with child. This is the third month, and these past few days, the morning sickness has been severe, which is why I look this way. I just vomited again and felt too weary, so I came back to rest."Xianglan said with delight, "Congratulations! If Taitai finds out, she'll be overjoyed."
Lin Dongqi smiled, "I've already sent a letter." She then took Xianglan's hand and said, "You should hurry up too, have a child soon. Even if it's a girl, it'll bring lasting peace."
Though Xianglan still wore a smile, she lowered her head slightly. Just then, a maid entered to serve tea. Xianglan noticed her gentle features—she was the maid named Xiang Yun whom Lin Dongqi had brought from the Lin Family. Xianglan asked Lin Dongqi, "Why did you bring her? Where's Ta Sha? In your condition, she should be by your side attending to you."
Lin Dongqi's expression turned awkward. Being sharp, Xianglan immediately grasped the situation and regretted her question. As she searched for a way to change the subject, Lin Dongqi spoke up: "Since I'm pregnant, there are times when I can't attend to everything properly. I've promoted Ta Sha to Bedchamber Attendant." Seeing Xianglan press her lips together, looking even more uncomfortable than herself, Lin Dongqi couldn't help but chuckle. She patted Xianglan's hand and sighed, "You're such a rare, sincere soul... This isn't a big deal. My mother-in-law hinted that as my pregnancy advances, it's better for husband and wife to sleep separately. Originally, there were two or three flirtatious maids in my husband's quarters. After I married, my mother-in-law had them either married off or dismissed, leaving only one Bedchamber Attendant named Dong Xue—a presentable girl with a gentle temperament who previously served my mother-in-law. Since my mother-in-law went to such lengths for me, I couldn't object further. Now she wants Dong Xue to serve, but Dong Xue often reports our household affairs to her, which displeases me. My mother wrote saying if we must promote someone, it should be our own person. She advised me to promote Ta Sha instead, keep Dong Xue at bay, and treat Dong Xue well for now—we can deal with her after I bear a son. So I followed her advice. Ta Sha was supposed to come today, but someone needs to manage the household, so I left her behind."
Xianglan thought to herself: "Qin Shi is truly shrewd. Ta Sha has served Second Young Miss since childhood—utterly loyal, honest, and quite pretty, though not as striking as the young mistress. Now that her entire family has joined as accompanying retainers, completely under Second Young Miss's control, she'll be absolutely obedient. Even if promoted, she'll remain loyal and cause no trouble. Moreover, by giving her personal maid to the son-in-law, Second Young Miss gains a virtuous reputation while silencing her mother-in-law. How fortunate Second Young Miss is to have such an astute mother watching over her." She then noticed Lin Dongqi smiling wryly: "Perhaps Mother also wrote to Elder Brother. Within days, he came to our house with his sword, took my husband out for a talk. When my husband returned, he told me he intends to follow Father-in-law's example—devote himself to official service and ignore Dong Xue and Ta Sha completely. He said they'd only be promoted if they bear sons; otherwise, they'll be dismissed in a couple years. He moved back from his study to sleep in the warm chamber, without summoning either of them for service."Upon hearing this, Xianglan exchanged a glance with Lin Dongqi, and both couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. Lin Dongqi whispered, "My husband is a genuine scholar, raised with strict family discipline and always proper in conduct. He has never indulged in frivolous pursuits with women. Since I entered this household, he hasn't spent a night with Dong Xue, and now he's even more hesitant. I've heard that those young men grew up following your elder brother around and often received scoldings from him. My brother-in-law is also a close friend of your elder brother and promised to look after me well, ensuring I never suffer mistreatment." She then patted Xianglan's hand and added, "Though your elder brother may have some flaws, he treats his closest kin exceptionally well. The maids say he dotes on you immensely, enough to make anyone envious." She continued earnestly, "For now, focus on nurturing your health and strive to bear a son soon—that's what truly matters. I know a few excellent physicians skilled in physical conditioning; I'll have them come see you tomorrow."
In this story, Xiang Yun is portrayed by Chen Xiangyun~
Thank you to Mingming Baobao Geda, Bookfriend 140515144255432, Ling Qingqing, and Ming Zixi for the Peace Talismans, and also thanks to everyone for the pink votes^_^
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