Xianglan's eyes were red-rimmed as she leaned against Xue Shi's bosom. Although Chen Wanquan was delighted to see his daughter, he couldn't help stealing glances at the room's furnishings. The dazzling gold and overwhelming opulence made him feel as if he had entered a palace. With Lin Jinlou standing right beside him, his knees felt weak, and he didn't know where to put his hands and feet.
Lin Jinlou said, "Why is everyone standing? Xianglan, don't you know to offer your parents a seat?"
Xianglan then offered them seats, pulling Xue Shi to sit on the heated kang in the warm chamber. A maid brought an embroidered stool, and Chen Wanquan cautiously perched on the edge, not daring to let his eyes wander. He watched as Xue Shi held Xianglan's hand, asking after her well-being with great concern.
Soon, Xiao Juan brought tea and replenished the fruit platter. Xianglan stole a glance at Lin Jinlou, who stood by the curio cabinet with a lazy smile on his face. After standing there for a while, he turned and left. Only then did Chen Wanquan heave a great sigh of relief.
Xianglan earnestly inquired about her parents' well-being. Xue Shi asked where she had been all these days and why she hadn't sent word home. Xianglan could only evade with lies. Seeing there was no one else in the room, Xue Shi lowered her voice and asked Xianglan, "How has the Eldest Master been treating you... lately?" The memory of Lin Jinlou nearly choking their daughter to death still made Xue Shi's heart tremble with fear.
Xianglan whispered, "I'm living well in the residence... Don't worry, Father and Mother."
Xue Shi sighed, "How can I not worry?" But seeing that Xianglan's complexion looked better than before, she finally felt somewhat reassured.
Chen Wanquan noticed his daughter was now adorned in gold and silver, dressed from head to toe in fine silks and satins, carrying herself with the air of a noble household's lady. His face broke into a look of immense satisfaction as he complained to Xue Shi, "I always said our daughter would live in luxury at the Lin family, but you refused to believe me. Even the proper wives of imperial relatives and nobles can't compare to our Lan now." Turning to Xianglan, he said, "Previously, when the Eldest Master treated you poorly, wasn't it because you were too stubborn, always dreaming impossible dreams? Now you must settle your heart. Someone as distinguished and impressive as the Eldest Master—you couldn't find another like him even with a lantern. Not to mention anything else, just during the New Year alone, he sent so many gifts to our home. I sold what we couldn't use and, with the savings I had, not only opened a shop but also bought a piece of land. Now even Magistrate Han addresses me as brother. Your father can now hold his head up high when he goes out—he's finally somebody, thanks to heaven's mercy. My child, you've always been clever. If you were still an unmarried maiden, I would never have agreed to let you become a concubine, no matter what. But since things have come to this, a woman must 'follow the man she marries, be he fowl or cur.' If the Eldest Master were to tire of you, what would become of you?"
Xue Shi frowned at these words and kicked Chen Wanquan, saying, "What are you saying! We finally get to see our daughter, and you speak such heart-wrenching words."
Chen Wanquan immediately widened his eyes and retorted, "Tsk, tsk, is what I said wrong? She's just too ambitious!"
Xue Shi hurriedly said, "Enough, have some tea and rest properly." As she spoke, she cautiously watched Xianglan's expression.Xianglan said indifferently, "You know perfectly well what our family background is. If you want me to fare better in this household, you must manage yourself properly—drink less, avoid those worthless friends of yours, and stop boasting about me outside. The entire household has their eyes on me now. If you make the slightest misstep, it will be overheard by those with ill intentions who will twist the truth and stir up trouble. The Eldest Master is not a man of enduring affection. If you cause trouble that makes him despise me and drives me out like Huamei and Chunyan, you won't receive those gifts during the New Year anymore."
Chen Wanquan was, after all, a cowardly and incompetent man. Upon hearing this, his earlier arrogance and pride in lecturing Xianglan vanished without a trace. His face immediately changed color, and he hurriedly said, "How could that be? I would never cause trouble for you." Yet he knew he had been indulging in reckless boasting lately and had said many things he shouldn't have, and he couldn't help but fret inwardly.
Xianglan shook her head. In the past, if Chen Wanquan had spoken to her like this for half a day, she would have become angry, frowning and glaring as she argued and defended herself. But after experiencing several ups and downs, her temperament had grown calmer, and she no longer cared to confront him head-on as she once had. Her father's narrow-mindedness and limited perspective couldn't be changed overnight, so why bother getting angry and ending on bad terms? Now that she couldn't stay by her parents' side and her future felt uncertain and directionless, it was better to offer a few words of advice and simply hope that her parents would be well.
After speaking for a while longer, Xue Ning entered and said, "The kitchen has prepared the meal. The Eldest Master asks the young lady to keep Master Chen and his wife for dinner." As she spoke, she led the group to the flower hall.
Inside, a Huanghuali wood Eight Immortals table was already set with four small plates of cold dishes. Lin Jinlou sat casually by the table, holding a birdcage and teasing a small yellow oriole. When people entered, he handed the cage to Lianxin, who stood nearby. Seeing Xianglan enter with swollen eyes, he smiled broadly and said, "Oh, crying again? Too happy to see your parents?" Without waiting for her reply, he beckoned, "Since you're here, take a seat."
Chen Wanquan didn't dare even breathe loudly, shrinking back and stammering, "No, no, how could we dare..." Before he could finish, Xue Shi poked him and curtsied to Lin Jinlou, saying, "We are imposing on you." She dragged Chen Wanquan to sit down and glared at him fiercely.
Xianglan sighed inwardly and took her seat as well. Xiao Juan, Ling Qing, and Ling Su stood nearby holding boxes, while Chunling lifted the lids to reveal two hot dishes in each. She and Tinglan brought them out, and soon the table was laden with delicacies from land and sea, an array of fine dishes. Shortly after, young maids brought silver basins for handwashing. The Chens, imitating Xianglan, washed their hands, their faces and bodies stiff, not daring to utter a word.
The table was silent. Lin Jinlou smiled and said, "I had intended to invite you over earlier but never found the time. Since you're here, don't stand on ceremony—help yourselves freely." With that, he glanced at Lianxin, who immediately picked up the wine pot to pour wine for Chen Wanquan.
Chen Wanquan repeatedly murmured his reluctance, but even after picking up his chopsticks, he didn't dare reach for the food.Xianglan noticed her parents' discomfort and looked up at Chunling. Chunling stood to one side holding a handkerchief, aware of Xianglan's gaze but still harboring resentment, so she pretended not to see and kept her head down. Ling Qing and Ling Su, who were standing on the other side holding rinsing bowls and dusters, exchanged a glance before stepping forward. They picked up serving chopsticks and said with a smile, "We're not sure which dishes Master Chen and Madam prefer, so allow us to serve you." They then placed some food into the couple's plates, and only then did Chen Wanquan and Xue Shi begin to eat.
Xianglan breathed a quiet sigh of relief, while Chunling's expression darkened.
The Lin family had always adhered to the rule of "no talking during meals." Lin Jinlou ate leisurely and did not particularly urge the Chen couple to eat. The two of them found the meal tasteless, not daring to reach for food themselves and only eating what the maids served into their plates.
When Lin Jinlou had nearly finished eating, he set down his chopsticks and beckoned for a maid to bring him a Western cloth towel. Wiping his hands, he smiled and said, "I invited you here today to share some good news. Xianglan is a pleasing girl, and I've long intended to elevate her to the status of Concubine. I've just been too busy to arrange it. Once things settle down, I'll host a banquet and invite guests to celebrate properly. I won't let her be treated shabbily."
These words struck like a thunderclap from a clear sky. Xianglan's hand paused, and she could eat no more. Her fingers gripping the chopsticks turned pale, and she lowered her head in silence. The Chen couple were also greatly startled and exchanged a look. Chen Wanquan was genuinely delighted, thinking that once her status was confirmed, they would have a secure future. As long as they avoided major mistakes, they could enjoy a life of wealth and comfort in the Lin household. He quickly put on a smile and said, "We are honored by Eldest Master's regard. This is Xianglan's good fortune."
Xue Shi, however, was secretly worried. Seeing Xianglan with her head bowed and saying nothing only deepened her anxiety. She quietly nudged Xianglan's leg and whispered, "Hurry and thank Eldest Master."
Lin Jinlou's expression darkened slightly.
Noticing this, Xiao Juan quickly beamed and said, "Congratulations, Mistress! This afternoon, I saw two magpies chirping in the tree—it must have been an omen for this joyous occasion! Truly, congratulations, Mistress!" Xiao Juan had a naturally charming and innocent appearance, and with her leading the way, the other maids hurried to offer their congratulations, eagerly addressing Xianglan as "Mistress."
Xianglan bit her lip. To others, being elevated to concubine was an immense honor. As someone born into servitude, had she not struggled to free herself from that status, the most she could have hoped for in the Lin household was to be married off to a servant. Now, she was to become the concubine of a third-rank general. By all accounts, her entire family should be weeping with gratitude and burning incense at their ancestors' graves.
From the moment she had sought to escape her status as a servant and entered the Lin household in this life, luck had never been on her side. Each time she found a way out of a desperate situation, a sudden blow would send her tumbling into an abyss. She blamed no one—it was fate, it was destiny. Among all the runaway concubines from wealthy families, she was likely the most docile and law-abiding, quietly staying in the temple. Yet trouble still sought her out, leaving her no way to avoid it.She was well aware of her own status and limitations. She had never harbored delusions of becoming the Da Nǎinai of the Lin family. In this lifetime, being with Lin Jinlou merely meant serving as a concubine who relied on her looks for favor. Who knew when, while her beauty remained, his affection might wane first? Then she would become like a decorative object, displayed within the deep courtyards of the Lin residence, slowly withering away her youth. She simply couldn't resign herself to being a plaything for life, serving the master and mistress with servile obedience. If she had accepted her fate as a concubine, she would have long ago agreed to Song Ke's proposal. Lin Jinlou called her a "dumb gourd," and everyone thought she didn't know her place. The maids whispered among themselves, accusing her of being pretentious. But how could she voice the thoughts filling her heart? Who could understand her feelings? Every time she defied Lin Jinlou's wishes, she was beaten. The last time, when he saw the fan Song Ke had given her, he flew into a rage and nearly strangled her. If she were to say she didn't want to be Lin Jinlou's concubine, he would surely punish her severely. She couldn't afford to be reckless—she still had parents to support. The sharp defiance she once held against Lin Jinlou had long been worn away by his ruthless methods, leaving only a trace buried deep in her heart. She carefully guarded her words and expressions, growing increasingly silent, acting like a meek, purring cat in Lin Jinlou's presence.
She had known this day would come ever since Yangzhou. She had saved Qin Shi and her daughter, and by reason and sentiment, Lin Jinlou would have to give her a formal status. But once this status was confirmed, it would be difficult to extricate herself later.
Yet in the current situation, what difference did the title of "Concubine" really make?
Seeing Xianglan bow her head in silence, Lin Jinlou's broad smile gradually faded, his expression turning increasingly cold. Then, unexpectedly, Xianglan rose and curtseyed, saying, "Thank you for your favor, Eldest Master."
The Chen couple and maids like Xiao Juan breathed a sigh of relief. Lin Jinlou smiled, feeling somewhat pleased, but noticing Xianglan still with her head bowed, he looked closer and saw a glimmer in her eyes, as if tears were welling up. His brow furrowed again, and that flicker of joy vanished without a trace.
After the meal, the Chen couple prepared to take their leave. Xianglan was deeply reluctant to see them go. Holding Xue Shi's hand, she said, "Take good care of yourselves, you and Father. Come visit me often. In a couple of days, I'll return home to see you." The young maid Hua Shan and the servant Hua Cai, who attended to the Chen couple, had also arrived. Xianglan called them over, giving each one tael of silver. To Hua Shan, she gifted a silver hairpin, and to Hua Cai, a silver button. She urged them to serve diligently and to ensure her father drank less alcohol, among other instructions.
Lin Jinlou ordered Shuangxi to prepare a carriage to escort the Chen couple home. As they departed, the maids presented them with large, exquisitely crafted golden boxes filled with fine dishes and delicacies, along with a ghost-faced blue ceramic jar containing premium wine. Additionally, there were local specialties brought back from Yangzhou, satins, silks, and other gifts. For Chen Wanquan, there was a pair of exquisite antique vases, and for Xue Shi, a set of pure gold hairpins and jewelry.
After seeing them off, the Hall of Knowing Spring grew quiet. Lin Jinlou picked up a book and read by the lamplight, surrounded by a stack of official documents and letters—matters delayed during his trip to Yangzhou. Xianglan stole a glance at him, then quietly washed up in the warm chamber. She let down her hair, changed into nightclothes, and slipped along the wall to the bedside. Gently lifting the quilt, she slid silently into bed.Lin Jinlou caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye, and half of his initial fury subsided. He found it somewhat amusing inwardly, thinking, "How foolish. If you knew it would upset me, why did you do it in the first place?" Still displeased, he tossed the book aside and strode toward the bed.
Xianglan was startled and wrapped herself tighter in the quilt, burying her head beneath it. Lin Jinlou stepped forward, yanked the quilt away with a swift motion, and said with a stern face, "Get up for me!"
Xianglan trembled all over in fear.
Lin Jinlou said coldly, "I'm talking to you! Stop pretending to be dead here!"
Ling Qing had intended to come in and add tea, but she was frightened by the shout. She felt someone tug her sleeve and turned to see Xue Ning standing behind her, shaking her head. Xue Ning whispered, "Let's go. Don't go in. We'll wait until the master calls for us." Hesitantly, Ling Qing followed Xue Ning away.
Inside the room, Xianglan slowly sat up, curling her legs and lowering her head.
Lin Jinlou pointed at her and demanded, "Who were you making a face at during the meal earlier, huh? I gave you face, but you don't want it, is that it? Are you feeling wronged by being my concubine? Speak!" He then sneered, "Are you still thinking about Song Ke in your heart?"
Xianglan was truly afraid of Lin Jinlou's anger. She secretly glanced up at him. The mention of "Song Ke" had ignited Lin Jinlou's fury, but as he was fuming, he suddenly noticed Xianglan's frightened and pitiful expression. He paused, and the rest of his words stuck in his throat.
Xianglan twisted her fingers together nervously and whispered softly, "I didn't..."
Perhaps these three words pleased him. At first, Lin Jinlou thought he had misheard, but once he understood, he felt all his anger vanish completely. He clenched his hand into a fist, coughed lightly by his mouth, and sat down on the edge of the bed.
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