During these past few days, the maids had been busy packing luggage. Xianglan sought Lin Jinlou's permission and found time to return to the Chen Family. Upon hearing that Xianglan would accompany Lin Jinlou to the capital, Xue Shi called for Hua Shan and said to Xianglan while holding her hand, "This girl is extremely clever and sensible. Take her with you. I fear the Lin Family maids may not be of one heart with you—they might flatter you now but turn against you when the Eldest Master marries a new wife... Alas, no matter how good they are, they can never compare to those from our own family."
These words struck a chord in Xianglan's heart. Even Chunling, whom she had once trusted wholeheartedly, had turned against her without regard. She couldn't help but feel more vigilant. Now, besides Xiao Juan, she truly had no one else entirely reliable by her side. She observed Hua Shan, who had grown considerably taller since first arriving at the Chen Family. With delicate features and wearing a willow-green dress, she presented a clever and pleasing appearance.
Xianglan smiled and said, "She has always been quick-witted. Since Mother is giving her to me, you can always buy another good one when you see one." As she spoke, she took out fifty taels in silver notes.
Xue Shi hurriedly said, "I still have Fan Hua to attend to me. Our family was never a wealthy household to begin with, unlike those with swarms of servants. Having someone who can serve tea and water is enough."
At that moment, Chen Wanquan brought over a sandalwood box carved with dragons and handed it to Xianglan, his face beaming with smiles. "My dear daughter, open it and take a look."
Xianglan opened it and saw a set of antique gold filigree jewelry adorned with kingfisher feathers, glittering brilliantly and inlaid with various precious gems, jades, and corals. The set included hair ornaments, hairpins, hair clasps, bracelets, necklaces, and more—over a dozen pieces filling the box to the brim.
Xianglan exclaimed in surprise, "This... what is this?Chen Wanquan rubbed his hands together, his face wearing an expression of both pride and earnest flattery. "This set of jewelry is an antique from the previous dynasty. I heard it was originally part of the dowry of a nobleman's principal wife. I thought that since you're now esteemed and the Eldest Master is going to host a banquet for you, even though our family circumstances can't compare to wealthy households, we now have no worries about food and clothing, with servants to command and carriages to ride. This is essentially your marriage—we mustn't let others look down on you. I had to acquire some respectable things for you. This is a newly acquired piece from recent days. Putting together a complete set like this was truly difficult. Still, I must say your father has a good eye—I recognized its value immediately. Although the price was high, it was worth it. I gritted my teeth and bought it. Hurry and put it on so we can see how it looks."
Xianglan looked at her father's face, now tinged with frost at his temples, watching her with a carefully eager smile as he repeatedly urged her to wear the jewelry. Her father in this life, despite his flaws, had always done his utmost to give her the best.
Xianglan felt a lump in her throat and quickly turned away to hide it, picking up a beaded hair ornament to fasten in her hair. Chen Wanquan clicked his tongue in repeated admiration, and the family chatted together in a circle until Gui Yuan came to the door to urge them several times. Only then did Xianglan reluctantly take Hua Shan and leave. For now, this shall not be detailed further.
Now, on this day, Lin Jinlou set off for the capital with Xianglan. The procession was grand and imposing. Besides the accompanying Shu Ran, Xiao Juan, Ling Qing, Ling Su, Xue Ning, and Hua Shan, there were also the pages Jixiang and Shuangxi, along with Xianglan's attendant Gui Yuan. Additionally, a troop of guards and soldiers accompanied them, riding horses with swords at their waists, looking majestic and awe-inspiring.Xianglan had nothing to do in the carriage, so Xiao Juan, Xue Ning and others kept her company by playing cards to pass the time. Xianglan wasn't particularly fond of card games, so she grew tired of playing after a while and simply watched the maids play with a smile, taking out some coins to distribute for their betting. Sometimes she would lean against the soft cushions to nap, or slightly lift the carriage curtain to peek at the scenery along the way, finding it quite diverting.
During breaks, Xianglan quietly begged Lin Jinlou to let her out for a walk. Lin Jinlou was very unwilling, and when Xianglan saw his stern face, she lowered her head, knowing it was impossible. Seeing Xianglan's dejected appearance, Lin Jinlou's heart softened somewhat, so he ordered someone to bring a conical hat with a veil and put it on Xianglan's head before allowing her to step down from the carriage.
Now Xianglan and Lin Jinlou managed to coexist peacefully. That day when she brought Hua Shan home, fearing Lin Jinlou's displeasure, she thought hard and remembered that Lin Jinlou had once asked her to make a sheepskin purse, for which Shu Ran had specially found a piece of fine leather. At that time, her mind was set on leaving the mansion, so she had only cut the pattern before abandoning it. She searched it out again, sewed it up, added trim, attached tassels, then selected a fan pendant from her small box, removed the orchid jade from it to weave into the tassels, and strung some glass and amber beads. The purse was completed in one afternoon.
Xianglan was naturally skilled with her hands and had elegant taste. When Xue Ning and Ling Qing saw the purse, they both praised its beauty.
When Lin Jinlou returned, she handed him the purse, saying only: "I finished this purse long ago but forgot to give it to Eldest Master..." After speaking, she heard no response for a while and grew puzzled. Looking up, she saw Lin Jinlou holding the purse and examining it repeatedly, the corners of his mouth turned upward, though he complained: "Look at what you've made here, huh? A perfectly good purse, why add this trim? And this dangling string at the bottom - it looks like something women use... Ahem, but considering your sincere effort, I'll reluctantly use it." Saying this, he tied it to his belt.
Xianglan inwardly criticized him for being hard to please, but during dinner she noticed he ate an extra bowl of rice, and after the meal he hummed tunes while playing with his birds. Guessing he was in a good mood, she seized the opportunity to mention Hua Shan's matter. Lin Jinlou showed little concern, saying only: "Tell Shu Ran later to give her monthly allowance."
Since she made that purse, Lin Jinlou had shown a bit more amiability. Though his temper was explosive, it was like a firecracker - it wouldn't go off unless lit.
Finally they reached the capital on this day. The Lin family also maintained a residence in the capital, which, though not comparable to their Nanjing home, was still quite impressive. Exhausted from the journey, everyone was completely worn out. Xiao Juan, who loved eating and sleeping, and Hua Shan, who was still young, went to rest first. Xue Ning went to heat water, while Ling Qing and Ling Su carried over the trunks containing bedding and began unpacking and making the beds. After Xianglan washed her face and hair, changed clothes, and let her hair down, she dismissed everyone to rest.After being busy out front for a while, Lin Jinlou returned to the inner residence. He saw the curtains drawn low and Xianglan already fast asleep. Only Xue Ning remained in the room, struggling to keep her eyes open as she came forward to attend to him. Lin Jinlou merely washed his face before dismissing her. After changing his clothes, he lay down beside Xianglan. Turning over, he noticed her rosy cheeks and dark hair spread across the pillow, making her appear even more delicate and tender. He couldn't understand how this woman, as beautiful as a flower, could have so much stubbornness in her bones—sometimes it pained him to the core, yet he couldn't let her go.
Lin Jinlou was exceptionally clever; he had long seen through it. Although Xianglan now appeared obedient, deep down she remained untamed, likely harboring some resentment within. She had already slipped away once before, and this time Lin Jinlou dared not be careless. He had resolved to keep her by his side from now on, watching her closely under his own eyes.
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