A small sedan chair stopped by the inner gate of the Lin residence in the capital. An elderly servant woman stepped forward to lift the curtain and helped the woman inside alight, smiling as she said, "The Eldest Young Miss has arrived. The Eldest Master is receiving guests in the front and isn't here at the moment."
Lin Dongwan, the eldest younger sister of Lin Jinlou and daughter of Concubine Yin, straightened her clothes and bent down to lead a child of about three years old out from the sedan chair. Smiling, she said, "I'll wait for my elder brother then." With that, she lifted her skirt with one hand, held the child's hand with the other, and walked inside, asking, "Who came along this time?" Just then, she saw Shu Ran emerging from the main house. Lin Dongwan immediately left the elderly servant woman and went forward with a beaming smile, saying, "Let me see who this is."
Shu Ran smiled and said, "So it's the Eldest Young Miss. Please, come inside and sit." She then bent down to playfully tease the child, saying, "This must be Huige'er, right? He's already grown so tall."
Huige'er clung to Lin Dongwan's leg, sucking his finger without saying a word. Lin Dongwan patted the child's head and said to Shu Ran with a smile, "This child is shy, as gentle and quiet as a girl, and doesn't talk much." Seeing that no one else was around, she quietly took Shu Ran's hand, pulled a pouch from her own sleeve, and handed it over, whispering, "It's been so long since we last met. This is a small token of my affection. Last time you mentioned wanting to make a silver necklace but were missing a lock. I happened to get one, so please don't refuse."
Shu Ran reached out and felt the pouch—it was quite heavy. She smiled and said, "How can I accept this?"
Lin Dongwan put on a stern face and said, "Back at home, we even slept in the same bed, and you used to comb my hair. Why can't you accept it?" Then her expression softened into a smile. "This is a token of our bond..."
Shu Ran held the pouch but did not put it away, merely smiling as she said, "The Eldest Master has just returned. Does the Eldest Young Miss have anything important to discuss by coming here?"
Lin Dongwan replied, "What important matter could I have? I just missed my family and came to visit." After a pause, she asked, "How has Elder Brother been lately? I heard he was promoted again? Ah, since we're all family, I'll speak frankly. My good-for-nothing husband recently purchased an official position, but it's all in name only—sounds impressive but holds no real power. He isn't very satisfied with it. I heard there are some good positions in the Ministry of War. I wonder how well Elder Brother gets along with the people there? You handle the visiting cards sent to him every day—have you noticed anything?"
Shu Ran thought to herself, "Lin Dongwan is shrewd and calculating. I really don't want to get involved with anything she gives, but since she's asking this, it might be acceptable to accept her gift." Aloud, she smiled and said, "The Eldest Young Miss flatters me by asking such a thing. I'm just a servant—how could I meddle in such matters? I only run errands for the Eldest Master. Matters regarding visiting cards are handled by Mr. Kang and Mr. Qi in the front."
Lin Dongwan couldn't help but frown. Before she married, she had helped her mother, Concubine Yin, scheme against Qin Shi in the Lin household, and Lin Jinlou had always treated her coolly. After she married, Lin Jinlou's career flourished, and she couldn't help but try to cozy up to him, but he remained unresponsive. Now that she had a favor to ask, she felt even more uncertain. She said to Shu Ran, "Then, about this matter..."
Shu Ran replied, "I'm afraid I'm too insignificant to be of help in this matter, Eldest Young Miss. Matters among the men should be handled by the men themselves. Why not have your husband invite the Eldest Master for a drink? Since we're all family, the Eldest Master surely wouldn't refuse such a gesture, would he?"Lin Dongwan's expression grew increasingly troubled. Seeing this, Shu Ran did not press further and, after a moment's thought, said, "There is another path..." Noticing Lin Dongwan's intense gaze fixed upon her, she lowered her voice. "You in the capital may not be aware, but the Eldest Master has recently taken on a new Concubine named Xianglan, whom he dotes on immensely. From what I've observed, no one compares to the warmth he shows her. She has come to the capital with no one to rely on. Why not befriend her, Eldest Miss? If the Eldest Master is pleased, half your request will be granted." As she spoke, she tucked the pouch into her sleeve.
Though Lin Dongwan felt suspicious, she noted that Shu Ran had accepted the gift and thought to herself, "Shu Ran is known for her reliability. If she weren't somewhat confident in this matter, she wouldn't have taken my offering." Aloud, she smiled and said, "Thank you for suggesting this idea. If it succeeds, I will reward you handsomely." She patted Shu Ran's hand and led Huige into the house.
Shu Ran naturally saw Lin Dongwan into the house with great courtesy. Once outside, she found a secluded spot, opened the pouch, and poured its contents into her palm. It was a silver longevity lock, engraved on the front with "Long Life and Hundred Years" and on the back with "Auspiciousness and Good Fortune," with four silver peach-shaped pendants and tassels dangling below. The silver was of good quality, clearly polished with a brush before being presented, gleaming brightly.
Shu Ran looked at the lock with disdain, thinking, "This longevity lock must have been a gift for Huige's hundredth day—a piece that's been stored away for years, now brought out as a favor. Lin Dongwan was always calculating even before she married. If she were truly sincere in asking for my help, she could at least have melted it down to recast a lock with inscriptions like 'Fortune, Longevity, and Eternal Prosperity' for an adult—that would have shown some generosity." With these thoughts, she passed through the second gate and summoned a servant to call her husband, Xu Fu. She thrust the lock into his hand and said, "Your brother has a son, and your mother complained that the lock we gave was too small, giving me cold looks for no reason. Take this one instead and see if she's satisfied now."
Xu Fu was startled at the sight of the lock. "Where did this come from? It's so exquisitely made."
Shu Ran sneered, "Never mind where it came from. Just take it back to her, so she stops finding fault in front of you." Her eyes reddened as she pulled out a handkerchief to dab them, her voice choked with emotion. "I've always had our family's best interests at heart, yet your mother always acts as if I'm after something from your family. What could I possibly want? I only married you for your character, because you're honest and we can live a decent life together. Otherwise, aren't there plenty of sons from the shop managers at home? Any one of them is wealthier than your old Xu family!""Alright, alright, you know how my mother is. Now that we're in the capital, far away from her, let's not bring it up anymore." Seeing his wife in tears, Xu Fu felt utterly overwhelmed. His mother often told him that a daughter-in-law like Shu Ran was ambitious, always following the Eldest Master around and thinking too highly of herself. If she wasn't properly disciplined, not only would she be uncontrollable, but she might even trample all over her husband. Yet Shu Ran was not one to be easily subdued, and she resented her mother-in-law's petty and vulgar temperament. Several times, the household had nearly descended into conflict. Caught in the middle, Xu Fu bore the brunt of it, blaming his mother for stirring up trouble while also displeased that Shu Ran refused to yield. But both were like revered deities—he dared not offend either.
Xu Fu, being somewhat capable, quick-witted, and eloquent, took advantage of the empty surroundings to pull Shu Ran into a corner. He pressed the lock into her hand and said with a smile, "Don’t worry about Mother—I’ll handle it. I think this lock is quite nice; it’d be a shame to give it away. Why don’t we keep it for ourselves? When we have a son someday, we can give it to him."
Shu Ran spat in disdain, "Pah! Who’s going to bear you a son!"
Xu Fu chuckled, "Of course, it’ll be my wife who bears me one." After coaxing her gently for a while, Shu Ran’s expression finally softened. She said, "From now on, take Gui Yuan under your wing more often. Give him guidance whenever you can."
Xu Fu asked, "Why?"
Shu Ran explained, "The Eldest Master can’t let go of Xianglan. If she gives birth to a child in the future, she’ll be even more formidable. Gui Yuan is the only servant boy by her side. If you treat him well, he’ll remember your kindness, and we’ll benefit from it later. Right now, the Eldest Master hasn’t married Da Nǎinai yet. Once she enters the household, things will change. If I continue to hold power like this, the new Da Nǎinai will surely not tolerate it. It’s better to build goodwill now so we’ll have more people to rely on later."
Knowing his wife had considerable foresight, Xu Fu nodded in agreement and said no more.
Meanwhile, Xianglan removed a few hairpins and ornaments, changed into her everyday clothes, and picked up a book to read. Just then, someone announced, "The Eldest Young Miss has arrived." She stood up and saw a woman in her twenties entering the room. The woman had thick eyebrows, rather small eyes, a high nose, and red lips. Her face was heavily powdered and rouged—though not exceptionally beautiful, she had a certain charm. She wore a turquoise-purple jacket embroidered with colorful cold plum blossoms and a lotus-root-colored cotton satin skirt. Her hair was slicked back and adorned with gold hairpins and a necklace. Before even speaking, she wore a smile and stepped forward, saying, "This must be my sister-in-law? Oh, you’re so lovely—I thought I’d seen a celestial maiden!"
Only Xue Ning, an old-timer in the room, whispered to Xianglan, "This is the Eldest Master’s elder sister. She married the young master of the Lu family in the capital."Xianglan hurriedly bowed and invited them to sit on the kang, instructing a young maid to serve tea. With a slight smile, she greeted them and said, "As I've only recently arrived in the capital, I'm not yet familiar with everyone. Please forgive any oversights." She thought to herself: "Concubine Yin is a beauty, and Lin Changzheng is also handsome, yet Lin Dongwan seems to have inherited their less favorable traits. Though her features are regular, she doesn't compare to her two younger sisters in looks. Still, she's skilled at enhancing her appearance with cosmetics and adornments." She further pondered, "The Lu family in the capital? There is indeed a prominent Lu family here—I wonder if Lin Dongwan married into that one." Noticing a child dressed in silk with his hair tied in horns, she presumed he was Lin Dongwan's son, so she praised him a few words, had a maid carry him to the kang, and offered him some fruit to eat.
Lin Dongwan glanced around and noticed women's garments draped over the incense burner, and seeing Xianglan seated in the room wearing casual attire, she realized Xianglan usually resided in the main quarters. It suddenly dawned on her why Shu Ran held this person in high regard. Observing Xianglan clad in fine silks, adorned with gold and silver, and possessing a radiant beauty, all her suspicions vanished. She merely smiled and said, "As a married daughter living far away, I haven't been able to return to my maiden home. Now that I'm in the capital and see how delightfully charming you are—even a celestial beauty couldn't be more adorable—I feel an instant connection. We must grow closer in the future." She then lavished praise on Xianglan in a stream of compliments: "You couldn't find someone so lovely even with a lantern," "Your elegance surpasses even that of a princess," "No wonder my elder brother is fond of you—the others in his household put together don't measure up to you," elevating Xianglan to divine heights.
Xianglan sensed Lin Dongwan's flattery and felt thoroughly uncomfortable, merely replying, "You flatter me too much, Eldest Miss." She thought, "I've never had any rapport with Lin Dongwan; her efforts to ingratiate herself clearly have an ulterior motive."
As they spoke, unexpectedly, Lin Dongqi also arrived. Entering the room, she paused in surprise, then smiled gracefully and said, "So Eldest Sister is here too."
Xianglan rose to offer her a seat and instructed a maid to bring tea.
Lin Dongqi had her hair styled in a married woman's bun, encircled with pearls and jade, making her appear a couple of years older than before. She wore a peach-blossom patterned jacket and a crimson foreign crepe skirt, her makeup impeccably applied, exuding a vibrant glow. After cheerfully greeting everyone and playing with Hui-ge for a moment, she sat down and said, "I heard you arrived in the capital yesterday, but it was already late, so I didn't want to intrude. This morning, my husband urged me to come with him to visit—he and Eldest Brother are old acquaintances and often speak of him."
The mention of "old acquaintances" made Lin Dongwan uneasy; she raised her tea bowl without responding.
Xianglan also inquired after Lin Dongqi's well-being, exchanging pleasantries before steering the conversation to casual topics, asking about the local customs and practices of the capital.
Just then, Shu Ran entered the room. Xianglan subtly signaled her with a glance and said to the two women, "Please make yourselves comfortable, ladies; I'll be back shortly." She went to the eastern room, with Shu Ran following behind.
Xianglan asked, "Why is the Eldest Miss showering me with such effusive flattery?"
Shu Ran smiled and replied, "She's come to ask the Eldest Master to secure a position in the Ministry of War for her husband. Since she's flattering you, Madam, just accept it graciously. You've been rather bored staying indoors all the time—it's good to socialize in the capital and build connections with other ladies. Forming a friendly bond with her will give you companionship in the future."Xianglan said, "Securing official posts outside is the men's business. You all know Eldest Master's temperament—it's best not to get involved in this matter, but we can't afford to offend her either. Next time she comes, try to decline if possible." With that, she started to leave.
Shu Ran quickly stopped her, saying, "Madam, you should still socialize with her a bit. If she asks you for anything, you're a clever person—just weigh the importance and decide for yourself."
Xianglan halted her steps but remained silent, merely looking at Shu Ran with a smile.
Shu Ran felt as if Xianglan had seen right through her and hurriedly added with an apologetic smile, "Don't you think that makes sense?"
Xianglan smiled again and simply said, "I understand." She thought to herself, "Even Lin Jinlou said the women in the household can handle social interactions as they please, yet Shu Ran is eagerly speaking up for Lin Dongwan, urging the two of us to get along. Someone like Lin Dongwan is clearly a 'camel trader across nine kingdoms' at first glance—hardly an easy person to deal with. Shu Ran has probably accepted some favor from her. But since she's put it this way, I might as well give Shu Ran some face and do Lin Dongwan a small kindness." With this in mind, she went to her dressing table, opened a drawer, took out a pair of small silver ingots shaped like ruyi scepters, placed them in a pouch, and came out to hand it to Hui Ge'er, saying, "It's our first meeting—this is just a small token of my regard. I hope the Eldest Miss won't find it beneath her."
Lin Dongwan said warmly, "What is this? I didn't bring you anything this time, and here you are giving this child a gift." She repeatedly urged Hui Ge'er to thank Xianglan. Hui Ge'er simply nestled in Lin Dongwan's arms, holding the pouch without saying a word.
After some more conversation, it was nearly noon. Lin Jinlou sent Gui Yuan to inform them that he had guests in the front and wouldn't be back for lunch, asking Xianglan to host Lin Dongwan and Lin Dongqi for the meal. Xianglan thought for a moment, then instructed Ling Qing to invite Madam Tan and sent Xiao Juan to the kitchen to order dishes.
Madam Tan had originally intended to serve Lin Jinxuan his meal, but upon receiving Xianglan's invitation and hearing that both married daughters had come, she hurried to change her clothes. After some consideration, she took out her most valuable set from the trunk, changed into it, re-did her hair and added flowers, touched up her makeup, and only then did she take her maid's arm and go.
This was Madam Tan's first time visiting Lin Jinlou's residence. Outside the door, a crimson soft curtain hung from a bronze hook. Inside, a large kang stretched beneath the south window, where Xianglan and the others were sitting and chatting. When Madam Tan entered, Xianglan ordered the meal to be served.
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