Everyone watched as a young woman slowly emerged from the room, her eyes downcast, her face as fair as white jade. Her hair was braided and gathered into a simple side bun, and she wore a light green BeiZi over a white Ling silk skirt with delicate embroidery. Her attire was unadorned, yet her movements were as graceful as willow branches swaying in the breeze. The jade pendants fastened to her skirt chimed softly, their rhythm perfectly synchronized with her footsteps.
Lin Dongxiu was astonished. Just yesterday, Aunt Xia had sternly told her, "Once the Fourth Young Lady is married, she will become a titled lady of rank. On festive occasions, she must enter the palace to pay respects to the noblewomen. If her demeanor is improper, she will not only disgrace Marquis Yongchang but also the Lin Family. As the Book of Rites says, 'A gentleman’s steps are accompanied by the chime of jade pendants.' Your posture while walking is acceptable, but the sound of the jade must harmonize with your footsteps—alternating strong and soft, clear and melodious." She had practiced for half a day, her waist and legs aching with fatigue, and Aunt Xia had reluctantly remarked, "Passable." Yet today, observing Xianglan’s demeanor, it was indistinguishable from what Aunt Xia had demonstrated. Previously, she hadn’t paid much attention, but now, recalling it, she realized Xianglan had always carried herself this way.
Xianglan walked to the doorway, then turned and curtsied to Qin Shi, saying, "Taitai, I take my leave." As she slightly raised her head, her beauty was like a spring plum blossom blooming amidst snow, her spirit like autumn orchids veiled in frost. Grandmother Jiang’s fingers, which had been counting her prayer beads, abruptly stilled, and a look of surprise flickered in her eyes. Her own granddaughter, Jiang Xiyun, was peerless in beauty—she had never seen anyone surpass her. She never expected this girl to possess such extraordinary grace and ethereal elegance, rivaling Jiang Xiyun’s lush, soft charm in a contest of equals.
Jiang Danyu was also taken aback. She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Xianglan from head to toe and back again, her heart sinking with a sour feeling. Yet she couldn’t help but feel a gloating satisfaction toward Jiang Xiyun, thinking to herself, "Hasn’t everyone always praised your beauty, your cleverness, and your charm? Now there’s a show to watch."
Jiang Xiyun maintained a faint smile, carefully observing Xianglan before glancing at Grandmother Jiang. Seeing her grandmother’s fixed gaze on Xianglan, she then stole a look at Qin Shi. Noting Qin Shi’s stern expression, she gently shook her head.
Lin Dongxiu slowly sauntered back, a smirk playing on her lips as she sat down with her neck held high, as if she were the one who had captivated the entire room into silence.
Grandmother Jiang coughed lightly and said, "Niece-in-law, who is this—"
Qin Shi, beaming, was about to speak when Lin Jinlou cut in with a laugh, "She’s someone from my household, named Xianglan." He then gave Xianglan a slight push on the waist and said, "Hurry and pay your respects to Concubine Dowager."
Xianglan had no choice but to step forward and offer salutations one by one. Jiang Danyu and Jiang Xiyun both rose and stood sideways to accept the greeting, returning the courtesy with a curtsy. Jiang Xiyun couldn’t resist studying Xianglan closely, an indescribable feeling stirring in her heart. She quietly watched the girl standing there—slender and graceful, neither humble nor haughty, her face unsmiling yet radiating an immortal elegance that made worldly cares fade from mind.
At that moment, Xianglan lifted her eyes, and her limpid, liquid gaze met Jiang Xiyun’s clear, jet-black ones. Their eyes met briefly before both simultaneously looked away, lowering their eyelids.Lin Jinlou stood by the door, squinting slightly as he observed the two women twice over, then turned his gaze toward Qin Shi. Qin Shi glanced at him briefly before lowering her head and picking up the tea bowl beside her to sip tea quietly. The room was filled with varied thoughts, but Lin Jinxuan’s mind remained uncomplicated. He looked at Xianglan, then at Jiang Xiyun, feeling both were stunning beauties, equally matched. Upon closer inspection, Xianglan possessed an ethereal grace, like an immortal ready to “ride the wind and return,” radiant and serene as an orchid; Jiang Xiyun, by contrast, was a worldly beauty, elegant and charming amid worldly splendor, her smile artful and captivating.
He looked again and again, yet felt that no matter how beautiful they were, neither could compare to his own wife, Madam Tan. Not only was she lovely, but she was also gentle, considerate, and possessed depth of character. He couldn’t help but glance at Tan Luhua, only to find her staring intently at Xianglan and Xiyun, the handkerchief in her hands twisted into a tight knot.
Grandmother Jiang scrutinized the two once more before remarking lightly to Qin Shi, “Lou Ge’er is truly blessed with such fortune. Who would have thought there were such exquisite beauties in this world?”
Jiang Xiyun laughed, “When I stepped out earlier, I caught a glimpse and almost thought a celestial maiden had descended to earth.”
Lin Dongxiu added, “Xianglan excels at the arts of lute, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Her floral patterns are fresh and delightful. One of these days, she should paint a few for you all.”
Tan Luhua remarked with a faint, ambiguous smile, “Not only are her hands skillful, but her mind is clever too.”
Jiang Danyun glanced at Jiang Xiyun and said softly, “How wonderful. Fifth Sister is also quite skilled at drawing patterns, though she’s too lazy to pick up her brush. I’ve been worried about what designs to use for my newly tailored clothes—now I’ve found the right person.”
Jiang Xiyun laughed again, “Just the other day, I embroidered a handkerchief for Fourth Sister, and she still called me lazy. I won’t stand for that.”
Qin Shi merely smiled without comment.
Lin Jinlou beckoned to Xianglan, saying, “Come here.” He bowed slightly to the others, then took Xianglan by the hand and left.
Once outside the door, Xianglan let out a long sigh of relief. After exiting the courtyard of Rongshou Hall, they entered a passageway, where Lin Jinlou pinched Xianglan’s cheek playfully and grinned, “My dear, aren’t you going to thank your lord for rescuing you from Taitai’s room? If I hadn’t called you out, you’d still be in there doing needlework for Fourth Sister, wouldn’t you? Next time they ask, don’t go. Needlework strains the eyes—you might go blind from staring too hard.” As he spoke, he moved to wrap his arm around her waist.
Xianglan started in alarm and quickly thumped him twice, exclaiming, “You’re insane! We’re still outside—what if someone sees us?”
Lin Jinlou retorted, “You and your rules—you make life so tiresome.” Seeing Xianglan’s flushed cheeks, bright as autumn fruit, he felt a stir of desire and pulled her into his arms as effortlessly as lifting a chick. Pointing to his own cheek, he said, “Quick, give me a kiss.”
Xianglan spotted two maidservants carrying trays. Seeing the couple embracing there, the girls stuck out their tongues, sucked their fingers, hunched their shoulders, and scurried away around a corner. Xianglan’s face flushed crimson instantly, and she squirmed, trying to break free.
Lin Jinlou urged, “Hurry up, or I’ll change my mind and kiss you on the lips instead.” He leaned in as if to kiss her.
Xianglan hastily covered his mouth, but Lin Jinlou planted a kiss on her palm instead. She pulled her hand back quickly and, seeing no one around, stood on tiptoe to peck his left cheek swiftly. Lin Jinlou grinned broadly, then bent down and gave her cheek a loud, smacking kiss in return. Xianglan wiped her face and pushed him away, exclaiming, “You’re insane!”Lin Jinlou laughed and said, "You're just being stubborn." As he spoke, he took Xianglan's hand and led her back. "You're far too thin-skinned. Today, the Jiang family brought two young ladies. Fifth Cousin has a pleasant disposition, knows how to read the room, and handles situations well. Her features are so striking, she could rival a top courtesan—tsk, don't glare at me. Do you think just anyone can become a top courtesan? First, one must be beautiful; second, one must be talented—skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and song, no less accomplished than a lady from a noble family, able to compose verses and couplets effortlessly, with a deep knowledge of classics from ancient to modern times; third, one must have cunning—understanding charm, knowing how to please, skilled at reading others, articulate, and perceptive. This last quality is the most crucial. Among all the brothels along the Qinhuai River, only a handful produce top courtesans. Someone as simple-minded as you—thank heavens you're in my care. If you were in a brothel, your stubbornness would drive people away in just a few words, and who knows how many beatings you'd endure. Learn a thing or two from Fifth Cousin. I don't expect you to be particularly clever—just say a few pleasant words, and I'll be satisfied—"
Xianglan hung her head in silence, allowing Lin Jinlou to lead her back to Chun Tang Hall. Of this, no more need be said.
Meanwhile, at Rongshou Hall, the company chatted for a while longer before the banquet was set. Once the meal concluded, they exchanged a few more casual words before dispersing. Qin Shi returned to her bedchamber, feeling weary in body and mind. She sat on the couch and sent Hongjian to Dream Fragrance Courtyard to check on Madam Jiang and her granddaughter's accommodations. She then instructed Lu Lan to summon Aunt Xia and Lin Dongxiu. Aunt Xia arrived shortly, inquired after Qin Shi's well-being, and took a seat. Lu Lan served tea, and the two exchanged a few pleasantries. Just then, Lin Dongxiu entered. Qin Shi immediately straightened her expression, beckoned her forward, and said coldly, "Kneel!"
Lin Dongxiu dropped to her knees with a thud and kowtowed, saying, "Taitai, please calm your anger. Xiu'er knows she was wrong."
Qin Shi said, "Oh? Then tell me, what was your mistake?"
Lin Dongxiu replied, "Xiu'er should not have called Xianglan out. It was just a momentary lapse of judgment. I beg Taitai to show me mercy and forgive me this once." She kowtowed again.
Qin Shi said indifferently, "Whether it was a momentary lapse or not, you know the truth in your heart. Let me remind you just once: this is your maternal home, and you are a cherished guest soon to be married, so we must treat you with some leniency. But if you continue to act so recklessly after you marry, whether you bring shame to your family is secondary—your own well-being will be like drinking water, only you will know if it's warm or cold. You may go."
Lin Dongxiu stole a glance at Qin Shi, kowtowed once more, and rose to leave.
After she had gone, Qin Shi adopted a solemn expression and said, "Aunt Xia, I entrust Fourth Girl to you. I hope you will guide her well. Our family will surely reward you handsomely."
Aunt Xia was startled and quickly said, "Taitai, you speak too gravely."
Qin Shi let out a long sigh, her face weary, and said, "You witnessed what happened earlier in the hall, Aunt Xia."Aunt Xia remained silent. Qin Shi had invited her to sit behind the screen to help observe the Jiang family girls, which was not an unreasonable request, so she agreed. From her observation, Jiang Danyun appeared to be an ordinary young lady of respectable breeding, with acceptable speech and demeanor. If Jiang Danyun was merely slightly better than the average young lady, then Jiang Xiyun was truly stunning. This girl was undoubtedly shrewd but deliberately played the fool. Yet, her beauty alone was extraordinary, and her conduct and speech were genuinely graceful and poised, with a clever charm. Though she harbored some cunning, it came across as endearing. However, it was Chen Xianglan who truly surprised her. She had initially thought Xianglan was merely a stunningly beautiful concubine, nothing more than a pretty face, and hadn’t paid her much mind. But today, standing beside Jiang Xiyun, the two complemented each other, highlighting Xianglan’s exceptional grace. Especially the way she walked out of the room—fluid and elegant, with a majestic bearing—it left Aunt Xia astonished. She surpassed even the most refined young ladies from noble families.
Qin Shi sighed, "The fourth young lady truly gives me no peace—and truth be told, it’s partly my fault." She let out another sigh and placed her tea bowl on the small table beside her. "My eldest daughter was born to a concubine, but I treated her as my own and raised her by my side. Yet, after all, a mother and daughter share a deep bond—how could Concubine Yin bear to be parted from her? At that time, I was young and proud, quarreling with the master, so I simply neglected the eldest girl. By the time I wanted to discipline her again, she was already older and had grown distant from me, defying me at every turn, which only caused more friction. After a few attempts, I grew disheartened and let her be. Later, when the master took another concubine and the fourth young lady was born, I poured my heart into teaching her, but she grew close to the eldest girl—ah—" As she spoke, Qin Shi’s tears fell.
Wu Mama, who was standing nearby attending to her, hurried over with a handkerchief and said, "Taitai, there’s no need to grieve. Everyone has their own destiny."
Qin Shi took a deep breath and said, "I taught her the same way I taught the second young lady, exactly the same. But this child has always been wary of me, as if I meant her harm. That’s why I’ve asked you here, Aunt—we absolutely cannot let someone with her narrow perspective and temperament marry into the Marquis’s household!"
Aunt Xia stood up and curtsied, saying, "I will do my utmost to serve. Although the fourth young lady is stubborn and has some flaws, she is not beyond redemption."
Qin Shi wiped her tears with the handkerchief and smiled with relief. "Then I’ll trouble you, Aunt." With a meaningful glance, Wu Mama promptly presented a red envelope, smiling as she said, "The weather is growing warmer—please use this to make yourself a couple of cool outfits."
Aunt Xia did not refuse, accepting the red envelope before curtsying and taking her leave.
Qin Shi let out a long sigh and reclined on the daybed. Wu Mama hurriedly placed a cushion behind her back, saying, "You’ve worked hard, Taitai."
Qin Shi gritted her teeth and said, "This is a family we’ve taken great pains to select. If she ruins this, even if the fourth girl is about to be married off, I won’t let her get away with it!" Her chest heaved with emotion.
Wu Mama quickly soothed Qin Shi’s chest and handed her the tea bowl, saying, "The weather is hot, Taitai. You must take care of your health. Please calm your anger."
Qin Shi replied, "You don’t understand. The Jiang Family is one that both the Old Master and the master have taken a liking to. Though they were originally a declining noble family, who would have thought this generation would produce Jiang Xuecheng? At such a young age, he became a Grand Secretary! We thought he would hold that position for decades, but unexpectedly, the emperor sent him to Zhejiang."
Wu Mama said, "So he was demoted? I heard Jiang Danyu was only promoted by one rank in Zhejiang—"Qin Shi sat up and sneered, "Of course, it's only a one-rank promotion. I initially thought Jiang Xuecheng had fallen out of favor, but later not only did my husband write, even the Old Master said the Jiang Family might be on the rise. Now both the eldest and Second Princes are eyeing the throne, rallying supporters everywhere. His Majesty must already have a preference. Fearing Jiang Xuecheng would be entangled in the Succession Struggle, he specially transferred him out, quietly appointing him as Left Councilor in Zhejiang—a position with substantial authority—so that when the new emperor ascends, he can recall him to the capital and bestow favors. Otherwise, why send Jiang Xuecheng first, then promote his eldest son to Prefect of Shandong? His eldest son had only been an external seventh-rank magistrate for a year." After speaking, she sighed and said to Wu Mama, "There are families more distinguished than the Jiangs, but—but you're an experienced elder. How many noble young ladies have you seen who can rival Xianglan's beauty?"
Wu Mama thought for a moment and smiled, "Xianglan is too exquisite. Only Fifth Miss Jiang we met today and the late mistress Master married earlier compare."
Qin Shi nodded, "Exactly. A mother knows her son. Lou Ge'er has that frivolous, lustful nature—why else would he have been so foolish as to marry that wretched Zhao Yuechan, and now he's infatuated with Xianglan. If he remains so obsessed, doting indiscriminately, I fear without marrying a girl who can hold her ground, the Inner Chambers will stir up trouble again, leading to another 'Favorite Concubine Usurping the Wife' scenario. Two years ago, I met Fifth Miss Jiang and noted her fine appearance and delightful temperament. Seeing her today, she's grown even more striking. Didn't you notice how Lou Ge'er seemed spellbound by her? That means half the battle is won. Only someone as beautiful as her can compete with Xianglan, and her sharp wit can manage Lou Ge'er's household. She has a gentle disposition and a kind heart, so she'll tolerate Xianglan."
(The previous chapter and this chapter's Qiao Hui are portrayed by Huihui—sister~)
Thanks to mating2009, shuyou120410193509393, Shuiyu Linglong, and Shenxian Xiaoyouzi for the sachets; kmtk11011101, Rongyu8163 for four Peace Talismans; Ailan2014 for two Peace Talismans; Uncle Con Renee, Qieyi de Yezi, shuyou120812014856731, Gelin Tonghua1, Menqian Maimai de Laonainai, Jiaxin Yining, and shmilyaw for the Peace Talismans. Also, thank you all for the pink votes.
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