Lin Jinlou was born into a family of power and luxury. At the age of three, he was led by the Old Master into the study, listening to discussions among visiting ministers and advisers, thus mastering the ways of officialdom. Growing up, he ventured onto the battlefield, facing life and death, and became accustomed to the struggles for power, joys and sorrows, and partings of the human world. Today, he commands the wind and rain, entrenched in his domain, almost doing as he pleases. Power, wealth, status, women—all are within easy reach. He has always looked down on women; whether they were stunning beauties or reserved talents, as long as they caught sight of his handsome appearance and heavy authority, their bones would soften. Even those who prided themselves on their aloofness would melt like March spring waves under the weight of his lavish silver and a few sweet words.
He knew Jiang Xiyun was the bride his family had chosen for him. This girl came from a respectable family, was exceptionally beautiful, sweet-tongued, and pleasing. He had heard she was extremely filial to her grandmother and often did needlework for her parents and siblings—a girl of simple and honest nature, unlikely to stir up trouble in the inner quarters or indulge in jealousy. Thus, he was quite satisfied. However, he could see that beneath Jiang Xiyun’s appearance of simplicity and honesty lay a hundred clever schemes. She observed expressions and inferred implications, seemingly losing out in every matter but actually reaping all the benefits. For instance, today, when Tan Luhua was displeased over the matter of Fujian specialties, it appeared to be Tan Luhua’s unreasonable fuss. Although Jiang Xiyun did not send many Fujian specialties, she gifted a fine inkstone and two medicinal herbs, which were even more valuable than the specialties. But upon deeper reflection, Jiang Xiyun was not one fond of calligraphy and painting—the inkstone would only gather dust in her possession. Nor did she suffer from any health issues—the herbs were not commonly used by her, and over time, their potency would diminish. It was better to count these as two additional gifts to Tan Luhua, thus saving face, silencing others, and pleasing the one she wished to please—a triple gain. During the argument, she alternated between sharpness and grievance, appearing to retreat step by step while actually pressing aggressively, leaving Jiang Danyu and Tan Luhua in an awkward position. In this regard, that silly girl Chen Xianglan would probably never learn in her lifetime. Character reveals itself in the details—Jiang Xiyun was truly versatile, smooth, cunning, and skillful!
Yet such girls are most prone to overestimating their own cleverness, thinking everyone else is foolish, believing that their little tricks of acting cute and naive can manipulate all under heaven. Today, when he heard Jiang Xiyun mention that women learned music, chess, calligraphy, and painting merely to please the Gentlemen, he actually agreed in his heart. But then he suddenly remembered that Xianglan genuinely loved these arts and did not seem to do so to please him. So he urged De Ge'er to ask, firstly to understand what was in Xianglan’s heart, and secondly to warn Jiang Xiyun—if she wished to marry into the Lin Family, she should behave honestly under his watch and refrain from applying her pragmatic tactics on him.
However, he never expected Xianglan to respond with such discourse. In the past, he only knew that Xianglan's conduct was unusual, but today he realized it was because her heart and insight were fundamentally different from other women.This Xianglan, who was as pedantic as an old-fashioned scholar, who wept until she was drenched in tears yet still held her head high, this Xianglan with her stubborn bones who knew not how to curry favor—somehow stirred in him a sense of respect, mingled with an indescribable flavor that made him particularly uneasy. He leaned back against the green satin pillow embroidered with scattered flowers behind him, watching her elegant and slender profile, and suddenly felt a softness in his heart. He picked up his chopsticks only to set them down again, saying, "If there’s anything troubling you now, just tell me directly. Why bother praying to Bodhisattva? The Bodhisattva is busy enough with all the beings under heaven—how could he attend to everyone? By the time he thinks of you, it’ll be too late."
Xianglan merely forced a faint smile, served Lin Jinlou a portion of food with her chopsticks, and then silently resumed eating. Lin Jinlou wanted to ask more, but for some reason, that unfamiliar emotion made him inexplicably restless, and he could not bring himself to speak again. The two ate in silence. After the meal, the maids brought fragrant tea for rinsing mouths, cleared the remnants of the feast, and replaced them with fine tea and fruits. For a while, there was nothing to do.
Lin Jinlou took Xianglan for a stroll in the courtyard. Shortly after, Shuran arrived with an urgent letter, and the two returned inside. Lin Jinlou sat at his desk, opened the letter, read it carefully, then picked up his brush to write a reply. After sealing it with wax, he instructed Shuran to deliver it to the guards at the front courtyard. Lifting his head, he noticed Xianglan sitting on the Luohan bed opposite, doing needlework. He asked, "Working by candlelight strains the eyes. What are you sewing?"
Xianglan replied, "I noticed that De Ge’er’s waistcoat is a bit thick, so I wanted to make him a thinner one using fine cloth."
Before she could finish, Shuran entered and reported, "Master Chu has sent someone with a cart of orchids, saying they were requested by you, Master. Where should we place these flowers?"
Lin Jinlou smiled at Xianglan and said, "The Chu family has several craftsmen who excel at cultivating rare flowers and plants. They grow them in their garden and then dig them up to sell, earning quite a bit of silver each year. Now that I’ve asked, young Chu wouldn’t dare charge me. Let’s go take a look later and see if he’s brought all the best flowers from his home." Turning to Shuran, he added, "Place the flowers along the corridor or on the flower stands."
Soon, several servant boys and old women came in to move the flowers. After everything was tidied up, Lin Jinlou took Xianglan to admire them. Indeed, there was a wide variety of orchids in all colors. The two enjoyed the sight under the moonlight, but no more need be said of that.
The next day at the hour of Yin, Lin Jinlou left early for the morning court assembly. By the hour of Mao, Shuran entered and whispered to Xianglan, "The Master has sent word: His Majesty has issued an imperial decree, appointing the eldest prince as crown prince. His Majesty has personally assigned him as a guard in the imperial presence, and he will remain in the palace for about seven or eight days. He requests a few sets of everyday clothes to be sent over."
Xianglan, along with the maids, carefully packed several sets of clothing, as well as Lin Jinlou’s customary tea bowl and tea set, into two large bundles, which were then sent to him. Now that the crown prince had been established, some rejoiced while others worried. Qin Shi strictly managed the Lin Family’s household, maintaining tight control over all affairs. A few days later, several letters arrived from both Shanxi and Jinling.In the Dream Fragrance Courtyard, Grandmother Jiang held a letter in her hand, looking at Jiang Xiyun with a worried expression. "This is what your father wrote in the letter—a Censor has submitted a memorial impeaching him for accepting lavish gifts from the Second Prince, intending to form cliques for personal gain. His Majesty was enraged and reprimanded him harshly in court. It is still unknown how he will be punished. Your father has already submitted a petition admitting his guilt— cough, cough —" Grandmother Jiang coughed violently twice. Jiang Xiyun hurried forward to pat her chest and soothe her, saying, "Grandmother, don’t be anxious. Speak slowly."
After catching her breath, Grandmother Jiang, looking weary, shook her head and sighed. "The gifts your father accepted were likely no small amount, which is why His Majesty is so furious. I don’t know if he will ever be able to return to the capital, or if the crown prince will hold a grudge against him because of this—" She lifted her eyes to gaze at her granddaughter, whose face was as delicate as a powdered dumpling, and stroked her hand. "Lin Jinlou dotes excessively on his concubines. Though this marriage alliance is advantageous, I am reluctant to let you enter into it. But given our current circumstances—your parents insist this marriage must proceed. The Lin Family is currently in imperial favor, and Lin Jinlou has been accompanying the emperor these days, often staying by the crown prince’s side— cough, cough, cough —" She broke into another fit of coughing.
Jiang Xiyun’s heart sank like iron, but she forced a smile and said, "Given our current situation, it’s uncertain whether the Lin Family will even agree."
Grandmother Jiang sighed deeply again and was about to speak when Jiang Danyun entered, sneering coldly. "Why is Fifth Sister so selfish? Our father and brothers’ futures are on the verge of ruin, and you’re still only thinking of yourself. Do you think all these years of being dressed in finery and eating delicacies came from thin air? Have you received no benefits from this family at all?" She knelt before Grandmother Jiang and said, "If Fifth Sister is unwilling, I am willing to marry in her stead. After all, I am older than her. If marriage is to be discussed, it should be me."
Grandmother Jiang’s face flushed crimson with anger. She sat up from the heated brick bed and pointed at Jiang Danyun, scolding, "You fool! Has your heart been clouded by greed? At your age, you have no shame, uttering such disgraceful words! What do you mean by ‘substituting’? The Lin Family never had any interest in you. Are we to humiliate ourselves by pushing forward?" She broke into another round of coughing. Jiang Xiyun patted her back and slowly fed her half a cup of tea.
Tears streaming down her face, Jiang Danyun sobbed, "Grandmother—Grandmother always favors Fifth Sister. What is so lacking in me—"
Grandmother Jiang sighed deeply, closed her eyes, and then opened them again. "Your father has already decided on a match for you in his letter. He is a scholar from Jiangnan, from a scholarly family that values farming and education. Though young, he is already a Recommended Man, and his family is very wealthy. His grandfather once served as an official in the Bureau of Personnel Oversight, and his father is a county magistrate. In a few days, someone from the family will come to fetch you. Go back and prepare for your marriage."
Jiang Danyun was stunned, feeling as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head. She collapsed to the floor, tears silently streaming down her cheeks and soaking her clothes.
Jiang Xiyun’s heart was heavy. After comforting Grandmother Jiang and serving her medicine, she turned to close the window. On the windowsill sat the orchid that Qin Shi had gifted her. For some reason, she suddenly thought of Xianglan—that girl with a face like a flower and the brilliance of the moon, exceptionally talented. Lin Jinlou, shrewd and sharp, had looked at her with a faint, knowing smile—Jiang Xiyun stood in quiet contemplation for a moment, then gently closed the window.After Lin Jinlou entered the palace, Xianglan found herself with increasing leisure and tranquility. She spent her days with De Ge'er, either teaching him the Four Books, composing poetry and painting together, or watching him play in the courtyard. Originally, Yuan Shaoren had intended for De Ge'er to stay only two or three days, but with the announcement of the crown prince's appointment, His Majesty was to perform the sacrificial rites to heaven, leaving all court officials extremely busy. Yuan Shaoren, likewise occupied, decided to let De Ge'er remain at the Lin Family residence—a development Xianglan naturally welcomed.
"You're truly fortunate, Xianglan," Tan Luhua remarked enviously, gazing at the courtyard filled with orchids as she reclined against the decorative railings, fanning herself. "Just because your name has 'Lan' in it, Eldest Brother has brought in so many orchids—many of which I've never even seen before."
Since Xianglan had helped Tan Luhua out of a predicament and gifted her clothing, Tan Luhua had begun visiting Chun Tang Hall more frequently, reciprocating with small items like hair oil, rouge, and sachets. The two would engage in casual conversation, occasionally discussing poetry and literature to pass the time. Tan Luhua often boasted of her former reputation as a talented young lady in her maiden days, while Xianglan would simply smile, offering occasional words of appreciation as she worked on her needlework or watched De Ge'er play.
Xianglan laughed lightly. "This is simply the season for admiring orchids, and Young Master Chu's family excels at cultivating them. That’s why they were brought here—it has nothing to do with me."
Tan Luhua sighed. "This reminds me of the scenes from my maiden home. It's just a pity those two minxes from the Jiang Family are no good, or we could have started a poetry club together. You know, Jiang Xiyun visits Taitai every day now—today bringing needlework, tomorrow a bowl of homemade treats. She’s won Taitai’s favor so thoroughly that Aunt Xia has even been asked to tutor the Jiang girls on the side. Ah, if you ask me, you’re too honest and straightforward. If you don’t make an effort to stay close, Taitai might forget about you altogether."
Not wishing to dwell on the topic, Xianglan deftly changed the subject. "With so many young ladies in the household now, starting a poetry club isn’t out of the question. Second Mistress, if any of these flowers catch your eye, feel free to take them. You could send out invitations to the young ladies and showcase your talents, living up to your reputation as a 'gifted poetess.'"
Tan Luhua’s heart stirred at the idea, but after a moment’s thought, she shook her head. "Second Master prefers quiet. Too many girls around would make him uncomfortable and disrupt his rest. Besides, hosting requires silver. Our Second Master isn’t like Eldest Brother, who can earn his own income. His monthly allowance isn’t even enough for his own expenses."
"That’s easily managed," Xianglan suggested. "The small garden in our estate would be perfect. Though it’s compact, a new pavilion was built for Third Master’s wedding, and the surrounding flowers and plants are lush and quite scenic. The manor has been sending seasonal fruits and vegetables lately, and we have a chef skilled in vegetarian dishes. We could prepare a full vegetarian banquet—light and suited to Taitai’s taste. We’d only need a few extra taels of silver for some fruit wine. After all, we’re all ladies here—it’s not as if any of us are heavy drinkers."Tan Luhua felt quite satisfied, and thinking that this matter had been handled gracefully, it also reflected well on her in front of Qin Shi, so her face broke into a smile. She said to Xianglan, "You truly have an exquisite heart. Don’t take offense, but when I first saw you, I thought you were a sly, bewitching sort, and didn’t think much of you. But after observing your actions along the way, I now understand why Eldest Brother trusts and values you so much. My maternal family is of modest means, and Second Master’s health is frail. Everyone in this mansion has eyes only for wealth and status—some show respect to my face but gossip behind my back, while others don’t even bother to give me any face, often leaving me so frustrated I cry in private. Only you, sister, have treated me with genuine sincerity, repeatedly comforting me and even giving me fine gifts. I was rash before and even embarrassed you, yet you never held a grudge against me." She then declared generously, "From now on, I consider you my sister. If you ever face difficulties in the future, just come to me. Since you are so chivalrous, I won’t hesitate to help."
Xianglan smiled and said, "Second Mistress, you exaggerate. I’m not that good." But inwardly, she sighed. Although she hadn’t particularly admired Tan Luhua’s character before, seeing her difficult situation in her marital home—possessing stunning beauty yet married to Lin Jinxuan only to endure lonely nights—and now in the prime of her youth, with an uncertain future ahead, Xianglan felt a twinge of pity for her, reminded of her own usual state of mind. However, with a temperament like Tan Luhua’s, it was best to maintain a light, gentlemanly friendship; becoming too close might lead to trouble.
Just then, De Ge’er finished reciting a passage from his book and came out of the room, so Tan Luhua took her leave.
Two days later, Tan Luhua indeed sent out invitations and organized the poetry club. Coincidentally, Lin Jinlou returned home, so it was postponed by one day. The next morning, Lin Dongwan, Lin Dongqi, and the eldest daughter of the Jiang Family, Jiang Feiyun, all arrived at the Lin Family in sedan chairs and carriages.
Apologies, the past six days have been very busy with family matters, and I really couldn’t find time to update. Also, this chapter was a bit challenging to write, so it’s a bit longer. The next month will be extremely busy, but I’ll try my best to maintain the update pace.
Thanks to all who tipped—acknowledgments will be in the next chapter.
Thank you everyone for the pink votes, much gratitude ^_^
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