Against the Current

Xianglan stared directly into Jiang Xiyun's eyes. Their gazes locked for a moment before Xianglan suddenly realized Jiang Xiyun wasn't merely misunderstanding her as a rival—there was additional probing and testing beneath the surface. Though Jiang Xiyun's expression remained calm, her complex eyes betrayed unspoken thoughts from deep within.

Xianglan smiled and said, "Miss Xi, as I mentioned earlier, you are the daughter of a Grand Secretary, while I originally came from a household slave's family. Even if you were born of a concubine, you've been raised in finery and delicacies—a cherished flower from golden pavilions and silver towers. I'm merely wild grass growing by the stream. This distinction alone creates mountains between us. Why trouble yourself unnecessarily?"

Jiang Xiyun gazed steadily at Xianglan and slowly replied, "Miss Xianglan, with your beauty and talent, why be so modest?" Her tone was placid yet carried an undercurrent of assertiveness.

Xianglan took a step back, lowering her eyelids as she hinted meaningfully, "Miss Xi, the maids are still watching. You've always been known as an innocent, delightful girl whom Taitai particularly favors."

Jiang Xiyun started, immediately understanding this was a warning to restrain herself. Glancing around, she noticed several maids clearing the remaining banquet not far away, with Tan Luhua standing in the pavilion occasionally glancing their way. Her confidence inexplicably waned as she also retreated half a step, saying, "I do share a special connection with my aunt."

Suddenly Lin Jinlou's voice cut through: "What are you still standing there for? Don't you know your master needs attending?"

Xianglan jolted, turning to see Lin Jinlou standing at the end of the winding path. She said to Jiang Xiyun, "Master is calling me. I must take my leave." With that, she turned and departed.

Jiang Xiyun looked away, watching Xianglan lift her skirts and hurry to Lin Jinlou's side. Lin Jinlou strode off immediately but paused after a few steps to ask something. Xianglan drew an object from her sleeve, which Lin Jinlou took and unfolded—it was the ornate five-colored rope, which he then draped around her neck. Jiang Xiyun peered closely and recognized the magnolia pendant from earlier. After Lin Jinlou spoke a few more words, Xianglan simply bowed her head listening. When Lin Jinlou turned to leave, he glanced back and, seemingly impatient with Xianglan's pace, grabbed her wrist and strode away forcefully.

The breeze picked up again, but this time it only brought irritation to Jiang Xiyun's face. Ruoqing approached, craning her neck to look before whispering, "Miss, shall we return?"

Jiang Xiyun exhaled deeply, feeling utterly exhausted as frustration welled up inside. Discreetly using her sleeve to cover her face, she wiped the tears at the corner of her eyes before leaving with Ruoqing.

In Dream Fragrance Courtyard, the windows and doors of the main house where Grandmother Jiang resided were tightly shut, leaving only Grandmother Jiang, Jiang Feiyun, and Jiang Xiyun in the room. Grandmother Jiang's coughing worsened, and Jiang Feiyun hurriedly attended to her, patting her back to ease her breathing. Jiang Xiyun knelt on the floor, her head bowed low.

After another coughing fit left Grandmother Jiang's face streaked with tears and mucus, Jiang Feiyun tried to wipe it with a handkerchief, but Grandmother Jiang pushed her away. Trembling, she pointed at Jiang Xiyun and said, "You disgrace to our family! Who told you to cheat by writing poems? Who told you to seek out Lin Jinlou's concubine!"

Jiang Xiyun replied with wooden expression, "This granddaughter admits her wrongdoing."Grandmother Jiang's tears streamed down as she caught her breath, saying, "Writing poetry is one thing—for women, lack of talent is a virtue, and not mastering such frivolous pursuits is no fault. But that concubine! What is she? Born from servant seed, no matter how beautiful she is, she's just a plaything. What is your status, and what is hers? You actually went seeking her out—she isn't even fit to carry your shoes!"

Jiang Xiyun paused and said, "Not only is she beautiful, but she truly has talent. She's by no means comparable to an ordinary concubine. To be honest, your granddaughter somewhat admires her."

Grandmother Jiang sneered, "Are you afraid of her?"

Jiang Xiyun declared clearly, "How could I be afraid of her? No matter how clever and capable she is, she's still just a concubine who can't ascend to higher platforms!"

Grandmother Jiang let out a long sigh and said, "Xiyun, you've always been the most clever and steady one. Why are you so impatient today?"

Jiang Feiyun quickly brought over a cup of tea and served Grandmother Jiang a sip, saying, "Grandmother, please calm your anger. Fifth Sister just couldn't hold back today. Fourth Miss Lin and Madam Tan truly humiliated us, and that Chen Xianglan played the good person in between, which is truly infuriating." Then she spoke softly to Jiang Xiyun, "Elder Sister will be frank with you—this matter of yours is ninety-nine percent settled. I heard the Lin Family is looking for a suitable official matchmaker. Younger Sister, you're too impatient. What does Chen Xianglan matter? In the future, can she surpass you? Once you're married in, you can deal with her slowly."

Grandmother Jiang coughed forcefully again. Jiang Feiyun hurriedly presented the spittoon. After Grandmother Jiang spat and rinsed her mouth with tea, she said, "In all matters, the elders will step forward and take charge—it's not your place to engage in arguments. Don't forget, your grandmother is still here. Am I just a decoration? Even if the Lin Family is a high-ranking family, I won't let them mistreat you! But it was highly improper for you to seek out Chen Xianglan alone. What if it reaches Lin Jinlou's ears? Wouldn't the Lin Family think you lack virtue?"

A bitter smile slowly appeared on Jiang Xiyun's face. She shuffled forward on her knees, grasped Grandmother Jiang's hand, and said, "Grandmother, I know you love me, but given the current situation, even if I have countless grievances, I still have to marry into this family."

Grandmother Jiang was taken aback, her heart sinking as she said sternly, "Does marrying into the Lin Family make you so aggrieved?"

"No, I'm not aggrieved." Jiang Xiyun said calmly, "For a family like ours, to be chosen by the Lin Family is undoubtedly climbing high. Moreover, Lin Jinlou is a hero among men, young and accomplished. It's rare for someone his age to have neither children of concubines nor daughters of concubines under his care, with only one favored concubine in his inner chambers. The families Grandmother initially selected for me couldn't compare to the Lin Family, isn't that right?"

Jiang Feiyun couldn't help but interject, "If that's the case, then why do you still—"

Jiang Xiyun took a deep breath and said, "At first, I thought Aunt-in-law chose me because she feared Lin Jinlou's fondness for his beautiful concubine might lead to the scandal of a favorite concubine usurping the wife, and that after I married in, I would manage the inner chambers thoroughly. But gradually, I realized something was amiss. Lin Jinlou elevates Chen Xianglan in everything, and although Aunt-in-law dislikes it, she hasn't opposed it! I originally thought she was unwilling to contradict her son, but later, I heard from Chun Ling, the maid at Chun Tang Hall, that it seems Chen Xianglan once saved Aunt-in-law's life!"

Grandmother Jiang and Jiang Feiyun were shocked and exclaimed in unison, "What?"Jiang Xiyun shook her head and said, "What exactly happened, that girl called Chun Ling doesn't know either. But through these repeated incidents, I've come to understand that the Lin Family's interest in me isn't solely about having me control Chen Xianglan—it's about making me tolerate her! Chen Xianglan is beautiful and highly skilled, actually having both Second Mistress Lin and Fourth Miss Lin, two troublemakers, speaking up for her. Sister Qi also praises her endlessly, not to mention Lin Jinlou actually dismissed all his concubines for her and still keeps her in the Main House to this day. Grandmother, if I marry into this family in the future, I might just become a puppet, a mere decoration!"

Grandmother Jiang and Jiang Feiyun were deeply shaken, both rendered speechless.

Jiang Xiyun's voice choked with emotion as she said, "I know you care for me, Grandmother, and want to handle everything perfectly for me. But now circumstances are stronger than people, and I have no choice but to marry into the Lin Family. After marriage, can I constantly rely on my maiden family for support? Moreover, I feel unjust—why? Why should I resign myself to fate before the marriage is even settled, willingly becoming that puppet, that decoration in the future?"

Jiang Xiyun's expression suddenly turned resolute, her eyes shining bright like burning candles: "People aren't made of wood—what woman doesn't wish for 'Husband Sings, Wife Follows' and a Harmonious Union? Why pretend to be aloof and feign virtue? The Lin Family expects me to be a virtuous and tolerant wife—respectful to parents above, serving my husband, caring for concubines below, looking after the Children of Concubines, living a life Dressed in Finery and Eating Delicacies while watching my husband Surrounded by Lovers, doting on his Concubine, growing old and white-haired in the Inner Chambers. Even if I'm forced to do this for the family's future, I—I can't accept it!"

The two in the room were stunned. Jiang Feiyun stammered, "Fi—Fifth Sister, such words should only be spoken behind closed doors! Speaking them outside would bring trouble!"

Tears fell from Jiang Xiyun's eyes as she said, "It's too difficult for women to live in this world. The family sees this marriage as full of Grandeur, but only I know the bitterness within. When I'm doing well, the family shares in the glory; when I suffer grievances in the future, I'll have to swallow them alone. Grandmother cares for me, but who can look after me forever? The family gave me life and raised me, and now it's my duty to contribute—I naturally can't shirk this responsibility. But I shouldn't just wait for death like this. When Lin Jinlou gave that Magnolia Pendant to Chen Xianglan earlier, I had already made up my mind. While the marriage hasn't been finalized yet, I must fight for myself somehow. That's why I went to find Chen Xianglan. She has repeatedly overshadowed me, so she must harbor hostility toward me too. If she reports my words to Lin Jinlou, it would be a good chance to see his attitude. The Lin Family has most likely accepted this marriage arrangement, so it's also time to warn Lin Jinlou—if he truly wants this marriage, he shouldn't elevate his concubine to such a position. He should show some proper respect in the future. Although our Jiang Family has requests of them, we're not to be arbitrarily manipulated. No matter how rare this marriage opportunity is, we shouldn't debase ourselves too much!"

Grandmother Jiang tremblingly reached out, pulled Jiang Xiyun up, and embraced her, saying tearfully, "Good, good child. You're so brave and decisive, no less than any man. I'll risk my old life to give you face in this matter. You're right—why should we retreat to such an extent? Before things are settled, we must fight for ourselves first."

Jiang Feiyun hesitated and said, "But what if—what if we fail in fighting?""Then I suppose I must resign myself to fate!" Jiang Xiyun leaned against Grandmother Jiang's bosom, her eyes clear and lucid. "But to retreat without even attempting—how could I ever be content with that! The Lin Family may be noble, and we do have favors to ask of them, but a daughter of the Jiang Family shouldn't debase herself so easily!"

Outside the main house, Qingfen hid behind the curtain, peeking furtively. Seeing Liusu and Ruoqing, two maids, guarding the entrance, she had no choice but to turn back. Jiang Danyun was sitting lazily on the heated brick bed in the outer room, holding a hand mirror to admire herself. Qingfen whispered in her ear, "There are people guarding the door. I can't hear what they're saying."

Jiang Danyun sneered, "Good words aren't spoken in secret, and secret words aren't good. What's the use of guarding against me as if I were a thief? Didn't they still get humiliated today? I don't even care to hear what's being said in there. Let's go, we'll take a stroll outside." With that, she stood up and left with Qingfen. After a moment's thought, she decided there was nothing worth seeing at the Lin Family's residence. Instead, since Tan Luhua had earlier reprimanded Jiang Xiyun, it had secretly given her some satisfaction, so she headed toward Kangshou Residence. Of this, no more need be said.

No sooner had these two left than a knock came at the door of the main house in Dream Fragrance Courtyard. Liusu called from the doorway, "Madam, Master Lin has sent someone with gifts."

Hearing this, everyone hurriedly wiped away their tears, straightened their attire and hair, and smoothed their clothes. Grandmother Jiang quickly said, "Please, come in!" The door opened, and Chun Ling entered with two maidservants, all carrying bolts of fabric. Chun Ling first greeted them with a beaming smile, then said, "As soon as the Master returned, he ordered these gifts to be delivered to Dream Fragrance Courtyard. These two bolts of satin are for the Concubine Dowager to make clothes, these three are for the three young ladies, and there are two more for the two sisters who didn't come to the Lin Family." After placing the items on the table, she brought out a small cloisonné box and presented it, saying, "This is a ring, specially for the Fifth Young Lady. No one else has one!"

Grandmother Jiang took it, opened it, and saw a red gold ring inlaid with pearls, the pearls round and lustrous, exuding elegance. She smiled and handed it to Jiang Xiyun, saying, "Take a look quickly. This is truly a fine piece."

Chun Ling promptly added, "Indeed, though the Master is generous, such a treasure isn't something he would casually give to just anyone."

Grandmother Jiang felt somewhat relieved and smiled faintly, then repeatedly ordered someone to give Chun Ling a reward. Jiang Xiyun personally saw her out the door, dismissed the others, and asked softly, "How was Cousin after he returned?"

Chun Ling replied, "He was fine. He gave Xianglan a few instructions and then went to the front. He also ordered Imperial Physician Zhang to come again."

Jiang Xiyun asked curiously, "Imperial Physician Zhang? Is someone in the residence ill?"

Chun Ling said, "Oh, no one's ill. It's just Xianglan—she still hasn't shown signs of pregnancy. The Master specially invited an imperial physician to examine her. She's taken dozens of doses of medicine with no effect, so the Master is impatient and wants the physician to come and try a new prescription."

Jiang Xiyun's tightly furrowed brow finally relaxed. She patted Chun Ling's shoulder and said, "I understand. Thank you. If you hadn't suggested making knee pads, I wouldn't have been able to create something so clever." As she spoke, she took a red envelope from her sleeve and handed it to her.

Chun Ling smiled and said, "I only mentioned it in passing. It was your cleverness that made it work." She discreetly pushed the red envelope back.

Jiang Xiyun smiled and said, "Don't be polite. There will be many occasions in the future when I'll need to rely on you."Chun Ling finally accepted the red envelope upon hearing this and said with a smile, "The young lady truly comes from a distinguished family—her actions are so generous, unlike those from petty backgrounds. Working for you brings me great satisfaction." After saying this, she led the others away.

Upon returning to Chun Tang Hall, Chun Ling reported to Shuran. Just as she was about to enter the room, she overheard Hua Shan inside saying, "Where is Sister Chun Ling? The mistress was just looking for her, asking her to deliver two boxes of fresh fruits to Taitai’s quarters in the Master’s name. This is a clever opportunity—if Taitai is pleased, who knows what rewards might come down."

Xiao Juan sneered and said, "Looking for her? She just snatched Ling Qing’s task and rushed off to Dream Fragrance Courtyard with the cloth like an eager dog. She’s 'physically here but mentally elsewhere,' already aiming to climb to a higher branch!"

Ling Qing sighed and said, "Who knows what she’s thinking? The new concubine treats her well, giving her most of the dignified tasks, yet she’s always muttering discontentedly. If I were the mistress, seeing her behavior, I’d have driven her out long ago."

Ling Su added, "She’s just unhappy. She used to be so influential, almost able to make decisions for the new concubine herself, but now who still takes her words as commands?"

Chun Ling’s face flushed crimson with anger. She forcefully lifted the curtain, stamped her foot, and stormed into the room. The room immediately fell silent. Chun Ling swept a cold gaze over everyone present, but they all ignored her, burying themselves in their tasks. Even Xue Ning, who used to exchange a few words with her, remained silent, using a small silver pick to shell walnuts.

With a darkened expression, Chun Ling retreated to the inner room. In the past, whenever she quarreled with any maidservant, Xianglan would mediate and soothe her with kind words. But later, Xianglan stopped intervening, leaving matters to Shuran to handle, which resulted in Chun Ling receiving several harsh lessons. Gradually, she realized that Xianglan was no longer the timid and disheartened young girl who had first entered the Lin Family—she had truly become her superior, yet Chun Ling found it increasingly difficult to bow her head in submission.

Although Xianglan never shortchanged her with rewards and often chatted with her casually, Chun Ling saw it all as mere pretense. If Xianglan truly valued their past bond, she should have known what Chun Ling desired—she ought to have let her oversee all affairs. Why let someone like Xiao Juan rise above her!

It wasn’t until the Jiang Family arrived that she saw hope. Jiang Xiyun, born into a prestigious family, was sweet and amiable, sincere and honest, always greeting her with a warm smile. Her rewards were exceedingly generous, and she loved telling jokes to amuse others. Especially the maidservants around her were far more pleasant than Xiao Juan or Hua Shan, always addressing Chun Ling as "elder sister" affectionately. Gradually, Chun Ling grew closer to the Jiang Family and even told Xue Ning and a few other maidservants about all the virtues of Jiang Xiyun.

Unexpectedly, Shuran found out and was furious, punishing Chun Ling by making her stand in the corridor holding a water basin on her head for an entire afternoon. Passing maidservants pointed and whispered, and even Xue Ning distanced herself from her afterward. This incident was a profound humiliation, and from then on, Chun Ling deliberately leaned even more toward Jiang Xiyun—everyone knew that Jiang Xiyun was Qin Shi’s favored future daughter-in-law. A wise bird chooses its tree to perch on; once Jiang Xiyun married in and took charge, Chun Ling would be promoted to a close confidante maidservant. Then, she would properly deal with Shuran, Xiao Juan, and the others, making them see clearly!Let us set aside for now what happened with Chun Ling and turn to Tan Luhua, who had been busy for half the day before returning to Kangshou Residence. Upon entering, she saw Lin Jinxuan standing at the desk practicing calligraphy and said, "Second Master, don’t stand the whole time. Alternate between sitting and writing, or you’ll exhaust yourself and have trouble sleeping tonight."

Lin Jinxuan laughed and replied, "Am I really that fragile? Come take a look—which of these characters is better?" He then asked her about the poetry club.

Tan Luhua frowned and said, "Don’t even mention it. That little minx from the Jiang Family ruined everything." She recounted the events in detail and added, "Is Eldest Brother really going to marry into the Jiang Family?"

Lin Jinxuan replied, "That’s the elders’ decision, not ours to make. Anyway, we’ll live our lives, and they’ll live theirs. It won’t affect us."

Tan Luhua snorted, "If it were her, it would be the death of us. With her unwillingness to ever accept defeat, she might whisper poison in Eldest Brother’s ear and stir up discord between you brothers."

As they spoke, Cai Ming entered and announced, "Second Mistress, Miss Dan is here."

Tan Luhua asked in surprise, "What is she doing here?" She rose to greet her and ordered the maid to serve fine tea and snacks. The two sat down, and Jiang Danyu, eager to befriend Tan Luhua, deliberately spoke kindly. Tan Luhua, who held no ill will toward her, found the conversation pleasant and even had a maid bring out the zither from her dowry for Jiang Danyu to play.

Their laughter and chatter grew increasingly harmonious. After taking a sip of tea, Tan Luhua suddenly sighed and said, "Sister Dan, I shouldn’t say this, so please don’t take offense—never mind, I’d better not say it."

Jiang Danyu smiled and said, "It’s all right, Second Cousin-in-law, please go ahead."

Tan Luhua spoke earnestly, "I see you as such a well-educated, proper, and virtuous person. How is it you have a younger sister like that? Tsk, tsk. Born of the same father, yet so different. I’d much rather have you as my sister-in-law!"

This struck a chord with Jiang Danyu. She blushed and pretended to glare at Tan Luhua, saying, "What are you saying, Second Cousin-in-law!" Then she sighed and added, "How could I compare to Fifth Sister? Aunt is so fond of her."

Tan Luhua remarked, "Forgive me for saying this, but Mother-in-law has lost her senses, mistaking a rock for gold."

This, too, resonated with Jiang Danyu. She sighed and said, "I knew you were perceptive, Second Cousin-in-law. My younger sister may seem honest, but she never accepts defeat. I’ve endured so much unfairness growing up, and now even a good marriage is being handed to her. But what good does your sharp insight do? This marriage is practically settled."

Tan Luhua sneered, "It’s only because you’re too gentle, Sister Dan. If it were me, even if I couldn’t have the good match, I wouldn’t let her gloat like this!"

Before she could finish, a clamor of crashing and shouting erupted, startling both Tan Luhua and Jiang Danyu. They heard Qian Luo shrieking hysterically, "I knew it! You fatherless, motherless, rotten-hearted wretch! You’re jealous that Second Master trusts me, so you’re trying to ruin me!"

Cai Feng yelled, "Let go! Let go!" before screaming again.

Others tried to intervene, shouting, "Stop fighting! Stop!"

Frowning, Tan Luhua forced a smile and said to Jiang Danyu, "Sister, please wait here. I’ll go see what’s happening." She rose and went out to find Cai Feng and Qian Luo brawling in the courtyard, their hair disheveled, hairpins askew, and clothes in disarray, while several maids and old women tried to pull them apart.Qian Luo cried while saying, "You despicable woman, jealous of the bond between me and Second Master, you resort to such despicable tricks! Today I'll drag you to death with me, and we'll settle this clearly before King Yama!" She lunged again to grab and strike Cai Feng.

Cai Feng dodged while retorting, "Nonsense! Your mouth spews filth! You're framing me with false charges, and I won't let you get away with this!"

Tan Luhua roared angrily, "Stop this at once! Have you no sense of propriety left?"

Her shout was like "one bird entering the forest silencing all others"—everyone immediately quieted down and dropped to their knees.

It turned out there was indeed a reason behind this matter. The story goes that ever since Tan Luhua became involved with Dai Rong, the two had been inseparable and passionately entangled. Tan Luhua was naturally a woman easily swayed by emotions, while Dai Rong was an experienced hand. After several encounters, Tan Luhua became utterly devoted, obeying Dai Rong in everything. Though she was inherently greedy and miserly, she spared no expense in giving Dai Rong large sums of silver to spend. Dai Rong extracted considerable money from her and, in return, gifted her with less valuable hair ornaments, rouge, and cosmetics. Tan Luhua treasured these as priceless, convinced that Dai Rong was worthy of her deep affection.

Zhao Yuechan then ordered Dai Rong to give Tan Luhua a medicine to destroy fertility, instructing her to administer it to Xianglan, promising various rewards in return. Dai Rong coaxed Tan Luhua into carrying out the task. Unexpectedly, Tan Luhua had a sense of loyalty. She told Cai Feng, "Since I married into the Lin Family, from the masters to the servants, everyone has looked down on me, gossiping and belittling me behind my back. Only Xianglan has treated me with respect, continuously sending me gifts and always advising me with kind words. How could I possibly give her this medicine? Later, throw it away for me. Tomorrow, I’ll tell Dai Lang that I’ve already administered the medicine to Xianglan. After all, there’s no sign of pregnancy from her yet." With that, she handed Cai Feng the small satin pouch containing the pills.

Cai Feng, however, had her own calculations. The truth was, Tan Luhua was so wholeheartedly in love with Dai Rong that she no longer wished to let Lin Jinxuan near her. She had told Cai Feng that after some time, she would take charge and have Cai Feng become Lin Jinxuan’s concubine. Cai Feng was naturally pleased. But Lin Jinxuan already had a personal maid named Qian Luo, who was greatly favored by Concubine Yin. Concubine Yin frequently whispered to Lin Jinxuan, urging him to take Qian Luo as his concubine.

Thus, Cai Feng and Qian Luo became rivals. Both were sharp-tongued and unwilling to back down, leading to several unpleasant confrontations. Cai Feng grew resentful and secretly told Caiping, "That little wretch Qian Luo is utterly detestable! I have a medicine here that destroys fertility. Tomorrow, I’ll make her take it. Even if the Second Master elevates her, she’ll never bear children and will suffer a lifetime of humiliation!" She even showed Caiping the packet of medicine.

Unfortunately, Caiping was a two-faced schemer. Pretending to be friendly with Cai Feng, she was actually jealous of Tan Luhua’s trust in her. She immediately turned around and stirred up trouble, informing Qian Luo of the matter.

Qian Luo, being straightforward and unwilling to tolerate injustice, immediately raised an uproar. When Tan Luhua arrived, Qian Luo knelt on the ground, clutching the hem of Tan Luhua’s clothes, and wailed, "Second Mistress, you must stand up for me! That little wretch Cai Feng has a black heart—she actually plans to make me take a medicine that destroys fertility!"

Cai Feng also knelt on the ground, her face pale, and said, "Second Mistress, don’t believe her nonsense!"

Qian Luo cried, "How is this nonsense?" She pulled the packet of pills from her bosom and held it out to Tan Luhua. "I found this under Cai Feng’s pillow! How dare she deny it? Sister Caiping already told me everything!"

The moment Tan Luhua saw the small satin sachet, her temples began to throb violently. Enraged, she slapped the sachet out of Qian Luo’s hand and glared fiercely at Cai Feng. Realizing she had made a grave mistake, Cai Feng shrank back and lowered her head.

Caiping had never expected Qian Luo to be so imprudent. Unable to stop the situation from escalating, she trembled with fear and hastily knelt on the ground, saying, "There’s no such thing, Second Mistress! This is all Qian Luo’s wild fabrication!"Qian Luo raised her voice sharply: "Every word I speak is the truth! Whether this is true or not, just have a physician examine this medicine and you'll know!"

Jiang Danyu, leaning against the windowsill, had seen everything clearly. Though she still wanted to stay and watch the commotion, she knew it would be improper to remain any longer. So she bid farewell to Lülu and slipped out quietly with Qingfen along the wall. Halfway there, she suddenly spotted a small satin sachet ahead. Looking closer, she realized it was the very "medicine to end one's lineage" that Qian Luo had been shouting about—the one Tan Luhua had slapped away, landing beside a stone stool in the courtyard.

Jiang Danyu initially intended to pretend she hadn't seen it, but for some reason, Tan Luhua's words echoed in her ears: "It's only because Sister Dan is too gentle-natured. If it were me, even if this advantageous marriage didn't fall to me, I wouldn't let her be so smug!" As if possessed, she slowly bent down, feigning to pick up a dropped fan, and quietly clenched the packet of medicine in her palm.

(Xiao He's Weibo, search 'He Yanshan' on a certain wave platform)

This chapter is quite substantial, right? ^_^ Just laying more groundwork—the main characters will take center stage soon.

As for the next chapter's update... I'm not sure either, it depends on my progress. I'm really not intentionally delaying updates; I'll write whenever I have time!

For those who rewarded, I'll collectively thank you all in the next chapter. Grateful for everyone's pink votes! ^_^