Thunder rumbled ominously, the sky dark as a pot's bottom, with rain pouring down in sheets. Grandmother Jiang lay propped against the headboard of the heated brick bed, extending a hand from behind the bed curtains covered with a handkerchief. The imperial physician sat outside the curtains taking her pulse. After a long while, having completed the diagnosis, he went to the front room to deliberate on a prescription.
Just then, someone outside announced: "Reporting to the Dowager, the Lin Family's Taitai has arrived."
Grandmother Jiang hurriedly said: "Quickly invite her in."
Qin Shi lifted the curtain and entered. Grandmother Jiang struggled to sit up from the heated brick bed, but Qin Shi quickly stepped forward, saying: "Concubine Dowager, please don't get up too suddenly—you might feel dizzy." As she spoke, she reached the bedside, took Grandmother Jiang's hand, and sat on the mattress. With a start, she exclaimed: "My dear Dowager! You seemed perfectly fine this morning. How did your complexion become so pale in such a short time?"
Grandmother Jiang forced a smile: "When one gets old, one becomes useless. I haven't been feeling well these past few days. I'm afraid I got overheated outside earlier, and it struck my heart upon returning."
Qin Shi turned her head and asked: "Has the physician been consulted?"
Jiang Feiyun replied: "He has already examined her. He said it's a recurrence of an old illness and has gone to the front to write a prescription."
Qin Shi said: "The summer heat is intense. You must take good care of yourself, Concubine Dowager. If there's anything you'd like to eat or use, just tell me, so I may fulfill my filial duties."
Jiang Danyu, having just woken from her nap, saw Qin Shi and hurried over to greet her. She deliberately asked Jiang Xiyun: "I just took a nap and woke to hear Grandmother is unwell. What exactly happened? Wasn't Fifth Sister attending to her earlier?"
Jiang Xiyun, appearing well-behaved and speaking with an innocent tone, said: "Earlier, Eldest Brother-in-Law's servant boy came by. He said Eldest Cousin had given paintings of his concubine to the young gentlemen of various households. I heard the paintings were exceptionally well-done. Although this matter has nothing to do with us, I thought I'd join in the excitement and ask for one to look at. I went out to give some instructions, and when I returned, I saw Grandmother's complexion had turned pale."
Grandmother Jiang shot Jiang Xiyun a glare, then turned to Qin Shi and said: "Look at this granddaughter of mine—so mischievous and improper! She even meddles in gentlemen's affairs of honoring their concubines. If this gets out, wouldn't it make people laugh at us!"
Qin Shi, being sharp-witted, instantly understood. Her expression turned cool as she gently smoothed her hair bun and straightened her dress, feeling secretly annoyed. She thought to herself: "The Jiang grandmother and granddaughter are shaming me with their words. If they have something to say, they should speak plainly instead of pretending to be innocent and making insinuations aimed at me. It truly wastes the praise others give them as 'sincere and likable.' Lou Ge'er is truly troublesome. However you dote on Chen Xianglan in private, I don't care, but to flaunt it so openly—no wonder the Jiang Family feels embarrassed."
Qin Shi, being straightforward and protective of her own, smiled faintly and said: "Concubine Dowager, you seem upset. Speaking of which, it is our Lou Ge'er's fault. We had taken a liking to Xiyun, and both families had some intentions." Then, with a beaming smile, she added: "However, it was merely a thought—we haven't even exchanged name cards or arranged any betrothal gifts." Her implication was clear: whether the Lin Family would proceed with this marriage was still uncertain.
Grandmother Jiang was taken aback, not expecting Qin Shi to lay all the cards on the table and counter her move. Her face instantly turned purplish, and she began coughing violently. Jiang Xiyun hurried forward to rub Grandmother Jiang's chest, while Jiang Danyu looked astonished at first, then secretly pleased.Seeing the situation turning sour, Jiang Feiyun quickly stepped forward to affectionately loop her arm through Qin Shi's, chiding playfully, "What are you saying, Aunt? Marriage matters are no trivial affair. One shouldn't disrupt a good match over a few disagreeable words." She then personally poured a cup of tea and offered it respectfully, saying, "Aunt, please have some tea."
Qin Shi accepted the tea, gently stirred the leaves with the lid, blew on the steam, and took a slow sip. Jiang Xiyun was kneeling on the footrest by the bed, slightly turning her head. Qin Shi stared into her eyes for a moment. Though Qin Shi had always treated her with warm, motherly kindness, her gaze had never been so cold and sharp before. Jiang Xiyun's heart tightened, and she lowered her head again. Grandmother Jiang seethed with anger but could not vent it, so she simply closed her eyes and leaned back against the pillows.
Knowing she had successfully intimidated the Jiang Family, Qin Shi then said leisurely, "Speaking of which, Lou Ge'er was indeed at fault here. But gentlemen—when they're young, they're all like greedy cats. Chen Xianglan is excellent in every way, possessing the qualities of a well-bred lady. It's only natural for him to be a bit infatuated. Besides, at his age, which man doesn't have three wives and four concubines, with children running about? Right now, he only has one favored concubine in his household—isn't that far better than most? One must learn contentment, isn't that so?" As she spoke, she reached out and gently stroked Jiang Xiyun's head, causing the girl to flinch slightly.
Qin Shi withdrew her hand and looked at Grandmother Jiang, saying, "Of course, the Lin Family also has its rules. If Lou Ge'er ever lets his favored concubine usurp his wife's position and oversteps his bounds, we will not hesitate to invoke our ancestral family laws to discipline him."
Hearing Qin Shi's words, Jiang Danyu realized she still intended for Jiang Xiyun to marry into the family and couldn't help showing her disappointment on her face.
The room fell silent again. Grandmother Jiang opened her eyes, forced a smile back onto her face, and softened her tone, saying, "Niece-in-law, this old woman has a few words she'd like to share with you. Once I speak them, my illness will be half-cured." With that, she struggled to sit up. Both Qin Shi and Jiang Feiyun rushed forward to support her, while Jiang Xiyun fetched a pillow to prop behind her back and moved to serve her tea. Grandmother Jiang waved her hand, instructing everyone else to leave, then added, "Xiyun, you stay."
Jiang Danyu's face showed clear resentment, but Jiang Feiyun tugged at her and pulled her out of the room.
Qin Shi leaned forward slightly, her expression unreadable, and said, "Please speak."
Grandmother Jiang let out a long sigh, patted Jiang Xiyun's hand, and said to Qin Shi, "Niece-in-law, if anything I said earlier offended you, please do not take it to heart."
Qin Shi replied, "You flatter me, Concubine Dowager."
"But Lou Ge'er's behavior toward that concubine—it's truly unacceptable. I've heard that people in your household address her, actually omitting the 'aunt' title and calling her 'Madam' directly, and he tacitly allows it. If someday they add 'Great' before it, will there even be any place left for the legal wife? I've also heard he now lets the concubine sleep in the main house—this matter, by both sentiment and reason, goes against all rules, doesn't it? No matter how broad-minded a woman is, I doubt she could tolerate such a concubine." As she spoke, Grandmother Jiang covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed lightly.
Qin Shi stated firmly, "Concubine Dowager, Chen Xianglan has done our Lin Family a great kindness. Whether one can tolerate her or not, she must be tolerated. If she truly cannot be accepted, then we need not discuss the marriage any further."Grandmother Jiang was startled and looked toward Qin Shi, who narrowed her eyes slightly in return. A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the room brightly. Their gazes locked in a silent exchange until Grandmother Jiang finally slumped in defeat, her expression weary and her eyes sincere as she looked at Qin Shi and said, "Niece-in-law, you have a daughter too. Put yourself in my shoes—you must know how we feel." She then reached for Jiang Xiyun's small hand and had her stand up. "This granddaughter of mine—her looks, temperament, and character are all first-rate. Sometimes I'd rather die myself than see her suffer any injustice."
Tears welled up in Jiang Xiyun's eyes as she choked out, "Grandmother—"
The words were spoken with such sincerity, coupled with Grandmother Jiang's dejected and frail appearance, that Qin Shi's heart softened. She sighed and took Grandmother Jiang's hand, saying, "Concubine Dowager, rest assured. We've always known what's proper. If our families are to be joined in marriage, we would never treat Xiyun unfairly. Our family will never allow Lou Ge'er to act recklessly as he pleases. In the next couple of days, we'll have Chen Xianglan move out of the Main House. From then on, everything will follow the rules for a Concubine, without any overstepping." After a pause, she added, "I've already sent a letter home to arrange for an Official Matchmaker to visit soon."
Hearing this, Grandmother Jiang was satisfied. A mere Concubine could be dealt with later once she was married into the household; for now, Qin Shi's attitude was enough. Her face brightened slightly, and she smiled faintly.
Jiang Xiyun stood quietly to the side. Was this—the Lin Family conceding? Then why did her heart still feel so heavy? The Lin Family had pinpointed her family's eagerness to marry her off, forcing her to tolerate Chen Xianglan—that beautiful, gentle, and exceptionally talented Concubine whom Lin Jinlou had eyes only for.
For the first time, she felt utterly powerless. Lin Jinlou was extremely difficult to control, and Chen Xianglan, aside from her background, was in no way inferior to her. Jiang Xiyun had always dreamed of a perfect romance between a gifted scholar and a beautiful lady, hoping to find a soulmate with whom she could share a harmonious and loving marriage. Her chest burned with a fiery anguish, as if she were sinking in quicksand. After Qin Shi left, she slumped down beside Grandmother Jiang and stared blankly, tears falling.
Meanwhile, Xianglan returned to Chun Tang Hall, dismissed the maids, and went alone to her room, where she first shed a wave of tears. Just then, Lin Dongxiu arrived with her maid and, seeing the maids gathered at the bedroom door peeking inside, asked, "What are you all doing standing here?"
Xue Ning hesitated and said, "The Lady came back crying and is inside by herself. She won't let anyone in."
Hua Shan added, "She hasn't eaten lunch yet."
As they spoke, Ling Qing and Ling Su arrived carrying a heated brick bed table set with several dishes. Ling Qing said, "We've reheated this twice already. She really shouldn't go without eating."
Lin Dongxiu said, "Enough, just set up the heated brick bed table inside. I'll have some food with Xianglan." With that, she entered the room first.
Xianglan's eyes were swollen like Hetau, and the tip of her nose was red. Seeing Lin Dongxiu come in, she quickly wiped her tears with a handkerchief and said in a hoarse voice, "Why has Fourth Young Lady come?"
Lin Dongxiu was startled and said, "Goodness, why are you crying like this? Who has the nerve to upset you?" She moved closer and asked, "Did Big Brother bully you?"
Xianglan forced a smile and busied herself directing the two Lings to set up the heated brick bed table on the large heated brick bed in the Green Gauze Cabinet.
Lin Dongxiu ordered her maid, "Qiang Wei, go back to my place and fetch those two jars of fine wine." Then, pulling Xianglan to sit on the heated brick bed, she said, "A good drunk dispels a thousand worries. We've never had a proper drink together."It turned out that Lin Dongxiu was also holding in frustration. Just now, after returning, Aunt Xia had reprimanded her for her behavior at the poetry club, saying it "violated the decorum of a young lady" and that "quarreling over trivial matters was utterly unbecoming of a virtuous noblewoman, resembling the conduct of a market-place shrew." Lin Dongxiu felt aggrieved but could not find a single retort, so she had to listen with drooping head for a long while, inevitably feeling stifled and short of breath. She ran out to dispel her gloom and made her way to Xianglan’s place, intending to pour out her grievances.
Xianglan, burdened with her own heavy thoughts, sat gloomily by the low table on the heated brick bed. Lin Dongxiu made herself at home without ceremony, glanced at the dishes on the table, and ordered a few of her favorites from the small kitchen at Chun Tang Hall, saying, "I’ve long heard that Elder Brother’s cook is skilled, but I haven’t had much chance to taste his dishes." Soon, Qiang Wei and the others brought wine, heated a potful, and Hua Shan poured it beside them. Lin Dongxiu raised her cup and said, "I’ll toast you."
Xianglan raised her cup to clink with hers and threw her head back to drain it in one go. The wine was nothing like the mild fruit or rice wines; it was pungent, spicy, and sharp. Xianglan felt a fiery ball burn from her throat down to her heart, extremely unpleasant yet with an indescribable exhilaration. Lin Dongxiu stuck out her tongue and said, "Good heavens, such awful wine—how could anyone consider it a delicacy?" Seeing Xianglan refill her own cup, she quickly stopped her, saying, "Don’t overdo it. If you get drunk, Elder Brother will never forgive me."
Xianglan pushed her hand away and said, "Aren’t we here today just to enjoy ourselves? Since Fourth Young Lady brought the wine, why be so fussy?" With that, she personally poured a cup for Lin Dongxiu and dismissed all the maids.
Lin Dongxiu sighed and said, "Very well, then." She raised her cup to clink with Xianglan’s, drank it with a frown, feeling her heart race and her face flush red. Picking up a morsel of food with her chopsticks, she suddenly laughed and said, "Three years ago, who would have thought I’d be toasting you? Back then, you were just a timid little maid—Cao Lihuan would slap your face at will, scold you constantly, and order you about. Now you’re draped in silks and satins, adorned with gold and silver, socializing with the masters as equals, while she’s long vanished to who-knows-where as a wandering ghost. How lamentable, how lamentable… such is fate…"
"Are silks and satins, gold and silver, really the mark of a good life? Fourth Young Lady, I’ve always seen things clearly. All this grandeur of mine is only skin-deep. What ‘socializing with masters’? In truth, I’m still just a plaything and a servant. If I fall from grace tomorrow, I might end up worse than that wandering ghost."
"Tsk, this is exactly what makes you unendearing. When others praise you, just accept it graciously. Living for today while worrying about tomorrow—if you keep thinking like this, in a few decades, both you and I will be nothing but a handful of yellow earth. Isn’t that exhausting?"
"Whether I think about it or not, things remain the same. It’s not like closing my eyes and living blindly will make these troubles disappear. I only fear that indulging in present joys will lead to a more wretched end… Alright, I’ll say no more. Let’s drink."
The two ate some dishes and clinked cups for another drink.
Lin Dongxiu, her spirits rising with the wine, grew increasingly talkative: "I didn’t think much of you before—just a maid with a stubborn streak, seemingly docile but inherently aloof. Several times you embarrassed me, grating on my nerves. Over the past couple of years, watching you, you’ve softened a great deal. Looking closely, I’ve come to see you as decent—not the kind who smiles to your face but schemes behind your back."Xianglan curled her lips into a faint smile, raised her wine cup, and said, "For any past offenses, I offer this cup in apology to Fourth Miss."
Lin Dongxiu took a sip of wine and continued, "I know what's troubling you—it's all because of the Jiang Family, isn't it? You should ease your mind. Eldest Brother will marry sooner or later. Jiang Xiyun is no easy match, but Taitai and Eldest Brother will still shield you to some extent. If you face injustice in the future, you can come to me. You saved my life and have treated me well—I haven’t forgotten."
While Lin Dongxiu spoke, Xianglan had already downed several cups. Her eyes hazy with drink, she said to Lin Dongxiu, "Soon Fourth Miss will be the Marchioness of Yongchang. You’ve achieved what you sought, but the Marquis is older, with a house full of wives and concubines and an elder son born of a concubine. Do you truly not mind? If you were to find a scholar closer to your age..."
Lin Dongxiu sneered, "I don’t believe in such illusions. If this marriage were flawless, how would it ever come to me? What I seek is a lifetime of wealth and stability—I don’t consider myself greatly wronged."
Xianglan nodded her heavy head emphatically and clapped her hands in admiration. "Fourth Miss, hearing you speak like this, I truly respect you..."
Seeing Xianglan’s flushed face and slurred speech, Lin Dongxiu quickly intervened, "Don’t drink anymore. Have the maid bring a bowl of sobering soup. If this goes on, I’ll have no way to explain to Eldest Brother."
Xianglan snatched the cup back, giggling, "Explain to him? I’ve lived so cautiously all this time, and now that I’m finally enjoying myself, who do I need to explain to?" As she laughed, tears streamed down her face. Choking up, she sobbed, "My poor, foolish younger sister... she chased fleeting joy, and look what became of her—now she’s a wandering ghost in some forgotten place... sob..."
Lin Dongxiu frowned. "What? Younger sister? What younger sister?" Staggering to her feet, she nudged Xianglan. "This won’t do. You’re truly drunk." She hastily ordered the maids to remove the wine and bring sobering soup.
Just then, Lin Jinlou returned from seeing off the guests. The moment he entered, he saw Xianglan clutching the wine pot, still trying to drink, while Lin Dongxiu and the maids attempted to coax her. Lin Jinlou’s face darkened instantly. "What’s going on here?"
The maids froze in fear. Lin Dongxiu explained, "I had some wine with Xianglan, but I didn’t expect her to get so drunk..."
Lin Jinlou strode forward, pulled Xianglan up, and frowned at her flushed face and the smell of alcohol. "Where’s the sobering soup?"
Xianglan gazed at him through drunken eyes, then suddenly began kicking and struggling, shouting, "I don’t want to see you! Get away from me!"
Furious, Lin Jinlou shook her violently, making the hair ornaments tumble from her head. Gnashing his teeth, he said, "Open your damn eyes and see who you’re talking to! You’re just asking for trouble!"
Lin Dongxiu shrank back, whispering, "Brother, be gentler..."
Lin Jinlou shot her a glare and pointed at her warningly. He then took the sobering soup from a maid and forced it toward Xianglan’s mouth. She struggled fiercely, refusing to drink, spilling most of the soup, and coughing violently.
Enraged, Lin Jinlou released her, shoving her onto the heated brick bed. "You’re just asking for it! You’re just asking for it! Taitai still wants to see you later—what will you do then? You’ve really outdone yourself, huh? I just showed you respect in front of others, and you pull this behind my back. How can you face me after this?"Lin Dongxiu hurried over to pat Xianglan's back and wiped her face with a handkerchief, saying, "Elder Brother, she's drunk, so it's inevitable she'd talk nonsense..."
Lin Jinlou shot her a glare and said, "Why are you still dawdling here? The rain has lightened up, why aren't you leaving yet?"
Not daring to provoke this Overlord, Lin Dongxiu forced a smile and said, "Then I'll take my leave." Before leaving, she couldn't resist turning back to add, "Brother, be a bit more gentle with her..." Seeing Lin Jinlou glare at her again, she hastily turned and left.
Lin Jinlou watched as Xianglan lay slumped on the Heated Brick Bed, clearly uncomfortable—now crying, now laughing, now demanding more wine—and was so infuriated he felt like vomiting blood. His hands trembled with rage as he stood up and stormed back to the bedroom, slamming the door shut with a loud "bang." The maids bit their lips and held their breath, not daring to make a sound, silently attending to Xianglan. Suddenly, the door swung open with a "smack," and Lin Jinlou emerged, having changed his clothes. With a cold expression, he picked Xianglan up and carried her to the large bed in the bedroom. Seeing Hua Shan approach with a towel, he snatched it from her and wiped Xianglan's face himself. He then brought over the sobering soup, pinched Xianglan's mouth open, and forced her to drink it. Xianglan, feeling unwell, finally threw up with a "wah," fortunately, Ling Qing was nearby holding a spittoon to attend to her.
(My Weibo account: Search for He Yanshan on Sina Weibo ^_^)
Apologies for being so busy these past two days! This chapter is a bit longer to make up for it!
Thank you all for the tips and pink votes. I’ll be sure to give a shout-out to thank everyone in the next chapter update. Thank you!
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