It so happened that Madam Tan inadvertently witnessed an intimate affair, which sent her soul flying and heart racing. After retreating from the Hall of Flourishing Spring and turning through a covered corridor, her legs gave way and she sank onto a stone bench, her cheeks flushing crimson as her thoughts wandered into forbidden territory. Suddenly, she noticed a man peeking around the corridor entrance. The moment he spotted Madam Tan, he ducked his head and fled. Startled, she rose and shouted, "Who goes there?" Lifting her skirts, she gave chase.
The man flustered about in panic, unsure where to hide, yet cleverly decided to stop in his tracks. Turning around, he clasped his hands in salute and said, "I am Dai Rong. Having drunk too much, I mistakenly wandered into this area. I beg your pardon, madam."
Madam Tan fixed her gaze upon him and saw a fair-faced young gentleman with delicate brows and eyes that slanted upward at the corners. He had a straight nose, high cheekbones, thin lips, and a sharply pointed chin. At first glance, he appeared to be an ordinary pretty boy, but upon closer inspection, he proved quite captivating—especially with his entire demeanor exuding an air of romantic frivolity. His face bore a hint of impudence, and his lavish brocade attire further accentuated the carefree elegance of a wealthy young master.
Frowning, Madam Tan asked, "May I ask which family you belong to?"
Dai Rong replied with a smile, "I am a friend of Liu Xiaochuan. My father holds the fifth-rank position of Reader-in-waiting in the Hanlin Academy. Today, for your esteemed household’s celebratory banquet, Young Master Liu invited me to assist. I was just escorting the ceremonial gifts to the storeroom and lost my way on the return. I beg your forgiveness, madam." With another bow, he subtly glanced upward and saw a rather comely young matron. Her hair was adorned with a filigree gold hairpin inlaid with kingfisher feathers and pearl drops, a gold-wire chignon set with eight treasures, and densely arranged floral hairpins and gold hairpins. Her glossy, neatly combed chignon swayed with inch-long amber ear pendants, while a bejeweled neckpiece—a Yingluo—graced her neck. She wore a brand-new foreign-red satin blouse embroidered with hundreds of butterflies and peonies, paired with a hibiscus-patterned skirt. Her delicate, silver-plate face, shimmering amorous eyes, and wine-flushed cheeks enhanced her fair and lovely complexion. Tall and alluring in stature, she was exceedingly striking. At the sight of her, Dai Rong faintly guessed her identity. Being a leader in romantic escapades and a commander in amorous pursuits, he felt half his body melt upon seeing Madam Tan, whose beauty rivaled a peach blossom in spring. Beaming, he said, "You must be the Second Madam Lin? Your humble servant pays his respects," and made a deep, ceremonious bow.
Madam Tan asked in surprise, "You know me?"
Dai Rong replied cheerfully, "Who hasn’t heard of Second Madam Lin’s reputation? Even in her maiden days, she was renowned for her exceptional talents—embroidery, needlework, music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—all mastered to perfection. They also said she possessed the beauty of the moon goddess. But seeing you in person today, I realize the rumors fall short. No matter how extravagantly others praise you, the reality surpasses it ten-thousandfold."
Madam Tan’s face, initially marked by anger at Dai Rong’s intrusion into the inner quarters, softened completely at this flattery. Her wrath vanished to the distant land of Java, especially since Dai Rong was a handsome man, which added to her delight. A faint smile touched her lips as she said, "Those are just idle tongues wagging nonsense. I’m nothing like what they say." She couldn’t help but size him up again, noting his dashing appearance and sweet words, which further increased her favor. Moreover, having just stumbled upon an amorous encounter, her spring passions were already stirred. The presence of this young man made her heart surge even more. Emboldened by wine, her expression betrayed unseemly emotions, and the scene grew somewhat indecorous.Seeing Madam Tan's expression, Dai Rong knew there was potential and grew even more flirtatious: "Today must be fate bringing us together. Otherwise, why would I happen to be accompanying others with ceremonial gifts? Having delivered the gifts, why would I get lost? Being lost, why would I happen to meet Second Madam? Having met, when I turned to leave, why would Second Madam call me back? Tell me, if this isn't fate, what is?" As he spoke, he kept glancing at Madam Tan, sending her a meaningful look.
Madam Tan was far from being an oblivious or dull person. Seeing this situation, how could she not understand? She had always prided herself on outshining all other beauties and captivating numerous men, which pleased her immensely. Looking at Dai Rong again, she found him even more handsome and extraordinary. She smiled and said, "Eldest Master Liu is my brother-in-law's childhood friend. Since you're close with Eldest Master Liu, you're naturally a guest of the Lin residence. However, I hadn't heard my brother-in-law mention you before, otherwise I wouldn't have questioned you earlier. Please forgive my impropriety." After speaking, she performed a curtsy.
Dai Rong said, "Second Madam is truly different from those women from modest families. They're all timid and fussy, claiming they're too young to meet people easily, but really it's because they lack wit and vision, hence they shy away from others. Someone like Second Madam, who speaks directly and carries herself with natural grace - that's the true manner of a well-bred lady from a great household, a noble matron."
This flattery hit right where Madam Tan liked it most, making her even more delighted, though she only maintained a smile on her face: "Young Master Dai praises me too highly. Since you're a friend of the Lin family, you should visit more often."
Dai Rong smiled, "I'd like to come frequently, but General Lin has high standards and his gates are strictly guarded."
Madam Tan said, "Your father holds a prestigious position in the Hanlin Academy, clearly showing your family comes from a scholarly tradition. Young Master Dai must have studied the classics too. My husband is also a scholar, though his health is poor and he rarely receives guests. He often says he lacks literary companions to study with. If you're willing, Young Master Dai, why not come to our residence and study with my husband?"
This was exactly what Dai Rong had been hoping for. Hearing these words, he was overjoyed and said with a laugh, "Excellent, excellent! I shall certainly pay a visit." He then bowed and stood up, saying, "I've delayed too long and should be returning." As he spoke, he looked at Madam Tan several more times, glancing back repeatedly even as he departed, before finally leaving.
Madam Tan had wanted to converse more with Dai Rong and felt reluctant to see him go. She watched wistfully as Dai Rong turned the corner and disappeared, then collected herself and returned to the banquet.
After turning the corner, Dai Rong slowed his pace and thought to himself, "I thought this trip to the Lin residence would yield nothing, never expecting such a fortunate encounter. Tsk tsk, with careful planning in the future, I won't lack opportunities to gain advantages."Dai Rong's visit to the Lin residence had a specific reason. It all started when Zhao Yuechan suffered a humiliation at Xianglan's hands and returned home seething with resentment. She secretly pondered how to vent her fury and make Xianglan die by her hand, to teach her a lesson. However, Xianglan now stayed within the Lin estate, never stepping beyond the inner courtyards, leaving Zhao Yuechan no opening to exploit. After much deliberation, she devised a vicious plan. She recalled Qian Wenze mentioning that brothels often force a certain drug on newly purchased girls, rendering them sterile and incapable of bearing children. Quietly, she sent a trusted matron to procure the drug and summoned Dai Rong.
She said to him, "In a few days, there will be a celebration at the Lin family. Go there and find a way to sneak into the inner quarters. Put this drug in Chen Xianglan's bowl and make her consume it. She and I have some past grievances. This medicine will cause diarrhea, making her lose face in front of everyone and easing my pent-up anger. If you succeed, I'll count it as a great merit, and you'll have your rewards."
Dai Rong was startled and eyed Zhao Yuechan skeptically. "You must be joking! The Lin family hasn't even sent me an invitation for their banquet. Their household is tightly guarded—how could I possibly get in? And even if I did, how would I enter the inner quarters? I've only caught a distant glimpse of Chen Xianglan, and she's Lin Jinlou's beloved concubine. How could I drug her?"
Zhao Yuechan replied, "Don't you always boast about your wide circle of friends? Today you're close with some official's son, tomorrow you're inseparable with a general's nephew. Among those drinking buddies of yours, there's one named Liu Xiaochuan, who shares a deep friendship with Lin Jinlou. Go and seek his help."
Dai Rong hesitated. "I've only shared a few drinks with him; we're not that close... Lin Jinlou is a tyrant no one dares provoke..." His tone implied he wanted no part in it.
Zhao Yuechan's face darkened. "Young Master Rong, think carefully: who covered your gambling debts these past months without your father knowing? And you even dared to seduce my maid—I haven't told your father about that yet. I've been bullied and humiliated outside, and now I ask you to do this small favor to help me vent, yet you hesitate and make excuses. You still owe a hundred taels outside, and I was planning to repay it for you and give you another fifty for your expenses. What, have you found someone else to foot the bill?"
This last remark hit Dai Rong's weak spot. He quickly put on a smiling face, adopting a fawning tone. "We're family—no need for such formalities. Since Mother came to the household, she's shown me nothing but affection, and I remember it all in my heart. If it's such a small matter, no matter how difficult, I'll find a way to accomplish it, won't I? Heh... it's just, well, about the money... I'll need to treat that Liu fellow to a meal to win him over before he can take me into the Lin family, right?"
Zhao Yuechan glared at him and sneered, "With your wretched character, I've had enough of you for half a month. You'll get the fifty taels after the deed is done, plus other rewards." Her gaze, half-annoyed and half-seductive, was filled with such allure that it set Dai Rong's heart racing. He cursed inwardly, "I've seen many women, but none compare to this temptress. If only she weren't so formidable, I'd surely try to get my hands on her and taste her charms."Having given her instructions, Zhao Yuechan rose to her feet and swayed gracefully away, fan in hand. She hadn't truly expected Dai Rong to succeed immediately, yet her bitter jealousy refused to subside. She thought to herself: "If this scheme fails, I'll only be out a few dozen taels of silver. But if it succeeds, then heaven itself is aiding me! That wretched little strumpet deserves misfortune—may she remain childless, and may Lin Jinlou's affection for her fade. Let's see what becomes of her then!" She then ordered Qiongzhi to dress and adorn herself lavishly to see Dai Rong out.
Dai Rong and Qiongzhi had only managed one successful encounter at the Lu residence. Normally, they could only exchange longing glances, suffering from unfulfilled desire. Now, as soon as their eyes met, they became inseparable. Accompanying Dai Rong to the gate, Qiongzhi whispered: "Madam said that if you accomplish this task properly, she will arrange for us to meet again. Among the female guests attending the Lin family banquet is her close childhood friend. Should you attempt to deceive her without fulfilling your part, she will know." Driven by both monetary gain and lust, Dai Rong immediately agreed wholeheartedly before departing.
Two days later, Dai Rong indeed invited Liu Xiaochuan and others to dine and drink together. During the feast, he showered them with flattery and hired two heavily made-up courtesans to encourage drinking. Through repeated coaxing and flattery—while claiming he merely wished to acquaint himself with the Lin family's third young master to offer wedding banquet congratulations—Liu Xiaochuan finally relented and agreed to bring him to the Lin residence.
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