It is said that Dai Rong followed Liu Xiaochuan to the Lin residence but dared not let Lin Jinlou catch sight of him, hiding behind the crowd. Liu Xiaochuan introduced him to Lin Jinting and then brought him to meet the steward Xu Fu before leaving him to his own devices. Xu Fu glanced around and saw that the inner tables were occupied by highly distinguished guests, leaving no place for Dai Rong. However, despite his shortcomings, Dai Rong was still the son of a fifth-rank Hanlin scholar. After careful consideration, Xu Fu noticed a table under the corridor where several young gentlemen of similar status were seated and settled Dai Rong there. After several rounds of drinks and dishes, and halfway through the opera, Dai Rong kept stealing glances inside. Seeing Lin Jinlou leave his seat, he pretended to relieve himself and quietly trailed behind Lin Jinlou, sneaking furtively into the inner quarters.
He only dared to follow from a distance, watching as Lin Jinlou entered the Hall of Flourishing Spring. Knowing this was Lin Jinlou’s residence, he dared not enter and instead lingered outside, peering in indecisively. Initially, he had been impulsive and thought the plan simple, but once inside the Lin estate, he realized how difficult it would be to administer the drug. He thought to himself, "Lin Jinlou’s fearsome reputation is well-known—they call him the 'Living Yama.' Causing trouble in his residence would be inviting misfortune. Last time, his punch nearly broke my nose. But that Zhao Yuechan is no easy mark either... Tsk, I might as well spin a tale to deceive her and swindle a few dozen taels of silver to spend." As he pondered, Dai Rong paced outside the courtyard twice, fearing that his absence from the banquet might be noticed and someone would come to apprehend him, causing a scene. He decided to retrace his steps but unexpectedly encountered Madam Tan along the way.
Let us set aside for now the ulterior motives of these two and return to the artificial cave in the Hall of Flourishing Spring. After his amorous encounter, Lin Jinlou fastened his clothes and turned to see Xianglan trembling as she tried to put on her undergarments. He laughed and said, "At this rate, you won’t finish dressing until tomorrow." He wrapped her haphazardly in his outer coat, lifted her horizontally, and carried her out.
Xianglan was startled and struggled, clutching his lapel as she said, "I haven’t put on my trousers inside... and I haven’t done my hair yet..."
Lin Jinlou couldn’t help but laugh heartily. "Silly girl, no one will see you. Don’t worry." He strode into the room with large steps. Once in the bedroom, he placed Xianglan on the bed, and she immediately pulled the quilt over herself, shrinking into the corner.
Lin Jinlou laughed again, sitting on the edge of the bed and looking at Xianglan. "You and your rules—isn’t it exhausting to live like that? When we’re intimate, even a single cry seems like it’s killing you... Tsk, to be honest, did you enjoy it just now, hmm?"
His words grew increasingly indecent. Xianglan, who had buried her head under the covers, flushed so deeply it seemed blood might drip from her face. She then heard Lin Jinlou shamelessly add, "I think you did. You grabbed my shoulders at the end, and it still hurts."
Xianglan could no longer bear the shame. She threw off the covers, sat up, and angrily retorted, "You’re vile!"
Lin Jinlou stroked his chin. "How is that vile? Next time, show me some elegance during our intimacy—like reciting Tang poems or Song lyrics. I quite enjoyed the sounds you made earlier."
Xianglan was both embarrassed and furious. Just then, Xue Ning, hearing the commotion, entered and caught sight of Xianglan disheveled and clutching the quilt on the bed, with Lin Jinlou sitting beside her. She hastily retreated.
Xianglan closed her eyes, deciding to ignore him, and turned over to lie down. Lin Jinlou leaned in again to provoke her, "Don’t sleep. Keep me company and chat with me."Xianglan frowned and slapped Lin Jinlou's hand away, saying, "I'm tired, let me rest for a while."
Her impatient little manner was full of lazy charm, making Lin Jinlou adore her even more. He also took off his boots and lay down behind her, his hand slipping inside her clothes as he said, "Alright then, you rest. Your lord isn't tired yet."
Xianglan was startled as Lin Jinlou pressed down on her. She hurriedly begged for mercy, "I really can't do it anymore. The wedding banquet hasn't even ended yet. Have mercy, Eldest Master, I'm truly exhausted..."
Lin Jinlou chuckled lowly, "My sweet Xianglan, count on your fingers how many days it's been since we last were intimate..." He held Xianglan down for another round of passion. By the time they finished, Xianglan was so drowsy she could barely keep her eyes open. Lin Jinlou dressed himself, lowered the bed curtains, and called Xue Ning in, saying, "Tell Shu Ran that your mistress isn't feeling well. Have her help with the arrangements. When it's time to see off the guests later, let Second Mistress handle it."
Xue Ning repeatedly agreed and was about to withdraw when Lin Jinlou called her back, "Where have all the maids in the room gone? Call them all back for me. Later, there won't even be anyone to attend to things in the room." Having said this, he strode out.
Xianglan slept deeply. When she opened her eyes, everything before her was dark. She jolted upright, pushed aside the bed curtains, and saw that it was already lantern-lighting time outside. Ling Qing and Ling Su were sitting in the corner of the room, shelling dried fruits while speaking in very low voices. Seeing Xianglan get up, they hurried over to attend to her—one handed her tea while the other fetched water and a face towel.
Xianglan asked anxiously, "What time is it? Has the banquet ended?"
Ling Su replied, "Don't worry, Mistress. Shu Ran is managing the banquet affairs, and nothing has gone wrong. You were so meticulous in preparing everything—Shu Ran just needs to oversee it. Most of the guests have already left, and Second Mistress is seeing them off. It's just that the men's banquet at the front hasn't ended yet. A few are still gambling and drinking, and a new troupe of young performers has taken the stage, singing some refined operas."
Xianglan's heart finally settled, but then she felt ashamed. In her current state, anyone could guess what she had been doing. Knowing Xianglan was easily embarrassed, Ling Qing and Ling Su exchanged glances. Ling Qing pretended nothing was amiss and said with a smile, "Are you hungry, Mistress? Would you like something to eat? Eldest Master said that since it's late today, Third Master and Third Mistress will return to Jinling together tomorrow morning. He wants you to see them off in the morning."
Xianglan reluctantly rose, suppressing her embarrassment, and went behind the screen to wash up. She changed into fresh clothes and combed her hair. Ling Su brought two plates of small fried cakes with seaweed and vegetarian meat, along with a bowl of soup. Xianglan, feeling quite hungry, finished everything. While rinsing her mouth and washing her hands, Shu Ran came in to report, "The inner residence banquet has ended, and the leftovers have been cleared. The remaining dishes, utensils, table skirts, and chair cushions are being stored. I request the keys and inventory list from you, Mistress, to check them."
Xianglan ordered Ling Qing to fetch them and had to go with Shu Ran to inspect everything. They first secured the valuable items and locked the rest in the room to be carefully accounted for and stored the next day. Xianglan took a small gold ingot from her sleeve, pressed it into Shu Ran's hand, and said, "You've worked hard these past few days. Buy some good food to nourish yourself. Everyone has done well—I'll report to Eldest Master later and have him reward all of you properly."Shu Ran beamed with a radiant smile. "The mistress is so generous, we all benefit from your kindness. Today, the Eldest Master has already rewarded the servants with red envelopes—even the cleaning women received a hundred coins." She paused before adding, "Both Eldest Miss and Second Miss have returned home. Earlier, they mentioned wanting to speak with you, but upon hearing you were unwell and resting, they didn’t dare disturb you. They’ll be staying overnight, and they’re likely still awake. If you have time, perhaps you could visit them?"
Xianglan thought to herself, "Shu Ran truly handles matters impeccably—she’s considerate in every way, no wonder Lin Jinlou values her so highly." Aloud, she replied with a smile, "You’re absolutely right, I’ll go at once." She first returned to the Hall of Flourishing Spring to fetch something.
By then, the maids had returned in small groups and were frolicking noisily in the room. Hua Shan sat in the warm chamber, noisily pouring the reward money from her Brocade Pouch to count it coin by coin. Xiao Juan teased her for being money-obsessed and snatched away the jade-green fan pendant Xianglan had gifted her. Hua Shan, flustered, rushed to reclaim it, and the two tumbled together on the heated kang. Ling Su, cracking melon seeds nearby, clapped and laughed heartily. Xue Ning and Ling Qing sat on small stools beside the kang, enjoying pastries and tea at the kang table. Ling Qing, having overheard some gossip earlier, chattered incessantly to Xue Ning. Suddenly, Xiao Juan’s grip slipped, and the fan pendant plopped into Xue Ning’s teacup, splashing tea all over her face. Startled, Xue Ning exclaimed, "Good heavens!"
Everyone froze for a moment before bursting into even louder laughter. Little Hua Shan hurried down from the kang to fish out the pendant, while Xiao Juan, doubled over with laughter, used a handkerchief to wipe Xue Ning’s face.
Amid the chaos, Shu Ran entered and immediately darkened her expression. "Have you no sense of the hour? Carrying on like this without restraint! Coming to the capital has spoiled you all. Tomorrow, I’ll write to Madam and have her send two senior matrons to discipline this unruly lot!"
The maids fell silent, too intimidated to utter another word. When Xianglan entered, they quietly stepped forward to attend to her. Suppressing a laugh, Xianglan pretended ignorance of the earlier commotion and instructed Xiao Juan to open the cabinet and retrieve the gifts she had prepared earlier. Accompanied by Shu Ran and Xiao Juan, and with an elderly woman carrying a lantern, she made her way to the courtyard where the two young mistresses were staying. Since they were in their maiden home, the couples did not share rooms. The two sons-in-law had been accommodated by Lin Jinlou in the front courtyard, while Lin Dongwan and Lin Dongqi stayed together in a rear courtyard.
As Xianglan reached the doorway, a maid dressed in bright colors emerged carrying a silver basin. Upon seeing her, the maid hurriedly lifted the curtain and announced, "The Concubine has arrived!" Entering the room, Xianglan saw Lin Dongqi with her hair loosely tied, already changed into casual home wear. It was clear she had removed her makeup and washed up, and was about to rise from the bed. Xianglan quickly stepped forward to stop her, saying, "Please don’t get up. It was thoughtless of me to come so late—I didn’t realize you’d already retired. Had I known, I would have waited until tomorrow."
Lin Dongqi smiled. "I retired early; the others are still over there eating, drinking, and chatting." She pulled Xianglan to sit by the bed and ordered a maid to serve tea.
Xianglan studied Lin Dongqi carefully and noticed she had grown thinner, her complexion slightly sallow without cosmetics. Concerned, she asked, "Second Young Mistress, are you feeling unwell? Your complexion seems off—should we call a physician to examine you?"
Lin Dongqi shook her head with a smile and whispered in Xianglan’s ear, "I’m with child—this is the third month. I’ve been suffering from severe morning sickness these past few days, which is why I look this way. I just vomited again and felt too weary, so I came back to rest."Xianglan said with delight, "Congratulations! If Madam were to know, she would be overjoyed."
Lin Dongqi smiled, "I've already sent a letter." She then took Xianglan's hand and said, "You should hurry up too, have a child soon. Even if it's a girl, it will bring lasting peace."
Though Xianglan still wore a smile, she lowered her head slightly. Just then, a maid entered to serve tea. Xianglan noticed her gentle and obedient features—she was Xiang Yun, one of the maids Lin Dongqi had brought from the Lin family. Xianglan asked Lin Dongqi, "Why did you bring her? Where is Ta Sha? In your condition, she should be by your side attending to you."
Lin Dongqi's expression turned awkward. Being clever, Xianglan immediately grasped the underlying implication and regretted her question. As she was thinking of a way to change the subject, Lin Dongqi spoke up, "Since I'm pregnant, there are times when I can't attend to everything properly. I promoted Ta Sha to Bedchamber Attendant." Seeing Xianglan purse her lips, looking even more uncomfortable than herself, Lin Dongqi couldn't help but chuckle. She patted Xianglan's hand and sighed, "You're such a rare, sincere, and kind-hearted person... This matter isn't a big deal. My mother-in-law hinted that as my pregnancy advances, it's better for husband and wife to sleep separately. Originally, there were two or three flirtatious maids in my husband's quarters. After I married, my mother-in-law took charge—some were married off, others dismissed from the household. Only one Bedchamber Attendant remained, named Dong Xue, who is pretty and mild-tempered, originally serving my mother-in-law. Since my mother-in-law went to such lengths for me, I couldn't refuse her kindness. Now, my mother-in-law wants Dong Xue to serve, but Dong Xue often reports the affairs of our courtyard to her, which displeases me. My mother sent me a letter saying that if I must promote someone, it should be one of my own. She advised me to promote Ta Sha and keep Dong Xue at a distance, while also instructing me to treat Dong Xue well for now and deal with her after I have a son. So, I followed her advice. Today, Ta Sha was supposed to come with me, but someone needs to manage the household, so I left her behind."
Xianglan thought to herself, "Qin Shi is truly shrewd. Ta Sha has served Second Miss since childhood—loyal, honest, and quite beautiful, though not as striking as Second Miss. This time, her entire family came along as part of the dowry, all under Second Miss's control, so they are utterly compliant. Even if promoted, Ta Sha remains aligned with Second Miss and would never cause trouble. Moreover, by giving her personal maid to her husband, Second Miss silences her mother-in-law and gains a reputation for virtue. Second Miss is fortunate to have such a capable and protective mother." She then noticed Lin Dongqi smiling faintly as she said, "Perhaps Mother also sent word to my elder brother. A couple of days later, he came to our house with his sword, took my husband out for a talk, and when they returned, my husband told me he intends to emulate my father wholeheartedly, serving the country in office. He said he doesn't care about Dong Xue or Ta Sha—only if they bear sons will they be promoted; otherwise, they'll be dismissed in a couple of years. He moved back from his study to sleep in the warm chamber and no longer calls either of them to serve."Upon hearing this, Xianglan exchanged a glance with Lin Dongqi, and both couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle. Lin Dongqi whispered, "My husband is a true scholar, raised with strict family discipline and always proper in conduct. He has never indulged in frivolous pursuits with women. Since I entered this household, he has never stayed overnight at Dong Xue's place, and now he wouldn't dare even more so. I've heard that those young men grew up following their elder brother around and often got beaten by him. My brother-in-law is also a close friend of the elder brother, who promised to take good care of me and ensure I never suffer any mistreatment." She then patted Xianglan's hand and said, "Although the elder brother may have some flaws, he treats his closest kin exceptionally well. The maids say he dotes on you immensely, enough to make anyone envious." She continued earnestly, "For now, focus on taking good care of your health and strive to bear a son soon—that's what truly matters. I know a few excellent physicians skilled in nurturing one's constitution; I'll have them come see you tomorrow."
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