Tan Luhua immediately recalled the young gentleman she had seen at the wedding banquet—dashing and elegant, with eyes that seemed to speak and ensnare. Her heart fluttered, and she rose to say, "Quickly invite him in." No sooner had the words left her lips than she felt it improper and added, "Wait." Pacing twice around the room, she beckoned Cai Feng over and whispered, "Go check inside—has Second Master fallen asleep?" Cai Feng soon returned to report, "Second Master is already sound asleep. Should I wake him, Mistress?"
Tan Luhua replied, "Last night, Second Master got up and coughed for a long while before settling back to sleep. Now that he’s finally tired and resting, how can we disturb him? Invite the guest in. Third Master Dai is Second Master’s literary friend—it’s fine for him to visit."
Dai Rong stood outside the door, hands tucked in his sleeves. When a maid emerged to usher him in, his heart leaped with joy. He hurried inside and saw Tan Luhua: her hair was swept into a sleek chignon, loosely pinned with a crimson peony; she wore a peach-red embroidered mandarin duck jacket, a faded-red skirt embroidered with the eight auspicious treasures, and faintly visible beneath it, lake-blue embroidered shoes. Lightly powdered, her face was as radiant as peach blossoms. Dai Rong beamed, bowing deeply and repeatedly offering greetings.
Tan Luhua returned a smile as warm as spring breeze. She noted Dai Rong’s attire—a dark gray glossy satin straight gown cinched with a gold-woven belt—which accentuated his fair skin, red lips, and dashing charm. Her heart skipped several beats. Guiding him to a seat, she ordered tea served. As they sat facing each other, Dai Rong’s gaze fixed intently on her. Tan Luhua’s heart trembled, a tingling sensation surging through her. Clearing her throat softly, she asked, "What brings you here, Young Master Dai?"
Dai Rong smiled. "Last time I happened to meet Second Mistress Xuan at your residence, you kindly invited me to visit. I also admire Second Master Xuan’s literary reputation, so I came to pay my respects." He placed a stack of items on the table and pushed them forward. "These are a few books, along with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones—just a small token of my regard."
Tan Luhua laughed lightly. "Young Master Dai, there’s no need for such courtesy. My husband is unwell and cannot receive guests—please forgive us."
A flicker of understanding passed through Dai Rong’s eyes. What a woman—her words surely carry intent, he thought, feeling utterly captivated. He smiled and said, "I’d long heard Second Master Xuan’s health was frail. What a pity for a lady as accomplished and spirited as you."
Tan Luhua sighed. "What can be done? We women have no autonomy. Men, on the other hand, can love one today and another tomorrow."
Dai Rong chuckled softly. "That’s precisely why I feel indignant on your behalf. A lady of your appearance and character, married to an ailing man... Truly, nothing in this world is perfect—a skilled wife paired with an inept husband. Men may be philanderers, but I am devoted. Yet I, too, lack a fitting match."
Tan Luhua burst into laughter, slanting a glance at him. "You? Devoted?" She flicked her Wan fan. "I don’t see it."
Dai Rong sighed. "My reputation outside is all gossip—what do they know of the truth? If the Ogress by my bedside had even half your grace and charm, I’d enshrine her like a bodhisattva. How could I ever look elsewhere?" His eyes fixed unwaveringly on her as he spoke.Tan Luhua had never encountered such a situation before. She saw Dai Rong's eyes glistening with tenderness, his face exuding a roguish charm. As the saying goes, "Women love bad boys," and nine out of ten women in the world are drawn to handsome, fickle rakes. Dai Rong was a master among them, his three-parts mischievous smile all the more captivating. Tan Luhua's face flushed crimson in an instant, and she froze, her heart pounding erratically. Emboldened by his audacity and seeing the maidservant standing at a distance, Dai Rong reached out under the table, grabbed Tan Luhua's hand, and whispered, "Someone like Second Madam is one in a hundred. I’ve been thinking of you day and night." As he spoke, he gently stroked her palm.
Tan Luhua was startled, nearly crying out in alarm. She struggled frantically, and Dai Rong took the opportunity to release her hand. Tan Luhua hastily withdrew it, her fingers still tingling with residual warmth. Overwhelmed by embarrassment and panic, her body went limp, and she stood up flustered, saying, "Since my husband is unwell, please take your leave, Young Master Dai."
Dai Rong, however, acted as if nothing had happened, smiling calmly. "Second Madam, don’t rush to send me away. It’s not easy for me to visit." As he spoke, he took a brocade box from his sleeve and pushed it toward Tan Luhua. "This humble gift is but a token of my respect. Would Second Madam care to see if it catches your eye?"
Tan Luhua steadied herself. In her earlier panic, she had only wanted to drive Dai Rong away. But now, seeing the exquisitely crafted brocade box, curiosity about its contents got the better of her. She sat back down and opened the box. Inside was a gold hairpin adorned with pearls and cloud motifs, its design novel and intricate. The tiny pearls were round, smooth, and radiant, making the piece exceptionally refined. Tan Luhua couldn’t tear her eyes away. Though she owned several pieces of jewelry more valuable than this, the hairpin still stirred a deep fondness in her.
Observing Tan Luhua’s expression, Dai Rong secretly rejoiced and said eagerly, "This hairpin was crafted in the imperial palace, bestowed by noble ladies. Look at these four pearls, Second Madam—though small, they are flawlessly matched in size and perfection. Such a rarity is hard to come by. Only an item like this is worthy of someone like you."
If Tan Luhua had initially been drawn to Dai Rong’s good looks and silver tongue, merely flirting with him to alleviate her boredom, his gift of the hairpin now revealed his wealth and extravagance. Her perception of him shifted entirely: he was both charmingly handsome and lavishly rich—a perfect combination. Her heart raced like thunder. Glancing around, she saw her trusted maid, Caifeng, still standing by the door at a distance. She signaled with her eyes and called out, "Go to the back and bring a plate of snacks for Young Master Dai."
Caifeng understood and withdrew to guard outside the door.
Tan Luhua closed the lid of the brocade box and pushed it back toward Dai Rong, pretending to smile as she said, "This is too precious. I cannot accept such a generous gift without merit."Before the word "accept" could fully leave her lips, Dai Rong reached out and pressed his hand firmly over Tan Luhua’s on the brocade box. His eyes conveyed a meaningful warmth as he smiled and said, "Don’t refuse, Second Madam. If you won’t accept it, who else would be worthy of wearing it?" He then boasted, "Although such jewelry is hard to come by, I have some wealth to my name. In the future, if there’s any jewelry or precious stones you fancy, just let me know—it’s no trouble at all. As long as Second Madam knows how to cherish others, I’ll be more than satisfied." Seeing that Tan Luhua didn’t resist too strongly, he took her hand in his, stroking it gently as he lowered his head to examine it. "Let me see what rings and bracelets you’re wearing. If they’re old, I’ll bring you a new set next time."
With her hand held by Dai Rong, Tan Luhua felt her entire body go weak, a mix of fear and excitement coursing through her. She pushed him away, saying, "Behave yourself! The maids will be coming and going, and my husband is still asleep inside."
Dai Rong laughed. "Why worry about that?" Seeing Tan Luhua’s flushed cheeks, which made her even more alluring than usual, he felt a surge of desire. But this wasn’t the place for such talk, so he lowered his voice and said with a smile, "Second Madam, aren’t you bored staying cooped up in the mansion all day? I’ve recently acquired some exotic goods from overseas and would like to invite you to take a look."
Tan Luhua hesitated. "How could I possibly go out?"
Dai Rong replied, "I happen to own a fabric shop on East Riverbank Street called 'Liduan Zhai.' The overseas goods are stored there. If you’re interested, come by the day after tomorrow. I’ll be waiting to welcome you with open arms." With that, he gave her hand a squeeze, cast her a flirtatious glance, and took his leave.
After returning home from the Lin residence that day, Dai Rong, in an effort to coax money from Zhao Yuechan, recounted this unusual encounter. Zhao Yuechan, always eager to stir up trouble for the Lin family, urged him to seduce Tan Luhua. "What kind of man passes up such an opportunity?" she said. "That Madam Tan was quite famous even before her marriage—many noble sons talked about her in private. A fleeting romance with her would make your life worthwhile."
Dai Rong chuckled. "No matter how charming she is, she’s now a married woman of the Lin family. I’m afraid of getting into trouble."
Zhao Yuechan sneered, "What’s there to fear? Do it discreetly, and no one will find out. Once you’ve had your fill, just take your money and travel abroad for studies. Stay away for three to five years, and do you think Tan Luhua would dare to publicize this affair?" She then lavished praise on Tan Luhua’s talent and beauty.
Dai Rong couldn’t help but be swayed. Recalling Tan Luhua’s affectionate demeanor that day, his heart began to itch with desire. So, he devised a plan and paid a visit to the Lin family. After he left, Tan Luhua found herself unable to sit or stand still. One moment, she opened the brocade box to admire the hairpin inside; the next, she closed it. She tried wearing the hairpin, only to feel restless and take it off, locking it away in a drawer. Yet, before long, she couldn’t resist pulling the drawer open again, taking the hairpin out to fondle, her mind wandering in a daze.Soon after Lin Jinxuan awoke, Caiming summoned Tan Luhua to attend to him. After drinking half a cup of tea, Lin Jinxuan was seized by a coughing fit. Tan Luhua hurriedly patted his back and fetched the spittoon. Seeing his pale complexion, a wave of disgust welled up in her heart. She felt trapped in this marriage from the very beginning, wondering how she would endure the long years ahead. Abruptly leaving his side, she went to the adjacent room and shed bitter tears. Wiping them hastily with a handkerchief, she washed her face at the bronze basin. The water reflected a lovely face in the bloom of youth, her jet-black hair adorned with the gold cloud-patterned hairpin.
Tan Luhua slowly clenched her handkerchief and summoned Caifeng, whispering, "Tomorrow I shall pay a visit to my sister's house. Have the sedan chair prepared."
The next day, after serving Lin Jinxuan his breakfast, Tan Luhua mentioned her intention to visit her sister. Worried she might feel stifled at home, Lin Jinxuan consented and even ordered some gifts to be prepared. Bringing only her personal maid Caifeng, Tan Luhua first paid respects to her sister before directing the sedan to Dongheyan Street. Spotting the fabric shop, she alighted and entered.
Dai Rong was overjoyed to see Tan Luhua and had the shopkeeper usher her to the back. Inside, the room was filled with the fragrance of incense burning in precious censers and flowers arranged in golden vases. Embroidered curtains and drapes adorned the space, with an ornate python robe laid out on the eastern bed—a stark contrast to the exterior. In the center stood a table laden with delicacies like dragon liver and phoenix marrow, accompanied by jade cups filled with fine wine.
Dai Rong, dressed in splendid attire and looking more dashing than ever, warmly invited Tan Luhua to sit. "You've kept me waiting, my lady. You must drink three cups as penalty," he said with a laugh, personally pouring her a cup.
"If you insist on making me drink, I shall leave," Tan Luhua retorted, though she remained seated.
"My apologies for the rudeness! I shall punish myself with a drink," Dai Rong replied, downing the cup in one gulp and praising, "Excellent wine!"
Tan Luhua couldn't help but smile at his boldness. Dai Rong then urged her to try the dishes, explaining, "This is prepared by the chef from Longxiangchang, renowned as the top of the 'Eight Great Auspicious' establishments in the capital. Even imperial princes favor this place when they dine out. This is their specialty—please honor me by tasting it." He served a portion onto the gold-dusted small plate before her.
When had Tan Luhua ever encountered a man so humble? Though Lin Jinxuan was gentle, he was perpetually ill, leaving her constantly attending to him. Feeling flattered, she picked up her chopsticks and took a few bites.
Dai Rong pressed another drink, saying, "I'm no stranger—I've always admired you. If you refuse to share a cup with me, your heart must be cruel!"
He lavished praise on her fair skin, her peach-blossom beauty, her graceful figure, and even her exquisite attire and jewelry, elevating her to celestial status. Tan Luhua, who thrived on flattery, was thoroughly pleased and soon boasted of her own cleverness, charm, and mastery of the arts. Dai Rong seized the opportunity to compliment her further, gradually coaxing her into drinking several cups.The wine was potent by nature, and as its effects took hold, Tan Luhua's face flushed crimson, her unrestrained emotions growing more pronounced. Her eyes, fixed on Dai Rong, seemed about to drip with longing. Dai Rong shifted his chair closer to hers and said with a laugh, "Let me show you a rare treasure from overseas." He drew a small box from his sleeve and opened it, revealing a neatly folded handkerchief embroidered with an assortment of spring palace scenes in various suggestive poses. Though not exquisitely detailed, the depictions were strikingly vivid.
Tan Luhua took it in her hands, stunned into speechlessness, feeling her entire body grow increasingly feverish. Sensing the moment was ripe, Dai Rong reached out, pulled her into his embrace, and kissed her, exclaiming, "My dear lady, you truly captivate me!"
At first, Tan Luhua struggled, but Dai Rong held her firmly and continued kissing her. Gradually, her resistance softened into half-hearted compliance until she ceased moving altogether, her face flushing even deeper. She tugged at his sleeve and murmured, "Do you truly care for me, young master?"
Dai Rong swore an oath: "If I speak even the slightest falsehood, may I be struck by lightning!" Without further ado, he pressed her onto the bed and they indulged in the act of clouds and rain. After their passion subsided, they clung to each other, exchanging vows of eternal devotion. Tan Luhua, now awakened to the pleasures of the bedchamber, grew increasingly attached to Dai Rong. He, still reveling in the novelty, showered her with honeyed words and empty promises. A seasoned libertine, he effortlessly charmed her into a daze. They arranged their next meeting, and Tan Luhua left him one of her bracelets as a token of remembrance, taking two bolts of cloth as a pretext before parting reluctantly.
From then on, they carried on their illicit affair. To facilitate their trysts, Tan Luhua rented a house near the side gate on the right of Kangshou Residence, meeting Dai Rong while Lin Jinxuan slept soundly. She conducted herself with such secrecy—keeping the keys herself and posting no matronly guards at the location—that aside from her personal maid, Cailuan, no one else could uncover their liaison. Consumed by guilt over her infidelity, Tan Luhua treated Lin Jinxuan with increasing kindness, attending meticulously to his every need in food, clothing, and daily life. Their relationship grew more harmonious, earning her praise from others for her virtue—though that is another matter.
Meanwhile, Xianglan, having finished her duties for Lin Jinting’s wedding, took advantage of her newfound leisure to paint at home. About seven or eight days later, she received a letter from Qin Shi. It turned out that Yuan Shaoren and Lin Dongxiu’s wedding was approaching, and Qin Shi intended to personally escort Lin Dongxiu to the capital to prepare for the marriage.
OpenNovel