Lin Jinlou felt as if a thunderbolt had struck his head. He swayed on his feet, his eyes turning crimson as he grabbed Zhang Shiyou by the collar, gritting his teeth and demanding, "What did you say?"
Qin Shi exclaimed in alarm, "Lou Ge'er, mind your manners!"
Lin Jinlou felt a chill run through his body, yet sweat beaded on his forehead. He had personally watched Xianglan drink that bowl of medicine—he dared not think further. Having faced life and death multiple times on the battlefield, he had remained unshaken even if Mount Tai collapsed before him. But this time, he felt weak all over, as shock, fury, and regret surged to the forefront of his mind. No wonder Xianglan had lost all color in her face, lying frail and emaciated on the bed. What sin had brought this upon them?
Zhang Shiyou, startled, hurriedly replied, "General Lin, please calm down and allow me to finish. Although the pill is potent, fortunately, it hasn't fully dissolved, reducing its dosage. This gives us a thirty percent chance of curing the illness. Moreover, in the previous treatment, I changed the prescription to use medicines that counteract the effects of the Sterility Pill, further neutralizing its potency and adding another twenty percent confidence. Just now, I promptly administered a medicine to the new concubine—a secret formula passed down in my family—which increases the benefit by another thirty percent. Thus, we have an eighty percent certainty. With careful recuperation hereafter, avoiding fatigue and cold, the rest will depend on medical fate." He licked his lips, trembling as he added, "Even the world's most miraculous medicine cannot cure every ailment. I—I will spare no effort—"
Lin Jinlou closed his eyes, took a deep breath, released his grip, and personally smoothed the wrinkles on Zhang Shiyou's robe. His gaze was icy, but his words were exceedingly gentle: "Then I must trouble Imperial Physician Zhang. You have devoted yourself to my family's affairs, and I, Lin, will surely repay you generously."
Zhang Shiyou felt an aura of murderous intent emanating from the man before him, and cold sweat dripped down his back. He hastily stepped aside, repeatedly bowing and saying, "I dare not, I dare not. This is merely my duty, my duty—"
Lin Jinlou said softly, "I must also trouble Imperial Physician Zhang to stay at our residence for the next few days. We will prepare a superior guest room with all necessities. Do not hesitate to use any expensive medicines needed for this treatment. If anything is lacking, simply inform us."
Zhang Shiyou assented to each point. Lin Jinlou called for Shuangxi and ordered him to escort Zhang Shiyou away. Then, turning back, he lifted the curtain and returned to the bedroom. Xianglan still lay with her eyes closed, like a wilted little flower. Lin Jinlou stared at her for a long while before beckoning Shuran over and asking, "Where is the maid who prepared the medicine?"
Shuran whispered, "It was Chun Ling—I've already had her tied up and locked in the woodshed. But she's been crying, protesting, and swearing oaths, insisting it wasn't her doing, that it was—" She hesitated, stammering, and glanced up at Lin Jinlou's stormy expression, shivering involuntarily before quickly adding, "Chun Ling claims it was Fourth Miss Jiang who did it." Having spoken, she clamped her mouth shut, bowing her head and waiting. She only heard Lin Jinlou say, "Bring her to the courtyard."
Lin Jinlou took another look at Xianglan before turning and striding out. The moment he left, Xianglan opened her eyes and let out a soft sigh. Xiao Juan and Hua Shan crowded around her. Hua Shan, tears in her eyes, asked, "Madam, where do you feel unwell? Do you need anything to eat or drink? The kitchen is simmering a nourishing broth, and Ling Qing is personally watching over it. Would you like some, Madam?"Xianglan looked at Xiao Juan and said, "Go to the front for me and keep watch. If the Master questions Chun Ling and then leaves, don’t intervene—just come back and inform me. But if the Master questions Chun Ling and intends to drag her out to be beaten to death, you must hurry and tell me immediately. I will go myself to save Chun Ling’s life."
Xiao Juan said, "Madam, after she has committed such a vicious act, how can you still be so soft-hearted and merciful?"
Xianglan shook her head and replied, "It wasn’t Chun Ling. Though she has her flaws, she is incapable of such a ruthless deed. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have risked so much to save me that day."
Xiao Juan, her eyes reddening, said, "Who can say for sure? Madam, you didn’t see how insolent she was—just focus on recovering and leave this matter be."
Xianglan said to Xiao Juan, "After all, she and I have a past. Say no more—go now." Xiao Juan acknowledged and withdrew.
Meanwhile, Chun Ling had been brought to the courtyard by two old women. She was already terrified out of her wits. Not long after she had delivered the medicine, Shuran had arrived with the old women and seized her aggressively. Only then did she learn that Xianglan had taken the medicine and fallen gravely ill. Feeling as though she had been plunged into icy water, she pleaded her innocence repeatedly, but Shuran listened coldly without uttering a word. Now Lin Jinlou had come to interrogate her. Chun Ling trembled in fear, her spirit utterly broken, and she collapsed to her knees. She saw Ji Xiang and Shuangxi standing in the room, holding large paddles.
Lin Jinlou kicked her to the ground and said coldly, "You thieving slave, do you confess your crime?"
Chun Ling shook uncontrollably, like a sieve, and burst into loud sobs. "Master, please see clearly! Master, please see clearly! Even if you gave this Female Servant ten thousand times the courage, I would never dare to do such a vile deed!"
Lin Jinlou said, "If not you, then who? You were the one who decocted the medicine, and you were the one who personally brought it over."
Chun Ling cried, "While this Female Servant was decocting the medicine in the tea room, only Fourth Miss Jiang and Fifth Miss Jiang came by. They both sat in the tea room for a while. Fifth Miss Jiang drew me to the doorway to talk, leaving Fourth Miss Jiang alone in the room—"
Lin Jinlou sneered, "Still stubborn and falsely accusing others? Beat her with the paddle!" At once, Ji Xiang and Shuangxi stepped forward. Ji Xiang held her down while Shuangxi took up the paddle and struck her twenty or so times, until her skin split and blood flowed freely. Chun Ling wailed in agony, crying "I’m innocent!" with every blow.
After the beating stopped, Chun Ling’s face was as pale as gold leaf, but she still proclaimed her innocence. Lin Jinlou questioned her repeatedly, and her account of events remained consistent. He turned around and saw Qin Shi standing at the door of the main hall, clutching a handkerchief, hesitating to speak.
Lin Jinlou walked over and said calmly, "Mother, it would be best if you did not interfere in this matter."
Qin Shi said, "You must not forget your engagement with the Jiang Family. If this escalates, how will the elders on both sides save face?"
Lin Jinlou suddenly glared at Qin Shi, nearly grinding his teeth, and said, "If the Jiang Family did not do this, I certainly won’t wrong them. But if they truly did, Mother, they had better not push me too far. So what if they are favored by His Majesty? If they want to play dirty in my household, fine! Let’s see who’s tougher. Even if we have to wait until the crown prince ascends the throne, the Jiang Family will never regain favor. Let’s see who outlasts whom!"Qin Shi looked at Lin Jinlou's sinister expression and recalled when he fought with the sons of noble families as a child. At that time, he was only six or seven years old, surrounded and beaten by three or four boys. Yet he stubbornly refused to beg for mercy, even with his head bloodied and one eye blinded by blood, he kept struggling fiercely. The expression on his face then was exactly the same as it was now.
Qin Shi felt her legs go weak, and with a "thump," she sank into a chair.
In Dream Fragrance Courtyard, Jiang Xiyun sat by the heated brick bed, sketching patterns. After drawing for a while, she paused, lost in thought, until ink dripped from the brush tip onto the paper, startling her. She quickly set the brush down and sighed softly as she watched the ink slowly spread across the snow-white paper. Grandmother Jiang remained half-reclined on the bed, legs crossed, slowly turning an Agarwood Golden Chestnut Longevity Bead Rosary in her hand. Suddenly, she asked, "What’s wrong? Losing your composure?"
Jiang Xiyun was taken aback, then lowered her head and said, "No."
Grandmother Jiang said calmly, "Your elder brother came today specifically to go with Lin Jinlou to Duke Zhenguo’s residence to request him as the official matchmaker. They have already left. Once the official matchmaker is settled, unless the Lin Family is willing to break ties with us completely, this marriage will be set in stone."
Jiang Xiyun replied, "I understand. Given the current situation, the emperor still intends to keep the Jiang Family. Father will surely be reinstated in the future, and given his previous position as Grand Secretary, his future official rank will not be low. Since the official matchmaker has been arranged, even if the Lin Family suspects it was us, they won’t risk causing trouble over a concubine. The elders of the Lin Family are all in favor of this marriage and will never allow Lin Jinlou to stir up any trouble over a concubine. A concubine may be treasured like a precious gem while she’s still fresh in his heart, but in a few years, when that fervor fades and she fails to bear children, what trouble could she possibly cause? I will treat her well in the future." As she spoke, she walked to the window and closed it quietly, adding, "Besides, although Chen Xianglan may seem somewhat foolish and weak, she is actually very intelligent. If she were a shrew or an idiot, I would truly be worried."
Grandmother Jiang asked, "What do you mean by that?"
Jiang Xiyun’s eyes were clear and calm as she said, "A shrew or an idiot would act recklessly in a fit of rage, lashing out wildly, crying, and making a scene for all to see. But an intelligent person will weigh the pros and cons, understand the situation, and compromise rather than lose their mind and cause a catastrophic uproar, destroying everything. She ought to know that even if she makes a scene, the marriage is already decided, and there’s no turning back. The fact that she can no longer bear children might even be an opportunity for her. I can tolerate her and ensure she enjoys a life of wealth and comfort. She should calculate clearly in her heart that, aside from enduring, she has no other path to take." With that, she smiled faintly, revealing two pear-shaped dimples. "As for me, if I can’t win Lin Jinlou’s heart in the future, no man lasts forever. I’ll just save up some private funds, enjoy a leisurely life, and focus on raising my children well. Why should I worry about not living a good life?"
Grandmother Jiang opened her eyes and studied Jiang Xiyun carefully for a moment. She reached out, drew her into her arms, and held her tightly. After a long while, she let out a deep sigh.
Just then, Liusu called from outside, "The Master has returned."
Grandmother Jiang and her granddaughter exchanged startled glances. Grandmother Jiang said, "Invite him in quickly."Liusu lifted the door curtain as Jiang Shangxian entered, his brow furrowed with displeasure. Shortly after, Jiang Danyu also stepped into the room. After exchanging greetings, Jiang Shangxian’s expression darkened, and he fumed, “This is truly infuriating. I hadn’t even settled into my seat at Duke Zhenguo’s residence, nor broached a word of serious business, when Marquis Yongchang arrived. He exchanged a few words with Lin Jinlou, who then hurriedly took his leave, galloping off on horseback and vanishing in no time. I thought some grave matter had occurred at home, but upon returning and inquiring, it turned out one of his concubines had fallen ill. Utterly ridiculous!”
Jiang Xiyun’s heart sank, though she feigned distress and said, “But... that concubine is dear to our elder cousin’s heart. It’s understandable he rushed back when she fell ill.”
Jiang Shangxian tapped Jiang Xiyun on the head and gritted his teeth. “You foolish girl! What kind of household is the Lin Family? With such lack of propriety, how could Fifth Sister avoid suffering if she marries into this family?”
Jiang Xiyun sighed, her face clouded with worry. “Given our family’s circumstances, what choice do I have but to marry?”
Jiang Shangxian was taken aback, rendered speechless for a long moment before he too heaved a sigh. Just then, agonized screams from a woman echoed from outside. Grandmother Jiang frowned and asked, “What is happening?” Liusu entered and reported, “Master Lin is interrogating a maid in the courtyard, accusing her of ill intentions and drugging the family’s new concubine.”
Jiang Danyu, who had remained silent until then, turned deathly pale upon hearing this. Trembling uncontrollably, she felt a sharp pain in her chest, her vision darkened, and she fainted. The room erupted into chaos as everyone crowded around her in a flurry. Amid the commotion, Shuran entered and announced, “The Master requests Miss Dan and Miss Xi to come to Chun Tang Hall.”
Meanwhile, in Chun Tang Hall, Xianglan sat up from her bed and instructed Hua Shan to open the clothing chest. She selected a lotus-root-colored gauze blouse and a dark green skirt. Despite the persuasion, she struggled to sit up and dressed herself, then ordered Hua Shan to style her hair with a few gold hairpins adorned with blessings and longevity motifs. Noticing Hua Shan’s anxious expression in the mirror as she combed her hair, Xianglan remarked, “Why worry? The sky hasn’t fallen yet.”
“Madam, the Jiang Family—if it wasn’t Chun Ling, then it must be the Jiang Family who drugged you—most likely Jiang Xiyun, right? But we lack evidence to pin it on her. What will you do in the future—”
Xianglan smiled faintly. “Jiang Xiyun is exceedingly clever; she plans meticulously before acting. Catching her red-handed won’t be easy.” She shook her head. “It’s natural she finds me an eyesore. That she’d resort to schemes is also within expectations. What I didn’t anticipate was that someone of her ‘innately kind nature’ would strike with such ruthlessness.”
Seeing Xianglan’s composed and almost indifferent demeanor, Hua Shan couldn’t help but whisper, “Madam, if—if you’re upset, you should cry it out—”
“Cry? Why should I cry?” Xianglan adjusted her clothes in the mirror and smoothed her hair, her expression growing even calmer. “In truth, I am seething with rage. Chun Ling disregards past affection, Jiang Danyu administered the drug, and Jiang Xiyun deliberately allowed it, fueling the flames and killing with a borrowed knife. Ah, what a masterstroke—using others to do her dirty work. Does she truly believe this matter will be brushed aside so easily?”
“Then you’re planning to—”"I've cried enough these past two years—nearly exhausting tears for two lifetimes. All due to helpless circumstances, grievances, and countless unspoken sorrows. But this time, I'm so enraged I can't even shed a tear." Xianglan turned to look at Hua Shan and said slowly, "Jiang Xiyun is adept at scheming. She thought she had my character figured out, believing that after this incident, I would continue to endure." Xianglan removed the Magnolia Pendant from her neck and tossed it aside casually, letting out a cold laugh. "But this time, she miscalculated. I'm damn well done putting up with it!"
Hua Shan was stunned. She never expected the usually gentle and refined new concubine to utter such coarse language!
As the maid Xianglan had brought from the Chen Family, Hua Shan naturally devoted herself entirely to her mistress. She sensed that Xianglan seemed different from her usual self and couldn't help but tremble inwardly. Swallowing hard, she asked, "Then, Madam, what will you—"
"What will I do? Watch her marry into the Lin Family with Grandeur, while my fate depends entirely on her mercy? She has harmed me to this extent, and I'm supposed to gnaw at my heart day and night, placing her above me? After careful calculation and weighing the pros and cons, I should indeed endure. But now, I simply refuse to do so!" Xianglan sighed as she spoke. "In the past, there was a daughter of a disgraced official who married into a wealthy family as a Concubine. She was bullied to death by her superiors, and I lamented and grieved for her, feeling it wasn't worth it. Now, the same tragedy is about to play out on me. I naturally disdain using Despicable means to harm others, but when someone pushes me to such extremes, I must demand an explanation for myself."
I wrote a bit more but still feel it's not quite right. The context and consequences need further refinement, so I'll post this part for now.
OpenNovel