The crowd watched as a young maiden slowly emerged from the room, her eyes downcast, her face as fair as white jade. Her hair was braided and coiled into a side bun, and she wore a pale green beizi over a white silk skirt with embroidered patterns. Her attire was simple and unadorned, yet her movements were as graceful as a willow swaying in the breeze. The jade pendants hanging from her waist tinkled softly, their rhythm perfectly synchronized with her footsteps.
Lin Dongxiu was astonished. Just yesterday, Xia Gugu had sternly told her, "Once Fourth Miss marries into that family, she will become a titled lady of rank. On festivals and special occasions, she will have to enter the palace to pay respects to the nobility. If her demeanor is not up to standard, it will bring shame not only to Marquis Yongchang but also to the Lin family. The Book of Rites says, 'A gentleman’s steps are accompanied by the chime of jade pendants.' Your posture while walking is acceptable, but the sound of the jade must harmonize with your footsteps—alternating between strong and soft, creating a delicate, rhythmic chime." She had practiced for half a day, her waist and legs aching from exhaustion, and Xia Gugu had only reluctantly commented, "Passable." Yet today, observing Xianglan’s demeanor, she realized it was no different from what Xia Gugu had demonstrated. Previously, she hadn’t paid much attention, but now, upon reflection, she noticed that Xianglan had always carried herself this way.
Xianglan walked to the doorway, then turned and curtsied to Qin Shi, saying, "Madam, I take my leave." As she slightly raised her head, her beauty was like a spring plum blossom blooming in snow, her spirit like autumn orchids veiled in frost. Jiang Mu’s fingers, which had been counting her prayer beads, suddenly stilled, and a look of astonishment flashed in her eyes. Her youngest granddaughter, Jiang Xiyun, had always been peerless in beauty—she had never seen anyone surpass her. She never expected this girl to possess such extraordinary grace and ethereal elegance, rivaling Jiang Xiyun’s lush, soft charm in a way that was equally captivating.
Jiang Danyun was also taken aback. She narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing Xianglan from head to toe and back again, her heart sinking with a sour feeling. Yet she couldn’t help but feel a hint of schadenfreude toward Jiang Xiyun, thinking to herself, "Hasn’t everyone always praised you for your beauty, cleverness, and charm? Well, now there’s a show to watch."
Jiang Xiyun remained smiling faintly. She studied Xianglan carefully, then glanced at Jiang Mu, noticing how her grandmother couldn’t take her eyes off the girl. She then stole a sidelong glance at Qin Shi and, seeing her stern expression, shook her head slightly.
Lin Dongxiu slowly sauntered back to her seat, a smirk playing on her lips as she sat down with her chin held high, as if she were the one who had captivated the entire room into silence.
Jiang Mu cleared her throat and said, "Niece-in-law, who is this…?"
Qin Shi, her face beaming with a smile, was about to speak when Lin Jinlou cut in with a laugh, "She’s a member of my household, named Xianglan." He then gave Xianglan a gentle push on the waist and said, "Hurry and pay your respects to Yi Lao Taitai."
Xianglan had no choice but to step forward and offer her greetings one by one. Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun both stood up, turning slightly to accept the courtesy and returning it with a curtsy. Jiang Xiyun couldn’t help but study Xianglan closely, an indescribable feeling stirring in her heart. She quietly observed the girl standing before her—slender and graceful, neither haughty nor humble, her face unsmiling yet radiating an otherworldly elegance that made one forget all worldly cares.
At that moment, Xianglan lifted her eyes, and her clear, limpid gaze met Jiang Xiyun’s dark, luminous one. Their eyes met for an instant before both simultaneously looked away, lowering their eyelids.Lin Jinlou stood by the door, squinting slightly as he observed the two women twice over before turning his gaze toward Qin Shi. Qin Shi shot him a glance, lowered her head, and picked up the tea bowl beside her to sip her tea quietly. The room was filled with varied thoughts, but Lin Jinxuan’s mind remained uncomplicated. He looked at Xianglan, then at Jiang Xiyun, and felt both were stunning beauties, each with her own charm. Upon closer inspection, Xianglan possessed an ethereal grace, like an immortal ready to “ride the wind and return,” radiant as an orchid in secluded elegance. Jiang Xiyun, by contrast, was a worldly beauty blooming amidst worldly splendor, her smile delicate and enchanting.
He looked again and again, yet felt that no matter how beautiful these two were, neither could compare to his own wife, Madam Tan. Not only was she lovely in appearance, but she was also gentle, considerate, and possessed a mind of uncommon depth. He couldn’t help but glance at Tan Luhua, only to find her staring intently at Xianglan and Jiang Xiyun, the handkerchief in her hands twisted into a tight knot.
Jiang Mu looked the two women up and down once more, then said to Qin Shi with a faint smile, “Lou Ge’er is truly blessed with such beauty. I never imagined there could be such exquisite figures in this world.”
Jiang Xiyun chimed in, “When I stepped out of the room earlier, I caught a glimpse and almost thought a celestial maiden had descended to earth.”
Lin Dongxiu added, “Xianglan is exceptionally skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Her embroidery patterns are both fresh and delightful. One of these days, we should have her draw a few for you as well.”
Tan Luhua remarked with a hint of sarcasm, “Not only are her hands clever, but her mind is clever too.”
Jiang Danyun glanced at Jiang Xiyun and said softly, “How wonderful! Fifth Sister also draws clever patterns, though she’s too lazy to pick up her brush. I’ve been worrying about what designs to use for my newly tailored clothes—now I’ve found just the person.”
Jiang Xiyun laughed, “Just the other day, I embroidered a handkerchief for Fourth Sister, and she still called me lazy. I won’t stand for it.”
Qin Shi merely smiled without a word.
Lin Jinlou waved to Xianglan and said, “Come here.” He bowed slightly to the others, then took Xianglan by the hand and left.
Once outside, Xianglan let out a long sigh of relief. After exiting the courtyard of Rongshou Hall, they entered a covered corridor. Lin Jinlou pinched Xianglan’s cheek playfully and grinned, “My dear, aren’t you going to thank your lord for rescuing you from Madam’s room? If I hadn’t called you out, you’d still be in there doing needlework for Fourth Sister, wouldn’t you? Next time they ask, don’t go. Needlework strains the eyes—you might go blind staring at it too long.” As he spoke, he moved to wrap his arm around her waist.
Xianglan was startled and quickly thumped him twice, exclaiming, “You’re going to be the death of me! We’re still outside—what if someone sees us?”
Lin Jinlou retorted, “You and your rules—you make life far too exhausting.” Seeing Xianglan’s flushed cheeks, bright as autumn fruit, he felt a stir of desire and pulled her into his arms as if she were a little chick. Pointing to his own cheek, he said, “Quick, give me a kiss.”
Xianglan spotted two young maids carrying trays nearby. Upon seeing the couple embracing in the corridor, they stuck out their tongues, sucked their fingers, hunched their shoulders, and scurried away around a corner. Xianglan’s face flushed crimson instantly, and she squirmed, trying to break free.
Lin Jinlou insisted, “Hurry up, or I’ll change my mind and kiss you on the lips instead.” He leaned in as if to do so.
Xianglan hastily covered his mouth. Lin Jinlou planted a kiss on her palm, making her pull her hand away quickly. Seeing no one around, she stood on her tiptoes and pecked his left cheek swiftly. Lin Jinlou grinned broadly, then bent down and gave her cheek a loud, smacking kiss in return. Xianglan wiped her face and pushed him away, exclaiming, “You’re going to be the death of me!”Lin Jinlou laughed and said, "You're just too stubborn." As he spoke, he took Xianglan's hand and led her back. "You're too thin-skinned. Today, the Jiang family brought two young ladies. The fifth cousin has a good temperament, knows how to read the room, and is quite adept at handling situations. Her features are so striking, she could rival a top courtesan... Hey, don't glare at me. Do you think just anyone can become a top courtesan? First, one must be beautiful; second, one must be talented—proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and song, no less accomplished than a lady from a noble family, able to compose verses and couplets effortlessly, and well-versed in classical texts from past to present; third, one must have skill—understanding charm, knowing how to please, skilled at reading people, articulate, and perceptive. This last point is the most crucial. With so many pleasure houses along the Qinhuai River, only a handful can produce a top courtesan. Someone as foolishly straightforward as you—lucky you're in my household. If you were really in a pleasure house, with your stubbornness driving people away in just a few words, who knows how many beatings you'd endure... Learn a thing or two from the fifth cousin. I don't expect you to be particularly clever, but if you can manage a few pleasant words, I'll be satisfied..."
Xianglan hung her head in silence, allowing Lin Jinlou to lead her back to the Hall of Flourishing Spring. Of this, no more need be said.
Meanwhile, in Rongshou Hall, after some more conversation, a banquet was set. Once the meal concluded, everyone exchanged a few casual words before dispersing. Qin Shi returned to her bedchamber, feeling weary in body and mind. She sat on the daybed and sent Hongjian to Mengfang Court to check on how the Jiang family grandmother and granddaughter were settling in. She then instructed Lulan to summon Xia Gugu and Lin Dongxiu. Xia Gugu arrived shortly, inquired after Qin Shi's well-being, and took a seat. Lulan served tea, and the two exchanged a few idle remarks. Just then, Lin Dongxiu entered. Qin Shi immediately straightened her expression, beckoned her forward, and said coldly, "Kneel!"
Lin Dongxiu dropped to her knees with a thud and kowtowed, saying, "Madam, please calm your anger. Xiuer knows she was wrong."
Qin Shi said, "Oh? Then tell me, what exactly did you do wrong?"
Lin Dongxiu replied, "Xiuer should not have called Xianglan out. It was just a moment of foolishness. I beg Madam to be merciful and forgive me this once." As she spoke, she kowtowed again.
Qin Shi said indifferently, "Whether it was a moment of foolishness or not, you know the truth in your heart. Let me tell you this once: this is your maternal home, and you are a cherished guest soon to be married, so we must treat you with some leniency. But if you continue to act so willfully after you marry, whether you bring shame to your family is secondary—how well you fare will be something only you will know, like drinking water and knowing whether it's warm or cold. You may go."
Lin Dongxiu stole a glance at Qin Shi, kowtowed once more, then stood and left.
Once she was gone, Qin Shi turned to Xia Gugu with a solemn expression and said, "Auntie, I entrust the fourth girl to you. I hope you will guide her well. Our family will surely reward you handsomely."
Xia Gugu was startled and quickly replied, "Madam, you speak too gravely."
Qin Shi let out a long sigh, her face showing weariness, and said, "You witnessed what happened earlier in the hall."Xia Gugu remained silent. Qin Shi had invited her to sit behind the screen to help observe the Jiang family's young ladies, which wasn't an unreasonable request, so she agreed. From her observations, Jiang Danyun appeared to be an ordinary young lady of respectable upbringing, with acceptable speech and demeanor. If Jiang Danyun was merely slightly better than the average young lady, then Jiang Xiyun was truly stunning. This girl was likely extremely shrewd but deliberately played the fool. Yet, her beauty alone was remarkable, and her conduct and speech were genuinely graceful and poised, with a clever charm. Though she concealed some cunning intentions, it still came across as endearing. However, it was Chen Xianglan who truly surprised her later. She had initially thought Xianglan was merely an exceptionally beautiful concubine, nothing more than a pretty face, and hadn't paid her much attention. But today, standing beside Jiang Xiyun, the two complemented each other, highlighting Xianglan's extraordinary grace. Especially the way she walked out of the room—fluid and elegant, with a dignified bearing—it startled Xia Gugu. She surpassed even the average young lady from a noble family.
Qin Shi sighed, "Fourth Miss truly gives me no peace... To be honest, it's partly my fault." She let out another sigh and placed her teacup on the small table beside her. "My eldest daughter was born to a concubine, but I treated her as my own and raised her by my side. Yet, after all, a mother and daughter share a bond—how could Yin Yiniang bear to be separated from her? At that time, I was young and impulsive, quarreling with the master, so I simply neglected the eldest girl. By the time I wanted to intervene again, she was already older and had grown distant from me, contradicting me in everything and causing friction. After a few attempts, I grew disheartened and let her be. Later, when the master took another concubine and Fourth Miss was born, I devoted myself to teaching her with all my heart. But she ended up being close to the eldest girl... Ah..." As she spoke, tears streamed down Qin Shi's face.
Wu Mama, who was standing nearby attending to her, hurried over with a handkerchief and said, "Madam, there's no need to grieve. Everyone has their own fate."
Qin Shi took a deep breath and said, "I taught her the same way I taught Second Miss, with no distinction. But this child has always been wary of me, as if I meant her harm. That's why I've invited you here—we absolutely cannot let someone with such narrow-mindedness and temperament marry into the Marquis' household!"
Xia Gugu stood up, curtsied, and said, "I will do my utmost to serve. Although Fourth Miss is stubborn and has some flaws, she is not beyond redemption."
Qin Shi wiped her tears with the handkerchief and smiled with relief. "Then I'll trouble you with this." With a meaningful glance, Wu Mama promptly presented a red envelope, smiling as she said, "The weather is getting hot—please use this to tailor a couple of cool outfits for yourself."
Xia Gugu did not refuse, accepted the red envelope, curtsied, and took her leave.
Qin Shi let out a long sigh and reclined on the couch. Wu Mama hurriedly placed a cushion behind her back, saying, "You've worked hard, Madam."
Qin Shi gritted her teeth and said, "This is a family we've painstakingly chosen. If she ruins this, even if Fourth Miss is about to be married off, I won't let her get away with it!" Her chest heaved with agitation.
Wu Mama quickly patted Qin Shi's chest to soothe her and handed her the teacup, saying, "The weather is hot, Madam. You must take care of your health. Please calm your anger."
Qin Shi replied, "You don't understand. The Jiang family is favored by both the Old Master and the master. Although they were originally a declining noble family, who would have thought this generation would produce Jiang Xuecheng? He became a Grand Secretary at such a young age! We thought he would hold that position for decades, but unexpectedly, the Emperor sent him to Zhejiang."
Wu Mama said, "So he was demoted? I heard Lord Jiang was only promoted by one rank when he went to Zhejiang..."Qin Shi sat up and sneered, "Of course we only mentioned the first rank. I initially thought Jiang Xuecheng had lost imperial favor, but later not only did my husband write, even the Old Master said the Jiang family might be on the rise. Now the eldest and second princes are both eyeing the throne, gathering supporters everywhere. The Emperor likely already has a favorite and, fearing Jiang Xuecheng would be drawn into the succession struggle, specifically transferred him out—quietly appointing him as Left Counselor in Zhejiang with substantial real authority. This is so that when the new emperor ascends the throne, he can recall him to the capital and bestow favors. Otherwise, why would they first dispatch Jiang Xuecheng and then promote his eldest son to Prefect in Shandong? His eldest son had only been a seventh-rank county magistrate for a year." After speaking, she sighed and said to Wu Mama, "There are families more distinguished than the Jiangs, but... but you're an experienced elder—how many noble young ladies have you seen who can compare to Xianglan's beauty?"
Wu Mama thought for a moment and smiled, "Xianglan is too exquisite. Only the Jiang family's fifth daughter we saw today and the Da Nǎinai the Eldest Master married before."
Qin Shi nodded, "Exactly. A mother knows her own son. Lou Ge'er has that frivolous, lustful nature—otherwise, why would he have been so foolish as to marry that wretched Zhao Yuechan, and now he's infatuated with Xianglan? If he can't let go and dotes on her indiscriminately, I fear that without marrying a girl who can keep order, the inner household will stir up trouble, leading to something like 'favoring a concubine and destroying the wife.' Two years ago, I met the Jiang family's fifth daughter and remembered her fine appearance and delightful temperament. Seeing her today, she's grown even more striking—didn't you notice how Lou Ge'er seemed spellbound by her? This matter is half settled. Only someone as beautiful as her can rival Xianglan, and only someone clever and sharp can manage Lou Ge'er's inner household. She has a gentle nature and a kind heart, so she can tolerate Xianglan."
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