In the Hall of Flourishing Spring, Lin Jinlou and Xianglan had finished their meal. Lin Jinlou picked up a brush under the lamplight to review official documents, instructing Xianglan to wait on him nearby. Xianglan brightened the lamp, carefully ground the ink, brewed a pot of tea, and tidied the various incoming and outgoing letters and documents. Lin Jinlou handed her a list and ordered her to write invitations for weddings and funerals according to the names on it. Xianglan then sat on the other side of the desk, spreading out various types of stationery to write.
Before long, Qiaohui, the maid who often attended Qin Shi, came in and said, "Second Madam's father, Lord Tan, will set off for Shandong to take up his post next month. Since the Master is away, he wishes to pay a visit to the Eldest Master. He sent a visiting card to the Eldest Master but received no reply, so he appealed to Madam. Madam thinks that as they are relatives, the Tan family should be invited for a small gathering at home tomorrow, and she hopes the Eldest Master will make time to meet them."
Lin Jinlou frowned. Tan Siye had indeed sent him a visiting card, but the wording on it that day was somewhat disrespectful, with a tone of using his seniority to pressure him. Lin Jinlou was not one to tolerate such behavior, so he crumpled the card and threw it into the wastebasket. He replied, "I'm busy tomorrow. Madam can meet them."
Qiaohui said awkwardly, "This is Madam's wish. She said you should at least meet them..." Seeing Lin Jinlou's brows furrow again, she dared not continue and quickly signaled Xianglan with her eyes.
Noticing this, Xianglan set down her brush and said, "Since they are in-laws and elders, you should meet them. Besides, he is going to Shandong, and who knows when he will return."
Lin Jinlou patted Xianglan's hand and said nonchalantly, "Tan Siye offended his superiors and had no future. If it weren't for our family's efforts, how could he have come to the capital to seek an official post? I'm deliberately keeping him waiting. Don't worry, that fellow is shrewder than a monkey. After being ignored a couple of times, he'll learn his place and the rules. This will prevent him from causing trouble in the future by using the old master's name." He then said to Qiaohui, "Go back and tell Madam that the womenfolk should meet as they please. I truly have no time tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Qiaohui took her leave.
Lin Jinlou set down his brush, closed his eyes, and pinched the bridge of his nose. He pulled over the invitations Xianglan had written and read a couple of them. Then he reached out, pulled Xianglan over, and sat her on his lap. Tapping her nose, he chuckled and said, "Tell me, who taught you to write such beautiful characters? If you were a man, I'd make you my secretary." As he spoke, he took Xianglan's hand and examined it repeatedly under the lamp.
Xianglan withdrew her hand and said calmly, "I should learn to be a courtesan instead. Being a secretary is too high a praise for me." With that, she tried to stand up.
Lin Jinlou was taken aback, then burst into laughter. He wrapped his arms around Xianglan's waist, forcibly turned her face toward him, and kissed her. Gazing at her slightly flushed cheeks, he smiled faintly and said, "Oh, I didn't expect you to hold a grudge. Are you upset because I said you're not as good as a courtesan? Let me tell you, you're better than all of them. I don't even care to look at those who are too forward."
Xianglan turned her head away and ignored him.
Lin Jinlou took her hand again, playing with her fingers, and said, "Lao Yuan's youngest son is ill. Tomorrow, remember to pick out some gifts and send someone to deliver them."
Xianglan turned her head back and asked, "De Ge'er? What's wrong with him?"
"Just a cold. The child is pitiable. His birth mother died early, and his stepmother passed away soon after. Lao Yuan raised him personally. Men are rough by nature, and because of his status, his wet nurse doesn't dare to discipline him too strictly."
Xianglan couldn't help but sigh, "Marquis Yongchang is truly a rare and devoted man."Lin Jinlou raised his eyebrows high. "Rare? A good man of deep affection and loyalty?"
"Yes, I've heard from the maids and older servants that he shared a deep bond with De Ge'er's birth mother. Because she passed away early, he took the child under his own care to raise. It's said that after the woman's untimely death, he dismissed the singing girls and concubines in his quarters, leaving only two concubines who had borne him children. The others were free to stay or leave as they wished. Every year, Marquis Yongchang donates silver to aid the poor, performing good deeds and accumulating merit in the name of De Ge'er's birth mother. Yet he remains extremely humble and amiable, treating others with sincerity, never arrogant or overbearing despite his high status."
Lin Jinlou pinched Xianglan's chin and turned her face toward him. "Little Xianglan, how come I feel like you're making a point here?"
"...No, you're overthinking it."
"Tsk, I see you've grown a pretty face for nothing—how are you getting more foolish? How many times have you even seen him? Haven't even exchanged a word, have you? And you already think he's a great man?"
Xianglan pressed her lips together and remained silent. Last time, she had encountered De Ge'er by the storeroom entrance, and Yuan Shaoren personally came to fetch the child. His expression was gentle, his words soft and considerate—he even bowed to her repeatedly in thanks, without a trace of condescension or arrogance. It was impossible not to feel a sense of goodwill toward him.
Just then, Lin Jinlou spoke again by her ear. "Silly girl, let me tell you, most men in this world are cut from the same cloth. You might think so-and-so is a gentleman, but who knows what depravities he might be hiding behind the scenes."
Xianglan glared at him. "How can you smear your friend like that, Eldest Master? Isn't Marquis Yongchang going to be your brother-in-law?"
Lin Jinlou widened his eyes. "Getting bold, are we? Watch your tone!" Seeing Xianglan lower her head, he paused before continuing, "Lao Yuan was quite the character in his day—indulging in pleasures, sampling all the flowers and willows. A few years back, he met De Ge'er's birth mother, a woman called Lianniang, and was dead set on taking her as a concubine. At first, Lianniang refused, but later, for some reason, she agreed. However, Lao Yuan's wife wouldn't allow her to serve tea formally, so he simply kept her outside. For a while, Lao Yuan mended his ways, but soon he was back to his old habits. It wasn't until after Lianniang died that he seemed like a changed man."
Xianglan was taken aback and asked, "How did Lianniang die?"
"Who knows? Some say it was puerperal fever, others a serious illness, and there are those who claim she took her own life. She was originally from a prominent family herself—the granddaughter of Shen Wenhan, the former Chief Grand Secretary of the capital's Shen family... but you wouldn't know about that. You probably weren't even born when the Shen family was executed to the last member."
These words exploded like a thunderclap in Xianglan's ears, leaving her dazed and disoriented. Her heart felt as if it would leap out of her throat. Unable to restrain herself, she grabbed Lin Jinlou's arm and asked, "The Shen family... are there any survivors?"Lin Jinlou gave her a surprised look and said, "No more. The Shen family was practically wiped out. The female relatives who were originally sent to the Bureau of Music and Entertainment mostly committed suicide. Back then, Lianniang was still young. Her mother tried to strangle her with a silk cord before taking her own life but failed. When Lao Yuan’s uncle arrived at the Bureau of Music and Entertainment, Lianniang was barely breathing, and her mother’s body had already been wrapped in a mat. Uncle Yuan, who had once received kindness from Shen Wenhan, went through immense effort to bring Lianniang out of the Bureau. Although she was officially a government slave, she was raised half as a servant and half as a mistress. The emperor had convicted the family of grave crimes, making it difficult to remove her slave status, but at least she was safe." After finishing his account, he noticed Xianglan was already in tears, her mind wandering. Startled, he shook her gently and asked, "What’s wrong with you?"
Xianglan felt her heart breaking. She lowered her head and wiped her tears with her sleeve, choking back sobs as she said, "It’s nothing. I just couldn’t help thinking how tragic it must have been for a mother to try to strangle her own daughter that night..." Xianglan was overwhelmed with grief. She had known her family died tragically, but hearing Lin Jinlou speak of it firsthand made her realize just how horrific it had been. If Lin Jinlou hadn’t been there, she would have burst into tears.
Lin Jinlou watched her thoughtfully, patted her back, and said, "You really are sentimental." He picked up the hot tea from the table and handed it to her, then reached out to wipe her tears. Casually, he remarked, "The Shen family’s fate was indeed tragic. They were all people of strong character, somewhat like you."
Xianglan looked up and, through her tear-filled eyes, met Lin Jinlou’s sharp gaze. Her heart skipped a beat, but her thoughts were chaotic, and she felt exhausted. Leaning gently against Lin Jinlou’s chest, she murmured, "How could I be like the Shen family? I’d never even heard of them before. I was just moved by the mother and daughter’s plight..."
Lin Jinlou held her, stroking her back as if soothing a cat. After a long pause, he said, "Oh, is that so?" He paused again before continuing, "I’ve been busy outside these days. If you’re feeling bored at home, you can invite some female performers to sing or call in a female storyteller to entertain you. Staring at paper and painting all day will strain your eyes. Two cousins from the Jiang family have arrived. When you have time, go chat with them."
Xianglan lowered her thick, long lashes and suddenly asked, "How are my paintings selling?"
Lin Jinlou was taken aback. After Lin Jinting’s wedding banquet, Xianglan had given him several paintings, asking him to sell them in his shop. Now, those paintings were gathering dust in his study. He coughed lightly and said, "Oh, those paintings? A few might have sold. I’ll go ask for you tomorrow."
Xianglan leaned against his chest and murmured, "Mm," as tears silently trickled down again.
Before bed, Lin Jinlou stepped outside and summoned Jixiang to the second gate. He instructed, "Withdraw twenty taels of silver from the accounts tomorrow and give it to your Concubine. Tell her it’s from the sale of her paintings, to make her happy."
Jixiang eagerly agreed and left. For now, this matter rests here.The next morning, after Lin Jinlou practiced a set of martial arts and had breakfast, he went out. Xianglan carefully selected a few gifts for De Ge'er and had them sent over. She then went to Qin Shi's room to pay her respects. She had only been seated for a short while when the Tan family arrived. Xianglan felt it inappropriate to stay longer, but Wu Mama held her back, smiling, and said, "We two haven't had a chance to talk much. Come, sit in this room for a while." Xianglan followed Wu Mama into the side room, where a young maid came in to serve tea. After exchanging warm pleasantries, Wu Mama smiled at Xianglan and said, "My dear, I've long seen that you're extraordinary—your conduct and demeanor are different from other girls, so gentle and quiet. To speak frankly, even all the young mistresses I've met put together can't compare to you. The Eldest Master has always looked at you differently, like a greedy cat eyeing a treat. Now that he's dismissed all his concubines, after the new year, he'll hold a proper banquet and make you his Concubine. The grievances you've endured all this time will then mean nothing."
Xianglan looked at the warm smile on Wu Mama's face and knew she was genuinely happy for her. Yet this very happiness weighed on her so heavily she could barely breathe. She could only force a smile and lower her head slightly. Just then, footsteps were heard outside. Peering through the carved partition, she saw Tan Luhua leading a girl into the adjacent room to sit. Xianglan stole a glance and saw that the girl was tall and stout, with sallow skin, small eyes, a round nose, and plain features, yet she carried an air of haughtiness and was dressed in extravagant luxury.
Wu Mama whispered, "That's Second Young Mistress's elder sister from the main wife, named Tan Lufang. Earlier, when the master was arranging a marriage for the Second Master, he invited several eligible young ladies from prominent families in the capital to the estate. The Second Master saw Second Young Mistress from behind a screen and took a liking to her. However, Tan's father married a wife from a high-ranking family who was very domineering and pressured him to marry off his own daughter from the main wife to the Second Master. But with such an appearance, the master refused outright, saying the Second Master had suffered enough all these years and must marry someone beautiful and gentle. So he told the Tan family that the Second Master was in poor health and it would be inappropriate to pressure them into marrying their main wife's daughter. When Tan Lufang learned the Second Master was sickly, she also threw a fit at home, refusing to marry into the family. But later, when she saw how lavishly Second Young Mistress lived and how dignified she appeared during her visits home, and how elegant and refined the Second Master was, she deeply regretted it. The maids at Kangshou Residence never stopped gossiping about this."
Xianglan nodded slightly and took a few more glances, thinking how strikingly different the two Tan sisters were in appearance. She overheard them whispering, catching fragments like "Shandong," "Qingzhou," and "Master Lin," as if they were asking Tan Luhua to intercede with the Lin family to secure an official position for Tan Siye. Moments later, Tan Lufang suddenly stood up with a scoff and said coldly, "If Father gains prestige, won't you stand taller in the Lin family? It's clear you've grown too proud. Don't forget, if I hadn't yielded back then, how could you have married into the Lin family? You're just a daughter born of a concubine, and now that you've climbed to a high branch, you put on airs. I can't stand your attitude. If you have what it takes, stay perched on that high branch forever—don't commit any of the seven offenses and get thrown out by the Lin family. I'd even chant 'Amitabha' for you!" With that, she stood up and made to leave.The phrase "seven grounds for divorce" struck right at Tan Luhua's guilty conscience, making her tremble with rage. She stood up and grabbed Tan Lufang, demanding sharply, "What nonsense are you spouting? If you have the nerve, say it again—call me a concubine's daughter, then what does that make Second Master Lin? Don't you dare leave! Come with me to Madam to settle this!" Just as the situation was about to escalate, Wu Mama stepped forward and said sternly to Tan Lufang, "Miss Tan is a guest—how can you raise your voice in someone else's home? Even if Second Mistress has done wrong, it's Madam's place to correct her. What does it have to do with you?"
Neither Fang nor Hua had expected anyone next door, and they froze in surprise. Tan Luhua cried, "Even among relatives, no one should insult me like this! I'm going to tell Madam!"
Wu Mama inwardly sighed at Tan Luhua's lack of awareness. Xianglan also sighed. Though she disliked Tan Luhua's character, seeing her married yet still mocked by her elder sister made Xianglan realize that Tan Luhua's life at home had not been easy—no wonder she had developed such a difficult temperament. Hurriedly, Xianglan pulled her aside and whispered, "Second Mistress, please stop crying. Wu Mama represents Madam's authority—since she's standing up for you, what more grievance do you have? But this is ultimately your family affair. If it escalates, no one will look good. Madam may be kind, but the maids and servants gossip. Whatever they say behind your back might not be pleasant, even if you, in your magnanimity, don't mind. After all, you still rely on your maiden family—why tear apart relations with them?"
These words immediately stopped Tan Luhua's tears. Xianglan whispered, "Second Mistress, go next door and freshen up. Don't go back looking resentful—Madam won't be pleased to see it." Then she led Tan Luhua away.
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