A soft cough came from outside, startling Xianglan. She quickly pushed the person away and lowered her head, saying, "Someone's here." Lin Jinlou frowned, just as Xue Ning's low voice was heard: "Master, the Fourth son-in-law and Fourth Mistress have arrived."
Xianglan hurriedly stood up, smoothing her hair and straightening her clothes. Lin Jinlou grumbled, "Of all times to come," but had to get up and go out.
Soon after, Lin Dongxiu entered with De Ge'er. The boy wore a cloak with grey squirrel fur on the outside and black squirrel fur lining, complete with a hood. His small dark face was red from the wind, and he sniffled occasionally. Xianglan quickly fetched soft paper for De Ge'er to blow his nose, then felt his face worriedly, secretly blaming the attendants for not taking better care of him in the cold.
Lin Dongxiu complained repeatedly about the cold, sitting first on the heated brick bed. After removing her cloak and holding a cup of hot tea, she watched Xianglan attending to De Ge'er and said, "He was perfectly fine sitting in the carriage, but insisted on riding a horse. The Marquis indulged him too. If he catches a cold, people will think I wasn't careful enough."
De Ge'er hung his head at these words.
Xianglan felt this was inappropriate but couldn't say anything. She helped De Ge'er onto the heated brick bed, instructed Xue Ning to set up the fruit table, gave the boy her own cushion, placed a steaming cup of tea in his chubby hands, covered him with a blanket, and tucked a hand warmer at his feet. To Lin Dongxiu she said, "Even we here know how well you treat De Ge'er. Even if the child gets slightly ill, no one would gossip."
Lin Dongxiu sighed, "If only that were true." She picked up a piece of cloud slice cake for De Ge'er, saying, "You've been saying you're hungry since the journey. Have this to tide you over, but don't eat too much."
De Ge'er nodded, wiped his hands with a towel, and obediently nibbled on the cake.
Watching him, Xianglan thought, "How many children this age are so well-behaved and sensitive to others' moods? It's all because he lost his mother so early." Her heart ached with pity, though she felt somewhat relieved seeing that Lin Dongxiu seemed to treat him well. Looking up, she noticed Lin Dongxiu wore her hair in a proper married woman's bun adorned with matching gold and jade accessories, making her appear older than before. She wore a mink fur coat with cloud patterns and golden lining, a foreign red jacket with a hundred-children pattern, and a matching skirt with golden embroidery. Though her face was powdered, a faint sorrow lingered beneath - were it not for the bright clothing, one wouldn't guess she was a joyful newlywed.
As the three conversed, Xianglan asked about De Ge'er's studies and was comforted to find he could answer most questions. Soon Xue Ning entered and reported: "The Master and Fourth son-in-law are drinking in the outer room. They say it's snowing outside and will go plum blossom viewing after it stops. They request the mistresses to have some refreshments first." Maids and old women brought in a kang table. As Xianglan stood aside, Lin Dongxiu grabbed her arm laughing: "I dare not have you serve me dinner - Big Brother would be angry with me." She ordered the meal served, with Qiang Wei, Han Zhi and Xue Ning attending. After eating, De Ge'er grew drowsy and soon fell fast asleep on the heated brick bed.
Xianglan covered him with a rhombus-patterned quilt and whispered to Lin Dongxiu: "De Ge'er is different from ordinary children - he's always afraid of displeasing others, which makes one's heart ache. If I may speak out of turn, please be more careful when speaking to him later. We might mean nothing by our words, but we fear the child might overthink them."Lin Dongxiu said with slight impatience, "I understand. The Marquis treats him like the apple of his eye, and both Taitai and Aunt Xia have told me to treat him well. How dare I mistreat him? Even when I pamper and indulge him like this, I still attract criticism and gossip from others from time to time."
Xianglan replied, "We can't control what others say. As long as we conduct ourselves with integrity and have a clear conscience, that's what matters."
Lin Dongxiu let out a long sigh and said, "If only it were that easy. Since you're not an outsider, there are some things I've been meaning to discuss with you." She then poured out her grievances at length.
It turned out that the daily affairs of the Yuan residence were managed by Yuan Shaoren's aunt, Madame He. On the second day after Lin Dongxiu entered the household, Madame He handed over the household management to her. Naturally, Lin Dongxiu was ambitious and eager to make her mark. However, after carefully observing for a couple of days, she discovered that not only were there long-standing malpractices in the residence, but the relationships between masters and servants were also deeply entangled.
"After all, Madame He is only the Marquis's aunt by marriage and was merely acting as a caretaker. Why would she want to offend anyone? The servants were poorly disciplined—drinking, gambling, and even the maids, servant boys, young wives, and stewards would shut themselves away and engage in all sorts of improper behavior. On top of that, there was embezzlement of public funds, false reporting, and some with sticky fingers stealing things. The inventory records don't match what's in the storeroom—almost all the white porcelain bowls have been taken! And now I'm left with this mess. Don't you think it's infuriating? But that's not even the worst of it. The most annoying part is those unrelated relatives—the uncles, brothers, nephews, and nieces of the Marquis's concubines—all holding positions and using their connections to engage in shady dealings under the guise of authority. I can't discipline them, but I can't ignore them either. The people I brought as part of my dowry are being marginalized, both openly and covertly. Whenever I try to punish those unruly servants, the old concubines come out crying and kneeling, begging for mercy. Even the Marquis tells me to let it go. I—" As she spoke, Lin Dongxiu choked up, dabbing the corner of her eye with a handkerchief. "Everyone inside and outside is waiting to see me fail. Madame He also dislikes me and nitpicks at everything. Nowadays, it seems like my words carry little weight."
Xianglan said, "Why don't you go back and seek Taitai's advice? And what about Mama Han? Didn't Taitai assign her to you? She's experienced and knowledgeable—discuss things with her, both good and bad. And there's Aunt Xia—she's exceptionally shrewd. Didn't she promise to stay with you at the Marquis's residence for a while?"
Lin Dongxiu's nose turned red as she let out a long sigh. "To be honest, I'm holding back my frustration. I know Old Master and Taitai never thought highly of me, and I've been determined to prove myself by achieving something. How can I go back and ask Taitai for help now? Mama Han has given me some advice, but I don't think it's effective. Aunt Xia was summoned to the palace a few days ago. I heard it's because Princess Yongcheng is about to be married, and Aunt Xia, being experienced in such matters, was specially called to assist." She then took Xianglan's hand and said, "Dear Xianglan, there's something I need to ask of you right now."
Xianglan asked in surprise, "Ask me?"Lin Dongxiu said, "Exactly. I'm newly married, and the Marquis and I are merely courteous to each other. He's always busy, and on ordinary days, we exchange no more than a few words. I'm all alone; how can I establish myself in the Marquis' household? My elder brother has a close personal relationship with the Marquis. If he could visit the Marquis' residence or mention something to him, asking him to be more accommodating in all matters, I could better manage things in the household. Everyone knows you're the one closest to my brother's heart, Xianglan, dear Xianglan, please do me the favor of speaking earnestly to my brother on my behalf."
Xianglan suddenly understood. No wonder Lin Dongxiu had been ten times more polite to her than usual today and had poured out her grievances—it turned out she was indirectly trying to ask Lin Jinlou to go to the Marquis' residence and back her up. She said, "If that's the case, wouldn't it be better for you to speak to him directly yourself? Why trouble with me as an intermediary?"
Lin Dongxiu shrank her neck and said, "I spoke to him a few days ago, and my brother didn't agree—"
From Lin Dongxiu's expression, Xianglan could tell that Lin Jinlou must not have given her a pleasant response that day. Since he refused to help, the situation might not be entirely as Lin Dongxiu described. Although Lin Dongxiu loved to stir up trouble, her nature wasn't fundamentally bad, and she had been somewhat disciplined by Aunt Xia's rules. Now, seeing her so aggrieved, it was clear that managing the Yuan family's household was no easy task.
Women in powerful, prominent families might seem glamorous and respectable to outsiders, but those who marry into such households each have their own hardships. Without sufficient magnanimity, insight, patience, and virtue, how could one bear the weight of such a high position in an aristocratic family?
Xianglan said, "I'll naturally mention it to the Master, but whether he agrees or not, I don't know. You're aware of his temperament."
Lin Dongxiu said joyfully, "Please say a few more kind words for me. You're helping me with such a big favor; I'll owe you one."
Xianglan paused and said, "It's just a few words, not worth thanking me for. But Fourth Young Mistress, you must learn to handle matters on your own. If you encounter difficulties again in the future, the Master can't always go to back you up."
Lin Dongxiu sneered, "I know. Once I get through this hurdle, I've already planned my strategy. I'll remember every single one of them. When I firmly establish myself in the household and can command the wind and rain, those who dare to step on me, bully me, or try to control me—I'll make them pay back a thousandfold!"
Xianglan was taken aback and couldn't help saying, "An eye for an eye will only lead to endless conflict. If you harbor such hostility, there will be constant strife in the household, with no peace."
Lin Dongxiu snorted, "Do you think there's peace now? They're already bullying me. If I don't make a sound, everyone will think I'm dead. How will I manage and control the household if they rebel later?"
Xianglan advised, "Managing a household should prioritize harmony. Establish good rules, use them to maintain order, and be fair in rewards and punishments. A strategy of moderation and benevolence is best. In the long run, in this life, enduring losses can be a blessing. Everyone has eyes; if you are generous and kind to those below, you will naturally win their hearts. With a prosperous and peaceful household, the Marquis will be pleased and will naturally respect you. Compared to that, the grievances you suffer daily are nothing."
Lin Dongxiu sneered, "I'm not as good-natured as you. I'm the master; it's their place to tolerate me. Why should I, in turn, be lenient with them?"Xianglan glanced at Lin Dongxiu's expression and knew further words would be futile, so she fell silent. Lin Dongxiu also had no desire to continue the topic and changed the subject: "How is your health? Your complexion looks better than before." She studied Xianglan's face more closely and added, "Not just your complexion—even your facial aura seems transformed."
Xianglan laughed, "Since when did Fourth Young Mistress learn physiognomy? Why not divine my fortune?"
Lin Dongxiu shook her head, "I'm not joking. When I first met you, I merely thought you were pretty and appeared gentle, yet you carried an innate aloofness that made me wonder what a maid had to be so proud about—it was rather irritating. Later you became even more formidable, retorting tenfold to any criticism with sharp wit. But gradually you've softened, learning to swallow grievances. When the Jiang Family acted so despicably, I expected you to raise hell—had it been me, I'd have stirred such scandal that everyone would see their true colors. Yet you remained silent. Did Eldest Brother wear down your temper?"
Xianglan paused, then smiled without replying. It wasn't just Lin Jinlou. These years of stumbling through hardships had transformed her with every blood-and-tear step. She recognized her own insignificance, shed her pride and stubbornness, and grew humble and tender. Having suffered setbacks, she understood not imposing on others what she herself disliked, learning compassion for others' struggles and flaws.
After the poisoning incident, she'd hoped to leave the manor but ultimately lost heart. During her prolonged illness, she revisited memories of both her lifetimes and suddenly realized how stubborn and confused she'd been. If fate truly bound her to the Lin Family forever, must she follow Jialian's path, withering into ashes of melancholy? In truth, what tormented her through countless trials—what she couldn't release, what made her weep and heartbroken—was merely an obsession. Even now she still wished to leave, yet life held much to be grateful for. As her mindset shifted, she gradually learned not to let this fixation gnaw at her heart day and night, sparing herself unbearable pain.
Xue Ning entered to replenish tea and refresh the fruit platter. Lin Dongxiu took a sip of hot tea and suddenly exclaimed as if remembering something, "On my way here, I actually met an old acquaintance! Guess who?"
Xianglan asked, "Who?"
"It was Song Ke! We encountered him at the courier station on the official road. The Marquis requested hot water for tea, so we disembarked to rest. Unexpectedly, Song Ke was there with his family—his wife Zheng Jingxian and their son, who's already running around! They said they were visiting relatives near the capital. Given our marital connection, we exchanged greetings. Song Ke looked unchanged, and Zheng Jingxian made small talk, though we had little to say."
Xianglan murmured, "So it was him... I wonder how he's faring now—" A faint melancholy lingered in her heart.Lin Dongxiu chatted and laughed with Xianglan for a while longer before drowsiness overtook her as well. She lay down on the heated brick bed in her clothes and slept next to De Ge'er. Xianglan, however, felt no weariness. Remembering Lin Dongxiu's request, she thought to herself, "Why not summon Lin Jinlou right now and discuss this matter with him? Whether he agrees or not, I will have done my utmost and can provide a proper account." She called for Xue Ning twice, but there was no response. It turned out that the maids, exhausted from the long journey, had all retreated to the annex room to rest, seeing that their mistresses were chatting and laughing with no immediate tasks at hand.
Xianglan then went out to search. Outside the room stood a large screen, and beyond it, Lin Jinlou and Yuan Shaoren were drinking and conversing in the main hall. Just as Xianglan was about to slip into a side corridor, she overheard Yuan Shaoren say, "On the way here today, I actually ran into Song Ke. He was with his wife and child, claiming they were visiting relatives in the suburbs. What relatives could they possibly be visiting in this freezing, snowy weather? It seems the situation in the capital is unstable, and his father-in-law must have ordered them to leave and lie low."
At these words, Xianglan halted in her tracks.
She then heard Lin Jinlou reply, "Song Ke's father-in-law has always been a vocal supporter of the Second Prince, stirring up trouble excessively. Two months ago, his colleagues jointly impeached him. His Majesty, in a fit of rage, stripped him of his official position and confiscated most of his family assets, making him an example to warn others. Anyone with eyes can see this was the Crown Prince's doing. The Second Prince is no pushover either—yesterday, he pulled strings to have Zhao Jin killed. Both sides have now lost a key ally."
"Song Ke truly has genuine talent and learning. It would be a great pity if his future were ruined because of the succession struggle," Yuan Shaoren remarked.
Lin Jinlou snorted, clearly in strong disagreement.
OpenNovel