The eastern chamber was originally a resting area for receiving guests. Since Xianglan wanted a study, Lin Jinlou had the large heated platform in the eastern chamber dismantled and replaced with a large rosewood desk, along with bookshelves and other furnishings. The windows were covered with green gauze. Xianglan had painted a "Mist and Clouds" landscape in the style of Zhao Mengfu and composed two couplets and several calligraphy pieces imitating Mi Fu’s brushwork—so skillfully executed they were nearly indistinguishable from the originals—all hung in the study. On the desk stood a Boshan-style incense burner in small seal script, and a coral-red, gold-traced "bat holding a peach" brush holder filled with various sizes of purple bamboo brushes. At the corner of the desk was a crystal flower holder, always filled with fresh seasonal blooms; in summer, it brimmed with tuberoses, releasing a rich fragrance. Other items included a large ding vessel and a small agate-and-rosewood screen. Under the window sat an Arhat Bed, with a half-finished game of chess on the bedside table. In another corner lay a guqin, scattered with sheet music. Though the room lacked opulence, it was exceptionally elegant and uniquely arranged.
Lin Jinlou also found the eastern chamber study quite agreeable. He even began having his official documents brought there in the evenings, ordering Xianglan to attend to him while he worked, finding her presence an added delight. Thus, the study also contained various items left behind by Lin Jinlou.
Upon entering the study, Jiang Danyun was the first to praise its refined elegance. Jiang Xiyun glanced around and, though she acknowledged its sophistication with polite compliments, privately disdained women who emphasized the Six Arts so heavily. Lin Dongxiu had already gathered by the desk to examine the paintings, pointing at a bamboo illustration and remarking, "Why only a single stalk? Wouldn’t a cluster be better?" She added, "Adding a couple of unusual rocks in this corner would make it more lively," offering continuous critiques.
The two Jiang sisters also approached to look. Jiang Danyun, somewhat knowledgeable in painting and calligraphy, was stunned upon seeing the artwork on Xianglan’s desk. She glanced at Xianglan skeptically and asked, "Did... you paint this?"
Ling Qing, who was nearby cleaning writing tools, replied, "Of course our Concubine painted it. Actually, this piece isn’t even her best—have you seen the 'Mist and Clouds' painting on the wall? That was also done by the Concubine. When the Eldest Master first saw it, he was astonished, saying he hadn’t realized we had an authentic work by Zhao Mengfu from the previous dynasty in the house."
Everyone turned to look at the wall. As the saying goes, "Experts appreciate the skill, amateurs just enjoy the show." Jiang Xiyun only found the painting exquisite, while Lin Dongxiu, having studied painting herself, recognized its difficulty. She smiled at Xianglan and said, "You’re truly remarkable. No wonder Eldest Brother keeps you hidden away like a treasure, cherishing you so dearly." As she spoke, she glanced subtly at Jiang Xiyun.
Though Jiang Xiyun felt uneasy, she showed no sign on her face. Her eyes wandered around the room, noting stacks of official correspondence, military ledgers, and assorted travel journals and poetry collections mingled together on the desk. Picking up one of the miscellanies, she saw annotations in delicate "flower-pinning" small regular script. Comparing the handwriting to that on the paintings confirmed the book belonged to Xianglan. Hanging over the armrest of the Arhat Bed were a man’s belt and casual, wide-legged trousers, alongside one of Xianglan’s half-sleeved jackets. A begonia-wood stand held scattered feminine items like perfumed fans, handkerchiefs, and bracelets. The intermingling of everyday belongings in the main living space made it clear that Lin Jinlou and Xianglan spent their days and nights together.Xianglan had not expected these three to come to the study, so she had not had time to tidy up beforehand. Seeing Jiang Xiyun looking around, she quickly signaled Ling Qing with her eyes to gather the items scattered about. She then invited everyone to sit and have tea. Lin Dongxiu picked up her teacup, glanced up, and chuckled, "Look at Danyun—she’s completely mesmerized!"
Indeed, Jiang Danyun was still staring intently at the Mist and Clouds Painting. The more she examined it, the more astonished she became. She thought to herself, "Although this is a copy, it differs slightly from the original. The colors of the mist and clouds have been altered in two places, shifting from pale yellow to light purple. The blending of hues is even more masterful than the original. Such brushwork and skill—not only is my elder sister no match for it, but it could even rival that of the imperial court painters." She glanced at Xianglan again, feeling a mix of envy and bitterness, an indescribable emotion.
Jiang Xiyun smiled and pulled Jiang Danyun to sit beside her. Xiao Juan and Hua Shan had already brought out trays to rearrange the refreshments. Xianglan said with a smile, "Since you’re here, you might as well have some. Please don’t mind the simplicity."
Jiang Danyun took a sip of tea and asked Xianglan, "Who taught you to paint?"
Xianglan replied, "When I was young, I was often ill and became a nominal disciple of Dingyi Shitai. She taught me a bit of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting."
Jiang Danyun said, "Dingyi Shitai? I’ve never heard of such a painting nun."
Xianglan explained, "She resides in Jinling and lives a secluded life as a monastic. It’s natural that her name isn’t widely known."
Before she could finish, someone outside announced, "Second Young Mistress is here." Almost immediately, Tan Luhua walked in, fan in hand. Seeing the room full of people, she raised her eyebrows, covered her mouth with her fan, and said with a feigned smile, "Oh dear, what poor timing. I shouldn’t have come now."
Lin Dongxiu and Jiang Danyun looked uncomfortable, while Jiang Xiyun kept her head lowered. Xianglan, sensing there was more to the situation, quickly stood to offer a seat and said, "Second Young Mistress, you’re usually so busy that we can hardly ever get you to visit. There’s no such thing as poor timing." At the same time, she subtly signaled Xiao Juan with her eyes. Xiao Juan understood and nodded before leaving.
Tan Luhua said with a half-smile, "I’m afraid you’re the only one willing to invite me. Others might not be so pleased."
Lin Dongxiu retorted, "What do you mean by that? I don’t understand."
Tan Luhua merely gave a faint, cold smile and did not respond.
Seeing the atmosphere grow tense, Xianglan hurriedly urged everyone to enjoy the fine tea and pastries. Tan Luhua picked up a lotus pastry from a pale gourd-shaped dish, took a bite, and praised, "This must be from Zhimei Zhai, right? Their lotus pastries are exceptionally hard to come by. They’re usually difficult to buy—they only sell them for a short time each morning, no more than fifty pieces a day. If you miss out, you have to try again tomorrow."
Xianglan smiled and said, "The young servants bought them this morning. If you like them, Second Young Mistress, I have more here. You can take them with you later."
Tan Luhua also smiled and said, "Then I won’t stand on ceremony." She glanced at the Jiang sisters, then turned back to Xianglan and said, "After all, Sister Xianglan is from Eldest Brother’s household. Though it’s just a couple of pastries, your generosity outshines even those who call themselves young ladies from prestigious families. No wonder Eldest Brother dotes on you so."
At these words, Jiang Danyun’s face immediately darkened. Jiang Xiyun’s gaze turned cold as she lowered her head and gently blew on her tea. Lin Dongxiu pursed her lips and sat to the side, smiling as if enjoying the spectacle.Xianglan felt a jolt of alertness, realizing Tan Luhua was using praise to manipulate her into mocking the Jiang family girls. She maintained a gentle smile and said playfully, "Just two pieces of pastry—how could that demonstrate generosity? Second Young Mistress must be teasing me. Tomorrow I’ll visit your place for a meal and eat my fill to make up for these two pastries!"
Her witty retort drew laughter from Tan Luhua and Lin Dongxiu. Noticing Xiao Juan signaling at the door, Xianglan rose and said, "Please excuse me for a moment." Outside, Xiao Juan whispered, "I asked Cai Feng—the three Jiang sisters visited Second Young Mistress first. Since Jiang’s Second Master does business in Fujian, Jiang Xiyun brought local specialties as gifts for each household, including ours. Second Young Mistress liked them and asked if there were more, but Jiang Xiyun said they’d all been distributed. Then Fourth Miss accidentally revealed that the Jiang family had given Eldest Master and Third Master Ting twice as many Fujian delicacies as Second Master’s branch. Second Young Mistress immediately darkened her expression, accusing the Jiangs of looking down on her and her husband. Fourth Miss poured oil on the fire by saying, ‘Don’t be angry, Second Sister-in-law. The gift may be small, but the sentiment is the same. Since Xiyun’s second brother is taking an official post in Zhejiang and needs Eldest Brother and Second Uncle’s support, it’s only natural to send more.’ This enraged Second Young Mistress further—she dismissed them without hearing explanations and stormed off. After wandering outside, she came to Concubine’s place, only to run into her adversaries again."
Xianglan felt a headache brewing. Over the past two years, she had grown more placid, rarely bothering to retaliate even when provoked. But with these four formidable women in the room—Lin Dongxiu the instigator, Tan Luhua no pushover, and the Jiang sisters equally shrewd—a clash seemed inevitable.
She nodded and instructed, "Well done. There’s half a plate of pastries in the cupboard—share them with the others." Returning to the room, she paused outside the curtain and heard Lin Dongxiu say, "Enough, Second Sister-in-law. We’re all family—why fuss over such trifles?"
Tan Luhua sat leaning on an armrest, a cold smile playing on her lips. "It’s not about the gifts. ‘Men live for dignity as Buddhas receive incense.’ It’s about face. They clearly think less of us because Second Master is frail, even ranking us lower in gift-giving. The Jiangs certainly have peculiar manners."
Jiang Danyun had initially hoped to see Jiang Xiyun embarrassed, but Tan Luhua’s jab at the Jiang family’s upbringing implicated her as well. Frowning, she tugged Jiang Xiyun’s sleeve and muttered, "How could you be so careless? If this was the plan, we shouldn’t have bothered giving anything."
Jiang Xiyun set down her teacup and replied measuredly, "The specialties were sent by Second Uncle from Fujian, distributed equally among us sisters. Feeling indebted for lodging here, I shared my portion with the Lin family siblings since Fujian goods are novel here." She glanced pointedly at Jiang Danyun as she spoke.Xianglan saw the situation clearly and thought to herself, "The implication is: 'Everyone received gifts, and I specifically gave some to the Lin family. How dare you mock me when you contributed nothing?' This Jiang Xiyun is truly formidable at her core."
Jiang Danyun's expression indeed shifted, and she fell silent.
Jiang Xiyun said nonchalantly, "There were only a few items in total. Madam of the Lin family received the largest share. Since Eldest Cousin helped Second Brother with his affairs, I gave him a bit more. As for Third Cousin, I included his wife Yingru's portion—she and I were close friends before we married. Though the Fujian specialties I gave Second Cousin were few, I made up for it with two premium medicinal ingredients and an exquisite piece of Huizhou ink. These two items are even more valuable than ordinary Fujian specialties. If Cousin-in-law still wants Fujian goods, I can ask Second Uncle to bring some another time."
Xianglan mused, "She means that although Second Master received fewer Fujian items, she compensated with other things, making it equal to others. Her explanation is indeed flawless."
Tan Luhua sneered, "No need. Since Miss Xi is so generous, filial, and virtuous—earning Madam's praise by redistributing her own gifts—it would be impolite for me to shamelessly ask for more. There's no need for you to write any letters. Caifeng! Go retrieve the gifts Miss Xi gave us. If anything's been used, repay her in silver so she can continue her charitable efforts."
As an argument was about to erupt, Xianglan stepped in to mediate. Just then, she noticed Jiang Xiyun glancing at Lin Dongxiu, who was gazing out the window, and then at Jiang Danyun, who was sipping tea with her head bowed. Suddenly, Jiang Xiyun put on a look of distress and grievance, saying, "Cousin-in-law, how can you say such things? Those two medicinal ingredients are extremely rare tonics. I specifically consulted Madam and checked Second Cousin's prescription to ensure they wouldn't conflict. The Huizhou ink was a gift from my father, carved by a master artisan. I treasured it dearly and only learned from Sister Xiu that Second Cousin collects writing materials, which is why I eagerly gave it to him. For you to speak this way truly breaks my heart."
Tan Luhua was left flushed and speechless. Xianglan inwardly acknowledged Jiang Xiyun as a master of words—able to infuriate others without leaving any handle for criticism.
Xianglan shook her head slightly. When she looked up again, her face was warm and smiling as she entered the room and sat beside Tan Luhua, saying, "Second Madam, don't be angry. Miss Xi meant well—it's just a misunderstanding born of heated words."
Tan Luhua shoved Xianglan's hand away and scoffed, "Who asked for your fake kindness!"
Lin Dongxiu watched the drama with amusement, thinking, "Xianglan is truly foolish. Can't she see Jiang Xiyun is Madam's favored candidate? She should've let them tear into each other, but instead, she intervenes only to be repaid with ingratitude." She signaled Xianglan with her eyes to stay out of it.Xianglan pretended not to notice and pulled Tan Luhua aside with a smile. "It was just a misunderstanding earlier. The Jiang family young ladies are all guests invited by Madam. If there's any bickering among the girls, Second Young Mistress, being fair and magnanimous, should mediate and advise. There's no need to take offense over a misunderstanding. I know you felt wronged this morning and are still upset, which is why you reacted this way. Come sit with me for a while. I've just cut a new dress but don't know which floral pattern to use. Second Young Mistress has always had exquisite taste—do help me choose." As she spoke, she guided Tan Luhua away and called out, "Hua Shan, come quickly and assist your Second Young Mistress. Bring out the floral patterns I drew the other day for her to examine."
These words were both appropriate and comforting, offering a graceful way out. Tan Luhua immediately felt her dignity restored. She hadn’t truly wanted to make a scene but had been trapped by pride. Now, she readily allowed herself to be led away by Xianglan.
The three girls left in the room exchanged uneasy glances. Shortly after, Xianglan returned, personally refilled their tea, and said to Jiang Xiyun with a smile, "Second Young Mistress is simply straightforward and speaks her mind. Please don’t take it to heart, Miss Xi. It was really just a misunderstanding fueled by heated words. Now that it’s cleared up, let’s maintain harmony from now on."
Jiang Xiyun laughed, her demeanor both charming and innocent. "Look at what Sister Xianglan is saying—it was my fault to begin with, upsetting Second Sister-in-law like that."
Thus, the matter was gently set aside. The four in the room tacitly agreed not to mention it again. Jiang Danyun pursed her lips, took a sip of tea, and suddenly caught a glimpse of a man’s blue satin court boots and the hem of a robe embroidered with sea teeth near the doorway leading to the rear bedroom in the eastern inner room. The boots paused briefly before retreating into the bedroom. Jiang Danyun’s heart immediately raced. She knew—Lin Jinlou had returned.
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