Lin Jinlou had long forgotten all about Qiongzhi. He merely glanced at the four of them, having seen such scenes countless times before, and felt utterly bored as he lowered his head to eat. Yuan Shaoren had no particular fondness for singing and music, so he remained composed. Xie Yu exchanged a look with Liu Xiaochuan, cleared his throat, and said, "To find such beauties in this place to entertain us truly shows how much thought Brother Liu has put into it." Just as he was about to add more flattery, Lin Jinlou burst out laughing and said, "Enough, brother. Weren’t you just saying earlier that they might not stand out in the capital? Now you’re praising them again?" Ignoring Xie Yu’s awkward expression, he turned to Qiongzhi and said, "Pick a song you’re good at and sing it. If it’s well done, there’s a reward."
The four of them then took their seats. With the elegant zither, silver strings, jade-faced pipa, and red ivory clappers, they began to sing. Listening carefully, it was a suite titled "Flowers and Moon Fill the Spring City," melodious and tender, quite charming in its own way. After the performance, Liu Xiaochuan rewarded them with two packets of one tael of silver each and requested another song. During the banquet, Ji Xiang and Shuangxi attended with wine jugs, and for a while, the atmosphere was harmonious. As Shuangxi poured wine, she looked up and saw De Ge'er peeking into the room with his little head. She gently nudged Yuan Shaoren and gestured with her lips. Yuan Shaoren noticed De Ge'er and left his seat, going over to ask, "What is it?"
De Ge'er said, "I have something to ask Father." He took Yuan Shaoren by the hand and led him outside, around the screen wall, to a secluded spot behind the house under the eaves, where Xianglan stood with Xue Ning. Xianglan bowed and said, "I apologize for presumptuously asking the Marquis to come here, but I have a question to ask and hope the Marquis will enlighten me."
Yuan Shaoren said, "Please speak."
Xianglan asked, "Do you know where Song Ke has been assigned for his official post and when he will depart?"
Yuan Shaoren understood immediately. Lin Dongxiu was the most talkative, and ever since they encountered Song Ke on the road, she had chattered nonstop about the Song family’s stay at the Lin residence. She also spoke of Xianglan, recounting how she had come to the Song family, why she left, and how she ended up at the Lin residence to save her father. Finally, she added, "I could see that Xianglan and Song Ke had feelings for each other. Back then, the way Song Ke looked at her was as sweet as honey. I don’t know why they didn’t end up together... but it’s just as well they didn’t. What kind of person is Zheng Jingxian? She would have ground Xianglan to death."
Now, seeing Xianglan’s inquiry, Yuan Shaoren said, "Song Ke requested an assignment to a border garrison in Guizhou. He is likely to depart after the New Year, though I don’t know the exact date. I’ll send someone to inquire and let the new concubine know once I have the precise information."
Xianglan was taken aback. Guizhou was a distant, mountainous region, a harsh borderland—why had he chosen such a place? No wonder it was a position no one else wanted. She bowed again and said, "Thank you, Marquis, for telling me. This person has shown me great kindness. Earlier, I was nearly sold into a living hell by Madam Zhao, and he saved me and my entire family. This debt of gratitude has been buried in my heart for a long time, with no way to repay it. Now that he is leaving, and we may never meet again in this lifetime, I will send someone to his residence with some silver and goods in a few days—I must do at least this much to show my gratitude." After a pause, she added, "I hope the Marquis will keep this matter confidential and not mention it to our Master."Yuan Shaoren gave a verbal agreement, gazing at Xianglan's cheeks reddened from the cold and her serene eyes, which seemed weathered by life's hardships yet remained pure and clear. He recalled Lin Dongxiu's words, feeling this woman before him was like bitter wine in a glossy porcelain vase—outwardly radiant, yet having already endured a lifetime of adversity. In his heart, he couldn't discern whether it was pity, admiration, or an indescribable shame and inexplicable guilt that stirred within him. Hurriedly turning his gaze to De Ge'er running about the courtyard, perhaps emboldened by the wine, he momentarily lost restraint and suddenly sighed, "The new concubine's character is beyond reproach. I, Yuan, hold you in high esteem. Forgive my impertinence, but sometimes I feel you resemble me—like a departed acquaintance. If only she were still alive... At times I think the unrest in the Inner Chambers today might be my retribution—" Only after speaking did he realize he had said too much and promptly apologized.
Xianglan immediately grasped the underlying meaning in his words. She ought to resent Yuan Shaoren for Jialian's wrongful death, yet seeing him standing in the bleak, cold wind, looking desolate and solitary as if aged six or seven years in an instant, her heart softened as she watched De Ge'er darting around. After carefully weighing her words twice in her mind, she finally comforted him, "Marquis, I dare say this once: If you are a phoenix tree, the phoenix will come to perch; if you are the vast sea, all rivers will converge. Fragrant flowers naturally attract butterflies. If you first rectify the family customs, punish faults and reward merits, handle matters with leniency, and treat your wives and concubines kindly, then you will have harmonious family relations—not the other way around. Even teeth sometimes bite the tongue, and blood brothers occasionally quarrel, let alone relatives brought together without blood ties. How can you expect them not to add troubles and worries in both major and minor matters?" She turned to look at De Ge'er, a faint glimmer of moisture appearing in her eyes, and said, "The departed are like flowing water—you must rouse yourself, Marquis. De Ge'er's mother lost her life so young, truly lamentable and heartbreaking. It's a pity she was too young to understand that in times of hardship and despair, one should often reflect on one's own faults, broaden one's heart, and gradually forget others' wrongs. Some matters have no inherent right or wrong—they merely stem from differing statuses and interests. By elevating her so highly, how could the Main House's lady not harbor resentment? Sometimes, despite countless helplessness, such is the circumstance: under whose eaves, one must lower their head; in whose arena, one must applaud the performance... Ah, but saying all this is useless now..."
Yuan Shaoren felt deeply shaken and couldn't help exclaiming, "The new concubine is truly a rare soul of profound understanding!"
Xianglan smiled faintly, "It was only after enduring much suffering and grinding that I came to understand this truth. I once prided myself on being clever and reasonable, but that was self-deception. One must experience all kinds of changes, grinding away all arrogance and resentment, to comprehend what humility and softness truly are." With a solemn expression, she bowed deeply to Yuan Shaoren and said, "You, Marquis, are the head of the household, the pillar supporting the family. De Ge'er is still young, and all matters in the future will depend on you. I implore you to gather your emotions and take good care of yourself." Having said this, she called to De Ge'er, took his hand, and returned inside.As they conversed, unbeknownst to them, the party at the table had begun a drinking game. Noticing Yuan Shaoren's absence, Liu Xiaochuan sent Qiongzhi to fetch him. Eager to gain more face before Marquis Yongchang, Qiongzhi seized the opportunity. She found them talking behind the house, with a maid and a young child playing nearby. After observing carefully but failing to catch their words, she thought to herself, "Isn't that Xianglan?" Seeing Xianglan adorned in jewels and pearls, wearing a crimson cloak of feather-light gauze, she carried an air of grandeur befitting a noble lady from a prestigious household, even surpassing Zhao Yuechan in her prime. A pang of bitterness and envy struck Qiongzhi's heart: "We were once equals—I too should have such Grandeur, remaining in the Lin Family as a Concubine. How fortunate she is, a maid's daughter, while I am cursed with such hardship!" Lost in self-pity, she shed a few tears. Spotting Yuan Shaoren approaching, she dared not linger and hurried back to the feast.
Then, observing Lin Jinlou's striking appearance and spirited demeanor, her resentment grew. She turned sideways into the lamplight, took out a whole cake of Rouge from her sachet to dab on her lips, smoothed her hair, and clutched a gold-embroidered crimson handkerchief. Holding a cup of wine, she approached Lin Jinlou to curry favor—now offering him meat, saying, "Master Lin, try this," then insisting, "Master, I poured this wine myself—you must drink it, or I'll hold a grudge forever." She pestered him to choose a song for her to sing, then challenged him to a drinking game, clinging to his side incessantly.
Lin Jinlou paid her little mind, responding half-heartedly. Still brooding over Xianglan, he noticed a rare dish of stir-fried wild mushrooms with tender greens—a winter delicacy—and recalled Xianglan's fondness for it. He chided himself for being foolish yet ordered the kitchen to prepare a portion for her.
Qiongzhi, further irritated, feigned dizziness from drink and leaned flirtatiously against Lin Jinlou. Yuan Shaoren, disapproving, remarked, "You're monopolizing him—are we even allowed to speak?"
Blushing with humiliation at the public slight, Qiongzhi seethed with hatred.
Liu Xiaochuan and Xie Yu laughed in unison, "Sister Qiong, you're as shrewd as seasoned dog meat—you know exactly who to flatter."
After more revelry, Yuan Shaoren excused himself first. His departure prompted Lin Jinlou to stop drinking, claiming fatigue and apologizing for leaving. Despite Xie Yu and Liu Xiaochuan's earnest pleas to stay, Lin Jinlou declined, "It's not about disrespect—I can't drink much these days. I'll treat you both properly when we're back in the capital." He urged them to enjoy themselves, instructed servant boys to attend to them, and arranged rooms for their stay. The two, unbothered, continued feasting in the hall—a matter for later.
As Lin Jinlou rose to leave, Qiongzhi grew frantic. Slipping away unnoticed, she darted forward to support him, saying, "Master, do take care."
Lin Jinlou let her assist him, lazily commenting, "You're quite the clever monkey, full of tricks."
Qiongzhi replied meekly, "I only hope Master will teach me more."
Lin Jinlou said, "You play the pipa well and sing beautifully. I've ordered a reward of some silver for you—use it to buy Rouge and powder."
Qiongzhi smiled, "Master is so kind to me."As they reached the second gate, Lin Jinlou shook off Qiongzhi and said, "That's enough, you may go back now. This is no place for you." He then strode inside.
Though Qiongzhi feared Lin Jinlou's authority, she knew she had to take this chance. She was acutely aware that her life as a courtesan depended on her fading beauty—if fortune favored her, she might find a man to redeem her as a concubine before she aged; if not, she could end up in unspeakable circumstances. This unexpected encounter with Lin Jinlou was a rare opportunity she might never have again. She hoped he would remember their past affection and lend her a hand, or at least offer some protection. Having such a powerful figure as her patron might turn her fate around.
With this thought, she fell to her knees with a thud, tears streaming down her face like rolling melon seeds, and pleaded pitifully, "Master, do you truly not recognize this Female Servant?"
Lin Jinlou paused, frowning. "You are...?"
Qiongzhi fabricated a story through her sobs, "This Female Servant is Qiongzhi. I was originally a maid serving Madam Zhao and followed her to the Dai Family. Just because the master spoke a few extra words to me, Madam Zhao grew resentful and sold me to a brothel. Seeing you today, Master... it reminds me of the old days..." She continuously wiped her tears with a handkerchief, lowering her eyes and brows to conceal her sorrow, crying as delicately as pear blossoms bathed in rain.
Lin Jinlou was somewhat moved, recalling how he had taken a liking to Xianglan, which provoked Zhao Yuechan's jealousy, leading to her being beaten and sold to a brothel. Song Ke had stepped in to rescue her. Tsk, his own negligence had allowed Song Ke to play the hero, making that foolish girl remember that scoundrel's kindness. Now, looking at Qiongzhi, he felt a pang of pity.
Qiongzhi stole a glance and, seeing Lin Jinlou's expression soften, quickly crawled forward on her knees, clinging to his legs. "This Female Servant is utterly devoted to you, Master. I beg for your mercy—allow me to return to the Lin Family. Even if I have to sweep floors or cook as a lowly laborer, just being able to see you would make me content until death..."
Before she could finish, the sound of a child's cheerful laughter reached them. Turning her head, she saw Xianglan and Lin Dongxiu, along with several maids, setting off fireworks in the courtyard with De Ge'er.
Xianglan's eyes met Lin Jinlou's. She glanced at him, then at Qiongzhi kneeling on the ground, clutching his legs. Qiongzhi's attire clearly marked her as a woman of the pleasure quarters, and the entangled scene made Xianglan freeze for a moment before she averted her face.
Lin Jinlou felt inexplicably awkward and took two steps back, pulling his legs free. "Enough. Since you once had ties to the Lin Family, I'll give you more silver to get by." He then turned and walked into the courtyard.
Qiongzhi was astounded, thinking to herself, "Lin Jinlou had clearly softened. If it weren't for that little wench Xianglan, he might have already allowed me to stay in the Lin Family. With three masters in the Lin Family, given my looks, wouldn't I secure a place? Or if Lin Jinlou redeemed me and gifted me to an official's subordinate, I could live a life of luxury, draped in gold and silver, free from want." Her resentment grew, and remembering Yuan Shaoren's mockery at the banquet, she blurted out recklessly, "Master! There's one more thing I must say! Earlier, when Marquis Yongchang left the banquet, I went out to look for him and happened to see Xianglan meeting privately with him!"Upon hearing this, Lin Jinlou stopped in his tracks again. Qiongzhi watched his retreating back and cried out, "If I speak even half a lie, may I be struck by lightning and die a terrible death!" She then saw Lin Jinlou slowly turn around, his face darkening as he gradually approached her. Only then did Qiongzhi realize something was wrong and couldn't help but feel afraid. Trembling, she said, "It's true... this servant saw it with her own eyes... the two of them stayed together for a long time..."
Lin Jinlou grabbed her by the collar and lifted her up, causing Qiongzhi to scream in terror. Lin Jinlou said with a sinister tone, "If you dare wag your tongue again or utter even half a word to anyone, I'll ruin you. Understand?"
Qiongzhi went limp all over, shaking like a sieve, tears welling up in her eyes as she nodded frantically.
Lin Jinlou threw her aside and shouted, "Get lost!"
Qiongzhi scrambled away, the jade hairpins and pearl strands on her head scattering all over the ground, drawing curious stares from people in the courtyard.
Lin Jinlou rubbed his temples. He trusted Yuan Shaoren's character, and that petty scholar Xianglan wouldn't do anything improper. Still, he needed to clarify this matter. So he strode inside and, seeing Xue Ning standing under the corridor, beckoned her over, saying, "You, come here."
Xue Ning hurried over.
Lin Jinlou said, "Kneel! I have questions for you."
Xue Ning's heart immediately leaped into her throat as she knelt on the ground.
Lin Jinlou asked, "I'm asking you—did the new concubine meet privately with the fourth son-in-law today?"
Xue Ning was greatly alarmed and shook her head repeatedly. "No, no! Who's been spreading such nonsense? I was there with De Ge'er too."
Lin Jinlou said, "What did they talk about? Were they together for a long time? If you dare speak even half a lie, you'll bear all the consequences!"
Xue Ning thought to herself: "Although the new concubine warned me not to speak of this to others, if the Master mistakenly believes the new concubine and Marquis Yongchang are having an affair, that would be terrible. The new concubine was merely asking about Song Ke's appointment, wanting to repay a kindness—it was all aboveboard. If I cover it up with lies, it would be like selling official salt as contraband." So she said, "The new concubine only asked about where Official Song Ke would be stationed and when he would depart. Since Official Song had shown her kindness, she was afraid he would leave before she could repay him."
Unlike the other maids close to Xianglan, Xue Ning primarily recognized Lin Jinlou as her master from the bottom of her heart. She wasn't originally close to Xianglan, and Xianglan's trusted maids always spoke behind her back, so she didn't understand the gravity of the situation. Though she meant well, she didn't realize that Song Ke remained a sore spot in Lin Jinlou's heart. Her words had precisely stirred up a hornet's nest.
(Find me on Weibo by searching "He Yanshan" on Sina~)
After one more necessary development in the next chapter, the major turning point drama will begin! ^_^
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