Lin Jinlou was born into a family of power and luxury. At the age of three, he was already being led by the Old Master in and out of the study, listening to discussions between ministers and advisors, and thus became deeply versed in the ways of officialdom. As he grew older, he ventured onto the battlefield, facing life-and-death situations, and became accustomed to the struggles for power, the joys and sorrows, and the partings and reunions of the human world. Today, he wields immense influence, commanding the wind and rain, entrenched in his domain, almost able to do as he pleases. Power, wealth, status, women—all are within his easy reach.
He had always looked down on women. Whether they were stunning beauties or reserved, talented ladies, as soon as they caught sight of his handsome face and the heavy authority he held, their bones would soften. Even those who prided themselves on their aloofness would melt like ice in the spring breeze under the weight of his lavish spending and a few sweet words.
He knew that Jiang Xiyun was the bride his family had chosen for him. This girl came from a respectable family, was exceptionally beautiful, and had a sweet, pleasing demeanor. It was said she was extremely filial to her grandmother and often did needlework for her parents and siblings, showing a simple and honest nature. He assumed she wouldn’t cause trouble in the household or stir up jealousy, so he was quite satisfied. However, he could see that beneath Jiang Xiyun’s seemingly honest and sincere exterior lay a mind full of cunning. She was adept at reading people and situations, always thinking three steps ahead. While she appeared to lose out in every situation, she actually reaped all the benefits.
For instance, when Tan Luhua was displeased about the Fujian specialties, it seemed like Tan Luhua was being unreasonable. Jiang Xiyun hadn’t given many Fujian specialties but had instead presented a high-quality inkstone and two medicinal herbs, which were even more valuable. But upon closer thought, Jiang Xiyun wasn’t someone who appreciated calligraphy or painting—the inkstone would only gather dust in her possession. Nor did she suffer from any chronic illness—the medicinal herbs were of little use to her, and over time, they would lose their potency. It was better to give these as gifts to Tan Luhua, thus saving face, silencing others, and pleasing the person she wanted to win over—a move that killed three birds with one stone. During the argument, she alternated between sharpness and feigned grievance, appearing to concede step by step while actually pressing her advantage, leaving Jiang Danyun and Tan Luhua trapped in an awkward position. In this regard, that simple-minded Chen Xianglan would never learn such tactics in her lifetime. From these subtle details, one could see Jiang Xiyun’s true nature—she was truly versatile, smooth, cunning, and skillful!
Yet such girls were often too clever by half, thinking everyone else was a fool and believing their coy, innocent tricks could manipulate the world. Today, when he heard Jiang Xiyun mention that women learned music, chess, calligraphy, and painting merely to please men, he found himself agreeing. But then he suddenly remembered Xianglan, who genuinely loved these arts and didn’t seem to be doing it to curry favor with him. So he urged De Ge’er to ask her, partly to understand what was in Xianglan’s heart and partly to warn Jiang Xiyun—if she were to marry into the Lin family, she should behave properly under his watch and refrain from using her calculating ways on him.
What he never expected was that it would lead to such a discourse from Xianglan. He had always known that Xianglan’s conduct and actions were different from others, but only today did he realize that her heart and insight were fundamentally distinct from those of other women.This Xianglan, who was as pedantic as an old Confucian scholar, who remained stubborn even when weeping like a tearful figure, and who possessed an unbending spine without knowing how to curry favor, unexpectedly evoked a sense of respect in him, mingled with some indescribable and inexplicable flavor. This made him particularly uneasy. He leaned back against the green satin floral cushion behind him, gazing at her elegant and delicate profile, and suddenly felt a softness in his heart. He raised his chopsticks only to set them down again, saying, "If there’s anything troubling you now, just tell me directly. Why bother praying to Bodhisattva? The Bodhisattva is already busy enough—with so many beings under heaven, how could he possibly save them all? By the time he thinks of you, the daylilies would have long gone cold."
Xianglan merely forced a faint smile, served Lin Jinlou a portion of food with her chopsticks, and then silently resumed eating. Lin Jinlou wanted to ask further, but for some reason, that unfamiliar emotion made him inexplicably restless, and he could no longer bring himself to speak. The two ate in silence. After the meal, maids brought fragrant tea for rinsing mouths, cleared the remnants of the feast, and replaced them with delicate tea and fruits. For a while, nothing of note occurred.
Lin Jinlou took Xianglan for a stroll in the courtyard. Shortly after, Shu Ran arrived with an urgent letter, and the two returned. Lin Jinlou sat behind his desk, opened the letter, read it carefully, then picked up his brush to reply. After sealing it with wax, he instructed Shu Ran to deliver it to the guards at the front courtyard. Lifting his head, he noticed Xianglan sitting on the Arhat Bed opposite, doing needlework. He asked, "Working by candlelight strains the eyes. What are you sewing?"
Xianglan replied, "I noticed De Ge’er’s bellyband is a bit thick, so I wanted to make him a thinner one using fine cloth."
Before she could finish, Shu Ran entered and reported, "Eldest Master Chu has sent someone with a cart of orchids, saying they were requested by the Eldest Master. Where should the flowers be placed?"
Lin Jinlou smiled at Xianglan and said, "The Chu family has a few craftsmen who excel at cultivating rare flowers and exotic plants. They grow them in their garden and then dig them up to sell, earning quite a bit of silver each year. Now that I’ve asked, Young Chu wouldn’t dare charge me. Let’s go admire them later and see if he’s brought all the finest flowers from his home." Turning to Shu Ran, he added, "Place the flowers under the corridor or on the flower stands."
Soon, several young servants and matrons entered to move the flowers. Once everything was tidied up, Lin Jinlou took Xianglan to admire them. Indeed, there was a wide variety of orchid species. The two enjoyed the sight under the moonlight, but no further details need be mentioned.
The next day at the hour of Yin, Lin Jinlou left early for court. By the third quarter of the hour of Mao, Shu Ran entered and whispered to Xianglan, "The Eldest Master has sent word: The Emperor has issued an imperial decree, appointing the Eldest Prince as Crown Prince. The Emperor has personally assigned him as a guard in the imperial presence, and he will remain in the palace for seven or eight days. He requests a few sets of everyday clothes to be sent over."
Xianglan, along with the maids, carefully packed several sets of clothing, along with Lin Jinlou’s customary tea bowls and utensils, into two large bundles, which were then sent to him. Now that the Eastern Palace had been established, some rejoiced while others worried. Qin Shi enforced strict discipline over the Lin household, and a few days later, several letters arrived from both Shanxi and Jinling.In the Mengfang Courtyard, Mother Jiang held a letter in her hand, her face etched with worry as she looked at Jiang Xiyun and said, "...This is what your father wrote in the letter. An Imperial Censor has submitted a memorial accusing him of accepting lavish gifts from the Second Prince, intending to form cliques for personal gain. The Emperor was enraged and publicly reprimanded him in court. It's still uncertain how he will be punished... Your father has already submitted a plea for forgiveness... cough, cough..." Mother Jiang coughed violently twice, and Jiang Xiyun hurried forward to soothe her chest, saying, "Grandmother, don't be anxious. Speak slowly."
Catching her breath, Mother Jiang looked weary and shook her head with a sigh. "The gifts your father received must have been substantial for the Emperor to unleash such fury. I don't know if he'll ever be allowed back to the capital, or if the Crown Prince will hold a grudge against him because of this..." She raised her eyes, gazing at her granddaughter, whose face was as delicate as a powdered dumpling, and stroked her hand. "Lin Jinlou dotes excessively on his concubines. Though this marriage alliance is advantageous, I'm reluctant to have you enter it. But in our current situation... Your parents insist this marriage must proceed. The Lin family is currently in the Emperor's favor, and Lin Jinlou has been attending the Emperor recently, often staying by the Crown Prince's side... cough, cough, cough..." She broke into another fit of coughing.
Jiang Xiyun's heart sank like iron, though she forced a smile onto her face. "Given our circumstances, it's uncertain whether the Lin family would even agree."
Mother Jiang sighed deeply again and was about to speak when Jiang Danyun entered, sneering coldly, "Fifth Sister, how can you be so selfish? Father and our brothers' futures are on the verge of ruin, and you're still only thinking of yourself? Did you think the fine clothes and luxurious food you've enjoyed all these years fell from the sky? Have you not received even half a favor from this family?" She knelt before Mother Jiang and said, "If Fifth Sister is unwilling, I am willing to marry in her stead. After all, I am older than her. If marriage is to be discussed, it should be me."
Mother Jiang's face flushed crimson with rage. She sat up from the kang and pointed, scolding, "You fool! Has oil clouded your mind? At your age, you have no shame, uttering such disgraceful words! What do you mean by 'marrying in her stead'? The Lin family never had any interest in you. Are we to humiliate ourselves by pushing forward?" She coughed repeatedly again, and Jiang Xiyun patted her back, slowly feeding her half a cup of tea.
Tears streaming down her face, Jiang Danyun choked out, "Grandmother... Grandmother always favors Fifth Sister. What... what is wrong with me...?"
Mother Jiang sighed deeply, closed her eyes, then opened them again. "Your father has already stated in his letter that he has chosen a match for you—a scholar from Jiangnan, from a family of scholars and officials, who uphold farming and studying. Though young, he is already a provincial graduate, and his family is very wealthy. His grandfather once served as an official in the Censorate, and his father is a county magistrate. In a few days, someone from home will come to fetch you. Go back and prepare for your marriage."
Jiang Danyun was stunned, feeling as if a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her head. She collapsed to the floor, tears silently streaming down her cheeks and soaking her clothes.
Jiang Xiyun's heart felt heavy. After comforting Mother Jiang and serving her medicine, she turned to close the window. On the windowsill sat the orchid that Qin Shi had gifted her. For some reason, she suddenly thought of Xianglan—that girl with a face like a flower and the brilliance of the moon, immensely talented. Lin Jinlou, shrewd and sharp, had looked at her with a faint, ambiguous smile... She stood in quiet contemplation for a while, then gently closed the window.After Lin Jinlou entered the palace, Xianglan found herself with even more leisure and tranquility. She spent her days with De Ge'er, sometimes teaching him the Four Books, sometimes composing poetry or painting together, and other times simply watching him play in the courtyard. Originally, Yuan Shaoren had only intended for De Ge'er to stay for two or three days. However, with the announcement of the crown prince's establishment, The Emperor was to perform the sacrificial rites to heaven, and all court officials were extremely busy. Yuan Shaoren had no spare time either, so he simply let De Ge'er stay at the Lin residence—a situation Xianglan naturally welcomed wholeheartedly.
"Xianglan, you're truly blessed. Just because your name contains the character 'Lan' (orchid), Eldest Brother has brought over so many orchid plants. Many of the varieties I've never even seen before," Tan Luhua remarked enviously, sitting on the decorative bench and fanning herself as she admired the courtyard full of orchids.
Ever since Xianglan had helped Tan Luhua out of a difficult situation and gifted her clothing, Tan Luhua had been visiting the Hall of Flourishing Spring more frequently. She would reciprocate with small gifts like hair oil, rouge, and scented sachets. The two would engage in casual conversation, occasionally discussing poetry and literature to pass the time. Tan Luhua often boasted about her former reputation for talent during her maiden days. Xianglan would merely smile, offering appropriate words of amusement while often doing some needlework or watching De Ge'er play.
Xianglan laughed and said, "This is simply the season for appreciating orchids, and Young Master Chu's family specializes in cultivating them. That's why they were brought over—it has nothing to do with me."
Tan Luhua replied, "That reminds me of the scenes from my maiden home. It's just a pity those two minxes from Jiang Jia are no good, otherwise we could have started a poetry club together... You don't know this, but Jiang Xiyun has been visiting Madam every day lately. One day she brings some needlework, the next day a bowl of food she made herself—currying favor so much that Madam is absolutely delighted. Now she's even having Xia Gugu teach the two Jiang girls on the side. Ah, I must say you're just too honest and straightforward. If you don't put yourself forward, Madam might forget about you eventually."
Not wishing to dwell on the topic, Xianglan changed the subject: "With so many young ladies in the household now, starting a poetry club isn't out of the question. Second Young Madam, if any of these orchids catch your eye, feel free to take them. You could send invitations to several young ladies and showcase your talents then, living up to your 'gifted lady' reputation."
Tan Luhua's heart stirred at the idea, but after some thought she shook her head. "Second Young Master prefers quiet. Having too many girls around would make him uncomfortable and wouldn't be conducive to his recuperation. Besides, hosting requires money. Our Second Young Master can't compare to Eldest Brother who earns his own income—his monthly allowance isn't even enough for his own expenses."
Xianglan suggested, "That's easily solved. The garden in our estate would be perfect. Though somewhat small, they've rebuilt a pavilion for Third Young Master's wedding, and the surrounding flowers and plants are quite lush, creating lovely scenery. The manor has been sending seasonal fruits and fresh vegetables these days, and we have a cook who specializes in vegetarian dishes. We could prepare a full vegetarian banquet—light and fitting for Madam's tastes. We'd just need to add a few taels of silver to buy some fruit wine. After all, we're all women here—it's not like any of us are heavy drinkers."Tan Luhua was satisfied and thought that this matter had been handled beautifully, reflecting well on her in front of Qin Shi. Her face broke into a smile as she said to Xianglan, "You truly have an exquisite heart. Forgive my bluntness, but when I first saw you, I thought you were a woman with bewitching charms and didn’t think much of you. But after observing your actions along the way, I now understand why Elder Brother holds you in such high regard. My maternal family is of modest means, and Second Master is frail and unwell. Everyone in this mansion has eyes only for wealth and status—some show respect to my face but gossip behind my back, while others don’t even bother to spare me any dignity. It often leaves me so frustrated that I cry in private. Only you, sister, have treated me with genuine sincerity, repeatedly comforting me and even giving me fine gifts. I was rash before and even slighted you, yet you bore no grudge." She then declared generously, "From now on, I consider you my sister. If you ever face difficulties in the future, just come to me. You’ve been so righteous, and I will not hesitate to help."
Xianglan smiled and said, "Second Madam, you exaggerate. I’m not that worthy." Yet inwardly, she sighed. Although she hadn’t particularly admired Tan Luhua’s character before, seeing her difficult circumstances with her maternal family and her beauty wasted in a marriage to Lin Jinxuan, left to guard an empty chamber in the prime of her youth, uncertain how to spend the rest of her life, Xianglan felt a twinge of pity. Reflecting on her own usual state of mind, she couldn’t help but sympathize with Tan Luhua a little more. However, with a temperament like Tan Luhua’s, it was best to maintain a light, gentlemanly friendship; getting too close might lead to getting pricked.
Just then, De Ge’er finished reciting a passage from his book and came out of the room, so Tan Luhua took her leave.
Two days later, Tan Luhua indeed sent out invitations and organized the poetry club. Coincidentally, Lin Jinlou returned home, so it was postponed by one day. Early the next morning, Lin Dongwan, Lin Dongqi, and Jiang Jia’s eldest daughter, Jiang Feiyun, all arrived at the Lin residence in sedan chairs and carriages.
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