Against the Current

Xianglan stared directly into Jiang Xiyun's eyes. Their gazes remained locked for a moment before she suddenly realized Jiang Xiyun wasn't merely misunderstanding her as a rival—there was deliberate testing and probing beneath the surface. Though Jiang Xiyun's expression appeared calm, her complex eyes betrayed unspoken thoughts.

Xianglan smiled and said, "Miss Xi, as I said earlier, you are the daughter of a Grand Secretary, while I began as the child of a household servant. Even as a concubine-born daughter, you were nurtured like a delicate flower in silks and jewels, whereas I am but wild grass by the stream. This distinction alone places us worlds apart—why trouble yourself over such concerns?"

Jiang Xiyun regarded Xianglan with serene eyes and replied slowly, "Miss Xianglan, with your beauty and talent, there is no need for such modesty." Her tone was mild, yet carried an undercurrent of pressure.

Xianglan took a step back, lowering her eyelids with pointed meaning. "Miss Xi, the maids are all watching. You have always been known as an innocent, charming, and delightful girl—Madam is especially fond of you."

Jiang Xiyun froze, immediately understanding Xianglan's warning to restrain herself. Glancing around, she noticed several maids clearing the remnants of the feast nearby, and Tan Luhua standing in the pavilion, occasionally glancing their way. Her confidence inexplicably waned, and she retreated half a step. "I do share a special bond with my aunt," she conceded.

Suddenly, Lin Jinlou's voice cut through: "Why are you still dawdling? Don't you know I'm waiting to be attended to?"

Xianglan started, turning to see Lin Jinlou standing at the path's end. She addressed Jiang Xiyun, "The Eldest Master calls me—I must take my leave." With that, she turned and departed.

Jiang Xiyun averted her gaze, watching as Xianglan lifted her skirts and hurried to Lin Jinlou's side. Lin Jinlou strode off but paused after a few steps to ask something. Xianglan drew an object from her sleeve—Lin Jinlou took it, unfurled a colorful tassel, and draped it around her neck. Jiang Xiyun peered closely: it was the magnolia pendant from earlier. After speaking a few more words, Lin Jinlou turned away, then glanced back as if impatient with Xianglan's pace. He seized her wrist and strode off decisively.

The breeze picked up again, but this time it felt irritating against Jiang Xiyun's skin. Ruoqing approached, craning her neck to look. Seeing Lin Jinlou's figure had long vanished, she whispered, "Miss, shall we return?"

Jiang Xiyun exhaled deeply, suddenly feeling utterly exhausted. A wave of frustration welled within her. Discreetly using her sleeve, she wiped the tears at the corners of her eyes and left with Ruoqing.

In Mengfang Courtyard, the doors and windows of Jiang Mu's main chamber were tightly shut, leaving only Jiang Mu, Jiang Feiyun, and Jiang Xiyun inside. Jiang Mu's cough worsened, and Jiang Feiyun hurriedly attended to her, patting her back. Jiang Xiyun knelt on the floor, head bowed low.

After a coughing fit, Jiang Mu's face was streaked with tears and mucus. Jiang Feiyun tried to wipe it with a handkerchief, but Jiang Mu pushed her away, trembling as she pointed at Jiang Xiyun. "You disgrace to our family! Who told you to cheat in poetry? Who told you to seek out Lin Jinlou's concubine?"

Jiang Xiyun replied woodenly, "Your granddaughter admits her fault."Jiang Mu's tears streamed down as she caught her breath, saying, "Writing poetry is one thing—for women, virtue trumps talent, and not mastering such frivolous pursuits is no crime. But that concubine! What is she? Sprung from servant stock, no matter how beautiful she is, she's just a plaything. What is your status, and what is hers? You actually went seeking her out—she isn't even fit to carry your shoes!"

Jiang Xiyun paused before replying, "She's not only beautiful but truly talented, far from an ordinary concubine. To be honest, I even admire her somewhat."

Jiang Mu sneered, "Are you afraid of her?"

Jiang Xiyun declared clearly, "How could I be afraid of her? No matter how clever and capable she is, she'll always be a concubine unfit for proper society!"

Jiang Mu heaved a long sigh. "Xi'er, you've always been the most clever and steady. Why are you so impatient today?"

Jiang Feiyun quickly brought over a cup of tea and served Jiang Mu a sip, saying, "Grandmother, please calm your anger. Fifth Sister only lost her temper because she couldn't hold back today. Fourth Miss Lin and Madam Tan truly humiliated us, and that Chen Xianglan played the good person in between, which is truly infuriating." Then she spoke softly to Jiang Xiyun, "Elder Sister will be frank with you—your matter is ninety-nine percent settled. I heard the Lin family is looking for a suitable official matchmaker. Younger Sister, you're too impatient. What is Chen Xianglan? In the future, can she possibly overshadow you? After you marry in, you can deal with her slowly."

Jiang Mu coughed forcefully again, and Jiang Feiyun hurriedly presented a spittoon. After Jiang Mu spat and rinsed her mouth with tea, she said, "Elders are here to handle matters—it's not your place to engage in arguments. Don't forget, your grandmother is still here. Am I just for show? Even if the Lin family is highly placed, I won't let them mistreat you! But it was highly improper for you to seek out Chen Xianglan alone. What if it reaches Lin Jinlou's ears? Wouldn't the Lin family think you lack virtue?"

A bitter smile slowly appeared on Jiang Xiyun's face. She shuffled forward on her knees, grasped Jiang Mu's hand, and said, "Grandmother, I know you dote on me, but given the current situation, even if I have countless grievances, I still have to marry into this family."

Jiang Mu was taken aback, her heart sinking. With a stern face, she asked, "Does marrying into the Lin family make you so aggrieved?"

"No, I'm not aggrieved." Jiang Xiyun said calmly, "For a family like ours to be chosen by the Lin family is undoubtedly climbing high. Moreover, Lin Jinlou is an outstanding man, young and accomplished. It's rare for someone his age to have neither illegitimate sons nor daughters, with only one favored concubine in his inner quarters. The families you initially selected for me, Grandmother, none compare to the Lin family, isn't that right?"

Jiang Feiyun couldn't help interjecting, "If that's the case, then why are you still..."

Jiang Xiyun took a deep breath. "At first, I thought Aunt chose me because she feared Lin Jinlou's fondness for his beautiful concubine might lead to the scandal of favoring a concubine over the wife, and that after I married in, I would manage the household affairs properly. But gradually, I realized something was amiss. Lin Jinlou elevates Chen Xianglan in everything, and although Aunt dislikes it, she hasn't opposed it! I originally thought she was unwilling to contradict her son, but later, I heard from Chunling, a maid in the Hall of Flourishing Spring, that it seems Chen Xianglan once saved Aunt's life!"

Jiang Mu and Jiang Feiyun were shocked and exclaimed in unison, "What?!"Jiang Xiyun shook her head and said, "What exactly happened, that girl named Chunling doesn't know either. But from these repeated incidents, I've come to understand that the Lin family's intention for me isn't merely to have me control Chen Xianglan, but to make me tolerate her! Chen Xianglan is beautiful and highly skilled—she actually has the support of both Second Madam Lin and Fourth Miss Lin, who are difficult figures. Sister Qi also praises her endlessly, not to mention Lin Jinlou actually dismissed all his concubines for her and still keeps her in the main bedchamber to this day. Grandmother, if I marry into this family in the future, I might only become a puppet, a mere decoration!"

Jiang Mu and Jiang Feiyun were deeply shaken, both rendered speechless.

Jiang Xiyun's voice choked with emotion as she continued, "I know you love me, Grandmother, and want to arrange everything perfectly for me. But now circumstances are stronger than individuals—I have no choice but to marry into the Lin family. How can I constantly rely on my natal family for support after marriage? Moreover, I feel unjust—why? Why should I resign myself to fate before the marriage is even settled, willingly becoming that puppet, that decoration in the future?"

Jiang Xiyun's expression suddenly turned resolute, her eyes bright like burning candles: "People aren't plants—what woman doesn't wish for marital harmony with her husband? Why pretend to be aloof and feign virtue? The Lin family expects me to be a generous and virtuous wife—filial to parents above, serving my husband, caring for concubines below, looking after illegitimate children, living a life of luxury while watching my husband embrace left and right, pampering his concubines, growing old waiting in the inner chambers. Even if I'm forced to do this for the family's future... I'm unwilling!"

The two in the room stared in stunned silence. Jiang Feiyun stammered, "Fi-fifth sister, such words should only be spoken behind closed doors—they'd cause trouble if spoken outside!"

Tears fell from Jiang Xiyun's eyes: "It's too difficult for women in this world. The family sees this marriage as glorious, but only I know the bitterness within. When I'm doing well, the family shares the benefits, but when I suffer grievances later, I'll have to swallow them alone. Grandmother loves me, but who can take care of me forever? My family raised me, and now it's my duty to contribute—but I shouldn't just wait for death like this. When Lin Jinlou gave that magnolia pendant to Chen Xianglan earlier, I'd already made up my mind. While the marriage isn't settled yet, I must fight for myself somehow. That's why I went to find Chen Xianglan—she's repeatedly overshadowed me, so she must harbor hostility toward me too. If she reports my words to Lin Jinlou, we can see his attitude clearly. The Lin family has likely accepted this marriage arrangement, so it's time to warn Lin Jinlou—if he genuinely wants this marriage, he shouldn't elevate a concubine to such heights and should show proper respect going forward. Although our Jiang family needs them, we're not to be arbitrarily manipulated. No matter how rare this marriage opportunity is, we shouldn't debase ourselves too much!"

Trembling, Jiang Mu reached out, pulled Jiang Xiyun up and embraced her, choking up: "Good, good child. Your courage and determination rival any man's. This old woman will stake her life to uphold your dignity this time. You're right—why should we retreat to such extremes? Before things are settled, we must fight first."

Jiang Feiyun hesitated: "But... what if the fight fails?""I suppose I'll just resign myself to fate then!" Jiang Xiyun leaned against Mother Jiang, her eyes clear and lucid. "But how can I accept defeat without even trying? The Lin family may be noble, and we do have favors to ask of them, but a daughter of the Jiang family shouldn't degrade herself like this!"

Outside the main chamber, Qingfen peeked furtively from behind the curtain. Seeing Liu Su and Ruoqing guarding the doorway, she had no choice but to turn back. Jiang Danyun was sitting lazily on the kang in the outer room, idly examining herself with a Target Mirror. Qingfen whispered in her ear, "There are people guarding the door. I couldn't hear what they were saying."

Jiang Danyun sneered, "Honest words aren't spoken in secret, and secret words aren't honest. What's the use of guarding against me like I'm a thief? Didn't they still get humiliated today? I don't even care to hear what they're discussing inside. Let's go, we'll go out for a stroll." With that, she stood up and left with Qingfen. After some thought, she realized there wasn't anywhere worthwhile to visit in the Lin residence. However, since Tan Luhua had mocked Jiang Xiyun earlier, it had secretly vented some of her frustration, so she headed towards Kangshou Residence instead. But that's another story.

No sooner had these two left than a knocking sound came from outside the main chamber of Mengfang Court. Liu Su called out from the doorway, "Old Madam, the Eldest Master of the Lin family has sent someone with gifts."

Everyone inside hurriedly wiped away their tears, straightened their attire and hair ornaments, and smoothed their clothes. Mother Jiang quickly said, "Please, come in!" As the door opened, Chunling entered with two young maids, all carrying bundles of fabric. Chunling first greeted them with a beaming smile, then said, "The Eldest Master instructed us to deliver these gifts to Mengfang Court as soon as he returned. These two bolts of satin are for Yi Lao Taitai to make clothes, these three are for the three young ladies, and there are two more for the two sisters who didn't come to the Lin residence." After placing the items on the table, she brought out a small filigree enamel box and presented it, saying, "This ring is only for the Fifth Young Lady. No one else has one!"

Mother Jiang took it, opened it, and saw a gold ring inlaid with a pearl, its luster smooth and exceptionally elegant. Smiling, she handed it to Jiang Xiyun and said, "Take a look quickly. This is truly a fine piece."

Chunling promptly added, "Indeed, although the Eldest Master is generous, such a treasure isn't something he would give to just anyone."

Mother Jiang felt somewhat better and smiled faintly, then repeatedly ordered someone to reward Chunling. Jiang Xiyun personally saw her out the door, dismissed the others, and asked softly, "How was Eldest Cousin when he returned?"

Chunling replied, "He was fine. He gave Xianglan a few instructions and then went to the front courtyard. He also asked for Doctor Zhang to come again."

Jiang Xiyun asked curiously, "Doctor Zhang? Is someone in the residence ill?"

Chunling said, "Oh, no one's ill. It's just Xianglan—she still hasn't shown signs of pregnancy. The Eldest Master specially hired a physician to examine her. She's taken dozens of doses of medicine with no results, so the Eldest Master is impatient and wants the physician to come again to try a different prescription."

Jiang Xiyun's furrowed brow finally relaxed. She patted Chunling on the shoulder and said, "I understand. Thank you. If you hadn't suggested making knee pads, I wouldn't have been able to create such a clever gift." As she spoke, she took a red envelope from her sleeve and handed it to her.

Chunling smiled and said, "I only mentioned it in passing. It was the young lady's cleverness that made it work." She discreetly pushed the red envelope back.

Jiang Xiyun smiled and said, "Don't stand on ceremony. There will be many occasions in the future when I'll need to rely on you."Chunling finally accepted the red envelope and smiled, saying, "The young lady truly comes from a distinguished family—her actions are always so generous, unlike those from petty, narrow-minded backgrounds. Working under you brings me such satisfaction." With that, she led the others away.

Upon returning to the Hall of Flourishing Spring, Chunling reported to Shu Ran. As she was about to enter the room, she overheard Hua Shan inside saying, "Where is Sister Chunling? Madam was just looking for her, asking her to deliver two boxes of fresh fruits to Madam's quarters in the Eldest Master's name. This is a clever opportunity—if Madam is pleased, who knows what rewards might come down!"

Xiao Juan sneered and said, "You're looking for her? She just snatched Ling Qing's task and rushed off to deliver the bolt of cloth to Mengfang Courtyard like an eager dog. She's 'physically here but her heart is elsewhere,' already aiming to climb to a higher branch!"

Ling Qing sighed and said, "Who knows what she's thinking? Concubine treats her well, giving her most of the respectable tasks, yet she's always muttering and complaining. If I were the mistress, seeing her like this, I'd have driven her out long ago."

Ling Su added, "She's just unhappy inside. She used to be so influential, almost able to make decisions for Concubine herself, but now who still takes her words as commands?"

Chunling's face flushed crimson with anger. She forcefully lifted the curtain, stamped her foot, and stormed into the room. The room immediately fell silent. Chunling swept a cold gaze over everyone present, but they all ignored her, burying themselves in their work. Even Xue Ning, who used to exchange a few words with her, remained silent, carefully picking walnuts with a small silver tweezer.

With a dark expression, Chunling retreated to the inner room. In the past, whenever she quarreled with any maid, all she had to do was throw a tantrum, and Xianglan would mediate, coaxing her with kind words. But later, Xianglan stopped intervening, leaving it to Shu Ran to handle, which had earned Chunling several harsh lessons. Gradually, she came to understand that Xianglan was no longer the timid, disheartened young girl who had first entered the Lin family—she had truly become the mistress above her, yet Chunling found it increasingly difficult to bow her head in submission.

Although Xianglan never shortchanged her with rewards and often chatted with her casually, Chunling saw it all as mere hypocrisy. If Xianglan truly cherished their past bond, she should have known what Chunling truly desired—she ought to have let her oversee all affairs. Why let someone like Xiao Juan climb above her!

It wasn't until the Jiang family arrived that she saw a glimmer of hope. Jiang Xiyun, born into a prestigious family, was sweet, lovely, kind-hearted, and honest, always greeting her with a warm, sugary smile. Her rewards were exceedingly generous, and she loved telling jokes to amuse others. Especially the maids by her side were far more likable than the likes of Xiao Juan and Hua Shan, always addressing Chunling as "elder sister" with respect. Gradually, Chunling grew closer to the Jiang family and even praised Jiang Xiyun's many virtues to Xue Ning and a few younger maids.

Unexpectedly, Shu Ran found out and flew into a rage, punishing Chunling by making her stand in the corridor holding a water basin on her head for an entire afternoon. The passing young maids all pointed and whispered, and even Xue Ning distanced herself from her after that. This incident was a profound humiliation, and from then on, Chunling deliberately leaned even more toward Jiang Xiyun—after all, everyone knew that Jiang Xiyun was Qin Shi's favored future daughter-in-law. A wise bird chooses its tree to roost, and once Jiang Xiyun married in and took charge, Chunling would rise to become a trusted confidante among the maids. Then, she would properly deal with Shu Ran, Xiao Juan, and the others, making them see clearly who was in charge!Let us set aside Chunling's affairs for now. Tan Luhua had been busy for half the day before returning to Kangshou Residence. Upon entering, she saw Lin Jinxuan practicing calligraphy at the writing desk and remarked, "Second Master, don't stand all the time. Alternate between sitting and writing, or you'll exhaust yourself and have trouble sleeping tonight."

Lin Jinxuan laughed, "Am I really that useless? Come take a look—which of these characters is better?" He then asked her about the poetry club.

Tan Luhua frowned, "Don't even mention it. That little wench from the Jiang family ruined everything." She recounted the incident in detail and added, "Is Eldest Brother really going to marry into the Jiang family?"

Lin Jinxuan said, "That's the elders' decision. We have no say in it. Anyway, we'll live our lives, and they'll live theirs. It won't affect us."

Tan Luhua snorted, "If it were her, it would be the death of me. With her never-back-down attitude, she might whisper poison in Eldest Brother's ear and drive a wedge between you brothers."

Just then, Caiming entered and announced, "Second Madam, Miss Dan is here."

Tan Luhua wondered, "What is she here for?" She rose to greet her and ordered the maids to serve fine tea and snacks. The two sat down. Jiang Danyun, hoping to befriend Tan Luhua, deliberately spoke pleasantly. Tan Luhua held no ill will toward her, and they soon found themselves conversing harmoniously. Tan Luhua even specially ordered a maid to bring out the zither from her dowry and invited Jiang Danyun to play.

After chatting and laughing for a while, they grew even closer. Tan Luhua took a sip of tea and suddenly sighed, "Sister Dan, I shouldn't say this, but please don't take offense... Never mind, I won't say it."

Jiang Danyun smiled, "It's alright, Second Cousin-in-law, please speak."

Tan Luhua said earnestly, "I see you as well-educated, proper, and virtuous. How is it you have such a younger sister? Tsk, tsk. Born of the same father, yet so different. I'd rather have you as my sister-in-law!"

This struck a chord with Jiang Danyun. She blushed and feigned anger, giving Tan Luhua a reproachful look, "What are you saying, Second Cousin-in-law!" She then sighed, "How could I compare to Fifth Sister? Aunt is so fond of her."

Tan Luhua said, "I shouldn't say this, but Mother-in-law has lost her mind, mistaking stone for gold."

This again resonated with Jiang Danyun. She sighed, "I knew you were perceptive, Second Cousin-in-law. My younger sister appears honest, but she never loses out. I've suffered countless grievances growing up, and now even a good marriage is prioritized for her. But what good does your sharp eye do? This marriage is about to be finalized."

Tan Luhua sneered, "It's only because you're too gentle, Sister Dan. If it were me, even if the good marriage didn't go to me, I wouldn't let her gloat like this!"

Before she finished speaking, a clamor of crashing and shouting erupted. Tan Luhua and Jiang Danyun were startled, hearing Xiluo scream hoarsely, "I knew it! You fatherless, motherless, rotten-hearted wretch! You're jealous that Second Master trusts me and want to ruin me!"

Caifeng shouted, "Let go! Let go!" before shrieking.

Others tried to mediate, "Stop fighting! Stop fighting!"

Tan Luhua frowned and forced a smile at Jiang Danyun, "Sister, please wait here. I'll see what's happening." She stood and went out. In the courtyard, Caifeng and Xiluo were brawling, their hair disheveled, hairpins askew, and clothes in disarray, while several maids and matrons tried to pull them apart.Sobbing as she spoke, Qianluo cried, "You jealous wretch! Resenting the affection between me and Second Master, you'd resort to such despicable tricks! Today I'll drag you down with me to the King of Hell's court, where we'll settle this clearly!" She lunged again to scratch and beat Caifeng.

Caifeng dodged while retorting, "Lies! Your mouth spews filth! You're framing me with false charges, and I won't let you get away with this!"

Tan Luhua roared angrily, "All of you, stop this at once! Have you no sense of propriety left?"

Her shout was like "one bird entering the forest silencing a hundred others"—the crowd immediately quieted down and dropped to their knees.

As it turned out, there was indeed a reason behind this matter. The story goes that ever since Tan Luhua became involved with Dai Rong, the two had grown inseparable, burning with passion. Tan Luhua was by nature a woman easily swayed by emotions, and Dai Rong was an experienced hand. After several encounters, Tan Luhua became utterly devoted, obeying Dai Rong in everything. Though she was inherently greedy and miserly, she spared no expense in lavishing large sums of silver on Dai Rong. Dai Rong extracted considerable wealth from her and, in return, gifted her with hairpins, rings, and rouge—items of little real value. Tan Luhua treasured these as priceless, convinced that Dai Rong was worthy of her deep affection.

Zhao Yuechan then ordered Dai Rong to give Tan Luhua a medicine that would prevent conception, instructing her to administer it to Xianglan, with promises of various rewards. Dai Rong coaxed Tan Luhua into carrying out the task. Unexpectedly, Tan Luhua had a sense of loyalty. She confided in Caifeng, saying, "Since I married into the Lin family, everyone from the masters to the servants has looked down on me, gossiping behind my back and trampling on my dignity. Only Xianglan has treated me with respect, constantly sending me gifts and comforting me with kind words. How could I possibly give her this medicine? Take it and throw it away for me. Tomorrow, I’ll tell Dai Lang that the medicine has already been given to Xianglan. After all, there’s no sign of a child in her belly yet." With that, she handed the small satin pouch containing the pills to Caifeng.

Caifeng, however, had her own calculations. The truth was, Tan Luhua was so deeply in love with Dai Rong that she no longer wished to let Lin Jinxuan near her. She had told Caifeng that after some time, she would take charge and have Caifeng become Lin Jinxuan’s concubine. Caifeng was naturally delighted. But Lin Jinxuan already had a personal maid named Qianluo, who was highly favored by Yin Yiniang. Yin Yiniang frequently whispered to Lin Jinxuan, urging him to take Qianluo as his concubine.

Thus, Caifeng and Qianluo became rivals. Both were sharp-tongued and unwilling to back down, leading to several unpleasant confrontations. Caifeng, growing resentful, secretly said to Caiping, "That little wench Qianluo is utterly despicable! I have a medicine here that will make her barren. Even if the Second Master elevates her, she’ll never bear a child and will suffer a lifetime of humiliation!" She even showed Caiping the packet of medicine.

But Caiping was a two-faced schemer. Pretending to be close to Caifeng, she was actually jealous of Tan Luhua’s trust in her. She turned around and stirred up trouble, revealing the matter to Qianluo.

Qianluo, being straightforward and hot-tempered, was not one to take such an insult lying down. She immediately raised an uproar. When Tan Luhua arrived, Qianluo knelt on the ground, clutching the hem of Tan Luhua’s robe, and wailed, "Second Mistress, you must stand up for me! That little wench Caifeng has a black heart—she actually tried to make me take a medicine that would make me barren!"

Caifeng also knelt on the ground, her face pale, and protested, "Second Mistress, don’t believe her nonsense!"

Qianluo cried, "How is this nonsense?" She pulled the packet of pills from her bosom and held it out to Tan Luhua. "I found this under Caifeng’s pillow! How dare she deny it? Sister Caiping already told me everything!"

At the sight of the small satin pouch, Tan Luhua’s temples throbbed violently. Enraged, she slapped the pouch out of Qianluo’s hand and glared fiercely at Caifeng. Realizing she had made a grave mistake, Caifeng shrank back and lowered her head.

Caiping had never expected Qianluo to be so imprudent. Unable to stop the confrontation, she trembled with fear and hastily knelt, saying, "There’s no such thing, Second Mistress! This is all Qianluo’s wild accusations!"Xiqian raised her voice sharply: "Every word I speak is the truth! If you doubt it, summon a physician to examine this medicine and you'll know!"

Jiang Danyun had witnessed the entire scene clearly from her perch by the windowsill. Though she longed to stay and watch the drama unfold, she knew it would be improper to linger any longer. After bidding farewell to Lüluo, she slipped away quietly along the wall with Qingfen in tow. Halfway along their path, she suddenly spotted a small satin pouch ahead. Looking closer, she recognized it as the very "medicine to end one's lineage" that Xiqian had been vehemently accusing others of possessing - the same pouch Tan Luhua had slapped away, sending it landing beside a stone stool in a nearby courtyard.

Jiang Danyun initially intended to pretend she hadn't seen it, but somehow Tan Luhua's words echoed in her ears: "It's only because Sister Dan is too gentle-natured. Were I in her place, even if this advantageous marriage weren't meant for me, I'd never allow her to gloat so triumphantly!" As if moved by some unseen force, she slowly bent down, pretending to retrieve her dropped fan, and secretly clenched the packet of medicine in her palm.