Xianglan said softly, "He just fell asleep." She led the two of them to the bedside and drew back the curtain, revealing Lin Jinlou in a deep slumber. The flesh on his cheeks had hollowed out, making his cheekbones appear extremely prominent, and his complexion was pale. Lin Dongqi's eyes reddened, and she said to Xianglan, "Let him sleep, we won't disturb him." Xianglan then guided them to the adjacent side room and personally served tea. Tao Hongxun, aware of her unique status, quickly stood up and smiled, "How could we trouble you to pour tea? I can serve myself."
Xianglan replied, "Second son-in-law, please sit. It's just a cup of tea." She thought to herself that Tao Hongxun was indeed upright—he didn't let his eyes wander, had been smiling and keeping his head down since entering the room, and his steps were very composed. She then glanced at Lin Dongqi, knowing she had just given birth to a son and recently completed her postpartum confinement. Her figure had rounded out considerably, but her complexion was excellent.
Soon after, Lin Dongxiu arrived. Tao Hongxun sat for a short while before leaving to visit the Old Master, and that was that. Meanwhile, Xianglan, Qi, and Xiu chatted together. When asked about the night Lin Jinlou was in danger, Xianglan only recounted encountering the rebel soldiers, omitting any mention of Zhao Yuechan. The sisters gasped in shock, sighing over the incident.
Lin Dongxiu said, "The capital has calmed down a bit these past two days, but they're still arresting rebels everywhere. People are panicked—not just outside, but it's chaotic at home too."
Xianglan sighed, "Have you two ladies visited the second branch? The second master is also bedridden, sometimes lucid, sometimes confused. The imperial physician said he must survive this winter to see any improvement. The Second Mistress is ill as well. The eldest son-in-law and eldest daughter came this morning in mourning clothes. In these troubled times, the Old Master wants the funeral handled quietly. He gave the eldest daughter one hundred taels of silver to manage it discreetly, without any fuss."
Lin Dongxiu leaned in and asked Xianglan, "Tsk, how do you think Concubine Yin passed? She was always so robust—never had any major or minor illnesses. It's understandable that second brother, being weak, would fall ill around the year's end, but how did Madam Tan get sick too? They say her illness can't bear wind and no one is allowed to visit her room—it's almost as if she's hiding from people."
Xianglan understood in her heart but said, "How would I know? We were at the manor recently, and these days I've been solely attending to the Master. Other matters don't reach my ears."
After chatting a while longer, the two sisters stood up to visit the second branch. Since Concubine Yin had passed, they also wanted to offer incense and pay their respects, so they took their leave.
Lin Jinlou slept for about an hour. When he woke and saw Xianglan sitting in the room, he felt somewhat pleased. But when he noticed her bringing over a bowl of medicinal porridge, his face immediately fell, and he refused to eat. Xianglan coaxed him gently, "How about having a little? I made this myself."
Just then, Ling Su announced, "The fourth son-in-law is here." Yuan Shaoren walked in, exchanged greetings with Xianglan, then pulled up an embroidered stool and sat by the bed. He felt Lin Jinlou's chest and asked with a smile, "How are you today? Feeling better?"Lin Jinlou coughed twice and said, "What does it matter if it's good or bad? My mouth tastes bitter all day long, and I feel like vomiting at the sight of pills and medicine. All I do is eat and sleep—my bones are practically rusting. You'll have to take on more responsibilities in the military camps for me. Don’t let it turn into a case of 'when the cat’s away, the mice will play,' with everyone rebelling. These past couple of days, reports on big and small matters have been pouring in, and the stack of notes is almost burying me." He gestured with his chin toward the small bedside table, which was indeed piled high with letters.
Yuan Shaoren laughed and said, "That won’t do. I can handle other military affairs for you, but your Lin Family Army doesn’t listen to me." As he spoke, he picked up a letter and glanced at it, then pointed to the comments beside it and chuckled. "Look at this elegant 'zankai' script—someone is handling your correspondence for you. With such 'red sleeves adding fragrance,' what more could you possibly lack? Just have Wen Rush and a few of your trusted aides come by more often, and everything will be taken care of."
"Here I am, lying in bed suffering like this, and you’re still teasing me. That’s hardly loyal of you."
Yuan Shaoren snorted, "I’m not loyal? I’ve been out all day catching rebels, exhausted to the bone, and now I rush over here to check on you, only to get this kind of reputation?"
Lin Jinlou sighed, "Why don’t we swap places? I’d rather be out catching rebels myself."
Yuan Shaoren took a sip of tea and pulled a piece of paper from his sleeve. "Alright, your injuries weren’t in vain. His Majesty intends to commend you, and you might even be promoted to Commander. This is fresh news from the cabinet."
Lin Jinlou skimmed the document and remarked, "That title is just honorary anyway. The extra few dozen taels of silver a year don’t make much difference."
Yuan Shaoren tucked the paper back into his robe and smiled. "You still need to climb the ranks. If you want real power, you’ll have to wait until the crown prince ascends the throne and grants you favors. A promotion to Regional Commander is practically guaranteed."
Just then, Xianglan entered to refill their tea. Lin Jinlou stared at her, lost in thought. Yuan Shaoren glanced at Xianglan, then at Lin Jinlou. After Xianglan left, he said, "Alright, stop staring. She’s already gone. Haven’t you had enough of seeing her by your side every day? You’ll bore a hole through her if you keep this up."
Lin Jinlou shot him a glare. "I like it. Is it any of your business?"
Yuan Shaoren waved his hand. "Fine, fine, it’s none of my business—but honestly, that girl is truly remarkable. She’s suffered enough being with you, especially after all she’s been through. You ought to treat her better, especially that temper of yours that turns on a dime—tsk, tsk, don’t glare at me. It’s only because of our brotherly bond that I say this. Anyone else, I’d just spout pleasantries. Why would I bother pointing out your flaws otherwise?"
Lin Jinlou sighed, paused for a moment, and said, "She never says anything, and I have no idea what’s going on in her mind."
Yuan Shaoren was taken aback, his gaze drifting to a pot of orchids on the bedside table. After a long silence, he said, "She knows. She started as a maid, a servant. Even if she’s done some great favor for your family, you’ll still have to marry someone of equal status someday—Brother, search your heart. With her looks and character, unless you marry a clay figurine, what woman of standing would tolerate her? But can you really marry a clay figurine? This entire household needs someone capable of managing internal affairs and stabilizing the rear courtyard. She’s just too clever, too aware. If she were a bit more ignorant, she wouldn’t have to live like this."
Lin Jinlou looked at Yuan Shaoren and said, "You seem to understand this all too well."Yuan Shaoren gave a bitter smile and said, "What is there that I don't understand? Back then, Lianniang—" He stopped mid-sentence, gently patted Lin Jinlou's shoulder, and continued, "You're a clever man. I won't say too much. Think it through yourself and figure out how to treat her properly. Before, you were being willful, and it ended up with the Jiang Family harming the girl. Haven't you suffered enough?"
Lin Jinlou remained silent, staring blankly at the canopy above his bed. The room fell quiet for a moment before Yuan Shaoren brought up several important military matters. Lin Jinlou responded absentmindedly. As Yuan Shaoren stood to leave, Lin Jinlou said, "I heard Second Sister and her husband have arrived. Have them send Second Brother-in-law to me. I have something to discuss with him."
When Yuan Shaoren stepped out, Xianglan was in the outer room doing needlework with the maids. She quickly stood to see him off. At the doorway, Yuan Shaoren suddenly turned to Xianglan and said, "I'm heading to the Old Master's place. Earlier, I heard from an old woman that almost everyone is here today, and the Old Master is keeping us for a meal. He asked me to come over. Could you show me the way?"
Xianglan, being sharp, understood that Yuan Shaoren had something to say to her. She nodded in agreement, picked up her cloak, and followed him out into the courtyard. There, Yuan Shaoren asked, "What are your plans for the future?"
Xianglan glanced at him and replied, "No plans."
Yuan Shaoren said, "If one has no long-term worries, there will be immediate troubles. You're a thoughtful person—I don't believe you have no plans at all. Once Eagle Soar recovers, what will you do? Have you thought about it?" He paused, then added, "I shouldn't be asking these things, but I admire your character, which is why I'm concerned. You remind me greatly of an old acquaintance of mine. I'm afraid that in the future... you might end up like her."
Xianglan lowered her head and stared at the snow on the ground without speaking.
Yuan Shaoren sighed and said, "Eagle Soar and I have been close since childhood. Though I'm quite a bit older, we're like brothers. He's never cared much for women—no matter how divine a Celestial Maiden, he'd grow tired of her soon enough. But this time, he's truly devoted to you. Last time you ran off to Yangzhou, he mobilized all his troops and connections to search for you across the entire Jiangnan region, issuing orders and notices in every city and county. When he couldn't find you, he was nearly driven mad. This time, with this incident, he feared he wouldn't make it. Back in the village, when he was on the verge of closing his eyes, he still entrusted me, saying that if that day ever came, I should take good care of you."
(Xiao He's Weibo, search 'He Yanshan' on Sina for update notifications, etc.)
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