A soft cough came from outside, startling Xianglan. She quickly pushed the man away, lowered her head, and said, "Someone's here." Lin Jinlou frowned as Xue Ning's voice whispered, "Eldest Master, the Fourth Young Master and his wife have arrived."
Xianglan hurriedly stood up, smoothing her hair and straightening her clothes. Lin Jinlou grumbled, "Couldn't they have come earlier or later?" but had no choice but to rise and go out.
Soon after, Lin Dongxiu entered with De Ge'er. The boy wore a cloak with gray squirrel fur on the outside and black sable lining, both sides thickly padded, along with a Guanyin hood. His small dark face was flushed red from the wind, and he sniffled occasionally. Xianglan quickly fetched soft paper for De Ge'er to blow his nose, then reached out to touch his face. Worried he might catch cold, she silently blamed the attendants for not taking better care of him.
Lin Dongxiu complained loudly about the cold, sitting first on the heated kang and removing her cloak. She took a cup of hot tea and, seeing Xianglan fussing over De Ge'er, said, "He was perfectly fine sitting in the carriage, but he insisted on riding a horse outside. The Marquis indulged him too. If he falls ill, it'll look like I wasn't careful enough."
De Ge'er hung his head at these words.
Xianglan felt this was inappropriate but couldn't say anything. She helped De Ge'er onto the kang, instructed Xue Ning to set out the fruit table, and gave the boy her own cushion to sit on. She handed him a steaming cup of tea, tucked a blanket around him, and placed a hand warmer at his feet. To Lin Dongxiu, she said, "Even we here know how well you treat De Ge'er. Even if the child catches a slight cold, no one would criticize you."
Lin Dongxiu sighed, "If only that were true." She picked up a piece of cloud-slice cake and gave it to De Ge'er, saying, "You've been saying you're hungry since the journey. Have this to tide you over, but don't eat too much."
De Ge'er nodded, wiped his hands with a towel, and obediently nibbled on the cake.
Watching him, Xianglan thought, "How many children his age are this well-behaved and perceptive of others' moods? It's all because his mother passed away so early." Her heart ached with pity, but seeing that Lin Dongxiu seemed to treat him well, she felt somewhat relieved. She looked up and noticed Lin Dongxiu's hair was neatly styled in a married woman's bun, adorned with matching gold and jade accessories that made her appear older than before. She wore a Zhaojun hood with cloud-patterned yellow velvet and sable lining, a foreign-red jacket embroidered with hundred children, and a matching gold-threaded skirt with fur trim. Though her face was powdered, a faint sorrow lingered beneath. If not for her bright clothing, one wouldn't guess she was a joyful newlywed.
As the three chatted, Xianglan asked De Ge'er about his studies and was pleased to find he answered most questions correctly. Soon, Xue Ning entered and said, "The Eldest Master and Fourth Young Master are drinking in the outer room. They say it's snowing outside and will go plum blossom viewing once it stops. They ask the mistresses to have some refreshments first." Maids and matrons brought in a kang table, and Xianglan stood up to step aside. Lin Dongxiu grabbed her arm and laughed, "I wouldn't dare have you serve me a meal. My elder brother would be cross with me." She then ordered the meal served, with Qiangwei, Hanzhi, and Xue Ning attending. After eating, De Ge'er grew drowsy, his little head nodding until he soon fell fast asleep on the kang.
Xianglan covered him with a rhombus-patterned quilt and whispered to Lin Dongxiu, "De Ge'er isn't like other children. He's always afraid of displeasing anyone, which is heartbreaking. If I may speak out of turn, please be more mindful when talking to him in the future. We might mean nothing by it, but the child tends to overthink."Lin Dongxiu said with slight impatience, "I understand. The Marquis treats him like the apple of his eye, and both Madam and Xia Gugu have urged me to treat him well. How dare I mistreat him? Even when I pamper and indulge him like this, I still face criticism and gossip from others from time to time."
Xianglan said, "Others' mouths are beyond our control. As long as we act with integrity and have a clear conscience, that's all that matters."
Lin Dongxiu let out a long sigh and said, "If only it were that simple. Since you're not an outsider, there are some things I’ve been meaning to discuss with you." She then poured out her grievances in an endless stream.
It turned out that the daily affairs of the Yuan household were managed by He Shi, Yuan Shaoren’s aunt. The day after Lin Dongxiu entered the household, He Shi handed over the household management to her. Naturally, Lin Dongxiu was ambitious and eager to make her mark. However, after carefully observing for a couple of days, she discovered that the household was not only plagued by long-standing malpractices but also entangled in complex relationships among masters and servants.
"...After all, He Shi is the Marquis’s aunt and was only acting as a caretaker. Why would she want to offend anyone? The servants were poorly disciplined—drinking, gambling, and even young maids, servants, and married women engaging in improper behavior behind closed doors with the stewards. On top of that, there were embezzlements from the public funds, false reports, and even thefts. The inventory records didn’t match the items in the storeroom—even the white porcelain bowls were nearly all stolen. And now, she’s left me with this mess. Don’t you think it’s infuriating? But that’s not all. The most annoying part is those irrelevant relatives. The uncles, brothers, nephews, and nieces of the Marquis’s Concubines are all holding positions, using their connections to commit disgraceful deeds under false pretenses. It’s hard to decide whether to discipline them or ignore them. The people I brought as part of my dowry are being marginalized, both openly and covertly. Whenever I try to punish those unruly servants, the old Concubines come crying and kneeling, begging for mercy. Even the Marquis tells me to let it go. I..." As she spoke, Lin Dongxiu choked up, wiping the corner of her eye with a handkerchief. "Everyone, inside and out, is waiting to see me fail. He Shi also dislikes me and nitpicks at everything. Nowadays, it seems like my words carry little weight."
Xianglan said, "Why don’t you go back and seek advice from Madam? And what about Han Mama? Didn’t Madam assign her to you? She’s experienced and knowledgeable—it would be good to consult her on matters, both good and bad. And there’s Xia Gugu—she’s exceptionally shrewd. Didn’t she promise to stay with you at the Marquis’s residence for a while?"
Lin Dongxiu’s nose turned red as she let out a long sigh. "To be honest, I’m holding back my frustration. I knew from the start that the Old Master and Madam looked down on me, and I’ve been determined to prove myself by achieving something remarkable. How could I go back and ask Madam for help, humiliating myself? Han Mama did offer some advice a few times, but I found it ineffective. As for Xia Gugu, she was summoned to the palace a few days ago. I heard it’s because Princess Yongcheng is about to marry, and Xia Gugu, being experienced in such matters, was specially called to assist." She then took Xianglan’s hand and said, "Dear Xianglan, there’s something I need to ask of you right now."
Xianglan asked in surprise, "Ask me?"Lin Dongxiu said, "Exactly. I'm newly married, and the Marquis and I merely maintain a respectful distance. He's constantly busy, usually exchanging no more than three to five sentences with me daily. Alone and isolated, how can I establish myself in the Marquis' household? Eldest Brother shares a close personal friendship with the Marquis. If he could visit the estate or mention to the Marquis that he should allow me some flexibility in all matters, I'd be better positioned to maneuver within the household. Everyone knows you're the one closest to Eldest Brother's heart. Xianglan, dear Xianglan, I beg you to plead my case properly with him."
Xianglan suddenly understood. No wonder Lin Dongxiu had been ten times more courteous than usual today and confided her troubles—it was all a roundabout way to ask Lin Jinlou to back her up at the Marquis' estate. She replied, "In that case, wouldn't it be better for you to speak with him directly? Why trouble with me as an intermediary?"
Lin Dongxiu shrank her neck slightly. "I approached him days ago, but Eldest Brother didn't agree..."
Seeing Lin Dongxiu's expression, Xianglan knew Lin Jinlou must have given her harsh words that day. His refusal to help suggested things might not be entirely as Lin Dongxiu described. Though Lin Dongxiu loved to stir up trouble, her nature wasn't fundamentally bad. Having been disciplined by Xia Gugu into better behavior, her current distress showed how difficult the Yuan family was to manage.
Women from powerful, prominent families appeared glamorous and dignified to outsiders, but those married into such households each had their own bitterness. Without sufficient magnanimity, insight, patience, and virtue, how could one bear the weight of such a high position in an aristocratic family?
Xianglan said, "I'll naturally mention it to Eldest Master, but whether he agrees or not, I can't say. You know his temperament."
Lin Dongxiu exclaimed joyfully, "Please add a few kind words for me! Helping me with such a great favor—I'll remember your kindness."
Xianglan paused. "It's just a few words, not worth such gratitude. But Fourth Young Mistress should learn to handle affairs with more balance. If you encounter difficulties again, Eldest Master can't always go to support you."
Lin Dongxiu sneered, "I know. Once I overcome this hurdle, I've already drafted plans in my heart. I'll remember every single one—those who dare step on me, bully me, or try to control me. When I secure my footing in the household and wield influence, I'll make them repay a thousandfold!"
Xianglan was taken aback and couldn't help saying, "An eye for an eye leaves everyone blind. With such a hostile mindset, the household will inevitably see endless strife and no peace."
Lin Dongxiu snorted, "You think there's peace now? When they've bullied me to my face, if I stay silent, everyone will think I'm dead. How could I maintain order and manage the household if they rebel later?"
Xianglan advised, "Harmony is most precious in managing a household. Establish good rules, enforce them with clear rewards and punishments, and follow a strategy of moderation and benevolence. In the long run, suffering a loss can be a blessing in life. Everyone has eyes—if you're generous and caring toward subordinates, you'll naturally win hearts. With the household thriving peacefully, the Marquis will be pleased and respect you. Compared to that, the grievances you endure daily mean little."
Lin Dongxiu retorted coldly, "I'm not as good-natured as you. I'm the master—it's their place to tolerate me. Why should I be the one showing leniency toward them?"Xianglan glanced at Lin Dongxiu's expression and knew further words would be futile, so she fell silent. Lin Dongxiu, likewise unwilling to dwell on the subject, changed the topic: "How is your health? Your complexion looks better than before." She studied Xianglan's face more closely and added, "It's not just your complexion—even your facial aura seems transformed."
Xianglan chuckled. "Since when did Fourth Young Mistress learn physiognomy? Why not divine my fortune?"
Lin Dongxiu shook her head. "I'm not jesting. When I first met you, I merely thought you were pretty and seemingly gentle, yet there was an innate arrogance about you—I couldn't fathom why a maid would carry herself so haughtily. It was rather off-putting. Later, you grew even more sharp-tongued, retorting tenfold to any criticism. But gradually, you mellowed, learning to swallow grievances. When the Jiang family wronged you so vilely, I expected an uproar—had it been me, I'd have stirred a storm to expose their hypocrisy. Yet you remained silent. Did Eldest Brother wear down your temper?"
Xianglan paused, then smiled without reply. It wasn't just Lin Jinlou. These years of stumbling through hardships had transformed her with every tear-soaked step. She recognized her own insignificance, shed her pride and rigidity, and embraced humility and softness. Having endured struggles, she understood not imposing on others what she herself despised, learning compassion and mercy for others' sufferings and flaws.
After the poisoning incident came to light, she had clung to hope of leaving the estate, but ultimately despair took hold. During her prolonged illness, she revisited memories of both her lifetimes and suddenly realized her own obstinate folly. If fate truly condemned her to lifelong confinement in the Lin household, must she follow Jialian's path, withering into ashes of melancholy? In truth, the torment that kept her restless, weeping, and heartbroken was merely an obsession. Though she still yearned to leave, life held much to be grateful for. As her mindset shifted, she gradually learned not to let this fixation gnaw at her heart day and night, sparing herself unbearable agony.
Xue Ning entered to replenish tea and refresh the fruits. Lin Dongxiu took a sip of hot tea and suddenly exclaimed as if recalling something, "On my way here, I bumped into an old acquaintance! Guess who?"
Xianglan asked, "Who?"
"Song Ke, of all people!" Lin Dongxiu said. "We met at a relay station on the official road. The Marquis asked the station for hot water to brew tea, so we disembarked to rest. Unexpectedly, Song Ke was there with his family—his wife Zheng Jingxian and their son, who's already toddling everywhere. They said they were visiting relatives near the capital. Given our familial connection, we exchanged greetings. Song Ke hasn't changed much, and Zheng Jingxian made small talk, though there wasn't much to say."
Xianglan murmured, "So it was him... I wonder how he's faring now..." A faint melancholy lingered in her heart.Lin Dongxiu chatted and laughed with Xianglan for a while longer, then grew drowsy as well. She lay down on the kang in her clothes and slept next to De Ge'er. Xianglan, however, felt no weariness. Thinking of Lin Dongxiu's request, she mused to herself, "Why not summon Lin Jinlou right now and discuss this matter with him? Whether he agrees or not, I will have done my utmost, and I can give a proper account." She called for Xue Ning twice, but there was no response. It turned out that the maids, exhausted from the long journey, had all retreated to the side rooms to rest, seeing that their mistresses were chatting and laughing with no further instructions.
Xianglan then went out to search. Outside the room stood a large screen, and beyond it, Lin Jinlou and Yuan Shaoren were drinking and talking in the main hall. Just as Xianglan was about to step into the side corridor, she heard Yuan Shaoren say, "On the way here today, I actually ran into Song Ke. He was with his wife and children, saying they were going to visit relatives in the suburbs. What relatives would one visit in such icy, snowy weather? It seems the situation in the capital is unstable, and his father-in-law likely ordered them to leave and lay low."
Upon hearing this, Xianglan halted in her tracks.
She then heard Lin Jinlou say, "Song Ke's father-in-law has always been a vocal supporter of the Second Prince, stirring up quite a fuss. Two months ago, his colleagues jointly impeached him. The Emperor, in a rage, stripped him of his official position and confiscated most of his family's assets, making him an example to warn others. Anyone with eyes can see this was the Eastern Palace's doing. The Second Prince is no pushover either—yesterday, he pulled strings to have Zhao Jin killed. Each side has now lost a key ally."
"Song Ke truly has talent and learning. It would be a great pity if his future were ruined because of the struggle for the throne."
Lin Jinlou snorted, clearly in strong disagreement.
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