Lin Jinlou had long forgotten about Qiongzhi entirely. He merely glanced at the four performers, having seen such scenes countless times before, and felt utterly bored. He lowered his head to eat his food. Yuan Shaoren had no particular fondness for musical performances either, 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 that Brother Liu has put considerable thought 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 that they might not stand out in the capital? Now you’re praising them?" Ignoring Xie Yu’s awkward expression, he turned to Qiongzhi and said, "Sing one of your best pieces. If it’s good, there’s a reward."
The four performers then took their seats. The Embroidered Zither and Silver Zither, the Jade-faced Pipa, and the Red Ivory Clappers began to play and sing. Listening carefully, it turned out to be a suite titled "Flower Moon Fills the City with Spring," melodious and tender, quite charming in its own way. After the performance, Liu Xiaochuan rewarded them with two packets of silver, each containing one tael, and requested another song. During the banquet, Jixiang and Shuangxi attended with wine jugs, and for a while, the atmosphere was harmonious. As Shuangxi poured wine, she looked up and noticed De Ge’er peeking into the room with his little head. She gently nudged Yuan Shaoren and gestured with her chin. Yuan Shaoren spotted De Ge’er and left his seat to approach him, asking, "What is it?"
De Ge’er said, "I have something to ask of Father." He took Yuan Shaoren’s hand and led him outside, past the screen wall, to a secluded spot behind the house under the eaves near a cluster of pine and cypress trees, where Xianglan stood with Xue Ning. Xianglan curtseyed and said, "I apologize for presumptuously inviting the Marquis here, but I have a question to ask and hope you 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 among them. Ever since they encountered Song Ke on the road, she had chattered nonstop about the time the Song family stayed 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 family 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... It’s just as well they didn’t. What kind of person is Zheng Jingxian? She would have tormented Xianglan to death."
Now, seeing Xianglan’s inquiry, Yuan Shaoren replied, "Song Ke has requested an assignment to a border garrison in Guizhou. He will likely depart after the New Year, though I don’t know the exact date. I’ll send someone to inquire and let you know once I have the precise information, Concubine."
Xianglan was taken aback. Guizhou was a remote and rugged border region, a post no one wanted. She bowed again and said, "Thank you for telling me, Marquis. This person has shown me great kindness. Earlier, I was nearly sold into a brothel by Zhao Shi, 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 plan to send some gifts to his residence someday to do what little I can." She paused and added, "I hope you will keep this matter confidential and not mention it to our Eldest Master."Yuan Shaoren agreed verbally, his gaze lingering on Xianglan's wind-chapped cheeks and those serene eyes that 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 stored in a gleaming porcelain vase—outwardly radiant, yet having already endured a lifetime of adversity that others might face. In his heart, he couldn't discern whether it was pity or admiration he felt, or perhaps an indescribable shame and vague remorse. Hurriedly turning to watch De Ge'er running about the courtyard, possibly emboldened by wine, he momentarily lost restraint and suddenly sighed: "The Concubine's character is beyond reproach. I, Yuan, hold you in high esteem. Forgive my bluntness, but sometimes I feel the Concubine resembles... resembles a departed acquaintance. Had she lived, it would have been better. Sometimes I think the ongoing unrest in the household these days might be my retribution..." Only after speaking did he realize he had said too much, and promptly offered apologies.
Xianglan immediately grasped the implied meaning in his words. Though she ought to resent Yuan Shaoren for Jialian's wrongful death, seeing him standing in the bleak cold wind, appearing desolate and solitary as if aged six or seven years in an instant, her gaze fell upon the frolicking De Ge'er and her heart softened. After carefully weighing her words twice over in her mind, she finally comforted: "Your Lordship, I dare say this once: only when one is a phoenix tree will the phoenix come to perch; only when one is the vast ocean will all rivers converge. Fragrant flowers naturally attract butterflies. Your Lordship must first rectify family discipline, punish misconduct and reward merit, handle matters with benevolence, and treat wives and concubines kindly. Only then will harmonious family relations follow, 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 we expect them not to bring troubles and worries in matters great and small?" She turned to look at De Ge'er, a faint glimmer of moisture appearing in her eyes: "The departed are like the flowing river—Your Lordship ought to rally yourself. De Ge'er's birth mother losing her life so young is truly lamentable and heartbreaking. 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' wrongdoings. Some matters inherently lack right or wrong—they merely stem from differing statuses and interests. Your Lordship elevating her so repeatedly, how could the legal wife, Da Nǎinai, not harbor resentment in her heart? Sometimes, despite countless helpless circumstances, when under another's roof, one must bow; in whose arena one stands, one must applaud whose performance... Ah, but saying all this is useless now..."
Yuan Shaoren felt deeply stirred and couldn't help exclaiming: "The Concubine is truly a rare soul of profound understanding!"
Xianglan smiled faintly: "I too had to endure much suffering and polishing before comprehending this truth. Formerly priding myself on intelligence and reason, I only misled myself. One must experience complete upheavals, grinding away all arrogance and resentment, before understanding what humility and softness truly are." Having said this, she straightened solemnly and bowed deeply to Yuan Shaoren: "Your Lordship, as the head of the household, the master and pillar of the family, with De Ge'er still young, all future matters rest upon Your Lordship. I implore you to gather your spirits and cherish yourself." With these words, she called De Ge'er and, taking his hand, led him back inside.Their conversation went unnoticed by the others at the table who were playing drinking games. Noticing Yuan Shaoren’s absence, Liu Xiaochuan sent Qiongzhi to fetch him. Qiongzhi, eager to catch Marquis Yongchang’s eye, was more than willing. She searched behind the house and spotted the two talking, with a maid and a young boy playing nearby. She observed them closely but couldn’t make out their words. A thought crossed her mind: “Isn’t that Xianglan?” Seeing Xianglan adorned in pearls and jewels, wearing a grand crimson Feather Gauze cloak, she looked every bit the noble lady of a marquis household—even surpassing Zhao Yuechan in her prime. Qiongzhi couldn’t help but feel a pang of bitterness and envy. “We were once the same kind of person,” she thought. “I should have been the one living in such splendor as a concubine in the Lin family. How is it that a lowborn servant’s daughter has such fortune, while I am left to suffer?” Lost in self-pity, she shed a few tears. When she saw Yuan Shaoren approaching, she dared not linger and hurried back to the banquet.
Her eyes then fell upon Lin Jinlou—handsome, dashing, and full of vigor—and her resentment only grew. Turning sideways to hide in the lamplight, she took out a stick of Rouge from her pouch and dabbed it on her lips, then smoothed her hair. Clutching a gold-embroidered crimson handkerchief and holding a cup of wine, she approached Lin Jinlou to fawn over him. At one moment, she peeled meat for him, saying, “Eldest Master Lin, try this.” At another, she coaxed, “Master, I poured this cup for you myself—you must drink it. If you refuse, I’ll be cross with you for life.” She then asked him to choose a song for her to sing, and later insisted on playing drinking games with him. Hovering around him, she clung to his side without respite.
Lin Jinlou paid her little attention, responding half-heartedly. He was still brooding over Xianglan. Yet, when he noticed a rare dish of stir-fried wild mushrooms with tender greens on the table—a winter delicacy he knew Xianglan favored—he found himself ordering the kitchen to prepare another serving for her. “Am I not just being a fool?” he grumbled inwardly.
Qiongzhi, growing increasingly frustrated, pretended to be tipsy and leaned flirtatiously against Lin Jinlou. Yuan Shaoren, displeased, remarked, “You’re clinging to him so much—are you even letting the rest of us speak?”
Humiliated by his public rebuke, Qiongzhi flushed crimson and nursed a grudge.
Liu Xiaochuan and Xie Yu laughed in unison, teasing, “Sister Qiong, you sly fox—you certainly know who to flatter.”
After more drinking, Yuan Shaoren was the first to take his leave. Once he departed, Lin Jinlou also stopped drinking, claiming fatigue and excusing himself. Though Xie Yu and Liu Xiaochuan pressed him to stay, Lin Jinlou declined, saying, “It’s not that I’m refusing your hospitality, but these days I shouldn’t drink too much. When we return to the capital, I’ll treat you both properly.” He urged them to continue enjoying themselves, instructed servants to attend to them, and arranged rooms for their stay. The two, never ones to stand on ceremony, remained in the hall, eating and drinking—a matter we shall set aside for now.
As Lin Jinlou stood to leave, Qiongzhi grew frantic. Seizing an unnoticed moment, she darted out and rushed to support him, saying, “Master, do be careful.”
Lin Jinlou let her hold his arm and lazily remarked, “You’re quite the clever little monkey, aren’t you?”
Qiongzhi replied sweetly, “I only hope Master will teach me more.”
“You play the pipa skillfully and sing well,” Lin Jinlou said. “I’ve already given orders to reward you with some silver. Use it to buy rouge and powder.”
Qiongzhi smiled. “Master is always so kind to me.”As they reached the second gate, Lin Jinlou shook off Qiongzhi and said, "Alright, you can go back now. This isn't a place for you to enter." With that, he strode inside.
Though Qiongzhi feared Lin Jinlou's authority, she knew she had to take this desperate gamble. She was acutely aware that her life as a courtesan, relying on her fading beauty to entertain patrons, was precarious at best. If fortune smiled, she might find a man to redeem her as a concubine before her looks faded entirely; if luck turned, she could end up in unimaginable circumstances. This chance encounter with Lin Jinlou was a rare opportunity—one she might never have again. She clung to the hope that he might remember their past connection and offer her a lifeline, or at least some patronage. Aligning herself with a man of his stature could be her only chance for a turnaround.
With this thought, she threw herself to her knees, tears streaming down her face like rolling melons, and pleaded pitifully, "Does the Eldest Master truly not recognize this humble maid?"
Lin Jinlou paused, frowning. "You are...?"
Qiongzhi had rehearsed her story and wept, "This maid is Qiongzhi. I was originally a servant by Zhao Shi's side, then followed her to the Dai family. But because the master spoke with me a few times, Zhao Shi grew jealous and sold me to a brothel. Seeing you today, Eldest Master... it brings back memories of the past..." She continuously dabbed her tears with a handkerchief, lowering her gaze and furrowing her brows in sorrow, crying as delicately as pear blossoms glistening with rain.
Lin Jinlou was somewhat moved, recalling how he had once taken a liking to Xianglan, which provoked Zhao Yuechan's jealousy. Xianglan had been brutally beaten and nearly sold to a brothel, only to be rescued by Song Ke. Tch, his own negligence had allowed Song Ke to play the hero, leaving that foolish girl forever grateful to him. 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, clutching his legs. "This maid is utterly devoted to the Eldest Master, willing to serve you in any capacity. I beg for your mercy—allow me to return to the Lin family. Even if I must sweep floors or cook, performing the lowliest tasks, just to catch a glimpse of you, I would die content..."
Before she could finish, the sound of a child's gleeful laughter rang out. Turning, 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, clinging to his legs. Qiongzhi's attire clearly marked her as a woman of the pleasure quarters, and the entangled scene made Xianglan freeze momentarily before she averted her gaze.
Lin Jinlou felt inexplicably awkward. He took two steps back, freeing his legs, and said, "Enough. Since you once had ties to the Lin family, I'll grant you extra silver to get by." He then turned and walked into the courtyard.
Qiongzhi was stunned, thinking to herself, "He was clearly softening earlier. If it weren't for that little wretch Xianglan, he might have already allowed me to stay with the Lin family. With my looks, wouldn't I secure a place among the Lin family's three masters? Or if Lin Jinlou redeemed me and gifted me to an official's subordinate, I'd be adorned in gold and silver, never wanting for food or clothing." Her resentment grew, and remembering Yuan Shaoren's mockery at the banquet, she blurted out recklessly, "Eldest Master! There's one more thing! Earlier, when Marquis Yongchang left the banquet, I went to look for him and happened to see Xianglan meeting with him in secret!"Upon hearing this, Lin Jinlou stopped in his tracks again. Qiongzhi stared at his back and cried out, "If I speak even half a lie, may I be struck by lightning and die a miserable death!" She then saw Lin Jinlou slowly turn around, his face darkening as he walked toward her step by step. Only then did Qiongzhi realize something was wrong and couldn't help but tremble with fear, stammering, "It's true... I saw it with my own eyes... The two of them stayed together for a long time..."
Lin Jinlou grabbed her by the collar and lifted her up. Qiongzhi screamed in terror. Lin Jinlou said with a sinister tone, "If you dare gossip again or utter even a single word about this to anyone, I'll ruin you. Understood?"
Qiongzhi went limp all over, trembling like a leaf, tears welling up in her eyes as she nodded frantically.
Lin Jinlou threw her aside and shouted, "Get lost!"
Qiongzhi scrambled away, the Emerald Inlaid Pearl Strings on her head scattering all over the ground, drawing the curious gazes of everyone in the courtyard.
Lin Jinlou rubbed his temples. He trusted Yuan Shaoren's character and knew that Xianglan, that little pedant, wouldn't do anything improper. Still, he needed to get to the bottom of this. He strode inside and spotted Xue Ning standing under the corridor. He beckoned to her and said, "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, "Tell me, did the Concubine meet privately with the Fourth Son-in-law today or not?"
Xue Ning was shocked and shook her head repeatedly. "No, no! Who's been spreading such rumors? 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 utter even a single false word, you'll bear the full consequences!"
Xue Ning thought to herself, "Although the Concubine warned me not to speak of this to others, if the Eldest Master mistakenly believes the Concubine has an improper relationship with Marquis Yongchang, that would be terrible. The 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 Concubine only asked about where Song Ke, Lord Song, would be taking office and when he would depart. Since Lord Song had shown her kindness, she was afraid he would leave before she could repay the favor."
Unlike the other maidservants close to Xianglan, Xue Ning regarded Lin Jinlou as her sole master at heart. She had never been particularly close to Xianglan, and Xianglan's trusted maids often spoke privately without her, so she was unaware of the underlying tensions. Though she meant well, she didn't realize that Song Ke remained a sore spot for Lin Jinlou. Her words had precisely stirred up a hornet's nest.
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