Three days later was Qin Shi's birthday. Since they were still in the mourning period for Old Madam Zeng, it was not to be a grand celebration. Only a few close relatives and friends were invited for a few tables of feasting and light entertainment. However, Old Madam Lin placed great importance on Qin Shi's birthday celebration, ordering that the banquet be of the highest quality and specifically instructing Qin Shi to rest while others handled the arrangements. Wang Shi was not skilled at managing household affairs, and Lin Dongqi had no interest in such matters, so Lin Jinlou took charge. He hired renowned vegetarian chefs from major restaurants to prepare the dishes, making the event quite lively.
Qin Shi had originally not intended to invite Cao Lihuan, but Cao Lihuan was shrewd and had eagerly sent someone over with two sets of needlework as birthday gifts. Old Madam Lin then said, "After all, she is family. It wouldn't be appropriate not to invite her. It's just an extra set of bowls and chopsticks. I'll have a few old nannies keep an eye on things inside and out. Just turn a blind eye, and it'll be fine." Since Old Madam Lin had spoken this way, Qin Shi had no choice but to invite Cao Lihuan as well.
Cao Lihuan had been planning what to wear for two days. She dug out two outfits from the bottom of her trunk, both tailored at Xianni Zhai and barely worn. But when she tried them on in front of the mirror, she either found the style outdated or the colors too flashy to wear during the mourning period. In the end, she reluctantly put on the tea-white, fully embroidered silk satin long jacket with colorful gold floral and bird patterns again. She ordered Huier to carefully do her makeup and wore a sapphire headdress. Finally, she told Xianglan to accompany her.
Xianglan was surprised. Although Huier had been beaten and couldn't walk properly, such a face-showing opportunity should have fallen to Huairui. Now that Cao Lihuan was speaking to her kindly and asking her to come along, Xianglan felt somewhat unaccustomed to it. "Your face is too plain. You should at least put on some rouge. Go back and change your clothes too," Cao Lihuan said, admiring herself in the mirror and holding a Pearl Flower against her hair, though her words were directed at Xianglan. "Although Cousin's wife's birthday isn't a grand affair, I heard several officials' families will be attending, along with some influential steward's wives. Dress up nicely, and if you can make a small impression, even just getting familiar faces to recognize you will be good. It'll bring you benefits in the future."
Xianglan smiled faintly. "I've never liked wearing rouge or powder, and this outfit I'm wearing is just fine... I do have a slate-blue skirt, but it's still drying after being washed."
Cao Lihuan was displeased and shot Xianglan a sidelong glance, muttering under her breath, "Ungrateful thing, like mud that just won't stick to the wall."
Xianglan clearly heard her but pretended not to. However, noticing that her jacket had gotten dirty while watering flowers in the morning, she went back to her room to change. Entering the room, she saw Siqiao standing restlessly by the window, who jumped in fright at her arrival. Xianglan climbed onto the kang, opened the camphorwood chest, and rummaged for clothes while saying, "Siqiao, why have you been so distracted these past couple of days? Did something happen?"
"No, no, nothing happened..." Siqiao hurriedly waved her hands. "I'm perfectly fine."
Xianglan found her clothes, took off the russet-colored outer jacket she was wearing, and changed into a frost-colored blouse. "If you're facing any difficulties, just tell me. I'll help if I can."Siqiao watched Xianglan hesitate to speak, clenching her fists so tightly her nails dug deep into her flesh. Xianglan had always treated her exceptionally well, supporting her in every matter and often offering comforting words. She felt grateful, yet couldn't suppress her jealousy—Xianglan was not only beautiful but also excelled at needlework. Moreover, Xianglan was a maid in the Lin household! Once Cao Lihuan married, Xianglan could retire comfortably and continue living a lavish life in the wealthy Lin family. But what about her? She had been given to Cao Lihuan with her contract of servitude by Madam. Her mistress was not only ill-tempered and narrow-minded but also tormenting—fond of showing off despite having little money. Even if she wouldn't starve in the future, life would surely be miserable. She was already suffering now, and who knew how much worse it would get later.
But why? If she hadn't been cast out, the maid assigned to Cao Lihuan should have been Xianglan!
Why was she so unlucky?
Why was Xianglan better than her in every way?
If—if the matter with Si Shunr succeeded, Xianglan would be as wretched as her, no, even worse!
Somehow, this thought instantly eased Siqiao's heart. She lowered her head, then raised it again after a moment, forcing a smile as she said, "Of course, if anything happens, I'll definitely tell you."
Xianglan smiled back at Siqiao and pushed the door open to leave.
Cao Lihuan spent quite some time primping herself, even applying a layer of scented ointment behind her ears before finally stepping out. She made her way to the garden, where the banquet had already begun. Cao Lihuan was seated at a table with Qi, Ling, Xiu, and Song Zancha, while Qin Shi and the others gathered around a large Eight Immortals table, with Zhao Yuechan standing behind to serve. Xianglan glanced around and noticed that aside from Qin Shi, Wang Shi, and Song Ke's mother, Song Yima, the other three women at the Eight Immortals table were unfamiliar. Dressed in luxurious silks and adorned with jewels, they clearly came from distinguished families. She obediently stood by the wall with the maids of the other young ladies—they would only be free to eat after serving their mistresses during the meal.
The banquet was held at the Autumn-Clipping Pavilion, facing a serene lake with red apricot blossoms and a half-pond of lotus leaves, creating a uniquely charming scene. A gentle breeze drifted through the open carved vermilion windows, refreshing the mind and spirit. Xianglan silently admired the setting. During Old Madam Zeng's mourning period, all music and theatrical performances were forbidden, making the birthday celebration rather quiet. Yet, choosing such a scenic spot—where one could enjoy the view, feed the fish, and play a few rounds of cards—offered its own delights. She heard the feast was arranged by Lin Jinlou. Who would have thought that scoundrel, aside from being lustful and heartless, had some clever ideas too.
Just then, someone laughed and said, "The three young ladies of your Lin family—each is more beautiful than the last! I'd met Wan before and thought she was a top-tier beauty, but now that I've seen Qi, Ling, and Xiu, I truly understand what it means: 'Beyond the mountains, there are higher peaks; beyond the towers, there are loftier pavilions.'"
"Sister Zhou, you flatter them. They're not nearly as good as you say," Qin Shi replied with a smile. "It's your Feng girl who's truly lovely. You should have brought her along this time so the young ladies could enjoy each other's company."
Zhou Shi chuckled. "If she came, she'd just cause mischief—unlike your Qi, who's so dignified and elegant, the very image of you. I won't take no for an answer. Last time, Wan was a bit older and didn't quite match with us, but this time Qi simply must be promised to our family. You've met my eldest son—his character and temperament are truly outstanding.""Lady Zhou is certainly praising her own wares. Is your family the only one with sons? Our Hong'er is just as fine in character and appearance as Sister Qi." Duan Shi smiled warmly, her gaze resting on Lin Dongqi's elegant and charming demeanor, growing more fond by the moment.
Qin Shi's laughter deepened.
Zhou Shi added with a chuckle, "Not just Sister Qi—I find Sisters Ling, Xiu, and Chai all have features that outshine one another. Your household is truly a nest of beauties."
The others chimed in agreement, and soon Wang Shi and Song Yima were also beaming. Everyone had been praised except Cao Lihuan, as if she didn't exist at all. Cao Lihuan's face immediately darkened.
Though their voices were soft, the conversation carried to the neighboring table. Lin Dongqi flushed slightly but forced a calm expression. Lin Dongling grinned, nudging Lin Dongqi with her elbow and whispering playfully, "Second Sister, Auntie is thinking of finding you a match."
Lin Dongqi spat back, "What nonsense are you spouting?"
"How is it nonsense? One is from the Office of Transmission, the other from the Loyal and Brave Marquis—both prestigious families well-matched with ours, and both have taken a liking to you." As long as Lin Dongqi didn't compete with her for Song Ke, Lin Dongling was content, her temperament even softening as she teased, "And there's the wife of the Surveillance Commissioner who hasn't spoken yet—I can tell she's interested too."
Lin Dongxiu felt a pang of bitterness and said with cool sarcasm, "With Mother making plans, of course Sister will have a bright future." She thought of their eldest sister, Lin Dongwan, beautiful and ambitious, yet held back by her status as a concubine-born—too high for some, too low for others. She didn't marry until eighteen, and though it was into an established family, it wasn't as glorious as it seemed. Rumor had it the family had few promising descendants, with the highest official rank not exceeding the fifth grade, as if in decline. Lin Dongwan's husband didn't appear capable or driven either; each time she returned home, her eyes seemed weathered, her spirit increasingly worn. Now, with Lin Dongqi's marriage prospects drawing such eager interest from noble houses, all because she was born of the Madam—what a world of difference!
Cao Lihuan, hearing that the ladies at the table were all wealthy or noble, burned with envy and rage. She had come hoping to shine and secretly aimed to mingle with the powerful to climb higher, but Qin Shi hadn't even introduced her to the ladies—clearly looking down on her! With fresh grudges piled on old, she swore she'd take revenge or she wasn't a Cao.
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