The next day, the Lin residence saw an endless stream of visitors calling to pay respects or inquire after Lin Jinlou’s health. He instructed Xianglan to read aloud the name cards presented, sorting them into several piles based on the closeness of relationships and urgency of matters. Some required dictated replies, which Xianglan transcribed, while others were sent directly to the Old Master. Lin Jinlou continued to feign illness externally, refusing all visitors except for the Chief Steward and advisors sent by the Crown Prince.
After seeing off the guests, Xianglan presented the gift list from the Crown Prince to Lin Jinlou. After a brief glance, he said to her, "Take the list to the Old Master for his review. If there’s anything you fancy among the gifts, pick a few items for yourself, and let Madam choose some as well." With that, he closed his eyes. Knowing he had exhausted himself over the past half-day, Xianglan fed him a few sips of water, drew the bed curtains, and dispatched Xue Ning to deliver the gift list. Shortly after, Tao Hongxun and Lin Dongqi arrived at the Hall of Flourishing Spring to visit the invalid. Noting the courtyard’s profound silence, they tread softly inside, observing two or three young maids airing quilts outside. In the outer room, two maidservants were doing needlework; upon seeing the visitors, they promptly set aside their tasks and went to announce their arrival.
Tao Hongxun observed the room’s resplendent gold and jade decorations, gleaming with intricate patterns, alongside a vibrant array of orchids—including cymbidiums, ink orchids, and cymbidium goeringii—accented by branches of red plum blossoms and fragrant, blooming narcissi in vases. The red and white hues complemented each other, creating a lively and pleasing sight. He thought to himself, "My brother-in-law has never had the patience for tending plants, yet now his room is filled with flowers, especially orchids. This must be the preference of his beloved concubine, known as the 'Recluse of Orchid Fragrance.'" As he pondered, a soft voice from behind the gauze window urged, "Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress, please come in quickly." A beautiful woman emerged to greet them, her attire distinguishing her from ordinary maidservants. Tao Hongxun promptly lowered his gaze, avoiding direct eye contact, and followed Lin Dongqi inside. From his peripheral vision, he noted her slender figure, oval face, and elegant demeanor. She wore an official-green ramie silk jacket under a light red sleeveless jacket, paired with a fine white silk pleated skirt—her grace and charm evident in every glance. This was Xianglan. Lin Dongqi greeted her warmly, clasping her hand and asking, "How is my brother?"
Xianglan replied softly, "He just fell asleep." She led them to the bedside and drew back the curtain, revealing Lin Jinlou in a deep slumber. The flesh on his cheeks had hollowed, making his cheekbones prominent, and his complexion was pale. Lin Dongqi’s eyes reddened as she said to Xianglan, "Let him rest; we won’t disturb him." Xianglan then escorted them to the adjacent side room and personally served tea. Aware of her unique status, Tao Hongxun rose quickly and said with a smile, "How could we trouble you to pour tea? I can serve myself."
Xianglan responded, "Please sit, Second Young Master. It’s just a cup of tea." She noted Tao Hongxun’s propriety—he neither let his eyes wander nor raised his head unnecessarily, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor. Turning to Lin Dongqi, she observed that her sister-in-law had filled out considerably after giving birth and completing her month-long confinement, yet her complexion was exceptionally radiant.
Soon after, Lin Dongxiu arrived. Tao Hongxun sat briefly before excusing himself to visit the Old Master, and that was that. Meanwhile, Xianglan, Qi, and Xiu conversed, and when asked about the night of Lin Jinlou’s peril, Xianglan recounted the encounter with the rebels but omitted any mention of Zhao Yuechan. The sisters gasped in shock, sighing over the harrowing experience.Lin Dongxiu said, "The capital has quieted down a bit these past two days, though they're still arresting rebels everywhere. People are panicked—not just outside, but even the household is in chaos."
Xianglan sighed. "Have you two ladies visited the second branch? The second master is bedridden, sometimes lucid, sometimes confused. The imperial physician said he must survive this winter before showing improvement. The second mistress is also ill. The eldest son-in-law and eldest daughter came this morning in mourning attire. Given these troubled times, the Old Master intends to hold a quiet funeral. He gave the eldest daughter a hundred taels of silver to manage it discreetly without any fanfare."
Lin Dongxiu leaned closer and asked Xianglan, "Tsk, how do you think Concubine Yin passed? She was always so robust—never suffered even minor ailments... It's understandable for Second Brother to fall ill year-end given his weak constitution, but why is Madam Tan sick too? They say her illness can't bear wind exposure and forbid visitors—almost as if she's hiding from people."
Xianglan understood the underlying meaning but said, "How would I know? We were at the estate earlier, and lately I've been solely attending to the Eldest Master. No other news reaches my ears."
After conversing a while longer, the two rose to visit the second branch. Since Concubine Yin had passed, they intended to offer incense and pay respects before taking their leave.
Lin Jinlou slept for about an hour. Waking to find Xianglan sitting in his room, he felt somewhat pleased. But when he saw her bring over a bowl of medicinal porridge, his face immediately fell, unwilling to eat. Xianglan coaxed gently, "Have some, won't you? I prepared this myself."
Just then, Ling Su announced, "The fourth son-in-law is here." Yuan Shaoren entered, exchanged greetings with Xianglan, then pulled up an embroidered stool by the bed. He patted Lin Jinlou's chest and asked with a smile, "How are you today? Feeling better?"
Lin Jinlou coughed twice. "What's there to feel better about? My mouth tastes bitter all day, and the sight of pills and potions makes me nauseous. All I do is eat and sleep—my bones are practically rusting. You'll have to handle more military affairs for me. Don't let the monkeys proclaim themselves kings while the tiger's away—they might rebel. These past couple days, reports big and small keep pouring in. I'm nearly buried in message slips." He gestured with his chin toward the small bedside table piled high with letters.
Yuan Shaoren laughed. "That won't do. I can manage other military matters for you, but your Lin Family Army won't take orders from me." He picked up a letter and pointed at the marginal notes. "Look at this elegant pearl-style calligraphy. Someone's handling your correspondence for you. With such 'red sleeves adding fragrance,' what more could you want? Just have trusted subordinates like Wen Rushi visit more often, and everything will be sorted."
"Here I am suffering in bed, and you mock me? Some friend you are."
Yuan Shaoren snorted. "I'm not a good friend? I've been chasing rebels all day, exhausted, and still rushed here to check on you—only to get this reputation?"
Lin Jinlou sighed. "Why don't we trade? I'd rather be catching rebels myself."
Yuan Shaoren took a sip of tea and pulled a paper from his robe. "Alright, your injuries weren't in vain. The Emperor intends to commend you—you might be appointed a military governor. This just came from the Grand Secretariat."Lin Jinlou skimmed through the document and remarked, "That title is merely nominal, and the few dozen taels of silver per year don't make much difference anyway."
Yuan Shaoren tucked the paper back into his robe and chuckled, "You still need to advance in rank. If you want real authority, you'll have to wait until the Crown Prince ascends the throne to bestow favors. A regional commander position 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 back at Lin Jinlou. After she left, he said, "Alright, stop staring. She's already gone. Don't you see enough of her every day? You might 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 dismissively. "Fine, fine, it's none of my business... To be honest, she's a good girl. It's a pity she ended up with you, especially after all she's been through. You should treat her better, particularly that temper of yours that turns on a dime... Tsk, don't glare at me. It's only because of our friendship that I say this. Anyone else would just flatter you. Why would I bother pointing out your flaws otherwise?"
Lin Jinlou sighed and paused before saying, "She never says anything, and I have no idea what's on her mind."
Yuan Shaoren was taken aback. He stared at the orchid plant on the table by the bed, lost in thought for a long while before finally saying, "She knows. She came from a servant background. Even if she's done your family some great favor, 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, who would tolerate her? But can you marry a clay figurine? This large household needs someone capable of managing the inner quarters and stabilizing the rear courtyard. She's just too clever, too perceptive. 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 quite well."
Yuan Shaoren smiled bitterly. "Why wouldn't I understand? Back then, Lianniang..." He trailed off, then patted Lin Jinlou's shoulder gently. "You're a smart man. I won't say too much. Think it through yourself and figure out how to treat her properly. Before, you were wishful thinking, and it led to Jiang Jia harming her. Haven't you learned your lesson?"
Lin Jinlou fell silent, staring blankly at the canopy above the bed. The room grew quiet for a moment before Yuan Shaoren brought up several military matters. Lin Jinlou responded half-heartedly. 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 need to speak 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. I heard from the maids that everyone's gathered there today, and the Old Master is hosting a meal. He asked me to join. Could you show me the way?"
Xianglan, being sharp, understood that Yuan Shaoren had something to say to her. She nodded in agreement, fetched her cloak, and followed him out into the courtyard. Once there, Yuan Shaoren asked, "What are your plans for the future?"
Xianglan glanced at him and replied, "I have no plans."Yuan Shaoren said, "Those who do not plan for the future will find trouble at their doorstep. You are a thoughtful person—I don’t believe you haven’t made any preparations. Have you considered what you will do once Yingyang recovers?" He paused, then added, "I shouldn’t be asking these things, but I admire your character and care enough to speak plainly. You remind me greatly of an old acquaintance of mine, and I fear that someday... you might end up like her."
Xianglan lowered her head, staring silently at the snow on the ground.
Yuan Shaoren sighed. "Yingyang and I have been close since childhood. Though I am considerably older, we are like brothers. He has always regarded women as insignificant—no matter how stunning they are, he grows tired of them quickly. But this time, he has been utterly devoted to you. When you ran off to Yangzhou last time, he mobilized all his troops and connections across Jiangnan to search for you. Every city, town, and county received orders to locate you. When he couldn’t find you, he was nearly driven mad. Now, with this incident, he feared he might not survive. Even as he lay dying in the village, he entrusted me with your care, asking me to look after you if the worst should happen."
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