Xianglan stepped into the courtyard, where the breeze dispersed some of her inner vexation. Xiao Juan followed, her face flushed with anger: "This is infuriating! That old hag spews nonsense, thinking others are too foolish to notice. I must vent this resentment later!"
Wu Mama approached Xianglan, retrieving a small enamel filigree bottle from her sachet. Unscrewing the cap, she said, "If you feel heavy-headed, apply some peppermint ointment to your temples and take a whiff—it will surely clear your mind." She sighed and added, "Given the Master's standing, a Fifth Mistress is hardly significant. Yet she holds some sway among the women in the clan and is an elder. A direct confrontation would only harm your reputation. You're at a disadvantage now because you're newly arrived and inexperienced, which emboldens her to bully you. In a couple of years, when you're firmly established, she wouldn't dare, even with a hundred times the nerve."
Xianglan understood it wasn't just her newness but also her lowly origins that Wu Mama subtly urged her to endure. Her long eyebrows furrowed slightly. "I grasp your meaning, Mama. A few words don't bother me—I've swallowed far worse grievances before. But things are different now. When I step out, I represent the Lin Family's face and the Master's dignity. Today, Fifth Mistress's remarks were a test of my temper. All the respectable families in the clan are seated in the side rooms, pretending not to hear or see, but their ears are perked up higher than anyone's. If I show weakness today, it will spread instantly. I don't fear losing face myself, but I worry that if I manage household affairs later, insolent servants may emerge to bully their mistress, or worse, someone might send a concubine to our home tomorrow."
Wu Mama pondered and sighed. "That's true, but there's no solution now—it's not worth tarnishing your reputation for that old wretch, especially with rumors already circulating about you outside."
Xianglan's eyes lit up. "Don't worry, Mistress. Let me step forward later and scold her a few words on your behalf, saying what needs to be said. Then you can play the good person and publicly reprimand me. After all, I'm just a maid—what can she do? Once I speak up, they'll understand you're not to be trifled with. Trading my face for yours is a fair deal."
Xianglan felt warmed by these words. Through all her ups and downs, these few around her had always been sincerely devoted to her well-being, something she cherished deeply. She reached out and squeezed Xiao Juan's hand, smiling. "I wouldn't scold you even at home, let alone in public. Your idea is clever, but publicly shaming Fifth Mistress might deepen her resentment and create lasting enmity."
Xiao Juan argued, "If this leads to a dispute, someone's bound to lose face anyway."
Xianglan replied, "No matter how angry we are, we must leave others with dignity in public. Leave room for reconciliation—soft words, even with firm actions, allow for future flexibility. The real danger is speaking too harshly and leaving no way back." After a moment's thought, she turned to Wu Mama. "This task requires your veteran skills." She whispered instructions to Wu Mama, who inwardly sighed but feigned hesitation: "Though I have old ties with Fifth Mistress, I can't guarantee success in this matter—"
Xianglan smiled. "I understand. Whether it succeeds or not, I'll remember your kindness."
Reassured by these words, Wu Mama went off with peace of mind.In the room, the host had already taken the child away. Everyone present knew that Xianglan had left earlier because she was upset by Mistress Ding's remarks. The several mistresses and ladies, understanding the situation perfectly, exchanged meaningful glances. They then acted as if nothing had happened, chatting and laughing in small groups while drinking tea. When Xianglan reentered the room, she sat down by herself. Xiao Juan found a teapot and poured tea for her, and Xianglan held the tea bowl with a calm, indifferent expression.
Ding Suyan signaled to Mistress Ding with her eyes, tilting her chin toward Xianglan, and whispered, "Aunt, after all, she is the Lin Family's eldest grandson's wife—"
Mistress Ding, composed and unruffled, patted Ding Suyan's hand and motioned for her to lean closer. She said in a low voice, "She's just a servant by origin, with no one to back her up. If she complains to Lou Ge'er about this, it will only make her seem troublesome. Besides, we didn't say anything earlier that could be used against us. Look at her—she's from a humble background and acts timidly. Even if we say a few harsh words and she holds back tears in anger, she has to endure it silently. Otherwise, if she causes a scene and clashes with us, what will others think of her? They'll likely criticize her at every turn. See, just now we managed to drive her away."
Hearing this, Ding Suyan felt reassured and whispered back, "Exactly. When you entered the room earlier, Aunt, everyone rushed to greet you—only she put on airs. She deserves to be put in her place to understand her position. Otherwise, if she grows more confident in the future, she won't even respect her elders."
Mistress Ding tapped Ding Suyan's nose lightly and said, "You clever thing, that's precisely the point."
Just as they finished speaking, Wu Mama entered and went over to speak with Mistress Ding. Wu Mama was a highly respected elder, not only Lin Jinlou's wet nurse but also trusted by Qin Shi and held in high regard by Lin Old Madam. Previously, when Mistress Ding had been seeking favors for her maternal family, she had visited the Lin residence and offered gifts to Wu Mama, asking her to pass on messages. The two had an old acquaintance and greeted each other warmly, exchanging a few casual pleasantries. Wu Mama tugged at Mistress Ding's sleeve and said, "Fifth Mistress, this old servant has a few private words for you. May we step aside?" She then glanced toward the door.
Fifth Mistress agreed and stood up to follow Wu Mama outside. They reached the corridor, where Wu Mama smiled and said, "Fifth Mistress, today I'll speak out of turn. Whether my words hit the mark or not, I hope you'll forgive my frankness."
Mistress Ding, being shrewd, had already guessed somewhat and replied with a smile, "Go on."
Wu Mama said, "I've watched our mistress since she first entered the mansion as a maid. I don't know if you've seen the play The Legend of Lanxiang Jushi , but to speak truthfully today, about eighty or ninety percent of that story is real. Otherwise, how could someone of her background become the Lin Family's eldest grandson's wife? Not only did all the elders in the mansion agree, but she was even received by the Empress Dowager. On her wedding day, the Master sent a hundred armored soldiers to escort her into the mansion. Such grandeur—aside from an emperor's daughter marrying, who else could match it? Not to mention, since she arrived, our master's eyes have been glued to her, and he can't tear himself away."
Mistress Ding raised her eyebrows and gave a faint, cold smile. "What exactly are you trying to say? What does any of this have to do with me?"Wu Mama said meaningfully, "This old servant wouldn't dare, nor do I have any other intentions. Fifth Mistress, regardless of her background or whatever unspeakable matters she had before, she is now the eldest young mistress of the Lin Family after all. If she feels displeased and goes back to complain to Master—as you know, our Master is most protective of his own. Would we still interact in the future? Our mistress has a gentle temperament and likely won't whisper complaints in his ear, but if she truly stops acknowledging you in the future, wouldn't that make everyone uncomfortable?"
Hearing that Xianglan might complain to Lin Jinlou, Mistress Ding felt somewhat intimidated inwardly, though she didn't show it. Instead, she grew more indignant and sneered, "What would she accuse me of? What did I just say? I merely shared some observations—can that convict me? Did I mention her by name? This is truly blaming heaven and earth, falsely accusing and condemning me without cause. Ah, I understand now—this is using a minor issue to vent anger over my absence from the Lin Family back then! You needn't say more. If she's angry with me, she can take it to her grandmother-in-law and mother-in-law to judge. As a junior, she actually dares to disregard her elders!" With that, she turned to leave.
Wu Mama stepped forward and reached out to stop her, her smile fading slightly but still present. "Fifth Mistress, everyone here is perceptive; let's not speak in anger. Regarding elders and juniors, Fifth Mistress, strictly speaking, our eldest young mistress holds a first-rank imperial commendation. According to etiquette, it should be you who bows to our mistress first—state law precedes family law, isn't that so? But saying this would create distance. What you said earlier in the room, even if unintentional, was hurtful to the listener, wasn't it?" She paused and continued, "Back when our mistress was a maid, she endured much bullying and oppression, with only a few people by her side who truly cared. Now that our mistress has achieved Grandeur, those people have all gained prestige and benefited. Those who took advantage of her youth and vulnerability back then don't even know where to regret it now! There may be some gossip outside, but who can say our mistress won't bear children in the future? There's an old saying that might not fit perfectly here, but it conveys the meaning—'Do not bully the youth for his poverty.'"
Mistress Ding's eyelids twitched, and she said, "I didn't benefit from her favor in the past, nor will I seek her help in the future."
Wu Mama replied, "People interact by giving each other face. You've always been a wise person whom this old servant respects, capable of understanding this. Since I've come, I'm offering a ladder and steps—whether to descend or not is naturally your wise decision." After speaking, she curtseyed and said, "This old servant takes her leave first."
Xianglan saw Wu Mama enter and inquired with a look. Wu Mama approached and said in a low voice, "I spoke indirectly at first, but she remained stubborn and unwilling to yield. Later, I had to make it clear. She's thin-skinned and holds herself high—she didn't say any conciliatory words just now."
Xianglan nodded.After a moment, Mistress Ding entered and sat down again to drink tea, chatting with those around her. Xianglan was in no hurry either, slowly finishing her cup of tea before lifting her head. Her gaze happened to meet Mistress Ding’s, and the two locked eyes. Xianglan was the first to smile faintly and nod in greeting. To her surprise, Mistress Ding’s expression softened, and she smiled back at her. A short while later, the two were sitting together and talking. After a few words, they had grown remarkably intimate. Mistress Ding took Xianglan’s hand and said, “How did someone as lovely as a fresh flower end up married to that Overlord? If he ever bullies you in the future, just tell me. None of us will let him get away with it.” Xianglan pursed her lips into a smile and replied, “Alright, I’ll remember that. When I go back, I’ll tell him I’ve found myself a reliable ally. If he dares treat me poorly, I’ll come crying to you.” Everyone in the room couldn’t help but laugh, teasing them while exchanging meaningful glances, inwardly astonished. Just moments ago, one had been making veiled criticisms, and the other had stormed out in anger—how had they become so close in the blink of an eye?
Only Ding Suyuan was displeased, and her expression betrayed her feelings. Mistress Ding noticed and discreetly nudged her, after which Ding Suyuan composed herself somewhat.
Xianglan understood perfectly well what had happened. Earlier, she had sent Wu Mama to act as a mediator, to smooth things over. Some of the words spoken had been instructed by Xianglan herself—expressing her dissatisfaction to make the other party reflect, yet without burning bridges. Ultimately, it was better to make a friend than an enemy. How to move past the incident, however, depended on Mistress Ding’s response. Mistress Ding’s earlier words were a sign of yielding, an apology for her earlier provocation. It showed that she was shrewd and knew how to adapt—maintaining dignity in front of subordinates while being flexible when needed. Despite her dislike for Xianglan, she could pretend to be affectionate and kind. No wonder a widow like her had managed to secure a place in the clan.
Though Mistress Ding wore a smile, her heart was uneasy. She knew that Xianglan hadn’t become the lady of the Main House solely because of her looks. This encounter made her realize that Xianglan was gentle yet firm, not someone easy to deal with. An ordinary person would either endure silently or escalate the conflict, but Xianglan had preserved Mistress Ding’s dignity in public while privately sending an old servant to deliver a warning, laying out the stakes. Some of the words were clearly beyond what someone like Wu Mama could have come up with—they must have been directed by Xianglan herself. Afterwards, she took the initiative to extend goodwill, acting as if nothing had happened. No wonder Chen Xianglan could navigate so skillfully—first securing the young master Song, then climbing to the high branch that was Lin Jinlou. Since she entered the household, Lin Jinlou’s beautiful concubines had vanished one by one, and now she alone enjoyed his favor. Such patience and skill!
After half a day of mental exertion, Xianglan was already weary. Xiao Juan, noticing Xianglan’s pale complexion, frowned with concern and said, “Should we go home? Let’s find a physician to examine you. Why bother staying here listening to that old woman’s sweet talk and idle gossip?”
Xianglan nodded and stood up, but felt dizzy. Xiao Juan hurriedly supported her. A quick-witted maid had already informed the hostess, and the lady of the house immediately came over, personally offering her daughter’s bedroom and arranging for Xianglan to rest there. She added, “It so happens the physician is here to check on my daughter-in-law. Let’s have him take a look at you too, just to be safe.” With that, she went out to summon the physician.
A short while later, the physician arrived. He frowned, stroking his beard as he examined her, then his expression relaxed. He stood up, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, “Congratulations! You are with child!”
Xianglan, lying behind the bed curtains, sat up abruptly and exclaimed in disbelief, “What?”Wu Mama stepped forward and asked, "Really? Truly? It's really a pregnancy pulse?"
The physician smiled and said, "The pulse flows smoothly, round and rolling like a pearl—it's unmistakable. It is indeed a pregnancy pulse, likely nearly two months along."
Xianglan was stunned, then overjoyed, though she nearly choked up with emotion. She forced herself to say, "Quick, give him a reward!"
Wu Mama had already pulled out a very thick red envelope and handed it over. The physician felt it and immediately beamed, showering them with New Year's greetings and adding, "I'll write a prescription for fetal protection later—brew it and take it."
As soon as the physician left, Wu Mama lifted the curtain and saw Xianglan sitting on the bed, wiping away tears. Wu Mama felt both comforted and heartache, unable to hold back her own tears. She heard Xianglan say, "When we return, have another physician confirm it. If it's true, don't tell the Master yet. I... I want to tell him myself—"
Xiao Juan happened to enter the room and overhear this, her eyes also reddening. She gritted her teeth and said, "Now let's see what those gossiping women will chatter about! I'm going out right now to throw this in their faces!"
As soon as the news of Xianglan's pregnancy spread, people immediately came in to offer congratulations. But Xianglan didn't want to stay a moment longer and set off for home at once. Before leaving, she bid farewell to everyone. Mistress Ding wore a smile, but her expression was complex. If she hadn't smoothed things over with Xianglan earlier, it would have truly led to a great embarrassment. Yet, in her heart, she couldn't help feeling shocked, annoyed, jealous, and resentful that her own grandniece was so useless—this glory and wealth should have been firmly in their grasp! She glanced at her stunned grandniece, shook her head, and slumped wearily into her chair.
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