After Lin Zhaoxiang met with Lin Changmin that day, he fell ill and needed quiet rest. Lin Jinlou, though full of questions, couldn't press further. When he offered to attend at the sickbed, Lin Zhaoxiang refused to see anyone except Lin Jinyuan, who stayed to keep him company. Lin Jinlou made discreet inquiries, and Geng Tonggui quietly revealed that Lin Zhaoxiang's illness was entirely due to anger provoked by Lin Changmin. Lin Jinlou was privately astonished—not that he looked down on Lin Changmin, but this second uncle, though shrewd, lacked great capability. His ambitions were considerable, but he utterly lacked the courage to take responsibility, at most scheming for minor advantages or dabbling with women. What major trouble could he possibly stir up? So Lin Jinlou thought little of it.
Meanwhile, Lin Changzheng returned from Shanxi, and Lin Zhaoxiang summoned him for a long discussion. That afternoon, Lin Changzheng entered the palace. Burdened with official duties, he was constantly occupied, and the Emperor specially ordered him to inspect various counties near the capital, a task that would keep him away for over a month. Qin Shi, concerned, inevitably had people prepare all sorts of supplies.
As the weather warmed, Old Madam Lin's birthday approached. Qin Shi and others discussed the celebration. Since the family had observed mourning during the New Year, the festivities had been subdued, and Lin Zhaoxiang had decreed that the birthday should not be grandly celebrated. It was decided to hold a family banquet for everyone to enjoy together. Old Madam Lin grew even more delighted upon hearing this, promptly sending invitations to Lin Dongwan, Lin Dongxiu, and others, and personally selecting an opera troupe. Seeing the old lady's joy, everyone joined in the cheer, busily preparing dishes, fruits, sending messages and invitations, and making arrangements.
On the birthday day, Xianglan had to attend. Early in the morning, Xiao Juan combed her hair sleek and shiny, adorning it with hairpins and floral ornaments. Hua Shan opened a chest and picked out a pomegranate-red jacket embroidered with colorful clusters of plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums, paired with a white polished silk skirt with threaded patterns. Once dressed, Xianglan went to Qin Shi's courtyard, where Qiaohui escorted her to the side room. There, Lin Dongwan, Lin Dongqi, and Lin Dongxiu were sitting together chatting, all in luxurious attire. Upon Xianglan's entry, they greeted her in unison, quickly offering her a seat. Lin Dongxiu stepped forward to take Xianglan's hand, seating her beside herself, and had maids serve tea. Seeing this, Xiao Juan couldn't help but sigh. Wu Mama pursed her lips and pulled her outside, whispering with a smile, "On such a fine day, why sigh?Xiao Juan replied, "It's nothing, just a feeling of emotion." I entered the household with Xianglan and know how she suffered beatings, scoldings, and hardships. Later, she barely became half a mistress but was still destined to be looked down upon. Back then, only Second Miss treated her somewhat better. Who would have thought the tides would turn, and now these mistresses and ladies all respect her so?"
Wu Mama said, "Tsk, tsk, no wonder I boast—my eyes are sharp. I dare not boast about much else, but with all the various maids in the estate, I can roughly predict their futures after just a few glances and words. The moment I saw Xianglan, I knew she was a phoenix, different from those clucking chicks—she had that aura about her. Sure enough, I was right. In my opinion, given the Eldest Master's fervor, she has even greater prospects ahead."
Back in the side room, Lin Dongwan was the most skilled at banter, chatting idly about trivial matters, typical of wealthy family women's gossip. Qi and Xiu merely echoed. Xianglan, being clever, gradually began to sense something amiss.When Lin Dongwan went to visit Lin Jinxuan, she took her leave and departed first. As soon as she left, Lin Dongxiu set down her tea bowl, wiped the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief, and said, "Finally gone. I can't believe she had the nerve to sit here so calmly."
Lin Dongqi sighed and said, "Enough, enough. Let's have some tea." She personally went to refill Lin Dongxiu's cup.
Lin Dongxiu said angrily, "Second Sister! I'm speaking up for you because you've been wronged, but you're so soft-hearted—unlike Father or Madam—that you deserve to be taken advantage of and bullied!" She turned and saw Xianglan, then continued, "You don't know what that eldest sister has done. She visited our families, saying that her husband now holds a position in the Ministry of Revenue and could facilitate maritime trade for our benefit, urging us to invest in goods shipped by sea. Thinking she was family and wouldn't let us suffer losses, we placed orders and advanced the silver. But when it came time to settle, the prices were the same as those from private merchants, and she even passed off inferior goods as quality ones, making them more expensive than elsewhere! The extra silver went straight into her own pocket. I was a bit more cautious and only lost a few dozen taels, but Second Sister trusted her completely and lost nearly two hundred taels in this round."
Lin Dongqi sighed, "Some of the goods were for my sisters-in-law in my husband's family. Previously, when she visited my home, if she liked any of my fabrics or jewelry, I gave them all to her. I thought that, out of family affection, Eldest Sister wouldn't markup too harshly and would offer cheaper prices than outside, so I claimed all the orders were for myself. It seems I overestimated my own importance."
Lin Dongxiu sneered, "She told me that the goods from her ship's trading post were more expensive than elsewhere, and that the varieties and patterns were exceptionally hard to find. She claimed they were only procured thanks to her husband's modest influence, but the more she explained, the more she exposed herself—as if everyone else is a fool. Anyone familiar with the Ministry of Revenue's oversight would know the true prices of these goods. For such a paltry sum, she's truly thrown all decency to the wind."
Lin Dongqi sighed again and said, "What's done is done. If we confront her directly, all sisterly affection will be lost. Her husband's family is now just an empty shell; her husband is idle and useless, and she herself is proud, so life is difficult for her. Now that her Concubine has passed away and her second brother is sickly and unreliable, perhaps these circumstances drove her to such thoughts." She shook her head and added, "Enough, let it be."
Xianglan smiled and said, "Second Young Mistress is truly magnanimous and tolerant. With such a generous heart, your blessings will be long-lasting." Seeing that Lin Dongxiu was still fuming, she advised, "As the saying goes, 'Leave room for reconciliation.' Some family matters become unbearable if scrutinized too closely. Since you can't bring it up, don't dwell on it and cause yourself unnecessary distress." She thought to herself, People nowadays are each more shrewd than the last. Acting this way only blocks one's own path forward. Lin Dongwan, by prioritizing petty gains over loyalty, thinks she's clever but is truly losing far more than she gains. She also silently praised Lin Dongqi: Despite suffering losses and injustice, she can still consider others' difficulties and conceal their faults without mention. Though she is far less astute and capable than Qin Shi, her conduct in dealing with people possesses a dignity that surpasses Qin Shi's.
Lin Dongxiu said with a stern face, "I know, but this resentment is just hard to swallow."Lin Dongqi cast a glance at Xianglan, and the two raised their teacups together, smiling as they said, "Today is Old Madam's auspicious day, let's not dwell on such matters. Have some tea, have some tea." With some casual chatter, they brushed the matter aside.
Presently, Qin Shi sent someone to summon Xianglan, calling her alone into the side chamber. Qin Shi sat on the large heated kang, holding her hand, first inquiring about her well-being, then praising her attire for the day: "This is how you should dress to look vibrant. I have a set of jewelry that would perfectly match your outfit. I'll have Hongjian fetch it for you to wear later." Her eyes crinkled with a smile as she added, "Don't you dare refuse, or I'll be cross."
Xianglan was about to decline when she heard this and quickly replied with a smile, "It's only because Madam dotes on me." Her eyes remained fixed on Qin Shi, sensing there was more to come.
Sure enough, Qin Shi patted Xianglan's hand and gradually adopted a troubled expression, hesitating to speak. Xianglan then asked, "What is troubling Madam?"
Qin Shi sighed, "Ah, this is difficult for me to say... It's Old Madam. She said since it's her birthday today, her maternal family should be invited to celebrate. But the only ones left in the capital now are the Jiang family. Old Madam sent someone to invite them over. I tried to dissuade her for a long time, but Old Madam wouldn't change her mind, saying Old Master had agreed to it too. This, this, this... Ah..."
Xianglan understood clearly, her heart tightening with immediate discomfort. She quickly composed herself, took a deep breath, and after a moment said to Qin Shi, "I understand. After all, they are Old Madam's maternal family. To remain on such bad terms would surely weigh on her mind. Today is her special day, and I will consider the bigger picture. Madam need not worry."
Qin Shi looked at her pale, delicate face, her heart filled with complex emotions. Old Madam's actions were clearly for outsiders to see—that the Lin and Jiang families had reconciled, clearing the Jiang sisters of their unfounded unsavory reputations. Yet, in this, only Xianglan was wronged. Qin Shi asked herself: if she were in Xianglan's place, she probably couldn't handle it with such calm and grace. She had prepared to comfort a sobbing Xianglan or soothe her full of resentment, but Xianglan's current demeanor only made Qin Shi cherish her more. Clutching Xianglan's hand, she repeated, "You child... Ah, you child..." and even pulled her into an embrace, patting her gently.
Meanwhile, Xue Ning stood outside the side chamber, peeking furtively from behind the curtain. Lulan saw her and tapped her shoulder, asking, "What are you doing, sneaking around like a thief?"
Xue Ning started, turning around sharply and patting her chest, "You scared me to death!" She held out a pouch and said, "Our Concubine forgot her pouch when she came over. I'm returning it. Since she's speaking with Madam, it's not convenient for me to go in. Could you please give it to our lady?" With that, she shoved the pouch into Lulan's hands and hurried off.
Lulan muttered under her breath, "Delivering a pouch so sneakily..."
Xue Ning left the courtyard and hastened to the Hall of Veracity. Lin Zhaoxiang was sitting in a wicker rocking chair outside, teasing a bird. Xue Ning hurried over and recounted what had just happened inside—how Qin Shi had spoken, how Xianglan had responded—to Lin Zhaoxiang. Glancing at his expression, she added, "The Concubine has always been broad-minded..." Lin Zhaoxiang waved a hand, and Xue Ning fell silent.
Old Madam Lin, nearby, smiled and said, "My child, you're the clever one."
Xue Ning smiled obsequiously, "I was taught by Old Madam herself. Even if I were a fool, I'd have absorbed some of your cleverness."
Old Madam Lin chuckled, "Go on now, keep a close watch. Do this well, and I won't let you down."Xue Ning repeatedly agreed and left.
Old Madam Lin asked, "What exactly are you trying to do... You said she was pretending, or she truly doesn't mind. If she's pretending, her scheming is too deep. If she truly doesn't mind, then she's truly foolish."
Lin Zhaoxiang placed the birdcage in his hand on the small side table and said leisurely, "Lou Ge'er has suffered losses from women his whole life, and now he's taken a fancy to this one. I must help him keep an eye out. There's no need for you to ask—I have my own plans."
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