On this occasion, Xianglan returned to Jinling under the identity of Da Nǎinai. Lin Jinlou hosted banquets for her, holding feasts in the mansion for several consecutive days. One purpose was to invite influential and distinguished families with close ties to the Lin family, and the other was to entertain several prominent relatives from the clan who frequently interacted with them. However, one lady from the "Zhao" generation of the clan, surnamed Ding and known as Fifth Madam Lin, did not attend.
This Ding Shi was originally descended from generations of officials and nobles, but her family declined during her father's time. Though her appearance was plain, she excelled in needlework and embroidery. Ambitious and capable, she gained a reputation even as a young lady, which led to her marriage into a branch of the Lin family. Unfortunately, her husband died young, and the family gradually fell into hardship. Ding Shi resolutely refused to remarry and raised her two children single-handedly. When some clan members bullied her for being a widow without support, she confronted them with two kitchen knives, causing such a stir that the clan leader intervened and secured justice for her. From then on, her reputation soared. Due to her competence, she took charge of various matters, big and small, among the clan's sisters-in-law and relatives, and even Qin Shi held her in high regard. Later, her maternal family showed signs of revival, and her son passed the imperial examinations, becoming an official and securing an honorary title for his mother. Ding Shi thus grew even more authoritative.
Wu Mama, who had returned with Xianglan and the others, was an old-timer with extensive connections inside and outside the mansion. Extremely shrewd and sharp-eyed, she quietly said to Xianglan, "Fifth Madam is on very good terms with the Duchess of Xian. Back when the Duke's daughter, Zheng Jingxian, and the young master of the Song family were having marital discord, the Duchess claimed that... that you, Da Nǎinai, seduced the young man and then climbed the social ladder to be with the Eldest Master, saying your bewitching charms never change no matter where you go. This led Ding Shi to believe you are a fox spirit, and she never has a good word to say about you. When the Eldest Master published The Story of Hermit Lanxiang, Fifth Madam sensed his intention to marry you and claimed the play was mostly fabricated, insisting you would never marry into the Lin family. She said a lowly maid of humble origins was like a toad trying to eat swan meat, only to tarnish the family's reputation. She even wrote a letter to our Old Madam. Knowing the Eldest Master's temperament, Old Madam, afraid he would be furious and sever ties with this branch of the family, immediately burned the letter upon receiving it. This time, when the Eldest Master invited the relatives, many people tried to persuade Ding Shi to come, but she refused... I'm telling you this so you are aware of the situation." She then comforted Xianglan, saying, "Da Nǎinai, set your mind at ease. You likely won't cross paths with her in the future, so just maintain a polite facade when necessary."
Xianglan was stunned. As Wu Mama was about to offer more comforting words, Xianglan smiled and said, "I understand. She even wrote to Old Madam, so who knows how much she has slandered me in private. To say I'm not the least bit upset would be a lie. But Mama, you know how much I've been through to get to where I am today. In this world, there will always be people who make you out to be worthless, pointing fingers and leaving you with no way to defend yourself. But who I truly am cannot be changed by their bitter, heartless words."
Wu Mama had not expected Xianglan to be so philosophical and sighed, "That's right, it should be this way. Gossip is a fearful thing—it has driven many heroes to their deaths, let alone young women. Why sacrifice a good life over a few words?"Xianglan said, "In my younger days, I was naive about the ways of the world. If someone made a sarcastic remark about me, insulted me, or wronged me, even if I didn't voice it, I'd hold resentment in my heart. If I had the chance to retort, I'd make sure my words cut deeper than theirs to feel avenged. But gradually I realized—why bother? There's no need to argue or contend. People have different perspectives and depths of understanding. I simply act according to my conscience now. No matter what harsh words I hear, I just smile. If I can't let go of a few remarks, how will I handle greater challenges in the future?"
Wu Mama chuckled. "My dear, to be frank, many delusional maids downstairs are green with envy, sneering that you merely owe your fortune to the pretty face your parents gave you. Little do they know the Eldest Master has seen countless beauties, yet his devotion rests here—all because you possess such depth of character."
Xianglan couldn't help laughing. "Who knows my limitations better than you, Mama? I'm just an ordinary person, truly weak and narrow-minded. When I first arrived at the mansion, I arrogantly believed myself superior to others, resisting everything unwillingly—like fine jade tarnished by dust, trapped in a mire of gossip. It took many hardships to learn never to underestimate anyone, and that one must ultimately remain humble and gentle."
Wu Mama looked up, observing how Xianglan's skin glowed like snow, radiant as luminous pearls. She silently marveled that this delicate, willow-like girl had endured so many trials in just a few years, now matured into a steady, wise woman—her magnanimity likely forged by those very hardships.
The matter was thus laid to rest, never mentioned again.
Time flew like a white steed glimpsed through a crack—in the blink of an eye, a year had passed. Since marrying, Lin Jinlou had cast aside all wandering desires. The one he'd tirelessly pursued had finally reciprocated his affection, now orbiting his days with devoted attention, leaving him utterly content. He routinely declined social engagements to return home early, delighting in conversations and amusements with Xianglan. While he reviewed official documents, she'd curl on the chaise lounge with a book, occasionally rising to refill his tea. Their silences were serene and comfortable. Sometimes she taught him painting; when weary, he'd carry a lantern to stroll with her in the courtyard, stealing kisses in the moonlight as he held her close, breathing in her hair's fragrance. Everything felt complete—as if after nearly thirty years of living, he'd finally swallowed an anchor-stabilizing pill, his joy so profound it felt surreal.
Xianglan privately marveled too. Lin Jinlou had once been a man drowning in social obligations, a veteran of romantic entanglements. Yet after marriage, he abandoned all outside engagements, rushing home even from unavoidable events as if home were his greatest pleasure. In leisure moments, he often took her out—to opera houses, fine restaurants, scenic spots—even spending days at their country estate. He remained his domineering self, stubborn and imperious. But when his temper cooled and he saw her genuinely upset and ignoring him, he'd shamelessly cling to her again, playing the fool as if nothing had happened, making her both exasperated and amused. Xianglan understood this tyrant would never transform into a tender, considerate gentleman—he still bullied her periodically, insisting on having his way. Yet whenever she saw that scoundrel, her heart swelled with inexplicable fondness and profound contentment.One day, Lin Jinlou and Xianglan were visiting family friends when they passed by Taiyu Tower. Remembering the restaurant’s six distinctive vegetarian pastries, Lin Jinlou sent a servant to buy some. Xianglan waited in the sedan chair, peeking through a gap in the curtain. A tall, lean man approached, looking familiar. Only when he drew closer did she realize it was Xia Yun. He wore a plain, unadorned blue robe, his cheeks sunken. Though not destitute, he appeared haggard and weary, his expression vacant—far from the look of a contented man.
After he passed, Xianglan remained lost in thought. Gui Yuan, noticing this, leaned in and asked, “Does the mistress know that man?” Xianglan replied, “He is Young Master Xia. We have a past connection. I wonder how he has been faring.”
Gui Yuan took this to heart, inquired about Xia Yun’s residence, and indeed went to gather information. Returning, she reported to Xianglan, “This Young Master Xia was stripped of his scholarly rank. Later, he changed his name and took the imperial exams in another province but only managed to earn the xiucai degree, never advancing to juren. Due to his tarnished reputation, he faced constant ostracism and now barely makes a living by tutoring young children and copying books for others. Two years ago, while he was away for the exams, his father fell gravely ill at home. Money was spent like flowing water, yet his condition never improved. His second sister-in-law couldn’t bear it and persuaded her husband to lock the old man alone in a room at night. At first, neighbors heard the old man cursing inside, but gradually, the noise ceased. When Xia Yun returned and opened the door, he found his father emaciated beyond recognition, lying in his own filth—he had starved to death. The county magistrate sentenced the second brother and his wife to immediate execution, while the other siblings were caned. Ah, pitiful, truly pitiful. It’s said he grew disillusioned and is now packing to leave his family behind and seek opportunities up north.”
Xianglan listened in silence. Hua Shan handed Gui Yuan some coins and personally saw her out, whispering, “There’s a package of pastries in the outer cabinet—take them to enjoy.” Gui Yuan used the opportunity to squeeze Hua Shan’s hand and chuckled, “Sister Hua Shan truly cares for me.” Hua Shan shot her a half-amused, half-annoyed look, tossed her braid, and went back inside.
That evening, the couple lay side by side in bed. Jinlou lazily stroked Xianglan’s hair, chatting idly with her. He usually disliked discussing his affairs with women, considering them narrow-minded, overly emotional, and prone to gossip—making a fuss over trivial matters, which he found tiresome. But Xianglan was different. Her speech was gentle, her voice soft, and she was wise and reasonable, never speaking ill of others and always approaching matters with generosity. Conversing with her was like taking a soothing tonic, brightening his heart and gradually easing the worries and irritations from his daytime duties. While their intimate moments were filled with tenderness, these quiet midnight conversations, warm and steady, made him feel truly comforted.
Xianglan brought up the matter of Xia Yun. Lin Jinlou, playing with her fingers, said, “I heard you once kowtowed to him. His current state is karma—has your resentment faded now?”Xianglan sighed and said, "Though he may be somewhat self-righteous, he is not a bad person. It's just that he was born into unfortunate circumstances, which shows that a family need not fear poverty, but rather a lack of proper morals. Back then, because of him, my father nearly lost his life, and I hated him intensely. But over time, all that hatred and resentment faded—I can barely even remember him now... You wouldn't know, but he was once quite a handsome young man. Now, his face is weathered, and he looks at least ten years older. You can tell just by his appearance that he has endured many hardships. Eldest Master, why not restore his status as a provincial scholar?"
Lin Jinlou frowned slightly. "Restore his scholarly honor?"
"Yes. He endured years of arduous study to earn that title—he must possess genuine talent and learning." Xianglan rested her head on Lin Jinlou's arm, her hand placed on his chest. "With his reputation, even if he passes the imperial examinations in the future, it will be difficult for him to become an official. This would still be better than the current situation. All this hatred—you hating me, me hating you—plotting against one another and deepening grudges is truly pointless. Besides, it's been so long, and what happened back then wasn't entirely his fault."
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