Qin Shi acted swiftly. Within less than two hours, she had Cao Lihuan's belongings packed into trunks, and Lin Jinlou personally ordered a carriage to send her away. In just one afternoon, Cao Lihuan vanished from the Lin residence like a small stone thrown into a lake—ripples formed briefly before the surface calmed again.
After settling Cao Lihuan's matter, Qin Shi sent Lu Lan to inquire about Lin Dongqi's condition before returning to her own main quarters. She sat down on the bed, and Hongjian immediately brought over a small yellow enameled teacup with a lid, personally massaging Qin Shi's shoulders.
Qin Shi exhaled, took a sip from the cup, and half-closed her eyes in contentment—whether from the refreshing aroma of the tea or the satisfaction in her heart was unclear.
Lin Jinlou lifted the curtain and strode in, slouching into a chair with one leg crossed over the other. Lazily, he remarked, "It's all settled. I thought she might make more of a fuss, but after a few stern words, she didn't dare make a peep and left obediently."
Qin Shi shot him a glare. "Must you sit like that? If your father sees you, he'll scold you again."
Lin Jinlou grinned cheekily. "He won't scold me over this—at most, he'll glare a few times. If he got angry over such things, he'd have died from rage long ago."
Qin Shi scoffed. "You're getting more and more outrageous." Then, with earnest concern, she added, "Now that your superiors praise your competence and ability to take charge, they're considering promoting you further. Don't indulge your temper as you used to—show some restraint. Your father is getting older, and as the eldest son, it's only natural he holds you to higher standards. Don't be reckless and oppose him."
Lin Jinlou toyed with a small teacup on the table, his handsome features betraying indifference. "In the army, I have to lead by example. With superiors and colleagues, I must play the diplomat. With shop managers, I have to be stern. If I can't even relax at home, what's the point?"
Hearing this, Qin Shi softened. Noticing her son had indeed tanned and seemed slightly thinner, she thought of his troublesome official wife and the coquettish maids he kept—none of whom she approved of. She had finally arranged for him to take Qing Lan, a virtuous concubine, but now that she was with child, she couldn't serve him properly. Moreover, during Old Madam Zeng's mourning period, it was inappropriate to arrange another woman for him. Her heart ached for him, and she sighed. "Even when you're busy outside, take care of your health. Don't push yourself too hard in military matters—our family doesn't expect you to earn more glory."
Lin Jinlou chuckled. "I understand." After a pause, he added, "Mother, let me take that little maid who used to serve Cao Lihuan."
Qin Shi froze, her expression darkening.
Lin Jinlou had originally intended to keep Xianglan by his side, but seeing Qin Shi's reaction, he swallowed his words and changed his approach. "The maids around Qing Lan are all clumsy. I'd like someone more capable—I heard that girl is good at needlework, so she'd be useful."
Qin Shi took a sip from her teacup. "If you're short on maids, take one from my quarters. They're all well-trained and obedient."
Lin Jinlou smiled. "The ones by your side are excellent, but I just feel Xianglan would suit me better."
Qin Shi frowned slightly.Xianglan had saved her daughter once, and it was thanks to her that the loathsome Cao Lihuan had been driven away. Yet, she sensed that beneath Xianglan’s seemingly honest demeanor lay a spirit that was far from docile. Though Cao Lihuan was indeed cunning and despicable, the fact remained that Xianglan had repeatedly betrayed her mistress. For a servant in one’s employ, whether clever, obedient, literate, or skilled in needlework, these were merely embellishments. The most crucial quality above all else was loyalty. Even if the master were at fault, a maid should never expose such matters. Earlier, in front of Lin Old Madam, that little maid had appeared pitiful and aggrieved, yet she spoke methodically, each word striking at the heart of the matter. Her bearing was unlike that of other maids. Moreover, the girl was extraordinarily beautiful—though still young, her delicate features were already blossoming like a painting. Such beauty coupled with restlessness had put Qin Shi on guard.
Originally, she had intended to assign Xianglan to a place like the kitchen, where there were some perks and little contact with the masters, as a token of gratitude. But now that her eldest son wanted the maid, Qin Shi hesitated.
Lin Jinlou noticed Qin Shi’s expression, narrowed his eyes, and abruptly stood up. He walked to the door, lifted the curtain, and turned back with a smile. “Since Mother says nothing, I’ll take it as your consent.” Ignoring Qin Shi’s calls, he strode out and saw Xianglan still standing pitifully in the corridor, clutching a small bundle. He pointed at her and said, “You—what are you standing there for? Follow me.”
Xianglan was startled. Recognizing Lin Jinlou’s summons, she felt uneasy but had no choice but to trail behind him.
After winding through the paths, they unexpectedly arrived at Knowing Spring Pavilion.
Ying Ge was reclining on a rocking chair beneath the banana tree, eyes closed in repose. The maid Ding Xiang sat on a small stool beside her, lazily fanning Ying Ge with a palm-leaf fan. When Ding Xiang looked up and saw Lin Jinlou entering the courtyard, she quickly nudged Ying Ge and whispered, “Miss, wake up. The Master is back.”
Ying Ge jolted awake, opened her eyes, and indeed saw Lin Jinlou returning. She hurriedly rose and called out, “Master, you’re back.”
The voice was sweet and melodious, sending a shiver down Xianglan’s spine. She turned to see Ying Ge with slightly disheveled hair, her cheeks flushed with a delicate, sickly pallor. Her sapphire-blue BeiZi contrasted with the white silk skirt beneath, enhancing her fragile, delicate beauty.
Lin Jinlou gave a slight nod and walked on. Ying Ge quickly stepped forward, gently tugging at his sleeve. “Master, are you angry with me? Why won’t you even look at me… I know it’s my own fault for not being able to protect your child. These days, I’ve been living a life worse than death… Last night, I dreamed of him—a chubby little boy, tugging at my skirt and crying for his father… I… I…” Her voice choked with sobs as she began to weep.
Ding Xiang hastily supported Ying Ge’s arm, displaying her loyalty. “Miss hasn’t slept well these days, waking up crying every night. I’ve tried to console her, but she keeps thinking of the child. If this continues, I fear her health won’t hold up.”Lin Jinlou felt a surge of irritation at the mention of "child." He had little concern for offspring—to him, children were merely someone to kowtow at his grave a hundred years later. But as the eldest grandson of the main branch, his grandparents often nagged, and his parents constantly worried. Producing a son had thus become a burden on his shoulders. When Ying Ge's child was aborted due to Chunyan's poisoning, Lin Jinlou was furious. He harshly punished Chunyan and rewarded Ying Ge with gold, silver, and silk. On returning home, he occasionally visited Ying Ge's quarters. Initially, seeing her weep had stirred some pity and melancholy in him, prompting a few comforting words. But now, as Ying Ge tugged at his sleeve again, sobbing, Lin Jinlou suppressed his impatience and said gently, "I'm not angry with you. Don’t dwell on that wretched matter every day. Your health is frail—why stand in the courtyard catching the wind? Go back inside. I’ll come see you when I have time."
Tears still clung to Ying Ge’s lashes. Sensing Lin Jinlou’s impatience, she forced a smile, curtsied softly, and said, "Then this humble one will go brew a pot of this year’s fresh tea and await the Master." With that, she turned and glided away.
Not far off, Hua Mei sat by the window, watching Ying Ge’s retreating figure with a sneer. "Ugh! Shameless vixen, pretending to be ill again," she spat before slamming the window shut with a loud clang.
Xianglan followed Lin Jinlou straight into the east wing of Knowing Spring Pavilion. As she stepped inside, a warm, fragrant scent greeted her. A tall, slender girl stood arranging flowers—her cheekbones slightly prominent, her features pleasant but not striking, exuding a capable and lively air. This was Qing Lan’s maid, Chun Ling.
Spotting Lin Jinlou, Chun Ling hastily set down her watering can and exclaimed, "The Master is here! The concubine hasn’t returned from her walk yet. Please have a seat and wait a moment—I’ll send a maid to fetch her."
Lin Jinlou waved a hand. "No need to summon her. It’s rare for her to be in the mood for a stroll." He then gestured behind him, calling Xianglan forward. "This is Xianglan, sent here to serve. I hear her needlework is excellent. Help her settle in—start her as a second-rank maid."
Seeing that Xianglan had been personally brought by Lin Jinlou, Chun Ling didn’t dare slacken. She nodded repeatedly and said, "We’re short on cleaning maids. Yin Die, who used to serve Chunyan, has been doing rough work in the tea room. The concubine noticed she’s still quick-handed and asked to have her transferred. The mistress agreed—"
Lin Jinlou replied indifferently, "Such trivial matters needn’t be reported to me." With that, he turned and gave Xianglan a long look before leaving.
Chun Ling scrutinized Xianglan up and down, asking where she’d previously worked and what skills she had, her tone friendly. When she learned Xianglan had served Cousin Cao Lihuan, her eyes gleamed with curiosity, eager for gossip. But seeing Xianglan’s vacant expression, she suppressed her questions and smiled. "Now that you’re here, we’re all family. Let me show you to your quarters."
Just then, the maid named Yin Die arrived, carrying her bundle. Xianglan found her familiar—they’d entered the household together, and Yin Die had once been questioned by Zhao Yuechan. Xianglan smiled at her, but Yin Die lifted her chin and turned away, pretending not to see. Startled, Xianglan stopped trying to be friendly and followed Chun Ling out, carrying her own bundle.Xianglan's new residence was the secondary chamber on the right side of the eastern wing. The room contained three beds, yet didn't feel crowded. Each bed was covered with slightly worn quilts patterned with golden coin pythons in various colors. Beneath each bed sat a trunk equipped with a lock and key. Below the windowsill stretched a long table bearing a round mirror along with a dressing case, hair oil, face powder, and other toiletries. Two small foreign-lacquered side tables held teacups and vases filled with seasonal fresh flowers, while small fruit dishes contained two or three pieces of fresh fruit. In the corner stood a crabapple-shaped cabinet, and the wall displayed a painting titled "Spring's Return," along with embroidered ottomans and other furnishings too numerous to detail.
Chun Ling led the two of them into the room before excusing herself.
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Thank you Yueyue for the cake~ Thank you Junxi for the two PK votes~ Thank you Huaxiyuexi for the cake and Peace Talisman =3=, and also thank yanninfan for the lengthy review. Thanks to Daisy Xi who wrote me a long piece at the very beginning. Thank you all, you're amazing!
Many people are guessing about the CP (couple pairing), but no spoilers here. However, I can assure you that I'll try to avoid being too clichéd.
Please continue to support me! Let recommendation votes, clicks, collections, comments and such come more fiercely!!
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