Qin Shi acted with swift decisiveness, packing Cao Lihuan's belongings into trunks within an hour. Lin Jinlou personally ordered a carriage prepared and sent her away. In just one afternoon, Cao Lihuan vanished from the Lin residence like a pebble dropped into a lake—creating a ripple before the surface calmed completely.
After settling Cao Lihuan's affairs, Qin Shi sent Lulan to check on Lin Dongqi before returning to her own main quarters. She sat on the bed, and Hongjian immediately brought a small yellow enamel lidded cup with a lady's design, personally massaging Qin Shi's shoulders.
Qin Shi let out a breath, lifted the cup to take a sip, and half-closed her eyes in contentment—whether from the tea's refreshing aroma or her own satisfaction was unclear.
Lin Jinlou lifted the curtain and entered, slumping into a chair with his legs crossed lazily. "It's done. I thought she'd make more trouble, but after a few threats, she went quietly without a peep."
Qin Shi glared at him. "Must you sit like that? If your father sees you, he'll scold you again."
Lin Jinlou grinned cheekily. "He wouldn't scold me for this at most he'd glare a few times. If he got angry over such trifles, he'd have died from rage long ago."
Qin Shi spat lightly. "The more you talk, the more absurd you sound." She then said earnestly, "Now that your superiors praise your capability and want to promote you further, you must restrain your willful nature. Your father is growing older, and as the eldest son, it's natural he's stricter with you. Don't be foolish and oppose him."
Lin Jinlou toyed with a small teacup on the table, his handsome features etched with nonchalance. "In the army, I lead from the front; with superiors and colleagues, I maintain diplomacy; with shop managers, I keep a stern face. If I can't even relax at home, what's the point of it all?"
Hearing this, Qin Shi softened. Noticing her son had indeed tanned and seemed thinner, she recalled his troublesome principal wife and the coquettish maids she disapproved of. She had finally arranged a decent concubine, Qinglan, but now she was pregnant and unable to serve, especially during Old Madam Zeng's mourning period, making it inappropriate to assign another. Her heart ached with pity, and she sighed. "Take care of yourself while traveling. Don't overexert in military affairs—our family doesn't need you chasing greater honors."
Lin Jinlou chuckled. "I understand." After a pause, he added, "Mother, let me take that little maid who served 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 Qinglan are all clumsy. I need a clever one, and I heard that girl is skilled in needlework—she'd be perfect."
Qin Shi took a sip from her teacup. "If you need a maid, take one from my quarters. They're all trained and well-behaved."
Lin Jinlou smiled. "The ones by your side are good, but I really think Xianglan would suit me best."
Qin Shi frowned slightly.Xianglan had saved her daughter once, and it was through her that the loathsome Cao Lihuan had been driven away. Yet, despite Xianglan's outwardly honest appearance, Madam Qin sensed she was not truly docile at heart. Though Cao Lihuan was sinister and vile, the fact remained that Xianglan had repeatedly betrayed her master. For a servant in one's employ, whether clever, perceptive, literate, or skilled in needlework, these were merely embellishments. The most crucial quality above all was loyalty. Even if the master had countless faults, a maid should never expose matters openly. Earlier, in Old Madam Lin's presence, that young maid had seemed pitiful and wronged, yet she spoke with clarity and precision, every word striking at the heart of the matter. Her demeanor was unlike that of any other maid. Moreover, the girl was exceptionally beautiful—though not fully matured, her features were already exquisitely painted. Such beauty coupled with restlessness had put Madam Qin on guard.
She had originally intended to assign Xianglan to a place like the kitchen, where there were some perks and little direct contact with the masters, as a gesture of gratitude. But now that her eldest son wanted this maid, Madam Qin hesitated.
Seeing Madam Qin's expression, Lin Jinlou narrowed his eyes, suddenly stood up, and walked to the doorway. Lifting the curtain, he glanced back with a smile and said, "Since Mother says nothing, I'll take it as your consent." Ignoring Madam Qin's calls, he strode out the door and saw Xianglan still standing pitifully under the eaves, 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 paths, they unexpectedly returned to the Hall of Knowing Spring.
Yingge was reclining on a rocking chair beneath the banana leaves, resting with her eyes closed. The maid Dingxiang sat on a small stool beside her, idly fanning Yingge with a palm-leaf fan. Dingxiang looked up and saw Lin Jinlou entering the courtyard. She quickly nudged Yingge and whispered, "Miss, wake up! The Eldest Master is back."
Yingge jolted awake, opened her eyes, and indeed saw Lin Jinlou returning. She hurriedly stood up and called out, "Eldest Master, you're back."
Her voice was delicately sweet and melodious, sending a shiver down Xianglan's spine. She glanced over and saw Yingge with slightly disheveled hair, her cheeks flushed with a delicate, sickly pallor. A sapphire-blue jacket over a white silk skirt accentuated her fragile, delicate demeanor.
Lin Jinlou gave a slight nod and continued walking. Yingge hurried forward, gently tugging at his sleeve, and said mournfully, "Eldest Master, are you angry with me? Why won't you even acknowledge me... I know it's my own fault for failing to protect your flesh and blood. 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, and she began to weep brokenly.
Dingxiang quickly supported Yingge's arm, displaying loyal servant concern: "Miss hasn't slept well these past few days, waking up crying every night. I've tried to comfort her several times, but she still misses the child terribly. If this continues, I fear her health won't hold up."Lin Jinlou felt irritated upon hearing the word "child." He had little concern for bearing children—to him, offspring were merely someone to kowtow at his grave a century later. However, as the eldest grandson of the main branch, his grandparents often reminded him, and his parents constantly worried, making having a son a burden on his shoulders. When Yingge’s child was aborted due to Chunyan’s poisoning, Lin Jinlou was enraged, severely punishing Chunyan and rewarding Yingge with gold, silver, and silk. Upon returning home, he occasionally visited Yingge’s room. Previously, seeing Yingge weep had stirred some pity and sighing in him, leading him to offer a few comforting words. Now, as Yingge tugged at his sleeve again, sobbing, though inwardly impatient, Lin Jinlou spoke gently: "I’m not angry with you, and you shouldn’t dwell on that wretched matter every day. Your health is poor—why stand in the courtyard catching the wind? Go back to your room. I’ll come see you when I have a moment."
Tears still glistening at the corners of her eyes, Yingge noticed Lin Jinlou’s slight impatience and forced a smile, curtsying softly as she said, "Then this humble one will go brew a pot of this year’s new tea and await the Eldest Master." Turning, she walked away gracefully.
Not far off, Huamei sat by the window, staring at Yingge’s retreating figure and sneering, "Pah! Shameless fox spirit, pretending to be sick again." With a loud "bang," she slammed the window she had propped open.
Xianglan followed Lin Jinlou straight into the east wing of the Hall of Knowing Spring. Upon entering, she was greeted by a warm, fragrant scent. A tall, slender girl was inside arranging flowers, her cheekbones slightly prominent, her eyes and brows lovely. Though her looks were only above average, she carried an air of capable charm—this was Qinglan’s maid, Chunling.
At the sight of Lin Jinlou, Chunling hastily set down her watering can and exclaimed repeatedly, "The Eldest Master is here! The Concubine has gone for a walk and hasn’t returned yet. Please have a seat and wait a moment, Eldest Master. I’ll send a young maid to fetch her."
Lin Jinlou said, "No need to call her back. It’s rare for her to be in the mood for a stroll." Waving a hand behind him, he summoned Xianglan forward and said, "This is Xianglan, sent here to serve. I’ve heard she excels at needlework. Help her get settled, and assign her the second-rank allowance for now."
Seeing that Xianglan had been personally brought by Lin Jinlou, Chunling didn’t dare neglect her and repeatedly agreed. She added, "We’re short on cleaning maids. Coincidentally, Yindie, who previously served Miss Chunyan, was doing rough work in the tea room. The Concubine found her quick and capable and asked to have her assigned here, and Da Nǎinai approved…"
Lin Jinlou said indifferently, "There’s no need to report such trivial matters to me." With that, he turned and gave Xianglan a deep look before leaving.
Chunling scrutinized Xianglan from head to toe, asking where she had previously worked and what skills she possessed, her words friendly. Upon learning that Xianglan had served the cousin Miss Cao Lihuan, Chunling’s eyes lit up, eager to gossip and uncover details. But seeing Xianglan’s dull, vacant expression, she suppressed her curiosity and said with a smile, "Now that you’re here with us, we’re all one family from now on. Let me take you, sister, to see your quarters."
As they spoke, the maid named Yindie arrived carrying her bundle. Xianglan found her familiar and recalled they had entered the mansion together—Yindie had once been questioned by Zhao Yuechan. Xianglan smiled at her, but Yindie lifted her chin, turning her face away as if she hadn’t noticed. Startled, Xianglan didn’t attempt further friendliness, picking up her bundle and following Chunling out.Xianglan's new residence was the secondary room on the right side of the eastern wing. The room contained three beds, yet it did not appear crowded. Each bed was spread with slightly worn bedding patterned with golden coin pythons, and beneath each stood a trunk fitted with a lock and key. Below the windowsill stretched a long table holding a round mirror along with a dressing case, hair oil, and cosmetics. Two small foreign-lacquered side tables displayed teacups and vases, the latter filled with seasonal fresh flowers, while small fruit dishes held two or three pieces of fresh fruit. A crabapple-shaped cabinet stood in the corner, and a painting titled "Spring's Return" hung on the wall, accompanied by embroidered stools and other furnishings too numerous to detail.
Chunling led the two of them into the room before stepping out.
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