Qing Lan, being with child, was even exempted from paying formal respects to Zhao Yuechan. Her days were spent strolling in the garden, doing needlework, and chatting with the maids, occasionally paying a visit to Qin Shi. She was easygoing and undemanding about food and clothing. Xianglan no longer had to endlessly embroider dowry items, do menial cleaning chores, endure the bullying of Hui'er and Huairui, or listen to Cao Lihuan's harsh scolding. Now, she only needed to help Qing Lan make children's clothes and perform light tasks like serving tea, even enjoying occasional half-days of leisure.
Since Lin Jinlou had escorted her to Knowing Spring Pavilion last time, he had only visited two or three times before disappearing. Chun Ling mentioned he had gone to the military camp. "The Master always eats and lives with the soldiers, sometimes staying in camp for a whole month without returning. He truly treats his troops like his own children," Chun Ling said with pride and a hint of shyness when speaking of Lin Jinlou. "When military affairs are busy, he doesn’t come home for three months. When people outside mention the 'Lin Family Troops,' who doesn’t hold them in high regard? Though the Second Master’s official rank is slightly higher, his prestige and reputation are far from the Master’s. It’s said even the Emperor has praised our Master. Once the mourning period for Old Madam Zeng is over, he’ll be promoted and transferred to the capital as a court official."
Xianglan nodded frequently, offering flattering words about the Master’s brilliance and might. Hearing that Lin Jinlou would be away at the military camp for a long time and might later be transferred to the capital secretly pleased her—she wished he would never return. Like a rabbit instinctively fearing a tiger, she harbored an unspoken dread of Lin Jinlou.
"When the Master goes to the capital and the concubine gives birth to a son, given how much the Master favors her, she might even earn an imperial title. Then who would dare look down on our east wing?" Chun Ling chattered while folding clothes. "Amitabha, I just hope the concubine gives birth to a young master this time."
Xianglan was puzzled. "The Master hasn’t achieved any notable military merits yet. How could the Emperor grant an imperial title to his concubine?"
Chun Ling dismissed her concern. "Why not? Our Master’s mentor is the Duke of Zhen, a renowned general. It’s only a matter of time before the Master earns military honors. Don’t think much of Ying Ge and Hua Mei by his side—they’re just Bedchamber servants... who knows how long they’ll last in the household? Didn’t you see Chunyan was sent away? Our concubine was properly brought in by Taitai’s arrangement as a legitimate concubine, and now she’s with child. Apart from the first wife, who could surpass her? When the Master returns, he mostly stays in our east wing... As for those two minxes Ying Ge and Hua Mei, always scheming to lure the Master over—don’t give them any respect when you see them. Shameless!"
Chun Ling grew indignant, pulling Xianglan into shared resentment. Xianglan had no choice but to feign outrage, nodding vigorously. "Exactly! The Master goes where he pleases, and he loves our concubine best. No matter what tricks they play, it won’t work!"
Pleased with Xianglan’s attitude, Chun Ling patted her shoulder approvingly.In truth, ever since Chun Ling heard that Xianglan had been personally brought in by the Master and promoted to a second-rank maid, she couldn't help but feel uneasy. Originally a third-rank maid by Qin Shi's side, she had been assigned to Qing Lan and promoted to second-rank, hoping that once Qing Lan bore a son, she too would rise to become a first-rank maid. Who would have thought Chen Xianglan would appear out of nowhere?
Though she smiled sweetly at Xianglan, Chun Ling constantly worried that Xianglan might compete with her for favor in front of their mistress. But after observing for several days, she noticed that Xianglan only managed needlework diligently and never interfered with other matters. Instead, she often helped younger maids when they were overwhelmed with tasks. Even when Chun Ling deliberately offered her opportunities to shine in front of their mistress, Xianglan always declined. Chun Ling finally relaxed, thinking Xianglan was a fool—who wouldn't want to advance and gain their mistress's favor? Her attitude toward Xianglan grew even more amiable.
Little did Chun Ling know, the last thing Xianglan wanted was to "gain their mistress's favor." Now that life had become more comfortable, she was already thinking of earning money through her paintings. If Qing Lan relied on her too much, she wouldn't have any free time. Thus, while one strove to impress their mistress, the other happily stayed idle, and they coexisted peacefully.
The Knowing Spring Pavilion remained tranquil every day. Zhao Yuechan stayed holed up in her room, never stepping out. Ying Ge also kept to her quarters, except at dusk when she liked to stand under the banana tree or by the rose trellis in the courtyard, singing melancholic tunes like "The Cuckoo's Bloody Cry Is Too Painful to Hear." Xianglan suspected her posturing was merely to wait at the courtyard gate for Lin Jinlou's return. Hua Mei, on the other hand, enjoyed visiting the east wing from time to time, chatting idly with Qing Lan.
"That little flirt Hua Mei has no shame. The concubine yawned twice, and she still didn't take the hint to leave," Wu Mama said with a frown as she helped Qing Lan recline against the headboard. As Lin Jinlou's wet nurse, she held a privileged position in the Lin household. Hearing of Qing Lan's pregnancy, she had volunteered to serve her. Originally a dowry servant from Qin Shi's family, she was fiercely loyal and, influenced by Qin Shi, harbored no goodwill toward seductive women, hence her disdain for the likes of Ying Ge and Hua Mei.
"She came with good intentions to see me. How could I turn her away? Besides, she never stays long, so let her be," Qing Lan replied drowsily.
"You're too kind, madam. I don't think Hua Mei is any good. When the Master returns, I'll tell him not to let those little vixens loiter around the east wing and bother you."
"Please don't. He might think I'm making a fuss," Qing Lan quickly opened her eyes.
Wu Mama sighed and handed Qing Lan a piece of cake from the small crabapple table by the bed. "Fine, I won't say anything. You've had little appetite these days, madam. Have a piece before you sleep."
It was a plate of Yudai cake, steamed with ingredients like poria cocos, lotus seeds, and coix seeds, known to strengthen the spleen and replenish energy. Qing Lan found it delicious and couldn't resist having another piece. She said to Wu Mama, "Chun Ling is truly a credit to Taitai's training—clever and capable, taking care of everything for me. With her around, half my worries are gone. Take this cake, for instance. Seeing I've eaten less these past days, she went out of her way to make it. It shows her thoughtfulness."
Wu Mama froze, her brows knitting together. "Chun Ling said she made this cake?"Qing Lan nodded and took a sip of tea. "Chun Ling said she made them early this morning."
Wu Mama's frown deepened. She had clearly seen Xianglan, that little maid, kneading dough and pressing molds in the kitchen, making a tray of jade belt cakes. Xianglan had arranged them on a celadon plate with chopsticks for Chun Ling to bring in, even leaving two pieces each for Wu Mama and Xiao Juan. How could it suddenly be Chun Ling's work now? After a long pause, Wu Mama said, "Those cakes were made by Xianglan..."
Qing Lan was taken aback but didn't dwell on it, merely nodding. "Well then, I'll reward her later."
Wu Mama replied, "There's no hurry about the reward. Think about it, Mistress. Though Chun Ling is capable, I find her too cunning—not an honest sort. Even over something as small as cakes, she fights for favor, claiming others' merits as her own. Though it's a minor matter, it reveals her character. Xiao Juan is too young, still childish. That Yin Die carries herself with restlessness, always prying into the Master's affairs. These days I've observed quietly—Xianglan seems genuinely honest. At first, I worried her pretty face might bring trouble, but she works quietly every day, diligent in every task assigned, never competing or stirring up petty quarrels. When Xiao Juan and Yin Die argue, it's always Xianglan who mediates."
Qing Lan, who had been about to take another bite of cake, paused, her delicate brows knitting. "Mama, are you suggesting...?"
Wu Mama said, "What I mean is, for Concubine Lan to establish herself in this household, she must cultivate a few loyal confidantes. Think long-term. Once the mourning period for Old Madam Zeng ends, the Master will return to the capital, and Taitai will follow. Without that great pillar of support and lacking trusted aides, I fear the concubine may suffer mistreatment. Xianglan is young, sincere, and never speaks out of turn—she seems a good choice."
Qing Lan frowned in thought. Xianglan had always seemed as insubstantial as a wisp of smoke—barely noticeable, cautious and reserved. Because Lin Jinlou had promoted her to second-rank maid, Qing Lan had felt somewhat uneasy and hadn't valued her much. But now, reflecting on it, Xianglan seemed genuinely honest and well-behaved. Slowly, she nodded. "You're right. I'll pay more attention to that girl."
She summoned Xianglan to her room and, with a warm smile, rewarded her with a silver ring engraved with a double happiness pattern, along with a cup of strong tea and a plate of fruits before sending her away.
Xianglan was baffled by the unexpected reward. Back in her room, she examined the ring closely. Though the design was outdated, it had some heft. She thought to herself that Concubine Lan was indeed generous and kind to her subordinates, and she happily tucked the ring away. She had considered saving some of the fruits for Chun Ling but remembered how jealous Chun Ling could be. Last time, when Qing Lan had praised Xianglan's millet tea and rewarded her with an extra dish at noon, Chun Ling's face had darkened. Later, Chun Ling had hinted that Xianglan needn't trouble herself with Concubine Lan's meals anymore: "The concubine is with child and shouldn't eat just anything. Next time you make something for her, let me know first. If anything goes wrong and Taitai blames us, none of us will look good."
Now that Qing Lan had rewarded her with another plate of fruits, Xianglan decided it was better not to mention it and secretly shared them with Xiao Juan instead.
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Thanks to Junxi812, Yueyue Ai Yueyue, and Linlin1981 for the Peace Talismans =3=Thank you, Yueyue, for writing such a long review for us. Hehe, thanks a lot ^_^
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