Before the words had even faded, Yin Die rushed in like a gust of wind, snatching the fan from Xianglan's hand. She began fanning Lin Jinlou while smiling and saying, "Master, what brings you here so early? Auntie just went to stroll in the garden and isn’t in her room. Whatever you need, just tell me." She stole a glance at Lin Jinlou, admiring his handsome and noble demeanor, and couldn’t help but feel entranced. Secretly, she regretted wearing slightly worn clothes today and not styling her hair properly. She also worried that the sweat might ruin her makeup.
Xianglan quietly exhaled in relief and retreated behind the screen. Yin Die exclaimed dramatically, "Has Master not had breakfast yet? Why only pastries? I remember there are still a couple of delicate side dishes in the cupboard, perfect with porridge—light and refreshing. I’ll bring them over for you shortly." As she spoke, she fanned Lin Jinlou even more vigorously.
Seizing the opportunity, Xianglan quickly said, "I’ll go fetch the dishes," and turned to leave. Lin Jinlou waved his hand. "No need." He pointed at Xianglan. "Just refill my tea." Yin Die had already grabbed the teapot and poured tea for Lin Jinlou, her large eyes blinking as she flashed a smile. "Master hasn’t visited in so long—you must be swamped with official duties. I often tell Sister Xianglan in private that you’re the pillar of the Lin family, toiling day and night outside. You must take care of your health. It’s a shame we can’t repay your kindness by your side, so we pour all our effort into serving Auntie, lest we fail to honor your intentions."
Xianglan fumed inwardly, "If you want to grovel to the master, I won’t stop you, but why drag me into it?" She stepped forward to clear the dishes, using it as an excuse to slip into the side room.
Yin Die continued chattering sycophantically until Lin Jinlou grew impatient. He was about to shoo her away and call Xianglan back when Qing Lan entered, supported by Chun Ling and Wu Mama, chatting and laughing along the way. Reluctantly, Yin Die set down the fan and went to greet them. Wu Mama said to Chun Ling, "You insisted on picking flowers with morning dew for Auntie’s rouge, but the dew has long since dried."
Chun Ling giggled. "It doesn’t have to be with dew—fresh flowers are fine. Besides, Auntie is so beautiful, she hardly needs rouge."
Qing Lan smiled. "Such sweet words. I’ll reward you with candied fruit later." When they saw Yin Die emerge from the inner room, all three were surprised. Stepping inside, they found only Lin Jinlou lounging barefoot on the daybed. Qing Lan’s expression stiffened, while Chun Ling and Wu Mama exchanged a glance, their faces darkening.
For a while, Qing Lan stayed inside to chat with Lin Jinlou, while Xianglan waited outside for orders. Chun Ling served tea again before retreating and heading straight to Yin Die’s room to question her presence in Qing Lan’s quarters. Yin Die lied, "I was just fetching some colored thread from the sewing room. On my way back, I saw Sister Xianglan clumsily serving Master and upsetting him, so he asked me to step in. I’d only fanned him a couple of times before you all returned. If you don’t believe me, ask Master yourself."Xiao Juan was sitting on the bed untangling a mess of threads when she heard Yin Die call Xianglan "clumsy." She sneered and said, "You think just because we can't question the Master, you can say such things to leave no evidence? Do you really believe we don’t see through you? Flaunting yourself in front of the Master—who do you think you are? Tomorrow we’ll all leave, even the concubine will move out, and you can have the east wing all to yourself. Wouldn’t that suit you just fine?"
Chun Ling planted her hands on her hips and frowned. "I’ve said all along the room shouldn’t be left unattended. Where have you been running off to all morning? The sewing room isn’t far—how could it take you so long? Have I been too lenient before, letting you forget your place?"
Yin Die seethed inwardly. "So what if I had such thoughts? Don’t pretend you two little sluts aren’t scheming too. The moment the Master arrives, you guard him like treasure, scrambling to serve him first. Now you put on airs of virtue and throw rules in my face. That bitch Chun Ling—she was happy enough to take the rouge and powder I gave her before. Today, just because I fanned the Master a couple of times, she acts like it’s some great offense. Pah! Xianglan’s a fool who’ll do whatever you say, but do you really think you can push me around?" She wanted to argue back, but Chun Ling and Xiao Juan were too quick with their words, so she could only curse them silently in her heart.
Xianglan sat on the embroidered stool by the bedroom door, quietly relieved she had slipped away in time. Suddenly, she heard the sound of a bell inside the room and entered to find Lin Jinlou embracing Qing Lan on the daybed, about to kiss her cheek. Qing Lan lowered her head with a soft laugh, her lovely eyes brimming with coyness as she playfully pushed Lin Jinlou away. "Behave yourself. The maids are here."
Lin Jinlou chuckled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Qing Lan’s ear before lifting her hand to kiss it. "Why be shy? No one would dare gossip… and even if they did, I wouldn’t care."
Xianglan froze awkwardly in the doorway, unsure whether to enter or leave, her eyes fixed firmly on the floor. When Lin Jinlou glanced up and saw her, he paused. Normally, he wouldn’t have minded a maid walking in while he flirted with his concubine, but for some reason, seeing Xianglan made him feel uneasy.
Luckily, Qing Lan spoke up. "Go fetch a set of the Master’s casual clothes. I remember two or three were freshly laundered the other day." Xianglan seized the chance to escape and hurried out.
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Been swamped with overtime these past two days, so this chapter’s a bit shorter. Apologies—will aim for 3k words tomorrow...
Thanks to Bored Person 0 for two Peace Talismans, and to Junxi812, yu21yu21, and Yueyue Ai Yueyue for their Peace Talismans. Also, big thanks to Yueyue for the long review—much appreciated =3=
Hope the overtime ends soon... T_T
OpenNovel