Before the words had fully left her mouth, Yindie swept in like a gust of wind, snatched the fan from Xianglan’s hand, and began fanning Lin Jinlou while smiling, "Why has Eldest Master come so early today? Concubine has just gone to stroll in the garden and isn’t in her room. If Eldest Master needs anything, just give me the order." She stole a glance at Lin Jinlou, captivated by his handsome, noble, and dashing appearance. She inwardly regretted wearing two slightly worn outfits today and not having styled her hair properly, while also worrying that the Rouge on her face might have melted from sweat.
Xianglan breathed a quiet sigh of relief and silently retreated beside the screen. Yindie exclaimed with exaggerated concern, "Has Eldest Master not yet had breakfast? Why only eat pastries? I remember there are two or three delicate side dishes in the cupboard, perfect with porridge for a refreshing taste. I’ll bring them over for Eldest Master in a moment." As she spoke, she fanned Lin Jinlou even more vigorously.
Seizing the opportunity, Xianglan immediately said, "I’ll go fetch the dishes," and turned to leave. Lin Jinlou waved his hand, "No need." He pointed at Xianglan, "You, refill my tea." Yindie had already snatched the teapot and poured tea for Lin Jinlou, her large eyes sparkling as she grinned, "Eldest Master hasn’t visited in so long—you must be overwhelmed 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 good care of your health. It’s a pity we can’t repay your kindness by your side, so we pour all our effort into serving Concubine, hoping not to disappoint your expectations."
Xianglan fumed inwardly, "If you want to grovel and flatter the master, I won’t stop you, but why drag me into it?" She stepped forward to clear the bowls and chopsticks, using it as an excuse to slip away to the side room.
As Yindie chattered on with sycophantic words, Lin Jinlou grew increasingly impatient. He wanted to shoo Yindie away and call Xianglan back to talk, but just then, Qinglan entered, supported by Chunling and Wu Mama, chatting and laughing along the way. Reluctantly, Yindie set down the fan and went to greet them. Wu Mama said to Chunling, "You insisted on picking flowers with dew for Concubine to make Rouge, but by now the dew has long evaporated."
Chunling giggled, "It doesn’t have to be with dew; fresh flowers are fine. Besides, Concubine is so beautiful, I think she doesn’t even need Rouge."
Qinglan smiled, "You’re so sweet-tongued. I’ll reward you with some Candied Fruit later." Seeing Yindie emerge from the inner room, all three were taken aback. Stepping inside and glancing around, they found only Lin Jinlou, who had taken off his shoes and was lounging on the Daybed. Qinglan’s expression immediately turned awkward, while Chunling and Wu Mama exchanged glances, their faces darkening.
For a while, Qinglan stayed in the room chatting with Lin Jinlou, while Xianglan waited outside in case she was needed. After Chunling served tea again, she withdrew and went straight to find Yindie in her room, asking why she had been in Qinglan’s bedroom. Yindie fabricated an excuse, "I originally went to the sewing room to fetch some Colored Thread. On my way back, I saw Sister Xianglan serving Eldest Master in the room. She was so clumsy she annoyed him, so Eldest Master asked me to take over. I’d only fanned him a couple of times before you all returned. If you don’t believe me, ask Eldest Master."Xiao Juan was sitting on the bed untangling a mess of threads when she heard Yindie call Xianglan "clumsy." She sneered coldly, "Do you think we can't verify this with the Eldest Master, so you say such things thinking there'll be no proof after death? You assume we can't see through you—showing off in front of the Eldest Master, as if you're worthy! Tomorrow, we'll all leave, even the Concubine will move out, and we'll let you live in the east wing room. Would that satisfy you then?"
Chunling stood with her hands on her hips, frowning deeply. "I've long said the room shouldn't be left unattended. Where have you been running off to all morning? The sewing room isn't far from here—how could you take so long? Have I been too lenient before, spoiling you until you don't know which way is up?"
Yindie felt extremely resentful inwardly, thinking, "So what if I have such intentions? I don't believe you two little sluts aren't just as scheming. The moment the Eldest Master arrives, you guard him tightly, scrambling to serve him first. Now you put on airs in front of me, pretending to be chaste and virtuous, using rules to pressure others. That wretched Chunling—she gladly accepted the rouge and powder I gave her before, but today just because I fanned the Eldest Master a couple of times, she nitpicks over every little thing. Ugh! Xianglan is a fool who'll do whatever you say, but do you think I'm someone you can easily manipulate?" She wanted to argue back, but how could she match Chun and Juan's sharp tongues? She could only curse them both repeatedly in her heart.
Xianglan sat on the embroidery stool by the bedroom door, quietly relieved she had dodged the conflict in time. Suddenly, she heard the sound of a bell ringing inside the room and walked in. She saw Lin Jinlou holding Qinglan as they sat together on the daybed, about to kiss Qinglan's cheek. Qinglan lowered her head with a soft laugh, her lovely eyes brimming with coquettish shyness, while pushing Lin Jinlou away and chiding, "Be proper, the maid is here."
Lin Jinlou chuckled lightly, reached out to tuck the loose hair at Qinglan's temple behind her ear, took her hand, and kissed it gently. In a soft voice, he said, "Why be shy? Who would dare spread gossip... and even if they did, I'm not afraid."
Xianglan immediately felt awkward, standing at the doorway unsure whether to enter or retreat, her eyes fixed intently on the floor. Lin Jinlou's gaze swept over and caught sight of Xianglan, startling him slightly. He usually wouldn't mind a maid walking in while he was bantering with his beloved concubine, but seeing that it was Xianglan, he felt unexpectedly uneasy.
Fortunately, Qinglan spoke up: "Go find a set of the Eldest Master's casual clothes. I remember two or three pieces were freshly laundered the other day." Xianglan felt as if she had been granted a pardon and quickly turned to leave.
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