Now, as for Song Ke, after parting ways with Xianglan, he headed straight for Shunfu Tower. The manager himself was waiting at the entrance and hurried forward to greet Song Ke upon seeing him, bowing obsequiously with a beaming smile. "Eldest Master Song, please come inside. We have the Falling Petals Pavilion reserved for you on the second floor."
Song Ke ascended the stairs, faintly hearing the sound of string and wind instruments. Ludou was guarding the door. Pushing it open, he saw a charming young girl of about seventeen or eighteen sitting in the corner of the room. She wore an emerald-green dress with a bright red sash tied around her waist, looking vibrant and lovely. Her fingers plucked the zither strings, producing a melodious tinkling sound. When she saw Song Ke, she gave a sweet smile, carrying a hint of shyness, grace, and a touch of alluring charm. Though she appeared dignified, there was an indescribable flirtatiousness about her—truly just right.
Lin Jinting was seated in an armchair by the window, his elbow propped on the windowsill as he leaned out, fanning himself with one hand and swaying his head to the rhythm of the zither music, looking utterly enchanted.
Song Ke pulled out a chair and sat down. Just as he raised his teacup, Lin Jinting teased, "Oh, so you’ve finally finished your rendezvous with the beauty and decided to come back?"
Song Ke paused, glanced at Lin Jinting, and said nothing, simply lifting the teacup to take a sip.
Lin Jinting leaned forward, waggling his eyebrows and covering his mouth with his fan, grinning mischievously. "I was wondering why that girl stared at you as if she were mesmerized, like a fool. Turns out it’s a romantic entanglement you’ve stirred up."
Song Ke scolded, "Nonsense." He picked up a piece of mung bean cake and stuffed it into Lin Jinting’s mouth to shut him up.
Lin Jinting chewed the pastry, chuckling mischievously. "Still playing tough? Let me ask you, where’s your fan? Hah, I saw everything clearly from the second floor." He snapped open his paper fan and waved it in front of his chest, looking utterly pleased as he asked, "So, tell me, whose girl is she? I never expected you, a seemingly reserved lion, to preach one thing and do another. I thought you were truly indifferent to women, but it turns out the grass is always greener on the other side."
Hearing Lin Jinting mock Xianglan, Song Ke felt slightly displeased. Gripping his cup, his expression darkened.
Lin Jinting stroked his chin as if reminiscing. "Tsk, tsk, she’s a bit young, but her looks are quite striking... Yi Fei, you really have good taste. No wonder you never showed interest in any of the maids in the mansion."
Song Ke set his teacup down with a clatter and looked at Lin Jinting with a half-smile. "When it comes to good taste, I can’t compare to you, Third Master Ting. Even when you step out for tea, you have to summon a beauty to play music for entertainment. Aren’t you afraid someone might find out you’re indulging in fun during your great-grandmother’s mourning period and report your father? It seems ever since you took Suju into your service, you’ve become quite unrestrained, spouting nonsense all the time."
Lin Jinting replied nonchalantly, "Who the hell has nothing better to do than report me? This Shunfu Tower is owned by my elder brother. With the doors closed, who would know we’re here enjoying ourselves... Come on, tell me whose girl she is. If you make me happy, maybe I’ll even help you arrange a match with her family."
Song Ke lowered his eyes and remained silent for a long while before finally lifting his teacup to take another sip. He leaned in and whispered to Lin Jinting, "That girl just now is from your Lin family. I’ve met her a few times. Right now, she’s serving under Lan Yiniang in your elder brother’s household. Her name is Xianglan. If the timing is right, help me get her transferred to my side."Lin Jinting was just about to put a piece of crispy pastry into his mouth when he was so startled that the snack clattered onto the table. He stared wide-eyed at Song Ke and said, "Hey, you... I was only joking, but you're actually serious about this?"
Song Ke merely sipped his tea without responding.
After staring at Song Ke for a long moment, Lin Jinting suddenly burst out laughing. "Well, well, who would've thought that girl would have such fortune? Alright, I'll go ask for her on your behalf tomorrow. My eldest brother dotes on me the most, so asking him for a maid is no big deal... How will you thank me once this is settled?"
Song Ke smiled and asked, "How would you like me to thank you?"
Lin Jinting thought for a moment and said, "I want that five-boy longevity celebration famille rose square vase of yours. I'll give it to my mother as a birthday gift next year."
Song Ke replied calmly, "Fine."
Lin Jinting widened his eyes again. "Oh my! That vase is an antique from the previous dynasty, and you're actually willing to part with it? Tsk tsk, you're really serious about this. I should've asked for that mutton-fat jade pendant instead."
Song Ke tapped Lin Jinting's head with his chopsticks. "Greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. You certainly know how to take advantage of a situation and extort me. That vase isn't for free, you know. I heard that girl is a family-raised servant with parents still living. Make sure you ask for her entire family."
Lin Jinting patted his chest confidently. "No problem, such a small matter is nothing I can't handle."
Song Ke felt somewhat relieved. Thinking of Xianglan's fair, jade-like face, his chest warmed slightly. He took a large gulp of tea, imagining how this girl could soon stay by his side. A thread of joy uncontrollably surged from the depths of his heart, making even the music in his ears sound increasingly pleasant.
Let us set aside how Song Ke and Lin Jinting bantered for now. Meanwhile, Xianglan was walking home carrying Song Ke's fan, her heart alternating between joy and sorrow. As she entered the courtyard, she saw three or four women gathered around Xue Shi in the yard gossiping—all neighbors from nearby. When they spotted Xianglan, they smiled warmly and exclaimed, "Oh, it's Miss Chen back home!"
Some came forward affectionately to take Xianglan's hands. "Let me see, let me see. My, the environment in the mansion certainly nurtures people. Our young lady has grown even more beautiful, just like a fairy."
"I've always said this girl has lovely features. Look at her broad forehead and pretty face—she's clearly blessed. In the future, she'll either become a wealthy madam or an official's wife."
"Exactly. She's only been in the mansion for a short while and has already been promoted to second-rank maid. The Zhang family's daughter has been there for three or four years and hasn't even made it to third rank."
Others held Xue Shi's hands and said, "Your daughter is bound to succeed. Today, she came back in a sedan chair! In a few days, when the Concubine gives birth to a son, your eldest daughter will be even more remarkable. Just wait to enjoy your daughter's good fortune."
This flood of praise made Xue Shi's face bloom with smiles, though she pretended to be modest, waving her hands repeatedly. "She's not that good. You're all praising her too much." As she glanced at Xianglan, she felt that her daughter was indeed exceptionally beautiful and dignified, unmatched by other girls' daughters. And this remarkable girl had come from her own womb!She immediately puffed out her chest with pride and said, "But speaking of our Xianglan, she truly is extraordinary. Before I gave birth to her, I dreamed of numerous orchids, their fragrance soothing every fiber of my being, and they shimmered with a golden light. Even the fortune-teller Ma said I would bear a daughter destined for wealth and honor, who would allow me to live a life of ease in my old age."
Upon hearing this, the others piled on even more flattery.
Amid the chorus of praise, Xianglan grew increasingly uncomfortable. Just as she was about to find an excuse to slip away, she heard someone remark sarcastically, "She's only a second-class maid, yet she carries on as if she were the mistress of the house."
Xianglan followed the voice and saw a slightly plump woman in her forties, dressed in a somewhat worn blue silk jacket, her hair neatly combed, giving the impression of someone with a bit of status. When the woman noticed Xianglan looking at her, she shot her a glare, flicked her handkerchief dismissively, and walked off with a disdainful snort.
An elderly woman nearby, known as "Third Lady Li," had moved in after Lu Ershenzi's family was sold off. Her son and daughter both worked for the Lin family, and she came from an honest, hardworking household. Third Lady Li tugged at Xianglan's sleeve and whispered, "Pay her no mind. Her daughter works alongside you—her name is Chunling. That girl has been toiling in the mansion for years and only recently got promoted to second-class. Her family nearly celebrated with gongs and drums. Now she's just jealous that you rose to second-class in such a short time."
Xianglan suddenly understood. No wonder the woman had looked familiar—she was Chunling's mother. She shook her head and smiled at Third Lady Li. "Chunling is far more capable than I am in serving the Concubine. She'll surely be promoted to first-class soon enough. Her mother needn't be so impatient."
Third Lady Li narrowed her eyes slightly and chuckled. "My dear, you truly have a generous heart."
Xianglan smiled faintly. Her ambitions had never lain within the Lin mansion. While some saw the Lin family as the very sky above them, she regarded it as a cage. Let them fight over positions like head maid or esteemed servant—she was merely a passerby. Her aspirations and horizons stretched far beyond the confines of the Lin estate.
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