Now, Xianglan, having agreed to the poetry club matters, threw herself into preparations day and night. Firstly, she feared disturbing Qing Lan's rest, and secondly, she claimed only to assist Wu Mama with arrangements, unwilling to show off before others. Thus, she simply moved to Gathered Verdure Residence to stay, busy until late each night, with Wu Mama coming to keep her company in the evenings.
One evening at dusk, as the garden was about to be locked, a seven- or eight-year-old page boy suddenly knocked on the door of Gathered Verdure Residence. Xianglan came out to see the child holding a square, polished betel-nut lacquer food box. He said, "My master said you've been working hard these past few days and sent me with some food." Without waiting for a response, he walked into the room, opened the box, and took out a high-footed blue-and-white porcelain bowl, a small dish of side dishes, and a plate of pastries.
Xianglan lifted the lid of the bowl and saw inside a milky white, delicate duck soup with goji berries and red dates, its aroma enticing. The boy looked unfamiliar—not one of those who worked under the eaves of Knowing Spring Pavilion—so she asked, "Who is your master? Concubine Lan?"
The boy's eyes darted mischievously as he grinned and said, "Not her. Sister Xianglan, step outside the courtyard gate, and you'll see." With that, he picked up the food box and left.
Xianglan hurriedly followed and stood at the courtyard gate. The boy pointed into the distance at a moon gate: "Sister, look there."
Xianglan craned her neck and saw, beside the moon gate, dense clusters of bamboo, lush and verdant. Someone stood behind those bamboos, half a face and the corner of an indigo-patterned cloak faintly visible. Seeming to notice Xianglan's gaze, the figure pushed aside the bamboo in front, revealing Song Ke's handsome, fair face.
Xianglan was dumbstruck, instantly rooted to the spot, unable to move. Her lips parted, but no words came out. Her mind went entirely blank, save for one voice shouting in her heart: "How does he know I'm at Gathered Verdure Residence? He's concerned about me... My husband has sent me food..."
Song Ke smiled at her, and only then did Xianglan snap out of her daze. She hastily curtsied gracefully and offered a respectful greeting. Song Ke's heart warmed, and he nodded slightly in return.
The boy was quite sharp. He said to Xianglan, "Sister, take your time with the meal. I'll come back tomorrow to collect the empty dishes. My name is Ludou. If you have any errands or messages for our master, just let me know."
Though Xianglan knew it was improper, she couldn't help herself. She fished out a few copper coins from her sleeve and said, "Please thank your master properly for me. Tell him he needn't go to such trouble in the future—I've received his kindness."
But Ludou refused the coins and scampered off in a flash.
Xianglan looked up and saw Song Ke still standing by the moon gate. She wanted to gaze at him a little longer but feared prying eyes might notice. Reluctantly, she stepped back inside and closed the courtyard gate. Peering through the crack in the gate, she watched until Song Ke and Ludou turned to leave before composing herself and returning indoors.
Facing the delicately prepared dishes on the table, her heart was a tumult of emotions. All this time, she had repeatedly admonished herself to sever those illusory thoughts, truly believing she had hardened her heart through endurance. Yet when the moment came, seeing Song Ke, she couldn't help but recall the tender affection and mutual devotion they had shared in their past life.
Xianglan lifted the high-footed bowl. Before the soup touched her lips, tears had already slipped down.It turned out that ever since their last parting, Song Ke had been constantly thinking about bringing Xianglan over, but unfortunately, Lin Jinlou was about to leave home. Lin Jinting had originally planned to simply take Xianglan back after informing Zhao Yuechan, but by coincidence, he learned that Xianglan had been gifted a box of exquisite crystal jade and snow orchid ointment from the palace by his elder brother. This made Lin Jinting hesitate. Lin Jinlou's actions clearly showed some regard for this maid named Xianglan, and taking her away without notice might be inappropriate. He had no choice but to wait until Lin Jinlou returned before making any further plans.
Song Ke, who missed Xianglan dearly, asked Lin Jinting to help gather news about her. Upon learning that Xianglan had moved to Gathered Verdure Residence for the poetry club, he sent someone to deliver some food, hoping to let Xianglan know he hadn’t forgotten her. Fortunately, Gathered Verdure Residence was close to Lin Jinting’s Lying Cloud Courtyard, so his frequent visits wouldn’t arouse suspicion.
"...Sister Xianglan didn’t say much, only asked the Master not to spend any more money and that she appreciated his kindness," Ludou scratched his head. "She even tried to give me some coins, but of course, I couldn’t accept them."
Song Ke sighed silently and turned to look at the small courtyard gate of Gathered Verdure Residence, as if he could still see that delicate figure standing there.
As the sun set, the old woman in charge of the garden came to inspect the grounds. Seeing Song Ke standing by the gate, she approached with a smile and said, "Master Ke, it’s time to lock the garden. You can come back tomorrow."
Song Ke glanced back one last time before leaving with Ludou.
From then on, Ludou brought food every day. Xianglan would stand at the gate and bow to Song Ke from afar. Though they never exchanged a word, it seemed they understood each other’s feelings. The unspoken emotions between them were intoxicating.
Meanwhile, the day of the poetry club arrived. Qing Lan personally delivered the invitation to Qin Shi. Qin Shi visited Gathered Verdure Residence and found it completely transformed. Hundreds of potted flowers, each more dazzling than the last, were arranged inside and out. Two pomegranate trees in the courtyard were in full bloom, while a clear stream and several peculiar rocks guarded the entrance, along with a winding corridor leading to secluded paths. Though not as refined as other places, it had its own charm.
After asking a few more questions and confirming everything was in order, Qin Shi couldn’t hide her surprise.
The next day, ladies from various households arrived in carriages and sedan chairs. Qing Lan had changed early into a round-collared robe with phoenix-tail patterns in pink and white, edged with gold embroidery. Chun Ling styled her hair into an elaborate silver-threaded bun, and she applied light makeup. Despite her pregnancy, she didn’t appear bloated and still looked like a charming young woman among the crowd. Since Qing Lan wasn’t skilled in social interactions, Qin Shi assigned Lin Dongqi to assist and guide her. Soon, groups of women arrived, and Gathered Verdure Residence buzzed with activity.
Xianglan, who disliked crowds, sat on a small stool at the back, keeping an eye on the kitchen’s serving arrangements. Wu Mama tiptoed over and patted her shoulder, saying, "What are you doing here? It’s lively up front—over twenty guests have arrived. You should go and collect some rewards."
Xianglan smiled and replied, "If I leave, who will oversee the kitchen?"
Wu Mama asked, "Have you eaten yet?"
Xianglan said, "I had a little earlier."
Wu Mama waved her hand. "The main dishes are already served. Only some porridge and snacks are left. I’ll have Chun Ling watch over it. You go ahead. I just spoke with Taitai—she said you’ve been working hard these days and wants to reward you properly."Xianglan hesitated for a moment.
Wu Mama said, "Go on. You've brought great honor to the Concubine this time. Taitai has rewarded every maid, even Xiao Juan and Yin Die received red envelopes."
Xianglan then made her way to the front courtyard, where she saw a dazzling display of jewels and heard cheerful laughter. She crept along the wall and noticed a beautiful woman sitting beside Qin Shi, whose features bore some resemblance to her own. The two were chatting and laughing merrily.
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The young servant Ludou in this story is played by L.M.G from the extra roles thread~
Thanks to yu21yu21 for the zongzi, Hua Xiyue Xi for two zongzi, and christine_86 for the Peace Talisman. Much appreciated =3=
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