When she returned to Knowing Spring Pavilion, the east wing was quiet. Having been busy all day, everyone was exhausted and had retired to rest. Only Chun Ling, determined to stay strong, remained by Qing Lan's side, forcing herself to stay alert. Xianglan lay on the bed and slept for a while, not waking until dusk when Xiao Juan roused her for dinner. Because the Azure Mist Poetry Club had performed well, Qin Shi specially ordered Lu Lan to bring two extra dishes. Qing Lan immediately brightened up, and with Chun Ling adding to the cheer, the atmosphere became quite lively for a time.
Xiao Juan whispered to Xianglan, "Have you seen Yin Die? She must have run into some bad luck somewhere—her face is swollen from a slap! She’s hiding it with her sleeve, too ashamed to show herself. She went straight to bed when she came back and didn’t even eat dinner."
Xianglan replied softly, "I heard it was the Master who hit her."
Xiao Juan widened her eyes in surprise. "The Master?" Covering her mouth, she giggled. "Serves her right! She should’ve been beaten long ago. You don’t know the nonsense she’s been spreading about you behind your back!"
Before she could finish, Tinglan walked in and said with a smile, "There you are! The mistresses had their fun this morning, and now it’s our turn tonight. They’ve set up a game in the small room out back—dice and Go. If you’re free tonight, why not join us?"
Xiao Juan clapped her hands. "Wonderful! I’ve been feeling cooped up these days and could use some fun." She pulled out a handful of copper coins, tucked them into her sleeve, and dragged Xianglan along.
When Xianglan arrived, she saw several maids gathered together, playing merrily. After watching for a while, she found it uninteresting and slipped out to the backyard. The sky had darkened, and a lone moon hung above. Listening to the laughter and chatter from inside, she felt a faint envy for Xiao Juan and the others, who seemed so carefree.
Just then, someone spoke: "They’re all playing inside. Why aren’t you joining them?"
Startled, Xianglan turned and saw a tall figure standing before her, silhouetted against the light, making him appear dark and indistinct. She hurriedly bowed. "Master." Then she tried to slip away along the wall.
Lin Jinlou stood with his arms crossed, eyes half-lidded, a faint smirk on his lips. He repeated, "Why aren’t you joining them?"
Xianglan had no choice but to answer stiffly, "I’m not good at games. I wouldn’t want to spoil their fun."
Lin Jinlou watched her standing there, delicate and obedient with her head bowed, and chuckled. "I know what you like to play..." He took a few steps, then turned back, frowning. "Why aren’t you following?"
Xianglan had no choice but to trail after him. To her surprise, Lin Jinlou led her to the study at the front.
Shuran hurried forward when she saw Lin Jinlou enter, but he waved her off. "Not your business. Leave us." Shuran retreated, casting a careful glance at Xianglan before smiling and closing the door behind her.
Now alone in the room, Lin Jinlou noticed Xianglan’s nervousness and softened his voice. "Why are you standing there like a fool? Come here."
Xianglan took two hesitant steps forward, her heart pounding. Being alone with Lin Jinlou was no good omen, but she saw no way to escape. She resolved that if he made any improper advances, she would resist with all her might. Glancing up briefly, she saw Lin Jinlou gazing at her with an amused smile. His handsome features, usually stern, now carried a lazy, roguish charm that only heightened her unease. She quickly lowered her head again.
Lin Jinlou said, "Come here. I have something very special for you."Xianglan kept her head lowered without speaking.
Lin Jinlou assumed she was afraid and thought to himself, "Though this maid is quite beautiful, she's always trembling like a startled rabbit—it really takes all the fun out of it." Confident in his romantic skills, he refused to believe he couldn't win Xianglan over. He pulled out the "Skyline Dark Clouds Calligraphy" from a drawer and handed it to her. "Take a look at this. Do you like it?"
Xianglan barely glanced at it before lowering her head again. "Master's possessions must all be exquisite."
Lin Jinlou said, "It's not that remarkable—just something written by Shen Zhou, considered rare and unusual. Today, I heard Wu Mama praising you endlessly, so I took a look at the poems and calligraphy you've done. Knowing you appreciate refined things, how about I give this to you?"
Xianglan's heart sank at his words. She hurriedly held out the scroll with both hands, shaking her head. "Such a treasure is better kept by Master. Giving it to me would only be a waste... I don't know how to compose poetry—I only recognize a few characters. If word got out, it would only invite ridicule."
Lin Jinlou chuckled softly. "Why so nervous? Only a few of us know about this... Where did you learn to write?"
Xianglan replied respectfully, "When I was young, I was a lay disciple at Still Moon Temple. The nuns there taught me."
Lin Jinlou grinned. "So you were once a little nun." As he spoke, he reached out—ostensibly to take back the scroll—but instead seized Xianglan's wrist. With a tug, he pulled her into his embrace.
Xianglan gasped in shock, her fingers loosening. The scroll fell to the floor with a thud as she collided against Lin Jinlou's chest. The mingled scents of alcohol, perfumed robes, and masculine warmth overwhelmed her. Panicked, she pushed against him.
Lin Jinlou effortlessly pinned both her wrists with one hand while the other wrapped around her waist. She struggled like a frantic little bird flapping its wings, which only made him laugh heartily. His lips brushed against her temple as his warm breath tickled her ear. "Don't be afraid. I'm just fond of you..."
The words sent a chill through Xianglan's veins. "Please let go, Master," she pleaded. "Someone like me isn't worthy of your affection..."
Holding her soft, fragrant form, Lin Jinlou felt his resolve waver. Inhaling the delicate scent of her hair, he teased, "If you're not worthy, who is? If you don't like the calligraphy, I'll give you something else."
He reached over and opened a wooden box on the desk, revealing eight Red Gold Ruby-Inlaid Eight Treasure Hairpins arranged neatly inside. Picking one at random, he tucked it into Xianglan's hair. Studying her under the candlelight with half-lidded eyes, he drawled, "These just arrived at the shop yesterday. I knew at first glance they'd suit you best—bring out your beauty even more..." Tilting her chin up, he leaned in for a kiss.
Xianglan turned her face away, tears now streaming down. "I'm just a coarse, unrefined person. Why trouble yourself over me? And with Old Madam Zeng's mourning period still ongoing—I'd rather dash my brains out than bring shame!"
Lin Jinlou's expression darkened.
Outside the study, Ji Xiang was in a fluster. "Taitai, Master said he's not seeing anyone tonight—"
Zhao Yuechan, carrying a large food box, replied, "I know. I just came to bring him something to eat. He just returned from out of town—I won't rest easy until I see him. Just one look, then I'll leave after setting this down."Both sides were like ancestors to him. Ji Xiang forced a smile and said, "Master is busy with official duties today and truly can't spare the time. Why don't I deliver this on Madam's behalf instead?"
Zhao Yuechan replied coldly, "I won't disturb his work. I'll just leave the food and go. Surely that's not too much to ask?" As she spoke, she lifted her skirt and stepped onto the stairs.
Earlier, she had received a tip from the old woman guarding the courtyard that Lin Jinlou had taken a maid away with him. Remembering how Hua Mei had been brought to his study and then taken as his concubine, Zhao Yuechan didn't dare take any chances and hurried over. Seeing Ji Xiang's evasive behavior only deepened her suspicions, strengthening her resolve to see for herself.
Ji Xiang hastily spread his arms to block her, smiling ingratiatingly. "My dear Madam, you know our master's temper..."
Zhao Yuechan's willow-thin eyebrows shot up. She raised her hand and slapped him, spitting out, "You insolent wretch! How dare you stop me!" Taking advantage of Ji Xiang's stunned hesitation, she kicked the door open. There she saw Lin Jinlou holding a maid in his arms, their actions leaving no doubt as to what they were doing. The maid's face was pale but strikingly beautiful, tear stains still visible on her cheeks.
Zhao Yuechan instantly felt her entire body turn cold with rage.
Thank you to Yan Sansheng and Du Xiaoba for the peach blossom fans, thank you to 05111039283, Qin Shiliu, and babylaura for the sachets, thank you to Yan Sansheng and Junxi812 for two Peace Talismans, thank you to babylaura for three evaluation votes and the long review, thank you to bubu8915 and Yueyue Ai Yueyue for the Peace Talismans, thank you to bubu8915 for the long review. If I've missed thanking anyone, please leave a comment to let me know—don't let me forget and leave anyone out...
Thank you all for your patience. Xiaohe is now going full steam ahead to update daily ^_^ There will likely be another update today.
Xiaohe thanks everyone for your support and love for The Fragrance of Orchids . To show our appreciation, we're holding a small event for our dear readers. Log in to Xinlang Weibo, repost the The Fragrance of Orchids post on Xiaohe's page, and @ three Qidian readers for a chance to win beautiful postcards from Xiaohe ^_^. After reposting, tag He Yanshan and send me a private message with your Qidian reader ID. Plenty of postcards are available—everyone is welcome to receive Xiaohe's blessings~~ We'll hold three draws each month, with ten winners each time~~ Check my Xinlang Weibo for details~~
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