When they returned to the Hall of Knowing Spring, the east wing was quiet and still. Having been busy all day, everyone was exhausted like weary horses and had retired to rest. Only Chunling, determined to prove herself capable, remained by Qinglan's side, forcing herself to stay alert. Xianglan had been lying in bed asleep and was only awakened by Xiao Juan at lamp-lighting time, after which they ate dinner together. Because Qinglan had performed well at the poetry society, Qin Shi specifically ordered Lulan to bring two extra dishes. Qinglan immediately beamed with delight, and with Chunling adding to the cheerful atmosphere, they enjoyed a harmonious time for a while.
Xiao Juan whispered to Xianglan, "Did you see Yindie? She must have run into some bad luck somewhere—her face was slapped and swollen terribly! She hid it with her sleeve, too ashamed to be seen, and went straight to bed when she returned, skipping dinner."
Xianglan replied softly, "I heard she was hit by the Eldest Master."
Xiao Juan widened her eyes in surprise. "The Eldest Master?" Covering her mouth, she giggled. "Serves her right! She should’ve been beaten long ago. You have no idea what nonsense she’s been spreading about you behind your back!"
Before she could finish, Tinglan walked in and said with a smile, "So you’re here! The masters had their fun this morning, and now it’s our turn in the evening. They’ve set up a game in the small room out back—dice and racing through weiqi. If you’re free tonight, why not join us for some fun?"
Xiao Juan clapped her hands. "Excellent! I’ve been feeling cooped up these past few days and have been itching to play." She pulled out a handful of copper coins, tucked them into her clothes, and dragged Xianglan along.
When Xianglan arrived, she saw several maids gathered together, playing happily. After watching for a while, she found it uninteresting and slipped out to the backyard. The sky had darkened, and a moon hung overhead. Listening to the laughter and chatter from the room, she felt a faint envy for Xiao Juan and the others, who seemed so carefree.
Just then, someone said, "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 and appearing dark and shadowy. She hurriedly bowed and said, "Eldest Master," then tried to lower her head and slip away along the wall.
Lin Jinlou stood with his arms crossed, squinting slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. He asked again, "Why aren’t you joining them?"
Xianglan had no choice but to brace herself and reply, "I’m not good at playing and worry I’ll spoil their fun."
Seeing her standing there so delicately, head bowed in a docile manner, Lin Jinlou 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 option but to follow him as Lin Jinlou led her to the study at the front.
Shu Ran hurried forward when she saw Lin Jinlou enter, but he waved her off. "You’re not needed. Leave us." Shu Ran withdrew, but not before giving Xianglan a careful once-over. When Xianglan looked up and met her gaze, Shu Ran smiled faintly, then turned and closed the door behind her.
Now only the two of them remained in the room. Seeing Xianglan’s timid demeanor, Lin Jinlou softened his voice and spoke gently, "Why are you standing there like a fool? Come here."
Xianglan lowered her head and shuffled forward two steps, her heart filled with alarm. Being alone in a room with Lin Jinlou was anything but a good sign, yet she saw no way to escape. She resolved that if Lin Jinlou made any improper advances, she would struggle with all her might. Glancing up briefly, she saw him smiling at her with an amused expression. His features were handsome and striking, stern when he wasn’t smiling, but his laughter carried a lazy, teasing tone. This only heightened Xianglan’s panic, and she quickly averted her gaze, lowering her head once more.
Lin Jinlou said, "Come here. I have something excellent to give you."Xianglan lowered her head without speaking.
Lin Jinlou assumed she was frightened, thinking to himself, "Though this little maid is quite beautiful, she always resembles a startled little rabbit—truly lacking in charm." Being somewhat skilled in romantic pursuits, he refused to believe he couldn't win Xianglan over. He took out the "Skyline Dark Clouds Calligraphy" from the drawer and handed it to her, saying, "Take a look at this. Do you like it?"
Xianglan glanced briefly before lowering her head again. "The Eldest Master's possessions are surely all exquisite."
Lin Jinlou replied, "It's not particularly exceptional, but it's by Shen Zhou, so it's somewhat rare and valuable. Today, I heard Wu Mama praising you profusely, so I read your poems and examined your handwriting. Knowing you appreciate elegance, how about I give this calligraphy to you?"
Xianglan's heart sank at these words. She hurriedly held out the calligraphy with both hands, shaking her head. "Such an item is better kept by the Eldest Master. Giving it to me would only be a waste... I don't know how to compose poetry; I merely recognize a few characters. Speaking of it would only invite ridicule."
Lin Jinlou chuckled softly. "Why are you so anxious? Only a few of us know about this... Where did you learn to read and write?"
Xianglan answered respectfully, "When I was young, I was a lay disciple at the Tranquil Moon Temple. The nuns there taught me."
Lin Jinlou laughed. "So you were once a little nun." As he spoke, he reached out—ostensibly to take the calligraphy—but instead grasped Xianglan's wrist. With a tug, he pulled her into his embrace.
Xianglan was utterly shocked. Her hand loosened, and the calligraphy fell to the floor with a "thud." She crashed into Lin Jinlou's chest, immediately smelling alcohol, the scent of incense from his clothes, and his masculine aura. Panicked, she pushed against him.
Lin Jinlou pinned both her wrists together with one hand and wrapped his other arm around her waist. He felt as if he were holding a small bird frantically fluttering its wings and couldn't help but laugh heartily. His lips brushed against Xianglan's temple as he whispered hotly into her ear, "Don't be afraid. I fancy you..."
These words chilled Xianglan to the bone. She pleaded, "Eldest Master, please let go. Someone like me isn't worthy of your affection..."
Holding her soft, fragrant form, Lin Jinlou felt his heart sway. Inhaling the subtle fragrance of her hair, he said flirtatiously, "If you're not worthy, then who is? If you don't like the calligraphy, I'll give you something else."
He reached out and opened a wooden box on the desk, which contained eight gold hairpins inlaid with rubies and the Eight Treasures. He casually took one and inserted it into Xianglan's hair, squinting as he examined her by the candlelight. Lazily, he said, "These were just acquired by the shop yesterday. I took a fancy to them at first sight, thinking this set of hairpins would complement your complexion perfectly, making you look even more beautiful..." He pinched her chin and leaned in to kiss her.
Xianglan turned her head away, tears streaming down in desperation. "I am but a coarse and vulgar person. Why does the Eldest Master trouble himself with me? We are still in the mourning period for Old Madam Zeng—I would rather dash my brains out and be done with it!"
Lin Jinlou's expression darkened.
Outside the study, Jixiang was in a fluster, saying, "Da Nǎinai, the Eldest Master said he won't see anyone tonight..."
Zhao Yuechan, carrying a large food box, replied, "I know. I just came to bring him some food. The Eldest Master just returned from another province—I can't rest without seeing him. I'll just take a quick look, leave the food, and go back."Both sides were ancestors she couldn't afford to offend. Jixiang put on an ingratiating smile and said, "The Eldest Master is occupied with official business today and truly can't spare a moment. Perhaps I could deliver this on Da Nǎinai's behalf?"
Zhao Yuechan said coldly, "I won't disturb his work. I'll just leave the food and go. Surely that's acceptable?" As she spoke, she lifted her skirt and started up the steps.
She had just received a tip from the old woman guarding the courtyard that Lin Jinlou had taken a maid away with him. Recalling how Huamei had been brought to the study and then taken as a concubine, Zhao Yuechan didn't dare be careless. She rushed over immediately. Seeing Jixiang's evasive manner made her even more suspicious, strengthening her resolve to see for herself what was happening.
Jixiang hastily spread his arms to block her, maintaining his ingratiating smile. "My dear lady, you know our master's temper..."
Zhao Yuechan's willow-leaf eyebrows shot up. She raised her hand and slapped him, spitting out, "You worthless creature! How dare you block me!" Taking advantage of Jixiang's momentary shock, she lifted her foot and kicked the door open. There she saw Lin Jinlou holding a maid in his arms—what they were doing was immediately obvious. The maid had a pale, exceptionally beautiful face still streaked with tears.
Zhao Yuechan instantly felt her entire body turn cold with rage.
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