Now, let’s talk about Zhao Yuechan, who had returned to the mansion. She ordered water to be brought for washing up and then had lunch. After the dishes were cleared away, Ying Shuang served her a cup of hot tea and hesitantly said, "Madam, there’s something I’m not sure if I should mention..." She stole a glance at Zhao Yuechan.
Frowning, Zhao Yuechan snapped, "Speak up if you have something to say. Stop beating around the bush—what’s this 'should or shouldn’t' nonsense?"
Ying Shuang replied, "About the young master... perhaps it’s best if you don’t see him anymore. He’s only after your money and has never been sincere with you. Otherwise, when the Lin family came to propose marriage, why did he just play dead?"
Zhao Yuechan took a sip of tea and said, "Do you think I don’t know he’s after my money and has no real feelings? We grew up together, and there was some affection back then. I was foolishly devoted to him, but who knew he’d just wipe his mouth and run off? When things came to light, he had no backbone—just packed up and fled, then came back only after getting married. I hated him for it, but so what? Right now, he’s still useful to me. He knows all sorts of people from every walk of life, moves smoothly in social circles, and is highly skilled at handling things discreetly. Without him, how could every one of those usurious loans come back with both principal and interest intact? With him managing things outside, I feel more at ease." She sighed and shifted slightly, prompting Ying Shuang to quickly tuck another cushion behind her back.
Suddenly, Zhao Yuechan sneered, "You all think he took advantage of me, but the truth is, I was the one having fun with him—I took advantage of him! You know full well how things are between me and the Master. Why should he get to take in one concubine today and dote on another tomorrow while I’m left to sleep alone in a cold bed? I’ll find my own pleasure with men and pile green hats on him until he’s the biggest cuckold of all! Don’t worry—this is all done in secret. No one knows a thing."
Ying Shuang didn’t dare say another word. Then Zhao Yuechan ordered, "Bring me that black-gold glazed jewelry box."
Ying Shuang fetched the key, opened the drawer, and took out the box. Zhao Yuechan opened it to reveal a dazzling array of gold pieces. She picked through them, selecting a gold-and-jade hairpin with kingfisher feathers and a small phoenix hairpin adorned with pearls. She then instructed Ying Shuang to bring another box, this one carved with a shallow relief of fish in white Furong jade, containing a collection of jade pieces in cool, translucent greens. From this, Zhao Yuechan chose two jade bracelets and a pair of jade earrings. She also had Ying Shuang open a chest to pick out two bolts of thin silk and two of damask.
Zhao Yuechan ordered Ying Shuang to deliver the items on two large trays to the eastern wing, specifically for Xianglan.
Ying Shuang, puzzled, asked, "Why go to such trouble, Madam? Giving such fine things to that little seductress?"
With a faint, cold smile, Zhao Yuechan replied, "They have to be good—otherwise, how else will others grow envious?" She motioned for Ying Shuang to lean in and whispered a few instructions. Understanding, Ying Shuang took the trays and left.
Meanwhile, Xianglan had spent a restless night, weighed down by her thoughts. Early in the morning, she quietly went to the northern courtyard of the Lin residence to look for Song Ke, only to learn that he had gone to the academy with Lin Jinting. Disappointed, she returned and picked up a child’s garment from her sewing basket, stitching absentmindedly.
Suddenly, someone called her name. Xianglan snapped out of her thoughts to see Xiao Juan beside her, leaning in to whisper, "What’s wrong with you? Lost your soul? I called you several times, and you didn’t hear a thing."
Xianglan forced a smile and said, "It’s nothing. Maybe I caught a chill last night—I’ve had a bit of a headache since morning."Xiao Juan said, "Just now I overheard Yin Die and Chun Ling gossiping behind your back, saying you were brought back last night by Shuran. What's going on?"
Before she could finish, Ying Shuang's loud voice rang out, "Is Xianglan here?"
Xianglan quickly responded and stood up to go look.
But Ying Shuang seemed not to hear, calling out several more times until the entire courtyard was stirred, with even Ying Ge and Hua Mei peering out from their windows. Only then did she stride toward the east wing and stand in the hall.
Xianglan saw that Ying Shuang had brought two maids with her—Tinglan and Yin Liu, the latter being highly favored by Zhao Yuechan. Both held large trays laden with brightly colored fine silks and dazzling gold jewelry.
Spotting Qing Lan emerging from the bedroom, holding her waist, Ying Shuang warmly took Xianglan's hand, scrutinized her from head to toe, and beamed, "My dear sister, I always said you were blessed, but who knew your fortune would be this great! I must congratulate you!" She even gave a slight bow.
Xianglan's heart sank, knowing trouble was afoot. But with the situation forced upon her, she could only remain composed. She sidestepped and said, "I don’t understand what you mean, Ying Shuang. What congratulations? What fortune could I possibly have?"
Ying Shuang laughed. "Oh, still trying to hide it? The mistress has already said that the Master is sincerely planning to elevate you! She saw it all last night. Though she acted hastily and frightened you, she later regretted it and specially picked her favorite jewelry for you as an apology. Here, I’ve brought them all." She stepped aside to let Xianglan see clearly.
Ying Shuang’s words struck like thunder in broad daylight. Qing Lan froze, her lips turning pale, her body swaying slightly. Chun Ling, Yin Die, and Xiao Juan were dumbfounded. Wu Mama, startled, turned to stare at Xianglan.
Xianglan inwardly cursed. Zhao Yuechan’s tactic of feigning retreat was vicious. Unable to act openly against her with Lin Jinlou’s protection, Zhao Yuechan had instead spread the news far and wide, making the entire household aware and stoking jealousy, effectively putting Xianglan in the line of fire. Moreover, as Qing Lan’s maid, Xianglan now faced the added complication of Zhao Yuechan’s ostentatious gifts, clearly meant to drive a wedge between her and Qing Lan. Life would be harder from now on! A quick glance revealed Qing Lan’s pallor, Yin Die’s envious glare, Chun Ling’s conflicted gaze, Xiao Juan’s shock, and Wu Mama’s scrutiny. Xianglan turned away.
Ying Shuang, grinning broadly, said to Xianglan, "The mistress also said that once Old Madam Zeng’s mourning period is over, she’ll have Chunyan’s old room refurbished for you and assign you a young maid. Just ask for anything you need."
Xianglan kept her head lowered, silent, thinking, "In this situation, saying more would only invite mistakes. Best to say nothing." After a long pause, she finally said, "The mistress is thoughtful and kind, but..." Everyone leaned in to listen, only for Xianglan to smile faintly and say, "Never mind." She bowed to Ying Shuang. "I’ll go pay my respects to the mistress shortly."Ying Shuang, seeing Xianglan's indifferent demeanor, couldn't help but feel disappointed. She turned and went straight to Qing Lan instead, smiling as she said, "Congratulations, Auntie. Our mistress says you're truly blessed—hardly through the door and already with child, spreading the Lin family's branches. And look, even the people you've trained are thriving."
Qing Lan's lips trembled, unable to speak. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she forced them back, managing only a strained smile that looked more like a grimace. Suddenly, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted.
The east wing instantly descended into chaos.
Thank you to Hua Xiyuexi for the sachet gift ^_^
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