Now, let us speak of Zhao Yuechan. After returning to the mansion, she ordered water to be drawn for washing up and then had her midday meal. Once the dishes were cleared away, Yingshuang brought a cup of hot tea and hesitantly said, "Da Nǎinai, there's something I don't know if I should say or not..." She secretly glanced at Zhao Yuechan.
Zhao Yuechan frowned and said, "If you have something to say, say it quickly. If you have a fart to let out, let it out. What's all this about whether you should say it or not?"
Yingshuang said, "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 sincerity? We grew up together and had some affection back then. I was foolishly devoted to him, but who would have thought he would just wipe his mouth and run away? When the matter was exposed, he showed no responsibility. Instead, he packed his bags and fled, only returning after getting married. I did hate him, but so what? Right now, he's still useful. He knows all sorts of people from every walk of life, is well-connected in social circles, highly skilled, and handles things thoroughly and discreetly. Without him, how could every loan be repaid with both principal and interest? With him helping to manage external affairs, I feel more at ease." After saying this, she sighed and shifted to sit up straighter. Yingshuang quickly stuffed another headrest behind Zhao Yuechan's back.
Zhao Yuechan suddenly sneered and said, "You all think he took advantage of me, but in reality, I was the one having fun with him, taking advantage of him! You're not unaware of the situation between me and the Eldest Master. Why should he take one concubine today and dote on another tomorrow, while I sleep alone on a cold bed? I insist on finding men for my amusement, making him wear a pile of green hats and become a grand cuckold! Rest assured, this matter is handled very discreetly, and no one knows about it."
Hearing this, Yingshuang dared not say another word. Then, Zhao Yuechan said, "Bring me that black gold-glazed jewelry box."
Yingshuang took the key, opened the drawer, and retrieved the box. Zhao Yuechan opened it to reveal a dazzling array of gold jewelry, filled to the brim with various pieces. She picked through them, selecting a gold-inlaid jade hairpin with kingfisher feathers and a small gold-inlaid phoenix hairpin adorned with pearls. She then ordered Yingshuang to bring a white lotus shallow relief fish-pattern jewelry box, which contained a collection of jade pieces in shades of bluish-green. From it, Zhao Yuechan picked two jade bracelets and a pair of jade earrings. She also had Yingshuang open a chest and select two bolts of thin silk and two bolts of satin.
Zhao Yuechan instructed Yingshuang to deliver the items to the eastern wing on two large trays, specifically for Xianglan.
Yingshuang asked in confusion, "Why go to such trouble, Da Nǎinai, giving such fine things to that little vixen?"
Zhao Yuechan smiled faintly and coldly, saying, "They must be good, or how else will others grow envious?" She motioned for Yingshuang to come closer and whispered some instructions. Yingshuang understood, took the trays, and withdrew.
Now, let us speak of Xianglan. Troubled by her thoughts, she had not slept well all night. Early in the morning, she quietly went to the northern courtyard of the Lin residence to find Song Ke. Only upon arriving did she learn that Song Ke had gone to the academy with Lin Jinting to study, so she had no choice but to return. She took a child's garment from her sewing basket and began stitching it absentmindedly.
Suddenly, she heard someone calling her. Xianglan snapped out of her thoughts and saw Xiao Juan beside her, leaning in to whisper, "What's wrong with you? Have you lost your soul? I called you several times, and you didn't hear me."
Xianglan forced a smile and said, "It's nothing. Probably caught a chill last night, and I have a bit of a headache this morning."Xiao Juan said, "I just overheard Yindie and Chunling gossiping behind your back, saying you were brought back by Sister Shu Ran last night. What happened?"
Before she could finish, Yingshuang's clear voice rang out: "Is Xianglan here?"
Xianglan quickly responded and stood up to go look.
Yingshuang, however, acted as if she hadn't heard, calling out several more times in succession until the entire courtyard was stirred up. Even Yingge and Huamei peered out through their windows before she finally stepped toward the eastern wing and stood still in the main hall.
Xianglan saw that Yingshuang had brought two maids with her—one was Tinglan, and the other was Yinliu, who was highly favored by Zhao Yuechan. Both held large trays, each laden with brightly colored, high-quality silk and dazzling gold jewelry.
Out of the corner of her eye, Yingshuang noticed Qinglan emerging from the bedroom, supporting her waist. She stepped forward warmly, took Xianglan's hand, and looked her up and down with an exceptionally bright smile. "My dear sister, I always said you were blessed, but who knew your blessings would be this great? I must congratulate you!" With that, she even gave Xianglan a slight bow.
Xianglan's heart sank, knowing things had taken a bad turn. But with the situation forced upon her, she could only remain steady and adapt. She quickly sidestepped and said, "I don't understand what you mean, Sister Yingshuang. What congratulations? What blessings could I possibly have?"
Yingshuang laughed. "Oh, come now, still trying to hide it from us? Da Nǎinai has said that the Eldest Master sincerely intends to promote you! She saw it all last night. At the time, she was a bit impatient and frightened you, but afterward, she thought it over and felt guilty. So she specially picked out some of her most beloved jewelry for you as an apology. See, I've brought everything with me." She moved aside to let Xianglan see clearly.
Yingshuang's words were like a thunderclap on a clear day. Qinglan was instantly stunned, her lips turning pale, and she swayed unsteadily. Chunling, Yindie, and Xiao Juan were all dumbfounded. Wu Mama was taken aback and turned to stare at Xianglan.
Xianglan inwardly cursed the situation. Zhao Yuechan's tactic of retreating to advance was insidiously cunning. Since Lin Jinlou was protecting Xianglan and she couldn't act openly, Zhao Yuechan had instead spread the news far and wide, making sure the entire household knew. This would stir up jealousy and resentment, effectively putting Xianglan in the line of fire. Moreover, as Qinglan's maid, Xianglan now faced these ostentatious gifts from Zhao Yuechan, clearly meant to win her over—which would only plant deeper thorns in Qinglan's heart. Her days were bound to become more difficult! With a quick glance, she took in Qinglan's pale face, Yindie's envious glare, Chunling's complicated expression, Xiao Juan's shocked look, and finally, Wu Mama's gaze before turning away.
Yingshuang beamed as if her face had blossomed and said to Xianglan, "Da Nǎinai also said that once Old Madam Zeng's mourning period is over, she'll have someone tidy up Chunyan's old room for you and assign you a young maid. If you need anything or want anything, just say the word."
Xianglan merely lowered her head and remained silent, thinking, "In such a situation, saying more would only lead to mistakes. Better to say nothing." After a long pause, she finally said, "Da Nǎinai is thoughtful and caring, but..." Everyone pricked up their ears to listen, only to see Xianglan smile faintly and say, "Never mind." She bowed to Yingshuang and added, "I'll go pay my respects to Da Nǎinai shortly."Yingshuang saw Xianglan's indifferent expression and felt disappointed. She turned to Qinglan instead, smiling as she said, "Congratulations, Concubine. Our mistress says you're a blessed one—hardly through the door and already with child, spreading the Lin family's branches. And look, even the one you trained has turned out accomplished."
Qinglan's lips trembled, speechless. Tears welled in her eyes, barely held back from falling. She forced a smile that looked uglier than weeping, then suddenly rolled her eyes back and fainted.
The eastern wing instantly descended into chaos.
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