Qin Shi smiled faintly. "You wish to marry an ordinary man as his lawful wife, so I shall grant your wish. Han Mama is my personal attendant. Her nephew is around your age, decent in appearance and character. Though his family is poor, he is diligent in his studies and strives to advance himself. Who knows—he may one day pass the imperial examinations, earn an official rank, and bring honor to his wife and family. Han Mama once pleaded on his behalf, hoping he could marry a maid from the Lin household. Such a favorable match was originally intended for Hongjian or Lulan, but now you’ve turned misfortune into blessing. I hereby betroth you to him and grant you freedom to marry. You will leave this place far behind. Are you willing?"
Xianglan trembled from head to toe.
Han Mama’s nephew? What did he look like? She had never even laid eyes on him, and now she was expected to consent to marrying a complete stranger?
What sin had she committed in her past life to be reduced to this—a slave, a servant, forever at the mercy of others? Xianglan clenched her jaw, forcing the bitterness and resentment down her throat.
Qin Shi raised an eyebrow. "What? You’re unwilling?"
Xianglan’s face turned pale. But what could she do if she refused? It was clear Qin Shi intended to punish her severely, and this offer was already a lenient way out. Somehow, Song Ke’s features surfaced in her mind, blurred in her memory, then seemed to transform into Xiao Hang’s. Xianglan smiled bitterly. It was all but a dream. Even if Qin Shi had truly agreed to set her free moments ago, with her lowly status, she would never be worthy of Song Ke.
Gritting her teeth, Xianglan kowtowed and said, "This humble maid thanks Madam for her gra—" Before she could finish the word "grace," a loud crash came from behind as the door was kicked open.
Xianglan whipped her head around and saw Lin Jinlou striding into the room, the gold-threaded rose patterns on his crane-feather cloak dazzlingly bright.
Qin Shi started in surprise. Lin Jinlou had already approached. Seeing Xianglan kneeling on the ground, he stepped forward, grabbed her by the arm, and pulled her to her feet. Addressing Qin Shi, he said, "Mother, why have you summoned her? Could it be that you’ve learned of my interest in her and decided to elevate her status ahead of time? But we are still in the mourning period for Old Madam Zeng—surely this isn’t appropriate."
Qin Shi flared up. "Nonsense! I’ve been covering up your reckless behavior day in and day out for your father’s sake, but now you’ve gone too far. Get out! I’m cleaning up your mess."
Lin Jinlou straightened up and said calmly, "There’s no need for Mother to trouble herself with matters of my household. If there’s nothing else, I shall take my leave." With that, he began dragging Xianglan away.
"You wretched creature! Stop right there!" Qin Shi rose to her feet, hurried over, and blocked their path. "Are you trying to anger me to death?" she scolded.
Lin Jinlou grinned cheekily. "How have I angered you, Mother? I’ve merely taken a liking to a maid—is that a crime? I know you dote on Qinglan, but she fainted out of jealousy. Surely you won’t unjustly blame this girl for it?"
Hearing Lin Jinlou defend Xianglan at every turn, Qin Shi grew even angrier. She laughed in fury. "Fine! How splendid! Now you’re defying me for the sake of a maid."
Lin Jinlou chuckled. "I wouldn’t dare, Mother. My heart is full of filial devotion. But you ought to have some compassion for me. Among all the maids in the Lin household, she’s the only one I’ve taken a fancy to. Please don’t take away what I cherish."
"Rubbish! The only one? Then what about Yingge and Huamei? Where did they come from?"
"Those two don’t compare to her in charm and wit."
Xianglan hunched her shoulders, thinking to herself, "Every time I see this young master, it’s like encountering a plague god. Where exactly is this charm and wit he speaks of?"Lin Jinlou's eyes darkened as he stared at Qin Shi and said, "Mother, I have my own plans regarding matters in my quarters and dare not trouble you."
As the two stood at an impasse, Han Mama suddenly emerged from the side room, appearing startled before breaking into a smile. "What are you all standing around for? The Eldest Master has arrived just in time. Madam was just talking about you and asked me to personally prepare some cooling soup for you." She stepped forward, taking Qin Shi's arm and whispering, "Why must you quarrel with the Eldest Master over a mere maid? You know his temperament—stubborn as a mule."
Qin Shi froze, her expression shifting uncertainly.
Lin Jinlou's temper was like a sudden storm, and even his father could barely restrain him these days. Qin Shi herself was somewhat wary of him. Besides, she had always doted on her eldest son and naturally didn't wish for things to escalate.
Lin Jinlou grinned and said, "I'll take this girl back with me now. I'll have her come pay her respects to you tomorrow." With that, he hauled Xianglan out like carrying a little chick.
Lin Jinlou brought Xianglan back to his outer study, dismissed the servants, and took her small hand, smiling as he said, "I've saved you again. Shouldn't you give me a kiss for that?" He leaned his face closer.
Xianglan lowered her head and turned her face away.
Lin Jinlou's expression darkened briefly before shifting to one of nonchalance. "You've had a scare this time. Don't worry, from now on I'll stand up for you—no one will dare bully you." He nudged her toward the table, where four plates of pastries and four plates of fruits were laid out. "These snacks are from a famous restaurant—different from what we have in the mansion. Try them and see which ones you like. I'll have the servants buy more for you."
Xianglan stole a glance at Lin Jinlou. He had clearly just returned from outside, still dressed in his formal attire, his jet-black hair tied up in a green jade crown, making him appear even more imposing and authoritative—a truly dashing man. But Xianglan knew he was no good; one misstep and she would be ruined within these mansion walls.
She clenched the hem of her dress with both small hands and whispered, "Eldest Master, Madam just said she would release me to get married..." Lin Jinlou stiffened. Xianglan licked her lips and cautiously continued, "It's all my fault for upsetting Madam and the ladies. Please don't let me cause discord between you and your mother. This..."
Lin Jinlou turned to look at her, and Xianglan's remaining words caught in her throat. He stroked her cheek, his gloomy face suddenly breaking into a smile. "Tsk, tsk, what an ungrateful little thing. Here I am thinking of you, and you're already planning to go marry some other man? Tell me, who is this fellow that has you so captivated?"
Xianglan dropped to her knees with a thud, pleading, "I... beg you... I truly don't wish to be someone's concubine. Please have mercy, Eldest Master. If you release me, I'm willing to become a nun for life, chanting sutras and praying for your blessings, never marrying." Her voice choked up, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Lin Jinlou remained smiling as he bent down, using his brand-new sleeve to wipe her tears. His tone was exceedingly gentle as he said, "Oh dear, are you shedding Golden Beans now? What's so bad about staying with me? With your delicate looks and sweet, pleasing nature, I might just dote on you endlessly. If you become a nun, I'd miss you too much..."
Xianglan dodged his sleeve and kowtowed, begging, "Please have mercy, Eldest Master..."Lin Jinlou coaxed for a while but seeing Xianglan still unresponsive, the smile vanished from his face. He sneered, "'Unwilling to be a concubine'? What about that Song family boy then? Did he promise to marry you as his principal wife?"
Xianglan's eyes flew wide open.
Lin Jinlou gave a derisive laugh and said coldly, "Well? Did he promise you'd be his first wife?"
Xianglan quickly shook her head, "This has nothing to do with Young Master Song... he... he and I aren't close..."
"Not close? Not close yet he sends you food and drink every day?" Lin Jinlou turned and sat on a stool, crossing his legs and squinting at Xianglan kneeling on the ground. He sneered, "Do you take me for a fool who doesn't know? Quietly getting involved with someone behind my back - you're quite the little vixen. With such skills, why not let me witness your methods?"
Xianglan's face turned pale as she twisted her hands tightly. "No... it's not like that... Eldest Master, it's not what you think..."
"If not like that, then how?" Lin Jinlou's expression turned cold as frost. "He even sent Xiao San'er to ask me for you? You must be thrilled, aren't you?"
Xianglan's lips trembled, unable to speak another word.
Lin Jinlou beckoned and said, "Stop kneeling. Get up. The floor is cold - if you get sick, I'll be heartbroken. Come here." Seeing Xianglan remain kneeling motionless, he raised his voice, "Hurry up! Do you want me to come get you myself?"
Xianglan had no choice but to stand up and walk over stiffly. Lin Jinlou pulled her into his embrace, making her sit on his lap. He smiled playfully and said, "Tell me, what do you see in that Song family boy? Or what did he promise you?"
Xianglan's body remained rigid as she forced herself to fabricate quietly, "Nothing at all. Once he saw me being beaten and scolded by Cousin, he helped me carry water. Young Master Song pitied me and said he'd take me in to serve his sister when he gets the chance."
Lin Jinlou burst into loud laughter, leaning back with mirth, though his eyes grew increasingly cold. Pinching Xianglan's small chin, he said, "My little Xianglan, you're such an adorable creature. So he just took a liking to you like that? Started sending fans and food? Tsk tsk, playing the romantic scholar-beauty game from opera scripts, are we? What kind of fan did he send you? Tell me about it."
Xianglan's heart sank, realizing Lin Jinlou already knew the truth. Biting her lip, she refused to speak further.
Lin Jinlou maintained his smiling demeanor, "You two are quite bold, playing games right under my nose. Never mind the Song family's current standing - even at their peak, they were nothing but trash in my eyes."
Xianglan trembled and cried, "Eldest Master, Young Master Song and I are innocent... This servant has never had any improper thoughts..."
Lin Jinlou pressed his finger to Xianglan's lips, leaning intimately close, his warm breath brushing her ear. "Let me tell you today - whether it's that Song boy or anyone else, you'd better put those thoughts to rest and stay here with me." Don't forget - not just you, but your entire family is in my hands. As they say, those who understand the times are true heroes. If you want to make trouble, you should know who you're dealing with, shouldn't you?" He gently stroked Xianglan's hair, "I'd prefer your family to remain happily together - I don't want to see you separated from your flesh and blood. But if you make me unhappy, perhaps you'll find yourselves scattered to the winds, leaving everyone feeling quite desolate."Xianglan understood that Lin Jinlou would never let her go. For a moment, all hope vanished from her heart. She hated being a servant, and she hated that her parents were servants too—now completely at others' mercy.
She wanted to slap Lin Jinlou hard, to stab him with a sword until he was covered in wounds. But she didn't dare. She could risk her own life, but she couldn't endanger her parents.
With difficulty, she nodded, wiped her cheeks with her sleeve, and said, "Understood, Eldest Master."
Such a docile attitude naturally pleased Lin Jinlou. He patted Xianglan's head and smiled, "You've had a fright today. Since those wretched things in the Hall of Knowing Spring bullied you, there's no need for you to go back. Later, I'll have Shu Ran go retrieve your belongings, and you can move here."
Xianglan was startled and said, "Eldest Master, let me move in a few days." Then she added softly, "I beg you..."
Lin Jinlou thought for a moment before nodding, "Alright, in a few days then." With that, he stood up and personally escorted her back.
Xianglan didn't know how she managed to walk back; she only felt her heart was filled with nothing but despair.
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