When Zhao Yuechan heard that Huamei had left the mansion with Xique, she was so enraged that she splashed tea all over Bailu’s skirt, cursing, “Useless fool! You can’t even keep an eye on one person!”
Bailu knelt down, weeping, “Please calm your anger, Mistress. Huamei was escorted out by Qiangwei from Madam’s quarters. I had no way to stop her.”
Zhao Yuechan froze for a moment, then let out a deep sigh. Clenching her teeth, she hissed, “She’s just asking for death. I’ll make sure she learns what I’m capable of.”
By then, the night was deep. Zhao Yuechan ordered a young maid to fetch hot water to wash her face again. She meticulously applied powder, traced her eyebrows, and styled her hair into a loose, languid bun, slanting a red jade drop pearl phoenix hairpin into it. She then cut a blooming cymbidium orchid from the pot and tucked it into her hair.
She instructed Yingshuang to open the chest and change into a brand-new, peach-red floral jacket embroidered with light gold patterns. After tidying herself up, she examined her reflection in the mirror carefully before saying to Yingshuang, “Fetch me a cloak. I’ll slip out quietly. You keep watch personally and tell others I’ve already retired for the night.”
Yingshuang hurriedly complied.
Zhao Yuechan quietly slipped out through the back door, moving swiftly through the darkness into the hallway and sneaking into an empty room nearby. The exterior of the room appeared dilapidated, but upon pushing the door open, one could see a large bed inside. Though the curtains were plain, the bed was covered with a thick, gold-centered green satin mattress. As it was summer, a cool phoenix-tail bamboo mat lay on top, accompanied by a vibrant crimson floral brocade quilt embroidered with golden pythons and a multicolored sunflower-and-plantain-leaf pillow—all exquisitely luxurious.
On the crabapple-wood bedside table, a dim lamp flickered. Qian Wenze was lounging there, idly tossing a pair of dice in a bowl. His fair, handsome face was accentuated by the soft silk robe he wore, making him appear even more tall and striking. Having long been deprived of intimacy, Zhao Yuechan felt her heart soften at the sight of him.
Qian Wenze, a seasoned rake, was instantly captivated by Zhao Yuechan’s radiant attire, which seemed even more alluring in the candlelight. His mouth went dry as he rushed forward to embrace her, exclaiming, “Darling, why did you take so long? I’ve been dying of longing!” He then pressed his lips to hers. The moment they met, their souls seemed to flee their bodies. They swiftly undressed, tumbling onto the bed in a passionate embrace.
The two had always been discreet, meeting only once or twice a month. Each reunion was intensely fervent, as if they wished to meld into one. After their fervent lovemaking subsided, Qian Wenze still held Zhao Yuechan, chuckling, “No one compares to your delicate skin, my dear. If it were up to me, I’d never let a beauty like you sleep alone. That Lin Jinlou—what a fool! A cuckold’s hat won’t crush him, yet he doesn’t know how to cherish a fragrant jewel like you. And he’s supposed to have a reputation for being romantic and passionate!” As he spoke, he reached to fondle her breast.
Zhao Yuechan slapped his hand away and sneered, “You’re all talk. If you have the guts, say it to his face—then I’d believe you’re a real man.” She rose and began to pin up her hair with her hairpins.
Qian Wenze hugged her from behind, grinning, “I’m not that brave. If I had the Lin family’s wealth, I’d dare to challenge him… Besides, that bastard is ruthless and vicious. If anything happened to me, wouldn’t you be heartbroken, darling?”
Zhao Yuechan shot him a sidelong glare. “Pah! You shameless little beast! Spouting such spineless nonsense—aren’t you afraid people will laugh their teeth out?”With a single glance that carried a thousand charms, Qian Wenze felt his lust stir once more, his manhood swelling beneath the sheets. He clung to Zhao Yuechan and pleaded, "My darling, why are you in such a hurry? The night is still long."
Zhao Yuechan pushed him away slightly and said, "I have something to say."
Qian Wenze, consumed by desire, had no mind to listen, but seeing her stern expression, he rested his hands behind his head and leaned back against the headboard. "What matter of such great importance must be discussed right now?"
Zhao Yuechan gave a faint, ambiguous smile. "It is a matter of great importance. My account book is missing. That little wench Yingshuang, who's handled such matters for years, has grown careless. The ledger was dropped in the garden and picked up by a Bedchamber Attendant named Huamei. That cunning little minx took the book and scurried home to hide. I suspect she intends to give it to the Eldest Master. If this comes to light, neither of us will escape unscathed."
Her words struck Qian Wenze like a bucket of cold water, instantly dousing his lust and sending a chill of sweat down his spine. He gasped, "This... this is no joking matter!"
Zhao Yuechan sneered, "Who's joking with you? Lin Jinlou won't be back for another ten days or so. We must work together to smooth this over."
Qian Wenze turned pale, thinking to himself, "Good heavens, that ledger bears your signature and seal—how can this possibly be smoothed over? Lin Jinlou is no pushover. The private lending is one thing, but if our affair is exposed, we'll wish we were dead! As the saying goes, 'Where there's life, there's hope.' Before Lin Jinlou returns, I should go back, sell my properties and lands, and start anew elsewhere." He glanced at Zhao Yuechan’s peach-blossom face and slender, graceful figure, feeling a pang of reluctance. But gritting his teeth, he thought, "Though Chanmei is beautiful, it's not worth risking my life for her. I’ve already made a tidy sum off her—why worry about not finding another beauty in the future?"
As he pondered, Zhao Yuechan reached out with her delicate hand, pinched his cheek, and then patted it gently, her smile dripping with charm. "My dear cousin, what are you thinking? Planning to slip away again?"
Qian Wenze started, forcing a smile. "How could I? What nonsense are you talking, sister?"
Zhao Yuechan’s face hardened. "Put those thoughts out of your mind. If you dare run, I’ll make sure we all go down together. It might as well end cleanly."
Knowing Zhao Yuechan always meant what she said, Qian Wenze hurriedly soothed her. "My heart belongs only to you. I wouldn’t dare betray you, even if beaten to death. Right now, we need to figure out how to retrieve that ledger. How can we turn on each other when we should be united?"
Zhao Yuechan snorted. "At least you’re making sense now." After a pause, she added, "I’ve thought of a plan. Let me tell you." She lowered her voice and explained her idea.
Qian Wenze frowned. "Will... will this work?"
Zhao Yuechan replied, "Of course it will. Huamei is clever; she’ll know what to do."
Qian Wenze said, "But what if she’s cornered and hands the ledger to the Madam..."Zhao Yuechan raised her eyebrows and said, "I'm afraid she won't hand it over. Madam can't do anything to me due to my family's influence. As for the master, to put it nicely he's a principled gentleman, but to speak plainly, he's utterly pedantic and would never let Lin Jinlou divorce me. What I fear is her giving the items to the Eldest Master—he's bold enough to do anything..." As she spoke, she gently nestled into Qian Wenze's arms, stroking his chest and saying, "If this succeeds, you'll get your share of benefits. I brought silver with me today..."
Qian Wenze's eyes lit up, and he grasped Zhao Yuechan's hand, smiling meaningfully. "Then tell me, sister, what other benefits can you offer besides silver?" Seeing her eyes half-closed and cheeks flushed with desire, his heart stirred. He thought to himself, "I'll follow her plan for now. If it fails, I can always pack up and leave. With such a beauty before me, I should enjoy the moment while I can." He flipped over and pinned Zhao Yuechan beneath him, and the two engaged in another round of passion.
Before leaving, Zhao Yuechan instructed again, "Handle this properly for me. In three days, during Concubine Lan's funeral, secretly bring a human trafficker. I have a maid here—sell her far away to a brothel, so I don't have to see her annoying face anymore."
Qian Wenze stroked his chin and chuckled, "What did she do to make you so angry that she ends up like this?" He thought privately, "This maid must have caught Lin Jinlou's eye—no doubt she's a beauty. I could enjoy her before selling her off."
Zhao Yuechan seemed to read his thoughts and sneered, "She's ugly—she stole from my room. I don't want to make it public, so I'm selling her quietly. Keep your mouth shut about this."
Qian Wenze nodded repeatedly, then slipped out of the Lin residence. Zhao Yuechan returned to her room, and for now, that was that.
As for Xianglan, she was dragged away by several stout matrons and locked in a small room. The matrons bolted the door and left. The room was pitch black, with only a sliver of moonlight filtering through the door crack. Xianglan sobbed, her face burning as if carved by a knife, the pain so intense that cold sweat drenched her clothes. Struggling, she leaned against the wall, pulled the cloth from her mouth, and spat out a mouthful of bloody foam, feeling her teeth loosened. Remembering Zhao Yuechan's threat to sell her to a brothel, fear gripped her. She thought, "If it comes to that, I'll dash myself to death here—at least I'll die clean!" But then she reconsidered, "No, I still owe my parents a debt of gratitude. How can I throw my life away so carelessly? Everyone here looks down on me as a lowly maid, but I must never belittle myself. It hasn't come to the worst yet—I need to think of another way."
She hadn't rested properly all night, huddled at the base of the wall until dawn broke. Looking around, she saw the room was cluttered with miscellaneous items, and near the door stood a water vat with half a vat of water left. Peering in, she saw a distorted reflection—both cheeks were bruised purple and swollen severely.
Xianglan was stunned but comforted herself that it was merely a temporary vessel, not to be attached to physical appearance. Yet tears still fell. She took a handkerchief from her bosom, soaked it in water to cool her face, then scooped half a ladle of water and carefully rinsed her mouth, spitting the bloody water into a corner. After several rinses, her mouth felt clean. She re-tied her disheveled hair into a bun, then curled up in the corner, using the damp cloth to soothe her face while closing her eyes to rest.Early morning, voices gradually rose in the Zhichun Hall courtyard, though few approached this small room. Xianglan considered calling for help but feared making matters worse. Pacing inside, she suddenly noticed a window obscured by a cabinet. Pushing it proved futile – the cabinet was too heavy. Opening its doors, she found winter items like braziers and door curtains stored inside. Quietly, she began moving them to a corner. After relocating just two items, footsteps outside startled her. She hastily shut the cabinet and curled into a ball on the floor.
The door creaked open as an old woman peered inside. Seeing Xianglan seemingly docile, she relocked the door and left. Xianglan exhaled deeply, watching through the door crack until the woman disappeared. Resuming her task, she repeatedly transferred the cabinet’s contents to the corner until it was half-emptied. Testing the cabinet again, she found it movable. Sliding it aside, she tried pushing the window – locked, but with peeling paper revealing glimpses of the courtyard beyond.
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