Xianglan thought to herself, "Since I've already met Xia Yun, pretending not to know him would be improper. Besides, this rain isn't likely to stop anytime soon—perhaps I should lend him an umbrella so he can go home." She had always held scholars in high regard, and knowing that he was willing to sell his calligraphy and copy books to support his family only deepened her respect. With a slight curtsy, she smiled and said, "So it's Young Master Xia! What brings you here to take shelter from the rain?"
Though her question was casual, it struck a nerve with Xia Yun, who had come precisely to catch a glimpse of her. Flustered, his face turned red, and he stammered, unable to form a coherent reply.
Assuming he didn’t recognize her after just one meeting, Xianglan smiled and added, "I'm Chen Wanquan's daughter—we met yesterday."
Only then did Xia Yun clasp his hands in greeting and say, "My respects to you."
Xianglan replied, "The clouds are so thick—I doubt the rain will let up soon. Wait here, and I'll fetch you an umbrella."
Eager to prolong their time together and wanting to impress her, Xia Yun coughed lightly and said, "As the saying goes, 'Rainy days keep guests.' And those kept are usually honored guests—let it rain. Last time I went to pay respects at the Temple of Wenchang, the sky was clear, but suddenly a strong wind blew up, just like today, and it poured. The temple’s Daoist priest told me it was Heaven’s way of keeping a distinguished guest. So, miss, there’s no need for an umbrella—let the rain do as it will."
Xianglan was momentarily baffled by his rambling. "What’s the point of this nonsense?" she wondered. Then, glancing at Xia Yun’s solemn, dignified face, it dawned on her. "‘Heaven keeps honored guests’—he means he’s the ‘honored guest,’ doesn’t he?" Suppressing a laugh, she pressed her lips together and teased, "So you must be truly extraordinary, Young Master, if even Heaven sends rain to keep you when you go to worship."
This was exactly what Xia Yun had meant. Since childhood, his scholarly excellence had earned him constant praise, with many declaring him the reincarnation of the Star of Literature, destined for greatness and high office. Accustomed to such flattery, he had come to believe in his own exceptionalism, though he now modestly demurred, "You flatter me."
Xianglan bit back a laugh, thinking, "This pedantic, bookish scholar is rather amusing in his foolishness." Aloud, she said, "In that case, I really must fetch Young Master Xia an umbrella. If such a distinguished, Heaven-kept talent were to catch cold from the rain, it would be a crime."
Though Xia Yun recognized her teasing, he found her wit utterly charming. Before he could respond, Xianglan knocked on the gate. The old woman guarding the back door opened it and, recognizing Xianglan as someone Song Ke held in special regard—he had even instructed her, "Xianglan’s family lives just down the backstreet. If she ever feels homesick and wants to visit, don’t make a fuss—just quietly let her out"—greeted her warmly. "Back from home, miss?"
Xianglan smiled. "Yes, thank you for opening the gate." She handed the woman a jug of wine she’d brought from home. "This is homemade—not like the stuff you buy. Have a taste, just for fun."The old woman smiled and said, "Then I'll shamelessly accept it." But inwardly she thought, "Never mind appearances, this Xianglan speaks and acts ten times more skillfully than Fang Si. She always speaks with a smile, gentle and pleasant, handling matters in ways that put people at ease. Fang Si, on the other hand, always carries an air of disdain—no wonder the Master doesn't think much of her." She turned to open the door for Xianglan.
Xianglan asked, "Do you have any spare umbrellas in your room, Mama? My old neighbor is outside sheltering from the rain."
The old woman replied, "As it happens, there's one." She hurriedly fetched an umbrella, and Xianglan took it through the crack in the door, handing her own to Xia Yun. "Take this one. When you have time later, just return it to my house."
Xia Yun wanted to say more, but Xianglan slipped nimbly through the door, and the vermilion side gate slammed shut with a loud "bang."
Xia Yun stood there dazed for a long while, feeling somewhat lost. But then he recalled the opera The Legend of the White Snake , where Lady White Snake and Xu Xian's romance began with a borrowed umbrella. This encounter seemed to echo that tale, and his heart swelled with joy again. Holding the umbrella, he walked off—but that’s a story for another time.
Meanwhile, Xianglan returned to her room, changed into fresh clothes, and redid her hair in front of the mirror. Thinking of Xia Yun's expression earlier, she couldn’t help but laugh.
Now that her paintings were earning money, her spirits were lifted. If she saved up like this for a while, her family could buy land and a house. With careful management and her father dealing in antiques, it was only a matter of time before they prospered. Though her background was humble, with wealth and her exceptional talent in painting and calligraphy, she wasn’t entirely unworthy of Song Ke. She never forced things, but she had never been one to resign herself to a lesser fate. As long as there was even a glimmer of hope, she would strive to make her life flourish.
After chatting and laughing with the maids in her room, Xianglan suddenly saw Juanhua, Song Tanchai’s personal maid, arrive. Xianglan and the others quickly offered her a seat and poured tea. Juanhua sat down and said with a smile, "Our young lady sent me to ask for Sister Xianglan’s help. She’s been staying at the Lin residence for some time and now wishes to host a banquet for the Lin ladies, as well as the daughter of Duke Xian. Hearing that Sister Xianglan can prepare delicate dishes, she hopes you’ll make two or three for the occasion, so we won’t need to hire an outside cook."
Xianglan readily agreed. Song Tanchai was a quiet soul, living with Song Yima but rarely even stepping out of her room. The swing in her courtyard had never been used by her—she always seemed burdened with worries. She had been staying at the Lin residence until Song Ke arranged for a carriage to bring her back after Xianglan was purchased by the Song family. Out of love for Song Ke, Xianglan extended her care to Tanchai as well, often saving her portions of freshly made treats. Tanchai always reciprocated with gifts—sometimes a potted plant, sometimes seasonal fruits—and their exchanges grew harmonious.
Before long, Song Ke returned home, and Juanhua took her leave. Though Song Ke had carried an umbrella, the heavy rain had soaked half his clothes. After bathing in the washroom, dinner was finally served in his chamber.Song Ke wolfed down his meal with relish. After the dishes were cleared, fresh fruits and hot tea were served. He then shared some of the day's news and happenings, adding, "Today, I heard from Xiu Hong that Lin Jinlou has made significant achievements in suppressing bandits. Although the bandit threat hasn't been completely eradicated, he has pacified two cities. The imperial commendation decree will be issued in the coming days, and the Emperor is exceedingly pleased. He’s likely to be promoted to general."
Mention of Lin Jinlou made Xianglan uneasy. "Just for suppressing bandits, and he gets such a big promotion?" she asked.
Song Ke shook his head. "This was earned through real blood and steel. Don’t underestimate him just because his household is in chaos and he’s known for his philandering. He’s a capable administrator and a seasoned commander, well-versed in The Art of War . Without that, even with his parents' influence, he wouldn’t have achieved such success at such a young age."
Xianglan thought to herself that Lin Jinlou was not just a womanizer but also tyrannical, self-centered, and riddled with greed, anger, and arrogance. Though he had once saved her, she still regarded him as a demon king. Hearing Song Ke praise him left her feeling odd. "With his prowess in battle, it’s only fitting he married someone as fierce as a yaksha. They’re a perfect match," she remarked.
Song Ke couldn’t help but laugh. "Zhao Yuechan’s reputation is well-known in official circles, and the Zhao family’s influence is formidable. It’s gotten to the point where people hesitate to send him beautiful concubines or maids, fearing it might backfire."
"Evil begets evil—it must be karma from a past life that brought those two together," Xianglan said.
Song Ke chuckled. "I think you and I must also have a connection from a past life, or else why did we hit it off so quickly in this one?" As he spoke, he glanced at Xianglan and subtly reached for her hand.
Blushing, Xianglan spat out, "Pah! Shameless!" and quickly retreated to the inner room.
Song Ke merely smiled. The night passed without further incident.
The rain drizzled all night and continued lightly for several more days, delaying Song Tanchai’s planned gathering. On the fifth morning, the skies finally cleared. At the hour of Si, two carriages arrived slowly at the Song family’s gate—it was the Lin sisters and Zheng Jingxian, the daughter of Duke Xian.
Two matrons rushed out, draping cloth over the entrance before the young ladies descended one by one, assisted by their maids. Guo Mama personally greeted them at the door, cautioning, "Mind your steps, ladies. It rained yesterday, and the ground is slippery."
The group proceeded to the inner gate. Xianglan hid behind a pillar in the covered corridor, peeking out. Leading the way were Lin Dongling and her maid Nan Ge, followed by Lin Dongxiu and her maid Han Zhi. Zheng Jingxian walked last, her hands clasped behind her back with her maid in tow.
Song Tanchai stood at the inner gate to welcome them, stepping down eagerly as they approached and ushering them inside warmly. Lin Dongling said, "Second Sister caught a chill and couldn’t come today."
Song Tanchai replied, "We have some excellent pills for colds. Later, Sister Ling, could you take some back for her?"
Once the young ladies had entered, Xianglan returned to her room, musing, "From the gossip among the Lin household servants, all three unmarried Lin sisters have taken a liking to Song Ke. Now that Lin Dongqi is about to be betrothed, she’s avoiding the Song household altogether to prevent rumors. As for Lin Dongling and Lin Dongxiu, both dressed so flamboyantly today—they must still have other intentions."Just as Xianglan had anticipated, these two were harboring ulterior motives. Knowing Fang Si held favor with Song Yima, they discreetly sent their trusted maids to inquire from her. The young ladies were happily chatting away in their rooms, amusing themselves, while Nan Ge, Han Zhi, and Zheng Jingxian's maid Yue Er went to speak with Fang Si.
Nan Ge asked, "Why has your young lady stopped staying at the Lin residence? And why doesn't Master Song visit the mansion anymore?"
Han Zhi added, "Could it be because of his studies? Though he should still take care of his health."
Fang Si, already simmering with anger, sneered, "It's not about his studies. A new celestial beauty has appeared in his chambers, bewitching the Master so thoroughly he can't tear himself away."
Nan Ge and Han Zhi exchanged glances before asking in unison, "What on earth happened?"
Thank you to ?﹎DāiSy Evening for the Peace Talisman. Also, thank you to those who voted for me with pink votes today—please keep them coming! Lately, I've been setting up the plot, so some necessary details had to be addressed, slowing the pace a bit. But the waves of drama will rise soon. This is an extra chapter for Sukiishi100's PK votes—apologies for the delay ^_^
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