At that moment, a servant boy announced the physician's arrival. The female relatives retreated to the inner room while Lin Jinlou ordered a screen to be set up for the physician to examine Yingge. After taking her pulse, the physician noted slight signs of miscarriage and prescribed a tonic to replenish qi and blood, calm the fetus, and soothe the nerves, citing the patient's weak constitution and excessive anxiety.
Lin Jinlou walked behind the screen and sat on the edge of the Arhat Bed, saying to Yingge, "The physician says the fetus is fine. Take the medicine later, and you'll recover."
Yingge timidly tugged at Lin Jinlou's sleeve and whispered, "If Eldest Master holds even a sliver of concern for me in his heart, my illness will vanish completely." Her eyes brimmed with tears she refused to shed, her delicate vulnerability stirring pity.
Lin Jinlou patted her hand and said, "Rest well and don't overthink. Of course I care for you." He knew Yingge had always been frail, prone to lamenting over minor ailments. Initially, he found this "sickly beauty" appealing—her delicate, pitiable demeanor was charming, and comforting her offered a unique pleasure. But this whimsy only surfaced during his lighter moods; when burdened by worries or mundane affairs, her tearful fragility grated on him. Moreover, Yingge's perpetual melancholy had worn thin his initial fascination.
Yingge clearly sensed his perfunctory tone and cried out, "Eldest Master.".." One hand gently clasped his fingers while the other gripped the mattress beneath her so fiercely her knuckles turned white.
Lin Jinlou had the screen removed. As Zhao Yuechan and others emerged, he stated, "The physician detected signs of miscarriage in Yingge and prescribed medicine. Brew a few doses for her and prepare nourishing broths. If the main household's funds fall short, come to me."
His gaze swept indifferently over Zhicao and Chunyan. Both had hastily tidied their hair and clothes—Zhicao stood with bowed head, wooden and dazed, while Chunyan trembled, lips quivering as she stared fixedly at Lin Jinlou.
Lin Jinlou declared sternly, "Since Yingge isn't seriously ill, I won't pursue who pushed her, but punishment is due. Chunyan: twenty slaps on the face, one month confinement, and three months' docked pay. Zhicao: thirty slaps, three months' docked pay, demoted to cleaning duties—no longer permitted indoor service. Any further misstep, and you'll leave this estate."
Chunyan secretly exhaled in relief, but Lin Jinlou suddenly looked up, his gaze deep as the ocean, and said slowly, "Chunyan, you're growing older and your mind grows restless. Still, you've served me once. Withdraw one hundred taels from the accounts and take a set of gold-silver jewelry. Have your parents take you away. If you want your indenture, it can be freed."
Xianglan, hiding behind the window, started at this, thinking, "Lin Jinlou means to dismiss Chunyan! A Bedchamber maid like her, however beautiful, is seen as damaged goods—what worthy family would take her? But a hundred taels is generous, and freedom from servitude is possible. If she doesn't aim too high, she could find a steady match."
As her thoughts wandered, a heart-wrenching wail pierced the air: "Eldest Master—" Chunyan knelt rigidly, tears streaming as she cried desperately, "I won't go! I'd rather dash myself to death than leave the Lin estate!"Lin Jinlou said indifferently, "You don't have to leave the estate either. There are several eligible senior attendants and young servants. Just discuss with Da Nǎinai who you find suitable. You won't be treated unfairly."
Chunyan shook her head desperately, weeping as if her heart would break, her mouth wide open. "Eldest Master, Eldest Master, please listen to me. I know you're angry with me, but I really didn't bump into Yingge on purpose." As she spoke, she turned around, clutching a handkerchief, and pointed at Zhicao, cursing, "You vile woman! I've never had any grudge against you, past or present. Why are you framing me!"
Seeing Chunyan's fierce gaze, Zhicao couldn't help but take a step back before kneeling down. Biting her lip, her tears fell "plop, plop" as she choked out, "This maid... is wronged..."
Chunyan hurriedly turned her head and saw Lin Jinlou with lowered eyelids and an expressionless face. Though Yingge wore a sorrowful expression, her eyes couldn't conceal mockery and satisfaction. Huamei stood beside the Arhat Bed, leisurely biting her handkerchief as if watching a good show.
Chunyan pointed frantically at Huamei and Yingge, shouting, "I understand now! It's you! And you! You've joined forces to scheme against me! In this entire Hall of Knowing Spring, except for Da Nǎinai, all of you can't stand me. You keep finding ways to harm me and push me out, wanting Eldest Master to dislike me and drive me away so you can have your wish!"
Yingge put on a surprised expression, her eyes filled with grief and indignation. "What are you saying!" She then tugged at Lin Jinlou's sleeve. "Eldest Master, I really can't clear myself of this false accusation even if I jumped into the Yellow River. How would I dare to risk the Lin family's flesh and blood?"
Xianglan nodded silently, thinking that this Yingge really knew how to act. She glanced at Huamei and saw her remaining silent, feeling that Huamei was also clever. Before Lin Jinlou arrived, her every word had been sharp and sarcastic, but now she was exceptionally docile.
Chunyan spat, "Everyone knows you're the best at acting, always playing the 'sickly beauty'..." She suddenly remembered this wasn't the time for squabbling and turned to look at Lin Jinlou, pleading sorrowfully, "Eldest Master! Eldest Master, I beg you, don't drive me out. I'll work like an ox or horse for you, serving you wholeheartedly. You said you liked my straightforward nature, enjoyed watching me apply makeup and floral decorations, loved listening to me play the flute, and even wrote on my arm, 'Whose jade flute sounds so melodious, drifting into the spring breeze within the bed curtains.' This is the poem you personally wrote for me! Please, for the sake of our past affection..." As she spoke, she kowtowed repeatedly with a "thump, thump."
Whose jade flute sounds so melodious, drifting into the spring breeze within the bed curtains?
Xianglan shuddered with goosebumps, thinking to herself that even if this line were placed among licentious songs and verses, it wouldn't be considered skillful. Lin Jinlou truly lacked literary talent—no wonder he only managed to become a xiucai and didn't continue in the imperial examinations, probably to avoid the shame of failing to become a juren. Instead, he took the military exams and achieved top honors, even gaining the reputation of being "accomplished in both literary and military arts."
"Enough!" Lin Jinlou shouted loudly. "Someone, take her away and slap her face!" After calling twice, two elderly matrons entered from the back of the room and began dragging Chunyan out. Chunyan flailed wildly, screaming shrilly, "Eldest Master! Eldest Master! I've always been sincere with you..." One of the matrons took out a cloth and stuffed it into Chunyan's mouth.Xianglan hid behind the pillar, watching as Chunyan struggled in disarray while being dragged away by the old matron, her heart aching with discomfort. This flower-like girl had once shared tender affection with the man sitting inside the room—he had doted on her, cherished her, and been entangled in passion with her. If Chunyan had truly schemed to harm his offspring, such dismissal would be justified. Yet he showed not a trace of reluctance, maintaining a detached demeanor from start to finish, as if Chunyan were a complete stranger to him.
Lin Jinlou stood up and said to Zhao Yuechan, "Come with me." After speaking, he lifted the curtain and entered the bedchamber, seating himself on an embroidered stool. Zhao Yuechan followed him inside and sat on the bed, glancing at him before asking, "What is it?"
Lin Jinlou let out a sigh and looked at Zhao Yuechan with a faint, mocking smile. "The child in Yingge’s womb is the bloodline of our Lin family and the heir of the main branch. I’ll trouble you to take extra care of it." He emphasized the words "take extra care" with particular weight.
Zhao Yuechan removed the red musk bracelet from her wrist, twisting it back and forth like prayer beads. She lifted her head, her gaze as resentful and venomous as poison. "If Eldest Master doesn’t trust me, then assign someone else to watch over her. That way, if anything happens to that little slut and the bastard in her belly, I won’t be blamed for the crimes you’d pin on me."
Lin Jinlou suddenly laughed. His face, which had been stern and imposing, now carried a hint of a frivolous, unrestrained charm. He stepped forward, pinched Zhao Yuechan’s chin, and stroked her lips with his thumb, slowly leaning in. Zhao Yuechan’s heart pounded like thunder, her mouth went dry, and her entire body trembled, waiting for him to kiss her. But instead, Lin Jinlou brought his lips to her ear, his voice low and smooth as silk, laced with a teasing tone. "Da Nǎinai, listen carefully. I’m leaving Yingge in your hands for now because you’re still my wife in name. I’m giving you face—don’t throw it away. Chunyan is a fool. You incited her to cause trouble in the main branch and stirred up discord between Yingge and Huamei. Yingge nearly miscarried, but it wasn’t because Chunyan intentionally bumped into her. Chunyan is simple and straightforward—if she had schemed deliberately, she would have revealed flaws earlier. Don’t think I’m unaware of the filth you’ve been scheming behind my back. I treat you like a pile of dung, so I can’t be bothered with you. Mark my words: if anything happens to the child in Yingge’s womb, I’ll make you pay. You know what I’m capable of. Understood?"
The gentle whisper delivered such sharp words, like a basin of ice-cold water poured over her head. Zhao Yuechan froze, her body rigid as stone. Lin Jinlou straightened up, gently touched her ear and the inch-long agate earring, and said with a smile, "These red agate earrings make your skin look even fairer. No wonder you’re known as Jinling’s number one beauty—even your ears are so exquisitely shaped. It’s a pity that such a beauty has been living as a grass widow for four years. Tell me, why is that?"Zhao Yuechan trembled uncontrollably. Lin Jinlou still smiled faintly and said, "My stance remains unchanged. I promised our elders I wouldn't divorce you, but if you ever wish for an amicable separation, just say the word. I'll personally hand over a generous sum that's sure to satisfy you." Having spoken, he trailed his fingers lightly under Zhao Yuechan's chin as if she were some rouge powder from the pleasure quarters, then patted her cheek. "Think it through carefully. How many years of youth does a woman truly have? Wait too long, and when even your face loses its charm, finding a good match will become impossible."
He then stepped back, drew a handkerchief from his sleeve, and wiped his hands. "Touching you disgusts me," he said, tossing the handkerchief to the ground before turning and walking out.
Zhao Yuechan shook violently, her eyes blazing with hatred as if they might bleed. Snatching a teacup nearby, she hurled it at the doorframe and roared, "You bastard!"
As Lin Jinlou exited the room and was about to leave the courtyard, he suddenly heard someone call, "Eldest Master, wait for me!" He stopped and turned to see Huamei holding a pouch, offering it to him with a gentle smile. "I made this pouch for you, Eldest Master. See if you like it."
Lin Jinlou took it and examined it—a finely embroidered pouch with cloud and ruyi patterns in five colors, adorned with palace-style tassels and jade beads the size of fingernails, clearly exquisite and labor-intensive. Lin Jinlou laughed, "I'll keep this pouch. It's so well-made, I must reward you. What would you like? Hairpins, jewelry, or new clothes? Or shall I have a new headdress crafted for you?"Huamei pouted playfully, "How annoying!" How could you think I'm so vulgar?" She raised both hands to him, puffing out her lips. "I don't want anything. It's just that while sewing this pouch, my hands got pricked full of holes by the needle. All I ask is for you to blow on them. With your blow, they'll heal."
Lin Jinlou held her soft, delicate hands and chuckled, "Do you think my breath is magical? One blow and they're healed?"
Huamei cooed, "Of course, one blow is all it takes. Why not try, Eldest Master?"
Lin Jinlou indeed held her hands and blew on them, then drew her into his arms, laughing, "Let me see if they're better now."
Huamei giggled delightedly. Standing under the eaves, Xianglan watched this scene in stunned disbelief: Good heavens! In broad daylight, under the clear sky, Lin Jinlou was flirting with his own bedchamber maid right at the entrance! Truly, Eldest Master Lin's reputation as a dashing and romantic figure was well-deserved—he was indeed the vanguard in the battlefield of romance!
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