As Lin Dongqi’s wedding date drew closer, the Lin household grew increasingly busy, though Knowledge Spring Quarter became the quietest place. Xiang Lan would only take walks in the courtyard or return to her room to paint. Daily, she could hear the sounds of pipa and vocal practice from Luan Er’s room, while Hua Mei occasionally played the qin and sang. Before bedtime, as Xiao Juan was making Xiang Lan’s bed, she secretly glanced at Xiang Lan while lowering the bed curtains and said, “Master loves listening to music the most. Sister Xiang Lan, since you upset Master before he left, why don’t you practice a song? If you sing for Master, I’m sure everything will be fine…”

Xiang Lan simply closed her eyes. Xiao Juan didn’t dare say more, so she extinguished the lamp and left.

Xiang Lan lay wide-eyed in the darkness. Since Lin Jinlou’s departure, she had moved back to the east secondary room and didn’t allow maids to keep night watch. She lay alone hugging her quilt, always tossing and turning several times before falling asleep. Her servants, Chun Ling, and Xiao Juan, both hoped she would get along well with Lin Jinlou and offered plenty of advice both directly and indirectly. Yesterday, two seamstresses from outside the mansion came to take her measurements, saying that for Lin Dongqi’s wedding, Lin Jinlou had sent word to have two festive outfits made for each of them.

Xiang Lan was reluctant to have new clothes made – what did Lin Dongqi’s wedding have to do with her? Yet she admitted to herself that deep down, she deeply envied this Second Young Lady of the Lin family, even feeling somewhat jealous. Lin Dongqi was like herself in her previous life – having a respectable family background, loving grandparents and parents, and leaving home in a grand wedding procession to marry a kind and promising man. Others’ joyous occasions only highlighted her miserable situation. Though she didn’t want to wallow in self-pity, she had no desire to join in the festivities.

Chun Ling and Xiao Juan both urged her to have new clothes made. Xiao Juan said, “Others can only have two outfits, but Master said since Young Lady just arrived at the mansion without much to wear, she could have as many made as she likes. Hmph, when Luan Er heard about it, she immediately showed her displeasure, slamming the door so hard it shook.”

Chun Ling said awkwardly, “This is Master’s order, so let’s just have two outfits made. Autumn is coming anyway, it’s perfect timing for seasonal clothes. The K’o-ssu silk and burned-hair fabric are all top quality, and they’ve hired tailors from Nishang Studio who are very skilled.”

Since Lin Jinlou had given the order, it was like a divine decree – the clothes had to be made. Chun Ling led two women in their thirties who measured Xiang Lan with respectful demeanors.

One slightly plump woman was particularly talkative, smiling as she said, “Oh my, I’ve been in and out of so many inner quarters and seen all sorts of beautiful young ladies, but rarely have I seen as many beauties as in the Lin family. Earlier when I saw Young Lady Yingge and Young Lady Luan Er, I thought they were great beauties, but then seeing Madam in the East Wing, I realized there are always greater heights. I thought I was experienced enough, but seeing this Madam, I finally understand what it means for a celestial being to descend to earth.”

Xiang Lan merely smiled slightly, thinking to herself, “Those who frequently enter inner quarters serving wealthy clients have their way of operating. From their living conditions, one can see that Yingge and Luan Er are just well-treated maids, while Hua Mei is addressed as ‘Honored Madam’ – naturally different from them. These two know that Lin Jinlou hasn’t taken another wife since separating from Lady Zhao and seeing me staying in the main room, they can’t judge my status. But important guests must be pleased, so they simply bestowed the title of ‘Madam’ upon me and kept up their praise.”

The thinner woman respectfully asked Xiang Lan what clothes she wanted. Xiang Lan replied, “Just make a lined jacket and a thicker skirt – something I can wear regularly.”

Chun Ling felt this wasn’t proper enough and said, “How can that be enough!” She continued discussing with the seamstress.

Xiang Lan knew Chun Ling loved to show off her abilities, so she let her be, simply sitting on the chaise lounge and looking out the window. Though the leaves were still deep green, the wind had grown cooler – autumn was indeed approaching.

Soon Chun Ling discussed clothes and fabrics with the two seamstresses. Xiang Lan saw there were narrow-waisted jackets, slim-waisted skirts, and bright red bodices – all chosen to match Lin Jinlou’s preferences.

Xiang Lan understood Chun Ling’s good intentions, but she wondered why, with Lin Jinlou being such a violent person, so many maids in the Lin household still hoped to climb into his bed. She only wanted to escape far away, but currently had no means to do so. She needed to find a way to return home once to communicate with her mother before making further plans.

After a while of scattered thoughts, Xiang Lan finally fell asleep. During the night, there was some noise outside. She drowsily sat up and lifted the bed curtain to look out, but seeing only darkness, she lowered the curtain and went back to sleep.

The next morning, Xiang Lan woke unusually early, before Chun Ling and Xiao Juan came to wake her. She put on a purple-red short jacket and shoes. The sky was just beginning to brighten, and everywhere was quiet. The maids hadn’t risen yet, but there was a steaming pot of tea on the table in the hall, and the door was open.

As Xiang Lan was puzzling over this, she suddenly heard footsteps. Turning to look, she saw a tall man enter, his muscular upper body bare, wearing only a pair of blue silk trousers that emphasized his strong, long legs, silk court boots on his feet, and carrying a sword. He radiated killing intent and domineering presence, with sweat dripping down his neck.

Shuang Xi followed behind him, hurriedly offering a towel and a small teapot. He took them, wiping his sweat while cursing, “Those bastards must have been gambling and whoring while I was away. This morning they could barely handle two rounds before their legs started shaking. Who knows which woman they were fooling around with yesterday to make their legs so weak? What’s the use of keeping such useless guards who eat for free? A bunch of good-for-nothing cowards who all deserve military punishment!” He looked up and suddenly froze upon seeing Xiang Lan.

Xiang Lan never expected Lin Jinlou to appear out of nowhere. Shocked pale, she stared wide-eyed, her legs weakening as she stumbled back two steps, nearly knocking over the beauty case on the table.

Lin Jinlou only saw a girl wearing a jacket over her undergarments, with black hair and a beautiful face. The morning light fell on her face, which was so fair it seemed transparent. She appeared as faint as a shallow shadow, her face full of fear as she fumbled about, presenting a pitiful sight. Just as he was about to speak, he noticed from the corner of his eye that Shuang Xi hadn’t left and was also staring at Xiang Lan in a daze. Lin Jinlou flew into a rage and shouted, “What are you still standing here for? Get out!”

Shuang Xi finally came to his senses, startled violently, and hurriedly ran out.

Xiang Lan was also frightened and tried to hide behind a chair like a scared rabbit.

Lin Jinlou looked her up and down, then casually took some tea from the table to drink. He walked steadily past her, and just as Xiang Lan was about to breathe a sigh of relief, she saw him pause and say, “Clean yourself up and come have breakfast together.” Then he walked leisurely toward the bedroom.