Nuan Yue had been waiting outside, and when she heard laughter from within, her heart grew restless like sprouting grass. She peeked inside but couldn’t see anything. When she heard Lin Jinlou call for tea, she quickly brought in the teapot. She then heard Lin Jinlou tell Chun Ling, “Put this screen on your mistress’s inventory list. I’m gifting it to her.”
Nuan Yue’s hand wavered, nearly spilling the tea. She quickly steadied herself, glanced at the screen several times, feeling dizzy, and stumbled as she left the room. Though Lin Jinlou was typically generous with women, he had never made such a grand gesture. He once rewarded Qing Lan with a shop, but that was because she was carrying his child. The peacock screen was extraordinary, with dazzling gold work and lifelike details. While it might not compare to the jade-and-jewel-encrusted ivory peony scene inside or surpass the valuable crystal longevity deity statue, it was still incredibly precious. Yet Lin Jinlou had casually given it to Xiang Lan. Nuan Yue felt both envious and jealous, her heart gnawed by countless imaginary insects. She sat down, stood up, and paced in circles before finally calming herself, letting out a long sigh while staring at the boiling water on the stove. For someone like her, who had been with Lin Jinlou but never gained the master’s favor, the future was uncertain. If fortune smiled upon her, she might earn the title of “Miss” and spend her days praying and fasting. If she remained unfavored, she would be married off to a servant when she got older, a truly degrading fate. The contrast between a life of luxury and favor versus one of cold neglect brought tears to Nuan Yue’s eyes, and she couldn’t help but cry.
Meanwhile, Lin Jinlou was in high spirits. After finishing his meal, he went to his desk to handle official business. After some time, he looked up and saw Xiang Lan sitting on the chaise lounge behind the treasure cabinet, doing needlework. He noticed she had changed clothes, her hair loosely bound, revealing a snow-white neck. This aroused his desire, and he threw down his brush, went to sit beside Xiang Lan, and asked, “What are you making?” Without waiting for her answer, he embraced her and kissed her neck, immediately inhaling her fragrance, feeling weak in his bones as he began to undress her. Just as he undid the buttons, Xiang Lan pushed his hands away, rebuttoning while saying, “I haven’t cleaned up yet…”
Lin Jinlou pressed himself against her, kissing her mouth, his tongue exploring as his hands roamed her body. He whispered teasingly in her ear, “Let me see if your breasts have gotten smaller since I haven’t touched them for days.” He opened her undergarments, lifted her pomegranate-colored skirt, and pulled down her white cotton pants. After teasing her for a moment, he entered her. Xiang Lan bit her pearl-like teeth, her starry eyes closed. Lin Jinlou’s member was thick and large, and his thrusts were urgent and fierce as if trying to empty her. It was uncomfortable how he stretched her, and during intimacy, he particularly enjoyed whispering vulgar words in her ear, making her feel unbearably embarrassed. Even as her body gradually found pleasure, her heart felt tormented.
Lin Jinlou naturally didn’t know Xiang Lan’s complex feelings. To him, this girl was fragrant and soft, like a sweet cake or a peach, intoxicating him completely. Moreover, having abstained for several days, he was particularly eager and couldn’t control himself, taking quite some time before finishing their lovemaking. Knowing she was shy, he wrapped her in clothes, carried her to bed, lowered the curtains, and took her once more before calling for water. After cleaning up, he embraced Xiang Lan as they fell asleep.
It was Nuan Yue’s turn to serve that day, and as she went to dispose of the used water, she vaguely saw a figure under the grape trellis, startling her. “Who’s there?” she called out.
The person turned around, holding a lantern. Upon closer inspection, Nuan Yue recognized Hua Mei and said, clutching her chest, “Oh, it’s Madam Hua. You scared me just now. What are you doing out here so late?”
Hua Mei replied, “I just noticed while removing my makeup that I lost a gold ring. I searched my room thoroughly but couldn’t find it. If it were something else, I wouldn’t mind losing it, but the pearl set in that ring is valuable – the Master had it brought back from overseas. I can’t bear to lose that pearl. That’s why I’m out here searching with a lantern.”
Though Nuan Yue initially didn’t want to get involved, she realized she might need Hua Mei’s help for her plans. This was an opportunity to curry favor. She poured out the water under the grape trellis, set down the basin on a stone bench, and crouched down to help Hua Mei search for the ring by lantern light.
Hua Mei glanced at Nuan Yue, noticing her reddened eyes and smooth complexion, and asked, “Have you been crying?”
Nuan Yue, full of grievances and longing for someone to confide in, told Hua Mei, “I’m just feeling troubled. Madam, you don’t know, but earlier the Master was in a good mood and rewarded that little hussy Xiang Lan with a pearl-and-jewel-encrusted peacock screen…”
Before she could finish, she saw Hua Mei’s face suddenly change color as she demanded, “What did you say? What peacock screen?”
Nuan Yue continued bitterly, “It’s the one that was recently placed in the Master’s room. Tsk, even Lady Lan, who had Great Madam’s favor, only received proper gifts after bearing a child. She’s truly fortunate.” Seeing Hua Mei’s unusually dazed expression, she tentatively tried to provoke her, “Of course, the screen belongs to the Master, he can give it to whoever he wants… I’m just dissatisfied. Understandably, someone like me doesn’t catch the Master’s eye. But Madam, you’re so beautiful and clever, yet the Master has pushed you aside. It must be that little harlot’s doing behind the scenes. If you don’t teach her a lesson, Madam, how will you show your capability?”
Hua Mei had been slightly dazed, but these words brought her back to awareness. She looked at Nuan Yue twice and sneered, “Don’t try to provoke me with such foolish talk. I was playing these games before you even existed!”
Nuan Yue smiled apologetically, “What are you saying, Madam? I spoke from genuine concern.”
Hua Mei silently cursed Nuan Yue, thinking, “You want to incite me to be your scapegoat so you can benefit? You little wretch, I’ll deal with not just that harlot but you as well.” However, she put on a smile and said, “So that’s how it is. I’ve always thought you were clever, knowing who to trust. Just follow my lead, and what you’re planning will succeed.” Seeing no one around, she whispered a few words to Nuan Yue.
Nuan Yue had expected something difficult, but hearing Hua Mei’s simple plan, she couldn’t help but feel tempted. She nodded repeatedly and agreed before leaving.
When Hua Mei returned to her room, Xi Que and an elderly maid were still searching for the ring on the floor. Seeing Hua Mei enter, they asked, “Madam, did you find the ring?”
Hua Mei shook her head and waved them away. She sat on the edge of the bed and let out a deep sigh. That precious screen had been exchanged for her brother’s future career, her future support, and Lin Jinlou’s special regard. She wanted Lin Jinlou to know that her family had capable people and shouldn’t be underestimated, that she was far above ordinary maids and common women. Who would have thought that on the very night the screen was delivered, Lin Jinlou went to the Chen family, and afterward gave this item to that little hussy Xiang Lan, like a slap across her face.