“Oh my dear lady, isn’t it too late to say such things now?… Don’t cry, don’t cry. Those seven or eight deaths in the Lin family have nothing to do with you. People got smallpox in your elder brother’s courtyard—what does that have to do with you? Besides, Hanfang was your family’s born servant, her life was in your hands. It was her good fortune to serve her masters devotedly. And didn’t you generously reward her family?”

Lin Dongying remained silent, still crying.

“Dear sister, don’t think me heartless. I’m doing this for you, for our future… I promise you, after this matter, from now on I’ll do everything you say… Stop crying. Do you want to leave me and marry that half-old man?” He continued consoling her softly for a while, then whispered, “Tomorrow night, stay alert…” His voice grew increasingly quiet as he leaned close to Lin Dongying’s ear, becoming inaudible to others.

Lin Dongxiu stretched her neck to keep watching, but then heard the maid Shutong calling outside: “Fourth Young Lady.” She was looking for her. Fearing discovery by Lin Dongying, Lin Dongxiu hurriedly lifted her skirts and ran out of the main hall.

Seeing Lin Dongxiu dash out of the Three Saints Hall in panic, Shutong was startled. Before she could ask for details, Lin Dongxiu grabbed her and pulled her to the guest hall, going straight to the inner room before collapsing into a chair, breathing heavily. Shutong drew close and saw Lin Dongxiu’s face was pale, with beads of sweat on her forehead despite the winter cold. She exclaimed in alarm, “What happened to Miss?” and took out a handkerchief to wipe her brow.

Lin Dongxiu’s mind was in chaos. She pushed away Shutong’s hand, her heart cold with fear. Seeing Lin Dongxiu trembling slightly, Shutong grew increasingly anxious. Originally, Lin Dongxiu had favored Hanzhi, and Shutong had worked hard to curry favor before slowly rising in status. For this temple visit, which maid didn’t hope to come along? Yet Lin Dongxiu had bypassed Hanzhi and directly chosen her. Shutong felt her time was coming. But if anything happened to Lin Dongxiu, she would be the first to suffer. Shutong repeatedly said, “Miss, are you feeling unwell? The family doctor came with us—I’ll go fetch him right away!”

Lin Dongxiu grabbed Shutong’s arm. Though she had some wit, she was still a young girl raised in the inner chambers. Having just overheard such secrets, she was completely rattled. She thought to herself, “Shutong is most clever and loyal to me. I might as well tell her and discuss what to do.” She quietly related what she had witnessed in the Three Saints Hall.

Shutong’s face turned deathly white. She thought to herself, “That little hussy Lin Dongying must have eaten a leopard’s gall to be so bold, consorting with some rough man and causing deaths in the family. She’s worse than a common whore!”

Lin Dongxiu hesitated, “What should we do? Should we quickly tell Madam? But Madam doesn’t tolerate any nonsense, and Zhichun Hall had the most deaths. If she finds out, it won’t end well. This also concerns Third Sister’s reputation… If I reveal this secret, I’ll make enemies with the second branch, and offend people for nothing. Besides, the marriage hasn’t been arranged yet, and the second branch will need to contribute to my dowry in the future…”

Shutong had already regained her composure. She rolled her eyes thoughtfully and moved closer, saying, “Your servant has something to say, though I fear Miss might slap my mouth for it, but if I don’t say it…”

“Go ahead.”

“I truly have Miss’s best interests at heart.”

“I understand, just speak. You sly one, when have you ever been so indirect with me? Though Hanzhi is good, she’s not as quick-witted as you. Why do you think I brought you along?”

“Then this servant will speak… In my opinion, Miss should keep this matter buried in your belly, pretend you never heard it! People have already died, and the family has been given generous compensation. Even if they knew the Third Young Lady was behind it, the family would have to cover it up. If the second branch learns that Miss exposed this matter, they’ll surely hate you. What’s the point of that!”

“I thought the same… but that man mentioned tomorrow night. If Third Sister commits such an improper act, my reputation will be affected too, making future marriage prospects difficult.”

“Hah, that man must be planning to elope with Third Young Lady! It’s better if she leaves. Think about it, Miss—now that the Yongchang Marquis is ready to send matchmakers, with the marriage practically settled between the families, if she runs away, wouldn’t that benefit you?”

Lin Dongxiu paused, slowly sat up, and said thoughtfully, “It can’t be that simple.”

“Miss only falls short of Third Young Lady in terms of birth status—you’re not inferior in any other way. Though the Yongchang Marquis holds high rank and power, he’s still a widower and somewhat older—can he be picky about you? If the Third Young Lady runs away, a family of our status will surely consider face and won’t spread it around. The Old Master is keen on this marriage, and you’re the only marriageable girl left in the family. The Yongchang Marquis is also close to Elder Brother—he’d surely be happy to marry Elder Brother’s sister.” As Shutong spoke, Lin Dongxiu sat up straighter, her expression grave.

Shutong smiled and said, “There’s a saying: ‘Better to tear down ten temples than ruin one marriage.’ Since Third Young Lady and that actor are in love, why should we break up their romance? Why not help them achieve their happiness? The world will have one more good match. Miss will also fulfill her wish of marrying a prestigious noble husband—isn’t this perfect for everyone? In my opinion, it could become a story passed down through the ages.”

Lin Dongxiu burst out laughing and pointed at Shutong, saying, “You smooth talker, you certainly have a way with words.” Then she sobered up, frowning, “Let me think about this.”

Shutong knew Lin Dongxiu had taken her words to heart and said no more. Thinking about Lin Dongxiu potentially marrying the Marquis in the future, her own ambitious heart would find its use. She couldn’t help feeling secretly delighted as she quietly withdrew to the side.

To skip the idle talk:

Soon the ceremony was over. Madam Qin and Madam Wang went to attend to Old Madam Lin, while Xianglan and Hongjan stood in the outer room. They exchanged glances and both smiled. Hongjan stepped forward and said softly, “Are you tired? Go rest, I’ll stay here. We still have Xuezhan and Shanhu inside—plenty enough to serve.”

Xianglan said, “How could I be tired? I’ll go to the guest hall and see if the vegetarian meal is ready.” As she turned to leave, she saw Zidai approaching with two small boxes, heading straight for Old Madam Lin’s room. As she lifted the curtain, Zidai smiled and said, “These are pastries the temple abbot offered to Old Madam and the Madams. They’re all cream-fried pastries—who knows how they taste, but they look exquisite and delicate. Old Madam should at least try them…” She went inside as she spoke.

Xianglan and Hongjan looked at each other.

Hongjan paused and said, “Mama Han was supposed to come, but her old ailment flared up, so Zidai replaced her.”

Xianglan nodded in understanding, then suddenly smiled and said, “Sometimes when I look at her, I feel tired of her.” Trying so hard to act humble and curry favor on all sides, enduring scolding and humiliation with a smile, desperately clinging to Madam Qin’s support—Xianglan knew she could never bend her waist so low.

Hongjan also smiled and said, “You’re not her—she probably doesn’t feel tired but rather finds it quite satisfying.”

“That’s true,” Xianglan nodded and smiled, “How can we know the joy of fish unless we are fish ourselves?” She tied her cloak and lifted the curtain to leave.