The east side room was originally meant for entertaining guests. Since Xiang Lan wanted a study, Lin Jin Lou ordered the large kang bed to be removed and replaced with a large rosewood desk, bookshelves, and other furnishings. The jade window was covered with green gauze. Xiang Lan painted a “Misty Clouds” landscape in the style of Zhao Mengfu and wrote two pairs of couplets and several pieces of calligraphy, all imitating Mi Fu’s handwriting so closely they could almost pass for originals, and hung them all in the study.

On the desk sat a Bo Shan incense burner in seal script style, and a coral-red gold-traced bat-and-peach pen holder filled with various sizes of purple bamboo brushes. In the corner of the desk stood a crystal flower vase, always filled with fresh seasonal flowers. Being summer, it was currently filled with evening tuberoses, their fragrance permeating the air.

There were also large tripods, agate and yellow rosewood miniature screens, and other items. A monk’s couch sat beneath the window, with an unfinished Go game on the small table. In another corner stood a classical zither with several music scores scattered about. The entire room’s furnishings, while not extravagant, were extremely elegant and uniquely tasteful.

Lin Jin Lou also found this east-side room study quite pleasant, so he began bringing his official work there in the evenings, having Xiang Lan attend to him. He particularly enjoyed the romantic notion of having a beauty add fragrance while he worked with her by his side, and thus various items of his were left scattered about the study.

When everyone entered the study, Jiang Dan Yun immediately praised its refined elegance. Jiang Xi Yun looked around and, though she acknowledged its sophistication verbally, she privately disapproved of women who displayed such strong scholarly talents. Lin Dong Xiu had already gone to examine the paintings by the desk, pointing at the bamboo and saying, “Why paint just one bamboo when you could paint several clusters?” She continued, “Adding a few odd rocks in the corner would make it more interesting,” offering endless critiques.

The two Yun sisters also gathered around to look. Jiang Dan Yun, who had some knowledge of painting and calligraphy, was stunned by the painting on Xiang Lan’s desk. She looked at Xiang Lan twice in doubt and asked, “Did you… paint this?”

Ling Qing, who was cleaning writing implements nearby, replied, “Of course, our Madam painted it. This one isn’t even her best work. Have you seen the ‘Misty Clouds’ painting on the wall? That’s also Aunt’s work. When Master saw it, he was amazed, saying he didn’t know we had an authentic piece from the Song Xue Daoren of the previous dynasty.”

Everyone turned to look at the wall painting. As they say, “Experts see the technique, amateurs see the spectacle.” Jiang Xi Yun merely thought it looked exquisite. Lin Dong Xiu, having studied painting, knew how difficult it was to achieve such mastery, and smiled at Xiang Lan, saying, “No wonder Big Brother treasures you like a precious jewel, keeping you hidden away in his golden chamber.” As she spoke, she cast a meaningful glance at Jiang Xi Yun.

Jiang Xi Yun felt uncomfortable but maintained her composure, letting her eyes wander around the room. She noticed several official documents stacked on the desk, along with military ledgers, mixed with various travelogues, essays, and poetry collections. Picking up and leafing through them, she found one collection of essays annotated in delicate hairpin calligraphy, which matched the writing in the paintings and was Xiang Lan’s. A man’s belt and casual pants hung on the armrest of the monk’s couch, along with one of Xiang Lan’s half-sleeved garments. The begonia table held scattered feminine items like fragrant fans, handkerchiefs, and bracelets. Seeing daily items mixed in the main room made it clear that Lin Jin Lou and Xiang Lan must spend their days and nights together.

Xiang Lan hadn’t expected these three visitors to come to the study and hadn’t had time to tidy up. Now, seeing Jiang Xi Yun looking around, she quickly signaled Ling Qing to collect the scattered items. She invited everyone to sit and have tea. Lin Dong Xiu lifted her teacup, looked up, and burst out laughing, saying, “Quick, look at Sister Dan Yun, she’s completely mesmerized!”

Indeed, Jiang Dan Yun remained transfixed by the “Misty Clouds” painting. The more she looked, the more astonished she became, thinking to herself: “Although it’s a copy, it differs from the original. She changed the coloring of the mists in two places, from light yellow to pale purple, and the color gradation is even more sophisticated than the original. With such mastery and skill, not only is it beyond Big Sister’s capabilities, it could rival the court painters.” Looking at Xiang Lan again, she felt a complex mixture of jealousy and bitterness that defied description.

Jiang Xi Yun smiled and pulled Jiang Dan Yun to sit beside her. Xiao Juan and Hua Shan had already brought out trays to rearrange the fruits and snacks. Xiang Lan smiled, saying, “Since you’re here, please have something to eat, don’t be shy.”

Jiang Dan Yun lifted her teacup and took a sip, asking Xiang Lan, “Who taught you to paint?”

Xiang Lan smiled and replied, “I was sickly as a child and became an honorary disciple of Master Ding Yi, who taught me the four arts of zither, Go, calligraphy, and painting.”

Jiang Dan Yun asked, “Master Ding Yi? I’ve never heard of such an accomplished painting monk?”

Xiang Lan explained, “She lived in Nanjing and, as a monastic, led a very secluded life, so naturally her name isn’t widely known.”

Before she could finish speaking, someone announced from outside, “Second Madam has arrived!” Before the words faded, Tan Lu Hua had already sauntered in, fanning herself. Seeing the room full of people, she raised her eyebrows and covered her mouth with her fan, feigning a smile as she said, “Oh my, how unfortunate, I shouldn’t have come at this time.”

Lin Dong Xiu and Jiang Dan Yun both looked uncomfortable, while Jiang Xi Yun kept her head down. Xiang Lan immediately understood there must be some history here. She quickly rose to offer her seat, smiling, “Second Madam is always so busy, we can hardly get you to visit even when we invite you. How could this be unfortunate?”

Meanwhile, she secretly signaled to Xiao Juan, who understood and nodded before leaving.

Tan Lu Hua gave a half-smile and said, “Perhaps you’re the only one who wants to invite me; others might not be so pleased.”

Lin Dong Xiu said, “What do you mean by that? I don’t understand.”

Tan Lu Hua merely gave a slight cold smile without responding.

Seeing the atmosphere growing tense, Xiang Lan hurriedly urged everyone to enjoy the fine tea and snacks. Tan Lu Hua took a lotus flower pastry from a white gourd-shaped plate, took a bite, and praised, “These pastries are from Zhi Mei Zhai, aren’t they? That shop’s lotus pastries are quite rare. They’re not easy to buy normally, they only sell them for a short time each day at the Chen hour, no more than fifty pieces. If you don’t get them then, you’ll have to try again the next day.”

Xiang Lan smiled, “The young ones bought them this morning. Since Second Madam enjoys them, I have more here. You can take them all when you leave.”

Tan Lu Hua smiled, “Then I won’t be polite.” She glanced at the Jiang sisters, then turned to Xiang Lan and said, “Sister Xiang Lan is indeed from Big Brother’s household. It’s just two pastries, but your gesture is so generous, far superior to those who claim to be ladies from noble families. No wonder Big Brother loves you so much.”

At these words, Jiang Dan Yun’s face immediately fell, while Jiang Xi Yun’s gaze turned cold as she lowered her head to quietly blow on her tea. Lin Dong Xiu sat to the side with pursed lips, smiling like she was watching a show.

Xiang Lan became alert, understanding that Tan Lu Hua was using praise for her as a weapon to mock the Jiang girls. She maintained a gentle smile and said, “It’s just two pastries, how can that show any generosity? Second Madam, you’re teasing me. One of these days, I’ll have to come freeload several good meals at your place to make up for these two pastries!”

Her witty response made Tan Lu Hua and Lin Dong Xiu laugh. Seeing Xiao Juan signaling from the doorway, Xiang Lan stood up and said, “Please excuse me for a moment, I’ll be right back.” Outside the door, Xiao Juan whispered, “I asked Cai Feng, and earlier the three young ladies had gone to Second Madam’s place first. Since Second Young Master Jiang is doing business in Fujian, Jiang Xi Yun brought some Fujian specialties to give to each household, and we received some too. Second Madam liked them and asked if they had more, but Jiang Xi Yun said they had given everything away. Then Fourth Miss accidentally let slip that the Fujian specialties prepared for Master and Third Master Ting were half again as much as what Second Branch received. Second Madam’s face immediately darkened, saying the Jiang family looked down on her couple. Fourth Miss then added fuel to the fire, saying, ‘Second Sister-in-law, don’t be angry. As they say, a goose feather sent from a thousand miles away – though the gift is light, the sentiment is heavy. Although the quantities differ, the goodwill is the same. Now that Xi Yun’s second brother is going to take office in Zhejiang, he relies entirely on Big Brother and Second Uncle’s support. It’s only natural to give them a bit more, don’t you think?’ This made the Second Madam even angrier, and she immediately asked them to leave, not even letting them explain. She stormed off, took a walk around, and came here, only to run into her adversaries again.”

Hearing this, Xiang Lan felt a massive headache coming on. In recent years, she had become increasingly composed, often not even bothering to respond when others provoked her. But now, with these four formidable women in the room – Lin Dong Xiu who loved to stir up trouble, Tan Lu Hua who was no pushover, and the Jiang sisters who were far from ordinary – it would be a miracle if they didn’t end up in an argument.

Xiang Lan nodded and instructed, “I understand. You did well. There’s half a plate of pastries in the cupboard; take them and share them with the others.” Returning to the room, she stood outside the curtain and heard Lin Dong Xiu saying, “Alright, Second Sister-in-law, don’t be angry. We’re all family after all; it’s not worth getting upset over such small matters.”

Tan Lu Hua sat in her chair, propping up her arm, with a slight cold smile saying, “It’s not about the items themselves. ‘People fight for face as Buddha receives incense.’ It’s about respect. Seeing that our Second Master is physically weak, they don’t take us seriously, even dividing simple local specialties into different tiers based on closeness of relationships. The Jiang family certainly has fine upbringing.”

Jiang Dan Yun had initially wanted to watch Jiang Xi Yun’s embarrassment, but hearing Tan Lu Hua drag the Jiang family’s upbringing into it, clearly including her as well, she frowned and pulled Jiang Xi Yun’s sleeve, whispering, “How could you be so careless? If this was going to happen, it would have been better not to give anything at all.”

Jiang Xi Yun set down her teacup and said methodically, “The specialties that Second Uncle had brought back from Fujian were shared among all us sisters equally. Since I’m staying at the manor as a guest, and Fujian specialties are novel items, I simply took my portion and shared it with the brothers and sisters of the Lin family.” At this point, she glanced at Jiang Dan Yun.

Xiang Lan observed this clearly and thought to herself, “The implication is ‘everyone got an equal share, and I alone gave mine to the Lin family. What right do you have to mock me when you didn’t contribute anything?’ This Jiang Xi Yun is indeed formidable at her core.”

Sure enough, Jiang Dan Yun’s expression changed, and she fell silent.

Jiang Xi Yun continued casually, “There were only a few items in total. The Madam of the Lin family received the largest portion. Since Big Cousin helped with Second Brother’s matters, I gave him more as well. As Third Cousin Lin’s wife, Sister Ying Ru, was my close friend since our maiden days, the extra portion I gave to Third Cousin included her share. Though I gave less Fujian specialties to Second Cousin, I added two precious medicinal ingredients to make up for it, along with an excellent Hui ink stone. These two items are even more valuable than ordinary Fujian specialties. If Sister-in-law still wants Fujian specialties, we can ask Second Uncle to bring more next time.”

Xiang Lan thought to herself, “She’s saying that although Second Master received fewer Fujian items, it was compensated with other valuable items, making it equal to others. This explanation is truly watertight.”

Tan Lu Hua sneered, “Never mind. Xi Young Lady is so generous in giving away her own gifts, so filial and well-mannered, earning Madam’s praise. How could I be so thick-skinned as to ask for more? No need to write any letters. Cai Feng! Go bring back the items Xi Young Lady gave us. We’ll compensate with silver, so she can give them to others instead.”

Just as an argument seemed imminent and Xiang Lan was about to intervene, Jiang Xi Yun glanced at Lin Dong Xiu, who was gazing out the window, and at Jiang Dan Yun, who was lowering her head to drink tea. She suddenly put on an expression of difficulty and grievance, saying, “How can Second Cousin Sister-in-law say such things? Those two medicinal ingredients are rare nourishing items. I specifically consulted with Madam and checked Second Cousin’s prescription to ensure there would be no conflicts before sending them. That Hui ink stone was a gift from my father, said to be carved by a famous artist. I treasured it dearly, and only when joking with Sister Xiu did I learn that Second Cousin enjoys collecting writing implements, so I eagerly sent it over. For Second Sister-in-law to speak this way truly wounds my heart.”

These words left Tan Lu Hua’s cheeks flushed red. Xiang Lan privately acknowledged Jiang Xi Yun’s expertise – her words could thoroughly anger others while leaving no handle to grab onto.

Xiang Lan shook her head, and when she looked up again, her face was as warm as spring sunshine. She entered the room and sat beside Tan Lu Hua, saying, “Second Madam, please don’t be angry. Xi Young Lady means well; it’s just that things got tangled in the conversation.”

Tan Lu Hua brushed away Xiang Lan’s hand with a cold laugh, saying, “Who asked you to pretend to be kind!”

Lin Dong Xiu was greatly amused watching the drama unfold, thinking to herself, “Xiang Lan is truly foolish. Can’t she see that Jiang Xi Yun is Madam’s favored choice? She should let them fight it out, but instead, she tries to mediate and gets treated like a donkey’s liver and lungs for her good intentions.” She signaled to Xiang Lan to stop interfering.

Xiang Lan pretended not to notice and pulled Tan Lu Hua again, smiling, “It was just a misunderstanding earlier. The Jiang young ladies are Madam’s invited guests. If the young ladies have a few words of disagreement, Second Madam, being fair-minded and magnanimous, should be the one mediating, not getting upset over a misunderstanding. I know you were upset this morning and are still troubled, which is why you haven’t calmed down. Come sit with me on the side – I just cut cloth for a new garment and don’t know what pattern to use. Second Madam has excellent taste, please help me choose.” As she spoke, she led her away, calling out, “Hua Shan, quickly come help your Second Madam, and bring out the pattern samples I drew the other day for Second Madam to examine.”

These words were perfectly appropriate and comfortable, offering a graceful way out. Tan Lu Hua immediately felt her face was saved. She hadn’t really wanted to make a scene but couldn’t back down gracefully earlier, so she went along with Xiang Lan’s lead.

The three young women sat looking at each other. Shortly after, Xiang Lan returned and personally refilled everyone’s tea, smiling at Jiang Xi Yun, “Second Madam is just straightforward by nature. Xi Young Lady, please don’t take it to heart. It was just a misunderstanding of words piling up. Now that it’s cleared up, let’s all get along harmoniously from now on.”

Jiang Xi Yun smiled, looking both charming and innocent, saying, “Listen to Sister Xiang Lan – it was my fault for causing Second Cousin Sister-in-law to become angry.”

This matter was thus lightly settled, and all four women tacitly agreed not to mention it again. Jiang Dan Yun pursed her lips and took a sip of tea. Suddenly, her eyes caught a glimpse of a pair of men’s blue satin court boots and the embroidered hem of a official’s robe near the door leading to the back bedroom on the other side of the east room. The boots shifted slightly before moving toward the bedroom. Jiang Dan Yun’s heart began to race – she knew Lin Jin Lou had returned.