The next day, visitors and well-wishers streamed continuously into the Lin household. Lin Jinlou had Xiang Lan read him the calling cards, sorting them into piles based on relationships and urgency. Some received replies dictated by him and written by Xiang Lan, while others were sent directly to the Old Master. He continued to claim illness and refused all visitors, except for the Chief Historian and advisors sent by the Crown Prince.

After seeing the guests off, Xiang Lan handed Lin Jinlou the gift list from the Crown Prince. After a cursory look, Lin Jinlou told her, “Take this list to show the Old Master and pick out anything you like from the items. Let Madam choose some things too.” He then closed his eyes. Xiang Lan, knowing he had exhausted his energy after half a day’s activity, gave him some water, lowered the bed curtains, and sent Xue Ning to deliver the gift list.

Soon after, Tao Hongxun and Lin Dongqi came to Changchun Hall to visit. Seeing the courtyard silent, they walked in quietly. Outside, several young maids were airing bedding, while two maids were sewing in the outer room. Upon seeing the visitors, they quickly put down their work to announce them.

Tao Hongxun observed the room’s splendor, with its brilliant gold decorations and an impressive display of orchids – winter orchids, ink orchids, and fragrant orchids in abundance. Among them were several red plum blossoms in vases and fragrant narcissus, creating a striking contrast of red and white. He thought, “My brother-in-law usually has no patience for tending flowers, these must be favored by his beloved concubine, known as the ‘Orchid Resident Scholar.'”

Just then, a soft voice called through the gauze window, “Second Young Master, Second Young Mistress, please come in.” A beautiful woman emerged, dressed, unlike ordinary maids. Tao Hongxun quickly lowered his head, avoiding direct eye contact, and followed Lin Dongqi inside. From his peripheral vision, he saw the woman’s graceful figure and oval face, wearing an official green silk jacket with a light red sleeveless coat over it, and a fine white pleated skirt. Her demeanor was elegant and her presence radiant – it was Xiang Lan. Lin Dongqi greeted her warmly, taking her hand and asking, “How is Brother?”

Xiang Lan replied softly, “He just fell asleep.” She led them to the bedside and lifted the curtain, revealing Lin Jinlou in deep sleep, his cheeks sunken making his cheekbones appear prominent, his complexion pale. Lin Dongqi’s eyes reddened, and she said to Xiang Lan, “Let him sleep, we won’t disturb him.” Xiang Lan then led them to the adjacent room and served tea herself. Tao Hongxun, aware of her status, quickly stood and smiled, “How can we trouble you to pour tea? I can do it myself.”

Xiang Lan replied, “Please sit, Second Young Master, it’s just pouring tea.” She noted that Tao Hongxun was indeed proper, keeping his eyes lowered and maintaining a gentle smile while walking with composed steps. Looking at Lin Dongqi, she noticed she had gained some weight after giving birth and completing her month of confinement, though her complexion was excellent.

Soon after, Lin Dongxiu arrived, and Tao Hongxun, after sitting briefly, went to visit the Old Master. The three women – Xiang Lan, Dongqi, and Dongxiu – conversed together, discussing the night Lin Jinlou encountered danger. Xiang Lan described the encounter with the rebels but omitted the incident with Zhao Yuechan. The sisters gasped and expressed their shock and concern.

Lin Dongxiu said, “The capital has calmed somewhat these past two days, though they’re still arresting rebels everywhere. People are anxious – not just outside, but even at home everything’s in chaos.”

Xiang Lan sighed, “Have the Young Mistresses visited the Second House? Second Master is also bedridden, lucid at times, and confused at others. The Imperial Physician says he won’t improve until after winter. Second Madam is also ill. First Young Master and First Young Mistress came early this morning in mourning clothes. In these troubled times, the Old Master wants the funeral handled quietly. He gave First Young Mistress one hundred taels of silver to manage it, instructing there be no fanfare.”

Lin Dongxiu leaned forward and asked Xiang Lan, “Tsk, how did Concubine Yin die? She was always so healthy, and never even had minor illnesses… Second Brother falling ill in his weakened state is understandable, but why is Madam Tan also sick? They say her illness can’t be exposed to wind, and no one’s allowed to visit – it’s as if they’re hiding something?”

Xiang Lan understood internally but said, “How would I know? We were at the estate earlier, and these days I’ve been busy attending to Master. Other matters don’t reach my ears.”

After further conversation, the two sisters prepared to leave to visit the Second House and pay respects to Concubine Yin by offering incense, so they took their leave.

Lin Jinlou slept for about an hour, and upon waking, seemed pleased to see Xiang Lan still in the room. However, when she brought over a bowl of medicinal porridge, his face immediately lengthened, unwilling to eat. Xiang Lan coaxed him gently, “Won’t you have some? I made it myself.”

Just then, Ling Su announced, “Fourth Young Master is here.” Yuan Shaoren entered, exchanged greetings with Xiang Lan, and moved an embroidered stool to the bedside. He felt Lin Jinlou’s chest and asked with a smile, “How are you today? Better?”

Lin Jinlou coughed twice and said, “What’s there to be better about? My mouth is constantly bitter, I feel like vomiting at the sight of medicine pills and tonics, and all I do is eat and sleep – my bones are nearly rusting. You’ll need to help me more with the military matters, lest the monkeys crown themselves king when the tiger’s away in the mountains. These past two days, notes about big and small matters keep coming in – I’m nearly buried in paper.” He gestured toward the small table by the bed, which was indeed piled with letters.

Yuan Shaoren smiled, “This won’t do. I can handle other military matters for you, but your Lin Army won’t listen to me.” He picked up a letter and looked at the notation beside it, saying, “Look at this beautiful regular script. You have someone handling your correspondence, adding literary flourish – what’s there to be uncomfortable about? Just have Wen Rushi and your other trusted subordinates come by more often, and everything will be taken care of.”

“I’m lying here in such discomfort, and you’re still teasing me – that’s not brotherly at all.”

Yuan Shaoren snorted, “I’m not brotherly? I’ve been out catching rebels all day, exhausted, and now I’ve rushed here to check on you, only to get such a reputation?”

Lin Jinlou sighed, “Let’s switch places then – I’d rather be catching rebels.”

Yuan Shaoren took a sip of tea and pulled a paper from his robe, “Well, your injuries weren’t in vain. His Majesty wants to reward you – you might become a Commander. This news just came from the Cabinet.”

Lin Jinlou scanned the paper and said, “That title is just nominal, and those few dozen taels of silver a year won’t make a difference.”

Yuan Shaoren tucked the paper back into his robe and smiled, “Your rank needs to increase first. You’ll have to wait for real power until after the Crown Prince ascends the throne – but a General position is certain.”

Xiang Lan came in to refill the tea, and Lin Jinlou stared at her intently. Yuan Shaoren looked at Xiang Lan, then at Lin Jinlou, and after she left, said, “Alright, stop staring – she’s gone. She’s by your side all day, haven’t you looked enough? You’ll stare holes through her at this rate.”

Lin Jinlou glared at him, “I’ll look if I want to – what’s it to you?”

Yuan Shaoren waved his hand, “Yes, yes, it’s not my business… Honestly, this young lady is truly exceptional. She’s suffered enough following you, especially after this ordeal. You should treat her better, especially with that quick-tempered nature of yours… Don’t glare at me – I can only say this because of our brotherhood. Anyone else wouldn’t dare mention this. New Year’s greetings are pleasant enough, but why bother pointing out someone’s flaws?”

Lin Jinlou sighed, paused, then said, “Even when she says nothing, I don’t know what she’s thinking.”

Yuan Shaoren started, staring at the orchid pot on the table by the bed, and after a long while said, “She understands in her heart – she came from a servant background. No matter what favors your family owes her, you’ll eventually have to marry a woman of equal status… Brother, think honestly – with her beauty and character unless you marry a clay figure, who could tolerate her? But how could you marry a clay figure? This large household needs someone capable of managing internal affairs and keeping the backcourt stable. She’s too clever, too understanding – if only she were a bit more foolish, she wouldn’t have to live like this.”

Lin Jinlou looked at Yuan Shaoren and said, “You seem to understand quite well.”

Yuan Shaoren smiled bitterly, “How could I not understand? Back then, Lian Niang…” He stopped there, gently patted Lin Jinlou’s shoulder, and said, “You’re a smart man, I won’t say more. Figure out how to treat her. Weren’t you taught enough of a lesson when your one-sided feelings led to the Jiang family harming that young lady?”

Lin Jinlou fell silent, staring at the canopy above his bed. After a moment of quiet in the room, Yuan Shaoren brought up several military matters. Lin Jinlou responded carelessly, and as Yuan Shaoren rose to leave, Lin Jinlou said, “I heard Second Sister and her husband are here. Have them send him over – I have something to discuss with him.”

As Yuan Shaoren came out, Xiang Lan was sewing with the maids in the outer room. She quickly rose to see him off. At the door, he suddenly said to her, “I’m going to see the Old Master. I heard from a servant that since everyone’s here today, the Old Master wants to keep us for a meal. Could you show me the way?”

Xiang Lan, being clever, understood that Yuan Shaoren had something to tell her. She nodded and followed him out with a cloak. In the courtyard, Yuan Shaoren asked, “What are your… plans?”

Xiang Lan glanced at him and replied, “I have no plans.”

Yuan Shaoren said, “Those without foresight will soon face troubles. You’re a thoughtful person – I don’t believe you have any plans at all. Have you thought about what you’ll do when Ying Yang recovers? After…” He paused, then continued, “I shouldn’t ask these things, but I admire your character, hence my concern. You remind me very much of someone from my past, and I fear that you might… might end up like her…”

Xiang Lan lowered her head, staring at the snow without speaking.

Yuan Shaoren sighed, “Ying Yang and I have been close since childhood. Though I’m quite a bit older, we’re like brothers. He used to regard women as nothing – even celestial beauties would bore him quickly. But this time he truly cares for you. The last time when you ran to Yangzhou, he mobilized all his troops throughout Jiangnan to search for you. Every prefecture and county received orders to find you. When he couldn’t find you, he nearly went mad. This time, when things went wrong, he was afraid he wouldn’t make it – when we were in the village and he thought he was dying, he made me promise to take good care of you if anything happened to him.”