That day, as Xia Yun was following a servant, he suddenly saw two women standing by the second gate. Looking closer, he saw they were well-dressed women – unclear whether they were young ladies or maids. One wore turquoise clothing and had delicate features, though of average looks. The other wore lotus-pink clothes with pearls and jewels in her hair, large watery eyes, and a worried expression. Though she had the appearance of a modest beauty, she was quite captivating.

Xia Yun secretly admired them, thinking, “The women of wealthy households are truly different, each like fresh flowers and tender willows, incomparable to common women.” With this thought, he turned to look again.

Yin Die, utterly despondent at the time, had lived in the inner quarters and seen few men besides those of the Lin family. Now, when this handsome young man turned to look at her, their eyes met, and she felt her heart tremble. Unconsciously, she craned her neck to look back.

Xia Yun thought to himself, “Standing at the flower gate without propriety, she must be a maid. People say Lin family’s maids are of middling beauty, and it seems true.” He looked back two more times, thinking, “Though pretty, she lacks refinement, unlike Xianglan’s elegance and grace.” He glanced back once more.

Yin Die was at the age of budding romance and prone to fantasizing. Now, seeing a young gentleman look at her several times, she assumed Xia Yun was interested in her. Overjoyed and trembling, she forgot her previous heartbreak and immediately perked up. As Xia Yun’s group walked away, she kept looking after them and asked Gui Yuan, “Who were those people who just passed by, do you know?”

Gui Yuan scratched her head and said, “I overheard that some masters and young lords were drunk, and since they came on horseback, they couldn’t return home conveniently. They’re staying in the rooms at the South Court – must be them.”

Yin Die pressed further, “Who was that young lord walking at the back?”

Gui Yuan shook her head, “Don’t know. There are over a hundred guests – how could I remember them all? Probably some sixth or seventh-rank official’s son. Those above the fifth rank don’t stay in the South Court.”

Yin Die nodded slowly, secretly delighted: “Perfect! Today’s guests at the house are all wealthy or noble, and even a sixth or seventh-rank official is quite prestigious. That man looked refined, surely some family’s young master judging by his dress. It’s truly like getting a pillow while dozing – now that someone with discerning eyes has noticed me, I won’t return to the Lin family even if they beg me.”

When Han Fang urged Yin Die to hurry, she pleaded, “Dear sister, you serve in Third Miss’s chambers and shouldn’t be out too long. I can return home by myself. My home is just on the street behind the mansion, no need for a sedan chair, just a few steps away.”

Han Fang, seeing Yin Die’s sudden change in attitude, looked her up and down suspiciously.

Yin Die quickly said, “I’ve thought it through – what good would it do not to go home now?”

Han Fang nodded, relieved, “It’s good you’ve understood. Hurry home then, they’ll be locking up soon.”

Yin Die kept agreeing.

Still worried, Han Fang accompanied Yin Die to the corner gate, giving several more words of advice before leaving. Yin Die hid behind the door until Han Fang was far away before slipping out. The gatekeeper grumbled impatiently, “Miss, are you going or staying? I need to lock up.” Yin Die didn’t answer but took a quiet path around to the South Court. Though her heart pounded as she walked, she gritted her teeth and thought to herself, “Rather than wait for the Lin family to sell me tomorrow, I might as well try for a better future myself. I’d rather die than live in poverty!”

By this time, the banquet had ended, and officials of all ranks were taking their leave, with those who were drunk staying overnight at the Lin mansion. Large red lanterns were hung for lighting, and several old women, wives, and servants were busy cleaning up. Yin Die tiptoed past quickly and quietly made her way to the South Court. She saw that the lights in some rooms were already out. When Xia Yun came out of his room, a servant approached and spoke with him briefly before bringing in a basin and towels.

Yin Die was secretly delighted. She quietly watched the servant leave with the basin, waited until no one was around, then hurriedly pushed open the door and entered. Xia Yun was about to undress when he was startled by a young woman suddenly entering. He quickly covered himself.

Yin Die stepped forward with a graceful bow and smiled, “Does the young lord remember me?”

Xia Yun looked carefully and recognized the beautiful young woman from the flower gate. His face reddened as he hurriedly fastened his clothes and bowed deeply, “I don’t know you, Miss, I only saw you earlier.”

Yin Die quickly turned sideways and curtsied again. Xia Yun glanced up at her face – she had a fair, oval face with fine eyebrows, cherry lips, rosy cheeks, and large almond eyes that looked at him meaningfully, throwing him a flirtatious glance before lowering her head coyly. She said softly, “I wonder if the young lord is comfortable here? My master sent me to serve you.”

Xia Yun felt weak from that look, but started at her words and quickly asked, “Who is your master?”

Yin Die smiled, “Who else could it be but the Lin family’s master?”

Xia Yun, assuming it was customary for wealthy households to send maids to serve guests, didn’t refuse and merely said, “Then I’ll trouble you, sister.”

Yin Die, thinking Xia Yun had tacitly agreed, became even more delighted and eagerly went to serve him, making the bed while asking, “When I first saw you, I thought you had an extraordinary bearing. Where do you work, young lord? Which family are you from?”

Xia Yun, ashamed of his humble origins, would never tell the truth. He vaguely said his surname was Xia, and while Yin Die was making tea, he removed his outer robe, got into bed, and said, “I’m going to sleep now, sister, please close the door when you leave.”

Yin Die bit her lip, blew out the candle in one breath, lifted the bed curtain, and embraced Xia Yun, saying, “I truly admire you, young lord. My master sent me to serve you, please don’t think poorly of me.”

Xia Yun was greatly shocked and hurriedly tried to push her away, but Yin Die held on tightly and tried to kiss him. If you ask why Yin Die was so bold, there was a reason – she was naturally very romantic and had often flirted and exchanged glances with several handsome servants in the mansion. Those who liked to take advantage would touch her, and there had been secret face-touching and kissing. Therefore, Yin Die felt no shame and kept trying to be intimate with Xia Yun.

Xia Yun was inexperienced, having never even touched a woman’s hand before. How could he resist such temptation? Though he initially resisted, once Yin Die kissed him, he became frozen as if under a spell. Being young and unmarried, he had often had improper thoughts. Now with a soft fragrance in his arms, a heat rose from his heart, his mind went blank, and all thoughts of propriety and morality were forgotten as he embraced Yin Die back and kissed her passionately.

While these two were caught up in passion, there was still Young Master Han Guangye lying in the inner room. He had gone to sleep drunk earlier but now woke up thirsty. Vaguely remembering he was at the Lin mansion, he didn’t call out for water but got out of bed barefoot to find the teapot. Suddenly hearing noises outside, he listened carefully and heard kissing and a woman’s breathless sounds.

Han Guangye’s eyes went wide, and he broke out in a cold sweat, instantly sobering up. He thought to himself, “My dear parents and Jade Emperor! That must be Xia Yun outside – how could he have a woman with him? This is the Lin mansion! Could this fool be so daring as to seduce and defile one of the Lin family’s women?”

Just then he heard Yin Die say coquettishly, “I truly like Young Master Xia, please take pity on me…”

Hearing this, Han Guangye felt the world spinning and his legs went weak. Though he was unlearned, he still knew the gravity of the situation. Several thoughts flashed through his mind, and he coldly laughed to himself, “Xia Yun, you lustful fool, don’t drag us down with you. I better distance myself from this immediately!” He quietly opened the door latch and slipped out, running into Lin Jinlou heading to the main hall just as he reached the ceremonial gate.

Han Guangye took a few steps forward, his legs giving way as he knelt before Lin Jinlou, saying, “Grandson deserves death, please spare my life, Grandfather!”

Lin Jinlou stopped and looked down, and Ji Xiang immediately brought the lantern closer. Lin Jinlou frowned and said, “You are…?”

Han Guangye quickly said, “Grandfather is too important to remember everyone – I am Han Yaozu’s son.”

Lin Jinlou thought for a moment before his brow smoothed, and he said with a laugh, “So you’re Han Yaozu’s son. Your father wants to acknowledge me as his godfather, though I haven’t agreed yet, but you’re quick to call me grandfather.”

Han Guangye’s face was full of smiles: “Whether my father has the fortune to call you father or not, you are like a true grandfather in my heart.”

Lin Jinlou looked at Ji Xiang and Shuang Xi beside him, pointing at Han Guangye and laughing, “Look at this fellow – isn’t he thoroughly playing the grandson?”

The servants all laughed, and Han Guangye kept smiling apologetically.

Lin Jinlou kicked him and said, “Don’t tell others outside that I’m your grandfather. Now stand up and speak.”

Han Guangye stood up, hunching his shoulders, “Yes, yes, I wouldn’t dare.” He continued, “The person I brought has now caused huge trouble, but this has nothing to do with me. If Grandfather is angry, just punish that bastard… Today my father couldn’t come, so he sent this year’s new graduate Xia Yun to accompany me. I drank too much at the banquet and don’t even know how I was carried back, but just now I woke up thirsty and got up for tea, only to hear a woman’s voice outside. I listened carefully and found that bastard Xia Yun was being intimate with a woman. I immediately ran out…” He said with a mournful face, “This has absolutely nothing to do with me. My father only favored him because he was young and passed the examinations. Tomorrow we’ll drive him out of the yamen!”

Lin Jinlou started, thinking to himself, “If a servant of the household has done such a thing, it would bring shame to the Lin family if word got out.” He said to Han Guangye, “This isn’t your fault, but keep your mouth shut. If even a hint of this spreads outside, you’ll bear the consequences.”

Han Guangye quickly shrunk his neck and said, “I wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare.”

Lin Jinlou then whispered something to Ji Xiang and sent him and Shuang Xi away, arranging different accommodations for Han Guangye.

Meanwhile, Xia Yun was being intimate with Yin Die. Though his head was clouded by desire, he was still a clever person and, fearing the Lin family’s power and concerned for his reputation, didn’t dare to fully consummate the relationship. Just then, the door was pushed open and someone entered with a lantern, asking, “Is Young Master Xia here?”

Xia Yun was so startled he nearly fell off the bed. Yin Die was also panicked and didn’t dare move. Someone pulled back the bed curtain, and Yin Die screamed and shrank into the corner. Xia Yun now knew things had gone badly wrong, and cold sweat rolled down his forehead.

Shuang Xi grabbed Yin Die by the hair and pulled her forward. Recognizing her face, he froze for a moment – he knew all the maids from Zhichun Pavilion – then coldly smiled, “Very good, very good.” Yin Die trembled in fear, clutching her loosened clothes tight.

Ji Xiang went to report to Lin Jinlou, “Master, it’s Yin Die from Zhichun Pavilion.”

Lin Jinlou raised an eyebrow, “Which one is Yin Die?”

Ji Xiang, sharp-eyed and quick-witted, already knew Yin Die had offended Lin Jinlou and was to be expelled, so he said, “The maid who stole the golden horse and was to be driven out by Master.”

Lin Jinlou smiled coldly, “So it’s her. How bold – just as she was about to be driven out, she turns around and acts wanton, daring to seduce male guests.”

Ji Xiang watched Lin Jinlou’s expression and asked, “Then this matter…”

Lin Jinlou said, “Do a favor – give her to Xia, and tomorrow morning sell off her entire family. Don’t let any of them stay.”

Ji Xiang quickly said, “Her father is a second steward…”

Lin Jinlou glared at him. Ji Xiang immediately slapped himself and said, “Yes, I understand. Anyone who raises such a daughter must be no good – such dogs should all be sold off to prevent causing trouble!”

Meanwhile, Xia Yun was full of regret when Ji Xiang came in and said, “Our master says since Scholar Xia wishes to elevate Yin Die, she will be given to Scholar Xia.” After speaking, he patted Shuang Xi’s shoulder and left with the others.

Yin Die finally came to her senses, feeling as if she had been in a dream, then became overjoyed and clung to Xia Yun’s arm affectionately. However, Xia Yun sensed something was wrong and repeatedly questioned her, “Were you sent by the Lin family’s master to serve me? Then what was that all about?”

Yin Die was evasive, and Xia Yun understood. He thought to himself that if the Lin family held a grudge, his future would be ruined. Slapping his thigh, he cried, “I’m ruined!” and paced about sighing in his clothes.

Shortly after, Ji Xiang came to deliver Yin Die’s deed of sale. Xia Yun anxiously inquired, and Ji Xiang smiled, “Scholar Xia need not panic. Our master appreciates talent and, seeing Scholar Xia’s fondness for this maid, specially wished to give her to you.”

Xia Yun felt dazed but finally relieved. Hearing that Xia Yun was a scholar, Yin Die became even more delighted and truly showed tender affection, speaking softly, “My master saw that you passed the examinations so young and wanted to help you, that’s why he sent me to serve you.”

Xia Yun’s fear turned to joy, and Yin Die’s face seemed even more beautiful in the candlelight. The two then consummated their relationship.

The next day, Xia Yun left with Yin Die, only telling Han Guangye that Yin Die was a gift from the Lin family. Seeing Yin Die’s beauty, Han Guangye felt weak with desire and secretly envied Xia Yun’s good fortune, stealing glances at Yin Die. However, remembering Lin Jinlou’s warning, he didn’t dare say a word. The group bid farewell to the Lin family, but we’ll leave that for now.

As for Yin Die, after sharing intimacy with Xia Yun the previous night, she remained shy along the way. However, as soon as she entered the Xia family gate, a large white goose rushed forward to peck at her. Yin Die screamed and nearly fell. Xia Yun quickly shouted to drive the goose away. Still shaken, Yin Die looked around and saw the small, somewhat old courtyard with children running around screaming, and a stout village woman in coarse clothes sitting in the yard husking corn. The woman stood up when she saw them and came forward smiling, “Third Brother, you’re back?”

Yin Die nearly fainted.

Everyone was startled upon seeing Yin Die and asked numerous questions. Though Xia Yun tried to act casual, he couldn’t help but say proudly, “She’s a maid gifted by the Lin family, to be my concubine.”

Second Sister-in-law clicked her tongue and said, “Indeed worthy of being a gift from a wealthy family – such a beautiful face.”

Third Sister Xia reached out to touch Yin Die’s head, saying, “The flowers in her hair are even prettier than Xianglan’s!”

Madam Jin also came to touch Yin Die, saying, “Her hips aren’t round enough – I fear she won’t be good for bearing children.”

Seeing Madam Jin’s poor appearance, similar to the rough servants at the Lin mansion, Yin Die dodged aside in disgust, frowning, “Don’t touch me!”

Madam Jin’s face immediately darkened, and she sneered, “What precious treasure do you think you are? You’re just a serving maid – now I can’t even touch you?”

Xia Yun’s face also darkened as he scolded, “What are you saying? She’s my mother – you should kowtow to her!” He immediately made Yin Die kowtow.

Only then did Yin Die realize her mistake, and burst into loud sobs. She cried as if the sky was falling, while the Xia family members frowned and glared. Fortunately, Xia Yun was ultimately kind-hearted. Though displeased that Yin Die had embarrassed him, he still pitied her beauty and led her to his room. Upon seeing the tiny side room, Yin Die became even more distraught and began wailing.

To cut the idle talk short: Yin Die had no choice but to stay with Xia Yun. Hearing that her entire family had been sold off, she became increasingly anxious but settled down at the Xia household, mostly hiding in her room. Since she was a gift from the Lin family, Xia Yun instructed his family not to make things too difficult for her. Though dissatisfied, they limited themselves to cold remarks and sarcasm. Xia Yun and Yin Die were in their honeymoon period – he dealt with her gently, and though Yin Die felt wronged after two awkward days she gradually improved.

One day, while Yin Die was taking a nap, half-awake and half-asleep, she heard her Second Sister-in-law saying, “…It’s not that I won’t help Uncle, but the Chen family won’t see us. I went with the matchmaker, but they wouldn’t even open their door.”

Xia Yun said, “A few days ago, I gave my Second Sister-in-law two taels of silver, and you assured me there would be no problem…”

“That was then, this is now. Didn’t Uncle recently bring home a beauty from the Lin family? Tsk tsk, these days Xianglan’s mother has also asked matchmakers to look for suitable matches. I heard they have two conditions: first, she won’t be a concubine, and second, she won’t marry a man who has concubines. Uncle’s matter, I’m afraid, won’t work out…”

“Did the Chen family say that?”

“Would I lie? If Uncle doesn’t believe me, go ask them yourself!”

“Then… then…”

Second Sister-in-law sneered, “If Uncle is willing to give up that little beauty, I’ll thick-skinned go ask the Chen family again.” With that, she got up and left.

Xia Yun hurriedly chased after her, saying, “Second Sister-in-law, don’t go, this matter…”

Yin Die sprang up, grinding her teeth in hatred: “Pah! This poor, black-hearted hypocrite Xia Yun plans to marry someone else! I suffered to follow you, you poor scholar, wanting to be your proper wife with dignity, but you’ve wronged me and still want me to be a concubine? Not a chance!” She bit her lip and thought to herself, “Chen Xianglan? Could it be that little wretch?”

She found an opportunity to probe her Second Sister-in-law for information, giving her a dozen copper coins. Second Sister-in-law said, “The Xianglan that Uncle fancies was also originally a maid in the Lin family. Oh my, but things are different now – her family is wealthy, bought a large residence, wears gold and silver, and lives luxuriously. Her father became the manager of a large pawnshop, with sedan chairs taking her to and fro morning and evening. Tsk tsk, you were both maids at the Lin family, but Xianglan truly has the fate of a young lady!” She twisted her waist and left.

Yin Die’s face turned pale with anger. She secretly cursed, “That wretch Chen Xianglan harmed me even back at the Lin family – I was driven out by the master all because of her troublemaking! Now her ghost won’t leave me alone, caused my whole family to be sold, and is trying to steal my man. I must make you die without a burial place!” She pondered in her heart, and a plan formed.

As for Xianglan, she had been living peacefully these days, keeping her doors closed. She gradually let go of her thoughts about Song Ke, though she had grown thinner because of it. The Chen couple loved their daughter, and as their household became increasingly prosperous, they considered buying a young maid. They asked a broker to bring several young girls. Xianglan personally selected a pretty nine-year-old girl with fair skin, named her Hua Shan, to help with writing materials and housework. The girl proved quite sensible and proper.

One day, while Xianglan was tending to flowers in the courtyard, she suddenly heard someone knocking at the door. Hua Shan called out several times but got no response. Then they heard someone wailing at the door, “Please let me see Miss Chen! If you don’t open the door, I’ll kill myself by smashing my head right here!”

Xianglan was startled. She quickly put down her scissors on the stone bench and opened the door to see Yin Die kneeling at the entrance, immediately kowtowing to Xianglan, attracting curious onlookers from the neighborhood.

Yin Die cried out, “Miss Chen, I know you’re engaged to Scholar Xia Yun but won’t allow concubines in the household. Now Master Xia wants to sell me off – I beg you to spare me a way to live! Miss… no, Lady, please show mercy!”

Xianglan was stunned. She never expected Yin Die to show up at her door, spouting nonsense about “Xia Yun” and “engagement.” Seeing people around discussing and pointing, she frowned and pulled at Yin Die’s arm, saying, “What nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever get engaged to the Xia family?”

Yin Die refused to get up, crying, “The Lady is angry because of this servant and wants to break off the engagement with Master Xia. Lady, I was given to Master Xia by the Lin family, but he treats me like a mere decoration – his heart is all with you! I only beg the Lady not to drive me away… if you don’t agree, I’ll kill myself right here…” She broke into earth-shattering wails.

Madam Xue inside also heard the commotion. Coming out and hearing Yin Die’s words, her face turned pale with anger. She cursed, “Shameless slut! Our daughter is pure and unmarried – where do you come from with your lies to slander people? Leave immediately!” Her legs went weak, and she nearly collapsed.

Xianglan’s heart sank as she thought, “Yin Die was never good to begin with, and now she’s trying to ruin my reputation.” She beckoned Hua Shan over and instructed, “Go to the yamen and find Scholar Xia. Tell him his concubine has come to our house making trouble.” Hua Shan left immediately.

Xianglan turned around, her face taking on a different expression.