In the room, Nuan Yue and others gathered around Xiang Lan, talking. Seeing her low spirits, they knew she had faced harsh treatment from the young masters and misses of the Lin family that morning. Understanding she was feeling down, they tactfully took their leave. Ting Lan lingered, walking to the door before turning back to approach Xiang Lan with a smile, saying, “I heard from Chun Ling that your skirt needed a peach-red cord. I made several in my spare time – they can be used on clothes or as a waist tie. Some smaller ones can be used as fan pendants with jade or pearls. Take a look and see if you like them.” She took out a small cloth bag and emptied its contents onto the bed.
Xiang Lan looked and indeed saw several exquisitely made cords in various colors – peach red, pine green, bright green, and deep red – each crafted with remarkable detail and vibrant workmanship.
Xiang Lan looked up to see Ting Lan’s eager-to-please expression and understood immediately, thinking to herself: “When Zhao Yue Chan had me locked up for sale, Ting Lan brought me food. When I begged her to pass a message to Song Ke, she refused out of fear. Now that I’m back in the Lin family, she’s afraid I’ll hold a grudge. I was already deeply grateful that she dared bring me food then. We’re all just trying to make a living in this world – who doesn’t have their difficulties? Why does she need to be like this?” Looking up, she noticed Ting Lan’s dark eye circles that even powder couldn’t conceal, realizing she must have been staying up late making these cords. Her heart softened, and though she was reluctant to accept them, she knew refusing would only make Ting Lan worry more. Brightening her expression, she smiled, “These are all wonderful things. You thinking of me for such small matters makes me feel unworthy.” Pointing to a pine-green cord, she added, “This one is particularly beautiful. I’ll attach it to my purse right away.”
Seeing Xiang Lan’s genuine smile and continued warmth, Ting Lan breathed a sigh of relief and said, “If you’re using it on a purse, I’ll make some tassels to go with it – they’ll look better hanging down.”
Seeing they were alone, Xiang Lan lowered her voice, “Sister, you needn’t be so anxious. When I first entered the household, you looked after and guided me. Later, when Zhao Yue Chan wanted to sell me, you even risked bringing me food… I remember it all.” She squeezed Ting Lan’s hand.
Ting Lan immediately understood, feeling both ashamed and touched, saying, “Dear Xiang Lan, you’re truly kind-hearted. Such words leave me speechless…”
Before she could finish, an elegantly dressed maid wearing a dark red embroidered vest entered carrying an octagonal gift box, smiling, “Second Young Miss sent me to bring some items to Miss Xiang Lan.”
Xiang Lan recognized her as Ta Sha, Lin Dong Qi’s headmaid, and quickly rose to express her thanks. Ta Sha opened the box to reveal two bottles of fresh tea, a plate of seasonal fruits, and a small dish of pastries – all common items but notably fresh. Xiang Lan understood that the value wasn’t in the items themselves; Lin Dong Qi was doing this to give her face and repay past kindness. Xiang Lan smiled bitterly, thinking: “When I first had no support in the Lin family, I only hoped for someone to rely on, to make life a bit easier. Yet those who helped in times of need were few, while those who bullied and schemed were many. Now that I have no intention of staying, everyone comes to give me face, but what use is it now?” Nevertheless, grateful to Lin Dong Qi and worried about having nothing to give in return, she suddenly remembered two boxes of palace powder in her drawer. She took them out and handed them to Ta Sha, saying, “Perfect timing. Please take these back for Second Young Miss to use, and convey my sincere thanks.”
Ta Sha’s eyes lit up, “Oh my, this is the Jade Hairpin Powder from Yangzhou’s imperial tribute! It’s so hard to find – our Young Miss had one box before but used it all and couldn’t find more. What luck to come across such a rare item today!” After expressing her thanks to Xiang Lan, Chun Ling gave her some money, and she finally left.
For a while, things were quiet.
Meanwhile, when Lin Jin Lou announced he would return to live at Zhi Chun Hall every day, it sent everyone into a flurry of activity. First, they moved his clothes and bedding from the study back, then replaced all the curtains, chair covers, tablecloths, and bedding with bright-colored ones. Lian Xin and Nuan Yue’s people brought various window curtains and bed linens for Xiang Lan’s approval.
Xiang Lan looked at them – all expensive materials like kesi silk or brocade, even some with gold thread – and asked, “Why are you showing these to me?”
Lian Xin smiled, “Master said the room looked gloomy and wanted to change to brighter items. He asked for your opinion.”
Xiang Lan was startled. Earlier that day, when Lin Jin Lou questioned her about Song Ke, she had responded with a barbed comment, expecting another slap, but he had merely stormed off angry. Now he wanted her to choose curtain colors? How ridiculous – she wasn’t the mistress of Zhi Chun Hall, wouldn’t choosing be overstepping? Looking up at Lian Xin’s eager-to-please smile, she sighed, too tired to wonder about Lin Jin Lou’s motives. She casually pointed to a gold-threaded gardenia-colored brocade with a persimmon pattern, saying, “This one then.”
Lian Xin immediately ordered it to be hung up.
Nuan Yue chimed in, “Excellent choice! It’s clean and refreshing to the eye, and the gold threads seem to sparkle and move.”
Ru Shuang smiled, “Indeed, and the meaning is auspicious too. Traditionally, the persimmon pattern is used in weddings, symbolizing stability and prosperity.” She glanced at Xiang Lan, and knowing her good nature, the others weren’t afraid of teasing her, breaking into giggles.
Hearing such talk made Xiang Lan blush and lower her head, her mind filling with worry. Yes, what if she accidentally became pregnant with Lin Jin Lou’s child? Wouldn’t that make it even harder to leave? With Lin Jin Lou’s wife’s position vacant and the Lin family’s strict rules, surely they wouldn’t allow a first-born child from a concubine? But then again, Lin Jin Lou was the eldest grandson with no children yet. Wasn’t that why Old Madam Lin and Madam Qin were so eager to fill his quarters with women – to ensure he had offspring soon? After her intimate relations with Lin Jin Lou two days ago, no one had brought her contraceptive soup…
As Xiang Lan grew increasingly anxious, Lian Xin, thinking she was embarrassed by the teasing, quickly led the maids out.
No sooner had Lian Xin’s group left than Hua Mei arrived, standing at the door requesting Xiao Juan to announce her. Xiang Lan thought to herself: “Hua Mei is clever-tongued but harbors malice. Back then, she manipulated Concubine Lan into countless foolish actions with just a few words, and not only did she emerge unscathed, but she stepped over Qing Lan’s corpse to rise in status, becoming a concubine. Even Zhao Yue Chan couldn’t do anything about her – that shows her capabilities. I’ve never liked her character; it’s best to stay as far away as possible from such people.” She told Chun Ling, “Today has been strange, with people parading through here like a marketplace. Tell her I’m tired and already sleeping.”
Chun Ling hesitated, “That doesn’t seem right… Hua Mei is still a concubine and one with some influence. You know her schemes and methods – openly snubbing her might make her hold a grudge, and it’s not quite proper either.”
Xiang Lan laughed coldly, “If she’s unhappy, she can go complain to Lin Jin Lou, and if he’s displeased with me, he can throw me out. The young masters and misses may be ancestors requiring my service, but is Hua Mei an ancestor too? Besides, she’s no good person – she’d be honey-mouthed but viper-hearted in person, speaking sweetly while wanting me dead. I don’t have the patience to play along with her pretense.”
Chun Ling burst out laughing, “You speak so boldly! If Concubine Lan had been half as clear-headed as you, she wouldn’t have died so foolishly.” She sighed, shaking her head as she went to turn away from Hua Mei.
Xiang Lan leaned against the large pillow, feeling troubled. Lost in her thoughts, she didn’t notice it was already time to light the lamps.
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the courtyard, and moments later, Lin Jin Lou pushed open the door and entered. It was rare for Lin Jin Lou to return home at the proper hour, which startled everyone in Zhi Chun Hall. They hurriedly gathered around, helping him wash his face, change clothes, and prepare tea.
After changing into casual clothes, Lin Jin Lou walked to the east side room and saw Xiang Lan still leaning by the window. He cleared his throat, but she didn’t turn around.
Lin Jin Lou smirked, sat down on the Buddhist couch, reached out his long arm, and grabbed Xiang Lan’s small chin, turning her face toward him, saying, “Tell me, what fascinating foreign sights are you watching out there?”
Xiang Lan kept her mouth tightly shut, not speaking, and her long eyelashes lowered.
Chun Ling hurried to serve Lin Jin Lou tea, saying softly, “Master, this is cooling herbal tea.”
Lin Jin Lou thought to himself, “I do need to cool down, or this stubborn mule will be the death of me. Like a stone in the latrine – both stinking and hard. Even at this point, she still doesn’t know her place and is stubborn with me. Fine, let’s see who can out-stubborn whom.” He released his hand and ordered, “Serve dinner.”
The kitchen had prepared everything in advance, and hearing Lin Jin Lou’s command, the maids entered in single file carrying trays. The table was soon filled with dishes: a steamed split chicken, fried spare ribs, crystal pork knuckle, steamed hilsa fish, along with meat floss and garlic flower buns, and sesame oil-dressed smoked pork strips. Ru Shuang brought a small silver wine vessel, two white porcelain sunflower-shaped wine cups, and two pairs of ivory chopsticks, and placed them on the table.
Lin Jin Lou sat with a leisurely air and began eating. Xiang Lan stole a glance at him. He wore a soft blue silk robe and loose ink-colored trousers, his hair tied up with just a single intricate gold hairpin. Sitting cross-legged on the bed with two pillows behind him, his casual attire in the candlelight emphasized his tall, strong build. Xiang Lan’s thoughts drifted to two nights ago, making her anxious, her palms growing sweaty.
Lin Jin Lou was very hungry, devouring the pork knuckle and finishing a plate of spare ribs. Xiang Lan sat quietly with a lowered head nearby, while Chun Ling anxiously tried to signal her to pour wine for Lin Jin Lou. Seeing Xiang Lan motionless, she had to step forward and fill Lin Jin Lou’s cup herself.
After eating for a while, the maids cleared the empty plates and served some light seasonal vegetables. Lin Jin Lou dismissed everyone, looked at Xiang Lan for a moment, then said, “You should eat something. You haven’t eaten properly since two days ago, just vegetables, like raising a rabbit. Your chin’s looking sharper today.” He picked up some chicken breast with his chopsticks and placed it in the small gold-glazed dish in front of her.
Xiang Lan thought to herself that Lin Jin Lou could speak softly sometimes. While she was still wondering about this, she heard Lin Jin Lou say in a calm voice, “Eat some meat, or you’ll get too thin and your breasts will shrink.”