Madam Wu took a sip of tea first and smiled, “Though you’ve gotten thinner, your complexion looks good, and this outfit suits you well. At your age, you should wear bright colors. I brought you some snacks – though Zhichun Hall doesn’t lack for these things, it’s the thought that counts. You can have them as treats when you’re free.”

Xiang Lan said, “Madam, you’re always thinking of me. I don’t know how to thank you.”

Madam Wu moved closer to Xiang Lan, took her hand, and smiled, “I came here with some good news… I’m here to congratulate you.”

Xiang Lan froze, her face immediately turning red as she withdrew her hand.

Madam Wu continued, “My dear child, now that you’ve entered Zhichun Hall and belong to Master, you should kowtow to Old Madam and Madam to be properly acknowledged. Earlier, for some reason, Madam thought something was wrong with you and was unwilling to see you. I saw this and felt anxious. Who knew she would suddenly relent these past few days and say she wants you to come to kowtow? This is wonderful news! I’ve watched Master grow up since he was little. Though his temper isn’t perfect, he’s responsible. I’ve kept an eye on all the girls in the mansion for him, looking for someone reliable. But they were either not pretty enough, had bad temperaments, or were foolish – none were quite right. Until you came along, I saw everything about you – not just your looks and temperament, but how you handle people and conduct yourself. Everything is proper and pleasing, a hundred times better than those vixen types! Fortunately, Master loves you too – it’s perfect. You’re different from servant girls like Luan’er. Once you kowtow to Madam, you’ll become a concubine, with a grand feast to formally welcome you in. Let those gossiping old women see!”

Xiang Lan kept her head down and after a long while said, “I appreciate Madam’s kindness, but could you please ask Madam to let me leave?”

Madam Wu was startled, “Oh my dear child, how can you say such things? You’re not willing to be with Master? That would be truly foolish… this is about becoming a proper mistress.”

Xiang Lan said, “What’s so special about being a mistress? Still lower in status. Look at Concubine Lan’s example – she died just like that. Madam probably doesn’t know how I came here… I wasn’t willing either.”

Madam Wu consoled her, “Dear girl, you must have been frightened by that worthless Zhao Yuechan. Don’t worry, when Master takes another wife, he’ll surely choose someone kind and accommodating.”

Xiang Lan gave a cold laugh and said, “You all think Master choosing me is giving me face, but I haven’t properly chosen him yet!” She said to Madam Wu, “Madam, I know you mean well, and I’ll always remember your kindness. But I don’t care for the face Madam is trying to give me. I don’t owe Madam anything. Standing straight, who’s three inches shorter than whom? She may have more power, but I, Chen Xiang Lan, have no interest in currying her favor.”

Madam Wu was dumbfounded and hurriedly covered Xiang Lan’s mouth, saying, “You can’t go around saying such inflammatory things!”

Xiang Lan whispered, “I know. I’m only speaking my mind because you’re not an outsider. No matter how good the Lin family is, it’s like a prison to me. I just want to leave…”

Madam Wu was secretly surprised and thought, “I shouldn’t have brought this up. I’ll go tell Master about Madam wanting Xiang Lan to kowtow instead.” She changed the subject to other matters, which we’ll set aside for now.

As for Lin Jinlou, after changing clothes and paying respects to his elders, he left Lin Zhaoxiang’s quarters. After Old Madam Lin and Madam Qin thoroughly inquired about his health, it was nearly noon when he returned. Lian Xin reported, “Master’s friends have arrived and are waiting in the front courtyard’s flower hall. Third Young Master is already there entertaining them.”

Lin Jinlou changed clothes again and went to the front. The flower hall was lively, with an eight-immortals table laid out with various refreshments and dishes. Several small opera performers were singing and playing strings, while at the table sat Xie Yu, son of the Vice Minister of War, Liu Xiaochuan, grandson of the Brave General, and Chu Dapeng, son of the Minister of Justice. Lin Jinting was engaged in animated conversation with them.

When Liu Xiaochuan saw Lin Jinlou enter, he immediately slapped the table and whistled, “Look who’s here, His Majesty’s favorite! Quick, line up to welcome him!”

Everyone turned around and stood up, clasping their hands in greeting. They were all acquainted, and Lin Jinlou sat down as a servant immediately poured him wine. Chu Dapeng smiled, “I hear you’ve achieved another merit, brother. It seems a promotion to Third Rank after the Mid-Autumn Festival is inevitable.”

Lin Jinlou shook his head and smiled, “What Third Rank? It’s nothing. I beat up that bastard Sun Lifan, and I hear some poor scholars are trying to make something of it. I’ll be lucky not to get demoted.”

Xie Yu raised his wine cup and said, “Even if you’re demoted, you’ll be promoted again in a couple of months. Everyone knows you’re His Majesty’s favorite. What’s Sun Lifan? I hear he had a heavenly beautiful daughter who he gave to the Second Prince as a concubine – that’s how he got his position.”

Liu Xiaochuan said, “This Japanese resistance of yours is a good assignment. Take me along next time?”

Xie Yu chuckled, “You? You’ve hardly been on any battlefield, you’ll wet yourself again. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, just go back to Beijing and be your Imperial Guard honestly.”

Liu Xiaochuan stuck his neck out and said, “What’s wrong with me? I just haven’t had the chance. Fighting the Japanese brings fame and fortune, plus you get Japanese girls serving you – how pleasant!”

Chu Dapeng clinked glasses with Lin Jinlou and said, “Brother, you’re good at fighting, good at maritime trade for profit, and good at making money from salt. At such a young age, your rank is higher than those old fellows. I’m truly envious. I’m still studying the classics. The old man at home says I must become a two-times imperial scholar to live up to our ancestors. He wants me to go to Beijing this winter to study under his nose.”

Lin Jinlou smiled, “The court has always been dominated by civil officials, valuing the civil over the military. Besides, you’ve had a reputation as a talented scholar since childhood – you should at least pass the provincial examination, right? Moreover, with your two shops, surely you’re not worried about money?”

Chu Dapeng waved his hand, dismissing the performers and servants, then said, “That’s actually why I came. I want to ride on my brother’s coattails to earn some money. We, brothers, have pooled our funds and hope you can help us find connections in the Salt Administration to find a merchant leader, invest our money for shares, and get some returns by year’s end?”

Lin Jinlou smiled and crossed his legs, saying, “The court forbids this…”

Chu Dapeng personally poured wine for Lin Jinlou and smiled, “Brother, we’ve grown up together since childhood. Even if I’m not good at fighting, I’ve been quite the strategist. With our friendship, why play games with us? Does the court forbid it? The court also forbids officials from doing business, yet how many have large enterprises? What’s openly forbidden has plenty of dealings in secret. Besides, we respect the law – I have a half-brother who can be the front man, completely unrelated to us. Just keep us in mind and look after us.”

Lin Jinlou pondered briefly, and Xie Yu said, “Of course, you’ll get your share, brother – thirty percent of the annual profits. How’s that sound?”

Lin Jinlou pointed at them and laughed, “I see now you monkeys. You say it’s to welcome me back, but you’re here to scheme against me.”

Seeing Lin Jinlou’s expression, the three knew he had agreed and couldn’t help but feel relieved, their faces full of joy. Xie Yu smiled, “This isn’t scheming, it’s asking brother to give us a leg up. We specially invited the Wanxia troupe’s performers today to sing, all with new private tunes.” He rang the bell to call the performers back in to sing again, then raised his cup, “Let me drink to brother first.” He drained his cup.

The group drank back and forth, indulging in food and wine. After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Chu Dapeng forgot his manners and leaned forward, “I just heard from Little Third that brother has taken a new concubine. The last time you took a concubine was in Beijing. Why not have a feast to celebrate such a happy occasion?”

Liu Xiaochuan’s face was red as he said, “What? Brother has taken someone new? Why not invite our new sister-in-law out for us to see? Hehe, let’s see how pretty she is.”

Lin Jinlou raised his cup and smiled without speaking.

Lin Jinting had drunk too much and said with a peculiar smile, “She’s certainly very pretty. Do you know Song Yifei?”

Chu Dapeng squinted and said, “Know him, know him, we’ve drunk together. He’s in the Hanlin Academy now, right? Married the Displayed Duke’s daughter. The old man at home wants me to get closer to him.”

Lin Jinting said, “The new one in my elder brother’s quarters came from the Song family.”

Lin Jinlou raised his eyebrows slightly, and though he was still smiling, his eyes grew cold. Xie Yu was best at reading expressions and quickly coughed, “Little Third, let me drink to you.”

Lin Jinting was already dizzy from drinking and became even more loose-tongued, saying, “She’s quite pretty, but her schemes and methods are also quite sophisticated…”

Xie Yu looked at Lin Jinlou’s expression and gave Lin Jinting a hard kick under the table, saying, “You’ve had too much to drink, go sleep it off!”

Lin Jinting felt the pain and said, “Why did you kick me!” He turned and saw Lin Jinlou’s expression, suddenly realizing he had misspoken. Cold sweat broke out as he quickly stood up saying, “I’ve had too much to drink, I need to go lie down in the back.” He stood up.

Lin Jinlou called out, “What’s the rush? Sit down and have a few more cups before you go.”

Lin Jinting dared not disobey and sat back down. Thinking of Xiang Lan made his heart ache – she had firmly refused to be Song Ke’s concubine before, but now eagerly attached herself to his elder brother. Yesterday he had received Song Ke’s letter asking him to look after Xiang Lan’s family, which left him feeling unsettled. What made it worse was that Xiang Lan was his elder brother’s concubine – if it were anyone else, he could have vented this frustration to Yifei. But how should he reply to this letter? He felt uncomfortable about it.

Liu Xiaochuan was also half drunk and said, “Pretty? What kind of beauty is she? Brother must let us see her.” Chu Dapeng and Xie Yu also joined in the chorus of agreement.