After Xiang Lan returned home, Zhichun Hall became lively again. Lin Jinlou spent two consecutive days sleeping in his study, and there was activity in every room. Huamei embroidered a handkerchief with mandarin ducks, and Yingge made a pair of cotton silk indoor shoes for Lin Jinlou to wear during winter. They both sent gifts through the corridor servant, and Lin Jinlou rewarded them both. Only Luan’er remained silent.

On the third day, at dusk, Shuran sat in Luan’er’s room for half an hour. After she left, Luan’er opened her dressing box and began to groom herself. She had Cun Xin redo her hair and adorned herself with her finest jewelry from the bottom of her chest. After applying makeup, she asked to open the wardrobe to find vibrant clothes. Cun Xin brought out a rose-red jacket with a light foreign-red undergarment, and a lake-blue padded jacket with light yellow plum blossom embroidery, saying, “These are both newly made and haven’t been worn yet.”

Luan’er tried them on, turned around twice, but wasn’t satisfied. She removed everything and said, “Master doesn’t like these styles. He loves seeing clothes that show the waistline. Bring out my peach-red fitted jacket and the pomegranate-colored fennel skirt with the slim waist.”

Cun Xin hesitated, “Those are summer clothes, with gauze sleeves. It’s too cold to wear them now…”

Luan’er urged repeatedly, “Just bring them out when I ask you to.”

Cun Xin had no choice but to fetch the clothes. Luan’er changed into them and finally felt satisfied. Cun Xin advised again, “Miss, we’ve just had dinner, and Master is still in his front study. Who knows how long he’ll stay there? At least wear a coat – you can take it off when Master comes. It’s no joke if you catch a cold.”

Luan’er, who had always been more robust than others, wasn’t afraid of the cold and refused to wear a coat. She just held her pipa, playing intermittently and humming softly. Knowing Luan’er’s fiery temper, Cun Xin didn’t dare press further and could only pour hot tea, occasionally urging Luan’er to drink some to warm up.

Luan’er ignored this, but suddenly shivered, her whole body trembling, followed by two sneezes. Cun Xin hurriedly said, “You must have caught a chill.” Seeing Luan’er’s cheeks as red as March peaches, quite different from her applied rouge, she quickly brought a mirror for Luan’er to see, saying, “Your face is so red, you’re about to fall ill.”

Luan’er thought her complexion looked beautiful and didn’t recognize it as illness. She still refused to wear more clothes, but after sneezing five or six times in succession, she began to cough. Cun Xin wrapped her in a thin quilt and went to look for cold medicine pills, muttering, “Miss, how can you not take care of yourself? That fitted jacket is too thin. If you fall ill tomorrow, won’t you be the one suffering?”

Luan’er anxiously said, “What should I do about this cough? I won’t be able to sing for Master later.”

Cun Xin rolled her eyes, thinking to herself, “With a cold, how can you serve Master? And if you pass the illness to him, that would be even worse.” But seeing Luan’er’s panicked expression, she felt somewhat sympathetic and didn’t know what to say.

Meanwhile, Shuran went to the front study and saw Shuang Xi dozing on an embroidered stool by the door. She gently nudged him and asked, “Why are you sleeping here? Who’s serving inside?”

Shuang Xi startled awake, wiped his face, and said, “It’s Master Qi and Master Kang, with Gui Yuan serving tea inside.”

Shuran peered inside and saw Lin Jinlou sitting behind his desk, with Qi Shao and Kang Shiyuan standing on either side, discussing something. Not daring to disturb them, she asked Shuang Xi, “Did Master say where he’s sleeping tonight? Is he returning to the inner quarters?”

Shuang Xi shook his head, “He hasn’t mentioned it.” But internally, he sneered, thinking, “Shuran is trying to speak for Luan’er. She’s such a shrewd person, yet has such a hopeless cousin. Originally, Master’s favor toward Luan’er could have given Shuran more support, but who knew she’d be such a lost cause, becoming a burden rather than an asset? Master hasn’t paid attention to Luan’er these days, all because she cried and made a scene in front of the young masters, embarrassing Master. She still doesn’t know how to be humble, remaining stubborn instead. Does she think she’s Chen Xiang Lan? That living ancestor repeatedly gave Master the cold shoulder, yet he still eagerly pursued her. Without that capability, she’s still pretending to be a fairy. She’s just a concubine, and Master is teaching her a lesson.”

After much consideration, Shuran went to the side room to get some pastries, placing them on a crystal plate. Just as she reached the door, she saw Qi Shao and Kang Shiyuan coming out. She quickly hid behind the door and entered after they left. Seeing Lin Jinlou still staring pensively at some papers, she carefully set down the plate and, after checking his expression, said softly, “Master, these are fresh pastries, all crispy and soft. Please have some.”

Lin Jinlou glanced at the pastries, casually took one, and put it in his mouth while remaining deep in thought. Shuran spoke softly again, “There’s still chicken soup in the small pot. Would Master like a bowl?”

Lin Jinlou looked up with a smile, “You’re always so thoughtful. Those young men are still too careless. Yes, bring me a bowl.”

Shuran immediately went to fetch the soup and returned saying, “Master shouldn’t stay up too late tonight. Please rest after the hour of Hai… Will you be sleeping in your chamber or the study?”

Lin Jinlou, thinking about how quiet the main chamber would be now that Xiang Lan had returned home, said, “I’ll stay in the study. I have some official business to finish, then I’ll sleep.”

Shuran smiled apologetically, “I shouldn’t say this… but I’ll be bold enough to mention it… Luan’er has long recognized her mistake. She shouldn’t have angered Master. These days she’s been reflecting behind closed doors, crying to me countless times… I felt she was young and temperamental and needed to be taught a lesson, so I didn’t comfort her. But seeing her pitiful state now, she truly knows her mistake. Please forgive her this once.”

Lin Jinlou raised his head and stared at Shuran for a while.

Shuran smiled nervously, her heart pounding. Lin Jinlou had never been easy to deal with. Though frightening in his fury, he maintained a natural dignity even when calm that inspired awe.

Lin Jinlou gave a cold laugh and said, “Shuran, what tricks are you playing here? As for Luan’er, I believe she cried several times, but reflecting behind closed doors? Are you trying to fool a ghost?”

Shuran quickly waved her hands, “No, no, I wouldn’t dare deceive Master.”

Lin Jinlou gave Shuran a deep look, then lowered his head saying, “Remember this: do your duty well. If you meddle in Master’s chamber affairs again, don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”

Shuran was already dripping with cold sweat. She clasped her hands and bowed her head respectfully, saying, “I wouldn’t dare, I absolutely wouldn’t dare again.”

Lin Jinlou said flatly, “You may go. Tonight I’m giving you a face by visiting Luan’er’s room. If you play any more tricks, you should know the consequences.”

Shuran repeatedly agreed and left the room on shaky legs. The cold wind made her shiver. She untied her handkerchief from her collar to wipe her sweat, thinking to herself, “Master is angry with me. I can never meddle in Luan’er’s affairs again.” Feeling both fearful and regretful, and angry at Luan’er for not making her look good, she left with heavy sighs.