Huamei noticed Lin Jinlou’s furrowed brows and knew he was displeased. Everyone knew about his temperamental nature – when his face darkened, others would keep their distance. Huamei regretted hastily pulling this “tyrant” into her room, not knowing what had irritated him. If she didn’t serve him well now, his anger might be directed at her. But she could only stay composed, wringing out a hot towel to wipe his face.

Lin Jinlou was somewhat annoyed. He knew about women’s schemes but was too lazy to care – they all lived according to his moods anyway, what could they do? But today, Luan’er had truly irritated him. He liked her vivacity and her rare singing voice. These two qualities made her worth keeping around, even with her arrogance – beautiful women being temperamental was common enough. When he was in a good mood, he’d humor her for amusement; when not, he’d ignore her, causing no trouble. But now Luan’er wasn’t just proud and domineering, she’d lost all sense of propriety, fighting with a servant girl while disheveled in bed, which particularly disgusted him. He’d given her the cold shoulder several times, but instead of learning her lesson, she’d become even worse.

Huamei gently undid Lin Jinlou’s belt and opened his outer robe, smiling, “Master, sit up a bit so I can help you change for bed.”

Lin Jinlou opened his eyes to see Huamei sitting beside him, wearing a water-red jacket with gold-threaded plum blossom embroidery, and a white silk undergarment beneath, showing a glimpse of bright red underwear. Her hair was loose around her shoulders, making her face appear even fairer and her lips redder. Her eyes were moist and alluring, and her beauty mark exuded seduction. She leaned forward, her slender fingers on his chest, smiling slightly as she said, “Master, please rise so I can help you undress.”

Lin Jinlou sat up, letting Huamei help him undress while asking, “What were you arguing about earlier?”

Huamei froze, realizing Lin Jinlou must have heard her argument with Luan’er. She explained, “It was nothing. Sister Luan’er was ill, and Cun Xin came asking for cough medicine. Worried, I brought four pears and an orange to check on her. But it wasn’t a cough – she had caught a cold. Thinking she shouldn’t take the wrong medicine, especially since her illness was contagious, I said a few words. Who knew she’d get so angry? We had a pointless argument. Looking back, I regret it – she wasn’t feeling well, I shouldn’t have provoked her.”

Lin Jinlou had been displeased with Huamei’s earlier acidic remarks, but hearing her admit fault, he felt somewhat better. He thought Huamei’s greatest virtue was her perceptiveness. Though sometimes too clever, she knew her limits, understood what to say and what not to say, and knew how to please people. If only Xiang Lan had half her senses.

Seeing Lin Jinlou’s expression soften, Huamei quickly ordered servants to bring in a table and set out food and wine. She said to Lin Jinlou, “Though eating late isn’t healthy, Master works so hard and rarely visits me. Surely having some food and wine before sleeping won’t hurt?”

Lin Jinlou smiled, “Those words sound a bit bitter.”

Huamei gave him a coquettish look and said, “Since Master got that fairy in his chambers, you’ve forgotten all about us sisters. No wonder Sister Luan’er is so hot-tempered and quick to curse.”

Xi Que, who was straining wine at a small stove on the floor, thought to herself, “Madam is truly clever, subtly shifting blame to Luan’er while expressing her displeasure.”

Lin Jinlou smiled without speaking.

Seeing he neither denied it nor offered sweet words to comfort her as usual, Huamei felt bitter inside but showed no trace of it on her face. She merely placed some fine pastries in the small dish before him. She moved a plate of roast goose in front of herself, cleaned her hands, and tore off some leg meat to feed him.

After drinking half a cup of wine, Lin Jinlou asked, “Earlier you pulled me in saying you had something good to show me. What is it?”

Huamei smiled coyly, “The good thing is right under Master’s nose, but perhaps Master has seen too many fine things to find it special.” She then dismissed Xi Que and glanced to the side.

Lin Jinlou turned to look and saw a peacock screen on the floor. It was small and exquisite, with six panels inlaid with mother-of-pearl, precious stones, jade, amber, pearls, clamshell, crystal, and agate – dazzling and extremely valuable.

Lin Jinlou reached out to touch it, saying, “This is quite rare. Where did you get it?”

Huamei smiled, “This originally belonged to a very prominent person, but when fortunes changed, it was sold off. After changing hands several times, it ended up with my brother. He didn’t dare keep such a treasure himself, so he let me bring it into the mansion.”

Lin Jinlou, being extremely shrewd, half-closed his eyes and smiled ambiguously, “Huamei, you clever monkey, trying to play games with me? This piece is extraordinary – how did it end up with your brother? Haven’t gotten into trouble, have you?”

Huamei quickly waved her hands, “No, no. This was originally owned by a rich merchant. After he died, his worthless descendants lost it to my brother while drinking and gambling. My brother gave it to me, and you’re the only one in my heart, Master, so I’m presenting it to you.”

Lin Jinlou understood clearly that Du Bin must have set up a scheme to obtain it, but winning it through gambling made it somewhat legitimate, and bringing it in through his sister showed forethought. He examined the screen all around and smiled, “Your siblings are quite a pair of little demons.” He had been planning to promote Du Bin to a seventh-rank deputy magistrate, and seeing Huamei’s eager gaze, he almost mentioned it but held his tongue, continuing to drink in silence.

Huamei knew Lin Jinlou had accepted the gift and felt relieved, but his lack of response disappointed her. She recalled Du Bin telling her before, “Lin Jinlou isn’t short of money – he might not even accept gifts from others, but if he does accept, even without saying anything, it means he intends to promote me.” If Du Bin got a good position, she would have support and backing. Huamei steadied herself and became even more gentle and charming in her service.

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, Huamei saw Lin Jinlou’s face gradually brighten and grow bolder, leaning against him. Lin Jinlou hadn’t been intimate with Huamei for some time, and seeing her seductive manner, he felt some desire. He sat up and pinched her chin, asking, “Tell me, how do you want to serve your master?”

Huamei giggled, covering her mouth with her sleeve, saying, “Master knows without asking.”

Lin Jinlou pulled Huamei close and kissed her cheek, but caught a strong scent of face powder. Previously, he wouldn’t have minded – what woman didn’t use makeup? But Xiang Lan didn’t like using powder and rouge, her face was naturally smooth and soft, making him unable to let go. Now Huamei’s layers of powder felt rough. He stared at her face for a moment – heavily made up, beautiful from afar but artificial up close, like a false face – and suddenly lost interest.