When Madam Qin took the item, her face changed dramatically. She jumped up, accidentally knocking over a cup of tea. It was a talisman drawn with cinnabar on yellow paper, featuring flowing dragons and phoenixes, along with a blue-faced, fanged demon mask. Lin Jinlou’s name and birth date were written in blood-red characters, with the words “End of Bloodline” at the bottom.
Lin Jinlou remained childless, and these four characters pierced Madam Qin’s heart. She trembled with anger, her legs weakening as she sat back down, face turning ashen. After a while, she finally squeezed words through her clenched teeth: “Which beast deserves to be cut into a thousand pieces!”
Wu Mama wept continuously, crying, “This old servant found it by Zhi Chun Hall’s back door. Seeing it wrapped in white cloth, I knew it was something foul, but when I opened it, I never expected such vicious writing!”
Anxious and furious, Madam Qin asked, “Who else has seen this besides you?”
Wu Mama quickly replied, “No one else. I recognize Master’s name and birth details, and for the remaining characters, I drew them to ask Qiang Wei from your quarters, but didn’t show her the actual item.”
Madam Qin asked Wu Mama to stand, took a deep breath to steady herself, and asked, “This was found at Zhi Chun Hall. It’s not surprising they know Young Master Lou’s birthday since he celebrates it annually, but the exact time isn’t written – they must not know it. Who could hate Young Master Lou enough to create such a talisman!” Her face purpled as her palms grew cold. She said bitterly, “Young Master Lou remains childless, and even when he had children, they didn’t survive. It must be these black-hearted wretches and their curses!”
Wu Mama said, “Madam speaks truly. Perhaps Lady Zhao harbored resentment after being divorced and left this deliberately before departing.”
Madam Qin closed her eyes. Wu Mama stood silently beside her. After a while, Madam Qin opened her eyes and said, “No, Lady Zhao left long ago, and all her dowry servants were sent back, none remain. This white cloth wrapping the talisman is still clean, showing it’s recent. Someone in Zhi Chun Hall must be behind this.”
Wu Mama suggested, “Perhaps some maid or servant woman in Zhi Chun Hall was punished and holds a grudge, turning to such dark curses.”
Madam Qin said, “I fear having such treacherous servants nearby, waiting for chances to harm their masters. Using such a vicious talisman shows truly evil intentions – we must find who’s responsible!”
Though Madam Qin was typically careful and astute, concern for her eldest son’s well-being clouded her judgment. She rose to go to Zhi Chun Hall, but Wu Mama held her back and called in Han Mama, another trusted servant, to explain the situation. Han Mama said, “Madam, please don’t be angry. We just finished ancestral worship, and the Old Master and Old Madam are tired after half a day’s ceremonies. Creating chaos now would disturb their rest and worry them if they heard. Let’s go quietly and discuss this with Master, planning carefully.”
Madam Qin sneered, “As they say, ‘A scholar’s rebellion takes three years to succeed.’ Too much discussion will leak information, letting these vermin escape. I’ve been too lenient, allowing such incidents to occur. Among Young Master Lou’s concubines and maids, only a few are proper – the rest are fox spirits and enchantresses. It’s time to manage them properly. Call everyone here now; we’ll get to the truth tonight!”
Han Mama hurried to summon people. Soon, two elderly maids and four experienced housekeepers arrived, all trusted by Madam Qin. Among them was Chang Fa’s wife, around thirty-five or thirty-six, short in stature with a clean, oval face. Hua Mei often curried favor with her, giving small gifts and flattery. Chang Fa’s wife had become friendly with Hua Mei, often hearing her lament about not having Master’s favor, and occasionally offering advice.
Now, hearing Madam Qin planning to inspect Zhi Chun Hall, she saw an opportunity and said, “Madam should have managed this earlier. Master’s quarters are in chaos, with Xiang Lan sleeping in the main room’s master bed. How… how inappropriate! What will people say about the Lin family’s reputation!”
Madam Qin frowned but said, “Young Master Lou told me about this, letting her serve him closely.”
Chang Fa’s wife quickly added, “Close service is one thing, but Xiang Lan is dangerous. She monopolizes Master, won’t let him go anywhere, and disrespects earlier concubines like Madam Mei, Miss Ying Ge, and Miss Luan. She orders everyone around in Zhi Chun Hall, acting more imposing than the primary wife!”
Madam Qin frowned again. She had never liked the little maid Xiang Lan, finding her too beautiful and clever to be docile, unlike the simple Qing Lan. Yet somehow Xiang Lan had returned to the Lin family and hadn’t even paid respects to her once. She had been angry but chose to ignore it, thinking Lin Jinlou’s fickle nature would eventually lose interest. Now Chang Fa’s wife’s words were like oil on fire, darkening Madam Qin’s expression.
Wu Mama, sensing trouble, stepped forward to scold Chang Fa’s wife: “Shut your mouth! Do you live in Zhi Chun Hall? Speaking of baseless things as if true – who allowed you to gossip here!”
Chang Fa’s wife, taken aback, stepped backward.
Wu Mama whispered to Madam Qin, “Madam, these are false accusations. Xiang Lan is good…”
Madam Qin impatiently waved her hand, saying, “I’ll judge good or bad myself.” She rose and led everyone to Zhi Chun Hall.
At this time, Lin Jinlou was in his front study. When Madam Qin arrived with her people, she sent them to search various rooms while she went to Hua Mei’s quarters. Hua Mei, wearing a casual spring-welcoming jacket with fading makeup, was about to wash up when Madam Qin entered. She hurriedly offered a seat and moved to make tea.
Madam Qin coldly said, “No need.” She gave Han Mama a look.
Han Mama immediately led people to search the room, opening all boxes and chests, turning over the bedding, and cutting open pillows. Madam Qin observed Hua Mei standing submissively by the door, not asking questions, and appearing cautious.
Soon, a servant woman said, “Madam, found this in the pillow,” approaching Madam Qin.
Madam Qin saw a red cloth package containing what seemed to be a talisman. She asked, “What’s inside? Where did you get this?”
Hua Mei twisted her clothes hem, appearing embarrassed. After some hesitation, she said, “Madam, it’s a talisman I got from Daoist Priestess Cui when she visited the inner quarters…”