Though Madam Qin disliked Hua Mei’s heavy makeup, she had some fondness for her because of her clever speech, straightforward manner, flattering nature, and ability to read situations. Remembering that Hua Mei had requested fertility talismans at the temple, her heart softened somewhat, and seeing her cry for Lin Jin Lou raised her opinion further.

Seeing this performance, Xiang Lan couldn’t help but admire Hua Mei’s silver tongue. Mother Wu, Chun Ling, Ting Lan, Lian Xin, and others close to Xiang Lan felt great hatred and worry for her.

Unexpectedly, Xiang Lan gave a light laugh and shook her head, saying, “Hua Mei, there’s a saying about ‘exhausting all schemes.’ You’re eloquent and theatrical, good at reading people and winning their favor, transforming from Young Master’s gifted concubine to an honored Aunt. Don’t think yourself so clever, treating others as fools, assuming no one knows what you do behind their backs.”

Hearing this, Hua Mei’s expression changed, though she quickly restored her sorrowful appearance and cried out in injustice, “Sister! Is it because I discovered your plot to harm Young Master that you now slander me so?”

Xiang Lan replied, “In the middle of the night, you first disregarded Madam’s orders and barged into the master’s bedroom with suspicious intentions – that’s one point. You said ‘Sister told me that you entered the household unwillingly, forced by Young Master, that you hated him and dreamed of leaving’ – when did I ever say such things? Whenever we met, there were always three or four maids present who could testify. You frame and slander, spread malicious gossip, and stir up trouble – that’s the second point.”

Hua Mei was dumbfounded. Just as she was about to argue, Xiang Lan cut her off: “Earlier, you and Nuan Yue worked together, aggressive and cutting, every word a blade trying to destroy me, yet you claim you wanted to plead for me – who with clear eyes can’t see through this scheme? You’ve never been kind-hearted. Previously, Lan Aunt believed your various instigations and agreed to organize the poetry society, and you provoked conflict between her and Madam Zhao, all while wearing the face of a ‘good sister looking out for you.’ Didn’t you know Lan Aunt was naturally free-spirited, pure, and honest, unsuited for worldly matters? Moreover, she was heavily pregnant and should have been resting peacefully. If you didn’t care about Qing Lan, if you truly cared for Young Master, you should have thought of the child in Qing Lan’s womb and not stirred up such thoughts in her.”

Madam Qin heard this clearly and furrowed her brow.

Hua Mei kept her hands in her sleeves, gripping so tightly that she broke an inch-long fingernail. Her face still maintained a grief-stricken expression as she said pitifully, “Sister, your words make me feel I can’t go on living. I merely mentioned the poetry society to Lan Aunt – how did I instigate anything?” She turned to Madam Qin and pleaded, “Madam, Madam, you must give me justice!”

Xiang Lan sneered, “The person is gone, so there’s no use discussing it further. But I want Madam to know that you’ve always been this vicious and poisonous.”

Though Hua Mei’s expression remained pitiful, a cold smile played at her lips as she said, “Sister, are you truly angry with me, or are you guilty and deliberately turning attention to my supposed faults to clear yourself? We’re discussing talismans cursing Young Master to death – what does this have to do with Lan Aunt?”

Xiang Lan smiled lightly, seeing that Hua Mei’s fragile appearance was indeed an act, and she was now being forced to show her true colors. She continued, “It’s certainly related. Among those in Young Master’s household, Ying Ge is honest, Luan Er is straightforward with everything written on her face, but only you smile like a gentle spring breeze while harboring fierce competition in your bones, determined to rise above others in the inner court. I know your nature and have always kept my distance, yet today I still fell victim to your and Nuan Yue’s false accusations.”

Xiang Lan then looked at Madam Qin, her voice softening: “I am ignorant and lacking in manners, never having properly greeted Madam, so it’s natural that Madam dislikes me. I come from humble origins, and a drifting soul, and entering the Lin family wasn’t my wish. But Young Master has shown me kindness, and I, Chen Xiang Lan, would never stoop to such despicable acts!”

Just then, someone at the door said, “Enough, stop talking.” Before the words were finished, Lin Jin Lou strode in and went straight to grab Xiang Lan’s arm, forcefully pulling her up, saying, “Hey, hey, I’m helping you up – why are you still sliding to the ground? It’s cold weather, aren’t you afraid of getting sick kneeling on the ground?” He looked up at Madam Qin and said, “Son heard everything from outside just now.” Then he glanced at Hua Mei.

Though that glance seemed casual, it was cold and piercing, like frost on a blade. Hua Mei immediately felt chills down her spine, trembling all over, and collapsed to the ground, her heart both shocked and angry. Lin Jin Lou personally helping Xiang Lan up clearly showed his stance. Hua Mei glanced at Nuan Yue from the corner of her eye, seeing her slumped on the ground, and thought to herself, “In this situation, I can only sacrifice a pawn to save the chariot.”

Xiang Lan didn’t want to struggle with Lin Jin Lou in front of everyone, but he had already grabbed her arm and lifted her. She stole a glance up and saw Lin Jin Lou watching her, quickly turning her face away. As soon as he released her, she lowered her head, and quickly and lightly stepped back, standing properly to the side.

Lin Jin Lou thought to himself, “Just now when I was peeking at the door, she looked fierce with some spirit, but how did she become like a frightened rabbit when she saw me?”

Now, Chang Fa’s wife, being someone who liked to play clever, watched helplessly as Hua Mei lost ground while Xiang Lan turned crisis into safety. She regretted backing the wrong side, and since Xiang Lan was Lin Jin Lou’s current favorite, she feared retribution if Xiang Lan held a grudge. Though she had heard of Lin Jin Lou’s reputation, she rarely saw him in person. She also considered herself someone of status, favored by the Old Madam, and since Madam Qin showed her some respect, surely Lin Jin Lou would too. So when Lin Jin Lou entered, she decided to curry favor with the masters and flaunt her position, ensuring Xiang Lan wouldn’t dare act against her. She stepped forward with a plastered smile, saying, “Young Master has returned – isn’t it cold outside?” She glared at Xiang Lan and poked her shoulder, saying, “Are you deaf or blind? Didn’t you see Young Master just came in? Don’t you know to pour him some hot tea? You thoughtless thing.”

Xiang Lan was furious and about to rebuke Chang Fa’s wife for her physical contact, but Lin Jin Lou had already kicked her, cursing, “What stray dog is barking here! What thing are you, who gave you the courage to order my people around!”

The kick sent Chang Fa’s wife stumbling back several steps before falling, clutching her stomach and crying out in pain.

Lin Jin Lou pointed at Chang Fa’s wife and asked Madam Qin, “I know one or two respectable housekeepers in the mansion, but I’ve never even seen this person – how dare she enter my room? Tomorrow the Zhi Chun Hall might as well become a marketplace, with all sorts of riffraff coming to yell about.”

Madam Qin, fearing Lin Jin Lou’s anger, scolded Chang Fa’s wife, “Have you been drinking tonight?! No sense of propriety or respect – who are you to speak here? Get out quickly!”