Chunling’s eyes darted quickly around. She noticed Lianxin appearing unbothered as if she hadn’t heard anything. Xiaojuan seemed distracted, clearly missing the implications in Zidai’s words. Tinglan, however, started slightly and exchanged a glance with her before quickly composing herself. Chunling then looked at Xianglan, noting how the corners of her delicate mouth curved slightly upward, adding a touch of vibrancy to her already beautiful features. Chunling found herself momentarily mesmerized. Though the gestures and expressions were similar, Xianglan carried herself with unique elegance and grace that no one else could replicate. Chunling thought to herself that it was no wonder Young Master held her in such high regard. Yet seeing the hint of detachment in Xianglan’s smile and thinking of the layers of secrets she kept hidden, Chunling couldn’t help but sigh.
Everyone could see that Xianglan was unhappy in Zhichun Chamber, but they all pretended not to notice. After all, who dared to defy Master Lin Jinlou’s orders?
Since returning from the Chen family, Xianglan has shown more spirit than usual. Her eloquent defense the previous night had impressed everyone, revealing her remarkable intelligence. This morning, when Xianglan was to learn etiquette in Madam Qin’s quarters, Chunling had advised her: “Learning etiquette is secondary. Considering Young Master’s face, Madam won’t push too hard. Even though Madam dislikes you, and two of Young Master’s concubines have left… Rather than letting Madam assign her favorite maids, it would be better if you spoke up and promoted two people you know well. That way, they’d be your people, which would be convenient in the future…” She intended to have Xianglan elevate her position so she could stand equal to Lianxin in the Zhichun Chamber. However, Xianglan had shaken her head.
“Madam wants to subdue me. If I respond too early, wouldn’t that create opposition? Madam would be even more displeased, and I wouldn’t have any peace. Why bother? Better to go along with her,” she said, then added with a meaningful smile, “Madam certainly has good judgment. The people she sends will surely bring her credit. As long as they don’t interfere with my affairs, let her do as she pleases. If she wants to cause trouble, she’ll have to see if Young Master approves.”
Chunling had opened her mouth to speak but closed it again, feeling somewhat dejected. It wasn’t until she saw Zidai that she began to understand: the maid Madam had sent this time was Aunt Han’s niece. While ordinary maids were one thing, Aunt Han was one of the most respected senior servants in the household. Moreover, Madam had sent Zidai to learn etiquette alongside Xianglan, clearly intending to elevate Zidai to the position of concubine. Zidai was no fool either – her first words were to address Xianglan as “Sister,” immediately setting herself apart from the other maids. Though this form of address wasn’t proper, no one dared speak up, knowing it was Madam’s wish. Having gained the master’s favor, her manner was seemingly gentle but sharp. No wonder Xianglan had said “Madam’s people will surely bring her credit” when such a person was being inserted into Zhichun Chamber.
Xianglan maintained her smile but ignored Zidai’s intimate address of “Sister,” saying only: “I’m not in charge here. I usually keep to myself. Lianxin, Tinglan, and Chunling are all wonderful people – it’s pleasant to chat and laugh with them when feeling bored or lonely. I’ve been out all morning, so I’m going to rest now. I won’t keep you.” With that, she smiled again at both Xue and Zidai before gracefully entering her bedroom.
Zidai, who had prepared many friendly words to say, was stunned when Xianglan left without even offering basic courtesies. As Xianglan departed, Chunling, Xiaojuan, Lianxin, and Tinglan hurried after her to serve her meal.
Zidai stood there, momentarily unable to recover.
Xuening tugged at her clothes: “Let’s go. Why are you standing here? We should head back to prepare for lunch.”
Zidai took a deep breath. As Madam’s representative in the Zhichun Chamber, she had intended to establish her authority and dignity from the start, ensuring no one would treat her as a mere servant. Given the great face Madam had shown her, she naturally wanted to make the most of this advantage. Regardless of whether Lin Jinlou would elevate her position, she wanted to first secure a comfortable and respectable life in Zhichun Chamber, and definitely couldn’t allow Chen Xianglan to suppress her. But Xianglan had simply walked away, treating her like a common maid. Though frustrated, she could find nothing to criticize and had no choice but to follow Xuening.
Chunling, however, breathed a sigh of relief. While preparing to fetch tea for Xianglan’s after-meal rinse, she overheard Lianxin and Xuening talking behind the partition. The two had known each other well since their days in the Old Madam’s quarters.
“…I’d only seen Xianglan a few times before and thought she was weak-willed. Now I understand why you called her clever. Zidai meant to pressure her but ended up frustrated herself, yet couldn’t find any fault,” said Xuening as she lifted the copper kettle from the stove, poured half a basin, and mixed in cold water.
“That’s nothing. You should have seen her argue with Young Master – one sentence was enough to make his heart, liver, and lungs ache with anger. He broke so many good cups.”
“My goodness, she’s that bold?”
“Tsk, sometimes I wonder if Young Master has a taste for this – he seems to like those who anger him.” Lianxin couldn’t help laughing at her own words.
“Do you think… Zidai starting confrontational with Xianglan will end well?”
Lianxin shook her head: “It would be worse if she didn’t confront her. With Xianglan sitting there like a grand Buddha, unless Zidai serves Young Master well enough to bear his child, she’ll have to bow her head submissively. She relies solely on Madam’s support, so she must act according to Madam’s wishes. If Madam wants her to suppress Xianglan, that’s what she must do. If Madam is pleased, she’ll have Young Master elevate her position, and Young Master will have to give Madam face. Besides, taking her as a concubine isn’t such a big deal in Young Master’s eyes.”
Xuening nodded in agreement, smiling: “Sister, you’re truly shrewd. No wonder my second sister told me to learn from you after coming to Zhichun Chamber.” She then began asking Lianxin about various matters in the Zhichun Chamber.
Chunling drew in a sharp breath. Lianxin had always been reserved, conducting herself properly since arriving at Zhichun Chamber, unlike Shuruan who was sociable and got along with everyone. As time passed, Chunling hadn’t thought much of her, assuming Young Master had elevated her position only out of respect for Old Madam. But hearing these words, Chunling realized she had underestimated her.
That evening, Lin Jinlou sent word that urgent military matters would keep him from returning home. Shuangxi knelt on the ground with a lowered head to report this to Xianglan, secretly glancing up.
Xianglan responded faintly, saying, “Don’t kneel there, get up.” Before she finished speaking, Chunling had already grabbed some money to give him.
Shuangxi quickly accepted with both hands, but remained kneeling, his face full of smiles: “Thank you for the reward, Miss, thank you for the reward!” These dozen copper coins meant little to him – plenty of people in the household curried his favor, and Young Master’s rewards were generous. But these coins came from Miss Xianglan; the amount didn’t matter, what mattered was the face she gave him. Shuangxi dared not look directly at the woman seated above, only saying respectfully: “Young Master said that since Miss lives in the inner quarters, it might be inconvenient to go out shopping or send messages home, so he’s assigned Guiyuan from the corridor to serve Miss.”
Xianglan was surprised. Guiyuan served specifically in the front study, and every servant allowed in the study was clever and capable. She did indeed need someone to run errands but had been too lazy to ask. She hadn’t expected Lin Jinlou to give her one of his trusted servants to use.
Shuangxi respectfully said: “Guiyuan is waiting outside to kowtow to Miss.”
Xianglan said: “Let him come in.”
Shuangxi withdrew. Soon after, a young servant in indigo clothing entered with bowed head and bent waist, promptly kneeling to perform three loud kowtows, saying: “Paying respects to Miss, kowtowing to Miss.”
Seeing he was twelve or thirteen years old, fair-skinned with a youthful face and an air of cleverness, Xianglan offered some words of encouragement, rewarded him with money, and instructed Chunling to give him sweets and snacks. We’ll leave that for now.
To continue briefly: Half a month passed quickly. Xianglan and Zidai went to Madam Qin’s quarters every morning. Zidai served tea, recited scriptures, and massaged legs, attending closely to Madam Qin. Even when severely scolded for not meeting Madam’s expectations, she showed no resentment, remaining respectful. When she was present, even Hong Jian and Lu Lan kept their distance. Xianglan was much more reserved, remaining silent before Madam Qin, doing only what was asked, never trying to curry favor. When free, she would sit in the outer corridor watching flowers and playing with birds, chatting occasionally with the young maids, never saying much. In comparison, Madam Qin naturally preferred Zidai’s intimacy and obedience, looking down on Xianglan even more, gradually treating her like a mere decoration. While Madam Wu, Chunling, and others worried secretly, Xianglan paid it no mind.
In Zhichun Chamber, Xianglan reclined against a pillow reading a book while Xiaojuan sat on a small stool below making a feather shuttlecock. Chunling sat beside Xianglan, chattering: “These days I’ve been observing quietly. Xuening has a pleasant nature and quickly becomes familiar with the young maids. She doesn’t particularly associate with either Miss or Zidai, just took over Rushang’s duties, seeming to avoid trouble. But this Zidai…” Chunling glanced at Xianglan and continued, “Since Madam promoted her, she’s been interfering with everything in Zhichun Chamber, wanting to oversee both major and minor matters. Even though she just arrived and Lianxin is above her – and surely Old Madam’s face must be considered? Who would have thought, while outwardly respecting Lianxin, that she insists on doing everything her way? The other day when she punished several young maids, Lianxin said to let it go since they admitted their mistake, but she wouldn’t relent. Just because one young maid cried and said she would appeal to ‘Miss Xianglan,’ Zidai drove her out! She also wanted to change the daily meal arrangements and even questioned how much silver was spent on Miss Yinger’s medicine. She even said the color of the chair covers in the main hall was too frivolous and wanted to choose new ones. When Lianxin stopped her, saying the main hall’s decor was Miss’s decision and if she didn’t like it, she should speak directly to Miss, Zidai smiled and said ‘It’s just changing chair covers, why make such a fuss about who decides what? Sister Xianglan isn’t so petty.’ She had two young maids change the chair covers…”