Zi Dai’s powdered face smiled as she eagerly served tea to Lin Jin Lou and began rearranging fruits and pastries, saying with a smile, “Madam has just two more recitations left. Would Young Master please wait a moment?”
Lin Jin Lou ignored her, holding Lin Jin Yuan in his arms. While tidying his young brother’s hair, he said to Xiang Lan: “I had planned to come find you earlier, but was delayed seeking an audience with Old Master, discussing household matters. I was away so long partly for official business and partly for family affairs. Second Brother’s marriage has been arranged, and it’s time for the family to concern ourselves with Third Brother and Third Sister’s marriages.
Old Master favors the granddaughter of Li Wei En, Right Vice Minister of Revenue. Her father serves as Deputy Magistrate in Zhejiang. After I finished official business, I went with my Second Uncle to propose. Little Third even wrote to me, repeatedly asking me to secretly check what his future wife looks like. If she’s ugly, he wants me to quickly derail this marriage.” He leaned closer to Xiang Lan with a mischievous smile, asking, “Want to guess what the girl looks like?”
Xiang Lan was also curious. She blinked and couldn’t help asking, “What does she look like?”
Lin Jin Lou pointed to his cheek and said, “Give me a kiss and I’ll tell you.”
Xiang Lan hadn’t expected him to flirt with her in front of everyone and froze in surprise. Unexpectedly, Lin Jin Yuan, hugging Lin Jin Lou’s neck, leaned over and gave him a loud “smack,” urging repeatedly, “I kissed you, I kissed you, quick, tell me what Third Brother’s wife looks like!”
Lin Jin Lou was stunned. Everyone in the room secretly smiled. Lin Jin Lou patted the child’s bottom and laughed, scolding, “You haven’t even grown your whiskers yet, what do you know!” He picked him up and handed him to the wet nurse to be taken away.
Lin Jin Yuan still wanted to struggle, but seeing his big brother about to glare, he immediately shrunk his neck and obediently left.
Though Zi Dai kept smiling, she felt uncomfortable. Earlier, Lin Jin Lou hadn’t even glanced at her. Now with just the three of them in the room, he only looked at the writing on the kang table while chatting with Xiang Lan, mostly talking to himself while Xiang Lan remained quiet. Zi Dai felt out of place but was reluctant to leave. She tried to get closer under a pretext, placing some exquisite small pastries in front of Lin Jin Lou and softening her voice: “These are freshly steamed ice-skin buns from this morning. Young Master, please try a couple. Madam praised them highly.”
Xiang Lan observed Zi Dai’s eager smile, her face tinged like peach blossoms, eyes brimming with feeling as she gazed attentively at Lin Jin Lou, full of sentiment mixed with maiden shyness. She wore a flesh-pink gold-threaded scattered flower satin jacket with a peach-red plain silk skirt. Fearing to appear plump, she hadn’t worn an underjacket, which only emphasized her prominent chest, truly giving her a special allure. Even Xiang Lan felt she was a flavorful beauty, standing out among Madam Qin’s maids. Looking at Lin Jin Lou, she indeed saw his gaze fall on Zi Dai’s chest. She laughed coldly inside, thinking how foolish she had been earlier to hope this lecher would uphold justice for her. She should have known Lin Jin Lou was a lustful demon, never satisfied when it came to women, cruel in temperament, cold, and heartless. With women, once he had someone new, the previous one would be cast aside like stable wind. Now he probably wanted to taste the voluptuous Zi Dai’s freshness. It would be good enough if he didn’t torment her—how could she expect him to clear her name?
She quietly moved further from Lin Jin Lou. Hearing the desolate autumn wind outside, she felt increasingly alone and helpless in this vast Lin mansion. She quickly suppressed these self-pitying thoughts, mockingly thinking to herself: “Living as a drifting soul in the Lin family isn’t just a matter of a day or two. Why bother with sighs of complaint? These days will eventually pass one way or another.”
Lin Jin Lou stared at Zi Dai’s chest for a few moments, then looked up at her jade-like skin and black hair arranged in cicada-wing style. He thought: “This girl does have some talent, and those two plump breasts must be delightful, but it’s a pity she’s a gaudy type, full of schemes. These self-proclaimed smooth operators are the most annoying. Otherwise, for mother’s sake, I might have taken her in.”
Seeing Lin Jin Lou staring at her, Zi Dai couldn’t help but beam with joy. Though Chen Xiang Lan was currently in favor, Lin Jin Lou was known for his romantic nature. While she might not match Xiang Lan’s beauty, she was still quite a rare beauty herself. If she could truly serve Lin Jin Lou, with Madam Qin’s tacit approval and her aunt’s influence, the position of “Aunt Madam” would be within reach. Then, after bearing Lin’s family’s children, she would enjoy endless glory, wealth, and status as a proper mistress. Having made up her mind, she ignored Xiang Lan’s presence and moved even closer, reaching to remove Lin Jin Lou’s boots, saying softly: “Madam will be here shortly. Wouldn’t Young Master be more comfortable taking off your shoes and resting on the kang? I’ve learned excellent massage skills—Madam always has me massage her when she’s tired. Young Master rushes about for the household daily, we see it and feel it in our hearts, only regretting we have no chance to repay you. Now, please let this servant show my devotion.”
These words made Xiang Lan admit defeat to herself, thinking this encounter had truly opened her eyes. She had previously thought Hui Mei was the most adept at subtle flattery, but now she realized Zi Dai was also a master at it, even surpassing Hui Mei in shamelessness. Such words, she probably couldn’t think of even if she wrung her neck. And this approach was what men found most gratifying. Lin Jin Lou indeed let Zi Dai remove his boots, his foot held in her embrace as her delicate jade fingers began pressing neither too light nor too heavy.
Seeing Lin Jin Lou closing his eyes in satisfaction, Zi Dai grew bolder, saying: “Actually, it would be best if at night, after Young Master has soaked your feet, I give you a massage. I guarantee Young Master will feel comfortable all over…”
Xiang Lan saw Zi Dai’s rosy face containing hints of seduction, her words quietly hiding subtle meaning. She felt her presence was just an eyesore, so she could only lower her head and play dead, listening to Zi Dai speaking softly to Lin Jin Lou while he just lay back against the dragon-embroidered cushions with his eyes closed.
Suddenly she heard Zi Dai call out: “Sister Xiang Lan.”
Xiang Lan quickly looked up.
Zi Dai smiled and said: “Please fetch a basin of hot water—Young Master will need to soak his feet after the massage. And pour me a cup of tea, I’m suddenly very thirsty.”
Xiang Lan was stunned and glanced at Lin Jin Lou, seeing his eyes still closed.
Zi Dai, all smiles, said: “I’m massaging Young Master’s feet and can’t move. You’ve been writing for half a day, you should move around. Besides, it’s serving Young Master—no need to act like a young lady.”
This was Zi Dai’s usual way of speaking. Though her words were cutting, she always spoke with a smile and soft tone, as if those irritating words were just innocent, unintentional remarks from her naive nature. If you took offense, it seemed like you were the petty one. Xiang Lan had experienced this many times in Madam Qin’s quarters and knew Zi Dai was deliberately trying to provoke her anger, so she always endured. The observant maids and servants all felt sorry for Xiang Lan but were unwilling to offend Mother Han and others, so they kept quiet. Maids like Lu Lan, who was close to Mother Wu, had reprimanded Zi Dai several times, but Zi Dai just played dumb.
Xiang Lan had already achieved inner peace. Hearing Zi Dai’s words, she rose to fetch water. Zi Dai felt triumphant. First, she wanted to test if Xiang Lan was truly so favored; second, she wanted to diminish Xiang Lan’s prestige in front of Lin Jin Lou. Fetching foot-washing water was secondary—the key was having Xiang Lan pour tea for her. She wanted everyone in Madam Qin’s quarters who looked down on others to see carefully how she ordered Xiang Lan around. No matter how beautiful and clever Xiang Lan was, she couldn’t show off in front of her!
Just as Xiang Lan started to rise, Lin Jin Lou grabbed her hand and opened his eyes slightly, saying to her: “You sit here.” Then he called out loudly: “Someone brings in a basin of hot water!”
At once, Lu Lan personally carried in a basin of hot water. Lin Jin Lou ordered it placed on the kang and said to Xiang Lan: “Take off your socks.”
Xiang Lan stupidly exclaimed: “Ah?”
“What ‘ah’? Can’t you understand human speech? Calling you stupid is a compliment.”
“I don’t… Hey, what are you doing!”
As Xiang Lan tried to dodge, Lin Jin Lou had already grabbed her ankle and pulled off her silk socks, pressing her porcelain-like little feet into the water. Xiang Lan blushed crimson with embarrassment and punched Lin Jin Lou’s shoulder hard twice. Lin Jin Lou grinned: “That’s perfect, even better if you hit harder.” He held her feet for a while before letting go. Xiang Lan immediately pulled her feet out, not caring they were dripping wet, and quickly tucked them under her skirt.
Lin Jin Lou pointed at the copper basin and said to Zi Dai: “Drink.”
The smile froze on Zi Dai’s face.
Lin Jin Lou sneered: “Weren’t you just saying you were thirsty? This is water bestowed by Young Master, why aren’t you drinking?” When Lin Jin Lou’s face darkened, few could look at him without fear.
Seeing Lin Jin Lou’s gloomy expression, Zi Dai couldn’t help but rise from the kang edge and step back twice, still forcing a smile, stammering: “Young Master… Young Master is joking…”
“Which eye of yours saw Young Master joking with you?” Before the words finished, a slap landed on Zi Dai’s face. “I thought you were blind, not knowing who is master and who is servant. You dare order around people from Young Master’s quarters, acting so grand. Today Young Master will teach you the rules!”
This slap made Zi Dai see stars, tears streaming down her face. Feeling wronged and resentful, she knelt on the ground and began crying.
Lin Jin Lou said coolly: “Do you submit or not?”
Zi Dai’s face was streaked with tears, but she bit her lip and remained silent.
Lin Jin Lou asked again: “Do you submit or not?”
Zi Dai finally choked out: “This servant was wrong, begging Young Master’s mercy.”
Lin Jin Lou pointed at the basin: “Take two sips from that basin and this matter ends here. Or pack your bags and get out.”
Zi Dai cried harder, kneeling by the kang, trembling as she lifted the basin and took a sip, but immediately “wa” vomited all over the floor.
Lin Jin Lou stepped aside in disgust and said coldly: “Next time you scheme against people in Young Master’s quarters, I’ll make you eat back everything you’ve vomited.” With that, he lifted the curtain to leave, but suddenly paused and turned to see Xiang Lan still sitting dumbly on the kang, then roared: “What are you still dazed about? Can’t you see your master is leaving!”
Xiang Lan shrank her neck and hurriedly put on her shoes and socks to follow Lin Jin Lou out. Outside, she saw many maids already standing there, having heard the commotion inside but not daring to look in. Lin Jin Lou went to see Madam Qin and sent Xiang Lan back to Zhi Chun Hall first.
After such a scene in the morning, Xiang Lan hadn’t recovered. She lay on the bed when she returned, staring at the bird and flower embroidery on the bed canopy for a moment, then turned to face the wall. Lin Jin Lou’s sudden move had truly caught her off guard. She felt partly satisfied yet partly disappointed—if Lin Jin Lou had taken in Zi Dai, her plans to leave the mansion might have gone more smoothly.
While lost in these thoughts, she suddenly felt her waist tighten. Xiang Lan was startled and turned to find Lin Jin Lou had somehow entered the room and wrapped his arms around her, saying: “What are you doing here? Facing the wall to reflect on your mistakes?”
Xiang Lan didn’t want to respond to him. Lin Jin Lou grabbed her chin and said: “Not talking to Young Master again, hm? You heartless thing, Young Master just defended you and got revenge for you for nothing.” He sat down on the bed.
After hesitating for a long while, Xiang Lan finally said: “Wouldn’t this offend Madam…”
Lin Jin Lou said distractedly: “Second Uncle wants to marry Third Sister to Marquis Yong Chang and wants me to inquire about it. Marquis Yong Chang is a good man, just a bit old, already in his forties. The third Sister is young and has a fierce temper, afraid she won’t agree. Just asked Old Master’s opinion, and he seemed not opposed, told me Second Uncle’s official position isn’t high, and having his daughter marry a marquis wouldn’t wrong her. This marriage looks like it will be settled soon, Madam will be busy for a while, how would she have time to care about a servant’s matters.” He finished speaking and giggled as he nibbled Xiang Lan’s round, white earlobe, saying softly, “Feel better today?”
Xiang Lan hurriedly pushed him away, then heard Lin Jin Lou say: “Not telling Young Master when you’re wronged—is it because you don’t trust Young Master to support you, or do you have other little schemes in mind?”
Xiang Lan was startled. Lin Jin Lou leisurely stroked her hair from behind, but slowly tightened his grip until her scalp began to hurt: “You’re a clever girl, though a bit soft in temperament, but you value your reputation above all else. Your mouth is as sharp as a small knife, yet you won’t make a sound when people splash dirty water on you. Little Xiang Lan, tell Young Master, what are you thinking? Are you planning to wait until Young Master takes in other women and grows cold toward you, to find a chance to leave the Lin family?”
This guess was eight or nine-tenths correct. Xiang Lan was shocked, her eyes widening as she hurriedly denied: “No, no, really there isn’t…”
Lin Jin Lou chuckled softly, gently kissed her snow-white neck, released his hand to stroke her face, and said: “If there isn’t then there isn’t, look how scared you are, your face has gone all white.”
Xiang Lan stared at him as if seeing a ghost.
Lin Jin Lou seemed casual as he said: “It doesn’t matter if you think this way. You originally hated Young Master to death, and since Young Master almost strangled you last time, you’ve hated even more, determined to leave this place, yet pretending you want to stay in Zhi Chun Hall, isn’t that right?”
Cold sweat had broken out on Xiang Lan’s forehead. So he knew everything! He knew everything!
“Silly girl.” Lin Jin Lou seemed extremely loving as he kissed her lips. “Those little tricks of yours aren’t enough under Young Master’s hand. Don’t play games with Young Master, stay quiet and well-behaved, there will be good days ahead. If not, next time Young Master might snap that little neck of yours, along with your parents… tsk, do you understand?”
Though his tone was gentle, it carried a cold ruthlessness, with murderous intent penetrating to the bone.
Xiang Lan was so frightened she didn’t dare move, tears slowly rolling down.
Lin Jin Lou very tenderly wiped her eyes with his sleeve, laughing softly: “Look at you, why are you crying again?” He held her and rocked her twice, like comforting Lin Jin Yuan, patting her back saying: “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid.”
Xiang Lan lay on his shoulder, as docile as a little rabbit.