Lin Jinlou held Xianglian on his lap, noticing her hanging head and motionless eyes, looking both dazed and pitiful. Fearing she had been severely frightened, he touched her palm and found it ice cold. He kissed her temple and said, “You ate little this morning, and now you’re weak. Shall I have the maids bring you some soup?”
Xianglian nodded obediently.
Lin Jinlou called Chunling in and ordered her to bring a bowl of soup. After Chunling left, she pondered worriedly – the leftover nine-thread soup from breakfast had already been given away, and the small kitchen probably didn’t have anything ready. At the small kitchen’s entrance, she saw Mrs. Huang Wu, who managed the kitchen, talking with a woman. Upon seeing Chunling, Mrs. Huang Wu immediately approached with a broad smile, greeting her: “What brings Miss Chunling here at this hour? It’s only nine-thirty, and lunch is still cooking. Does your mistress want something specific?”
Knowledge Spring Pavilion had its kitchen. Previously, Mrs. You had been in charge, but after her father-in-law died, she returned home for mourning. Mrs. Huang Wu, who managed the second kitchen, took over. Recently, as Zidai gained influence, the small kitchen inevitably curried favor with her. Mrs. Huang Wu, having received favors from Madam Han, secretly used public funds to prepare special dishes for Zidai.
While not explicitly disrespecting Xianglian, she wasn’t as attentive as before, making Xianglian wait for any food requests. Days ago, when Xianglian wanted a simple bowl of dragon whisker noodles, Xiaokuan went to request it. Mrs. Huang Wu, busy preparing dishes for Zidai, barely glanced at Xiaokuan, complaining, “Miss Xianglian is quite particular, avoiding simple dishes and requesting complicated ones.
Who has time to knead dough and pull noodles during such busy hours? Without half an hour’s notice, who could prepare it? And without pork bone stock, the noodles won’t taste right. We’ve run out of the half pig delivered earlier – your mistress should eat noodles another day.” These words infuriated Xiaokuan, who returned cursing, “If it weren’t for Miss’s repeated advice to ‘be careful with words and actions,’ I would have caused a scene in the kitchen today. When Mrs. You was here, she prioritized us and welcomed us warmly. Why should we endure such contempt? She claims there’s no time for noodles, yet finds time to stir-fry gluten for Zidai!”
Chunling said, “Now that Zidai has seized control of the small kitchen taken the account books, and promoted Mrs. Huang Wu’s daughter Xiaoluo to be her maid, of course, Mrs. Huang Wu would eagerly curry favor.” After consoling Xiaokuan, she still felt angry. Now, seeing Mrs. Huang Wu’s sudden change in attitude, she understood it was due to Lin Jinlou’s return. She cleared her throat and said, “The Master asked me to bring Miss some nourishing soup.”
“Soup? Yes, yes, please follow me, Miss.” Mrs. Huang Wu’s smile widened as she led Chunling into the kitchen. She lifted a ceramic pot from the stove, smiling, “What perfect timing! Hearing Miss Xianglian hasn’t had much appetite these past days, I specially prepared this assorted soup, simmered for two hours until perfectly flavored.” She filled a bowl generously and placed it on a lacquered begonia tray.
Chunling smirked, “Specially made for our Miss? This morning when I came to the kitchen for the food box, I heard Xiaoluo say someone – not naming names – wanted assorted soup for lunch.”
Mrs. Huang Wu secretly cursed Chunling’s sharp tongue but maintained her smile, “You must have misheard. This soup was made specially for Miss Xianglian.”
Chunling replied with a half-smile, “Oh really? Perhaps my ears were burning and I misheard? Earlier when Miss wanted dragon whisker noodles, we had to mind others’ moods, but now we receive such grand treatment – it’s almost too much to accept!”
Mrs. Huang Wu cursed inwardly, but earlier a maid from Madam Qin’s service had told her how Lin Jinlou had supported Xianglian and embarrassed Zidai. She was terrified, realizing she had backed the wrong person and offended the true authority. Now she tried desperately to make amends – even if Chunling slapped her face, she would have to accept it. Smiling apologetically, she said, “Dear Chunling, I was foolish, blind as a hen, not recognizing Mount Tai. Please be magnanimous and forgive me.” She secretly slipped a piece of silver into Chunling’s hand and called out loudly, “Liang! Haven’t you seen your Sister Chunling arrive? Pack a box each of the steamed Fu Ling cake and osmanthus cake!” Rubbing her hands, she smiled, “From now on, whatever you want to eat, just tell me. We have some excellent preserved goose feet and duck hearts for lunch – they’re delicious. I’ll save a plate for you and Sister Xiaokuan…”
Chunling snorted, tucked the silver into her sleeve, and left with the soup. Returning to the room, she saw an open box by the bed, with Lin Jinlou sitting on the bed holding Xianglian, showing her items from the box.
Chunling presented the soup and withdrew. Xianglian had no appetite, but Lin Jinlou held up the bowl, saying, “At least drink some while it’s hot.”
Xianglian drank half the bowl, and Lin Jinlou surprisingly finished the rest. Seeing Xianglian’s surprised expression, he chuckled in her ear, “What? Surprised to see me drink your leftovers? At home, I eat delicacies, but in battle, I’ve eaten all sorts of awful things. Besides, this soup is delicious, and with a touch of your sweet breath, it’s better than anything.” He kissed her lips, mumbling, “See how I thought of bringing you things while away? Others wouldn’t dare show such favor. Stay with me well from now on, don’t overthink things – your good days are ahead.”
Xianglian sighed inwardly, leaning motionless against Lin Jinlou’s chest. She had once thought herself clever, but now realized she was no match for Lin Jinlou’s cunning and scheming. This man gave her fine clothes and jewels, but couldn’t give her self-respect, warmth, or vitality – how could she not long for freedom?
Lin Jinlou, holding this fragrant softness, felt desire rising and began unfastening Xianglian’s clothes. Just then, Lianxin called from beyond the curtain: “Master, Shuran has arrived.”
Lin Jinlou cursed softly, “Why come at this moment?” Seeing Xianglian break away blushing, he kissed her cheek and smiled, “I’ll deal with you later.” He adjusted his clothes and ordered Shuran to enter.
Shuran entered and immediately kowtowed in greeting.
Lin Jinlou spoke coolly, “Shuran, you know why I dismissed you. I had planned never to use you again, but Xianglian spoke well of you, saying you’ve served me loyally for years and handled tasks well, that your previous mistake was just temporary confusion.” He paused briefly.
Shuran, being shrewd, immediately kowtowed with a thud, saying, “Miss Xianglian is right – I was confused and failed to appreciate Master’s kindness.”
Xianglian listened and pursed her lips – she had neither spoken well of Shuran nor had Shuran’s dismissal been related to any confusion. She had been unfairly blamed for the Luan’er incident by Lin Jinlou.
Lin Jinlou continued, “It’s good you understand. I know you’re reliable at handling matters. From today, you’ll serve Xianglian. Continue managing the Knowledge Spring Pavilion as before. A troublemaker has arrived these past few days, causing chaos in the pavilion. Start your duties tomorrow and sort things out properly.”
Shuran’s eyes reddened, and she immediately kowtowed: “It’s my fortune that Master would use me again. If I ever displease Master again, punish or kill me as you wish. Thank you for your grace.” She then kowtowed to Xianglian: “Thank you for your grace, Miss.” Inwardly, she smiled bitterly – she had been Lin Jinlou’s most capable household manager, but now had to serve a concubine without proper status. Previously, she would have refused, or at least served grudgingly with resentment. But now she dared not. After Lin Jinlou dismissed her, she lost all face and power, experiencing for the first time what “the fickleness of the world” meant. Even her mother-in-law and sister-in-law who used to flatter her now showed contempt, not to mention the status-conscious maids and servants, plus all the gossip. The past half month had been like a nightmare. Now that Lin Jinlou allowed her back and restored her former authority, she would gladly serve anyone, whether favored like Xianglian or out of favor like Yingge, giving her whole-hearted service.
Lin Jinlou waved Shuran away.
Xianglian stared at Lin Jinlou, somewhat dazed. She suddenly understood why he had initially dismissed Shuran – he had planned to assign her to serve herself. But Shuran, proud and clever, would naturally be unwilling to serve someone of her status. So Lin Jinlou had thrown her into the mud to break her pride before sending her to serve Xianglian, deliberately saying Xianglian had spoken well of her as if doing Xianglian a favor.
Lin Jinlou embraced Xianglian, saying, “Your two maids – the sharp-faced one lacks experience and bearing, the round-faced one is foolish – neither is very useful. I’ve given you Shuran so you’ll suffer less bullying.” Seeing Xianglian’s dazed expression, he smiled and tapped her nose, “What are you thinking? After all I’ve done for you, are you moved?”
That morning, Xianglian had first seen Lin Jinlou stand up for her, barely recovered from that when she heard his vicious threats, and before the shock could fade, he assigned her a capable servant. This pattern of giving sweet dates followed by a beating, then more sweet dates, left Xianglian thoroughly confused.
She moved her lips, not yet sure what to say, when she heard Lin Jinlou chuckle twice, then flip her onto the bed, his hand exploring under her skirt as he said, “If you’re moved, then serve me well. Last night wasn’t satisfying before you fainted – feel how my passion hasn’t cooled.”
Xianglian had wanted to thank him, but hearing these words left her speechless. Her vision darkened as Lin Jinlou pulled down the bed curtains. One hand caressing her soft roundness, his other hand lifted her flowered skirt and pulled down her cream-colored silk pants, revealing two fair, slender legs. His breathing immediately grew heavy, and the spring scene within the curtains need not be described in detail.
Meanwhile, in the corridor of the main house in Zhushou Garden, Madam Wu and Madam Han passed each other. Madam Han walked hurriedly, but Madam Wu stopped, deliberately saying, “Sister, where are you rushing to? The Master just had someone bring me some local specialties, including some exquisite foods. If you’re not busy, come to my place for a taste?”
Madam Han, her mind full of troubles, grew more irritated at hearing “the Master” mentioned. She suddenly stopped, turned her head, and sneered, “What do you mean, you old thing? Don’t make me pull out those few remaining hairs on your head!”
Madam Wu touched the gold hairpin in her bun, sneering, “Sister, I don’t understand your words. Your niece caused trouble, why take it out on an uninvolved person like me? I kindly warned you not to provoke Xianglian, but Zidai wouldn’t listen. She tried to seize power and caused a mess of trouble. You were quite ruthless – to preserve your niece’s dignity, you deceived Yinliu into taking the blame, telling her that offending Xianglian would bring no good, making her kowtow and apologize, lying that she caught a cold from the wind and needed to hide for a few days. Poor girl trusted you wrongly – she was sold as soon as she left, and Xianglian’s reputation was damaged too. Scheming against Yinliu is one thing, but scheming against Xianglian… tsk, as they say, ‘The old rat and crow borrowing grain – the keeper has none, the flyer has some.'”
Madam Han’s face changed color, but she only laughed coldly without speaking.
Madam Wu continued, “You think you did it secretly? I’ve been in the Lin family for decades – Knowledge Spring Pavilion has its proper order, what can be hidden from me?” She stepped forward half a step, saying, “I’ve kept quiet about this matter out of consideration for our years of friendship. We’ve been together all these years – though we’ve quarreled and competed, we’re still old sisters who’ve spent days and nights together. If you suffer, I feel bad too. Listen to my advice – let Zidai stay away from Knowledge Spring Pavilion. Take this opportunity to ask the Madam for grace and let her marry out. The Madam will take care of her. Zidai has already displeased the Master – what else can be done?”
Madam Han seemed deeply moved, sighing, “Yes, what else can be done?” Her eyes reddened as she took out a handkerchief to wipe them, saying, “I watched Zidai grow up from childhood, she’s as dear as a daughter to me. As her aunt, I just hoped for her to have a good future…”
Madam Wu thought to herself, “This old thing speaks such words – she still hasn’t given up!” Though despising Madam Han, she offered soft words of comfort.
Once Madam Wu left, Madam Han immediately dried her tears, spat, and said, “Kept quiet out of consideration for years of friendship? Nice words – you kept quiet because the Madam allowed it. If the Madam doesn’t interfere, you dare to meddle?” She returned to her room and pushed open the door to the small side room, finding Zidai kneeling on the ground, crying pitifully with her head on the bed. Madam Han, already full of anger, grew more furious, frowning as she harshly said, “Cry! You still have the face to cry!” After scolding, she sighed deeply and sat on the bed, seeming to age several years. After a while, she said, “I told you not to be too hasty, but you couldn’t wait, and now it’s come to this. I can’t help anymore – what do you want to do now? If you want to ask for grace to marry out, I can speak to the Madam.”
Zidai suddenly raised her head, her face smeared with tears and powder, sobbing, “I absolutely won’t leave! I can’t swallow this – I finally struggled to reach this point today, if it all comes to nothing, I might as well die!” She fell back onto the bed crying.
Madam Han let out a long sigh, looking up at the sky, one hand gently stroking Zidai’s black hair again and again.