Meanwhile, Ling Qing and Ling Su were unpacking their belongings in the side room. As Ling Su opened her bundle and put clothes into the cabinet, she suddenly sighed, “I never imagined the Lin family would be like this.”
The two had whispered discussions during their journey, thinking the Lin residence would just be slightly larger than the Yangzhou mansion. But upon arrival, seeing just the two large stone lions crouching outside the three-sectioned main gate with beast-head ornaments had left them dumbstruck. Furthermore, seeing the elegant buildings within the compound, its impressive atmosphere, and the servants’ fine clothing and possessions left them increasingly astounded.
Upon entering Zhi Chun Pavilion, they saw seven or eight maids surrounding Xiang Lan, all sharp-tongued and aggressive. They realized they might not find a place here, but fortunately, Xiang Lan later said she would keep them by her side to manage affairs, which finally allowed them to breathe easier. However, when Chun Ling had led them to the side room earlier, her furrowed brows and frost-like expression had been decidedly cold. Seeing Chun Ling’s status, they knew she was a favored maid whom Xiang Lan valued highly. As newcomers, they could only endure and respond meekly.
Ling Qing and Ling Su exchanged glances, both feeling uneasy. They continued unpacking in silence, their earlier excitement about coming to the Lin household having vanished like smoke.
Ling Su pulled Ling Qing aside and whispered, “Should we call her ‘Madam’ or follow the others and call her ‘Young Lady’?”
Ling Qing frowned. Before sending them to the Lin family, Xie Yu had instructed them to serve an important lady and eagerly address her as “Madam.” Seeing Lin Jinlou’s attentiveness and Xiang Lan’s dignified bearing, they had assumed she was a proper Madam. But after hearing Liu Xiaochuan and others call her “Little Sister-in-law,” they sensed something was amiss and figured she must be a favored concubine. Now, with everyone in the mansion calling her “Young Lady,” they realized she wasn’t even a concubine yet. However, seeing how everyone attended to her and how she lived in the main quarters, she seemed even more prestigious than the primary wife.
The two looked at each other and finally sighed in unison.
Xiang Lan had taken a nap in the warm parlor and woke at dusk. Xiao Juan was making shoes by the kang, and seeing Xiang Lan stir, she quickly put down her work and asked, “Miss, are you awake? Would you like some tea?” She handed over a cup of warm tea from the small table.
Xiang Lan took a sip and got up to change clothes. Seeing only Xiao Juan around, she asked, “Why are you the only one here? Where are the others?”
Xiao Juan replied, “Madam is busy arranging the marriages of Third Young Master and Fourth Young Lady and couldn’t manage everything, so she asked Lian Xin and Ting Lan to help. Xue Ning said she would show Ling Qing and Ling Su around since they were new and unfamiliar with the place. Chun Ling is in the back unpacking your luggage.” As she skillfully arranged Xiang Lan’s hair with an ivory comb, she continued, “You’ve just returned and don’t know about the changes here. That little hussy Zi Dai was driven out by the master, leaving a first-rank position vacant in Zhi Chun Pavilion. Not just the second-rank maids in our courtyard, but even the maids from Old Madam’s and Madam’s quarters are eyeing it enviously! At the time, the master was rarely here, and Madam had been ill for a while. After recovering, she focused entirely on preparing for Second Young Master’s wedding, with no time to manage this matter. You don’t know, but Chun Ling was watching like a hawk. When there were rumors that Qiang Wei from Madam’s quarters might come over, Chun Ling even got into an argument with her. They used to be close friends, but that ended things.”
Xiang Lan thought to herself, “Chun Ling has always been competitive, wanting to excel in everything. Even when we were maids together, she wanted to be like a young mistress. It’s natural for her to focus on this now. But her temperament is still too hasty, and her tongue too sharp, though such habits are hard to change.”
Xiao Juan compared a gold pearl-inlaid hairpin against Xiang Lan’s hair, decided it wasn’t suitable, and switched to a larger blue-glazed coral hairpin, securing loose strands with delicate small pins. She continued chattering, “Sister Shu Ran also felt this situation couldn’t continue. She thought Sister Ting Lan was honest and unassuming, always diligent, so she recommended her, and the master agreed. Buddha be praised, it perfectly fits the saying ‘When the snipe and clam fight, the fisherman benefits.’ Chun Ling’s face was black for half a month, and who knows how many people gossiped and laughed behind her back. Chun Ling is still upset about it. What’s the point?” She stuck out her tongue at Xiang Lan’s reflection in the mirror and said, “With Ting Lan promoted to first rank, I benefited too. Sister Shu Ran promoted me to second rank, now I’m equal to Chun Ling. If she tries to boss me around now, I won’t listen anymore.”
Xiang Lan couldn’t help but laugh, saying, “She’s not a bad person, just has that personality.”
Xiao Juan pouted and said, “Miss is too good-natured. That’s why she acts this way. Next time she dares to be disrespectful, miss should discipline her.” By now, she had finished arranging the hair. Xiao Juan cut three apricot blossoms from the vase nearby and tucked them into Xiang Lan’s hair.
Xiang Lan said, “Not to mention Chun Ling’s great kindness to me before, but when I left the mansion and returned to Zhi Chun Pavilion, you know how helpless I was. Besides you, Chun Ling, and Ting Lan, no one would truly help me. You were still childish then, and Ting Lan was too honest. It was thanks to Chun Ling’s fierce nature that she helped me manage everything. Her temper might be quick, but it’s not a major flaw. Considering her devoted heart toward me, what is there that can’t be tolerated?”
Xiao Juan opened her mouth, then sighed, “Ah, if only she knew Miss’s thoughtfulness.”
Just then, Lin Jinlou walked in, saying, “You were still sleeping when I came back earlier, and now you’re up?” He stepped aside and said, “Look who’s here.”
Xiang Lan looked carefully and suddenly stood up, exclaiming joyfully, “Father, Mother!”
It was indeed the Chen Wanquan couple. Seeing Xiang Lan was like seeing a dragon fall from heaven. Madam Xue rushed forward, embracing Xiang Lan tightly and calling her “my darling” repeatedly. Chen Wanquan’s eyes reddened, wanting to step forward but not daring to, standing awkwardly to the side.
During these days when Xiang Lan hadn’t returned home, Madam Xue had tried to enter the mansion during New Year to see her daughter but had been blocked by the Lin family servants. Only Madam Qin had met with her, giving some gifts and saying Xiang Lan had gone to the estate with Lin Jinlou. Seeing everyone’s vague responses, Madam Xue grew increasingly anxious but could do nothing, and didn’t even enjoy the New Year. Chen Wanquan went out to investigate and heard whispers that Xiang Lan had disappeared from a temple. The Chen couple’s hair turned white with worry, though they still clung to a thread of hope. Now seeing Xiang Lan again, they finally felt relieved and couldn’t help but embrace their daughter with tears.
Madam Xue, with reddened eyes, said, “My good daughter, let mother have a good look at you.” She held Xiang Lan’s arms and examined her from head to toe, then hugged her again and cried, “My child, you’re safe and well, that’s all I could ask for.”