Xiang Lan kept her head lowered, fidgeting with her fingers, as Lin Jin Lou spoke slowly above her head: “Oh, that’s not what I meant. Then what was the meaning of your attitude earlier?”

Xiang Lan thought to herself: “If I say it’s because I don’t want to be a concubine, who knows how angry he might get, so I certainly can’t mention that.” After turning it over in her mind several times, she finally fabricated an excuse, saying: “Because… because my zodiac sign this year is in conflict, it’s not good to handle these matters. I was afraid of disappointing Master if I mentioned it…”

Lin Jin Lou was startled and asked doubtfully: “Really? Just because of that?”

Xiang Lan responded with a soft “mm” and kept staring at her fingertips, falling silent.

Lin Jin Lou slightly furrowed his brows. He didn’t care about zodiac signs, but his parents and even his grandfather took such matters seriously. A few years ago, when he went to suppress bandits, his mother had hugged him and cried for an entire day, adamantly refusing to let him go, saying his zodiac sign that year indicated conflict and potential bloodshed. Sure enough, when he reached the battlefield, he got slashed once and took some time to recover… Perhaps there was something to these taboos? Little Xiang Lan had always been devoted to Buddha and the gods, so if it was because of this, it made sense.

Lin Jin Lou impatiently said: “If it was just because of this trivial matter, why didn’t you say so during dinner?” After speaking, he remembered that Xiang Lan feared him. If she had dared to bring it up at the dinner table, he would have been displeased, possibly thinking Xiang Lan was unwilling and simply making trouble for him. He awkwardly fell silent, ran his fingers through his hair, and said, “Well… if it can’t be done this year, so be it. There are already many celebrations this year – Second Brother just finished his in the capital, and Fourth Sister’s marriage arrangements are coming up next. Now that Madam values you highly and has told me she wants to give you a grand ceremony, I’m also worried about tiring her out. Let’s wait until early next spring and choose an auspicious date.”

“There’s no need for grandeur, and no need to trouble Madam. It’s not a big matter anyway.”

“How is it not a big matter? You foolish girl, this is Madam giving you face, making sure no one can look down on you in the future. How can you push away such a good thing?”

“Madam is quite busy…”

“Then let Shu Ran handle it, and just have Madam preside over it. I’ll also invite some friends over to make it lively.” Lin Jin Lou reached out and pulled Xiang Lan into his embrace, saying, “This is for the show, for all those servants in the mansion who only have eyes for status and wealth… Anyway, we’ll have to wait until next year.” As he spoke, he patted Xiang Lan, lost in thought for a moment.

Xiang Lan leaned against Lin Jin Lou’s chest, smelling the mixed scents of soap, mint herbs from his sachet, and his masculine essence. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, she could only stare at Lin Jin Lou’s hands. They were large and thick, with calluses formed from gripping swords and reins, completely different from Song Ke’s long, fair hands… After separating from Song Ke, she had thought she would find a scholar for a husband, regardless of family status – as long as he had good character, was ambitious, gentle, and kind-hearted, and came from a respectable family. The man would study well and pass the imperial examinations, while she would earn silver by painting, slowly acquire some land, and their life would gradually improve.

Who would have thought things would turn out like this…

Xiang Lan silently sighed. Some things were better left unexamined – thinking too deeply would only bring heartache. She didn’t want to force herself so harshly anymore. Previously, her heart had burned with anxiety, each day in the Lin household felt like torture, but in the end, what had she gained besides tears and wounds from stubborn resistance?

She took a deep breath as if doing so could bring some coolness to her agitated heart. The worst outcome now would simply be becoming Lin Jin Lou’s concubine, but as long as she drew breath, she would fight to break free from these shackles – she couldn’t spend her whole life as someone valued only for her looks. However, this matter couldn’t be rushed.

As she was lost in thought, she heard Lin Jin Lou say: “I’ll be heading to the capital in a few days. Firstly, to have an audience with the Emperor, secondly, to handle some affairs in the capital, and thirdly, for Fourth Sister’s wedding – the Yongchang Marquis’s mansion is in the capital, so we’ll deliver some of the dowry along the way. This time you’ll come with me, have the maids pack the luggage later.”

Xiang Lan was stunned for a moment and lifted her eyes to glance at Lin Jin Lou. She saw him casually looking at the glass screen on the table. Noticing her gaze, he lowered his head and smiled at her: “What’s wrong, don’t want to go?”

Xiang Lan quickly lowered her head and said hastily: “No, I’d very much like to go.” She hadn’t been back to the capital for over ten years. The Shen family was all dead, and those who hadn’t died were scattered who knows where. There was no one left in the capital for her to care about, yet it was full of memories. She wanted to return but felt somewhat timid.

Lin Jin Lou held Xiang Lan’s small chin, lifting her face, then reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear. Seeing her slightly reddened face, he couldn’t help but soften his voice: “When we get to the capital, I’ll take you sightseeing everywhere. Just tell me where you want to go, and I’ll take you there.” He then made promises to Xiang Lan about which restaurants they’d eat at, which operas they’d watch, and whose gardens they’d visit.

After talking for a while, Lin Jin Lou felt content and patted Xiang Lan’s head, telling her to sleep first while he went to review some official documents.

Xiang Lan lay in bed lost in scattered thoughts, not knowing when she drifted off to sleep.

The next day, after finishing breakfast, Lin Jin Lou went out, instructing Shu Ran to arrange the luggage for him and Xiang Lan before leaving. Xiang Lan ordered Chun Ling to open the trunks, selecting spring and summer clothes to bring, and also picked out several pieces to reward her maids.

Chun Ling quietly asked: “Which maids does Mistress want to bring this time?”

Xiang Lan hesitated slightly. Lin Jin Lou had told her she could bring four or five maids this time, “to avoid the situation like in Yangzhou where you had no suitable servants to attend to you.” Xiang Lan mentally went through the list: Lian Xin and Ting Lan were helping Madam Qin with household matters, so they naturally couldn’t come. She wanted to bring Chun Ling, Xiao Juan, Ling Qing, and Ling Su. The first two shared a special bond with her through shared hardships, which went without saying, while Ling Qing and Ling Su were the ones she wanted to nurture. However, since her return that day, Chun Ling had been at odds with her. She understood perfectly well that Chun Ling was unhappy about Ling Qing and Ling Su’s situation, hence the cold shoulder. She found it difficult to command her effectively.

Xiang Lan was displeased, but considering their past relationship and thinking that Chun Ling was just being impulsive, she remained tolerant. She planned to have a good talk with her later to clear the air, though the thought of Chun Ling’s fiery temperament gave her a headache.

Today’s question made Xiang Lan hesitate – she was closer to Chun Ling after all, and she thought if she told her about bringing Ling Qing and Ling Su along, Chun Ling would likely be even more upset.

Just then, Xiao Juan lifted the curtain and announced: “Fourth Young Lady is here.”

This announcement saved Xiang Lan from responding. She quickly stood up and said to Chun Ling: “Hurry and prepare tea for Fourth Young Lady.”

Lin Dong Xiu had already entered with her maid, wearing a bright peach-red silk jacket embroidered with flowers and birds, and a blue pleated skirt with skylarks. Her hair was intricately styled with a complete set of pure gold lantern hairpins and rings. She had applied some powder and rouge to her face, completely transforming her previously sickly appearance. She looked radiant and rosy-cheeked as if she were a different person. The maid following her was Qiang Wei, who used to serve in Madam Qin’s quarters. Because Lin Dong Xiu was getting married, and with Lin Zhao Xiang’s word, Madam Qin selected four maids from her quarters, promoted Qiang Wei’s status, and assigned her to serve Lin Dong Xiu.

As soon as Lin Dong Xiu entered, she grabbed Xiang Lan’s hand, looked her over, and said: “Buddha be praised, you’ve finally returned.” She linked arms with Xiang Lan very affectionately and said, “Yesterday when I heard you were back, I came over, but you were sleeping. Knowing you were tired from the journey, I didn’t dare disturb you. You even specifically brought me gifts – every flower in that box was beautiful, and the face powder, hair oil, and rouge were all excellent, so fragrant and fine. You went to such trouble.” The two sat down as they talked.

Seeing her appearance, Xiang Lan thought to herself: “Truly, some cry while others laugh. I heard Lin Dong Ling’s memorial hall has been set up, and no one knows where she’s been sent, while Lin Dong Xiu has certainly gained an advantage. As they say, ‘Fortune lurks within misfortune, misfortune leans on fortune.’ With her temperament, marrying into that family might not be such a blessing. Still, she’s gotten her wish, so it’s worth celebrating.” She smiled and said aloud: “You’re going to be a bride – I bet even ordinary cosmetics would look lovely on your face.”

Lin Dong Xiu pretended to be angry: “Even you’re teasing me!” Then she covered her mouth with a handkerchief and laughed.

Lin Dong Xiu had originally disliked Xiang Lan, but now that she was indebted to Xiang Lan and had secured a good marriage that lifted her spirits, her aversion completely vanished, even developing some fondness. She ordered Qiang Wei to open the box she had brought. When Xiang Lan looked inside, she saw two types of needlework done by Lin Dong Xiu, along with two books and a complete set of writing implements, all gifts for Xiang Lan.

Lin Dong Xiu said with a bright smile: “These writing implements are of the highest quality. My father gave them to us sisters, but I rarely use them. You’re a refined person, so they’re better suited to you.”

Xiang Lan smiled slightly and said: “Since it’s Young Lady’s kind intention, I’ll accept them.”

After chatting for a while, near noon, Shu Ran came in to report to Xiang Lan, and only then did Lin Dong Xiu take her leave.

While clearing away the teacups and utensils, Xiao Juan complained: “I never knew Fourth Young Lady was such a chatterbox. Earlier she just kept talking endlessly, going on and on about her dowry preparations, drinking cup after cup of tea, not knowing when to leave.”

Xiang Lan rubbed her temples and said: “This is her moment of triumph, she naturally can’t contain herself.” Lin Dong Xiu was truly delighted about finding a noble marriage match. Xiang Lan had tried to change the subject several times, but Lin Dong Xiu would always steer the conversation back to her dowry after just a few sentences, so Xiang Lan had no choice but to let her talk to her heart’s content.

Xiang Lan took a sip of tea and asked: “Where’s Chun Ling? Haven’t seen her at all. I asked her to serve tea to Fourth Young Lady, but she hasn’t returned since she left.”

Xiao Juan pursed her lips and said: “Her? Who knows where she went? Today when Qiang Wei came, those two have never gotten along since the promotion issue. Later when Qiang Wei followed the Fourth Young Lady and was promoted to Deputy Miss, Chun Ling felt uncomfortable. Seeing Qiang Wei come with Fourth Young Lady today, she didn’t want to serve them.”

Just then, Ling Qing and Xue Ning came in, each holding a vase with long branches of peach blossoms, evidently just cut from the trees. Hearing Xiang Lan asks about Chun Ling, Ling Qing said: “Chun Ling Sister has gone home! Didn’t she tell Mistress?”

Xiang Lan was stunned and asked: “What happened?”

Ling Qing said: “This morning, Chun Ling Sister called us to the front to serve tea to the Fourth Young Lady. When she saw us packing luggage, she asked what we were doing. We told her it was Mistress’s orders, that we two were to follow to Beijing. Chun Ling Sister then… she said she was going home right away. I saw her leave Zhi Chun Hall carrying her bundle.”

Xiang Lan was shocked and furrowed her brows.

Xue Ning said: “When Chun Ling was leaving, I happened to be there… I tried to stop her at the gate and persuaded her for half a day, but couldn’t convince her. She said she wasn’t feeling well and was afraid of passing illness to her master…”

Xiang Lan’s expression darkened. Everyone knew what this was about – Chun Ling’s tantrum felt like a slap across her face.

Shu Ran raised her eyebrows and said: “What does she mean by that? Who gave her permission to leave the mansion on her own? You couldn’t persuade her – does she expect Mistress to personally invite her back?”

Xiao Juan looked at Xiang Lan and said: “Should… should I go to her home and persuade her to come back?”

Xiang Lan closed her eyes briefly. Though she had a good nature and knew to be grateful, she wasn’t a fool who would let others push her around. When she first came to Zhi Chun Hall as a concubine, she had been completely dejected and uninterested in everything else, allowing Chun Ling to manage everything. Chun Ling had grown used to making decisions for her, so now at the slightest displeasure, Chun Ling dared to make a scene, trampling Xiang Lan’s dignity.

When Xiang Lan opened her eyes again, they were clear and resolute. She said to Xue Ning: “Go pack your things. Since Chun Ling is ill, you’ll take her place.” Then to Xiao Juan, she said: “Go to my bedside drawer and take twenty taels of silver to Chun Ling. Tell her that since she’s unwell, she should stay home and recover properly, and not hurry to come back. These twenty taels are for her medical expenses – if it’s not enough, I’ll give more.”

Xiao Juan pouted and said: “She’s behaved like this, yet Mistress is still so good to her.”

Xiang Lan just urged: “Go quickly.” Having Xue Ning replace Chun Ling was a way to discipline Chun Ling and show her disapproval; giving her silver demonstrated that she still valued their old relationship. If Chun Ling was clever, she would know to be more mindful of her behavior upon return, and Xiang Lan would treat her as before. If not… Xiang Lan shook her head. She would repay Chun Ling’s past kindness, but she couldn’t allow someone beside her to act willfully.

Shu Ran couldn’t help but nod. She hadn’t expected this seemingly soft girl to handle matters so skillfully. Servants like Chun Ling who leveraged past favors were the hardest to manage – being too harsh would be called ungrateful, and being too lenient would be seen as weak and unable to command respect. Xiang Lan’s approach was just right, handling things flawlessly without leaving room for criticism.

Meanwhile, Chun Ling returned home fuming, carrying her bundle. As soon as she entered, she gulped down a large bowl of tea. She had been quite unhappy lately, unable to understand why, when she had been the most capable person by Xiang Lan’s side, with her word carrying more weight than Lian Xin’s in Zhi Chun Hall, with so many young maids running errands for her, she couldn’t get a first-rank position! She had hoped that when Xiang Lan returned, she would speak up for justice, but Xiang Lan had changed. Previously, new maids would be sent to her for training, but this time these two came and immediately shared her authority, even getting second-rank positions – this clearly showed she wasn’t being valued anymore! Especially today when she saw Qiang Wei, that little minx who had been promoted after following Fourth Young Lady, coming to Zhi Chun Hall to show off – it made her stomach hurt. If she didn’t make a scene now, she would have no place to stand in the future!

She knew Xiang Lan’s personality best – hearing that she had left, Xiang Lan would surely send someone to persuade her to return to Zhi Chun Hall. This time, no matter who came, it wouldn’t work. She wouldn’t return unless Xiang Lan personally came to invite her. It wasn’t for anything else – just for face, and to teach Xiang Lan a lesson.

In the afternoon, Xiao Juan came. Chun Ling had planned to pretend to be sick and not see her, but Xiao Juan barged straight in, rattled off Xiang Lan’s message like popping beans, placed the silver on the table, and left immediately.

Chun Ling stood there dumbfounded.