Speaking of Lady Tan, who had inadvertently witnessed an intimate moment, her soul seemed to take flight, and her mind was in turmoil. After retreating from Chang Chun Hall, she turned through a corridor and, her legs weakening, sat down on a stone bench. Her cheeks flushed crimson as her thoughts wandered. Just then, she happened to notice a man peering from the corridor entrance who, upon seeing her, quickly withdrew and fled. Lady Tan startled, stood up and called out, “Who’s there!” lifting her skirts to give chase.
The man, in his panicked state, didn’t know where to hide. However, being quick-witted, he simply stopped in his tracks, turned around, and offered a formal greeting: “I am Dai Rong. I had too much to drink and wandered here by mistake. Please forgive me, Madam.”
Lady Tan took a careful look at him. Before she stood a fair-faced young gentleman with delicate eyebrows and eyes that tilted slightly upward, a straight nose, high cheekbones, thin lips, and a pointed chin. At first glance, he appeared to be just another ordinary pretty face, but upon closer inspection, he was quite captivating. His entire demeanor exuded an air of romantic flirtation, his face carried a hint of playfulness, and his fine silk clothing further emphasized the carefree nature of a wealthy young master.
Lady Tan frowned and asked, “May I ask which family you’re from?”
Dai Rong replied with a smile, “I am a friend of Young Master Liu Xiaochuan. My father is a fifth-year reader at the Hanlin Academy. Master Liu invited me to help with today’s celebration at your noble house. I was just storing the ceremonial gifts when I got lost on my way back. Please forgive my intrusion, Madam.” As he finished speaking, he bowed again, slightly raising his eyes to observe her. He saw a rather well-groomed young wife wearing a gold hairpin with filigree and kingfisher feather decorations, adorned with precious stones. Her elaborate hairstyle was secured with numerous golden ornaments and jeweled pins, gleaming with oil. She wore inch-long amber earrings, and a pearl necklace, and was dressed in a new crimson damask jacket embroidered with butterflies and peonies, paired with a lotus-petal skirt. Her face was round as a silver plate, with eyes full of emotion, and her cheeks were especially rosy from drinking. Her complexion was fair and beautiful, her figure tall and alluring, altogether quite striking. Upon seeing her appearance, Dai Rong quietly guessed at her identity. Being an experienced seducer and romantic adventurer, he found himself weak-kneed at the sight of such a spring-peach beauty. With a bright smile, he said, “This must be Second Mistress Lin. Your humble servant pays his respects.” He made another deep bow.
Lady Tan asked in surprise, “You know who I am?”
Dai Rong smiled warmly and said, “Who hasn’t heard of Second Mistress Lin? Your reputation preceded you even before marriage. They say you excel in every way – needlework, the four arts of qin, chess, calligraphy, and painting. They speak of your Chang’e-like beauty, but now that I see you in person, I realize the rumors fall short. No matter how extravagantly they praise you outside, seeing you in person proves they haven’t captured even a fraction of your true beauty.”
Lady Tan’s face had initially shown traces of anger at his intrusion into the inner quarters, but upon hearing such praise – and from such a handsome young man no less – her anger dissipated entirely. Her heart filled with seven parts more joy, and her face broke into a slight smile as she said, “That’s just idle gossip from people outside. How could I be as they say?” She couldn’t help but look Dai Rong up and down again. Seeing his romantic and unrestrained nature, coupled with his sweet tongue, she felt even more drawn to him. Moreover, having just witnessed an intimate encounter, her heart was already stirring with spring feelings. Upon meeting a young man, her emotions grew even more turbulent. Emboldened by wine, color rose to her face, and her manner became somewhat unrestrained.
Seeing Lady Tan’s demeanor, Dai Rong knew he had a chance and grew bolder in his flirtation: “Today must be fated for our meeting. How else would I happen to be helping with the ceremonial gifts? And having done so, how would I just happen to lose my way? And having lost my way, how would I just happen to meet Second Mistress? And having met, when I tried to leave, how would you just happen to call me back? Tell me, if this isn’t fate, what is?” As he spoke, his eyes never left Lady Tan, occasionally sending meaningful glances her way.
Lady Tan was far from naive in matters of romance. Seeing his behavior, how could she not understand? Having always prided herself on her beauty surpassing others and attracting male admirers, she felt pleased inside. Looking at Dai Rong again, she found him even more handsome and refined. She smiled and said, “Master Liu is my elder cousin-in-law’s childhood friend. Since you’re close to Master Liu, you’re naturally a guest of the Lin family. However, I hadn’t heard my cousin-in-law mention you before, otherwise I wouldn’t have questioned you earlier. Please forgive any offense, Young Master.” She concluded with a curtsy.
Dai Rong replied, “Second Mistress is indeed different from those women of lesser households. They shrink back and twitter about, claiming they’re too young to meet people, but they lack wit and sophistication – that’s why they shy away from company. Second Mistress’s frank speech and graceful manner truly befits a proper lady from a noble family.”
This compliment struck exactly the right chord with Lady Tan, making her even more delighted. Her face remained smiling as she said, “Young Master Dai flatters me. Since you’re a friend of the Lin family, you should visit more often.”
Dai Rong smiled and said, “I would love to come more often, but General Lin has high standards, and the household is quite strict.”
Lady Tan replied, “Your father holds an honored position in the Hanlin Academy, showing your family’s scholarly heritage. You must be well-versed in the classics yourself. My husband is also a scholar, though his health is poor and he rarely receives guests. He often says he lacks scholarly companions to read with. Young Master Dai, if you’re willing, why not visit our home and read with my husband?”
This was exactly what Dai Rong had hoped for. Hearing these words, he was overjoyed and said, “Excellent, excellent! I shall certainly pay a visit.” He made another bow and rose, saying, “I’ve delayed too long, I should return now.” As he spoke, he looked at Lady Tan several more times and even turned back to look multiple times before finally leaving.
Lady Tan had wanted to chat more with Dai Rong and felt reluctant to see him go. She watched longingly until he disappeared around the corner before composing herself and returning to the banquet.
After turning the corner, Dai Rong slowed his pace and thought to himself, “I thought this trip to the Lin house would be fruitless, but who would have expected such a fortunate encounter? Tsk tsk, with proper planning going forward, I’m bound to take advantage of this situation.”
There was a reason for Dai Rong’s visit to the Lin house. Originally, when Zhao Yuechan had suffered a setback with Xiang Lan, she remained bitter for a long time afterward, secretly plotting how to vent her anger and make Xiang Lan suffer at her hands. However, now that Xiang Lan was in the Lin household, never stepping outside the inner or outer gates, she couldn’t find any opportunity. After much thought, she devised a poisonous scheme. She had heard Qian Wenze mention that brothels would give newly bought girls a certain medicine that would render them barren, unable to bear children. She quietly sent her trusted old servant to buy this medicine, then summoned Dai Rong and told him, “In a few days, there’s a celebration at the Lin house. Go there and find a way to sneak into the inner quarters. Put this medicine in Chen Xiang Lan’s bowl. She and I have some old grudges. This medicine causes diarrhea – let her lose face in front of everyone and satisfy my hatred. If you handle this well, you’ll be greatly rewarded.”
Dai Rong was startled and looked sideways at Zhao Yuechan, saying, “Are you joking? I haven’t even received an invitation to the Lin family celebration, and their household is very strict. How could I get in? Even if I did get in, how would I enter the inner quarters? I’ve only seen Chen Xiang Lan once from afar, and she’s Lin Jinlou’s beloved concubine. How could I possibly drug her?”
Zhao Yuechan said, “Don’t you always boast about your wide network of friends? Today you’re close with some official’s son, tomorrow you’re best friends with some general’s nephew. Among your drinking companions, there’s one called Liu Xiaochuan who’s close to Lin Jinlou. Go through him.”
Dai Rong hesitated and said, “I’ve only shared drinks with him a few times, we’re not that close… And Lin Jinlou is not someone anyone can afford to provoke…” His tone implied his unwillingness to get involved.
Zhao Yuechan’s face darkened as she said, “Brother Rong, count on your fingers – who paid off your gambling debts these past few months without telling your father? You even stole from my maid, and I haven’t told your father about that yet. I’ve been bullied and humiliated outside, and when I ask you to do this small thing to help me get revenge, you make all these excuses. You still owe a hundred taels outside – I was planning to pay that off and give you fifty more for daily expenses. What, have you found another patron?”
The last sentence struck Dai Rong’s weakness. He quickly put on a smile and said sweetly, “Family shouldn’t speak like strangers. Since Mother came to our house, you’ve shown such love for your son, and I keep it all in my heart. Since it’s such a small matter, no matter how difficult, I’ll find a way to do it, won’t I? Hehe… it’s just… well… about that money… I’ll need to treat Liu to meals, make him happy so he’ll take me to the Lin house, right?”
Zhao Yuechan glared at him and said with a cold smile, “Just looking at your worthless behavior these past two weeks has been enough. Once the deed is done, I’ll give you another fifty taels, plus your other rewards.” That glare was both angry and flirtatious, filled with allure, making Dai Rong’s heart flutter. He secretly cursed, “I’ve seen many women, but none compare to this vixen. If only she weren’t so formidable, I’d like to have a taste of her.”
Having given her instructions, Zhao Yuechan stood up and left, swaying gracefully while fanning herself. She hadn’t expected Dai Rong to succeed, but her hatred was too intense to contain. She thought to herself, “If this fails, I’ll only lose a few dozen taels of silver. But if it succeeds, heaven must be helping me! That little tramp is destined to lose face. Unable to bear children in the future, Lin Jinlou’s love for her will fade – let’s see what becomes of her then!” She also ordered Qiong Zhi to dress up beautifully and escort Dai Rong out.
Dai Rong and Qiong Zhi had only succeeded once at the Lu household, and they had been exchanging glances daily, starved for more encounters. Now upon meeting, their eyes immediately locked. At the door, Qiong Zhi whispered, “The Mistress said that if you handle this matter well, she’ll arrange for us to meet. She has close friends among the female guests at the Lin house – if you fail to do it but try to deceive her, she’ll know.” Dai Rong, motivated both by money and desire, immediately agreed and left.
Two days later, Dai Rong indeed arranged a drinking party with Liu Xiaochuan and others. During the meal, he spoke flattering words and invited two beautifully made-up courtesans to help serve wine. After much cajoling and flattery, saying he wished to meet the Lin family’s Third Young Master and attend the celebration to offer congratulations, Liu Xiaochuan finally agreed to take him to the Lin house.