Speaking of Dai Rong, who had arrived at the Lin residence with Liu Xiaochuan, he dared not let Lin Jinlou see him and kept hiding behind the crowd. Liu Xiaochuan introduced him to Lin Jinting and then to the steward Xu Fu before leaving him to his own devices. Xu Fu sized up the situation and saw that the main tables were occupied by people of significant status, naturally leaving no place for Dai Rong.
However, since Dai Rong was still the son of a Fifth-Rank Hanlin scholar, Xu Fu carefully considered and noticed a table in the corridor with several young masters of similar standing to Dai Rong, so he led him there to settle in. After three rounds of wine and five courses of dishes, with the opera half-finished, Dai Rong kept glancing toward the inner quarters. Seeing Lin Jinlou leave his seat, Dai Rong pretended to need the toilet and secretly followed him, sneaking into the inner residence.
He only dared to follow Lin Jinlou from afar and saw him enter Chang Chun Hall, knowing this was Lin Jinlou’s residence. Not daring to enter, he could only peek around outside, unsure what to do. In his initial enthusiasm, he had thought it would be simple, but upon entering the Lin household, he realized how difficult it would be to administer the drug. He thought to himself, “Lin Jinlou’s reputation precedes him – people call him the ‘Living King of Hell.’ Causing trouble in his house would be asking for disaster. Last time, his punch nearly broke my nose.
But that woman Zhao Yuechan isn’t someone to be trifled with either… Tsk, I might as well make up a story to fool her and swindle a few more dozen taels of silver.” As he pondered this, he circled the courtyard twice, worried that people at the banquet might notice his absence and come looking for him, which would be embarrassing. He decided to head back the way he came, but unexpectedly encountered Lady Tan.
Let us set aside for now how these two harbored their schemes, and turn to what was happening inside Chang Chun Hall’s rock garden grotto. After Lin Jinlou finished his intimate encounter, he fastened his clothes and turned to see Xiang Lan trembling as she tried to put on her undergarments. He laughed and said, “At this rate, you’ll still be dressing come tomorrow.” He carelessly wrapped her in a jacket and carried her out in his arms.
Xiang Lan startled and struggled, clutching his collar, “I haven’t put on my inner pants yet… I… I haven’t fixed my hair…”
Lin Jinlou burst out laughing, “You silly girl, no one will see, just relax.” He took large strides into the house. Upon entering the bedroom, he placed Xiang Lan on the bed, and she immediately grabbed the blanket and retreated to the corner.
Lin Jinlou couldn’t help but laugh again. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he looked at Xiang Lan and said, “Look at you, so many rules – isn’t it exhausting to live like this? Even making a sound during our intimate moments seems like it would kill you… Tsk, tell me honestly, did you enjoy it just now, hmm?”
These words were increasingly improper. Xiang Lan, who had been hiding under the covers, blushed so deeply it seemed blood might drip from her face. Then she heard Lin Jinlou continue shamelessly, “Master thinks you did enjoy it – you scratched my shoulders twice at the end, and they still hurt.”
Xiang Lan couldn’t bear the embarrassment anymore. She threw off the covers, sat up, and angrily exclaimed, “How vulgar!”
Lin Jinlou stroked his chin and said, “How is this vulgar? Next time, you show me some refinement – perhaps recite some Tang or Song poetry. Master loves the sounds you make then.”
As Xiang Lan was caught between embarrassment and anger, Xue Ning heard the commotion and walked in. Seeing Xiang Lan disheveled in bed with Lin Jinlou sitting beside her, she hastily retreated.
Xiang Lan closed her eyes momentarily and decided to ignore him, turning over to lie down. Lin Jinlou moved closer to tease her: “Don’t sleep, keep Master company for a while.”
Xiang Lan frowned and pushed away Lin Jinlou’s hand, saying, “I’m tired, let me rest a bit.”
This impatient little manner, full of languid charm, made Lin Jinlou even more fond of her. He removed his boots and lay down behind her, sliding his hand into her clothes, saying, “All right then, you rest – Master isn’t tired yet.”
Xiang Lan was startled as Lin Jinlou pressed down on her. She quickly begged for mercy, “I really can’t… the celebration hasn’t ended yet. Please have mercy, Master, I’m truly exhausted…”
Lin Jinlou chuckled softly, “My dear Xiang Lan, count on your fingers how many days it’s been since we were intimate…” He held Xiang Lan down for another round of lovemaking. When it was over, Xiang Lan was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open. Lin Jinlou dressed himself, lowered the bed curtains, and called Xue Ning in, saying, “Tell Shu Ran that your mistress isn’t feeling well and ask her to help manage things. When it’s time to see the guests off, let Second Mistress handle it.”
Xue Ning repeatedly agreed, and as she was about to withdraw, Lin Jinlou called her back: “Where have all the maids in the room gone? Call them all back for Master – there won’t be anyone to serve in the room later.” With that, he strode out.
Xiang Lan fell into a deep sleep, and when she opened her eyes, everything seemed pitch black. She started and sat up, pushing aside the bed curtains to find it was already lamplight time. Ling Qing and Ling Su were sitting in the corner of the room, peeling dried fruits while whispering to each other. Seeing Xiang Lan awake, they hurried over to attend to her, one offering tea, the other bringing water and a face towel.
Xiang Lan anxiously asked, “What time is it? Has the banquet ended?”
Ling Su said, “Don’t worry, Mistress. Sister Shu Ran is managing the feast, and everything is fine. Mistress was so thorough in preparing everything, Sister Shu Ran just needs to oversee it. Most of the guests have left, with the Second Mistress seeing them off. Only the men’s feast in front hasn’t ended yet – some are still gambling and drinking, and a new group of opera performers has arrived to perform classical pieces.”
Xiang Lan’s heart finally settled, though she soon felt embarrassed, knowing that everyone would know what she had been doing. Ling Qing and Ling Su, aware of Xiang Lan’s shyness, exchanged glances. Ling Qing pretended nothing was amiss and smiled, “Is Mistress hungry? Would you like something to eat? Master said it’s getting late, and tomorrow morning Third Young Master and Third Young Mistress will return to Jinling, so he wants Mistress to join in seeing them off.”
Xiang Lan finally overcame her embarrassment and got up. She washed behind the screen, changed clothes, and fixed her hair. Ling Su brought two plates of small fried cakes with seaweed and vegetarian meat, along with a bowl of soup. Xiang Lan was indeed hungry and finished it all. While rinsing her mouth and washing her hands, Shu Ran came in to report: “The feasts in the inner quarters have all ended, and the leftovers have been cleared away. The remaining utensils, tablecloths, and chair covers need to be stored – we need Mistress’s keys and ledgers to check everything.”
Xiang Lan ordered Ling Qing to fetch them and inevitably had to go with Shu Ran to check everything. They first stored the valuable items, with the rest locked in the room to be counted and checked the next day. Xiang Lan took out a small gold ingot from her sleeve and pressed it into Shu Ran’s hand, saying, “You’ve worked hard these past days. Buy something good to nourish yourself. Everyone has contributed – I’ll report to Master later so he can reward you all properly.”
Shu Ran’s face bloomed with smiles: “Mistress is so generous, we all benefit. Today Master already gave red packets to the servants – even the sweeping grannies got a hundred coins.” She paused briefly and continued, “First Young Mistress and Second Young Mistress have come home. They just told me they wanted to chat with Mistress, but hearing Mistress wasn’t feeling well and was sleeping, they didn’t dare disturb you. They’re staying overnight at home today and probably haven’t retired yet. If Mistress has time, why not go see them?”
Xiang Lan thought to herself, “Shu Ran truly handles matters perfectly, considering all angles and thinking of everything – no wonder Lin Jinlou values her so highly.” She smiled and said, “You’re right, I’ll go now.” She first returned to Chang Chun Hall to fetch some things.
By this time, the maids had all returned in twos and threes and were frolicking in the room. Hua Shan sat in the warm alcove, pouring out her reward money from a brocade purse and counting it piece by piece. Xiao Juan teased her for being money-obsessed and snatched the jade fan pendant that Xiang Lan had given her. Hua Shan got anxious and tried to grab it back, and the two rolled around on the kang bed in a tangle. Ling Su sat nearby cracking melon seeds, clapping and laughing heartily. Xue Ning and Ling Qing sat on small stools at the foot of the kang, drinking tea and eating snacks at the small table, with Ling Qing sharing endless gossip she’d heard outside with Xue Ning. Suddenly Xiao Juan’s grip slipped, and the fan pendant fell with a “plop” into Xue Ning’s teacup, splashing tea all over her face. Xue Ning jumped and exclaimed, “Oh my goodness!”
Everyone froze for a moment before bursting into even more giggles and laughter. Little Hua Shan quickly got down to fish out the fan pendant, while Xiao Juan was laughing so hard she couldn’t straighten up, using her handkerchief to wipe Xue Ning’s face.
Just as the chaos was at its peak, Shu Ran walked in and immediately darkened her expression, saying, “Don’t you know what time it is? Still making such a racket! You’ve gotten too relaxed since coming to the capital. Should I write to the Mistress and have her send over some old matrons to keep you a lot in line?”
The maids all fell silent as if struck by frost, not daring to speak another word. Seeing Xiang Lan enter, they quietly went to attend to her. Xiang Lan was secretly amused but pretended not to notice, ordering Xiao Juan to open the cabinet and take out the prepared gifts. Accompanied by Shu Ran and Xiao Juan, with a lantern-carrying granny, she headed to the courtyard where the two young mistresses were staying. Since they were at their maiden home, husbands and wives weren’t sharing rooms – the two young masters had been arranged by Lin Jinlou to stay in the front courtyard, while Lin Dongwan and Lin Dongqi resided together in a courtyard in the back.
When Xiang Lan reached the door, a maid wearing red and green was carrying out a silver basin. Seeing people approach, she quickly lifted the curtain and announced, “The Aunt has arrived!” Xiang Lan entered to find Lin Dongqi with her hair loosely tied up, already changed into casual clothes, having removed her makeup and washed up, about to get down from the bed. Xiang Lan hurriedly went forward to stop her, saying, “Don’t move! I’m being presumptuous – I didn’t know you had already retired. Had I known, I would have waited until tomorrow.”
Lin Dongqi smiled and said, “I just retired early – they’re all still eating, drinking, and chatting over there.” She pulled Xiang Lan to sit beside the bed and ordered the maid to serve tea.
Xiang Lan looked carefully at Lin Dongqi and noticed she had lost some weight. With her makeup removed, her complexion was slightly yellow. She couldn’t help asking, “Second Young Mistress, are you not feeling well? Why does your complexion look like this – should we call a doctor to examine you?”
Lin Dongqi smiled and shook her head, whispering in Xiang Lan’s ear, “I’m with child – it’s the third month. I’ve had severe morning sickness these past two days, that’s why I look like this. I just vomited once, and feeling lazy, came back to rest.”
Xiang Lan said joyfully, “Congratulations! The Mistress will be overjoyed when she hears.”
Lin Dongqi smiled and said, “We’ve already sent her a letter.” She then took Xiang Lan’s hand and said, “You should hurry up too, have a child soon. Even if it’s a girl, it would still bring lasting peace.”
Xiang Lan’s smile remained, but she slightly lowered her head. At this moment, a maid came in to serve tea. Xiang Lan noticed she had gentle features – it was Hong Yun, a maid Lin Dongqi had brought from the Lin household. She asked Lin Dongqi, “Why did you bring her? Where’s Ta Sha? In your condition, she should be by your side serving you.”
Lin Dongqi’s face showed discomfort. Xiang Lan, being clever, immediately understood the implications and regretted asking the question. Just as she was thinking of changing the subject, Lin Dongqi said, “Since I’m pregnant, there are always times when service is inadequate, so I elevated Ta Sha to be a concubine.” Seeing Xiang Lan pursing her lips, looking even more uncomfortable than herself, she couldn’t help but chuckle, patting Xiang Lan’s hand and sighing, “You’re truly a rare, sincere, and kind-hearted person… It’s not a big deal. My mother-in-law hinted to me once that as my body grows heavier with pregnancy, husband and wife should sleep separately. Originally, my husband had two or three coquettish girls in his quarters, but after I married, my Mother-in-law took charge – some were married off, and others were sent away, leaving only one concubine maid called Dong Xue. She’s well-groomed and gentle-natured, originally Mother-in-law’s maid. Since my Mother-in-law had done so much for me, I couldn’t be too demanding. Now Mother-in-law wants Dong Xue to serve, but Dong Xue frequently goes to Mother-in-law’s quarters to report on what happens in our chambers, which makes me uncomfortable. Mother wrote me a letter saying that if someone had to be elevated anyway, better to elevate our person, suggesting I elevate Ta Sha and keep Dong Xue at a distance. She also instructed me to treat Dong Xue well, saying we could deal with her after I bear a son. I followed her instructions. Ta Sha was supposed to come with me today, but someone needs to manage the household, so I left her behind.”
Xiang Lan thought to herself, “Lady Qin truly is experienced. Ta Sha has followed Second Young Mistress since childhood, loyal and honest, and though beautiful, she’s still not quite as pretty as Second Young Mistress. Now her whole family has become concubines, completely under the Second Young Mistress’s control – naturally, she’ll be obedient. Even if elevated, she’ll remain of one mind with the Second Young Mistress and won’t cause trouble. Moreover, the Second Young Mistress giving her maid to her husband has silenced her mother-in-law and earned her a reputation for being virtuous. Second Young Mistress is fortunate to have such a shrewd and capable mother looking after her.” She then saw Lin Dongqi smile and continue, “Perhaps Mother also wrote to Big Brother, because a few days later, Big Brother went to my house with his sword and took my husband out for a chat. When he returned, my husband just told me that he wanted to follow in his father-in-law’s footsteps, serving the country through official posts, and that he hadn’t given any thought to Dong Xue or Ta Sha. He said they would only be elevated if they bore sons; if not, they would be sent away after two or three years, and he would focus on living a good life with me alone. That night he moved back from his study to sleep in the warm room and stopped calling either of them to serve him.”
Hearing this, Xiang Lan exchanged glances with Lin Dongqi, and they both couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Lin Dongqi lowered her voice and said, “My husband is a genuine scholar, strictly raised from childhood, proper and orthodox. He has never actually indulged in women. Since I entered the household, he hasn’t spent a night with Dong Xue, and now he’s even more cautious. I heard that their group of boys used to follow Big Brother around since they were young, and they’ve all had their share of beatings from him. My eldest brother-in-law is also Big Brother’s close friend and said he would look after things well in the future, never letting me suffer any grievances.”
She patted Xiang Lan’s hand again and said, “Though Big Brother may have his flaws, he treats his close family extremely well. The maids say he dotes on you tremendously – everyone is envious.” She then carefully advised, “Now you should take good care of your health and bear a son as soon as possible – that’s what’s most important. I know several good doctors who specialize in nurturing health. I’ll have them come see you tomorrow.”