Tan Lu Hua instantly recalled the young gentleman she had seen at the wedding banquet – handsome and charming, with eyes that seemed to speak and captivate. Her heart fluttered as she rose and said, “Please invite him in.” As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt something amiss and added, “Wait.” She paced the room twice, then beckoned Cai Feng over and whispered, “Go check if the Second Master is sound asleep.”
Cai Feng returned shortly and reported, “Second Master is fast asleep. Would Madam like me to wake him?”
Tan Lu Hua said, “Last night, Second Master got up in the night and coughed for quite a while before falling asleep. He’s finally able to rest now – how could we wake him to strain himself? Go invite the guest in. Third Young Master Dai is Second Master’s literary friend – there’s no harm in meeting him.”
Dai Rong stood at the doorway with his hands tucked in his sleeves. Seeing a maid come out to invite him in, his heart leaped with joy. He hurriedly entered and saw Tan Lu Hua with her hair in a sleek bun, loosely pinned with a crimson peony. She wore a peach-red jacket embroidered with mandarin ducks, a rose-colored skirt embroidered with the eight auspicious symbols, and glimpses of lake-blue embroidered shoes beneath. With light makeup, her face was like a peach blossom. Dai Rong smiled broadly, bowed deeply, and repeatedly greeted her.
Tan Lu Hua returned his smile with radiance. She observed Dai Rong wearing a dark gray satin robe with a gold-woven belt, which accentuated his fair skin and red lips, making him appear even more dashing. Her heart skipped several beats as she led him to sit down and ordered the maids to serve tea. As they sat facing each other, Dai Rong gazed at her intently. Tan Lu Hua trembled inside, a tingling sensation washing over her. She coughed lightly and asked, “What brings Young Master Dai here?”
Dai Rong smiled, “When I last met Second Madam Xuan at your residence, you invited me to visit. I also admire Second Master Xuan’s literary reputation, so I’ve come to make his acquaintance.” He placed a stack of items he was carrying onto the table and pushed them forward, saying, “These are some books and writing materials – just a small token of my regard.”
Tan Lu Hua smiled, “Young Master Dai needn’t be so formal. My husband is unwell and cannot receive guests – please forgive us.”
Dai Rong’s eyes flickered as he thought to himself, “What a woman – those words show her intent.” Melting inside, he smiled and said, “I’d heard that Second Master Xuan was in poor health. What a pity for such a vibrant lady as yourself, Madam.”
Tan Lu Hua sighed, “What can be done? As women, we have no choice in these matters. Men, however, can love whomever they please.”
Dai Rong lowered his voice and laughed, “That’s why I feel it’s unfair to Second Madam. With your beauty and character, yet married to a sickly man… Truly, nothing in this world is perfect – a clever woman paired with a dull husband. While many men are fickle, I am devoted, yet cannot find a worthy match.”
Tan Lu Hua burst out laughing and glanced at him sideways, “You, devoted?” She waved her fan, “I don’t see it.”
Dai Rong sighed, “My reputation outside is all gossip – they don’t know the truth. If the shrew at my bedside had half your beauty and charm, I would worship her like a Buddha. How could I look elsewhere?” His eyes fixed intently on her.
Tan Lu Hua had never experienced such directness. Seeing Dai Rong’s tender, watery eyes full of sentiment, combined with his charming face – they say “Women love bad men,” and indeed, eight or nine out of ten women in the world love handsome, unfaithful rogues. Dai Rong was the epitome of this, his slightly wicked smile all the more bewitching. Tan Lu Hua’s face flushed instantly, and she froze, her heart pounding chaotically. Despite his amorous nature, even Dai Rong was bold – seeing the maids were far away, he reached out under the table and grabbed Tan Lu Hua’s hand, whispering, “Someone like Second Madam is one in a hundred – I truly think of you day and night.” As he spoke, he caressed her palm.
Tan Lu Hua was startled and nearly cried out, struggling hurriedly. Dai Rong took the opportunity to release her hand. Tan Lu Hua quickly withdrew it, still feeling its warmth, both embarrassed and flustered. Half her body went weak, and she stood up awkwardly, saying, “Since my husband is unwell, Young Master Dai should take his leave.”
Dai Rong acted as if nothing had happened, smiling, “Please don’t send me away, Madam. I’ve finally managed to visit.” He took out a brocade box from his sleeve and pushed it toward Tan Lu Hua, “A small gift to show my respect – would Madam like to see if it pleases her?”
Tan Lu Hua collected herself. Earlier she had been flustered and only wanted to send Dai Rong away, but now seeing the exquisite brocade box, she was curious about its contents. She sat down and opened it to find a pure gold hairpin with clustered pearls and cloud-pattern feet. The design was novel, with small, perfectly round, and lustrous pearls, extremely delicate. Tan Lu Hua couldn’t take her eyes off it. Though she owned several more valuable pieces of jewelry, she still felt drawn to this hairpin.
Dai Rong observed her expression with secret delight and said eagerly, “This hairpin was made in the imperial workshop, bestowed by noble personages. Look at these four pearls, Madam – though small, they are flawless and perfectly matched in size, which is rare to find. Only such an item is worthy of someone like yourself, Madam.”
While Tan Lu Hua had previously only admired Dai Rong for his good looks and sweet talk, wanting merely to engage in ambiguous flirtation to relieve her boredom, now that he had presented this hairpin, showing his wealth and generosity, she viewed him differently. He was both handsome and wealthy – truly the complete package. Her heart pounding, she glanced around and saw her trusted maid Cai Feng still standing far away by the door. She gave her a look and said, “Go to the back and bring some snacks for Young Master Dai.”
Cai Feng understood and withdrew to guard the door.
Tan Lu Hua closed the box’s lid and pushed it toward Dai Rong, pretending to smile, “This is too valuable – I cannot accept gifts without reason.”
Before the word “accept” fully left her mouth, Dai Rong’s hand shot out and pressed down on her hand resting on the box. His eyes conveyed deep meaning as he smiled, “No if Second Madam won’t accept it, who else could wear it?” He boasted, “Though such jewelry is hard to find, I still have some means. In the future, if Second Madam fancies any jewelry, just tell me – it’s no great matter. As long as Second Madam knows how to cherish someone, I’ll be content.” Seeing she wasn’t strongly resisting, he took her hand and caressed it, lowering his head to look, “Let me see what rings and bracelets Second Madam is wearing. If they’re old, I’ll bring new ones next time.”
Tan Lu Hua’s body went weak as Dai Rong held her hand, feeling both frightened and excited. She pushed at him, saying, “Mind your manners – the maids come and go, and my husband is sleeping inside.”
Dai Rong laughed, “Why fear that?” Seeing Tan Lu Hua’s face flushed with spring color, even more beautiful than usual, he was greatly moved. But this wasn’t the place to talk, so he smiled and said softly, “Doesn’t Second Madam get bored staying at home all day? I’ve recently acquired some rare overseas goods – I’d like to invite Second Madam to come see them.”
Tan Lu Hua hesitated, “How could I possibly leave the house?”
Dai Rong said, “I have a humble fabric shop called ‘Li Duan Zhai’ on East River Street – the overseas goods are stored there. If Second Madam is interested, come to the shop the day after tomorrow, and I will welcome you personally.” With that, he squeezed her hand and cast a flirtatious glance before taking his leave.
When Dai Rong returned home that day, to coax money from Zhao Yue Chan, he told her about this strange encounter. Zhao Yue Chan was delighted to see drama in the Lin family and urged him to seduce Tan Lu Hua, saying, “Are you even a man if you don’t take advantage of such an opportunity? That Tan woman was quite famous when she was unmarried – how many noble young men discussed her in private? Having a brief affair with her would make life worthwhile.”
Dai Rong laughed, “No matter how charming she is, she’s still a Lin family wife – I fear bringing trouble upon myself.”
Zhao Yue Chan sneered, “What’s there to fear? Keep it discreet and no one will find out. When you tire of her, just take some silver and go study abroad. After three to five years away, how could that Tan woman dare to spread the news around?” She continued to praise Tan Lu Hua’s beauty and talents at length.
Dai Rong was moved by these words and, remembering Tan Lu Hua’s seemingly affectionate manner that day, felt a stirring of desire. He devised a plan and visited the Lin residence. After he left, Tan Lu Hua couldn’t settle down in her room. One moment she opened the brocade box to look at the hairpin, the next she closed it; one moment she wore it in her hair, the next she felt anxious and removed it, locking it in a drawer, only to pull the drawer open again shortly after to take it out and play with it in her hands, completely distracted.
When Lin Jin Xuan awoke, Cai Ming called Tan Lu Hua in to attend to him. After drinking half a cup of tea, Lin Jin Xuan couldn’t help but cough. Tan Lu Hua hurriedly rubbed his back and brought him a spittoon. Looking at Lin Jin Xuan’s pale face, she suddenly felt a wave of disgust, thinking how she was newly married yet had to endure this, wondering how she would survive the long years ahead. She let go and went to a corner where she shed tears, wiping them away carelessly before washing her face in the copper basin. In the water, she saw her reflection – a beautiful young face in the prime of youth, with the pure gold cloud-footed hairpin in her black hair.
Tan Lu Hua slowly clenched the handkerchief in her hand and beckoned Cai Feng over, whispering, “Tomorrow I want to go out visiting – at my sister’s house. Have them prepare a sedan chair.”
The next day, after serving Lin Jin Xuan breakfast, Tan Lu Hua said she was going to visit her sister. Lin Jin Xuan, worried she might be bored at home, agreed and even ordered some gifts to be prepared. Tan Lu Hua took only her maid Cai Feng, and no one else. After visiting her sister, she ordered the sedan chair to East River Street. Sure enough, she saw the fabric shop and ordered the chair to stop, then went into the store.
Dai Rong was overjoyed to see Tan Lu Hua arrive and ordered the shopkeeper to lead her to the back. When Tan Lu Hua entered, she saw incense burning in precious censers, flowers in gold vases, embroidered curtains and brocade screens, and an eastern bed decorated with dragon patterns – completely different from the front of the shop. In the center was a table laden with exquisite dishes and crystal cups filled with fine wine.
Dai Rong was dressed in fine clothes, looking even more handsome than usual. Seeing Tan Lu Hua enter, he eagerly offered her a seat, smiling, “My lady has kept me waiting – you should be punished with three cups of wine.” He poured a cup and handed it to her.
Tan Lu Hua said, “If you make me drink, I’ll leave.” Yet she remained seated.
Dai Rong laughed, “My fault – I was too forward. I’ll punish myself with a cup.” He threw back his head and drained the wine, exclaiming, “Excellent wine!”
Tan Lu Hua couldn’t help but smile at his bold manner. Dai Rong urged her to eat, saying, “This was prepared by the chef from Long Xiang Chang, ranked first among the ‘Eight Auspicious’ establishments in the capital. They’re very famous – even imperial princes dine there. These are their specialties. Please give me a face and try some.” He picked up some food with his chopsticks and placed it in the small gold-traced dish before her.
When had Tan Lu Hua ever seen a man act so humble and attentive? Though Lin Jin Xuan was gentle-natured, he was always sickly, requiring her constant care. She felt pleased and picked up her chopsticks to eat a few bites.
Dai Rong pressed her to drink again, saying, “I’m not just anyone – I truly admire you. If you won’t drink with me, you must have a heart of stone!”
He continued, praising her fair skin one moment, comparing her to peach blossoms the next, complimenting her graceful figure, her fine clothes, and jewelry – praising everything about her from head to toe until she seemed like a celestial maiden. Tan Lu Hua loved flattery; feeling delighted, she responded by speaking of her cleverness and charm, her mastery of the four arts. Dai Rong offered even more praise, and unconsciously, she drank several cups.
The wine was strong, and as its effects took hold, Tan Lu Hua’s face flushed red. She became more uninhibited, her eyes fixed on Dai Rong as if about to drip water. Dai Rong moved his chair closer to her and smiled, “Let me show you those rare overseas goods.” He took out a box from his sleeve and opened it to reveal a handkerchief embroidered with various erotic scenes in different positions – though not extremely detailed, they were quite lifelike.
Tan Lu Hua was dumbstruck when she touched it, feeling increasingly aroused. Dai Rong sensed the moment was right and pulled her into his arms to kiss her, calling out, “My darling, you’re lovable!”
Tan Lu Hua struggled at first, but Dai Rong held her firmly and kissed her. Gradually, she offered less resistance until she stopped moving altogether, her face growing redder as she clutched at his sleeve and asked, “Are your feelings for me sincere?”
Dai Rong swore vehemently, “If there’s even a hint of falsehood in my words, may heaven strike me dead!” Without further ado, he pressed her onto the bed and they made love. Afterward, they lay embracing and exchanging passionate vows. Tan Lu Hua, having just discovered physical pleasure, grew even more attached to Dai Rong. Dai Rong, still excited by the novelty, spoke sweet words and made various promises. Being experienced in romance, he had Tan Lu Hua completely enchanted. They arranged their next meeting, and Tan Lu Hua left him one of her bracelets as a token of remembrance. Taking two pieces of fabric as a cover story, she finally departed reluctantly.
From then on, they carried on their affair. To facilitate their meetings, Tan Lu Hua rented a room near the side gate on the right of Kang Shou’s Residence. She would meet with Dai Rong while Lin Jin Xuan was sleeping. She was discrete – there were no watching matrons at that place, and she kept the key herself. Apart from her maid Cai Feng, no one knew about it. Feeling guilty about her affair, Tan Lu Hua became even more attentive to Lin Jin Xuan, taking perfect care of his every need. They seemed more harmonious than ever, and others praised Tan Lu Hua’s virtuous nature, but we won’t elaborate on that.
As for Xiang Lan, after finishing Lin Jin Ting’s wedding arrangements, she spent her free time painting at home. After seven or eight days, she received a letter from Lady Qin, saying that the marriage arrangement between Yuan Shao Ren and Lin Dong Xiu was progressing, and Lady Qin would personally escort Lin Dong Xiu to the capital to prepare for her wedding.