That afternoon, while Madam Qin was examining Lin Dongxiu’s needlework in her room, someone announced from outside: “Old Madam Aunt and two young ladies are stepping down from their carriage at the gate.” Upon hearing this, Madam Qin hurriedly put things in order and sent someone to fetch Lin Jinlou and Lin Jinxuan. She then took Lin Dongxiu and Tan Luhua to the front to welcome their guests.

Old Madam Jiang had completely gray hair and was thin but spirited. She wore a headband, a brown silk jacket embroidered with the Eight Treasures pattern, and carried a person-tall purple sandalwood walking stick carved with bats offering longevity symbols. A string of prayer beads hung from her wrist. Two young ladies in formal dress supported her on either side.

Madam Qin immediately ordered a welcoming feast prepared and had the luggage taken to Mengfang Court. This Mengfang Court was originally Lin Changmin’s residence in the capital, situated symmetrically opposite Kangshou Residence where Lin Jinxuan now lived. It contained five or six rooms with complete front hall and back quarters, plus a separate street entrance. A corridor from the back quarters’ side gate led directly to the inner compound of the Lin Manor, very close to Madam Qin’s Rongshou Hall. Madam Qin had ordered it prepared overnight, fully equipped with all necessities, and specifically assigned several servants and maids, clearly showing generous hospitality.

After entering the main hall and everyone being seated, maids served tea. Old Madam Jiang presented her gifts and courtesy items before smiling and saying, “At my advanced age, with my younger son unable to return from Fujian and my elder son heading to Zhejiang, I hate to impose on your household like this. It’s quite inappropriate.”

Madam Qin smiled radiantly and said, “We’re all family relatives who visit each other frequently. Old Madam Aunt, saying such things makes it seem like we’re strangers.” She then instructed Tan Luhua and Lin Dongxiu to pay their respects to Old Madam Jiang, who in turn had her two granddaughters pay respects to Madam Qin.

The two girls were Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun, born to different concubines and about a year apart in age. Jiang Danyun was slender and graceful, with an oval face, fine eyebrows, and elegant features. Jiang Xiyun was slightly fuller in the figure, with picture-perfect features, snow-white skin, and an oval face adorned with small dimples that gave her an indescribable pure beauty. Both were rare beauties, though when standing together, Jiang Danyun’s beauty was slightly overshadowed by Jiang Xiyun’s.

Madam Qin held one girl’s hand in each of hers, examining them closely, and delightedly told Old Madam Jiang, “In just a year or two, these young ladies have grown so magnificently, like celestial maidens! Old Madam Aunt, you are truly blessed. My girls can’t compare!”

Old Madam Jiang chuckled, “Who says so? Young Xiu is a rare beauty herself, and your second daughter-in-law is one in a hundred, with captivating features. You just have a clever tongue for flattery.” She paused before continuing, “Originally, I planned to bring only Xiyun, but Danyun’s filial heart made her insist on coming to serve me.”

Madam Qin smiled, “The more the merrier! It’s good for the young ladies to have companions.” After having Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun seated, she added, “Consider this your own home, don’t feel constrained. You have your sisters-in-law and cousins here. Though they’re not sophisticated, they can keep you company and ease any boredom. If you face any grievances, just tell me, and your Cousin-Aunt will stand up for you.” She then inquired about their studies and daily activities.

Old Madam Jiang replied, “The girls started their education with their brothers, learning to read. Danyun studied alongside her elder sister Feiyun and excels at poetry and prose. She’s also accomplished in the four arts of zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting…” While speaking, she observed Madam Qin’s expression, and seeing approval rather than adherence to the notion that “women’s virtue lies in lack of talent,” she felt reassured.

Madam Qin smiled, “Everyone knows your Feiyun is a famous talented lady, especially skilled in painting, even praised by noble ladies in the palace.” Looking at Jiang Danyun, she added with a smile, “This child having such talent is worthy of coming from the Grand Secretary’s household.”

Jiang Danyun beamed with joy but modestly replied, “Cousin-Aunt overpraises me. Elder Sister excels in painting, while I’ve studied the zither since childhood under famous teachers. Now I can play somewhat acceptably, not completely disappointing my teachers.”

Madam Qin smiled slightly and offered a few words of praise. As Jiang Danyun was about to continue, she noticed Madam Qin had turned to ask Jiang Xiyun, “Do you also study poetry, prose, and the four arts?”

Jiang Xiyun, with her round face wearing a smile, said, “My sisters are all extremely talented. I’m the only one who’s neither scholarly nor martial. Despite studying, I’m merely adequate at poetry and prose, and barely passable at the four arts. Better not mention it.”

Old Madam Jiang laughed, “Poetry and prose are men’s pursuits for refined living. Xiyun is good at writing and especially skilled at needlework. My headbands, hand warmers, knee pads, and footwear for all seasons are made by her, with delightful and vibrant patterns.”

Just then, a group of maids supported a young master into the room. He was around twenty, wearing a blue silk headband and a gold-threaded robe embroidered with cranes and deer. His complexion was pale, his features refined but sickly. Upon his entry, Tan Luhua hurried forward to take over from the maids. Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun rose to greet him, and Madam Qin smiled, “This is Jinxuan, your Second Cousin.” They both called out, “Second Cousin.”

Lin Jinxuan, unaccustomed to visitors, smiled shyly and bowed. Tan Luhua helped him to his seat, rushed to get cushions and pillows to support his back and arms, and personally served him tea.

Old Madam Jiang carefully observed Lin Jinxuan before telling Madam Qin, “I see Young Master Xuan’s spirit is vigorous, much stronger than before.”

Madam Qin smiled, “Indeed, it’s all thanks to his wife’s good care.”

Tan Luhua, pleased by this praise, quickly smiled and said, “Mother exaggerates, I haven’t done anything special.”

After some casual conversation and the maids serving fresh tea and fruits, Madam Qin asked, “Where is Jinlou? Why hasn’t he come yet?”

A serving woman named Qiaohui entered from outside and replied, “We just sent for him, but the Master has guests in front, he’ll come later.” Madam Qin smiled at Old Madam Jiang, “See how this child is always busying himself with something.” After more conversation, Qiaohui returned to report, “The Master just sent word from the second gate that he’s busy with official matters and will pay respects to the elders tomorrow.”

Madam Qin’s expression darkened slightly as she said coolly, “What matter could be so important that he can’t come to pay his respects? Tell him to come immediately.”

Old Madam Jiang quickly advised, “Young Master Lou holds high office with many responsibilities. Whether he comes today or tomorrow makes no difference, no need to disturb his official duties.”

Madam Qin replied, “When elders visit, one must properly pay respects. These matters can wait, I know what I’m doing.” She then smiled at Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun, “You met your Eldest Cousin ten years ago and played together, do you remember? He’s spent years in the military, and though he studied the classics earlier, I fear those years of idleness have left him with rough manners. Unlike your refined, cultured brothers who study literature, he might seem crude, but he’s a very good person – manageable, capable, hardworking, and never neglects any matter big or small. He’s always been extremely protective of family elders, brothers, and sisters.” As she spoke, she seemed to glance at Jiang Xiyun.

Jiang Danyun smiled gracefully, “For Eldest Cousin to achieve third-rank official status at such a young age – we don’t have anyone like that in our family.”

Jiang Xiyun added, “We’ve often heard our elders speak of how Eldest Cousin earned military merit at a young age and is very capable.”

Before she finished speaking, footsteps sounded outside, and Qiaohui lifted the curtain, smiling, “The Master has arrived.” Lin Jinlou had reached the entrance and lifted the curtain to enter. Everyone except Old Madam Jiang and Madam Qin stood up. Danyun and Xiyun saw that the newcomer was extremely tall and straight, wearing a black gauze cap, a new hemp-based brocade robe embroidered with auspicious patterns, a gold belt inlaid with jade, and blue silk court boots. With straight eyebrows and a straight nose, he was strikingly handsome. Upon his entry, everyone in the room held their breath. Danyun and Xiyun felt they had never seen someone with such natural authority and calm dignity.

Madam Qin smiled upon seeing him, “You’re here, at last, quickly pay your respects to Old Madam Aunt and your cousins.” Lin Jinlou hurriedly bowed to all three, and after sitting down, looked them over one by one. He first glanced at Old Madam Jiang, then at his two cousins, noting one tall and one shorter, one slender and one fuller-figured, with the fuller one being more beautiful than the slender one. He couldn’t help but look a few more times at her. He saw her hair styled in a side bun, adorned with three lotus-shaped agate hairpins, wearing a rose-gold-colored jacket, snow-white undergarment, and a lotus-root-colored embroidered skirt. Her eyes were like black gems, bright and clear. Noticing Lin Jinlou’s gaze, she couldn’t help but break into a sweet smile, revealing her dimples, instantly making all the jewelry in the room seem to lose its luster.

Lin Jinlou was momentarily stunned, while Madam Qin was already making introductions: “This is your Fourth Cousin Danyun from the Jiang family, and this is your Fifth Cousin Xiyun… When they were little, all the sisters came to play at our manor. Xiyun was just a chubby little girl then.”

Lin Jinlou smiled, “I remember. Back then, Fifth Cousin was very young and would follow me around, asking me to help her fish by the pond and catch butterflies.”

Jiang Xiyun lowered her head and blushed. Old Madam Jiang pointed at Jiang Xiyun and smiled, “We always told her not to go near the pond, but she never listened. She was punished many times by not being allowed sweets, but she never learned her lesson.”

Jiang Xiyun caught hold of Old Madam Jiang’s sleeve, adjusted her skirt, and changed the subject, saying, “Grandmother, your skirt today is beautiful.” Her girlish charm was as endearing as a mewing kitten, making everyone laugh.

Old Madam Jiang looked at her lovingly and pulled Jiang Xiyun close, saying, “You little monkey.”

Jiang Danyun, who had been quiet until now, quickly interjected, reaching for Jiang Xiyun’s hand and speaking softly, “Your sweet words are why Grandmother loves you most. I object – Grandmother should hug me too.” As she spoke, she glanced at Lin Jinlou from the corner of her eye, not daring to look directly, her face already reddening.

Old Madam Jiang coughed and said, “By rights, on our first visit, we shouldn’t speak this way, but now I must shamelessly ask my elder nephew for a favor…” Old Madam Jiang, who had always valued her dignity and rarely asked for favors, began to show embarrassment before even finishing her sentence.

Old Madam Jiang had previously mentioned this matter to Madam Qin in a letter. Seeing the situation, Madam Qin smiled and said to Lin Jinlou, “Your Second Cousin Jiang Jingpei serves as a seventh-rank Deputy Commander at the Fifth Military Command in the capital, and he’s quite skilled in martial arts. However, your Uncle is now heading to Zhejiang to take up his post, and Jingpei, being filial, wants to accompany and serve him. But having no connections in the Zhejiang military, he can’t secure a suitable position. You’re always calling the military officials in Jiangzhe region your brothers – might you have any connections?”

Jiang Xiyun’s heart skipped a beat, and she watched Lin Jinlou intently, as Jiang Jingpei was her full brother and she deeply cared about this matter. At this moment, Hongzhen brought in tea and refreshments on a gold-trimmed tray. Jiang Xiyun hurried forward, personally took a cup of tea, and presented it to Lin Jinlou, smiling, “Eldest Cousin, please have some tea.” Seeing several plates of snacks on the tray, she selected the best one and earnestly offered it to Lin Jinlou, saying with a smile, “Eldest Cousin, these fruits are the reddest, please have these.” If anyone else had acted this way, it might have seemed unladylike, but Jiang Xiyun’s plump and petite figure, still carrying a childlike charm despite being fifteen, combined with her beautiful face and graceful manner, made her actions appear especially clever and endearing.

Madam Qin couldn’t help but laugh, pointing at her, “Look at her, the same as when she was little. Back then, whenever she wanted extra sweets, she’d come to my side and act cute, constantly praising ‘Cousin-Aunt, you look so beautiful’ and ‘Cousin-Aunt, your dress is so pretty’…”

Before she finished speaking, everyone in the room burst into laughter. Lin Jinxuan laughed but then started coughing, and Tan Luhua quickly patted his back, personally served him tea to soothe his throat, and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.

Jiang Danyun covered her mouth and laughed softly, “For Second Brother’s sake, Fifth Sister now only attends to Eldest Cousin, forgetting to serve tea to Grandmother and Cousin-Aunt.” Though meant as a joke, there was a hint of mockery in her words. Old Madam Jiang’s brow furrowed slightly.

Jiang Xiyun acted as if she hadn’t understood, maintaining her innocent expression. Embarrassed by everyone’s teasing, her small face turned bright red. She hurriedly served fresh tea to Old Madam Jiang and Madam Qin, then personally peeled two pieces of fruit, presenting them on a handkerchief, “I peeled these myself – Eldest Cousin didn’t get any. My hands must have honey on them because these are extra sweet. Elders, please try them.”

Madam Qin’s lips immediately curved into a smile, her face beaming.

Old Madam Jiang laughed and scolded, “This little clever one has been this way since she was small. One truly doesn’t know whether to love or hate her.”

Lin Jinlou raised an eyebrow, thinking that Jiang Xiyun was indeed captivating. Such perceptiveness and social grace were usually found in courtesans – young ladies from noble families, typically raised in pampered isolation, rarely showed such natural charm and wit. Though appearing innocent, she was quite shrewd – a rare combination. Seeing her sweet smile made her even more endearing. He took a sip of tea and smiled, “Having had Fifth Cousin’s tea, I naturally must help. This is simple enough. Have Cousin come tomorrow, and after hearing his thoughts, I’ll write a letter to Yang Zhaolin, the Commander in Zhejiang. He’ll make arrangements.”

Upon hearing this, the three Jiang family members beamed with joy. Jiang Xiyun immediately held out her handkerchief to Lin Jinlou, smiling sweetly and eagerly, “Eldest Cousin has worked hard, please have some fruit.”

Everyone laughed again, and even Lin Jinlou couldn’t help but smile as he took one. Jiang Xiyun’s small face was flushed red. Madam Qin looked from Lin Jinlou to Jiang Xiyun, showing satisfaction as she nodded slowly. Jiang Danyun’s eyes had reddened, and when she looked up, she caught Lin Dongxiu’s look of disdain. Both started, then exchanged knowing glances before lowering their heads.

At this moment, Shuran was peeking through the window outside. Lin Jinlou suddenly remembered his waiting guests, who must be getting impatient, having sent Shuran to check on him. He stood up and said, “I still have official duties and can’t stay long. In a few days when I’m free, I’ll come pay my respects to Old Madam Aunt properly.”

Old Madam Jiang quickly said, “Go ahead, men’s official duties are important, unlike us women who just pass time together.”

Lin Jinlou rose to bow and take his leave. At the doorway, he suddenly stopped and turned back with a smile, “I almost forgot something. Mother borrowed someone from me this afternoon and hasn’t returned her yet. Let’s have her return with me now.”

Madam Qin’s smile froze. That afternoon, Lin Dongxiu had shown her some personally embroidered dowry items in her room. Finding the patterns outdated, she had mentioned that Xianglan knew many fresh patterns and had called her to her room. When visitors arrived, in the bustle she had forgotten to send Xianglan back, and now before she could say Xianglan wasn’t there, Lin Dongxiu suddenly spoke up: “Xianglan is in the inner room, I’ll call her.” Without looking at Madam Qin’s expression, she walked back to the inner chamber.

Xianglan was drawing patterns at the kang table when Lin Dongxiu entered and pulled her arm, saying, “Let’s go, Big Brother is calling for you.”

Xianglan had heard the occasional laughter from the front, knowing the Jiang family had arrived, and hesitated, “This… isn’t appropriate. Fourth Young Lady can say I’m not here, and I’ll return after the guests leave.”

Lin Dongxiu glared at her, “Why should you wait until they leave? Are you not fit to be seen?”

Xianglan was stunned and couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

Lin Dongxiu gritted her teeth and said, “You don’t know that two young ladies from the Jiang family have come. One called Xiyun is particularly detestable, showing off everywhere. I can tell what kind of fox spirit she is at first glance. Hmph, everyone knows what they’re after. You should go out now.” She looked Xianglan up and down, noting her plain dress, and took scissors to cut some orchids from a nearby pot, saying, “If I’d known, you should have dressed more brightly today. Let me cut these flowers for your hair first, we can send another pot later.”

Xianglan quickly stopped her, her face serious, “Stop that, I won’t wear them even if you cut them!”

Lin Dongxiu glared at Xianglan as if angry at her lack of fight, saying, “I’m doing this for you, but no good deed goes unpunished.”

Xianglan looked at Lin Dongxiu. Since coming to the capital, Lin Dongxiu had become much friendlier toward her, showing genuine interest in friendship, though not yet to the point of standing up for her. Xianglan understood Lin Dongxiu’s nature well – she thought highly of herself and was prone to jealousy. This Jiang Xiyun must be exceptionally outstanding to have struck such a nerve with Fourth Young Lady.

Lin Dongxiu pulled her toward the door. Xianglan had no choice but to stand, adjust her clothes, and follow behind Lin Dongxiu. Walking with a lowered head, she could hear the murmur of conversation outside, but as she emerged from the inner chamber, the main hall suddenly fell silent.