Everyone saw a young woman slowly emerge from the inner room, her eyes downcast, her face like white jade. Her hair was braided into a side bun, and she wore a light green jacket and a white silk embroidered skirt. Though dressed simply, her movements were as graceful as a willow in the wind, the ornaments on her skirt chiming in perfect harmony with her footsteps.

Lin Dongxiu was startled, remembering how yesterday Aunt Xia had sternly told her: “When Fourth Young Lady marries, she’ll become a ranked lady who must attend palace audiences during festivals. If your deportment isn’t proper, you’ll shame not just the Yongchang Marquis but also the Lin family. The Book of Rites says: ‘When a gentleman walks, his jade ornaments chime.’ Young Lady’s walking posture is acceptable, but the jade ornaments must harmonize with your footsteps, one strong, one weak, creating a rhythmic sound.” She had practiced for half a day, her waist and legs aching, until Aunt Xia grudgingly said, “Passable.” Now watching Xianglan’s bearing, it was identical to what Aunt Xia had demonstrated. She hadn’t noticed before but now recalled that Xianglan had always walked this way.

Xianglan approached the door, turned to curtsy to Madam Qin, and said, “Madam, I take my leave.” As she raised her head slightly, her beauty was like plum blossoms in snow, her spirit like autumn orchids touched by frost. Old Madam Jiang’s fingers, which had been counting prayer beads, suddenly stopped, her eyes showing astonishment. Her young granddaughter Jiang Xiyun was peerless in beauty, and she had never seen anyone surpass her, yet this girl was unexpectedly beautiful in both form and spirit, transcending the ordinary. Compared to Jiang Xiyun’s lush, soft beauty, each had their excellence – they were truly equals.

Jiang Danyun also started, half-closing her eyes to examine Xianglan from head to toe and back again. Her heart sank with jealousy, but she couldn’t help feeling schadenfreude toward Jiang Xiyun, thinking, “Haven’t people always praised your beauty, how clever and pleasing you are? Now there’s quite a show to watch.”

Jiang Xiyun maintained her slight smile, carefully observing Xianglan before glancing at Old Madam Jiang, who couldn’t take her eyes off Xianglan. She then glimpsed Madam Qin’s solemn expression and gently shook her head.

Lin Dongxiu slowly walked back, the corners of her mouth turned up, sitting down with her head held high as if she had been the one to command such silence from everyone.

Old Madam Jiang coughed and said, “Nephew’s wife, this is…?”

Madam Qin was all smiles and about to speak when Lin Jinlou smiled and said, “She’s my maid, Xianglan.” He pushed Xianglan’s waist from behind, saying, “Quickly pay your respects to Old Madam Aunt.”

Xianglan had no choice but to bow to everyone. Danyun and Xiyun both stood to receive and return her curtsy. Jiang Xiyun couldn’t help but study her carefully, unsure of her feelings, just quietly watching the girl standing there, neither humble nor proud, without a smile yet radiating an otherworldly grace that made one forget worldly concerns.

At that moment, Xianglan looked up, her clear eyes meeting Jiang Xiyun’s bright ones. Their gazes met briefly before both lowered their eyes.

Lin Jinlou stood by the door, half-squinting as he looked between the two women, then glanced at Madam Qin, who gave him a quick look before lowering her head to drink tea. Everyone had their thoughts, except Lin Jinxuan, whose mind was simple. He looked at Xianglan, then at Jiang Xiyun, seeing them as equally beautiful. Looking closer, Xianglan had the air of an immortal “wishing to ride the wind home,” radiant like a hidden orchid; Jiang Xiyun was a worldly beauty, gracefully standing out among thousands, with her clever smile and charm.

Looking again and again, he felt that however beautiful they were, neither compared to his wife Tan Luhua, who had not only beauty but also gentleness and depth of character. He glanced at Tan Luhua, only to see her staring at Xianglan and Xiyun, the handkerchief in her hands twisted into a rope.

Old Madam Jiang looked them both over again before smiling faintly at Madam Qin, “Young Master Lou is truly blessed with beauty, I never imagined such an exquisite person existed in this world.”

Jiang Xiyun smiled, “When she first came out, I thought for a moment a celestial maiden had descended.”

Lin Dongxiu said, “Xianglan is excellent at the four arts, and her embroidery patterns are fresh and interesting. Tomorrow she can draw some for you too.”

Tan Luhua said with an ambiguous smile, “Not just clever with her hands, but clever in mind too.”

Jiang Danyun glanced at Jiang Xiyun and said softly, “How wonderful. Fifth Sister is also skilled at patterns, though she’s lazy and doesn’t like to draw. I’ve been worried about what patterns to use for my new clothes, and now we’ve found someone.”

Jiang Xiyun smiled, “Just the other day I embroidered a handkerchief for Fourth Sister, and she called me lazy. I won’t have that.”

Madam Qin just smiled.

Lin Jinlou beckoned to Xianglan, “Come along.” He bowed to everyone and left with Xianglan.

Once outside, Xianglan let out a long breath. After leaving Rongshou Hall’s courtyard and entering the corridor, Lin Jinlou pinched Xianglan’s cheek, grinning, “My dear, aren’t you grateful to your master for rescuing you from Madam’s room? If I hadn’t called you out, you’d still be doing needlework for Fourth Sister. Next time they call for you, don’t go. Needlework ruins the eyes – you might go blind.” He reached for her waist.

Xianglan jumped in fright and quickly punched him twice, saying, “You’ll be the death of me! We’re still outside – what if someone sees?”

Lin Jinlou said, “You’re too proper, living such a tiring life.” Seeing her face red as autumn fruit, he couldn’t resist picking her up like a chicken and holding her close, pointing to his face, “Quick, give me a kiss.”

Xianglan saw two young maids carrying trays, who stuck out their tongues and scurried away upon seeing them embracing. Her face turned bright red as she struggled.

Lin Jinlou said, “Hurry up, or I’ll change my mind and kiss your mouth instead,” moving to kiss her.

Xianglan quickly covered his mouth. Lin Jinlou kissed her palm, and when she moved her hand away, seeing no one around, she quickly stood on tiptoe to kiss his left cheek. Lin Jinlou grinned and bent down to give her a loud kiss on the face. Xianglan wiped her face while pushing him away, saying, “You’ll be the death of me!”

Lin Jinlou laughed, “You’re just too shy.” Taking her hand as they walked back, he continued, “Your skin is too thin. Today those two Jiang young ladies came, and Fifth Cousin has a good nature, understands subtleties, and knows how to handle things. Her charm rivals that of a courtesan… don’t glare at me, you think just anyone can be a top courtesan? First, they must be beautiful; second, they must be talented in the four arts, poetry, and literature, no less than noble ladies, able to compose poetry at will with all classics stored in their minds; third, they must have the skill, understand romance, show consideration, read people well, know how to speak and understand social cues. This last part is the most important. Among all the brothels along the Qinhuai River, only a few can produce top courtesans. With your silly ways, you’re lucky to be in my household. If you were in a brothel, being stubborn and driving people away with a few words, who knows how many beatings you’d get? Learn from Fifth Cousin – I’m not expecting you to be too clever, I’d be satisfied if you just learned to say a few nice things…”

Xianglan kept her head down without speaking, letting Lin Jinlou lead her back to Changchun Hall, but that’s another story.

Back in Rongshou Hall, after more conversation, a feast was set. When the meal ended and after some more casual talk, everyone dispersed. Madam Qin returned to her bedroom feeling exhausted and sat on the couch. She sent Hongzhen to check on the Jiang grandmother and granddaughters’ settlement in Mengfang Court and ordered Lulan to invite Aunt Xia and Lin Dongxiu. Aunt Xia arrived shortly, exchanged greetings with Madam Qin, and sat down. Lulan served tea, and they exchanged some pleasantries. When Lin Dongxiu entered, Madam Qin’s face immediately turned stern as she called her forward, saying coldly, “Kneel!”

Lin Dongxiu dropped to her knees with a thud, kowtowing, “Please calm your anger, Madam. I know my mistake.”

Madam Qin said, “Oh? Then tell me, what was your mistake?”

Lin Dongxiu said, “I shouldn’t have called Xianglan out. I was confused at the moment. Please have mercy on me and forgive me this once.” She kowtowed again.

Madam Qin said coolly, “Whether you were confused, you know in your heart. I’ll tell you once: this is your maiden home, and you’re about to be married, so naturally we treat you with extra care. But if you continue to act so willfully in your husband’s home, bringing shame to your maiden family would be the least of your concerns – you’ll know yourself whether life is good or bad, like drinking water and knowing its temperature. You may go.”

Lin Dongxiu glanced secretly at Madam Qin, kowtowed once more, and left.

Once she had gone, Madam Qin said solemnly, “Aunt Xia, I entrust Fourth Young Lady to you. Please teach her well, and the family will reward you generously.”

Aunt Xia was startled and quickly said, “Madam, you’re too kind.”

Madam Qin sighed deeply, showing fatigue, “You know what happened in the hall earlier.”

Aunt Xia remained silent. Madam Qin invited her to sit behind the screen and help observe the Jiang girls, which wasn’t a difficult task, so she agreed. From what she had seen earlier, Jiang Danyun was just an ordinary noble lady with acceptable manners and speech. If Jiang Danyun was slightly above average, then Jiang Xiyun was truly stunning. This girl was extremely shrewd inside but deliberately acted naive. Her beauty alone was exceptional, and her conduct and speech were naturally graceful with a clever air. Though she had her little schemes, she was still lovable. However, Chen Xianglan was the one who surprised her. She had previously thought Xianglan was just a beautiful concubine with a pretty face and hadn’t paid much attention, but today, standing together with Jiang Xiyun, they complemented each other, highlighting her extraordinary bearing. Especially those few steps as she came out of the room – flowing like water, with perfect deportment that even shocked her. Ordinary noble ladies couldn’t compare.

Madam Qin sighed, “Fourth Young Lady truly gives me no peace… It’s my fault too.” She sighed again, putting her teacup on the small table beside her. “My eldest daughter was born to a concubine, but I treated her as my own and kept her by my side. However, mother and daughter are naturally close, and how could Concubine Yin bear it? At that time, I was young and headstrong, quarreling with the Master, so I stopped caring for the eldest daughter. When I wanted to care for her again, she had already grown and had developed resentment toward me, constantly defying me and causing unpleasantness. After trying a few times, I lost my heart and let her be. Later, when the Master took another concubine and had Fourth Young Lady, I put my whole heart into teaching her, but she became close to the eldest daughter… ah…” Madam Qin began to cry.

Mother Wu, who had been standing nearby attending, quickly came forward with a handkerchief, saying, “Madam, don’t be sad. Each person has their fate.”

Madam Qin took a breath and said, “I taught her the same way I taught Second Young Lady, treating them equally, but this child has always been wary of me as if I would harm her. That’s why I invited Aunt Xia – we can’t let her marry into the Marquis’s household with such narrow views and mindset!”

Aunt Xia stood up and curtseyed, “I will do my utmost. Though Fourth Young Lady is stubborn and has some flaws, she’s not beyond teaching.”

Madam Qin wiped her tears and smiled with relief, “Then I trouble you with this task.” With a glance, Mother Wu immediately placed a red envelope on the ground, smiling, “The weather is getting hot, Aunt can have some cool clothes made.”

Aunt Xia accepted the envelope without demurring, curtseyed, and took her leave.

Madam Qin sighed deeply and reclined on the couch. Mother Wu quickly placed a backrest behind her, saying, “Madam has worked hard.”

Madam Qin gritted her teeth, “This is a good match we finally found. If it’s ruined like this, even though Fourth Young Lady is about to marry, I won’t let her off!” Her chest heaved violently.

Mother Wu quickly soothed Madam Qin’s chest and offered her the teacup, saying, “The weather is hot, Madam must take care of yourself. Please calm down.”

Madam Qin said, “You don’t know, the Jiang family is favored by both the Old Master and Master. Though they were originally a declining noble family, who knew this generation would produce Jiang Xuecheng, who became a Grand Secretary at such a young age! We thought he would stay in that position for decades, but unexpectedly the Emperor sent him to Zhejiang.”

Mother Wu said, “So he was demoted? I heard Lord Jiang only received a first-rank position in Zhejiang…”

Madam Qin sat up and smiled coldly, “Of course, he only received a first-rank position. I also thought Jiang Xuecheng had lost imperial favor, but later, not only did Master write, but even Old Master said the Jiang family might be rising. Now both the Crown Prince and Second Prince are eyeing the throne, gathering supporters everywhere. The Emperor likely has his preference and fears Jiang Xuecheng getting involved in the succession struggle, so he transferred him to quietly serve as Left Counselor in Zhejiang, with substantial actual power, waiting for the new Emperor to ascend the throne and recall him to the capital to bestow favors. Otherwise, why would they send Jiang Xuecheng first, then promote his eldest son to be the Prefecture Magistrate in Shandong? His eldest son had only been a seventh-rank County Magistrate for a year.” She sighed again and said to Mother Wu, “There may be more prestigious families than the Jiangs, but… you’re experienced and knowledgeable – how many noble ladies have you seen who can match Xianglan’s beauty?”

Mother Wu thought for a moment and smiled, “Xianglan is exceptionally beautiful. Only today’s Young Lady Jiang Five and the former First Madam whom Master married compare.”

Madam Qin nodded, “Indeed. I know my son – Jinlou has that romantic, womanizing nature. Otherwise, how could he have lost his head and married that lowborn Zhao Yuechan, and now be infatuated with Xianglan? The way he can’t let go and dotes without discrimination, I fear that if we don’t bring home a young lady who can take command, the inner household will cause trouble, perhaps even leading to a situation of ‘favoring a concubine over the wife.’ Two years ago when I saw the Jiang family’s Fifth Young Lady, I remembered her beautiful appearance and pleasing nature. Now seeing her again, she’s grown even more striking – didn’t you see how Jinlou seemed almost bewitched looking at her today? This matter is half accomplished – only someone so beautiful as her can rival Xianglan, and only someone so clever can control Jinlou’s inner household. She has a peaceful nature and a kind heart, so she can also accommodate Xianglan.”