Mother Wu asked, “Young Lady Xiyun does have a pleasing nature, but how does Madam know she has a peaceful disposition and kind heart?”

Madam Qin smiled slightly, “We’re already related by marriage, so it’s easy to make inquiries. Everyone who knows their family praises her, especially for being a filial child – otherwise, why would Old Madam be so fond of her?” Rubbing her temple, she continued, “But we can’t just rely on hearsay. We can observe her for some time before making a final decision. She does seem proper and lovable.”

Mother Wu sighed, “Madam truly exhausts herself with worry. Since ancient times, all mothers have worried themselves sick over their children.”

Madam Qin sighed softly, “These days I can only share such thoughts with you. If my sister-in-law were capable, I’d have someone to lean on, and Sister Yi is married…”

Mother Wu smiled consolingly, “Madam needn’t be sad. After some time, when the Master properly marries a First Madam, you can rest easy.”

Madam Qin sighed, “I hope so.”

Leaving Madam Qin and Mother Wu’s conversation aside, at Mengfang Court, when the three generations of the Jiang family returned, the rooms had been prepared. Old Madam rested in the bedroom, Xiyun stayed in the adjoining warm room, and Danyun was settled in the gauze chamber. After meeting the maids and servants assigned by Madam Qin, Old Madam sent everyone to rest. She sat on the large kang bed, propped open the window with a stone swallow, fingering her prayer beads while staring outside lost in thought. Suddenly hearing footsteps outside, she saw the curtain lift as Jiang Xiyun entered with a lowered head, saying nothing. She went straight to the bed, removed her shoes, and rolled onto it, snuggling against Old Madam, her head against her chest, small hands tugging at Old Madam’s sleeves.

Old Madam lovingly stroked Xiyun’s back, asking, “Is everything arranged in your room? Why do you look so dispirited?”

Xiyun replied glumly, “It’s nothing, Grandmother. Everything was fine at first, but the more I think about it, the more troubled I feel…”

Before she could finish, Liusu, Old Madam’s maid, entered saying, “Old Madam, Madam Qin has sent Hongzhen to check if you’re resting well.”

Old Madam quickly rose, saying, “Please invite her in.” Jiang Xiyun also hurriedly sat up.

Hongzhen entered with two young maids, smiling, “Our Madam is concerned about Aunt Old Madam, worried you might not be resting comfortably, so she sent me to check.”

Old Madam smiled, “How thoughtful of my nephew’s wife.”

Jiang Xiyun had already gotten off the bed, hurriedly smiling, “Sister, please sit.”

Hongzhen smiled, “No need to trouble yourself, Young Lady Xiyun.” She beckoned the two maids forward to place their items on the table, then said, “Old Madam must be tired from the journey, and with the hot weather and today’s conversations being taxing, Madam had the kitchen prepare a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup to help you beat the heat. Madam also said that although incense has been lit to repel insects and the window screens are fine-meshed, small insects might still get in, so she’s sending a brand new green flowered bed curtain.”

Old Madam had already uttered a Buddhist prayer, smiling warmly, “Everyone says my nephew’s wife is extremely attentive and considerate. My elder sister often praised her to me, but now I realize those praises don’t even capture a tenth of your family’s Madam’s virtues!”

Jiang Xiyun also blinked her big eyes and smiled sweetly, “Cousin-Aunt must be a heroine in simple hairpins. Grandmother just told me to learn well from Cousin-Aunt.”

Hongzhen smiled, “Earlier when we were chatting, Young Lady Xiyun admired the orchid in Madam’s room, so Madam asked me to bring it over for the young lady to enjoy, along with a pot of jasmine, which is also very fragrant.”

Old Madam said, “This is too much! She’s just a child speaking without thinking, how can we trouble my nephew’s wife so!”

Jiang Xiyun blushed, “It was thoughtless of me to mention it at Cousin-Aunt’s…”

Hongzhen smiled reassuringly, “It’s just a pot of flowers, Madam has more in her room. Please accept it, Young Lady.” After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Old Madam, she left with her maids.

Jiang Xiyun let out a deep breath and sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the elegant orchid on the table.

Old Madam gently patted her shoulder. Xiyun turned her head, and Old Madam, looking into her bright eyes, said softly, “Good child, Grandmother knows what you’re thinking…”

Xiyun remained silent, just softly leaning against Old Madam. She understood the deep meaning behind the flower gift. When she had praised the flower, Madam Qin had immediately sent someone to deliver it that evening, and it was only for her, not Danyun – Madam Qin’s preferential treatment was clear, as was her intention to reassure Xiyun. Before coming to the Lin family, her father and stepmother had repeatedly instructed her that her marriage to the Lin family was inevitable. Her Second Brother had inquired about Lin Jinlou, and she was well aware of the favored concubine in his household but hadn’t worried too much about it – how could a girl of maid origins, no matter how beautiful or capable, cause trouble under her authority? But after seeing Lin Jinlou today, and meeting Chen Xianglan in person, Jiang Xiyun realized this matter was far from simple.

Old Madam patted her shoulder rhythmically, saying, “Now that the Lin family’s Madam has gone to such lengths, you should let go of any remaining grievances or resentment.”

Xiyun remained silent. After Old Madam had held her for a while, she suddenly spoke, “How can I not feel aggrieved? Grandmother, must this marriage… happen?”

Old Madam released Xiyun and looked at the lovely, delicate young woman before her. Lovingly brushing the stray hair behind her ear, she said softly, “The Lin family has served as officials for generations, quietly growing deep roots and standing firm. Lin Jinlou is no mere playboy – he’s intelligent and excellent at studies. His writings have been praised by several great scholars. Unexpectedly, he gave up the brush for the sword, and in recent years has frequently earned military merit, rising in rank like a shooting star. He’s also skilled at networking – when the elder officials who frequently visit our family mention Lin Jinlou, they all say that despite his young age, he’s been immersed in officialdom since childhood and has become as cunning as Lin Zhaoxiang. Such a noble son-in-law is coveted by many families in the capital. Your Cousin-Aunt has chosen you, so how could your father not agree?”

Xiyun moved her lips. Old Madam sighed and drew her close again, saying, “Your grandfather passed early, and if not for your father’s excellence and the support of benefactors, our family would have declined. Now he’s left the cabinet for an outer post, and although several officials say he’ll surely be promoted in the future, the Emperor’s mind is hard to predict. The Emperor is still in his prime, and your father may have to endure in Jiangzhe for a long time. What if His Majesty forgets him…” Old Madam shook her head. “That’s why your parents hope for you to marry into the Lin family. Lin Zhangzheng is a powerful regional governor whose words carry great weight in court.”

Xiyun said glumly, “Has Grandmother thought about me? Lin Jinlou has a romantic nature and keeps such a favored concubine… That Chen Xianglan is truly beautiful, and her manner and conduct are rare even among young ladies.”

Old Madam was silent for a long time before patting Xiyun, saying, “Don’t rush, don’t rush, let’s observe for a while longer.” She turned to look at the orchid, thinking to herself: “Don’t fear, dear Xiyun. Grandmother will protect you and ensure your happiness and peace.”

Meanwhile, in the gauze chamber, just as Jiang Danyun was about to remove her makeup, Qingfen came in, sent away the small maid attending to washing, and whispered something in her ear.

Danyun started, her eyes widening, “What? They sent the orchid that Little Minx praised?”

Qingfen quickly covered Danyun’s mouth, saying urgently, “My Young Lady, lower your voice, don’t let others hear.”

Danyun smiled coldly, “Those two won’t hear, they must be rejoicing in their room right now.” Her eyes reddened as she continued, “Alas, I have no choice. If I hadn’t begged Father, would Old Madam have agreed to bring me? Old Madam doesn’t love me – even though I’m older than Fifth Sister, no good things come my way.”

Qingfen consoled her, “Don’t be discouraged, Young Lady. We’re still staying at the Lin family – eventually, they’ll recognize your worth.”

Feeling dissatisfied after much thought, Danyun adjusted her clothes and went out to the bedroom. Lifting the curtain, she saw Jiang Xiyun attending to Old Madam’s grooming. She put on a smile and stepped forward, saying, “I was just coming to attend to Grandmother, but Fifth Sister is already here.”

Old Madam glanced at Danyun, smiling faintly, “Fourth Girl is very filial.”

Danyun quickly took the comb, helping to comb Old Madam’s hair, saying with a smile, “No matter how filial I am, I can’t compare to Fifth Sister.” She smiled at Jiang Xiyun, “Fifth Sister has known how to care for Grandmother since childhood, making hats for cold weather, shoes for hot weather, knowing how to show care in every way. No wonder Grandmother loves you so much.”

Xiyun just pressed her lips together in a foolish smile, not responding.

Old Madam’s expression remained unchanged as she opened her eyes to look at Danyun in the mirror, smiling slightly, “I love all of you equally. Young ladies should all be cherished.” Her face suddenly turned serious, “Now that we’re staying with relatives, both of you should be careful in speech and action, showing the dignity and manner of noble ladies. Don’t be petty and quarrel over trivial matters – don’t let others look down on us! I’ll be the first to punish anyone who brings shame to the family!”

Danyun’s face immediately reddened. Both Danyun and Xiyun curtseyed, acknowledging the instruction. Just as Danyun was about to speak in her defense, Xiyun said cheerfully, “Earlier Cousin-Aunt sent two pots of flowers – an orchid for me and a double-petaled jasmine for Sister. I just smelled it, and it’s very fragrant.”

Danyun turned her head and indeed saw a pot of jasmine beside the orchid in the corner. She remembered that today Madam Qin had asked about the scent in her sachet, and she had said it contained jasmine petals. Madam Qin must have sent this flower for that reason, and thinking of this, she finally relaxed.

Old Madam opened her eyes and saw in the mirror that Danyun’s cheeks now showed faint happiness as if all her anger had subsided. She said mildly, “Don’t forget to thank them tomorrow morning – they thought of us even with just a pot of flowers.” Both young ladies responded in unison. From the corner of her eye, Old Madam saw her young granddaughter making a face at her, and she silently shook her head before closing her eyes again.