Chen Xiang Lan stared directly into Jiang Xi Yun’s eyes. As their gazes locked for a moment, she suddenly realized that Jiang Xi Yun wasn’t merely misunderstanding their rivalry but had other intentions to test and probe her. Though Jiang Xi Yun’s expression remained calm, her complex gaze betrayed her underlying thoughts.

Chen Xiang Lan smiled and said, “Young Lady Xi, as I said before, you are the daughter of a Grand Scholar, while I was initially just the daughter of a house-born servant. Even though you’re born of a concubine, you’re still a delicate flower raised in golden chambers and silver towers. I’m merely wild grass growing by a stream. The difference between us is as vast as many mountains – why trouble yourself over this?”

Jiang Xi Yun gazed at Chen Xiang Lan with steady eyes and slowly said, “Miss Xiang Lan, you’re beautiful and talented – why be so modest?” Her tone was calm but carried an underlying aggression.

Chen Xiang Lan stepped backward, lowering her gaze, and pointedly said, “Young Lady Xi, the maids are all still here. You’ve always been known as an innocent, likable girl, and Madam is especially fond of you.”

Jiang Xi Yun started, immediately understanding Chen Xiang Lan’s warning to exercise restraint. Looking around, she noticed several maids clearing away remnants of the feast nearby, while Tan Lu Hua stood in the pavilion, occasionally glancing in their direction. Her assertiveness weakened, and she also stepped back half a pace, saying, “Indeed, my aunt and I do get along well.”

Suddenly, Lin Jin Lou called out, “Why are you still standing there dazed? Don’t you know the Master is waiting to be served?”

Chen Xiang Lan was startled, turning to see Lin Jin Lou standing at the end of the winding path. She said to Jiang Xi Yun, “The Master calls for me, I must take my leave.” With that, she turned and left.

Jiang Xi Yun turned away, watching as Chen Xiang Lan lifted her skirts and hurried to Lin Jin Lou’s side. Lin Jin Lou strode off, stopping after a few steps to ask something. Chen Xiang Lan pulled something from her sleeve, and Lin Jin Lou took it, unfolding a five-colored cord with ornaments and placing it around her neck. Jiang Xi Yun strained to see – it was the magnolia pendant from earlier. Lin Jin Lou said a few more words while Chen Xiang Lan kept her head lowered, listening. Lin Jin Lou walked a few steps, turned back to look, and seemingly impatient with Chen Xiang Lan’s slow pace, grabbed her wrist and strode away.

A breeze rose again, but this time it only made Jiang Xi Yun feel irritated. Ruo Qing walked over, craning her neck to look, but Lin Jin Lou’s figure had long disappeared. She softly said, “Young Miss, shall we return?”

Jiang Xi Yun let out a long sigh, feeling utterly exhausted. A wave of frustration welled up from her heart. She quietly used her sleeve to cover her face, wiping away tears from the corners of her eyes, and left with Ruo Qing.

In Meng Fang Court, the doors and windows of Grandmother Jiang’s main room were tightly closed, with only Grandmother Jiang, Jiang Fei Yun, and Jiang Xi Yun remaining inside. Grandmother Jiang’s cough had worsened, and Jiang Fei Yun busily attended to her breathing, while Jiang Xi Yun knelt on the ground, head lowered.

After a bout of coughing, Grandmother Jiang’s face was streaked with tears. Jiang Fei Yun tried to wipe her face with a handkerchief, but Grandmother Jiang pushed it away, pointing a trembling finger at Jiang Xi Yun: “You disgraceful thing! Who told you to cheat in writing poetry, and who told you to go find Lin Jin Lou’s concubine!”

Jiang Xi Yun’s expression remained wooden as she said, “Granddaughter knows her mistake.”

Tears rolled down Grandmother Jiang’s face as she caught her breath and continued, “The poetry would have been forgivable – a woman’s lack of talent is her virtue’ – it’s no real fault to be unskilled in such frivolous matters. But that concubine – what is she? A servant’s offspring, no matter how beautiful, is still just a plaything. What’s your status, and what’s hers? Yet you went running after her – she’s not even worthy to carry your shoes!”

Jiang Xi Yun paused before responding, “She’s not just beautiful, she truly has talent, far beyond an ordinary concubine. To be honest, I somewhat admire her.”

Grandmother Jiang laughed coldly, “Are you afraid of her?”

Jiang Xi Yun declared firmly, “How could I fear her? No matter how clever or capable she is, she’s still just a concubine who can never rise to a proper position!”

Grandmother Jiang heaved a long sigh, “Xi’er, you’ve always been the most sensible and steady one. How did you become so impulsive today?”

Jiang Fei Yun quickly brought a cup of tea, helping Grandmother Jiang take a sip, and said, “Grandmother, please calm down. Fifth Sister just couldn’t contain herself momentarily. Today, Fourth Miss Lin and Madam Tan indeed were too humiliating, and that Chen Xiang Lan played the good person in between – it’s truly infuriating.” Then she spoke softly to Jiang Xi Yun, “Let Big Sister tell you something – this marriage is ninety-nine percent certain. I heard the Lin family is already looking for suitable official matchmakers. Sister, you’re too anxious. What about Chen Xiang Lan? How could she possibly overshadow you in the future? After you marry in, you can deal with her slowly.”

Grandmother Jiang coughed forcefully again, and Jiang Fei Yun quickly brought the spittoon. After Grandmother Jiang spat and rinsed her mouth with tea, she said, “The elders handle all matters – it’s not your place to speak up personally. Don’t forget, am I, your grandmother, just for show? Even though the Lin family is prestigious, I won’t let them wrong you! But going to find Chen Xiang Lan alone was wrong. What if it reaches Lin Jin Lou’s ears? Won’t the Lin family think you’re not virtuous?”

A bitter smile slowly appeared on Jiang Xi Yun’s face. She shuffled forward on her knees, grasping Grandmother Jiang’s hand, “Grandmother, I know you love me, but in the current situation, even with countless grievances, I still have to marry into their family.”

Grandmother Jiang started, her heart sinking, and said sternly, “Is marrying into the Lin family such a hardship for you?”

“No, I’m not suffering,” Jiang Xi Yun replied calmly. “For a family like ours, being chosen by the Lin family is certainly marrying up. Moreover, Lin Jin Lou is an outstanding man of his generation, young and promising. It’s remarkable that at his age, he doesn’t even have any children by concubines, and only has one favored concubine in his rear courtyard. None of the families Grandmother initially chose compare to the Lin family, isn’t that right?”

Jiang Fei Yun couldn’t help but interject, “If so, then why did you…”

Jiang Xi Yun took a deep breath and said, “At first, I thought Aunt chose me because she worried about Lin Jin Lou’s love for his beautiful concubine, fearing future scandal of a favored concubine overshadowing the wife, and wanted me to manage the inner household well after marriage. Gradually, I realized something was wrong. Lin Jin Lou elevates Chen Xiang Lan in everything, and though Aunt disapproves, she surprisingly hasn’t opposed it! I originally thought she just didn’t want to contradict her son, but later I heard from Chang Chun Hall’s maid Spring Ling that Chen Xiang Lan saved Aunt’s life!”

Grandmother Jiang and Jiang Fei Yun exclaimed in shock, “What?”

Jiang Xi Yun shook her head, “Even Spring Ling doesn’t know the details. But after these repeated incidents, I realized the Lin family’s interest in me isn’t just about controlling Chen Xiang Lan, but about tolerating her! Chen Xiang Lan is beautiful and capable, with Second Madam Lin and Fourth Miss Lin backing her, Sister Yi praising her endlessly, and more importantly, Lin Jin Lou dismissed all his other concubines for her and still let her sleep in the main chamber. Grandmother, after I marry in, I might just be a puppet, a decoration!”

Grandmother Jiang and Jiang Fei Yun were deeply shaken, both speechless.

Jiang Xi Yun continued, choking with emotion, “I know Grandmother loves me and wants to arrange everything perfectly, but now circumstances are stronger than people. I must marry into the Lin family – surely I can’t always rely on my maiden family for support after marriage? Besides, I can’t accept it in my heart. Why? Why must I accept my fate before the engagement and willingly become that puppet, that decoration?”

Jiang Xi Yun’s expression suddenly became determined, her eyes bright as burning candles: “People aren’t plants or trees. What woman doesn’t wish for marital harmony? Why pretend to be noble and virtuous? The Lin family hopes I’ll be a virtuous and generous wife, filial to parents above, serving my husband, caring for concubines below, looking after children born to concubines, living in silk and jade while watching my husband embrace and dote on concubines, growing old in the inner courtyard. Even if I must do it for the family’s future, I… I’m not willing!”

The two women in the room stared in astonishment. Jiang Fei Yun stammered, “Fi-Fifth Sister, such words can only be said behind closed doors – speaking them outside would be disastrous!”

Tears fell as Jiang Xi Yun said, “A woman’s life is too difficult. The family sees this marriage as glorious, but only I know its bitterness. When things go well, the family benefits, but when I face hardship, I can only swallow it alone. Grandmother loves me, but who can look after me for life? My family bore and raised me, so naturally I must do my part now, but I shouldn’t just wait passively for fate. When Lin Jin Lou gave that magnolia pendant to Chen Xiang Lan earlier, I made up my mind. While the marriage isn’t yet settled, I must fight for myself somehow. That’s why I went to find Chen Xiang Lan. She has repeatedly overshadowed me, surely harboring hostile intentions. When she tells Lin Jin Lou about our conversation, we can see his attitude. The Lin family is likely committed to this marriage, so we should also pressure Lin Jin Lou – if he truly wants this marriage, he shouldn’t elevate a concubine to such a position. He should show proper consideration for the future. Though our Jiang family seeks their favor, we aren’t to be pushed around at will. No matter how desirable this marriage is, we shouldn’t lower ourselves too much!”

Grandmother Jiang tremblingly reached out, pulling Jiang Xi Yun up into her embrace, choking with emotion, “Good, good child. You’re so brave and decisive, no less than a man. Grandmother will risk everything to support you this time. You’re right – why should we retreat so far? While nothing is settled, we must at least try to fight.”

Jiang Fei Yun hesitated, “What if… what if we can’t win?”

“Then I’ll accept my fate!” Jiang Xi Yun leaned in her grandmother’s embrace, her eyes clear. “But how can I accept giving in without even trying? Yes, the Lin family is noble, and we need their favor, but a daughter of the Jiang family shouldn’t demean herself so!”

Outside the main room, Qing Fen peered from behind the curtain, but seeing two maids – Liu Su and Ruo Qing – guarding the door, she had to turn back. Jiang Dan Yun sat lazily on the kang in the outer room, examining herself with a mirror. Qing Fen whispered in her ear, “There are people guarding the door – can’t hear anything.”

Jiang Dan Yun sneered, “Good words aren’t said behind people’s backs, but behind-the-back words aren’t good. They guard against me like a thief – what’s the use? Didn’t they still lose face today? I don’t even want to hear what they’re saying in there. Come, let’s go out for a walk.” With that, she left with Qing Fen. Thinking there was nothing worth seeing at the Lin residence, she recalled how Tan Lu Hua had humiliated Jiang Xi Yun earlier, which had secretly pleased her, so she headed to Kang Shou’s residence. But that’s another story.

Just as these two left, knocking was heard outside the main room of Meng Fang Court. Liu Su called from the door, “Old Madam, Master Lin has sent someone with gifts.”

Everyone hurriedly wiped away their tears and adjusted their appearances and clothes, and Grandmother Jiang quickly said, “Please enter!” As the door opened, Spring Ling entered with two young maids, all carrying fabric. Spring Ling first greeted everyone cheerfully, then said, “As soon as the Master returned, he ordered gifts sent to Meng Fang Court. These two pieces of satin are for Old Madam to make clothes, these three pieces are for the three young ladies, and there are two more pieces for the sisters who couldn’t come to the Lin residence.” After placing these on the table, she brought out a cloisonné box and presented it, saying, “This ring is only for Fifth Young Lady – no one else received one!”

Grandmother Jiang took it and opened it to find a pure gold pearl-inlaid ring, the pearl lustrous and elegant. Grandmother Jiang smiled and handed it to Jiang Xi Yun, saying, “Quick, look – this is truly a fine thing.”

Spring Ling quickly added, “Indeed! Though the Master is generous, such fine things aren’t given to just anyone.”

Grandmother Jiang felt somewhat better, smiled faintly, and repeatedly ordered rewards for Spring Ling. Jiang Xi Yun personally escorted everyone to the door, had others step away, and quietly asked, “How was Eldest Cousin when he returned?”

Spring Ling replied, “Nothing much. He gave Chen Xiang Lan some instructions and went to the front courtyard, then ordered Imperial Physician Zhang to come again.”

Jiang Xi Yun asked curiously, “Imperial Physician Zhang? Who’s ill in the household?”

Spring Ling said, “Oh, no one’s ill. It’s just Chen Xiang Lan – she hasn’t conceived yet, so the Master specially invited a physician to examine her. She’s taken dozens of doses of medicine with no results, and the Master’s getting impatient, wanting to call the physician back to try a different prescription.”

Jiang Xi Yun’s tightly knitted brows finally relaxed. She patted Spring Ling’s shoulder and said, “I understand. Thank you – if you hadn’t mentioned making knee warmers, I couldn’t have made such a clever gift.” She pulled out a red envelope from her sleeve and gave it to her.

Spring Ling smiled, “I just mentioned it in passing – it was Young Lady’s brilliance.” She quietly tried to push the red envelope back.

Jiang Xi Yun smiled, “Don’t be modest. I’ll need your help plenty in the future.”

Only then did Spring Ling accept the red envelope, saying, “Young Lady truly shows her noble upbringing – so generous, unlike those petty ones. It’s a pleasure to serve Young Lady.” With that, she left with her companions.

Returning to Chang Chun Hall, Spring Ling passed the book pavilion. As she was about to enter the room, she heard Hua Shan inside saying, “Where’s Sister Spring Ling? Madam just looked for her, wanting her to send two boxes of fresh fruit to Madam’s room in the Master’s name. This is a clever opportunity – who knows what rewards Madam might give?”

Xiao Juan snickered, “Looking for her? She just snatched Ling Qing’s task and ran like a dog to deliver fabric to Meng Fang Court. She’s now ‘physically in Cao’s camp but the heart with Han’ – planning to climb higher branches!”

Ling Qing sighed, “Who knows what she’s thinking? The Aunt treats her well, giving her all the prestigious tasks, yet she still mutters complaints all day. If I were the master, seeing her behavior, I’d have thrown her out long ago.”

Ling Su said, “She’s just unhappy. Remember how grand she used to be? She practically could boss the Aunt around. Now who still treats her words as orders?”

Spring Ling’s face flushed with anger. She forcefully lifted the curtain and stomped in, and the room instantly fell silent. Spring Ling coldly surveyed everyone in the room. No one paid her any attention, all just keeping their heads down working. Even Xue Ning, who used to chat with her, remained silent, just picking at walnuts with small silver tweezers.

Spring Ling returned to the inner room with a dark face. Previously, whenever she quarreled with any maid, Chen Xiang Lan would always mediate and persuade with kind words. But later, Chen Xiang Lan stopped intervening, leaving it to Shu Ran to handle, letting her learn several hard lessons. She gradually understood that Chen Xiang Lan was no longer that timid and dispirited young girl who first entered the Lin family – she had truly become her superior, but Spring Ling found it increasingly difficult to bow to this reality.

Though Chen Xiang Lan never skimped on rewards and often chatted with her casually, Spring Ling saw it all as mere pretense. If she truly valued their old relationship, she should have known what Spring Ling wanted – to oversee all affairs. Why let the likes of Xiao Juan climb above her?

Only when the Jiang family arrived did she see hope. Jiang Xi Yun came from a noble family, was sweet and likable, honest and generous, always greeting her with a warm smile, giving abundant rewards, and loving to tell jokes and jest. Moreover, her maids were far more pleasant than the likes of Xiao Juan and Hua Shan, always addressing her as “Sister.” She gradually grew closer to the Jiang family, even telling Xue Ning and several young maids about Jiang Xi Yun’s many virtues.

Unexpectedly, when Shu Ran learned of this, she was furious and punished Spring Ling by making her stand in the corridor holding a water basin all afternoon. All the passing maids pointed and whispered, and even Xue Ning distanced herself after this. This was a great humiliation, and afterward, Spring Ling simply grew even closer to Jiang Xi Yun – everyone knew Jiang Xi Yun was Madam Qin’s favored future daughter-in-law. Good birds naturally choose the proper trees to perch on. Once Jiang Xi Yun married in and took charge, she would rise to become a trusted confidante and properly deal with Shu Ran, Xiao Juan, and the others – let them all see then!

Leaving Spring Ling’s situation aside for now, let’s turn to Tan Lu Hua, who finally returned to Kang Shou’s residence after a busy half-day. Entering the room, she saw Lin Jin Xuan writing large characters at his desk and said, “Second Master, don’t stand all the time. Sit while writing for a while, or you’ll exhaust yourself and won’t sleep well tonight.”

Lin Jin Xuan smiled, “Am I really that weak? Come look, which of these characters is better?” He also asked about the poetry society matters.

Tan Lu Hua frowned and said, “Don’t mention it – that little hussy from the Jiang family ruined everything.” She gave Lin Jin Xuan a detailed account, then asked, “Is Big Brother going to marry into the Jiang family?”

Lin Jin Xuan said, “That’s the elders’ decision – we can’t control it. Anyway, we live our lives, they live theirs. It won’t affect you and me.”

Tan Lu Hua snorted, “If she gets her way – with that unwilling-to-lose nature – who knows what pillow talk she’ll whisper to Big Brother, stirring up discord between you brothers.”

Just then, Cai Ming entered and said, “Second Madam, Miss Dan has arrived.”

Tan Lu Hua asked surprisingly, “What’s she here for?” She rose to welcome her guest and ordered maids to serve fine tea and fruits. The two sat down, and Jiang Dan Yun, also wanting to befriend Tan Lu Hua, deliberately spoke pleasantly. Tan Lu Hua held no ill feelings toward her, and they soon found themselves engaged in agreeable conversation. Tan Lu Hua specially ordered maids to bring out the zither from her dowry and invited Jiang Dan Yun to play.

After chatting and laughing for a while, they grew increasingly cordial. Tan Lu Hua took a sip of tea and suddenly sighed, “Sister Dan, let me say something I shouldn’t… never mind, I’d better not.”

Jiang Dan Yun smiled, “It’s alright, Second Sister-in-law, go ahead.”

Tan Lu Hua spoke earnestly, “I see you as someone well-educated and proper, so dignified and virtuous – how did you end up with such a younger sister? Tsk tsk, born from the same father, yet so vastly different. I’d rather have you as my sister-in-law!”

This struck right at Jiang Dan Yun’s heart. She blushed and pretended to be angry, giving Tan Lu Hua a look, “Second Sister-in-law, what are you saying!” She sighed again, “How could I compare to Fifth Sister’s charm? Aunt is so fond of her.”

Tan Lu Hua said, “Pardon my saying so, but Mother-in-law must be confused, mistaking stone for gold.”

This hit Jiang Dan Yun’s heart again. She sighed, “I knew Second Sister-in-law was discerning. My little sister may seem honest, but she never loses out. I won’t even mention how much grievance I’ve suffered since childhood – now even good marriage prospects go to her first. But what use is your keen eye? This marriage is about to be settled.”

Tan Lu Hua sneered, “Sister Dan, you’re too good-natured. If it were me, even if I couldn’t have this good marriage, I wouldn’t let her be so smug!”

Before she finished speaking, suddenly there was a loud crash. Both women were startled, then heard Qian Luo screaming, “I knew it, you fatherless, motherless, rotten-bottomed slut! You’re jealous that Second Master trusts me, so you want to kill me!”

Cai Feng shouted, “Let go! Let go!” Then screamed again.

Others tried to mediate, “Stop fighting! Stop fighting!”

Tan Lu Hua frowned and forced a smile at Jiang Dan Yun, “Sister, please sit. I’ll go see what’s happening.” She rose and went out. She saw Cai Feng and Qian Luo fighting in the courtyard, their hair disheveled, hairpins scattered, and clothes in disarray, while several maids and servants tried to separate them.

Qian Luo cried between words, “You slut, you’re jealous of my relationship with Second Master, using such despicable methods. I’ll die with you today and let King Yama sort out who’s right and wrong!” She lunged at Cai Feng again.

Cai Feng dodged while shouting, “Nonsense, spewing filth, you’re framing me! Miss won’t let this end here!”

Tan Lu Hua shouted angrily, “Stop this at once! Have you no manners!”

This shout, like “one bird entering the forest silencing hundreds,” quieted everyone, and they all knelt.

There was indeed a reason for all this. Since Tan Lu Hua became involved with Dai Rong, they have grown inseparable. Tan Lu Hua, being emotionally susceptible, and Dai Rong, being experienced, after several encounters, had Tan Lu Hua completely devoted, following Dai Rong’s every word. Though naturally miserly, she willingly spent large sums on Dai Rong. Dai Rong extracted considerable money from her, returning some inexpensive hairpins and cosmetics. Tan Lu Hua treasured these as precious gifts, feeling Dai Rong worthy of her deep affection.

Zhao Yue Chan then ordered Dai Rong to give Tan Lu Hua medicine that would prevent conception, to be given to Chen Xiang Lan, promising various benefits. Dai Rong persuaded Tan Lu Hua to do it, but unexpectedly, Tan Lu Hua showed some loyalty, telling Cai Feng, “Since marrying into the Lin family, from masters to servants, everyone looks down on me, gossiping behind my back. Only Chen Xiang Lan treats me well, constantly sending gifts and always speaking kindly. How can I give her this medicine? Later, throw it away for me. When I return to Brother Dai, I’ll just say Chen Xiang Lan already took it – anyway, her belly shows no signs now.” She then gave the silk package containing the medicine to Cai Feng.

This Cai Feng had her calculations. Since Tan Lu Hua was wholly devoted to Dai Rong and unwilling to let Lin Jin Xuan near, she told Cai Feng that after some time, she would arrange for Cai Feng to become Lin Jin Xuan’s concubine, which Cai Feng naturally welcomed. However, Lin Jin Xuan had a personal maid called Qian Luo who was favored by Aunt Yin. Aunt Yin occasionally suggested to Lin Jin Xuan that he take Qian Luo as a concubine.

Soon, Cai Feng and Qian Luo became rivals. Both were fierce women who wouldn’t back down, leading to several unpleasant confrontations. Cai Feng grew vicious and secretly told Cai Ping, “That little hussy Qian Luo is too hateful. I have this medicine that prevents children – I’ll give it to her tomorrow. Even if Second Master elevates her, she won’t be able to bear children, suffering a lifetime of torment!” She even showed the medicine package to Cai Ping.

However, Cai Ping was two-faced, pretending to be friendly with Cai Feng while envying her trust in Tan Lu Hua. She turned around and stirred trouble, telling Qian Luo about this matter.

Qian Luo, being straightforward, wouldn’t accept this slight. She caused this scene, and seeing Tan Lu Hua arrive, knelt and grabbed her skirt, crying loudly, “Second Madam, you must give me justice! That wicked Cai Feng has a black heart, wanting to make me take medicine that prevents children!”

Cai Feng also knelt, face pale, saying, “Second Madam, don’t believe her nonsense!”

Qian Luo cried, “How is this nonsense?” She pulled out the medicine package from her clothes, and presented it to Tan Lu Hua, “This was found under Cai Feng’s pillow. She still dares deny it – Sister Cai Ping told me everything!”

When Tan Lu Hua saw that silk pouch, her temples immediately began throbbing. Furious, she knocked the pouch from Qian Luo’s hand and glared at Cai Feng, who knew she had done wrong and shrank back, lowering her head.

Cai Ping never expected Qian Luo to be so impulsive, unable to prevent this scene from unfolding. Terrified and trembling, she quickly knelt and said, “This isn’t true, Second Madam, Qian Luo is making it all up!”

Qian Luo shouted, “Every word is true. Whether it’s true or not, just have a doctor examine this medicine and we’ll know!”

Jiang Dan Yun, leaning on the windowsill, saw everything. Though she wanted to watch more of this drama, she knew staying longer would be improper. So she bid farewell to Lu Ruo and left quietly with Qing Fen, walking along the wall. Halfway through, she suddenly spotted a small silk pouch ahead – looking closely, it was the very “child-preventing medicine” Qian Luo had been shouting about, which Tan Lu Hua had knocked away, landing near a stone bench in the courtyard.

Jiang Dan Yun initially wanted to pretend she hadn’t seen it, but somehow Tan Lu Hua’s words echoed in her ears: “Sister Dan, you’re too good-natured. If it were me, even if I couldn’t have this good marriage, I wouldn’t let her be so smug!” As if possessed, she slowly bent down, pretending to pick up her dropped fan, and secretly grasped the medicine package in her palm.