While Lin Jinlou was exchanging greetings with cupped hands, he suddenly saw young Master De walking over with a cup of wine, formally saying, “Nephew offers Uncle Lin a cup of wine.”

Lin Jinlou smiled warmly, took the wine, and drank it, then ruffled young Master De’s head, saying, “Good boy, you seem to have grown taller these past few days. I’ll take you horseback riding again soon.”

Young Master De’s eyes sparkled as he jumped up and hugged Lin Jinlou’s leg, bouncing excitedly, “Really?”

Lin Jinlou pinched the child’s round cheeks, his heart melting. At his age, he should have had such a robust child of his own. If Xiang Lan had children, she wouldn’t need to be so cautious anymore. Since Jiang Xiyun entered the household, Xiang Lan had become increasingly careful. She was naturally timid, but now she barely dared to breathe, yielding in everything. He couldn’t understand what she was afraid of – she was his beloved concubine, what difficulties could she not share with him? Even if he intended to marry Jiang Xiyun, he would never mistreat her. He was well aware of the Jiang family’s intentions, coming after that jade pendant. If Xiang Lan were truly inferior in skill, that would be one thing, but trying to play games under his nose? Not a chance.

At this moment, everyone came forward with their cups to toast, saying he must drink three cups as punishment.

Lin Jinlou didn’t decline and drank three cups in succession. Everyone cheered and laughed, crowding him to his seat. Seeing this, Shuang Xi quickly poured wine into Lin Jinlou’s cup, while Ji Xiang hastily arranged his favorite dishes on the small white plates before him. Lin Jinlou beckoned, and Shuang Xi immediately bent down to listen. Lin Jinlou whispered, “Go get the household token from Shu Ran and send someone to invite Doctor Zhang. Tell him that after taking several doses of medicine, there’s still no news about the belly, ask him to come examine again and perhaps try a different prescription.”

Shuang Xi ducked his head, thinking to himself, “My lord, you’re about to arrange marriage with the Jiang family, yet still thinking about getting Xiang Lan with a child? Aren’t you worried that having a firstborn son by a concubine would upset Miss Jiang?” He looked up, intending to exchange meaningful glances with Ji Xiang, but Ji Xiang gave him a fierce glare. Shuang Xi ducked his head again and ran off like the wind.

Soon, everyone took turns toasting Lin Jinlou, who reciprocated each toast. After the pleasantries, Chu Dapeng smiled and said, “I hear brother has been accompanying the Emperor these days and caught the Crown Prince’s eye. We brothers are truly envious. When good fortune comes your way in the future, don’t forget about us.”

Lin Jinlou pointed at him jokingly, “That’s heartless talk. Since childhood, when have I ever left you out of anything good?”

Liu Xiaochuan stirred things up, “That comment deserves a penalty drink!”

Chu Dapeng smiled and raised his wine cup, drinking it down as self-punishment.

Just then, Lu Chaozong came over with a cup of wine, smiling slightly at Lin Jinlou, “Let me offer Brother Lin a toast.”

Lin Jinlou also stood up, beaming, “Brother Lu is too kind.”

After they exchanged toast, Lu Chaozong smiled, “Since Brother Lin returned to Jinling, we haven’t seen each other for two or three years.”

Lin Jinlou said, “We’re family relatives, we should visit more often.” Then he called out loudly, “Quickly, add a chair at this table for Lord Lu.”

Lu Chaozong felt honored and sat beside Lin Jinlou. As an Imperial Guard of the Right Wing, though only sixth rank, his position was prestigious with boundless prospects. After exchanging pleasantries with Lin Jinlou, he smiled and said, “These past few days, my wife’s family relatives have been imposing on your household.”

Lin Jinlou smiled, “Brother Lu is being too formal.”

While pouring wine for Lin Jinlou, Lu Chaozong continued, “Speaking of which, my humble wife often mentions that her fifth sister is beautiful, graceful, kind-hearted, filial, and likable – admirable and lovable in every way. When the sisters were together before, they might occasionally bicker, but Fifth Sister never quarreled, always maintained a pleasant demeanor, often mediated disputes, and always shared good things with her siblings. She’s particularly skilled at needlework, having made several sets of clothes for her nephew from head to toe. Brother Lin, if you need anything made, just ask her.” He raised his cup and clinked glasses with Lin Jinlou again, making small talk while repeatedly praising Jiang Xiyun’s virtues.

Lin Jinlou understood clearly Lu Chaozong’s intentions in saying these things. With only women from the Jiang family currently staying in the household, it wouldn’t be appropriate for them to praise themselves. Coming from Lu Chaozong’s mouth, the praise seemed more natural. He just smiled and listened quietly as Lu Chaozong continued offering toasts, which Lin Jinlou accepted without refusing. Lu Chaozong’s face grew increasingly cheerful. Liu Xiaochuan muttered under his breath, “What a thing, such a bootlicker.”

Chu Dapeng kicked him under the table, “Say less, haven’t you noticed Tyrant Lin is drinking all his toasts?”

Liu Xiaochuan shut his mouth, rubbing his nose sullenly. He and Lu Chaozong had once been friends, but Lu Chaozong looked down on his wastrel ways, calling him a “good-for-nothing living off ancestral glory” at a banquet. When the words reached Liu Xiaochuan’s ears, they became enemies.

Then Tao Hongxun came to toast Lin Jinlou, who drank and smiled, “Let’s do something refined today. I invite everyone to appreciate some paintings.” As he spoke, seven or eight servants entered carrying scrolls of paintings to distribute among the guests.

When everyone unrolled them, they saw various subjects – landscapes, flowers, birds, figures, all different.

Lin Jinlou smiled, “These were painted by my beloved concubine. You’re all cultured gentlemen, please tell me if these paintings meet your standards?”

Liu Xiaochuan immediately perked up, looking at Lu Chaozong with schadenfreude, and called to Yuan Shaoren, “Old Yuan, come look at this one, it’s painted… uh… excellently.” Yuan Shaoren came over to look and saw it was a “Falling Flowers and Swimming Fish” painting, executed entirely in wet technique, with carp swimming among falling flowers and flowing water, in myriad poses, lifelike and vivid.

Yuan Shaoren couldn’t help exclaiming, “Excellent painting!”

Xie Yu nodded, “Remarkable that each piece is a masterwork. Brother Yuan, come see this orchid – the thick ink is rounded and elegant, extremely refined.”

Liu Xiaochuan rolled his eyes, “You speak as if you know something. Do you understand it?”

Xie Yu replied, “Even if I don’t understand, perhaps you, the great talent Liu, do?”

Liu Xiaochuan chuckled, “Of course, I don’t understand, but someone does, right, Brother Lu? Brother Lu has a great fortune in love, having married the capital’s first talented lady, who I hear is also skilled in painting. Brother Lu, please judge – does the capital’s talented lady or the Eagle General’s concubine paint better?”

Lu Chaozong was secretly furious. Earlier, he had praised Jiang Xiyun at length, but Lin Jinlou had barely responded beyond perfunctory agreement. Yet now he was showing everyone paintings, elevating his concubine. Lu Chaozong felt he had lost face. When he first unrolled the painting, he had been secretly shocked. As a member of a noble family, accomplished in both civil and military arts, he had real knowledge and skill. Seeing these paintings, he knew the artist’s technique was superb, with elevated artistic conception, worthy of being called a master, naturally superior to Jiang Feiyu’s paintings. However, publicly admitting that the capital’s first talented lady painted worse than someone’s concubine would be too embarrassing. Yet not admitting it would also invite ridicule if word got out. He forced a smile and said, “I’m just a rough man, how could I judge such things? Each has its merits.”

Liu Xiaochuan grinned, “Brother Lu is too modest. Why not bring your wife’s ink treasures, and we can compare them?”

Chu Dapeng gaped, “This painting is signed ‘Lan Xiang Hermit’ – could it be the highly renowned artist from the Jinling area? Her paintings have always been hard to obtain. Who would have thought she was brother’s concubine?” He shook his head, his face showing both admiration and respect. Lin Jinlou looked quite pleased.

Tao Hongxun said, “My master’s home also has a Water-Dripping Guanyin painted by Lan Xiang Hermit, perfect in form and spirit, dignified and magnificent. It’s still enshrined in the master’s wife’s Buddha hall.”

Lin Jinlou’s expression remained casual, his eyes full of mirth, “In her youth, she received true teachings from the painting nun Master Ding Yi of Jinling. She just enjoys painting, and I don’t like to restrict her. Who knew she’d establish such a reputation behind my back? Don’t talk about paintings being hard to obtain – today we’re all close friends and relatives, each person can have one.”

Liu Xiaochuan laughed again, “Brother, I’m not just flattering you, but even the people in your household are top-notch. You have a talent for stealing fragrance and jade.” He gave a thumbs-up at the end.

Lin Jinlou was pleased with the first few sentences, but after hearing the last half, immediately glared at Liu Xiaochuan.

Everyone understood the implication and began praising the paintings’ merits. Some quietly commented, “It’s a pity she’s just a concubine, otherwise the title of first talented lady would change hands.”

Lu Chaozong walked to the corridor with a dark face and called his trusted servant, telling him, “Go tell your mistress inside that she had me praise Fifth Miss’s virtues, but then he turned around and showed off his concubine’s face. I’m too embarrassed to stay here any longer.”

When Lin Jinlou went to relieve himself and returned, he saw Yuan Shaoren standing in the corridor. Lin Jinlou said, “Why are you out here? The sun is harsh outside, it’s cooler inside.”

Yuan Shaoren smiled, “Young Master De has run off somewhere to play, I came out to look for him.” He looked at Lin Jinlou a couple of times and chuckled, “From Brother Lu’s implications, this Fifth Miss Jiang seems to be talented in both appearance and ability, a rare lady under heaven. As your brother, I should congratulate you. Your beloved concubine is accomplished in literature and painting, and your future wife will be clever and charming – you truly have good fortune in love.”

Lin Jinlou smiled carelessly, “Fifth Miss Jiang just has a pretty face and knows how to please people.”

Yuan Shaoren raised his eyebrows slightly. Lin Jinlou, long immersed in official circles, had become highly perceptive. Those trying to play tricks under his nose would quickly reveal what kind of fox spirit they were. His previous words had hidden meanings, so Yuan Shaoren asked, “Oh? Could it be the Jiang family is being deceptive, and what was said earlier wasn’t true?”

Lin Jinlou said, “Every word spoken was true. Fifth Miss Jiang indeed appears peaceful and non-confrontational, but her ‘non-confrontation’ comes from being powerless to compete, so she temporarily endures. Otherwise, she hides needles in cotton and is good at playing dumb and cute. When the opportunity arises to make trouble, she won’t let herself be disadvantaged again. Though not necessarily vindictive, her breadth of mind and generosity aren’t particularly great.”

Yuan Shaoren chuckled lightly, “So she’s not a good person?”

Lin Jinlou replied, “It’s not that she isn’t good – her character is already considerably better than average women. She’s clever and smooth, gets along with everyone, has a mind for business and prospects, and is extremely good at weighing advantages and disadvantages. She does have a sincere and warm side, but she’s afraid of being wronged. In the future, if you live together, you must treat her extremely well until she feels you’ve treated her well enough, then she’ll return true feelings. Or if you’re useful to her, even if she has grievances and dissatisfaction in her heart, she can still maintain an eager-to-please face. Old Yuan, you and I brothers have seen too many such people. Living in this world for years, naturally, everyone develops schemes – how many are truly foolish?”

Yuan Shaoren smiled, “For a young lady, being able to recognize situations, have methods, speak sweetly, pay attention to details, observe people’s expressions, and know how to be humble – that’s quite remarkable. If you marry her in the future, just treat her well, and you’ll have peaceful days of mutual respect.”

Lin Jinlou shook his head with a smile, “You don’t understand… Without someone else for comparison, she would indeed be considered quite remarkable… You see, there exists such a person in this world who willingly accepts losses, and endures any grievance or bullying without complaining or using schemes. Even when wronged, she still remembers others’ kindness. You might call her foolish, but her heart is clear as a mirror. I didn’t understand before, but now that I do, I truly admire her.”

Yuan Shaoren smiled, “Who are you talking about… Could it be your ‘cousin from Yangzhou’? Young Master De was just praising her at length, saying she’s very learned, gentle, and kind-hearted.”

Lin Jinlou merely smiled without answering, patted Yuan Shaoren’s shoulder, and walked inside.

Yuan Shaoren shook his head with a light laugh, thinking that for a woman to earn Lin Jinlou’s admiration, she must have more than just a pretty face. Remembering how Xiang Lan resembled Shen Jialian, he became wistful. He composed himself and went to look for Young Master De at the study. At the courtyard entrance, he saw Young Master De pulling a woman toward the study, accompanied by a maid in red and green. Young Master De was saying, “Good Aunt Lan, stay here. I’ll call Uncle Lin, please plead for me. I want to stay here, and when my father goes to the military camp, you can take me back.”

Xiang Lan found it amusing and stopped, bending down, “Why don’t you tell him yourself? Uncle Lin cares for you deeply.”

Young Master De wrung his hands, “That… that’s different. If I say it myself, Father will be heartbroken.”

Xiang Lan’s heart softened as she stroked Young Master De’s head, asking gently, “Why don’t you want to go home? Your father treats you so well.”

Young Master De lowered his head, kicking a stone with his little foot, “My father will return to camp in a few days, and I’ll be alone at home. It’s so boring – none of my brothers and sisters want to play with me, and Third Brother always bullies me, shooting me with his slingshot, and I can’t fight back.”

Xiang Lan’s heart tightened again. She crouched down and asked, “Where did he hurt you? Have you told your father?”

Young Master De shook his head, his bright black eyes looking at Xiang Lan as he grinned, “I threw mud at him too, made him so angry his face turned green!” Then he wrinkled his little face and said, “I hate him so much!”

Xiang Lan felt truly distressed and couldn’t help hugging Young Master De, patting him before letting go. Looking at his face, she said, “You’re the youngest at home and the most cherished. Except when he’s with the army, your father takes you everywhere and personally teaches you. Your Third Brother never received much attention from your father, so naturally, he’s jealous and treats you this way, understand? If your father ignored you and only took your other siblings around, you wouldn’t feel good either, would you?”

Young Master De thought for a moment and nodded.

Xiang Lan spoke slowly, “I can’t always be by your side, but let me tell you three things. If you do these, your brothers and sisters will all want to play with you. First, be generous in your dealings with others. Your toys, food, and various possessions are external things – the more you cherish something, the more you should share it with your siblings and friends. A good man values justice and public spirit. Second, speak kind words to others – words of comfort and warmth, and praise others more. A true man cannot be bitter and sarcastic like vulgar women, envious of others’ talents. Third, have a big heart, don’t hold grudges, learn to forgive.”

Xiang Lan gestured with her hand to show something tiny, saying, “If your heart is this small, you’ll fret over trivial matters. When others scold or hit you, you get angry, hold grudges, and seek revenge. Your heart becomes full of troubles – how can you cultivate yourself and handle great responsibilities in the future?” She then spread her arms wide, making a large circle, smiling, “But if your heart is this big, able to accommodate everything and willing to forgive others’ faults, then no matter what situation you face in the future, you’ll be at peace.”

Upon hearing this, Yuan Shaoren was secretly amazed, thinking, “Remarkable! For a mere woman to have such insight and breadth of mind! Even men might not compare!” He immediately felt profound respect.

Young Master De tilted his head, thought for a while, and asked, “What if I do all this and my brother still treats me badly?”

Xiang Lan smiled slightly, “At first he may still bully you, but if you persist, before long he will treat you well. Even if he doesn’t like you, he will respect you.” She then stroked Young Master De’s head and added, “For a family to prosper, siblings must be harmonious. External enemies aren’t as fearful as internal strife – once there’s a disorder within, a slight push from outsiders will scatter everything.”

Seeing Young Master De’s semi-comprehending expression, she sighed inwardly, thinking, “Young Master De is still young, and the Marquis is busy with affairs. Without proper guidance beside him, I fear these teachings will be forgotten soon.” She fell silent with some sadness when suddenly she heard a cough behind her. Xiang Lan turned to see Yuan Shaoren walking in from outside. Young Master De, upon seeing him, spread his arms and rushed over, crying, “Father!”

Yuan Shaoren embraced Young Master De and nodded with a smile at Xiang Lan.

Xiang Lan quickly curtsied, which Yuan Shaoren accepted with a slight turn of his body. Xiang Lan knew it wasn’t proper for her to meet Yuan Shaoren here, but having just taught Young Master De, she had many things she wanted to tell Yuan Shaoren. As she was considering how to begin, Yuan Shaoren spoke, “I heard everything Madam just said to Young Master De. Every word was golden advice. I’m truly ashamed of my lax household management and will provide better guidance in the future.”

Xiang Lan was startled and quickly replied, “The Marquis is too kind. Young Master De is an excellent child – kind-hearted, modest, and intelligent. It’s clear evidence of the Marquis’s teaching by example. He will surely achieve great things in the future.”

Yuan Shaoren looked at Xiang Lan and suddenly understood what Lin Jinlou meant by “without someone else for comparison, she would be quite remarkable.” He first saw Xiang Lan in a Yangzhou brothel, completely covered in Lin Jinlou’s clothes, unable to see her appearance. Later, when he went to the nunnery to organize her belongings, he was unimpressed by her talents, noting the melancholy in her poetry and thinking young women shouldn’t have such a disposition – those who loved to laugh and speak freely were more lovable and delightful. When he finally saw her, she was beautiful but lifeless, yet so similar to Jialian. But today, he realized she had internalized her radiance, becoming as tranquil as clear waters.

A surge of admiration rose within him, and he suddenly found himself at a loss for words, somewhat flustered. He coughed lightly and said, “I just saw your paintings in the front hall. They’re extremely vivid.”

Xiang Lan was briefly startled and said, “The Marquis is too kind. It’s just a minor skill.”

Yuan Shaoren smiled, “To call such excellent paintings a minor skill is too modest. The Eagle General was showing them off proudly earlier.”

Xiang Lan’s long lashes lowered as she softly said, “Oh.”

Yuan Sharon looked at her and said quietly, “He’s doing this… for your benefit. Pardon my boldness, but the Eagle General will eventually take a wife. It’s better to establish your position early, so you’ll be more comfortable in the future.”

Xiang Lan smiled faintly and said, “He doesn’t need to do this. Fighting for such empty fame is useless.”

Yuan Shaoren was shocked, feeling as if he had misheard. Fearing Young Master De might repeat these words, he asked Xiao Juan to take him aside to play, then said, “Such words from you might discourage people.”

Xiang Lan suddenly asked, “I often hear others say the Marquis is a deeply passionate person, devoted to Young Master De’s mother. Today I dare to ask, how did she pass away?”

Yuan Shaoren was shocked again and stared at her steadily. Xiang Lan’s calm, deep eyes seemed to peer into his soul. To him, it felt as if Jialian were looking at him, causing an indescribable pain in his heart. Suddenly feeling the urge to confide, unwilling to make up excuses anymore, he turned away, looking at the elegant lotus flowers in the courtyard’s large vat, and said:

“Young Master De’s mother was… the daughter of a convicted official. Because her father had shown kindness to my uncle, when her family fell from grace, my uncle brought her out from the courtesan quarter. When she first came to our home, she was barely alive, her face covered in tear tracks. After we saved her, she would curl up in corners daily, neither crying nor making trouble, completely silent. I pitied her circumstances and gave her the calligraphy and paintings her father had given me. When she saw them, she clutched them to her chest, slowly crouched down, buried her face in her arms, began to sob, and finally broke into heart-wrenching cries…”

“She was just a girl of ten or so, and I was especially tender toward her, always saving a portion of good things for her, and she grew close to me. She gradually recovered, developing a lively personality that loved to laugh and talk, and she was clever and skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. A few years later, when she came of age, I had already fallen for her and wanted to take her as a concubine. My late wife Wei had no children after marriage and had originally arranged two concubines for me, but for some reason, she refused to let me take Lianniang. Lianniang also didn’t want to be with me, and this matter dragged on for several years. However, being an official slave, what respectable marriage could she hope for? Moreover, we had feelings for each other. My uncle personally made the decision and gave her to me.”

“Initially, I kept Lianniang outside the household, and things were peaceful. Later, when Lianniang became pregnant, my uncle had her brought home. I favored Lianniang, which displeased Wei, who used schemes to torment her. Lianniang endured at first, then complained to me, and I meditated, but after several attempts, I lost patience. When Lianniang gave birth to Young Master De, I was serving as Commander-in-Chief, busy with numerous affairs, and grew impatient with dealing with household matters. When Lianniang complained to me again, she was scolded instead. She seemed to give up hope and never mentioned it again, instead using schemes to counter Wei, causing chaos. Both women came crying to me with explanations, making the household a mess, which made me even more annoyed, often staying outside. Later, when Wei wanted to take Young Master De to raise herself, somehow she fell from the fake mountain and nearly died. Everyone said Lianniang pushed her. I came home drunk and angry, questioned her furiously, and was about to give Young Master De to someone else to raise. Lianniang just stared at me silently, then suddenly two clear tears fell as she said…”

At this point, Yuan Shaoren couldn’t continue. He took a deep breath and said, “She said, ‘I was originally a pure and upright person, but for you, I’ve degraded myself to such a deplorable state. Even if I’ve schemed against others, it was because you forced me to, but I can say I’ve never done such base things as pushing people to harm them. Since you don’t believe me, I’ll prove my innocence with death.’ After saying this, she pulled the sword from the wall and slit her throat.”

The wind suddenly rose, and dark clouds gathered overhead as if rain were coming, with rolling thunder. Though the wind carried warmth, it chilled him to the bone, as pain spread from the depths of his heart. This was the first time he had shared this secret with an outsider. After all this time, the pain still made his whole body tremble. He spoke quickly, as if unburdening his heart to this woman who so resembled Lianniang would bring him redemption.

Yuan Shaoren continued woodenly, “After she died, half of me died with her… Later, I heard from her maid about the past and realized how unbearable her life had been… I had wronged her… After falling from the fake mountain, Wei became chronically ill and passed away a few years later. On her deathbed, she told me that she had slipped and fallen that day, and said she hated me – we had been married, but there was no love between us. I had originally despised her, but seeing her in such a pitiful state, I suddenly felt sorry for her. During her funeral, I looked at her memorial tablet and told her not to meet again in the next life.”

Xiang Lan clutched her handkerchief tightly, lowering her head to hide her emotions, barely holding back tears as she said, “This humble woman thanks the Marquis for his honest account.” After a moment of silence, she added, “This matter is known only to heaven and earth, I will never breathe a word of it.” She paused, then added, “Especially in front of Young Master De.”

Yuan Shaoren forced a smile and said, “Yuan trusts in Madam’s character.”

At this moment, Young Master De came running over with his hands cupped together, grinning, “Father, look, I just caught a butterfly!” He carefully opened his chubby hands to show Yuan Shaoren.

Yuan Shaoren stroked Young Master De’s head.

Young Master De then ran excitedly to Xiang Lan’s side, raising his little hands to show her, when he suddenly exclaimed, “Aunt Lan, why are you crying?”

Xiang Lan wiped her eyes with her handkerchief, smiling, “I’m not crying, just got some sand in my eyes from the wind.”

Before she finished speaking, someone said, “Is that so? Let Master take a look.” They saw Lin Jinlou walking over, his tall, imposing figure standing between Xiang Lan and Yuan Shaoren.