Lin Jinlou had completely forgotten about Qiongzhi. He merely glanced at the four women, having seen such scenes many times before, and boredly lowered his head to eat. Yuan Shaoren, having no interest in singing performances, remained unmoved. Xie Yu exchanged glances with Liu Xiaochuan, cleared his throat, and said, “Finding such a beauty to enliven our gathering in this area shows Brother Liu’s thoughtfulness.” Before he could continue with more praise, Lin Jinlou burst out laughing, “Enough, brother. Didn’t you just say she wouldn’t stand out in the capital? Now you’re praising her?” Ignoring Xie Yu’s embarrassment, he turned to Qiongzhi and said, “Pick your best piece to sing. There will be a reward if you perform well.”
The four men took their seats as the performers began playing their instruments – the jin, silver zheng, jade-faced pipa, and red ivory clappers. Listening carefully, it was the piece “Flowers and Moon Fill the City,” performed with a graceful and pleasing melody. After the performance, Liu Xiaochuan rewarded them with two packets of silver taels and requested more songs. Jixiang and Shuangxi served wine, creating a harmonious atmosphere. As Shuangxi poured wine, she noticed Young Master De peeking his head into the room. She gently nudged Yuan Shaoren and gestured toward the child. Yuan Shaoren left his seat to ask, “What is it?”
Young Master De said, “I need to ask Father something.” He led him outside, around the screen wall to a secluded spot beneath the eaves behind the house near a cluster of pine and cypress trees, where Xianglan stood with Xuening. Xianglan knelt and said, “Please forgive my boldness in asking Your Lordship to come here, but I have one question I hope you can answer.”
Yuan Shaoren said, “Please ask.”
Xianglan asked, “May I know where Official Song Ke has been assigned for his new post, and when he departs?”
Yuan Shaoren understood. Lin Dongxiu was quite talkative, and after they encountered Song Ke on the road, she told him everything about the Song family’s stay at the Lin residence. She mentioned Xianglan, explaining how she came to the Song family and later left, and how she eventually joined the Lin family to save her father. Finally, she said, “I could see there were feelings between Xianglan and Song Ke. The way he looked at her then was so sweet. I wonder why they didn’t end up together… Though it’s probably for the best they didn’t. Given Zheng Jingxian’s temperament, she would have worn Xianglan down completely.”
Now hearing Xianglan’s question, Yuan Shaoren replied, “Song Ke has requested a post in Guizhou’s frontier region. He should depart after the New Year, though I don’t know the exact date. I’ll have someone inquire and let you know once I have definite news.”
Xianglan was stunned. Guizhou, with its towering mountains and long rivers, was a harsh frontier post. No wonder it was a position no one wanted to fill. She bowed again and said, “Thank you for telling me, Your Lordship. This man showed me great kindness. Earlier, when I was nearly sold into a terrible fate by the Zhao family, he saved me and my entire family. I’ve kept this debt of gratitude in my heart for so long without being able to repay it. Now that he’s leaving, we may never meet again in this life. I plan to send some valuables to his residence later – I should at least make this small gesture.” She paused and added, “Please keep this secret from our Master.”
Yuan Shaoren agreed while observing her frost-reddened cheeks and those calm eyes that seemed to have weathered much yet remained pure and clear. Recalling Lin Dongxiu’s words, he felt this woman was like fine wine in a beautiful porcelain vessel – beautiful on the outside but having experienced a lifetime of hardships within. His heart filled with a mixture of pity, admiration, and inexplicable shame and guilt. He quickly turned to watch Young Master De running about in the courtyard. Perhaps due to the wine, he couldn’t help but sigh, “Your character is beyond reproach, and I deeply respect you. Forgive my presumption, but sometimes you remind me of… someone from the past. If only she were still alive. Sometimes I think the current unrest in my household is karma…” Realizing he had said too much, he quickly apologized.
Xianglan immediately understood his implied meaning. She should have resented Yuan Shaoren for Jialing’s wrongful death, but seeing him standing in the desolate winter wind, looking lonely and suddenly appearing six or seven years older, and watching Young Master De running around, her heart softened. After carefully considering her words, she advised, “My Lord, please allow me to speak frankly. A phoenix will only perch on a parasol tree; all rivers flow into the sea; butterflies are naturally drawn to fragrant flowers. Your Lordship should first establish proper household rules, punish wrongdoing, reward merit, be generous in handling matters, and treat your wives and concubines well. Only then will you have harmonious family relationships, not the other way around. Even teeth sometimes bite the tongue, and even blood brothers fight occasionally. How can you expect people brought together without blood ties not to cause trouble and worries? She turned to look at Young Master De, her eyes glazing slightly with tears, and continued, “What’s past is past, Your Lordship must stay strong. Young Master De’s mother died so young, which is truly tragic, but she was too young to understand that in times of hardship and despair, one must reflect on oneself, be magnanimous, and gradually forget others’ faults. Some things have no right or wrong, just different positions and interests. Your Lordship favors her so much – how could the main wife not harbor resentment? Sometimes, despite having no choice, one must bow their head under others’ eaves and play by others’ rules when in their domain… Ah, but speaking of this is pointless now…”
Yuan Shaoren was deeply moved and couldn’t help exclaiming, “You truly have remarkable insight!”
Xianglan smiled faintly: “I only understood this after enduring much suffering and hardship. I used to pride myself on my wisdom and understanding, but that was self-deception. Only after experiencing many vicissitudes and having my pride and resentment worn away did I understand the meaning of humility and gentleness.” She then solemnly bowed deeply to Yuan Shaoren and said, “Your Lordship is the head of the household, the pillar of the family. Young Master De is still young and will rely on you for everything in the future. Please compose yourself and take care of your well-being.” With that, she called Young Master De and led him away.
During their conversation, the group at the table was playing drinking games, and noticing Yuan Shaoren’s absence, Liu Xiaochuan sent Qiongzhi to find him. Qiongzhi was eager for a chance to gain favor with the Yongchang Marquis. When she reached the back of the house, she saw the two talking, with a maid and a young child playing nearby. She looked carefully but couldn’t hear their conversation. She thought to herself, “Isn’t that Xianglan?” Seeing Xianglan dressed in magnificent jewelry and a grand red cloak of gossamer, looking every bit the noble lady of an aristocratic household, even more impressive than Zhao Yuechan had been, she felt bitter jealousy. She thought, “We were once the same. I should have had such glory as a concubine in the Lin family. How did a servant-born maid get such good fortune while I ended up so miserable!” She shed tears of self-pity. Seeing Yuan Shaoren approaching, she dared not linger and hurried back to the feast. Looking at Lin Jinlou’s handsome and vigorous appearance, her resentment grew stronger. She deliberately positioned herself in the lamplight, applied rouge from her pouch to her lips, adjusted her hair, and clutched a gold-threaded red handkerchief. She approached Lin Jinlou with a cup of wine, constantly trying to curry favor. One moment she was peeling meat, saying, “Master Lin, try this meat.” The next moment, “Master, I’ve poured you wine myself – you must drink it. If you don’t, I’ll be cross with you forever.” She asked him to request songs for her to sing, then wanted to play drinking games with him, constantly hovering by his side.
Lin Jinlou barely looked at her, responding halfheartedly. He was still sulking about Xianglan, but seeing a rare winter dish of stir-fried mountain mushrooms with tender vegetables on the table, knowing Xianglan liked it, he thought to himself, “Aren’t I being pathetic?” Yet he still ordered the kitchen to prepare a portion for Xianglan.
Qiongzhi grew more frustrated and, pretending to be drunk and dizzy, tried to lean against Lin Jinlou with coy, bird-like sounds. Yuan Shaoren, disapproving, said, “You’re so clingy with him now – are you going to let the rest of us talk at all?”
Qiongzhi’s cheeks flushed red at this public rebuke, and she harbored resentment.
Liu Xiaochuan and Xie Yu laughed together, “Sister Qiong is like a clever dog meat dish – she knows exactly who to curry favor with.”
After more drinking, Yuan Shaoren took his leave first. Once he left, Lin Jinlou also stopped drinking, saying he was tired and needed to go, despite Xie Yu and Liu Xiaochuan’s repeated attempts to make him stay. Lin Jinlou said, “It’s not that I don’t want to give you face, brothers, but I shouldn’t drink too much these days. When we return to the capital, I’ll treat you both to your fill.” He encouraged them to drink as much as they wanted, ordered servants to look after them, and had rooms prepared for them to stay. The two didn’t stand at on ceremony and continued drinking and eating in the hall.
As Lin Jinlou got up to leave, Qiongzhi became anxious. When no one was looking, she darted out and rushed forward to support him, saying, “Master, please take care.”
Lin Jinlou let her support him and said lazily, “You’re quite the clever monkey.”
Qiongzhi responded sweetly, “I hope Master will teach me more.”
Lin Jinlou said, “You play the pipa well and sing nicely too. I’ve already ordered a reward of several taels of silver for you all. Use it to buy some rouge and powder.”
Qiongzhi smiled, “Master is so kind to me.”
By then they had reached the second gate. Lin Jinlou shook off Qiongzhi, saying, “That’s enough, go back. This isn’t a place for you.” He stepped forward to enter.
Though Qiongzhi feared Lin Jinlou’s authority, she felt she had to take this chance. She understood her situation clearly – she was entertaining in brothels with her beauty. With good luck, someone might redeem her as a concubine before her looks faded; with bad luck, who knew what depths she might sink to? This chance meeting with Lin Jinlou was a rare opportunity that might never come again. She hoped he might remember their past connection and help her, or at least offer some protection. With such backing, she might have a chance at a better life.
With these thoughts, she fell to her knees with a thud, tears rolling down like melons, and cried pitifully, “Master, do you truly not recognize this servant?”
Lin Jinlou paused, stopped his steps, and frowned, “You are…”
Qiongzhi fabricated a story, crying, “This servant is Qiongzhi, formerly Lady Zhao’s maid. I followed her to the Dai household, but because the master spoke to me a few times, Lady Zhao grew resentful and sold me to a brothel. Seeing Master today, this servant… thought of times past…” She kept wiping tears with her handkerchief, head lowered, brows furrowed with sorrow, making herself appear like a rain-drenched pear blossom.
Lin Jinlou felt somewhat moved, remembering how his interest in Xianglan had provoked Zhao Yuechan’s jealousy, resulting in Xianglan being beaten and nearly sold to a brothel until Song Ke rescued her. He clicked his tongue, thinking how his negligence had let Song Ke play the hero, leaving that foolish girl forever grateful to him. Looking at Qiongzhi now, he felt some pity.
Qiongzhi secretly glanced up and, seeing Lin Jinlou’s expression soften, quickly crawled forward on her knees to embrace his legs, saying, “This servant is wholeheartedly loyal to Master. Please be merciful and let me return to the Lin household. Even if I just sweep floors and cook, doing menial work, as long as I can see Master, I would die content…”
Before she finished speaking, they heard a child’s giggling. Looking over, they saw Xianglan and Lin Dongxiu with several maids setting off fireworks with Young Master De in the courtyard.
Xianglan’s eyes met Lin Jinlou’s. She looked at him, then at Qiongzhi kneeling and clutching his legs. From Qiongzhi’s attire, she could tell she was a courtesan. Seeing them in such an intimate position, Xianglan first froze, then turned away.
Lin Jinlou felt inexplicably embarrassed. He stepped back, pulling his legs free, and said, “Enough. Since you once had ties to the Lin household, I’ll give you some extra silver to get by.” He turned and walked into the courtyard.
Qiongzhi was shocked and thought to herself, “Lin Jinlou’s heart had softened. If it weren’t for that little witch Xianglan, he might have already agreed to take me into the Lin household. With my looks, surely I could have secured a position with one of the three masters? Or Lin Jinlou might have redeemed me and given me to an official under him, ensuring a life of luxury without worries.” Growing more hateful, and remembering Yuan Shaoren’s mockery at the table, she spoke recklessly: “Master! There’s one more thing! When the Yongchang Marquis left the table and I went to look for him, I caught Xianglan meeting him privately!”
Lin Jinlou stopped at these words. Qiongzhi, watching his back, cried out, “May heaven strike me dead if I speak falsely!” She saw Lin Jinlou slowly turn around, his face darkening as he walked back toward her. Qiongzhi began to sense something was wrong and grew frightened, stammering, “It’s true… this servant saw it with her own eyes… they were together for quite some time…”
Lin Jinlou grabbed her collar and lifted her. Qiongzhi screamed in terror. Lin Jinlou said menacingly, “If you dare spread any more gossip or say even half a word about this, I’ll destroy you. Understand?”
Qiongzhi’s body went limp, trembling like chaff. Tears formed in her eyes as she nodded repeatedly.
Lin Jinlou threw her aside and shouted, “Get lost!”
Qiongzhi scrambled away, her jade and pearl hairpins scattering on the ground, causing people in the courtyard to crane their necks to look.
Lin Jinlou rubbed his brow. He trusted Yuan Shaoren’s character, and that little pedantic Xianglan wouldn’t do anything improper, but he needed to get to the bottom of this. He walked in and saw Xuening standing in the corridor. He beckoned her, “You, come here.”
Xuening hurried over.
Lin Jinlou said, “Kneel! I have questions for you.”
Xuening’s heart immediately jumped to her throat as she knelt.
Lin Jinlou asked, “Tell me, did your mistress meet privately with the Fourth Young Master today?”
Xuening was shocked and shook her head repeatedly, “No, no! Who’s spreading such gossip? I was there with Young Master De too.”
Lin Jinlou demanded, “What did they talk about? They were together for quite a while? Dare to speak even half a lie, and you’ll bear the consequences!”
Xuening thought to herself, “Though Mistress told us not to tell anyone about the conversation, Master now suspects Mistress and the Yongchang Marquis of having an affair – this is terrible. Mistress only asked about Official Song Ke’s appointment, thinking of repaying his kindness. It was all above board. If I lie to cover it up, it would be like selling official salt as contraband.” So she said, “Mistress only asked about where Official Song Ke was posted and when he would depart. Because Official Song showed kindness to Mistress, she was worried she wouldn’t have a chance to repay his kindness before he left.”
Xuening was different from Xianglan’s other maids – she primarily considered Lin Jinlou her master and wasn’t close to Xianglan. Xianglan’s trusted maids always spoke behind her back, so she didn’t understand the delicate situation. She meant well but didn’t know that Song Ke remained a sore point for Lin Jinlou. Her words had stirred up a hornet’s nest.