After meeting with Lin Chang Min that day, Lin Zhao Xiang fell ill and needed rest. Lin Jin Lou had many questions but couldn’t ask them, and though he wanted to attend to his uncle’s bedside, Lin Zhao Xiang refused to see anyone except Lin Jin Yuan. When Lin Jin Lou secretly inquired, Geng Tong Gui quietly revealed that Lin Zhao Xiang’s illness was caused by anger from his encounter with Lin Chang Min. Lin Jin Lou found this puzzling – not that he looked down on Lin Chang Min, but his Second Uncle, though deeply calculating, had no real capability. While ambitious, he lacked the courage to take on significant matters, at most scheming for small advantages or pursuing women. How much trouble could he possibly cause? Thus, Lin Jin Lou dismissed the concern.
Meanwhile, Lin Chang Zheng returned from Shanxi Province. Lin Zhao Xiang detained him for half a day’s conversation, and that afternoon Lin Chang Zheng entered the palace. Due to busy political affairs, he barely had time to rest, and the Emperor specially commanded him to inspect various counties in the capital’s outskirts, a journey that would take over a month. Madam Qin was worried and inevitably ordered the preparation of various necessities.
As the weather warmed and Grandmother Lin’s birthday approached, Madam Qin and others discussed the celebration. Since the family had observed mourning during the New Year, making it inevitably subdued, and Lin Zhao Xiang had ordered against grand celebrations for birthdays, they decided to hold just a family banquet for everyone to enjoy together. When Grandmother Lin heard this, she became even more excited, quickly sending invitations to Lin Dong Wan, Lin Dong Xiu, and others, while personally selecting the opera troupe. Seeing the old lady’s joy, everyone else grew cheerful too, busily preparing dishes and fruits, sending messages and invitations, and managing the arrangements.
On the day of the celebration, Xiang Lan had to attend. Early in the morning, Little Juan styled her hair until it was sleek and smooth, adorned it with several hairpins and ornaments, and selected from the wardrobe a pomegranate-red lined jacket embroidered with the Five Colored Pattern of plum, orchid, bamboo, and chrysanthemum, paired with a white silk pleated skirt. After Xiang Lan finished dressing, she went to Madam Qin’s courtyard. Qiao Hui led her to the side room, where Lin Dong Wan, Lin Dong Qi, and Lin Dong Xiu sat together chatting, all dressed in fine silk garments. Upon seeing Xiang Lan enter, they greeted her in unison, and hurriedly offered her a seat, and Lin Dong Xiu came forward to take her hand, seating her beside herself, while instructing the maids to serve tea. Little Juan sighed at the sight, and Mother Wu pulled her outside with a smile, whispering, “Why are you sighing on such a joyous day?”
Little Juan replied, “It’s nothing, just feeling emotional. I entered the mansion with Sister Xiang Lan, and I know how she endured beatings, scolding, and hardships. Later, even when she became half a master, she was still looked down upon. Back then, among these young ladies, only the Second Miss treated her well. Who could have guessed that fortunes would turn, and now these masters and madams all respect her so.”
Mother Wu clicked her tongue, “Well, not to boast, but my eyes are sharp. I won’t claim much else, but regarding all the maids in this mansion, I can roughly predict their futures just by observing them for a few moments and exchanging a few words. The moment I saw Xiang Lan, I knew she was a phoenix among chickens, different from those who just cluck around. She had that special air about her, and sure enough, my prediction came true. In my opinion, seeing how the Young Master dotes on her, her brightest future is still ahead.”
In the side room, Lin Dong Wan was most skilled at jesting, picking only idle topics to discuss. As befitting wealthy ladies’ conversation, Dong Qi and Dong Xiu merely followed along, while Xiang Lan, being clever, gradually sensed something amiss.
When Lin Dong Wan left to visit Lin Jin Xuan, bidding farewell, Lin Dong Xiu put down her teacup, wiped her lips with a handkerchief, and said, “Finally she’s gone. How shameless of her to sit here so comfortably.”
Lin Dong Qi sighed, “Let it be, let’s just drink tea.” She refilled Lin Dong Xiu’s cup.
Lin Dong Xiu complained, “Second Sister! People are standing up for you, yet with your soft nature, unlike Father or Mother, you’re bound to be bullied!” Turning to Xiang Lan, she continued, “You don’t know what our eldest sister has done. She visited our homes, saying that since Brother-in-law now holds a position in the Ministry of Revenue, he could facilitate maritime trade, suggesting we invest money in importing goods. We thought, being family, she wouldn’t take advantage of us, right? So we ordered goods and paid in advance. Who knew that when settling accounts, the prices were the same as private merchants, sometimes even higher for inferior goods? She pocketed the difference herself. I was fortunate to be cautious, losing only fifty taels, but Second Sister was too trusting and lost nearly two hundred taels.”
Lin Dong Qi sighed, “Some of those goods were meant for my in-laws. When she visited my home before, whatever fabric or jewelry she liked, I gave them all to her. I thought being family, Big Sister wouldn’t mark up the prices too much and should have been cheaper than outside vendors. I said they were all for myself, but I truly overestimated myself.”
Lin Dong Xiu laughed coldly, “She told me her source had higher prices, claiming the styles were hard to find, and people only sold to her because of Brother-in-law’s influence. Little did she know she was just making things worse – did she think everyone was foolish? Any Revenue Ministry supervisor would know these prices. For such a small profit, she truly disregarded all dignity.”
Lin Dong Qi sighed again, “What’s done is done. If we confront her directly, sisterly affection will vanish completely. Her husband’s household is just an empty shell now, Brother-in-law is idle and useless, and she’s proud but struggling. Now that her aunt has died and Second Brother is ill and can’t be relied upon, perhaps these circumstances drove her to such thoughts.” She shook her head, “Well, let it go.”
Xiang Lan smiled, “Second Young Madam truly has a magnanimous and kind heart. With such a forgiving nature, good fortune awaits you.” Seeing Lin Dong Xiu still fuming, she advised, “As they say, ‘Leave room in relationships.’ Family matters become unmanageable if examined too closely. Since we can’t speak openly about it, don’t dwell on it – it only brings distress.” Privately, she sighed at how people nowadays were becoming increasingly cunning, such behavior blocking one’s future path. Lin Dong Wan had sacrificed relationships for small profits, thinking herself clever but truly losing more than she gained. She also admired how Lin Dong Qi, despite being wrong, could still consider others’ difficulties and conceal their faults. Though not as shrewd and capable as Madam Qin, she carried herself with more grace in dealing with people.
Lin Dong Xiu maintained a stern face, “I understand, it’s just hard to swallow this anger.”
Lin Dong Qi exchanged glances with Xiang Lan, and they both raised their teacups, saying, “Today is Grandmother’s special day, let’s not discuss these matters. Drink tea, drink tea.” After some casual conversation, they moved past the topic.
Just then, Madam Qin sent someone to summon Xiang Lan alone to the inner room. Madam Qin sat on the large kang bed, holding her hand, first exchanging pleasantries, then praising her outfit: “This style suits you perfectly. I have a set of accessories that would match your clothes beautifully. I’ll have Hong Jian bring them for you to wear.” With a smile in her eyes, she added, “You mustn’t refuse, or I’ll be upset.”
Xiang Lan was about to decline but hearing this quickly smiled, “You’re too kind to me, Madam.” Looking at Madam Qin, she knew there must be more to come.
Sure enough, Madam Qin patted Xiang Lan’s hand, gradually assuming a worried expression, seeming hesitant to speak. Xiang Lan asked, “What’s troubling you, Madam?”
Madam Qin sighed, “Ah, I find it difficult to say… it’s about Grandmother. She said since it’s her birthday, her own family should be invited to celebrate. Currently, only the Jiang family remains in the capital, so Grandmother sent invitations to them. I tried to dissuade her for half a day, but she wouldn’t change her mind, saying the Old Master had already agreed. This, this, this… ah…”
Xiang Lan understood completely, her heart tightening, immediately feeling unsettled. She quickly composed herself, took a deep breath, and after a while replied to Madam Qin, “I understand. They are Grandmother’s family after all, and such poor relations must worry her. Today is her special day, I will certainly consider the bigger picture. Please don’t worry, Madam.”
Madam Qin looked at her fair, delicate face, feeling mixed emotions. Grandmother’s actions were clearly for the show, attempting to demonstrate renewed goodwill between the Lin and Jiang families and dispel the scandalous rumors about the Jiang sisters, but Xiang Lan was the one being wronged. Madam Qin questioned whether she could handle it so calmly and thoughtfully in a similar situation – she would have expected to either console Xiang Lan through tears or calm her hatred. Xiang Lan’s current composure made Madam Qin even more sympathetic. Holding Xiang Lan’s hand, she repeatedly said, “Oh, child… ah, you dear child…” and pulled her into an embrace.
Meanwhile, Xue Ning stood outside the inner room, hiding behind the curtain and peering in. Lü Lan caught her and tapped her shoulder, asking, “What are you doing, acting like a thief?”
Xue Ning was startled, whirling around and clutching her chest, “Are you trying to scare me to death!” She held up a purse, explaining, “Our Young Madam forgot her purse when she came over, I’m delivering it. She’s talking with Madam, so I shouldn’t interrupt. Please help me give it to our Young Madam.” She handed over the purse and hurried away.
Lü Lan muttered softly, “Such sneaking around just to deliver a purse.”
After leaving the courtyard, Xue Ning rushed to You Shi Hall, where Lin Zhao Xiang sat in a rattan chair outside playing with a bird. Xue Ning quickly approached and reported everything she had overheard between Madam Qin and Xiang Lan, then glanced at Lin Zhao Xiang’s expression before adding, “Young Madam has always been generous…”
Lin Zhao Xiang waved his hand, and Xue Ning fell silent.
Grandmother Lin smiled from the side, “My child, you’re so clever.”
Xue Ning returned the smile, “I was taught by you, Grandmother. Even a fool would gain some wit under your guidance.”
Grandmother Lin laughed, “You may go now. Watch carefully, and if you handle this well, I won’t disappoint you.”
Xue Ning repeatedly agreed and left.
Grandmother Lin asked, “What exactly are you planning… You say she’s either pretending, which shows deep calculation, or genuinely doesn’t mind, which makes her a fool.”
Lin Zhao Xiang placed the birdcage on a small table beside him and said leisurely, “Lou’er has been disadvantaged by women all his life, and now he’s taken with this one. I must keep an eye on things for him. Don’t ask – I have my plans.”