Lin Jinlou held Xiang Lan’s hand and kissed her palm. “You’re too soft-hearted. Put nicely, you’re generous; put bluntly, you’re too easy to take advantage of. How many people are waiting to exploit you?”
Xiang Lan chuckled softly, “If you’re always calculating whether you’re being taken advantage of, that mindset brings so many worries. Heaven’s calculations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division are clearer than ours. Being too calculating reduces one’s fortune – it’s better to be at ease.” As she spoke, she yawned, her eyes gradually closing. Suddenly, she heard Lin Jinlou say, “Xia Yun making an enemy of you was his good fortune.”
Xiang Lan couldn’t help but laugh, “What kind of talk is that? Since when does making enemies bring good fortune?”
Lin Jinlou said, “When you let go and broaden your mind, you understand that heaven and earth’s generosity is boundless. Everyone knows the principles, but few can act with such detachment. Xia Yun is lucky to have made an enemy of someone with such a generous heart.”
Xiang Lan sat up, staring at Lin Jinlou in amazement. She pretended to look out the window and said, “I should check carefully tomorrow to see if the sun is rising from the west.”
Lin Jinlou laughed, “Well, well, you dare to mock me?” He reached out and pinned Xiang Lan beneath him, tickling her.
Xiang Lan dodged left and right, being extremely ticklish. She giggled a few times, then realized it seemed inappropriate, fearing the maids might hear. She bit her lip but couldn’t help laughing again, finally begging, “Mercy, mercy, I surrender!”
Lin Jinlou finally stopped, looking down at Xiang Lan from above: “Will you dare to do it again?”
Xiang Lan’s face was flushed from laughing as she brushed away the loose strands of black hair from her face. “I’m just surprised. Master has always been the type to grab what he wants immediately. Since when did you learn to let things go?”
Lin Jinlou snorted, “Your master naturally understands what to take and what to leave.” He lowered his head until his forehead touched Xiang Lan’s, his breath warm on her face, and after a moment said, “Except when it comes to you.”
Xiang Lan had wanted to tease him more, but hearing these words made her eyes instantly well up with tears. She quietly wrapped her arms around Lin Jinlou’s neck, and his lips were already pressed against hers.
Unexpectedly, an urgent military dispatch arrived at midnight, and Lin Jinlou immediately left for the Military Command, sending word that he wouldn’t return home for several days. When Xiang Lan woke the next day, she felt heavy and lethargic, her body aching as if she were coming down with a cold. She was listless, read for a while, chatted idly with Xiao Juan and the others, and then retired early to bed. The following morning, Xiang Lan felt even worse, but it happened that a close relative of the Lin family had just had a son. Lin Jinlou sent word asking Xiang Lan to visit on his behalf. Xiang Lan forced herself to get dressed, had gifts prepared, and went to offer congratulations.
The host’s home was filled with joy, with well-wishers coming and going constantly, and many women from different branches of the family had arrived. When they saw Xiang Lan arrive, they were naturally very attentive, especially inviting her from the main hall to a side room for tea. The women in the side room were all of some standing, and though curious about Xiang Lan’s background, they treated her with proper courtesy. Xiang Lan responded with mild smiles, and after sitting for a while, wished to leave, but the hostess insisted she stay. Xiang Lan had no choice but to remain a while longer. Madam Wu and Xiao Juan, knowing she was unwell, came in specially to attend to her. Then someone announced that Fifth Lady Lin had arrived, and Xiang Lan’s heart tightened as she saw a beautiful young lady of seventeen or eighteen supporting an elderly woman with graying hair slowly enter the room.
This was Xiang Lan’s first time meeting Lady Ding. She saw that Lady Ding was short in stature, plump in figure, with narrow eyes and a long nose, but carried herself with great authority. As she was an elder, Xiang Lan stood to greet her, but Lady Ding pretended not to see, only exchanging greetings with several older women, not even glancing at Xiang Lan as the other women rushed to offer her a seat. Xiang Lan then looked at the young lady, noting her tall, graceful figure, almond eyes, and peach-blossom cheeks – truly a beauty whose radiance lit up the room. Xiang Lan nodded and smiled, wanting to greet her, but saw that the young lady also ignored her, simply helping Lady Ding to her seat.
Xiang Lan exchanged a glance with Madam Wu, who felt embarrassed by the situation and gently patted Xiang Lan’s arm, saying softly, “Let’s leave then.”
Xiang Lan whispered back, “No, let’s wait a while longer.”
Though Lady Ding wouldn’t look directly at her, she had glanced her way several times. She was maintaining her dignity, waiting for Xiang Lan to come speak to her first. After making her wait a bit longer, someone would smooth things over, and they would become acquainted, though with Xiang Lan at a lower standing. However, Xiang Lan was naturally easygoing, and feeling unwell, she had little desire to talk. Moreover, knowing Lady Ding disliked her, she saw no point in courting rejection, so she just sat quietly with downcast eyes. This made Lady Ding even more displeased, and she continued chatting with several old friends. The young lady with Lady Ding was her great-niece, Su Yan, who carefully examined Xiang Lan several times before pursing her lips in silence.
There was a reason behind this. Ding Su Yan had been raised as a proper young lady, excelling in household management and feminine arts. She was accomplished in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, skilled at both writing and playing instruments. She was capable and had won Old Lady Lin’s favor, who never tired of praising her. When Lin Jinlou divorced Zhao Yuechan, Old Lady Lin had intended to match him with Ding Su Yan and had specially called her to discuss it. Lady Ding was delighted to hear this, but Ding Su Yan refused. Lin Jinlou was more than ten years her senior and known for his romantic escapades, with numerous concubines in his household not to mention his relationships with courtesans. She considered herself beautiful, with a reputation for virtue that had spread far from her boudoir. Her father had also been restored to office, and suitors constantly came calling, including many talented young gentlemen and sons of prominent families. Why should she worry about finding a suitable husband? So she chose a young master from a family of equal standing to the Lins. However, shortly after the engagement, she learned that although this young master had some talent, he completely deferred to his mother. Despite their family’s wealth, he received only Five Taels of silver monthly and had to account for every extra coin to his mother. Ding Su Yan regretted her choice and repeatedly caused scenes demanding to break the engagement. Looking around, she found none could compare to Lin Jinlou, with his handsome bearing, military achievements, substantial income, few elder relatives to answer to, and his promotion to high office for saving the Crown Prince – he could truly be called a regional power. Even if he was somewhat promiscuous, which powerful man wasn’t fickle? She regretted missing out on this golden opportunity and wanted to reclaim it. But the Lin family had all gone to the capital, making it impossible to meet, and Lin Jinlou intended to marry Xiang Lan. Ding Su Yan’s regret doubled, and she pestered her great-aunt about making a match with the Lin family.
Lady Ding was so annoyed she scolded her: “When they eagerly sought you out before, you refused. Now you want to shamelessly go back to them? Where in the world does such a thing happen!”
Ding Su Yan cried, “Who could have foreseen this? Great aunt, you must help me.”
Ding Su Yan’s parents naturally also greatly favored Lin Jinlou. Knowing Lady Ding’s influence in the Lin clan and her good relationship with Old Lady Lin, they sent many valuable gifts to Lady Ding. Lady Ding then wrote to both Old Lady Lin and Lin Zhangzheng, describing Xiang Lan in the worst possible light while subtly praising Ding Su Yan’s virtues. Seeing that Lin Zhangzheng’s reply seemed to express great anger toward Xiang Lan, she thought the matter was settled, but unexpectedly, Lin Jinlou still married Xiang Lan. Angry, Lady Ding dared not write to Lin Zhangzheng again. Knowing Old Lady Lin’s soft nature, she wrote a letter saying “A low-born woman of base character, with vulgarity in her bones, will never change her nature throughout her life” and so on to vent her hatred. However, that letter sank like a stone into the sea, with no response.
Ding Su Yan harbored a grudge, and seeing Xiang Lan today – her face like the morning glory, eyes like clear pools, her entire being refined and elegant, surrounded by serving maids, with others fawning and currying favor – while she had broken her engagement and was now getting older, neither high nor low in status, unlikely to find another man like Lin Jinlou, she felt increasingly uncomfortable. A surge of anger rose in her heart as she thought: “Using beauty to serve others, she just picked up what I originally didn’t want. I was raised by eight old governesses, managed the largest banquets at home, and always took first place in household management and feminine arts. The Lin family isn’t afraid of being laughed at, but what qualifications does she have to sit in such a position? Besides that face and ability to paint a few pictures, what else is outstanding about her? I heard she can’t even bear children…”
Just as she was thinking this, the hosts brought out the baby for everyone to see. The crowd gathered around, expressing their admiration. Lady Ding played with the child and said to the host’s elderly mother, “Your daughter-in-law is truly blessed. She’s been married such a short time and already has a son.”
Ding Su Yan, as if possessed, said, “Indeed, adding children to the family is the foundation of prosperous households. It’s just terrible when someone can’t continue the family line – isn’t that just deceiving a family into having no heir?” Ding Su Yan knew she shouldn’t hit such a sensitive spot, but seeing Xiang Lan’s dignified bearing made her uncomfortable and she couldn’t help making these sour remarks. After speaking, she felt somewhat ashamed and uneasy, but also inexplicably satisfied. She raised her head and deliberately glanced at Xiang Lan.
How could Xiang Lan not understand? Her face turned pale. Children were a hidden wound in her heart. Even though Lin Jinlou didn’t mind, she still longed for a child at her knee. She also knew clearly that if she still hadn’t conceived in the coming years, the Lin family elders would likely force Lin Jinlou to take a concubine. Even if Lin Jinlou refused for her sake, her days in the Lin family wouldn’t be easy. Besides, how could Lin Jinlou truly not want children? One could tell from how he had loved De’er and Yuan’er before.
Lady Ding naturally understood the implications and felt her great-niece’s words were inappropriate. However, she deeply resented Xiang Lan and had strong prejudices, so she pretended not to hear and continued laughing, “Since we’re here today, I must say a few more words. Of the three unfilial acts, having no heir is the greatest. Being unable to bear children is one of the ‘seven grounds for divorce.’ For young couples, being lovey-dovey without children isn’t a crime, but what’s worrying is when time passes… tsk tsk, this causes resentment. In my opinion, if your belly shows no movement after two or three years, you should personally arrange for concubines, especially if you simply can’t bear children. Otherwise, you’re not being virtuous. But honestly speaking, there aren’t many primary wives who can endure this. I heard about the youngest son of the Lin family living in the suburbs – the original couple was as close as could be, but later because they had no children, the husband took in a concubine. Naturally, with new love, old love was forgotten, and there was no peace day after day. In the end, the good couple became enemies, making a huge mess, and their youngest divorced his wife and elevated the concubine who bore him a son to primary wife status.”
Every word these two spoke was like a knife stabbing Xiang Lan’s heart. Feeling particularly unwell today made it even harder to bear. Yet these words were full of veiled accusations, and she couldn’t express the grievances in her heart. Fearing she couldn’t control her anger and might openly argue with Lady Ding, and unable to endure sitting there any longer, Xiang Lan suddenly stood up and walked out.