Xiang Lan walked into the courtyard, where the breeze helped dispel some of her vexations. Xiao Juan followed her out, her face flushed with anger. “It’s infuriating! That old woman’s mouth is full of maggots, treating others like fools who can’t understand her implications. We must get even with her later!”
Mother Wu approached Xiang Lan and took out a small copper filigree bottle from her pouch. Unscrewing the cap, she said, “If Madam is feeling heavy-headed, apply some mint balm to your temples and take a sniff—it will certainly clear your mind.” She sighed and continued, “Given Master’s status, a Fifth Madam hardly matters, but she does carry some weight among the clan’s women and is also an elder. Having a confrontation would only harm Madam’s reputation. Your current disadvantage is simply being too new to the family, which is why she dares to push you around. Give it two more years until you’re truly established, and she wouldn’t dare even with a hundred times more courage.”
Xiang Lan understood that it wasn’t just about being new—it was also about her humble origins. Mother Wu was subtly advising her to endure it. Her long eyebrows furrowed slightly. “I understand what you mean, Mother Wu. I don’t take those few words to heart; I’ve swallowed far worse grievances before. But things are different now—I represent the Lin family’s face, Master’s face. Fifth Madam’s words today were testing the waters, testing my temperament. All the respectable clan members are sitting in the wing rooms, and though they pretend not to see or hear, their ears are perked higher than anyone’s. If I show weakness today, word will spread immediately. I’m not afraid of losing face myself, but I fear that when I manage the household in the future, servants might emerge who dare to defy their masters, and worse still, someone might even send concubines back to their families someday.”
Mother Wu pondered before sighing, “That’s true, but there’s nothing we can do now… It’s not worth letting that old creature damage Madam’s reputation, especially when people are already spreading gossip about Madam outside.”
Xiao Juan’s eyes gleamed as she said, “Don’t worry, Madam. Let me step forward and scold her on your behalf, saying what needs to be said. Afterward, you can play the good person and scold me in front of everyone. After all, I’m just a maid—what can she do? Once I speak up, they’ll understand that Madam isn’t someone to be bullied. Trading my face for a Madam’s face is worth it.”
Xiang Lan felt warmth in her heart hearing these words. Over the years, regardless of her ups and downs, these few people around her had always been genuinely loyal to her, making her especially grateful and content. She reached out and held Xiao Juan’s hand, smiling, “Even at home, I can’t bear to scold you, let alone in public. Though your idea is good, publicly humiliating Fifth Madam would only deepen her grudge.”
Xiao Juan said, “This conflict will end up in lost face either way.”
Xiang Lan replied, “No matter how angry we are inside, we must let others save face in public. Leave room in relationships—it makes future encounters easier. Even if we take firm action, keeping our words soft leaves room for reconciliation. What’s truly dangerous is burning bridges with our words, leaving no way to turn back.” After thinking for a moment, she turned to Mother Wu and said, “We’ll need you, our veteran, to take the lead on this.” She gave Mother Wu some quiet instructions. Mother Wu sighed inwardly but outwardly showed hesitation, saying, “Though I have an old friendship with Fifth Madam, I can’t guarantee this will work out…”
Xiang Lan smiled, “I know, and I’ll remember your effort whether it succeeds or not.”
With these words, Mother Wu felt reassured and left.
Meanwhile, inside the room, the host had taken away the child. Everyone knew Xiang Lan had left because she was annoyed by Madam Ding’s words. The various Madams exchanged knowing glances but acted as if nothing had happened, chatting and drinking tea in small groups. When Xiang Lan returned and sat down quietly, Xiao Juan found a teapot to refill her cup, and Xiang Lan held her teacup with a neutral expression.
Ding Su Yan gave Madam Ding a meaningful look, nodding toward Xiang Lan, and whispered, “Aunty, she is still the Lin family’s eldest daughter-in-law…”
Madam Ding remained composed, patting Ding Su Yan’s hand and having her lean in to whisper, “She’s just a servant by birth, without any powerful backing. Complaining to Lou’er about this would only make her look troublesome, especially since we didn’t say anything that could be held against us. Look at her common breeding, so timid—even if she holds back tears when we criticize her, she has to take it. Otherwise, if she causes trouble and creates friction with us, what will others think of her? They’ll surely find fault with her everywhere. See how we just chased her out?”
Hearing this, Ding Su Yan felt more confident and whispered back, “Indeed, when Aunty entered earlier, everyone rushed to talk to you, but she put on airs. She needed to be taught a lesson about her place, or her wings would grow too strong and she wouldn’t respect her elders at all.”
Madam Ding tapped Ding Su Yan’s nose and said, “You clever little thing, that’s exactly right.”
Just then, Mother Wu entered and approached Madam Ding. As a well-respected elder who was not only Young Master Lin Jin Lou’s wet nurse but also favored by Madam Qin and regarded highly by Old Madam Lin, she commanded respect. Previously, when Madam Ding had sought help for her natal family, she had even bribed Mother Wu to pass messages at the Lin residence. They shared an old association and showed some warmth in their greetings, exchanging pleasantries. Mother Wu tugged at Madam Ding’s sleeve and said, “Fifth Madam, this old servant has some private words to share with you. Might we step aside?” She glanced toward the door.
Fifth Madam agreed and rose to follow Mother Wu. When they reached the corridor, Mother Wu smiled and said, “Fifth Madam, forgive this old servant for speaking out of turn today. Whether my words hit the mark or not, please excuse my loose tongue.”
Madam Ding, being shrewd, had already guessed something of this, but maintained her smile and said, “Go on.”
Mother Wu said, “I’ve watched our Madam since she first entered the mansion as a maid. Fifth Madam, have you seen the play ‘The Tale of the Orchid Fragrance Scholar’? I won’t lie—eight or nine out of ten things in that play are true. Otherwise, how could someone of her background become the Lin family’s eldest daughter-in-law? Not only did all the family elders agree, but she even received an audience with the Empress Dowager. On her wedding day, Master sent a hundred imperial guards to escort her. Such grandeur—who else could match that besides an emperor’s daughter? And that’s not all—since she arrived, our Master’s eyes have been glued to her, unable to leave her side.”
Madam Ding raised an eyebrow and smiled coldly, “What exactly are you trying to say? What does any of this have to do with me?”
Mother Wu spoke meaningfully, “This old servant wouldn’t dare presume, and has no other intention. Fifth Madam, regardless of her background or any previous unspeakable matters, is now the Lin family’s First Madam. If she’s unhappy and complains to Master… You know our Master is most protective of his own. How will we maintain relations in the future? Our Madam has a good nature and likely won’t whisper in his ear, but if she truly starts ignoring you in the future, wouldn’t that make everyone uncomfortable?”
Hearing about potential complaints to Lin Jin Lou, Madam Ding felt some trepidation, though she didn’t show it. Instead, she showed more anger and smiled coldly, “What could she accuse me of? What did I say earlier? I merely spoke of things I’d heard—can I be punished for that? Did I mention her by name? This is truly unjust, fabricating crimes against me. Ah, I understand now—this is about her resenting that I didn’t visit the Lin house back then! You needn’t say more. If she’s angry with me, let her take it to Old Madam and her mother-in-law for judgment. Such a junior member, daring to disregard her elders!” She turned to leave.
Mother Wu stepped forward to block her way, her smile fading slightly though still present, “Fifth Madam, everyone in that room has discerning eyes, so let’s not speak in anger. Regarding seniors and juniors, Fifth Madam, truly speaking, our First Madam holds a first-rank title by imperial decree. According to protocol, you should pay respects to our Madam first—state law comes before family law, doesn’t it? But saying this would only create distance. Those words you spoke in the room earlier, even if the speaker meant no harm, the listener took offense—it was still hurtful, wasn’t it?” She paused before continuing, “When our Madam was a maid, she endured countless slights and bullying, with only a few people by her side who cared for her. Now that Madam has found glory, these people have all benefited and can hold their heads high. Those who once saw Madam as naive and easy to bully must surely be regretting it now! There may be some rumors outside now, but who’s to say the First Madam won’t bear children in the future? There’s an old saying that might not be entirely appropriate here, but it carries the same meaning—’Don’t underestimate the young and poor.'”
Madam Ding’s eyelid twitched as she said, “I never benefited from her before, and I won’t need to ask for her help in the future.”
Mother Wu said, “People getting along is simply about giving face to each other. You’ve always been a wise person whom this old servant respects, someone who can turn situations around. Since I’ve come here, I’m offering a ladder to step down from—whether to take it or not, Fifth Madam will surely make a wise decision.” With that, she gave a courtesy bow and said, “This old servant will take leave now.”
When Mother Wu returned, Xiang Lan questioned her with her eyes. Mother Wu came over and whispered, “At first, I spoke indirectly, and she remained stubborn. Then I had to be direct. She’s someone who values face highly and maintains her dignity—she didn’t say anything conciliatory.”
Xiang Lan nodded.
Shortly after, Madam Ding returned and sat down to drink tea, chatting with those around her. Xiang Lan remained unhurried, slowly finishing her cup of tea before looking up to meet Madam Ding’s gaze. As their eyes met, Xiang Lan smiled first and gave a respectful nod. Madam Ding’s expression softened, and she returned the smile. After a while, they sat together talking and soon became quite cordial. Madam Ding held Xiang Lan’s hand and said, “How did such a flower like you end up married to that tyrant? If he bullies you in the future, just tell me—none of us will let him get away with it.” Xiang Lan smiled demurely and said, “Alright, I’ll remember that. I’ll tell him I’ve found myself a powerful ally, and if he dares mistreat me, I’ll come crying to you.” Everyone in the room laughed, making jokes while exchanging glances, secretly wondering how two people who were just at odds—one making veiled criticisms and the other leaving in anger—could suddenly become so close.
Only Ding Su Yan remained unhappy, showing it on her face. Madam Ding noticed and secretly kicked her, which improved her expression somewhat.
Xiang Lan understood that sending Mother Wu as a mediator was meant to bridge the gap. Some of the words Mother Wu spoke were ones she had instructed her to say, expressing her dissatisfaction while warning the other party, yet without burning bridges. The ultimate goal was to move past this incident—having one more friend was better than one more enemy. How they would turn the page depended on Madam Ding’s response. Madam Ding’s words were a way of yielding, apologizing for her barbs. It showed she was shrewd and knew how to read situations—maintaining dignity before servants while being flexible when needed. Though she disliked Xiang Lan, she could feign loving kindness—no wonder a widow could maintain her standing in the clan.
Though Madam Ding smiled outwardly, she felt unsettled inside. She knew Xiang Lan hadn’t become First Madam solely based on her looks, but this encounter revealed her steel-beneath-silk personality. Most people would either endure or create a rift, but Xiang Lan had saved her face in public while sending an old servant to deliver warnings privately, clearly outlining the stakes. Some of those words were clearly beyond what someone like Mother Wu could conceive—they must have been Xiang Lan’s instructions. Afterward, she took the initiative to make peace, treating it all as casual conversation. No wonder Chen Xiang Lan was so successful, first catching Young Master Song’s eye, then securing Lin Jin Lou as an even better match. Since she entered the household, all of Lin Jin Lou’s beautiful concubines had been dismissed one by one, leaving her as his sole favorite—truly someone with both patience and skill!
After such an emotionally draining time, Xiang Lan was exhausted. Xiao Juan noticed her pale complexion and frowned worriedly, “Shall we go home? We should have a doctor look at you. Why stay here listening to these old women’s sweet and sour gossip?”
Xiang Lan nodded but felt dizzy when she stood. Xiao Juan quickly supported her. A quick-witted young maid informed the hostess, and the lady of the house immediately came over, personally offering her daughter’s bedroom and helping Xiang Lan to rest. She said, “As luck would have it, the doctor is here checking on my daughter-in-law. Let’s have him examine you too—it would set our minds at ease, wouldn’t it?” She went out to fetch the doctor.
Shortly after, the doctor arrived, frowning as he stroked his beard while taking her pulse. Then his expression brightened, and he stood up, clasping his hands in greeting with a smile, “Congratulations! You’re with child!”
Hearing this from behind the curtain, Xiang Lan sat up abruptly, exclaiming, “What?”
Mother Wu stepped forward to ask, “Really? Really? Is it truly a pregnancy pulse?”
The doctor smiled and said, “The pulse flows smoothly, round like a pearl—there’s no mistake. It’s a pregnancy pulse, likely almost two months along.”
Xiang Lan was stunned, then overjoyed, almost choking up as she managed to say, “Quick, reward him!”
Mother Wu had already taken out a thick red envelope and handed it over. The doctor, feeling its weight, broke into a broad smile, offering many New Year ”’s-style congratulations before adding, “I’ll write a prescription for pregnancy care—please have it prepared and taken.”
After the doctor left, Mother Wu lifted the curtain to find Xiang Lan sitting on the bed wiping away tears. Mother Wu felt both joy and sympathy, unable to hold back her tears. Xiang Lan said, “Let’s have another doctor confirm when we return home. If it’s true, don’t tell Master yet—I… I want to tell him myself…”
Xiao Juan entered just in time to hear this and her eyes also welled up. She said through gritted teeth, “Now let’s see what those gossips have to say! I’ll go out right now and throw this news in their faces!”
As soon as news of Xiang Lan’s pregnancy spread, people immediately came to offer congratulations. However, Xiang Lan didn’t want to stay a moment longer and prepared to return home. As she bid farewell to everyone, Madam Ding’s face showed a smile but with complex emotions. If she hadn’t made peace with Xiang Lan earlier, she would have truly lost face now. She couldn’t help feeling shocked, annoyed, jealous, and angry at her grand-niece’s incompetence—this glory and wealth should have been in their grasp! She looked at her dumbfounded grand-niece, shook her head, and slumped back in her chair.