Madam Qin acted swiftly and decisively, taking less than two hours to pack Cao Lihuan’s belongings. Lin Jinlou personally ordered a horse-drawn carriage to send her away. In just one short afternoon, Cao Lihuan vanished from the Lin residence like a small pebble thrown into a lake, creating a brief ripple before all returned to calm.

After handling Cao Lihuan’s matter, Madam Qin sent Lu Lan to inquire about Lin Dongqi’s condition, then returned to her main chamber. She sat down on the bed, and Hong Jian immediately brought over a small yellow enamel lady’s covered cup, personally massaging Madam Qin’s shoulders.

Madam Qin took a deep breath, lifted the cup, and took a sip, her eyes half-closed in contentment, though whether from the refreshing fragrance of the tea or her satisfaction with recent events was unclear.

Lin Jinlou lifted the curtain and entered, slouching into a chair with his legs crossed, saying lazily, “Everything’s settled. I thought there might be more drama, but after I scared her a bit, she didn’t make a single peep and left obediently.”

Madam Qin glared at him, “Sit properly! Your father will scold you again if he sees you like this.”

Lin Jinlou replied with a grin, “Father won’t scold me for this, at most he’ll just glare a few times. If he got angry over such things, he would have died from anger long ago.”

Madam Qin spat, “You’re speaking more and more improperly.” Then she continued earnestly, “Now that your superiors praise your capabilities and independence, and want to promote you further, you mustn’t act willfully like before—show some restraint. Your father is getting older, and as the eldest son, it’s only natural that he’s especially strict with you. Don’t be foolish and oppose him.”

Lin Jinlou played with the small teacup on the table, his handsome features showing an air of casual indifference as he said, “In the army, I must lead by example; with superiors and colleagues, I must be diplomatic; with shop managers, I must maintain a stern face. If I can’t be at ease at home, where’s the fun in that?”

Hearing Lin Jinlou speak this way, Madam Qin’s heart softened. Seeing that her son had indeed become tanned and somewhat thinner, and thinking about how his primary wife was troublesome, while all the maids he kept were coquettish types that she disapproved of, she felt increasingly sympathetic. Although he finally had a good concubine in Qing Lan, who was now with child and couldn’t serve him properly, and during Old Madam Zeng’s mourning period it wouldn’t be appropriate to acquire more concubines for her son, she sighed and said, “Take care of yourself while traveling about. Don’t be too zealous with military matters—the whole family doesn’t expect you to earn any greater honors.”

Lin Jinlou chuckled softly and said, “I understand.” After a pause, he continued, “Mother, let me take that maid who used to serve Cao Lihuan.”

Madam Qin was startled, her expression turning unpleasant.

Lin Jinlou had originally intended to keep Xiang Lan to serve him personally, but seeing his mother’s expression, he swallowed his words and changed his approach, saying, “The maids serving Qing Lan are all clumsy. I want to find someone clever, and I heard this maid is good at needlework, which would be quite useful.”

Madam Qin lifted her teacup and took a sip, “If you need a maid, take one from my chambers. They’re all well-trained and obedient.”

Lin Jinlou smiled, “Though the ones in Mother’s chambers are certainly good, I just think that Xiang Lan would be particularly useful.”

Madam Qin frowned slightly.

Though Xiang Lan had saved her daughter once and helped drive away that detestable Cao Lihuan, Madam Qin felt that while Xiang Lan appeared honest, she wasn’t truly submissive at heart. Although Cao Lihuan was vicious and despicable, Xiang Lan’s repeated betrayal of her mistress was a fact. For servants in close attendance, whether clever, astute, literate, or skilled at needlework, these were merely additional merits. The most crucial quality was loyalty. Even if the master had faults, a maid shouldn’t expose their affairs. Earlier, before Old Madam Lin, though the young maid appeared pitiful and wronged, her speech was orderly and hit every crucial point. Her bearing was different from other maids, and the girl was extremely beautiful. Though not yet fully mature, her features were already as delicate as a painting. Such beauty combined with an unruly nature made Madam Qin wary.

She had originally planned to assign Xiang Lan to the kitchen or similar places with some benefits but limited contact with the masters, as a form of gratitude. But now that her eldest son wanted this maid, Madam Qin hesitated.

Lin Jinlou noticed his mother’s expression, narrowed his eyes, and suddenly stood up. Walking to the door, he lifted the curtain and looked back with a smile, saying, “Since Mother isn’t saying anything, I’ll take that as approval.” Ignoring Madam Qin’s calls, he went straight out and saw Xiang Lan still standing pitifully in the corridor with her small bundle. He pointed and said, “You, why are you standing there? Hurry up and follow me.”

Xiang Lan was startled, and seeing Lin Jinlou beckoning her, felt uneasy but had no choice but to follow behind him.

After many twists and turns, they arrived at Zhichun Hall.

Ying Ge was resting in a rocking chair under a banana tree, with her maid Ding Xiang sitting on a small stool nearby, lazily fanning her. When Ding Xiang looked up and saw Lin Jinlou enter the courtyard, she quickly nudged Ying Ge, whispering, “Miss, wake up quickly, the Young Master has returned.”

Ying Ge startled awake, and seeing Lin Jinlou had indeed returned, hurriedly stood up and called out, “Young Master has returned.”

This coquettish and melodious voice made Xiang Lan shiver. She turned to look and saw Ying Ge with slightly disheveled hair, cheeks showing a sickly charm, wearing a sapphire blue jacket over a white silk skirt, appearing even more delicate and fragile.

Lin Jinlou merely nodded and started to walk away, but Ying Ge hurriedly stepped forward, gently tugging at his sleeve, saying plaintively, “Is Young Master angry with me? Why won’t you pay any attention to me… I know I’m useless, couldn’t protect Young Master’s child. These days I’ve been suffering… Last night I even dreamed of him, it was a boy, chubby and cute, clutching my skirt and crying for his father… I… I…” Her voice became choked with sobs.

Ding Xiang quickly supported Ying Ge’s arm, showing loyal servant concern: “Miss hasn’t been sleeping well these past few days, waking up crying every night. I’ve tried to console her several times, but Miss still misses the child. If this continues, I truly fear for her health.”

Lin Jinlou felt irritated at the mention of “child.” He didn’t care much about having children; to him, children were merely someone to pay respects at his grave after a hundred years. However, as the eldest grandson of the main branch, his grandparents often mentioned it, and his parents were constantly concerned, making having a son feel like a burden on his shoulders. When Ying Ge’s child was aborted due to Spring Yan’s medicine, Lin Jinlou was furious and severely punished Spring Yan, also rewarding Ying Ge with gold, silver, and silk. When he returned home, he would occasionally visit Ying Ge’s chambers. Previously, seeing Ying Ge crying, he felt some sympathy and pity, inevitably showing more consideration. Now with Ying Ge again tugging at his sleeve and crying, although Lin Jinlou felt somewhat impatient, he still spoke gently, “I’m not angry with you, and you shouldn’t think about that unfortunate matter every day. With your poor health, why stand in the courtyard catching wind? Go back inside, I’ll come see you when I have time.”

Ying Ge, tears still hanging in the corners of her eyes, seeing Lin Jinlou’s impatience, forced a smile and curtsied, saying softly, “Then I’ll go back and prepare this year’s new tea for Young Master.” She turned and walked away gracefully.

Not far away, Hua Mei sat by the window watching Ying Ge’s figure, sneering, “Pah! Shameless vixen, pretending to be sick again.” With a “bang,” she closed the raised window.

Xiang Lan followed Lin Jinlou into the east wing of Zhichun Hall. Upon entering, they smelled a warm fragrance. A tall, slim girl was arranging flowers in the room. She had high cheekbones and beautiful features, and though her looks were only above average, she carried an air of capable prettiness—this was Qing Lan’s maid, Chun Ling.

Seeing Lin Jinlou arrive, Chun Ling quickly put down her watering can and said repeatedly, “Young Master is here. The Concubine went out for a walk and hasn’t returned yet. Please sit and wait a moment, Young Master. I’ll send a young maid to find her.”

Lin Jinlou said, “No need to call her, it’s good that she’s in the mood to go out for a walk.” He waved behind him, calling Xiang Lan over, and said, “This is Xiang Lan, sent here to serve. I hear she’s good at needlework. Help her get settled, start her at second-class status.”

Seeing that Xiang Lan was personally brought by Lin Jinlou, Chun Ling dared not be negligent and repeatedly agreed. She added, “We’re short of cleaning maids, and coincidentally, Yin Die, who used to serve Miss Spring Yan, is doing rough work in the tea room. The Concubine saw she was quick-handed and wanted to take her over, and the First Madam has approved…”

Lin Jinlou said indifferently, “There’s no need to report such minor matters to me.” He turned and gave Xiang Lan a deep look before leaving.

Chun Ling looked Xiang Lan up and down several times, asking where she had previously served and what skills she had, speaking kindly. When she heard Xiang Lan had served Young Miss Cao Lihuan, her eyes lit up, clearly wanting to probe for gossip, but seeing Xiang Lan’s foolish expression, she reluctantly suppressed her curiosity and said with a smile, “Now that you’ve come to our place, we’re all family. Let me show you to your quarters first.”

As they spoke, the maid called Yin Die also arrived carrying her bundle. Xiang Lan recognized her as one of the maids who had entered the household at the same time, who had been questioned by Zhao Yuechan. She smiled at Yin Die, but Yin Die raised her head and turned her face to the other side, pretending not to see. Xiang Lan was startled but stopped trying to be friendly, picking up her bundle and following behind Chun Ling.

Xiang Lan’s new quarters were in the secondary room on the right side of the east wing. The room had three beds but didn’t feel crowded. Each bed was covered with semi-new brocade bedding with money patterns, and under each bed was a chest with a key and lock. Below the windowsill was a long table with a round mirror, dressing case, hair oil, powder, and other items. There were also two small lacquered tables holding teacups and vases with seasonal fresh flowers, and fruit plates containing two or three pieces of fresh fruit. In the corner was a begonia-style cabinet, and on the wall hung a “Spring Return” painting, along with various other furniture pieces like landscape embroidered stools, which need not be described in detail.

Chun Ling led them into the room and then left.