Lin Jinlou rarely came to the east wing during the daytime. After a moment’s hesitation, Xiang Lan stepped forward and said, “Concubine has gone to the garden for a walk. Does Master have any instructions?”

Lin Jinlou gave Xiang Lan a languid glance and said, “So there is someone in the room. I thought all the maids were gone. Go pour me a cup of tea.”

Xiang Lan vaguely remembered where Lin Jinlou’s preferred tea was kept in the cabinet. Opening it, she indeed found a small celadon glazed jar with colorful plum and bamboo patterns on the shelf. She pinched out some tea leaves, placed them in a small blue-and-white porcelain cup with fish and water plant designs, rinsed the tea with water, discarded the first brew, added hot water again, and finally brought the tea to the small table in front of Lin Jinlou. She then stepped back a large step and, keeping her head lowered, prepared to leave.

Lin Jinlou, reclining on the couch, frowned slightly and said, “Wait, who told you to leave?”

Xiang Lan had no choice but to stop and turn around. Lin Jinlou, with his eyes half-closed, swayed his foot and said, “Take off my boots.” Xiang Lan went over and knelt, carefully removed Lin Jinlou’s boots, and gently placed them on the ground, then tried to retreat again.

Lin Jinlou called her back again, “I still need someone to attend to me here. Where are you going? I’m hungry, bring two plates of snacks, but not the thousand-layer pastry. If there’s soup, heat a bowl too.” Xiang Lan had no choice but to go to the small side room to fetch two plates of snacks. There was still half a pot of lean pork congee with polished rice left from Concubine Lan’s breakfast, so she heated a bowl and brought it back on a tray.

Lin Jinlou leisurely sipped his tea from the cup. Having grown up in luxury, he was particular about everything from food to clothing to accommodations. Though he couldn’t be so particular during his harsh military duties, at home he was extremely picky even about tea. Usually, Qing Lan made his tea personally, but today with someone else making it, the tea’s taste was lighter, and the temperature was different. Though not as rich as before, it had a light, pleasant aftertaste.

Xiang Lan brought in the food and placed it on the small table, saying, “There’s no soup, but there’s congee from this morning. It’s still very fresh, and I’ve heated a small bowl for Master.”

Lin Jinlou nodded, took a few sips of congee, and began eating the snacks.

The room was quiet except for occasional chirping from the bird cage hanging in the corridor. Lin Jinlou slightly raised his head to see Xiang Lan standing far away by the door, head lowered and motionless, which displeased him. Wherever he went in the inner quarters, everyone, regardless of age or gender, would eagerly welcome him with bows and flattery. Maids would compete to curry his favor, trying every trick to catch his eye. If any maid were alone with him in a room, she would have already found ways to engage him in conversation. But Xiang Lan was different – she kept her distance as if he had some contagious disease, not even bothering to raise her head.

Lin Jinlou threw his spoon into the bowl with a clang.

He had initially assigned Xiang Lan to serve Qing Lan to keep the young maid close and watch over her. He knew the true nature of the other people in his household – none of them were simple, except for Qing Lan, who was gentle and generous. However, between his demanding military duties and salt inspection responsibilities, he had gradually forgotten about the young maid. On his occasional visits to the east wing, he never saw her come forward to serve. Now seeing her, he found her utterly ungrateful. He had saved her reputation and elevated her to close service, yet she treated him like a stranger.

Xiang Lan, crouching by the door, was internally grumbling: “When Concubine Lan and Chun Ling return and see me alone in the room serving Master, they might think I’m deliberately trying to get close to him. If they get angry, it won’t be good.” Though she was genuinely grateful to Lin Jinlou, whenever she saw his intense gaze as if he wanted to devour her, she dared not show any eagerness to serve.

At this moment, Lin Jinlou said, “It’s hot in here. Come fan me.”

Xiang Lan froze, then took a snow-white palace fan from the Eight Immortals table and obediently went to fan Lin Jinlou. After a few waves, Lin Jinlou glared at her and said, “Standing so far from me, how can I feel any breeze?”

Xiang Lan had no choice but to step closer. Lin Jinlou snorted again, “Do you think I’m some wild beast that will eat you?” Xiang Lan had to edge even closer, keeping her eyes lowered as she continued fanning.

Lin Jinlou was finally satisfied. He looked up at Xiang Lan, noting her face had become fuller, with rosy cheeks and gentle eyes showing indescribable beauty. Her hair was still in double buns, wearing a camel-colored brocade jacket and a white long skirt, her figure beginning to show graceful curves.

Lin Jinlou suddenly frowned and asked, “What fragrance are you wearing?”

Xiang Lan started, “This servant never wears fragrance…”

Lin Jinlou shifted uncomfortably, squinting at the young maid before him. Xiang Lan was standing quite close, and a faint, elusive fragrance drifted to his nose with the breeze, making him want to reach out and touch her soft, delicate face, to smell that alluring subtle fragrance. Being of a pleasure-seeking nature, he was greatly tempted, thinking that if it weren’t for the mourning period for Old Madam, taking a maid as a concubine wouldn’t be a big deal. He glanced at Xiang Lan again, noticed she hadn’t yet come of age and still retained some youthful innocence, and thought perhaps it would be better to wait a while before taking her in.

Lin Jinlou collected his thoughts and took a sip of tea before asking, “Are you comfortable here? Has the mistress given you any trouble? I’ve come several times but haven’t seen you.”

Xiang Lan kept her eyes lowered, not looking at Lin Jinlou, but her expression remained extremely respectful as she replied, “In response to Master, Concubine is as kind as Buddha, treats me very well, and has given me many rewards. I’m new here and clumsy, so I just do needlework in the back. Sister Chun Ling handles serving tea and water.”

Lin Jinlou chuckled softly, “If you don’t attend to immediate matters, your mistress might forget about you later.” His words carried hidden meaning, his tone frivolous and lazy.

Xiang Lan was clever and immediately understood his implication. Whether from shame or anger, her face flushed red down to her neck, but she kept her head lowered and said, “Sister Chun Ling is much more capable than me. I’m a crude person, afraid of angering the masters.”

Lin Jinlou put his feet up on the couch and said with a playful smile, “Why don’t you come serve me exclusively? My maid Shu Ran is about to leave the household to get married, you could replace her. If you follow me, I promise I won’t mind your clumsiness…”

Just as he was saying this, a delighted voice came from the doorway: “Master, what brings you here?”