Before the words faded, Yin Die ran in like a gust of wind, snatched the fan from Xiang Lan’s hand, and while fanning Lin Jinlou, smiled and said, “Master, why have you come so early? Concubine just went to tour the garden and isn’t in the room. Whatever Master needs, just instruct me.” She secretly glanced at Lin Jinlou, seeing his handsome and dignified appearance, and elegant and noble bearing, and became somewhat entranced. She secretly regretted wearing semi-worn clothes today, not having properly done her hair and worried that her makeup might have melted with sweat.
Xiang Lan secretly sighed in relief and quietly retreated to the side of the screen. Yin Die exclaimed dramatically, “Could it be Master hasn’t had breakfast? Why only eat pastries? I remember there are still two or three delicate side dishes in the cupboard, perfect for eating with congee – refreshing and appetizing. I’ll bring them for Master.” She fanned Lin Jinlou with even more vigor.
Xiang Lan, who had been looking for an excuse to leave, immediately said, “I’ll go get the dishes,” and turned to leave. Lin Jinlou waved his hand saying, “No need,” then pointed at Xiang Lan, “Pour me some more tea.” Yin Die had already rushed forward with the teapot to refill Lin Jinlou’s tea, her big eyes fluttering as she smiled, showing her teeth, “Master hasn’t come for so long, surely because official duties are heavy. I often tell Sister Xiang Lan that Master is the pillar of our Lin family, toiling outside every day. You must take good care of yourself. We only regret that we cannot repay Master’s kindness by serving at your side, so we put all our effort into serving Concubine, to not disappoint Master’s intentions.”
Xiang Lan was secretly annoyed: “I won’t stop you from fawning on the master like a slave, but why drag me into it?” She went forward to clear the bowls and chopsticks, using it as an excuse to escape to the side room.
As Yin Die prattled on about gratitude and devotion, Lin Jinlou grew quite impatient. He wanted to drive Yin Die away and call Xiang Lan back to talk, when suddenly Qing Lan entered, supported by Chun Ling and Mother Wu, all chatting and laughing. Yin Die had no choice but to reluctantly put down the fan and go forward to receive them. Mother Wu said to Chun Ling, “You said you wanted to pick dewy flowers to make rouge for Concubine, but now the dew has all evaporated.”
Chun Ling said with a grin, “It doesn’t have to have dew, as long as the flowers are fresh. Besides, Concubine is naturally beautiful, I don’t think she needs rouge at all.”
Qing Lan laughed, “You’re such a sweet talker, I’ll reward you with preserved fruits later.” Seeing Yin Die come out from the inner room, all three were somewhat surprised. Stepping further in and looking around, they saw only Lin Jinlou lounging shoeless on the beauty couch. Qing Lan’s face became uncomfortable, while Chun Ling and Mother Wu exchanged glances, both their expressions darkening.
Soon, Qing Lan was keeping Lin Jinlou company inside while Xiang Lan sat outside waiting for orders. After serving fresh tea, Chun Ling withdrew and went straight to find Yin Die in her room, asking why she had been in Qing Lan’s bedroom. Yin Die made up a lie: “I had gone to the sewing room for some colored thread. When I came back, I saw Sister Xiang Lan clumsily serving Master in the room, making him unhappy, so Master asked me to serve instead. I had only fanned him twice when everyone returned – ask Master if you don’t believe me.”
Xiao Juan, who was sitting on the bed untangling a mess of thread, heard Yin Die call Xiang Lan “clumsy” and sneered, “You think we can’t ask Master, so you can say such things without proof? You think we can’t see through you, showing off in front of Master – who do you think you are? Perhaps tomorrow we should all leave, even move Concubine elsewhere, and let you have the east wing room – would that satisfy you?”
Chun Ling put her hands on her hips and frowned, “I’ve said before the room can’t be left empty. Where did you run off to all morning? The sewing room isn’t far, why were you gone so long? Perhaps I’ve been too lenient before, letting you forget your place!”
Yin Die was extremely resentful inside, thinking: “So what if I have such intentions? I don’t believe you two little harlots don’t have your schemes. Whenever Master comes, you guard so strictly, competing to serve him, and now you act like chaste women in front of me, using rules to suppress others. That slut Chun Ling was happy enough when I gave her rouge and powder before, but today I just fan Master a couple of times and she’s finding fault with everything. Bah! Xiang Lan is a fool who goes along with whatever you say, but I’m not someone you can push around at will!” She wanted to argue but couldn’t match Chun Ling and Xiao Juan’s sharp tongues, so she could only silently curse them in her heart.
Xiang Lan sat on an embroidered stool outside the bedroom, secretly relieved she had escaped in time. Suddenly hearing the bell ring inside, she went in to see Lin Jinlou embracing Qing Lan on the beauty couch, about to kiss her face. Qing Lan lowered her head with a light laugh, her beautiful eyes filled with shy charm, pushing Lin Jinlou while reproaching, “Behave yourself, the maid is here.”
Lin Jinlou chuckled, reaching out to tuck Qing Lan’s loose hair behind her ear, taking her hand and kissing it, saying softly, “Why be shy? Anyone with sense wouldn’t dare speak of this outside… and even if they did, it doesn’t matter.”
Xiang Lan felt extremely awkward, standing at the door unable to advance or retreat, fixing her gaze on the floor. Lin Jinlou glanced over and was startled to see Xiang Lan. He wouldn’t normally mind a maid seeing him flirting with his beloved concubine, but seeing this maid was Xiang Lan, he felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Fortunately, Qing Lan said, “Go find a set of Master’s casual clothes, I remember we just laundered two or three pieces the other day.” Xiang Lan felt as if granted a great amnesty and quickly turned to leave.