After returning to the mansion, Zhao Yuechan ordered water to be brought for washing up, then had her lunch. After the dishes were cleared away, Yingshuang brought up a cup of hot tea and hesitantly said, “Madam, there’s something I’m not sure if I should say…” She cast a furtive glance at Zhao Yuechan.

“If you have something to say, just say it. Don’t waste time hemming and hawing,” Zhao Yuechan frowned.

Yingshuang said, “Young Master Cousin… Madam, you should stop seeing him. He’s only after your money and has never been sincere with you. Otherwise, why did he play dead when the Lin family came with their marriage proposal?”

Zhao Yuechan took a sip of tea and said, “You think I don’t know he’s after my money, that he has no true feelings? We were childhood sweethearts, and there was genuine affection back then. I was foolishly devoted, who knew he would just wipe his mouth and leave? When things came to light, he showed no responsibility and ran away with his belongings, only returning after he’d married someone else. Yes, I hated him, but what of it? I still have use for him now. He knows people from all walks of life, has influence in social circles, and handles matters skillfully and discreetly. Without him, how could every loan I’ve given out return with both principal and interest intact? With him handling external affairs, my mind is at ease.” She sighed and shifted her position. Yingshuang quickly tucked another cushion behind her back.

Zhao Yuechan suddenly gave a cold laugh, “You all think he’s taking advantage of me, but actually, I’m the one using him for my pleasure! You know very well how things are between the Master and me. Why should he get to take in one woman today and favor another tomorrow, while I sleep alone in a cold bed? I’ll deliberately find men for my enjoyment and make him wear a tower of green hats as the king of cuckolds! Don’t worry, everything is done with utmost secrecy, no one knows.”

Yingshuang dared not respond further. Then Zhao Yuechan said, “Bring me my black-glazed porcelain jewelry box.”

Yingshuang took the key, opened the drawer, and brought out the box. When Zhao Yuechan opened it, the contents sparkled with precious stones and gleaming gold pieces. She carefully selected a gold and jade hairpin with a kingfisher feather inlay and a small golden phoenix hairpin set with pearls. She then ordered Yingshuang to bring another jewelry box decorated with white lotus in low relief, which contained various pieces of jade in shades of blue-green. Zhao Yuechan chose two jade bracelets and a pair of jade earrings. She also had them open the trunk to select two pieces of fine silk and two pieces of damask.

Zhao Yuechan instructed Yingshuang to deliver these items on two large trays to the east wing, specifically requesting they be given to Xianglan.

Yingshuang asked in confusion, “Madam, why trouble yourself by giving such fine things to that little vixen?”

Zhao Yuechan smiled coldly and said, “They must be the finest things—how else will others become jealous?” She beckoned Yingshuang closer and whispered some instructions in her ear. Yingshuang understood and withdrew with the trays.

As for Xianglan, she had spent a restless night full of worry. Early the next morning, she had quietly gone to the northern courtyard of the Lin mansion to find Song Ke. Upon arrival, she learned that Song Ke had gone to the academy with Lin Jinting, so she had to return. She took out a child’s garment from her basket and began sewing it half-heartedly.

Suddenly, someone called her name. Xianglan looked up to see Xiaojuan beside her, who leaned in and whispered, “What’s wrong with you? Lost your soul? I called you several times but you didn’t hear.”

Xianglan forced a smile and said, “It’s nothing, probably just caught some wind last night. I woke up with a bit of a headache.”

Xiaojuan said, “I just heard Yindie and Chunling gossiping behind your back, saying Sister Shuran brought you back last night. What happened?”

Before she could finish speaking, they heard Yingshuang calling out loudly, “Is Xianglan here?”

Xianglan quickly responded and got up to look.

Yingshuang pretended not to hear and called out several more times until everyone in the courtyard was alarmed. Even Yinggou and Huamei were peering out their windows before she finally walked into the east wing and stopped in the hall.

Xianglan saw that Yingshuang had brought two maids with her: Tinglan and Yinliu, the latter being particularly favored by Zhao Yuechan. Both carried large trays laden with bright-colored fine silks and dazzling jewelry.

Yingshuang caught sight of Qinglan coming out of the bedroom, steadying herself against the wall. She stepped forward, warmly taking Xianglan’s hand, looked her up and down, and said with an especially bright smile, “My dear sister, I always said you were blessed, but who knew your fortune would be this great! I must congratulate you!” She even gave Xianglan a ceremonial bow.

Xianglan’s heart sank, knowing this didn’t bode well. But with things already at this point, she could only maintain her composure. She quickly stepped aside and said, “Sister Yingshuang, I don’t understand what you mean. What congratulations? What could I have to celebrate?”

Yingshuang laughed, “Oh my! Still trying to keep it from us? Madam has told us everything—the Master sincerely intends to elevate your status! She saw everything last night. She was a bit hasty then and frightened you, but after thinking it over, she felt guilty and specially picked out her favorite pieces of jewelry for you as an apology. Look, I’ve brought everything here.” She stepped aside to let Xianglan see clearly.

Yingshuang’s words were like a thunderclap in broad daylight. Qinglan was stunned, her lips turning pale as she swayed slightly. Chunling, Yindie, and Xiaojuan all stared in shock. Mother Wu froze for a moment, then turned to stare at Xianglan.

Xianglan inwardly cursed her bad luck. Zhao Yuechan’s strategy of appearing to back down while advancing was viciously calculated. Since Lin Jinlou was protecting Xianglan, she couldn’t openly move against her, so instead she spread the news far and wide for the entire household to know, making everyone jealous—effectively putting Xianglan on the hot seat. Moreover, as Concubine Lan’s maid, receiving such expensive gifts from Zhao Yuechan with such fanfare suggested an attempt to win her over, which would plant thorns in Qinglan’s heart. Her days would surely become difficult! A glance around revealed Qinglan’s pale face, Yindie’s envious glare, Chunling’s complex expression, Xiaojuan’s shocked look, and finally Mother Wu—at which point Xianglan turned away.

Yingshuang’s face bloomed with smiles as she told Xianglan, “Madam also said that after Elder Madam Zeng’s mourning period ends, she’ll have Chunyan’s old room properly prepared for you and assign you a little maid. Whatever you need or want, just ask.”

Xianglan kept her head down without speaking, thinking, “In this situation, the more I say, the more mistakes I’ll make. Better to say nothing.” After a while, she finally said, “Madam is a kind and understanding person, but…” Everyone perked up their ears to listen, but Xianglan just gave a faint smile and said, “Never mind.” She bowed to Yingshuang and said, “I’ll go kowtow to Madam shortly.”

Seeing Xianglan’s calm demeanor, Yingshuang felt disappointed and turned to Qinglan, saying with a smile, “Congratulations to you too, Concubine. Our Madam says you’re truly blessed—newly arrived yet already with a child, bringing new life to the Lin family. And now, even the maid you’ve trained has made something of herself.”

Qinglan’s lips trembled, unable to speak. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she barely managed to hold them back. She forced a smile that looked worse than crying, then suddenly her eyes rolled back and she fainted.

The east wing immediately erupted into chaos.