Everyone was shocked and quickly gathered around, some pinching her philtrum, others rubbing her chest, while the nimbler ones rushed out to fetch a doctor. Xianglan tried to approach but was forcefully shouldered aside by Yindie, who shot her a vicious glare. Xianglan inwardly sneered but chose not to stoop to Yindie’s level. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Yingshuang whispering something to Yinliu, who hurriedly left.

Xianglan sighed. Like a stone thrown into a lake creating countless ripples, this incident would surely stir up all sorts of demons and spirits, each with their schemes. She felt like a small boat in turbulent waters, never knowing when a wave might capsize her. Then she thought that what must come would come—she had only one life, and as long as she hadn’t become Lin Jinlou’s concubine, there was still room for maneuver.

With this thought, her mind calmed somewhat.

Just then, a long moan was heard as Qinglan regained consciousness. Everyone sighed in relief. Mother Wu clasped her hands and repeatedly chanted Buddha’s name while helping the other maids and servants carry Qinglan to bed. Chunling, playing the role of the loyal servant, knelt beside the bed with tears in her eyes, saying, “Concubine, what’s wrong? Please tell me where you’re feeling unwell.”

Qinglan’s face was deathly pale, with a light sheen of sweat on her forehead. She waved her hand and turned to face the wall as tears streamed down her face. Just yesterday, she had hosted a perfect poetry society meeting, stealing the show. Not only had the ladies praised her endlessly, but even Madam Qin had shown her increased respect, not to mention how jealous Zhao Yuechan and Yinggou had become. Though she maintained a modest appearance, she couldn’t help feeling proud—which concubine had ever achieved such glory? Once she bore a son, she might even be able to compete with the main wife!

But today’s events felt like a slap across her face!

Just yesterday, Lin Jinlou had spoken to her so tenderly, praising her poetry, yet he had turned around and gotten involved with her maid! All her efforts to perform well were ultimately aimed at making Lin Jinlou love and value her more, yet this was the result! The extreme swing from joy to anger had overwhelmed her, causing her to faint. Now awake, she felt utterly dejected.

Mother Wu, seasoned in the inner courtyard’s ways, understood Qinglan’s state perfectly and said to Yingshuang, “The Concubine has been too busy lately and is feeling weak. She needs rest. Please take your leave.”

Yingshuang departed with her group. Xianglan went to see them out, while Tinglan deliberately lagged. Once Yingshuang was out of sight, she turned, squeezed Xianglan’s hand, and whispered, “Some little hoofs are pricking at you out of jealousy, don’t take it to heart. But dealing with the mistress won’t be easy. If the Master truly intends to elevate you, you should quickly secure a concubine position while he’s still freshly interested… You’ve seen what happened to Yinggou and Huamei, and that dismissed Chunyan—just serving as bedroom maids, living in such awkward situations, who knows what might become of them… Dear sister, I have no ulterior motives…”

Xianglan felt warmth in her heart and gripped Tinglan’s hand, saying, “I understand. You’re looking out for me.”

Tinglan smiled and left.

When Xianglan returned to the room, she saw Chunling massaging Qinglan’s chest to help her breathe, Yindie fanning her, and Xiaojuan offering water. She brought in a basin of hot water and wrung out a hot towel for Qinglan, but Yindie said with a sneer, “Sister Xianglan, you’re too precious now, we shouldn’t trouble you with such tasks.”

Xianglan’s face darkened: “What do you mean by that?”

Yindie cast her a sideways glance, her voice dripping with sarcasm: “Nothing really, just concerned for sister, afraid you might tire yourself.”

Xianglan coldly replied, “If you have nothing to say then keep quiet. Who are you to speak here!”

Yindie had always taken advantage of Xianglan’s good nature but hadn’t expected this sudden confrontation. She stopped fanning, stood up with folded arms, and sneered, “Well, well! The Master hasn’t even elevated you yet, but you’re already putting on airs like a concubine? You acted so virtuous and proper before, who knew you were such a…” She swallowed the words “little vixen” before they could escape.

Xianglan let out a mocking laugh: “Such a what? I only know someone ran to Taoran Pavilion yesterday trying to seduce the Master, but not only failed but came back with a big handprint on her face, too ashamed to show herself all night. The swelling’s still visible—Yindie, you know who I’m talking about, don’t you?”

Yindie’s face instantly turned liver-colored with rage, pointing at Xianglan: “You… you…” unable to speak further.

Xianglan gave her a cool glance, thinking, “Yindie has long had feelings for Lin Jinlou. She must be consumed with jealousy and will surely spread gossip to Qinglan. I’ll expose her attempt to seduce Lin Jinlou first. If you want to smear me, I’ll drag you down too—we’ll both be tainted, let’s see what you can do then.”

Chunling spoke neutrally: “That’s enough, both of you. Can’t you see the Concubine is lying ill?”

Xianglan thrust the towel into Chunling’s hands and left with the basin. In the tea room, she let out a deep breath.

Zhao Yuechan’s first move had been a heavy blow, pushing her directly into the eye of the storm. As if matters weren’t bad enough, Qinglan had fainted over this incident—she was carrying the Lin family’s heir, making this situation potentially very serious. If mishandled, Qinglan might claim she had caused distress, and if Madam Qin became angry, viewing her as a “black-hearted vixen secretly scheming to seduce the men and causing Concubine Lan to endanger her pregnancy,” the punishment would be no joke.

She hurried out and happened to see Mother Wu standing in the corridor asking the servants when the doctor would arrive. Xianglan rushed forward, and dropped to her knees before Mother Wu, tears welling up as she cried, “Mother, please save me!”

Mother Wu was startled and quickly helped Xianglan up by her arms, saying, “My child, what’s wrong? Let’s talk properly.”

Wiping her tears, Xianglan followed Mother Wu into the tea room, knelt again, and clutched Mother Wu’s legs, crying, “Mother, if anything happens to the Concubine and angers the Master, Madam, and Young Master, I’ll be the sinner. I might as well hang myself and be done with it…”

Mother Wu immediately understood and tried to help Xianglan up, saying, “I understand… Don’t worry, I’ll speak to Madam about this.”

Reassured by Mother Wu’s words, Xianglan felt halfway relieved and stood up gracefully, still tearful: “This is truly an undeserved calamity. To speak from my heart, Mother, I never wanted to be elevated by the Master. I only wished to serve quietly and perhaps one day receive the kindness to be released to live a peaceful life. Who could have expected this drama, especially during Elder Madam Zeng’s mourning period, and now the Concubine has fainted—who knows what people will say about this!” Tears rolled down her cheeks like pearls.

Mother Wu consoled her: “Good child, don’t cry. I know you’re a good person. Let the gossip talk—they’ll tire of it eventually. You can’t stop living because of a few idle words?” She lovingly led Xianglan to sit on a stool and spoke intimately: “Your good fortune is what many pray for but can’t obtain. In great households, even becoming the concubine of an eighty-year-old master attracts crowds of maids, let alone a young, vigorous man. You’re blessed—our Master is learned, handsome, skilled in martial arts, and will become a high official. He’s accomplished in every way. Following him, you’ll live a life of luxury and comfort. Don’t ever say you ‘don’t want to be elevated by the Master’—it would break his heart if he heard such words.”

Xianglan’s heart sank at Mother Wu’s words, thinking, “Mother Wu and I do not agree. I can never speak truthfully with her again.” She only continued crying: “What fortune? I dare not think of such things, I only hope this incident doesn’t anger the Master and Madam…”

Mother Wu reassured her again: “Don’t worry, I told you I’ll handle this…”

Before she could finish, word came that the doctor had arrived. Mother Wu patted Xianglan’s hand and went out.