Xiang Lan didn’t dare look at Lin Jin Lou’s face and simply lowered her eyelids, saying, “I beg for Master’s mercy… I…” At this point, her voice suddenly choked, and crystal-clear tears rolled down from the corners of her eyes. When Shu Ran had told her at the sickbed about how Chao Lu witnessed Jiang Dan Yun administering poison, she knew she had found her opportunity. She had Little Juan invite Lin Jin Lou and Madam Qin to listen secretly next door, risking everything this time – firstly to voice the injustice in her heart and seek justice for herself; secondly, since she had already broken ties with the future First Madam of the Lin family, she could reasonably request to leave the mansion. She had thought this through several times – she now had some savings, and her family was more prosperous than before. If she left the mansion, she would sell all their land and property, move the entire family to another province, and adopt a male heir to continue the family line. She would carefully nurture him, and whether she married later or not, it would be better than being trapped in this grand mansion, constantly scheming and begging for a favor, slowly becoming a bitter and vengeful woman – Jia Lian was a cautionary example. Life outside the mansion might not be as she wished, but staying would truly leave her heart dead as ashes.
Madam Qin froze, looking down at Xiang Lan, then up at Lin Jin Lou, only to see her eldest son’s face dark as thunder. She hurriedly patted Xiang Lan’s hand and forced a smile, saying, “Silly child, you’re confused. Quickly lie down and rest your eyes.”
Xiang Lan struggled to rise, shaking her head, “I beg Madam and Master for mercy. I won’t marry anyone in this lifetime, I only seek peace… Since I can no longer gain the future First Madam’s favor, and my body is in this state, it’s unlikely I’ll ever conceive. Living out my days in the mansion, I’ll have no place to stand. I’ve steeled my heart to speak these words today, begging for Madam and Master’s compassion… If you doubt my sincerity, may Heaven and Earth, ghosts and gods strike me dead with lightning if I’m not speaking truthfully, may I never find peace in all my future lives!” With each sentence, she struggled to kowtow.
Madam Qin heard these words and felt her hands and feet turn cold. She quickly stopped her, saying, “Lie down first, lie down. Let’s treat your illness first, other matters can wait.”
Lin Jin Lou clenched his fists, fully understanding Xiang Lan’s intentions, which nearly drove him to rage. Looking at her sweat-soaked, haggard face, he suppressed his anger and said, “Silence! This matter is not for you to discuss!”
Madam Qin said softly, “The matchmaker hasn’t been engaged yet, so the Lin and Jiang families aren’t officially betrothed.”
Xiang Lan was shocked, as if struck by lightning, feeling dizzy. Then she heard Lin Jin Lou say, “Brother Yuan went to the Marquis Zhenguo’s mansion to find me, but hadn’t yet had the chance to speak of marriage. This saves us some trouble. You stay here properly. The one who should leave isn’t you.”
Xiang Lan collapsed onto the bed, her eyes blank, a wave of despair and sadness welling up from her heart. She turned her face away and closed her eyes.
Lin Jin Lou’s anger made his temples throb. He turned around to see Jiang Xui Yun standing dumbfounded nearby, tears still on her face. Lin Jin Lou’s face took on a greenish tinge, anger bursting from his sides, his gaze growing fierce. He stepped forward and grabbed Jiang Xui Yun’s neck, lifting her, gritting his teeth, “Good, good, good, so it was you!”
The Jiang family had never seen Lin Jin Lou in such a thunderous rage. His entire being emanated a vicious aura that was truly terrifying. Jiang Xui Yun could hardly breathe, her legs kicking wildly, her face turning purple.
Grandmother Jiang was shocked and rushed forward to grab Lin Jin Lou’s arm, crying, “Release my granddaughter!” Master Jiang Shang stepped forward to pull at Lin Jin Lou’s hand, saying, “What are you doing? Release her at once!” Lin Jin Lou flung Jiang Xui Yun aside, causing the Jiang siblings to fall together, knocking over a begonia-styled small table, and shattering the tea cups and utensils on it.
Jiang Xui Yun trembled all over, her hair disheveled, jade hairpins, and pearl flowers scattered on the ground. She coughed incessantly, her face streaked with tears and mucus, like a frightened rabbit, burying herself in Grandmother Jiang’s embrace, both coughing and sobbing loudly.
Jiang Shang’s face turned red with anger as he pointed at Lin Jin Lou, saying, “Lin Jin Lou, how dare you!”
Lin Jin Lou said coldly, “My daring is nothing.” He pointed at Xiang Lan, “If anything happens to her, your sister’s life will pay for it. Then you’ll know what real daring is.”
Grandmother Jiang swayed, her face turning purple-blue, seeming unable to breathe, wanting to cough but unable to. The Jiang siblings were alarmed, pressing her philtrum and patting her back. After a while, Grandmother Jiang let out a long sigh, coughed up some phlegm, and fainted again.
Madam Qin also pulled Lin Jin Lou aside and said quietly, “Even if the Jiang family is greatly at fault, continuing like this might cost lives. Though we’re in the right, we might end up in the wrong. Better to send them for treatment first, and discuss other matters later.” She hurriedly made eye signals to have people escort the Jiang family away.
Lin Jin Lou looked down at Xiang Lan with a dark face, seeing her covered in sweat, weak and sallow, her once rosy lips now as white as paper. His heart was filled with hatred and anger, wanting to tear the Jiang family’s throats out. He was also angry at Xiang Lan for not knowing her place, still thinking about leaving, which added to his fury.
The maids Hua Shan, Little Juan, Ling Qing, and Xue Ning all came to attend to her, some bringing water, some wiping sweat, some fanning, and some undoing her scattered hair. When Hua Shan undid her skirt, she exclaimed in shock – there were spots of blood all over her pants.
Madam Qin sighed deeply, “What a sin!”
Lin Jin Lou cursed as he walked out, shouting, “Where is everyone? Have they all gone to hell? Why haven’t you called for Doctor Zhang?” Just then, he saw Ji Xiang supporting Zhang Shi You rushing over, panting and sweating profusely, with Gui Yuan carrying the medicine box behind them. After examining Xiang Lan’s pulse, the doctor said she was overworked and needed rest, with prescriptions for strengthening qi and blood and nourishing her constitution. He wrote a new prescription, ordered medicine to be prepared and consumed, and also provided a medicinal patch to be applied to her lower abdomen. When the medicine was ready, Hua Shan personally served it to Xiang Lan, and after a while, the bleeding gradually stopped.
Xiang Lan was mentally exhausted, neither fully asleep nor awake, feeling pain throughout her body, dizzy, and weak in all limbs. The slightest movement caused her to moan in pain. In her half-dreaming state, she heard Madam Qin speaking softly with Lin Jin Lou. Madam Qin’s voice was barely audible, but Lin Jin Lou’s words were clear: “Critically ill? Does the Jiang family think they can brush this off with just a show of suffering? Ridiculous, they think because they targeted a concubine, and they’re relatives of the master’s family, people of status, this matter can be easily forgotten? They’re dreaming… Jiang Xui Yun is willing to kneel and apologize. Even if her father came to kneel, it would be useless!”
Xiang Lan woke from her dream with a start, opening her eyes to see Lin Jin Lou sitting on the edge of the bed with an angry face. Madam Qin sat on an embroidered stool, showing signs of worry.
Xiang Lan coughed twice, trying to sit up, but the pain in her lower body made it impossible to support herself. She cried out “Aiyo” and fell back down. Lin Jin Lou was still angry, glaring at her, “Hey, what are you getting up for? In pain now? Serves you right!” Then lowering his voice, his face still frost-like, “Where else are you uncomfortable? Should we call the doctor again?” Madam Qin also came forward to check on her.
Xiang Lan said, “I feel better now, no need to trouble everyone again. I heard bits and pieces of what Madam and Master were discussing earlier…” She glanced at Lin Jin Lou.
Lin Jin Lou sneered, “The Jiang family thinks having Jiang Xui Yun kneel will resolve this matter. They’re calculating well.” He then beckoned the maids to come in and attend. Hua Shan entered and propped Xiang Lan up with a large autumn-scented cushion, while Shu Ran brought over a strong red date soup and helped Xiang Lan drink a few sips.
Madam Qin sighed, sitting on the edge of the bed, saying, “I originally thought Fifth Miss Jiang was sincere, who could have imagined… Everyone inside and out praised her as a rare, kind-hearted, and likable child, truly…” She shook her head as she spoke. While she disliked the Jiang family’s scheming, she was relieved the matchmaker hadn’t been engaged. If the Marquis Zhenguo had become involved, they would have had to accept the marriage—especially since the Emperor still valued the Jiang family, and the Lin and Jiang families’ good relations meant that breaking ties would be unwise. Now she had to consider both sides’ dignity, fearing resentment and worried about her eldest son causing trouble. She was truly concerned, but hearing Xiang Lan’s conciliatory tone secretly relieved her, making her feel more fondness and pity for Xiang Lan.
Xiang Lan sighed softly, her heart feeling both heavy and empty. Jiang Xui Yun… was also pitiful. Born with such beauty, cleverness, and the status of a noble lady, despite her sweetness, she still harbored pride in her heart. It wasn’t that Madam Qin had misjudged her; in ordinary circumstances, Jiang Xui Yun would have shown generosity and kindness, but circumstances had driven her to this point. People generally show their noble character when fortune favors them; those who maintain their principles and unchanged hearts in dire circumstances, at their own expense, are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns… But this person had struck too viciously, lacking both openness and remorse, chilling to witness.
Xiang Lan shook her head, pushing away the red date soup. She had hoped to use this situation to leave, but now that hope would likely be dashed. Given the circumstances, she could only plan carefully for the future. Madam Qin coaxed her to drink more soup, and she forced herself to finish the bowl. Lin Jin Lou immediately ordered another bowl brought.
Madam Qin sat on the bed’s edge, holding Xiang Lan’s hand, saying, “You’ve suffered wrongly this time, take good care of yourself from now on.” Then to Lin Jin Lou: “Xiang Lan isn’t well, control that quick temper of yours, you mustn’t bully her anymore.”
Lin Jin Lou’s face lengthened as he snorted.
Madam Qin asked Xiang Lan, “What are you thinking?”
Xiang Lan replied, “Thank you for your kindness and understanding, Madam.” After a pause, she added, “This matter… let it be.”
Lin Jin Lou raised his eyebrows slightly, “Let it be?”
“What else can be done? Have her kneel to me, have Master avenge me, make the Jiang family resentful, turn relatives into enemies with the Lin family, leading to endless conflicts—all for this grudge stuck in our throats, what’s the point?” Xiang Lan raised her head, looking steadily at Lin Jin Lou. “Today I’ve gotten the truth out, won’t die as a wronged ghost, my heart is half unburdened. Though I’m angry and resentful, swallowed poison can’t be spit out—why suffer daily with endless hatred? Better to let it pass.” After a pause, she continued, “If Fifth Miss Jiang comes to apologize, she needn’t kneel. Her apology is proper, but kneeling would be humiliating. I’m not that magnanimous—I never want to see her again in this life. Let her apologize from behind a screen.”
As she spoke, she raised her head to meet Lin Jin Lou’s gaze, seeing his eyes like deep pools staring at her.
Xiang Lan’s heart jumped, and she quickly lowered her head. Her words had resonated with Madam Qin, who secretly praised Xiang Lan’s understanding of propriety. Feeling increased pity, she patted Xiang Lan’s hand, saying, “I’m glad you have such breadth of mind. I’ll handle everything for you. The Jiang family won’t easily escape after such a shameful act.” She held up the soup bowl to feed Xiang Lan.
At this moment, Shu Ran announced Jiang Shang’s arrival. Lin Jin Lou rose to leave, and Madam Qin, still concerned, followed him out. Once they left, Little Juan, Ling Qing, and Xue Ning came in to attend. Hua Shan, seeing Xiang Lan appearing to sleep soundly, tucked in the blanket corners, lowered the bed curtains, and asked softly, “Will this matter end with the Jiang family’s apology and peace-making?”
Ling Qing dropped two plum-blossom incense cakes into the enamel lady vase, covered it, and sighed softly, “Aunt Mistress is good in every way, just too soft-hearted.”
Xue Ning said, “Having reached this point, Aunt Mistress shouldn’t act alone, she should consider Madam and Master’s wishes.”
Little Juan said, “That’s right, but it still doesn’t feel right.”
Xiang Lan opened her eyes, looking at the canopy. How could her heart feel right? But after experiencing these hardships, she was no longer that sharp, fierce girl who indulged in self-pity and tears. She didn’t want to play on Lin Jin Lou’s sympathy by appearing pitiful to make him attack the Jiang family, nor did she want to instigate trouble or make a scene. Given her status, even though the Jiang sisters had done something shameful, they were still noble ladies from an official family. Since Madam Qin and the Lin family masters still didn’t want to antagonize the Jiang family, she had already gained an advantage through their sympathy and willingness to uphold justice for her. If she didn’t show restraint and kept pushing, exhausting others’ sympathy, it could backfire. If she couldn’t leave the Lin family soon and earn everyone’s disgust, she would be even more hopeless. Besides, she no longer wanted to dwell on this troubling matter, letting resentment gnaw at her heart daily, feeling furious every time it was mentioned—that would only torment herself.
She wanted to keep her heart clean.
So let it be this way.
She lifted the bed curtain and called Little Juan, asking, “Where is Chun Ling?”
Little Juan replied, “Still confined in the side room.”
Xiang Lan said, “Bring her here.”
Little Juan had to comply. Soon, two old women dragged Chun Ling in. Her face was sallow, her hair disheveled and dirty, blood from her bottom staining her clothes. She could only lie prone on the ground to bow, truly pitiful.
Upon seeing Xiang Lan, Chun Ling cried, “Aunt Mistress, spare me! Remember how I once saved you—please show mercy…” She choked with sobs, unable to continue.
Xiang Lan had people help Chun Ling onto a stool, gave her tea to drink, and ordered Xue Ning to fix her hair. Suddenly she said, “How did we end up like this, after knowing each other for so long?”
Chun Ling bit her lip silently, her eyes showing resentment and discontent.
Xiang Lan sighed deeply, saying, “Enough.” She ordered a box brought over and told Chun Ling, “Here are your belongings from the mansion, all packed properly, along with your contract of service. I’ll give you some extra silver and let you go. I hear your brother has a farm on the outskirts of the capital. Have him come to fetch you early tomorrow.”
Chun Ling was stunned, then tears streamed down her face. She had expected either death or being sold off; this outcome was beyond her hopes. She repeatedly kowtowed against the stool, sobbing, “Thank you for your grace, Aunt Mistress, thank you for your grace…”
Xiang Lan said, “Take care of yourself from now on.”
As the two old women carried Chun Ling out, about to leave Chang Chun Hall, Little Juan couldn’t help saying, “Chun Ling, do you know that when Aunt Mistress first had you prepare medicine for Ling Su, we all knew of your friendship with Miss Xui and advised against it? But she said entrusting you with brewing medicine showed she still trusted you deeply… Yet you still betrayed that trust.”
Chun Ling lay silently on the stool.
Little Juan pushed open the courtyard gate, saying, “Never mind, what’s done is done. Speaking of it now serves no purpose. Go.”
The door creaked, and the old woman carried Chun Ling out. After passing the second gate, they disappeared. As Little Juan closed the door, she noticed spots of moisture on the ground, seemingly tears.