Chapter 9: Wives and Concubines (II)

Lin Jinlou patted her hand and said, "You must take care of yourself and not think too much. Naturally, I am concerned about you." He knew that Yingge had always been frail, often moaning whether she was ill or not. Initially, he found this "sick beauty" somewhat intriguing, thinking that her delicate and pitiful appearance was quite endearing. It was enjoyable to comfort her and shower her with affection. However, when he was in a good mood, he had the leisure to indulge in such sentiments, but if he was feeling troubled or entangled in mundane matters, seeing her weeping in the wind would only make him feel impatient. This "sick beauty" had once piqued his interest, but as his initial novelty wore off, he grew weary of her constant melancholy.

Lin Jinlou held that soft and tender little hand, smilingly saying: "Do you think I am blowing fairy air? Just a blow and it will be fine?"

The spring swallow let out a scoff: "Who doesn't know that you are the best at acting, pretending to be 'the sickly beauty' every day..." Suddenly remembering that this was not the time for a quarrel, she turned to Lin Jinlou and pleaded pitifully: "My lord! I beg you, please do not drive me away. I will serve you like a cow or a horse, wholeheartedly devoted. You once said that you liked my carefree nature, enjoyed seeing me adorned with flowers and jewels, loved listening to me play the flute, and even wrote on my arm, 'Whose jade flute's melody is gentle, scattering into the spring breeze within the tent.' This is a poem you personally wrote for me. Please, consider our past affection..." As she spoke, she kowtowed repeatedly.

Lin Jinlou stepped out of the house and was just about to leave the courtyard when he suddenly heard someone say, "Sir, wait for me." He stopped and turned around to see Huamei holding out a pouch, smiling gently as she said, "This is a pouch I made for you, Sir. Please take a look and see if you like it."

The sound of laughter echoed as the thrush chirped. Xianglan, standing under the eaves, was taken aback by the scene before her: My goodness, in broad daylight, under the clear sky, Lin Jinlou is actually flirting with his own maid at the entrance! This, this reputation of Master Lou as a dashing and charming figure is truly not unfounded; he is indeed the vanguard of the gallant brigade!

After speaking, he took a step back, pulled a handkerchief from his sleeve, and wiped his hands: "Touching you is simply disgusting." After saying this, he threw the handkerchief on the ground and turned to leave.

The gentle whisper unexpectedly uttered such sharp words, as if a basin of ice water had been poured over her head, leaving Zhao Yuechan's body as stiff as stone. Lin Jinlou straightened up, touched Zhao Yuechan's ear and the short agate earrings, and smiled, saying: "These red agate earrings make your skin appear even whiter; you truly deserve the title of the most beautiful woman in Jinling, even your ears are so beautiful. It is a pity that such a beautiful person has been living as a widow for four years; what do you think is the reason for that?"

Xiang Lan shuddered, thinking that this line of poetry would not be considered sophisticated even if placed among lewd verses. Lin Jinlou truly lacked literary talent; no wonder he only managed to become a xiucai and did not pursue the imperial examinations further, fearing the embarrassment of failing to become a juren. Instead, he excelled in the martial examinations, achieving first place and earning the commendation of being "well-versed in both literature and martial arts"

Chunyan quietly let out a breath, feeling a sense of relief in her heart. Unexpectedly, Lin Jinlou suddenly raised his head to look at her, his gaze deep as the sea, and slowly said: "Chunyan, you are gradually growing older, and your thoughts are more lively than before. After all, you have served me for a while. Go to the account and withdraw one hundred taels of silver, along with a set of gold and silver adornments, so that your parents can take you out. If you wish to have your freedom, I can also release you."

Lin Jinlou exhaled and looked at Zhao Yuechan with a smile that was not quite a smile, saying: "The child in the parrot's belly is the bloodline of the Lin family, and also the continuation of the main branch's lineage. I would appreciate it if you could take good care of it." The phrase "take good care of it" was particularly emphasized.

At this moment, a servant came to report that the doctor had arrived. The group of women retreated to the inner room, and Lin Jinlou instructed someone to set up a screen so that the doctor could examine the parrot. The doctor felt the pulse and indicated signs of a slight miscarriage. He also noted that the pregnant woman was somewhat weak and overly worried, prescribing a remedy to replenish qi and blood, stabilize the fetus, and calm the spirit. Lin Jinlou moved behind the screen, sat at the edge of the Luohan bed, and said to the parrot: "The doctor says the fetus is doing well. Once you take the medicine, you will feel better."

Xianglan was secretly hiding behind the window, startled by the words she heard. She thought to herself: "Lin Jinlou does not intend to keep Chunyan anymore! A concubine girl like her, no matter how beautiful, is merely a withered flower and fallen willow, unworthy of a good family. But one hundred taels of silver is quite generous, and she can also be freed from servitude. As long as Chunyan does not have overly high aspirations, she can still find a reliable family."

Zhi Cao caught sight of the spring swallow's fierce gaze, and could not help but take a step back, then knelt down again, biting her lip, tears streaming down her face, she choked out: "This servant... is wronged..."

Lin Jinlou took a look and saw that it was a pouch embroidered with colorful clouds and smoke, adorned with palace tassels and jade beads the size of a fingertip, clearly crafted with great skill and effort. Lin Jinlou smiled and said, "I will keep this pouch; since it is made so beautifully, I must reward you. What do you want? A hairpin or a garment? Or shall I have a new set of headwear made for you?"

Lin Jinlou indeed held her hand and blew on it, pulling her into his embrace and laughing, "Let me see if it has healed."

Zhao Yuechan took off the red musk bracelet from her wrist and twisted it like a prayer bead, raising her head to look at Lin Jinlou, her gaze filled with a resentful venom: "If you do not trust me, then hand it over to someone else to watch, to avoid any trouble with that little wretch and the wild child in her belly. I cannot bear the consequences of your judgment."

Zhao Yuechan trembled all over, her eyes filled with rage as if they would bleed from glaring so hard. She picked up a teacup nearby and threw it against the door frame, shouting, "Bastard!"

Whose jade flute's melodious sound wafts gently, dispersing into the spring breeze within the tent?

Xiang Lan silently nodded, thinking that this parrot was indeed good at acting. Looking at Hua Mei, she noticed that Hua Mei was silent and felt that she was also a clever person. When Lin Jin Lou was not present, Hua Mei spoke with sharp words, but at this moment, she was exceptionally obedient.

The spring swallow shook her head desperately, her mouth wide open as she cried heart-wrenchingly: "Sir, sir, please listen to me. I know you are angry with me, but I truly did not mean to hit the parrot." As she spoke, she turned around, clutching a handkerchief in her hand, and pointed at Zhicao, cursing, "Wretched woman! I have no grievances with you in the past nor any enmity recently, why do you seek to frame me!"

He cast a faint glance at Zhi Cao and Chun Yan. The two of them hastily tidied their hair and clothes; Zhi Cao hung her head, appearing dazed, while Chun Yan trembled with her lips quivering, staring intently at Lin Jin Lou

Zhao Yuechan trembled uncontrollably, while Lin Jinlou still smiled slightly and said, "I stand by my words. I promised both our elders, so I naturally cannot divorce you. If you ever wish to part ways, just let me know, and my father will generously provide a substantial sum of money to ensure your satisfaction." After saying this, as if treating a courtesan, he gently slid his finger along Zhao Yuechan's chin and patted her face, saying, "You must think this through carefully. How many years does a woman's youth last? If you wait too long, once your beauty fades, it will be even harder to find a good match."

The parrot wore a look of astonishment, its eyes filled with sorrow and indignation: "What did you say!" It tugged at Lin Jinlou's sleeve again: "Sir, it is truly impossible to clear this injustice even if I jumped into the Yellow River. How could I dare to risk the flesh and blood of the Lin family?"

The parrot clearly sensed that Lin Jinlou was being perfunctory with him, and it called out, "Master..." One hand gently grasped Lin Jinlou's fingers, while the other fiercely clutched the mattress beneath its body, gripping it until the joints turned pale.

Lin Jinlou stood up and said to Zhao Yuechan, "Follow me." After saying this, he lifted the curtain and entered the bedroom, taking a seat on an embroidered stool. Zhao Yuechan entered the room, sat down on the bed, and glanced at Lin Jinlou, asking, "What is it?"

Xianglan hid behind the pillar, watching Chunyan being dragged away in a disheveled state by the old woman, feeling quite uncomfortable inside. This flower-like girl had once shared a deep affection with the man sitting inside the room; they had once enjoyed each other's company, cherished each other, and shared tender moments. If Chunyan truly plotted against his offspring, then such treatment would be understandable. Yet, he showed not a trace of compassion, maintaining a calm demeanor throughout, as if Chunyan were merely a stranger to him.

Lin Jinlou said in a deep voice: "Since there are no major issues with the parrot, I will not pursue who pushed it further, but punishment is still necessary. Chunyan will receive twenty slaps and be confined for one month, along with a penalty of three months' salary. Zhicao will receive thirty slaps, a penalty of three months' salary, and will be sent to do cleaning work, with no permission to enter the house to serve in the future. If there are any further mistakes, do not expect to stay in this residence any longer"

She was lost in her thoughts when she suddenly heard the mournful cry of Chunyan: "Master—" She knelt straight on the ground, tears streaming down like a fountain, and cried out in despair: "Master, I won't leave, I won't leave. I would rather die by crashing my head than leave the Lin residence!"

Enough! Lin Jinlou shouted, "Someone, take her away and slap her!" After calling out twice, two old women walked in from the back of the room, dragging Chunyan out. Chunyan flailed her arms and screamed in a mournful voice, "My lord! My lord! I have always been sincere to you..." One of the old women pulled out a piece of cloth and stuffed it into Chunyan's mouth.

Lin Jinlou suddenly laughed. He had originally maintained a stern expression, exuding great authority, but this smile carried a hint of dandyish charm. He stepped forward and pinched Zhao Yuechan's chin, his thumb caressing her lips as his face slowly descended. Zhao Yuechan felt as if struck by lightning, her mouth dry and her body trembling, waiting for Lin Jinlou to kiss her. To her surprise, Lin Jinlou leaned in close to her ear, a playful smile in his voice, his deep tone smooth as silk: "Madam Lou, you must listen carefully. I am currently leaving the parrot in your hands because you are still my nominal wife. I am doing this to give you face, so do not overstep your bounds. Chunyan is a fool; you incited her to cause trouble in the main house and stirred up discord between the parrot and Huamei. The parrot nearly had a miscarriage, and it was not Chunyan who intentionally bumped into her. Chunyan is simple and straightforward; if she had been scheming, she would have revealed her intentions long ago. Do not think that I am unaware of the dirty tricks you are playing behind the scenes. I regard you as nothing more than a piece of dung, so I can’t be bothered to deal with you. Listen carefully: if anything happens to the child in the parrot's belly, you will see what I am capable of. Do you understand?"

The thrush coquettishly said: "Of course, it will be fine with just a blow; otherwise, the master will give it a try."

The songbird pouted and said: "How annoying, how could you think of me in such a vulgar way?" As she spoke, she raised both hands in front of Lin Jinlou, pouting her lips and continued: "I don't want anything, just when I am sewing the pouch, let the needle prick my hands until they are full of holes, and let you blow on them; once you blow, I will be fine."

The spring swallow hurriedly turned her head and saw Lin Jinlou with his eyes downcast and an expressionless face. Although the parrot wore a look of sorrow, its gaze could not conceal the mockery and delight within. Huamei stood beside the Luohan bed, leisurely biting on a handkerchief, as if she were watching a splendid performance.

Lin Jinlou ordered the removal of the screen. Upon seeing Zhao Yuechan and others come out, he said: "The doctor mentioned that the parrot shows signs of a miscarriage and has prescribed some medicine. Prepare a few doses to take, and also stew some nourishing soup. If the silver in the main house is insufficient, come to me for more."

Lin Jinlou said lightly: "You may also choose not to leave the residence. There are a few suitable young attendants; just see who is appropriate and inform the eldest lady. You will not be treated unfairly."

The spring swallow pointed at the thrush and the parrot, shouting frantically: "I know! It's you! And you! You have conspired against me together! In the entire Zhichun Pavilion, apart from the eldest lady, all of you look down on me, finding ways to harm and squeeze me out, wanting the master to despise me and drive me away, so that you can be satisfied!"

The parrot timidly tugged at Lin Jinlou's sleeve and said, "As long as you have a bit of concern for me in your heart, my illness will be completely cured." Her eyes were filled with tears, yet she refused to let them fall, presenting an utterly delicate demeanor that evoked sympathy.