Lin Jinlou smiled coldly, “So it’s her. How bold – just as she was about to be driven out, she turns around and acts wanton, daring to seduce male guests.”
Ji Xiang watched Lin Jinlou’s expression and asked, “Then this matter…”
Lin Jinlou said, “Do a favor – give her to Xia, and tomorrow morning sell off her entire family. Don’t let any of them stay.”
Ji Xiang quickly said, “Her father is a second steward…”
Lin Jinlou glared at him. Ji Xiang immediately slapped himself and said, “Yes, I understand. Anyone who raises such a daughter must be no good – such dogs should all be sold off to prevent causing trouble!”
Meanwhile, Xia Yun was full of regret when Ji Xiang came in and said, “Our master says since Scholar Xia wishes to elevate Yin Die, she will be given to Scholar Xia.” After speaking, he patted Shuang Xi’s shoulder and left with the others.
Yin Die finally came to her senses, feeling as if she had been in a dream, then became overjoyed and clung to Xia Yun’s arm affectionately. However, Xia Yun sensed something was wrong and repeatedly questioned her, “Were you sent by the Lin family’s master to serve me? Then what was that all about?”
Yin Die was evasive, and Xia Yun understood. He thought to himself that if the Lin family held a grudge, his future would be ruined. Slapping his thigh, he cried, “I’m ruined!” and paced about sighing in his clothes.
Shortly after, Ji Xiang came to deliver Yin Die’s deed of sale. Xia Yun anxiously inquired, and Ji Xiang smiled, “Scholar Xia need not panic. Our master appreciates talent and, seeing Scholar Xia’s fondness for this maid, specially wished to give her to you.”
Xia Yun felt dazed but finally relieved. Hearing that Xia Yun was a scholar, Yin Die became even more delighted and truly showed tender affection, speaking softly, “My master saw that you passed the examinations so young and wanted to help you, that’s why he sent me to serve you.”
Xia Yun’s fear turned to joy, and Yin Die’s face seemed even more beautiful in the candlelight. The two then consummated their relationship.
The next day, Xia Yun left with Yin Die, only telling Han Guangye that Yin Die was a gift from the Lin family. Seeing Yin Die’s beauty, Han Guangye felt weak with desire and secretly envied Xia Yun’s good fortune, stealing glances at Yin Die. However, remembering Lin Jinlou’s warning, he didn’t dare say a word. The group bid farewell to the Lin family, but we’ll leave that for now.
As for Yin Die, after sharing intimacy with Xia Yun the previous night, she remained shy along the way. However, as soon as she entered the Xia family gate, a large white goose rushed forward to peck at her. Yin Die screamed and nearly fell. Xia Yun quickly shouted to drive the goose away. Still shaken, Yin Die looked around and saw the small, somewhat old courtyard with children running around screaming, and a stout village woman in coarse clothes sitting in the yard husking corn. The woman stood up when she saw them and came forward smiling, “Third Brother, you’re back?”
Yin Die nearly fainted.
Everyone was startled upon seeing Yin Die and asked numerous questions. Though Xia Yun tried to act casual, he couldn’t help but say proudly, “She’s a maid gifted by the Lin family, to be my concubine.”
Second Sister-in-law clicked her tongue and said, “Indeed worthy of being a gift from a wealthy family – such a beautiful face.”
Third Sister Xia reached out to touch Yin Die’s head, saying, “The flowers in her hair are even prettier than Xianglan’s!”
Madam Jin also came to touch Yin Die, saying, “Her hips aren’t round enough – I fear she won’t be good for bearing children.”
Seeing Madam Jin’s poor appearance, similar to the rough servants at the Lin mansion, Yin Die dodged aside in disgust, frowning, “Don’t touch me!”
Madam Jin’s face immediately darkened, and she sneered, “What precious treasure do you think you are? You’re just a serving maid – now I can’t even touch you?”
Xia Yun’s face also darkened as he scolded, “What are you saying? She’s my mother – you should kowtow to her!” He immediately made Yin Die kowtow.
Only then did Yin Die realize her mistake, and burst into loud sobs. She cried as if the sky was falling, while the Xia family members frowned and glared. Fortunately, Xia Yun was ultimately kind-hearted. Though displeased that Yin Die had embarrassed him, he still pitied her beauty and led her to his room. Upon seeing the tiny side room, Yin Die became even more distraught and began wailing.
To cut the idle talk short: Yin Die had no choice but to stay with Xia Yun. Hearing that her entire family had been sold off, she became increasingly anxious but settled down at the Xia household, mostly hiding in her room. Since she was a gift from the Lin family, Xia Yun instructed his family not to make things too difficult for her. Though dissatisfied, they limited themselves to cold remarks and sarcasm. Xia Yun and Yin Die were in their honeymoon period – he dealt with her gently, and though Yin Die felt wronged after two awkward days she gradually improved.
One day, while Yin Die was taking a nap, half-awake and half-asleep, she heard her Second Sister-in-law saying, “…It’s not that I won’t help Uncle, but the Chen family won’t see us. I went with the matchmaker, but they wouldn’t even open their door.”
Xia Yun said, “A few days ago, I gave my Second Sister-in-law two taels of silver, and you assured me there would be no problem…”
“That was then, this is now. Didn’t Uncle recently bring home a beauty from the Lin family? Tsk tsk, these days Xianglan’s mother has also asked matchmakers to look for suitable matches. I heard they have two conditions: first, she won’t be a concubine, and second, she won’t marry a man who has concubines. Uncle’s matter, I’m afraid, won’t work out…”
“Did the Chen family say that?”
“Would I lie? If Uncle doesn’t believe me, go ask them yourself!”
“Then… then…”
Second Sister-in-law sneered, “If Uncle is willing to give up that little beauty, I’ll thick-skinned go ask the Chen family again.” With that, she got up and left.
Xia Yun hurriedly chased after her, saying, “Second Sister-in-law, don’t go, this matter…”
Yin Die sprang up, grinding her teeth in hatred: “Pah! This poor, black-hearted hypocrite Xia Yun plans to marry someone else! I suffered to follow you, you poor scholar, wanting to be your proper wife with dignity, but you’ve wronged me and still want me to be a concubine? Not a chance!” She bit her lip and thought to herself, “Chen Xianglan? Could it be that little wretch?”
She found an opportunity to probe her Second Sister-in-law for information, giving her a dozen copper coins. Second Sister-in-law said, “The Xianglan that Uncle fancies was also originally a maid in the Lin family. Oh my, but things are different now – her family is wealthy, bought a large residence, wears gold and silver, and lives luxuriously. Her father became the manager of a large pawnshop, with sedan chairs taking her to and fro morning and evening. Tsk tsk, you were both maids at the Lin family, but Xianglan truly has the fate of a young lady!” She twisted her waist and left.
Yin Die’s face turned pale with anger. She secretly cursed, “That wretch Chen Xianglan harmed me even back at the Lin family – I was driven out by the master all because of her troublemaking! Now her ghost won’t leave me alone, caused my whole family to be sold, and is trying to steal my man. I must make you die without a burial place!” She pondered in her heart, and a plan formed.
As for Xianglan, she had been living peacefully these days, keeping her doors closed. She gradually let go of her thoughts about Song Ke, though she had grown thinner because of it. The Chen couple loved their daughter, and as their household became increasingly prosperous, they considered buying a young maid. They asked a broker to bring several young girls. Xianglan personally selected a pretty nine-year-old girl with fair skin, named her Hua Shan, to help with writing materials and housework. The girl proved quite sensible and proper.
One day, while Xianglan was tending to flowers in the courtyard, she suddenly heard someone knocking at the door. Hua Shan called out several times but got no response. Then they heard someone wailing at the door, “Please let me see Miss Chen! If you don’t open the door, I’ll kill myself by smashing my head right here!”
Xianglan was startled. She quickly put down her scissors on the stone bench and opened the door to see Yin Die kneeling at the entrance, immediately kowtowing to Xianglan, attracting curious onlookers from the neighborhood.
Yin Die cried out, “Miss Chen, I know you’re engaged to Scholar Xia Yun but won’t allow concubines in the household. Now Master Xia wants to sell me off – I beg you to spare me a way to live! Miss… no, Lady, please show mercy!”
Xianglan was stunned. She never expected Yin Die to show up at her door, spouting nonsense about “Xia Yun” and “engagement.” Seeing people around discussing and pointing, she frowned and pulled at Yin Die’s arm, saying, “What nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever get engaged to the Xia family?”
Yin Die refused to get up, crying, “The Lady is angry because of this servant and wants to break off the engagement with Master Xia. Lady, I was given to Master Xia by the Lin family, but he treats me like a mere decoration – his heart is all with you! I only beg the Lady not to drive me away… if you don’t agree, I’ll kill myself right here…” She broke into earth-shattering wails.
Madam Xue inside also heard the commotion. Coming out and hearing Yin Die’s words, her face turned pale with anger. She cursed, “Shameless slut! Our daughter is pure and unmarried – where do you come from with your lies to slander people? Leave immediately!” Her legs went weak, and she nearly collapsed.
Xianglan’s heart sank as she thought, “Yin Die was never good to begin with, and now she’s trying to ruin my reputation.” She beckoned Hua Shan over and instructed, “Go to the yamen and find Scholar Xia. Tell him his concubine has come to our house making trouble.” Hua Shan left immediately.
Xianglan turned around, her face taking on a different expression.