The splendor of the Red Chamber, the power that reigns supreme.

Chapter 128 Lin Ruhai's Deep Love for His Daughter

"As the old lady instructed."

Yes, and there was an old lady too.
Mrs. Lin pondered these words, sitting alone on the crimson satin cushion. The cold gold bracelet could not be warmed, just like the greedy, angry, and deluded thoughts in her heart—sometimes burning like charcoal fire, sometimes pricking like ice needles, a fine and dense pain and itch that disturbed her internal organs.

Her own greedy thoughts of being a third-rank noblewoman were like a pebble thrown into water, causing ripples in her heart that she could not calm down.

"Status..." She sighed inwardly, a bitter taste lingering on her tongue. "I'm afraid my status will never be revealed. Besides, in the Ximen household, even with this third-rank imperial edict as my trump card, what can I possibly compete for? Can I possibly surpass the principal wife, Wu Yueniang?"

"That Wu Yueniang is Ximen Qing's lawfully wedded wife, the one who manages the household affairs! No matter how noble Lin Shi is, with her noble air built up by her imperial title, once she steps into the Ximen mansion, she is ultimately just a guest, an 'outsider'! She hasn't forgotten the feeling of being driven to the brink of death and left helpless by that slut Pan Jinlian barging into her garden room that day! What is Pan Jinlian? She's just a maidservant, a slave she bought and sold!"

Yet, someone of such status dared to so boldly mock me, a legitimate noblewoman, and humiliate me. To disgrace me—wasn't this instigated by Wu Yueniang? Who would believe that! Would Pan Jinlian dare to be so presumptuous without Wu Yueniang's tacit approval and indulgence?

It's nothing more than her, the 'local monk,' trying to outdo me, the 'outsider bodhisattva'!" Thinking of this, Mrs. Lin's resentment flared up like a tinderbox.

However, this heart-wrenching resentment did not extinguish her anger; instead, it was like a raging fire doused with boiling oil, burning her inherent pride and scheming nature into a terrifyingly bright and crackling flame!

“But now…it’s different!” She straightened her back, her ample figure, tightly wrapped in gold-threaded peony brocade, swelled and undulated proudly. Her gaze swept over the new atmosphere created by her lover’s “affection” and “wealth”—the gilded and jade-inlaid screen, the shimmering porcelain, the bronze beast exuding exotic fragrance…each item seemed like a silent contract, and a clearer blueprint unfolded in her heart.

Even though the Wang Zhaoxuan Mansion had once fallen on hard times, its foundation remained! She, Lin, was a third-rank noblewoman, her name marked with cinnabar by the Emperor! Her son still held the hereditary, nominal position of the Zhaoxuan Mansion! Now, she had even climbed the social ladder by marrying Lin Ruhai, the head of the Nine Shepherds of Suzhou, a true third-rank scholar and Salt Commissioner, the epitome of nobility!

Wu Yueniang? She's just the daughter of a minor official in Qinghe County, who only got the title of principal wife because she married young! In terms of family background, rank, and the network of connections she's about to build, what can she compare to me? How can she help her lover rise to the top? But I can!!

This thought filled her with strength. No matter how wealthy the Ximen family was, it was ultimately just a merchant family's foundation, a superficial display of wealth. But the Wang Zhaoxuan family was different. She, Lin, relied on this soon-to-be-revitalized Wang Zhaoxuan family, and behind it lay the blood ties of the noble Lin clan—this was a truly tangible connection that could help her lover rise to prominence!

"As for the branch residence? The main residence?" Her inner struggle about her position in the Ximen family was now replaced by a more shrewd calculation.

What is a branch residence? What is the main residence? It all depends on the scales in the master's heart! The place where the master sleeps every night is the main residence. The place where the master's power and influence are deeply entrenched, the foundation of his influence—that is the main residence. The place that the master manages and nurtures daily, the vital area, naturally counts as the true main residence!

Why can't my Prince Zhaoxuan Mansion become an indispensable secondary residence in the heart of a high-ranking official! A place where he can connect with nobles, smooth things over, and gain prestige! A residence that he can't bear to leave, can't bear to part with, and that makes him feel comfortable just thinking about! That's what a true! Master's! Mansion should be!

Thinking of this, she felt a surge of passion and ambition wash over her once more. She even imagined her lover, whether weary or triumphant, spurring his horse not back to the Ximen residence, but straight to her own Wang Zhaoxuan residence, to embrace her.

In this mansion he personally "decorated," she would use her mature charm, noblewoman's decorum, and connections with the powerful to weave a gentle yet powerful net, binding him, skin and bone, soul and all, firmly to her voluptuous, burning flesh!

What if Wu Yueniang held onto the empty title of "Master's Mansion" then? What if Pan Jinlian, that vixen, was still the most favored? This realization made her heart burn. She raised her hand and gently stroked the large phoenix hairpin inlaid with red gold filigree and jewels at her temple. With her other hand, she subtly grabbed her own plump buttocks. Her own father seemed to love this place and wished it could be bigger.

In the main hall of Wang Zhaoxuan's residence, incense burners with auspicious beast designs exhale sandalwood smoke, and curtains hang low, casting dappled light and shadow.

Lin Ruhai, accompanied by his beloved daughter Daiyu, entered the newly renovated main hall of Wang Zhaoxuan's mansion, with servants bowing to him all the way.

Lin Ruhai's gaze was calm and still as an ancient well. As soon as he entered the mansion, his seemingly casual glances had already thoroughly sifted through the entire hall, inside and out.

"This humble official, Lin Ruhai, greets the Lady of the Imperial Decree." Lin Ruhai rose and, following the court etiquette, performed a proper bow, his voice clear and unhurried.

"It is an honor to have Imperial Censor Lin grace us with his presence! Please, no need for formalities!" Madam Lin had already risen gracefully, her face bearing a perfectly restrained smile, and returned the greeting with proper courtesy: "I am Lin, and I have long admired Imperial Censor Lin's esteemed reputation. It is my great pleasure to meet you today."

She had just changed into the formal attire befitting an imperial consort, a dark blue robe with cloud and pheasant patterns, her hair styled in a high bun, and a large, red-gold filigree phoenix hairpin with jewels firmly adorning her. Her entire being exuded an air of grandeur and elegance.

Ximen Da Guanren sat beside him, his eyes lowered as he rested.

Wang Sanguan felt extremely uncomfortable and could only suppress his unease, secretly reaching into his sleeve to examine the dice.

After the pleasantries were over, Lin Ruhai's gaze, like an invisible probe, silently swept across the hall. Everything he saw and heard confirmed his understanding of the family's profound heritage.

The maids standing on both sides stood with their hands at their sides, eyes lowered, holding their breath. When they walked to serve tea, their skirts remained perfectly still, their steps as light as a cat's, and even the soft sound of the delicate porcelain covered bowl falling onto the rosewood table was almost imperceptible.

There was also a capable-looking maid who, as soon as Lin Ruhai entered the gate and his gaze swept over the gate before he entered the flower hall, immediately and imperceptibly swept the already polished door studs with a whisk behind him.

This servant's keen eye and discipline are clearly the result of years of training, not something achieved overnight.

As he entered the hall, his gaze swept over the furniture. The rosewood tables, chairs, and desks, though not brand new, were polished to a warm, jade-like finish, with rounded edges and a lustrous patina, exuding the weight of time.

The display cabinet is staggered with various items, including a small white kiln washer with a clear blue glaze after rain, its glaze as warm and lustrous as jade; a jade ruyi scepter with a pure and bright color, without any impurities. On the central table sits a bronze taotie-patterned square vessel, over a foot tall, with an ancient shape, mottled green patina, and a majestic and profound aura, clearly an old artifact passed down through generations of officials.

The windows were spotless, not even a speck of dust could be found in the delicate grooves of the carved window frames. This inspection brought Lin Ruhai a growing sense of satisfaction and approval. He returned his gaze to the main seat.

Mrs. Lin sat upright like a pine tree, her back straight. She wore the pheasant-feathered robe that symbolized her third-rank imperial consort, and it made her look like a full moon. Although there was a sense of worldly wisdom between her brows, there was also a sense of composure and calmness that belonged to a noble family.

What's even more remarkable is her eloquence! She quotes extensively from classical texts and readily mentions the anecdotes of each branch of the Lin family. She can even discuss a few profound words from the "Nine Shepherds Lin Family Instructions" with Lin Ruhai. Although her understanding is not profound, it is still quite insightful, showing that she received a good family education from a young age and is well-versed in literature.

"Her demeanor is dignified and graceful, and she is knowledgeable and courteous in her dealings with others. This air of elegance and skill is truly worthy of the Lin family lineage and she is even more deserving of the honor of being a third-rank imperial consort!" Lin Ruhai thought to himself. His previous doubts had now been largely dispelled by the genuine aristocratic air and the lady of the house's proper demeanor.

Especially when she talked about how to rebuild the Wang Zhaoxuan family's reputation and educate her young son, but was led astray by those noble and dissolute young men in the capital, her inherent air of nobility and her methods of managing the household, as well as her deep regret for not having moved three times to educate her son, made Lin Ruhai, a high-ranking official of the Qingliu faction, nod in approval.

"Speaking of which, my ancestors were also from the Lin family of Putian, Fujian," Mrs. Lin said with a charming smile, subtly steer the conversation toward her relatives. "It's just a pity that over the years, the family genealogy has been lost. I vaguely remember that our ancestor from the 'Wei' generation moved to the capital region..."

"I often hear the old saying, 'Orchids and magnolias grow in deep forests, and their fragrance is not diminished by the absence of people.' We, the descendants of the Lin family of Jiumu, never forget this fundamental principle of passing down poetry and books, no matter what circumstances we are in."

Lin Ruhai's eyes gleamed even brighter. He stroked his beard, nodded, and replied, "What you say is absolutely right, Madam. My family, the Lin clan of Suzhou, traces its lineage back to the Lin clan of the Nine Shepherds. Our ancestor's given name was 'Zan,' and he was from the eldest branch of the family. He also upheld the principles of 'passing down poetry and propriety, being honest, cautious, and diligent.' Madam's ability to uphold these principles is especially precious during this time of change in our family." His words now carried a hint of gentleness characteristic of his kin.

"Oh dear!" Mrs. Lin covered her mouth with her handkerchief, her eyes filled with genuine joy. "We are of the same clan! Imperial Censor Lin's words truly resonate with me! In that case, we are indeed family!" She was secretly delighted, feeling that this connection was very solid. The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly harmonious and intimate as the two recounted the old stories of the Nine Shepherds Lin clan. Mrs. Lin quoted classical texts and responded with propriety.

Lin Ruhai nodded repeatedly, the aloofness on his face long gone. Madam Lin even instructed Wang Sanguan to personally pick up the engraved silver teapot and refill the cup with freshly brewed pre-rain Longjing tea for her uncle, her demeanor elegant and composed.

Looking at the elegant and refined lady before him, who shared the same lineage as him, and recalling his daughter Daiyu's melancholy and frail health since the loss of her mother, a thought became clear in Lin Ruhai's mind. His smile grew even warmer, and his gaze towards Mrs. Lin held a hint of entrustment.

After exchanging pleasantries for a few moments, Lin Ruhai gently called out, "Yu'er, come and pay your respects to Madam." Daiyu's brows seemed shrouded in mist and sorrow, her movements as slender as a willow in the breeze. She respectfully performed a deep curtsy to Madam Lin, her voice as soft as a whisper, "Niece Daiyu pays her respects to Madam." Her dewy eyes slightly lifted, clear and bright, carrying a hint of curiosity and melancholy. Little did she know that there were Lin clan members living near the capital, in the outskirts of the imperial city.

Seeing that the little girl was so elegant and refined, unlike anyone else in the mortal world, Madam Lin felt a surge of affection and her kind smile deepened. She personally took the exquisite red gold filigree and pearl-inlaid phoenix hairpin, modeled after the Xiaoxiang style, from the maid, and said gently, "What a beautiful and intelligent girl! Her whole demeanor is clearly that of someone from my Lin family! No need for formalities, here, take this." She gently placed the hairpin in Daiyu's hand, where it felt slightly cool to the touch.

Daiyu thanked the elder for the generous gift, then quietly sat back down in the chair beside her father, head bowed and silent, looking at the phoenix hairpin in her hand. She liked the design of the hairpin very much, and secretly observed this elegant and graceful lady of the imperial clan who treated her gently.

After a few more words, the group immediately ordered the feast to begin. Soon, dishes and utensils were laid out, a feast of both land and sea delicacies.

Ximen Qing sat beside him with a smile throughout, saying little and maintaining a proper and respectful demeanor. Madam Lin, on the other hand, occasionally glanced at Ximen Qing's face with a hint of familiar charm that only the two of them could understand, a fleeting touch that was so quick that no one else could detect it.

Mrs. Lin coughed lightly, her face still bearing an elegant and dignified smile, commanding with composure, clearly the undisputed mistress of the mansion. After the guests and hosts were seated, Lin Ruhai and Daiyu looked at the table and were both taken aback.

On the table and chairs, one could see that the decorations were mostly in the refined and elegant style of Suzhou:

A dish of stir-fried shrimp, white as snow, each shrimp distinct like a jade bead;
A bowl of Biluo shrimp soup, the broth is as clear as spring water, with tender Biluo buds floating in it;
A dish of braised water bamboo shoots, with its rich, dark soy sauce and aroma that fills the nostrils;
The crab meat lion's head meatballs were even more tender and round, lying on the bright green cabbage hearts;

There is also a steaming bowl of water shield and silver fish soup in the center. The soup is milky white, and the silvery-silver-like young fish swim among the smooth water shield. It is dotted with green scallions and is the most seasonal delicacy in Suzhou in autumn.

"Madam, this...how thoughtful!" Lin Ruhai was both surprised and delighted, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. Madam Lin smiled gently, personally picking up a silver ladle and serving Daiyu a small bowl of water shield and silver fish soup. Her movements were light and tender, filled with affection: "Thinking that the Imperial Censor and his daughter are from Suzhou, and fearing they might not taste their hometown flavors in the capital, I specially found a chef from the south. His skills are simple, but consider it a small token of my appreciation, to ease their homesickness." Hearing this, Daiyu's heart warmed. She thanked him politely, picked up the spoon, carefully scooped a spoonful of the milky-white, rich soup, gently blew on it, and put it in her mouth. That familiar, sweet taste of river fish instantly spread across her tongue—it was the taste her mother used to make at home when she was young!

An indescribable bitterness and longing suddenly rushed to the tip of her nose. Before she could even swallow the hot soup, two lines of clear tears rolled down her cheeks like pearls from a broken string, dripping into the bowl without warning.

"Yu'er!" Upon seeing this, Lin Ruhai's heart tightened. He quickly put down his chopsticks and asked gently, "My child, why are you crying? Are you feeling unwell? Or is this dish not to your liking?" His words were full of concern and worry, which also startled Mrs. Lin, who was exchanging glances with Ximen Qing.

Daiyu hurriedly pressed a plain white handkerchief to the corner of her eyes, raised her tear-streaked face, her voice choked with sobs, yet she tried her best to maintain the demeanor of a well-bred young lady, and said softly, "Father, don't worry, I'm fine... it's just... it's just this soup..."

She paused, and the pent-up grievances and endless longing for her mother finally found an outlet in this familiar, heartbreaking scent. She whispered:
"At...at my maternal grandmother's house, the old lady doted on me, and I was never short of food. However...there were many people in the household, and all the food was prepared by the main kitchen. Although there were delicacies from land and sea, there was nothing lacking, it was still the taste of communal cooking...who knows if the cooks might add too much salt or too little sugar one day...not to mention this authentic Suzhou hometown flavor, I...I haven't tasted it for a long time..."

In the end, his voice was low and almost inaudible, and his tears fell like raindrops from the eaves.

Upon hearing this, Lin Ruhai felt as if his heart had been struck by a heavy hammer, filled with both heartache and guilt. His daughter lived a life of luxury in the Duke's mansion, yet even a simple meal of her hometown's cuisine had become a luxury. The loneliness of living under someone else's roof and her longing for her mother were now so clearly presented to him through this bowl of soup, piercing his heart as a father with such sharpness.

His gaze toward Mrs. Lin was filled with even more gratitude and determination—sending Yu'er to stay temporarily in Zhaoxuan Prefecture, a place that was thoughtful, had kinship ties, and allowed her to taste the flavors of her hometown, was indeed the right decision!

Daiyu realized she had lost her composure and hurriedly stood up, giving Madam Lin a graceful curtsy. Her slender waist bent as lightly as a willow branch, and her voice was tinged with unresolved sobs: "I was unable to control myself for a moment and was disrespectful in front of you, Madam. I beg you to forgive me."

Her little face was deathly pale, still wet with tears, and her voice was babbling incoherently; she was truly a pitiful sight!
"Oh! My child!" Mrs. Lin, who had already left her seat, rushed forward like a fragrant breeze, and without a word, she embraced the slender beauty in her arms. With a silk handkerchief infused with rich fragrance, she tenderly wiped away her tears, comforting her as she spoke:

"Stop talking like that! What 'forgive me'? You're so young, and you've lost your mother and left your hometown to live with your maternal grandparents. How could your aunt not know the bitterness in your heart? These tears are the true feelings of longing for home and mother, which are the most precious things. For them to fall on your aunt is an honor for you, a sign of our bond. How is that rude? Stop saying such things!"

She gently patted Daiyu's back: "Good child, now that you're here with your aunt, make yourself at home! Not to mention this table full of Suzhou dishes today, starting tomorrow, your aunt will have the chef from the south prepare different dishes for you every day! Crystal pork jelly, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, honey-glazed ham, crispy and tender... I guarantee you'll eat to your heart's content and smile from ear to ear! When we're together, just the two of us behind closed doors, we can eat whatever we want and say whatever we want, without any of those complicated rules!"

She helped Daiyu sit down again, then sat down next to her, continuing to comfort her with a straightforwardness deliberately distinct from the elaborate formalities of the Jia family:
"Don't let your status as a descendant of a prince and a third-rank noblewoman fool you. Even if your household has some ancestral rules and traditions, what's most important in managing a household? It's 'benevolence and righteousness'! It's 'family ties'! Those empty formalities that burn like oil lamps can turn a living person into a wooden puppet! My daughter and I are kindred spirits and of the same bloodline, so from now on, just be yourself. Laugh when you want to laugh, cry when you want to cry, and have your hometown food ready whenever you crave it! That's the right thing to do!"

To ease the tension, Mrs. Lin warmly engaged in casual conversation, turning the topic to the Jia family: "Speaking of which, is the old lady of the Rongguo Mansion still in good health? She must be in excellent spirits, right? The scenery at her mansion is like heaven on earth. Where does Yu'er live? Is it close to the old lady?"

After being hugged and coaxed, Daiyu's tears gradually subsided, though her nose was still red. With her eyes lowered and her voice soft, she replied, "Thank you for asking, Aunt. My grandmother is well. I... I used to live in the Green Gauze Pavilion in the old lady's courtyard. The old lady knew I liked bamboo, so she planted quite a few." Her voice was as light as a feather falling to the ground.

"What a lovely name! It sounds like a tranquil and elegant place! If you like bamboo, I have some here too!" Mrs. Lin added with a smile, continuing the conversation.

"Although Auntie's garden is small, there are a few scenic spots to see. In the back garden, we've transplanted some bamboo from Jiangnan, as well as some seasonal flowers. When the weather is nice tomorrow, Auntie will take you for a stroll. By the way, do you have any favorite snacks?"

"There's a mother in my aunt's house who makes Suzhou-style pastries. Her jujube paste and yam cake, plum blossom cake, and Dingsheng cake are pretty authentic. I'll have her make some for you to try later."

Ximen Da Guanren watched coldly from the sidelines, nodding inwardly. Sure enough, she was not just a woman who was seductive in bed; this third-rank noblewoman had not come from humble beginnings in the capital and was indeed quite capable.

Seeing the atmosphere warm up, he smiled and interjected, "Madam is right! Miss Lin, please settle in comfortably. If you would like to eat some rare seasonal delicacies from the south, such as shad or ribbonfish, just ask, and I'll have the shop assistants get them as quickly as possible!"

Feeling the warmth of Madam Lin's embrace and the sincerity in her words, and looking at the authentic hometown dishes before her, Daiyu's initial awkwardness and sadness upon arriving in this new place were actually somewhat diluted by the overwhelming sense of kinship. She nodded gently and gave Madam Lin a faint but genuine smile: "Thank you... for your trouble, Aunt."

Looking at the rare, warm smile on his daughter's face, and then at Mrs. Lin's warm and attentive manner, Lin Ruhai felt a great weight lifted from his heart. This Wang Zhaoxuan residence might truly become a rare haven for Yu'er in the capital, a place where she could ease her worries.

He straightened his official robe sleeves, turned to Mrs. Lin, and his handsome, refined face was now filled with a father's deep helplessness and an almost earnest entrustment. His voice was deep, slow, and solemn:
"Madam, you are unaware of this. My poor child lost her loving mother at a young age..." A deep sorrow flashed across his eyes, and his voice lowered. "My wife, Jia, passed away early, leaving Yu'er all alone. I am honored by the Emperor's favor and serve as an official of the court. My duties as the salt inspector are heavy, and I often travel between Lianghuai and the capital. I work tirelessly day and night and am truly unable to take care of her properly in terms of her upbringing."

He sighed deeply, with a profound sense of helplessness. "Left with no other choice, I had to entrust Yu'er to her maternal grandmother—the Dowager Lady of the Rongguo Mansion—to raise her. The Dowager Lady doted on her dearly, treating her like a precious treasure. However… the Rongguo Mansion is, after all, a distinguished family, a noble household, with a large population and numerous affairs. Yu'er is a sensitive and delicate child, and her frail health means that in such a noisy place, she may not find peace and quiet, and may not be able to enjoy herself to the fullest."

He raised his earnest gaze to Mrs. Lin, his words deliberately revealing his trust in and natural affinity for this elder relative:
"It was only today, upon meeting Madam, that I learned there are still members of the Lin clan of the Nine Shepherds in the capital. Moreover, Madam possesses a refined and elegant demeanor, manages her household skillfully, and her home is more elegant and refined than any other. I humbly suggest that in the future, in my spare time from official duties, I may bring Yu'er to visit your residence often. Firstly, this would allow her to be closer to a learned and like-minded elder like Madam and receive her guidance; secondly, your esteemed residence is tranquil and elegant, with flowers and trees that soothe the soul, which would also provide her with a place to rest and relax, perhaps easing her anxieties. I only fear... that this might disturb Madam's peace and quiet."

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Lin was overjoyed, as if a gold ingot had fallen from the sky and landed right in her arms! To be able to curry favor with Censor Lin, who held real power over the salt tax, was an opportunity she had longed for beyond measure! She immediately rose from her seat, her face overflowing with surprise and enthusiasm:
"Oh dear! Imperial Censor Lin, you flatter me! How could you say I'm 'bothering' or 'causing trouble'? Your words are so intimate, Imperial Censor, that you truly consider me family!"

She strode quickly to Lin Ruhai and his daughter, first tenderly stroking Daiyu's soft hair as if it were a rare treasure, before turning to Lin Ruhai with eyes so earnest they seemed to overflow with tears:

"Yu'er is so intelligent and perceptive, and I fell in love with her at first sight! She lost her mother at a young age, and you are tied up with important court affairs. Although I have not personally experienced the hardships and difficulties you have gone through, I feel them deeply!"

She gently took Daiyu's slightly cool hand in hers:

"Although the Old Madam of Rongguo Mansion is a close relative, we are of the same clan and origin, and the bond of blood is naturally no less than that of ordinary people! Your willingness to visit often is an honor to my humble abode, adding a touch of scholarly elegance to Zhaoxuan Mansion, which I would be more than happy to receive! Not to mention frequent visits, even if Yu'er were to stay here for a while, I would do my utmost to treat her like my own flesh and blood, making sure she feels as comfortable and at ease as if she were in her own home!"

"Although the mansion is not as luxurious as the Rongguo Mansion, all the living expenses will be carefully prepared, and Yu'er will not be wronged. I will also keep Yu'er company, talk about poetry and books, and appreciate the flowers and trees in the garden. I will make sure she stays comfortably and happily, just like she is going back to her aunt's house for a few days to relax."

Her words were sincere and heartfelt, expressing her affection for Daiyu, emphasizing the preciousness of kinship, and regarding the visit of Lin Ruhai and his daughter as an honor for the household. She adopted an extremely humble attitude, and her enthusiasm was evident in her words.

Seeing her sincerity and earnestness, Lin Ruhai's last trace of concern vanished, and a relieved and grateful smile appeared on his face: "I am deeply grateful for Madam's kindness!"

After the banquet, the leftovers were cleared away, and a maidservant served fragrant tea. Madam Lin then warmly took Daiyu's hand, her smile so kind it seemed to drip with honey: "My Yu'er, it's getting late, and the journey has been bumpy. Why bother going back to that official residence? Just stay here with your aunt tonight. The back room has been prepared perfectly, with new bedding and blankets; I guarantee you'll sleep soundly."

Daiyu looked up at her father, her eyes questioning. Lin Ruhai looked at the faint warmth still lingering on his daughter's face from the tenderness they had just shared, and seeing Madam Lin's sincere feelings, he still had some reservations, but for his daughter's sake, he nodded in agreement: "Since you are so kind, Madam, I will trouble you for the night. I will only trouble you to take good care of me."

"Your Excellency is being too polite! Yu'er is like my own daughter to me, why would I need to trouble myself with her?" Madam Lin smiled broadly and hurriedly instructed her maids and servants to prepare.

Lin Ruhai sat for a while longer, gave Daiyu a few words of advice such as "behave properly" and "don't be naughty," and then got up to take his leave. Ximen Qing naturally saw him off very attentively.

Stepping out of the Zhaoxuan Mansion gate, a cool night breeze blew. Seeing that Lin Ruhai's complexion was still acceptable, Ximen Qing tentatively took a step closer: "My lord, you've had a long day. The moonlight is just right now; how about a couple of drinks to relieve your fatigue?"

He said this purely as a test, his eyes carrying a hint of barely perceptible caution.

Unexpectedly, Lin Ruhai, the man of pure virtue, paused slightly upon hearing this, turned to the side, and reached out to gently pat Ximen Da Guanren's shoulder twice. The force was neither too light nor too heavy, but it carried a very gentle attitude.

"I appreciate your kind offer, sir." Lin Ruhai's voice sounded exceptionally calm in the night. "I'm just a bit tired today. Perhaps another day."

Before Ximen Qing could think it over, Lin Ruhai said gently, "Tomorrow I would like to take Yu'er to revisit some old places in Qinghe to relax. Since you are well-traveled and knowledgeable, I will have to trouble you to accompany us and explain the sights and sights of the capital to us."

The official bowed and said, "Your Excellency's orders! Why speak of 'grievance'?"

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, the two parted ways in front of the mansion gate. Ximen Qing watched Lin Ruhai's sedan chair disappear into the night around the street corner.

Instead of returning to his residence immediately, he paced a few steps in the shadow of the tall walls of the Zhaoxuan Mansion, then with a swift movement, he turned into a narrow alleyway that could only accommodate one person at a time, and went straight to the inconspicuous black lacquered corner gate of the Zhaoxuan Mansion.

He didn't use much force; he simply bent his knuckles and tapped the door panel three times very lightly and quickly, the sound barely audible.

Almost as soon as the knocking ended, the tightly closed side door creaked open a crack! The movement was so swift that it was as if the person inside had been holding their breath and pressed against the door, waiting.

From the crack in the door, a hand painted with bright red nail polish suddenly reached out, grabbed Ximen Qing's collar, and yanked hard!
Ximen Qing slipped inside. The door slammed shut behind him.

In the dim shadows inside the door, Madam Lin was still dressed in the formal attire of a noblewoman of high rank. Her dark blue robe with cloud and pheasant patterns was very elegant, and her hair was styled in a high bun. The large phoenix hairpin inlaid with red gold filigree and gemstones shone in the moonlight. She still looked like a dignified and noble noblewoman.

Her face was full of seductive allure, and she threw herself into Ximen Qing's arms like a fish out of water. Her arms wrapped tightly around his thick waist like supple vines, and her burning cheeks pressed against his chest, greedily absorbing his scent.

Wearing her imperial robe, she tilted her head slightly, gazing at Ximen Qing's face in the darkness. Her eyes were shimmering with tears, filled with an undisguised, almost drowning longing and yearning.

(End of this chapter)