25 An Opportunity to Act

"I, I..." Lin Xuelan opened her mouth, and tears began to stream down her face.

"If you are willing to follow me, you won't have to worry about these things. However, you had better think carefully. Although you are my cousin in name, for those who betray me, the end result is far worse than simply being sent to the Shuiyue Nunnery." Lin Yuejiao looked at her and said, "As for your status, a daughter of a concubine is not incapable of becoming a daughter of the legal wife. As for your marriage, you can choose for yourself in the future."

Lin Xuelan looked at Lin Yuejiao in disbelief. These were things she had never dared to imagine, yet Lin Yuejiao had placed them right before her eyes.

"If Fourth Sister is willing to look after me, from this day forward, I will follow your lead and never betray you." Lin Xuelan reacted quickly, immediately raising her hand to swear to the heavens, "With the spirit of my mother in heaven as my witness, if I break today's vow, may I suffer a miserable death."

Lin Yuejiao personally helped her up, a smile playing on her lips. "I won't waste words on empty promises. You will see for yourself, Lan'er, how I treat my own people. But I never tolerate betrayal; please remember that, sister."

Her voice was light and airy, yet Lin Xuelan felt as if those final words were a blade pressed against her throat.

"Fourth Sister, rest assured. I have reached this point, standing on the edge of a cliff. Since you have pulled me back and are willing to protect me, I am eternally grateful." Lin Xuelan spoke with genuine sincerity; these were her true feelings.

Lin Yuejiao could tell, and the smile on her lips grew more genuine. "Sit down, and I will explain things to you slowly."

She was no simple do-gooder; she bestowed kindness with the expectation of a return. If it weren't to win over Lin Xuelan, she would have already fulfilled her obligations regarding the thin ties of blood by speaking up for her before the Old Matriarch regarding the Liu family marriage. Expecting her to do more would be impossible.

Returning to Youran Garden, Lin Yuejiao set about painting. Everyone has their own habits in painting, and masters develop their own unique styles; one can distinguish a genuine work just by the brushstrokes. Therefore, Lin Yuejiao intentionally avoided her own habits, instead mimicking the style of an ancient sage. Before long, a vivid and lifelike woman appeared on the paper.

"Is this Miss Lin Xueshu?" Iris glanced down and said in surprise, "Miss, you have painted her exactly as she is—no, she is even three parts more beautiful than the person herself."

Lin Yuejiao picked up the rice paper to look at it, nodding with satisfaction. "Liu Lingbo is obsessed with beauty and will marry no one else. Since the Old Matriarch and the Liu family have already decided on the marriage, we shall find another path."

This painting had to be delivered into Liu Lingbo's hands. However, it was not appropriate for either of the maids beside her to show their faces. After some thought, Lin Yuejiao took the painting and headed toward Red Maple Garden. Jing Mingge had brought two servants with her when she married into the family, and both were absolutely reliable.

*

The next day, Red Maple Garden.

Lin Yuejiao looked down, watching Lin Yi practice his calligraphy, offering pointers from time to time. Beside them, the little apothecary boy, Kong Qing, was munching on a plate of glutinous jade cakes with great relish. Iris stuffed a handful of melon seeds into his hand and praised, "Kong Qing, you are truly amazing."

"It's just a little trick. I’ve only mastered a tenth of the Divine Doctor's true teachings, but through acupuncture, I can stimulate the internal heat toxins in her body and draw them out. The bumps on her face are actually just the toxins being expelled. Although she looks a bit ugly now, once the detoxification is complete, she will be even more beautiful than before," Kong Qing said, his mouth full as he chewed.

Now, Liu Lingbo had made up his mind, and the tokens for the marriage had been officially exchanged. The wedding date was set quite early, for the end of this month.

Late at night, Lin Xuelan came to Youran Garden alone and immediately knelt to kowtow to Lin Yuejiao three times.

"Lan'er, we are all our own people; there is no need to kneel at every turn." Lin Yuejiao helped her up and said with a smile.

Lin Xuelan wore a veil, her eyes brimming with tears. "Fourth Sister's kindness is like a rebirth to me. I am eternally grateful. Whatever arrangements you have for the future, I will carry them out well."

"For now, you don't need to do anything. Just rest at home and take care of your face. You are the only young lady in the second branch now. Spend more time around Yi Bingbing and gain her trust. In public, we shall appear as sisters in harmony, but before Yi Bingbing, you must act as if our relationship is poor. Let her believe that you are only close to me on the surface, but are ultimately still one of the second branch." Lin Yuejiao curled her lips. "Lin Qingxu is gone, and Yi Bingbing will surely seek revenge; you only need to keep an eye on her."

Lin Xuelan nodded, understanding only half of what was said. "I understand."

"Regardless of what news you uncover, do not act rashly. Just continue to develop your position in the second branch. I dislike everyone in Yi Bingbing’s family, and I hope to see the second branch under your control in the future. So, we shall take it one step at a time; there is no rush. You must control the second branch so that you can help me later." Lin Yuejiao spoke earnestly, her lips curving upward.

Lin Xuelan was stunned by what she heard.

"Lan'er will follow everything as Fourth Sister says," Lin Xuelan bowed, her heart filled with even greater admiration for Lin Yuejiao.

*

A few more days passed, and the Lin household returned to calm, but Lin Yuejiao could not find peace. She understood Lin Qingliu’s jealousy too well. Although the fire at Youran Garden in her past life was still two or three months away, in this life, she had obtained three bamboo tablets early. Based on her knowledge of Lin Qingliu, her murderous intent must already be beyond restraint.

"Sigh, with every change, things only become more troublesome." Lin Yuejiao stood by the window and let out a sigh.

Iris walked over with a smile and said, "No matter how troublesome things are, as long as we have you, Miss, it's not a problem."

"When did you learn to be like Tumi, with a mouth as if it were smeared with honey?" Lin Yuejiao shook her head with a smile, looking at the dark clouds on the horizon. "Looking at this weather, it's going to rain today."

Iris replied, "What this servant says is the truth. Miss, there are many sudden showers in early summer, and the wind outside is strong. Please come in and sit."

Lin Yuejiao looked at the sky, deep in thought. "I cannot always wait for her to make the first move; I should create an opportunity for her myself. I will play my move first, control this trouble within my own chessboard, and resolve it."

"Miss, what are you talking about?" Iris was utterly confused.

Lin Yuejiao pointed to the south. "When it starts raining later, you and Tumi go and push over that wall. Do it quietly, without alerting anyone else."

"Ah? Push over the wall?" Iris looked blank.

Lin Yuejiao pressed her lips together.

In the early summer of the fourth month, on a night of thunder and rain, the south wall of Youran Garden collapsed.

Cishou Hall.

"I heard the wall in your courtyard was blown down by the rain last night." The Old Matriarch was somewhat angry. "How is the third daughter-in-law managing things? She didn't discover this sooner. Fortunately, it was the south wall; what if your room had collapsed? This is far too careless."

Lin Yuejiao smiled faintly. "Grandmother, don't be angry. Mother didn't know that the wall at Youran Garden had become a hazard."

"Old Matriarch, it is all this daughter-in-law's fault. Yuejiao's courtyard has been in disrepair for years and should have been renovated long ago. It’s just that no one had been managing it, and I only just took over the Western Four Courtyards and didn't inspect it carefully. It is my fault." Jing Mingge quickly lowered her head and admitted her mistake.

The Old Matriarch snorted. "At least you know it is your fault. Youran Garden is to be rebuilt; Yuejiao will move out and find another empty courtyard to live in."

"Grandmother, Mother has only just begun to manage the Western Four Courtyards; this really isn't her fault." Lin Yuejiao tugged on the Old Matriarch's sleeve, her small face looking aggrieved.

The Old Matriarch smiled. "Fine, fine, fine. If you say it's not her fault, then it's not. Yuejiao, choose wherever you like in the Lin manor. Once Youran Garden is rebuilt, you can move back."

"There is no need for such trouble; I will just squeeze into Red Maple Garden with Mother," Lin Yuejiao laughed.

The Old Matriarch frowned. "How can that be? Yi'er is ill, and the place smells of medicine all day long; it will disturb your peace. How about you move to Cishou Hall and keep me company? On my south side is Zijin's Qingjin Pavilion, and the Qinglian Pavilion to the north is still empty."

"The academy examinations are imminent, and I play the zither and paint every day. How could I dare disturb your peace, Grandmother? But if I go to Red Maple Garden, I would disturb Yi'er’s recovery. Perhaps I should go somewhere else..." Lin Yuejiao hesitated and said, "How about I go and live with Sister Liu? We can prepare for the academy selection together."

Lin Yuejiao had grown up in the first branch and was closest to Lin Qingliu. Since she proposed this request, the Old Matriarch had no suspicions.

"Excellent. Liu'er's Yangliu Garden has empty side courtyards on both sides. Since you are going there, Zijin can join you as well. The three of you sisters can be together and prepare for the Zhaohuang Academy examinations." The Old Matriarch was very satisfied with this arrangement and said to Lin Zijin, who was by her side, "Zijin, what do you think?"

Lin Zijin said with a smile, "Of course, it would be wonderful to live with my two sisters. If I have anything I don't understand, I can ask both of you for guidance."

"Aunt Qiu, go and invite Liu'er over; I will tell her myself." The Old Matriarch said happily.

Aunt Qiu acknowledged the order and withdrew.

Lin Yuejiao pursed her lips and smiled. Lin Qingliu certainly couldn't refuse the Old Matriarch's kindness and welcomed them with a display of sisterly affection. That same day, Lin Yuejiao and Lin Zijin moved into Yangliu Garden. Lin Qingliu lived in the main hall, Lin Yuejiao lived in the East Pavilion, and Lin Zijin lived in the South Pavilion.

*

"Miss, these are the new gifts issued by the steward to Yangliu Garden. The Eldest Miss sent one portion to each of the southeast pavilions." Iris entered carrying a tray.

Lin Yuejiao’s eyes scanned each item, and she picked up the spice box, opening it. She rubbed her index finger over the grey powder. The faint fragrance was exactly the same as in her past life.

"Miss, I have checked these items; they are just like the usual ones. Is there something wrong with this spice?" Iris asked in surprise, seeing Lin Yuejiao pick up the box.

"It is indeed nearly identical. However, the sedative components in the spice have been increased. Too much is as bad as too little; if used normally, it just causes drowsiness, but at certain moments, it can cost someone their life." Lin Yuejiao’s phoenix eyes narrowed, her lips curling into a cold arc.

Back then, the first branch still managed the Western Four Courtyards. The fire spread rapidly, and there wasn't a single guard nearby; every servant in Youran Garden had fled in terror except for Iris. Lin Yuejiao had tried to escape but felt drowsy and fell into a stupor. Later, Lin Yuejiao investigated and confirmed there was something wrong with the incense.

"Have there been any movements in Yangliu Garden recently?" Lin Yuejiao asked.

Iris thought carefully before replying, "Two days ago, the Eldest Miss reassigned all the guards of Yangliu Garden to help repair the buildings in the Western Four Courtyards. Other than that, there have been no movements. However, that Jiyu has hidden a large amount of pine resin under her bed. She doesn't know that her every move is under my surveillance, and she has been frequently contacting the Eldest Miss. Miss, I fear the Eldest Miss intends to collude with Jiyu to harm you."

Pine resin allows a fire to burn faster and makes it harder to extinguish; it is more subtle and harder to detect than flammable substances like lamp oil or alcohol.

"It seems they are fully prepared and just waiting for the start." Cold light flashed in Lin Yuejiao's eyes; all of this made her feel as though she had returned to that night in her past life. In her past life, Lin Qingliu burned down Youran Garden; in this life, she intended to burn down the East Pavilion. However, this time, Lin Yuejiao would make Lin Qingliu experience the taste of being burned herself.

"Iris, Lin Qingliu always sends notes with orders to Jiyu, right?" Lin Yuejiao asked.

Iris bowed. "Yes. But Jiyu burns the notes every time she reads them, so this servant has been unable to obtain one."

"It doesn't matter; it's better that they are burned—there will be no evidence." Lin Yuejiao walked to the desk. Before her lay a calligraphy book containing a short poem written by Lin Qingliu. Lin Qingliu had given it to her when they exchanged poems two days ago.

Lin Yuejiao had been practicing imitating her handwriting for two days. At this moment, she picked up her brush and wrote in one fluid motion, the delicate characters being seven parts similar to Lin Qingliu’s: "Tonight, at the first quarter of the Xu hour, act."

If an expert looked at it, they would know immediately it wasn't Lin Qingliu's handwriting; Lin Yuejiao didn't have the skill to perfectly deceive a master. But for an outsider who didn't understand calligraphy, like Jiyu, a servant who could barely read, it was sufficient.

Lin Qingliu had arranged everything and was ready to move against Lin Yuejiao.

"Iris, go to Lin Qingliu’s place and say that I have obtained a new poem and would like to invite her to appreciate it together tonight at the Xu hour." Lin Yuejiao said, a curve forming on her lips. "Zijin is going to Cishou Hall to accompany Grandmother today, so there is no need to invite her."

Iris bowed. "Yes."

Lin Yuejiao intentionally avoided Lin Zijin to ensure she would not be implicated.

Yangliu Garden, East Pavilion, Xu hour.

Sandalwood curled in the air, candlelight flickered, and there were several plates of delicate pastries and a pot of tea—a leisurely evening.

"I’ve only spoken a few words with you and already feel quite drowsy. I haven't been sleeping well lately; please forgive me, Fourth Sister." Lin Qingliu let out a yawn, holding the poem for appreciation, looking weary.

Lin Yuejiao smiled faintly. "It must be because Zijin and I have been bothering you too frequently lately, causing you fatigue, Eldest Sister."

"How could that be? I am only too happy that you have come to Yangliu Garden to keep me company," Lin Qingliu said immediately.

Lin Yuejiao picked up her teacup and took a small sip, her eyes casually sweeping across the water clock nearby. At the first quarter of the Xu hour, Jiyu should be making her move.