Chapter Summaries

Zheng Shi and Lin Yunjiao arranged to give Lin Yunwan ill-fitting old clothes so she would look bad at the banquet at Prince Huan's Residence. Lin Yunwan rejected the clothes and went to find Lin Huabin to secure new ones, leaving her determined not to endure mistreatment.

• Zheng Shi decided that Lin Yunjiao would get new clothes first and planned to pass Lin Yunwan clothes that would not fit her.
• Nanny Fan persuaded Lin Yunjiao to give up unwanted outfits, assuring her that Lin Yunwan would look uncomfortable and make Lin Yunjiao shine.
• Nanny Fan delayed delivering the clothes until dusk on the day before the banquet, then brought them to Bixi Hall.
• Lin Yunwan saw that the clothes were too small and told Xiruo to give them to the maids instead.
• Lin Yunwan went to find Lin Huabin to arrange new clothes for herself.

Lin Yunwan learned that her father had left her a wealth of belongings, which Lin Huabin arranged to move into Bixi Hall. The lavish gifts angered Zheng Shi, and the chapter ended with Zheng Shi accusing Lin Huabin of favoring Yunwan while he tried to defend himself.

• Lin Yunwan told Lin Huabin that Lin Yunjiao's clothes were too small, and he gave her two booklets listing the belongings her father had left her.
• Lin Huabin arranged for the listed furnishings, jewelry, fabrics, and clothes to be moved into Bixi Hall, along with a smaller gift from himself.
• Lin Yunwan shared clothes and fabrics with Xiruo, who organized the belongings in a storeroom and kept its key and the booklets for her mistress.
• Xiruo warned Lin Yunwan that the move would cause a quarrel in the main courtyard, and Lin Yunwan said the household could not blame her for it.
• Zheng Shi confronted Lin Huabin over giving the fine belongings to Lin Yunwan and accused him of sending Yunwan away to protect her from mistreatment.
• Lin Huabin denied Zheng Shi's accusations and reflected that he had concealed his eldest daughter's death to spare Zheng Shi and her daughter.

Lin Huabin argued with Zheng Shi over the property he had set aside for Lin Yunwan, refusing to let her give it to Lin Yunjiao. The next morning, Lin Yunwan prepared to face Zheng Shi and Yunjiao, while Xiruo received permission to protect her by force if necessary.

• Zheng Shi accused Lin Huabin of hiding family property and neglecting her and Lin Yunjiao, but he explained that the items belonged to Lin Yunwan's mother's dowry.
• Lin Huabin comforted Zheng Shi by recalling how she had cared for him, but refused her demand to give Yun Wan's things to Jiao'er.
• Zheng Shi threatened to tell Jiao'er that her father favored Yun Wan, and Lin Huabin left after calling her unreasonable.
• The next morning, Nanny Fan told Lin Yunwan to wait at the Second Gate instead of going to pay her respects to Zheng Shi.
• Lin Yunwan guessed that Nanny Fan feared Yunjiao would see her, then told Xiruo to use force if Zheng Shi or Yunjiao caused trouble.

Lin Yunjiao confronted Lin Yunwan at the Lin Residence and tried to strip the clothes from her maids, but Xiruo defeated her servants and Lin Yunwan left for Prince Huan’s Residence first. As the Lin family headed to the banquet, Lin Yunwan prepared a gift for the Prince and hoped it would reach him.

• Lin Yunjiao dressed for the visit to Prince Huan’s Residence and was enraged to see Lin Yunwan wearing fine clothes while Lin Yunwan’s maids wore the garments Lin Yunjiao had given away.
• Lin Yunjiao ordered her servants to strip the clothes from Lin Yunwan’s maids, but Xiruo seized two senior maids and slapped the servants who attacked her.
• Lin Yunwan warned Lin Yunjiao that further arguing could make her miss the banquet, then left for the side gate with Xiruo and her maids.
• Zheng Shi arrived to find Lin Yunjiao’s servants injured, comforted her daughter, and promised to discipline Lin Yunwan after the banquet.
• On the way to Prince Huan’s Residence, Lin Yunwan told Xiruo that she could handle the Lin household’s troubles and said she had prepared calligraphy and incense as a gift for the Prince.

Zheng Shi brought Lin Yunwan and Lin Yunjiao to the Plum Blossom Banquet at Prince Huan's Residence, where the guests hoped to catch a glimpse of Prince Huan. As gossip about the Wuding Marquis Residence and the Pure Stream Lin Family reached their table, Lin Yunwan listened to learn what had happened afterward.

• Zheng Shi cautioned Lin Yunjiao to behave properly as they admired Prince Huan's garden and listened to the Qu Family Troupe perform The Peony Pavilion.
• The Lin family greeted Nanny Wang and Fifth Madam Zhao, and Lin Yunjiao tried to make herself noticed before them.
• The Lins took seats near the opera stage, where guests discussed whether Prince Huan would visit the rear courtyard.
• Madams began gossiping about the Wuding Marquis Residence and the Pure Stream Lin Family, saying the heir had neglected his wife and a concubine had burned the Di Daughter alive.
• Lin Yunwan tightened her grip on her teacup, then listened eagerly as a guest began to explain what had happened to the Wuding Marquis Residence.

At a plum blossom banquet, Lin Yunwan heard people discuss the Lu family and watched Zheng Shi publicly claim to be arranging her marriage. As Lin Yunwan headed toward the plum grove, A Fu arrived and told her that the Prince had been waiting for her.

• Lin Yunwan heard the madams discuss Lu Chang'gong’s mourning and the late Lin clan Di Daughter’s fate, while Lin Yunjiao praised her as a model of wifely virtue.
• A lady asked about Lin Yunwan’s age and betrothal, and Zheng Shi explained that she was twenty, unmarried, and supposedly raised away from home for her health.
• Zheng Shi announced that she would seek a suitable match for Lin Yunwan, while Lin Yunwan quietly left the gathering with Xiruo.
• Lin Yunwan and Xiruo walked toward the Prince’s plum grove and spoke about whether the Prince liked plum blossoms.
• A Fu found Lin Yunwan and invited her to follow him, saying the Prince had been waiting for her.

Lin Yunwan met Qi Lingheng in his study, where he reassured her about life at the Lin family and said her younger brother had sent her something. They went to a pavilion on a lake island, where Qi Lingheng gave her a box containing a letter from Yun Yi.

• A Fu led Lin Yunwan and Xiruo to Qi Lingheng’s study, where he was reviewing Jiangqian’s taxes.
• Qi Lingheng asked whether the Lin family had troubled Lin Yunwan, and she assured him that she was well.
• Qi Lingheng explained that his uncle was receiving the guests and said Yun Yi had sent Lin Yunwan some things.
• Qi Lingheng rowed Lin Yunwan and Xiruo to a pavilion on the lake island.
• Qi Lingheng gave Lin Yunwan a box, and she found a thick letter from Yun Yi inside.

Lin Yunwan read a letter from Lin Yunyi and learned that her mother’s sight was recovering and her brother had returned to his studies. After discussing her family, the burned corpse, and her plans, she left Qi Lingheng with the gifts and money her family had sent, determined to consider choosing her own future.

• Lin Yunwan read Lin Yunyi’s letter and learned that her mother’s sight was recovering and her brother had returned to the Academy.
• Qi Lingheng told Lin Yunwan that he had sent A Fu to check on her family and offered to have her family’s money sent to her through Lin Huabin, but she asked him to keep it.
• Lin Yunwan asked Qi Lingheng about the woman who had burned to death in the Lu family’s private nunnery, and he said the dead deserved their fate.
• Qi Lingheng urged Lin Yunwan to make her own decisions about her future and to be bolder, and she agreed to consider it.
• Lin Yunwan left the thank-you gift and money with Qi Lingheng and returned across the lake with Xiruo, while Qi Lingheng watched their boat go.

Lin Yunwan returned to the Garden after meeting Qi Lingheng, while he worried about the trouble she faced at the Lin Residence and attended a gathering arranged to help find him a wife. Lin Yunjiao hinted that Lin Yunwan hoped to become Princess Huan, but Lin Yunwan rebuked her.

• A Fu escorted Lin Yunwan and Xiruo back to the Garden, then returned by boat to fetch Qi Lingheng.
• Qi Lingheng learned Lin Yunwan had gone the rest of the way alone and suspected Lin Huabin was causing her trouble at the Lin Residence.
• Qi Lingheng went to the Front Courtyard, where Zhao Jingyi introduced him to Jiangqian families as part of the search for a suitable wife.
• Qi Lingheng recalled his agreement with Emperor Jingshun to marry within a year in exchange for the Lu family's Heir Apparent losing his title.
• Lin Yunjiao accused Lin Yunwan of hoping to become Princess Huan, and Lin Yunwan warned her to stop speaking carelessly.

At a banquet at Prince Huan’s Residence, Lin Yunwan learned that Lin Yunjiao had spread a false story about her, while she recognized the suffering of Dong Shuangshuang, an old acquaintance. After returning to the Lin Residence, she began making inquiries to clear her name, as Qi Lingheng went to meet his maternal uncle and aunt.

• Lin Yunwan asked the women at the banquet about Jiangqian’s temples, and Dong Shuangshuang told her that Ci'en Temple was known for efficacious blessings.
• Dong Shuangshuang revealed bruises and binding marks on her arm, then identified herself as an old acquaintance and warned Lin Yunwan not to suffer the same fate.
• After the banquet, Xiruo told Lin Yunwan that Lin Yunjiao had claimed Lin Yunwan nearly killed Madam by ramming into her belly as a child, causing the other young ladies to view her as vicious.
• Lin Yunwan instructed Xiruo to investigate the rumors, and Xiruo questioned servants around Zheng Shi and Lin Yunjiao.
• Qi Lingheng closed the thank-you gift Lin Yunwan had left and went to meet his maternal uncle and aunt.

Qi Lingheng rejected the marriage prospects Nanny Wang and Zhao Jingyi presented, saying he was waiting for a spark at first sight. At the Lin Residence, Lin Yunwan learned more about West Lin and uncovered further doubts about the childhood incident that had driven Miss Lin away.

• Qi Lingheng told Nanny Wang and Zhao Jingyi that the young women they described were all good but lacked the spark he wanted, leaving them to report his answer to the Empress and Emperor.
• Xiruo told Lin Yunwan how West Lin's Old Madam had guided the eldest master back to his studies and supported his talented study attendant until he earned an official degree.
• Lin Yunwan questioned the account of Miss Lin's childhood accident and learned that the pretty, well-liked maid who had served Zheng Shi was married off far away after the incident.
• Xiruo urged Lin Yunwan to ask the Prince to help locate the former maid, and Lin Yunwan considered taking her advice.

Lin Yunwan sought permission to visit Ci'en Temple and offer eternal lamps for her deceased loved ones, while Zheng Shi used the trip to secure Lin Huabin’s agreement that Xiruo must sign a deed of servitude. The next morning, Lin Yunwan challenged Zheng Shi’s complaint about missed greetings by pointing out that Lin Yunjiao did not observe them either, and Zheng Shi reminded Lin Huabin to deal with Xiruo.

• Lin Yunwan decided not to ask the Prince for help and asked Lin Huabin for permission to visit Ci'en Temple and offer eternal lamps for deceased family members and a loyal servant.
• Lin Huabin agreed, and Zheng Shi protested the plan before persuading him that Xiruo should sign a deed of servitude to remain in the residence.
• Lin Huabin told Zheng Shi to take Lin Yunwan and Lin Yunjiao to Ci'en Temple, and Zheng Shi agreed to offer eternal lamps as well.
• When Lin Yunwan paid her respects the next morning, Zheng Shi scolded her for arriving late, and Lin Huabin urged her to observe morning and evening greetings.
• Lin Yunwan pointed out that she had followed Lin Yunjiao’s example, since Lin Yunjiao was still asleep, leaving Lin Huabin to say they should be treated alike.
• Zheng Shi agreed perfunctorily and signaled Lin Huabin to send Xiruo away.

Lin Huabin investigated Xiruo’s fight with Lin Yunjiao’s maids and learned that Lin Yunjiao had ordered a maid serving Lin Yunwan to be stripped. He sent Lin Yunwan away and ordered Lin Yunjiao to stay home and reflect, while Lin Yunwan looked forward to meeting the Lin family’s Old Madam.

• Lin Huabin objected to Xiruo’s assault on Lin Yunjiao’s servants, while Zheng Shi demanded that Xiruo sign a deed of servitude.
• Xiruo explained that she had fought because Lin Yunjiao ordered a maid serving Lin Yunwan to be stripped, and Lin Huabin demanded an investigation.
• Nanny Zhao gathered witnesses, who confirmed Lin Yunjiao’s order, and Lin Huabin let Lin Yunwan keep Xiruo.
• Lin Yunwan asked about visiting Old Madam, and Lin Huabin said Zheng Shi would take her to visit her aunts in a few days.
• Lin Huabin rebuked Zheng Shi for spoiling Lin Yunjiao and ordered her to take Lin Yunwan to offer incense the next day while Lin Yunjiao stayed home to reflect.
• Lin Yunjiao complained to Zheng Shi about her punishment and insisted she would keep acting as she pleased.

Lin Yunwan visited Ci'en Temple with Zheng Shi and offered an Eternal Light Lamp in her birth name. There, Dong Shuangshuang revealed that Lin Yunwan’s wet nurse had once begged her for help, and urged Yunwan to seize her chances and save herself; Yunwan was left considering what opportunity she should take.

• Old Madam Lin remarked that Zheng Shi was intolerant when provoked and agreed to see Lin Yunwan if she came to pay her respects.
• Zheng Shi sent Lin Yunwan to offer an Eternal Light Lamp at Ci'en Temple while she went elsewhere with most of the attendants.
• Lin Yunwan prayed for Miss Lin, her family, and Chang Gong, then offered a lamp for Lin Yun Wan using only her birth date and time.
• Dong Shuangshuang told Lin Yunwan that her wet nurse had begged her for help before Yunwan was sent away, but she had been too young and afraid to act.
• Lin Yunwan reassured Dong Shuangshuang that she did not blame her and asked about her healing hands and difficult married life.
• Dong Shuangshuang urged Lin Yunwan to seize every opportunity and save herself before leaving, and Yunwan pondered her advice.

Lin Yunwan learned that Zheng Shi had miscarried years earlier and was now praying and seeking treatment to have a child of her own. During a visit to the Lin relatives, Old Madam Lin unexpectedly asked Zheng Shi to leave Lin Yunwan behind, then ordered the girl to raise her head.

• A matron told Lin Yunwan that Zheng Shi had miscarried at four months and had not conceived since, while her two concubine-born sons remained in wet nurses' care.
• After drawing an auspicious fortune at Ci'en Temple, Zheng Shi resolved to consult a physician and take medicine in hopes of bearing a son.
• Zheng Shi arranged visits to the first and third branches, privately resenting their warmer reception of Lin Yunwan than of her daughter, Jiao'er.
• The next day, Zheng Shi brought Lin Yunwan to pay respects at Old Madam Lin's courtyard, where Nanny Fan welcomed them inside.
• Old Madam Lin asked why Yun Jiao was absent, then told Zheng Shi to leave Lin Yunwan with her.
• After Zheng Shi left, Old Madam Lin told Lin Yunwan to raise her head, and Lin Yunwan worried that the Old Madam had noticed something.

Old Madam Lin tested Lin Yunwan’s composure and aptitude, then arranged for Nanny Fan to teach her the arts expected of a young lady. After Lin Yunwan left, Old Madam Lin ordered Nanny Fan to teach Yun Jiao as well and focus on correcting her character.

• Old Madam Lin had Nanny Fan show Lin Yunwan how to whisk tea, and Lin Yunwan quickly recreated the first five steps to the elders’ satisfaction.
• Nanny Fan taught Lin Yunwan to trim flowers, and Old Madam Lin praised her aptitude and gave her a pair of bracelets.
• Old Madam Lin asked Lin Yunwan to study with Nanny Fan, who would visit her residence each day, and Lin Yunwan agreed.
• Lin Yunwan left to visit her eldest aunt and third aunt, while Nanny Fan returned to discuss Yun Jiao with Old Madam Lin.
• Old Madam Lin ordered Nanny Fan to teach Yun Jiao too, focusing less on tea and flower arranging and more on training her character.

Lin Yunwan and Lin Yunjiao began lessons with Nanny Fan, while Zheng Shi arranged for Yunjiao to meet Prince Huan at Ci'en Temple. Nanny Fan granted both girls a day off for the outing, so Lin Huabin insisted Yun Wan go along too.

• Lin Huabin agreed that Lin Yunwan and Lin Yunjiao would study together under Nanny Fan at Misty Smoke Pavilion.
• Zheng Shi urged Lin Huabin to help Yunjiao find a suitable match and persuaded him to take her to Ci'en Temple when Prince Huan visited.
• Lin Yunjiao initially refused Nanny Fan's lessons, but agreed to attend when Zheng Shi promised she could meet Prince Huan.
• Nanny Fan reported that both girls behaved well, though Old Madam Lin cautioned that one good day was not enough to judge Yunjiao.
• Lin Huabin asked Nanny Fan to excuse Yunjiao from lessons for an incense offering, and Nanny Fan gave both girls the day off.
• Lin Huabin told Zheng Shi to take Lin Yunwan along with Yunjiao, despite Zheng Shi's objections.

Lin Yunwan tried to persuade Lin Huabin to clear her name, but he refused to send her back to her father and arranged for her to go to Ci'en Temple with Zheng Shi and Lin Yunjiao. At the temple, she sought out Qi Lingheng, who agreed to meet her somewhere more private.

• Lin Yunwan told Lin Huabin that rumors about her had damaged her reputation and asked to return to her father, but he refused and insisted she go to Ci'en Temple with Zheng Shi.
• Lin Yunwan reasoned that Zheng Shi had brought Lin Yunjiao to the temple because Qi Lingheng would be there, and she decided to seize the chance to meet him.
• Zheng Shi sent Lin Yunwan away from herself and Lin Yunjiao to keep her from seeing Qi Lingheng, while Lin Yunjiao complained that Lin Yunwan was prettier than she was.
• Lin Yunwan told Xiruo to find Qi Lingheng, and Xiruo located his guarded courtyard and brought A Fu to her.
• A Fu told Qi Lingheng that Lin Yunwan had arrived, and Qi Lingheng asked for her to be brought somewhere private so no one would see them together.

Lin Yunwan asked Qi Lingheng to find Zheng Shi’s former dowry maid, hoping to uncover the truth about Miss Lin’s childhood accident and the people later dismissed from the household. Afterward, Lin Yunwan wondered whether Qi Lingheng treated her differently, but she concluded his kindness came from his respect for her father and went to pray for Zhu Qing’s unborn child.

• Qi Lingheng praised Lin Yunwan’s housewarming gift and asked her to copy congratulatory passages for his expected younger female cousin.
• Lin Yunwan asked Qi Lingheng to find Zheng Shi’s former dowry maid and explained the suspicious circumstances surrounding Miss Lin’s childhood accident.
• Qi Lingheng agreed to search for the maid and said he would notify Xiruo if she was found.
• Xiruo suggested that Qi Lingheng treated Lin Yunwan differently, but Lin Yunwan decided his kindness was due to his respect for her father.
• Lin Yunwan chose to visit Miss Lin and then pray for Zhu Qing’s unborn child.

Lin Yunwan went to Ci'en Temple to pray for Zhu Qing and drew a supreme fortune, but Lin Yunjiao snatched it and turned the other worshippers against her. After drawing another fortunate stick, Lin Yunwan left with plans to make Lin Yunjiao face public humiliation, while Xia Jin glimpsed her and wondered if he had seen the dead Miss Lin.

• Lin Yunwan waited with Xiruo to pray at the crowded Main Buddha Hall, then drew a supreme fortune stick.
• Lin Yunjiao took the stick and claimed Lin Yunwan should give it to her, prompting several noble young ladies to criticize Lin Yunwan.
• Lin Yunwan challenged Lin Yunjiao to swear before the Buddha that her accusations were true, but Zheng Shi arrived and cleared the onlookers away.
• Lin Yunwan drew another supreme fortune, received an auspicious interpretation, and told Xiruo she would make Lin Yunjiao suffer a public spectacle of her own.
• Xia Jin saw Lin Yunwan in a veiled hat and wondered if she resembled the Miss Lin he believed had died.