Author: Bing Shan Chu Shi
(One)
That night, the sky was oppressively dark, with black clouds covering the full moon, the full moon of the fifteenth. Occasionally, an autumn breeze would blow, carrying the scent of lilacs — lilacs, the favorite of Lady Lin San, especially the purple lilacs. Even her commonly used handkerchief was embroidered with such patterns. However, Lord Lin said that lilacs were too delicate, carrying a girlish air, and that chrysanthemums were better, like a gentleman. Lady Lin San, pregnant, was most sensitive to the mention of “girlish,” yet she dared not show it on her face. What was Lord Lin’s status in the court? Even the emperor had to give him some face, let alone her concubines. Which of the women in the Lin mansion, from the highest to the lowest, did not greet him with a smile? The clouds in the sky grew heavier, occasionally accompanied by lightning.
“It looks like there’s going to be a heavy rain,” Lady Lin Er said lightly, as if talking to herself.
Mama Li, standing beside her, handed her a cup of tea and whispered, “It seems like the delivery has already happened in the east wing.”
Since the death of the first lady, and with Lord Lin’s only son off “traveling,” unknown where he might be, Lord Lin was in no hurry to establish a new official wife among his more than ten concubines. On the surface, there was no contention, but in their hearts, they were all calculating. If anyone bore a son, naturally, she would become the phoenix.
“Shall we go and have a look?” Mama Li, who had served Lady Lin Er since she was young and followed her into marriage, was like half a mother to her, always advising her in all matters.
“With her belly so round, it’s probably a girl. No need to join the excitement,” Lady Lin Er sipped her tea, squinting her eyes and speaking lightly.
Mama Li, not wanting to say more, stood quietly by her side.
A loud “boom” shattered the night’s silence, and heavy rain began to fall. In the sky, there was a faint purple glow, not very clear through the rain — it was the figure of a woman, dancing faintly, appearing so sorrowful. As if a silence of a thousand years had finally been broken, was she longing for her lover, or something else? Lord Lin watched in a daze, feeling an inexplicable attraction to the silhouette of this woman, stirring his heart.
(Two)
“Waah—”, with the cry of a newborn, the purple shadow disappeared.
“Master, congratulations, Master, Lady Lin San has given birth…” Lord Lin was overjoyed, not knowing what to do, and asked repeatedly, “Given birth? What has she given birth to?”
Before his clever butler, Lin, could respond, he had already rushed into the delivery room. The midwife was holding something soft, wrapped in red cotton cloth, and said joyfully, “Congratulations Master Lin, Lady Lin San has given birth to a daughter.”
“A daughter?” Lord Lin was momentarily dazed but quickly recovered. Whether a son or a daughter, he would love them equally; after all, this child was born of his most beloved woman. She might not have the dignity of Lady Lin Er, or the gentle eccentricity of Lady Lin Qi, but she had an undeniable beauty. A beautiful woman is enough to win a man’s love, especially since she was so young. Even if she had given birth to a kitten, he would have clapped his hands in delight. But Lady Lin San did not give birth to a kitten; she gave birth to a very dark-skinned girl. At birth, one can’t tell beauty or ugliness, but this darkness was unsettling to look at.
“She will grow into beauty, my daughter, Lin Pu. Even if she isn’t taught to be stunningly beautiful, she will certainly not be lacking in etiquette,” he thought to himself, feeling much relieved. Besides, many children are born with peculiar marks or features that fade over time, and they often turn out prettier and smarter than average children.
“Madam, you’ve worked hard!” Lord Lin held Lady Lin San’s hand, his eyes full of tenderness. Tears of emotion welled up in Lady Lin San’s eyes, “Master, our daughter…”
“Our daughter is fine…”
“But she…”
“It’ll be fine in a few days.”
“What if…”
“If you’re worried, I’ll have Butler Lin find a miraculous doctor.”
Only then did Lady Lin San nod in relief and fall into a deep sleep. She was truly exhausted. Over the years, no matter how much Lord Lin favored her, she had to live with a mask. Reality is cruel; if you’re not smooth, you’re destined to be eliminated.
(Three)
This smoothness is an art. Done poorly, it’s like Lady Lin Qi’s eccentricity; done well, it’s like Lady Lin San’s thoughtfulness.
The next day, Lord Lin’s initial excitement had considerably subsided. As he was enjoying his rich breakfast, Butler Lin brought someone — a famous ghost doctor from the martial world, known as “Enemy of Yama.” It’s said that he could bring back the dead if he chose to treat them, and he was also an exceptional fortune-teller. However, he had a peculiar rule — he would not treat three types of people: officials, the rich, and hypocrites. Lord Lin, though not a hypocrite, was certainly a high-ranking official and wealthy. What moved this genius to come and treat the young Miss Lin? Because he was a good friend of Butler Lin. So, he came.
Without wiping his mouth, Lord Lin hurried forward to greet him, clasping his hands in respect, “I appreciate your effort, Master.”
The ghost doctor merely glanced at him coldly, just once, and asked, “Where is the patient?”
The ghost doctor was tall with a sparse beard, his figure gaunt yet exuding an air of otherworldly charm. His sharp gaze commanded respect. Upon seeing Miss Lin, he fell silent for a long while, not speaking. Lady Lin San grew anxious and said, “Master, how is my daughter? If you can cure her, whatever reward you desire, the Master will provide.”
The ghost doctor snorted, “Do you think I, the ghost doctor, am here for your mere money?”
Butler Lin quickly intervened, “Please calm down, Brother Ghost, the lady is just anxious, please forgive her.”
Although Butler Lin was just a servant of the Lin mansion, he held himself with dignity and never spoke submissively, even to Lord Lin, who admired his management skills and considered him almost family. Seeing him speak so gently to the ghost doctor, Lord Lin felt a new respect and trust for him, quickly adding, “My wife lacks manners, please overlook it, Master.”