Chapter Eight: The Hidden Compartment

When she asked, Jiang Lan bore no blame in her tone. Even if Xi Chi was not a simple maid, she likely knew little of such secrets.

They found a place to sit and ordered a bowl of tea.

Listening to Xi Chi talk about the price, Jiang Lan couldn't help but click her tongue.

"Swindlers, utter swindlers! Two taels of silver for a single cup of tea!" Jiang Lan trembled with anger. "I only get fifty taels a month—this is outright profiteering, daylight robbery!"

Xi Chi hurriedly tugged at her master's sleeve. "Master, please, let’s not say any more. We're still in someone else's territory." Sensing the gazes around them, her ears flushed pink. "Master, everyone is watching. Even if we're heartbroken over the money, we must consider the family's reputation, mustn’t we?"

With Xi Chi’s reminder, Jiang Lan realized several disdainful glances were cast their way. She straightened her robe and continued to sip her tea.

"The money’s spent, so we mustn't waste it," Jiang Lan said, pushing the teapot toward her. "You should have some too."

Kneeling, Xi Chi quickly lowered her head. "I dare not, Master, you honor me too much."

Jiang Lan frowned and spoke sternly, "I’m ordering you to drink—will you refuse?"

Xi Chi dared not decline. She first refilled Jiang Lan’s cup, then took a teacup from the tray, set it at the edge of the table, poured herself some, and sipped from a distance.

Heaven rewards the patient—after a pot of tea, Jiang Lan finally saw a familiar face.

"Lan, what brings you here?" The greeting came from a young man dressed in pale yellow robes and a white brocade coat. Smiling whether speaking or silent, his features were bright as a spring breeze, his manner always proper and considerate.

"Second Cousin, what brings you here?" Jiang Lan was surprised and looked behind him. "Is Eldest Cousin here as well?"

"Yes, he’s just behind." Xue Mingrui took a seat; Xi Chi quickly lowered her head to serve tea. Xue Mingrui accepted the cup with a smile. "Grandmother’s sixtieth birthday is coming up. My brother and I heard there are fine items for auction here, so we came to Spring Residence to try our luck—hoping to find a fitting birthday gift."

Jiang Lan nodded. She had seen a record of her relatives’ birthdays in the original owner’s booklet. The birthday of the Dowager Duchess was something she had long been preparing for, gathering fine items and showing great care—at least, until that recent incident.

"You know, Second Cousin, I was bedridden for quite some time after the accident, which delayed Grandmother’s gift," Jiang Lan lowered her eyes, "so let me join you both in choosing something."

Seeing her cousin’s frail form, as if she might be swept away by the wind, Xue Mingrui felt a pang of pity. Remembering that his little cousin had lost both parents while still a child and had nearly come to harm, his heart ached more.

"Lan, you needn’t say such things. Grandmother would be happy to see you even if you didn’t bring a gift. There’s no need to worry about it."

Jiang Lan felt embarrassed. Though that was what he said, it wouldn’t do to seem so indifferent, would it?

"I still wish to show some thought for Grandmother," she replied.

Xue Mingrui patted her slender shoulder. "No wonder Grandmother favors you most. Even when not fully recovered, you venture out to seek her a birthday gift. I cannot compare to such filial piety. Why not come with us to the auction in a moment? I doubt Grandfather would object."

The "Grandfather" Xue Mingrui spoke of was none other than Duke Wei, Jiang Bocheng, Jiang Lan’s grandfather.

Though her grandfather rarely attended court, he was strict with his only grandchild.

No visits to disreputable places!
No staying out late!
No spending the night in other people’s homes!
And so on…

Even Xue Mingrui, ever obedient, sometimes thought these rules excessively harsh. His cousin had never even stayed over at their home. Grandfather and Grandmother had often been upset about it, trying hard to keep her with them—only to have Duke Jiang take her away again.

Thinking thus, Xue Mingrui felt even more tender toward his young cousin. That slight frame, not yet of age, was already burdened with the future glory of the entire Duke Wei’s household. No wonder the old Duke was so strict—his hopes must be high indeed.

Xue Mingrui drew closer, whispering in Jiang Lan’s ear, "Rest assured, Lan—I’ll keep my lips sealed. Grandfather will never hear of this."

Jiang Lan thanked him. Though she had not seen her grandfather since her illness, from the servants’ gossip she guessed he must have known the original owner was a girl all along—hence the strict rules, fearing an accident might reveal the truth.

When she’d first learned the story of Jiang Lan’s parents’ demise, she even suspected that the real Jiang Lan had died and that Jiang Bocheng had found a substitute to keep the title in the family.

But, thinking it over, that made little sense. If one was to use a substitute, why choose a girl—so easily discovered? And even if Jiang Lan had truly died, there was still the third uncle in the family.

Later, when her cousins came to visit, Jiang Lan had probed gently and learned that her identity was indeed genuine—she bore a strong resemblance to the heir. As for her appearance, her cousins all reassured her, it was merely a matter of youth, she would blossom in time.

Jiang Lan only smiled at this. Such words might fool a girl not yet fifteen, but she, who had lived more than twenty million years, would never believe them.

Touching her cheek, she knew she must find her own solution.

Jiang Lan thanked her cousins. When her eldest cousin arrived, dressed in a dark brocade robe embroidered with gold, she quickly stood to greet him. "Eldest Cousin."

Xue Mingzhao stood at least eight feet tall. Even just standing to the side, he exuded an imposing presence.

He glanced over, but said nothing about bringing Jiang Lan along.

Following behind, Jiang Lan couldn’t help but pat her chest and steady her breath. Xue Mingzhao’s gaze was truly intimidating—a single glance felt as though he’d seen right through her.

Xue Mingrui slowed his pace and drew closer.

"Eldest Cousin is always like this, Lan—no need to be afraid. He’s just a man with a cold face and a warm heart."

Jiang Lan felt awkward. Are you all blind? I don’t see it.

Without her powers, Jiang Lan felt terribly fragile. Her heart even raced under the scrutiny of a mere boy—she really must be getting old.

Xue Mingzhao led the way, while Jiang Lan walked alongside Xue Mingrui.

They entered what appeared to be an ordinary guest room. Then, Eldest Cousin gently turned a vase on a shelf, and a hidden compartment, taller than a man, appeared behind the folding screen.

Seeing something straight out of a storybook, Jiang Lan felt an inexplicable excitement. Noticing how composed her cousins remained, she quickly hid her thoughts and adopted a mask of calm. Yet her eyes remained riveted to the secret door, entirely unaware that her earlier excitement had been plainly visible to all.

"Let’s go," Eldest Cousin commanded.

Jiang Lan was so thrilled she nearly darted ahead, but Xue Mingrui, seeing her excitement, caught her arm.

"This place belongs to Prince Anping. Though open to outsiders, it’s extremely secret. There are plenty of traps inside to prevent theft, so you’d best stay close and not get yourself hurt again."

To be lectured like this by a green youngster was more than Jiang Lan could bear. Luckily, the passageway was dim, hiding her embarrassment.