Developments:
1. 3rd sister Lin Xiuru stops 2nd sister Lin Xiuwan’s tryst with Du Zheng.
2. 4th sister falls ill, too; physician is called.
3. Physician suspects an epidemic is spreading.
4. Duke Xiang Guo orders the Lin Mansion placed under quarantine with troops guarding the perimeter.
5. Du CuiQue offers to treat the sick people, but LX warns the first madam against it.

On the romance front:

1. Testing the waters

Lin JinQi’s demeanor towards LanXiang begins to change.

She prepares his bath, but he’s interrupted by the arrival of Lady Du CuiQue. In a soft voice, he tells LX that he’s exhausted. Then, he leans in, and says, “Hurry and send her away for me.”

What an odd behavior! Wasn’t it just a couple of days ago when he avoided making eye contact with her as he gifted her with medicine?

I think he’s testing to see her reaction to his physical proximity. If she flinches or moves away when he leans in and whispers in her ear, then she’s scared of him, perhaps even repulsed by him. But since she stood her ground, it tells him that she’s comfortable with physical closeness.

Interestingly enough, when she goes outside to meet Du CuiQue (DC), she does exactly the opposite of what JQ ordered her to do. She informs DC that he’s taking a bath but if it isn’t urgent matter, she can COME INSIDE, have some tea, and wait for him to finish his bath. Lol. Is she using reverse psychology on DC?

In any case, her trick works. DC says it isn’t urgent but she’ll just leave a box of gifts for JQ. After she leaves, LX orders the gates closed.

When she walks back in, JQ is in a mood to chat. He leans on the door, not looking the least bit exhausted. He wants to know what’s inside the box, and she unwraps it. She looks excited to see the dried fruits and mushrooms; he’s uninterested in them.

JQ: You can decide what to do with them. When you have time, prepare some gifts in return. Nothing inexpensive but make sure they’re practical. Things they can use every day.
LX: (smiling) Yes.

To me, he’s hinting at two things. One, he has zero feelings for DC, and two, he doesn’t mind if LX runs his household because he trusts her judgment. He observes her reaction, but she doesn’t seem elated or thrilled by his remarks. She continues to calmly put the box away.

When she notices that he’s still lingering, she reminds him about his bath.

LX: Young Master, aren’t you going to bathe?
JQ: I poured a whole bucket of hot water in earlier to make some splashing sounds. It’s little hot.
LX: Then, I’ll get some cold water.

Sigh. She doesn’t get him, does she? He’s looking for an excuse to spend more time with her.

Then, the 3rd sister walks in. She wants to tell him something, but LX is present. LX bows to leave.

JQ: LanXiang, stay. (then to his sister) There’s no need to avoid her. She’ll find out sooner or later anyway.

He’s telling her sister that:

a) he trusts LX completely, and her advice can come in handy.
b) it’ll save time if LX hears it, too, because he’ll confide in her.
c) even if they keep it secret from LX, she’s clever enough to figure it out.
d) LX is her future sister-in-law so there’s no need to be awkward with her.
e) all of the above.

But 3rd sister doesn’t know where to begin her story and tears up instead. Wordlessly, he extends his hand toward LX. 😂 Good thing, she takes out her handkerchief and gives it to him. If I were her, I would’ve slapped his palm to give him a “low five.”

This whole moment tells me that, on occasions like this, they can definitely on the same wavelength. They can read each other’s THOUGHTS better than they can read each other’s FEELINGS.

2. Testing the waters, part 2

After escorting 3rd sister to her quarters, LX returns to Zhichun Hall to find JQ about to leave with his guard.

LX: Are you going out, Young Master? The night curfew has already begun.
JQ: Tonight, I never left Zhichun Hall.
LX: (same wavelength again) Young Master was tired, so I helped Young Master take a hot bath. After his bath, Young Master fell asleep and slept straight through until morning.

She’s reciting her standard reply if anybody asks about his whereabouts.

JQ: You’re too clever… (putting a hand on her shoulder) … to be a maid.

He leaves her. And to make sure he leaves her with a fancy impression, he leaps over the rooftop.

Do you see the progression? Two days ago, he was stiff and formal with her when he gave her the medication; he didn’t want to scare her away. Then the day before, he imagined that she had come for him because she needed help. Earlier that evening, he entered her personal bubble to whisper in her ear and she didn’t flinch. Now, he laid a hand on her and she didn’t startle or move away. In his mind, it’s a good sign that physical contact with him doesn’t bother her. To me, however, it’s not a good sign at all. He’s romanticizing their encounters for no good reason. His feelings are unreciprocated. 😂