Shuangxi and Jixiang shrank their necks and hurriedly replied, "Eldest Master, rest assured, we will go investigate immediately, we will go investigate immediately." Lin Jinlou turned and left. The two of them went separately to find human traffickers to inquire, which we will set aside for now.
Let us instead say that Lin Jinlou changed his clothes and went straight to Lin Zhaoxiang's room. He also had a maid summon Lin Changzheng, then recounted the entire incident at Ganlu Temple that day. He omitted the parts about finding the Crown Prince and setting up the scheme, only saying that Zhao Xuede had invited him to help capture rebels, and unexpectedly they came upon Zhao Yuechan secretly meeting and committing adultery with a fake monk.
Even Lin Zhaoxiang, who had seen many storms in his life, was stunned speechless. It took him a long moment to regain his composure, then he lowered his head without speaking, taking a few puffs from his water pipe. Lin Changzheng said angrily, "Divorcing her like this is letting that slut off easy!"
Lin Jinlou sneered, "What else can we do? She has a good grandfather."
Lin Changzheng opened his mouth, then swallowed his words. Zhao Yuechan's grandfather indeed served as Chief Grand Secretary, currently presiding over the compilation of texts at the Wenyuan Pavilion, enjoying great favor with The Emperor. Although the Lin family now had wealth and status, they had previously leaned toward the Crown Prince and incurred The Emperor's suspicion, unlike the Zhao family who were rising stars at the peak of their influence.
Lin Zhaoxiang coughed twice and said, "Since this matter has already come to light, divorce is giving face to the Zhao family. What should we do next?"
Lin Jinlou said, "I've already discussed it with Zhao Xuede. We'll keep the divorce from Zhao Yuechan concealed for now, and slowly release the news after a year or so. The Zhao family will send people in the next couple days to first take back Zhao Yuechan's dowry."
Lin Zhaoxiang nodded slowly, exchanged a few more words with his son and grandson, then said to Lin Changzheng, "You go back first. Tell your eldest daughter-in-law to take out the list of the Zhao family's dowry and check each item carefully. When the Zhao family members come later, we'll hand it all over. I'd rather our family suffer some losses than have this handled messily." Lin Changzheng acknowledged the order.
Lin Zhaoxiang waved his hand and said, "Alright, you may go. I still have words to say with Lou'er."
Lin Changzheng withdrew. Lin Zhaoxiang's face darkened as he said sharply, "Kneel down before me this instant!"
Lin Jinlou was taken aback, feeling completely bewildered, but still obediently knelt down.
Lin Zhaoxiang said coldly, "You've grown quite capable. How many times have I told you to endure Zhao Shi for a while longer? At most a year or so, and we'd make her get lost. But you, I don't know what sinister plot you used to trick Zhao Xuede into going with you to catch them in the act, then took it upon yourself to divorce her, and made such a huge scene! You might fool your father, but you can't fool me!"
Lin Jinlou said with an ingratiating smile, "Grandfather's discerning eyes see all. How could your grandson possibly hide anything from you."
Lin Zhaoxiang said angrily, "Bullshit! You think just because you've won a few battles your wings have hardened? You tried to be clever but made things worse - utterly useless!"
Seeing Lin Zhaoxiang's face flushed red with anger, Lin Jinlou hurried forward to rub his chest and soothe his breathing, saying, "Grandfather, please calm your anger. Don't damage your health over a worthless dog like me. If you're really angry, just hit me a few times to vent." He leaned closer to let Lin Zhaoxiang hit him.
Lin Zhaoxiang slowly let out a breath and said, "What kind of trash Zhao Shi is, don't I know? If the previous emperor were still on the throne, never mind one Zhao family, we wouldn't even care about ten Zhao families. But having endured for so long already, what would waiting a little longer have mattered?"Lin Jinlou lowered his head and said, "Grandfather, you are unaware of the truth. Back then, Zhao Yuechan ordered someone to rape and murder Furong. By the time I arrived, Furong had already been dead for a long time, lying naked in the snow, her death so tragic that her eyes remained wide open... And Qinglan, she was killed along with her unborn child. Not to mention Zhao Yuechan's promiscuity, incompetence, and embezzlement of the family's wealth... She was like a knife cutting into my heart and lungs every day, I..."
Lin Zhaoxiang glared at him and said, "So what? As the saying goes, 'A gentleman seeks revenge, ten years is not too late.' It hasn't even been ten years, and you're already so impatient! The Emperor's health has been weakening in recent years, and he intends to appoint a crown prince. The Zhao family has been actively supporting the eldest prince, which has displeased the second prince. Moreover, Zhao Jin is talented but outspoken, his words too harsh, and he holds himself in too high regard, having already offended a number of court officials. After all, the Zhao family has shallow roots and is too conspicuous—they will be at their peak for at most another year or so before their influence wanes. By then, we can simply report Zhao Shi's sudden death or illness and dispose of her. Her natal family will be too preoccupied with their own troubles to care about her. But now, even though we've gotten rid of Zhao Shi, it has inevitably stirred up gossip. My old face is almost completely shamed!"
Lin Jinlou smiled and said, "If anyone should be ashamed, it should be me, your grandson. My reputation is already in tatters—a little more gossip won't hurt." He then lowered his head and added, "Grandfather's reprimand is justified. I was too hasty."
Lin Zhaoxiang's expression softened slightly. Patting Lin Jinlou's arm, he said, "You must learn to endure. A hundred instances of patience can turn into gold. In my lifetime, I have relied on the word 'endurance' to plan before acting, which is how the Lin family has maintained its current wealth and status. Those who could not endure back then have all declined—just like Shen Wenhan, who was rigid and unyielding, and in the end, died without a proper burial."
Lin Jinlou knelt on the ground with his hands at his sides, listening attentively to the admonishment.
Lin Zhaoxiang continued, "Restrain your fiery temper. Spend more time calming your mind and cultivating your spirit, and go out less to drink and carouse. Once the rumors about the divorce settle, I will personally oversee the selection of a virtuous wife from a noble family for you. And you are not to cause any more trouble."
Lin Jinlou nodded in agreement.
Looking at Lin Jinlou's broad shoulders and straight back, Lin Zhaoxiang suddenly recalled his grandson's childhood—the sturdy, mischievous boy who, after causing trouble, would kneel obediently before him just like this to receive a scolding. His heart softened. He had high hopes for Lin Jinlou. Though this child had been unruly since youth and difficult to discipline, he was exceptionally intelligent, resolute, and decisive—ruthless toward others and even more so toward himself. Despite growing up in luxury, he trained rigorously in martial arts through the coldest winters and hottest summers, enduring countless hardships in the military. He was also shrewd and calculating. If he were willing to pursue a civil official career, he would undoubtedly achieve great things.
Even Lin Zhaoxiang himself admitted that, among all his sons and grandsons, only Lin Jinlou's temperament resembled his own the most. His eldest son, Lin Changzheng, was upright but lacked tact and flexibility. His second son, Lin Changmin, was utterly incompetent. Among the remaining grandsons, Lin Jinxuan was frail and sickly, Lin Jinting was too fond of romantic pursuits and refused to study seriously, and Lin Jinyuan was still too young. Although there were a few promising talents among the clan's nephews, none matched Lin Jinlou's combination of courage and strategy.
Lin Zhaoxiang suddenly asked, "How are things progressing with the military affairs? How is the compensation for the families of the deceased soldiers? Do we need to recruit new troops?"Lin Jinlou was taken aback, not expecting Lin Zhaoxiang to ask this. He answered honestly, "The silver for the military families has been distributed. We'll recruit some new soldiers when spring comes next year. It's just that some bastards are eyeing the Lin Family Army, insisting on turning it into a regular army, claiming the court will provide military pay. Bullshit! If I incorporate these people, some scoundrel will transfer the army away immediately. I won’t do such a foolish thing. Besides, my troops are secretly receiving military pay—no one can intercept it. I know what I’m doing, so don’t worry, Grandfather."
"Not worry? I don’t want to worry, but Minister Yu from the Command Department came all the way to visit with gifts, had a few cups of tea, and said you’re disobedient, privately maintaining an army, refusing to join the proper military, and would rather have this army under the guise of 'salt patrol.' He said your offense could be minor or major. Today you put on a 'adultery-catching' show, tomorrow you might stage a 'rebellion'—at my age, can I withstand such turmoil?"
"Heh heh, how could that be? Your grandson is so capable. It’s just a small matter; I’ll go bribe Minister Yu later, and it’ll surely be smoothed over."
"Don’t give me that cheeky grin! Your father can’t control you, but don’t think you can do as you please—I’m not dead yet! Stop causing trouble and risking your life. I heard you’ve taken another woman outside. Having a fling or two in a brothel is one thing, but you’re not allowed to bring any woman you house outside into the family home. If all the dirty and foul can enter, what will become of our family rules and traditions?"
"Oh..."
"Oh what? Did you hear me clearly?"
"I heard clearly..."
After being sternly lectured by Lin Zhaoxiang, Lin Jinlou let it rest for the time being.
The next day, the Zhao family sent people to quietly take away Zhao Yuechan’s dowry, along with the maids and matrons who had accompanied her from her maiden home, all brought back. A few days later, rumors spread that Da Nǎinai of the Lin family had been caught in adultery by her husband at Sweet Dew Temple. But soon after, another rumor emerged that on that day at Sweet Dew Temple, Lin Jinlou had gone to arrest a wanted criminal of the court and accidentally stumbled upon monks hiring prostitutes and breaking their vows. Various stories circulated, and during the New Year, Zhao Yuechan fell ill again, unable to receive guests, which sparked further discussion.
Later, fishermen pulled a sack from the river containing the naked body of a bald man, so bloated it was unrecognizable. Some kind-hearted people raised a little money, wrapped the corpse in a worn mat, and buried it in a paupers' graveyard. Hao Qing’s wife, after waiting for him in vain, remarried a cloth merchant while still young, taking with her the remaining Hao family land. Her son followed her into the new marriage. Hao Qing, for his sin of adultery by seducing another man’s wife, met a tragic death, and his once prosperous family assets, along with his wife and son, all ended up with others—a fitting retribution.There was, however, one who slipped through the net. That day, Qian Wenze had originally been at Sweet Dew Temple as well, but later went out to buy wine and food. Upon returning and seeing soldiers surrounding the temple, he knew something was wrong and immediately slipped away. He went home, packed his belongings, bid farewell to his wife and children, and went into hiding. But the Zhao family was not one to be trifled with. Seeing that Zhao Yuechan had lost her virtue and been divorced by the Lin family due to Qian Wenze's seduction, they naturally could not swallow this insult. Zhao Xuede seized upon several charges to convict Qian Wenze. Since he could not be found, all his family property was confiscated by the state. His wife took their child and sought refuge with her parents, leaving his elderly mother with no one to support her, barely getting by on the charity of neighbors.
But enough of this digression.
Let us return to Xianglan, who went back to the Song residence and hid behind closed doors for several days. Seeing that no one came looking for her, she thought to herself, "Lin Jinlou is surrounded by countless beauties—how could he still care about me?" Gradually, she set her mind at ease. On the morning of New Year's Eve, after inspecting the Song residence inside and out, she bid farewell to the servant woman watching the house, hired a carriage, and hurried home to have the New Year's Eve dinner with the Chen couple. Just as she arrived at the doorstep, she spotted a tall, sturdy horse tethered outside.
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