Now, let us speak of Lin Jinlou returning to his room. The entire chamber was hushed and silent. Since the master had been drinking earlier, the maids had all scattered to amuse themselves. Lin Jinlou glanced into the bedroom and, seeing Xianglan was not there, proceeded to the eastern side room. Lifting the embroidered silk curtain, he found Xianglan asleep there, her cheeks flushed red, covered by a water chestnut flower-patterned quilt. Feeling the wine's effects surging within him, his head slightly heavy, he staggered to the bedside, untied his belt, pulled off his outer garments and tossed them carelessly to the floor, then lay down beside Xianglan.
Xianglan opened her drowsy eyes and, upon seeing Lin Jinlou, immediately tensed up, then hurriedly closed them again.
Lin Jinlou lay on the bed, pulling the quilt over himself. Xianglan pretended to still be dreaming, turning over to distance herself from him. Unexpectedly, Lin Jinlou stretched out an arm, embracing her from behind and effortlessly drawing her into his embrace. A strong smell of alcohol instantly assailed her nostrils. Xianglan felt the chest against her back was scorching hot and was greatly startled, quickly opening her eyes and struggling.
Lin Jinlou said lazily, "What are you flailing about for? This morning I wasn't satisfied—shall we continue now?"
Xianglan immediately dared not move, her body stiff as a board. Having been active outside for half the day, Lin Jinlou was somewhat weary. He drew Xianglan closer to his chest, catching a whiff of a subtle fragrance that was intoxicating and bone-melting. He sniffed repeatedly near her ear, closed his eyes, and muttered, "What scent are you wearing? It smells so good, makes my whole body feel comfortable... Tomorrow, make me a scented sachet with this very incense inside."
Xianglan bit her lip and said nothing.
After waiting a moment, Lin Jinlou said, "Oh, so you're ignoring me, is that it?" As he spoke, his hand slipped inside her collar, startling her into quickly pressing his hand down and whispering, "I'm not wearing any scent. It must be the hair oil... Today, the room was scented with Hengzhi incense cakes, perhaps that fragrance has clung to me."
Lin Jinlou said, "It's not the smell of hair oil or Hengzhi." He took another deep breath, one hand caressing her fair, smooth neck, and said, "So fragrant, no wonder you're called 'Xiang'lan."
Whenever he moved his hands, Xianglan grew tense, uneasily shifting further into the bed. But Lin Jinlou stopped, wrapping his arm around her waist as if talking to himself, "Sleep now. There will be visitors tonight, I'm afraid there'll be no rest." With that, he went to sleep on his own.
Xianglan opened her eyes wide, staring at the exquisitely embroidered canopy depicting colorful mandarin ducks playing in water, not moving a muscle. Lin Jinlou pressed against her, warm and steaming, his chest rising and falling, his thigh tightly against hers, his arm holding her so tightly it was uncomfortable. Xianglan quietly clenched her hands into fists, slowly closed her eyes, and felt only torment.
After a while, Chunling returned and, thinking Xianglan was still asleep, intended to wake her. As soon as she stepped inside and saw Lin Jinlou's clothes scattered on the floor, she was startled and hurriedly retreated. Fearing that Xiao Juan and others might intrude, she moved an embroidered stool to do needlework, sitting not far away to keep watch.Xianglan endured for a long while, listening as Lin Jinlou's breathing behind her gradually grew steady and even. Assuming he had fallen asleep, she drowsily closed her eyes as well. After lying there for an unknown length of time, she quietly moved his arm from her body, slowly sat up, and gingerly shifted toward the foot of the bed. Suddenly, an arm reached out from behind, wrapping around her waist. Lin Jinlou flipped over and pinned her down, his mouth directly claiming hers in a fierce, hungry kiss. His hands tore at her clothes, and he buried his face against her chest.
Xianglan was terrified and struggled to push him away. "Don't... it's still daylight..."
Lin Jinlou mumbled indistinctly, "Who told you to move around..." His hands pulled open her skirt, roaming incessantly as he whispered, "If you behave, it'll be more comfortable..."
Xianglan's continued struggles only fueled Lin Jinlou's desire. He easily subdued her and entered her. Her entire body tensed, and she turned her face aside, biting her lip as she endured. Lin Jinlou groaned and thrust deeper, his muscles bulging and trembling slightly. He grabbed a pillow and placed it beneath her waist, then drove into her with deep, forceful strokes. After enduring for a while, Xianglan found it less unbearable than at the start, though the rough hardness below still made her uncomfortable. She furrowed her brow slightly and turned her gaze to the embroidered scene of mandarin ducks playing in water, trying to calm herself. Lin Jinlou panted heavily, brushing the stray strands of hair from Xianglan's face and kissing her cheeks. Her submission filled him with satisfaction. He thrust urgently, kneading her soft, pale body repeatedly, relishing its silky smoothness and tender warmth.
After a while, Lin Jinlou glanced down and noticed Xianglan staring blankly toward the edge of the bed, clearly lost in thought. Displeased, he lowered his head and bit her chest, not too lightly. Xianglan cried out in pain and pushed at him. "What are you doing..."
Lin Jinlou lifted her up, seating her astride him, and pulled her into his embrace before thrusting deeply again. Xianglan gasped in surprise and quickly wrapped her arms around his neck. That sound sent a shiver of pleasure through him. Gripping her waist, he gritted his teeth and drove into her relentlessly. Many women knew how to moan, and most were more seductive and wanton than her, yet none had ever stirred him so deeply. He kissed her neck and cheeks, murmuring in her ear, "Call out again, quickly... call out for me once more..."
Xianglan bit her lip hard, feeling lightheaded as a faint pleasure began to stir within her, which only deepened her shame. Lin Jinlou grew irritated and kissed her mouth forcefully, his hands fondling her soft mounds. After a long while, Xianglan felt as if she were suffocating and began to struggle. Just then, Lianxin's hesitant voice came from the doorway, "Eldest Master... Old Master says there's something urgent and requests your presence..."
Xianglan flushed crimson and pushed frantically at Lin Jinlou. He panted, tightening his grip on her waist and pressing her into the bed. "Ignore him..."
Lianxin stood outside, equally troubled. Just a glance inside revealed the swaying embroidered bed, making it clear what was happening within. But... the messenger sent by Old Master was waiting outside. Blushing, she steeled herself and urged again, "Old Master says it's a matter of great importance and insists you come at once."Xianglan felt both shame and indignation, tears welling in her eyes as she struggled desperately. This nearly drove Lin Jinlou wild with passion; his entire body trembled as he clung tightly to her delicate, smooth form. With a groan, he spent himself and collapsed limply upon her. After a moment, he propped himself up and gazed at Xianglan's face, stroking her cheek as he asked, "Why are you crying again when everything was fine?"
Xianglan turned her head away, her voice trembling as she said, "Please leave quickly. The Old Master is calling for you."
Lin Jinlou rose and drew aside the curtain to call for hot water.
Soon, Chunling and others brought in warm water. Lin Jinlou took a heated towel to clean Xianglan, but she pushed him away, trembling as she curled up beneath the covers. Engaging in such intimacy with a man in broad daylight filled Xianglan with shame and an indescribable sense of grievance. Lin Jinlou, however, paid it no mind. After washing himself with the towel, he changed into formal attire to receive guests, had a maid tidy his hair, and then strode off energetically to the front hall.
Only then did Xianglan rise, enduring her humiliation as she washed with water and changed her clothes. Chunling entered carrying a tray of jewelry and said, "The Eldest Master instructed before he left that this tray contains items he brought back this time for you to wear as you please."
Xianglan glanced at the assortment of gold, silver, agate, and amber pieces but remained silent. Chunling simply put them away herself. Meanwhile, Xiao Juan brought in a small chest containing antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and local specialties—all gifts from Lin Jinlou to her. In the evening, the wife from the small kitchen personally delivered the meal, carrying two large food containers filled with an abundant spread. Chunling couldn't help but look pleased as she directed the young maids to set out the dishes.
Xianglan invited Chunling and Xiao Juan to eat with her, but the two exchanged glances and declined, saying they didn't dare.
Xianglan said self-mockingly, "What is there to dare or not dare? Who is truly nobler than whom? We are all the same. Come and eat. If this whole table of food goes unfinished, it will only be wasted."
Chunling then set up a small table on the floor, portioned out some food, and ate with Xiao Juan. Xiao Juan gleefully recounted the incident involving Luanr, concluding, "I heard Luanr didn't even eat dinner. Cunxin went to the kitchen to fetch food but avoided everyone and slunk back dejectedly." Stuffing a mouthful of rice into her cheeks until they bulged, she said to Xianglan, "The Eldest Master treats you so well! He even rewarded me with a string of coins earlier and told me to serve you properly!"
Xianglan replied, "He treated Lan Yiniang even better initially, giving her a shop and filling her room with antiques and curios. And what was the result? Where is Lan Yiniang now, lying alone and forgotten..."
Chunling quickly interjected with a smile, "You're not like Lan Yiniang. She was foolish and lacked the fortune to enjoy the Lin family's wealth. Besides, besides, she never occupied the Eldest Master's thoughts the way you do, did she?"
Xianglan lowered her head in silence, thinking to herself, "How can one rely on beauty to please a man indefinitely? Look at Luanr and Qinglan—both were once favored by him, and where are they now? I must find a way to leave."
To avoid digressing: Lin Changzheng had summoned Lin Jinlou to discuss remarriage, presenting several eligible young ladies from noble families. Lin Jinlou responded listlessly, "Let's talk about it later. Zhao Shi has only been gone a few days. Allow me some peace."
Lin Zhaoxiang glared and said, "There are three forms of unfilial conduct, and to have no heirs is the worst! How long do you intend to wait? These young ladies are all fertile, possess virtuous temperaments, and come from suitable families."
Lin Jinlou replied carelessly, "How can you know they're fertile before even marrying? What's the rush? The current political situation is unstable. Let's wait until the Emperor appoints a crown prince before discussing this."Lin Zhaoxiang was taken aback.
Lin Jinlou smiled faintly and said, "Finding a virtuous wife isn't difficult—most daughters from scholarly families fit that mold. Your grandson still has a long future ahead, so why rush now? It's not like our family lacks women who can bear me sons."
Lin Zhaoxiang sighed. Lin Jinlou did have a point. Given the current political climate, it might indeed be wiser to wait until the Emperor appoints a crown prince before choosing a match. He cleared his throat lightly and said, "But now that your second sister is married, your second brother's marriage can't be delayed any longer. However, his health remains poor. Your father and I have discussed it and plan to arrange a marriage with the fourth daughter of Tan Siye."
Lin Jinlou was momentarily surprised, then stroked his chin and nodded. "Although Tan is only a fourth-rank official, his reputation is good, his family background is clean, and his daughter should be well-educated."
Lin Changzheng nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Though she's only a concubine-born daughter, I've heard she has both looks and a good temperament. Moreover, her birth chart indicates she'll bring prosperity to her husband. We're hoping that by marrying her, she might help improve your second brother's condition."
Lin Jinlou thought to himself: Who knows if my second brother will even be able to consummate the marriage on the wedding night? No matter how beautiful she is, she'll likely end up a living widow. But he showed no trace of these thoughts on his face and simply nodded in agreement.
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