Against the Current

Lin Jinlou's face was utterly expressionless. "Oh? How much silver is she selling them for?"

"The mistress said at least ten taels per painting..."

"Hmm, you may go... Wait, come back."

"What are your orders, Eldest Master?"

"In the future, if your mistress gives you any more paintings, bring them directly to me. Take this painting to the study first."

Gui Yuan acknowledged the command, stole a glance at Lin Jinlou's expression, held her breath, and hurried off with the brocade cylinder.

Lin Jinlou strode into the room. Xiao Juan was dozing on an embroidered stool by the doorway and quickly stood up when she saw him enter. Lin Jinlou shook his head, and Xiao Juan immediately closed her mouth. Xianglan was by the writing desk, brush in hand, painting. Ling Qing stood nearby attending to the ink and brushes. Xianglan was utterly absorbed—sometimes using mid-tone washes to lay out the composition, sometimes carefully applying colors with delicate strokes, or standing still to scrutinize the painting before cautiously adding brushstrokes. Only then did Lin Jinlou realize this was how Xianglan painted. What he had most often seen before were women holding pipas or zithers, radiating charm with spring-breeze smiles, vivid and captivating. Yet Xianglan, with her quiet demeanor alone, made it impossible to look away.

Lin Jinlou stood watching for a long while. When Xianglan finally finished painting and looked up, noticing him, he walked over. Xiao Juan hurried to serve tea, while Ling Su went to fetch Lin Jinlou's casual home clothes. Lin Jinlou stretched out his arms and glanced at Xianglan. Xianglan had no choice but to wipe her hands with a towel and step forward to help him change.

"Why have you taken up painting again?" Lin Jinlou asked.

Xianglan removed his cloak and began undoing his gold-woven jade belt, keeping her head lowered. "I'm cooped up in the room all day with nothing to do, so I paint a couple of pieces to pass the time."

"Oh, you paint quite well. I’ve long known you by the name 'Recluse of Orchid Fragrance.' Your father even sold your paintings back then. If you enjoy painting, then paint. Having something to occupy your mind is better than stubbornly resisting me all day." He studied Xianglan's face. Since she had scratched him last time, she seemed changed—increasingly docile, yet her thoughts had grown deep as well water, her words fewer. She stayed in her room all day, often spacing out before the Buddha statue, sitting for entire mornings. Lin Jinlou pondered: perhaps little Xianglan was homesick. But brooding like this couldn’t go on forever.

As Xianglan removed his belt and moved to undo his robes, Lin Jinlou grabbed her hand, pulled her into his embrace, held her for a moment, then lowered his head to whisper in her ear, "Haven’t I told you? Matters in the capital won’t be wrapped up anytime soon. We’ll have to stay a while longer before returning. I’ve been busy socializing these past few days, but once I have free time, I’ll definitely take you out. If you’re bored, talk more with the maids. Don’t just sit around brooding. If you want to watch operas or listen to storytelling, just send someone to hire performers."

Seeing Lin Jinlou embrace Xianglan, the maids exchanged glances and quietly withdrew. Lin Jinlou tested the waters with a few remarks, but Xianglan remained unresponsive. He released her, his face darkening. "Speak up. Painting is one thing, but why sell paintings for money? Still thinking of running away?"Xianglan was accustomed to his unpredictable moods. Seeing his anger flare, she quickly tugged at his sleeve, swaying it gently as she whispered, "I wasn't trying to run away—just seeking some amusement." She glanced at Lin Jinlou, whose face remained stormy, and fear crept in. After a moment's hesitation, she slowly moved closer, leaning into his embrace and wrapping her arms around his waist. "I don't care for operas, and storytelling is too noisy for me. Painting is my only pastime..."

The moment Xianglan tugged his sleeve, Lin Jinlou's temper had already dissipated. Now, feeling even softer, he lifted his arms to hold her, stroking her back gently before finally saying, "I'm not forbidding you to paint. If it brings you joy, paint as much as you like. Any master's calligraphy or paintings you desire, I'll acquire them for you. But tell me yourself—does our household lack those few taels of silver? Must you sell your paintings for money, as if I couldn't provide for you or mistreated you?"

Xianglan thought for a moment and murmured, "After painstakingly finishing a painting, no one appreciates it. Selling them brings me joy when others enjoy them. It's not for the money—just for the pleasure."

Lin Jinlou gazed at her thoughtfully for a while, then summoned Shu Ran and instructed, "Fetch the brown ledgers from the desk in the study." Shu Ran soon returned with seven or eight thick brown volumes. Lin Jinlou handed them to Xianglan, saying, "These are the Lin Family Army's account books. Take your time auditing them thoroughly over the coming days. Not a single error is permitted, understand?"

Xianglan flipped through the pages, startled by the massive military expenditure records, and hastily closed the ledgers, pushing them back. "These are critically important. How can you entrust them to me so casually?"

Lin Jinlou replied nonchalantly, "Why shouldn't I? You know how to handle an abacus. I brought several accountants, but two fell ill from acclimatization. Assist me with the calculations for now."

Reluctantly, Xianglan accepted the ledgers and examined them again. She found two volumes of four-pillar accounts and two of dragon-gate accounts, the staggering sums leaping off the pages. After pondering, she asked, "When does the Eldest Master need them completed?"

Lin Jinlou said, "No rush. Have them audited by the end of next month."

Xianglan nodded and requested an abacus.

After changing clothes, Lin Jinlou sat cross-legged on the Arhat Bed, reviewing official correspondence from Jinling. He occasionally glanced toward Xianglan, who sat at the round table meticulously checking entries, the abacus beads clacking steadily. By noon, she had compiled several pages of discrepancies, transcribing them onto a separate sheet to present to Lin Jinlou.

Lin Jinlou studied the report carefully, then asked Xianglan to bring the abacus. He called out figures for her to calculate, offering occasional guidance before pinching her cheek affectionately. "Well done. Rest now—it's time for the midday meal."

Xianglan couldn't resist commenting, "Why are the military procurement expenses so astronomical? Silver flows like water, with duplicated expenditures and heavy monthly losses of materials."

Lin Jinlou explained, 'Clear water harbors no fish; excessive scrutiny leaves no followers.' Procurement is lucrative—some will inevitably succumb to greed. Human nature being what it is, it can't be entirely suppressed. Even ten or twenty taels tempt itchy palms, let alone piles of silver right before their eyes. No matter how strict the laws, some will still take risks. But if they get the job done, these losses remain within my calculations. The Lin Family Army already maintains exceptional discipline—reported losses are under half a percent. Other armies sometimes see twenty to thirty percent losses."Lin Jinlou's original intention was to find something for Xianglan to do, so she wouldn't spend her days lost in wild fancies. Unexpectedly, Xianglan took it very seriously, daily fiddling with the abacus without pause. When encountering difficult points, she would mark them down and wait to ask Lin Jinlou in the evening. Every day after the two finished dinner, Xianglan would hold the account books and ask questions, while Lin Jinlou patiently explained. Afterwards, Shu Ran would bring the documents from the study, and Lin Jinlou would handle them at the desk in the bedroom, while Xianglan continued accounting at the Eight Immortals table on the other side. The maids would offer a late-night snack once; if they wanted some, it would be a small plate of pastries and a small bowl of soup. Since eating too much at night wasn't good for health, they didn't prepare much. When it grew late, the maids would come in to urge them to rest. Lin Jinlou would order washing supplies, and after both had washed up, they would extinguish the lights and sleep, quite peacefully.

Seeing that Xianglan only occasionally painted two or three pictures, Lin Jinlou thought he had found her a task that occupied her mind. Little did he know that when he wasn't around, Xianglan would spread out paper and paint. The ordinary paintings she gave to Gui Yuan, who then passed them to Lin Jinlou to gather dust in the study. The exquisite ones she sent Hua Shan and Xiao Juan to hang in a stationery shop near the Confucius Temple for sale on consignment. She didn't use the name "Recluse of Orchid Fragrance," and the paintings were sold cheaply, but she could still earn seven or eight taels of silver each month.

But enough digression. A letter arrived from Jinling saying that Wang Shi was recuperating there due to illness, while Lin Jinting was already on his way to the capital. The Old Master ordered Lin Jinlou to handle Lin Jinting's wedding arrangements, hosting a banquet in the capital for close friends and relatives, while the actual wedding ceremony would be held grandly in Jinling.

This matter wasn't particularly difficult. Since the wedding wouldn't be in the capital, they only needed to set seven or eight tables to entertain very close relatives and friends. Lin Zhaoxiang had already drafted the guest list, to which Lin Jinlou added a few more names. He put Xianglan in charge of the household arrangements with Shu Ran assisting. Madam Tan originally intended to come help, but Lin Jinlou disliked her and merely said coldly: "Second Brother isn't well, and you've been constantly attending to him, hardly getting a full night's sleep. How could I trouble you with this matter? I've already arranged everything. If there are any shortcomings, I'll trouble you then." With these few words, he dismissed Madam Tan.

Xianglan thought to herself: "In my position, without proper status, taking this on will likely bring more trouble than reward. Who knows what rumors will spread outside. Why bother?" So she was unwilling to get involved and pretended to be sick in bed. However, Lin Jinlou forced her to do it, promising her: "If you do this well, I'll find a place to sell your paintings. Just handle it boldly - I'll back you up in everything." So Xianglan gritted her teeth and took on the task, becoming even busier than before. Fortunately, the Lin family already had established banquet customs, including a set of "Lin Family Mansion Dishes." Lin Jinlou ordered them to prepare according to the "Lin Mansion Banquet Bird's Nest Complete Feast."

Xianglan looked through the menu. The "Bird's Nest Complete Feast" was the Lin family's highest standard banquet, quite similar to the banquet customs of the Shen family in her previous life. Each table had 130 dishes, with specific arrangements for dried fruits and pastries. Since this was a wedding celebration, they followed the previous "Fortune Longevity Mandarin Ducks" feast setup. Even the specific grade of tableware for each dish had its particular requirements. Xianglan ordered the warehouse opened to retrieve various bowls and plates - porcelain, silver, or wooden - all custom-made in complete sets. If even one piece was missing, the set couldn't be used. The plates came in various shapes: square, ingot, gourd, ruyi, or auspicious cloud patterns. Even their placement on the table had to follow specific orientations with auspicious meanings like "wealth rolling in" or "rising step by step to success."Xianglan said, "Although the Lin family's residence in the capital isn't often occupied, it's fully equipped with everything needed for hosting banquets."

Shu Ran smiled and replied, "It wasn't so complete at first, but since the Second Master just held his wedding, anything that was lacking has been properly arranged. It's just that when the Second Mistress married into the family, it was all done in such a hurry that many things weren't properly handled. During the ceremony, there wasn't even an elder present—the Eldest Master had a clansman who serves as an official in the capital come to officiate. The guests who attended were quite respectable, so the event was passable, but they were worried the Second Master might get too tired. They only had him come out to propose three toasts before he went back inside. The guests outside listened to an opera performance, and the festivities lasted until midnight before everyone dispersed."

Xianglan said, "The matter of hiring the opera troupe outside is being handled by Masters Chu, Liu, and Xie. We just need to manage the inner household affairs. Looking at past practices, when the master's family holds a celebration, the servants also get to feast, and there are specific customs to follow. Set up canopies in the courtyard, spread new kang mats on the ground for seating during the meal, with ten large bowls per table. Make sure you keep a close eye on this—each table gets only one jar of wine. The cooks are overwhelmed, so the dishes might not be freshly prepared, but the required chicken, duck, fish, and meat must not be lacking."

Shu Ran promptly acknowledged the instructions.

Ling Qing was outside compiling the roster when she overheard Xianglan speaking in the inner room. She couldn't help but sigh and say, "Handling these matters is the most thankless task. If you don't do it well, people will criticize you behind your back; if you do it well, no one praises you, and they just become jealous. Especially given our mistress's status—managing these affairs isn't really her rightful place..."

Ling Su said, "What is there to fear? After all, it's the Eldest Master who assigned her this duty. Previously, the Tally and other items were all kept with the mistress. If Sister Shu Ran wanted to handle any matters, she had to come and request the Tally."

Ling Qing said, "Tsk, that's different. Before, even though they were kept here, the mistress didn't involve herself in anything—it was all handled by Sister Shu Ran. We didn't bear any responsibility. But now the mistress is truly taking charge herself. Haven't you noticed that the Second Mistress hasn't been allowed to get involved at all? Today, when the Eldest Master sent two dishes over, the Second Mistress barely acknowledged me—clearly, she's holding a grudge."

"And there's another thing to consider," Xue Ning, who had been working the abacus, suddenly stopped and remarked with a sigh, "sooner or later, the Eldest Master will remarry. Given how much he dotes on the Concubine, if the new mistress turns out to be gentle and uninterested in managing affairs, it might be fine. But honestly, what woman would be happy to have such a favored concubine in the household? With the Concubine holding so much authority now, it might not be a blessing in the future."

Xiao Juan, who was helping Hua Shan fumigate the bedding, laughed and said, "Oh, rare indeed! You're usually such a peacemaker who never offends anyone. I thought you had a lock on your mouth—it's quite something for you to say that."

Xue Ning just smiled and went back to her calculations. She had come to the capital in Chunling's place and usually focused on her work without saying much. Xiao Juan and Hua Shan kept their distance from her, but Ling Qing and Ling Su had grown close to her over time, and they had developed a deep friendship. Observing quietly, Xue Ning found Xianglan respectable and amiable, yet she worried about Xianglan's future. Unable to hold back, she had let the words slip out.

Xiao Juan said, "What is there to fear? The Eldest Master is so formidable—he would never let our mistress suffer. It's much more comfortable following our mistress. Haven't you seen what's happening over at Kangshou Residence? Qian Luo, who used to attend to the Second Master personally, is now treated like a lowly maid..."

Hua Shan curled her lip and said, "Hmph, did you expect her not to be sidelined? She was always trying to get close to the Second Master, jumping around and making a scene. With the Second Mistress being so formidable, did you think she'd be an easy target?"Xiao Juan pursed her lips and smiled, "Her, formidable? Little Hua Shan, you haven't seen the former Miss Cao and Zhao Yuechan. Those two were truly formidable. Compared to them, the second mistress is like a small witch meeting a great sorceress."

Xue Ning put down her brush again and said, "The second mistress just likes to show off and is picky about food and clothing. Beyond that, she's nothing special. If it were the former Da Nǎinai, Qian Luo would have been kicked out and sold long ago. Now, only Qian Luo and Lü Luo remain from the maids who previously served the second master."

Ling Qing blew on the ink on the roster to dry it, saying, "Cai Ping, Cai Feng, Cai Xia, and Cai Ming all came with the second mistress. They're all aggressive and sharp-tongued, going to the kitchen every day demanding various foods and drinks, complaining the fare is poor and saying the Lin family mistreats the second branch. Everyone knows our side adds silver to have separate meals prepared."

As they chattered on, they suddenly saw Shu Ran come out carrying two vases and immediately fell silent. Of this, no more need be said.

In the blink of an eye, Lin Jinting arrived in the capital, and the wedding day drew nearer. The Lin residence in the capital was decorated with lanterns and colored hangings, and the chefs had been meticulously preparing for half a month, with everything proceeding in an orderly fashion.

On the wedding day, the Lin residence was bustling with activity. The sound of gongs, drums, and shouts from the front courtyard could be heard far beyond the lane. In the inner quarters, female guests from various families invited by the Lin family arrived one after another. Two or three esteemed matriarchs from the Lin clan also attended to lend authority to the occasion. Madam Tan, dressed resplendently, greeted and saw off guests with remarkable efficiency. Everyone who saw her praised, "The Lin family has gained a fine daughter-in-law this time. Young as she is, she handles affairs better than most—capable in both work and speech, and outstandingly beautiful. With such eloquence and cleverness, she truly outshines others. No wonder she was famous even before marriage." Hearing this, Madam Tan felt immensely pleased, though she modestly demurred, "I'm young and inexperienced, so please forgive any oversights in hospitality. Such praise truly shames me."

With her managing the front, Xianglan breathed a sigh of relief. Never fond of socializing and burdened with household management, she attended to matters in the rear, directing her maids to inspect various areas while she sat in a side room for easy access should anyone come with inquiries.

Earlier, there had been a flurry of activity, with wives and matrons constantly seeking Xianglan's instructions. Only after the bride was brought into the residence and everyone was seated did things quiet down. Rubbing her temples, Xianglan accepted a cup of tea from Hua Shan, who said, "You've been busy all morning—rest quickly. Are you hungry, mistress? What would you like to eat?"

Xianglan replied, "I'm too busy to eat. Let it pass."

Hua Shan insisted, "That won't do. You've grown thinner these past two days from exhaustion. You must eat something. I'll fetch some food from the small kitchen." With that, she left.

The small kitchen was a hive of activity, dishes being sent out one after another. Recognizing Hua Shan as a favored maid in Xianglan's service, the kitchen manager, Wei Liang's wife, hurried forward with a fawning smile. "What would you like, Miss Hua Shan?"

Hua Shan said, "Not for me—for our mistress."Wei Liang’s wife grew even more attentive. “Oh, so it’s the Concubine! I kept a stove aside just to prepare dishes especially for you. Just tell me what you’d like. I know you prefer light flavors, so today I specially prepared a few side dishes just for you.” As she spoke, she lifted the lid of the food box, revealing a dish of clove-flavored tofu, one of coral cabbage, another of crystal soup greens, and a fourth of tender peony rolls—all exquisitely prepared. Having studied cookbooks with Xiao Juan over the past couple of days, Hua Shan had already memorized many recipes. At a glance, she recognized that these four dishes weren’t from the books but were specially made by the cook to curry favor with Xianglan. She couldn’t help but smile and say, “You’ve been very thoughtful, Mama. Such fine dishes are sure to please our lady.”

Wei Liang’s wife had been waiting for these very words and quickly replied, “This is just a small token of our appreciation. These days have been hard on the lady, and she’s endured much.” She then instructed a young maid to pack congee and pastries into another food box, along with several other dishes, and offered it to Hua Shan, saying, “Please share these with the other girls in the room to enjoy.”

Hua Shan took the food box and left. When Xianglan saw the vibrant and appealing dishes, she picked up her chopsticks and ate a little. Hua Shan chuckled and said, “Wei Liang’s wife is quite clever. These four dishes were made especially for you, my lady—no one else has them. Before I came, she went on and on about how difficult they were to prepare, saying things like ‘the broth must be simmered for three hours to absorb the flavors’ and ‘it’s all out of devotion to the Concubine.’ With such a silver tongue, it’s almost a waste to have her stuck in the kitchen.”

Xianglan smiled without responding. In her heart, she saw everything clearly: Wei Liang’s wife was going to such lengths to ingratiate herself in hopes of following them back to Jinling someday. Although Lin Jinxuan was in the capital residence, what future could a sickly man really have? Wei Liang’s wife had two sons and a daughter, and her efforts to please were all about securing a better future for her children.

After the meal, Xianglan rinsed her mouth and washed her hands before stepping out to make her rounds. Hua Shan, still childlike at heart, had heard that a stage had been set up in the inner quarters for opera performances and could hardly contain her excitement. After informing Xianglan, she dashed off to watch. Xianglan completed her inspection and, finding everything in order, allowed Xiao Juan to go enjoy the food and festivities while she returned to her room. The courtyard was quiet and still—the matrons, wives, and maids had all vanished. Entering her room, she found only Xue Ning keeping watch, dozing on the daybed in the outer chamber, clearly having succumbed to drowsiness after the midday meal.

Xianglan tiptoed inside, drank half a cup of tea, and checked her reflection in the mirror. Seeing that her hair and clothing were still neat, she removed a few pieces of jewelry and took the fresh flowers from her hair. As it was noon and the weather was growing warmer, she also took off an outer jacket. After another glance in the mirror, she moved quietly out the back door, careful not to wake Xue Ning.

Lin Jinlou’s residence was called the Hall of Flourishing Spring. The rear courtyard was planted with lush flowers and plants, and artificial rockeries provided support for climbing vines, creating a verdant and thriving scene. Recently, due to garden renovations, Chu Dapeng had brought in a cartload of orchids, all arranged within the courtyard of the Hall of Flourishing Spring. A gentle breeze carried their delicate fragrance, filling the air with a subtle, refreshing scent.Xianglan paused involuntarily, staring at the orchids in a daze. Currently, she was flourishing like flowers adorned with brocade, blazing like fire fed with oil. Having taken charge of household affairs, everyone in the estate greeted her with smiling faces, offering endless flattery as if it cost nothing. Who could have imagined that when she first entered the Lin family, she was merely a lowly maid subjected to constant exclusion, beaten and scolded by malicious superiors, who had to toil desperately just to secure a single day of peace? And who could have guessed that in her previous life, she had been a noble young lady from an eminent family, waited upon by servants and showered with boundless affection? Thus, the unpredictability of fate made her fear that the more glorious her present circumstances, the more devastating her future fall would be—just like these orchids, blooming in their prime, they draw countless admirers, but once they wither and turn to mud, who would spare them a second glance?

Initially, she had been desperate for change, fearing she would be treated as a servant for life, oppressed with no chance of rising above her station. Outwardly docile, she was inwardly as fierce as fire. But after repeated trials, she had been polished smooth, learning to go with the flow, to avoid conflict in adversity, and to let go. She still wanted to leave the Lin residence and refused to become a concubine, but now she had learned to wait, allowing the seeds she had sown to ripen gradually, taking her time. The principle was simple, but putting it into practice was exceptionally difficult, especially given her current circumstances. Her future was shrouded in thick fog, as if she stood at the edge of a cliff with no one to lend a hand. Every step she had taken was marked by the pain of growth, and her present calm had been forged through countless days and nights of torment.

Xianglan stared blankly at the orchid for a while when, unexpectedly, a hand reached from behind and plucked the flower right before her eyes. Startled, she turned to find Lin Jinlou standing behind her with a smile. He tucked the orchid into her hair and said, "What are you staring at so dumbly? You look like you've entered a trance."

Xianglan replied, "Nothing... That flower was blooming so beautifully. Why did you pick it?"

Lin Jinlou said, "'Pluck the flower when it is ready to be plucked; don't wait until the branch is bare without a flower to pick.' Understand? Flowers bloom to be admired, and I think it looks even better on you." He laughed and reached for her hand. "I remember the first time I saw you, you had a flower just like this in your hair. I thought to myself, 'Where did this maid come from? She's so pretty—how have I never seen her before?'" His breath, heavy with the scent of wine, wafted across her face.

Xianglan also recalled that time. Lin Jinlou had appeared just as unexpectedly from behind her, reeking of alcohol, his eyes gleaming like a wolf's. She looked up and met his smiling gaze, suddenly realizing he had drunk too much. His eyes were glazed, and the way he looked at her now seemed almost foolish. Lin Jinlou was usually sharp and decisive, with an air of authority in his every expression. This was the first time Xianglan had seen him like this. She was stunned at first, then couldn't help but curl the corners of her lips into a slight smile.

Lin Jinlou was already in high spirits, and seeing Xianglan smile—a rare occurrence—made him even more delighted. He pulled her into his arms and whispered in her ear, "I've been holding back these days, considering you're on medication and busy with your duties. But tonight is perfect, and I've missed you terribly..." He began to kiss her slender neck.

Xianglan was horrified and pushed him away. "Are you trying to get us killed? We're outside!"

Lin Jinlou chuckled. "Who would dare come to the inner quarters? The maids and matrons aren't around. It's fine."

Xianglan pounded his chest frantically. "How is it fine? There are guests in the front..."

"Xiao San'er is there, and Chu Lao'er has it covered. It won't matter if I'm late."

"That's not acceptable! If someone sees us, I'd rather die!"

"Tsk, why must you be so unromantic... Alright, alright, don't cry, don't cry... If you keep crying like this every day, you'll dry up into a husk. So no one can see us, right?" With that, Lin Jinlou picked her up and carried her behind the rockery, where there was a hidden cave veiled by vines—a surprisingly secluded spot.Lin Jinlou strode in and immediately set Xianglan down on the stone table inside, one hand undoing her garments while the other tugged at the trousers beneath her skirt. He murmured, "My sweet, I've truly never seen anyone more particular than you. Are you satisfied now?"

Xianglan knew she couldn't struggle free. She understood that when Lin Jinlou sought intimacy, it was best to comply—resistance would only bring her suffering. But to be taken here in the courtyard... Her face flushed crimson as if about to bleed, eyes tightly shut, praying he would finish quickly.

Meanwhile, among the women's gathering, Madam Tan was cheerfully chatting and laughing, bustling about to ensure everyone was served with food and drink. She moved between tables with a wine cup, toasting guests with such diligence that all who saw her praised her efforts. During the feast, a noble lady remarked, "I've often heard that Master Lin has a beloved concubine who manages these banquets. Where might she be? Could we be introduced?" At this, others chimed in agreement.

Though inwardly displeased, Madam Tan betrayed no hint on her face and smiled. "You're quite right. I'll go fetch her myself—our Concubine has rather grand airs. Please wait a moment." Setting down the wine pot, she left the banquet.

Madam Tan first went to the side room where Xianglan usually attended to affairs, but found it empty. She then proceeded to the Hall of Flourishing Spring, entering through the back door. After a few steps, the wine's effect weighed on her, her heart pounding abruptly. Frowning, she paused to massage her temples and rest. Suddenly, she heard faint noises from the rockery—at first mistaking them for cats or dogs, but soon growing suspicious. Tiptoeing closer, she discovered a grotto behind the rocks, veiled by flowers and grass, where a half-naked man was pressing down upon a woman in the act.

Startled, Madam Tan gathered her courage for a closer look: the man was unmistakably Lin Jinlou, his robes half-discarded, revealing bronzed, muscular flesh. The sinews on his arms bulged, sweat streaming down as he thrust forward with rapid, urgent motions—clearly nearing his climax. His expression had turned fierce, like a handsome beast. Beneath him lay Xianglan, her pale, slender legs hoisted over his arms, peach-red embroidered shoes dangling from her feet. Her head was tilted to the side, hairpins askew in disheveled locks, eyes half-closed, brows slightly furrowed, lips bitten tight. Suddenly, Xianglan arched her neck with a sharp intake of breath. Lin Jinlou gasped roughly, lifting one of her legs higher and driving deeper. Xianglan seemed to whimper, her hands clutching his arms desperately. Lin Jinlou pulled her hands away and wrapped them around his own neck, then leaned down to kiss her lips before trailing delicate kisses along her cheeks and throat. He whispered, "It's just us... let it out..." The rest became inaudible murmurs as he panted, lowering his head to suckle at Xianglan's full, rounded breasts.Madam Tan stood utterly dumbstruck, her cheeks flushing and heart racing as she unconsciously retreated two stumbling steps backward. Her entire body felt feverish and burning, limbs turning to jelly. She—she had never known that intimate relations between spouses could take such form! Nor had she ever imagined a man's physique could appear so robust and pleasing to the eye! Lin Jinxuan had always been pale and frail, his ribs nearly visible, their marital encounters lasting mere moments—just as she began to perceive some pleasure, it would already be over. But what she just witnessed... The memory of those two entwined bodies in the rockery made Madam Tan's mouth go dry and her blood boil. Though her heart itched with curiosity, she dared not steal another glance. Retreating in disarray, she could only replay the scene repeatedly in her tormented mind.