Lin Jinlou was bowing and exchanging pleasantries with those around him when he suddenly noticed De Ge’er approaching with a cup of wine, speaking earnestly, "Nephew offers Uncle Lin a toast."
Lin Jinlou smiled broadly, took the wine, and drank it in one go. He then ruffled De Ge’er’s little head and said, "Good lad, you’ve grown taller these past couple of days. I’ll take you horseback riding again soon."
De Ge’er’s eyes sparkled as he threw himself at Lin Jinlou’s legs, hopping up and down excitedly. "Really?"
Lin Jinlou pinched the boy’s chubby cheek again, his heart softening. At his age, he ought to have a sturdy, lively child like this. If Xianglan had borne him a son, she wouldn’t need to tread so carefully. Ever since Jiang Xiyun entered the mansion, Xianglan had grown even more cautious. Originally timid, she now hardly dared to breathe too loudly, constantly yielding and retreating in every situation. He couldn’t fathom what she was so afraid of. She was his beloved concubine—if she faced any difficulties, why couldn’t she confide in him? Even if he intended to marry Jiang Xiyun, he would never let her be wronged. He saw right through the Jiang family’s motives—they were after the Jade Pendant. If Xianglan were simply outmatched, that would be one thing, but trying to play tricks under his watchful eye? Not a chance.
Just then, the crowd raised their cups and pressed forward, clamoring for him to drink three cups as a penalty.
Lin Jinlou did not refuse, downing three cups in quick succession. The crowd roared with laughter and cheers, ushering him to his seat. Shuangxi hurriedly poured wine into the cup before Lin Jinlou, while Jixiang swiftly arranged his favorite dishes on the small pink-and-white plate in front of him. Lin Jinlou gestured, and Shuangxi leaned in close. Lin Jinlou whispered, "Go find Shu Ran and get the mansion’s token. Send someone to fetch Doctor Zhang again. Tell him that after taking the previous prescriptions, there’s still no news of a pregnancy. Have him come for another consultation and try a different formula."
Shuangxi shrank his neck, thinking to himself, "My lord, you’re about to discuss marriage with the Jiang family, yet you’re still fixated on having Xianglan bear a child? Aren’t you afraid that if she really has a firstborn son, it’ll upset the Jiang girl?" He lifted his head, intending to exchange a knowing glance with Jixiang, but instead, Jixiang shot him a fierce glare. Shuangxi shrank his neck again and scurried off like the wind.
For a while, the guests took turns toasting Lin Jinlou, who returned each toast graciously. After the pleasantries, Chu Dapeng laughed and said, "I heard you’ve been in Imperial Attendance these past few days and caught the Crown Prince’s eye. We brothers are truly envious. In the future, if you come across any good opportunities, don’t forget us."
Lin Jinlou pointed at him playfully and retorted, "That’s an unfair thing to say. Since we were kids, when have I ever left you out of any good fortune?"
Liu Xiaochuan egged them on, "For that, you deserve a penalty drink."
Chu Dapeng grinned, raised his cup, and drank it down as a self-imposed penalty.
At that moment, Lu Chaozong approached with a cup of wine, smiling faintly at Lin Jinlou. "I’d like to propose a toast to Brother Lin."
Lin Jinlou also stood up, beaming. "You’re too kind, Brother Lu."
After they exchanged toasts, Lu Chaozong said, "It’s been two or three years since we last met, since you returned to Jinling."
Lin Jinlou replied, "We’re family, after all. We ought to visit each other more often." Then he raised his voice and commanded, "Hurry up and bring an extra chair to this table for Master Lu!"Lu Chaozong felt a sense of pride as he took a seat beside Lin Jinlou. As a member of the Imperial Guards Right Feather Forest Guard, though only holding a sixth-rank position, his status was prestigious and his future prospects boundless. After exchanging a few pleasantries with Lin Jinlou, he smiled and said, “These past few days, my wife’s relatives have been imposing on your household.”
Lin Jinlou chuckled, “Brother Lu, there’s no need for such formalities.”
While pouring wine for Lin Jinlou, Lu Chaozong continued, “Speaking of which, my wife often mentions that her fifth younger sister is not only graceful and poised but also kind-hearted, filial, and delightful—truly admirable in every way. In the past, when the sisters spent time together, there were inevitably occasional squabbles, but the fifth sister never engaged in petty arguments. She always maintained a harmonious demeanor, often mediating disputes and generously sharing the best with her siblings. She is particularly skilled in needlework, having made several complete sets of clothing for her nephew from head to toe. Brother Lin, if you ever need anything made, feel free to ask her.” As he spoke, he raised his own cup and clinked it with Lin Jinlou’s. After chatting idly for a while, he circled back to praising Jiang Xiyun’s virtues.
Lin Jinlou understood Lu Chaozong’s intentions perfectly. With only female relatives from the Jiang family staying at his residence, it would be inappropriate for them to sing their own praises. Having Lu Chaozong voice these compliments made it seem more natural. Lin Jinlou merely smiled faintly and listened quietly as Lu Chaozong repeatedly toasted him. Lin Jinlou accepted every cup without refusal, causing Lu Chaozong’s smile to widen. Liu Xiaochuan muttered under his breath, “What a bootlicker.”
Chu Dapeng kicked him under the table and said, “Keep your mouth shut. Can’t you see Lin is drinking every toast he offers?”
Liu Xiaochuan fell silent, rubbing his nose resentfully. He and Lu Chaozong had once been friends, but their relationship soured after Lu Chaozong looked down on his frivolous behavior and called him a “good-for-nothing relying on ancestral prestige” during a banquet. The remark eventually reached Liu Xiaochuan’s ears, and the two became estranged.
Soon, Tao Hongxun came to toast Lin Jinlou. After drinking, Lin Jinlou smiled and said, “Let’s indulge in something elegant today. I invite everyone to appreciate some paintings.” With that, seven or eight servants entered, each carrying scrolls of paintings, which they distributed among the guests.
As the guests unrolled the scrolls, they saw a variety of subjects—landscapes, flowers and birds, figures—each distinct from the others.
Lin Jinlou said with a smile, “These were painted by my beloved concubine. Since you are all cultured talents, please judge whether these paintings meet your standards.”
Liu Xiaochuan immediately perked up and cast a gleeful glance at Lu Chaozong, calling out to Yuan Shaoren, “Lao Yuan, come take a look at this one. It’s really… uh… quite impressive.” Yuan Shaoren went over and saw a Fallen Blossoms and Swimming Fish Painting. The technique relied entirely on washes, depicting carp swimming through flowing water amid falling blossoms, each fish lifelike and full of character.
Yuan Shaoren exclaimed without thinking, “An excellent painting.”
Xie Yu nodded and said, “It’s rare for every piece to be a masterpiece. Brother Yuan, come see this orchid painting—the ink is rich and rounded, exceptionally vigorous and elegant.”
Liu Xiaochuan rolled his eyes and said, “You sound so knowledgeable, but do you even understand what you’re looking at?”
Xie Yu retorted, “Even if I don’t, do you, the great talent Liu, understand?”
Liu Xiaochuan chuckled, “Of course I don’t, but someone here does, right, Brother Lu? Brother Lu is quite the lucky man, marrying the top talented lady of the capital, who is also skilled in painting. Brother Lu, why don’t you judge—whose work is better, the capital’s talented lady or General Lin’s concubine?”Lu Chaozong seethed inwardly with anger. He had spent considerable time praising Jiang Xiyun's virtues earlier, yet Lin Jinlou had remained noncommittal, merely offering perfunctory agreement. But now, the man had turned around to showcase paintings and elevate his own concubine. Lu Chaozong felt his dignity had been trampled. When he unrolled the painting earlier, he had been secretly astonished. As a scion of an elite family versed in both civil and martial arts, he possessed genuine discernment. One glance told him these works displayed masterful technique and profound artistic conception, truly reflecting a grandmaster's style—naturally superior to Jiang Feiyun's paintings. Yet openly admitting that the capital's top talented woman was outshone by another man's concubine would be humiliating. But denying it would invite ridicule if word spread. Forcing a smile, he said, "I'm just a crude fellow—how could I critique such refined things? Each has its own merits."
Liu Xiaochuan grinned mischievously. "Brother Lu, you're too modest. Why not fetch your esteemed wife's ink works? We could compare and see."
Chu Dapeng stared, dumbfounded. "The signature reads 'Recluse of Orchid Fragrance'—could this be the renowned artist from the Jinling region? Her paintings are notoriously hard to obtain. To think she's actually your concubine!" He shook his head, his face a mixture of awe and admiration. Lin Jinlou visibly preened at the reaction.
Tao Hongxun added, "My mentor's family owns a Water-dripping Guanyin painted by the Recluse of Orchid Fragrance. It captures both form and spirit with dignified grandeur—it's still enshrined in my teacher's wife's prayer hall."
Lin Jinlou maintained a casual expression but his eyes crinkled with pleasure. "She studied under the Jinling Painting and Calligraphy Monk, Master Dingyi, in her youth. Painting is her passion, and I never restrict her. Who knew she'd secretly build such a reputation behind my back? Forget 'hard to obtain'—today's gathering is all close friends and family. I'll have her gift each of you a painting."
Liu Xiaochuan chuckled again. "Brother, I'm not flattering you, but even the women in your household excel beyond all others. Your talent for... acquiring rare beauties is truly..." He trailed off, raising a thumb in approval.
Lin Jinlou had initially brightened at the praise, but his expression darkened at the final remark, and he shot Liu Xiaochuan a warning glare.
The others immediately grasped the implication and unanimously praised the paintings' excellence. Some murmured among themselves, "What a pity she's just a concubine—otherwise, the title of top talented woman would change hands."
Lu Chaozong, grim-faced, strode to the corridor and summoned his trusted servant. "Go deliver a message to your mistress inside: She asked me to praise Fifth Miss Jiang, but that man just turned around to glorify his concubine. I'm ashamed to stay here any longer."
Later, when Lin Jinlou stepped out to relieve himself and returned, he found Yuan Shaoren standing under the corridor eaves. "Why wait out here?" Lin Jinlou asked. "The sun's scorching—it's cooler inside."
Yuan Shaoren smiled. "De Ge'er ran off to play somewhere—I came out to find him." He studied Lin Jinlou for a moment and chuckled. "From Brother Lu's hints, Fifth Miss Jiang must be a peerless talent and virtue—a rare lady in this world. I must congratulate you. Your beloved concubine excels at painting and calligraphy, and soon you'll have a clever, delightful wife. What splendid romantic fortune."
Lin Jinlou replied offhandedly, "Fifth Miss Jiang merely has a pretty face and knows how to please people."Yuan Shaoren raised his eyebrows slightly. Having long been immersed in officialdom, Lin Jinlou had honed his perception to near-supernatural sharpness—any attempt at deception under his watch would instantly reveal the perpetrator’s true nature as a fox spirit. The earlier remarks had clearly carried hidden meanings, so he remarked, “Oh? Could it be that the Jiang family fabricated their account, and what was said earlier wasn’t entirely truthful?”
Lin Jinlou replied, “Every word they spoke was true. The Fifth Miss Jiang is indeed a picture of harmony and non-confrontation. However, her ‘non-confrontation’ stems from an inability to contend, so she temporarily endures in silence. Otherwise, with her hidden sharpness and knack for feigning innocence, once an opportunity arises to strike, she will refuse to suffer losses again. Though not necessarily vengeful over minor slights, her magnanimity can’t be considered particularly broad.”
Yuan Shaoren chuckled lightly. “So, this young lady isn’t as virtuous as she seems?”
Lin Jinlou said, “It’s not that she lacks virtue—her character is already superior to that of most women. She’s shrewd and tactful, adept at navigating social intricacies, with a mind full of ambition and a keen sense of weighing advantages and disadvantages. She does possess genuine warmth and sincerity, but she fears being wronged. In the future, if you’re to be together, you must treat her exceptionally well first. Only when she feels you’ve treated her well enough will she reciprocate with true affection. Or, if you’re useful to her, even if she harbors grievances or dissatisfaction, she’ll put on a cheerful face and ingratiate herself. Lao Yuan, you and I have seen too many people like this. As one navigates the world over time, everyone develops their share of cunning—how many are truly foolish?”
Yuan Shaoren laughed. “For a young girl to be so pragmatic, resourceful, sweet-tongued, attentive, and skilled at reading situations and humbling herself is no small feat. If you marry her in the future, simply treat her well, and you’ll naturally enjoy a peaceful life of mutual respect.”
Lin Jinlou shook his head with a wry smile. "You don’t understand… Without others for comparison, she might indeed be remarkable… Tsk, but the world just has this type of person—willing to endure losses, bearing grievances and mistreatment without complaining or resorting to schemes." Even when betrayed, they still remember the good in others. You might call them foolish, yet their hearts are as clear as a mirror. I never understood it before, but now that I do, I’ve come to genuinely admire it.”
Yuan Shaoren smiled. “Who is this person you’re referring to… Could it be your ‘cousin from Yangzhou’? De Ge’er was just telling me all about her, saying she’s highly learned, gentle, and kind-hearted.”
Lin Jinlou smiled without answering, patted Yuan Shaoren on the shoulder, and strode inside.
Yuan Shaoren shook his head with a light laugh, thinking that if this woman had earned Lin Jinlou’s admiration, it likely wasn’t solely due to her looks. He then reflected that Xianglan bore some resemblance to Shen Jialian and couldn’t help but feel a pang of melancholy. Collecting himself, he headed toward the study to find De Ge’er. At the courtyard entrance, he saw De Ge’er tugging a woman toward the study, followed by a maid dressed in bright red and green. De Ge’er pleaded, “Good Aunt Lan, stay here. I’ll call Uncle Lin. Please beg him for me—I still want to live here. After my father goes to the military camp, you can bring me back.”
Xianglan found this amusing and stopped, bending down to ask, “Why don’t you ask him yourself? Uncle Lin dotes on you greatly.”
De Ge’er twisted his hands nervously. “That… that’s different. If I ask him directly, Father will be hurt if he finds out.”
Xianglan’s heart softened. She gently patted De Ge’er’s head and asked softly, “Why don’t you want to go home? Your father treats you so well.”De Ge'er hung his head, kicking a pebble on the ground with his small foot, and said, "My father will be returning to camp in a few days. With only me left at home, it's really boring. None of my siblings want to play with me, and Third Brother always bullies me—he shoots me with a slingshot, and I can't fight back."
Xianglan's heart tightened again. She crouched down and asked, "Where did he hurt you? Have you told your father?"
De Ge'er shook his head, his dark, bright eyes fixed on Xianglan as he grinned and said, "I threw mud at him too, and it made his face turn green with anger!" Then, wrinkling his little face, he added, "I hate him to death."
Xianglan felt genuinely distressed. She couldn't help but pull De Ge'er into her arms and pat him gently before letting go. Looking into his face, she said, "You're the youngest in the family and the most cherished. Besides when he's away with the army, your father always keeps you by his side and even personally started your education. Your Third Brother has never received such attention from your father, so naturally, he's jealous and treats you this way. Do you understand? If your father ignored you and only took your other siblings along, wouldn't you feel unhappy too?"
De Ge'er thought for a moment and nodded.
Xianglan spoke slowly, "I can't always be by your side, so I'll just tell you three principles. If you follow them, your brothers and sisters will all be willing to play with you. First, be generous and open-handed in your dealings with others. The toys, snacks, and various things you like are merely external possessions—the more you treasure something, the more you should learn to share it with your siblings, relatives, and friends. A true man is one who is public-spirited and righteous. Second, speak kindly to others—words of comfort, warmth, and praise. A real man shouldn't be as petty and sharp-tongued as vulgar women, envious and resentful of others' talents. Third, broaden your heart. Don't hold grudges; learn to forgive."
As she spoke, Xianglan gestured with her hands, shaping them into the size of a small egg, and said, "If your heart is that small, you'll fret over every trivial matter like a sesame seed or a mung bean. If someone scolds you twice or hits you once, you'll get angry, hold a grudge, and seek revenge. Your heart will be filled with nothing but troubles. How can you cultivate yourself and take on great responsibilities in the future?"Then she spread her arms wide, drawing a large circle, and smiled, "But if your heart is that vast, capable of embracing everything and willing to forgive others' faults, then no matter what circumstances you face in the future, you'll be at peace and content.""
Yuan Shaoren, hearing this, was inwardly astonished and thought, "Remarkable! How can a mere woman have such insight and breadth of mind! Even men pale in comparison!" Instantly, he felt a deep respect.
De Ge'er tilted his head and thought for another moment, then asked, "But what if I do all that and my brother still treats me badly?"
Xianglan smiled faintly and said, "At first, he might still bully you, but if you persist, it won't be long before he starts treating you well. Even if he doesn't like you, he'll respect you." She finished by patting De Ge'er's little head and added, "For a family to prosper, siblings must live in harmony. We shouldn't fear external enemies, but internal strife among brothers. Once there's discord within, a slight push from outsiders can tear everything apart." Seeing that De Ge'er seemed to only half-understand, she sighed inwardly, thinking, "De Ge'er is still young, and the Marquis is too busy with affairs. Without proper guidance, he'll likely forget this lesson soon." She couldn't help but feel a bit sorrowful and fell silent. Suddenly, she heard a cough behind her. Turning around, she saw Yuan Shaoren walking in from outside. De Ge'er, spotting him, spread his arms wide and rushed over, crying, "Father!"Yuan Shaoren held De Ge'er in his arms and nodded at Xianglan with a smile.
Xianglan quickly curtsied, and Yuan Shaoren accepted the gesture with a slight turn of his body. She knew it was inappropriate for her to meet Yuan Shaoren here, but having just taught De Ge'er a lesson, she had much to say to him. As she was pondering how to begin, Yuan Shaoren spoke first: "I overheard what Concubine just said to De Ge'er. Every word was precious advice, and I feel deeply ashamed. It is my fault for not managing the household strictly enough. I will ensure he is properly taught from now on."
Xianglan was taken aback and quickly replied, "Marquis Yongchang, you are too kind. De Ge'er is an excellent child—kind-hearted, humble, and intelligent. It is clear he has learned from your example, and he will surely achieve great things in the future."
As Yuan Shaoren looked at Xianglan, he suddenly understood the meaning behind Lin Jinlou's words: "If there were no one else to compare her to, she would still be considered remarkable." The first time he had seen Xianglan was in a brothel in Yangzhou, where she was completely covered by Lin Jinlou's clothes, her face hidden. Later, when he went to the nunnery to sort through her belongings, he had dismissed her extraordinary talent, finding her poetry tinged with melancholy and feeling that a young girl should not have such a temperament—that she ought to be cheerful and expressive to be likable. When he finally saw her, she was breathtakingly beautiful yet devoid of vitality, so strikingly similar to Jialian. But today, meeting her again, he realized she had long since tempered her brilliance, becoming as serene as a pool of clear water.
A wave of admiration surged within him, and he suddenly found himself at a loss for words, feeling somewhat flustered. He cleared his throat softly and said, "I saw your painting earlier. It was incredibly lifelike."
Xianglan was momentarily stunned and replied, "You flatter me, Marquis. It was merely a trivial skill."
Yuan Shaoren smiled and said, "To call such excellent work a trivial skill is far too modest. Yingyang was proudly showing it off earlier."
Xianglan lowered her long eyelashes and softly uttered, "Oh."
Yuan Shaoren glanced at her and said in a low voice, "He did this... for your sake. Forgive me for overstepping, but Yingyang will marry sooner or later. By establishing your reputation early, he hopes you will have an easier life in the future."
Xianglan gave a faint smile and said, "Actually, he didn’t need to do this. Striving for such empty fame is pointless."
Yuan Shaoren was startled, wondering if he had misheard. Fearing that De Ge'er might overhear and repeat her words, he instructed Xiao Juan to take the child to play elsewhere. He then said, "Speaking like that is rather disheartening."
Xianglan suddenly asked, "I’ve often heard others say that you are a man of deep affection, utterly devoted to De Ge'er’s birth mother. May I be so bold as to ask how she passed away?"Yuan Shaoren was startled once more, staring fixedly at her. Xianglan's calm, profound gaze penetrated deep into his heart, and Yuan Shaoren felt as though it were Jialian looking at him. An abrupt, indescribable pain seized his chest, stirring an urgent desire to confide. He no longer wished to fabricate any preposterous excuses. Turning his face away, he gazed at the graceful lotus blossoms standing tall in the large vat in the courtyard and said, "De Ge'er's birth mother was... the daughter of a disgraced official. Because her father had sown seeds of kindness with my uncle, when her family fell from grace, my uncle brought her out from the Bureau of Music and Entertainment. When she first arrived at our home, she was barely clinging to life, her face crisscrossed with tear stains. After she was nursed back to health, she would huddle in a corner day after day, lost in thought—neither crying nor making a fuss, utterly silent. I pitied her tragic circumstances and gave her the calligraphy and paintings her father had once gifted me. The moment she saw them, she clutched them to her chest, slowly sank to the ground, buried her face in her arms, and began to sob. Eventually, her weeping turned into heart-wrenching wails..."
"She was just a little girl barely over ten years old, and I felt particularly tender toward her. Whenever I obtained something nice, I always saved a portion for her, so she grew close to me. Gradually, she recovered, developing a lively and cheerful disposition, clever and skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. A few more years passed, and as she grew older, I, who had long been fond of her, wished to take her as my concubine. My late wife, Lady Wei, had borne no children after our marriage and had previously arranged for me to take two concubines herself, but for some reason, she adamantly refused to allow me to take Lianniang. Lianniang was also unwilling to follow me, and the matter dragged on for years. But as an official slave, what respectable marriage could she hope for? Moreover, there was genuine affection between us. In the end, my uncle took charge and gave her to me."
"At first, I kept Lianniang outside the household, and all was peaceful at home. Later, when Lianniang became pregnant, my uncle ordered her to be brought into the residence. I favored Lianniang excessively, which stirred resentment in Lady Wei, who used cunning schemes to torment her. Initially, Lianniang endured it silently, but later she complained to me. I tried to mediate, but after repeated incidents, I lost patience. On the day Lianniang gave birth to De Ge'er, I was serving as Regional Commander, burdened with numerous duties and unwilling to deal with domestic disputes all day. When Lianniang complained to me again, I rebuked her instead. She seemed to lose hope and never brought it up again, but instead resorted to tactics to retaliate against Lady Wei, causing chaos. Both women then competed to weep and plead their cases to me, filling the household with turmoil. I grew increasingly frustrated and often stayed away. Later, when Lady Wei tried to take De Ge'er away to raise him herself, she somehow fell from a rockery and nearly died. Everyone claimed Lianniang had pushed her. I returned home drunk and confused, stormed in to confront Lianniang, and threatened to give De Ge'er to someone else to raise. Lianniang just stared at me silently, then suddenly shed two clear tears and said..."
At this point, Yuan Shaoren couldn't continue. He took a deep breath and said, "She said, 'I was once an honest and upright person. For you, I've worn myself down to this wretched state. Even if I've schemed against others, it was you who drove me to it. But I swear I never did something as vile as pushing someone to frame them. Since you don't believe me, I'll prove my innocence with death.' After saying this, she drew the sword from the wall and slit her own throat."
A sudden wind rose, and dark clouds gathered in the sky as if rain were imminent, accompanied by the rumble of thunder. The wind still carried warmth, yet it chilled him to the bone. A faint pain spread from the depths of his heart—this was the first time he had confided these hidden matters to an outsider. Even after all this time, the pain still made him tremble. He spoke rapidly, as if pouring out these words to this woman who so resembled Lianniang would bring him redemption.
Yuan Shaoren said with a wooden expression, "After she died, half of me died with her... Later, I learned from her personal maid about her past sufferings and realized how badly I had wronged her... Lady Wei never recovered from her fall from the rockery and passed away a few years later. On her deathbed, she told me she had slipped and fallen that day herself, and that she hated me—we shared the bond of marriage, but not the love of husband and wife. I had despised her, but seeing her so pitiful, I suddenly felt sorry for her. At her funeral, I looked at her spirit tablet and told her not to meet me again in the next life."Xianglan clutched her handkerchief tightly, keeping her head bowed to conceal her expression as she struggled to hold back tears. "I thank the Marquis for his frankness," she said. After a long silence, she added, "This matter shall remain between heaven and earth—I vow not to breathe a word of it to anyone." She paused briefly before continuing, "Especially in front of De Ge'er."
Yuan Shaoren forced a faint smile and said, "I trust in the Concubine's character."
Just then, De Ge'er came running over with his hands cupped together, grinning cheerfully. "Father, look! I just caught a butterfly," he said, carefully opening his chubby little hands to show Yuan Shaoren.
Yuan Shaoren patted De Ge'er on the head.
Beaming with excitement, De Ge'er then dashed to Xianglan's side and held up his hands for her to see. Suddenly, he exclaimed in surprise, "Aunt Lan, why are you crying?"
Xianglan dabbed the corner of her eye with her handkerchief and smiled gently. "I'm not crying. Some dust just blew into my eye a moment ago."
Before she could finish her sentence, a voice interjected, "Is that so? Let me have a look." They saw Lin Jinlou striding over, his tall and burly frame positioning itself squarely between Xianglan and Yuan Shaoren.
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