Two more days passed, and Lin Jinlou had shown significant improvement in his health. He had no choice but to make a trip to the military camp. Originally, he intended to make a brief appearance and return, but unexpectedly, after the rebellion, personnel in the military had undergone several changes. In addition to the emperor's appointments, there were also reserve candidates, and officials of all ranks inevitably seized the opportunity to act. Lin Jinlou had no choice but to socialize and pave the way for the various military officers under his patronage. Back and forth, this delayed him for seven or eight days. This time, however, he was eager to return home, sending messengers home with letters day after day and ordering Xianglan to write to him. Yet Xianglan was sparing with her words, always limiting her letters to a single page. Lin Jinlou found it hard to contain his restlessness. During the day, he managed to distract himself with busyness, but at night, especially during gatherings with distinguished guests, amid the sounds of music, clinking glasses, and lively toasts—a scene he had once mastered—he now found it unbearable. Bored and disinterested, he refrained from drinking, merely fiddling with the wine cup in his hand and staring blankly at the painting hanging on the wall.
The few officials who had come along were all seasoned veterans of the official circles. Seeing Lin Jinlou's expression, they exchanged glances, thinking they had failed to properly entertain this esteemed figure. A certain Adjutant Wei was the first to raise his cup, beaming with enthusiasm as he said, "We've long heard of General Lin's formidable reputation, especially his capacity for drink. Before you arrived, the ladies here mentioned you several times. It seems beauties have always admired heroes. Come now, take turns toasting General Lin. Whether he enjoys himself today depends entirely on you."
Such occasions inevitably involved the company of charming women. Seated among them were four renowned courtesans, all famous names in the capital. Upon hearing this, they giggled delicately and raised their jade-like hands with wine cups, ready to offer toasts. Seeing this display, Lin Jinlou smiled at Adjutant Wei and said, "This won't do. Taking turns toasting me—are you planning for me to walk in upright and be carried out horizontally?"
Adjutant Wei stroked his beard and laughed heartily. "General Lin, we've long heard that last year you drank the 'Three Tigers of Shanxi' under the table all by yourself. How could these delicate young ladies be a match for you? Quick, Qingyi, pour General Lin a full cup."
The young woman seated beside Lin Jinlou had already filled his cup to the brim. She presented it to him with both hands, smiling gently as she said, "General Lin, please."
Lin Jinlou narrowed his eyes to look at her. She appeared to be around sixteen or seventeen years old, wearing a pearl hairpin with three phoenixes, her hair styled to reveal her temples, and three green floral ornaments adorning her forehead, accentuating her powdered face and glossy hair. Her features were exquisite—eyebrows like spring mountains, eyes rippling like autumn water, a fair complexion, and a slender waist. She was dressed in a Rouge-colored wide-sleeved silk robe over a golden-branched, leaf-patterned gauze skirt. Upon closer inspection, she bore a striking resemblance to Xianglan, revealing that these people had done their homework and thoroughly discerned his preferences.
Qingyi blushed faintly and lowered her head slightly without speaking.
Someone nearby, already understanding the situation, chimed in playfully, "General Lin has been recuperating at home recently and has seldom indulged in romantic pursuits. Qingyi is from another province but is now well-known in the capital. She excels in the four arts of the lute, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and is particularly skilled in singing and playing instruments."
Adjutant Wei quickly added, "Qingyi, take good care of him today. Didn't you just say you admired General Lin? If he doesn't show you favor, it'll tarnish your reputation."
Qingyi raised her wine cup, her smile sweet yet subtle, and said, "General Lin, I've always heard you are one who cherishes and appreciates beauty. I hope you'll honor us by drinking this cup and show us some kindness."Lin Jinlou narrowed his eyes with a smile, pushing away the wine cup with his index finger. "When I left home, I was repeatedly warned not to drink while my injury hasn't fully healed. It's not that I don't appreciate your kindness, but that favored one in my quarters would weep half the night if she saw me drunk. Just after the New Year, it wouldn't do to upset the elders."
The company was somewhat taken aback, and Qingyi looked uncomfortable. Adjutant Wei quickly said, "It's no matter—if you get drunk tonight, you can rest here..."
Without acknowledging this, Lin Jinlou directly picked up his tea bowl. "I've already toasted everyone three rounds earlier. For this round, I'll substitute tea for wine."
The Lin Tyrant had always been one to speak with finality. Though some present wanted to jest and persuade him to change to wine, one look at his face silenced them, and they obediently raised their cups for this round.
Setting down the tea bowl, Lin Jinlou excused himself from the banquet and walked straight to the corridor. Tilting his head back to gaze at the starry sky, he let out a heavy sigh. When Qingyi had offered him wine earlier, he had thought of Xianglan. Xianglan never smiled so seductively, nor would she flirt with suggestive glances. She hardly ever drank, and when she smiled, it was like pear blossoms blooming. Before his departure, she had reminded him, "You're not fully recovered yet—drink less." The memory warmed his heart, and he recalled her delicate features and her words, especially during his recent illness when she had stayed by his side, often smiling for him. Growing restless with these thoughts, he returned indoors and announced, "My apologies, everyone. A message from home says there's an urgent matter requiring my immediate return."
Thinking Lin Jinlou might be dissatisfied, Adjutant Wei quickly stood up. "No, no—have we been inadequate hosts?"
Lin Jinlou smiled. "There truly is an urgent matter at the residence. Returning late might not sit well with the elders. Another day, I'll host a feast for you all." With that, he departed in haste.
By the time he returned to the Lin residence, it was the third watch. All courtyards were locked, and Xianglan had long since retired. Lin Jinlou instructed not to disturb her, hastily washed up outside, changed clothes, and lifted the bed curtain to find Xianglan sleeping peacefully, her dark hair spread across half the pillow. He slipped under the covers, drew her into his arms, and she stirred awake, murmuring drowsily, "Who is it?"
Lin Jinlou whispered in her ear, "It's me."
Rubbing her eyes, Xianglan struggled to sit up. "Eldest Master? Why have you returned?"
Still holding her close, Lin Jinlou smiled. "After all these days apart, have you missed me?" He planted a firm kiss on her cheek. "I've missed you."
"...Is your wound healed? Does it still itch?"
Lin Jinlou took Xianglan's hand and placed it against his chest, chuckling softly. "I itch—scratch it for me." Then he kissed her again.
In the middle of the night, Xiao Juan threw on her clothes and tiptoed to the bedroom door, where Ling Su and Hua Shan were keeping watch. Ling Su was straining to listen inside, while Hua Shan dozed off, her head nodding. Xiao Juan nudged Ling Su and whispered, "What are you listening for? Go heat water and prepare what's needed." Only then did Ling Su leave with a giggle. Xiao Juan sat down, heaved a long sigh, and murmured to herself, "Amituofo, let's hope our Xianglan has truly passed through calamities and is now blessed with a hundred fortunes."For a while, nothing happened. The next morning, while Xianglan was still asleep, Lin Jinlou rose, changed his clothes, and went to the garden to practice martial arts. After completing a set of Bagua Quan, he was drenched in sweat. As he wiped his face with a towel, he noticed a pregnant woman walking gracefully in the distance, surrounded by four or five maids. The woman wore a silver-threaded bun adorned with a Manchijiade jade hairpin, her makeup was heavy and glamorous, and she was dressed in luxurious brocade robes—it was Su Meiru. This was their first encounter in the Lin residence. Lin Jinlou straightened his posture, while Su Meiru paused momentarily in surprise before regaining her composure. With a radiant smile, she gave a slight curtsy to Lin Jinlou and then, as if nothing had happened, supported herself on her maid’s arm and walked away in another direction.
Lin Jinlou raised an eyebrow. Shu Ran, standing nearby, kept her eyes downcast, fully aware of Lin Jinlou’s romantic entanglements. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of admiration for Su Meiru’s composed demeanor. Noticing Lin Jinlou beckoning to her, Shu Ran hurried over. He asked, “These past few days, I’ve had you keep an eye on that woman. How has she been?”
Shu Ran replied, “She has been quietly focusing on her pregnancy, never coming to the Hall of Flourishing Spring or provoking our mistress. Whenever she sees her, she avoids her from afar. Lately, the eldest young lady has been visiting the estate frequently to mourn Concubine Yin, and she has had some interactions with Concubine Su, though they don’t seem particularly close. She is a shrewd woman. It was said that she regretted following the Second Master at first, but later, perhaps she came to terms with it and changed her ways. She has been doing everything possible to please the Second Master, and surprisingly, she has managed to win him over completely. She often incites the Second Master to resent Second Madam, leaving Second Madam with no outlet for her grievances, so she frequently goes to Madam to weep. But since it’s a matter within the Second Master’s household, Madam has no legitimate authority to intervene.”
Lin Jinlou, ever astute, immediately understood. He sneered and said, “That little minx—I’ve long known she has grand ambitions, which is why I kept my distance. Now her appetite only grows larger, but she’s too impatient. I fear she may have the ambition but not the fate to match.” He then instructed Shu Ran, “Let her stir up trouble as she pleases. Just make sure no unsavory gossip reaches Xianglan’s ears.” Shu Ran promptly agreed.
Meanwhile, Su Meiru walked away from Lin Jinlou with a face full of spring-like radiance. But as soon as she turned behind a rockery, her expression darkened instantly. Tears welled up in her eyes, her hands trembled slightly, and she clenched her handkerchief so tightly that the veins on the back of her hands bulged. Seeing Lin Jinlou just now had felt as if her internal organs were being squeezed up her throat. Her heart was a tumult of sorrow, joy, pain, and bitterness. This was the man she had once adored from the depths of her heart, for whom she had even traveled a great distance to Jinling to seek refuge. Yet he had treated her with such cold indifference! Despite it all, she still yearned for him. Nowadays, even hearing his name sent shivers through her. Just moments ago, upon seeing him, she had wanted to cry, kick, and bite him while demanding answers, then throw herself into his arms and beg for his tenderness.
At that moment, her young maid asked worriedly, “Madam, what’s wrong? You’re trembling so much—are you ill?”Su Meiru took a sharp breath, raised both hands to smooth her hair, and blinked back the tears in her eyes. Yes, having come this far, she was like a pawn crossing the river—there was no turning back. Though Lin Jinlou had countless virtues, they were now nothing but withered flowers of the past. This painful fall over him had taught her one truth: men were all unreliable. In the end, she could only rely on herself. Status and money were her only hope, the very foundation for a lifetime of glory and wealth! She gently placed her hand on her belly and stroked it. Here lay the root of her survival and future. With this, the Lin family could not drive her away. As long as she kept Lin Changmin firmly in her grasp, the day would surely come when she rose to prominence!
She slowly exhaled that breath, then rested her hand again on her maid’s arm. Gazing straight ahead, she said, "It’s nothing. I’m perfectly fine. Let’s go."
OpenNovel