After Liubei left, Lin Jinlou absentmindedly took out a filigree orchid hairpin inlaid with tortoiseshell, white jade, and coral from the octagonal treasure box. It was exquisitely crafted and charming. He held it in his hand, squinting as he examined it, but his thoughts had already drifted far away. He couldn't quite decipher his grandparents' intentions—sending such an expensive gift, did it mean they had consented? But why send it discreetly in the middle of the night instead of presenting it openly during the day? Did that imply they actually disapproved? Unable to figure it out, he grew inwardly frustrated. He only snapped back to attention at the sound of movement nearby—Xianglan had changed into her casual clothes and was having a maid bring in a copper basin for washing up.
He stared blankly at Xianglan's back. Since his injury, she had been much more attentive to him, even smiling occasionally. The tension between them had eased, replaced by a tacit understanding that sometimes felt almost telepathic. Yet, he still sensed an awkwardness lingering between them. A while ago, as his chest wound healed, the unbearable itching often kept him awake at night. He would get up and gaze at Xianglan's face in the dim light, sometimes for long stretches, turning over the same question in his mind: Was Xianglan's kindness now out of pity or because she had developed some affection for him? Or was she still thinking about that Song Ke fellow? But he felt too cowardly to ask.
"Eldest Master, what are you thinking about?"
"Ah? Nothing, nothing at all."
Xianglan gave Lin Jinlou a suspicious glance. He had been staring at her intently just moments ago, his expression shifting between sorrow and joy as if he were possessed. She stepped forward, handed him a towel, took the hairpin from his hand, and placed it back into the treasure box. As she tidied up, she said, "Eldest Master, wash up and rest early. Madam said guests will be arriving tomorrow morning—an old classmate of the master's is coming to visit. Originally, they were supposed to come today to wish Old Madam a happy birthday, but official business delayed them. They sent birthday gifts instead. The master just sent word asking you to join them tomorrow."
Lin Jinlou listened to her soft, gentle voice as she chattered on, watching her jade-like cheeks, and his heart softened again, as if warmed by gentle, rippling waves.
The night passed without incident.
The next day, Lin Jinlou rose before dawn to practice martial arts in the small garden. After completing two sets, Shu Ran arrived with two urgent letters. Lin Jinlou took the letters with one hand while using a towel to wipe his sweat with the other. Lin Jinting was lurking vaguely behind the flowering trees, peeking out. When he saw Lin Jinlou glance at him, he immediately put on an ingratiating smile. Lin Jinlou gave him a look, unfolded the letters, and said, "What brings you here so early?"
Lin Jinting shuffled forward, his mouth bitter. It wasn't that he had woken up early—he hadn't slept at all. "N-nothing," he stammered. "I just wanted to ask..." He glanced around and lowered his voice. "I wanted to ask if there's any news about Third Sister."
"No. We've searched almost every household in these alleys, but no one has seen her." Lin Jinlou had a sinking feeling—if his third sister hadn't met with misfortune, she had likely been taken out of the city long ago. Finding her in the vast sea of people would be difficult; all they could do now was try their best and leave the rest to fate. He looked at Lin Jinting, noting his haggard appearance, and sighed. Patting his shoulder, he said, "I issued orders early this morning to search both inside and outside the city. Go back and wait for half a day. For now, focus on taking care of Second Aunt's health." With that, he turned his attention back to the letters.Lin Jinting nodded and remained dazed for a long moment before saying to Lin Jinlou, "I heard Uncle is planning to arrange a marriage for you?"
Without even lifting his head, Lin Jinlou continued reading the letter and said, "My father? Arranging a marriage for me? Are you out of your mind?"
"Tsk, today Uncle’s classmate, Minister Wei, brought his third daughter to our house. Minister Wei has several daughters, so why bring only this one? She’s the legitimate daughter, said to be as beautiful as a flower, and well-known in respectable circles. Our family only has you and Second Brother now. Minister Wei is a man of some standing—he can’t possibly marry his daughter to a sickly invalid, can he?"
Lin Jinlou’s hand tightened, nearly crumpling the letter. His expression remained blank as he said, "What a pity, then. Lao Yuan asked me to join him for military drills today." With that, he walked away.
Just then, Lin Changzheng, who had risen early and was strolling in the garden while rubbing a pair of ornamental walnuts, saw Lin Jinlou rushing past like a gust of wind. He shouted, "Stop right there! Your Uncle Wei will be here soon. Change your clothes and greet the guest."
Lin Jinlou halted and said, "What does your entertaining have to do with me? Just hearing you all talk in that pretentious, scholarly manner gives me a headache. Why not have Second or Third Brother handle the greetings? I’m busy and need to leave now."
As Lin Jinlou spoke, Lin Changzheng’s beard bristled with anger. His voice thundered as he fumed, "You unfilial son! How dare you speak to me like that! I’ll beat some sense into you, you scoundrel!" He raised his hand to strike.
Lin Jinlou slipped away like greased lightning, far too quick for Lin Changzheng to catch. Enraged, Lin Changzheng hurled his walnuts at him but missed. He then took off his shoe and threw it, trembling all over with fury, muttering repeatedly, "That scoundrel! That good-for-nothing!"
Suppressing a laugh, Lin Jinting cried out in exaggerated concern and rushed to support Lin Changzheng, saying, "Oh dear! Uncle, please sit! Sit down, sit down—don’t bother with him. My brother’s just like that, never knows how to speak properly. Come on, look at me, look at me." He scolded a young maid nearby, "You clueless thing, hurry up and fetch Master’s shoe!" As he helped Lin Changzheng sit on a stone stool, the maid retrieved the shoe. Lin Changzheng put it on and said sternly to Lin Jinting, "Look at you? What is there to see? Even if your elder brother is lacking, he’s still better than you. Go back and study properly. The Old Master said if you don’t pass the imperial exam next year, I’ll personally supervise you."
At these words, Lin Jinting’s face instantly soured like a bitter melon.
Meanwhile, Lin Jinlou hurried back to the Hall of Flourishing Spring, where he saw Xianglan sunning books and paintings with Xiao Juan, Hua Shan, Xue Ning, and others. Lin Jinlou strode over, grabbed Xianglan by the shoulders, and hauled her into the bedroom, planting a flurry of kisses on her without any explanation. Xianglan’s face flushed crimson as she struggled, saying, "Are you having a fit?"
Lin Jinlou chuckled and said, "No, I’m heading to the battlefield—just boosting my courage."
Xianglan frowned at this and asked, "The battlefield? What battlefield?"
Lin Jinlou tapped her nose, gave her lips a firm kiss, and then left without changing his clothes. Entering the courtyard of the Hall of Veracity, he saw Lin Zhaoxiang sitting in a rocking chair, holding a birdcage and watching the bird inside. Lin Jinlou approached and bowed, saying, "Wishing the Old Master good health. Did you rest well last night?"
Lin Zhaoxiang glanced at him but said nothing, continuing to purse his lips and coo at the bird.Lin Jinlou held his breath and crept along the wall. Seeing the teacup on the small table was empty, he picked up the pot to refill it. While stealing glances at Lin Zhaoxiang, he noticed the latter's gaze turning toward him and hastily offered an ingratiating smile. In his distraction, he overfilled the cup, causing hot tea to spill over and scald him with a start.
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