When Lin Jinlou returned to his quarters, everything was quiet. Since the master had been drinking with guests, the maids had all dispersed to enjoy themselves. Lin Jinlou checked the bedroom and, not finding Xianglan there, went to the eastern side room. Lifting the embroidered curtain, he found Xianglan sleeping there, her cheeks flushed, covered with a diamond-patterned quilt. Feeling the effects of alcohol, with his head slightly heavy, he stumbled to sit on the bed’s edge. He removed his belt, carelessly stripped off his clothes, tossed them on the floor, and lay down beside Xianglan.

Xianglan opened her drowsy eyes, and upon seeing Lin Jinlou, her entire body tensed. She quickly closed her eyes again.

Lin Jinlou lay on the bed, pulling the quilt over himself. Xianglan pretended to still be asleep and turned away, trying to distance herself from him. However, Lin Jinlou reached out and embraced her from behind, effortlessly drawing her into his arms. The strong smell of alcohol immediately filled her nostrils. Xianglan, feeling the burning heat of his chest against her back, was startled and struggled to break free.

Lin Jinlou said lazily, “Why are you squirming? This morning wasn’t satisfying enough – why don’t we continue?”

Xianglan immediately froze, her body stiff as wood. Lin Jinlou, tired from his activities outside, pulled her closer to his chest. He caught a whiff of her delicate fragrance, intoxicating his senses. He nuzzled her ear repeatedly, closed his eyes, and mumbled, “What perfume are you wearing? It smells so good… makes my whole body feel comfortable… Tomorrow, make me a sachet with this fragrance.”

Xianglan bit her lip and remained silent.

After waiting a while, Lin Jinlou said, “Oh, ignoring me, are you?” His hand slipped inside her collar, frightening her into grabbing his hand as she whispered, “I’m not wearing any perfume. Perhaps it’s my hair oil… The room was scented with xing zhi incense cakes today, maybe that’s what you smell.”

Lin Jinlou said, “It’s not the hair oil or xing zhi.” He took another deep breath, caressing her smooth neck, saying, “Such fragrance – no wonder you’re called ‘Xiang’ lan.”

His touch made Xianglan tense, and she uncomfortably shifted toward the inner bed. Lin Jinlou stopped, wrapping his arm around her waist, seemingly talking to himself, “Let’s sleep. There will be visitors tonight, probably won’t get any peace.” Then he dozed off.

Xianglan lay wide-eyed, staring at the bed curtains embroidered with colorful mandarin ducks at play, completely still. Lin Jinlou’s hot body pressed against her, his chest rising and falling, his thighs tight against hers, his arm uncomfortable around her. Xianglan’s hands slowly clenched into fists as she closed her eyes, feeling tormented.

Soon after, Chunling returned, thinking Xianglan was still asleep and wanting to wake her. Upon entering and seeing Lin Jinlou’s scattered clothes, she jumped in fright and quickly retreated. Fearing others might disturb them, she brought an embroidery stool and sat nearby to stand guard.

Xianglan endured for a while, listening as Lin Jinlou’s breathing became steady, assuming he was asleep. She too began to drift off. After lying there for an unknown time, she carefully removed his arm and slowly sat up, quietly moving toward the foot of the bed. Suddenly, an arm reached out from behind, grabbing her waist. Lin Jinlou turned over and pinned her down, kissing her mouth forcefully and hungrily while his hands worked to remove her clothes, his lips moving to her chest.

Xianglan was terrified and pushed against him, saying, “No, it’s still daylight…”

Lin Jinlou mumbled, “That’s what you get for moving around…” He pulled at her skirt, constantly exploring as he whispered, “Be good and you’ll feel nice…”

Xianglan’s struggles only excited Lin Jinlou more. He easily subdued her and entered her. Xianglan’s whole body tensed as she turned her face away, biting her lip to endure. Lin Jinlou moaned, thrusting deeper, his muscles taut and trembling. He pulled a pillow under her waist and pressed down hard and deep. After a while, Xianglan found it less difficult than at first, though his hardness still caused her discomfort. She frowned slightly, looking again at the mandarin duck embroidery, trying to calm herself. Lin Jinlou, breathing heavily, brushed the hair from her face to kiss her. Her submission satisfied him as he thrust urgently, repeatedly kneading her fair body, reveling in its silky smoothness.

After a while, Lin Jinlou looked down and saw Xianglan staring at the bed’s edge, clearly distracted. Displeased, he bit her chest, neither gently nor harshly. Xianglan winced in pain and pushed at him, saying, “What are you doing…”

Lin Jinlou lifted her to straddle him, holding her close as he thrust deeply again. Xianglan cried out in surprise, quickly wrapping her arms around his neck. Her cry sent shivers through his body. Holding her waist, he gritted his teeth as he moved within her. There were plenty of women who would cry out, each more coquettish and passionate than the last, but none as soul-consuming as her. He kissed her neck and face, whispering in her ear, “Cry out again, quickly, cry out for me again…”

Xianglan bit her lip hard, feeling dizzy as pleasure gradually built within her, making her even more ashamed. Lin Jinlou grew frustrated, kissing her mouth forcefully while his hands caressed her soft breasts. After a long while, Xianglan felt she could hardly breathe and began to struggle when Lianxin’s hesitant voice came from the doorway: “Master… Old Master says he has matters to discuss and requests your presence…”

Xianglan, face flushed red, desperately pushed against Lin Jinlou, but he held her waist tightly, pressing her to the bed, saying, “Ignore it…”

Lianxin stood outside, troubled. Just a glance inside would reveal the shaking of the embroidered bed – she knew what was happening, but… Old Master’s messenger was waiting outside. Red-faced, she forced herself to call again: “Old Master says he has urgent matters to discuss with you.”

Xianglan, both ashamed and angry, tears welling in her eyes, struggled desperately. This nearly drove Lin Jinlou mad. His whole body trembling, he held tightly to her smooth body, moaned, and released himself, collapsing onto her. After a moment, he propped himself up to look at her face, caressing her cheek, “Why are you crying again?”

Xianglan turned away, voice trembling, “Go quickly, Old Master is calling for you.”

Lin Jinlou got up and called for water.

Soon, Chunling and others brought hot water. Lin Jinlou tried to clean Xianglan with a warm cloth, but she pushed him away, trembling as she curled up under the covers. Having been intimate with that man in broad daylight, Xianglan felt ashamed and inexplicably wronged. Lin Jinlou thought nothing of it, cleaned himself, changed into formal clothes, had the maids arrange his hair, and left looking energetic.

Only then did Xianglan rise, bearing her shame, to wash and change clothes. Chunling brought in a tray of jewelry, saying, “Master instructed before leaving that these were brought back for you to wear, Miss.”

Xianglan glanced at the gold, silver, agate, and amber pieces but said nothing. Chunling put them away. Xiaojuan brought a small box containing antiques, calligraphy, paintings, and local specialties – all gifts from Lin Jinlou. In the evening, the kitchen maid personally delivered dinner, bringing two large food boxes full of delicacies. Chunling’s face brightened as she directed the young maids to set out the dishes.

Xianglan invited Chunling and Xiaojuan to join her, but they looked at each other and declined.

Xianglan said self-mockingly, “What’s there to decline? Who’s more noble than another? We’re all the same. Come eat – it would be a waste for all this food to go uneaten.”

Chunling then brought a small table, set it on the floor, and shared some food with Xiaojuan. Xiaojuan gleefully recounted Luan’er’s situation, concluding, “I heard Luan’er didn’t even eat dinner. When Cunxin went to get food from the kitchen, she avoided everyone and came back looking dejected.” She stuffed her mouth with rice, cheeks bulging, and said to Xianglan, “Master treats you so well! He just gave me a string of coins, telling me to serve you properly!”

Xianglan replied, “He was even better than Concubine Lan at first, even giving her a shop. Wasn’t her room also full of antiques and treasures? And what happened? Where is Concubine Lan lying alone now…”

Chunling quickly smiled, “You’re different from Concubine Lan. Her mind was confused; she wasn’t fortunate enough to enjoy the Lin family’s wealth. Besides, she never made Master care for her like this, did she?”

Xianglan lowered her head in silence, thinking, “How can beauty maintain favor forever? Look at Luan’er and Qinglan – both were once favored and now what? I must find a way to leave.”

To briefly mention other matters: When Old Master Lin summoned Lin Jinlou, it was about arranging another marriage for him. He presented several noble young ladies for consideration, but Lin Jinlou responded listlessly, “Let’s discuss this later. It hasn’t been long since Lady Zhao passed. Let me have some peace.”

Lin Zhaoyang glared, “There are three unfilial acts, and having no heir is the worst! How long do you want to wait? These young ladies are all fertile and virtuous, with matching family backgrounds.”

Lin Jinlou said carelessly, “How do you know they’re fertile before marriage? What’s the rush? The political situation is unstable – let’s wait until the Emperor appoints a Crown Prince.”

Lin Zhaoyang was stunned.

Lin Jinlou smiled faintly, “Finding a virtuous wife isn’t difficult. Those from scholarly families are mostly the same type. Your grandson still has a long career ahead – why rush? It’s not like we lack women who can bear me sons.”

Lin Zhaoyang sighed. Lin Jinlou made some sense – given the current political climate, it would be better to wait until the Emperor appointed a Crown Prince before choosing a family. He coughed lightly and said, “However, with your second sister married, we can’t delay your second brother’s marriage. Given his poor health, your father and I have discussed arranging a match with Tan Siye’s fourth daughter.”

Lin Jinlou paused, stroking his chin before nodding, “Though Official Tan is only fourth rank, he has a good reputation and a clean background. His daughter must be well-educated.”

Lin Zhengzheng nodded, “Indeed. Though she’s born of a concubine, I hear she’s both beautiful and well-mannered, with an auspicious horoscope for her husband. We hope bringing her in will bring your second brother good fortune.”

Lin Jinlou thought to himself that his second brother might not even be able to perform on his wedding night, so no matter how beautiful she was, she might end up living as a widow. However, he showed no trace of these thoughts and simply nodded in agreement.