Du Bin thought silently that it wasn’t wise to linger here and that it would be better to leave soon. After waiting for a moment and hearing no sounds outside, he leaped out through the window, hiding and sneaking until he jumped over the high wall and escaped through the small side gate.

Lin Dongxiu stood on the distant hillside, watching Lin Dongling emerge from the house with Xiang and Ting. She couldn’t tell if she felt relieved or unspeakably disappointed, wringing the handkerchief in her hands as she slowly walked back. Though this was but a small incident, it would trigger many future events, but we’ll set that aside for now.

After Lin Dongqi’s grand wedding, Lin Zhangzheng departed for Shanxi with Concubine Bao. Lin Jinlou sent personal guards to escort them, while Madam Qin remained at home to manage affairs. Since Lin Dongqi’s wedding was an elaborate affair, the entire Lin household had exhausted themselves with the preparations. Madam Qin directed the maids and servants to sort through the items until they finally finished on the day of Lin Dongqi’s return visit. After this busy period, Madam Qin fell slightly ill. Old Madam Lin, concerned for her daughter-in-law, had Madam Wang take over management for a few days. Lin Jinting let Madam Wang handle external affairs, while Lin Dongxiu volunteered to help.

Lin Jinlou was busy with military office matters and social obligations, and when he returned home, he spent his days handling official business or discussing matters with his advisors and retainers. When it got too late, he would sleep in his study. Xianglan felt relieved by this. Being one of the most idle persons in the household, Lin Jinlou’s absence suited her perfectly. She spent her days practicing painting and making silent calculations.

One afternoon, when Lin Jinlou returned and entered his study, he saw Shuran coming out with two books and asked, “What books are those? Where are you going?”

Shuran smiled and said, “Miss Xianglan asked me to find some books to help pass her time. We can’t borrow from Second Miss anymore now that she’s married, so I borrowed some poetry from Fourth Miss for her to read. She said she’s already read those and wants something new – she’s interested in biographical accounts and historical anecdotes. I had no choice but to take these two from my Master’s study.”

Lin Jinlou glanced at the books, which were indeed collections of strange tales. After pondering for a moment, he said, “Tidy up the desk later. I’ll work in my chamber today.”

Shuran quickly agreed.

Xianglan hid behind the treasure cabinet, secretly glancing repeatedly at the desk on the left side of the main hall where Lin Jinlou sat, intently flipping through some papers and occasionally picking up his brush to write characters.

Lianxin carried a pink and white Ding kiln teacup on a gold-inlaid lacquer tray, filled with steaming hot tea, bringing it to Lin Jinlou. Seeing Xianglan hiding behind the cabinet, she walked over and whispered, “What are you doing standing here?”

Just as Xianglan’s face reddened and she was about to speak, Nueyue came over, took the tray from Lianxin’s hands, and said, “If you two want to chat, I’ll deliver the tea. Master has called for tea four or five times already. He might get angry if we delay any longer.” She then turned and walked in with a bright smile, presenting the tea beside Lin Jinlou’s desk. He didn’t even lift his head, merely waving his hand to dismiss her. Nueyue left disappointed, clutching the tray.

Lianxin smirked but pretended not to notice. After hesitating for a while, Xianglan returned to her room.

When dinner time came, Lianxin glanced toward the desk and saw Lin Jinlou still writing and drawing. Not daring to disturb him too much, she waited a moment, then brightened a candle with a silver hairpin and brought it over, saying, “Master, it’s dark now. Time for dinner.”

Lin Jinlou, head still lowered, said, “I’ll eat later.”

Lianxin had no choice but to withdraw.

After working for a while longer, Lin Jinlou finished his official business and looked up to find it was completely dark outside. Feeling hungry, he stood up to stretch, rolling his neck and shoulders. Lianxin, who had been waiting for a long time, quickly approached. Lin Jinlou glanced at her and said, “Serve dinner.” He thought to himself that while Lianxin wasn’t as clever as Shuran, she was honest and dependable, and having come from Old Madam’s quarters, she followed the rules well and served properly.

As he walked back to his bedroom, he found several steaming dishes already laid out on the kang table by the Buddha couch. The small kitchen had kept the food warm, and earlier Madam Qin had sent a young maid to inquire. Hearing that Lin Jinlou hadn’t eaten yet, she felt concerned and sent over two more dishes. The table was abundant with fruits and dishes. Surprisingly, Xianglan was sitting on the autumn-colored coin-dragon cushion beside the Buddha couch. Seeing him enter, she immediately stood up, glanced at him, then quickly lowered her head.

Lin Jinlou was puzzled, thinking: “Is this ungrateful one waiting for me to eat?” Without speaking, he sat on the other side and pointed to Xianglan, saying, “Sit down.”

Xianglan sat down somewhat nervously.

The maids began serving dishes and pouring hot wine into golden flower-shaped cups. Lin Jinlou began using his chopsticks, and Xianglan picked up hers, taking two pieces of green vegetables and stealing glances at Lin Jinlou while wondering how to begin speaking. Lin Jinlou had seemed to be in a poor mood these past few days. A few days ago when he returned for lunch, he had originally ordered meals to be served in the main hall but suddenly received news that the Marquis of Yongxin had stolen a march on him, taking credit for his early plans to eliminate the Japanese pirates. He immediately flew into a rage, throwing his bowl and storming off, frightening the maids into kneeling en masse. These past few days he had maintained a dark expression, with others avoiding him, not daring to approach and risk death. Xianglan had been turning over her thoughts repeatedly, unable to voice them.

Lin Jinlou ate very quickly but still maintained the elegant manners of a noble gentleman. Only after his hunger was somewhat satisfied did he slow down. After much hesitation, Xianglan took a blue and white chrysanthemum bowl, ladled some soup from a small earthen pot, and pushed it in front of Lin Jinlou.

Lost in thought while eating, Lin Jinlou didn’t notice.

Xianglan said softly, “This… this is duck soup with codonopsis and Solomon’s seal. It’s best for the stomach this season…” Her voice grew increasingly quiet as she trailed off.

Hearing her voice, Lin Jinlou looked up, and glanced at the steaming bowl of soup, then at Xianglan with her lowered head. Surprised, he put down his chopsticks, wiped his hands with a wet towel, and said, “Now this is rare – you know how to serve people. Didn’t you scurry away like a little mouse when you saw me return this afternoon?”

Xianglan kept her head down, and after a long while softly said, “I have a favor to ask of Master…”

Lin Jinlou snorted inwardly, thinking: “I knew this ungrateful one wouldn’t show kindness without reason.” With half-closed eyes, he asked, “What is it?”

Xianglan gripped the letter tightly, looking at the five-colored palace cord tied at her waist, and said, “In two days, it will be my mother’s birthday. I…”

Lin Jinlou said, “Oh, so it’s your mother’s birthday celebration. Just tell Shuran – that there are still some gold and silver ornaments from last time, pick a couple you like for your mother. Later draw forty taels of silver from the accounts, and there are several seasonal fabric pieces – take those too. I’ll have someone write you a note to have the tailors at Xianyi Shop make two new outfits for your mother.”

Xianglan said, “I miss my mother…”

Lin Jinlou said, “Fine, tomorrow I’ll have someone bring your parents to the manor, so you can reunite.” Then pointing to his wine cup, he said, “Pour me some wine.” The white porcelain wine vessel was empty, so Xianglan took a fresh pot from the small stove on the floor and came forward to pour wine for Lin Jinlou. Lin Jinlou reached for her small hand, pulling her close to sit on his lap.

Xianglan looked up slightly to see Lin Jinlou staring intently at her. Growing nervous, she lowered her head even more and twisted her dress strings, saying, “I want to go home for a couple of days…” She stole a glance at Lin Jinlou, saw him wearing a lazy smile, and quickly buried her head again, saying, “They’re not comfortable in the manor, and it’s awkward. People will gossip if they see them… Also… my mother sent word that our dog had puppies, and I want to go see them…”

Seeing her rosy cheeks and submissive manner, Lin Jinlou’s heart softened. He lowered his voice and said, “So you’re homesick. Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Xianglan thought to herself: “With your cruel and volatile temper, who would dare approach you, let alone make requests?”

Seeing her silence, Lin Jinlou didn’t press further but suddenly called out loudly, “Shuran! Where’s Shuran?”

Nueyue, who had been waiting outside, darted in with a smile, saying, “Sister Shuran has gone home.” Seeing Xianglan sitting in Lin Jinlou’s lap, she showed slight discomfort.

Lin Jinlou impatiently waved his hand, saying, “Go away, I didn’t call for you. Get Jixiang in here.”

Nueyue had no choice but to withdraw. Jixiang had been playing cards with some servants in the corridor room. Hearing Lin Jinlou call, he quickly threw down his cards, crossed through the pendant flower gate, and entered the room, keeping his head down, not daring to let his eyes wander, and bent his body awaiting orders.

Lin Jinlou said, “It’s Xianglan’s mother’s birthday. Tomorrow, prepare a carriage to take her home for two days. Take a matron and two maids, and have Chunling go along.”

Jixiang repeatedly agreed, and Lin Jinlou waved him away.

Xianglan stammered, unsure what to say. In both of her lives, she had never been one to speak sweetly or know how to please others, let alone deal with someone of Lin Jinlou’s volatile and fierce temperament.

Seeing Xianglan’s slightly flushed face and uncertain expression, but with some excitement in her eyes, Lin Jinlou pinched her cheek and smiled, saying, “I’ve granted your wish, shouldn’t you drink a cup with me?” He lifted his wine cup to her lips, raised an eyebrow, and said with a smile, “You’re quite prideful – you should have been offering me a toast, but now I’m bringing the cup to you, and you still won’t drink?”

Xianglan took the cup and took a sip.

Lin Jinlou laughed, “That little sip won’t do.” He drank the remaining wine, then held Xianglan’s chin and lowered his head to kiss her, transferring the wine from his mouth to hers. Xianglan was startled and wanted to struggle, but remembering she still needed his permission to return home, she forced herself to endure, placing her clenched fists against Lin Jinlou’s chest. Lin Jinlou kissed and suckled, becoming aroused, and held Xianglan tighter, his hand reaching inside her clothes.

Just then there was a loud crash. Xianglan was startled, struggling desperately to push Lin Jinlou away. They saw Nueyue at the doorway, a plate of desserts spilled on the ground before her.