Lin Jin Lou was already weary. Lu Shao Tang had been beating around the bush all evening. This fellow had wild ambitions and was not a good person. Over these years, he had been heavily suppressed by Lin Jin Lou, who now controlled two-thirds of the military forces in the area, destroying most of the foundation the old Marquis had laid.
But Lu Shao Tang had caused him plenty of trouble too. Without contributing a single soldier, that fellow tried to take credit for the military achievements Lin Jin Lou had earned – desperate. Last time, he had dealt Lu Shao Tang a heavy blow by removing two of his useful pawns. The two were already bitter enemies, and now who the hell had the patience to chat about trivial matters with this fellow?
Lin Jin Lou lazily picked up some vegetables with his chopsticks. In the dead of winter, eating vegetables was rarer than eating meat. He squinted his eyes while chewing slowly, hearing the others discuss unimportant matters – which actor was good, who had taken a pretty concubine, who had received overseas goods, who had a fine horse.
Lin Jin Lou yawned, thinking if it was just such idle chat, he’d rather go home and talk with his flower-like beauty – even though that little beauty was as pedantic as an old school teacher, blushing at the slightest suggestive comment, her pretty face turning pink like it was touched with rouge, a sight that was refreshing and fun to tease, making one want to kiss her.
But then he suddenly remembered that Xiang Lan had gone to the temple with Madam Qin and wouldn’t return until tomorrow. The night before she left, he had tumbled with her on the bed for a long while, nearly shaking the bed apart. Just thinking about that pleasure still made him feel intoxicated.
Lost in thought, he heard a soft voice beside him saying, “My Lord, have you had too much wine? The kitchen has Osmanthus sobering soup, would you like a bowl?”
Lin Jin Lou turned his head to see Yun Zhui blinking her watery eyes at him. He waved his hand and stood up to go relieve himself, with Yun Zhui hurriedly following to attend him. When they reached the side room, Lin Jin Lou went behind the screen. Yun Zhui quickly knelt, reaching to undo his robe, loosening the waist cloth, lowering his trousers, and holding his member as she helped him relieve himself, her face flushing and heart racing.
Afterward, she remained kneeling to help arrange his clothes, subtly caressing him twice. That thick member became half-hard. Lin Jin Lou, being experienced in such matters, understood completely. He chuckled, lifting Yun Zhui’s chin, and said frivolously, “You little temptress, trying to seduce me?”
Yun Zhui softened her voice and trembled as she said, “I only beg My Lord to pity this slave’s devoted heart…”
Lin Jin Lou looked at her pair of lovesick almond eyes and red, alluring little mouth, feeling somewhat moved. Though Yun Zhui was pretty, she couldn’t compare to Xiang Lan’s beauty, nor did she have Xiang Lan’s gentle refinement. Having her now would just be like sampling a snack. Some days ago, Chu Da Peng and the others had insisted on treating him to drinks to thank him for helping them invest in the Salt Merchants’ Association. They made him drink extra cups and called over an extremely charming young courtesan, Yun Zhui, to sing. Drunk and drowsy, he had felt hands arousing him below and enjoyed himself. The next day he awoke to find Yun Zhui beside him and realized those fellows had specially arranged a virgin to curry his favor. It was just a one-night affair, and he went home the next day, but since Yun Zhui had been with him once, Chu Da Peng and the others weren’t sure of his intentions and spent money to retain her services.
Yun Zhui was quite sensible and understanding, obedient and observant, with a clear singing voice. When Lin Jin Lou had social obligations, he would have her accompany him, adding color to the gatherings. Gradually, everyone came to know Yun Zhui as Lin Jin Lou’s new favorite at Yi Hong Courtyard.
Seeing Lin Jin Lou looking at her silently, Yun Zhui secretly clenched her teeth. Since the first time Lin Jin Lou had taken her, he hadn’t stayed overnight again. Even when drunk, he would just tell others not to disturb him, fall asleep immediately, and leave before dawn, coming no more than twice a month. Even the madam said she was lucky to have such a client for her first patron, saying she might never meet someone like him again. Seeing Lin Jin Lou’s handsome and commanding presence, along with his generosity, she developed seven or eight parts more feelings for him. This time she was determined to use all her charms to keep him here constantly. She boldly reached her delicate jade fingers into his clothes.
Lin Jin Lou’s desire was aroused. He lifted Yun Zhui and kissed her small mouth, but in that kiss, he smelled her powder and rouge, unlike Xiang Lan’s subtle, refreshing fragrance. Opening her clothes and lifting her undergarment, he saw her pointed, outward-facing breasts, long waist, and short legs, which rather turned him off. Thinking of Xiang Lan’s graceful figure, her round and perky breasts, wasp waist and long legs, her whole body fair and soft, he instantly lost interest in the woman in his arms. He let go and said, “Go back, there are still guests out front.” He arranged his clothes and returned by himself.
Yun Zhui had been blushing, ready to receive his favor, and was stunned by his words. Seeing Lin Jin Lou had already left, she felt bitter hatred but could only fix her clothes and follow him back.
Lin Jin Lou ordered tea and took a sip. Chu Da Peng, sitting to his left, secretly leaned over and said with a low laugh, “Brother, what were you doing just now? I thought you’d be a while, didn’t expect you to be so quick… tsk, I have a jar of tiger penis wine at home, shall I send it to brother tomorrow?”
Lin Jin Lou cursed, “Get lost! I just went to take a piss.”
Chu Da Peng grinned slyly, “Still trying to fool me? Brother, if you just went to urinate, where did that rouge on your neck come from?”
Lin Jin Lou touched his neck and indeed found a red mark. He glanced at Yun Zhui and said to Chu Da Peng, “No need to keep retaining her. She’s served me once, I’ll reward her well later.”
Chu Da Peng immediately understood, thinking Yun Zhui must have somehow displeased his lord. He quickly sat up straight and said with a smile, “Brother hasn’t frequented these pleasure quarters lately, so you don’t know that Yun Zhui was famous even before she became available. A salt merchant surnamed Guo wanted to retain her exclusively and talked about buying her out. If Yun Zhui is fortunate, she might even be redeemed to become a concubine.”
Before he finished speaking, there came the sound of hurried footsteps on the stairs, followed by the door being pushed open with a bang. Hu Lai, Lin Jin Lou’s guard, entered covered in dust and saluted, saying, “General, I have urgent matters to report.”
Seeing his anxious expression, Lin Jin Lou stood and followed him out. Hu Lai whispered two sentences in Lin Jin Lou’s ear. Lin Jin Lou’s heart jumped violently, his expression changing dramatically. He grabbed Hu Lai’s collar and said fiercely, “What! Did! You! Say!”
When Lin Jin Lou was enraged, he was like a violent storm. Hu Lai’s face fell, thinking how unlucky he was to be given such a task. Being careful not to let others overhear, he said quietly, “General, every word is true. If I dare speak falsely, let military law deal with me!”