The maids brought the writing materials. Ling Su ground the ink while Ling Qing laid out the snow-white paper on the table, securing it with a beast-head paperweight. Seeing Lin Jinlou gesture to dismiss them, they both withdrew. Lin Jinlou pulled Xiang Lan close, embracing her from behind, and placed a brush in her hand. He guided her hand to dip in the ink and wrote the characters for “Xiang Lan” on the paper. Though the name inherently carried a delicate and alluring quality, his writing style transformed it into something bold and magnificent.

Xiang Lan thought to herself: “The Lin family truly has a scholarly heritage. Though Lin Jinlou is a military officer, his calligraphy is still excellent.” She heard Lin Jinlou say from behind her, “The first time I heard your name, I found it vulgar. ‘Fragrant Orchid’ this and that – it’s the kind of name given to poor servant girls in novels and opera scripts.”

Xiang Lan secretly pouted. Lin Jinlou continued: “I thought about changing it, but after getting used to it, I found it quite fitting. As the poem goes, ‘When Kunshan jade shatters and the phoenix calls, the fragrant orchid smiles as the lotus weeps with dew.’ It’s an auspicious name.” He chuckled softly, “Besides, you smell so fragrant – what else should you be called but ‘Fragrant Orchid’?” He kissed her cheek, feeling the soft warmth in his arms. His heart already stirring with desire, he kissed her again and again.

Xiang Lan’s face flushed crimson. She pushed against Lin Jinlou, saying, “Stop it, it’s still daylight… Weren’t we here to admire the scenery? I want to go see the Twenty-four Bridges.” She tried to leave.

Lin Jinlou watched her blushing face, smiling while still holding her. “I saw your paintings. They’re excellent. Why don’t you paint something for my grandfather’s birthday? It can be my birthday gift to him this year, hmm?”

Xiang Lan started, immediately responding, “Wouldn’t that be improper? For the Old Master’s birthday, the Young Master should personally write calligraphy as a gift.”

Lin Jinlou chuckled softly, “Silly girl, I’m trying to help establish your position. There’s nothing improper about it. My grandfather loves cultural arts – if he sees your excellent painting, he’ll surely reward you. Let me tell you, at home, my grandfather is like the Emperor Emeritus. If he favors you, who in the family would dare show you disrespect?” He thought to himself that since Xiang Lan had experienced hardship before if there were any gossip after their return, it wouldn’t look good. His grandfather might inquire about her, and if she gained his grandfather’s favor, her future life in the Lin family would be easier. Moreover, Xiang Lan was so charming – he wanted to show her off to his elders.

Xiang Lan looked up at Lin Jinlou. He was smiling, gazing at her intently with gentle eyes, unlike his usual imposing manner. Though he had shown her kindness before, it had always carried a hint of frivolity, treating her like a pet. He had never spoken to her so seriously before. Xiang Lan had a soft heart – if others showed her respect, she couldn’t maintain a cold demeanor. Moreover, she and Lin Jinlou shared a complex relationship of debts and emotions. Feeling somewhat uncomfortable, she fidgeted with her fingers before finally asking, “What should I paint then? Pine trees? Cranes? Peaches of immortality?”

Lin Jinlou couldn’t resist kissing her cheek again, saying, “Paint whatever you like. Once you’re done, I’ll add an inscription.”

Just then, the sound of women singing came from outside – Lin Jinting and the others had returned to their feast. Soon came the sounds of drinking games and feminine laughter.

Hearing the music, Xiang Lan thought of Spring Yan from Yicui Pavilion. She had been meaning to speak to Lin Jinlou about this and carefully chose her words: “Young Master, when I was captured by those villains and taken to the brothel, it was a girl called Yan’er who untied my bonds. She’s my benefactor, and I should properly thank her. I have some silver and would like to ask Young Master to have someone deliver it to her… Women who fall into that life are truly pitiful. What good family’s daughter would willingly choose such a path…”

Lin Jinlou watched her avoiding his gaze, showing a guilty expression. He wanted to laugh, thinking, “This silly girl doesn’t even know how to lie.” He had long known that Yan’er from Yicui Pavilion was Spring Yan, whom he had sold from his household. Back then, Spring Yan had poisoned Yingge, causing her to miscarry. Enraged, he had sold her entire family far away. The day he brought Xiang Lan back, he saw Spring Yan in Yicui Pavilion’s courtyard and heard the madam call her “Yan’er,” realizing she had been sold to a brothel by slave traders. However, he hadn’t given it much thought. Now that Xiang Lan mentioned her, specifically calling her “Miss Yan’er,” it was clear she was trying to hide Spring Yan’s former identity and help her.

Lin Jinlou stroked Xiang Lan’s delicate white face, saying, “You must know her? She was once in my household, called Spring Yan. You must know what wrong she committed?”

Xiang Lan’s heart skipped a beat. She lowered her gaze even further, and after a long while said, “My family was once her neighbor. Though we didn’t get along well then, we still knew each other. Now that she has brought this fate upon herself through her actions, though she deserves it, I still find it regrettable. Moreover, she did help me that day, even giving me her shoes to wear. That’s why I’m boldly asking Young Master today…”

Lin Jinlou lifted Xiang Lan’s chin, squinting his eyes, “Oh? You remember her help, but not my kindness to you?”

Xiang Lan whispered, “I remember…”

Lin Jinlou pulled Xiang Lan into his embrace and held her tight. Though Xiang Lan was clever, she always thought too well of others. “Courtesans have no feelings, actors have no loyalty.” Spring Yan had originally been involved with Qian Wenze, once wholly devoted to marrying him. When Qian Wenze was stabbed to death by Du Bin, she grieved for a time. Yet before Qian Wenze’s body was cold, she had hurriedly found a Jiangnan cloth merchant, and two days ago had gloriously left the brothel to become his concubine. Only his little Xiang Lan would foolishly speak up for Spring Yan, risking his anger, not knowing the woman had already found her way out. But this was what made her precious – she sincerely thought of others, keeping even the smallest kindness in her heart. He knew Xiang Lan didn’t want to stay in the Lin family, but she had saved his mother and sister, only leaving after repaying the “debt.” His rescue of Xiang Lan had been effortless, yet she was willing to risk her life to repay him.

“Silly girl, such a silly girl,” Lin Jinlou murmured twice, suddenly kissing her again. The kiss was quick and urgent, his hands finding their way inside her clothes as he whispered, “Little Xiang Lan, I’ve missed you so these past days…”

Xiang Lan felt dizzy, unclear how they had gone from discussing Spring Yan to Lin Jinlou suddenly being overcome with spring passion. Before she could speak, his lips sealed hers as he carried her to the nearby lounge bed.

The bed had already been prepared by Ling Qing and Ling Su with thick, fragrant cushions. As soon as Lin Jinlou laid Xiang Lan down, he pressed close, one hand unfastening her clothes while the other removed his cloak and loosened his belt, his lips never leaving hers.

He had waited long enough and could no longer contain himself.