These past days had left Lin Jinlou overwhelmed – his mother and sister had nearly been kidnapped, and he had lost his beloved concubine. He felt utterly humiliated, dividing his time between settling scores viciously and searching everywhere for Xiang Lan, neglecting even his military duties.

Second Madam Wang and Lin Changmin had come to plead for mercy, but Lin Jinlou, unable to bear their pestering, simply stayed away from home. Fortunately, Lin Zhaoxiang’s presence kept the second branch of the family in check.

During these months, he had received invitations to drink and enjoy music, but his heart wasn’t in it. He declined most, and when he couldn’t avoid them, he merely made brief appearances. Everyone in Jinling knew Lin Jinlou was troubled and kept their distance. He had unknowingly lived an austere life during this time.

Now that he had found Xiang Lan, his heart was finally at peace. At this moment, his little darling lay softly beneath him. Looking down, Lin Jinlou saw her cheeks were flushed red, rivaling peach blossoms. She was so embarrassed she could barely speak, only pushing against him and stammering anxiously, “The window is still open, and the maids are downstairs…”

“No one can see us lying here from outside the window. Besides, who would dare come up now without eyes? I’ll destroy anyone who dares.” Ignoring her struggles, he swiftly removed her clothes. Beneath the crimson silk robe appeared a jade-colored gauze undershirt, and a blushing red underbodice tied with a thin string around her pink neck, hugging her round breasts. He buried his face to smell her fragrance. Lin Jinlou reached inside and grasped, making Xiang Lan start. She heard him whisper in her ear, “Your body has grown even more perfect, truly stirring one’s desires. I’ve been yearning these past days, but seeing you ill, I restrained myself. Today I must fully satisfy this desire.” As he spoke, he had already removed her skirt, revealing snow-white gauze pants.

By the time their passion subsided, it was already past the hour of lighting lamps.

Ling Su was fanning a stove outside, where a copper kettle held hot water.

Ling Qing emerged from the Embroidery Tower saying, “Let me take over, you rest.”

Ling Su whispered, “Are they finished? Did Young Master give any instructions?”

Ling Qing blushed, responding awkwardly, “It seems quiet now, but Young Master hasn’t called for anyone. It wouldn’t be right to go up uninvited…” Earlier, the lounge bed’s movement had made the wooden floor creak. Ling Qing and Ling Su had withdrawn to stand guard at the door, making small talk to pass the time.

Suddenly, they heard Lin Jinlou cough from inside. Ling Qing hurried back and called up the stairs, “Young Master, do you need anything?”

After a moment, Lin Jinlou replied, “Bring up hot tea.”

Ling Qing quickly took the heated water from the stove and made fresh tea, carefully carrying it upstairs. She kept her eyes down as she placed it on the small table beside the lounge bed. She noticed the room was unlit except for one slightly open window facing the lake, letting in a fresh breeze that dispersed the room’s lingering atmosphere. Lin Jinlou sat on the bed wearing loose silk pants and an open robe, revealing his strong chest. Xiang Lan lay inside, apparently sound asleep.

Though tired, Lin Jinlou felt utterly content. He hummed while drinking his tea, then called for hot water. He washed himself first, then got fresh water to clean Xiang Lan. Feeling hungry afterward, he ordered some food brought up.

Xiang Lan slept deeply, stirring only when Lin Jinlou roused her to drink some soup, after which she quickly fell back asleep.

Lin Jinlou had planned to spend the night in the Embroidery Tower, but being tall, he found the lounge bed cramped. Moreover, as the evening wind grew cool, the octagonal wooden tower wasn’t very warm. Seeing Xiang Lan sleeping peacefully, he wrapped her in blankets and carried her back.

Lin Jinlou stayed two more days in Yangzhou before preparing to return to Jinling. Lin Jinting, having enjoyed the city’s pleasures without supervision, was reluctant to leave and tried to convince them to stay longer.

Lin Jinlou coldly smiled, “Would you rather stay until Grandfather specially writes to summon you back?”

Hearing this, Lin Jinting’s shoulders immediately drooped, and he skulked away to pack his belongings.