Lin Jinlou lounged in his chair, wine cup in hand. After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the guests had grown more relaxed, laughing and joking freely. Third Young Master Lu, Lin Jinlou’s brother-in-law Lu Jian, sat nearby speaking eagerly, first about actors and courtesans, then about the latest capital gossip and court movements – who was demoted, who was promoted, which family’s daughter entered the palace, who had newly caught the Emperor’s eye, and so on.
Lin Jinlou listened half-heartedly. His brother-in-law had studied for two years but had little real ability, relying only on family connections. Though somewhat dissolute, he was timid and weak – exactly the type Lin Dongwan could control. After all, what man would willingly let a woman dominate him? Now Lu Jian couldn’t even take a concubine without Lin Dongwan’s approval, choosing only an average-looking, obedient maid while she was pregnant. He heard Lu Jian even mooched off friends or ran tabs for entertainment, having little money of his own.
Lin Jinlou’s eyes swept the room, noting Song Ke’s empty seat, and he gave a cold laugh. Earlier at the entrance, he had deliberately arranged for Xiang Lan to meet Song Ke, wanting to test their reactions. Song Ke had long been like a thorn in his heart – better to deal with it directly than let it fester. He wanted to see for himself how much that Song fellow meant to his little Xiang Lan. From the moment Song Ke saw Xiang Lan, his eyes had been fixed on her as if soul-struck, making Lin Jinlou deeply uncomfortable. Whether it was Song Ke or the Marquis of Xian backing him, they were originally unconnected parties, merely showing face due to marriage ties. But if they provoked him, forget his parents’ influence – his standing alone was enough to make the Marquis think twice. The insignificant Song Ke wasn’t worth worrying about. Xiang Lan was a house-born servant, belonging to his family since birth. Whether she was freed or not made little difference to Lin Jinlou – she had always been his, he just hadn’t noticed before since he rarely stayed home. But now Xiang Lan was his beloved concubine; Song Ke should know his place.
He had deliberately toasted Song Ke at his table, congratulating him on “a hundred years of harmony and blessed with noble sons” as a pointed warning to behave. He had also smiled at Song Ke: “In a few days, I’ll choose an auspicious date to officially elevate Xiang Lan to concubine status. I plan to hold a grand feast – brother must come and drink a cup of celebration wine with me.” At these words, Song Ke’s raised cup had frozen in mid-air. After a long pause, he suddenly smiled, drained his cup, and moved to pat Lin Jinlou’s shoulder. He hesitated but finally did so, saying: “Brother is truly blessed. Forgive me, I need to relieve myself.” With that, he left Lin Jinlou standing there.
Lin Jinlou just coldly snorted at Song Ke’s retreating figure.
Soon others came to toast Lin Jinlou, and he smiled and socialized, exchanging drinks and conversation with countless people. Then Dai Rong slipped in through the door, approached Lin Jinlou, and whispered something. Lin Jinlou’s expression instantly changed, though he quickly smoothed it over with a smile, telling those around him: “I have something to attend to. I’ll punish myself with three cups when I return.” He left the table, and outside, his face immediately turned cold. He grabbed Dai Rong’s collar and asked icily: “Is what you said true?”
Seeing Lin Jinlou’s ashen face and the fury in his eyes, Dai Rong’s legs went weak. Clutching Lin Jinlou’s hand, he could only smile apologetically: “It’s true, absolutely true. I wouldn’t dare lie to General Lin even if I had the courage of a bear or leopard.” Internally, he cursed himself for agreeing to deliver Zhao Yuechan’s message.
Lin Jinlou lifted Dai Rong higher, sneering: “Good, very good.” He punched Dai Rong in the face, blood immediately streaming from his nose. Seeing stars, Dai Rong was about to cry out when Lin Jinlou grabbed him again and said menacingly: “If you dare breathe a word of this, I’ll cut out your tongue. Try it if you don’t believe me.”
Dai Rong inwardly cursed his fate, nodding repeatedly. Lin Jinlou released him, and as Dai Rong’s legs gave way and he tried to kowtow, Lin Jinlou kicked him: “Worthless thing, get up and lead the way!”
Holding his nose, Dai Rong lamented his situation. Lin Jinlou was known as “Tyrant Lin” and “Living Bandit” – he had heard of the man’s reputation and nicknames. How had he been so foolish as to listen to that slut Zhao Yuechan’s instigation, hoping to watch the drama? Now he had provoked this man. He could only stuff his nose with a handkerchief and lead Lin Jinlou with a bitter expression.
Meanwhile, by the carved stone wall in the Lu family garden, Xiang Lan felt as if thunder had struck her ears at Song Ke’s words. She couldn’t help stepping back, and though she tried to hold them in, tears began streaming down her face.
Song Ke’s heart ached with each beat. He stepped forward, tears falling as his lips trembled: “You… you recognized me long ago, didn’t you? Why didn’t you tell me earlier… If I had known, if I had known then, I… how could I have abandoned you and married into the Zheng family…” Each word felt like fire burning in his chest, threatening to consume him.
When he had heard Junxi mention it in passing that day, he had felt his insides burning, slamming his fist on the table until it bled, ready to rush out. Song Tanchai had been frightened, grabbing his arm: “Brother, where are you going?” He had replied dazedly: “To find Xiang Lan…” Song Tanchai had been startled, looking around nervously before whispering: “Brother, what nonsense are you talking about? What if your wife hears? Jinling is so far away, how would you go? Besides, Xiang Lan… is now Lin Jinlou’s concubine. What good would it do for brother to go?” Those words had hit him like a bucket of ice water. Yes, what good would it do now? He had sat down in confusion. When Zheng Jingxian had entered with her pregnant belly, she had been startled, asking: “What’s wrong with him? Is he feeling unwell? Why is he suddenly crying?”
Oh, so he had been crying. Song Ke stared at the orchid on the windowsill as Song Tanchai covered for him: “It’s nothing, brother just misses our late father.”
Now Xiang Lan stood before him, real and alive, not a midnight dream apparition. She was crying – why was she crying? Even during her thousand-li exile journey, she had never shed a tear, always showing him a smiling face. The face before him merged with her face from the previous life, and he couldn’t help reaching out to grab her arm, as if afraid she would vanish.
Xiang Lan awakened as if from a dream, stepping back twice. She quickly wiped her face with a handkerchief, trying to keep her voice steady: “Scholar Song must be mistaking me for someone else. Past lives, present lives – you must be drunk and confused.” She turned to leave.
Song Ke seemed not to hear, mumbling: “In my previous life, I lived weakly, couldn’t even protect you on the journey, died too early. This life feels like a ridiculous dream. No wonder I’ve been driven since childhood – dying before achieving my ambitions in the last life, I had to make something of myself in this one, especially with my mother and sister to care for. I’m shameless, marrying the Zheng family’s daughter for career advancement. My heart held such helplessness, tasting the bitterness of two lifetimes of worldly affairs. I chose my path and gritted my teeth to part from you because I knew your nature. I loved you so much and wanted you to live freely as you wished. I had already wronged you, just wanted you to be happy every day… But you, how could you become Lin Jinlou’s concubine… He’s such a philanderer, tyrannical, and arrogant, with five or six lovers in the capital alone. You… how much grievance must you endure…”
Xiang Lan stopped, tears pouring down. For so long, except for her mother, everyone thought she was incredibly blessed to be with Lin Jinlou, not knowing how much fortune she enjoyed. Yet Song Ke understood her heart’s bitterness. She dared not sob loudly, fearing Song Ke would notice, only quietly wiping her tears.
Song Ke stepped forward to block her path, saying: “Xiang Lan if you were truly happy, that would be fine. But the spirit in your eyes doesn’t lie – you’re not happy with Lin Jinlou. If you trust me, I’ll help you escape him, settle you somewhere far away… I don’t dare hope for anything from you, I just want to help and want you to be well. I speak these words with absolute sincerity…”
Looking at Song Ke’s handsome but pained face, Xiang Lan’s heart stirred momentarily at his words. If someone could help her, it would be like a ray of dawn in the night, nothing could be better. But immediately after, she remembered Lin Jinlou’s cold, violent gaze and came to her senses. Song Ke had never experienced Lin Jinlou’s methods, but she understood them deeply. Now Song Ke had a wife and child, a promising career – she couldn’t drag him into the mire for her sake. The Lin family’s influence was too strong, and Song Ke too weak. If he angered Zheng Jingxian and caused trouble in his household, creating waves, she would feel guilty for life. Moreover, after hearing Song Ke’s confession and knowing his feelings for her, she couldn’t do such an unseemly thing.
Xiang Lan stepped back twice more, her expression now calm as she said flatly: “Scholar Song, you are truly drunk. Please go back.”
Song Ke looked at Xiang Lan’s peach-like swollen eyes and red nose, saw her cold expression, and immediately knew she was pretending not to recognize him. His heart ached even more as he lowered his head with difficulty, tears falling into the dirt at his feet.
“Scholar Song.” Hearing Xiang Lan call him, he immediately looked up. Xiang Lan was looking down, staring at a stone in the distance as she spoke quietly: “I am doing very well now. Days pass slowly, imperceptibly. I am just a simple woman, ordinary, without lofty ambitions. Besides painting, I have no talents, nothing worthy of praise. Unlike you, a learned man capable of governing the nation, we merely had the fortune to meet briefly. Now that fate has ended, I’m not worth your lasting concern. I wish you continued advancement and the chance to display your talents.” She finished with a respectful curtsy.
Song Ke stood dazed, looking at Xiang Lan’s tear-reddened eyes and cold expression. Though his chest held countless words, he couldn’t utter a single one.
Just then, a voice came from behind: “What a coincidence to meet here.”