Lin Jinlou’s face remained expressionless. “Oh, how much silver per piece?”
“Grandmother said at least Ten Taels of silver each…”
“Hmm, you may go… Wait, come back.”
“What are your instructions, Master?”
“From now on, when your grandmother gives you paintings, bring them directly to me. Take this painting to the study first.”
Guiyuan acknowledged and, after carefully observing Lin Jinlou’s expression, quietly left carrying the silk scroll.
Lin Jinlou entered the room. Xiao Juan was dozing on an embroidered stool by the doorway. Upon seeing Lin Jinlou enter, she quickly stood up. Lin Jinlou shook his head, and Xiao Juan immediately closed her mouth. Xianglan was painting at the desk, with Lingqing standing beside her attending to the ink and brushes. Xianglan was intensely focused, sometimes using medium-sized brushes for washes, and other times using small brushes for detailed coloring and fine lines. She would occasionally stand still, carefully examining her work before cautiously considering her next stroke. Lin Jinlou just realized that this was how Xianglan painted. Previously, he most often saw women holding pipa or zither, smiling charmingly with vibrant expressions, but Xianglan’s quiet demeanor alone was captivating.
Lin Jinlou stood watching for quite a while. When Xianglan finished painting and looked up to see him, he finally walked over. Xiao Juan hurried to serve tea, while Lingsu went to fetch Lin Jinlou’s casual clothes. Lin Jinlou stretched out his arms, glancing at Xianglan. She had no choice but to wipe her hands with a towel and help Lin Jinlou change his clothes.
Lin Jinlou asked, “What made you think of painting again?”
Xianglan removed his cloak and began unfastening his gold-threaded jade belt, keeping her head lowered as she replied, “Being confined to the room all day with nothing to do, I just painted a few pieces to pass the time.”
“Oh, you paint well. I’ve long known you had the title ‘Lanxiang Jushi,’ and your father used to sell your paintings. If you enjoy painting, then paint. Having something to occupy your mind is better than being at odds with me all day.” He studied her face. Since Xianglan had scratched him that time, she seemed to have changed. Though she became more obedient, her thoughts seemed as deep as water. She spoke less, staying in her room all day, often staring blankly at Buddhist statues for entire mornings. Lin Jinlou figured that perhaps little Xianglan was homesick, but keeping her pent up like this wasn’t sustainable either.
Xianglan had removed his belt and was about to undo his clothes when Lin Jinlou grabbed her hand, pulling her into his embrace. He held her close and whispered in her ear, “Didn’t I tell you? The matters in the capital can’t be settled quickly, it’ll take some time before we can return. These days I’ve been busy with social obligations, but when I have free time, I’ll take you out to play. When you’re bored, talk more with the maids, don’t just sit alone. If you want to watch opera or listen to storytelling, just have someone arrange it.”
Seeing Lin Jinlou embrace Xianglan, the maids exchanged glances and quietly withdrew. Lin Jinlou tried probing with a few words, but when Xianglan remained silent, he released her and said darkly, “Tell me, you’re painting, fine, but why think about selling paintings for money? Still thinking of running away?”
Xianglan was used to his mercurial moods. Seeing his anger rising, she quickly tugged at his sleeve, shaking it gently while saying softly, “I’m not thinking of running away, it’s just to pass the time.” She glanced at Lin Jinlou, and seeing his face still dark, became frightened. After a slight hesitation, she slowly moved closer, leaning against his chest and wrapping her arms around his waist, saying, “I don’t like watching opera, and storytelling is too noisy. Painting is my only pleasure…”
When Xianglan first tugged his sleeve, Lin Jinlou’s anger had already dissipated. Now he softened further, putting his arms around her and stroking her back. After a while, he said, “I’m not stopping you from painting. If you enjoy it, paint as much as you like. If you want any famous calligraphy or paintings for reference, I’ll get them for you. But you tell me, are you short of silver at home? Why sell your paintings outside? It’s as if I can’t support you like I’m mistreating you.”
Xianglan thought for a moment before saying quietly, “After working hard to paint something, no one sees it. Better to sell them – if someone likes them, it makes me happy. I’m not after the money, just the satisfaction.”
Lin Jinlou pondered this while staring at Xianglan, then called for Shuran and instructed, “Go to the study and bring those brown ledgers from the desk.”
Soon Shuran returned with seven or eight thick brown volumes. Lin Jinlou handed them to Xianglan, saying, “These are the Lin Army’s account books. Take a good look through them these days, and make sure there are no mistakes, understand?”
Xianglan flipped through them and saw they contained extensive military expenditures. Startled, she quickly closed the books and pushed them back, saying, “These are matters of life and death, how can you just hand them over to me?”
Lin Jinlou said carelessly, “Why not? Don’t you know how to use an abacus? I brought several accountants here, but two of them are sick from the change in environment. You can help me calculate for now.”
Xianglan had no choice but to take the ledgers back. She flipped through them again, seeing two volumes of four-column accounts and two volumes of Longmen accounts, with staggering expenditures throughout. After pondering for a moment, she asked, “When does Master need this done?”
Lin Jinlou replied, “No rush, just have it done by the end of next month.”
Xianglan nodded and asked someone to fetch an abacus.
Lin Jinlou changed his clothes and sat cross-legged on the luohan bed, reviewing various political documents sent from Jinling, and occasionally glancing up at Xianglan. She sat at the round table, carefully checking figures with her brush, the abacus beads clicking rapidly. Near noon, Xianglan compiled several pages, noting discrepancies on a separate sheet which she showed to Lin Jinlou.
Lin Jinlou examined it carefully several times, then had Xianglan bring the abacus over. He called out numbers for her to calculate, gave some guidance, and then pinched her cheek saying, “Good, you’ve done very well. Take a break, it’s time to eat.”
Xianglan couldn’t help saying, “Why are the military procurement costs so enormous? Money flows like water, with expenses doubled and significant losses of supplies every month.”
Lin Jinlou replied, “Water too clear has no fish, people too scrutinizing have no followers. Procurement offers substantial benefits, naturally, some will be tempted to take advantage. Human nature is such that it can’t be completely prevented. When ten or twenty taels are placed before someone, their palms start itching, let alone when real gold and silver are piled up in front of them. No matter how strict the laws, some will still take risks. But if they can get things done, these small losses are within my calculations. The Lin Army is already very strict – reported losses are less than five percent. Other armies sometimes have losses of twenty or thirty percent.”
Lin Jinlou’s original intention was to give Xianglan something to do to keep her from overthinking. Unexpectedly, Xianglan took it very seriously, working with the abacus daily, noting down difficult points to ask Lin Jinlou in the evening. Each day after dinner, Xianglan would bring the ledgers to ask questions, and Lin Jinlou would patiently explain. Afterward, Shuran would bring documents from the study, and Lin Jinlou would review and write at the desk in the bedroom while Xianglan continued checking accounts at the eight immortals table nearby. The maids would offer evening snacks – if they wanted any, it would be a small plate of pastries and a small bowl of soup, as eating too much at night wasn’t healthy. When it got late, the maids would come to urge them to rest. Lin Jinlou would call for washing items, and after they cleaned up, they would extinguish the lights and go to bed, quite peacefully.
Lin Jinlou saw that Xianglan only occasionally painted two or three pieces and believed he had found her a task to occupy her mind. He didn’t know that when he was away, Xianglan would spread paper and paint. The ordinary pieces she gave to Guiyuan, who passed them to Lin Jinlou to collect dust in the study. The more exquisite pieces were sent with Huashan and Xiao Juan to be sold at a stationery shop near the Confucian temple. Though not using the name “Lanxiang Jushi” and selling at lower prices, she could still earn seven or eight taels of silver each month.
To digress briefly: A letter came from Jinling saying that Lady Wang was recovering from illness there, and Lin Jinting was already on his way to the capital. Old Master Lin instructed Lin Jinlou to arrange Lin Jinting’s wedding affairs, hosting a banquet in the capital for close friends, while the formal wedding ceremony with the bride would take place later in Jinling.
This wasn’t a difficult matter. Since the ceremony wouldn’t be in the capital, they only needed to arrange seven or eight tables for close relatives and friends. Lin Zhaoxiang had already drafted the guest list, and Lin Jinlou added a few names, instructing Xianglan to manage the household arrangements with Shuran’s assistance. Madam Tan intended to help, but Lin Jinlou disliked her and merely said coolly, “Second Brother is unwell, and you spend all day caring for him, unable to even get proper rest. How could I burden you with this? I have everything arranged, and if anything is lacking, I’ll trouble you then.” With these few words, he dismissed Madam Tan.
Xianglan thought to herself, “In my position, without proper status, taking charge of this will likely be thankless work. Who knows what people will say outside? Why bother?” She tried to avoid it by pretending to be sick in bed, but Lin Jinlou forced her to do it, promising, “If you do this well, I’ll find places to sell your paintings. Go ahead and take charge, I’ll support you in everything.” So Xianglan gritted her teeth and accepted the task, becoming extremely busy. Fortunately, the Lin family had established protocols for entertaining guests, including a set of “Lin Family Mansion Dishes.” Lin Jinlou ordered arrangements according to the “Lin Mansion Full Banquet Menu.”
Xianglan reviewed the menu – the “Full Banquet” was the Lin family’s highest-grade feast, similar to the Shen family’s entertainment protocols from her previous life. Each table had one hundred and thirty dishes, with specific arrangements for dried fruits and pastries. Since this was a wedding celebration, they followed the previous “Fortune and Changshou Mandarin Duck” feast arrangements, with specific requirements even for which vessels should hold each dish. Xianglan ordered the storerooms opened to retrieve various bowls and plates – whether porcelain, silver, or wooden, all were complete sets made to order. Missing even one piece would make a set incomplete. The plates came in various shapes – square, yuan bao, gourd, ruyi, or auspicious clouds – and even their placement on the table had to follow specific positions to represent good fortune like “Wealth Rolling In” and “Rising Through the Ranks.”
Xianglan remarked, “Though the Lin family doesn’t often stay at their capital residence, the banquet items are quite complete.”
Shuran smiled and said, “They weren’t completely stocked at first, but didn’t Second Master just have his wedding? The missing items were all completed then. Though Second Madam’s wedding was rather rushed, with some things not quite perfect – there weren’t even elders present at the ceremony. Master had a clan uncle serving as an official in the capital who came to preside, and the social connections made it somewhat presentable. The occasion was passable, though they worried about Second Master’s health and only had him come out to toast three cups of wine before returning. The outside guests watched an opera performance, and the festivities dispersed around midnight.”
Xianglan said, “The matter of hiring opera troupes outside is being handled by Master Chu, Master Liu, and Master Xie. We only need to manage the internal affairs. According to old customs, when the master’s family has a celebration, the servants should also feast. There are specific protocols – set up canopies in the courtyard, lay new mats for seating, and ten large bowls per table. You need to watch this closely, and only provide one jar of wine per table. The cooks will be too busy, so this feast probably won’t have fresh dishes, but the chicken, duck, fish, and meat portions cannot be reduced.”
Shuran quickly agreed.
Lingqing was outside checking name registers when she heard Xianglan speaking inside. She sighed and said, “Managing this is the most thankless task – do it poorly and you’re criticized; do it well and no one praises you, they just become jealous. Especially given our madam’s position, taking charge of this isn’t quite proper…”
Lingsu replied, “What’s there to fear? Master ordered it anyway. Previously, even the tokens were kept with madam, and Sister Shuran had to come to request them to manage affairs.”
Lingqing said, “Tsk, that’s different. Before, though they were kept here, madam didn’t manage anything. Sister Shuran handled everything, and we weren’t associated with any of it. Now madam is truly in charge herself – didn’t you see how Second Madam wasn’t even allowed to touch anything? Today when Master had us send over two dishes, Second Madam barely acknowledged me, clearly showing her resentment.”
“There’s another thing you haven’t considered – Master will eventually remarry. Master dotes on Concubine so much, if the future madam is gentle and doesn’t like managing affairs, that’s fine. But which ordinary woman would be happy having such a favored concubine in the household? With Concubine holding such authority, it might not be a blessing in the future…” Xuening, who had been calculating on the abacus, suddenly stopped and sighed.
Xiao Juan, who was fumigating bedding with Huashan, laughed and said, “My, my, you’re usually such a peacemaker, never offending anyone. I thought your mouth was locked – it’s quite rare to hear you speak such words.”
Xuening just smiled and went back to her calculations. She had replaced Chunling in coming to the capital and usually just worked without saying much. Xiao Juan and Huashan kept their distance from her, while Lingqing and Lingsu were close to her, and their friendship deepened over time. Observing coldly, she found Xianglan respectable and likable but worried about her future, which was why she couldn’t help speaking up just now.
Xiao Juan said, “What is there to fear? Master is so fierce, he won’t let our madam suffer any grievances. It’s more comfortable following madam. Haven’t you seen at Kangshou Residence? Xiangluo, who used to personally serve the Second Master, is now treated like a rough-work maid…”
Huashan curled her lip and said, “How could she avoid being pushed aside? Always trying to get close to Second Master, jumping around – with Second Madam being so formidable, she’s no pushover.”
Xiao Juan smiled and said, “You think she’s formidable? Little Huashan, you haven’t seen the previous Miss Cao and Zhao Yuechan – those two were truly formidable. Second Madam is nothing compared to them.”
Xuening put down her brush again and said, “Second Madam just likes to show off and is picky about food and clothes, but there’s nothing else to her. If it were the previous First Madam, Xiangluo would have been sold off long ago. Now among the maids who used to serve the Second Master, only Xiangluo and Lvluo remain.”
Lingqing dried the ink on the register and said, “Caiping, Caifeng, Caixia, and Caiming all came with Second Madam. They’re all aggressive and sharp-tongued, going to the kitchen daily demanding different foods, complaining about the food quality, and saying the Lin family mistreats the second branch. Everyone knows we add extra silver to make separate meals for our household.”
As everyone was talking, they suddenly saw Shuran carrying two vases out, and they all fell silent. Let’s not dwell on this.
Soon Lin Jinting arrived in the capital, and the wedding day drew near. The Lin Mansion was decorated festively, with cooks carefully selecting and preparing ingredients half a month in advance, everything proceeding in an orderly manner.
On the wedding day, the Lin Mansion was busy front and back. In the front courtyard, the sound of gongs and drums could be heard from outside the alley. In the inner quarters, female guests from various households arrived, including two or three respected female elders from the Lin clan. Madam Tan, dressed brilliantly, received guests coming and going, displaying great capability. Everyone who saw her praised: “The Lin family has gained an excellent daughter-in-law this time. Though young, she handles matters better than most, fair in word and deed, and such a beauty too. With such eloquence and cleverness, she outshines others – no wonder she was famous even before marriage.” Hearing this, Madam Tan felt quite pleased, though she still had to be modest: “I’m young and inexperienced, please forgive any shortcomings in my hospitality. Such praise makes me blush.”
With her managing the front, Xianglan could breathe easier. She never enjoyed socializing anyway, and being in charge of household affairs, she stayed in the back managing things, sending her maids to inspect various areas while she sat in the side room, conveniently available if anyone needed instructions.
After the initial chaos, wives and servants kept coming to seek Xianglan’s instructions. Only after the bride was welcomed into the mansion and everyone was seated did things finally settle down. Xianglan rubbed her temples, and Huashan quickly brought tea, saying, “You’ve been busy all day, take a rest. Are you hungry? What would you like to eat?”
Xianglan replied, “I’m too busy to think about eating, let’s wait a while.”
Huashan said, “That won’t do – you’ve gotten thinner these past two days. You must eat something. I’ll go to the small kitchen to get some food.” With that, she left.
The small kitchen was bustling with activity, sending out dishes one after another. Everyone recognized Huashan as someone in Xianglan’s favor. Mrs. Wei Liang, who managed the kitchen, hurriedly came forward with a smile, saying, “Miss Huashan, what would you like?”
Huashan said, “Not for me, for our madam.”
Mrs. Wei Liang became even more attentive: “Oh, it’s for the Concubine! I specially reserved a stove just to cook for the Concubine. Whatever you want, just say it. I know Concubine likes light flavors, so today I specially prepared several small dishes just for her.” She opened a food box revealing a dish of clove tofu, coral cabbage, crystal soup vegetables, and tender peony rolls, all exquisitely made. Having studied the menu with Xiao Juan these past two days, Huashan immediately recognized that these four dishes weren’t from the menu but were specially made by the cook to please Xianglan. She smiled and said, “How thoughtful, Mother. Our madam will like such fine dishes.”
Mrs. Wei Liang had been waiting for just such a response and quickly said, “This is just a small token of our appreciation for Madam’s hard work these days.” She then ordered a young maid to pack some porridge and pastries, and prepare another food box with several dishes for Huashan and “the other young ladies in the room to try.”
Huashan took the food box away. When Xianglan saw the bright, appealing dishes, she picked up her chopsticks and ate some. Huashan smiled and said, “Mrs. Wei Liang is a sensible person. These four dishes were made specially for you, madam – no one else gets them. Before I came, she went on and on about how difficult these dishes are to make, saying things like ‘it needs to be simmered in soup for three hours to fully absorb the flavors’ and expressing her ‘complete devotion to Concubine.’ With such a clever tongue, it’s a waste to have her in the kitchen.”
Xianglan smiled silently. She understood perfectly well that Mrs. Wei Liang’s excessive flattery was aimed at returning to Jinling in the future. Though Lin Jinxuan was in the capital residence, what future could a sickly man have? Mrs. Wei Liang had two sons and a daughter – all this fawning was to secure a future for her children and grandchildren.
After finishing her meal, Xianglan rinsed her mouth and washed her hands, then got up to inspect outside. Huashan, with her childish nature, had heard there was opera being performed on a stage in the back quarters. Unable to contain herself, she quickly reported to Xianglan and disappeared to watch the performance. After making her rounds and seeing everything was in order, Xianglan let Xiao Juan go enjoy the festivities and food, while she returned to her room. The courtyard was quiet, with all the servants and maids having disappeared. When she entered the room, she found only Xuening on guard, lying on the outer chamber’s couch with eyes closed, apparently having fallen asleep after lunch.
Xianglan entered quietly, drank half a cup of tea, and looked in the mirror. Seeing her hair and clothes were still neat, she removed several ornaments and fresh flowers from her hair. As it was noon and getting hot, she also removed a half-sleeve jacket. After checking herself in the mirror once more, afraid of waking Xuening, she quietly left through the back door.
Lin Jinlou’s residence was called Changchun Hall. The back garden was planted with lush flowers and plants, with rockeries for vines to climb, creating a verdant scene. Recently, due to garden renovations, Chu Dapeng had brought in a cart of orchids, all arranged in Changchun Hall’s courtyard. A gentle breeze carried their delicate fragrance.
Xianglan stopped, staring at the orchids in a daze. Now she wore fine clothes and lived in luxury. Managing the household affairs, everyone in the mansion showed her smiling faces, with flattery flowing freely. Who could have imagined that when she first entered the Lin family, she was just a little maid who was pushed aside at every turn, beaten and scolded by cruel masters, working desperately just to earn a peaceful day? And who could have imagined that in her previous life, she was a noble young lady from a prestigious family, surrounded by servants and countless indulgences? Thus life is unpredictable – perhaps the more glorious her current position, the more tragic her future fall would be, just like these orchids: when blooming brilliantly, thousands compete to admire them, but once withered and ground to dust, who would care?
Initially, she was desperate for change, fearing being treated as a servant for life, suffering oppression with no hope of bettering her position – outwardly submissive but inwardly fierce as fire. Now, after various trials, she had been polished smoothly, learning to follow karma, not struggling against adverse conditions, and learning to let go. She still wanted to leave the Lin mansion and didn’t want to be a concubine, but now she had learned to wait, letting the fruits she had planted slowly ripen, advancing gradually. This principle sounds simple, but achieving it is extraordinarily difficult, especially in her current circumstances with her future shrouded in fog. Standing at the edge of a cliff, no one could help her – each step of her journey was painful growth, and her current tranquility was forged through countless agonizing days and nights.
As Xianglan stared at the orchids in a trance, suddenly a hand reached from behind and plucked the orchid in front of her. Startled, she turned to see Lin Jinlou standing behind her with a smile, placing the orchid in her hair and saying, “What are you standing here staring at so foolishly, like you’re in a trance?”
Xianglan said, “Nothing… that flower was blooming so beautifully, why did you pick it?”
Lin Jinlou said, “‘Pick flowers while they bloom, don’t wait till no flowers remain to break branches.’ Understand? Isn’t a flower blooming meant to be appreciated? I think it looks better in your hair.” He smiled and took Xianglan’s hand. “Remember the first time I saw you? You had a flower just like this in your hair. I thought, whose maid is this, looking so beautiful – how have I never seen her before?” His wine-scented breath wafted over Xianglan’s face.
Xianglan also remembered that time – Lin Jinlou had been full of wine then too, suddenly appearing behind her with eyes gleaming like a wolf’s. She looked up, meeting Lin Jinlou’s smiling eyes, and suddenly realized he had drunk too much – his gaze was unfocused, and now as he looked at her, there was a hint of foolishness. Lin Jinlou was usually sharp and decisive, his every glance carrying authority. This was the first time Xianglan had seen such an expression from him. She was first stunned, then couldn’t help but curve her lips in a slight smile.
Lin Jinlou was already in a good mood, and now seeing Xianglan’s rare smile, he became even more elated. He pulled her into his embrace and whispered in her ear, “These days I’ve held back from being intimate with you, considering your medicine and understanding your busy work managing everything. Today the timing is perfect, and I’ve been missing you terribly…” With that, he began kissing her delicate neck.
Xianglan was greatly alarmed and pushed him away, saying, “Are you trying to get us killed? We’re outside!”
Lin Jinlou laughed, “Who would dare come to the inner quarters? The maids and servants are all away, it’s fine.”
Xianglan pounded him desperately, saying, “How is it fine? There are still guests in front…”
“Third Brother is there, and Old Second Chu is covering things, it doesn’t matter if I’m late returning.”
“It’s still not right – if someone catches us, I might as well die!”
“Tsk, why are you so unromantic… Alright, alright, alright, don’t cry, don’t cry… If you cry like this every day, you’ll eventually dry up. Is it fine if no one can see us?” Lin Jinlou said as he picked up Xianglan and carried her behind the rockery, where there was a cave, its entrance was hidden by vines, quite secluded.
Once inside, Lin Jinlou put Xianglan down on the stone table and began undoing her clothes with one hand while reaching under her skirt with the other, saying, “My dear, I’ve never seen anyone more difficult than you. Are you satisfied now?”
Xianglan truly couldn’t resist. She understood that when Lin Jinlou desired intimacy, she could only comply, otherwise she would bring trouble upon herself. But here in the courtyard! Xianglan’s face was red enough to drip blood, her eyes tightly closed, just hoping he would finish quickly.
Meanwhile, among the female guests, Madam Tan was engaged in pleasant conversation, arranging food and dishes for everyone, and going from table to table offering toasts, extremely busy, and everyone had nothing but praise for her. During the meal, one noble lady said, “I’ve often heard that the Lin family’s eldest master has a beloved concubine who managed this banquet. Where is she? Could you introduce her to us?” Others echoed this request.
Madam Tan felt slightly uncomfortable but showed no trace of it on her face, smiling as she said, “Of course, I’ll go invite her myself. Our Concubine puts on quite airs – everyone please wait a moment.” She put down the wine pitcher and left the table.
Madam Tan first went to the side room where Xianglan managed affairs, finding it empty. She then went to Changchun Hall, entering through the back door. After walking a few steps, she felt dizzy from the wine, her heart pounding. She frowned, rubbing her temples as she stopped to rest. Suddenly she heard very faint sounds from the rockery. At first, she thought it was cats or dogs, but it didn’t sound quite right. Growing suspicious, she walked over quietly and saw a cave behind the rockery, hidden by flowers and plants, where a half-naked man was pressing a woman down in the act.
Madam Tan was greatly shocked. Gathering her courage to look more carefully, she saw the man was none other than Lin Jinlou, his clothes half removed, revealing honey-colored muscular flesh, his arm muscles bulging, sweat dripping down as he thrust quickly and urgently, clearly at a crucial moment. His expression was fierce, like a beautiful beast. Xianglan lay beneath him, her long white delicate legs propped on his arms, still wearing peach-pink embroidered shoes that swayed back and forth. Her face was turned to one side, hair disheveled and pins askew, starry eyes half-closed, brows slightly furrowed as she bit her lip hard. Suddenly Xianglan threw back her head gasping for air as Lin Jinlou panted roughly, lifting one of her legs higher and thrusting in forcefully. Xianglan seemed to make a soft sound, her hands clutching Lin Jinlou’s arms tightly. Lin Jinlou pulled her hands away and placed them around his neck, letting her embrace him as he bent down to kiss her lips, then gently kissed her cheeks and neck, saying softly, “It’s just us two, let your voice out…” The rest of his words became inaudible. Lin Jinlou said a few more things, breathing heavily as he lowered his head to her round breasts.
Madam Tan was dumbfounded, watching until her face flushed and her heart raced. She unconsciously backed away several steps, feeling hot and bothered all over, her whole body weak. She… she… she had never known that bedroom affairs could be like this! Nor had she known that a man’s body could be so strong and attractive! Lin Jinxuan was pale and weak, his ribs almost visible, their intimate moments lasting only briefly – just as she began to feel some pleasure, it would be over. But just now… Madam Tan’s mouth went dry and her whole body burned as she thought of the two bodies entwined in the cave. Though aroused, she dared not peek further, her mind repeatedly playing back what she had seen as she withdrew in a daze.