Two days later, Lin Jinlou’s condition had significantly improved. He had to make a trip to the military camp, initially planning to just report for duty and return. However, after the rebellion, there were several changes in military personnel appointments. Besides those appointed by the Emperor, there were reserve candidates, and officials of all ranks inevitably moved to curry favor. Lin Jinlou had to socialize and pave the way for the officers both senior and junior who served under him, which ended up taking seven or eight days.
This time, he was eager to return home, sending messages home daily and asking Xiang Lan to write to him. Yet Xiang Lan was frugal with her words, always limiting her responses to a single page. Lin Jinlou grew restless. During the day, he could distract himself with work, but at night, especially when surrounded by distinguished guests with music playing and wine cups clinking – scenes he usually handled with ease – he now found it unbearable. Bored, he didn’t drink, merely fidgeting with his wine cup while staring absently at the paintings on the wall.
The other attendees, all seasoned courtiers, noticed Lin Jinlou’s expression and exchanged glances, worried they hadn’t properly attended to this important figure. A Commander Wei raised his wine cup first, saying with a beaming face: “I’ve long heard of General Lin’s reputation, especially his legendary capacity for wine. Before you arrived, the ladies here mentioned you several times. As they say, beauties have always admired heroes. Come, ladies, take turns toasting to General Lin. Whether General Lin enjoys himself tonight depends entirely on you all.”
Such gatherings inevitably included feminine company and four famous courtesans from the capital were present, all with renowned reputations. Hearing this, they giggled in unison, raising their jade-like hands with wine cups to offer a toast. Seeing this scene, Lin Jinlou smiled at Commander Wei: “This won’t do. Taking turns to toast – you’re planning to have me walk in standing up but leave lying down.”
Commander Wei stroked his beard and laughed heartily: “General Lin, we’ve all heard how last year you out drank the Three Tigers of Shanxi by yourself. How could these lovely ladies be any match for you? Quick, Qing Yi, fill General Lin’s cup.”
The young lady sitting beside Lin Jinlou had already filled his cup to the brim, offering it with both hands and saying with a gentle smile: “Please, General Lin.”
Lin Jinlou narrowed his eyes to look at her. The girl was about sixteen or seventeen, wearing a three-phoenix pearl hairpin that exposed her temples. Three emerald flower ornaments adorned her forehead, emphasizing her powdered face and oiled hair. She had eyebrows like spring mountains and eyes like autumn waters, with fair skin and a slender waist. She wore a rose-colored wide-sleeved silk robe and a golden-threaded leaf-patterned skirt. Looking closely, she somewhat resembled Xiang Lan, showing these people had thoroughly researched his preferences.
Qing Yi blushed slightly and lowered her head in silence.
Someone nearby, quick to read the situation, added cheerfully: “General Lin has been recuperating at home lately, away from such entertainment. Miss Qing Yi came from another province, and now everyone in the capital knows of her complete mastery of the four arts, especially her singing and playing.”
Commander Wei quickly added: “Qing Yi, serve him well today. Didn’t you say earlier that you admired General Lin? If General Lin doesn’t show favor, it might damage your reputation.”
Qing Yi raised her wine cup, her face wearing a sweet yet subtle smile: “General Lin, I’ve heard you’re someone who cherishes beautiful women. Please honor us by accepting this cup, and show us some tenderness.”
Lin Jinlou smiled with half-closed eyes, using his index finger to push away the wine cup: “When I left home, I was strictly instructed that due to my unhealed injuries, I mustn’t drink. It’s not that I don’t care for you, but the one in my chambers is so spoiled that if I return completely drunk and she spends half the night crying, it wouldn’t please the elders, especially so soon after the New Year.”
Everyone was taken aback, and Qing Yi looked uncomfortable. Commander Wei quickly said: “It’s no matter, if you get drunk tonight you can just stay here…”
Lin Jinlou ignored him and picked up his teacup: “I’ve already toasted everyone three times, so I’ll use tea instead of wine for this round.”
The Tiger Lin had always been a man of his word. Some at the table wanted to joke and persuade him to switch back to wine, but seeing his expression, they dared not speak and obediently raised their cups to drink this round.
Lin Jinlou put down his teacup and excused himself from the table, walking to the corridor where he looked up at the starry sky and exhaled deeply. When Qing Yi had offered him wine earlier, he had thought of Xiang Lan. Xiang Lan never smiled so coquettishly, nor did she flirt with her eyes. She rarely drank wine, and her smile was like blooming pear blossoms. Before he left, she had reminded him: “You haven’t fully recovered yet, drink less wine.” Just thinking about it made him happy. He thought of Xiang Lan’s eyes and her words, especially during the days he was ill when she stayed by his side, often smiling for him. Lost in these thoughts, he couldn’t stay any longer. He went back inside and said: “Everyone, I deeply apologize, but I’ve received word from home about an urgent matter and must return.”
Commander Wei, thinking Lin Jinlou was dissatisfied, quickly stood up saying: “No, no, have we failed in our hospitality somewhere?”
Lin Jinlou smiled: “There is an urgent matter at home. If I return late, it would be hard to explain to the elders. I’ll host everyone another day.” With that, he hurriedly left.
By the time he returned to the Lin residence, it was already the third watch of the night. All courtyards were locked, and Xiang Lan had long gone to bed. Lin Jinlou didn’t want to disturb anyone, so he quickly washed up outside and changed his clothes. Lifting the bed curtain, he saw Xiang Lan sleeping peacefully wrapped in blankets, her black hair spread across half the pillow. Lin Jinlou lifted the covers and got in, holding her in his arms. Xiang Lan stirred and woke up, asking drowsily: “Who is it?”
Lin Jinlou whispered in her ear: “It’s me.”
Xiang Lan rubbed her eyes, struggling to sit up: “Master? Why have you returned?”
Lin Jinlou kept holding her in his arms, smiling: “After so many days apart, did you miss me?” He planted a firm kiss on Xiang Lan’s cheek, saying, “I missed you.”
“…Has your wound healed? Does it still itch?”
Lin Jinlou grabbed Xiang Lan’s hand and placed it against his chest, softly laughing: “I’m itchy, scratch it for me.” Then he kissed her again.
In the middle of the night, Xiao Juan put on her clothes and tiptoed to the bedroom door, where she found Ling Su and Hua Shan standing guard. Ling Su was straining to listen inside while Hua Shan was nodding off. Xiao Juan pushed Ling Su, whispering: “What are you listening to? Go boil some water and have it ready.” Ling Su left with a grin. Xiao Juan sat down and let out a long sigh, muttering to herself: “Amitabha Buddha, we hope this time our Xiang Lan has truly overcome her misfortunes and will be blessed with happiness.”
Nothing more happened that night. The next morning, while Xiang Lan was still sleeping, Lin Jinlou got up, changed his clothes, and went to practice Bagua boxing in the garden. After finishing a set, he was drenched in sweat. As he was wiping himself with a towel, he saw four or five maids accompanying a pregnant woman walking gracefully in the distance. The woman wore a silver hairpin with elaborate decorations, was heavily made up, and dressed in fine brocade clothes – it was Su Meiyu. This was their first encounter in the Lin residence. Lin Jinlou stood up straight, and Su Meiyu paused momentarily in surprise. However, she maintained her composure, wearing a full smile, gave Lin Jinlou a slight curtsy, and then continued on her way with her maids as if nothing had happened.
Lin Jinlou raised an eyebrow. Shu Ran stood nearby, avoiding eye contact, as she knew all about Lin Jinlou’s past affairs. Su Meiyu’s behavior just now had earned her some admiration. Seeing Lin Jinlou beckoning to her, Shu Ran quickly went over and heard him ask: “These days I’ve had you keep an eye on this woman, how has she been?”
Shu Ran replied: “She’s been focusing on her pregnancy, never comes to Chang Chun Hall, and doesn’t provoke our Madam, avoiding her whenever they meet. Recently, the First Young Madam has been coming to the residence often to mourn for Concubine Yin, and through these visits, she’s had some interaction with Concubine Su, though it doesn’t seem particularly close. She’s a cunning person. I heard she once regretted following the Second Master but later seemed to have changed her mind, doing everything possible to win him over. And the Second Master, despite his character, has been completely won over by her. She often incites the Second Master to resent the Second Madam, who suffers in silence and occasionally comes to cry to the Madam. But since it’s a matter of the Second Master’s household, the Madam can’t properly intervene without proper standing.”
Lin Jinlou, being extremely perceptive, immediately understood and sneered: “This little minx, I always knew she had big ambitions, which is why I kept my distance. Now her appetite has grown even larger, but unfortunately, she’s too impatient. She may have the desire, but not the destiny.” He then told Shu Ran: “Let her scheme as she wishes, just make sure no unsavory rumors reach Xiang Lan’s ears.” Shu Ran quickly agreed.
Meanwhile, Su Meiyu, who had walked away from Lin Jinlou with a spring-like countenance, immediately darkened her expression after turning past a rock. Her eyes filled with tears, and her hands trembled as she tightly gripped her handkerchief until veins showed on the back of her hands. When she had just seen Lin Jinlou, she felt as if her internal organs would burst through her throat, and her heart filled with a mixture of sorrow, joy, pain, and bitterness. This man whom she had loved deeply from her heart, whom she had traveled thousands of miles to Jinling to be with, had treated her so coldheartedly! Yet her heart still yearned for him. Now, merely hearing his name made her jump with a start, and seeing him just now made her want to cry, kick, and bite him while demanding answers, then fall into his arms begging for his affection.
Just then, a young maid worriedly asked: “Madam, what’s wrong? You’re trembling so much, are you ill?”
Su Meiyu took a deep breath, smoothed her hair with both hands and blinked back her tears. Yes, she had come this far, like a pawn that had crossed the river – there was no turning back. Lin Jinlou, despite his many merits, was now yesterday’s news. This painful fall because of him had taught her a lesson: no man could be relied upon. In the end, she had to depend on herself – only status and money were her true hope, the foundation for living a life of wealth and glory! She gently stroked her belly; her security now lay here. With this, the Lin family couldn’t drive her away. As long as she kept Lin Changmin in her grasp, her day would come!
She slowly exhaled, placed her hand back on the young maid’s arm, looked ahead, and said: “It’s nothing, I’m fine. Let’s go.”