Lin Jinlou glanced at Xiang Lan and said, “After we’re done with business tomorrow, I’ll take you out. The peach blossoms are blooming at Twenty-Four Bridges. It’s crowded during the day, so we’ll go admire the moon at night.”
Xiang Lan quickly lifted her head upon hearing these words. She had long wished to explore the surroundings, but earlier she had been in hiding, and after entering the temple, it wasn’t appropriate to go out alone. One way or another, she had missed many beautiful sights.
Seeing Xiang Lan’s bright eyes fixed upon him, Lin Jinlou felt quite pleased. He secretly thought that he hadn’t guessed wrong this time. Why hadn’t he realized earlier that Xiang Lan, being skilled in literature and painting, naturally possessed the temperament of a scholar who enjoyed wandering through mountains and waters? She was different from those women in the inner quarters who only knew how to dress up and serve others. No wonder she had been listless back in Lin Family Town – she had been too confined. However, he maintained a stern expression and said, “You’re so stubborn. If you wanted to go out, you should have just told me. You’re like a sealed gourd, speechless when you see me, head down all day – you’re becoming like a little old man. I’ll be busy for two more days, then we’ll return to Jinling. Missing your parents? When we get back, I’ll let you stay at home for a couple of days, or we can invite your parents to stay with us for a while.”
Xiang Lan was startled. These days, she missed her parents more than anything. Her lips curved slightly, but then she remembered when Lin Jinlou found her and brought her back. In the carriage, she had thought she had escaped from a wolf’s den only to enter a tiger’s lair. Given Lin Jinlou’s temperament, who knew how he would torment her? Previously, when she had angered him, he had nearly strangled her. This time, she only hoped that considering how she had saved his mother and sister, he might show some mercy. Unexpectedly, Lin Jinlou had let the matter go lightly… Perhaps Lin Jinlou had truly changed? She hesitated, about to say “thank you” to Lin Jinlou, when she heard him say, “They don’t know about you running away, so don’t mention it.”
“…Oh.”
“Don’t just say ‘oh.’ Dare to try it again and see what happens.”
Xiang Lan lowered her head, staring at the cakes before her without speaking, thinking that just when she had felt Lin Jinlou had become gentler, his next words were threatening her again. This was indeed Lin Jinlou’s true nature.
Lin Jinlou frowned, feeling somewhat regretful. Things had been going well just now, but this woman was as timid as a mouse and couldn’t take any intimidation. How had he forgotten that again? And she wouldn’t learn to be more pleasing – other women would have known to come closer and act coquettishly, saying, “Master, I’ll never dare do it again.” Then what anger could he possibly maintain?
Seeing the atmosphere grow tense, Lin Jinlou snorted and reached for the piece of cake that Xiang Lan had been poking at, bringing it before himself and finishing it in a few bites with some soup.
After the meal, the maids cleared away the bowls and dishes, brought warm tea for rinsing their mouths, and towels to clean their hands. Shortly after, they served fresh tea and fruit. When Xiang Lan wanted to continue reading her book, Lin Jinlou, thinking she hadn’t fully recovered, ordered her to take an afternoon nap. Lin Jinlou’s words were always as firm as military orders – Xiang Lan could only obey, not resist. She had no choice but to lie obediently in bed, wrapped tightly in a brocade quilt. He sat barefoot on the edge of the bed, looking through the invitation cards and gift lists on a silver tray.
Xiang Lan secretly narrowed her eyes to a slit and stole a couple of glances at Lin Jinlou. She saw him slightly furrowing his thick eyebrows, looking impatient as he sorted the invitation cards into several piles. For the first time, Xiang Lan noticed that Lin Jinlou was handsome, with long eyebrows extending to his temples, eyes like lightning, a straight, high nose bridge, and an air of vigorous dominance about him, as straight as a pine tree. However, his temperament was too explosive, and he was cruel, stopping at nothing, raising his hand to strike people at the slightest disagreement. Although Xiang Lan was grateful to him, she also feared and hated him, wanting to hide at the mere sight of his shadow – how could she have paid attention to his appearance? As she lay there lost in these thoughts, she gradually drifted off to sleep.
After sorting the invitation cards, Lin Jinlou ordered Ling Qing to take them to Ji Xiang. He stretched, turned his head, and saw that Xiang Lan was already sound asleep, her cheeks flushed pink. He quietly muttered, “Heartless woman.” He remembered that when he returned, the doorman had told him that Yuan Shaoren had visited and left a box, saying it contained things that the Madam had used. He ordered the box to be brought in, and upon opening it, found three or four pieces of coarse cloth clothing, one thick robe, and a crude wooden case which, when opened, contained a mirror, a wooden comb, half a bottle of hair oil, and a box of facial cream.
Lin Jinlou rummaged through them briefly before setting them aside in disgust. The remaining items were scriptures, manuscripts, and painting drafts, along with several mounted paintings. Lin Jinlou opened and examined them one by one, seeing landscapes, figures, flowers, and birds – all sorts of subjects, some magnificent, some freehand, some delicate, some graceful, truly unique, and indescribably elegant.
Lin Jinlou was immediately shocked and couldn’t help exclaiming, “What fine paintings!” He turned back in amazement to look at the woman on the bed, never imagining that Xiang Lan had such talent. Currently, the most renowned talented lady is Jiang Feiyun, daughter of Jiang Xuecheng, the Grand Scholar of the Wenyuan Library in the capital. She was accomplished in the four arts – zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting – and particularly skilled in painting. Once, a painting of plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums that she had given to a friend from her boudoir had circulated, causing a sensation among young nobles. He had also joined the crowd to look at it, and while it was indeed well-painted, it couldn’t compare to Xiang Lan’s work. Moreover, Xiang Lan was versed in poetry and literature, and could play chess and the zither, and though these talents weren’t apparent when she was a maid after he kept her in his quarters, he increasingly noticed her refinement in matters of food and dress. She possessed all the etiquette and cultivation of a noble lady, with an elegant style and an air about her more befitting of a young lady than the likes of Zhao Yuechan. How could she be of servant stock? She seemed more like someone raised in a noble family, certainly not a girl brought up in such a humble place as a temple.
Lin Jinlou thoughtfully stared at the sleeping Xiang Lan for a while before putting the paintings back in the box.
When Xiang Lan woke from her nap, it was already afternoon. Outside was quiet, with only the faint sound of maids talking. She felt limp all over from sleep, sat up, and pulled aside the bed curtains to look out. She saw Ling Qing and Ling Su busy organizing things, unpacking boxes, and arranging items. One said, “Bring a couple more thick clothes, it’s still cold at night.” The other replied, “We should bring bedding too, in case Madam wants to rest on the outer couch. Have you packed the snacks and tea? How many boxes of fruit should we bring?” Just then, they noticed Xiang Lan was awake and hurried over, asking, “Madam is awake, would you like some tea?”
Xiang Lan spoke with a slightly hoarse voice, “What’s all this bustle about?”
Ling Qing smiled and said, “Master ordered us to pack, saying he wants to take Madam out for a visit. We’ll be leaving shortly.”
Xiang Lan was startled again – hadn’t Lin Jinlou said they would go “in a couple of days after he finished his business”? But the prospect of going out for a tour was indeed exciting. She had barely finished half a bowl of tea when Ling Su brought clothes for her to change into, selected accessories for her hair, and put four or five bracelets on her wrists. As they were getting ready, Lin Jinlou strode in. Xiang Lan quickly stood up. Lin Jinlou saw her wearing a bright red, five-colored wide-sleeved gauze robe with a green hundred-flower skirt embroidered with gold branches and leaves underneath. Her waist was bound with a mandarin duck woman’s belt, her wrists adorned with gold pressure sleeves, and her head decorated with pearls and kingfisher feathers, making her jade-like, peach blossom face appear even more lovely. Lin Jinlou squinted as he looked her up and down. Xiang Lan felt somewhat uncomfortable, but then saw Lin Jinlou nod and say, “Oh, you look quite good dressed like this.” After speaking, he gracefully strode toward the main hall.
Before Xiang Lan could recover her composure, Ling Qing said proudly, “Did you hear that, Madam? Master said you look good like this. I also said that with Madam’s snow-white complexion, wearing such striking and gorgeous clothes makes you beautiful.” Xiang Lan examined herself and was startled – she had been so preoccupied with thoughts of going out that she had mindlessly let others dress her, not realizing the maids had dressed her in such vibrant clothes and adorned her with such ornaments.
In her previous life with the Shen family, she had loved such bright adornments, and after marrying Xiao Hang as a bride, she loved wearing bright red even more… Later, she never wore such clothes again. After becoming Lin Jinlou’s concubine, she had several red outfits made, but she always avoided these proper wedding colors, unsure if it was because she felt unworthy or if she was defiant. Wearing this bright red dress today felt like being in another life, giving her spirit a jolt.
Once the preparations were complete, Xiang Lan went to the main hall. Lin Jinlou was sitting on a luohan bed reading letters, with a bowl of wolfberry and pork rib soup and a bowl of tonic soup beside him on the kang table. White porcelain plates held exquisite buns, pastries, and several side dishes like phoenix claws and chicken wings.
By now, the rain outside had stopped, and sunlight streaming through the half-open carved windows fell on him, making his figure appear particularly tall. In a moment, he had somehow changed into outdoor attire – a lotus-blue crane robe with foreign-threaded brocade patterns, lined with a blue-inlaid pattern jacquard dragon satin cotton robe, secured with an eight-treasure belt, his hair bound in a white jade crown. Xiang Lan thought to herself that when he dressed up like this, he looked quite presentable – those who didn’t know his true nature might think him a distinguished and handsome gentleman.
Hearing movement, Lin Jinlou looked up at Xiang Lan and gestured with his chin toward the other side of the kang table, saying, “Sit.”
As Xiang Lan sat down, Ling Qing brought a bowl of soup, removed the lid, and said, “First have some tonic soup to stimulate your appetite. Would Madam like a vegetarian bun?”
Xiang Lan wasn’t sure which meal this was supposed to be.
Lin Jinlou said, “Serve her the same as mine.” Ling Qing acknowledged and withdrew.
Lin Jinlou suddenly gave a cold laugh while looking at the letter in his hand, tossing it aside: “That bastard Lu Shaotang is still trying to outsmart me, eagerly sending people to plead his case, thinking I wouldn’t dare touch him. Found some poor scholars to write flowery prose – does he think I’d be scared? I’ll finish him off this time. Let’s see if the Imperial Censors dare impeach me.” He rubbed his temples, remembering how in the previous period, unable to find anyone to vent his fury on, he had secretly had all of Lu Shaotang’s capable deputies killed, leaving Lu Shaotang alone, wanting him to neither live nor die. These three months, if he hadn’t been busy looking for the troublesome Chen Xiang Lan, he would have dealt with Lu Shaotang long ago, not allowing him to prance around until today. But he couldn’t mention this now – he had finally found this woman back, and he couldn’t mess things up again. Xiang Lan was still like a frightened rabbit, and he didn’t want to see her trembling in fear.
With these thoughts, Lin Jinlou picked up a bun with his chopsticks and placed it on Xiang Lan’s plate, smiling, “After being busy earlier, I feel hungry, so let’s eat another meal. Have some too, and after eating we’ll go for a walk. There’s a garden behind this residence, built beside Baoyang Lake. It’s usually locked, but we’ll go see the scenery. There’s a pavilion on an artificial mountain where you can view Twenty-Four Bridge.”
Xiang Lan saw how his face had been dark just moments ago, smiling coldly, and now he was smiling like summer flowers in June – truly mercurial in his moods. Not daring to provoke him, and having eaten little at noon, she was indeed hungry now, so she obediently ate the food.
Lin Jinlou watched Xiang Lan’s manner of drinking soup and chewing food with satisfaction, feeling that this meal was harmonious and pleasant. After eating and rinsing their mouths with tea, he took Xiang Lan out, ordering a bamboo sedan chair to carry her into the garden.
Xiang Lan had been ill these past few days, barely leaving the house, and never imagined there was such a hidden paradise behind the courtyard. Passing through the half-moon arch, she saw thousands of bamboo trees, flowering trees, and artificial mountains creating an enchanting scene.
Xiang Lan couldn’t help but leave the sedan chair and walk along the pebble path inside. Lin Jinlou said, “This garden is a bit small, but it’s quite exquisite. At least it’s our own – take a look around, and in a few days, I’ll take you to see better ones.” As he spoke, he too looked around appreciatively.
This residence was his first property in Yangzhou. Later, Chu Dapeng and others had taken some money from the year-end salt merchant association’s dividends and secretly bought the land behind it for him. They tore down the houses and built this lakeside garden as a gift. Although the garden wasn’t very large, its layout was unique, with exotic flowers and plants, and various strange rocks, all distinctively arranged, and Lin Jinlou had gratefully accepted it.
Not far along, they indeed saw a mountain with an octagonal embroidered tower on top. They climbed the bluestone steps, finding the tower already cleaned by servants, laid with brocade carpets, hung with embroidered curtains, and sweet-smelling smoke slowly rising from the mouths of golden lions and jade beasts on the zitan wood table. Seeing the master arrive, maids and elderly servants hurriedly served tea and fruit.
When Xiang Lan pushed open the carved vermillion window with its fresh patterns, she saw the sparkling lake surface outside, and not far away, a flying rainbow bridge stood above the water, like a jade belt floating, like a rainbow lying on the waves, making one’s heart suddenly brighten at the sight.
Just then, they heard the faint sound of string and bamboo instruments, along with a woman’s melodious singing. Lin Jinlou slightly furrowed his brows and stood up to push open another vermillion window. Xiang Lan couldn’t help but peek out too. It turned out Lin Jinting, having nothing to do, had invited Liu Xiaochuan and others to drink and make merry in a pavilion called “Spring Platform Bright Moon” in the garden. Since the rain had stopped in the afternoon and the weather was fine, they had set up a table outside to enjoy the plum, peach, and apricot blossoms. They had also invited several famous courtesans to play music and sing for entertainment. Some held pipa in their arms, some played the qin, and others toasted between the seats, each beautiful in their way, whether heavily or lightly made up. One wore a peach-red flowered jacket and blue satin skirt, singing “yi yi ya ya” while holding a small red ivory plate. Another wore an all-green gold-compared armor, her phoenix hairpin half-loose, her face powder-white and rouge-red, speaking with animated expressions, eventually causing the men to burst into laughter and raise their cups to drink. The woman also drank a cup, her face flushed with wine, and one man, losing himself in the moment, pulled her close for a kiss. The woman seemed shy, offering token resistance while yielding, as the young masters cheered loudly.
Having lived two lives, this was Xiang Lan’s first time seeing such a scene. She stared wide-eyed and open-mouthed, asking, “Is… is this what drinking with courtesans is like?” Kissing and carrying on in public – Xiang Lan was too shocked for words.
Lin Jinlou raised an eyebrow, finding Xiang Lan’s shocked expression amusing, thinking to himself that this was nothing – after three rounds of wine and five courses of food, when things got wild, with bawdy songs and games, or courtesans disrobing and striking various poses for entertainment, little Xiang Lan’s eyes would probably pop right out.