Against the Current

Xia Yun was walking behind the servant when he suddenly noticed two women standing by the inner gate. Turning his head, he saw two well-dressed women—it was unclear whether they were young ladies or maids. One wore a green dress and had delicate, pleasant features, though she was only of average beauty. The other was dressed in pale pinkish-purple, adorned with pearls and jade hairpins, her large, glistening eyes filled with sorrow. Though she had the delicate charm of a girl from a modest family, she was strikingly captivating.

Xia Yun silently admired them, thinking, "Women from wealthy families are truly different—each one resembles a fresh flower or a tender willow, far surpassing those from common households." With this thought, he turned to glance at them once more.

Yindie, overwhelmed with despair and desolation, had spent most of her time in the inner quarters and had only ever seen the few men of the Lin family. Now, suddenly, a handsome young man turned to look at her. Their eyes met, and Yindie felt a tremor in her heart, instinctively craning her neck to get a better look.

Xia Yun thought to himself, "Standing by the moon gate without any restraint, she must be a maid. Everyone says the Lin family’s maids are exceptionally beautiful, and now I see it’s true." He glanced back a couple more times, musing, "Though she is pretty, she lacks grace and charm—she can’t compare to Xianglan’s elegance and refinement." He stole another look.

Yindie, at an age full of romantic fantasies, was usually prone to daydreaming. Now, seeing a young gentleman repeatedly glancing her way, she assumed Xia Yun was interested in her. Overwhelmed with joy, she trembled with excitement, her earlier heartache vanishing into thin air as her spirits instantly lifted. After Xia Yun and his companions had passed by, she continued to gaze into the distance and asked Gui Yuan, "Do you know who those gentlemen who just passed by were?"

Gui Yuan scratched her head and said, "I overheard a bit earlier—apparently, some of the masters and young gentlemen had too much to drink. Since they came on horseback, it wasn’t convenient for them to return, so they’re going to rest in the rooms at the southern courtyard. It must be them."

Yindie pressed further, "Who was the young man walking at the very end?"

Gui Yuan shook her head and replied, "I don’t know. There were over a hundred guests—how could I remember them all? He might be the son of some sixth or seventh-rank official. Those of the fifth rank and above aren’t staying in the southern courtyard."

Yindie nodded slowly, secretly delighted. "How wonderful," she thought. "The guests at today’s banquet are all either wealthy or noble. Even a sixth or seventh-rank official is quite rare. That young man was handsome and well-dressed—he must be the son of some distinguished family. Truly, it’s like being given a pillow when you’re about to fall asleep. Now that someone recognizes my worth, even if the Lin family begs me to return, I won’t go back."

Just then, Hanfang urged Yindie to hurry. Yindie pleaded, "Dear sister, you serve in Third Miss’s quarters and shouldn’t be away for too long. I can go home by myself. My home is just on the street behind the mansion—there’s no need to call for a sedan chair, and it’s only a short walk."

Hanfang found Yindie’s sudden change in attitude strange and gave her a scrutinizing look.

Yindie quickly explained, "I’ve come to my senses. What else can I do if I don’t go home now?"

Hanfang nodded, relieved, and said, "It’s good that you’ve realized. Hurry home now—the gates will be locked soon."

Yindie merely agreed without another word.Hanfang remained uneasy, seeing Yindie all the way to the side gate and offering several more admonitions before finally departing. Yindie hid behind the gate, only slipping out after watching Hanfang disappear into the distance. The gatekeeper woman impatiently asked, "Are you staying or leaving, miss? I need to lock up." Without replying, Yindie chose a secluded path winding toward the southern courtyard. As she walked, her heart pounded like a drum, until she finally gritted her teeth and resolved inwardly: "Rather than waiting for the Lin family to sell me off tomorrow, I'd sooner seize my own destiny. I'd rather die than live in poverty!"

By now, the banquet up front had concluded. Officials great and small were taking their leave in succession, while those who had drunk themselves senseless remained overnight at the Lin residence. Crimson lanterns had been hung to illuminate the grounds, as several matrons, serving women, and pages busied themselves cleaning up the aftermath. Light-footed and swift as smoke, Yindie darted past them, stealthily making her way to the southern courtyard. There, she observed that some rooms already had their lights extinguished. Coincidentally, Xia Yun emerged from his chamber, and a young page approached him, exchanging a few words before promptly returning with a washbasin and towels to enter the room.

Yindie's heart leapt with secret delight. Watching stealthily as the page exited with the basin, she waited until the surroundings were clear before hastily pushing the door open and slipping inside. Xia Yun, in the midst of loosening his garments, was startled by the sudden entrance of a young maiden and hurriedly covered himself.

Yindie stepped forward with a graceful curtsey, smiling as she asked, "Does the young master remember me?"

Xia Yun looked closely and recognized the beautiful girl he had encountered at the Chuihua Gate. His face flushed crimson as he fumbled to fasten his clothes properly, then bowed deeply. "I don't believe we're acquainted, though we did cross paths earlier."

Yindie quickly tilted her body to offer another curtsy. Xia Yun lifted his gaze to glance at her face - he saw a pale, oval countenance framed by slender eyebrows, cherry lips, rosy cheeks, and limpid almond eyes gazing toward him with obvious affection. She threw him a meaningful glance, then slightly lowered her head, speaking in delicate tones: "I wonder if the young master finds his accommodations comfortable? Our Eldest Master has sent me to attend to you."

That single glance left Xia Yun feeling weak, while her words puzzled him. He hurriedly inquired, "Which Eldest Master would that be?"

Yindie smiled, "Who else could it be but the Lin family's Eldest Master?"

Xia Yun assumed this was simply how wealthy families treated their guests - by providing maids for service - so he didn't refuse, merely saying, "Then I'll trouble you, sister."

Interpreting this as tacit consent, Yindie grew even more exhilarated. She stepped forward eagerly to serve, bustling about to prepare the bed while asking, "When I first saw the young master, I immediately noticed your exceptional grace. Might I ask where you're employed, and which family's young master you are?"

Ashamed of his humble origins, Xia Yun would never reveal the truth. He vaguely identified himself only by his surname Xia. Taking advantage of when Yindie went to brew tea, he removed his outer robe and slipped beneath the covers, saying, "I'm retiring now, sister. Please close the door on your way out."

Yindie gritted her teeth, blew out the candle in one breath, threw open the bed curtains and embraced Xia Yun, declaring, "This humble girl genuinely admires you, young master. Our Eldest Master did send me to serve you - I beg you won't find me too crude."

Xia Yun was utterly shocked, scrambling upright to push her away, but Yindie clung stubbornly, pressing her lips toward his for a kiss. As for why Yindie dared be so bold - there was a reason. By nature, she was exceedingly passionate, frequently exchanging flirtatious glances and banter with the more handsome pages in the household. Those inclined to take liberties would inevitably get handsy, and she had previously engaged in secret face-touching and kissing. Thus Yindie felt no shame, throwing herself wholeheartedly into being intimate with Xia Yun.Xia Yun was a greenhorn who had never even held a woman’s hand before. How could he withstand such temptation? At first, he tried to resist, but with just one kiss from Yindie, he became as still as if under a Body Freezing Spell. In the prime of his youth and still unmarried, he had often indulged in fantasies. Now, with a warm, fragrant, and soft beauty in his embrace, a surge of heat rose from within him. His mind grew dizzy, and all notions of propriety, righteousness, and moral principles were cast aside. He wrapped his arms around Yindie and eagerly kissed her back.

As the two of them were engrossed in their passionate encounter, they were unaware that Han Guangye, the young master of the Han family, was lying in the inner room. He had drunk too much earlier and had stumbled off to sleep, but now he woke up thirsty. Vaguely recalling that he was at the Lin residence, he refrained from calling for water. Instead, he got out of bed barefoot and groped for the teapot to pour himself a drink. Suddenly, he heard noises outside. Stepping out to listen carefully, he discerned the sounds of kissing and a woman panting.

Han Guangye’s eyes widened in shock, and a cold sweat broke out all over his body, sobering him up instantly. He thought to himself, "By the heavens! Isn’t Xia Yun staying in the outer room? How could there be a woman with him? And this is the Lin residence! Could it be that this scoundrel has the audacity to seduce and defile one of the Lin family’s women?"

Just then, he heard Yindie’s coquettish voice say, "I truly adore you, Young Master Xia. I beg you to be gentle with me…"

Upon hearing this, Han Guangye felt as if the world were spinning, and his legs went weak. Though he was an unaccomplished and frivolous man, he still understood the gravity of the situation. In an instant, a flurry of thoughts raced through his mind. He sneered inwardly, "Xia Yun, you reckless fool! Don’t drag the rest of us down with you. The most important thing now is to extricate myself from this mess!" He quietly unlatched the door, slipped out, and as soon as he reached the ceremonial gate, he spotted two servants carrying lanterns, with Lin Jinlou heading toward the main hall.

Han Guangye rushed forward, his legs giving way as he knelt before Lin Jinlou, pleading, "Your grandson deserves death ten thousand times over. I beg for your mercy, Grandfather."

Lin Jinlou halted and looked down. Jixiang immediately brought the lantern closer. Lin Jinlou frowned and asked, "You are…"

Han Guangye hurriedly replied, "Grandfather, your esteemed self often forgets trivial matters. I am the son of Han Yaozu."

Lin Jinlou thought for a moment before his frown eased. He laughed and scolded, "So you’re Han Yaozu’s son. Your father wanted to acknowledge me as his godfather, but I haven’t agreed to it yet. You, however, are quite eager with your address."

Han Guangye forced a flattering smile and said, "Whether my father is fortunate enough to call you his father or not, in my heart, you are my true grandfather."

Lin Jinlou glanced at Jixiang and Shuangxi beside him, pointed at Han Guangye, and laughed, "Look at this—isn’t he the epitome of a bootlicker?"

The servants joined in the laughter, while Han Guangye continued to smile obsequiously.

Lin Jinlou gave him a light kick and said, "Don’t go around calling me your grandfather in public. Now, get up and speak properly."Han Guangye stood up, hunching his shoulders as he said, "Yes, yes, I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare." He continued, "The person I brought today has caused a terrible disaster, but this matter has nothing to do with me. If Grandfather is angry, just punish that bastard... Since my father couldn't come today, he had this year's new provincial graduate Xia Yun accompany me instead. I drank too much at the banquet and don't even know how I was brought back. Just now I woke up thirsty and got up to drink tea when I heard women talking outside. I went out to listen carefully and discovered that bastard Xia Yun was fooling around with a woman! I immediately ran out..." He wore a mournful expression as he said, "This has absolutely nothing to do with me. My father only showed him favor because he passed the imperial examinations at a young age. Tomorrow we'll kick him out of the yamen!"

Lin Jinlou was momentarily stunned, thinking to himself: "If it's really one of our servants involved in such affairs, it would bring disgrace to the Lin family if word got out." He said to Han Guangye, "This doesn't concern you. Keep your mouth shut tight. If even a hint of this spreads outside, I'll hold you entirely responsible."

Han Guangye quickly shrunk his neck and said, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."

Lin Jinlou then whispered instructions to Jixiang and sent him off with Shuangxi, while arranging separate accommodations for Han Guangye elsewhere.

Meanwhile, Xia Yun was being intimate with Yindie. Though intoxicated by feminine charms, he was after all an intelligent man who feared the Lin family's influence and cared about his reputation, not daring to actually consummate the affair. Just then, they heard the door pushed open as someone entered carrying a lantern, asking, "Is Graduate Xia here?"

Xia Yun was so startled he nearly fell off the bed, while Yindie panicked and didn't dare move. Someone pulled aside the bed curtains, causing Yindie to scream in fright and shrink toward the corner. Xia Yun already knew things had turned bad, cold sweat dripping from his forehead.

Shuangxi stepped forward, grabbed Yindie by the hair and pulled her forward. Recognizing her face immediately—he knew all the maids from Hall of Knowing Spring—he sneered, "Very good, very good." Yindie trembled with fear, clutching her open garment tightly with both hands.

Jixiang went to report back to Lin Jinlou, saying, "Eldest Master, it's Yindie from Hall of Knowing Spring."

Lin Jinlou raised his eyebrows, "Which one is Yindie?"

Jixiang, being sharp and observant, already knew Yindie had displeased Lin Jinlou and was to be expelled. He said, "She's the maid who stole that golden horse statue, the one you ordered to be driven out."

Lin Jinlou laughed coldly, "So it's her. She's certainly bold—right when she's about to be expelled, she turns around and acts wanton, actually daring to seduce male guests."

Watching Lin Jinlou's expression, Jixiang asked, "Then this matter..."

Lin Jinlou said, "Make a gesture of goodwill—give her to that fellow Xia. First thing tomorrow morning, sell off her entire family. None of them are to remain."

Jixiang quickly said, "Her father is a secondary estate manager..."

Lin Jinlou glared at him. Jixiang immediately slapped his own face and said, "Yes, understood. Those who raised such a daughter definitely aren't good people themselves. Such worthless dogs should all be sold together to avoid future trouble!"

Meanwhile, Xia Yun was filled with regret when Jixiang entered and said, "My Eldest Master says that since Graduate Xia wishes to honor Yindie, he presents her to you." After speaking, he patted Shuangxi's shoulder and left with his men.Yindie had just regained her composure, feeling as though she had awoken from a dream, when her cheeks flushed with delight. She clung to Xia Yun’s arm, ready to act coy, but Xia Yun sensed something amiss and pressed her urgently: "Are you truly sent by Master Lin to serve me? Then what was that about earlier?"

Yindie’s vague replies made everything clear to Xia Yun. He thought to himself that if the Lin family bore a grudge, his future would be ruined. Slapping his thigh in despair, he cried, "This is my ruin!" He draped his robe over his shoulders and sighed heavily.

Soon after, Jixiang arrived with Yindie’s deed of sale. Trembling with fear, Xia Yun inquired, but Jixiang laughed and said, "There’s no need to panic, Scholar Xia. Our Eldest Master admires talent and, seeing that you fancied this girl, specially sent her to you as a gift."

Xia Yun felt dazed, but his heart finally settled. When Yindie learned that Xia Yun was a provincial scholar, her joy swelled. Soft and tender as water, she murmured sweetly, "My Eldest Master noticed how young you are to have passed the provincial exams and wanted to honor you, which is why he sent me to serve you."

Xia Yun’s shock turned to delight. Under the candlelight, Yindie’s face seemed even more enchanting, and the two soon became intimate.

The next day, Xia Yun took Yindie to bid farewell, telling Han Guangye only that Yindie was a gift from the Lin family. At the sight of Yindie, Han Guangye felt half his body go weak with envy, stealing glances at her from head to toe. But, warned by Lin Jinlou, he dared not say a word. The party took their leave from the Lin residence, and for now, that is all.

As for Yindie, having shared a night of passion with Xia Yun, she remained shy and timid along the journey. But the moment she stepped into the Xia household, a large white goose charged at her, trying to peck. Yindie shrieked and nearly fell. Xia Yun quickly scolded the goose away. Still shaken, Yindie looked around and saw a cramped, worn-out courtyard with children running wild and shrieking. A stout, poorly dressed village woman sat in the yard shucking corn. Spotting them, she stood and approached with a smile, saying, "Third Brother, you’re back?"

Yindie’s vision darkened, and she almost fainted.

The family was astonished at the sight of Yindie and bombarded them with questions. Though Xia Yun tried to act nonchalant, he couldn’t help boasting, "This is a maid gifted by the Lin family, to be my concubine."

Second Sister-in-Law Xia clicked her tongue in admiration. "As expected from a wealthy family—her face is so pretty."

Third Sister Xia reached out to touch the flowers in Yindie’s hair. "These blossoms are even lovelier than Xianglan’s!"

Jin Shi also came over to feel Yindie, remarking, "Her hips aren’t round enough; she might not bear children well."

Disgusted by Jin Shi’s shabby appearance, which reminded her of the lowliest maids in the Lin household, Yindie dodged her touch and snapped, "Don’t touch me!"

Jin Shi’s face instantly darkened. She sneered, "Who does she think she is, some precious jewel? She’s just a servant girl—and I can’t even touch her?"

Xia Yun’s expression also soured. He scolded Yindie, "What are you saying? This is my mother! You should kowtow to her!" He immediately ordered Yindie to kneel and bow.

Only then did Yindie realize her grave error in judgment. She burst into loud sobs, crying as if the world had ended, while the Xia family frowned and glared. Fortunately, Xia Yun was kind-hearted. Though displeased that Yindie had embarrassed him, he still felt pity for her and led her to his room. At the sight of the tiny side chamber, Yindie’s sorrow overwhelmed her, and she wailed even louder.Enough of digressions. Yindie, having no alternative but to follow Xia Yun, grew increasingly anxious upon hearing that her entire family had been sold off. She settled down in the Xia household, keeping mostly to her room. As she was a gift from the Lin family, Xia Yun had instructed his family not to treat her too harshly. Though displeased, the Xias limited their resentment to a few sarcastic remarks. Xia Yun, still in the honeymoon phase with Yindie, coaxed her gently, and despite her grievances, she gradually softened after two days of sulking.

One day, as Yindie dozed in a half-awake state, she overheard Second Sister-in-Lia Xia say, "...It’s not that I’m unwilling to help with your matter, but the Chen family simply won’t entertain it. I went with the matchmaker, and they didn’t even open the door for us."

Xia Yun replied, "A few days ago, I gave you two taels of silver, and you assured me there’d be no problem..."

"That was then, this is now. Did you bring back a little beauty from the Lin family back then? Tsk, tsk. These past few days, Xianglan’s mother has also been seeking matchmakers to find a suitable family. I heard they’ve made it clear: first, she won’t be a concubine, and second, she won’t marry a man who already has one. Your prospects, dear brother, seem bleak indeed..."

"Did the Chen family really say that?"

"Would I lie? Go ask them yourself if you don’t believe me!"

"Then... then..."

Second Sister-in-Law Xia sneered, "If you’re willing to part with that little beauty of yours, I’ll swallow my pride and go ask the Chen family again." With that, she stood up and left.

Xia Yun hurried after her, calling out, "Sister-in-law, don’t go! This matter..."

Yindie bolted upright, gritting her teeth in fury. "Pah! That wretched, two-faced Xia Yun actually plans to marry someone else! I lowered myself to follow this poor scholar, expecting to be his proper wife. He humiliated me, and now he wants me as a concubine? Not a chance!" Biting her lip, she thought, "Chen Xianglan? Could it be that little slut?"

She seized the first opportunity to coax information from Second Sister-in-Law Xia, offering a dozen copper coins. The latter divulged, "The Xianglan your brother has his eye on was originally a maid in the Lin family too. Oh, but things are different now—her family’s wealthy! They bought a large house, she wears gold and silver, eats and drinks lavishly, and her father’s the manager of a major pawnshop, escorted by sedan chairs morning and night. Tsk, tsk. You both used to be maids for the Lins, but Xianglan truly has a lady’s fate!" With a sway of her hips, she walked away.

Yindie’s face turned pale with rage. She seethed inwardly, "That bitch Chen Xianglan! Back in the Lin family, she ruined me—I was driven out by the Eldest Master all because of her mischief! Now, like a vengeful ghost, she’s caused my family to be sold off and is trying to steal my man! I’ll make sure you die without a grave!" Scheming silently, a plan began to take shape.

As for Xianglan, she had been living peacefully behind closed doors these days. Her longing for Song Ke had gradually faded, though the ordeal had left her noticeably thinner. The Chen couple, doting on their daughter and with their finances improving, decided to buy a young maid. They asked a broker to bring over several girls, and Xianglan personally inspected them. She selected a fair, pretty nine-year-old, naming her Hua Shan. The girl proved clever and diligent, assisting with writing tools and household chores.

One day, while Xianglan tended to the flowers in the courtyard, she heard knocking at the gate. Hua Shan called out several times but received no response. Suddenly, a wail erupted from the doorway: "Please let this humble one see the young lady of the Chen family! If you don’t open the door, I’ll dash my brains out right here!"Xianglan was startled and quickly placed the scissors on the stone bench. Opening the door, she saw Yindie kneeling at the entrance, who immediately began kowtowing fervently upon seeing her, drawing the attention of neighbors who peered out to watch.

Yindie cried out, "Miss Chen, I know you're engaged to Xia Yun, the scholar, and won't tolerate a concubine in the household. Now Master Xia plans to sell me off—I beg you, spare me a way to survive! Mis... no, Da Nǎinai, have mercy!"

Xianglan froze, never expecting Yindie to show up at her door spouting nonsense about "Xia Yun" and "engagement." Hearing the murmurs and pointing from the onlookers, she frowned and tried to pull Yindie up by the arm, saying, "What are you talking about? When did I ever get engaged to the Xia family?"

Yindie refused to rise, weeping, "Da Nǎinai, you're angry because of me and want to break off the engagement with Master Xia. Da Nǎinai, I was gifted to Master Xia by the Lin family—he treats me as no more than a decorative object, his heart belongs entirely to you! I only beg you not to drive me away... If you refuse, I'll dash my head right here and die..." With that, she broke into earth-shaking wails.

Xue Shi, hearing the commotion inside, came out and turned pale with rage upon catching Yindie's words. She scolded, "Shameless wretch! Our daughter is pure and unbetrothed—how dare you come here with your poisonous lies to slander her? Get away now!" But as she finished, her legs gave way, and she nearly collapsed to the ground.

Xianglan's heart sank, thinking to herself: "Yindie was never a good one to begin with, and now she's trying to ruin my reputation." She beckoned Hua Shan over and instructed: "Go to the magistrate's office and find Scholar Xia. Tell him his concubine has come to our house to make trouble." Hua Shan left immediately.

Turning around, Xianglan's expression had already transformed completely.