Against the Current

Xianglan glanced at Luan'er, a faint sneer in her heart as she lowered her face without speaking.

Luan'er raised her slender eyebrows and said, "Hey, I'm talking to you. Did you hear me?"

Xianglan remained motionless, her head bowed. Seeing her like this, Luan'er reached up to smooth her hair, a hint of smugness on her face. "What's there to be shy about? It's just singing a tune for fun. Surely you're not unwilling? If you really refuse, that would truly be a slap in Master's face. Our Master has always loved listening to songs, and today's banquet was specially prepared for you by Sister Hua Mei. If you don't sing a piece, there's no way to justify it." She giggled, "Could it be that you don't know how to sing? That's alright too. Given how warmly Master treats you, even if you sing off-key, he'll think it sounds like a nightingale's call!" She glanced sideways at Lin Jinlou as she spoke.

Xianglan continued sitting motionless. Lin Jinlou also appeared not to have heard, drinking by himself while Hua Mei and Ying Ge diligently served him dishes. Hua Mei thought to herself: "Xianglan was originally just a maid. Though she once caught Master's favor, she was ultimately driven out by the mistress out of jealousy. They say 'what you can't have is always most cherished'—how true that is. I heard Master personally went to the Government Office to release her father, and now he's brought her in with such care and support, clearly backing her up and giving her face. Luan'er has always been foolish, failing to see Master's intentions and instead getting jealous, trying to put Xianglan in her place. In my opinion, she's just going to end up humiliating herself. Luan'er is more detestable than anyone—a mere Bedchamber Attendant who acts as if she wants to tie Master to her waistband, putting on airs like a mistress every day. It's utterly annoying. Just let these two fight it out while I reap the benefits."

Ying Ge, however, picked up a wine cup and offered it to Luan'er, smiling as she said, "You sang so beautifully earlier, you probably intimidated her. Why make things difficult for her? Dear sister, drink this cup and sing another song for us."

Seeing that Lin Jinlou still appeared indifferent, Luan'er grew bolder. She didn't accept the wine Ying Ge offered, instead straightening her back and sitting with a cold laugh. "Sister Ying Ge, it's not that I wouldn't normally drink when you offer, but today, if Xianglan doesn't respond to me, I simply won't drink this wine."

Ying Ge had intended to smooth things over but didn't expect Luan'er to say this. She felt awkward for a moment and set the cup down again.

Luan'er grew even more displeased and said to Xianglan, "Are you deaf or mute? I've asked you so many times and you haven't made a sound? Even if you want to disrespect me, haven't you noticed Master is still here?"

Xianglan slowly raised her head, looked at Luan'er's face, and sneered, "I am neither an actress, nor a Sing-song girl, nor a servant. Why should I sing for others' amusement?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the room fell silent. Lin Jinlou paused briefly but still finished the half-cup of wine in his hand.

Luan'er flushed with anger, abruptly raising her hand to point at Xianglan. "You... you... what did you say?"

Xianglan said, "Are you deaf? Couldn't you hear what I just said?"

Luan'er flew into a rage, swept the wine cup in front of her to the floor where it shattered with a crash, and grabbed Lin Jinlou's sleeve. "Master! Did you hear that!"

Xianglan sneered faintly, "What fine manners from a servant—daring to smash cups while your Master is still present."Luan'er widened her eyes, pointed and scolded, "I may be an actress, a sing-song girl, a servant, but how much nobler are you? You're nothing but a lowly maid with a wretched fate!"

Xianglan said slowly, "I may be a lowly maid with a wretched fate, but at least I haven't reached the point where I take pride in being someone's amusement and source of entertainment. Unlike those who haven't even earned the reputation of being half a mistress or a concubine, pleasing others by singing and serving is your duty, not mine."

Luan'er flushed crimson with rage and hissed, "You little bitch, if I hear one more word from you, I'll tear your mouth apart!"

Seeing the situation turning sour, Ying Ge quickly stood up and grabbed Luan'er's arm, saying, "Good sister, say no more!"

Hua Mei also chimed in, "What's all this about? Everyone, calm down. The master is still here." Yet she remained seated, her tone carrying a hint of schadenfreude.

Ying Ge pointed and scolded, "You little slut, you really think you're somebody. Asking you to sing was giving you face..."

Xianglan cut her off, "Spare me. What face can you possibly give me? Just now, with all your veiled insults, did you think no one would notice? If you can't stand the sight of me, go beg your master to throw me out. Then we'll all be rid of this mess."

Luan'er trembled with fury, about to step forward and slap Xianglan, but she hesitated because Lin Jinlou was present. She was just about to burst into tears and demand justice from him when, to her surprise, Lin Jinlou burst out laughing. He turned to Xianglan and said, "I truly didn't expect this. I thought you were a silent gourd, but it turns out you're a little firecracker."

Xianglan replied with a stern face, "I'm no firecracker. Someone's about to tear my mouth apart."

Lin Jinlou seemed utterly unbothered. He handed his wine cup to Xianglan and said, "Try this. Authentic aged osmanthus wine. This small jar was buried under an osmanthus tree for over a decade. Even the imperial wine from the palace can't compare to its clarity and richness."

No one had expected Lin Jinlou to do this. Xianglan was also taken aback but shook her head, saying, "I never drink wine."

Lin Jinlou laughed, revealing a set of white teeth, and brought the cup to Xianglan's lips. "Just a sip. This is my wine cup, and I'm toasting you this time. You should know what's good for you, shouldn't you?"

Xianglan opened her bright eyes wide and stared at Lin Jinlou, unmoving. Lin Jinlou's expression gradually darkened, and he said impassively, "Quick, take a sip. Just taste it." His tone brooked no refusal.

Xianglan had no choice but to take a small sip. A wave of spiciness rushed up, making her cough repeatedly. Lin Jinlou pulled her close and gently patted her back, then said to Hua Mei and the others, "If she doesn't want to sing, she doesn't have to. The rest of you can keep singing."

Luan'er felt as if the world were spinning. Her lips trembled, but she couldn't utter a word. Finally, she let out a loud "wah" and burst into tears, threw her pipa to the ground, covered her face, and ran out. Cun Xin hurriedly chased after her.

Hua Mei remained unruffled and merely smiled, saying, "Sister Xianglan, come sit closer. There are a few vegetarian dishes here that are extremely fresh, all tender vegetable hearts. Have a few more bites." While urging Xianglan to eat more, she discreetly signaled to Xi Que to pick up the broken pipa and take it away, as if Luan'er had never been there at all. The table was reset with bowls and chopsticks for Xianglan, and both Hua Mei and Ying Ge vied to serve her dishes.Hua Mei chatted and laughed animatedly, deliberately choosing amusing anecdotes while entertaining everyone with beaming smiles and meticulous consideration. Xianglan thought to herself, "Although Luan'er can play instruments and sing, with a purer and fresher appearance than Hua Mei, her conversational elegance and insight are far inferior. No wonder Lin Jinlou promoted her to Concubine. It's just that her character is not upright; otherwise, she would be admirable."

Ying Ge, however, remained quiet, silently shelling a plate of clams and adding chili oil to the vinegar dish before presenting it to Lin Jinlou. Only then did Lin Jinlou properly glance at Ying Ge, noticing her thin cheeks. Though she had the delicate charm of a "sickly beauty," there was also a hint of frailty. He asked, "How has your health been these days? What medicine are you taking? Has the doctor visited?"

Ying Ge was overjoyed and hurriedly replied, "I'm only taking some nourishing herbs, and the doctor comes regularly."

Lin Jinlou nodded and asked no more.

Ying Ge said, "I've learned a new tune recently and would like to play it for you, sir." Seeing Lin Jinlou nod, she quickly sent someone to fetch a flute and played a melodious piece. However, since her miscarriage, her health had never fully recovered, and she inevitably lacked energy. After just one song, she could play no more, her face pale and breathing unsteady.

Xianglan sighed inwardly, "Why go to such lengths just to please a man?" She then recalled her earlier conflict with Luan'er, realizing it ultimately boiled down to competing for favor, and felt another wave of desolation, finding it all rather pointless.

Lin Jinlou then rewarded Ying Ge with a piece of cloth, making her feel honored instantly. She gratefully toasted him with a cup of wine. Occasionally, Hua Mei also played tunes to liven the atmosphere and received gifts from Lin Jinlou as well.

After everyone had eaten and drunk a while longer, Lin Jinlou declared the feast over. Ying Ge quickly said, "It hasn't even been an hour since we started eating. Stay a little longer. Is there anything else you'd like to eat, sir?"

Lin Jinlou replied, "I have to leave early tomorrow morning. It's late; time to go."

Hua Mei and others tried to persuade him to stay, but seeing Lin Jinlou already swinging his feet to the floor, she and Ying Ge bent down to help him put on his shoes. Hua Mei added, "In that case, have one more drink before you go."

Lin Jinlou drank a cup and ordered the maids to pack assorted fruits and dishes into a large box to be sent to the Main House for the old nannies and maids to enjoy. Hua Mei brightened the lamp and intended to find a pair of her own shoes for Xianglan, but unexpectedly, Lin Jinlou picked Xianglan up and carried her away.

The Main House was brightly lit. Lin Jinlou placed Xianglan on the large bed in the bedroom. At the sight of the bed, Xianglan turned pale and felt fearful, repeatedly asking Xiao Juan to fetch her shoes. But Lin Jinlou chuckled and said, "Why the rush? We didn't fully enjoy ourselves earlier in the east chamber. Let's have a couple more drinks now." He truly had someone bring over the heated brick bed table, while Chun Ling went to the small kitchen to fetch three or four side dishes, and Tinglan and others went to warm the wine.

Lin Jinlou pinched Xianglan's cheek and said, "I stood up for you today. Don't keep a straight face—pour me a drink."

Xianglan had no choice but to pour wine for Lin Jinlou.

Lin Jinlou smiled and said, "I know you're shy and don't like singing in front of others. There's no one else here now—sing a tune for me."

Xianglan lowered her eyelids and said, "I don't know how."Lin Jinlou reclined against the pillows, stretching his long legs, and said with a laugh, "Who said you can't? I still remember the first time I saw you, you were singing—something like 'Snowy waves beat against the sky, autumn clouds roll on the horizon.' Isn't that from The Romance of the Western Chamber ?" Seeing that Xianglan remained silent, he took a sip of wine and chuckled, "Little Xianglan, do you even understand your own position? Just now, Luan'er went a bit too far, but because I care for you, I gave you face. But you should know very well what you are. When I favor you, you're a mistress; when I don't, you're not even as good as a servant. Understand?"

Xianglan sat stiffly, feeling a lump in her throat.

Chun Ling, who was waiting outside, overheard everything and couldn't bear it. She found an excuse to come in and serve dishes, quietly signaling to Xianglan. She then said to Lin Jinlou, "Perhaps the young lady is thirsty. Let me pour her some tea to soothe her throat." She hurriedly brought in a cup of tea and whispered, "At least sing a song, even just a couple of lines."

Just then, Xiao Juan entered and said, "Ji Xiang is outside under the corridor, saying there's something urgent he needs to speak with the Master about."

Lin Jinlou threw on his clothes and went out, and he did not return after that.

Xianglan finally breathed a sigh of relief. She hastily washed up and went to bed.

Apologies, everyone. I was too exhausted the past couple of days, so I slept as soon as I got back on the 30th and slept all day today, barely waking up by 8 p.m. Here's the update. Thank you all for your patience and understanding! ^ ^ Thanks to Fat Wanghua001 for the Peach Blossom Fan, Yan Sansheng for two sachets, Wqpaqm and Big Bear Fool for the sachets, Yu21yu21 for two Peace Talismans, and Huantian Hanxue, Shuang Dong, Christine_86, and Xiao Yuan Yuan for the Peace Talismans. Also, thank you all for the pink votes~ During the National Day holiday, there should be daily updates^ ^