Against the Current

Lin Jinlou laughed and said, "What kind of beauties haven't you fellows seen before? She's just an ordinary woman."

Liu Xiaochuan immediately protested, "What treasure are you hiding in your bosom that you won't let others see? Today I must feast my eyes."

Lin Jinlou replied, "She's a lady of the household, shy around strangers, and has fallen ill these past couple of days. I'll have her come another day. There's someone in my quarters who can play and sing—shall I invite her to perform a tune for everyone's amusement?" He glanced at Liu Xiaochuan and added, "She sings even better than Little Cuixian. Wouldn't you like to hear her?"

Lin Jinting perked up and said, "Eldest Brother must be referring to Luanr from your quarters. She sings exquisitely! Back when she was in Grandmother's household, she would perform songs for Grandmother's birthday celebrations every year. What a pity we haven't had the pleasure of hearing her since."

Lin Jinlou drank half a cup of wine and chuckled, "So you still remember her. Today, thanks to these brothers, you'll get to hear her again."

Liu Xiaochuan widened his eyes and said, "Are you boasting? Can she really sing better than Little Cuixian?"

Lin Jinting tugged at Liu Xiaochuan and laughed, "Don't be skeptical—she truly sings better than Miss Cuixian! Her voice is sweet and clear, and she plays the pipa beautifully too!" He shot a resentful glance at Lin Jinlou, smacked his lips, and said with a mix of envy and implication, "There are plenty of pretty girls around, but without some exceptional talent, how could they ever catch my Eldest Brother's eye?"

Xie Yu put an arm around Lin Jinting's shoulder and said, "Everyone knows the Lin family has no shortage of beauties. Weren't you just saying Grandmother gave you a maid too, and you've taken her into your quarters now?"

Lin Jinting snorted resentfully and said, "Grandmother is biased—she always lets Eldest Brother pick the best ones first. The ones I get are just his leftovers."

Lin Jinlou laughed heartily and said, "Alright, I'll buy you a pretty maid tomorrow to shut you up." With that, he sent someone to fetch Luanr.

Meanwhile, at the Hall of Knowing Spring, Wu Mama had already taken her leave. Xianglan, after having lunch, went to the backyard and sat on a stone bench with Chunling, doing needlework. Xiao Juan was nearby preparing rouge, and the three chatted idly. Chunling looked at the shoes Xianglan was making for Xue Shi and praised the work, then quietly advised, "About what Wu Mama mentioned today, you should really take it seriously. Since Madam has asked you to go pay respects, it's not good to keep putting it off..."

Before she could finish, someone said, "What bad luck! Let's go—someone's already taken the spot!" Xianglan looked up and saw Luanr standing in the Covered Corridor with Cunxin, who was holding a small basket of sewing supplies. They had clearly intended to use the stone benches for needlework.

Xianglan stood up and said, "Let's go back," and began packing her sewing things.

Luanr sneered, "Don't leave on my account, lest people say I drove you away and it reaches Eldest Master's ears—how unpleasant that would be."

Xiao Juan was so angry she wanted to retort, but Xianglan pulled her back and continued packing to leave. Just then, Lianxin arrived and said, "Eldest Master has sent word from the front, asking you to come perform a song, miss."

Luanr's face changed, her fine eyebrows furrowing, and she said, "My voice is hoarse—I can't sing." She turned to leave.

Lianxin hurriedly stopped her, smiling, "How can it be hoarse? I just heard you singing a moment ago."

Luanr insisted, "It's hoarse, so it's hoarse. Go back and report to Eldest Master that I can't sing."Lianxin was at her wit's end, anxiously wringing her hands. Jixiang, standing not far away, had guessed that Lianxin wasn't eloquent enough to persuade Luanr. She approached with an ingratiating smile and said, "Miss Luanr, the Eldest Master specially sent me to personally invite you over. Please change your clothes and come along."

Luanr sneered, "Not even the Jade Emperor himself could get me to sing today. My voice is hoarse—I can't sing."

Jixiang replied, "You know the Eldest Master's temper—how can you refuse? Besides, it's all his close friends. They only want you to sing from behind a screen. I heard from the servants that the Eldest Master has been boasting about your singing, saying there's no one in all of Jinling who sings as beautifully as you. Even the Third Master is jealous, complaining that Old Madam was biased to give such a beautiful and talented singer to the Eldest Master!"

Jixiang's flattery softened Luanr's expression, and a smile appeared on her face. "The Third Master really shouldn't say such things in front of everyone."

Jixiang chuckled, "It's only because you sing so well. If you perform just one song from behind the screen today, you'll give the Eldest Master face and make him proud. Who knows what rewards he might give you then?" Noticing that Xianglan had already left with the others, she lowered her voice and added, "Haven't you been holding a grudge? This is your chance. Or do you want the Eldest Master to spend tonight in the main quarters again?"

Luanr flushed red and spat at Jixiang, "Bah! A dog's mouth can't produce ivory—if you say another word, I'll tear your lips!" But the words had struck a chord. Lost in thought, Luanr turned to change her clothes.

Cunxin followed, urging, "Miss, you mustn't go. You're the Eldest Master's woman—how can you casually sing for outside men? If this gets out, it'll damage your dignity. Madam will be displeased, and what will become of your standing?"

Luanr slowed her steps, thought for a moment, then continued toward her room. "You've seen it yourself—the moment the Eldest Master returns, he goes straight to the main quarters to be with that little hussy. They're inseparable! If this continues, where will I stand? If I sing well today and catch his attention, maybe he'll stay with us tonight and remember our past affection. Then I might finally conceive." She pushed the door open and began rummaging through her chests for outfits.

Cunxin protested, "If the Eldest Master truly cared for you, he wouldn't make you sing like this!" She grew frantic, thinking of seeking Shu Ran's help, but remembered that Shu Ran had gone home after lunch.

Luanr said, "Jixiang said I'll be behind a screen—no one will see me. What's undignified about that? Besides, if the Eldest Master orders me to go, can I really refuse?"

This last remark silenced Cunxin, who could only sigh helplessly as she helped Luanr dress and style her hair.

Jixiang waited under the corridor outside. Before long, Luanr emerged wearing a pink-green jacket with embroidered peach blossom patterns along the collar, a dark brown phoenix-patterned skirt, and hair adorned with pearls and jade. Her phoenix hairpin was slightly askew, her face radiant with makeup, and she carried a pipa gracefully in her arms.

Not daring to delay, Jixiang led Luanr to the flower hall. They entered through a side door, and Luanr took her seat behind the screen.The people in the room heard the tinkling of jade ornaments, followed by the fragrance of rouge and powder, and knew she had arrived. Luanr adjusted her pipa and said, "I am here. I wonder what songs you gentlemen would like to hear?" Her voice was delicate and charming, making everyone's hearts itch with curiosity, eager to catch a glimpse of the beauty behind the screen.

Lin Jinlou glanced at the others. Chu Dapeng said, "Sing the suite 'Gossamer in the Sun'."

Luanr then plucked the pipa and began to sing: "Gossamer in the sun drifts into the quiet courtyard, swaying like threads of spring. Pausing a moment to adjust my floral hairpin, the mirror unexpectedly steals half my face, tilting the colorful clouds askew. How can I step out of my fragrant chamber and reveal my whole self..." Truly, her voice was melodious and captivating, exceptionally moving.