Against the Current

Lin Jinlou approached and saw that the girl was rather plain-looking, her face utterly unremarkable and filled with terror. He weakly lowered his arm; the excitement that had driven him back at full gallop had now completely vanished.

Shu Tong’s legs gave way, and she knelt down, trembling as she called out, "Eldest Master."

Lin Jinlou sat down, his face weary and his expression growing increasingly somber. He closed his eyes briefly. Xianglan still hadn’t been found, and it was highly likely she had been kidnapped by bandits. To rescue her, he needed to know who was behind it. He ran through the list of people capable of challenging him in his mind, his thoughts in disarray. He never expected that someone would dare provoke him on his own turf, which both shocked and enraged him. Losing Xianglan only fueled his fury further. He suppressed the raging fire within him again and again, feeling as though he could barely contain it. Suddenly, he stood up, drew the Horse Saber from his waist, and with a loud clang, slashed at the Eight Immortals table beside him. A cacophony of shattering sounds followed as the teacups and tea set on the table were hacked to pieces, tea splashing and spilling everywhere.

Shu Tong screamed in fright, nearly wetting herself in terror. She assumed Lin Jinlou was furious with her for withholding information and intended to kill her to vent his anger. She began kowtowing frantically, her head thumping against the floor as she wailed, "Spare me, Eldest Master! Spare me! This servant didn’t mean to hide this matter… absolutely not… please spare my life! Spare my life!" She pleaded desperately, her forehead already bruised and purple from the impact.

Lin Jinlou was taken aback. Being a clever man, he immediately detected something amiss in Shu Tong’s words. His gaze darkened as he slowly sheathed his saber and gave a slight nod, feigning sternness as he probed, "Then tell me exactly what happened. If your explanation makes sense, I’ll spare your life. But if you dare play tricks, you’re only asking for an early death!"

Shu Tong hurriedly replied, "This servant wouldn’t dare! This servant wouldn’t dare!" Trembling, she recounted how Lin Dongxiu had stumbled upon Lin Dongling meeting secretly with the tall, sturdy opera performer in the Three Saints Hall. When she mentioned that the several deaths in the household from smallpox were connected to Lin Dongling and that opera performer, Shu Tong cautiously glanced up at Lin Jinlou. His expression remained unreadable, his cold gaze fixed on her like the King of Hell in the underworld. A shiver ran through her, and she stammered her way to the end of the story.

Lin Jinlou asked, "What did that opera performer look like?"

Shu Tong said, "Fourth Miss only mentioned that the opera performer was tall and sturdy, about… about your stature… with Painted Face Makeup on, so his features were unclear…" She added tearfully, "…This servant thought Third Miss was planning to elope with someone, and Fourth Miss was afraid of causing trouble, so the matter was suppressed and never mentioned. Besides, with seven or eight lives lost in the household, if word got out, it would be a scandal… If the second branch found out that the young lady had witnessed such disgraceful conduct, they would surely hold a grudge against her…" Her voice grew softer as she spoke, her own confidence waning, until she gradually fell silent.

Lin Jinlou elegantly crossed his legs and looked down at Shu Tong, saying, "So it seems you truly are a loyal servant, always thinking of your young lady’s best interests."

Shu Tong shrank back slightly, prostrate on the ground and not daring to move.

Lin Jinlou sprang to his feet and called out as he strode toward the door, "Guards! Tie her up and throw her into the carriage to take away!"

Shu Tong was horrified and opened her mouth to wail, but the guards who entered immediately gagged her.Lin Jinlou commanded further, "Select twenty men and go to Du Bin's residence. Arrest his entire family for me, not a single one is to be missed!" The guards acknowledged the order and departed. Lin Jinlou let out a long breath, gulped down half a cup of cold tea, and forcibly suppressed the raging fury within him. Earlier, when Zidai had mentioned the matter of the brocade pouch, he had assumed the girl was making wild accusations and attempting to frame Xianglan. But now, after hearing Shu Tong's account, everything became startlingly clear! So it was the Du siblings who had conspired to set a trap for him!

Someone of similar height and build, tall and robust, whom Lin Dongling had addressed as "Brother Du"—who else could it be but Du Bin? So this treacherous scoundrel had long since seduced his cousin. Having fallen out of favor with him, Du Bin must have latched onto some new patron, colluding from within and without to scheme against him. With the New Year approaching and two weddings to arrange in the coming year, Madam Qin and the other ladies of the household had ceased their outings, except for overnight stays at temples during religious ceremonies. That wretched dog had deliberately infected Lin Dongling’s maid with smallpox, then conspired with Huamei to use a disease-ridden brocade pouch to endanger his life and estate. Somehow, the pouch had ended up in Yingge’s hands, and everyone who touched it had died. He had previously wondered why it was Du Bin who rescued the mother and daughter of the second branch. Du Bin had not been among the personal soldiers he dispatched to the temple that day. Now it seemed clear: Du Bin had been colluding with outsiders to abduct the women, and only turned traitor when pursued by the guards. How he regretted being so preoccupied with the search at the time that he failed to probe deeper into the matter. Lin Jinlou suddenly recalled that on the night of the incident, Lu Shaotang had invited him to dine at the Happy Red Court... Could it be him?

At that moment, a guard appeared at the door and reported, "General, all have been captured, except for Du Bin and his elder sister Huamei, whose whereabouts are unknown. It is said that after returning from the Lin residence that day, Huamei claimed she was taking her concubine mother to offer incense at the temple and has not been seen since. Du Bin left on duty a few days ago and has not returned."

Lin Jinlou slammed a cup against the wall with a crash, his words hissed through clenched teeth: "Good, very good! Lock them all up in the military prison to await judgment!" With that, he turned and strode out.

He rode swiftly back to the Lin residence. No sooner had he entered the main gate than Shuangxi hurried to meet him, having evidently waited for some time. Taking in Lin Jinlou’s ferocious expression, he halted mid-step, bowed even lower, and fixed his eyes on his own shoes as he said, "The Old Master has sent someone to inquire several times. He said you are to go to his quarters as soon as you return home..." He watched Lin Jinlou sweep past like a whirlwind before finally letting out a relieved sigh. Turning, he spotted Gui Yuan emerging from inside carrying a birdcage. He promptly smacked the latter on the back of the head and scolded, "Haven’t you noticed something’s off with the masters since yesterday? And you still have the leisure to play with birds? If the Eldest Master takes a dislike to you and gives you a thrashing later, don’t say I didn’t warn you."

Gui Yuan rubbed his head indignantly. "This belongs to Miss Xianglan. One of the food containers broke, so I brought the cage out to replace it."

"Pah! Still calling her 'Miss Xianglan'!" Shuangxi cursed under his breath, then lowered his voice. "Miss Xianglan hasn’t returned, and the Eldest Master is scowling. Think about it—who could possibly make the Eldest Master look like that?"

"Who?" Gui Yuan also lowered his voice, his eyes darting. "The Marquis of Yongxin, who’s always at odds with the Eldest Master? Commander Chen, who takes bribes and never gives them back? Or has that shrew from the Zhao family sent someone to cause trouble again?""Tsk...how can you not understand? How vexing. Alright, alright, just stay out of the Eldest Master's way." Seeing Gui Yuan still looked confused, Shuangxi gave him a light kick on the backside and said, "Get lost now!"

Gui Yuan hastily scurried away with the birdcage, only stopping when he reached the corner. He glanced back at Shuangxi's figure and snorted to himself, "How could I not understand? Your Brother Gui sees everything clearly in his heart. It's just that Miss Xianglan has upset the Eldest Master again. It'll blow over in a couple of days." He then teased the bird in the cage and chuckled, "In front of those the Eldest Master favors, we have to act a bit foolish so we don't get in their way, right?" Whistling, he went on his way, and we'll leave him for now.

Meanwhile, as soon as Lin Jinlou entered Old Master Lin's courtyard, he sensed a grim atmosphere. The place was eerily quiet with no one in sight, only the main hall brightly lit. Two of Old Master Lin's trusted old servants were guarding the door, and upon seeing Lin Jinlou, they hurriedly rose to open it.

Lin Jinlou stepped inside. Lin Zhaoxiang and Old Madam Lin sat solemnly at the head, with Qin Shi and Lin Dongxiu seated in the first position to the left, and Wang Shi and Lin Jinting on the other side. In the center knelt Lin Dongling, weeping pitifully, her sobs choking her voice. Wang Shi's eyes were swollen as she sniffled intermittently, while Lin Jinting's face was full of resentment, his eyes wide and fists clenched tightly. Qin Shi and Lin Dongxiu kept their heads bowed in silence.

Lin Zhaoxiang tapped his cane on the patterned brick floor and said, "You're here, just in time. Your father and second uncle are away. Your third sister has something to say—she's been threatening to kill herself all afternoon. Listen to her."

Lin Dongling turned to Lin Jinlou and cried, "Eldest Brother! I... I... last night, I fell into the hands of bandits and was missing all night. Though I wasn't defiled, my reputation is ruined. It was only thanks to Lord Du, one of your Personal Soldiers, that I was rescued. I can never repay his great kindness in saving me. He saw me in only my undergarments and brought me home in front of everyone. Now, the only way out for me is to marry him. If... if you all pressure me otherwise, I'll have no choice but to end my life with a rope..." She broke into soft sobs again.

After crying for a moment, she sensed something amiss and cautiously looked up. What she saw was Lin Jinlou, his rage blazing, bloodshot eyes glaring, his entire presence like a fierce demon from hell. Lin Dongling was terrified, her bones turning to jelly, and she instinctively shuffled backward, still whimpering softly.

Lin Jinlou could no longer contain his fury, a surge of anger clogging his throat. He stepped forward, grabbed Lin Dongling by the collar, and hauled her to her feet. Terrified, she screamed and struggled, "Eldest Brother, what are you doing? Let go! Let go!" Before she could finish, Lin Jinlou slapped her hard across the face. The blow left her ears ringing, disoriented, with blood streaming from both nostrils.Everyone was dumbstruck. Old Madam Lin shouted loudly, "Eldest Brother, stop at once!" Wang Shi had already risen from her seat and rushed over, grabbing Lin Jinlou's arm as she raged, "Lou Ge'er, what are you doing? What are you doing! Ling Jie'er is still young. If she's done something wrong, you should teach her properly. Why are you hitting her? Let go! Let go now!" She then looked at Lin Dongling and saw the delicate face swollen high with palm marks, blood dripping down, staining her clothes. She burst into tears, crying, "My child! How are you? Say something!" Then she turned furious, "The Old Master is still here! What are you doing? Let go now, or don't blame me, your aunt, for being harsh. You must give me an explanation for this!"

Qin Shi hurried forward, slapped Lin Jinlou twice, and scolded, "Have you gone mad? Let go at once!"

Lin Jinlou sneered coldly and roared, "I've gone mad? It's my third sister who's gone mad! A shameless, lewd beast, carrying on an affair with a disloyal servant under my command, bringing smallpox into the household, scheming to harm the family... And now she's still clamoring to marry her beloved sweetheart. Fine, very fine! Didn't you say your love runs deep? Today, I'll beat you to death, then go finish him off. Your brother will help you become a pair of Doomed Lovers!" As he spoke, he landed seven or eight more slaps, the sound sharp and crisp. Lin Jinlou's strength was beyond what an ordinary person could endure, let alone a delicate girl like Lin Dongling. These blows knocked out her teeth, leaving her face a bloody mess, so battered she couldn't even cry out.

Wang Shi kicked and hit Lin Jinlou, her hairpins coming loose, then knelt before the Old Master and pleaded, "Old Master, won't you control him? I beg you! I beg you!" Lin Jinlou paid no heed, sneering, "I've detained two maidservants. If Second Aunt doesn't believe me, go question them yourself, then come back and tell me if her deeds are forgivable! Should we wait for this immoral wretch to bring ruin upon the entire family before we act?"

Lin Jinting, tears in his eyes, knelt on the ground and said, "Brother, please stop. The elders are all here. Must it come to this?"

The Old Master's face turned pale as he stood up, striking the floor forcefully with his cane and shouting, "Scoundrels! All of you, stop this! What disgraceful behavior!"

Lin Jinlou casually tossed Lin Dongling to the ground. Wang Shi let out a mournful cry and rushed over, using a handkerchief to wipe the blood from Lin Dongling's face. Seeing Lin Dongling dazed and seemingly senseless, she hugged her and wept, "My child! You've suffered!" She repeatedly ordered someone to fetch a physician, all the while glaring viciously at Lin Jinlou through her tears.

Lin Jinlou sneered inwardly and went out to order Shu Tong brought in. At the doorway, he whispered to her, "What you said earlier at the inn, say it again exactly. I'll spare your life. If even one word is off..." Shu Tong, terrified, nodded frantically, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."

Shu Tong then knelt on the ground and recounted the events at the Three Saints Hall once more. Lin Dongxiu trembled all over, her hands and feet icy cold, her head bowed low. Suddenly, she heard Lin Zhaoxiang ask, "Fourth Girl, is what she said true?"

Lin Dongxiu's legs gave way, and she slumped to the floor with a thud, her voice trembling as she said, "Yes... it's true..."

Old Madam Lin let out a faint cry and fainted.Qin Shi was dumbstruck, thinking to herself, "This is no place to linger—with the Old Master personally presiding, I'd better slip away to avoid suspicion." Seeing Old Madam Lin faint, she seized the opportunity and hurried forward to attend to her, helping two maids carry Old Madam Lin away.

Wang Shi's heart sank, but her maternal love prevailed as she cried out indignantly, "Lies! All lies! Lingjie is the kindest, most devoted child—how could she do such a thing!" Seeing Lin Dongling's pitiful state, her heart ached even more, and she wept, "They must have conspired with blackened hearts to frame Lingjie! Even if Lingjie did anything wrong, it should be the Old Master and Old Madam who discipline her, or her father and I—how dare a junior take it upon himself to punish her, and beat her so badly... My child! If anything happens to you, I won't go on living either..."

Lin Jinlou ignored Wang Shi's wailing and, looking at his grandfather's pallid face, said, "Du Bin must have colluded with an outsider—most likely Lu Shaotang. That scoundrel is desperate for money; recently he even trafficked military supplies. This time, he probably intended to kidnap the women of the household to extort ransom. If they'd gotten the silver, none of our family would have returned alive. But now both Du Bin and Huamei have fled..."

Before he could finish, Lin Dongling suddenly sat up, her face streaked with blood and tears, and screamed hoarsely through gritted teeth, "Nonsense! My Du Lang would never do such a thing! You're all lying! Lying!"