Against the Current

That afternoon, Qin Shi was examining Lin Dongxiu’s needlework in her room when a servant announced from outside, "The Concubine Dowager has arrived with two young ladies and is just alighting from the carriage." Upon hearing this, Qin Shi promptly tidied herself and sent for Lin Jinlou and Lin Jinxuan. Accompanied by Lin Dongxiu and Tan Luhua, she went to the front to welcome them.

They ushered in Grandmother Jiang, whose hair was entirely silver, her frame thin and wiry, yet her spirit vigorous. She wore a forehead ribbon and a brown silk eight-treasure vest, leaning on a purple sandalwood carved bat longevity cane as tall as a person, with a string of prayer beads around her wrist. On either side, she was supported by two young maidens dressed as young ladies.

Qin Shi immediately ordered a feast to welcome them and had the luggage moved to Dream Fragrance Courtyard. This courtyard was originally Lin Changmin’s residence in the capital, symmetrically positioned opposite Lin Jinxuan’s current Kangshou Residence. It consisted of five or six rooms, complete with a front hall and rear quarters, and had a separate gate leading to the street. A corridor from the rear quarters’ side gate connected directly to the Inner Chambers of the Lin residence, placing it very close to Qin Shi’s Rongshou Hall. Qin Shi had ordered it cleaned overnight, ensuring all necessities were provided, and specially assigned several old women and servant boys for menial tasks, clearly demonstrating her warm hospitality.

Once everyone was seated in the main hall and maids had served tea, Grandmother Jiang presented the local gifts and greetings before saying with a smile, "At my age, I’ve lived many years. My youngest son cannot return from Fujian, and my eldest is heading to Zhejiang, so I’ve had no choice but to impose on your household—it’s truly improper."

Qin Shi, beaming warmly, replied, "We’re all family and see each other often. It’s too formal of you to say such things, Concubine Dowager." She then instructed Tan Luhua and Lin Dongxiu to pay their respects to Grandmother Jiang, who in turn had her two granddaughters greet Qin Shi. The girls, Jiang Danyu and Jiang Xiyun, were Grandmother Jiang’s granddaughters, born to different concubines and a year apart in age. Jiang Danyu was slender and graceful, with an oval face, delicate eyebrows, and lovely eyes, exuding refined elegance. Jiang Xiyun was slightly fuller in figure, her features picturesque, her skin luminous as snow, and her oval face adorned with a pair of small dimples, rendering her exquisitely beautiful beyond words. Both were rare beauties, yet Jiang Danyu appeared somewhat overshadowed when standing beside Jiang Xiyun.

Qin Shi held each girl’s hand, examining them closely, and delightedly told Grandmother Jiang, "In just a year or two, these young ladies have grown even more remarkable—truly like celestial maidens! You are so blessed, Concubine Dowager. My own girls pale in comparison!"

Grandmother Jiang chuckled and said, "Nonsense! Xiu is a rare beauty in the making, and your second daughter-in-law is one in a hundred, with features striking enough to captivate anyone. You just have a silver tongue to flatter." After a pause, she added, "Originally, I intended to bring only Xiyun, but Danyun insisted on accompanying me out of filial devotion to attend to me, so she came along as well."

Qin Shi smiled and said, "The more, the merrier. Young ladies like them can keep each other company." She seated Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun separately and continued, "Treat this place as your own home—don’t stand on ceremony. Here, you have your sisters-in-law and cousins. Though they may be unrefined, they’ll be good companions to ease any boredom. If you ever face any grievances, just come and tell me—your aunt will stand up for you." She then inquired in detail about what books they read and their daily activities.Grandmother Jiang said, "The girls all studied alongside the boys when they were young and learned to recognize a few characters. Dan Yu and her elder sister Feiyun were taught by the same tutor—she excels at poetry and is skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—" As she spoke, she observed Qin Shi's expression. Seeing approval on Qin Shi's face, and realizing she was not one of those women who believed "a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent," she felt reassured.

Qin Shi smiled and said, "Everyone knows your Feiyun is a renowned talented lady, especially in painting. Even the noble ladies in the imperial palace praise her work." She looked at Jiang Danyu and added warmly, "With such talent, this child truly lives up to her upbringing in the Grand Secretary's household."

Jiang Danyu beamed with pleasure but modestly replied, "You flatter me too much, Aunt. My elder sister is skilled in painting, while I learned the zither from a young age under a master's guidance. Now I can play a piece or two without disgracing my teacher's reputation."

Qin Shi smiled and praised her briefly. Jiang Danyu was about to say more when she noticed Qin Shi had already turned to Jiang Xiyun and asked, "Do you also study poetry, music, chess, calligraphy, or painting in your daily life?"

Jiang Xiyun, her round face wearing a cheerful smile, replied, "My sisters are all exceptionally talented. I'm the only one who's neither accomplished in literary arts nor martial skills—my poetry is mediocre, and my skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting are just passable. Not worth mentioning."

Grandmother Jiang laughed and said, "Poetry and songs are pursuits for men to show off their refinement. Xi Yu is good at writing essays and excels at needlework. All the forehead ribbons, hand warmers, knee pads, shoes, and socks I use throughout the year are made by her. Her embroidery patterns are both clever and vibrant."

At that moment, a group of maids supported and escorted a young man into the room. He appeared to be around twenty years old, wearing a satin blue scholar's cap and a gold-embroidered crane and deer auspicious robe. His complexion was pale, with delicate features and clear eyes, though his cheeks bore signs of illness. As he entered, Tan Luhua hurried forward to take over from the maids in supporting him. Jiang Danyu and Jiang Xiyun stood up to greet him. Qin Shi smiled and said, "This is Xuan Ge'er, your second cousin." Dan and Xi each greeted him with, "Second Cousin."

Lin Jinxuan, unaccustomed to social gatherings, smiled shyly and bowed with clasped hands. Tan Luhua helped him sit in a chair, then bustled about fetching cushions and pillows to support his back and arms, before personally handing him a bowl of tea.

Grandmother Jiang examined Lin Jinxuan carefully and said to Qin Shi, "I see Xuan Ge'er looks spirited and much sturdier than before."

Qin Shi smiled, "Indeed, it's all thanks to his wife's diligent care."

Tan Luhua, pleased by this comment, quickly replied, "Mother praises me too highly. I've done nothing deserving of credit."

After some casual conversation, the maids had already refreshed the tea and fruits. Qin Shi asked again, "Where is Lou Ge'er? Why hasn't he come yet?"

A maidservant from Qin Shi's household named Qiao Hui entered from outside and said, "We just went to invite him. The Master has guests in the front and will come later." Qin Shi said to Grandmother Jiang with a smile, "Look at this child, always busy with who knows what." After everyone chatted a while longer, Qiao Hui came in again and reported, "The Master just sent word from the inner gate that he's occupied with affairs and will come tomorrow to pay respects to the elders."

Qin Shi's expression darkened slightly, and she said calmly, "What matters could be so important that he can't even spare a moment? Tell him to come immediately to pay his respects."

Grandmother Jiang quickly interceded, "Lou Ge'er holds a high position with heavy responsibilities—naturally, he's burdened with official duties. Whether we see him today or tomorrow makes no difference. Why disturb him in his work?"Qin Shi said, "Since the elders have come, we must naturally observe proper etiquette. These matters are of no concern—I know what to do." She then smiled at Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun, saying, "You’ve met your elder cousin ten years ago and even played together. I wonder if you still remember him? He’s spent years in the military camps. Though he studied the classics in his youth, I’m afraid he’s long since neglected them, picking up rough manners instead. He’s quite different from your refined, scholarly brothers at home. Don’t be fooled by his blunt temper—he’s genuinely good-hearted, dependable, and willing to bear hardships. He’s never faltered in handling matters big or small, and he’s always been protective of his elders and siblings alike." As she spoke, she seemed to glance toward Jiang Xiyun.

Jiang Danyun replied gracefully, "To achieve the rank of a third-rank official at such a young age—our family has yet to produce someone like Elder Cousin."

Jiang Xiyun added, "I’ve long heard the elders speak of him. Elder Cousin earned military merits at a young age and is truly capable."

Before she finished speaking, hurried footsteps sounded outside. Qiaohui lifted the curtain and announced cheerfully, "The Master is here." By then, Lin Jinlou had already approached, raising a hand to sweep the curtain aside as he entered. Everyone except Grandmother Jiang and Qin Shi stood up. Danyun and Xiyun saw a man of towering stature and imposing presence, wearing a black gauze crown on his head, a brocade damask ground embroidered auspicious robe, a jade-inlaid gold belt at his waist, and blue satin court boots on his feet. With his sword-like eyebrows and straight nose, he carried an air of striking heroism. His entrance hushed the room, and the two cousins felt they had never encountered someone with such innate authority and composed calmness.

Qin Shi quickly greeted him, saying, "You’ve finally arrived. Hurry and pay respects to the Concubine Dowager and your cousins." Lin Jinlou promptly bowed to the three of them. Once seated, he surveyed the room, first glancing at Grandmother Jiang, then studying his two cousins. One was tall and slender, the other shorter and more voluptuous—the plumper one surprisingly more beautiful than the slimmer. He found himself gazing longer at her: her hair was swept into a side bun adorned with three lotus agate hairpins, and she wore a rose two-color gold sleeveless jacket over a snow-white inner garment, with a lotus root color embroidered skirt below. Her eyes were dark and luminous, like polished lacquer. Noticing his gaze, she offered a sweet smile, faintly revealing a pair of pear blossom dimples, instantly dimming the brilliance of all the jewels in the room.

Lin Jinlou was momentarily stunned. Meanwhile, Qin Shi had already begun introductions: "This is your fourth cousin, Danyun of the Jiang Family, and this is your fifth cousin, Xiyun. They visited our estate as children—Xiyun was just a chubby little girl back then."

Lin Jinlou laughed and said, "I remember. Fifth Cousin was very young then, always trailing after me, asking me to help her catch fish and butterflies by the pond."

Jiang Xiyun lowered her head, blushing. Grandmother Jiang pointed playfully at her and chuckled, "We’ve told her since she was little not to go near the pond, but she never listened. How many times was she punished with no desserts? She never learned her lesson."

Jiang Xiyun reached out to adjust Grandmother Jiang’s sleeve and straighten her skirt, deftly changing the subject: "Grandmother, the skirt you’re wearing today is so lovely." Her childish, coquettish demeanor was as endearing as a mewing kitten, drawing laughter from everyone.

Grandmother Jiang looked at her with affection, pulling her close and exclaiming, "You little monkey."Jiang Danyun had remained silent until now, but seeing the situation, she quickly interjected. Taking Jiang Xiyun's hand, she said in a soft voice, "Oh, that mouth of yours! No wonder Grandmother dotes on you most. I won't have it—Grandmother must hug me too." As she spoke, she stole a glance at Lin Jinlou from the corner of her eye, not daring to look directly, her face already flushing red.

Grandmother Jiang coughed lightly and said, "In principle, since this is our first visit today, I shouldn't bring up such matters. But now I have no choice but to shamelessly ask my dear nephew for a favor—" Grandmother Jiang had always valued her dignity and rarely asked others for help. Before she could finish speaking, her face already showed embarrassment.

This matter had previously been mentioned by Grandmother Jiang in a letter to Qin Shi. Seeing her expression, Qin Shi took over the conversation and said to Lin Jinlou with a smile, "Your second cousin from the Jiang family, Jingpei, currently holds the position of seventh-rank deputy commander in the capital's Five Divisions Military Command. He is highly skilled in martial arts. However, your uncle is about to take up a post in Zhejiang, and Jingpei, being filial, wishes to accompany and serve him. The problem is, he has no connections in the Zhejiang military, so he hasn't been able to secure a decent position. Since you often fraternize with various commanders in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, I wonder if you might have any leads?"

Jiang Xiyun's heart tightened, and she fixed her gaze intently on Lin Jinlou. This Jiang Jingpei was her own brother, born from the same mother, and she was genuinely concerned about him. At that moment, Hongjian came out carrying a gold-inlaid red lacquered tray to serve tea and refreshments. Jiang Xiyun hurried forward, personally took a bowl of tea, and presented it to Lin Jinlou, saying with a smile, "Cousin, have some tea." Noticing several plates of tea snacks on the tray, she selected the best one and eagerly offered it to Lin Jinlou, adding, "Cousin, the fruits on this plate are the reddest. Please have this one." Had anyone else acted so affectedly, it would surely have seemed unbecoming of a refined lady. But Jiang Xiyun, with her plump and petite figure, though already fifteen, still retained a childlike charm. Coupled with her exceptionally beautiful face and graceful demeanor, she came across as particularly clever and endearing.

Qin Shi couldn't help laughing and pointed at her, saying, "Look at her, she's just like when she was little. As a child, whenever she wanted an extra piece of pastry, she'd know to run to my side and act sweet, showering me with compliments like 'Auntie, you're so pretty' and 'Auntie, your skirt is so beautiful.'"

Before she finished speaking, everyone in the room burst into laughter. Lin Jinxuan laughed a few times but then started coughing. Tan Luhua quickly patted his chest to soothe him, personally handed him a cup of tea to moisten his throat, and used a handkerchief to wipe his mouth.

Jiang Danyun covered her mouth and chuckled softly, "Fifth Sister, for Second Brother's sake, now only recognizes Cousin. She doesn't even remember to serve Grandmother and Auntie tea anymore." Though seemingly a jest, her words carried an underlying jab. Grandmother Jiang frowned slightly at this.

Jiang Xiyun acted as if she hadn't understood, her expression remaining innocent and somewhat awkward from the teasing, her small face flushing crimson. She hurriedly served tea to Grandmother Jiang and Qin Shi, then personally peeled two fruits, presenting them on a handkerchief to Grandmother Jiang and Qin Shi, saying, "I peeled these fruits myself—Cousin doesn't get any. My hands are sweet, so these will be extra delicious. Please try them, Elders."

Qin Shi's lips immediately curved into a smile, her face beaming.

Grandmother Jiang laughed and scolded, "You little smooth-talker! You've been like this since you were small—truly, one doesn't know whether to adore you or be annoyed by you."Lin Jinlou raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that this Jiang Xiyun was truly perceptive and sharp-eyed. Women with such awareness and social grace were usually found in brothels. Young ladies from noble families were typically pampered and reserved—those who could be this poised and witty, appearing innocent yet shrewd, were truly rare. Seeing her radiant smile, he found her utterly charming. He took a sip of tea and said with a laugh, "Since I've drunk Fifth Cousin's tea, it's only natural to help with her request. That's easily done. Have your brother come see me tomorrow. After I've spoken with him, I'll write a letter to Yang Zhaolin at the Zhejiang Regional Military Commission. He'll make the arrangements."

At these words, the three members of the Jiang family beamed with joy. Jiang Xiyun immediately held out a handkerchief of treats to Lin Jinlou, offering an ingratiating and eager smile as she said, "You've worked hard, Cousin. Please, have some fruit."

Everyone laughed again, and even Lin Jinlou couldn't hold back a chuckle as he reached for one. Jiang Xiyun's cheeks flushed pink. Qin Shi glanced at Lin Jinlou, then at Jiang Xiyun, a look of satisfaction on her face as she nodded slowly. Jiang Danyu's eyes reddened with envy. When she looked up, she met Lin Dongxiu's disdainful expression. The two stared at each other for a moment before exchanging a knowing glance and lowering their heads.

Just then, Shuran peeked cautiously outside the window. Lin Jinlou immediately remembered he still had guests waiting—they must have grown impatient and sent Shuran to check on him. He stood up and said, "I have official duties to attend to and cannot stay long. I'll pay my respects to the Concubine Dowager in a couple of days when I have some free time."

Grandmother Jiang quickly replied, "You should go. Gentlemen must prioritize their official business, unlike us womenfolk who while away the time together."

Lin Jinlou rose, bowed in farewell, and walked to the door. Suddenly, he paused, turned back, and said with a smile, "There's something I nearly forgot. This afternoon, Mother borrowed someone from me and hasn't returned her yet. I'll take her back with me now."

Qin Shi's smile froze. That afternoon, Lin Dongxiu had shown her some bridal trousseau items she had embroidered herself in Qin Shi's room. Finding the patterns outdated, Qin Shi had mentioned that Xianglan could draw many fresh designs and had summoned her there. With the arrival of guests, she had forgotten Xianglan was still in the inner room. She wished she had sent her back earlier and was about to say Xianglan wasn't there when Lin Dongxiu suddenly spoke up: "Xianglan is right inside. I'll go get her." Without waiting for Qin Shi's reaction, she walked straight into the inner chamber.

Xianglan was sketching patterns at the table by the heated brick bed. Lin Dongxiu entered, grabbed her arm, and said, "Let's go. Brother is calling for you out front."

Xianglan had heard the occasional laughter and chatter from the front room and knew the Jiang family had arrived. Hesitantly, she said, "This—isn't appropriate. Fourth Young Miss, just tell him I'm not here. I'll return after the guests leave."

Lin Dongxiu glared and retorted, "Why should you wait until they're gone? Are you unfit to be seen or something?"

Xianglan was taken aback and could only smile wryly.

Lin Dongxiu gritted her teeth and said, "You don't know—the Jiang family brought two girls. One named Xiyun is utterly detestable, always stealing the spotlight to show off. I could tell at a glance what kind of vixen she is. Hmph! Their intentions are as plain as day—Sima Zhao's intentions are known to all. And you want to hide away now?" She looked Xianglan up and down, noting her plain attire, then snatched a pair of scissors and moved toward the bamboo orchid in a flowerpot nearby, saying, "You should've worn something brighter today. Let me just cut this flower for you to wear in your hair. I'll have another pot sent over later."

Xianglan quickly stopped her, sternly saying, "Stop this nonsense. Even if you cut it, I won't wear it!"Lin Dongxiu shot Xianglan a glare as if exasperated by her lack of resolve, saying, "I'm doing this for your own good, yet you mistake my kindness for ill intent."

Xianglan observed Lin Dongxiu. Since arriving in the capital, Lin Dongxiu had grown much warmer toward her, and it was clear she genuinely wished to befriend her—though not to the extent of standing up for her so righteously. Xianglan understood Lin Dongxiu's nature well: she thought highly of herself and was prone to jealousy. It seemed Jiang Xiyun must be exceptionally outstanding to have struck a nerve with the Fourth Miss Lin.

Lin Dongxiu tugged her along as they headed out. With no other choice, Xianglan rose, straightened her clothes, and followed behind Lin Dongxiu, walking with her head lowered. She could hear a murmur of voices outside, but as soon as she stepped through the inner chamber's door, the hall abruptly fell silent.

(Xiao He's Weibo account can be found by searching for He Yushan; additionally, methods to join the QQ group are available in the pinned post in the Qidian comment section.)