Against the Current

Wu Mama remarked, "Miss Xi's temperament is indeed pleasing, but how does Taitai know for certain that she is gentle-natured and kind-hearted?"

Qin Shi smiled faintly and said, "We are already related by marriage. With some casual inquiries, everyone familiar with their family praises her without exception. She is particularly filial—otherwise, why would the Concubine Dowager dote on her so much?" Rubbing her temples, she added, "But we cannot rely solely on hearsay. It wouldn't hurt to keep her by our side for a while and observe her before making a decision. She does seem neat and endearing."

Wu Mama sighed, "Taitai truly exhausts herself with worry. Since ancient times, mothers have always worn their hearts out for their children."

Qin Shi let out a soft sigh and said, "Nowadays, I can only confide such matters in you. If my sister-in-law were more capable, I might have some support, but Qi Jie'er has married away—"

Wu Mama comforted her with a smile, "There's no need for Taitai to be disheartened. In due time, when the Master properly marries a lady, Taitai will be able to rest easy."

Qin Shi sighed again, "I can only hope so."

Let us set aside the idle chatter between Qin Shi and Wu Mama for now. When the three generations of the Jiang Family returned to Dream Fragrance Courtyard, the rooms had already been tidied up. Grandmother Jiang rested in the bedroom, Jiang Xiyun stayed in the adjoining warm chamber, and Danyun was settled in the Green Gauze Cabinet. After Grandmother Jiang met the maids and old women assigned by Qin Shi, she dismissed them to rest. She then sat on the large Heated Brick Bed, propped the window open with a stone swallow, and absentmindedly gazed outside while twisting her prayer beads. Suddenly, footsteps were heard outside, the curtain was lifted, and Jiang Xiyun entered with her head bowed. Without a word, she went straight to the bed, took off her shoes, rolled onto it, and snuggled restlessly against Grandmother Jiang, nestling her head in her embrace and tugging at her sleeve.

Grandmother Jiang affectionately patted Jiang Xiyun's back and asked, "Is everything in the room settled? Why do you look so listless?"

Jiang Xiyun mumbled, "It's nothing, Grandmother. Originally, there was no issue, but the more I ponder, the more upset I feel—"

Before she could finish, Liusu, Grandmother Jiang's personal maid, entered and said, "Grandmother, First Madam has sent Hongjian to check if you are resting well."

Grandmother Jiang quickly rose and said, "Please invite her in." Jiang Xiyun also hurriedly sat up.

Hongjian entered with two maidservants, her face beaming with a smile, and said, "Our Taitai is concerned about the Concubine Dowager, fearing you might not be resting well, so she sent me to check on you."

Grandmother Jiang smiled and said, "It's so thoughtful of my niece-in-law to worry about me."

Jiang Xiyun had already gotten off the bed and quickly said with a smile, "Sister, please have a seat."

Hongjian smiled, "Miss Xi, there's no need to trouble yourself." She beckoned the two maidservants forward and had them place the items they were carrying on the table, then added, "The Concubine Dowager has endured a tiring journey, and the weather is hot. Today's discussions must have been exhausting. Taitai had the kitchen prepare a bowl of silver ear and lotus seed soup for you to relieve the heat. She also instructed: although incense is burned in the room to repel mosquitoes and the gauze windows are fine, small insects might still find their way in. So, she asked me to bring a brand new scallion-green floral mosquito net."

Grandmother Jiang had already chanted "Amitabha" and replied with a gentle smile, "Everyone says my niece-in-law is extremely attentive and considerate. My elder sister has praised her to me many times, but now I realize that those praises don't even amount to one-tenth of your Taitai's virtues!"Jiang Xiyun blinked her large eyes and smiled sweetly, saying, "Aunt must be a true heroine of humble origins. Just now, Grandmother instructed me to learn well from Aunt."

Hongjian smiled and said, "Earlier when we were chatting, Miss Xi mentioned how lovely the orchid in Taitai's room was. Taitai asked me to bring it over for you to enjoy. There's also a pot of jasmine, equally fragrant."

Grandmother Jiang exclaimed, "How could we accept this? She's just a child who speaks without thinking, troubling our niece-in-law like this!"

Jiang Xiyun blushed and said, "It was thoughtless of me to mention it at Aunt's place earlier—"

Hongjian comforted her with a smile, "It's just a pot of flowers. Taitai has more in her room. Please accept it, Miss." After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Grandmother Jiang, she left with her attendants.

Jiang Xiyun let out a deep sigh and sat on the edge of the bed, staring blankly at the graceful orchid on the table.

Grandmother Jiang gently patted her shoulder. Jiang Xiyun turned her head, and Grandmother Jiang, looking into her lively eyes, said softly, "Good child, Grandmother knows what's on your mind."

Jiang Xiyun remained silent, leaning softly into Grandmother Jiang's embrace. She understood perfectly well the deeper meaning behind this pot of flowers. She had praised the orchid, and Qin Shi had promptly sent it over that very evening, giving it only to her and not to Danyun. Qin Shi's partiality toward her was clear, and it was also meant to reassure her. Even before coming to the Lin Family, her father and stepmother had repeatedly reminded her that the marriage alliance with the Lin Family was inevitable. Her second brother had inquired about Lin Jinlou and learned that he had a favored concubine at home, which she was already well aware of—though she hadn't paid it much mind. A girl of humble origins, no matter how beautiful or cunning, could hardly cause trouble under her watch. But today, after meeting Lin Jinlou and seeing Chen Xianglan in person, Jiang Xiyun realized that things were far from simple.

Grandmother Jiang patted her shoulder intermittently and said, "Now that the Lin Family's Taitai has gone to such lengths, any resentment or grievance in your heart should dissipate."

Jiang Xiyun said nothing. After Grandmother Jiang held her and rocked her for a while, she suddenly spoke, "How can I not feel aggrieved, Grandmother? Must this marriage happen?"

Grandmother Jiang released Jiang Xiyun and looked at the delicate, lovely young girl before her. Tenderly, she tucked the stray hairs behind Jiang Xiyun's ear and said softly, "The Lin Family has produced officials for generations. Quietly, they have grown deep roots and flourished, standing firm through the years. Lin Jinlou is no frivolous nobleman—he is naturally intelligent and excelled in his studies. Several great scholars praised his essays. Who would have thought he would abandon the pen for the sword? In recent years, he has frequently distinguished himself in military service, and his promotions have been as rapid as a skyrocket. He is also highly skilled in maneuvering through official circles. Several senior officials who often visit our family mention Lin Jinlou, saying that despite his youth, having been immersed in the official world since childhood, he has long become as shrewd as Lin Zhaoxiang. Such an illustrious son-in-law is coveted by many families in the capital. Since your aunt has taken a liking to you, how could your father refuse?"Jiang Xiyun pursed her lips. Grandmother Jiang sighed and drew her into her arms again, saying, "Your grandfather passed away early. If not for your father's determination and being promoted by influential patrons, our family would have inevitably declined. Now that he has left the cabinet for an external post, although several officials say he is destined for future promotion, the emperor's favor is hard to predict. His Majesty is still in his prime, and we don't know how long your father must endure in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. What if His Majesty forgets about him—" Grandmother Jiang shook her head. "That's why your parents hope you'll marry into the Lin Family. Lin Changzheng is a high-ranking regional official whose words carry great weight in court."

Jiang Xiyun said gloomily, "Has Grandmother considered my feelings? Lin Jinlou has a fondness for romantic pursuits, and he keeps such a favored concubine in his chambers—that Chen Xianglan truly has exceptional looks, and her mannerisms are rare even among young ladies."

Grandmother Jiang remained silent for a long while before patting Jiang Xiyun and saying, "Don't worry, don't worry. Let's observe the situation a bit longer." As she spoke, she turned her face toward the orchid plant, thinking to herself, "Don't be afraid, Xiyun. Grandmother will protect you in all matters and ensure your safety and happiness."

Meanwhile, in the Green Gauze Cabinet, Jiang Danyu was about to remove her makeup when Qingfen approached, dismissed the young maid attending to her washing, and whispered a few words in her ear.

Jiang Danyu was startled, her eyes widening as she said, "What? They really sent the orchid that little minx praised?"

Qingfen quickly covered Jiang Danyu's mouth and urged anxiously, "My lady, keep your voice down. Don't let anyone hear."

Jiang Danyun sneered, "They won't hear. They're probably overjoyed in their room right now." Her eyes reddened as she added, "Alas, I have no choice. If I hadn't begged Father, would Grandmother have agreed to bring me? Grandmother doesn't favor me. Even though I'm older than Fifth Sister, good opportunities never come my way."

Qingfen comforted her, "Don't lose heart, my lady. We're still staying with the Lin Family. Their household will surely come to recognize your virtues in time."

Unable to calm her resentment after much thought, Jiang Danyun straightened her clothes and went out. Entering the bedroom, she lifted the curtain and saw Jiang Xiyun attending to Grandmother Jiang's washing. Forcing a smile, she approached and said, "I was just coming to serve you, Grandmother. I didn't expect Fifth Sister to already be here."

Grandmother Jiang glanced at Jiang Danyun and replied with a faint smile, "Fourth Girl is quite filial."

Jiang Danyun hurriedly took the comb and began combing Grandmother Jiang's hair, saying with a laugh, "No matter how filial I am, I can't compare to Fifth Sister." She then smiled at Jiang Xiyun and said, "Fifth Sister has always known how to care for Grandmother since childhood—making hats in the cold, sewing shoes in the heat, attending to every need with warmth. No wonder Grandmother dotes on you so."

Jiang Xiyun merely pursed her lips in a silly smile and did not respond.

Grandmother Jiang's expression remained impassive. She opened her eyes and glanced at Jiang Danyun in the mirror, smiling slightly as she said, "I cherish all of you girls equally. Young ladies should be nurtured with care." Suddenly, her face turned stern as she added, "Now that we're staying with relatives, both of you must be cautious in speech and conduct, displaying the demeanor of well-bred young ladies. Don't be petty and squabble over trivial matters, lest you bring contempt upon yourselves! Whoever shames the family will face my wrath first!"Jiang Danyu's face instantly flushed crimson. Both Dan and Xi gathered their skirts and curtseyed, murmuring assent. Just as Jiang Danyu was about to offer some words in her own defense, she heard Jiang Xiyun chuckle and say, "Just now, Cousin's wife sent over two potted plants—one orchid for me, and another double-petaled jasmine for you, sister. I took a sniff earlier, and it's incredibly fragrant!"

Jiang Danyu turned her head and indeed spotted a jasmine plant beside the orchid in the corner. Recalling how Qin Shi had earlier asked about the scent of the sachet she wore, to which she had replied it was filled with jasmine petals, she realized Qin Shi must have sent the plant for that very reason. At this thought, she finally let out a relieved sigh.

Grandmother Jiang opened her eyes and, catching sight of Jiang Danyu's faintly pleased expression in the mirror—as if all her pent-up frustration had dissipated—remarked calmly, "Don’t forget to go thank her tomorrow morning. Even a mere pot of flowers, and she still thought of us." Both Yun sisters responded in unison. Out of the corner of her eye, Grandmother Jiang noticed her younger granddaughter secretly making a face at her and couldn’t help shaking her head inwardly before closing her eyes once more.