Against the Current

Early morning, at Longevity Residence.

"...That garment is already stained, the Concubine has given it to her maidservant. If Second Young Madam still wants it, she can send a maid over to fetch it. Here are two bolts of cloth. The Eldest Master said the weather is gradually warming up, so he asked Second Master to have two sets of clothes tailored." After speaking, Shu Ran instructed Ling Qing and Ling Su to set down the fabric, then added, "I still have duties to attend to, so I'll take my leave now. I'll pay my respects to Second Master another day." Having said this, she prepared to depart.

Lin Jinxuan had been keeping his head lowered, his face flushed crimson as if about to bleed. Hearing her words, he hurriedly rose and said, "Stay and have a cup of tea before you go."

Shu Ran smiled and replied, "No need, I truly have no time to spare today. Second Master should rest as well." With that, she lifted the curtain and left.

Lin Jinxuan sat back in his chair and let out a long sigh. Just then, Yin Yiniang entered the room. Spotting the two bolts of cloth on the table, she quickly stepped forward to feel them, exclaiming delightedly, "Where did these come from? Such fine silk can't be bought outside. This fabric will be enough to tailor a straight gown for you. With the leftover, I can even make a sleeveless jacket."

A crashing sound was heard from inside the room, as if someone had knocked over a teacup. Shortly after, Madam Tan emerged from the inner chamber. She first glanced at the bolts of cloth on the table, then shot Yin Yiniang a look before saying coldly, "So it's the Concubine who has come." With her head held high, she swept out of the room.

Lin Jinxuan wanted to stop her, but though his lips moved, no words came out. Yin Yiniang, however, stood with her eyebrows raised in anger, fuming, "How dare she! Who does she think she's giving that cold face to? She hasn't been married into this household for long, yet she dares to show such disrespect. Xuan'er, are you going to deal with this or not!"

Lin Jinxuan gave a bitter smile. Who else would she be directing her coldness at if not his concubine? Yesterday, his wife had asked him if she could have a jacket like the one his elder brother's favored concubine wore. He had agreed without hesitation—after all, it was just a piece of clothing and shouldn't cost much. But when he summoned Xue Ning, the maid in charge of Xianglan's wardrobe, he learned that the fabric of that jacket was glowing cloud brocade woven in Jiangnan, rare in the capital. Moreover, the pattern on it was designed by Xianglan herself and embroidered by a famous Hunan embroidery artisan, completely different from capital embroidery techniques. That single garment actually cost ten taels of silver. Lin Jinxuan found himself in a difficult position. His health was frail, and he spent his time recuperating and studying. His monthly allowance had always been managed by his concubine, leaving him no say in financial matters. Even after his marriage, the money hadn't been handed over to him. His concubine had merely told him that the wedding preparations and purchases had used up the funds. Being naturally careless about such matters, and since the family never shorted him on food or daily necessities, he hadn't paid it much mind. After his marriage, his allowance was managed by Madam Tan, amounting to only four taels per month. It wasn't until his wife mentioned wanting new clothes that he suddenly realized—not only did he not have ten taels of silver, he probably couldn't even scrape together five.

Yet he didn't want to disappoint his wife. She was a proper official's daughter—beautiful, charming, and talented. Since their marriage, she had been exceptionally tender toward him. They were in the honeymoon phase of marital bliss, where she would either accompany him in his studies or play chess with him. Her conversation and demeanor were far beyond what his previous maidservants could offer. Lin Jinxuan was utterly infatuated. At the same time, he felt inferior due to his weak health compared to his brothers, and worried about his future prospects of becoming an official and bringing honor to his wife and children. He believed he had wronged Madam Tan and became increasingly determined to make her happy. But now, he couldn't even afford to get her a piece of clothing. What was he to do?When Lin Jinxuan stammered that he had no spare silver, Madam Tan pressed him urgently. Upon learning that Yin Yiniang had previously managed his funds, she let out a cold laugh. After a moment's thought, she instructed Lin Jinxuan on what to say and ordered him to ask Lin Jinlou for money. Though reluctant, Lin Jinxuan went anyway. Unexpectedly, Lin Jinlou did not give him a jacket but instead gave him two bolts of cloth.

Lin Jinxuan coughed twice and pulled open the drawer by his bed. One drawer contained copper coins reserved for rewarding servants, while a brocade pouch held scattered bits of silver. Another drawer stored his daily hairpins, longevity locks, jade pendants, and fan tassels. Picking up a gold hairpin engraved with the character for longevity, he wondered if he should send a servant to pawn it to fund Madam Tan’s new dress.

Meanwhile, Madam Tan walked out to the small garden at the center of the old residence and sat on the Covered Corridor. Fanning herself with a handkerchief, she felt both humiliated and resentful. As the legitimate wife, she was utterly disgraced—even wanting to wear a decent, elegant dress required her to bow to a concubine. Xianglan giving that garment to a maid was a slap in her face! If only she had married Lin Jinlou, she would never have suffered such indignities!

At the thought of Lin Jinlou, Madam Tan’s face flushed. She reflected that during her maiden years, her beauty had been widely renowned, with many families seeking her hand in marriage. Several of her father’s disciples had found excuses to visit her home just to catch a glimpse of her. With such a woman by his side, how could a man like Lin Jinlou, so adept in romance, feel nothing for her? Lin Jinlou was tall, handsome, and wielded immense power—exactly the kind of man she should have entrusted her life to. But now, he was merely a stranger, and her secret longings could only be sighed over in solitude.

Feeling listless, Madam Tan found the small garden too cramped—just a square plot with an oddly shaped rock and some flowers, offering little scenery. After stewing in her frustration, she rose to leave but heard boisterous laughter and banter nearby, as if men were joking freely.

One voice said, "You two, keep it down. Don’t disturb the women in the inner quarters, or Yingyang will be displeased." The speaker was Chu Dapeng.

Liu Xiaochuan retorted boldly, "What status do we brothers hold? We’re here fixing his house and garden—how dare he be picky? If it weren’t for sprucing things up for the third brother’s wedding, I wouldn’t have come."

Xie Yu sneered, "Stop talking big. If you’ve got the guts, complain to Yingyang and see if he doesn’t kick you."

Liu Xiaochuan frowned, "I was drunk in the arms of a beauty last night, and you two dragged me out of bed this morning. I’m already pissed—don’t provoke me."

Xie Yu shot back, "If it weren’t for Boss Lin, would you even have spare silver to visit brothels? Enough nonsense. When someone says to repair the old house and plant more flowers for the third brother’s wedding, it was Old Chu and I who eagerly agreed. Pleasing that lord means plenty of silver to spend later. I brought you along to share in the favor—don’t be ungrateful."Liu Xiaochuan pointed at Xie Yu and said, "Bah! Xie the Second, I always knew you were a spineless wretch. Ever since we were kids, you've been trailing behind that bandit Lin like a shadow. If he farts, you'd call it a thunderclap; if he takes a shit, you'd claim it's ambergris. That Lin bandit keeps a barking black dog in the front courtyard, but frankly, why bother with a dog? He might as well put a leash on you instead."

Xie Yu retorted angrily, "You little brat, looking for trouble from your grandpa, are you? A couple of slaps from me ought to straighten you out!"

"Enough, enough, enough. You two start bickering like a pair of yapping dogs the moment you meet. Don't you ever get tired of it?" Chu Dapeng waved his hand dismissively, pulling a blueprint from his boot. Unfolding it, he pointed and said, "This residence next to the garden is the new bridal chamber. The roof tiles need to be replaced with uniform new ones, and the window coverings must be changed to madder silk gauze. As for the interior—tables, chairs, and stands—they're all existing and well-matched, so no need to replace them. But we'll need new furnishings: curtains, drapes, an ornate python robe, embroidered pile, kesi tapestry, ink wash paintings, gilt rattan red bamboo blinds, and bridal items like chair cushions, table skirts, bed skirts, table covers..." As he spoke, he moved forward and suddenly caught sight of a woman peeking out from the Covered Corridor behind them.

Chu Dapeng froze in surprise. Liu Xiaochuan, trailing behind, mocked, "Listen to him—sounds like he's turning into an old nanny." He then bumped into Chu Dapeng's back and grumbled, "Why'd you stop?" Peering ahead, he clicked his tongue and exclaimed, "Wow, Old Xie, come look! A fairy sister, hey!"

Madam Tan had initially intended to avoid them, but overhearing their lively and amusing banter, she guessed they were young masters from influential families friendly with Lin Jinlou. She couldn't resist hiding behind a pillar to sneak a glance. Now that she'd been spotted, her face flushed crimson, and she lowered her head to hurry away.

Xie Yu said, "What fairy sister? More like we've startled someone's inner household. Stop staring."

Liu Xiaochuan remarked, "You think that's Xianglan? I saw her once before, but I'd had too much to drink that time and only vaguely remember her being quite striking. By the next morning, I'd forgotten."

Chu Dapeng watched Madam Tan's retreating figure and said, "That's not her. Lin the Tyrant's beloved isn't as tall as her, and her features are more delicate."

Madam Tan, who had been about to leave, was suddenly stung by this comment, igniting her pride. She halted abruptly, took a deep breath, turned around, and strode back toward the three men. Approaching them, she composed herself gracefully, curtsied deeply, and said with a polite smile, "Honorable gentlemen, I am the wife of the Lin family's second son. Meeting you here by chance today fills me with embarrassment. If I have been remiss in etiquette, I beg your forgiveness."

The three men were taken aback, exchanging bewildered glances. Chu Dapeng cleared his throat lightly, clasped his hands in salute, and said, "It was we three who were rude. We apologize, sister-in-law."

At his words, Liu Xiaochuan and Xie Yu quickly echoed the sentiment and bowed to Madam Tan as well.

Madam Tan smiled gently and said, "You've come so early to attend to our family affairs—I am truly grateful. In a moment, I'll have maids bring tea and fruits to express our thanks. I shall take my leave now." With another curtsy, her eyes swept over the three men, lingering on Chu Dapeng, who stood at the forefront. She noted his exceptional looks—rosy lips, fair teeth, and an elegant bearing, every bit the handsome gentleman. Her gaze met his for an instant, and seeing the depth of emotion in his eyes, her cheeks flushed. She then turned gracefully and departed.Liu Xiaochuan commented with a critical tone, "Unbelievable, truly unbelievable. That sickly Lin Lao'er actually married such a lovely wife. Tsk, what a pity, what a pity." He nudged Xie Yu with his shoulder and said, "Don't you agree?"

Xie Yu nodded and replied, "You’re not wrong—she truly carries a distinct charm. I heard Lin Lao'er married Tan Luhua, a daughter of the Tan family, who was quite renowned among the young ladies in the capital back in the day. Only now, seeing her in person, do I realize how extraordinary she is."

Madam Tan intentionally slowed her pace, listening to their discussion as she walked, and her mood suddenly brightened, a smile gracing her lips. After all, she was a noble lady—how could she be compared to someone like Xianglan, a lowly servant who only rose to prominence by clinging to someone of higher status?

Just then, Chu Dapeng noticed something left behind where Madam Tan had been standing. He stepped forward for a closer look and found a sachet shaped like a lozenge knot, embroidered with vibrant red flowers and exuding a subtle, delicate fragrance.