Against the Current

Lin Jinlou was busy exchanging pleasantries with cupped hands when he suddenly noticed De Ge'er approaching with a cup of wine, saying earnestly, "Your nephew offers Uncle Lin a drink."

Beaming, Lin Jinlou took the cup and drank it in one go, then ruffled De Ge'er's little head. "Good lad, you've grown taller these past couple days. I'll take you horseback riding again soon."

De Ge'er's eyes sparkled as he threw himself at Lin Jinlou's legs, hopping up and down. "Really?"

Lin Jinlou pinched the boy's chubby cheek again, his heart softening. At his age, he ought to have such a sturdy, lively child of his own. If Xianglan had borne him an heir, she wouldn't need to be so cautious anymore. Since Jiang Xiyun had entered the household, Xianglan had become increasingly wary. Originally timid, she now hardly dared breathe too loudly, constantly yielding and showing weakness in everything. He couldn't understand what she was so afraid of—she was his beloved concubine, what troubles could she not share with him? Even if he intended to marry Jiang Xiyun, he would never let Xianglan suffer. He saw right through the Jiang Family's schemes—they were after that jade pendant. If Xianglan simply couldn't compete, that would be one thing, but trying to play tricks right under his nose? Absolutely not.

Just then, everyone raised their cups to propose toasts, clamoring that he must drink three penalty cups.

Lin Jinlou didn't refuse, downing three cups in quick succession. The crowd cheered and laughed, ushering him to his seat. Shuangxi hurriedly poured wine into Lin Jinlou's cup, while Ji Xiang promptly served his favorite dishes into the small pink-and-white plate before him. Lin Jinlou gestured, and Shuangxi immediately leaned in close. Lin Jinlou whispered, "Go find Shuran and get the household token. Send someone to fetch Imperial Physician Zhang again. Tell him the previous prescriptions haven't produced results yet—have him come diagnose her once more and try a new formula."

Shuangxi shrank his neck, thinking, "Oh my lord, you're about to discuss marriage with the Jiang Family, yet you're still fixated on getting Xianglan pregnant? Aren't you worried a legitimate eldest son born to a concubine might upset Miss Jiang?" He lifted his head to exchange a meaningful glance with Ji Xiang, but instead met with a fierce glare. Shrinking his neck again, Shuangxi scurried off like the wind.

Soon, everyone took turns toasting Lin Jinlou, who returned each toast graciously. After the pleasantries, Chu Dapeng laughed and said, "We heard you've been accompanying the emperor these days and caught the crown prince's eye at the Imperial Presence. How we brothers envy you! When good fortune comes your way, don't forget us."

Lin Jinlou pointed at him playfully. "How ungrateful! Since we were boys, when have I ever had good fortune without sharing it with you?"

Liu Xiaochuan heckled, "For that, you deserve a penalty drink!"

Chu Dapeng smiled, raised his cup, and drank it down as self-punishment.

At that moment, Lu Chaozong approached with a cup, smiling faintly at Lin Jinlou. "I've come to propose a toast to Brother Lin."

Lin Jinlou also stood up, beaming. "You're too kind, Brother Lu."

After they exchanged toasts, Lu Chaozong said, "It's been two or three years since we last met, since you returned to Jinling."

Lin Jinlou replied, "We're family after all—we ought to visit more often." Then he raised his voice and commanded, "Quickly, bring an extra chair to this table for Master Lu!"Lu Chaozong felt a sense of pride as he sat beside Lin Jinlou. Though only a sixth-rank officer in the Emperor's personal guard, the Right Imperial Guard of the Feathered Forest, his position was prestigious and his future promising. After exchanging pleasantries with Lin Jinlou, he smiled and said, "These past few days, my wife's relatives have been imposing on your hospitality at your residence."

Lin Jinlou laughed, "Brother Lu, there's no need for such formality."

As he poured wine for Lin Jinlou, Lu Chaozong continued, "Speaking of which, my wife often mentions her fifth sister, saying she is graceful and elegant, dignified in demeanor, and exceptionally kind-hearted—filial, pleasing, and admirable in every way. When the sisters used to spend time together, there were inevitably occasional squabbles, but Fifth Sister never picked fights. She always maintained a harmonious expression and often mediated disputes, sharing the best things with her siblings. She is particularly skilled in needlework and has made several complete outfits for her nephew. Brother Lin, if you ever need anything made, feel free to ask her." He raised his own glass and clinked it with Lin Jinlou's, engaging in casual conversation before circling back to praise Jiang Xiyun's virtues.

Lin Jinlou understood Lu Chaozong's intentions perfectly. With only female relatives from the Jiang Family staying, it would be inappropriate for them to sing their own praises. Coming from Lu Chaozong, such compliments sounded more natural. Lin Jinlou merely smiled and listened quietly as Lu Chaozong repeatedly toasted him, and Lin Jinlou accepted each cup without refusal. Lu Chaozong's smile widened. Liu Xiaochuan muttered under his breath, "What nonsense, bootlicker."

Chu Dapeng kicked him under the table and said, "Keep your mouth shut. Can't you see Lin Bawang is drinking every toast he offers?"

Liu Xiaochuan fell silent, rubbing his nose resentfully. He and Lu Chaozong had once been friends, but Lu Chaozong looked down on his frivolous behavior and once called him a "good-for-nothing relying on ancestral prestige" during a banquet. When the remark reached Liu Xiaochuan, their friendship soured.

Soon, Tao Hongxun came to toast Lin Jinlou. After drinking, Lin Jinlou smiled and said, "Let's indulge in something refined today. I invite everyone to appreciate some paintings." With that, seven or eight servant boys entered, each holding scrolls of paintings, which they distributed to the guests.

As the guests unrolled them, they saw landscapes, flowers and birds, and figures—each painting distinct.

Lin Jinlou said with a smile, "These were painted by my beloved concubine. Since you are all cultured gentlemen, please judge whether these paintings are worthy of your eyes."

Liu Xiaochuan immediately perked up, casting a gleeful glance at Lu Chaozong, and called to Yuan Shaoren, "Old Yuan, come take a look at this one. It's really... uh... quite impressive." Yuan Shaoren went over and saw a painting titled "Fish Swimming Among Falling Blossoms." The technique used was entirely wash-and-ink, with carps swimming vividly through flowing water and falling petals, each captured in lifelike detail.

Yuan Shaoren exclaimed, "Excellent work."

Xie Yu nodded, "It's rare to see every piece as a masterpiece. Brother Yuan, come look at this orchid painting—the ink is rich and rounded, exceptionally elegant and vigorous."

Liu Xiaochuan rolled his eyes, "You sound so knowledgeable. Do you even understand what you're looking at?"

Xie Yu retorted, "Even if I don't, do you, the great talent Liu, understand?"

Liu Xiaochuan chuckled, "Of course I don't. But someone here does, right, Brother Lu? Brother Lu is quite fortunate to have married the top talented lady of the capital, who is also skilled in painting. Brother Lu, please judge—whose work is better, the capital's talented lady or Eagle Soar's concubine?"Lu Chaozong seethed inwardly. He had spent considerable time praising Jiang Xiyun's virtues, yet Lin Jinlou had remained noncommittal, merely offering perfunctory agreement before abruptly turning to showcase paintings that elevated his own concubine. Lu felt his dignity had been trampled. When he unrolled the scroll, he was secretly astonished. As a scion of an elite family versed in both civil and martial arts, he possessed genuine discernment. One glance told him these works displayed masterful technique and profound artistry, far surpassing Jiang Feiyun's paintings. Yet openly admitting that the capital's foremost talented maiden was inferior to a mere concubine would be humiliating. However, denying the obvious would invite ridicule if word spread. Forcing a smile, he said, "I'm but a crude man unfit to judge such matters. Each has its merits."

Liu Xiaochuan grinned mischievously. "Brother Lu is too modest. Why not fetch your esteemed wife's calligraphy for comparison?"

Chu Dapeng stared dumbfounded. "The signature reads 'Lan Xiang Ju Shi'—could this be the renowned artist from Jinling? Her paintings are notoriously difficult to acquire. To think she's actually your concubine!" He shook his head in awe and admiration, which visibly pleased Lin Jinlou.

Tao Hongxun added, "My mentor's household possesses a Water-Droplet Guanyin by Lan Xiang Ju Shi. It captures both form and spirit with dignified grandeur, still enshrined in my teacher's wife's prayer hall."

Lin Jinlou maintained a casual expression but smiled with evident satisfaction. "She studied under Dingyi Shitai, the painting nun of Jinling, in her youth. Painting is her passion, and I've never restricted her. Little did I know she'd earned such renown behind my back. Forget about scarcity—today's gathering is among dear friends. Let each take a painting as gift."

Liu Xiaochuan chuckled again. "Brother, I must say—even the women in your household excel beyond all others. Your talent for..." He trailed off, raising a thumb in implication.

Lin Jinlou's initial pleasure vanished at the final remark, and he shot Liu a sharp glare.

The crowd grasped the situation instantly, unanimously praising the paintings' excellence. Some whispered, "Pity she's just a concubine, or the title of top talented maiden would change hands."

Lu Chaozong stalked onto the corridor with a darkened expression, summoning his trusted servant boy. "Go inform your mistress inside: she tasked me with promoting Fifth Miss Jiang, yet our host turns around to glorify his concubine. I'm ashamed to remain here any longer."

When Lin Jinlou stepped out briefly and returned, he found Yuan Shaoren standing under the eaves. "Why wait here? The sun's fierce—it's cooler indoors."

Yuan Shaoren smiled. "De Ge'er has run off somewhere. I came looking for him." After studying Lin Jinlou, he chuckled. "From Brother Lu's hints, Fifth Miss Jiang must be exceptionally talented and beautiful—a rare gem. Congratulations are in order. With a gifted concubine versed in painting and a clever future wife, your romantic fortunes soar high."

Lin Jinlou replied offhandedly, "Fifth Miss Jiang merely has pretty looks and knows how to please."Yuan Shaoren raised his eyebrows slightly. Lin Jinlou, long steeped in official circles, had long become shrewd and experienced. Any attempt at scheming would be immediately recognized by him as to what kind of fox spirit it was. The earlier statement had clearly carried hidden meanings, so he said, "Oh? Could it be that the Jiang Family fabricated the story, and what was said earlier wasn’t the truth?"

Lin Jinlou replied, "Every word of it was true. The Fifth Miss Jiang is indeed gentle and uncontentious, but her 'non-contention' stems from her inability to contend, so she temporarily endures. Otherwise, with her hidden sharpness and habitual pretense of innocence and obedience, once an opportunity arises to strike, she will no longer tolerate being at a disadvantage. Though she may not seek revenge for every slight, her tolerance and magnanimity are hardly broad."

Yuan Shaoren chuckled lightly, "So, this woman is not exactly virtuous?"

Lin Jinlou said, "It’s not that she lacks virtue—her character is already higher than that of most women. She is shrewd and tactful, adept at navigating social situations, full of ambition and foresight, and highly skilled at weighing gains and losses. She does have a sincere and warm side, but she fears being wronged. In the future, if you are to be together, you must treat her well in every way until she feels you have treated her well enough, and only then will she reciprocate with genuine affection. Or, if you are useful to her, even if she harbors grievances or dissatisfaction, she can still put on a smiling face and flatter you. Old Yuan, you and I have seen far too many people like this. As one navigates the world over the years, everyone naturally develops their share of cunning—how many are truly foolish?"

Yuan Shaoren laughed, "For a young girl like her to be so pragmatic, resourceful, sweet-tongued, attentive, and skilled at reading people’s expressions and humbling herself—it’s truly remarkable. If she is to be married into the family in the future, just treat her well, and there will naturally be peaceful days of mutual respect."

Lin Jinlou shook his head with a wry smile, "You don’t understand—if there were no one to compare her to, she would indeed be considered rare—tsk, but there just happens to be someone in this world who willingly endures losses, suffers grievances and bullying without ever complaining or resorting to schemes. Even when wronged, she still remembers the good in others. You might call her foolish, but in her heart, she is as clear as a mirror. I never understood it before, but now that I do, I truly admire her."

Yuan Shaoren smiled, "Who is this person you’re talking about—could it be your 'cousin from Yangzhou'? De Ge’er was just telling me about her, saying she is highly learned, gentle, and kind-hearted."

Lin Jinlou smiled but did not answer. He patted Yuan Shaoren on the shoulder and strode inside.

Yuan Shaoren shook his head with a light laugh, thinking that for this woman to earn Lin Jinlou’s admiration, it likely wasn’t solely due to her looks. He then recalled that Xianglan was quite similar to Shen Jialian and couldn’t help but feel a pang of melancholy. Collecting his thoughts, he headed to the study to find De Ge’er. At the courtyard gate, he saw De Ge’er pulling a woman toward the study from behind, accompanied by a maid dressed in bright red and green. De Ge’er was saying, "Good Aunt Lan, stay here. I’ll call Uncle Lin over. Please plead for me—I still want to stay here. After my father goes to the military camp, you can bring me back."

Xianglan found this amusing and stopped, bending down to say, "Why don’t you go and ask him yourself? Uncle Lin dotes on you very much."

De Ge’er twisted his hands and said, "That—that’s different. If I say it myself, Father will be hurt if he finds out."

Xianglan’s heart softened. She patted De Ge’er’s little head and asked gently, "Why don’t you want to go home? Your father treats you so well."De Ge'er lowered his head and kicked a pebble on the ground with his small foot, saying, "My father will be returning to camp in a few days. With only me left at home, it's really boring. None of my brothers and sisters want to play with me, and Third Brother always bullies me, hitting me with his slingshot. I can't fight back."

Xianglan's heart tightened again. She crouched down and asked, "Where did he hurt you? Have you told your father?"

De Ge'er shook his head, his dark and bright eyes fixed on Xianglan as he grinned and said, "I threw mud at him too, and it made his face turn green with anger!" Then he scrunched up his little face and added, "I hate him to death."

Xianglan felt genuinely distressed and couldn't help but pull De Ge'er into her arms, patting him gently before letting go. Looking at his face, she said, "You're the youngest in the family and the most cherished. Besides his time in the army, your father always keeps you by his side and even personally started your education. Your Third Brother has never received such care from your father, so naturally, he's jealous and treats you this way. Do you understand? If your father ignored you and only took your other siblings with him, wouldn't you feel upset too?"

De Ge'er thought for a moment and nodded.

Xianglan spoke slowly, "I can't always be by your side, so I'll just tell you three things. If you follow these, your brothers and sisters will all want to play with you. First, be generous and open-hearted in your dealings with others. The toys, snacks, and various things you like are all external possessions—the more you treasure something, the more you should learn to share it with your siblings, relatives, and friends. A true man is one who is public-spirited and righteous. Second, speak kindly to others—words of comfort, warmth, and praise. A real man shouldn't be as petty and sharp-tongued as a vulgar woman, jealous of others' talents. Third, have a broad mind. Don't hold grudges; learn to forgive."

As she spoke, Xianglan gestured with her hands, shaping them into the size of a small egg, and said, "If your heart is this small, you'll fuss over trivial matters like sesame seeds or mung beans. If someone scolds you twice or hits you once, you'll get angry, hold a grudge, and seek revenge. Your heart will be filled with nothing but troubles. How can you cultivate yourself and take on great responsibilities in the future?"Then she spread her arms wide, drawing a large circle, and smiled, "But if your heart is this big, capable of embracing everything and willing to forgive others' faults, then no matter what circumstances you face in the future, you'll always be at peace and content.""

Yuan Shaoren, hearing this, was inwardly astonished and thought, "Remarkable! How can a mere woman possess such insight and breadth of mind! Even men pale in comparison!" Instantly, he felt a deep respect.

De Ge'er tilted his head and thought again, then asked, "But what if I do all this and my brother still treats me badly?"

Xianglan smiled faintly and said, "At first, he might still bully you, but if you persist, it won't be long before he starts treating you well. Even if he doesn't like you, he'll still respect you." She finished by patting De Ge'er's little head and added, "For a family to thrive, siblings must live in harmony. We shouldn't fear external enemies, but internal strife among brothers. Once there's discord within, a slight push from outsiders can tear everything apart." Seeing that De Ge'er seemed only half-understanding, she sighed inwardly, thinking, "De Ge'er is still young, and the Marquis is too busy with affairs. Without proper guidance, he'll likely forget what I've taught him soon enough." She couldn't help but feel somewhat sorrowful and fell silent. Suddenly, she heard a cough behind her. Turning her head, she saw Yuan Shaoren walking in from outside. De Ge'er, spotting him immediately, spread his arms and rushed over, crying, "Father!"Yuan Shaoren held De Ge'er in his arms and nodded at Xianglan with a smile.

Xianglan quickly curtsied, and Yuan Shaoren accepted the gesture with a slight turn of his body. Xianglan knew it was inappropriate for her to meet Yuan Shaoren here, but she had just taught De Ge'er a lesson and had much to say to Yuan Shaoren. As she was considering how to begin, Yuan Shaoren spoke first: "I overheard what the new concubine said to De Ge'er earlier—every word was precious advice. I am truly ashamed. It is my failure in managing the household properly. I will ensure he is well taught from now on."

Xianglan was taken aback and quickly replied, "Marquis Yongchang, you are too kind. De Ge'er is an excellent child—kind-hearted, humble, and intelligent. It is clear he has benefited from your guidance and example. He will surely achieve great things in the future."

As Yuan Shaoren looked at Xianglan, he suddenly understood what Lin Jinlou had meant by, "If there were no one else to compare her to, she would still be remarkable." The first time he had seen Xianglan was in a brothel in Yangzhou, where she was completely covered by Lin Jinlou's clothes, her face hidden. Later, when he went to the nunnery to sort through her belongings, he had dismissed her talent, finding her poetry tinged with melancholy and feeling that a young girl should not have such a temperament—that those who were cheerful and expressive were more endearing. When he finally saw her, she was breathtakingly beautiful, yet devoid of vitality, so strikingly similar to Jialian. But today, upon seeing her again, he realized she had long since refined her brilliance, becoming as serene as a pool of clear water.

A wave of admiration surged within him, and he suddenly found himself at a loss for words, even feeling somewhat flustered. He cleared his throat softly and said, "I saw your painting earlier—it was incredibly lifelike."

Xianglan paused, then replied, "Marquis, you flatter me. It is merely a trivial skill."

Yuan Shaoren smiled and said, "To call such excellent work a trivial skill is too modest. Eagle Soar was proudly showing it off earlier."

Xianglan lowered her long eyelashes and softly uttered, "Oh."

Yuan Shaoren glanced at her and said in a low voice, "He did it—for your sake. If I may speak out of turn, Eagle Soar will marry sooner or later. By establishing your standing early, he hopes you will have a more comfortable life in the future."

Xianglan gave a faint smile and said, "Actually, he doesn’t need to do this. Striving for such empty fame is pointless."

Yuan Shaoren was startled, wondering if he had misheard. Fearing that De Ge'er might overhear and repeat it, he instructed Xiao Juan to take the child to play elsewhere. He then said, "Hearing you say such things is rather disheartening."

Xianglan suddenly asked, "I often hear others say that the Marquis is a man of deep affection, devoted to De Ge'er's birth mother. May I boldly ask how she passed away?"Yuan Shaoren was startled once more, staring fixedly at her. Xianglan’s calm, profound gaze penetrated deep into his heart, and Yuan Shaoren felt as if it were Jialian looking at him. An abrupt, unspeakable pain seized him, and a sudden urge to confide overwhelmed him. He no longer wished to fabricate any absurd excuses. Turning his face away, he gazed at the graceful lotus blossoms standing tall in the large vat in the courtyard and said, “De Ge’er’s birth mother was—the daughter of a disgraced official. Because her father had sown a bond of kindness with my uncle, when her family fell from grace, my uncle brought her out of the Imperial Entertainment Bureau. When she first arrived at our home, she was barely clinging to life, her face crisscrossed with tear stains. After she was nursed back to health, she would huddle in a corner day after day, lost in thought—neither crying nor making a fuss, utterly silent. Pitying her tragic fate, I gave her the calligraphy and paintings her father had once gifted me. The moment she saw them, she clutched them to her chest, slowly crouched down, buried her face in her arms, and began to sob. Eventually, she broke into heart-wrenching wails—”

"She was just a little girl barely over ten years old, and I felt particularly fond of her. Whenever I obtained something good, I always saved a portion for her, so she became close to me. Gradually, she grew better, developing a lively and cheerful personality, clever and skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. A few more years passed, and as she grew older, I, who had long been fond of her, wanted to take her as my concubine. My late wife, née Wei, had borne no children after our marriage and had originally taken the initiative to arrange two concubines for me, but for some reason, she adamantly refused to allow me to take Lianniang. Lianniang was also unwilling to follow me, so the matter dragged on for years. However, as an official slave, what respectable marriage could she hope for? Besides, there was genuine affection between us. My uncle took matters into his own hands and gave her to me."

"At first, I kept Lianniang outside the residence, and the household remained peaceful. Later, when Lianniang became pregnant, my uncle ordered her to be brought home. I favored Lianniang excessively, which displeased née Wei, who used clever schemes to torment her. Initially, Lianniang endured it, but later she complained to me, and I tried to mediate. However, after repeated incidents, I lost patience. On the day Lianniang gave birth to De Ge'er, I was serving as Regional Commander, burdened with numerous duties, and had no patience to deal with the affairs of the inner chambers all day. When Lianniang complained to me again, I scolded her instead. She seemed to lose hope and never brought it up again, instead using tactics to retaliate against née Wei, causing chaos. Both women then competed to cry and plead their cases to me, turning the household into a mess. I grew increasingly annoyed and often stayed away. Later, when née Wei wanted to take De Ge'er away to raise him herself, for some reason, she fell from the rockery and nearly died. Everyone said Lianniang had pushed her. I returned home drunk, my mind clouded, and went to confront her in a rage, threatening to give De Ge'er to someone else to raise. Lianniang just stared at me silently, then suddenly shed two streams of clear tears and said—"

At this point, Yuan Shaoren could not continue. He took a deep breath and said, "She said, 'I was originally an honest and upright person. For you, I have worn myself down to this wretched state. Even if I have schemed against others, it was you who forced me to it. But I swear I never did something as vile as pushing someone to frame them. Since you do not believe me, I will prove my innocence with death.' After saying this, she drew the sword from the wall and slit her throat."

A sudden wind arose, and dark clouds gathered in the sky as if rain was imminent, accompanied by the rumble of thunder. The wind still carried warmth, yet it chilled him to the bone. A faint pain spread from the depths of his heart—this was the first time he had spoken of these hidden matters to an outsider. Even after all this time, the pain in his heart still made him tremble. He spoke rapidly, as if by pouring out these words to this woman who so resembled Lianniang, he could find redemption.

Yuan Shaoren said with a wooden expression, "She died, and half of me died with her. Later, I learned from her personal maid about her past and finally understood how much she had suffered. I had wronged her. Née Wei never recovered after falling from the rockery and passed away a few years later. On her deathbed, she told me that she had slipped and fallen that day and said she hated me—that we had the bond of marriage but no conjugal love. I had always disliked her, but seeing her in such a pitiable state, I suddenly felt sorry for her. At her funeral, I looked at her spirit tablet and told her not to meet again in the next life."Xianglan clutched her handkerchief tightly, keeping her head lowered to conceal her emotions as she struggled to hold back tears. "I thank the Marquis for his frankness," she said. After a long silence, she added, "This matter shall remain between heaven and earth—I will not breathe a word of it to anyone." She paused briefly before continuing, "Especially in front of De Ge'er."

Yuan Shaoren forced a faint smile and replied, "I trust the new concubine's character."

Just then, De Ge'er came running over with his hands cupped together, grinning cheerfully. "Father, look! I just caught a butterfly," he said, carefully opening his chubby little hands to show Yuan Shaoren.

Yuan Shaoren gently patted De Ge'er on the head.

Beaming with excitement, De Ge'er then dashed over to Xianglan and held up his hands for her to see. Suddenly, he exclaimed in surprise, "Aunt Lan, why are you crying?"

Xianglan dabbed the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief and smiled faintly. "I'm not crying. Some dust just blew into my eyes a moment ago."

Before she could finish her sentence, a voice interrupted, "Is that so? Let me have a look." Lin Jinlou strode over, his tall and burly frame positioning itself squarely between Xianglan and Yuan Shaoren.