Against the Current

It is said that on that afternoon, Qin Shi was in her room examining Lin Dongxiu’s needlework when someone outside announced, "Yi Lao Taitai 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 the guests and escorted them inside. Jiang Mu, now white-haired and thin, appeared spirited and vigorous. She wore a forehead band and a brown satin bajiao-style jacket embroidered with the Eight Treasures, leaning on a tall zitan cane carved with bats and longevity symbols, a string of Buddhist beads hanging from her wrist. On either side of her, two young ladies in maiden attire supported her.

Qin Shi immediately ordered a feast to welcome them and had their luggage sent to Mengfang 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 corner gate connected directly to the inner quarters of the Lin residence, situated very close to Qin Shi’s own Rongshou Hall. Qin Shi had ordered it cleaned overnight, ensuring all necessities were provided, and specially assigned several maids and servants for rough work, clearly demonstrating her warm hospitality.

Once everyone had entered the main hall and taken their seats, maids served tea. Jiang Mu presented gifts of local specialties and tokens of appreciation before smiling and saying, "At my age, I’ve lived many years. My youngest son is in Fujian and cannot return, while 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 with delight, replied, "We’re all family, and we visit often enough. For you to speak so formally, Yi Lao Taitai, is to treat us as strangers." She then instructed Tan Luhua and Lin Dongxiu to pay their respects to Jiang Mu, who in turn directed her two granddaughters to greet Qin Shi. The two girls, Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun, were Jiang Mu’s granddaughters, born to different concubines and a year apart in age. Jiang Danyun was slender and graceful, with an oval face, delicate eyebrows, and beautiful eyes, exuding an air of refined elegance. Jiang Xiyun was slightly plumper, with features as exquisite as a painting, skin as fair as snow, and a goose-egg face adorned with small dimples, radiating an indescribable, pure beauty. Both were rare beauties, yet when Jiang Danyun stood beside Jiang Xiyun, she appeared somewhat overshadowed.

Qin Shi held each girl’s hand, examining them closely, and joyfully said to Jiang Mu, "In just a year or two, these young ladies have grown even more remarkable, truly like celestial maidens. You are so blessed, Yi Lao Taitai—my own girls pale in comparison!"

Jiang Mu chuckled and said, "Nonsense! Your Dongxiu is a rare beauty, and your second daughter-in-law is one in a hundred, with features that could outshine anyone. You just have a silver tongue to flatter." After a pause, she added, "Originally, I intended to bring only Xiyun, but Danyun, out of filial devotion, insisted on accompanying me to attend to my needs, 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. You have your sisters-in-law and cousins here. Though they may be unrefined, they can help 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.Mother Jiang said, "When the girls were young, they studied alongside the boys and learned to recognize a few characters. Dan Yun and her elder sister Fei Yun were cut from the same cloth—skilled in poetry and prose, and well-versed 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 Fei Yun is a renowned talented lady, especially her exceptional painting skills, which even the noble ladies in the palace have praised." She looked at Jiang Danyun and added warmly, "With such talent, this child truly lives up to the reputation of the Grand Academician's household."

Jiang Danyun beamed with pleasure but modestly replied, "You flatter me too much, Aunt. My elder sister excels at painting, while I learned the qin from a young age under a renowned master's guidance. Now I can play a piece or two without disgracing my teacher's name."

Qin Shi smiled and praised her a few more words. Jiang Danyun 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, and painting in your daily life?"

Jiang Xiyun, her round face adorned with a smile, replied, "My sisters are all exceptionally skilled. I alone have achieved neither literary nor martial prowess—my poetry is mediocre, and my skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting are just passable. They're not worth mentioning."

Mother Jiang laughed and said, "Poetry and song are pursuits for men to show off their refinement. Xi Yun is good at writing essays and excels at needlework. The forehead bands, hand muffs, knee pads, shoes, and socks I use throughout the year are all made by her, with patterns that are both charming and vibrant."

Just then, a group of maids supported and escorted a young man into the room. He appeared to be around twenty years old, wearing a blue silk headband and a straight gown embroidered with gold threads depicting cranes and deer in spring. His complexion was pale, his features delicate and handsome, but his cheeks bore a sickly pallor. As soon as he entered, Tan Luhua hurried forward to take over from the maids in supporting him. Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun stood up to greet him. Qin Shi said with a smile, "This is Xuan Ge'er, your second cousin." Dan Yun and Xi Yun each addressed him, "Second Cousin."

Lin Jinxuan, unaccustomed to receiving guests, smiled shyly and bowed with clasped hands. Tan Luhua helped him sit in a chair, then bustled about fetching cushions and headrests to place behind his back and beside his hands. She personally handed him a bowl of tea.

Mother 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 and replied, "Indeed, it's all thanks to his wife's excellent care."

Tan Luhua, pleased by this praise, quickly said with a smile, "Mother praises me too highly. I haven't done anything 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?"

Qiaohui, a serving woman from Qin Shi's household, entered from outside and said, "I just went to invite him. The Eldest Master has guests in the front and will come later." Qin Shi said to Mother Jiang with a smile, "Look at this child—all he does is busy himself with trivial matters all day." After everyone had chatted for a while longer, Qiaohui came in again and reported, "The Eldest Master just sent word from the inner gate, saying he is occupied with duties and will come tomorrow to pay his respects to the elders."

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

Mother Jiang quickly interceded, "Lou Ge'er holds a high position with great responsibilities—naturally, he is burdened with official duties. Whether we see him today or tomorrow makes no difference. Why disturb him in his work?"Qin Shi said, "Since elders have come, we must naturally receive them with proper courtesy. These matters are of no concern—I have everything well in hand." She then smiled at Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun, saying, "You met your eldest cousin ten years ago and even played together. I wonder if you still remember him? He has spent years in military camps. Though he studied the classics in his youth, I fear he has long since neglected them, acquiring rough manners instead. Unlike your refined, scholarly brothers at home, he may seem blunt, but he is truly good-hearted—diligent, responsible, and willing to endure hardships. He has never faltered in handling matters great or small, and he has always been protective of his elders, siblings, and cousins." As she spoke, she seemed to glance toward Jiang Xiyun.

Jiang Danyun replied gracefully, "To attain the rank of third-grade official at such a young age—our family has yet to produce one like him."

Jiang Xiyun added, "I’ve long heard our elders speak of Eldest Cousin’s military achievements at a young age. He is truly capable."

Before she finished speaking, footsteps sounded outside. Qiaohui lifted the curtain and announced cheerfully, "The Eldest Master is here." By then, Lin Jinlou had already arrived. He raised a hand to push aside the curtain and entered. Except for Mother Jiang and Qin Shi, everyone else stood up. Danyun and Xiyun saw a man of imposing height and stature, wearing a black gauze crown, a brocade robe embroidered with auspicious patterns, a jade-inlaid golden belt at his waist, and black court boots. With his straight eyebrows and nose, he carried an air of striking dignity. His entrance hushed the room, and the two cousins felt they had never encountered someone with such innate authority, calm yet commanding.

Qin Shi quickly smiled and said, "You’ve finally arrived. Hurry and pay respects to Yi Lao Taitai and your cousins." Lin Jinlou promptly bowed to the three. Once seated, he surveyed them—first glancing at Mother Jiang, then at his two cousins. One was tall and slender, the other shorter and fuller-figured; surprisingly, the plumper one was more beautiful than the slimmer. He found himself studying her: her hair was swept into a side bun adorned with three lotus-shaped agate hairpins, she wore a rose-gold sleeveless jacket over a snow-white inner robe, and a lilac skirt with intricate embroidery. Her eyes were dark and luminous, like polished lacquer. Noticing his gaze, she offered a sweet smile, faintly revealing two pear-shaped dimples. Instantly, the room’s jewels and finery seemed to pale in comparison.

Lin Jinlou was momentarily stunned. Meanwhile, Qin Shi had begun introductions: "This is your fourth cousin, Danyun, and this is your fifth cousin, Xiyun… They used to visit our estate as children. Xiyun was just a chubby little girl back then."

Lin Jinlou chuckled, "I remember. Fifth Cousin was very young then, always trailing behind me, asking me to help her catch fish or butterflies by the pond."

Jiang Xiyun lowered her head, blushing. Mother Jiang tapped her playfully and said, "We’ve told her since childhood not to go near the pond, but she never listens. How many times was she punished with no desserts? Still, she never learns."

Jiang Xiyun hooked her arm through Mother Jiang’s sleeve, smoothing her skirt and changing the subject: "Old Madam, your skirt is so lovely today." Her childish, coquettish manner was as endearing as a mewing kitten, eliciting laughter from everyone.

Mother Jiang looked at her fondly, pulling her close and exclaiming, "You little imp."Jiang Danyun, who had remained silent until now, quickly interjected. She took Jiang Xiyun's hand and said softly, "With a mouth like yours, no wonder Old Madam dotes on you most. I won't have it—Old Madam must hold me too." As she spoke, she glanced sideways at Lin Jinlou, not daring to look directly, her face already flushing.

Jiang Mu coughed lightly and said, "In principle, since this is our first visit, I shouldn't bring up such matters, but now I must swallow my pride and ask my dear nephew for a favor..." Jiang Mu had always valued her dignity and rarely asked others for help. Before she could finish speaking, her face showed embarrassment.

She had previously mentioned this matter to Qin Shi in a letter. Seeing her expression, Qin Shi took over with a smile and said to Lin Jinlou, "Your second cousin from the Jiang family, Jingpei, currently holds the position of seventh-rank deputy commander in the Capital's Five-City 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. Unfortunately, he has no connections in the Zhejiang military and thus cannot secure a decent position. Since you often fraternize with commanders in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, I wonder if you might have a way?"

Jiang Xiyun's heart tightened, and she stared fixedly at Lin Jinlou. Jiang Jingpei was her own brother, born from the same mother, and she was genuinely concerned. At that moment, Hongjian came out with a gold-inlaid, red-painted tray to serve tea and refresh the fruit platters. Jiang Xiyun hurried forward, personally took a bowl of tea, and presented it to Lin Jinlou with a smile, saying, "Cousin, have some tea." Noticing several plates of tea snacks on the tray, she selected the finest one and eagerly offered it to him, adding, "Cousin, this plate has the reddest fruits. Have this one." Had anyone else acted so overtly, it might have seemed unbecoming of a lady, but Jiang Xiyun, with her plump and petite figure, though already fifteen, still retained a childlike charm. Coupled with her stunning beauty and poised demeanor, her actions came across as exceptionally clever and endearing.

Qin Shi couldn't help laughing and pointed at her, saying, "Look at her—just like when she was little. As a child, if she wanted an extra piece of pastry, she'd know to run to my side and flatter me, saying, 'Auntie, you're so beautiful,' or 'Auntie, your dress is so pretty'..."

Before she could finish, 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 wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.

Jiang Danyun covered her mouth and chuckled lightly, "For Second Brother's sake, Fifth Sister now only acknowledges Cousin. She's forgotten to refresh Old Madam and Auntie's tea." Though framed as a jest, her words carried an underlying jab. Jiang Mu frowned slightly at this.

Jiang Xiyun acted as if she hadn't understood, her expression innocent and somewhat abashed from the teasing, her small face flushing crimson. She hastily refreshed the tea for Jiang Mu and Qin Shi, then personally peeled two fruits, presenting them on a handkerchief to Jiang Mu and Qin Shi, saying, "I peeled these fruits myself—Cousin doesn't get any. My hands are sweetened with honey, so these are extra sweet. Elders, please try them."

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

Jiang Mu laughed and scolded, "You little smooth-talker! You've been like this since childhood—truly, one doesn't know whether to adore you or resent you."Lin Jinlou raised an eyebrow, thinking to himself that this Jiang Xiyun was truly perceptive and discerning. Women with such awareness and social finesse were usually found in brothels. Young ladies from wealthy families, being pampered and reserved, rarely possessed such boldness and conversational skill—appearing charmingly naive while actually being shrewd. Seeing her radiant smile, he found her utterly delightful. He took a sip of tea and said with a laugh, "Having drunk Fifth Cousin's tea, it's only natural I help with her request. This is easily settled. Have your brother come tomorrow. Once 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 Jiang family members 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, Eldest Cousin. Have some fruit."

Everyone laughed again, and even Lin Jinlou couldn't suppress a chuckle as he reached for one. Jiang Xiyun's cheeks flushed pink. Qin Shi glanced at Lin Jinlou, then at Jiang Xiyun, her expression one of satisfaction as she nodded slowly. Jiang Danyun’s eyes reddened with envy, and when she looked up, she met Lin Dongxiu’s disdainful gaze. The two stared at each other in surprise before exchanging a knowing look and lowering their heads.

Just then, Shu Ran peeked cautiously outside the window. Lin Jinlou immediately recalled he still had guests waiting—likely growing impatient and sending Shu Ran to check on him. He stood and said, "I have official duties to attend to and cannot stay long. I’ll pay my respects to Yi Lao Taitai in a couple of days when I have free time."

Jiang Mu hurriedly replied, "You must go. A gentleman’s public affairs take precedence, unlike us womenfolk who idly pass the time together."

Lin Jinlou rose, bowed, and took his leave. At the doorway, he paused, turned back, and said with a smile, "I nearly forgot something. This afternoon, Mother borrowed someone from me and hasn’t returned her yet. Please send her back with me now."

Qin Shi’s smile froze. That afternoon, Lin Dongxiu had shown her some bridal embroidery in her room. Finding the patterns uninspired, Qin Shi had remarked that Xianglan could sketch many novel designs and summoned her there. Amid the later commotion of visitors, Xianglan had been left behind in the room. Qin Shi regretted not dismissing her earlier and was about to claim Xianglan wasn’t present when Lin Dongxiu suddenly spoke up: "Xianglan’s right here in the room. I’ll fetch her." Ignoring Qin Shi’s expression, she strode into the inner chamber.

Xianglan was at the kang table sketching patterns when Lin Dongxiu entered, grabbed her arm, and said, "Let’s go. Eldest Brother is calling for you up front."

Having overheard the intermittent laughter from the main room and knowing the Jiang family had arrived, Xianglan hesitated. "This... isn’t appropriate. Fourth Miss, just say I’m not here. I’ll return after the guests leave."

Lin Dongxiu widened her eyes. "Why should you wait for them to leave? Are you unfit to be seen?"

Xianglan was taken aback and could only smile wryly.

Lin Dongxiu gritted her teeth. "You don’t know—the Jiang family brought two girls. One named Xiyun is utterly detestable, stealing the spotlight everywhere to show off. I could tell at a glance she’s that type of fox spirit. Hmph! Their intentions are as plain as day. You should go out now." She scrutinized Xianglan’s plain attire, then snatched scissors to trim an orchid from a nearby pot, muttering, "You should’ve worn something brighter today. Let’s just clip this flower for 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 frustrated by her lack of resolve, saying, "I'm doing this for your own good. You're mistaking my kindness for ill intent."

Xianglan studied Lin Dongxiu. Since arriving in the capital, Lin Dongxiu had warmed to her considerably, and it seemed she genuinely wished to befriend her—though not to the extent of championing her cause out of sheer righteousness. Xianglan knew Lin Dongxiu's nature well: she thought highly of herself and was prone to jealousy. No doubt Jiang Xiyun was exceptionally outstanding, having struck a chord with the Fourth Miss Lin.

Lin Dongxiu tugged her toward the door. With no other choice, Xianglan rose, straightened her clothes, and followed behind Lin Dongxiu with her head bowed. She could hear a murmur of voices outside, but as she stepped through the inner chamber's doorway, the main hall fell abruptly silent.