Against the Current

Wu Mama remarked, "Miss Xi's temperament is indeed pleasing, but how can Madam be so certain of her gentle nature and kind heart?"

Qin Shi smiled faintly and said, "We are marital relatives after all. Making casual inquiries, those familiar with her family all praise her without exception. She is particularly filial—otherwise, why would Yi Lao Taitai dote on her so?" Rubbing her temples, she added, "But we cannot rely solely on hearsay. It’s not too late to observe her for a while after bringing her close. She does appear neat and endearing."

Wu Mama sighed, "Madam truly exhausts her thoughts and efforts. Since ancient times, mothers have always worn their hearts out for their children."

Qin Shi sighed softly, "Nowadays, I can only confide such matters in you. If my sister-in-law were more capable, I would have a support. And Qi Jie has married away…"

Wu Mama comforted her with a smile, "There’s no need for Madam to grieve. In due time, when the Eldest Master properly marries Da Nǎinai, you will be able to rest easy."

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

Let us set aside the casual conversation between Qin Shi and Wu Mama for now. Returning to Mengfang Yard, when the three generations of the Jiang family returned, the rooms had already been tidied. Jiang Mu rested in the bedroom, while Xiyun stayed with her in the warm compartment of the suite, and Danyun was settled in the Green Gauze Bed. After Jiang Mu met the maids and matrons sent by Qin Shi, she dismissed them to rest. Seating herself on the large heated kang, she propped the window open with a stone swallow and absentmindedly twirled her prayer beads while gazing outside. 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 the bed, and nestled restlessly against Jiang Mu, burying her head in her embrace and tugging at her sleeve with her small hand.

Jiang Mu affectionately stroked Jiang Xiyun’s back and asked, "Is everything in the room settled? Why do you look so listless?"

Jiang Xiyun mumbled, "It’s nothing, Old Madam. Originally, there was no issue, but the more I ponder, the more troubled I feel…"

Before she could finish, Liu Su, the chief maid attending Jiang Mu, entered and said, "Old Madam, First Madam has sent Hongjian to check if you have rested well."

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

Hongjian entered with two young maids, her face beaming with smiles, and said, "Our Madam is concerned about Yi Lao Taitai, fearing you haven’t rested well, so she sent me to check."

Jiang Mu smiled, "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, "There’s no need to trouble yourself, Miss Xi." She beckoned the two young maids forward and had them place the items they were carrying on the table. She then added, "Yi Lao Taitai, you’ve endured the fatigue of the journey, and the weather is hot. Today’s conversations have also been taxing. Madam 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 rooms 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 green floral bed canopy."

Jiang Mu 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 often, but only now do I realize that those praises fall short of describing even a tenth of your Madam’s virtues!"Jiang Xiyun blinked her large eyes and said with a round smile, "Aunt must be a heroine of humble origins. Just now, Old Madam reminded me to learn well from Aunt."

Hongjian smiled and said, "Earlier when we were chatting, Miss Xi mentioned that the orchid in Madam's room was blooming beautifully. Madam asked me to bring it over for you to enjoy. There's also a pot of jasmine, which is extremely fragrant as well."

Jiang Mu said, "How can we accept this? She's just a child who speaks without thinking, troubling my niece-in-law with such matters!"

Jiang Xiyun blushed and said, "It's all my fault for being thoughtless. How could I have mentioned this at Aunt's place earlier..."

Hongjian comforted her with a smile, "It's just a pot of flowers. Madam still has more in her room. Please accept it, Miss." After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Jiang Mu, 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.

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

Jiang Xiyun remained silent, simply leaning softly into Jiang Mu'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 someone to deliver it that very evening. Moreover, it was given only to her, not to Danyun, making Qin Shi's partiality toward her perfectly clear—it was also meant to reassure her. Long before she came to the Lin family, her father and stepmother had repeatedly reminded her that her marriage into the Lin family was inevitable. Her second brother had inquired about Lin Jinlou on her behalf, and she was well aware that he had a favored concubine in his household, though she hadn't paid it much mind—a girl of servant origins, no matter how beautiful or cunning, could never overturn things under her watch. But today, after meeting Lin Jinlou and seeing Chen Xianglan in person, Jiang Xiyun realized that this matter was far from simple.

Jiang Mu patted her shoulder intermittently and said, "Now that Madam Lin has gone to such lengths, any resentment or grievance in your heart should dissipate."

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

Jiang Mu 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 lush branches, standing firm and unshakable. Lin Jinlou is no frivolous playboy—he is naturally intelligent and excelled in his studies. Several great scholars praised his essays. Who could have guessed he would abandon the brush for the sword? In recent years, he has frequently distinguished himself in military exploits, and his promotions have been as rapid as a skyrocket. He is also highly skilled in social maneuvering. Several senior officials who often visit our family mention Lin Jinlou, saying that despite his youth, having been immersed in official circles 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. That your aunt has taken a liking to you—how could your father refuse?"Jiang Xiyun pursed her lips. Mother Jiang sighed and drew her into her arms again, saying, "Your grandfather passed away early. If not for your father's determination and the support of influential patrons, our family would have faced decline. Now that he has left the Grand Secretariat for a provincial post, although several officials have remarked that he is destined for future promotions, the Emperor's favor is unpredictable. With His Majesty still in the prime of life, it's uncertain how long your father must endure in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. What if the Emperor forgets about him..." Mother Jiang shook her head. "That's why your parents hope you'll marry into the Lin family. Lin Changzheng is a high-ranking frontier official whose words carry great weight in the court."

Jiang Xiyun said gloomily, "Has Old Madam considered my feelings? Lin Jinlou has a fondness for romantic affairs, and he keeps such a favored concubine in his chambers... That Chen Xianglan truly possesses remarkable beauty, and her manner of speaking and conduct is rare even among young ladies."

Mother Jiang remained silent for a long while before patting Jiang Xiyun and saying, "No rush, no rush. 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. Your grandmother will protect you in all matters and ensure your safety and happiness."

Meanwhile, inside the Green Gauze Bed, Jiang Danyun was about to remove her makeup when Qingfen approached. After dismissing the young maid attending to the washing, Qingfen leaned close to Jiang Danyun's ear and whispered a few words.

Jiang Danyun was startled, her eyes widening. "What? They actually sent the orchid that little minx praised?"

Qingfen quickly covered Jiang Danyun's mouth, urging 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 Old Madam have agreed to bring me? Old Madam 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. Sooner or later, they'll recognize your virtues."

Jiang Danyun grew increasingly resentful as she pondered. After straightening her clothes, she walked out and entered the bedchamber. Lifting the curtain, she saw Jiang Xiyun attending to Mother Jiang's washing. Forcing a smile, she approached and said, "I was just coming to serve Old Madam, but I see Fifth Sister is already here."

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

Jiang Danyun promptly took the comb and began combing Mother 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 added, "Fifth Sister has always known how to care for Old Madam since childhood—making hats in cold weather, sewing shoes in heat, attending to every need with warmth. No wonder Old Madam dotes on you so."

Jiang Xiyun merely smiled foolishly without responding.

Mother Jiang's expression remained calm. She opened her eyes and glanced at Jiang Danyun in the mirror, smiling slightly. "I cherish all of you equally. Young ladies should be nurtured with care." Suddenly, her face turned stern as she continued, "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 quarrel over trivial matters, lest you bring contempt upon yourselves! Whoever disgraces the family will face my wrath first!"Jiang Danyun's face instantly flushed crimson. Both Danyun and Xiyun straightened their skirts and curtseyed, murmuring acknowledgment. Just as Jiang Danyun was about to offer some words in her own defense, she heard Jiang Xiyun chuckle and say, "Just now, Aunt Qin sent over two potted plants - an orchid for me, and a double-petaled jasmine for sister. I took a sniff earlier, and it's wonderfully fragrant."

Jiang Danyun turned her head and indeed spotted a jasmine plant beside the orchid in the corner. Remembering how Qin Shi had asked earlier about the scent of her scented sachet, to which she had replied it contained jasmine petals, she realized this must be why Qin Shi had sent the plant. At this thought, she finally let out a relieved breath.

Mother Jiang opened her eyes and saw from the mirror's reflection that Jiang Danyun's cheeks now bore a faint hint of pleasure, as if all her pent-up frustration had dissipated. She remarked mildly, "Don't forget to go thank her tomorrow morning. Even a mere potted plant shows she's thinking of us." Both sisters chimed their assent in unison. From the corner of her eye, Mother Jiang noticed her younger granddaughter secretly making a face at her, and she couldn't help shaking her head imperceptibly before closing her eyes once more.