Against the Current

Yuan Shaoren laughed twice and said, "Don't be so indignant. Song Ke is truly a first-rate figure—well-read and accomplished, with elegant poetry and considerable cunning. I heard Duke Xian originally wanted someone to recommend him for the prefect of Hubei, but he actually declined and just holed up in the Hanlin Academy as a minor compiler, infuriating Duke Xian to no end. Luckily, he refused back then; otherwise, when Duke Xian fell, he would have been the first to be implicated as collateral damage. Just this clarity of judgment alone makes him not to be underestimated."

Lin Jinlou said, "I heard they have a strained father-in-law and son-in-law relationship. Song Ke seems inclined to support the Crown Prince's Palace, often telling others that the crown prince is gentle, humble, and has the bearing of an enlightened ruler. With state affairs entangled in family matters, Duke Xian can't stand his son-in-law, and Song Ke pays no heed to his father-in-law either. Zheng Jingxian is caught in the middle, unable to placate either one, and has lost so much weight she's two sizes smaller. Last time my mother happened to run into her while visiting, she was startled by her appearance, not knowing what troubles she was hiding. My mother comforted her and coaxed her to talk, but she stubbornly refused to say anything. It was her mother, Wei Shi, who couldn't hold back and broke down crying first."

Yuan Shaoren said, "Song Ke is now trying to avoid disaster—he submitted a written request for an external posting."

Lin Jinlou sneered, "Wishful thinking. There aren't any decent vacancies now, and even if there were, they wouldn't go to him, especially with Duke Xian about to fall."

"Hah, decent posts are scarce, but there are a few undesirable ones left. The higher-ups will likely approve it—you have to admire his creativity. Guess where he wants to go?"

Lin Jinlou asked, "Where?"

Xianglan also pricked up her ears to listen, but just then Xue Ning approached. Seeing Xianglan standing there, she quickly asked softly, "What does the new concubine require?"

Xianglan was startled and missed Yuan Shaoren's words. She also couldn't stay hidden behind the screen, so she had to enter the room and sit on the Heated Brick Bed, her mind still preoccupied. She thought to herself, "Song Ke has lived two lifetimes, always prioritizing his career and future. Now he's faced this calamity—I only hope he remains safe." She sighed deeply and continued thinking, "In this life, our entire family owes him an immense debt of gratitude that we can't simply forget. Now that he's in trouble, we naturally can't stand by and do nothing. Duke Xian's family assets have been mostly confiscated, so Song Ke's life must be difficult too. But I wonder where he's being posted and when he'll depart. I'm just a drifting weed—I can't help with court matters, but I can certainly offer financial or material support with all my heart. Once we part this time, we might never meet again in this lifetime." A sense of melancholy washed over her, and fragments of the past flickered through her mind. She tried hard not to dwell on them, slowly walking to the table and pouring a cup of tea herself. She thought, "Lin Dongxiu is a meddler who stirs up trouble and spreads gossip—I can't ask her. De Ge'er is too young to ask either. I'll probably have to ask Marquis Yongchang himself about this matter, but how can I get a message to him? It's maddening that on this trip, I didn't bring any trusted confidants with me."

Just then, Lin Jinlou walked in. Seeing Lin Dongxiu and De Ge'er asleep on the large Heated Brick Bed in the Green Gauze Cabinet, he beckoned Xianglan into the bedroom. Xianglan noticed his stern expression and felt uneasy. Suddenly, she heard a very faint "meow" and asked curiously, "What's that sound?"

Lin Jinlou, still frowning with a long face, pulled a mewing kitten from his robe and shoved it into Xianglan's arms, saying, "A little plaything that just arrived."Xianglan exclaimed in delight, "Where did this come from?" Seeing the snow-white kitten was utterly adorable, she couldn't help but look up and smile at Lin Jinlou.

Lin Jinlou was taken aback, his expression softening slightly. After a long pause, he said, "A pair of Lion Cats from Linqing, Shandong, carefully selected. They had a litter at the Manor—originally three kittens meant for the imperial palace. This one fell ill and stayed behind at the Manor, but unexpectedly recovered. The Manor's steward just brought it over. I noticed its timid eyes resemble yours, so I kept it to keep you company."

The kitten mewled and nuzzled into Xianglan's arms, trembling all over as if from fear or cold, like a fluffy ball. Xianglan's heart melted instantly. She picked it up carefully with both hands, noticing its round belly. Spotting a gray squirrel fur hand warmer on the table, she quickly placed the kitten inside and set it on the bed. The furry ball let out delicate cries, clumsily trying to climb out with its paws, looking endearingly awkward. Sitting by the bed, Xianglan playfully stroked the kitten's head with her finger. The kitten gazed at her with round eyes, mewling softly and rubbing against her hand. Xianglan couldn't suppress a laugh and whispered, "Is it male or female?"

Lin Jinlou sat beside her and said, "Male." After a pause, he added, "When I was young, the old lady kept several cats too, named Moon Shadow, Golden Thread, Hanging Pearl, Embroidered Tiger, and Star Seal."

Xianglan thought for a moment and smiled, "Look—one eye yellow, one eye blue. It should be called 'Mandarin Duck.'"

Lin Jinlou grunted, "'Mandarin Duck'? What a terrible name. It's male. When it grows up to defeat all other cats, and people praise it—'What a majestic little Overlord! What's its name?'—if we say 'Mandarin Duck,' it'd sound like a powdered-up young lady, losing all its grandeur. Names like 'Lion King,' 'Earthshaker Tiger,' or 'General in Snow' would suit it better."

Xianglan looked at the mewling, pitiful little creature and rolled her eyes at Lin Jinlou's remark about it "defeating all other cats." "Why must everything be about fighting and killing with you? Even keeping a cat has to make it aggressive."

In Lin Jinlou's eyes, that roll of her eyes was full of charm, both alluring and delightful. His heart lifted, and the frost on his face finally thawed. He chuckled, turning to watch the kitten crawling around with Xianglan, catching a faint, elusive fragrance from her. With his sharp senses, he had known earlier—while speaking with Yuan Shaoren—that Xianglan had stepped out of her room. He'd spotted the hem of her Eight Auspicious Treasures embroidered skirt beneath the screen and noticed her pausing when Song Ke was mentioned, which immediately soured his mood. Coincidentally, the Manor steward brought the kitten, giving him an excuse to leave. He had intended to question her and show his displeasure, but unexpectedly, her smile made his irritation gradually vanish.

Xianglan stole a glance at Lin Jinlou, thinking to herself, "A moment ago, his face was as long as if I owed him eighty thousand strings of coins, and now he's smiling again. This unpredictable temper is truly exhausting." Catching him staring back at her, she felt a pang of guilt and quickly changed the subject, casually asking, "Why are you involved in presenting cats to the imperial palace?""Ah, do you think my life is easy? The grandeur I enjoy now relies entirely on having troops under my command. Maintaining such an army requires currying favor with nobles above while finding ways to earn silver below. This cat here is meant to please the old Empress Dowager in the imperial palace." As he spoke, he stretched out his long legs and patted the cat's head. "This is called catering to someone's preferences - it makes every path smoother. I support all these people without extorting a single coin from the common people, all thanks to these methods. And it's only me who could manage this - no one else could."

Xianglan noticed a hint of pride on his face, carrying an air of someone who could laugh in the court and command three armies. She wanted to criticize his arrogance inwardly, yet found herself unable to mock him. She recalled how Lin Jinlou was always surrounded by attendants in his daily life, with everyone respectfully assisting him. Where there used to be inevitable river bandits and thieves in the Jiangnan region, his presence had led to the elimination of several bandit nests, bringing peace and stability that kept Japanese pirates and bandits at bay. Not every young nobleman could achieve such accomplishments and command such authority at such a young age.

Lin Jinlou suddenly reached out and touched Xianglan's face, studying her as if seeing her for the first time. After a long while, he said quietly, "Xianglan, just live peacefully with me. Don't dwell on unnecessary thoughts, alright?"

His unexpected words left Xianglan silent. She pulled the cat closer, stroking it absently, feeling suddenly hollow inside. Lin Jinlou held her hand without speaking, and the room fell quiet. He let out a long sigh. When Xianglan looked up, she found him gazing elsewhere as he said, "Since childhood, the Old Master taught me how to bring glory to our family. My father was busy with government affairs and rarely cared for home matters. Taitai said all her hopes in life rested on me. I studied literature and martial arts desperately as a child, then led troops into battle as an adult, risking my life numerous times with my head hanging by my belt." He caressed Xianglan's hand without looking at her. "These recent years, perhaps I've grown old, or witnessed too many partings in life and death... now when I return, I want someone who truly cares—"

Xianglan felt her eyes grow hot and red. She immediately lowered her head as tears blurred her vision. Suppressing her emotions, she pretended to embrace the kitten, turning aside to wipe her tears. Avoiding his topic, she feigned normalcy: "Master, what nonsense are you speaking? You're in your prime, how could you be old—" When she looked up, she found Lin Jinlou staring directly at her. They gazed at each other quietly for a long time until Xianglan's eyes reddened again. Facing an uncertain future, unsure where to go or what to say, she could only force a smile and lower her head: "Master, Marquis Yongchang is waiting outside. It wouldn't be good to keep him waiting long."

Lin Jinlou also smiled, standing up and patting Xianglan's head as he had done with the kitten. "You're right, it wouldn't be good to keep him waiting. Old Yuan is even older than me, and he never complains about aging. How could I claim to be old?"

Yet it was she herself who had grown old. These years of struggle and hardship had carved deeply into her bones, smoothing her into a round shape as if aged overnight. Occasionally looking back, she felt she was watching another version of herself - her previous life gradually becoming a blurred silhouette, while the youthful years of this life had already turned into yellowed old dreams, all submerged in the rolling mortal world, never to reappear.As dusk fell, Lin Jinlou ordered a sedan chair prepared, and the group went to admire the plum blossoms on one side of the manor. Ji Xiang, Shuangxi, Guiyuan, and others held scissors and carried vases. Whenever Lin Jinlou pointed out a good branch, they would step forward to cut it and arrange it in a vase. De Ge'er had no interest in flowers and blossoms; hearing that an eagle had been caught at the manor, he clamored repeatedly to go see it. Yuan Shaoren, worried the boy might catch cold, took the opportunity to lead him back to look at the eagle. Once the father and son left, Lin Dongxiu grew restless, repeatedly casting meaningful glances at Xianglan. Seizing an opportunity, Xianglan casually remarked to Lin Jinlou, "I chatted with Fourth son-in-law at noon today. It seems she's facing some difficulties at her maiden home."

Lin Jinlou cut a plum blossom and casually tucked it into Xianglan’s hair, responding with an absent-minded "Oh."

Xianglan continued, "I heard the servants aren’t very obedient, and a few of Fourth son-in-law’s old concubines are also at odds with her. After all, she’s still young—"

Lin Jinlou, being clever, understood immediately. He glanced back at Lin Dongxiu and snorted, "Did she ask you to plead with me to back her up?"

Before Xianglan could reply, he said, "She deserves to be knocked about to learn her lesson. She’s only been married a short while, yet she’s turned Marquis Yongchang’s residence upside down. From top to bottom, she finds fault with everything, and when she’s in the right, she’s even more unforgiving. She’s nearly offended everyone above and below. When she came to me for help, I thought she was truly wronged or bullied, but after asking Old Yuan’s aunt, it turns out that wasn’t the case at all. Stay out of this, understand? I’ll have Taitai give her a proper scolding later."

Xianglan nodded, thinking to herself, "No wonder Marquis Yongchang treats Lin Dongxiu with only ordinary politeness, with a subtle sense of distance in his attitude and words—so that’s why."

Just then, the sound of urgent hoofbeats was heard. Wen Rush, Lin Jinlou’s personal guard, rode up quickly. Before his horse had fully steadied, he dismounted and hurried to Lin Jinlou’s ear, whispering a few words. Lin Jinlou’s face immediately darkened. He turned aside and ordered, "Escort your new concubine and the young lady back." To Xianglan, he said, "I’m heading back first. You all pack up and return home too; I’ll bring you back another day." With that, he called for his horse, mounted, and rode off.

Xianglan and Lin Dongxiu had no choice but to follow and return. Once inside, Xue Ning quickly arranged for hot water to soak Xianglan’s feet and had the kitchen prepare ginger soup. After putting on her shoes and socks, Xianglan suddenly felt something was missing and asked, "Where’s that little kitten?"

Xue Ning looked around and said, "It was just lying on the quilt earlier." She searched around but couldn’t find any trace of it, her heart sinking as she added, "Oh no, when I went to fetch water, the door was left open. Could it have run out?" She pushed the door open and went out to look.Xianglan grew anxious too, saying, "The wind is fierce outside, it'll freeze to death." Without a second thought, she threw on a cloak and went out. It was pitch black outside, with only the lanterns under the eaves swaying in the wind. Holding a lantern in one hand, she called out softly and bent down to search carefully. As she passed the west wing, she suddenly heard a short, sharp cry of pain from inside. Xianglan stopped and listened carefully, but there was no further sound. Thinking she had misheard, she bent down again, calling "meow, meow." Then a louder, more agonized wail came from inside, startling her. Curiosity piqued, she crept to the base of the west wing wall and poked a hole in the window paper with her finger to peer inside.

The room was brightly lit. Lin Jinlou sat in an official's armchair, his face as dark as storm clouds. Two of his most trusted advisors stood on either side, while Wen Rush stood nearby holding a whip. A man lay bound on the floor.

Lin Jinlou snorted coldly, and with a "crack," the whip struck the man, who let out another muffled cry of pain.

"If you confess honestly—who sent you, and what exactly were you spying on in the Lin residence—I might spare your life."

The man groaned, "I've told you the truth—"

"Still playing tough? You're not fooling me." With a "snap," the man let out an excruciating scream before falling silent, as if he had passed out.

Xianglan was terrified, her heart pounding and legs trembling. Lin Jinlou had been so gentle with her lately that she had almost forgotten he was this ruthless. Then came the sound of splashing water, followed by the man's continuous moans, as if he had regained consciousness. He trembled violently in pain, tears and snot streaming down his face.

Lin Jinlou said lazily, "Well? Ready to talk properly now?"

"..."

"Not talking? Then I'll break another one of your arms."

"No, no, please—" With a "crack," the man let out a piercing scream, his cries no longer suppressed. Xianglan couldn't bear to listen any longer. Leaning against the wall, her legs shaking, she tried to retreat, but then she heard the man sobbing intermittently, "I—I was sent by Lord Dai—"

"Lord Dai? Which Lord Dai?"

"Dai Qing from the Hanlin Academy."

Lin Jinlou was taken aback. He only knew that Dai Qing had married Zhao Yuechan as a second wife, and the two had no usual interactions. He asked, "What did he send you to do?"

"Lord Dai suspected the General of having ties to the former crown prince and plotting rebellion in secret. He reported this to the Second Prince and sent me to the General's residence as an advisor to investigate—"

Just the words "former crown prince" and "rebellion" sent Xianglan stumbling backward in shock. She hastily gathered her skirts and ran back, but in her panic, she tripped over her hem and fell to the ground. The people inside immediately grew alert. Wen Rush shouted, "Who's there?" and drew his sword, leaping out.

At the sight of the gleaming blade, Xianglan screamed in fright. Recognizing her as the one his master kept in his quarters, Wen Rush quickly sheathed his sword. Lin Jinlou strode out, his face dark, and hauled Xianglan to her feet. "What the hell are you doing here?" he snarled, then tucked her under his arm and marched back to the bedroom. He threw her onto the heated brick bed, glowering and pointing a finger at her as he shouted, "If you dare run around like this again, you've got a death wish!" He then turned and stormed out, slamming the main hall door shut with a "bang."Xianglan's entire body was ice-cold. With trembling hands, she wrapped her cloak tighter, but couldn't stop shivering. In her previous life, her grandfather had been the crown prince's tutor, and Old Lord Lin had also been highly regarded by the crown prince back then. Could it be... could it be that the Lin Family truly had secret dealings with the former crown prince? He maintained his own troops—was it really to conspire with the crown prince in rebellion? Having stumbled upon this matter, would Lin Jinlou develop murderous intentions and silence her for good?

Just then, Xue Ning entered, cheerfully saying, "New concubine, I found this little thing. It's so mischievous, actually hiding inside Master's boot." As she spoke, she handed over the kitten, then asked curiously, "New concubine, what's wrong? Why are you still wearing your cloak indoors?" While speaking, she quickly moved the brazier closer.

Holding the kitten in her arms, Xianglan nearly let her tears fall but quickly held them back. After what felt like an eternity, Lin Jinlou returned and saw Xianglan still sitting dazedly on the heated brick bed, holding the kitten that had already fallen fast asleep. Lin Jinlou walked over nonchalantly, took the kitten from her and set it aside. The kitten simply turned over, curled up, and continued sleeping. Seeing her expression, Lin Jinlou knew she was frightened, so he put on a smile and said softly, "Why didn't you stay properly in your room? What were you doing running out in the pitch dark, hmm? I just caught a spy. Since the inner courtyard was quiet and the west wing was empty, I brought him in for questioning. Had I known it would scare you like this, I wouldn't have brought him in next time."

Xianglan didn't dare look at him, thinking how he had been scowling fiercely earlier but was now acting fine. Judging by the situation, it seemed he wouldn't do anything to her. Only then did she finally break down, sobbing uncontrollably.

Lin Jinlou held her in his arms and patted her back. After a moment of silence, he whispered close to her ear, "Don't be afraid. The Lin Family has never considered rebellion. Right now, the Lin Family is enjoying Grandeur, and His Majesty sits firmly on the throne—why would we bring trouble upon ourselves?"

Xianglan whispered, "Then this matter—"

Lin Jinlou gritted his teeth inwardly but forced a smile on his face: "Don't worry about it. I'll handle this." With that, he stood up and left.

(After updating this chapter, I know many readers will have various speculations. Let me say again: the Lin Family won't fall, and Lin Jinlou won't suffer because of this matter. The plot has been adjusted recently, and I've been a bit stuck, hence the delayed update. My apologies. Xiao He's Weibo: search for He Yanshan.)