Against the Current

As the story goes, Lin Jinlou led Xianglan back to the Hall of Flourishing Spring. The maids, who had been gathered together chatting and laughing, quickly surrounded them as they entered. Lin Jinlou strode directly into the inner room, glancing back slightly to see Xianglan whispering instructions to Hua Shan, telling her to prepare his formal attire for receiving guests.

While walking, Lin Jinlou untied the wide gold-woven belt from his waist and casually handed it to Xiao Juan. Ling Qing promptly offered tea, Ling Su presented a towel, and Xue Ning served a plate of fresh seasonal fruits. Xianglan followed him in and sat on the chaise lounge. Lin Jinlou joined her on the couch, took her hand with a smile, and gestured with his chin toward the pendant hanging on her chest. "Do you like it? Actually, I specifically saved it for you."

Just then, Shu Ran entered and overheard this. Always quick to join in the fun, she giggled and said, "Oh, this pendant is wonderful—so warm and exquisite. The best part is the orchid design, which subtly matches the mistress's name. Nothing could be more thoughtful. This sentiment alone is worth ten thousand taels of gold."

Xianglan looked up and saw Lin Jinlou smiling at her. Unsure how to respond, she lowered her long, thick eyelashes. Lin Jinlou said, "Whether it's worth ten thousand taels of gold or a thousand taels of silver, it's just to amuse you and bring some joy."

Xianglan blinked, then slightly raised her head to meet Lin Jinlou's smiling eyes. Seeing the situation, Shu Ran thought, "Well, any important matters can wait until after the master has finished his affectionate moment." She exchanged glances with the other maids, and they quietly withdrew.

Gazing at Xianglan's delicate face, Lin Jinlou couldn't help but lower his voice. "Do you like it? I'm asking you." After a pause, he added, "Or is there something you want to say?"

Xianglan looked up at Lin Jinlou's handsome features, but for some reason, she was reminded of the conversation she had earlier with Jiang Xiyun. Her heart suddenly felt heavy, unsure whether it was grievance or sorrow. She only felt that Lin Jinlou's hand holding hers was burning hot. She withdrew her hand without saying a word.

Lin Jinlou frowned slightly and was about to speak when he saw Hua Shan walk in carrying a stack of clothes, saying as she entered, "Mistress, the dark green set was washed this morning and hasn't dried yet. There are several similar sets in the chest. Would you like to take a look..." She trailed off, frightened by the glare Lin Jinlou shot her, the rest of her words stuck in her throat.

This interruption saved Xianglan. She stood up and went over, saying, "Leave them here. Let me take a look."

Lin Jinlou was displeased, thinking, "The maids Xianglan brought from her home are nowhere near as perceptive as those raised in the Lin family. And this one has such an irritating name—Hua Shan. Damn it, just because that pretty boy Song Ke gave her a fan once, she’s clung to the memory. I’ll change this maid’s name tomorrow—call her Jade Pendant, or maybe Screen. After all, I gave her a peacock screen earlier, and she adored it, always staring at it as if she could bore a hole through it." He glared at Hua Shan again, making her face turn even paler with fear.

Impatiently, Lin Jinlou said, "Anything will do. Come here."

Xianglan pretended not to hear and continued examining the clothes. Hearing the commotion, Shu Ran peeked in and entered, saying, "Eldest Master, the other masters have arrived and are drinking in the front. They asked you to join them as soon as you returned."Lin Jinlou glanced at Xianglan once more before uttering an "Mm" and allowing the servants to assist him in changing his clothes, all the while stealing occasional looks at her. Xianglan felt an inexplicable tightness in her heart. Lin Jinlou's gaze was sharp and penetrating; from the very beginning, she had stood no chance against him. All her thoughts were laid bare before him, firmly held in the palm of his hand.

Before leaving, Lin Jinlou pinched Xianglan's chin and scrutinized her twice before speaking, "Don't you have anything to say to me?"

Xianglan shook her head.

Lin Jinlou narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "What did that Fifth Young Lady of the Jiang family say to you earlier?"

What did she say? Naturally, it was a warning, a veiled threat aimed at me, and an attempt to gauge your intentions. Xianglan's heart tightened. She looked up at Lin Jinlou but ultimately said nothing, shaking her head again as she replied, "Nothing much, just idle chatter."

Lin Jinlou seemed lost in thought as he released her, letting out an "Oh" before turning to leave. He then turned back and said, "Distribute the bolts of fabric sent as tribute from the shops among the young ladies. Also, among the jewelry delivered from the silver workshop the other day, there's a pearl-encrusted ring—send it to Fifth Cousin."

Xianglan acknowledged each instruction one by one, catching a glimpse of Chunling peering in through the window out of the corner of her eye. Shu Ran quickly smiled and said, "I'll fetch the keys and open the warehouse right away."

After Lin Jinlou had left, Xianglan whispered to Shu Ran, "Keep an eye on Chunling these next few days. I sense something is off about her behavior lately."

Shu Ran sneered, "She hasn't been right since coming to the capital, and now she's getting cozy with the Jiang family. Forgive my bluntness, but Madam is too soft-hearted. A good, firm warning would show her what's what."

Xianglan gave a bitter smile and said, "I've exhausted all reasonable words with her. It's just that what she seeks, I cannot grant. With her frivolous nature, her tendency to offend others, and her refusal to heed my advice, who knows what trouble she'd stir up if given authority. I'm not afraid of her antics, but if she continues like this, she's bound to take a hard fall. If she truly crosses Madam, I doubt even I could protect her. For now, let her be... It would be a lie to say I'm not disheartened, but some bonds aren't meant to be forced. Let her go her own way, but keep a close watch on our household. As long as she doesn't cause trouble, don't say anything to hurt her. After all, we once shared a bond. If she wishes to go to Miss Jiang, I won't stand in her way. Let us part on good terms."

Upon hearing this, Shu Ran sighed and murmured a Buddhist chant, saying, "Oh, Madam, I hardly know how to respond to that. Not long ago, she knew full well you were sitting right next door, yet she kept praising Fifth Young Lady Jiang, saying things like 'so magnanimous,' 'such a delightful temperament,' 'as beautiful as a fairy,' and 'truly fit to be the principal wife.' Ah, I know it pained you to hear it—you even pricked your finger while doing needlework and had to send Hua Shan out to tell Chunling to fetch the clothes drying outside. Since that incident, you haven't entrusted her with any important tasks, yet you've treated her as kindly as before. Such magnanimity is truly beyond words." She hesitated, weighing her words several times before tentatively adding, "As for the Jiang family... Madam, you really shouldn't swallow all your grievances and hardships. The Eldest Master still treats you very well..."Xianglan naturally detected the underlying meaning in those words but merely smiled. Everything that had transpired today was something she had long anticipated ever since she was forced into the Lin household as a concubine. Speaking up would not change the fact that she was merely a concubine, and besides, she had never been one to stir up trouble. She understood why Jiang Xiyun had felt the need to speak to her in such a manner. The girl was truly in a difficult position—with the Jiang family facing hardship, she did not wish to get involved, yet Qin Shi had specifically taken a liking to her. Had Qin Shi favored her elder sister instead, it might have been a satisfactory outcome for all. What a pity, what a pity—Qin Shi had not even spared a glance for Fourth Miss Jiang.

Xianglan felt she had been worn down by hardships until she became coarse. If Jiang Xiyun had come to admonish her with such words back when she had just entered the Lin family as a concubine, she would have felt deeply insulted and retorted sharply. But now, she could face it calmly. Words that once would have been intolerable now passed like a gentle spring breeze, met with a sigh or a light laugh. A pang of bitterness rose within her—such peace of mind had been forged through countless stumbles and struggles, containing so much grievance and helplessness. Yet, almost immediately, a sense of pride surged in her heart. Despite encountering many disgraceful situations, she had never become a bitter, complaining, or scheming woman. She had never sought to improve her own circumstances by plotting against others. Suffering had only polished her into someone more rounded and enriched, and now she could better understand the hardships of others.

Xianglan sat in a daze for a while until Shu Ran sent someone with a catalog of fabrics. Rousing her spirits, she distributed them one by one, then instructed Xiao Juan to retrieve some rings and dispatched people to deliver them. Of this, no more need be said.

Meanwhile, Lin Jinlou emerged from the Hall of Flourishing Spring, his brow furrowed all the way. Gui Yuan, seeing his master seemed in a foul mood, grew even more apprehensive, not daring to make a sound. He inwardly lamented, "Jixiang and Shuangxi are up front attending to those gentlemen—why was I assigned to receive this formidable one? Could it be that Lady Xianglan said something that struck a nerve? But that can't be—since arriving in the capital, haven't these two been getting along much better?" Lost in these wild thoughts, he suddenly heard Lin Jinlou ask, "The paintings your mistress has done—they're all stored in the study, aren't they?"

"Ah?" Gui Yuan was taken aback but quickly plastered on a smile. "Indeed, every time the mistress gives me a painting, this humble servant delivers it straight to your study, Eldest Master."

"Right, then head to the study and find them for me."

The two proceeded to the study. Lin Jinlou settled into an armchair, holding a bowl of heat-relief soup, while Gui Yuan, sweating profusely, rummaged through several painting cylinders. Eventually, he gathered over twenty scrolls. Lin Jinlou unrolled them one by one, noting the dates and signatures. Suddenly, he realized that the quality of the paintings she had produced had significantly improved since he permitted her to sell her work outside. He snorted derisively. After picking and choosing, he selected about ten pieces, ordered the servants to carry them, and then sauntered leisurely toward the reception hall where guests gathered.

The hall was a scene of boisterous activity—drinking games, clinking cups, and raucous chatter. Several servants attended to the guests, while delicate-looking young actors sang operatic tunes in the background, creating an atmosphere of extreme festivity.

As soon as the crowd spotted Lin Jinlou entering, they roared with laughter, "Look here, the busy man has finally arrived! Neglecting his guests—he must be punished with several drinks!"

Someone chimed in, "He should down this entire jar!"

Liu Xiaochuan, clutching his belly, laughed, "Young Master, I heard you, Lin the Bandit, were wife-shopping in the rear courtyard. Tell us, brother, how did it go?"Xie Yu kicked him under the table and said, "A dog's mouth doesn't spit out ivory!" As he spoke, he shot him a meaningful look. Jiang Feiyun's husband, Lu Chaozong—the second legitimate son of the Marquis of Loyalty and Courage—was seated at another table, so it wasn't appropriate to jest about such matters.

Unexpectedly, Liu Xiaochuan had always been a reckless troublemaker and had previously held a grudge against Lu Chaozong. He glared at Xie Yu and retorted, "What's with your nasty habit of kicking me? If some folks are eager to offer up their daughters, why can't I say a few words about it?"

Xie Yu grew displeased and snapped, "You're nothing but a scoundrel! I was trying to give you well-intentioned advice as a brother, but from now on, if I ever meddle in your nonsense again, I'll be your grandson!"

Liu Xiaochuan chuckled and said, "You've said that plenty of times before. Come on, call me 'Grandpa' now..."

Xie Yu immediately flared up and rolled up his sleeves, ready for a fight. In the past, it was always Chu Dapeng who mediated their quarrels, but at that moment, Chu Dapeng had stepped away to relieve himself. Yuan Shaoren, who was holding De Ge'er in his arms and feeding him, quietly tried to calm them down: "Enough, you two. Every time you meet, you're at each other's throats—like dogs fighting and ending up with a mouthful of fur. Don't forget whose house we're in. If Lin Jinlou loses his temper later, you'll both have to face the consequences." With that, he stood up, handed De Ge'er a cup of tea, and instructed him to go offer a toast to Lin Jinlou.