Against the Current

Thunder rumbled ominously, the sky dark as a pot's bottom, with rain pouring down in sheets. Jiang Mu lay propped against the headboard, extending a hand from behind the bed curtain, covered with a handkerchief. The physician sat outside the curtain, taking her pulse. After a long while, he finished the examination and went to the front room to deliberate on a prescription.

Just then, someone outside announced, "Reporting to Old Madam, Madam Lin has arrived."

Jiang Mu hurriedly said, "Quickly invite her in."

Qin Shi lifted the curtain and entered. Jiang Mu struggled to sit up from the kang, but Qin Shi quickly stepped forward, saying, "Yi Lao Taitai, please don't get up—rising too quickly will make you dizzy." As she spoke, she reached the kang, took Jiang Mu's hand, and sat on the mattress, exclaiming in surprise, "My dear Old Madam! You seemed perfectly fine this morning—how did your complexion become so pale in such a short time?"

Jiang Mu forced a smile. "When one gets old, they become useless. I haven't been feeling well these past few days. I'm afraid I was overheated outside earlier, and it struck my heart upon returning."

Qin Shi turned her head and asked, "Has the physician been consulted?"

Jiang Feiyun replied, "He's already seen her. He said it's a recurrence of an old ailment and went to the front to write a prescription."

Qin Shi said, "The summer heat is intense. Yi Lao Taitai must take care of her health. If there's anything you'd like to eat or use, just let me know, so I can fulfill my filial duties."

Jiang Danyun, having just woken from her nap, hurried to greet Qin Shi upon seeing her and deliberately asked Jiang Xiyun, "I just woke from a nap and heard Grandmother isn't well. What exactly happened? Wasn't Fifth Sister attending to her earlier?"

Jiang Xiyun, with an innocent demeanor and a tone of naivety, said, "Earlier, Eldest Brother-in-law's servant came and said that Eldest Cousin had sent portraits of his concubine to the young masters of various households. I heard the portraits were exquisitely painted. Though it has nothing to do with us, I thought I'd join in the fun and ask for one to look at. I went out to give some instructions, and when I returned, I saw Grandmother's complexion had turned pale."

Jiang Mu shot Jiang Xiyun a glare and turned to Qin Shi, saying, "Look at this granddaughter of mine—so mischievous and improper, even meddling in men's affairs of honoring their concubines. If this gets out, wouldn't it make people laugh at us!"

Qin Shi, sharp as crystal, understood immediately. Her expression remained calm as she gently smoothed her hair and straightened her dress, inwardly annoyed. She thought, "The Jiang grandmother and granddaughter are shaming me with their words. If they have something to say, they should speak plainly. Pretending to be innocent and making insinuations about me—what a waste of others praising them as 'sincere and adorable.' Lou Ge'er is truly troublesome. Doting on Chen Xianglan in private is one thing, but to flaunt it so openly—no wonder the Jiang family feels embarrassed."

Qin Shi, being straightforward and protective of her own, smiled faintly and said, "Yi Lao Taitai, you're upset, and rightly so—it's our Lou Ge'er's fault. We've taken a liking to Xiyun, and both families have shown interest." Then, with a beaming smile, she added, "However, it's merely a thought—we haven't even exchanged name cards or arranged a matchmaker." Her implication was clear: whether the Lin family would proceed with this marriage was still uncertain.

Jiang Mu was taken aback, never expecting Qin Shi to lay the cards on the table and turn the tables on her. Her face flushed purple, and she coughed violently. Jiang Xiyun hurried forward to pat her chest, while Jiang Danyun looked astonished, then secretly pleased.Seeing the situation turning sour, Jiang Feiyun quickly stepped forward and affectionately looped her arm through Qin Shi's, chiding playfully, "What is Cousin's wife saying? Matters of marriage are no trifling affair—one cannot ruin a good match over a few disagreeable words." She then personally handed a cup of tea to Qin Shi, saying, "Cousin's wife, please have some tea."

Qin Shi accepted the tea, gently stirred the leaves with the lid, blew on the steam, and took a slow sip. Jiang Xiyun was kneeling on the footstool by the bed, slightly turning her head. Qin Shi stared into her eyes for a moment. Qin Shi had always treated her with kindness and warmth, like a gentle breeze, but her gaze had never been so cold and sharp. Jiang Xiyun’s heart tightened, and she lowered her head again. Jiang Mu was seething with anger but could not vent it, so she closed her eyes and leaned back against the pillow.

Qin Shi, knowing she had successfully intimidated the Jiang family, finally said leisurely, "Speaking of which, this matter was also Lou Ge'er's fault. But men, when they're young, are all like greedy cats. Chen Xianglan is excellent in every way, with the bearing of a lady from a good family. It’s only natural for him to be a little infatuated. Besides, at Lou Ge'er’s age, which man doesn’t have three wives and four concubines, with children running around? Right now, he only has one beloved concubine in his household—isn’t that a hundred times better than most? One must learn to be content, isn’t that so?" As she spoke, she reached out and gently patted Jiang Xiyun’s head. Jiang Xiyun couldn’t help but shrink back slightly.

Qin Shi withdrew her hand and looked at Jiang Mu, saying, "Of course, the Lin family also has its rules. If Lou Ge'er ever favors his concubine over his wife and loses sight of what’s important, he will be dealt with according to the family laws of our ancestors."

Hearing Qin Shi’s words, Jiang Danyun realized she still intended for Jiang Xiyun to marry into the family and couldn’t hide her disappointment, which showed on her face.

The room fell silent again. Jiang Mu opened her eyes, her face softening as she forced a smile and said, "Niece-in-law, this old woman has a few words to say to you. Once I speak them, my illness will be half cured." She struggled to sit up, and both Qin Shi and Jiang Feiyun stepped forward to support her. Jiang Xiyun fetched a pillow to prop behind Jiang Mu’s back and offered to serve her tea, but Jiang Mu waved her hand, instructing everyone to leave. She added, "Xiyun, stay."

Jiang Danyun’s face showed resentment, but Jiang Feiyun tugged at her and pulled her out of the room.

Qin Shi leaned forward slightly and said calmly, "Please speak."

Jiang Mu let out a long sigh, took Jiang Xiyun’s hand, and patted it gently. She said to Qin Shi, "Niece-in-law, if anything I said earlier offended you, please do not take it to heart."

Qin Shi replied, "Yi Lao Taitai, you are too kind."

"But Lou Ge'er’s behavior toward that concubine... is truly outrageous. I’ve heard that people in your household address her by dropping the 'concubine' title and calling her 'Madam' directly, and he allows it. What if they add 'First' in front of it tomorrow? Would there be any place left for the rightful wife? I’ve also heard that he now lets the concubine sleep in the main chamber. This matter... is it not against all reason and propriety? No woman, no matter how broad-minded, could tolerate such a concubine." As she spoke, Jiang Mu covered her mouth with a handkerchief and coughed softly.

Qin Shi said firmly, "Yi Lao Taitai, Chen Xianglan has done our Lin family a great favor. Whether one can tolerate her or not, she must be tolerated. If she truly cannot be accepted, then let’s not speak of the marriage anymore."Mother Jiang started in surprise and turned to look at Qin Shi, who narrowed her eyes slightly as she returned the gaze. A flash of lightning streaked across the sky, illuminating the room brightly. Their eyes locked in a silent battle until Mother Jiang finally slumped, her expression weary yet sincere. She looked at Qin Shi and said, "Niece-in-law, you have a daughter too. Put yourself in my shoes—you must understand how we feel." She then took Jiang Xiyun’s hand and urged her to stand. "This granddaughter of mine—her looks, temperament, and character are all first-rate. There are times I’d rather die than see her suffer any injustice."

Tears welled up in Jiang Xiyun’s eyes as she choked out, "Grandmother…"

The sincerity of the words, coupled with Mother Jiang’s exhausted and frail demeanor, softened Qin Shi’s heart. She sighed and took Mother Jiang’s hand, saying, "Auntie, set your mind at ease. We’ve always known what’s proper. If our families are to be joined in marriage, we would never treat Xiyun unfairly. Our household will never allow Lou Ge’er to act recklessly. In the next couple of days, we’ll have Chen Xianglan move out of the main residence. From then on, she’ll be treated strictly according to the rules for a concubine, without overstepping even slightly." After a pause, she added, "I’ve already sent word home to arrange for an official matchmaker to visit soon."

Hearing this, Mother Jiang felt satisfied. A concubine could always be dealt with later once she entered the household. For now, Qin Shi’s attitude was enough. A faint smile returned to her face.

Jiang Xiyun stood quietly to the side. Was this… the Lin family conceding? Then why did her heart still feel so heavy? The Lin family had pinpointed her family’s eagerness to marry her off as their weakness, forcing her to tolerate Chen Xianglan’s presence—that beautiful, gentle, and exceptionally talented concubine whom Lin Jinlou adored with all his heart.

For the first time, she felt utterly powerless. Lin Jinlou was difficult to control, and Chen Xianglan, aside from her humble origins, was in no way inferior to her… Jiang Xiyun had always cherished her "Mandarin Duck Dream" of finding a soulmate, a devoted husband with whom she could share a harmonious and loving marriage… Her chest burned as if on fire, and she felt as though she were sinking into a mire. After Qin Shi left, she slumped down beside Mother Jiang and stared blankly, tears falling.

Meanwhile, Xianglan returned to the Hall of Flourishing Spring and dismissed her maids before retreating to her room alone, where she broke down in tears. Soon after, Lin Dongxiu arrived with her maid and noticed the servants gathered outside the bedroom, peering inside. She asked, "What are you all doing standing here?"

Xue Ning hesitated and said, "Madam came back crying and shut herself inside. She won’t let anyone in."

Hua Shan added, "She hasn’t eaten lunch yet."

Just then, Ling Qing and Ling Su arrived carrying a kang table set with several dishes. Ling Qing said, "We’ve reheated this twice already. She really shouldn’t skip a meal."

Lin Dongxiu said, "Enough. Bring the kang table inside. I’ll eat with Xianglan." With that, she entered the room first.

Xianglan’s eyes were swollen like walnuts, and the tip of her nose was red. Seeing Lin Dongxiu enter, she quickly wiped her tears with a handkerchief and said hoarsely, "Fourth Miss, what brings you here?"

Lin Dongxiu was startled. "Goodness, why are you crying like this? Who had the nerve to upset you?" She moved closer and asked, "Did Big Brother bully you?"

Xianglan forced a smile and busied herself directing the two Ling maids to set the kang table on the large heated bed inside the Green Gauze Bed.

Lin Dongxiu ordered her maid, "Qiangwei, go back to my place and fetch those two jars of fine wine." She then pulled Xianglan to sit on the kang and said, "Drowning your sorrows helps—we’ve never had a proper drink together."It turned out that Lin Dongxiu was also nursing grievances. Just moments ago, after returning, Xia Gugu had reprimanded her for behaving "unbefitting of a refined young lady" at the poetry gathering, saying she "quarreled over trifles and bickered pointlessly, acting like a shrew from the marketplace rather than a virtuous and dignified noblewoman." Lin Dongxiu felt deeply aggrieved but could not find a single word to refute the accusations. She had no choice but to hang her head and endure the lengthy scolding, which left her chest tight and breathless. She then stormed out to clear her mind and ended up at Xianglan’s place, hoping to vent her frustrations.

Xianglan, burdened with her own worries, sat gloomily by the kang table. Lin Dongxiu made herself at home, glanced at the dishes on the table, and ordered a few of her favorites from the small kitchen at the Hall of Flourishing Spring. "I’ve long heard that Elder Brother’s chef is quite skilled, but I’ve never really had the chance to taste his cooking," she remarked. Soon, Qiangwei and the others brought wine, heated a pot, and Hua Shan poured the drinks. Lin Dongxiu raised her cup and said, "Let me toast you."

Xianglan raised her cup in response, clinked it with Lin Dongxiu’s, and downed the drink in one go. The wine was nothing like the mild fruit or rice wines—it was pungent, spicy, and sharp. Xianglan felt a fiery sensation burn from her throat down to her heart, intensely uncomfortable yet strangely exhilarating. Lin Dongxiu stuck out her tongue and exclaimed, "Good heavens! How could anyone consider such awful-tasting wine a delicacy?" Seeing Xianglan refill her cup, she quickly stopped her, saying, "Don’t overdo it. If you get drunk, Elder Brother will never let me off the hook."

Xianglan pushed her hand away and said, "Didn’t we come here today precisely to indulge? Fourth Miss brought the wine herself, so why fuss over trivialities?" With that, she personally poured a drink for Lin Dongxiu and dismissed all the maids.

Lin Dongxiu sighed and said, "Very well, then." She raised her cup, clinked it with Xianglan’s, and drank with a frown, feeling her heart race and her face flush. After taking a bite of food, she suddenly laughed and said, "Three years ago, who would have imagined I’d be toasting you? Back then, you were just a timid little maid, and Cao Lihuan would slap you across the face without a second thought, scolding and ordering you around at will. Now, you’re draped in silks and satins, adorned with gold and silver, mingling with the masters as their equal. As for her, who knows where she’s ended up—a wandering ghost in some desolate place. How ironic fate can be…"

Xianglan replied, "Are silks, satins, gold, and silver really the mark of a good life? Fourth Miss, I’ve always seen things clearly. All this glamour is merely skin-deep. What does it mean to mingle with the masters? In truth, I’m still just a plaything, a servant. If I fall from grace someday, my fate might be even worse than that wandering ghost’s."

Lin Dongxiu clicked her tongue and said, "This is precisely what makes you hard to like. When others praise you, you should just accept it graciously. Why worry about tomorrow when you’re living today? If you keep thinking like this, in a few decades, both of us will be nothing but a handful of yellow earth. Isn’t that exhausting?"

Xianglan responded, "Whether I think about it or not, things will remain the same. I can’t just blindfold myself and pretend everything is fine, hoping to avoid these realities. I fear that if I indulge in momentary pleasures now, my future downfall will be even more unbearable… Alright, enough of this. Let’s drink."

The two ate some dishes and clinked cups again.

Lin Dongxiu, feeling the effects of the wine, grew increasingly talkative: "I used to look down on you. You were just a maid, yet you carried yourself with more stubborn pride than anyone. Outwardly obedient, but inwardly aloof. Several times, you even embarrassed me, grating on my nerves. But over the past couple of years, I’ve noticed you’ve softened quite a bit. The more I observe you closely, the more I realize you’re genuinely good-hearted—not the kind who smiles to your face while hiding malice behind your back."Xianglan curled her lips and raised her wine cup, saying, "For any past offenses, I offer this cup of wine as an apology to Fourth Miss."

Lin Dongxiu took a sip of wine and continued, "I know what's troubling you—it's all because of the Jiang family, isn't it? You should ease your mind. Eldest Brother will marry sooner or later. Jiang Xiyun is no pushover, but Madam and Eldest Brother will still protect you to some extent. If you ever feel wronged in the future, you can come to me. You saved my life and have treated me well—I won't forget it."

While Lin Dongxiu was speaking, Xianglan had already downed several cups of wine. With drunken eyes, she said to Lin Dongxiu, "Fourth Miss, you will soon be the wife of Marquis Yongchang. You've achieved what you desired, but the Marquis is much older, with a house full of wives and concubines and a grown illegitimate son. Do you truly not mind? If you were to marry a scholar closer to your age..."

Lin Dongxiu sneered, "I don't believe in those illusory ideals. If this marriage were perfect in every way, how could it ever fall to me? What I seek is a lifetime of wealth and stability—I don't consider myself greatly wronged."

Xianglan nodded her heavy head vigorously and clapped her hands in admiration, saying, "Fourth Miss, hearing you say this, I truly admire you..."

Seeing Xianglan's flushed face and slurred speech, Lin Dongxiu quickly stopped her, saying, "Don't drink anymore. Let the maid bring a bowl of sobering soup. I really won't know how to explain this to Eldest Brother later."

Xianglan snatched the wine cup back and giggled, "Explain what to him? I've lived so cautiously all this time, and now that I'm finally enjoying myself, who do I need to explain to?" As she laughed, tears streamed down her face, and she sobbed, "My poor, foolish younger sister... she chased momentary pleasure, and look what became of her—now she's a wandering ghost in some unknown place... wuwuwu..."

Lin Dongxiu frowned and said, "What? Younger sister? What younger sister?" Staggering to her feet, she pushed Xianglan and said, "This won't do. You're truly drunk." She hurriedly ordered the maids to remove the wine and bring sobering soup.

Just then, Lin Jinlou returned from seeing off the guests. As soon as he entered, he saw Xianglan clutching the wine pot, still trying to drink, while Lin Dongxiu and the maids tried to coax her. Lin Jinlou's face darkened instantly, and he demanded, "What's going on here?"

The maids froze in fear. Lin Dongxiu explained, "I had a few drinks with Xianglan, but I didn't expect her to get so drunk..."

Lin Jinlou strode forward, pulled Xianglan to her feet, and frowned at her flushed face and the smell of alcohol on her. "Where's the sobering soup?" he asked.

Xianglan gazed at Lin Jinlou with bleary eyes, then suddenly began kicking and struggling, shouting, "I don't want to see you! Get away from me!"

Lin Jinlou flew into a rage. He shook Xianglan violently, making the hairpins and ornaments in her hair fall to the ground, and gritted his teeth, saying, "Open your damn eyes and see who you're talking to! You're just asking for trouble!"

Lin Dongxiu shrank back and whispered, "Brother, be gentler..."

Lin Jinlou shot her a furious glare and pointed at her. Then he took the sobering soup from a maid and forced it down Xianglan's throat. Xianglan struggled desperately, refusing to drink, and most of the soup spilled. She coughed violently.

Fuming, Lin Jinlou released her and shoved her onto the kang, snarling, "You're just asking for trouble! You're just asking for trouble! Madam will summon you later—see how you handle it then! You've really outdone yourself, haven't you? I just showed you respect in front of others, and you pull this stunt behind my back. How could you do this to me?"Lin Dongxiu hurried over to pat Xianglan's back and wiped her face with a handkerchief, saying, "Elder Brother, she's drunk and can't help talking nonsense..."

Lin Jinlou glared at her and said, "Why are you still dawdling here? The rain has let up, why aren't you leaving yet?"

Not daring to provoke this tyrant, Lin Dongxiu forced a smile and said, "Then I'll take my leave." Before departing, she couldn't resist turning back to add, "Brother, do be gentle with her..." Seeing Lin Jinlou glare at her again, she hastily turned and left.

Lin Jinlou watched as Xianglan lay slumped on the kang, miserable—now crying, now laughing, now demanding more wine—and was so enraged he could spit blood. His hands trembling with fury, he stood up and stormed back to the bedroom, slamming the door with a deafening crash. The maids bit their fingers and held their breath, not daring to make a sound, silently attending to Xianglan. Suddenly, the door swung open with a sharp crack—Lin Jinlou had changed his clothes and emerged. With a cold expression, he picked Xianglan up and carried her to the large bed in the bedroom. Seeing Hua Shan approach with a towel, he snatched it from her and wiped Xianglan's face himself. He then fetched the sobering soup, pinched Xianglan's mouth open, and forced her to drink it. Xianglan, feeling wretched, finally vomited with a retch, fortunately with Ling Qing standing by holding a spittoon to attend to her.