Against the Current

Yuan Shaoren chuckled twice and said, "Don't take offense, but Song Ke is truly a first-rate figure—erudite and accomplished, with elegant poetry and considerable cunning. I heard Duke Xian originally had someone recommend him for the position of prefect in Hubei, but he actually declined and stayed holed up in the Hanlin Academy as a minor compiler, infuriating Duke Xian to the point of fury. It's fortunate 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 someone not to be underestimated."

Lin Jinlou said, "I heard there's discord between him and his father-in-law. Song Ke seems to support the Eastern Palace, often telling others that the Crown Prince is gentle, humble, and has the bearing of a wise 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 side, and has grown noticeably thinner. The last time my mother visited, she happened to run into her and was startled by her appearance. Not knowing what was troubling her, she offered a few words of comfort and tried to coax her, but Zheng Jingxian stubbornly refused to speak. It was her mother, Wei Shi, who couldn't hold back and broke down in tears first."

Yuan Shaoren said, "Song Ke is now trying to avoid disaster by submitting a request for an external posting."

Lin Jinlou sneered, "He's dreaming. 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."

"Heh, there may not be any suitable places, but there are a few undesirable ones left. The higher-ups are likely to approve it. You have to admire his audacity—guess where he wants to go?"

Lin Jinlou asked, "Where?"

Xianglan also pricked up her ears to listen, but just then, Xue Ning happened to walk over. Seeing Xianglan standing there, she quickly asked in a soft voice, "What does the Concubine require?"

Xianglan was caught off guard and missed Yuan Shaoren's reply. Not wanting to linger behind the screen, she had no choice but to enter the room and sit on the kang, her mind still preoccupied. She thought to herself, "In both lifetimes, Song Ke has prioritized his career and future. Now, facing this calamity, I can only hope he remains safe." She let out a long sigh and continued pondering, "In this life, our family owes him an immense debt of gratitude. We can't simply forget it. Now that he's in trouble, we naturally can't stand by and do nothing... With Duke Xian's assets mostly confiscated, Song Ke's life must be difficult. I wonder where he's being posted and when he'll depart. I'm but a drifting weed, powerless in court affairs, but I can at least offer financial or material support with all my heart. Once we part, we might never see each other again in this lifetime." A sense of melancholy washed over her as fleeting memories surfaced. She tried hard not to dwell on them and slowly walked to the table, pouring a cup of tea herself. She thought, "Lin Dongxiu is a meddler who stirs up trouble and can't be trusted. De Ge'er is too young to ask. I'll probably have to inquire with Marquis Yongchang himself, but how can I get a message to him? It's frustrating that on this trip, I didn't bring anyone I can truly confide in."

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

Lin Jinlou, still frowning with a long face, pulled a meowing 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 kitten was as adorable as jade and snow, 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, "It's a pair of lion cats from Linqing, Shandong, carefully selected. They had a litter at the estate. Originally, there were three, meant as tribute to the palace, but this one fell ill and was left behind. Unexpectedly, it recovered. The estate manager just brought it over. I noticed its timid eyes resemble yours, so I kept it to keep you company."

The kitten mewed 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 of the hand-warmer, its four paws waddling adorably. Sitting by the bed, Xianglan teased the kitten's fluffy head with her finger. The kitten gazed at her with round eyes, mewing softly and rubbing against her hand. Xianglan couldn't hold back 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, Old Madam kept a few cats too, named Moon Shadow, Golden Silk, Hanging Pearl, Embroidered Tiger, and Star Seal."

Xianglan thought for a moment and said with a smile, "Look, it has one yellow eye and one blue eye. It should be called 'Yuanyang' (Mandarin Duck)."

Lin Jinlou grunted, "'Yuanyang' is a terrible name. It's male. In the future, it'll defeat all other cats. When others praise it, saying, 'What a majestic little overlord! What's its name?' and you say 'Yuanyang,' it'll sound like a powdered-up young lady, losing all its grandeur. Names like 'Lion King,' 'Earthshaker,' or 'General in Snow' would suit it better."

Xianglan looked at the pitifully mewing little creature and rolled her eyes at Lin Jinlou's talk of it "defeating all other cats." She said, "Why are you always about fighting and killing? Even keeping a cat, you want it to be so aggressive."

In Lin Jinlou's eyes, that roll of the 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 noticed earlier while talking to Yuan Shaoren that Xianglan had come out of her room—the hem of her skirt embroidered with auspicious eight treasures peeking from under the screen. Seeing her stop upon hearing about Song Ke, he felt a pang of displeasure. Coincidentally, the estate manager brought the cat, so he seized the excuse to step out, intending to question her and show his displeasure. Yet, with just one smile from her, his simmering anger gradually dissipated.

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 cash, and now he's smiling again. This unpredictable temper is unbearable." Catching him staring back at her, she felt a twinge of guilt and quickly changed the subject, casually asking, "Why are you even involved in presenting cats as tribute to the palace?""Ah, do you think my life is easy? The prestige I enjoy now relies entirely on the troops under my command. Maintaining such an army requires currying favor with nobles above while finding ways to generate silver below. This cat here is meant to please the Old Dowager in the palace." As he spoke, he stretched out his long legs and patted the cat's head. "This is called catering to others' preferences—it smooths the path on all fronts. I support all these people without extorting a single coin from the common folk, all thanks to these methods. And it's only someone like me who could manage this—no one else could."

Xianglan noticed a hint of pride on his face, an air of someone who could laugh in the face of the court and command three armies. She wanted to inwardly criticize his arrogance, yet found herself unable to mock him. She thought of how Lin Jinlou was always surrounded by attendants in his every movement, with everyone respectfully assisting him. Previously, the Jiangnan region had been plagued by water bandits and thieves, but since he took charge, several nests of bandits had been eradicated, bringing peace and stability. Pirates and local ruffians dared not invade. Not every young scion from a noble family could achieve such accomplishments and command such awe at such a young age.

Lin Jinlou suddenly reached out and touched Xianglan's face, studying her for a long while as if he didn't recognize her. He said softly, "Xianglan, just live peacefully with me. Don't dwell on unnecessary thoughts, alright?"

His abrupt words left Xianglan silent. She pulled the cat closer, stroking it absentmindedly, feeling a sudden emptiness in her heart. Lin Jinlou held her hand without speaking, and the room fell into silence. He let out a long sigh. When Xianglan looked up, she saw 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 the household. The Madam said all her hopes in life rested on me. As a child, I studied literature and martial arts tirelessly, and when I grew up, I led troops into battle, risking my life time and again, with my head hanging by a thread." He caressed Xianglan's hand but avoided looking at her. "These years, perhaps I've grown old, or perhaps I've witnessed too many partings and deaths... Now that I've returned, I want someone who truly cares for me..."

Xianglan felt her eyes grow hot and red. She immediately lowered her head as tears blurred her vision. Suppressing her emotions, she pretended to reach for the kitten, turning aside to wipe her tears. She avoided addressing his words and feigned nonchalance, saying, "What nonsense are you saying, Eldest Master? You're in the prime of your life, how could you be old..." When she looked up, she found Lin Jinlou staring directly at her. They gazed at each other in silence for a long while. Xianglan's eyes reddened again. Uncertain of her future and unsure of what to say, she forced a smile and lowered her head, saying, "Eldest Master, Marquis Yongchang is still waiting outside. It wouldn't be good to keep him waiting too long."

Lin Jinlou also smiled, stood up, and patted Xianglan's head as if she were the little kitten. "You're right. It wouldn't be good to keep him waiting. Lao Yuan is even older than I am, and he never complains about being old. How could I say such a thing?"

In truth, it was she who had aged. These years of struggle and hardship had carved deep into her bones, smoothing her edges into a round shape, as if she had aged overnight. Occasionally looking back, she felt as if she were observing another version of herself. Her past life had gradually become a blurred silhouette, and the youthful vigor of this life had faded into yellowed old dreams—both submerged in the relentless torrent of worldly affairs, never to reappear.As dusk fell, Lin Jinlou ordered sedan chairs prepared, and the entire party went to admire the plum blossoms on one side of the estate. Jixiang, Shuangxi, and Gui Yuan carried scissors and held vases. Wherever Lin Jinlou pointed out a fine branch, they would step forward to cut it and arrange it in a vase. De Ge'er had little interest in flowers and blossoms. Hearing that an eagle had been captured on the estate, he clamored repeatedly to go see it. Yuan Shaoren, concerned the boy might catch cold, took the opportunity to lead him back to view the eagle. Once the father and son departed, Lin Dongxiu grew restless, repeatedly signaling Xianglan with her eyes. Seizing a chance, Xianglan remarked to Lin Jinlou as if casually, "I spoke with the Fourth Young Madam at noon today. It seems she’s facing some difficulties in her marital home."

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

Xianglan continued, "I’ve heard the servants are disobedient, and a few of the Fourth Young Master’s senior concubines are also at odds with her. After all, she’s still young..."

Lin Jinlou, shrewd as he was, 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 added, "She deserves these hardships to learn her lesson. She’s only been married a short while, yet she’s turned the Marquis Yongchang’s household upside down. She finds fault with everything from top to bottom, and when she’s in the right, she’s even more unrelenting. She’s managed to offend nearly everyone. When she first came to me for help, I thought she’d been genuinely wronged. But after asking Lao Yuan’s aunt, it turned out that wasn’t the case at all. Stay out of this, understand? I’ll have Madam give her a proper scolding later."

Xianglan nodded inwardly, thinking, "No wonder Marquis Yongchang treats Lin Dongxiu with only polite indifference, maintaining a subtle distance in his demeanor and words. So that’s the reason."

Just then, the sound of urgent hoofbeats approached. Wen Rushi, Lin Jinlou’s personal guard, galloped up, dismounting before his horse had fully halted. He rushed to Lin Jinlou’s side and whispered a few words into his ear. Lin Jinlou’s expression darkened instantly. Turning aside, he ordered, "Escort your Concubine and Young Madam back." To Xianglan, he said, "I must return first. Pack up and head home as well. I’ll bring you all back another day." With that, he called for his horse, mounted, and rode off.

Xianglan and Lin Dongxiu had no choice but to follow suit and return. Once inside, Xue Ning promptly arranged for hot water to soak Xianglan’s feet and had the kitchen prepare ginger tea. As Xianglan put on her shoes and socks, she suddenly felt something was amiss and asked, "Where’s the little kitten?"

Xue Ning glanced around and said, "It was just lying on the quilt a moment ago." She searched high and low but found no trace of the kitten. Her heart sank as she realized, "Oh no, I left the door open when fetching water. Could it have slipped out?" She hurried out the door to continue the search.Xianglan grew anxious as well, saying, "The wind is fierce outside, it'll freeze to death." Without a second thought, she threw on a cloak and hurried out. The night was pitch black, with only the lanterns under the eaves swaying in the wind. Holding a lantern in one hand, she called out softly while bending down to search carefully. As she passed the west wing, she suddenly heard a short, sharp cry of pain from inside. Xianglan paused, but when she listened more closely, there was no further sound. Thinking she had misheard, she bent down again, calling out with a soft "meow." Then, a louder, more agonized wail erupted, startling her. Curiosity piqued, she crept to the base of the west wing's wall, poked a hole in the window paper with her finger, and peered inside.

The room was brightly lit. Lin Jinlou sat in an official's armchair, his expression cold and stern. Two of his most trusted advisors stood on either side, while Wen Rushi held a whip nearby. A man lay bound on the floor.

Lin Jinlou let out a cold snort, followed by the sharp crack of a whip striking the man, who groaned in pain.

"Just confess honestly—who sent you? What were you spying on in the Lin residence? If you tell the truth, I might spare your life."

The man whimpered, "I've told you everything..."

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

Xianglan's heart pounded, her legs trembling. Lin Jinlou had been so gentle with her lately that she had almost forgotten his ruthless nature. The sound of water splashing followed, and the man groaned again, seemingly revived, writhing in pain with tears and snot streaming down his face.

Lin Jinlou asked lazily, "Well? Ready to talk?"

"..."

"Not talking? Then I'll break your other arm."

"No, no, please—" Another crack, followed by a piercing scream as the man could no longer suppress his sobs. 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 stammer through his tears, "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 they had no dealings with each other. "What did he send you to do?"

"Lord Dai suspected you, General, of having ties to the former crown prince and plotting rebellion. He reported this to the Second Prince and ordered me to infiltrate your household as an advisor to gather information..."

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

Xianglan screamed at the sight of the gleaming blade. Recognizing her as the woman his master kept in his quarters, Wen Rushi quickly sheathed his weapon. Lin Jinlou strode out, his face dark, and yanked 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 kang, glowering and pointing a finger at her. "If you dare run off again, just try me! You've got some nerve!" He turned and stormed out, slamming the main hall door shut with a loud bang.Xianglan felt icy cold all over. With trembling hands, she tightened her cloak, but couldn't stop shivering. In her previous life, her grandfather had been the former Crown Prince's mentor, and Old Master 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 commanded troops and wielded power—was it really to conspire with the Crown Prince in rebellion? Having stumbled upon this, would Lin Jinlou now harbor murderous intent and silence her forever?

Just then, Xue Ning entered, cheerfully saying, "Concubine, I found the little thing. It's so mischievous—it actually hid inside Eldest Master's boot." As she spoke, she handed over the kitten, then asked curiously, "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 felt tears welling up and quickly suppressed them. After what felt like an eternity, Lin Jinlou returned and saw Xianglan still sitting dazedly on the kang, clutching the kitten, which had already fallen fast asleep. Lin Jinlou walked over nonchalantly, took the kitten, and set it aside. The little cat turned over, curled up, and continued sleeping. Seeing her expression, Lin Jinlou knew she was upset, so he forced 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. The inner courtyard was quiet, and the west wing was empty, so I brought him in for questioning. If I'd known it would scare you, I wouldn't have brought him here 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 close and patted her back, remaining silent for a while before whispering by her ear, "Don't be afraid. The Lin family has no intention of rebelling. Right now, the Lin family is thriving, and The Emperor has firmly secured the throne. Why would we bring trouble upon ourselves?"

Xianglan whispered, "Then this matter..."

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