Against the Current

Night fell, and Lin Jinlou ordered supper to be brought to the study. Ling Su and Ling Qing carried in a heated brick bed table, only to see Xianglan still asleep under the covers, half a fragrant shoulder faintly visible. Lin Jinlou instructed them to place the table on the Luohan bed. The two dared not look around and left with bowed heads. The heated brick bed table was set with eight plates of delicate dishes, two bowls of rice, a platter of pastries, a clay pot of congee, a clay pot of soup, and fresh fruit diced into pieces. Lin Jinlou shook Xianglan awake, now feeding her a bite of food, now ladling her some soup, even bringing it to her lips as he asked, "Do you like it? What else would you like? I’ll have the cook make it."

Xianglan rubbed her eyes and sat up, already quite hungry. She absentmindedly drank a few mouthfuls of soup. Seeing her drowsy, cheeks flushed like a spring-sleeping crabapple blossom and as endearing as a sleepy kitten, Lin Jinlou couldn’t resist reaching out to tousle her, pulling her close for a kiss. Xianglan dodged left and right but ultimately let him have his way. She glared at him, swatted his hand away, got up to put on her clothes, picked up her chopsticks, and began to eat.

Lin Jinlou hummed a little tune as he ate, now and then reaching out to touch Xianglan, looking thoroughly pleased and even having an extra bowl of rice. Xianglan glanced at him and said, "Tomorrow morning, I need to go back to my old place."

Lin Jinlou frowned, setting down his chopsticks. "What for?"

"Some of my things are still there—"

"Those things aren’t worth much. Leave them."

"There’s needlework I made there, stitched by my own hand, one stitch at a time."

"Don’t go back. Send someone to fetch them. Stay here with me."

"No. The elderly woman in the courtyard has always looked after me. I ought to thank her in person."

"Withdraw some silver from the accounts and have Bao'er go thank her."

Xianglan’s face flushed red. "Just now you said you’d treat me well, so why are you being so domineering again?"

Lin Jinlou fell silent, sulkily shoveling a few mouthfuls of rice. He had only just found her and hadn’t had enough time to be close, wishing he could keep her by his side every moment—naturally, he wasn’t happy about her going out.

The next day, though Xianglan woke late, she still went to the small courtyard where she used to live. Lin Jinlou, putting aside his official duties, followed along. As soon as they entered the courtyard, he frowned, and when they stepped into the eastern room where Xianglan had lived, his brows nearly knitted into a knot. "How can anyone live in this wretched place? It’s damp and gloomy—even a healthy person would fall ill here."

Xianglan pretended not to hear, carefully gathering the needlework she had done over the past few days and neatly folding her clothes. Lin Jinlou wandered around the courtyard, looking here and there, until he spotted a broken pot on the windowsill with a chrysanthemum planted inside. Though he thought little of it, it occurred to him that Xianglan must have planted it herself. Pointing at the pot, he said to Shuangxi, "Take this. Later, transplant it into a proper pot and place it indoors." Shuangxi promptly acknowledged the order and carried the flowerpot away.

Lin Jinlou went back inside and noticed a few sheets of paper scattered on the rough wooden heated brick bed table. A breeze blew, lifting the top pages to reveal a drawing underneath—a portrait that seemed to depict a man. Lin Jinlou immediately picked up the drawing and examined it closely. The face looked familiar—was it him?

Just then, Xianglan turned around and saw Lin Jinlou staring at the drawing—the very portrait she had sketched of him that night. Her face instantly flushed crimson. She rushed over, snatched the paper from his hand, crumpled it in her grasp, and averted her eyes as she said, "I always paint flowers and birds, so I’m not good at drawing people—it was just a casual sketch, not done with any particular intention!"Lin Jinlou gazed at her fair complexion tinged with pink and her flushed earlobes, feeling an itch in his heart. How adorable she looked, so captivating, fresh and dewy like a blooming flower, almost glowing. A smile played on his lips. "Oh, so you just casually sketched me? Did you draw it at night? And you still say you don’t miss me, hmm?"

Xianglan’s face reddened even more. "What nonsense—what are you talking about? What do you mean, drawn at night—" She turned away, pretending to tidy up, and tucked the drawing beneath a piece of embroidery.

"Alright then, it was drawn during the day." Lin Jinlou suddenly wrapped his arms around Xianglan from behind, planting a fierce kiss on her lips, then another, and another. Startled, Xianglan struggled and whispered, "It’s broad daylight! What’s gotten into you? There are people outside!"

Lin Jinlou reached out and pulled the drawing from beneath the clothes. Xianglan rushed to snatch it back, stamping her foot in frustration. "Give it back to me now!" Lin Jinlou held it high above his head. "No way. What if you tear it? I love this drawing too much."

Once everything was packed and they were about to leave, Xianglan personally went to thank the old woman, presenting her with silver and gifts. Meanwhile, Lin Jinlou beckoned Ji Xiang over, retrieved the drawing from his chest, and handed it to him, saying, "Find the finest craftsman to mount this painting. Use old rosewood for the scroll rod and inlay it with tortoiseshell and agate. Once it’s done, hang it in the study. Don’t forget to take it with us when we return to Jinling."

Ji Xiang hurriedly accepted it with both hands. Thinking Xianglan had created some masterpiece for the ages, he unrolled it in a secluded spot only to find a sketch of the Master. Though vividly rendered, it consisted of just a few strokes, with a large ink blot in one corner.

With Xianglan back, Lin Jinlou was utterly content. He reintroduced her to the elders and began selecting an auspicious date for the wedding. Seeing her eldest grandson smile for the first time in half a year, Lin Old Madam was overjoyed and generously rewarded Xianglan.

Lin Jinlou specially invited Aunt Xia to oversee the wedding arrangements. Aunt Xia understood perfectly—having served in the imperial court, attended to the Empress Dowager and princesses, she knew Lin Jinlou’s request wasn’t about burdening her with tasks but about lending prestige to Xianglan. Fond of Xianglan herself, she took her hand and examined her closely, sighing, "I always thought you were different from the rest. This fortune is only fitting. In my opinion, it’s General Lin’s blessing to have found such a treasure." A few days later, a eunuch arrived with an imperial decree: the Empress Dowager summoned Xianglan for an audience, stirring up the entire Lin Family. Xianglan entered the palace and presented four of her own paintings. The Empress Dowager was delighted and inquired in detail about The Legend of Lanxiang Jushi . Impressed by Xianglan’s gentle speech and refined demeanor, she bestowed numerous gifts.

However, Lin Jinlou was not pleased. After Xianglan left the palace, Aunt Xia took her directly to her own residence and sent word back: "By the Empress Dowager’s order, since it’s a wedding, it’s improper for her to be moved back and forth from her own home. Aunt Xia will host her as the bride’s family and has taken Miss Xianglan there." As this was the Empress Dowager’s command, Lin Jinlou could not object. He could only urge his family to expedite the wedding preparations.Qin Shi, however, devoted meticulous care to the wedding arrangements, personally overseeing every detail. During a late-night conversation with her husband Lin Changzheng, she remarked, "These past six months have utterly exhausted me. At my age, one lives only for the children—hoping they’ll achieve something and lead comfortable lives. Since Lou Ge’er has finally found someone who suits him, let him be. Xianglan is a good girl. And you, sir, mustn’t keep frowning. Now that the Empress Dowager herself has summoned Xianglan to the palace and bestowed so many gifts upon her—I’ve even heard Her Majesty occasionally requests Xianglan’s paintings for the imperial court—she’s gained recognition there. You can no longer be stubborn. Smile when you see the child; she’ll be your daughter-in-law soon, and your son’s well-being will depend entirely on her care."

Lin Changzheng retorted, "Who’s being stubborn? Do you take me for a three-year-old? My earlier displeasure was mostly directed at Lou Ge’er."

Knowing his pride was at stake, Qin Shi couldn’t help but chuckle.

Flustered, Lin Changzheng said, "Enough now. It’s late—time to sleep. Must you chatter so much?"

Chen Wanquan and Xue Shi had long been fetched and were temporarily staying at Aunt Xia’s home. From the day they received the news, the couple felt as if they were dreaming, then overwhelmed with joy, walking as if on air. Beaming, Xue Shi said, "Husband, remember the prophetic dream I had when I was pregnant with Xianglan? Thousands upon thousands of orchids bloomed. Even Master Ma the Fortune-Teller said I would bear a noble daughter, but you refused to believe it. Look now—hasn’t it come true?"

Chen Wanquan was so delighted his beard seemed to bristle with joy. Yet, after a moment of elation, he sighed and lamented, "Everyone in the Lin Family has a snobbish eye. I fear our daughter’s humble origins will cause her hardship in the future." The thought of becoming Lin Jinlou’s father-in-law sent tremors of excitement through him, his heart blooming with joy, his face unsure how to arrange itself into a smile. But then, reflecting on Lin Jinlou’s formidable power and authority—whom he had always revered as a deity—his knees grew weak, words failed him, and fear took hold. Unwilling to engage with such might, he oscillated between delight and worry, tormenting himself with alternating joy and anxiety. Restless and unsettled, his emotions seesawed until excessive agitation eventually made him fall ill. In contrast, Xue Shi was genuinely overjoyed, eagerly anticipating their daughter’s marriage and future glory, wholeheartedly preparing for the wedding.

On the wedding day, Lin Jinlou dispatched a hundred of his armored guards to lead the procession, holding crimson silk lanterns in the dark of night, illuminating the darkness as if it were day. This extravagant display caused a sensation throughout the capital, and some busybodies even recorded it in The Legend of Lanxiang Jushi , sparking endless discussion in every street and alley. On their wedding night, Xianglan, feeling uneasy, whispered to Lin Jinlou, "Wasn’t such a grand procession for fetching the bride inappropriate?"

Lin Jinlou grinned triumphantly. "Don’t worry, I already reported it to His Majesty. I just didn’t want you to feel slighted. Nowadays, human relationships are as thin as gauze—everyone watches wealth and status closely, especially the servants at home and those official wives. They may not say it to your face, but they’ll gossip behind your back. I did this to bolster your prestige, to show them all so they wouldn’t dare bully or mistreat you in the future."

Upon hearing this, Xianglan’s eyes reddened.

"Oh? Shedding golden tears again? Are you touched?" Lin Jinlou laughed, pulling her into his embrace.

Xianglan wiped the corner of her eye as she protested, "Not at all!"

Lin Jinlou pointed to his cheek. "Still denying it? You ungrateful thing, see how well I treat you? Hurry up and give me a kiss."

Xianglan dried her eyes, glanced at Lin Jinlou, then slowly wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck and, with a reserved expression, planted a soft kiss on his cheek.After the New Year celebrations subsided and the bustle gradually faded, Lin Jinlou began packing to return to Jinling. Due to the severe cold and freezing weather, Lin Zhaoxiang and Lin Old Madam stayed in the capital for the winter. With Lin Changzheng having entered the Grand Secretariat, the eldest branch naturally remained in the capital. In the second branch, Lin Jinting needed to study for the imperial examinations, and Lin Zhaoxiang personally oversaw his progress, so he stayed as well. Since Lin Jinting wasn't leaving, Wang Shi also remained.

Before departing, Xianglan made a special trip to see De Ge'er. She noticed he had grown taller but still had his chubby, lively appearance, which brought her much comfort. She praised De Ge'er in front of Lin Dongxiu, hoping to encourage his stepmother to show him more affection and treat him well in the future.

Lin Dongxiu was already pregnant and spent her days resting in bed to nurture the fetus. Her complexion was sallow, but her spirits were high. She said with a hint of jealousy, "He's the apple of the Marquis's eye. The Marquis personally teaches him to read and write—who would dare treat him poorly?" She then touched her own belly and added, "Who knows if this one will be a boy or a girl? If the Marquis treats my child even half as well as he treats De Ge'er, it would be a blessing." Xianglan remained silent. Lin Dongxiu was not well-liked by Yuan Shaoren; their relationship was merely courteous, lacking genuine affection. Now that Lin Dongxiu was about to have her own child, if Yuan Shaoren favored De Ge'er more, it was inevitable that she would grow resentful, making the boy's situation difficult. Xianglan gathered her spirits and helped Lin Dongxiu select fabrics for the baby's clothes. Lin Dongxiu sighed, "Ah, even before the child is born, I'm already worrying. I want to prepare everything for its daily needs in one go, and only the best will do."

This remark suddenly enlightened Xianglan. She thought to herself, "Indeed, parents and elders always hope their children will face fewer hardships, have a bright future, and live a peaceful and smooth life. But everyone must walk their own path. They will inevitably encounter both good and bad fortunes, and hardships are unavoidable. Others worrying on their behalf is futile. As long as we teach them to be good people, children and grandchildren will have their own destinies—each will ultimately have their own fate." With this realization, her heart felt lighter. She quietly called De Ge'er to her side, gave him many gifts, and advised him once more, saying, "Listen to your father, be generous in your dealings with others, don't be petty, and learn to let go—then life will go smoothly." De Ge'er held Xianglan's hand with his chubby little hand and whispered, "I understand. I remember everything you've told me, Aunt." Seeing how sensible he was, Xianglan felt both a pang of sorrow and a touch of comfort. She said, "If you lack anything and can't tell your family, just write to me. If you have something on your mind and need someone to talk to, just tell me." She then patted his little head, hugged him tightly, and lovingly kissed his chubby cheeks.Upon returning to Jinling, Lin Jinlou was swept into such a whirlwind of activity that his feet barely touched the ground. Having spent over a year in the capital, official matters in Jinling had piled up like a mountain. In contrast, Xianglan found herself with more leisure. With fewer people in the household, gossip and trivial matters had diminished by more than half. Each day, she methodically organized affairs within the Inner Chambers. Having lived in the Lin Family for three years and previously assisted in managing household matters, she thought herself thoroughly familiar with the routine. Yet within days, she realized that being a maid or even a quasi-mistress was vastly different from being the lady of the Main House. The servants and staff had initially shown her respect due to Lin Jinlou’s favor, but now that she was the Main House mistress, their deference was tinged with awe—especially those who had once deliberately bullied her during her days as a maid or concubine, who now couldn’t help but tremble with apprehension. Previously, when she gave orders, some senior servants had merely paid lip service out of politeness, but now they eagerly fawned over her with sincere flattery and smiles. Looking around, she saw that the scorn and malice she had once endured had been entirely replaced by enthusiastic, ingratiating faces. She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: the mind ought to remain equal and untroubled, yet distinctions arose because of status and power—such was the fickleness of human relationships.

Since his return, Lin Jinlou spent his days entirely outside. Each evening, he returned too exhausted to change his clothes, collapsing onto the bed sprawled out like a child, fussing and demanding. He insisted that Xianglan wipe his face and hands, remove his boots and change his clothes, shell chestnuts and feed them to him, fetch this and that, and read aloud official correspondence and letters while taking dictation. Seeing him covered in dust and worn down with fatigue, Xianglan attended to him meticulously, tending to his comfort and even preparing several mild, nourishing medicinal dishes to restore his health. Yet she absolutely refused to admit she felt any pity for him, lest that scoundrel take an inch and demand a mile, growing even more insatiable if he sensed her concern.