Against the Current - Chapter 148

Chapter 148 - Inquiries 

Lin Dongqi carried another cup of tea over and said, "Big brother, please don't hold it against us. They're just like a couple of monkeys, full of mischievous antics."

With a sharp clap, Lin Jinlou set the teacup down on the kang table and said coldly, "I'll say this one last time: Xianglan is my person, and the best thing you can all do is show her respect from now on. If any more idle gossip spreads, don't blame me for showing no mercy. Today was just beating the maids' backsides; next time, I'll beat the few of you directly. At worst, after taking a beating, I'll go before grandfather myself to take my punishment. For today's business, your brother is sparing your faces because you're still young and know no better." Seeing the three of them standing with lowered heads and hunched shoulders, he barked sternly, "Did you all hear me?!"

Startled into a shiver, Ting, Ling, and Xiu nodded frantically.

Lin Jinlou let out a huff. "If you know what's good for you, get lost!"

The group acted as though granted a pardon, scrambling to their feet and hurrying toward the exit.

Lin Jinlou called out, "Wait, little Third, don't leave. Come with me."

Hurrying along behind Lin Jinlou, Lin Ting followed him into the bedroom. Lin Jinlou seated himself and said, "Regarding what you told me about Han Guangye some time ago, I've mulled it over for a few days. Right now, there's an eighth-rank garrison commander position vacant. There's not much greasy profit in it, but it does come with a steady salary."

Lin Ting replied eagerly, "He'll naturally be thrilled. Both father and son Han know how difficult it is to secure a post these days. Guangye hasn't even mastered all common characters, but he's got a clever and resourceful head on his shoulders. Landing an eighth-rank official post straight out of the gate—he should be more than content."

Lin Jinlou chuckled lightly. "He is clever enough to latch onto your connections."

Lin Ting said, "He begged me several times, and I simply couldn't shake him off, feeling rather sorry for the fellow. If he fails to perform his duties well, big brother has my full permission to kick him out."

Lin Jinlou remarked, "I hear you haven't been doing much studying lately, spending every day mixed up with a bunch of good-for-nothing wastrels. If you've lost interest in taking the imperial examinations, you might as well buy an official title through my connections and take on a lucrative, important post down the road. That's a proper path as well."

Shaking his head, Lin Ting replied, "Forget it. Reading and writing essays at least gives me some foundation, but I'm completely hopeless when it comes to brandishing spears and waving staffs. Grandfather is still counting on me to pass the provincial exams."

Hearing this, Lin Jinlou laughed outright and said, "With the way you loaf around waiting to die every day, if you actually managed to pass the provincial exams and become a juren, our Lin family would have to open the ancestral hall for sacrifices and cast a golden statue for the Buddha. Grandfather would be so overjoyed he'd probably live another twenty years."

Dropping his head dejectedly, Lin Ting muttered, "Didn't I pass the district exams as a xiucai? Back when Yifei was around, I used to hang my hair by a beam and pierce my thigh with an awl to study every single day; it's only recently that I slackened off. First thing tomorrow, I'll go right back to the academy and resume my studies."

Lin Jinlou said, "If studying fails, you can always take the examiner's route. Last year's chief examiner was one of my father's fellow examination-year graduates."

Lin Ting shook his head. "I'd better give it another honest try." He lifted his eyelids to steal another glance at Lin Jinlou, aching to ask about Xianglan once more, but after moving his lips, he ultimately didn't dare speak.

When Lin Ting walked out, he happened to spot Shuran standing in the courtyard, so he stepped up to her and said, "Sister Shuran, busy as a bee?"

Shuran smiled. "I saw the touch-me-nots blooming so nicely, so I thought I'd pluck a few to stain my fingernails."

Noticing no one else was around, Lin Ting probed, "Good sister, hurry and tell me—what's the deal with that Xianglan in my brother's quarters?"

Shuran replied, "How she got in is beyond me; Third Young Master will have to go ask for himself."

Wearing an ingratiating grin, Lin Ting wheedled, "Good sister, you're the Zhichun Pavilion's resident 'wind-following ear'—if you don't know, who does?"

Pouting her lips into a smile, Shuran retorted, "Don't try flattering me with high caps; I genuinely know nothing about her affairs. It was only on that day the Eldest Master ordered the rooms tidied up and had clothes and jewelry brought over that I realized a new person was joining the quarters." She let out a sigh. "That Xianglan... truth be told, she hasn't had it easy either. The very first day she arrived, she suffered a beating from the Eldest Master. From what I could see with my own eyes, she didn't look entirely willing."

Lin Jinlou's cousin paused in surprise, then let out a scoff. "Brother Yifei is done for, so she put on the act of an ice-cold, pure maiden of unblemished virtue to kick him away with one foot, only to latch onto my brother's massive tree at the earliest opportunity so she can enjoy boundless wealth and glory for the rest of her days. What could possibly make her unwilling?!"

Shuran shot Lin Ting a reproachful glance. "My dear Third Young Master, didn't you witness just how furious the Eldest Master was a moment ago? You'd best bite your tongue and say a little less."

Rubbing the back of his neck, Lin Ting asked with a suspicious frown, "Did my big brother genuinely get infatuated with her? Is she really valued that much?"

Because Lin Ting was generally straightforward and easygoing, maintaining a decent rapport with her under ordinary circumstances, Shuran felt inclined to offer a word of guidance. Glancing around to check their surroundings, she lowered her voice and said, "Whether he's infatuated or not, I couldn't say. All I know is that apart from Zhao Yuechan, there has never been another woman with the capability to reside in the main bedchamber! Which of the women the Eldest Master takes into his rooms isn't stowed away in the side rooms? Yet this one is deliberately placed right beside him. Third Young Master, you've always shared a deep brotherly bond with the Eldest Master, but don't play the fool over this matter. Show Xianglan plenty of respect from now on; it will only ever do you good."

Eyes wide with astonishment, Lin Ting muttered under his breath, "You've got to be kidding me... Oh mother dearest, this woman is truly a calamity."

Shuran smiled. "What are you worrying for? What kind of calamity hasn't the Eldest Master laid eyes on? Which of them doesn't he grow sick of within three to five days?" With a light chuckle, she walked away.

Meanwhile, back in the eastern inner chamber, Xianglan had crawled back onto the windowsill, staring blankly out at the courtyard. It was the height of summer, and the Zhichun Pavilion's courtyard featured an artificial rockery embedded with delicate, intricate mountain stones, densely overgrown with exotic flowers, creeping vines, and fluttering emerald ribbons. Various species of orchids were blooming in full splendor, their blossoms each as large as a teacup, exhaling rich fragrance and flaunting their brilliance. Elsewhere, white magnolias glowed like fine snow while wild roses studded the greenery here and there, creating an irresistibly charming scene.

Xianglan gazed out in a trance, desperately trying to swallow down the bitter ache swelling in her chest. She had long anticipated that Lin Dongling and Lin Dongxiu would subject her to sneers and taunts, bringing no small amount of humiliation; she had comforted herself by resolving to treat their words as wind whistling past her ears—once it passed, it would be over. But then Lin Ting had arrived, looking at her with such shock and undisguised contempt. It was inevitable that Song Ke would find out sooner or later, and the mere thought of it sent a sharp pang through her heart. Her stubborn insistence on separating from Song Ke back then had been precisely to preserve her dignity and self-respect; now, ironically, it had all devolved into a laughingstock. Besides, she reasoned with herself, Song Ke has long since married a fine wife, and I have faded into the faintest of shadows. What does it matter even if he finds out? It will likely cause nothing more than an untroubled ripple on a calm pond.

Chunling walked over and advised, "Though the scenery outside is lovely, sitting by the window for too long isn't good for you. The sky is turning overcast; it looks like rain might fall. Don't go catching a chill sitting right here." As she spoke, she caught sight of Lin Jinlou striding into the room and hurriedly retreated.

Noticing a slender figure seated with her back to him on the arhat bed, leaning motionlessly against the windowsill, Lin Jinlou let out a cold snort. He seated himself on the opposite side, picked a cherry from the fruit dish on the kang table, chewed it thoughtfully, spat out the pit, and drawled, "Still pining for your old flame, are you? Tell me some of those countless tales of deep mutual affection so this lord can have a listen."

Xianglan turned her face to gaze at Lin Jinlou for a moment before replying, "Which chapter would the Eldest Master care to hear?"

Fixing a chilling gaze into the depths of her eyes, Lin Jinlou twitched the corner of his mouth in a sneer. "Fine, who would've guessed you were such a deeply romantic soul. Serve me well from now on, and keep this lord thoroughly pleased; when I eventually grow tired of you, I'll set you free to reunite with Song Ke. How does that sound? I just wonder if he'll still remember you by then." With that, he surged to his feet in a huff and strode out, barking for Lianxin to bring him a fresh set of clothes. As he changed, he tried to vent his irritation, thinking to himself that this Xianglan was simply unappreciative. Previously, he had only found her pretty face and delicate, water-soft figure appealing, coupled with a sweet little voice that was both graceful and refined—surely she must be gentle and doting. Who could have imagined she was capable of such frustrating behavior. Glancing into the eastern inner chamber, he saw Xianglan still crouching there all alone by the windowsill, prompting a cold smirk. Let her mope herself to death, he thought. Making this lord unhappy—does she think she'll come out ahead?

Having returned home expressly to change clothes for a social engagement, Lin Jinlou prepared to head out the moment he finished dressing. Lianxin hurried forward to respectfully present his waist saber. Suddenly, Lin Jinlou asked, "I had a leek-green sachet containing a few cooling pills. Where did you put it?"

Lianxin replied, "The Eldest Master certainly had one, but it hasn't been seen around the room lately. I recall you wearing it some four or five days ago. Since the Eldest Master has been bogged down with official business lately and kept sleeping in the study, you might have left the sachet behind over there. I'll go search for it right now."

Lin Jinlou waved a hand. "Never mind." As he headed toward the exit, he paused mid-step and instructed, "Have the bedding and supplies in the study packed up and cleared out. Starting today, I'm moving back to live in this quarters permanently. The curtains hanging in this room are too heavy in color—they look stifling. Have them replaced with something crisp and refreshing later on."

Lianxin hurriedly acknowledged the command and asked, "What color would the Eldest Master prefer?"

Lin Jinlou offhandedly replied, "Go ask Xianglan and let her choose."

Stunned into sheer disbelief, Lianxin managed to instantly swallow the look of shock on her face and rattled off a flurry of eager assents.

Meanwhile, Xianglan had remained propped by the window for the better part of the day before Chunling came to urge her to partake in the midday meal. Glancing over at the kang table, Xianglan saw that the dishes were entirely vegetarian and prepared precisely to her personal palate, which coaxed her into rallying her spirits to eat a little. Once she finished eating, Chunling sat on the arhat bed working on her needlework while Xiaoque knotted decorative cords, dropping casual remarks back and forth to draw Xianglan into conversation. Xianglan merely resumed her posture leaning against the windowsill to gaze outside. Before long, Shuran arrived. Radiating warmth, she first offered pleasantries, then inquired whether Xianglan was adjusting well to the food and lodgings, asking if there was anything she needed assistance with, and offering a few words of comfort. Xianglan merely responded with a slight nod; her attitude remained courteous yet distinctly kept at arm's length. Chunling, being sharp-tongued, exchanged bantering remarks with Shuran, making the atmosphere quite harmonious.

Judging that the timing was ripe, Shuran smiled ingratiatingly and said, "Speaking of which, I still owe the young lady an apology. My cousin Luan'er was spoiled rotten since childhood, so she speaks without thinking and has repeatedly bumped into and offended you. You are magnanimous, so please don't hold it against her or take it to heart. Let me offer her apologies on her behalf." With that, she rose and dipped into a low curtsy.

Xianglan replied, "Sister Shuran is being too polite. I know she speaks without malice." In her thoughts, she mused, Shuran handles matters with poise and thoroughness, considering every single angle with shrewd competence and a broad perspective. It's a mystery how she ended up with a cousin like Luan'er. The two of them bear no resemblance to each other whatsoever in appearance or temperament.

Just as they were talking, Nanyue, Rushuang, Tinglan, and several other prominent, influential maids of the Zhichun Pavilion filed into the room. All of them wore beaming, smiling faces as they inquired after Xianglan's well-being, overflowing with intense warmth and submissive deference. Xianglan felt a secret wave of astonishment; though she had little appetite for socializing, she was forced to paste a reluctant smile onto her face and exchange pleasantries with them.

Stepping out of the eastern inner chamber, Chunling caught sight of Lianxin passing through the corridor and quickly called out to her, stepping off the porch to ask, "What on earth is going on today? Every major deity and minor immortal in the place is parading into the eastern inner chamber."

Lianxin chuckled softly. "Of course there's a reason." Lowering her voice, she continued, "When Xianglan first arrived two days ago, those fair-weather flunkies still wanted to see which way the wind was blowing. Who would have thought that on this third day, the Eldest Master would throw away the dignity of several young masters and misses all because of her? Just a moment ago, he even gave instructions that he'll be sleeping here in the Zhichun Pavilion from now on, and told us to move his books and bedding back over from the study. Who do you think all of this is for?"

Chunling also laughed. "No wonder when noon rolled around, a few little maids were trying to curry favor by offering me things. They'd noticed Xianglan had few personal maids around her and were harboring their own little schemes."

The two maids exchanged a few more remarks before dropping the subject.