Against the Current - Chapter 194

Chapter 194 - The Floral Parlor (Part 1)

Madame Qin said, "Take her to the floral parlor." With that, she closed her eyes again to focus on striking the wooden fish and chanting scriptures. Mother Wu did not dare to disturb her and quietly retreated. She knew full well that Madame Qin was doing this to first blunt Xianglan's growing prestige. Among the women in the eldest young master's residence, two had already departed just last night, and the remaining one, Yingge, was out of favor. Only Xianglan held the greatest sway over his affections. Madame Qin had already resolved to tame Xianglan, and giving her the cold shoulder was truly nothing worth mentioning. Naturally, Mother Wu had no wish to court the mistress's displeasure, so she came out and whispered to Xianglan, "Madame is still chanting scriptures. Just wait a moment."

Enduring a faint sense of unease within, Xianglan gave a slight nod. Glancing around, she noticed that the furnishings in Madame Qin's living quarters were exceptionally plain and solemn, entirely devoid of any trace of luxury. The chair covers and table runners were all uniformly of a semi-worn indigo-blue brocade woven with gold thread. Yet upon closer inspection, one could discern the deep foundations of a distinguished noble family. The "Early Spring Landscape" hanging on the wall was a renowned masterpiece by Guo Xi, and the couplet scrolls on either side were genuine handwritings of Du Huan. On the long table sat a miniature gemstone plum tree bonsai symbolizing longevity; though small, it shone with brilliant luster, illuminating half the room.

Mother Wu led her off to a side floral parlor. Xianglan took a seat, and Green Luan personally brought a cup of tea to her, smiling as she said, "Madame always has to chant for a spell at this time of day. Just sit here and wait a moment, it will be over shortly." Xianglan curved the corners of her lips and acknowledged the words. She had not the slightest shred of friendship with Green Luan, and yet the girl now wore a smiling face—eighty percent of it due to the influence of that silver.

After sitting alone for a short while, Xianglan heard the faint sound of laughter coming from outside. The door curtain was lifted, and Lin Dongling and Lin Dongxiu walked in while chatting. Catching sight of Xianglan in the room, they involuntarily paused in surprise.

Frowning deeply, Lin Dongling demanded in a loud voice, "Why are you here?"

Xianglan raised an eyebrow, acting as if she hadn't heard a thing. Mother Wu, who was still in the room, hurriedly interjected, "It was Madame who asked Girl Xianglan to come over."

Lin Dongling let out a huff, walked into the room, and sat down at a distance. Lin Dongxiu followed right behind, yet she turned her face toward Xianglan and flashed a smile, exuding an air of extreme warmth.

Xianglan was taken aback, thinking she must have seen things.

Green Luan was busy pouring tea for the two young misses of the Lin family, and she also brought out the mother-of-pearl lacquered eight-treasure box for them to pick at the preserved fruits inside. Once seated, Lin Dongxiu smiled at Xianglan and said, "I haven't seen you around at all lately. You look even more radiant today! Growing up looking so lovely, no wonder Big Brother wanted to hide you away and keep anyone else from seeing!"

Hearing this, Lin Dongling was greatly astonished and immediately glared at Lin Dongxiu, who simply pretended not to notice, her face remaining all smiles.

Xianglan thought to herself, "This Fourth Young Miss has never looked upon me favorably before; why has she suddenly changed her tune?" As the saying goes, "One does not strike a smiling face." Xianglan curved the corners of her mouth and replied, "You flatter me, Fourth Young Miss. I am simply lazy and dislike going out for strolls, and since you rarely visit Zhichun Pavilion, we naturally haven't crossed paths."

Holding her teacup with a smile, Lin Dongxiu said, "Then starting tomorrow, I'll come find you to play every single day. You mustn't get annoyed and chase me away."

Of all the young girls in the Lin family, Lin Dongxiu was the most scheming and twisty-minded. She had always made a habit of egging others on to take the lead while she sat back to reap the rewards. Xianglan had no desire to cultivate a deep friendship with her, so she only smiled faintly and said, "As long as Young Miss doesn't find me dull, that is."

Before her voice had faded, Lin Dongling turned to Mother Wu and said, "I heard your eldest son has been doing well lately, having his name removed from the household register to serve directly by the eldest young master's side. First Aunt mentioned that after the New Year, he might even be granted an official rank, and by then you'll be brought back to enjoy a life of ease."

Mother Wu smiled and said, "It is all thanks to Madame's and the eldest young master's blessings that my boy has achieved a little something. I originally hail from the Lin household, and I would never dare forget my roots. Even if Madame were to drive me away, I wouldn't leave."

Blinking her large eyes, Lin Dongling remarked, "Mother Wu truly lives up to being an old-timer who came up by Madame's side. You know your origins and still remember not to forget your roots." Then she glanced over at Xianglan, tilted her head, and said with a grinning smile, "Xianglan, wouldn't you say I'm right?"

Xianglan was startled. These two remarks were clearly pointed, reminding Xianglan of her servant origins and using them as a pretext to squeeze her out. Yet Lin Dongling wore an entirely beaming expression, leaving one with no grounds to pick a fight. This sort of verbal sparring was the most aggravating kind. If one responded in kind, it would look as petty as children squabbling and would lower one's own standing; if one ignored it, the lingering annoyance would be secondary, but letting Lin Dongling think she was an easy target would only invite worse treatment next time.

Xianglan smiled slightly and said, "Mother Wu is a person of sincere character, and furthermore, Madame is magnanimous and virtuous. Everyone says that Madame treats people exceptionally well and is deeply considerate of others' hardships. If it were not so, how could she command such steadfast and devoted service from everyone? What I fear most are those who rely on being masters to act petty and condescending toward others—it truly strips them of their own dignity, making them a laughingstock for no reason. Third Young Miss, wouldn't you say I'm right?"

After all, Lin Dongling lacked deep political cunning. Her expression instantly darkened as she sneered, "So this is what happens when one gains favor! In Madame's own rooms, you actually dare to talk back to your masters. I certainly wouldn't dare say whether you're right or wrong, lest Big Brother feels he's lost face and comes looking to settle scores with me regardless of sibling ties. After all, if you want to beat a dog, you still have to look at its master, don't you?"

Seeing that things were on the verge of exploding, Mother Wu hurriedly exchanged glances with Xianglan and prepared to bring up something else to steer the conversation away. However, Xianglan calmly continued, "That is an interesting way to put it. I am no longer a maid of the Lin family, so naturally there is no such thing as a 'master' over me. Judging by Third Young Miss's words, if you were to bully me and the eldest young master came to find you over it, it would mean he disregards sibling ties; yet if he didn't come, it would mean he lets you lose face and allows your authority to be swept into the dust. Third Young Miss has certainly handed the eldest young master a rather difficult dilemma."

Lin Dongling was choked speechless by these words. She had never imagined that Xianglan—who only a few days ago looked like a timid little pitiful creature—would dare to stand toe-to-toe against her. Suddenly recalling the sight of Xianglan confronting her back at the Song family estate, a sharp gleam flashed in her eyes as she pointed and scolded, "What nonsense are you spouting!"

Xianglan replied with a calm smile, "I am naturally spouting nonsense. How could Third Young Miss possibly bully me, and how could she ever cause the eldest young master to lose face?"

At that precise, opportune moment, Lin Dongxiu let out a light chuckle and said, "You've seen right through her—Third Sister just loves to joke around." Under the table, she gave Lin Dongling a tug, pushed the eight-treasure box closer to her, and said, "These five-spice roasted melon seed kernels are exceptionally fragrant. Grab a handful and try them."

Lin Dongling had a fiery temperament and needed to vent her anger to feel satisfied. Xianglan's breezy dismissal of the matter felt like punching a cotton sack, leaving her face white with rage and her chest heaving violently. Had she been anywhere else, she would have relentlessly entangled Xianglan in an argument, but she was currently in Madame Qin's quarters. She had always held this eldest aunt in awe and reverence, and for the moment she dared not indulge her temper, leaving her stuck in an awkward standoff.

Seeing that she had achieved her goal and should not push Lin Dongling further, Xianglan lowered her head to drink her tea while secretly shaking her head. She thought to herself that with Lin Dongling's explosive temper, once she married in the future—having parents-in-law and a husband above, and sisters-in-law and brothers' wives below, with bound to be countless friction points—how on earth was she going to get through life?

As if she hadn't noticed Lin Dongling's fury at all, Lin Dongxiu smiled at Xianglan and said, "I heard you are exceptionally skilled at drawing pattern designs. Next time, you must specially draw a few for me. Mother gave me a bolt of brand-new tribute silk the other day; it's both thick and tightly woven, and such fine material shouldn't be wasted. I want to make an outfit out of it to wear for the New Year."

Lin Dongxiu was openly showing goodwill to Xianglan, and Xianglan naturally accepted the gesture. Though she currently appeared prominent in the household, her position was actually precarious, and making another favorable connection was always beneficial. Furthermore, she had always viewed Lin Dongxiu as a young girl and had never truly held any grudges against her. With a smile, she replied, "As long as Fourth Young Miss doesn't mind my clumsiness, what kind of patterns would you like? Peonies, plum blossoms, butterflies, or birds and insects? Just let me know, and I'll draw a few extra sheets for you to choose from."

With eyes curved into crescents, Lin Dongxiu said, "Then I won't stand on ceremony! I'll have plenty of fabric left over from making my outfit, so I'll have a matching skirt made for you as well, just to pay you for your hard work."

With a livid face, Lin Dongling sneered, "Enough, you might as well put away your tribute silk. Didn't you see the gold-threaded jacket she's wearing? That fabric is commonly known as 'Flowing Jade Brocade,' a supreme treasure that even the imperial palace can't easily acquire, and not even half a bolt is woven in an entire year. Only someone like you treats a bolt of tribute silk like a priceless treasure—I'm afraid such petty, worthless things aren't even worthy of her notice!"

Lin Dongxiu had always been a competitive sort who strove to outdo others. Lin Dongling's remark struck her right across the face; skilled at maintaining appearances and playing the social game as she was, she was nonetheless so enraged at this moment that her eyes widened, her face flushed crimson, and her hands clenched tightly into fists, holding back her fury.

Making a prompt decision, Xianglan turned to Lin Dongling and said, "Third Young Miss is mistaken. This outfit of mine was actually tucked away at the bottom of a chest in Zhichun Pavilion, and I have no idea who might have worn it before. I saw it was still new and didn't have the heart to throw it away, so I wore it over. Tribute silk is truly a rare treasure; if it weren't an exceptional material, Madame surely wouldn't have bestowed it upon Fourth Young Miss."

A wave of gratitude stirred in Lin Dongxiu's heart. Anyone could see that the garment Xianglan wore was brand new and tailored precisely to her measurements. Normally, someone who received such an item would flaunt the eldest young master's favor and prestige everywhere; for Xianglan to sacrifice her own pride to protect Lin Dongxiu's face was truly no small feat. She quietly pondered whether she should add something extra alongside the skirt—such as a sachet or a fan sheath—and instruct Hanzhi to prepare an extra portion. Smiling, she said, "Indeed, Madame is the most generous. Everything she rewards me with is precious. The last time, she gave me a pair of pure gold and red coral earrings, and everyone who saw them said they'd never laid eyes on coral of such pure, blood-red color. Third Sister, you should watch your tongue lest you drag Madame into this." With that, she cast a triumphant glance at Lin Dongling.

Lin Dongling glared furiously at Xianglan, but Xianglan simply turned her face aside and ignored her. If Lin Dongling had been the type to stop while she was ahead after gaining the upper hand, Xianglan wouldn't have minded backing down and tolerating her—after all, avoiding extra trouble was best, and she had never been a bellicose or contentious person. It was just that Lin Dongling loved to push her luck, and now that she was in Madame Qin's quarters surrounded by the mistress's eyes and ears—servants and maids ready to judge a person's worth by their status—showing weakness would only invite contempt and disdain. She never did anything unreasonable, but she would never allow herself to be casually humiliated either.

Xianglan's indifferent, dismissive attitude only fueled Lin Dongling's rage further. With a sharp "swish," she stood up, just about to slap the table and let loose a stream of curses, when a voice from the doorway announced, "Madame has arrived."

Before the words had faded, Red Jian lifted the curtain, and Madame Qin stepped in with a leisurely, graceful grace. She wore a sea-blue chrysanthemum-embroidered double-breasted jacket with wild geese holding reeds, paired with a one-foot-wide sea-horse tide-cloud sheepskin gold-trimmed stitched skirt. Atop her head she wore a gold-filigree eight-treasure bun, small phoenix hairpins, and a kingfisher-feather hair clasp, accented by a silver-beaded forehead band. Her face was touched with the lightest hint of powder, lending her an air of noble purity and formidable presence.