Against the Current - Chapter 203
Chapter 203 - Clues
It was already the onset of winter, and coinciding with Madam Qin's birthday. Because Lin Changzheng had gone to Shanxi, the household was not as lively as in previous years. Temples and Taoist shrines had sent several gifts, and the fresh fruits offered as tributes were picked to form the finest centerpieces gathered into a large presentation box. Relatives and friends who frequently visited also sent clothes, shoes, socks, purses, trinkets, and other items. Since it was not a milestone birthday, Madam Qin's intention was not to hold a grand celebration; even going to the temple to burn incense, pray for blessings, and hold religious services was waived, and they merely invited a few monks and nuns to chant the scriptures for increasing blessings and longevity at home for two days. However, as Lin Changzheng had already risen to become a high-ranking official of a region, and Lin Jinlou held immense power and position, the people coming to deliver birthday gifts were nearly about to kick down the threshold.
On this day, Xianglan was sitting on the large kang inside the beaded partition doing needlework. Lifting her gaze to look behind the screen, she saw Lin Jinlou sitting outside, perusing a thick stack of gift lists. These had already been vetted by his aides; for the past two or three days, they had filled four silver platters daily. Lin Jinlou placed the acceptable ones in one pile, put those that needed to be returned into another, and singled out several special ones to keep apart. Shuran held the brush, saturated with ink, making marks on the gift lists according to Lin Jinlou's instructions.
Shuran had been back in Zhisun Lodge for several days now. Upon her return, she showed a strong intent to set things right, reclaiming all authority and punishing or disciplining the maidservants and matrons who disregarded the rules. Not a single person promoted by Zidai was spared, making her look quite triumphant. Zidai had returned to Zhisun Lodge, but she was crestfallen, shrinking away in her room all day without coming out. She was not even allowed to enter the main quarters, and even the errand-running maids and matrons who used to be on good terms with her treated her with respectful distance, while others went out of their way to detour around her, pointing and whispering behind her back. Although the rumors about Xianglan being "overbearing and tyrannical" were merely speculative whispers that no one had actually witnessed, Zidai losing face before Lin Jinlou and being forced to drink Xianglan's foot-washing water was something everyone saw with their own eyes. For a time, it spread far and wide, eventually becoming distorted into the rumor that Zidai had failed in her attempt to "seduce the master," had to drink Lin Jinlou's foot-washing water, and had her dignity dragged through the mud, leaving Mother Han's face utterly ashen with mortification.
"If it weren't for showing consideration for Madam's face, she would have been driven out long ago. The Eldest Young Master has several guards who are still bachelors, and marrying that wench Zidai off to them would still be considered saving face, far better than being matched with a low-ranking footman. I only worry that Mother Han won't let it go and will drop poisonous words in Madam's ear, needlessly implicating you, Young Lady. For now, we'll keep her around and prevent her from coming into the main rooms, so she doesn't upset you with her antics." This was how Shuran explained it to Xianglan. She was exceptionally deferential to Xianglan, personally selecting four maids to serve her, every single one of them clever and deft. Xiaojuan, who had "no grand ambitions," was easy enough to manage, but Chunling was terrified of being replaced by the newcomers and grew even more attentive toward Xianglan. After seeing Xianglan place all four junior maids under her management, her heart finally settled, and she grew somewhat smug.
At this moment, Chunling sprayed rice wine onto a peach-shaped birthday embroidery piece, carefully pressed it flat with an iron, and presented it to Xianglan.
Xianglan meticulously stretched the embroidery over a piece of silk fabric. She was currently making a four-sided harmonious purse; since Madam Qin was celebrating her birthday, it wouldn't do to show up empty-handed. Having finished reading the gift lists and examining the notes one by one, Lin Jinlou instructed Shuran to take them to the front study. He then stood up, stretched lazily, walked into the beaded partition, and sat on the kang. Staring intently at Xianglan for a good while, he said, "My purse is old; you should make one for me later as well." With that, he untied the square woven-gold-thread black brocade purse from his waist and tossed it beside Xianglan's hand.
Xianglan took a look; the purse could not be called brand-new, but it was still bright and had not been worn for long. She raised her head to look at Lin Jinlou without speaking.
Lin Jinlou gave a light cough and said, "It's getting cold; it won't do to keep wearing a brocade one all the time. Make a lambskin one with a gold border for me later."
Xianglan acknowledged the command with a murmur, then heard Lin Jinlou say, "I won't be back for dinner tonight. The Marquis of Yongchang has invited me to his estate for drinks, likely on account of Third Sister's marriage. His parents passed away long ago, and his paternal uncle is managing this affair on his behalf, while also worrying about slighting our family. Second Uncle has been suffering from a recurrence of an old ailment these past two days, so Old Master's intention is for me to go."
Xianglan was secretly surprised. She had once stumbled upon Lin Dongling's secret rendezvous with a young man. She had originally assumed that since the family was arranging this match for her, Lin Dongling's temperament would lead her to throw a massive tantrum with weeping, screaming, and threats of suicide, refusing to stop until she turned the household upside down. Who would have thought she would remain so quiet instead? On the other hand, Wangshi had been complaining that the Marquis of Yongchang was too old; although his previous wife had left behind no surviving offspring, both concubines in his household had given birth to children, and his eldest concubine-born son was about to be the same age as Lin Dongling. To have her delicate daughter marry over as a second wife left Wangshi deeply unhappy. However, Lin Changmin was extremely eager to have such a prestigious son-in-law, and since the Marquis enjoyed great imperial favor, was in the prime of his life, and was renowned for a bold and chivalrous spirit—traits Lin Jinlou also frequently praised—Wangshi could only reluctantly accept it. Feeling simply that her cherished daughter had been wronged in every possible way, she had spent these days pouring all her efforts into preparing Lin Dongling's dowry. Hearing about the match, Lin Dongling had initially cried and made a scene, but somehow quieted down later on.
Since Lin Dongling seemed willing to accept this marriage, Xianglan had no intention of meddling or saying extra words. Besides, she couldn't be bothered to manage the Lin family's affairs, so upon hearing Lin Jinlou's words, she simply nodded along.
Lin Jinlou said, "If you feel bored tonight, find a few more people to keep you company. Xiaochu mentioned that his family has a female storytelling entertainer; I'll have them come over to tell a few tales to pass the time."
As they were speaking, Lin Jinyuan came running in with pattering steps, calling out "Big Brother" the moment he saw Lin Jinlou and lunging straight into his arms. Although Lin Changzheng cherished his youngest son, he maintained the stern dignity of a strict father, adhering to the principle that "a gentleman holds his grandchildren but not his sons," and more often than not lectured him with a straight face, which made Lin Jinyuan somewhat afraid of him. As the saying goes, "an elder brother acts like a father," and Lin Jinlou pampered him greatly. He would come home to play with him and sometimes even took him out to run wild. From a young age, Lin Jinyuan felt that his eldest brother was even closer than his biological father, and he constantly longed to visit Zhisun Lodge, only held back by the fact that he was raised under the care of the Old Master and Old Madam, and being so young, had his studies to attend to and couldn't easily slip away.
With a beaming smile, Lin Jinlou picked up his young brother and hoisted him onto the kang, instructing Lianxin to set out pastries and to brew a cup of fruit nectar rewarded from the palace. Lin Jinyuan rolled around on the kang, giggling as he lunged toward Lin Jinlou. Lin Jinlou caught Lin Jinyuan's ankle with one hand and hoisted him upside down, swinging him in mid-air.
Lin Jinyuan was thrilled out of his wits, shrieking and laughing non-stop. The wet nurse and the accompanying maids standing at the doorway were frightened nearly out of their wits, yet they dared not intervene. Lin Jinlou gently dropped the little boy onto the kang and said, "All right, take a break now, and let your Sister Xianglan peel some chestnuts for you."
Lin Jinyuan's face was flushed red with laughter, and Xianglan stepped forward to hand him the fruit nectar to drink. Having spent time in Madam Qin's quarters recently, Lin Jinyuan had long since grown familiar with Xianglan. Being precocious, he knew Xianglan was favored in his eldest brother's quarters, so he sweet-talked her endlessly as "elder sister," fond of her gentleness. At that moment, he lay down in her lap, snatching pastries from the plate to eat.
Just as he finished his second piece, the wet nurse stepped over to stop him, saying, "Young Master cannot eat any more."
Lin Jinyuan pouted his lips and pointed at the wet nurse to complain to Lin Jinlou, drawing out his tone, "Brother, look at her."
Lin Jinlou said, "It's just a piece of pastry, why restrict him like this?"
The wet nurse hurriedly apologized with a smile, "The Eldest Young Master wouldn't understand. A maid in Third Young Lady's quarters has come down with smallpox, and Madam is terrified. Early this morning, she had the rooms cleaned and offerings made to the Smallpox Goddess. Old Madam has ordered the Young Master to observe dietary restrictions and prohibited him from eating fried or parched foods. These sugar cakes are deep-fried; eating a couple of pieces is fine, but any more might not be good for him."
Lin Jinlou frowned, saying to Lin Jinyuan, "Since it's like this, don't eat them." He ordered the maids to take the plate away.
Lin Jinyuan pouted in deep displeasure. Being managed strictly in the rooms of the Old Madam and Madam Qin, he rarely got to eat many snacks, and right then he clung to Lin Jinlou, acting spoiled and throwing a tantrum.
Lin Jinlou leaned down to whisper in his ear, "If you behave, I'll give you a wonderful treasure. I have a novelty item made in the country of Persia here, which is exquisitely crafted."
Lin Jinyuan instantly forgot about the pastries, pestering him for the Persian novelty. Lin Jinlou suddenly scooped him up and carried him outside, once again setting Lin Jinyuan off into fits of laughter. Before leaving, he instructed Xianglan, "Pick out a box of light pastries and send them over to Yuan'er."
Watching Lin Jinlou's smiling face—so entirely different from his usual ruthless and violent demeanor—Xianglan stood there in a daze for a moment. Coming back to her senses a while later, she instructed Chunling to fetch a round lacquered presentation box, selected several kinds of pastries, and after a moment of thought, picked out a few soft ones as well to fill a separate box specifically for the Old Madam.
Delivering pastries to the Old Madam's quarters was a prestige-earning task. Unfortunately, Xiaojuan wasn't around, and Chunling disdained fighting over such chores with the junior maids. Just as she walked out to the veranda intending to call a maid, she saw Zidai walking over from the covered walkway. Catching sight of Chunling, Zidai stepped forward with a smile and greeted, "What are you doing standing here? Are you going to deliver something? I happen to have some free time; I can run that errand for you if you like."
Chunling slanted a glance at Zidai and said with sarcastic inflection, "Never mind, I wouldn't dare trouble Your Ladyship. If word gets out that our young lady is arrogant enough to order Lady Aunt Zidai around to deliver things, it would truly shave years off my life." As luck would have it, Cunxin and a few other maids happened to walk up to greet them. Chunling beckoned Cunxin over, thrust the presentation box into her hands, and said, "Here's a good job for you. Take these two boxes of pastries to the Old Madam's quarters; the square ones are an expression of filial piety for the Old Madam, and the round ones are for the Fourth Young Master. Off you go."
Cunxin had originally been Luan'er's maid. After Luan'er was expelled, Cunxin too had been demoted to coarse chores outside, until Shuran returned and promoted her back, assigning her to serve Xianglan. Chunling harbored misgivings toward her and never showed her warmth. Suddenly tossing this errand her way left Cunxin pleasantly surprised, and she babbled repeatedly, "Big Sister, don't worry, I'll definitely handle it properly." Clutching the presentation box, she practically flew off with flying footsteps.
Chunling huffed and turned around, muttering to herself, "Such thick skin! Anyone else would have died of shame long ago, yet she lingers here shamelessly, simply nauseating..." She deliberately raised her voice so Zidai could hear every word clearly.
Zidai instantly trembled with rage, tears welling up in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. She hurriedly covered her face with her handkerchief and fled.
Huamei stood quietly behind the pomegranate tree in the courtyard, watching the entire scene play out. Today she was draped in a semi-new green patterned satin cloak, with only two or three gold hairpins of fortune, prosperity, and longevity adorning her hair. Though heavily made up, her face appeared much more subdued, and this modest elegance still possessed its own charm. She had always cherished her appearance and loved dressing up well; today she had spent ages pondering over her clothes before going out, while secretly lamenting, "My clothes are all brightly colored. In my current situation, dressing too eye-catchingly is just asking for death, but my plain clothes are mostly from several years ago, and wearing them looks too shabby." Feeling somewhat dispirited, she remembered that Lin Jinlou appreciated beauty. Since she was already someone who had fallen out of his favor, if she didn't dress properly to win back some of her past affection, she feared he would genuinely have her sent off to the ancestral nunnery after the New Year. She had no choice but to rouse her spirits, re-select her garments, and meticulously apply her makeup.
Zhicao stood to one side, watching Huamei's delicate profile in silence. She had originally been a third-rank maid who, upon Zhao Yuechan's instigation, had shoved Chunyan and nearly caused Yingge to suffer a miscarriage, resulting in her demotion to exterior coarse labor. Later, during the talisman incident, Xique and the others around Huamei were beaten half to death by Lin Jinlou and dragged out to be sold. Seeing that Zhicao was tall and robust, Shuran had selected her to serve Huamei. Though called serving, she was actually one of two old matrons jointly keeping watch over Huamei. Huamei was a clever person; after remaining quiet for a few days, she brought out silver and jewelry to bribe them, after which the two matrons grew much softer, and she successfully won Zhicao over as well.
Huamei stood still for another moment before Zhicao urged, "Young Lady, we should get going, or we'll miss the time for kneeling at the ancestral hall."
Huamei lowered her eyelids in acknowledgement and walked away with a swaying, graceful gait.
The maids and matrons sweeping the courtyard watched her leave, all whispering among themselves, "That little wench Huamei is truly strange. She doesn't feel ashamed about going out to kneel at the ancestral hall, yet she dresses herself up like this, looking as if she's going out on a sightseeing tour with the mistresses of the manor."
"What 'Mistress'? She hasn't been a mistress for a long time. The Eldest Young Master's heart is anchored firmly in the main quarters now; didn't you see how he gave Shuran to Xianglan? She is the true mistress now."
Huamei turned a deaf ear, walking all the way to the ancestral hall. Zhicao produced a cushion and laid it on the ground, and Huamei knelt upon it. The cushion was thick with animal fur, blocking out the chill, while the massive ancestral hall remained deathly quiet. Zhicao put on a show of standing guard for a moment before stepping outside, closing the door behind her, slipping a few coins into the hands of the matron guarding the ancestral hall, and chatting idly with her.
Huamei sat down on the cushion. Zhicao quietly came in twice to bring her hot tea. After sitting in desolate solitude for nearly an hour, Huamei finally got up to return. Outside, the sun was shining brightly, but Huamei felt increasingly restless. Stopping in her tracks, she said, "I feel stifled; I'm going to stroll around the garden for a bit before heading back."
Zhicao said with hesitation, "This... might not be appropriate."
"What's inappropriate about it? Just taking a stroll, what's the big deal?"
"If the Eldest Young Master finds out... Oh well, just wander around somewhere far away from the Eldest Young Master and Madam's quarters." Zhicao said as she tucked the dozen copper coins Huamei had slipped her into her pocket.
Huamei wandered around a section near the Second Branch. The half-pond of withered lotus flowers had ended, and remnants of withered chrysanthemums still hung from the branches. The western wind grew steadily cooler, bringing an even stronger sense of desolation. Even for someone as cold and utilitarian as Huamei, it stirred up feelings of self-pity. She felt she was like that withered chrysanthemum on the branch—clinging stubbornly to the stem yet hanging in imminent peril. Returning home meant facing a father and brothers fierce as wolves and tigers, while staying meant being sent to the ancestral nunnery. Whichever outcome she landed on spelled the end result of "raven-black hair turning like silver, and fair cheeks withering like dry wood," and she couldn't help letting tears fall.
Just as she was overwhelmed by sighs of sorrow, she suddenly saw a burst of fire erupting from behind the rockery. Huamei gave a start, only to hear someone behind the rockery scold, "Hairui, you are asking for death! Why are you making such a big fire? Didn't you see the wind blowing this way? It nearly scorched my hair!"