Against the Current - Chapter 280

Chapter 280 - Mansion Banquet (Part 2)

Just as Lin Jinlou was cupping his hands and bowing to respond on both sides, he suddenly caught sight of Deger walking over with a cup of wine in hand, saying with meticulous, deliberate formality, "Your nephew offers a cup of wine to Uncle Lin."

With a face full of smiles, Lin Jinlou reached out to take the cup, drank the wine down, and then rubbed Deger's little head. "Good lad, you look like you've grown taller these past couple of days. Tomorrow I'll take you out for a horseback ride again."

With bright, sparkling eyes, Deger lunged forward to hug Lin Jinlou's leg, jumping up and down as he asked, "Really?"

Pinching Deger's chubby little face once more, Lin Jinlou felt an involuntary wave of softness swell within his heart. At his age, he should have a bold, tiger-headed child of his own under his knees; if Xianglan were to bear an heir, she wouldn't need to walk on such thin ice anymore. Ever since Jiang Xiyun entered the mansion, Xianglan had grown increasingly cautious. She had always been timid to begin with, and now she didn't even dare to draw a full breath, displaying weakness and yielding in every single matter. He couldn't figure out what on earth she was afraid of; she was Lin Jinlou's beloved concubine—what difficulty could she possibly have that she couldn't share with him? Even if he intended to take Jiang Xiyun as a wife, he would never wrong Xianglan. He saw right through the schemes of the Jiang family, who were clearly aiming for that jade pendant. If Xianglan's skills fell short of others', that would be one thing, but if they wanted to play tricks and outsmart people right under his very nose, they didn't have a snowball's chance in hell.

At that moment, everyone raised their cups and came over to toast him, loudly declaring that he must be penalized with three cups of wine.

Without declining, Lin Jinlou drained three cups in one breath. Amidst the uproarious laughter and cheers of the crowd, they ushered him to his seat. Seeing this, Shuangxi promptly poured wine into the cup before Lin Jinlou, while Jixiang hurried to serve the dishes he loved best, placing them on a small pinkish-white dish right in front of him. Lin Jinlou gave a hand gesture, and Shuangxi immediately leaned down with his ear close. Lin Jinlou said softly, "Go find Shuran, take the mansion's token, and send someone once more to invite imperial physician Zhang. Tell him that after taking those doses of medicine last time, there is still no news of a pregnancy, so I want him to come over and check again, and try a different prescription."

Shuangxi shrank his neck back slightly, thinking to himself: My good master, you're about to negotiate a marriage with the Jiang family, yet you're still fretting over getting Xianglan pregnant? Aren't you afraid that if a legitimate eldest son truly arrives, it will make the Jiang young lady choke with resentment? He raised his head, wanting to exchange a knowing glance with Jixiang, but unexpectedly received a fierce glare from him. Shrinking his neck once more, Shuangxi bolted away like a gust of wind.

Shortly after, the guests took turns toasting Lin Jinlou again, and Lin Jinlou returned each toast in kind. After a round of polite pleasantries, Chu Dapeng smiled and said, "I hear that elder brother has been attending upon the Emperor at court these past few days and has caught the Crown Prince's eye. It truly makes us brothers envious. If elder brother encounters any auspicious fortunes in the future, don't forget the rest of us."

Pointing his finger playfully, Lin Jinlou smiled. "You have no conscience saying something like that. From childhood to now, when have I ever left you out whenever I encountered good fortune?"

Liu Xiaoluan chimed in, "For words like that, you deserve to be penalized with wine."

Smiling broadly, Chu Dapeng raised his wine cup, tilted back his neck to drain it, and penalized himself with a cup.

Just at that moment, Lu Chaozong was seen walking over with a wine cup in hand. Smiling faintly at Lin Jinlou, he said, "I have come to toast Brother Lin."

Lin Jinlou also stood up, beaming with radiant warmth as he said, "Brother Lu is too polite."

After the two exchanged toasts, Lu Chaozong smiled and remarked, "Ever since Brother Lin returned to Jinling, you and I haven't seen each other for a good two or three years."

Lin Jinlou replied, "We are family relatives to begin with; we should visit and interact more often." Then he loudly ordered, "Why aren't you hurrying to add a chair for Master Lu at this table?"

Feeling a surge of personal glory, Lu Chaozong sat down beside Lin Jinlou. As a member of the Emperor's personal imperial guard in the Right Feather Forest Guard, though holding a mere sixth-rank position, his status was prestigious and refined, promising a boundless future. After exchanging a few conventional pleasantries with Lin Jinlou, Lu Chaozong smiled and said, "These past few days, my humble wife's maternal relatives have been staying at your esteemed manor, causing you much trouble."

Lin Jinlou smiled. "Brother Lu speaks too distantly."

While pouring wine for Lin Jinlou, Lu Chaozong continued, "Come to think of it, my humble wife often mentions to me that her fifth younger sister possesses exquisite beauty, graceful manners, an exceptionally kind and steadfast disposition, and is both filial and endearing—there is not a single aspect of her that isn't worthy of respect and affection. Previously, when the sisters were living together, minor frictions and bickering were inevitable, yet only the fifth younger sister never quarreled over idle matters. Her face was always full of amiable warmth, and she often stepped in to mediate disputes, always reserving the best things for her brothers and sisters. She is particularly skilled at needlework, having sewn several complete sets of clothing from head to toe for her nephew. If Brother Lin ever wishes to have anything made, you need only ask her." With these words, he raised the wine cup in front of him and clinked glasses with Lin Jinlou once more. After exchanging some idle chatter, he smoothly steered the conversation back to praising Jiang Xiyun's merits.

Lin Jinlou was entirely clear on what Lu Chaozong meant by this speech. At present, the Jiang family members residing in the manor were all female relatives, making it awkward for them to sing their own praises; having these praises voiced by Lu Chaozong made the endeavor seem much more natural. Maintaining a polite smile on his face, Lin Jinlou listened quietly as Lu Chaozong offered frequent toasts. Lin Jinlou accepted every single one, draining cup after cup, while Lu Chaozong's face blossomed with an increasingly broad smile. Muttering under his breath, Liu Xiaoluan grumbled, "What kind of nonsense is this? Just a bootlicking lapdog."

Kicking him from beneath the table, Chu Dapeng warned, "Lower your voice. Didn't you see that Tyrant Lin is drinking every single toast the man offers?"

Shutting his mouth, Liu Xiaoluan rubbed his nose with a disgruntled expression. He and Lu Chaozong had originally shared a friendly acquaintance, but Lu Chaozong had looked down upon his dissipated lifestyle, openly criticizing him at a banquet as a "wine bag and rice sack relying on ancestral shadows." When word reached Liu Xiaoluan, the two men officially turned into sworn enemies.

Before long, Tao Hongxun came over to toast Lin Jinlou. After drinking his wine, Lin Jinlou smiled and said, "Today, let's indulge in something more refined—I invite all of you to appreciate some paintings." As soon as he finished speaking, seven or eight pages entered, each holding a scroll of painting to distribute among the company.

Unrolling the scrolls for a look, the guests saw landscapes, flowers and birds, or figures, each one distinct and unique.

With a faint smile, Lin Jinlou said, "These were painted by my beloved concubine in my chambers. Since you are all romantic men of letters, have a look and see if these paintings pass muster."

Instantly energized, Liu Xiaoluan cast a gloating glance at Lu Chaozong before calling out to Yuan Shaoren, "Old Yuan, come quick and look at this piece I have here. It's truly... uh... exceptionally good." Stepping over to take a look, Yuan Shaoren saw a piece titled Falling Blossoms and Swimming Fish. The painting technique relied entirely on ink washes, depicting schools of carp darting through falling blossoms and flowing water—each one in a myriad of postures, lifelike and vividly rendered.

Bluntly, Yuan Shaoren praised, "A fine painting."

Nodding, Xie Yu remarked, "It's rare for every single piece to be a masterpiece. Brother Yuan, come look at this orchid here—the dark ink is mellow and rounded, exceptionally weathered and elegant."

Rolling his eyes, Liu Xiaoluan retorted, "You're rattling off theories as if you know your stuff, but can you actually understand it?"

Xie Yu countered, "Even if I don't understand it, could it be that you, great talent Liu, do?"

Chuckling lazily, Liu Xiaoluan replied, "Naturally I don't understand, but alas, there are those who do—isn't that right, Brother Lu? Brother Lu has been blessed with extraordinary fortune, marrying the foremost talented woman of the capital, who I hear is also skilled in painting. Won't Brother Lu critique whether the capital's talented woman paints better, or if Yingyang's concubine paints better?"

Internal anger flared within Lu Chaozong. Earlier, he had sung Jiang Xiyun's praises at length without receiving any substantive response from Lin Jinlou beyond a few perfunctory words of agreement; yet the moment the topic turned, Lin Jinlou pulled out paintings for everyone to see, deliberately elevating the status of his own concubine. Lu Chaozong felt as though he had been stripped of all dignity and left with nowhere to put his face. The moment he had unrolled the paintings earlier, a secret jolt of astonishment had struck his heart. As a scion of an aristocratic family accomplished in both civil and martial arts with genuine academic grounding, he could tell at a single glance that the painter possessed supreme skill and a profound artistic conception worthy of a master—naturally far superior to Jiang Feiyun's artwork. Yet to admit openly that the capital's premier talented woman's paintings fell short of a mere concubine's from another man's household would mean losing too much face; failing to acknowledge it, however, would make him a laughingstock if word got out. Forcing a smile, he remarked, "I am a crude man—how would I know how to critique such things? Each has her own merits, I suppose."

Liu Xiaoluan smiled brightly. "Brother Lu is far too modest. Why not invite your esteemed wife's calligraphy and painting out so we can compare them and see?"

Stunned, Chu Dapeng blurted out, "The signature on these paintings reads 'Recluse of Orchid Fragrance.' Could it be that renowned figure active around the Jinling region? Her paintings have always been worth a thousand gold pieces per stroke; who would have thought she belongs to Elder Brother?" He shook his head as he spoke, his face a mixture of awe and admiration. Lin Jinlou found the reaction immensely satisfying.

Tao Hongxun added, "My revered teacher's household also houses a Guanyin of Dripping Water painted by the Recluse of Orchid Fragrance. It captures both form and spirit with grand dignity, and it is still enshrined within my teacher's Buddhist worship hall today."

Wearing an indifferent expression that barely masked his overflowing joy, Lin Jinlou stated, "She received true instruction from Abbess Danyi, a Buddhist painter-nun of Jinling, back when she was young. She simply loves to paint, and I never cared to restrict her. Who could have imagined that behind my back she'd carve out such a reputation? Forget about paintings being hard to come by—since we are all closest kinsmen and companions today, I shall gift each of you a piece."

Liu Xiaoluan chimed in once more, "Elder Brother, I'm not just flattering you, but even the person in your inner chambers steals the spotlight. Your skill in stealing fragrance and plundering jade is truly..." He raised his thumb in admiration.

Lin Jinlou had been quite pleased with the opening remarks, but upon hearing the final phrase, he immediately glared at Liu Xiaoluan.

Hearing this, none of the guests could fail to grasp the underlying meaning. They successively broke out in praise of the paintings' merits, with some even whispering among themselves: "It's a pity she's merely a concubine; otherwise, the title of the capital's foremost talented woman would have to change hands."

With a dark expression, Lu Chaozong strode out to the veranda and summoned his trusted personal page. "Go inside and bring a message to your mistress," he ordered him. "She had me praise the Fifth Young Miss out here, yet the other fellow turns around and builds up his own concubine's prestige instead. Staying in this place a moment longer makes me feel utterly disgraced."

Just then, Lin Jinlou stepped outside to relieve himself. Upon his return, he caught sight of Yuan Shaoren standing alone in the veranda. Lin Jinlou asked, "Why are you standing out here? The sun outside is scorching; only indoors is nice and cool."

Yuan Shaoren smiled. "Deger ran off somewhere to play, and I came out to look for him." Casting a couple of glances at Lin Jinlou, he chuckled softly and said, "Judging by Brother Lu's implication just now, this Fifth Miss Jiang is both talented and beautiful—a rarity under heaven. As your brother, I must offer my congratulations here. Your beloved concubine is well-versed in both calligraphy and painting, and your future legal wife will be clever and delightful. You truly are blessed with magnificent fortune."

Casually, Lin Jinlou smiled. "Fifth Miss Jiang just happens to have a pretty face and knows how to please people."

Raising an eyebrow slightly, Yuan Shaoren—who had spent a long time steeped in officialdom and had long since turned into a seasoned schemer—knew that anyone trying to play tricks right under his nose would instantly reveal which tail of a fox they belonged to. The phrasing just now carried hidden subtext, prompting him to ask, "Oh? Could it be that the Jiang family is putting on a false front and everything just said was untrue?"

Lin Jinlou replied, "What was said was also every bit the truth. Fifth Miss Jiang truly possesses an amiable warmth and never contends with others. It's just that her 'non-contention' stems from a lack of capability to contend, forcing her to endure in forbearance for the time being. Otherwise, she hides needles inside her silk floss and is well-accustomed to playing the fool while reaping benefits; once an opportunity for a counterattack arises, she will certainly refuse to suffer any further losses. While she may not be vindictive to the point of holding a grudge for every minor grievance, her breadth of mind and capacity can hardly be called magnanimous."

A soft chuckle escaped Yuan Shaoren. "Is that so? So this young lady isn't a benevolent soul after all?"

"It's not that she lacks benevolence; her character is already far superior to that of ordinary women," Lin Jinlou observed. "She is shrewd, smooth, sophisticated, thoroughly versed in worldly prospects, and exceptionally skilled at weighing pros and cons. She naturally has her earnest and warmhearted side, but she is utterly terrified of being wronged. If you live under the same roof with her in the future, you must treat her a hundred times better until she feels your treatment is sufficient before she will return true sincerity to you. Or perhaps if you are useful to her, even if she harbors grievances and discontent deep down, she can still put on a smiling face and flatter you obsequiously. Old Yuan, you and I have seen far too many of this type of person among our brethren. Walking this path of the world over the span of many years, naturally everyone carries a belly full of schemes—how many true fools are left?"

Yuan Shaoren smiled. "For a young girl like her to understand the times, possess methods, speak sweetly, pay meticulous attention to detail, read facial expressions, and lower herself to serve others is truly no small feat. If you marry her in the future, just treat her well, and you'll naturally have the peaceful days of respecting each other like honored guests."

Shaking his head with a wry smile, Lin Jinlou remarked, "You don't understand... If there were no one else to contrast her with, she would indeed be considered a rare find... Tsk, but there just has to be such a person in this world who willingly accepts losses, bearing immense grievances and enduring all sorts of bullying without ever lodging complaints or resorting to schemes. Even when let down by others, she still remembers their kindness. You might call her foolish, but her heart is as clear as a mirror. I never understood it in the past, but once I finally understood, I couldn't help feeling a genuine sense of admiration."

Yuan Shaoren chuckled. "Who on earth are you talking about... Could it be that 'Yangzhou cousin' of yours? Deger was chattering away about her to me for ages just now, saying she possesses great learning, and is both gentle and kind-hearted."

Giving a faint smile without answering, Lin Jinlou patted Yuan Shaoren's shoulder and stepped inside.

With a light, wry chuckle, Yuan Shaoren thought to himself that for a woman to win even a shred of Lin Jinlou's admiration, she surely couldn't rely solely on a pretty face. Reminiscing further and finding Xianglan rather similar to Shen Jialian, a sudden wave of melancholy washed over him. Collecting his thoughts, he headed toward the study to look for Deger. As he reached the courtyard entrance, he saw Deger pulling a woman along from behind as they walked toward the study interior. Accompanied by a maidservant dressed in bright red and green, Deger was babbling: "Good Auntie Lan, stay right here. I'll go call Uncle Lin, and you can plead on my behalf. I still want to stay here; after my dad leaves for the military camp, you guys can bring me back."

Amused by these words, Xianglan paused her steps, bent down, and asked, "Why didn't you go speak for yourself? Uncle Lin dotes on you quite a lot as well."

Twisting his hands together, Deger replied, "Th-that's different. I want to speak in person, but if Dad finds out, he'll be sad."

A soft ache touched Xianglan's heart. Reaching out to stroke Deger's little head, she asked softly, "Why don't you want to go home? Your father treats you so well."

With his head lowered, Deger kicked a small pebble on the ground with his little shoe. "Dad is going back to the camp in just a few days. With only me at home, it's truly boring—none of my brothers or sisters want to play with me, and Third Brother always bullies me, shooting at me with a slingshot, and I can't beat him."

A fresh pang gripped Xianglan's heart. Squatting down, she asked, "Where did he hurt you? Have you told your father?"

Shaking his head, Deger looked at Xianglan with dark, gleaming eyes and giggled, "I threw mud at him too, and made his face turn green with anger!" Then, wrinkling his small face, he added, "I hate him to death."

Feeling genuine heartache, Xianglan couldn't help pulling Deger into her arms to pat him gently before releasing him. Looking into his face, she said, "You are the youngest at home, and the most doved upon. Aside from going to the military camp, your father usually brings you everywhere with him and personally started your education. Your third brother has never received such favoritism from your father, so naturally, he feels jealous inside and treats you this way—do you understand? If your father ignored you and only favored the other brothers and sisters, you wouldn't feel comfortable either, would you?"

Pondering this for a moment, Deger nodded.

Xianglan spoke slowly, "I cannot be by your side at all times, so I will teach you three principles. As long as you follow them, your brothers and sisters will all be willing to play with you. First, one must be generous and magnanimous in dealing with people. The toys, food, and various items you like are merely external things; the more beloved they are, the more you must learn to share them with your brothers, sisters, and friends. Only someone ready to help others in need is a true fine young man. Second, speak kindly to others. Offer words of comfort and warmth, and praise people often. A true man must not be petty, spiteful, or envious of talent like a vulgar woman. Third, cultivate a vast capacity of mind—do not hold grudges, and learn to forgive."

As she spoke, Xianglan shaped her hands into the size of an apricot seed and said, "If your heart is this small, fussing over matters the size of sesame seeds and green beans—so that whenever someone scolds you or strikes you, you harbor resentment, hold grudges, and seek retaliation, filling your entire mind with vexation—how can you cultivate spiritual refinement and personal character, and how could you shoulder great responsibilities in the future?" Then, spreading her arms wide to trace an enormous circle, she smiled. "If your capacity is this vast, able to embrace everything and willing to forgive the faults of others, then no matter what circumstances you face in the future, your heart will remain at peace and ease."

Upon hearing this, a wave of shock rippled through Yuan Shaoren's mind: Astonishing! A mere woman actually possesses such insight and breadth of mind! Even men fall short compared to her! Instantly, a deep sense of respect arose within him.

Tipping his head to the side in thought once more, Deger asked, "What if I do this, but my older brother still treats me badly?"

With a slight smile, Xianglan answered, "At first he might still bully you, but if you keep acting this way, before long he will start treating you well. Even if he doesn't like you, he will respect you." Having finished, she stroked Deger's little head and added, "If a family wishes to prosper, siblings must remain harmonious. One does not fear external enemies coming to slaughter; one only fears brothers turning their swords against each other. Once the inside falls into chaos, outsiders need only give a gentle push and everything collapses." Seeing that Deger only half-understood, she sighed inwardly, thinking: Deger is still young, the Marquis is busy with official duties, and there is no proper person by his side to guide him. I'm afraid once this lesson is imparted to him, he'll forget it all after a short while. Overcome by a sudden touch of sorrow, she fell silent. Hearing a cough from behind, Xianglan turned her head to see Yuan Shaoren walking out from the outside. The moment Deger caught sight of him, he flung both arms wide and dashed forward, shouting, "Daddy!"

Catching Deger in his arms, Yuan Shaoren smiled and nodded politely to Xianglan.

Xianglan hurriedly dipped into a curtsy, and Yuan Shaoren turned slightly to receive it. Knowing that meeting Yuan Shaoren in this place was improper, yet harboring a chest full of words she wished to share with him after just educating Deger, Xianglan was deliberating on how to broach the subject when she heard Yuan Shaoren say, "This subordinate heard every word the Aunt-Grandmistress said to Deger just now. Every sentence was a golden piece of advice—I am truly ashamed. It is my laxity in managing the household that caused this; henceforth, I shall surely guide him properly."

Startled, Xianglan hastily replied, "The Marquis speaks too seriously. Deger is an exceptionally fine child—steadfast in disposition, humble, gentle, and clever. One can clearly see the Marquis's personal teachings and example; he will certainly achieve great things in the future."

Gazing at Xianglan, Yuan Shaoren suddenly understood what Lin Jinlou had meant by "if there were no one else to contrast her with, she would indeed be considered a rare find." The very first time he met Xianglan was at a pleasure house in Yangzhou City, where she was wrapped entirely in Lin Jinlou's clothes without her face being visible. Later, when he went to the nunnery to sort through her belongings, he had remained unimpressed by her talent, finding her poetry tinged with a gloomy melancholy and feeling that a young girl shouldn't harbor such a temperament—that someone who loved to talk and laugh was the only kind capable of genuinely expressing their thoughts in a lovable and delightful way. Still later, when he finally laid eyes upon her, she was so breathtakingly beautiful yet devoid of a single trace of vitality, bearing such a striking resemblance to Jialian. Yet seeing her today once more, he discovered that her brilliance had long since been retracted inward, settling into a tranquility as serene as a pool of clear blue water.

A welling wave of profound reverence rose spontaneously within him. Suddenly at a loss for words and feeling somewhat flustered, he gave a gentle cough and said, "I saw your paintings upfront just now; they are executed with extraordinary vividness."

Taken aback for a moment, Xianglan replied, "The Marquis flatters me; it's merely a petty skill of carving insects and carving paper."

With a smile, Yuan Shaoren said, "To paint so exceptionally well and still call it a petty skill is showing excessive modesty. Yingyang kept showing them off upfront the whole time."

Lowering her long eyelashes, Xianglan gave a soft "Oh."

Gazing at her, Yuan Shaoren lowered his voice. "He is doing this... for your own good. To speak presumptuously, Yingyang will take a wife sooner or later. If he helps establish your footing and back your status earlier on, you will live more comfortably in the days to come."

A faint, indifferent smile touched Xianglan's lips. "Actually, there was no need for him to do this; striving for these empty reputations serves no real purpose."

Taken aback, Yuan Shaoren felt as though he must have misheard. Fearing that Deger might overhear and repeat the words, he instructed Xiaojuan to lead the boy off to play elsewhere, while saying aloud, "To utter such words is truly enough to chill a person's heart."

Xianglan suddenly inquired, "I have often heard others say that the Marquis is a man of deep affection and righteousness, utterly devoted to Deger's birth mother. Today, I am so bold as to ask: how did she meet her tragic end?"

Stunned once more, Yuan Shaoren stared fixedly at her. Xianglan's calm and profound gaze pierced deep into his heart; Yuan Shaoren felt as though Jialian herself were looking at him. A sudden, indescribable agony pierced his chest, accompanied by an overwhelming urge to pour out his heart—he no longer wished to fabricate any damn excuse to brush the matter aside. Averting his face to look at the slender lotus flowers standing gracefully inside the large ceramic basin in the courtyard, he spoke: "Deger's birth mother was... the daughter of an official who had fallen from grace. Because her father had planted a bond of kindness with my uncle, when her family fell into criminal ruin, my uncle brought her out of the Ministry of Rites' music bureau. When she first arrived at our household, she had only half a breath left, her face crisscrossed with tear stains. After she was rescued, she would crouch in a corner every day in a daze, neither crying nor making a fuss, utterly silent. Pitying her background, I gave her the paintings and calligraphy her father had previously gifted me. The moment she saw them, she clutched them to her bosom, slowly squatted down, buried her face in the crook of her arm, and began to sob, finally breaking into wails that could shatter anyone's heart..."

"She was just a young girl in her early teens, and I felt an exceptional fondness for her. Whenever I acquired something nice, I always saved a portion for her, so she grew close to me. As she slowly recovered, she developed a lively, cheerful disposition—clever and well-versed in the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting. A few years later, as she grew older, I had already fallen in love with her and wanted to take her as a concubine. My late wife, Lady Wei, remained childless after marriage and had originally personally arranged to take in two concubines for me, yet for reasons unknown, she stubbornly refused to allow me to take Lianniang. Neither did Lianniang wish to become my concubine under those terms, and the matter dragged on for several years. However, since she was a government bondsmaid, what kind of decent marriage prospects could she possibly speak of? Moreover, deep affection existed between the two of us. Thus, my uncle personally made the executive decision to assign her to me."

"At first, I kept Lianniang housed outside, and peace reigned within the household. Later, because Lianniang became pregnant, my uncle ordered people to bring her back home. Because I favored Lianniang excessively, Lady Wei grew resentful and devised clever schemes to torment her. Lianniang endured it at first, but later came to me with grievances, so I tried to mediate from the middle. Yet after happening repeatedly, I lost my patience. On the day Lianniang gave birth to Deger, I was serving as a garrison commander, bogged down by complex military affairs, and had no patience to deal with inner-courtyard domestic matters day in and day out. When Lianniang came to me with complaints again, she was instead met with my reprimands. She seemed to have lost all hope; she never brought it up again, but instead used methods to retaliate against Lady Wei, kicking up a huge storm. The two of them scrambled to find me, weeping and arguing their cases, plunging the household into chaos, which only caused me greater annoyance, and I frequently spent the night outside. Later, when Lady Wei insisted on taking Deger away to raise him herself, somehow or other, she tumbled down the rockery and nearly plunged to her death. Everyone claimed Lianniang had pushed her. I returned after drinking heavily, muddle-headed and boiling with rage, and went to interrogate her angrily, threatening to take Deger away to be raised by someone else. Lianniang merely stared at me without uttering a single sound, suddenly letting fall two lines of clear tears as she said..."

At this point, Yuan Shaoren could no longer continue. Drawing a deep, heavy breath, he said, "She said, 'I was originally a pure, untainted person who lived uprightly in the light. For your sake, I have worn myself down into such a wretched state. Even if I have schemed against others, it was all forced out of me by you lot. Yet I ask myself, I have never done anything as base as pushing and framing someone. Since you refuse to trust me, I shall use my death to prove my integrity.' As soon as those words left her mouth, she drew the sword hanging on the wall and slit her own throat."

Suddenly, a brisk wind arose, and the sky filled with heavy, dark clouds as if rain were about to fall, carrying the rumbling sounds of distant thunder. Though the wind still held a trace of summer heat, it blew through him until he felt chilled to the bone, a vague ache seeping outward from the depths of his heart. This was the very first time he had ever spoken of the hidden secrets in his heart to an outsider. After so long, his heart still ached to the point of trembling all over. He caught his breath and spoke at breakneck speed, as if pouring out all these hidden words to this woman who bore such a striking resemblance to Lianniang would grant him a form of redemption.

With a numb expression, Yuan Shaoren continued, "She died, and half my soul went with her... Later, when I heard her personal maidservant recount the past events, I finally realized how miserably she had suffered—it was I who had treated her wrongly back then... Lady Wei never recovered from her fall on the rockery, falling bedridden and passing away a few years later. On her deathbed, she told me that day she had simply slipped and fallen on her own, adding that she hated me because we shared the ties of a married couple yet lacked the love of husband and wife. I had originally detested her, but seeing her in that state, looking so pitiable, I suddenly felt sorry for her as well. During the funeral procession, as I looked upon her spirit tablet, I told her not to cross paths with me again in the next life."

Clutching her handkerchief tightly in both hands, Xianglan lowered her head to conceal her expression, fighting back the urge to weep as she said, "This humble woman thanks the Marquis for his candid honesty." Falling silent for a long moment, she added, "Heaven and earth know of this matter; I am resolved never to breathe a single word of it." She paused briefly. "Especially in front of Deger."

Forcing a weak smile, Yuan Shaoren replied, "Yuan trusts the Aunt-Grandmistress's character."

At that moment, Deger brought his hands together and came running over at full speed, laughing as he called out, "Daddy, look! I just caught a butterfly." With that, he carefully opened his chubby little hands and held them up to show Yuan Shaoren.

Yuan Shaoren stroked Deger's head.

Happily, Deger darted over to Xianglan's side, lifting his little hands to show her, before suddenly crying out in surprise, "Auntie Lan, why are you crying?"

Wiping the corners of her eyes with her handkerchief, Xianglan smiled faintly. "Where am I crying? A speck of dust just blew in and irritated my eyes."

Before her words had fully faded, a voice chimed in, "Is that so? Then let this master have a look." Striding over was Lin Jinlou, his tall, broad, and imposing figure planting itself squarely between Xianglan and Yuan Shaoren.