Against the Current - Chapter 284

Chapter 284 - Medicine (Part 1)

Jiang Xiyun sat blankly on a drum stool, her expression listless. Ruoqing said softly, "In the past, the old Madam always held you, Milady, as the apple of her eye, and not a soul dared lay a single finger on you. Yet this time, I'm afraid even she is powerless... Ah, if she were to know that the eldest master of the Lin family has behaved in such a manner, it would surely drive her to absolute fury again..." With a sigh, she attempted to comfort Jiang Xiyun, "Fortunately, the eldest master will soon be heading to the capital, and we still have the eldest aunt. When the time comes, there will naturally be someone to back us up. If the Lin family wishes to go through with this marriage, they will have to give us an explanation."

Jiang Xiyun's heart felt like an ice cellar, and she was utterly exhausted. Hearing this, she gave a light, bitter laugh. "Back me up? How will she back me up? To what extent? Could it be that this marriage is to be canceled? Though father has escaped a major disaster this time, he has ultimately offended the Crown Prince. If things go poorly, it could ruin his official career, and it might even implicate eldest brother. The Lin family is powerful and enjoys the imperial favor. Even when father was at the height of his official power, this marriage was a case of us climbing high to match them, let alone in our current situation. Never mind that Lin Jinlou dotes on a concubine; even if he had seven or eight secondary wives, I would still have to swallow my pride and marry in. What should I do? Beg eldest brother to tell Lin Jinlou, 'Drive your concubine out and don't let her cross the threshold in the future,' or bide my time, wait until I marry in, allow Lin Jinlou to put Chen Xianglan on a pedestal, and then lock horns with her? The old Madam feels heartache for me, but she is simply powerless. No matter how favored a granddaughter is, she cannot rival the family's future prospects. I understand this in my heart." She sighed softly again, seeming to murmur to herself, "It's just that I am unwilling to become a wooden figure in the future."

Ruoqing's expression was sorrowful as she silently placed a blue enamel bowl filled with summer-cooling snacks onto the table. Jiang Xiyun was an epicure with refined tastes who pursued culinary delights passionately. Being full-figured and averse to heat, she had to eat a bowl of iced sweet melons, water chestnuts, and almond tofu every single day during the summer. Yet, with her mind in turmoil, she had no heart to care.

At that moment, the silver bell hanging on the door curtain chimed, and Qiaohui walked in carrying a gold-inlaid silver food box. She smiled and said, "The mistress made some lotus root and yam ball soup there, remembering that it's Miss Xi's favorite. She specifically ordered a small pot sent over, inviting the aunt and the two young ladies to partake." With that, she set down the food box. Jiang Xiyun forced a smile to entertain her, and instructed Ruoqing to fetch a dozen copper coins as a tip.

After Qiaohui left, Ruoqing lifted the lid of the pot, scooped a bowl first to send to Madam Jiang, and returned to see Jiang Xiyun staring blankly at the pot. She scooped another bowl, placed it before Jiang Xiyun, and said softly, "Milady, please eat a little."

Jiang Xiyun mustered her spirits, picked up the bowl, scooped a spoonful into her mouth, and drifted into a daze as she ate. Ruoqing refilled a cup of fragrant tea for rinsing the mouth, then hesitated and asked, "Milady, when the eldest master arrives in a few days, should we bring this up or not? We cannot simply let the Lin family bully us to this extent."

Jiang Xiyun put down her bowl and spoon, her eyes already regaining their clarity. She wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and said flatly, "Naturally, there are ways."

Having partaken of the sweet soup, Jiang Xiyun did not touch dinner that evening. After tending to Madam Jiang, she washed up and went to bed early, yet tossed and turned within her brocade bed curtains, her heart in utter turmoil. She had witnessed the underhanded schemes of the inner quarters; she feared no seductive sirens or scheming beauties. Yet this time, fate had dealt her an opponent who was a delicate orchid. If the woman were merely acting foolish to play the pitiful victim, she would have no qualms about whatever methods she employed. But this Chen Xianglan truly was a delicate orchid. In truth, she hadn't thought much of this person before, assuming Chen Xianglan was like herself—someone who feigned clumsiness on the outside while harboring cleverness within. Only after hearing Ruoqing recount Chunling's tale of Xianglan's past did she realize that Chen Xianglan was genuinely foolish, honest, simple, and hopelessly naive.

Jiang Xiyun had been exceptionally clever since childhood, quick-witted and sharp-eyed. Her grandmother had always loved to pull her close in her embrace and say, "Our Xi'er has ten thousand clever thoughts, high comprehension, and a lively way of handling the world. Before another person can even turn a corner, Xi'er has already figured out the next three sentences. She is sharp and knows how to weigh things—oh my, she's a little sprite in the flesh."

By contrast, look at Chen Xianglan. She appeared gentle of temperament, harmless, conceding and enduring in all things, willingly letting others take advantage while only knowing how to be bullied. Clearly possessing striking beauty and accomplished in the zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting, she neither fought nor contended, and only knew how to weep when facing trouble. If she were in her shoes, living such a life would have suffocated her with grievance long ago.

Beauty, talent, honesty, and a humble background—to be honest, she truly felt a twinge of pity and regret for Chen Xianglan. If this person had no conflicting interests with her, they might even have become friends. But for her own sake, she had no time to pity others.

She slowly exhaled a breath, her hands gradually tightening into fists.

The next day, Jiang Feiyun came to visit Madam Jiang once more. Hearing Ruoqing recount the events of the previous day, she grew indignant and said to Jiang Xiyun, "Fifth younger sister, you are far too soft-natured! Even Lin Jinlou isn't such a tyrant—is he bullying the Jiang family because there are no men left?"

Jiang Xiyun said with utter innocence, "There's nothing to this, really. Eldest cousin doesn't have anyone capable of serving in his quarters right now. Keeping Xianglan in the main chambers, is there anything wrong with that?"

Jiang Feiyun flicked Jiang Xiyun on the forehead and said, "You ah, you're not smart when you should be, and people are bullying you right to your face. Strictly speaking, perhaps there's nothing improper about it, but the Lin family is about to enter into a marriage alliance with us. While you are still staying in their estate, Lin Jinlou openly dotes on a concubine like this—it completely undermines our family's dignity."

Jiang Xiyun feigned great difficulty and embarrassment, twisting her handkerchief. "Xianglan hasn't done anything, and besides, she is the apple of eldest cousin's eye. If we were to make a fuss over this, we wouldn't look good either."

Jiang Feiyun said, "What of it? I'll stand up for my younger sister once more. Bring paper and brush; I shall write personally to eldest brother and have him come uphold justice for you."

Though Jiang Xiyun secretly welcomed this in her heart, she still offered a hundred polite dissuasions with her lips. True to her word, Jiang Feiyun penned a letter. Before leaving, she took Jiang Xiyun's hand and said, "That Chen Xianglan is striking in appearance and knows how to handle affairs; she truly is a match. Yet she is far too pedantic and foolish, falling far short of your cleverness. If Chen Xianglan possessed your temperament, I would have cause to sweat. With someone like her, what is there for you to fear? If I ever have a daughter in the future, I would be content if she had even half of fifth sister's disposition."

Jiang Xiyun only offered a faint, gentle smile.

In the blink of an eye, seven or eight days passed. Lin Jinlou was away on official business and unable to return home. Madam Qin specifically summoned Jiang Xiyun to her side to comfort her, and hinted tactfully, "That eldest son of ours is the most worrisome, yet he is still somewhat reasonable. I am simply hoping that one day there will be a sensible girl like you who can keep him in line."

Jiang Xiyun twisted the corner of her dress and played the fool. "He is eldest cousin; if I were to keep him in line, wouldn't that upend the rules? Eldest cousin is a man who accomplishes great things; naturally, he doesn't fuss over minor details."

Madam Qin sighed and said, "You child truly are good-natured." She pulled Jiang Xiyun into her embrace and stroked her.

Emerging from Madam Qin's rooms, Jiang Xiyun saw Xianglan leading a maid and carrying a couple of books as she walked over. Their eyes met; Xianglan gathered her skirt and curtsied, and Jiang Xiyun returned the bow. Standing at a distance, both calmly averted their gazes without changing expression.

As Jiang Xiyun walked past, Huashan remarked, "Miss Xi seems to have just come from the mistress's rooms."

Xianglan nodded. When she had first sobered up from her intoxication, Xiaojuan and the others had quietly told her that the mistress had come by to convey the Jiang family's intentions, asking her to move out of the main quarters, though Lin Jinlou had not agreed. Originally, Xianglan and Xiyun could still exchange a few smiling pleasantries on the surface, but after this upheaval, meeting only bred awkwardness, making encounters worse than avoidance.

Xianglan sighed softly. Lin Jinlou had grown busy again; two days prior, he had ordered her to pack a chest of things, mustered his men, and departed. Before leaving, he had exhorted her, "Take your medicine on time; there is silver in the cabinet, so send someone to buy whatever you lack. If you're bored or feeling stifled, find someone to chat with, and don't just spend all your time painting in your room or you'll strain your eyes blind. As for the mistress, pay your morning greetings properly, and don't take to heart whatever she says. Just wait until I return."

Xianglan only lowered her head and listened, holding not an ounce of interest in placating the Lin household. Lin Jinlou added, "I'll be back in a couple of days, and when I return, I'll take you out to the countryside for a stroll." Xianglan glanced sideways at Lin Jinlou, seeing him in his official robes with a black gauze cap atop his head, which only served to make his brow look all the more heroic, steadfast, and capable. Lin Jinlou stroked her cheek and departed. When she returned to her room, she found a pair of knee-pads tossed upon the bed—the very pair Jiang Xiyun had made, which she had originally packed into the chest for Lin Jinlou to take. Looking around, the pair of knee-pads she herself had made, which previously sat in her sewing basket, had vanished without a trace. Catching out of the corner of her eye that Xiaojuan and the others were watching her cautiously, she stared at those knee-pads for a long moment before silently putting them away.

Xianglan stood there in a daze for a moment, then suddenly heard someone calling her. Turning around, she saw Jiang Danyun approaching with a maid. Seeing Xianglan, she smiled and said, "So you were here."

Xianglan nodded with a smile, "Miss Dan." Over these past days, Jiang Danyun had frequented the Changchun Hall from time to time, wishing to chew the fat with her regarding gossip about Jiang Xiyun. Xianglan was never quite willing to indulge her, always turning the conversation aside and treating her only with fine tea and pastries.

Covering her mouth with a fan, Jiang Danyun smiled and said, "I saw it just now—did you run into my sister? Even if she didn't pay you any mind, Sister Xianglan, please don't take it to heart. That sister of mine was born with that temperament; if you do her a favor, I guarantee that mouth of hers will sweet-talk you to death, coaxing you as if you'd eaten bee honey. But if you cross her—oh my, that mouth is like a knife, angering you to death while leaving you no handle to catch her on. I don't know how much I've suffered at her hands since I was little... Right now, my sister doesn't look upon you favorably, and as for why, Sister is a sensible person, so I needn't spell it out. Beware of her full stomach of schemes; she plays the fool while knowing the score, and next thing you know, she'll stab you in the back and press you into the mud, all while acting as innocent as ever and continuing to win everyone's favor." She smiled further and added, "I see that Sister is also a person of considerable talent; surely you wouldn't wish to be relegated below others, especially since you have the eldest cousin's favor. Are you simply willing to let her lord it over your head like this?"

Seeing Jiang Danyun instigating once more, Xianglan had little desire to listen. She replied, "Thank you for your kind words, Miss Dan. The mistress asked me to copy some Buddhist scriptures, and she's waiting for me in my room, so I'll chat with you at length another day." With that, she took Huashan and departed.

Watching Xianglan's retreating figure, Jiang Danyun suddenly felt anger surge from her heart. She thought to herself, "What kind of lofty airs is this little wench Xianglan putting on?" Thinking of the furnishings in Changchun Hall, and how Xianglan was decked out from head to toe in fine gold and silk brocades; reflecting that when she herself married into a farming-and-scholar household in the future, even as the primary wife she wouldn't enjoy the splendor of a concubine like this; and then considering that Jiang Xiyun was soon to become the eldest mistress of the Lin family and would likely suppress her so she could never turn her life around—with her eldest brother coming to the Lin family in a few days to fetch her back in preparation for her wedding—she could not help shedding a couple of tears. Then, recalling the few remarks let slip by Jiang Xiyun and Ruoqing over the past few days, she thought, "Don't think you lot will have an easy time of it in the future; before I leave, this lady is going to turn your world upside down!"

To cut a long story short, the weather was gradually growing cooler, and the summer heat was beginning to wane. On this day, the household received a letter from Lin Jinlou stating that he would return home by afternoon. Jiang Shuxian, the eldest young master of the Jiang family, had already submitted his calling card, and Lin Jinlou had arranged to receive guests that afternoon. Additionally, Yuan Shaoren was sending young master De'er over for a short stay, and had ordered the household to make preparations.

By noon, Lin Jinlou had returned. Covered in dust from his journey, he ate hastily, went to bathe, and had just changed his clothes when Jiang Shuxian arrived, prompting Lin Jinlou to go to the front rooms to receive him. Before long, Yuan Shaoren also arrived with De'er, who was settled into the outer study, while Guiyuan hurriedly brought out tea to entertain them.

Yuan Shaoren asked, "Why are only you here? Where are Jixiang and Shuangxi?"

Guiyuan replied, "Shuangxi went out, and Jixiang is attending the eldest master. The eldest young master of the Jiang family has arrived."

Yuan Shaoren frowned. Just then, De'er piped up, "I'm going to find Aunt Lan." He bounced down from his chair, scampered off, and let out his legs to run—though that will not be detailed for the moment.

Meanwhile, over at Xianglan's quarters, Chunling was boiling medicine in the small tea pantry. This was originally Lusu's chore, but because Lusu had caught a cold and feared passing the contagion, she had been moved to the side rooms to recuperate, leaving the task squarely on Chunling's shoulders. Unwilling at first, Chunling had complained to anyone who would listen, "If something goes wrong while Milady takes this medicine, won't it be my crime?" After Shuran gave her a stern reprimand, she went off to boil the medicine with an ungracious and unwilling heart.

Though the dog days of summer had just passed, the air remained stifling. As Chunling fanned the stove, beads of sweat rolled down in sheets. Hoping to find a little maid to fan the fire for her, she stood up and glanced out the window, only to see the other little maidservants running off to play, leaving only Chaolu standing in the shade kicking a shuttlecock. Chaolu was Shuran's personal maid, whom Chunling had no authority to order about. Just as she was frowning inwardly, she heard the sound of laughter and conversation. Peering out, she saw Jiang Danyun and Jiang Xiyun strolling over from not far away, chatting as they walked.

Upon seeing them, Chunling hurried out of the room with a smile and said, "Why have the two young ladies come over?"

Jiang Xiyun smiled, "Fourth sister insisted on dragging me along."

Jiang Danyun said, "The two of us came to find Sister Xianglan for a chat."

Chunling said, "Oh my, what bad timing. Young master Yuan has just arrived, and the aunt has taken him for a stroll in the small garden."

Jiang Xiyun immediately said, "In that case, let's head back. My feet are aching from all this walking."

Jiang Danyun urged, "What's the rush? Your feet are aching, but my throat is thirsty. Since we happen to be right by the tea pantry, let's beg for a cup of water."

Chunling hastily said, "Please, come right in." She led the two inside and personally rinsed the cups and bowls before pouring tea for them.

Jiang Danyun asked by way of conversation, "What kind of medicine is being brewed on this stove?"

Chunling replied, "This is medicine being brewed for the concubine inside."

Jiang Xiyun gave Jiang Danyun a quiet, expressionless look, raised her teacup to take a sip, and said, "The medicinal odor in this room is too heavy; I'll go outside for a stroll." Carrying her tea, she stepped outside, led Chunling to stand at the doorway of the tea pantry with her back turned to the interior, and chatted in halting, drawn-out tones.

Jiang Danyun's heart hammered like a drum. Though she had been hesitating and conflicted internally, thinking that if no opportunity arose she would simply let it go, she had never expected Jiang Xiyun to stand at the doorway chatting and laughing with Chunling. Knowing full well that an opportunity lost would never return, she stood up with trembling hands and feet.