Against the Current - Chapter 336

Chapter 336 - Missing 

As soon as Lin Changmin turned around, he saw several maids and matrons running after him in pursuit. He flew into a rage, brandished his dagger, and cursed, "Let's see who dares to chase that wretched creature any further! Today, I'll kill one if I see one, and a pair if I see two!" Terrified out of their wits, the crowd dared not pursue any longer and fled back in a panic, scattering like birds and beasts.

By this time, the room was already in complete chaos. Seeing Lin Changmin chase out with a dagger, Lady Wang tried desperately to shout, "Quick, stop him, quick..." Before she could finish the second half of her sentence, she felt the world spin, her vision went black, and she fainted once more. Thrown into a flurry, the attendants hurriedly carried her onto the bed, massaging her chest and back, pinching her philtrum, while others fetched peppermint oil and summoned a physician.

Meanwhile, Su Meiru had collapsed onto the daybed in the room, blood gushing from her lower body. The pain caused the veins on her forehead to bulge, and she cursed between waves of hatred, soon breaking into continuous groans as tears and mucus streamed down her face.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Xianglan hurriedly pulled Lin Dongqi aside and said, "Consort Su is in grave danger; she cannot stay in the Second Madam's room. We had better have someone carry her to the side chamber. With all the relatives visiting in the capital today, we mustn't alarm the Old Madam. We must report this to the First Madam immediately and ask her to make a decision."

Lin Dongqi nodded repeatedly, though she said with deep anxiety, "What if the Second Uncle comes back later and starts another commotion?"

Xianglan replied, "We must quickly invite the Eldest Master and the Third Master back. Men's affairs must be handled by the men themselves."

After discussing a few words together, they reached a decision. Lin Dongqi ordered several sturdy matrons to carry Su Meiru back to her own side chamber, while Xianglan sent a little maid to report the matter to Madam Qin, and another group of people to fetch Lin Jinlou.

Before long, Lin Changmin returned. Today was the Old Madam's birthday, and he and Lin Jinting had been entertaining the visiting relatives and male guests outside. Shortly after the banquet, they were about to start a gambling game. Ever since Lin Changmin had acquired Su Meiru, his pockets had grown considerably flush, and now he wanted to deliberately put on airs to show that he was no longer what he used to be. Even though it pained him financially, he felt compelled to put on a display of wealth, so he had returned to fetch some silver—never expecting to walk in on such chaos. Having already consumed too much alcohol, the chill wind outside had only served to drive the wine fumes further to his head. He had previously thrown his weight around, and now, with the intoxication still lingering upon his return, he was determined to settle accounts with Lady Wang. He hammered furiously on the bedroom door, kicking and pounding away while cursing, "Now you're hiding inside and playing the turtle! Look at the daughter you've raised! If I'd known she'd turn out like this, I should have strangled her early on to prevent today's disaster! Open the door!"

Mother Qian knelt by the doorway, her face stained with tears as she pleaded, "Old Servant knows the master is furious in his heart, but the madam was already unwell and fainted just a moment ago; she has yet to regain consciousness. If the master insists on seeking out the madam, I wouldn't dare stop you, but I beg the master to at least consider the Third Master and spare the madam a shred of decency..." With that, she could not help but cover her face with her sleeve and weep bitterly.

Watching this scene unfold clearly from the corridor, Xianglan could not help but sigh and shake her head. She sighed at Mother Qian's unwavering loyalty to Lady Wang—in today's predicament, she alone dared to step forward and speak out—and she shook her head at Lin Changmin, who upon returning hadn't even checked on Consort Su, but instead stood at the door kicking and cursing to vent his spleen. It truly chilled one's heart.

Hearing Mother Qian's words, Lin Changmin's anger flared up anew. With a single kick, he sent her sprawling to the ground, pointing at her and cursing, "Impudent old servant! There is no place for you to speak here!" With that, he prepared to kick the door open and force his way in.

Just then, Lin Jinting hurried over, lifting the hem of his robes. As soon as he entered the room, he dropped to his knees, threw his arms around Lin Changmin's legs, and pleaded, "Father, please preserve yourself! Today is the Old Madam's auspicious day, and Mother is already unwell. If this truly leads to some irreparable tragedy, won't the Old Madam be deeply distressed when she finds out?"

Lin Changmin raised his hand and delivered a fierce slap across his face, sneering, "Fine, fine! Even a son now dares to lecture his father? Could it be you also intend to learn from that unloyal and unfilial wretch? No wonder you crawled out of the same mother's womb!"

Lin Jinting remained kneeling stiffly, the print of the slap instantly branding his cheek. Hearing Lin Changmin's words, tears welled up in his eyes, but he lowered his head and kept silent.

Lin Changmin grew even more unrestrained and raised his hand to strike him again. Unexpectedly, his wrist was seized in a grip like an iron clamp, squeezing painfully. He instinctively turned his head to see Lin Jinlou standing right behind him with a faint smile on his face. "Second Uncle is tired," Lin Jinlou said. "You should sit down and rest."

Lin Changmin tried to struggle, muttering incoherent nonsense, but suddenly felt his arms twisted sharply behind his back. The pain made his expression distort instantly, and he let out a loud cry of agony. Lin Jinlou smiled warmly, his two hands gripping Lin Changmin's arms as he said, "Second Uncle really is tired; Nephew will take you to rest for a while." With that, he hauled Lin Changmin along and strode out. Unable to break free in either direction, Lin Changmin could only stumble along in tow behind Lin Jinlou, continuing to hurl curses every step of the way.

Lin Jinting scrambled to his feet and hurried into the room, where he found Lady Wang lying on the bed, her eyes tightly closed and completely motionless. He edged closer and called out, "Mother..." Lady Wang slowly opened her eyes, and upon seeing Lin Jinting, she instinctively reached out to grab his hand, letting out a choked cry as she burst into tears.

Meanwhile, Lin Jinlou dragged Lin Changmin out, led him into the western side chamber, released his grip, and turned to slam the door shut. Lin Changmin nearly pitched forward. Regaining his footing, he straightened his robes and sneered, "Well, well, my good nephew! You've grown up now, haven't you? Your wings are hardened, and you don't even put your Second Uncle in your eyes anymore, daring to resort to violence in broad daylight."

Lin Jinlou stepped closer, a cold sneer playing on his lips. "I did resort to violence. What are you going to do about it?"

Furious, Lin Changmin pointed a finger at him and choked out, "You!"

Lin Jinlou stepped closer still. "What about me?" As he spoke, he gently pushed Lin Changmin's hand aside with a finger, his expression turning icy. "I spared your dignity out there just now. While I was away in Jinling, you know very well what kind of shady dealings you were up to on the river."

The color drained entirely from Lin Changmin's face. He involuntarily took a step backward, his heart hammering wildly against his ribs. The alcohol haze instantly evaporated into a cold sweat, clearing his head considerably. When he had colluded with the river bandits, trading under Lin Jinlou's banner in illicit salt trafficking, murder, and pillaging, he had amassed a massive fortune. Now that Lin Jinlou brought it up, he naturally knew the truth all too well. Having long known his eldest nephew's ruthless methods, his legs turned weak beneath him, though he still forced himself to put up a front. "What shady dealings?!" he spluttered. "Mind your tongue when you speak! Disobeying elders is already a capital crime; if you start hurling baseless accusations, don't blame your Second Uncle for turning hostile!"

Lin Jinlou let out a sharp chuckle. He walked right up to Lin Changmin, surveyed the furnishings in the room, and said, "Second Uncle, it's just the two of us here. We might as well speak frankly." He lowered his gaze to lock eyes with Lin Changmin. "Do you really think I didn't know about the things you pulled? Walls have ears, not to mention you were wreaking havoc on my turf. At first, with the capital in turmoil during a troubled autumn, and me recovering from injuries, I figured that if Second Uncle knew when to quit while he was ahead, I wouldn't puncture this layer of window paper. Not using military law to deal with you already shows regard for family ties."

Lin Changmin couldn't help shivering. The final sentence had been delivered through clenched teeth, carrying a vicious and ferocious expression that made the hairs on the back of Lin Changmin's neck stand on end. Then, Lin Jinlou suddenly smiled again, speaking in a soft voice, "Since your nephew has shown such utmost benevolence and righteousness, Second Uncle should be understanding as well, shouldn't you? Let's drop the closed-door intimidation. If Second Aunt and little Third Master suffer even a scratch, your nephew will have to carefully consider whether he should exercise discretionary mercy outside the law for Second Uncle's sake, just for the sake of family."

Veins throbbed on Lin Changmin's forehead, his chest heaving with rage as his face flushed a dark, bruised purple. During these past few days in Jinling, Lin Changmin had raked in a fortune in silver, basking in glory wherever he went, treated with deference and respect by all. His feet felt light, and though he still held a degree of awe toward Lin Jinlou, his mindset had fundamentally shifted. Today's incident reminded him sharply: just what kind of person was Lin Jinlou? This was someone who dared to square up to his own grandfather with a saber when he was only eight or nine years old—did he really think Lin Jinlou would fear an uncle? That young tiger, once just a howling cub, had long since grown into a formidable beast. The mere flash of his fangs was enough to shatter anyone's courage.

Seeing Lin Changmin standing there with a shifting, uncertain expression, Lin Jinlou knew he had settled down and would no longer raise a ruckus by beating his wife and children. This Second Uncle of his had no other talents, but he excelled at turning on his own family and possessed a mind full of scheming plots—which was precisely why Grandfather had always disliked him. Lin Jinlou shook his head, turned around, opened the door, and stepped outside. Just then, a maid rushed out of the eastern side chamber in a panic. Catching sight of Lin Changmin standing at the doorway of the western room, she hurried over, dropped to her knees, and cried out through her tears, "Master! Consort Su has lost the child!" Upon hearing this, Lin Changmin hitched up his robes and bolted hastily into the side chamber, not needing another word.

To return to Lin Jinlou's departure: Xianglan and Lin Dong绮 had paid another visit to check on Lady Wang before returning. While the Second Branch was in complete turmoil, the flower hall remained entirely oblivious, still filled with song and dance. Lin Changzheng had rushed back in the evening to offer birthday congratulations to Old Madam Lin, presenting a set of twelve gemstone plum blossom miniature landscapes symbolizing longevity. Old Madam Lin was greatly delighted, and only after the evening meal did she order the birthday banquet to come to an end. The three young misses of the Lin family took their leave, and while most of the friends and relatives departed, a few chose to stay overnight in the estate. Old Madam Lin's enthusiasm remained unabated, and she asked Madam Qin, Xianglan, and a couple of relatives to stay behind and keep her company playing tile dominoes. Just as the square table covered with crimson felt cloth was set up and the aloeswood carved lacquer box containing the thirty-two ivory tiles was opened—before the dice had even been cast—Xiao Juan entered with a beaming smile and said, "Apologies for interrupting the Old Madam's leisure, but the Eldest Master says he has a matter to attend to and asks for Miss Xianglan to return."

Old Madam Lin pointed at Xianglan with a smile. "Look at that. He's complaining that I'm keeping her from him."

Madam Qin laughed apologetically, "What is the Old Madam saying? How could he dare?"

Xianglan hurriedly told Xiao Juan, "Tell the Eldest Master I am playing tiles with the Old Madam." In truth, she didn't care much for gambling; she was simply playing along with the occasion.

Old Madam Lin waved her hand. "Go on, go on. Lou'er has it hard enough, fighting for his life out there, struggling through hardships, and he's only managed to secure one person who truly pleases him." Holding Xianglan's hand, she looked her over carefully once more and said, "You child are naturally slender and delicate, with a waist no thicker than an ant. Tomorrow, I'll find a good physician for you, prescribe a few more tonic broths, and nourish your body so you can bear children well."

Xianglan's face flared a bright crimson.

Old Madam Lin turned her head to look at Liubei. "Pay special attention to this. I happen to be mixing a pill formula—it's very mild and gentle. Later, consult the physician about what kind of medicine a young girl should take, and have a batch prepared for Xianglan as well."

Liubei smiled, "I understand."

Madam Qin chimed in with a smile, "The Old Madam certainly knows how to cherish people."

Xianglan offered her thanks and curtsied along with the others.

Old Madam Lin did not keep her any longer and told Xianglan to go. Upon stepping outside, she found Lingqing holding a change of clothes and a lantern waiting for her. Xiao Juan quickly took the garments and draped them over Xianglan's shoulders, and the three of them headed back toward Changchun Hall.

Upon entering the room, they found Lin Jinlou still dressed in his outdoor attire, reclining on the daybed with his eyes closed to rest. Hearing footsteps, he opened his eyes. Xianglan removed her cloak and asked Lin Jinlou, "Why hasn't the Eldest Master changed his clothes yet?"

Lin Jinlou sighed, shooed Xiao Juan and the others out of the room, and then said, "I'm afraid I won't be sleeping tonight. I'm waiting for news."

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Xianglan asked, "What news?"

Lin Jinlou lowered his voice. "Third Sister is missing."

Xianglan was startled, her eyes widening in shock.

Lin Jinlou continued, "Second Aunt does things in a muddled, reckless way, not knowing the weight of things. She actually brought that troublemaker Lingjie to the capital and secretly hid her to live in the small temple built on the north side of the estate. Today, Second Aunt was driven to illness by Consort Su, and when that girl heard about it, she came out to stick up for her. She kicked Consort Su in the stomach, and when Second Uncle came after her with a dagger, she bolted out through the corner gate and vanished without a trace. I've sent my personal guards out to search several times, and I've also tipped off the Nine Gates Infantry Commandant's Office. This matter can't be made public; we have to handle it quietly, but there's still no word of any kind."

Xianglan asked, "Do the Master and the Old Madam know?"

Lin Jinlou replied, "How could we dare let them know? It would only give them another illness to worry about. My father is currently handling this." Furrowing his brow deeply, he sighed again, "Actually, it's just as well—it spares me from looking at him and losing my temper to the point of using military law. Earlier, when Lingjie committed that scandalous act of eloping and stirred up a huge disaster, Grandfather grew furious and cut off Second Uncle's monthly allowance from the family, giving him only ten silver taels a month while secretly instructing me to give the Second Branch some sweeteners to smooth over the beating I gave Lingjie at the time. I pulled strings to get him appointed to the Jianghuai River Transport post—it's a lucrative post where the fat pickings could fill his greedy mouth. Who would have thought I underestimated him? He actually ended up colluding with water bandits. Now I still have to figure out how to clean up that mess for him."

Xianglan couldn't help muttering, "Second Master really falls far short of the Old Master."

Lin Jinlou couldn't help laughing. Reaching out with both arms, he grabbed Xianglan's face and planted a loud kiss right on her cheek. "Not just Grandfather—he falls short of your man by ten thousand miles, too!" Ignoring her struggles, he pulled her tightly into his arms and said, "I heard Second Uncle was sickly and frail as a child, and because Grandmother fell ill giving birth to him and couldn't bear any more children afterward, she inevitably spoiled him beyond reason, granting his every whim. My father had to go to the study before dawn every single day since he was three years old, taught by four tutors who were all Hanlin academicians and Grand Scholars of the Imperial Academy, alongside a reading companion who was Grandfather's student and later became the top scorer in the imperial examinations. By the time my father was six, he was already following Grandfather in and out of the council chambers to listen to officials debate politics. Second Uncle had mediocre aptitude and hated studying; he was neither scholarly nor martial. Whenever it was time for lessons, he would fake illness, and Grandmother, feeling sorry for him, would let him skip it and send him to the clan school instead. There, Second Uncle learned nothing useful, but picked up a whole host of bad habits from the worthless clan youths and aristocratic scions. If Grandfather hadn't kept such a tight leash on him, he would have caused even more havoc. Ah, I used to think Second Uncle lacked any backbone, but it turns out he was just hoarding his malice and keeping it all bottled up inside. Today I almost felt like beating the living daylights out of him."

Hearing his latter half of grumbling, the corners of Xianglan's lips twitched upward. Lin Jinlou stroked Xianglan's back absentmindedly, rocking her slightly as he asked, "What are you thinking about? Tell me."

Xianglan was actually exhausted, her eyelids heavy with sleep, but since Lin Jinlou was in such high conversational spirits, she had to scrounge up something to say. "I was just thinking that if the Eldest Master had four teachers and a reading companion, I wonder how many teachers the Eldest Master had back in the day."

At the mention of this, Lin Jinlou immediately swelled with pride. "Well, four tutors teaching books, plus four elite martial arts masters from the Six Fan Gates teaching combat skills. I endured so much hardship back then, stubbornly gritting my teeth without uttering a single groan of fatigue or crying out in pain. Everyone sees me looking glamorous, but who knows that to stand out above others, you have to suffer behind the scenes?" He paused, then added, "I am accomplished in both literature and martial arts. Those ordinary pretty boys who only know how to chant poems about the wind and moon and wave their writing brushes are completely useless, you know? Completely useless!"

This remark was clearly aimed at Song Ke. Half-asleep, Xianglan couldn't help letting out a sudden giggle.

Lin Jinlou felt a bit abashed and irritated. "What are you laughing at?"

Was this really Lin Jinlou? He sounded just like some boastful, foolish boy showing off his abilities. Xianglan lowered her head and simply giggled.

Lin Jinlou grew even more flustered and annoyed. "Oh! You dare laugh at me!" He reached out to tickle Xianglan under her arms. Unable to stand the tickling, Xianglan giggled and collapsed onto the daybed, gasping, "Master, stop fooling around!"

Lin Jinlou declared, "Let's see if you dare mock me again. Getting a bit too bold, aren't you?"

Looming over Xianglan, he saw her smiling like a flower blooming beneath the candlelight, her cheeks flushed and tender, which made his heart flutter uncontrollably. He couldn't resist lowering his head to kiss her lips, then pulled back slightly to say, "You look so pretty when you smile."

Xianglan couldn't help looking into Lin Jinlou's eyes, only to hear him say, "You've shed far too many tears over the years. Even if you're laughing at me now, it makes my heart glad."

Those words pierced Xianglan's heart, leaving it feeling both sour and tender. She lowered her eyelids, feeling her eye sockets grow hot once more. Just as Lin Jinlou leaned in to resume kissing her lips in earnest, a cough sounded from outside the doorway. Huashan announced, "Master, Grandmother, the Old Madam sent Sister Liubei here to deliver something."

Xianglan hurriedly tried to push Lin Jinlou away, but an immensely reluctant Lin Jinlou muttered under his breath, "The Old Madam really knows how to pick her timing. Doesn't she know that an inch of time on a spring night is worth a ton of gold?"

Feigning deafness, Xianglan quickly got up, smoothed her clothes, and went outside. Liubei was holding an eight-treasure box crafted from gold-inlaid colored mother-of-pearl. Seeing Xianglan, she beamed warmly and said, "The Old Madam said that since she last saw you, she hasn't given you anything decent yet. She specifically searched around just now, carefully handpicked this, and sent me to bring it to you."

Xianglan said, "The Old Madam is too kind; how could I possibly deserve this?"

Liubei smiled, "It is simply the young lady's boundless good fortune."

Just as they were speaking, Lin Jinlou emerged, took the eight-treasure box into his hands, and flipped it open. Inside lay eight pieces of pure gold jewelry inlaid with various colored gemstones: a bracelet, gold hairpins, earrings, hair ornaments, a tiara, a comb, a floral forehead pendant, and a diadem—all styled in various orchid motifs. The gemstones were richly colored and brilliant, and the craftsmanship was exquisitely delicate. Lin Jinlou glanced at it and asked with a smile, "Is this exclusively for Xianglan, or do others have them too?"

Liubei replied, "It is solely for Miss Xianglan."

Lin Jinlou smiled and said, "Sorry to trouble you with a trip." He ordered a generous reward to be given.

Liubei grasped her reward money and headed out the door. Looking back at the two red lanterns hanging over the main entrance of Changchun Hall, she couldn't help clicking her tongue and shaking her head. The matron accompanying her couldn't resist asking, "What is it, Sister?"

Liubei sighed with emotion, "Why, just two or three years ago, when Xianglan first entered the mansion, she was just a soft, frail little maid. The time she was bullied and scolded by Cao Lihuan is still fresh in my mind... Tsk, tsk, tsk, who would have thought it—who would have thought she'd actually attain such fortune."

The matron chuckled, "Just look at that face of hers, tender as a green scallion. Forget men; even old me gets flustered looking at her. It's no wonder she's soaring high now—her parents gave her a fine skin."

Liubei shook her head again. "You only know the surface, not the depth." And she refused to say another word. Tonight, Lin Zhaoxiang had personally gone out of his way to send someone asking Old Madam Lin to find a fine set of jewelry to send to Xianglan. Old Madam Lin had carefully selected for a long time before picking out two sets to show Lin Zhaoxiang for his approval, finally settling on this one to be sent over. The weight of the matter behind it—how could it possibly be explained away by just having a pretty face?