Jia Fu slowly let out a long breath. She guessed he wouldn’t mention her visit to Ci’en Temple in front of the Old Madam. Remembering that her mother had gone to the National Duke’s mansion this morning and should have returned by now, she was eager to know the result. She turned and hurriedly made her way back to the front hall.
Zhen Yaoting was wandering there, looking around restlessly. Suddenly seeing Jia Fu returning with Tan Xiang, his eyes lit up and he approached her: “How was it? Did you see the Old Madam? May I go pay my respects?”
Jia Fu shook her head: “The Old Madam was sleeping and shouldn’t be disturbed. I didn’t see her either. Mother should be back by now, let’s hurry home.”
Zhen Yaoting was greatly disappointed, really not wanting to leave like this, and said: “Sister, you must be hungry. I’ll ask the monks to prepare some vegetarian food. We can leave after eating, there’s no rush…”
Jia Fu was already heading out: “Brother, you eat by yourself. I’m going back first.”
Zhen Yaoting watched his sister’s retreating figure heading toward the temple gate, looked back over his shoulder, hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly followed. The siblings entered the city and returned home. Upon asking, they learned that Madam Meng had indeed returned earlier and was now in her room. Jia Fu didn’t even bother to change her clothes and hurried to find her. Before she arrived, she happened to see Mama Liu coming along the corridor, looking troubled, so she stopped.
Mama Liu looked up, saw the siblings had returned, and quickly walked over.
“Mama, how did the marriage discussion go? When will the engagement be, and when will she marry into the family?” Zhen Yaoting immediately asked since Mama Liu had accompanied Madam Meng this morning.
Mama Liu hesitated, then sighed.
Jia Fu guessed what had happened and, suppressing the surge of emotion rising from the bottom of her heart, quickly pulled her into her room and began questioning her. Soon she learned the whole story.
It turned out that this morning when Madam Meng arrived at the Duke’s mansion, she found Madam Song was also there. Instead of discussing the marriage, Madam Song immediately brought up the coincidence of Quan’s illness following Jia Fu’s visit. The implication was that Jia Fu had a “hard fate” and might bring misfortune to her son. She said that since her daughter was already gone, leaving only this one descendant, how could she not be concerned? Even with Madam Meng’s good temper and willingness to compromise, how could she tolerate Madam Song saying such things to her face? She retorted that her daughter’s birth chart had previously been examined by the Pei family and was found to be excellent, so how could anyone say she had a “hard fate” that would harm others? Madam Song then remarked coldly that she had heard of some families who, to marry into higher status, would present fake birth charts – such things weren’t unheard of.
During this exchange, Madam Xin remained completely silent.
Madam Meng endured the insult and asked Madam Xin what her true intentions were, demanding an answer. Madam Xin replied that she was also in a difficult position because of Quan’s sudden illness, as he had been perfectly fine before. She told Madam Meng not to worry and to go home first, saying she would have experts examine Jia Fu’s birth chart thoroughly, and they could discuss other matters later. Madam Meng immediately stood up and left the Duke’s mansion.
After Mama Liu finished recounting the events, she was indignant: “They’re bullying us too much! Don’t all children get sick sometimes? Only their child is precious, and they dare blame it on you, Miss! I saw Madam turn pale with anger. She went straight to her room after returning and hasn’t eaten a bite since noon.”
Jia Fu went in and pushed open the door to see her mother sitting at the dressing table, still wearing the clothes she had specially changed into before going out that morning. One hand clutched a handkerchief while the other supported her forehead. Her motionless figure filled Jia Fu with mixed emotions as she thought about her mother’s naturally gentle disposition and how she had gone with such high hopes only to return like this. She walked over and embraced her mother’s shoulders from behind, saying: “Mother, it’s all my fault. I’ve caused you to suffer humiliation.”
When Madam Meng had first returned from the Duke’s mansion, she was so angry her hands were trembling. By now she had calmed down somewhat. She wiped the corners of her eyes and turned around to see her daughter’s beautiful eyes looking at her, filled with guilt. This made her heart ache again. She embraced Jia Fu and said: “It doesn’t matter if I was insulted. It’s just that hearing them slander you like that, and being unable to do anything about it… as your mother, I…”
Her eyes reddened again.
Jia Fu raised her hand to wipe her mother’s tears.
“Mother, I’m not upset at all, so you shouldn’t be either. I didn’t know before, but the more I interact with them, the less I want to marry into their family. Let them say what they want, I don’t care. Just don’t make yourself ill from anger.”
Madam Meng only felt that her daughter was so understanding and considerate, which made her even more distressed. She said: “Enough, it’s just our bad luck that we happened to visit right when young Master Quan fell ill. If the marriage isn’t meant to be, so be it, but they’ve unfairly slandered you. I’ll send a message to your grandmother, and in a few days, we’ll prepare to return to Quanzhou…”
“Madam! The heir from the Pei family has arrived! He asks to see you,” Mama Liu’s voice suddenly called from outside.
Madam Meng was startled and exchanged a glance with her daughter, muttering: “What is he doing here now?” She quickly wiped the corners of her eyes and told Mama Liu to invite him in first. She went to the mirror, applied some powder to her face until no signs of distress were visible, then turned and said: “A’Fu, go back to your room. I’ll see what he wants.” Then she left.
One wave hadn’t settled before another arose. Having just resolved the issue with Pei You’an who had appeared unexpectedly, and having just returned home to console her mother, now Pei Xiuzhi had arrived.
Jia Fu’s heart, which had just calmed down, was suspended again. How could she go back to her room and wait? A moment later, she quietly approached the reception hall and hid outside the window, peering in. She saw Pei Xiuzhi sitting in a chair diagonally across from her mother, speaking: “Aunt, as soon as I heard about this matter, I rushed over immediately. I know you were insulted today, but please don’t take it to heart. How could Cousin Quan’s minor issue have anything to do with Sister Fu? My mother didn’t think that way either, as you know. She is very fond of Sister Fu and has been eagerly looking forward to her joining our family soon. It’s all because of that old woman from the Song family interfering. She hopes I won’t take another wife, which is why she’s causing trouble. If you cool your heart because of this, wouldn’t you be falling into her trap?”
Madam Meng, because of today’s events, had developed some dissatisfaction toward Pei Xiuzhi as well. She reluctantly said: “Young Master, it’s not that we’ve cooled our hearts, but that your side created problems first. Marriage is supposed to be between families of equal status who are mutually willing. In our two families’ discussions of marriage, we were already unequal in status – it was our Zhen family reaching above our station. Now that such words have been spoken, how can this marriage still happen? Although our Zhen family is of humble status, I have only this one daughter, whom I’ve treasured like the apple of my eye since she was little. With your mother’s attitude like this, whatever you say to me now is useless.”
Pei Xiuzhi, since seeing Jia Fu that day, had been thinking of her day and night, deeply in love. Seeing that the Song family was interfering, his mother was persuaded, and Madam Meng was developing thoughts of withdrawing, he became anxious. He rose from his chair, took a few steps to Madam Meng, and knelt on one knee before her, saying: “Aunt, I beg you to consider my feelings and wait a little longer! My feelings for Sister Fu are sincere, heaven and earth can attest to this! If I marry her, I will treat her well for a lifetime! Please understand my situation and give me a few days to properly talk with my mother. She will surely listen to me. If you cool your heart and leave like this, what am I to do?”
Madam Meng hadn’t expected Pei Xiuzhi to kneel and plead with her. Startled, she quickly tried to help him up, but Pei Xiuzhi refused to rise, saying: “Aunt if you don’t take pity on me, I won’t get up.”
Jia Fu watched with tightly clenched hands, seeing her mother seemingly caught in a dilemma and appearing to be swayed by him. She desperately wanted to rush in and reject him on the spot. Just as she was getting anxious, she heard a loud shout: “This is outrageous! Do you think everyone in the Zhen family is dead?” Before the voice faded, there was a loud “bang” as the door was kicked open. Jia Fu looked and saw her brother Zhen Yaoting burst in, stomping up to Pei Xiuzhi and angrily saying: “My sister will not marry! If truly no one wants her, I’ll support her for life, rather than let her suffer such humiliation in your family! Leave now!”
Madam Meng saw her son’s eyes bulging round, veins throbbing on his forehead, and quickly scolded him: “What are you doing here? Get out! This is none of your business!”
Pei Xiuzhi rose from the ground, irritated by the rudeness but forcing himself to maintain his usual gracious manner for Jia Fu’s sake. With a smile, he said: “It’s Second Brother. Please calm down, Second Brother. Indeed, our side was at fault. I came specifically to apologize to Aunt.”
The Zhen family was one of the wealthiest in Quanzhou, with good relations with the local government. Zhen Yaoting was treated as a young master whenever he went out, with everyone flattering him, and he was used to having his way. Having just learned about his mother’s experience at the Duke’s mansion, he was burning with anger and couldn’t contain himself, barging indirectly. Seeing Pei Xiuzhi’s smiling face, he wasn’t appeased and glared: “My sister is a perfectly good young lady, and you’ve slandered her, splashing dirty water on her. What explanation can you give her?”
Pei Xiuzhi’s expression gradually soured, and he fell silent. Madam Meng called loudly for Zhang Da to come in and forcibly drag her muddled son out. After the commotion subsided, she suppressed the turmoil in her heart and turned to Pei Xiuzhi, saying: “My mind is in chaos today. I understand your meaning. Please go back for now and allow me to think further.”
Pei Xiuzhi knew there was no point in staying longer. Before leaving, he repeatedly assured Madam Meng that he would persuade his mother. After being seen out of the Zhen family gate, he returned to the Duke’s mansion with a furrowed brow. Upon entering, he learned that his grandmother had returned from Ci’en Temple. After pacing around his room for several circles, he headed to the northern chamber.
…
After escorting his grandmother back and settling her in, Pei You’an returned to his former residence where he was temporarily staying. Shortly after, a maid came over saying the Old Madam had requested his presence. Pei You’an went again and saw Pei Xiuzhi was also inside. He greeted his elder brother, nodded, and called him “Second Brother,” then turned to the Old Madam and asked: “Grandmother, did you call for me? Is there something you need?”
The Old Madam said: “Your nephew’s illness these two times has come rather unexpectedly, but fortunately, it’s not serious. Today he’s already bouncing around energetically. However, the Song family blamed it on the Zhen girl, saying something about her fate conflicting with his – that when she came, Quan immediately fell ill. Your mother is confused and has believed this. The whole affair has become quite unpleasant. Though I can’t read fortunes, looking at that girl – her features are bright and full, her manner dignified and natural – she doesn’t seem like someone who would bring misfortune to others. The Song family’s nonsense is likely an attempt to create trouble and break the engagement between her and your second brother. Since you’ve examined Quan’s illness, do you know what caused it and how to cure it properly?”
Pei You’an glanced at Pei Xiuzhi, who was looking at him with eager eyes and hesitated.
From childhood, he had gained Emperor Tianxi’s favor through his talent, but regrettably, he was physically weak. So besides martial arts training to strengthen his body, he also began studying medicine. Once he happened upon a Western medical text that detailed many ancient formulas, including the effects and contraindications of various medicinal ingredients, among which was one classified as a spice – frozen dragon brain camphor. At the time, he was quite interested and specifically sought out this camphor to verify its properties. Therefore, he was thoroughly familiar with its appearance, fragrance, and taste, and also knew that it was unsuitable for a very small number of people. Contact with it could cause swelling of the eyes and mouth and full-body rash, and if accidentally ingested, mild cases would experience palpitations and fainting, while severe cases could die from suffocation.
Heaven takes away with one hand but gives with the other. Though born sickly, causing his father to abandon the generational character “Xiu” and name him “You’an” specifically, meaning “blessed with peace,” he was not only extraordinarily talented, knowledgeable, and had an excellent memory, but also possessed unusually keen eyesight and sense of smell. On the night of his grandmother’s birthday, he had rushed back late, and upon entering the room and passing by the Zhen family cousin, he detected the fragrance of frozen dragon brain camphor incense on her. He thought nothing of it at the time, but when young Quan fell ill and he saw the symptoms, then smelled the lingering fragrance on Quan’s clothes, he immediately knew the cause.
The reason he didn’t directly explain the cause of the illness at that time was because, while passing by this Zhen family cousin, he was stopped by her sudden call of “Elder Cousin.” When he turned his head and briefly met her eyes, she made a strong impression on him.
At first, he truly didn’t recognize who she was. It was only when he saw her face flush with embarrassment, clearly uncomfortable due to his coldness, that he remembered. This young woman before him was the niece of his second uncle’s wife, Madam Meng, who had visited the Duke’s mansion several times many years ago.
Back then, he was already a youth, elegant and refined, famous throughout the capital, while his entire impression of her was just a little radish who hadn’t fully lost her baby fat. Her skin was milky white, her eyes round and large, her two pupils like crystal grapes nurtured in water, glistening. She wore neatly cut bangs, her black hair divided and hanging over her two small shoulders. Whenever she saw him, she would hide far away – that was all. Unexpectedly, after many years, they met again, and she had grown into a slender young lady. Her appearance was naturally pretty, but what left a strong impression on him wasn’t the face looking up at him, but her pair of eyes.
At that time, she had opened her eyes wide and stared at him without blinking, her pupils revealing gratitude, trust, and joy – this feeling…
It was as if they had previously shared a deep friendship, and now they were merely reuniting after a long separation.
Her unusual warmth made him feel somewhat uncomfortable, but not particularly averse – just memorable. After deducing that young Quan’s illness was related to the incense on her, out of his habitual caution, he didn’t explain it on the spot but kept it to himself.
Now that his grandmother had suddenly called him to ask about young Quan’s illness, it must be because Pei Xiuzhi had asked her to intervene.
Originally, he would naturally have explained the truth. But thinking of the scene at Ci’en Temple, he pondered for a moment, and finally said: “I still don’t know the cause of young Quan’s illness.”
Pei Xiuzhi showed disappointment, and the Old Madam slightly frowned. Suddenly, a commotion of footsteps came from the courtyard, along with faint sounds of argument, as if someone was forcefully trying to enter but was being blocked by the servants.
Yu Zhu, outside the Old Madam’s door, heard the disturbance at the courtyard entrance and went out, saying: “What’s happening? All this noise! The Old Madam is talking inside!”
A servant woman ran over and said: “Miss, that young master from the Zhen family has come, demanding to see the Old Madam. He’s being very fierce. Please come and see!”
Yu Zhu was startled and hurried to the courtyard gate. Indeed, she saw Zhen Yaoting being blocked by several servant women, his face full of anger. She went forward and said: “Young Master Zhen, what are you doing? Causing a scene like the Monkey King storming Heaven? This is not the Palace of Divine Mists!”
Zhen Yaoting looked up, recognized the head maid he had seen previously, and said loudly: “My sister has been wrongfully accused. I must see the Old Madam!”
Yu Zhu had heard something about what happened when Madam Meng came this morning. Having had a good relationship with Madam Meng in the past, she secretly felt it was unfair. Initially annoyed by his rude behavior, she had made a slightly sarcastic remark. But hearing his tone, which suggested he had come to stand up for his sister, she quickly said: “Wait a moment, don’t make a fuss. Let me relay your message first.” She hurried inside and returned a moment later, saying: “Follow me.”
Zhen Yaoting immediately followed Yu Zhu inside. At the door, Yu Zhu looked at him and whispered: “When you see the Old Madam, speak properly. The Old Madam is reasonable; don’t be rash and offend her.” After this admonition, she stepped forward and announced: “Old Madam, the Zhen family’s young master has arrived.”
Zhen Yaoting entered and saw the Old Madam seated, with Pei Xiuzhi and the Pei family’s eldest son beside her.
Although he had been driven out by Madam Meng at home, he couldn’t swallow his anger. The more he thought about it, the more unfair it seemed. In the heat of the moment, he had come here himself. The Pei family gatekeepers, not knowing his purpose and recognizing him as a relative, naturally let him in. He had come straight here only to be blocked by the servant women. Though initially furious, now that he was truly before the Old Madam, he didn’t dare be disrespectful. He first knelt, properly kowtowed, and after the Old Madam told him to rise and asked what brought him, he got up and said: “In response to the Old Madam, you must already know how my mother was treated when she came to the mansion today, so I won’t repeat it. Whether my sister’s marriage happened or not is secondary, but she was a perfectly good person who, just a few days after arriving here, was inexplicably and wrongfully accused. I simply can’t accept it! Since things have been said to this point, I’m not afraid of offending anyone! Didn’t your family say my sister’s birth chart was bad and harmed young Master Quan? Do you dare bring your young master before my sister once more? This time I’ll watch closely. If he reacts like the previous two times, you won’t need to say anything – we Zhen family members will promptly return to Quanzhou tonight and never dare set foot in your Duke’s mansion again! But if the young master is fine, we won’t ask for anything else. Just take back those words and never speak ill of my sister again!”
The room fell completely silent, with only Zhen Yaoting standing there, breathing heavily.
“Yaoting! Have you gone mad, causing trouble in the Old Madam’s presence? What nonsense are you speaking?” Accompanied by hurried footsteps, the door curtain was lifted, and Zhen Yaoting turned to see his mother entering with Madam Xin.
Madam Xin’s face was grim, and Madam Meng’s expression was equally displeased. She immediately struck her son’s head hard, then pulled him down to kneel with her before the Old Madam. With tears, she said: “I truly failed to teach my son properly. He ran here without my knowledge, speaking utter nonsense.” As she spoke, she forced him to kowtow and apologize.
Zhen Yaoting’s face turned bright red as he said: “What did I say wrong? I just can’t stand seeing my sister wrongfully accused!”
“Be quiet!” Madam Meng pressed his head down, but Zhen Yaoting strained his neck, not moving.
“Enough!” the Old Madam suddenly said. “It’s nothing. This child is just acting out of love for his sister, though a bit hastily. Get up.”
Madam Meng released her son, but Zhen Yaoting remained kneeling, kowtowing to the Old Madam himself, saying: “I beg the Old Madam to make a fair judgment! Let my sister meet with young Master Quan once more! Whether good or bad, I’ll accept it!”
Madam Xin finally couldn’t contain herself and said unhappily: “Child, what are you saying? Why would you curse my young Master Quan again?”
“Silence, all of you!” The Old Madam intervened, pondered for a moment, then slowly said: “The Zhen child’s words sound absurd, but thinking carefully, they’re not without reason. Let’s do as he says. Bring both of them here, let them meet again in my presence, and we’ll see what happens!”
This statement shocked everyone. Madam Xin quickly said: “Mother, that’s not appropriate! What if young Quan falls ill again? Won’t he suffer?”
The Old Madam said: “Young Quan is my great-grandson, and I naturally cherish him. His well-being is important, but if this wrongfully accuses the Zhen girl, I cannot bear it either. That’s settled then. Go bring young Quan here!”
The room fell silent again. Madam Meng’s heart was racing, alternating between joy that her daughter’s innocence might be proven and extreme nervousness, her palms continuously sweating. Finally composing herself, she tremblingly said to Zhen Yaoting: “You heard the Old Madam. Quickly go bring your sister!”
Zhen Yaoting responded with an “Aye,” jumped up from the ground, and ran out. In less than a quarter hour, Yu Zhu, who was outside, came in and softly said: “Old Madam, the young Miss Zhen has arrived.”
The Old Madam nodded and ordered all unnecessary people to leave the room. Pei Xiuzhi wanted to stay but was also asked to leave.
“You’an, you stay,” the Old Madam commanded.
Jia Fu stood outside the door, still somewhat dazed, never dreaming that after so many twists and turns, the situation would develop like this. Seeing people filing out from inside, she kept her head down. When Yu Zhu called her, she slowly walked in, looking up to see Madam Xin seated, clutching young Quan tightly on her lap, watching her with wary, disgusted eyes. Pei You’an stood by the window, his gaze sweeping over her once before he turned his back and looked out the window.
“Sit down. Don’t be afraid,” the Old Madam smiled slightly at her.
Jia Fu thanked her in a low voice and sat on a stool.
…
This afternoon finally passed.
For Madam Meng, no afternoon in her entire life would ever feel as long and torturous as today’s.
The sky gradually darkened, and the Duke’s mansion began lighting lamps. Yu Zhu walked over quickly, beaming with smiles, leaned to her ear, and whispered: “Aunt, young Master Quan is completely fine! He’s already fallen asleep! The Old Madam suggests the young Miss stay overnight in her room. You can come back to fetch her tomorrow.”
Tears streamed down Madam Meng’s face as she clutched Yu Zhu’s hand tightly. Yu Zhu slowly escorted her out of the Duke’s mansion gate. She returned home but couldn’t sleep all night. Early the next morning, she came back early to find her daughter already up, waiting for her at the entrance of the covered walkway. The rising morning sun shone upon her as she stood there gracefully, as delicate as a tender willow branch sprouting in spring.
Madam Meng collected Jia Fu and walked to the second gate of the Duke’s mansion when a trusted servant woman of Madam Xin hurriedly caught up with them. With a smiling face, she said: “Madam, our lady has invited you back to discuss the previous matter again. The lady says we need not concern ourselves with the Song family; this is between our two families.”
Madam Meng paused, looked at her daughter who was staring at her with wide eyes, lovingly stroked her beautiful hair, then slowly turned her head and said: “Please convey a message for me. My A’Fu is still young, and these past few days I’ve suddenly realized I’m not ready to marry her off so soon. Since there was never a formal engagement with the Young Master, I dare not delay his prospects. Please ask your lady to find another good match for the Young Master. I will take my daughter back to Quanzhou first.”