The dock was teeming with people. The crowd noticed a large boat had docked, with the silhouettes of maids moving back and forth behind the cabin door and servants bustling about. Recognizing that some noble family’s womenfolk had arrived in the capital by water, many stopped to watch.

Madam Meng took a purple gauze veil from Liu Mama’s hand and placed it on her daughter’s head. The purple gauze fell to her shoulders, concealing Jiafu’s face. Under the escort of Madam Meng and Zhen Yaoting, she exited the cabin. Through the fluttering veil, she immediately spotted a fine horse waiting on shore. Mounted on it was a handsome young man with the appearance of a young master, his hair fastened with a golden hairpin, dressed in brocade robes. Against the backdrop of dusty travelers and porters, he looked exceptionally wealthy and eye-catching.

He was constantly looking in their direction, and when he saw Jiafu’s group appear at the cabin door, his eyes brightened. He quickly dismounted and came forward to greet them.

…

Pei Xiuzhi quickly boarded the deck, paid his respects to Madam Meng, and said with a beaming smile, “I calculated you would arrive these days and have been eagerly waiting. Today I’ve finally greeted you. Was your journey smooth?”

Madam Meng’s last visit to the capital was three years ago. After her husband’s unfortunate passing, she never traveled north again. However, she had met Pei Xiuzhi before. Two years ago, he and his cousin from the second branch, Pei Xiuluo, had visited Quanzhou and stayed at her home.

“Thanks to the Second Young Master’s blessings, everything went well,” Madam Meng replied with delight.

Zhen Yaoting called him “Second Cousin,” and the entourage of Zhen family stewards, led by Zhang Da, all paid their respects. Pei Xiuzhi nodded and turned his gaze toward Jiafu.

The last time he visited Quanzhou, she was only fourteen, already growing into a beauty. Since his return, he hadn’t forgotten her. Recalling when she emerged from the cabin earlier, the veil was momentarily lifted by the wind, offering only a fleeting glimpse, but the celestial grace that met his eyes was even more enchanting.

“Cousin,” he called to Jiafu, his voice extremely gentle.

Jiafu merely gave a slight curtsy before passing by him, surrounded by maids and servants as she went ashore and boarded the family carriage waiting there.

Pei Xiuzhi turned his head and kept watching her figure until she disappeared into the carriage. Only then did he come to his senses, rushing to help Madam Meng ashore. Taking the lead, he ordered the crowd blocking their path to make way, escorting the Zhen mother and daughter back to their residence.

…

The Zhen family mansion was located in the western part of the city, not far from the Duke’s mansion, separated by only two streets. It was originally a private residence of a court official who, being posted elsewhere and short of funds, decided to sell the house. The Zhen family purchased it to prepare for the wedding. Several months earlier, stewards had come to make all the arrangements, and everything inside and out had been properly prepared.

After Madam Meng’s party entered, they rested briefly and changed clothes. Then, leading her son and daughter, accompanied by servants and bearing gifts, they took a carriage to the Duke’s mansion to visit relatives.

The old Duke of Wei was a founding general of the Great Wei, who had followed the founding Emperor in campaigns east and west, establishing this hereditary legacy for his descendants. The walls of the Duke’s mansion occupied half a street, with its main entrance opening at the southeast corner. Stone lions sat opposite each other at the foot of the steps, the eaves were painted with vermilion lacquer and colorful designs, with patterns representing superior rank. The mansion was grand and imposing, completely different from the entrances of ordinary official residences, representing the Duke’s mansion’s exceptional status.

The main gate was usually closed, as it was now, with only a side gate open for daily access. Several gatekeepers stood there with their hands tucked in their sleeves. Seeing the Second Master bringing guests from afar, they rushed forward to greet them, paying respects to Madam Meng as she alighted from the carriage, shouting, “Madam has finally arrived! Our Lady just sent someone to inquire. Please come in quickly.”

Jiafu had removed her veil and was helped down from the carriage by maids and servants. She followed her mother and brother through the side gate, passing through corridors and halls, and finally arriving at a large courtyard in the southeast. A dark lacquered gate was half-open—this was the residence of the Duke’s main branch.

Lady Xin was wearing casual attire with an outer purple jacket. Hearing the commotion of maids and servants outside the courtyard, she knew they had arrived. She smoothed her temples but remained seated until she heard footsteps approaching and Madam Meng’s cheerful voice asking, “Is our Lady inside?” Only then did she rise and walk out, followed by six or seven maids and servants. Seeing Madam Meng, she smiled, “Yes, here I am!” Pushing her attendants aside, she quickly stepped forward and warmly embraced Madam Meng, sighing, “You’ve come such a long way, you must be exhausted. You should have rested first with the children. Even if you came a few days later, what difference would it make? Would I have eaten you?” She then scolded her son, “How did I instruct you earlier? So impatient, not even letting people catch their breath.”

The surrounding maids and servants all laughed, saying, “Our Lady is as compassionate as Bodhisattva. She was just worrying about your exhaustion from the journey, showing her concern, and even scolding the Second Master.”

Madam Meng quickly smiled and said, “We’re not tired. It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other, and I’ve missed you terribly. Now that we’ve arrived today, I wish I could have flown here on wings.” She then asked her children to come forward and pay their respects.

Zhen Yaoting bowed, and Jiafu curtsied to Lady Xin. Lady Xin looked at Jiafu, came forward, and lovingly took her hand, sighing to Madam Meng, “Such a lovely daughter, I don’t know how you managed to raise her. I often say I don’t have that fortune. If I had a daughter like this by my side, I would have someone to share my heart with.”

A mother is always happy when her daughter is praised, but Madam Meng said, “Jiafu is slow-witted and naive. I just hope she won’t be disliked in the future; then I will pray to Buddha with gratitude.”

The servant woman beside Lady Xin said, “Our Lady will cherish her dearly, how could she be disliked?”

After warmly exchanging more greetings, Madam Meng was invited to sit. Lady Xin slightly furrowed her brow and asked the servant beside her, “Haven’t they arrived from the other side yet?”

Just as she finished speaking, a maid’s voice came from outside, “The Second Lady has arrived!”

Madam Meng quickly rose to greet her.

Jiafu looked up to see her aunt, Second Lady Meng, entering with people, followed by her fourth cousin Pei Xiuhong. She came in smiling, “I was about to come earlier, but I wanted to wait for Third Brother. He sent a servant back saying that his essay was praised by the Imperial Academy teacher today, detaining him, and asked me to apologize to his Sister-in-law on his behalf. He will pay his respects when he returns.”

She wore a smile on her face, appearing as warm and affectionate as before, seemingly unchanged.

Initially, the Second Lady had intended to match Jiafu with her son Pei Xiuluo but had some reservations about the Zhen family’s status. In her view, it would be best for Jiafu to become her son’s concubine. She had privately hinted this to Madam Meng, assuring that after Jiafu joined the family, she would treat her as her daughter and not mistreat her in any way. Madam Meng had pretended not to hear and did not respond, so the Second Lady understood that the Zhen family was unwilling to let their daughter become a concubine, so she dropped the matter. Unexpectedly, shortly after, she was betrothed to someone from the main branch.

Madam Meng had only this one daughter and would never allow her to become someone’s concubine, even if the man was a grandson of the Duke’s mansion. However, when Lady Xin’s messenger came, the family matriarch, who had always been the decision-maker, immediately agreed. Madam Meng had also considered that although her daughter was from a remarriage, marrying into the family would make her the legitimate wife of the Duke’s heir, and any sons born would be legitimate. Moreover, the second son of the main branch was exceptional in both character and appearance, truly one in a hundred, so there was no reason to object. Thus, the marriage was settled.

Because of the previous matter, Madam Meng had been worried that this meeting between the sisters would be somewhat awkward. Seeing that her sister’s attitude was as before, she believed there was no resentment in her heart and finally felt relieved, praising her nephew’s diligence. Jiafu and her brother paid their respects again, and Pei Xiuhong cheerfully called her “Cousin.” After the relatives had caught up, Madam Meng asked, “How is the Old Lady? If she’s free, I would like to take the children to pay their respects.”

Lady Xin sent someone to inquire. Shortly after, the servant woman returned and said, “The Old Lady has been unwell these days. She’s in the Buddha Hall and hasn’t finished reciting the sutras. She says Madam has traveled a long way and need not come to pay respects. She asks the Lady and Second Lady to entertain the relatives well and not to neglect them.”

Although the marriage between Jiafu and Pei Xiuzhi had been arranged, and everyone in both families knew about it, because Jiafu had not yet completed her mourning period, everything was only verbally agreed upon without formal engagement ceremonies. Now that the Old Lady referred to the Zhen family as “relatives,” it was not considered distant.

In recent years, the Old Lady’s health had deteriorated, and she rarely appeared in person to receive guests. Everyone had long been accustomed to this. Moreover, the Zhen family was not considered distinguished guests for the Duke’s mansion, so the Old Lady’s response was within everyone’s expectations. Sending someone to inquire earlier was merely a formality.

Madam Meng quickly rose and said, “Then I won’t disturb the Old Lady. On the day of her birthday, I will bring the children to pay our respects.”

The birthday celebration would be in three days, so it was soon. Lady Xin nodded in agreement. Madam Meng looked around, still not seeing Young Master Quan, and asked about him.

Lady Xin smiled and said, “That family said they missed Quan, and my back has been aching these days. Thinking that Quan would be noisy and I wouldn’t be able to handle it, I sent him over.”

Her words were just a cover-up. Young Master Quan had been picked up yesterday by Lady Song’s people, who said they had acquired a rare treasure and wanted to show it to their grandson. Lady Xin was reluctant to let him go, but Quan himself threw a tantrum, lying on the ground and making a scene, insisting on going. Lady Xin had no choice but to let him be taken away, and he hadn’t returned today.

The Second Lady’s lips curled into a slightly mocking smile. Lady Xin caught sight of it and felt annoyed, but her face still maintained a smile. After saying a few more words, she turned to the Second Lady, “You sisters haven’t seen each other for many years. Now that they’re here, if you have things to talk about, go ahead, don’t mind me.” Her tone was very sincere.

The Second Lady smiled and said, “We’ve already caught up quite a bit earlier, and that’s about enough. I see my nephew and niece are tired. The rest can wait until next time.”

Madam Meng then took her leave. Lady Xin invited them to stay for a meal, but Madam Meng politely declined. Lady Xin said, “That’s fine, you’re tired from your journey. Go back and rest early. I won’t keep you.” She rose to see them out.

Since entering, Jiafu had stood beside her mother, keeping her head slightly lowered, but she could feel Pei Xiuzhi’s gaze upon her from time to time. Seeing him made her involuntarily recall the final scene of their married life in her previous existence—pitiful, tragic, laughable, and hateful. Even now, being looked at by him like this made her extremely uncomfortable. She was also keenly aware of the hidden animosities between Lady Xin and her aunt in the inner chambers and wanted nothing more than to leave immediately, hoping to exit these grand doors as soon as possible. As for Zhen Yaoting, having just arrived in the capital after several years away, everything was fresh to him. He was impatient to be confined here listening to women’s trivial talk, so when he heard they could leave, he breathed a sigh of relief and quickly followed out.

Despite Madam Meng’s repeated refusals, Pei Xiuzhi not only saw them out of the main gate but personally escorted them back to the Zhen residence. Madam Meng was deeply moved. After alighting from the carriage, she invited him in for tea. Pei Xiuzhi glanced at Jiafu with a smile, but Jiafu suddenly said, “Mother, we just arrived today, and the house is in disarray. The luggage hasn’t been properly arranged, and the stove hasn’t even been lit. Inviting Second Cousin in now would be discourteous. Perhaps another time.”

Madam Meng was slightly startled and looked at her daughter, seeing her serious expression and solemn tone, momentarily confused.

Without waiting for Madam Meng to speak, Jiafu turned to Pei Xiuzhi and smiled slightly, “Thank you for your efforts today, Second Cousin. I’m thanking you on behalf of my mother. Of course, you wouldn’t mind our cold tea, but as you’ve seen, my mother has just arrived after a long journey and hasn’t had a moment’s rest before visiting relatives. She’s truly exhausted. Please forgive our many inconveniences today.”

Pei Xiuzhi had intended to enter, but after Jiafu’s words, he stopped in his tracks and could only say, “Cousin speaks wisely. Then I shall take my leave. Please rest well.”

Madam Meng wished him a safe journey. After he disappeared, she was escorted in by her daughter, finally relaxing and saying with a smile, “What you said just now was right. Mother is indeed tired. But it’s rare for him to be so attentive, escorting us back to our doorstep. Not offering him tea before he leaves makes me feel uneasy. Besides, you’re not strangers anymore. After the Old Lady’s birthday…”

“Mother! Second Cousin and I aren’t engaged yet, and even if we were, our family shouldn’t keep him for too long. He’s been by our side all day; if you keep him longer, there might be gossip from that side.”

Madam Meng suddenly realized and sighed, “You’re so thoughtful. Mother momentarily forgot.”

In Madam Meng’s impression, her daughter had always been gentle and obedient. Now that she was about to marry into the Duke’s mansion, she had originally felt worried, but unexpectedly, her daughter was so considerate, thinking of things that even she had overlooked. Although surprised, she felt relieved that her daughter had grown up and become sensible.

Jiafu walked alongside her mother, slowly heading inside, and said, “Mother, you should rest first and recover your spirit. I’ll send someone to deliver a calling card to the Song family. If Lady Song is free, we can visit the Song family afternoon. She’s my godmother, and I want to pay my respects to her early, showing our sincerity.”

Madam Meng felt both concerned and gratified, saying, “I was worried you’d be tired and thought we could go tomorrow. Since you’re eager, that’s fine. If they respond, we’ll go early. We have to visit them sooner or later.”

After sending her mother to rest in her room, Jiafu didn’t feel tired at all. She watched Tanxiang and the little maids arrange things, waiting for a response from the Song family.

Before noon, the person sent to deliver the calling card returned with news that Lady Song had invited the Zhen family to visit at the hour of shen (3-5 pm).

Jiafu had anticipated such a response.

In her previous life, she had dealt with Lady Song. This “godmother” was arrogant and impatient. All the way north, she had already provoked Ye Pozi’s great dissatisfaction. After disembarking and returning to the Song residence, she must have reported all of Jiafu’s words and actions. With Lady Song’s temperament, how could she contain herself? Even if Jiafu hadn’t planned to go today, Lady Song would certainly have summoned her mother and daughter.

The so-called fertility talisman was merely a pretext.

The matter of fate that she had been considering since waking up, whether it could be fulfilled as she wished, the next step would be crucial.

Today was indeed a very good opportunity, and she had to seize it.

Jiafu suddenly felt excited, her heart racing again. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and after calming down, called for Tanxiang and said, “I want to bathe and change clothes.”