Fu Tingyun thought that after speaking her mind, her mother might not be furious, but would certainly be displeased. Unexpectedly, Mother merely sighed softly, smiled, and said “Foolish child,” then instructed Xiu Zhu’s wife to bring the almanac. While turning its pages, she mused: “The sixth day of the eighth month is an auspicious day…”

Listening to this, Zhao Ling’s face lit up with joy. Before Madam Fu could finish speaking, he had already prostrated himself at her bedside: “I wish to marry your daughter on the sixth day of the eighth month. I hope Madam will grant us this blessing!”

His delight was so evident, his wit so quick, that not only Madam Fu but even Xiu Zhu’s wife couldn’t help but smile.

The atmosphere in the room instantly shifted from the previous gloom to one of joy and cheer.

Only Fu Tingyun, who had just earnestly shared her thoughts with her mother, was caught off guard by how quickly the conversation had turned to her marriage. The sudden turn of events left her confused, staring at her mother with wide eyes, bewildered and at a loss.

Seeing this, Madam Fu was reminded of her daughter’s innocent childhood days and found her utterly adorable, her smile deepening.

Fu Tingyun’s face flushed crimson under her mother’s gaze. She hugged her mother’s arm and sweetly called out “Mother,” but then revealed her hesitation, uncertain of her mother’s true feelings.

Madam Fu’s smile gradually faded: “You’re grown now, and you’ve experienced much on your journey from Huayin to the capital. Since you’ve made up your mind, I won’t try to dissuade you.” Her expression turned serious as she continued solemnly, “However, regardless of what your father has done, he is still your father. The relationships between ruler and subject, father and child—these are the great principles of humanity. You must never commit an unfilial act that would harm your reputation…”

Fu Tingyun couldn’t help but widen her almond eyes in surprise, exclaiming: “Why does Mother speak this way? Could it be that Father…” Could he be connected to this matter?

The words reached her lips but dissolved into horror.

She nervously looked at her mother, her gaze complex.

A hint of darkness flashed in Madam Fu’s eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and said: “Whatever the case, the fact that your father didn’t stand up for you was wrong!”

Hearing this, Fu Tingyun inexplicably felt greatly relieved.

Madam Fu glanced at Zhao Ling.

Zhao Ling kept his eyes downcast, appearing not to have heard anything.

Madam Fu silently shook her head and continued: “But a bowl of poison from the Fu family cut off your lifeline. Even if they had shown you great kindness, you’ve already repaid it, especially since you’ve been disowned by the Fu family! In the future, when you encounter members of the Fu family, blindly seeking revenge due to old grudges would show a narrow mind, unbecoming of someone from a good family. But maintaining family ties regardless of right and wrong, bowing and scraping to offer warmth to those who are cold toward you—that would be foolishly stubborn and unwise. What’s important is to live your own life well; that is the way to prosper.”

This was exactly what Fu Tingyun had been thinking.

Yet in her heart, she still remembered the father-daughter bond.

Her mother’s words were like removing a great stone from her heart, leaving her relieved and unburdened.

“Mother!” She looked at her mother gratefully, tears welling in her eyes.

Madam Fu smiled and said to Zhao Ling: “The room is cramped and stuffy. Lord Zhao, why don’t you follow Xiu Zhu’s wife outside for some tea? I have some personal matters to discuss with Quanhui.”

Zhao Ling respectfully answered “Yes” and withdrew with Xiu Zhu’s wife.

There was a commotion outside.

Madam Fu’s face grew slightly cold.

Fu Tingyun, with burning cheeks and a flustered heart, didn’t notice. She merely lowered her head shyly and called “Mother.”

Madam Fu composed herself, and rather than relaxing her demeanor for this intimate conversation with her daughter, she became even more serious than when Zhao Ling had been present: “Do you know that the eldest son of the Yu family earned the top rank in the imperial examinations and now serves as an editor in the Hanlin Academy?”

Speaking of this, Fu Tingyun replied calmly: “I’ve heard. I also heard that this year there’s no court examination for the Imperial Academy; only the top three ranks were retained in the Hanlin Academy.”

She was somewhat surprised. Logically, since the Fu family had announced her death and returned Young Master Yu’s marriage proposal to the Yu family, she and the eldest son of the Yu family should have no further connection. She wondered why her mother brought this up.

Madam Fu stared intently at Fu Tingyun and saw that her daughter was poised and graceful, her bright eyes clear as spring water, without a trace of impurity. She couldn’t help but smile, touching her forehead: “It seems I was overthinking.”

Fu Tingyun was confused.

Madam Fu explained: “I was concerned that your arrangement with Lord Zhao was made out of necessity, while your heart still yearned for the eldest son of the Yu family. But clearly, you’re more clearheaded than I imagined.” Still, she couldn’t help adding, “Most men in this world would rather bow to career advancement than show weakness before a woman. Lord Zhao saved your life, boldly entered the Fu household for you, and knelt to propose regardless of his reputation. He has shown you both love and loyalty, which you should cherish. You mustn’t compare the eldest son of the Yu family with Lord Zhao. No matter how good Young Master Yu might be, he is someone else’s husband, and no matter what flaws Lord Zhao might have, he is the one who will grow old with you and continue your lineage. Remember this.” Her earnest advice betrayed her fear that her daughter might develop unrealistic expectations.

This was truly a mother’s loving heart.

Fu Tingyun’s eyes reddened slightly as she nodded repeatedly: “Mother, please don’t worry. Zhao… Ling,” she blushed at mentioning his name before her mother and continued softly, “treats me very well.” Fearing her mother might not believe her, she added, “Extremely well, extremely well.” As if that wasn’t enough to express it, she murmured, “He, he promised me that between the two of us, there would be no others.”

Between the two of us, there would be no others!

They were young now, and Zhao Ling had just risen to power, while her daughter was as beautiful as a flower. Naturally, there could be no others between them now.

But as time passed, who could say for certain?

Only a child like her daughter, who didn’t understand time’s cruelty, would believe that having no others between them meant a divine union without troubles.

Madam Fu sighed softly.

Every woman has a few good years. Let her daughter enjoy these good years happily; why should she dampen her spirits?

Madam Fu smiled and patted Fu Tingyun’s hand, saying: “Then you should indeed live well with Lord Zhao.”

Fu Tingyun nodded, her face glowing like the sunset, feeling too embarrassed to continue the conversation. Changing the subject to address her confusion, she asked: “Mother, do you know why Father refused to stand up for me back then? Could it be that he suspected me and that Zuo Junjie… had something inappropriate? And what about Uncle—having captured Zuo Junjie, why didn’t he resolve the matter quickly, instead keeping him confined at home for two or three months until the situation became unmanageable? Whose idea was it to make me drink that poison? Why did Grandmother agree to it…”

Seeing her daughter’s anxious expression, Madam Fu pressed her lips together, interrupting Fu Tingyun: “In some matters, everyone has their version of the truth. If blame must be placed, it’s only that your uncle and father coveted an empty reputation at the cost of your life…” Her tone was low, as if she had countless feelings she didn’t know how to express.

Fu Tingyun thought of the precious jewelry and two thousand taels of private savings her mother had sent through Zhao Ling, of how her mother, knowing she was still alive, had frantically sent Xiu Zhu’s wife to search for news of her, of her mother’s test for Zhao Ling, of her heartfelt advice… She fell silent.

Her mother loved her so dearly yet could only watch helplessly when she was imprisoned—a testament to how complex the situation must have been. And it involved Uncle and Father as well!

She felt slightly disappointed, but then remembered that her mother supported her investigation into the past events, which lifted her spirits. She hesitated: “Mother, why are you staying here? I…” Considering that her father was hostile toward her and she was powerless to help her mother’s situation, she changed course and said, “I think Sister-in-law seems very kind. Perhaps I could mention to her…”

“No need.” Madam Fu interrupted Fu Tingyun again, saying flatly, “It was my choice to stay here; it’s quiet. Don’t concern yourself with this matter. Though my health is poor, my mind is clear—I have my plans.”

Could it be that she was quarreling with Father over her matter?

As Fu Tingyun pondered this, Madam Fu asked: “Do you still have the two thousand taels of silver I gave you?”

She had used it to buy the house.

But fearing her mother might misunderstand that Zhao Ling had used her money, she quickly nodded: “Yes, yes, I do.”

“That’s good.” Madam Fu sighed, “I heard from Xiu Zhu’s wife that Zhao Ling bought a residence in Shijia Hutong, has three shops in Xi’an Prefecture, and over a thousand mu of good farmland. That’s very good.” As she spoke, her expression showed traces of guilt, “Your uncle is gone now. Those two thousand taels were my private savings over the years. For your marriage, I have nothing else to give you, so use those two thousand taels to get things for yourself. What belongs to the Zhao family is theirs, and what’s yours is yours…”

At the mention of her uncle, Fu Tingyun’s nose stung with emotion.

She remembered how her uncle, pitying her father for working in a meager government position and fearing that mother and daughter might suffer, would send them several thousand taels each year. He had also promised that when she married, he would add ten thousand taels as her dowry…

Madam Fu’s eyes reddened as well.

Fu Tingyun quickly consoled her mother: “Don’t worry, I know what to do!” Then she spoke of her uncle, “…At that time, given the irregular circumstances, I didn’t dare linger in Weinan. I only observed nine months of mourning for Uncle and arranged a memorial service for him at Daxingshan Temple. When I’m settled, I’ll return to Weinan to personally visit Uncle’s grave.”

Madam Fu nodded and said: “I’ve spoken with your father about asking the respected Fifth Master of the Jie family to help select an honest and virtuous child to continue your uncle’s lineage. If you go back, you might want to meet this child. In the future, if they seek your help, you can offer some guidance.”

Although Uncle’s residence had burned down, there were still good fields and shops. Most likely, many from the Jie family had designs on these assets. For Uncle’s sake, she should offer what support she could.

“Mother, rest assured, I will go see the child.”

Madam Fu’s expression relaxed as she said: “In a few days, I’ll send Xiu Zhu’s wife to help you with preparations.” She smiled as she spoke.

She must mean preparations for her marriage.

But if Xiu Zhu’s wife went to help, who would attend to Mother?

Judging from today’s events, neither Father nor Sister-in-law could be relied upon.

Pretending to be coquettish, she complained: “Don’t worry about my affairs. I’ve inquired; there are shops outside that specialize in arranging weddings and funerals. When the time comes, I can hire someone to help. But what about you? What does the doctor say? What medicine have you been taking these days? Is Xiu Zhu’s wife able to manage serving you alone?” She remembered that in the Fu household in Huayin, her mother had four personal maids, not to mention the wives and elderly women servants. Her heart ached at the thought. “Why don’t I buy a capable woman to serve you? If Father asks, just say you bought her yourself. I’ll pay her monthly wages!”