The adults hadn’t noticed anything unusual about the children.

The Eighth Sister, Tenth Sister, and Eleventh Sister decided to stay two more days at Fu Tingyun’s home, waiting for Eighth Sister to arrive.

On the third day of the tenth month, Eighth Sister arrived as promised.

When the sisters met, there was naturally another round of joyful laughter and conversation.

But all good things must come to an end, especially since they were all daughters-in-law with authority in their husbands’ households, and some needed to oversee domestic affairs. The last to arrive, Eighth Sister, was the first to announce her departure: “…My brother-in-law’s wife has given birth three times and finally had a son. I’ve already missed the third-day celebration. If I miss the full-month celebration too, I fear she might misunderstand and think I’m displeased.”

After Eighth Sister had married, she had given birth to two sons in succession.

Fu Tingyun understood perfectly.

She instructed Zheng San to help load the return gifts for Eighth Sister onto the carriage she had hired, and saw Eighth Sister off at the main gate.

Next, Eleventh Sister also needed to return home: “…My mother-in-law is currently in conflict with my elder sister-in-law. When I left, my mother-in-law repeatedly urged me to return early, hoping I could lend her a hand!” As she spoke, she couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

Eleventh Sister’s husband’s birth mother was his father’s second wife, while his elder brother was born to the first wife. The mother-in-law treated Eleventh Sister, her own son’s wife, very well, but found fault with her elder daughter-in-law at every turn.

Fifth Sister couldn’t help but advise Eleventh Sister: “In such matters, you should stay uninvolved. The younger generation is watching closely; be careful they don’t follow suit.”

Third Sister then said: “Each family has its difficulties. Eleventh Sister isn’t a child anymore; she has her judgment in her affairs. You aren’t the one drinking the tea, so you don’t know if it’s hot or cold. Don’t give unnecessary advice.”

Hearing this, Eleventh Sister cast a grateful glance at Third Sister.

Sixth Sister and Tenth Sister had arrived in Eleventh Sister’s carriage, so naturally they would depart together.

Fu Tingyun, along with Third Sister, Fifth Sister, and Seventh Sister, saw the three of them off to their carriage.

The next day, after breakfast, Seventh Sister also bid farewell to Fu Tingyun.

Fu Tingyun knew that Seventh Sister needed to return to help with the hundred-day celebration for her recently born son, San-san. She didn’t try to keep her, but had the return gifts, meeting gifts for the children, and congratulatory gifts for San-san’s hundred-day celebration all packed in trunks, instructing Zheng San to carry them to the carriage.

“I hope your brother-in-law can rank among the top candidates or be selected as an Imperial Scholar. Then I’ll bring the children to the capital to visit you,” Seventh Sister said, parting reluctantly with Fu Tingyun. Both sisters knew that even if that happened, they probably wouldn’t meet for another three years. Fu Tingyun couldn’t help but tear up: “Seventh Sister, I’ll be waiting for you in the capital.”

Seventh Sister nodded tearfully and boarded the carriage.

Fu Tingyun stood at the main gate until the carriage disappeared at the end of the alley, then the three sisters returned to the main room.

Zhenzhu hurriedly came in: “Madam, there’s a gentleman who claims to be surnamed Yao, here to see Fifth Sister.”

Fu Tingyun was momentarily surprised.

Fifth Sister’s face flushed as she said “Pah!” and continued, “Didn’t I say I’d return in mid-October? Why has he rushed over so eagerly? None of the other brothers-in-law acts this way.” She appeared quite embarrassed.

Third Sister covered her mouth and laughed.

Fu Tingyun finally understood.

It seemed that Fifth Sister’s husband, not seeing his wife return home for so long, had come looking for her.

She couldn’t help but smile as she instructed Zhenzhu: “That’s my Fifth Brother-in-law. Quickly invite him to sit in the outer hall, then ask Master Lü to accompany Second Master to sit with him for a while.”

Since her brother-in-law was from another family, and Zhao Ling wasn’t home, it wasn’t appropriate for her to receive guests directly. Ah-Sen was Zhao Ling’s brother, and Shopkeeper Lü was officially her maternal uncle; having the two of them receive the guest together was already a very formal courtesy.

Zhenzhu withdrew with an acknowledgment but was stopped by Fifth Sister.

With a reddened face, she said to Fu Tingyun: “I’ll go see him. It would be good for you all to meet him as well.”

Fu Tingyun naturally agreed.

Nevertheless, she instructed Zhenzhu to inform Shopkeeper Lü and Ah-Sen.

Shortly after, Ah-Sen escorted a tall, handsome young man with a somewhat shy demeanor, alongside Fifth Sister, into the room.

Fu Tingyun knew this must be Fifth Brother-in-law.

She quickly led the children forward to pay their respects.

Fifth Sister made the introductions.

Third Sister also came forward to greet Fifth Brother-in-law.

Fifth Brother-in-law’s face reddened before he spoke, somewhat shyly returning the greetings to Fu Tingyun and Third Sister. He greeted the children warmly, taking out a small, jointed wooden carving of an arhat as a gift for Young Master Xi, and a palm-sized Western doll for Youyou. As for Chunbing and Yuanxiao, one received a wooden frog that could jump when its tail was pressed, and the other got a wooden figurine that could do somersaults.

The four children’s eyes immediately lit up with delight. They happily called out “Fifth Uncle” and instantly warmed up to Fifth Brother-in-law.

Fifth Sister watched with a gentle smile, her gaze upon her husband softer than the March sunshine.

Fu Tingyun observed silently, feeling happy for Fifth Sister.

Since these gifts were not only exquisite but also valuable, she curtseyed and exchanged pleasantries with Fifth Brother-in-law.

Fifth Brother-in-law was not adept at such social situations, appearing even more embarrassed as he mumbled: “…I thought you might be unfamiliar with the area and need to relocate graves and establish an ancestral temple, so I didn’t bring the children. I came ahead to see if there was anything I could help with.” As he spoke, he glanced at Fifth Sister and said, “I also brought two capable stewards from home.”

He was explaining the reason for his sudden appearance to Fu Tingyun and Fifth Sister.

“I understand!” Fifth Sister responded gently to her husband, asking with concern, “Have you had breakfast yet?”

Fifth Brother-in-law hesitated for a moment before saying, “Yes, yes, I have.”

His manner indicated that he had rushed to see Fifth Sister without having breakfast.

Fu Tingyun had to restrain herself from laughing out loud.

She first thanked Fifth Brother-in-law for coming to help, then smiled and said: “Since you’ve come as a guest, you must have something more to eat.” She called out to Zhenzhu to set out breakfast.

Fifth Sister, obviously familiar with her husband’s temperament, didn’t refuse, but said: “Then I’ll join you for a light breakfast!”

Fifth Brother-in-law responded with a low “yes” while blushing, and went with Fifth Sister to the outer hall.

Third Sister then said: “I also realized that as newcomers, you would need more people to make the grave relocation lively. I’ve already discussed it with your brother-in-law—I’ll return home after the ceremony is over.”

“Third Sister, you’ve been so thoughtful!” Fu Tingyun was very grateful.

Zhao Ling had fallen out with his family, and she had no contact with the Fu family either. Although officials might come to add luster to the occasion, that was merely gilding the lily—how could it compare to the reciprocal support among relatives?

“Our family is still in mourning until the mourning-removal ceremony next February,” Third Sister explained, feeling the need to make excuses for her husband now that Fifth Brother-in-law had arrived. “Otherwise, your Third Brother-in-law would have come with me.”

“Although Third Brother-in-law couldn’t come in person, he sent his two children,” Fu Tingyun could appreciate the goodwill of Third Sister’s family toward her. “You don’t know how happy I am that Youyou now has her cousins!” As she spoke, her nose tingled, and she nearly shed tears.

“Things will get better,” the Third Sister comforted Fu Tingyun. “You’re about to become a mother again, and your Ninth Brother-in-law has won a victory and earned merit for following the emperor. Your days will only get better.” She added, “Let those from the Fu family who blindly follow others regret it.”

Fu Tingyun couldn’t help but smile.

Fifth Sister came in to bid farewell: “…Now that your brother-in-law has arrived, he can’t stay here with you. I’ve already instructed the steward to find an inn close by and rent a small courtyard for us to stay temporarily.” Then, fearing Fu Tingyun might worry, she added, “Our Yao family’s business has been doing well these past few years. We know several major merchants in Xi’an Prefecture. This small matter won’t trouble us.”

With Third Sister staying there, it wasn’t appropriate for Fifth Brother-in-law to move in. Furthermore, since Fifth Sister had already spoken, Fu Tingyun didn’t find it convenient to interfere. She said a few words like “If you need anything, just tell Uncle Lü; he’s an old resident here,” asked Yu Wei to help Fifth Sister pack her trunks, and arranged for someone to inform the Yao family servants staying with the Tengji Guards. After lunch, Fu Tingyun and Third Sister saw the couple off.

That night, Fu Tingyun and Third Sister slept in the same bed, sharing intimate conversations.

A few days later, Anxin arrived, dusty from his journey: “Madam, the Ninth Master will arrive early tomorrow morning.”

Fu Tingyun hurriedly took out the mourning clothes she had prepared. The red decorations in Yangliutong were removed, and Fifth Sister, upon hearing the news, rushed over with her husband.

Fifth Brother-in-law asked: “Is the stone tablet ready? Does the tortoise pedestal fit the specifications?”

Zhao Ling’s father had been posthumously awarded the third-rank title of Jiayi Dafu, and his mother had been conferred the rank of Shu Ren of the third rank. The scale of the tomb had to be constructed according to the specifications for the third rank. This meant the burial ground would be seventy paces, the tomb height one zhang and two chi, the stone tablet three chi and six cun high, and the tortoise pedestal three chi and two cun high. In front of the tomb could be placed one pair of stone tigers, one pair of stone sheep, one pair of stone horses, and one pair of stone pillars. The imperial court would also grant two hundred taels for materials and provide one hundred craftsmen to build the tomb. The Fifth Brother-in-law was a scholar, knew these regulations, and thus asked the question.

Shopkeeper Lü quickly replied: “Everything is prepared and ready. We’re just waiting for the coffins of the Old Master and Old Madam.”

Afterward, everyone discussed some details and agreed to meet at Yangliu Lane at the beginning of the Chen hour the next day, then go together to the east gate of Xi’an Prefecture to await the coffins of the two elders.

The following day, they arrived at the east gate by the third quarter of the Chen hour. It wasn’t until the beginning of the Wu hour that they saw a procession of carriages draped in white mourning cloth slowly approaching.

Fu Tingyun and the others hurried forward to meet them.

She immediately spotted Zhao Ling walking at the front of the procession.

He wore hemp mourning clothes and appeared somewhat dejected and much thinner.

Fu Tingyun’s heart skipped a beat.

Had things not gone well in Songjiang?

In that fleeting moment, Zhao Ling’s gaze had already turned toward her.

A warm smile curved his lips as he strode forward.

“Ah Qin!” Zhao Ling’s gaze was focused and earnest, as if no one else was in his eyes, “Are you well?” As he spoke, he glanced at her belly, “Has the child been behaving?”

In such a solemn occasion, they should have been more somber, but a bright and joyful smile couldn’t help but overflow from Fu Tingyun’s eyes: “I’m very well! You’ve lost a lot of weight…” After speaking, she realized some questions weren’t appropriate to ask in front of others, so she asked diplomatically, “How was your journey?”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ling came back to his senses and smiled, saying: “It went quite smoothly.” He then looked behind her, “Where are Youyou and Young Master Xi?”

Hearing her father mention her, Youyou, who was being held by Nurse Tong, struggled to get down and ran forward to hug Zhao Ling’s leg: “Father!”

Zhao Ling laughed heartily and scooped Youyou up in his arms.

Being held by her tall father, she could see farther and see more things.

Youyou giggled, full of joy.

Young Master Xi also called out “Father!” and squirmed in Yu Wei’s arms.

Zhao Ling went over and picked up Young Master Xi as well.

With one arm holding his daughter and the other his son, both children were quite heavy.

Fu Tingyun, concerned about Zhao Ling’s long journey, smiled and scolded: “That’s enough, come down now. Father still has important matters to attend to!”

Youyou obediently got down, while Yu Wei took Young Master Xi.

Fu Tingyun introduced Fifth Sister and her husband to Zhao Ling: “…the eldest son of the Yao family from Lintong.”