◎”But Pig Brother is in my belly, while I am in the residence.”◎

Beneath the Bridge of Sorrow, spring waters run green; once a startling swan came reflected in the mirror.

Standing on this arched bridge again to look at Lan Shanjun, Yu Qingwu’s heart inevitably filled with melancholy twists and turns. Fortunately, this person was truly adept at changing his face—from Wu Qingchuan’s prized disciple to a betrayer of his teacher’s grace before His Majesty, and now to a eunuch—he had endured it all.

In his journal, he consoled himself: “Passing through thorns, blood covering my long robe. A mountain lord from the forest comes treading moonlight, asking after my wellbeing.”

Thinking this way made him feel much better.

He also learned from Nanny Qian that she was giving him room to reconsider—Yu Qingwu smiled bitterly, deeply knowing he’d encountered a young lady who was excessively clear-sighted and iron-hearted, so he quickly put on his outer robe and came over.

Lan Shanjun was bending down to hoe the ground. With a glance from the corner of her eye, without even raising her head, she could see the reflection in the water. He seemed to have been there for a long time, standing there watching her, his gaze sincere.

Lan Shanjun knew he had made his decision.

This was good. She couldn’t help but show a smile and said, “Lord Yu, thank you.”

If not for this person, her future actions would likely be much more difficult.

Yu Qingwu walked over slowly—he had injuries and couldn’t walk quickly. Lan Shanjun brought him a stool, but he couldn’t sit either—his buttocks were also injured.

He could only awkwardly lean against a tree to stand steady and maintain his dignity.

He said gently, “For me to marry Miss is truly reaching above my station. I don’t have much silver in hand, so I can only use the fields, residences, and shops in Huailing as betrothal gifts for Miss.”

He took out a stack of deeds from his sleeve. “I will definitely make it up to Miss in the future.”

Lan Shanjun hesitantly accepted the deeds, then paused and pulled out one sheet of paper.

She asked softly, “This is my lord’s ancestral home, isn’t it?”

Yu Qingwu nodded. “Yes. Though it’s not large, it’s where Grand Secretary Wu and I lived for over ten years.”

Lan Shanjun’s gaze never moved from this paper. Only after a long while did she say, “What does the outside of this residence look like?”

Yu Qingwu didn’t immediately understand her meaning, but seeing her dazed expression, he answered according to her words. “Outside… there’s a small stream. Fish often pass through the stream water. I once cut bamboo from the mountains and asked Grand Secretary Wu to make me a bamboo trap to catch fish to eat.”

Thinking about it, he added, “There’s also a peach blossom grove. Originally there wasn’t one, but later a wealthy family from Shuzhou city bought land here and specially planted peach trees to please his wife. Only later his wife died and he remarried. I heard his new wife liked pear trees, so he went elsewhere to plant pears and never came back.”

“This peach grove became my childhood treasure land. I used to secretly go pick peaches to eat.”

Scholars and refined gentlemen all loved peach groves. Back then, Wu Qingchuan had come to his home because of this peach grove.

He said, “Past my home was Elder Brother and Yingying’s home. Their front yard had a bamboo forest. I often went with him and Yingying to dig bamboo shoots.”

Hearing this, Lan Shanjun first consoled him, then solemnly put the deed away and placed it in her bosom. After a long moment, she smiled and said, “So there’s such beautiful scenery outside.”

Seeing her say this, Yu Qingwu took the opportunity to say, “If there’s a chance, shall I take you to see it?”

Lan Shanjun looked at him and shook her head. “No need.”

She said again, “No need.”

Yu Qingwu froze, then nodded. “Mm, I also don’t wish to return to that residence now.”

Thus, the betrothal gifts were given, though there wasn’t much. A few shops, a few residences—all things he’d bought when he was a county magistrate. But that he could accumulate these things in three years showed he wasn’t entirely an upright official living on nothing but integrity alone.

Yu Qingwu told her about these matters. “Sometimes when you acquire residences and shops, the local gentry will treat you as one of their own. Otherwise, a county magistrate dying every few years isn’t without reason.”

He said, “Water that’s too clear has no fish.”

Lan Shanjun nodded. “Just like when I butchered pigs—if I was too honest, those cunning types would bully me.”

Yu Qingwu felt a hidden heartache for her past, but now he not only had to be a eunuch, he had to be a restrained eunuch. He could only console her like a gentleman. “Just pass through mountains and rivers; clouds pass before the eyes.”

Lan Shanjun discovered he was quite an open-minded person.

He didn’t wallow in past pain. His wounds hadn’t even healed, yet he’d already developed a vigorous spirit. She smiled and said, “Let us encourage each other.”

Nanny Qian came to call them for lunch. Seeing this scene, how could she dare interrupt? She just stood on the arched bridge watching.

But soon the two saw her and walked toward her.

Nanny Qian blamed today’s wind and today’s water—the wind had blown the reflection in the water into a crooked, twisted stick that struck at the young couple.

So-called “beating mandarin ducks with a stick” was nothing more than this.

She felt both regretful and joyful, saying, “Today we have young ginger tofu and stir-fried pork belly. There’s also pea stir-fry with meat and eight-treasure tofu.”

All the dishes the young couple loved!

She said, “Old Madam has already written a letter and sent it to the Duke Zhenguo’s residence. Tomorrow she can go speak about it first.”

Lan Shanjun smiled and nodded, her expression unchanged. Yu Qingwu’s face showed slight anticipation, but after seeing Lan Shanjun’s expression, he suppressed it again.

That evening in his journal he wrote: “Between Pig Brother and me, we’re evenly matched. Pig Brother is in front, I follow behind.”

He paused, carefully read it over, and felt that writing it this way inflated Pig Brother’s prestige while diminishing his own authority, so he wrote again: “But Pig Brother is in my belly, while I am in the residence.”

At least he could be considered someone of the residence—it looked better on the surface.

—

At the Duke Zhenguo’s residence, Zhu Shi joyfully helped Old Madam sit down. Lan Hui hadn’t seen Lan Shanjun for several days and affectionately leaned over. “Sixth Sister, I’m sleeping with you tonight!”

Lan Shanjun smiled and nodded, pulling her out the door.

Lan Hui asked puzzled, “Does Mother have something to discuss with Old Madam?”

Lan Shanjun replied, “Yes.”

Lan Hui made a sound of acknowledgment and didn’t plan to interfere, but suddenly heard the sound of a teacup shattering in the hall. She paused, about to go back, but was stopped by Lan Shanjun who shook her head. “Huihui, come with me to air out some books.”

Lan Hui seemed to understand something and nodded. “All right.”

She gripped Lan Shanjun’s hand. “Sixth Sister, I also have something I want to tell you privately.”

Inside the room, Zhu Shi looked incredulous. “What? Yu Qingwu?”

She frowned, a dissatisfaction rising in her heart. “I’m afraid that won’t do.”

But she didn’t dare speak too directly and could only decline tactfully. “Though he is indeed a talented youth, he’s Grand Secretary Wu’s disciple…”

She said, “Our family has been close to Prince Qi…”

She revealed this implication, thinking Old Madam Shou would back down from the difficulty. Who knew she would smile and say, “Silly girl, how many people in your family still serve as officials at court? And how many have gained Prince Qi’s favor?”

Though Zhu Shi hadn’t kept up with outside affairs, she knew some things roughly. Seeing Old Madam ask this, she said shamefacedly, “The family’s younger generation… are all mediocre and haven’t gained Prince Qi’s favor.”

Old Madam Shou looked like she was pouring out her heart. “At my age, I normally wouldn’t manage these things, but I’m old and old friends enter my dreams—I keep dreaming of your mother. Back then, what grace your mother had—”

Zhu Shi thought of her parents who died young and couldn’t help reddening her eyes. “If they hadn’t left so early, why would I need to suffer like this?”

Old Madam Shou took out her handkerchief to wipe her tears. “Good child, Li Niang, I know your suffering. Among family we don’t speak as outsiders—I’m a widow in substance, you’re a widow in appearance. How difficult it is for a widow to support a household—how could I not understand?”

In all these years, who had ever consoled Zhu Shi like this? She cried, “Old Madam, you’re the one who understands me.”

Old Madam Shou stroked her back. “Why cry? That you can do what you’ve done now, raising your children to adulthood—it’s truly not easy.”

She said, “It’s just that with no one outstanding in the family, how can you get close to those imperial nobles? Rather than being cannon fodder among many flatterers, better to just guard the Duke Zhenguo residence’s gates and live your life.”

“The Duke Zhenguo residence isn’t inferior either.”

Zhu Shi agreed in her heart. She also felt it wasn’t inferior. “Leaving aside other families, just speaking of the Duke Songguo residence—decades ago, how could they compare to us?”

Old Madam Shou nodded agreeably. “Li Niang, I’ve come to be a nuisance today. I’m advising you—the Duke Zhenguo residence absolutely must not go turning before Prince Qi, Prince Wei, the Grand Imperial Grandson, and such people anymore.”

She hesitated to continue. “That child Azhang—I see he’s not that smooth. This child is honest and proper. Before those shrewd people, he’s bound to suffer losses.”

Zhu Shi agreed even more and said gratefully, “You only say this because you treat me as your own child.”

Old Madam Shou said, “If I don’t treat you as my own child, who would I? I don’t have many days left to live.”

She said, “Before I go, I want to settle all these matters around me. If I hadn’t met you last year, I wouldn’t have said anything. But having met you, my heart can’t let it go.”

So she spoke of the Duke Zhenguo residence’s past, spoke of Zhu Shi’s mother, speaking until her tears flowed continuously, almost forgetting about Lan Shanjun’s marriage.

Old Madam Shou said, “Haven’t gained many benefits, yet bound yourself to them—why bother?”

Zhu Shi said quietly, “Yes, Prince Qi’s residence isn’t warm toward us. My fourth brother actually has this thought too.”

With the current situation increasingly unfavorable, they’d be better off not getting involved.

Old Madam Shou said, “That you can think this way shows you haven’t been blinded by power and influence.”

After more praise, Zhu Shi blushed with embarrassment. “You’re truly thinking of me sincerely.”

Old Madam Shou returned to the previous topic. “My favoring the marriage between Shanjun and Qingwu isn’t to deliberately make things difficult for you.”

She said, “If you go propose Shanjun’s marriage, you’ll inevitably offend Prince Qi’s residence. But if I go speak before His Majesty and the Empress, that’s different. Push everything onto me—great! If anyone wants to say something, let them come talk to me. What does this dying old woman have to fear?”

But Zhu Shi’s thoughts began to return and she said aggrieved, “But I asked you to arrange a match for Shanjun hoping to arrange a high-ranking family. Yu Qingwu’s background… is too lowly.”

Old Madam Shou said, “Though his background is low, he’s not a creature of the pond. This kind of person will certainly be immeasurable in the future.”

She sighed. “There are high-ranking families to propose, but each person knows their own affairs. Looking at Shanjun’s temperament, she’s not good at bowing her head—she needs to marry someone who will bow.”

Hearing this, Zhu Shi became interested again. “Yes, she’s very stubborn. I’ve been kicked by that donkey’s hoof several times.”

Old Madam Shou said, “How can you speak like that? She’s very intelligent. From childhood she had to survive—if she was even slightly weak, she would have been torn apart and devoured by others. Where would you still have a daughter?”

Zhu Shi felt ashamed. “Yes, yes, I misspoke.”

Old Madam Shou said, “Yu Qingwu is someone I’ve recognized as talented. He’s also shown his face before His Majesty. Given time, he’ll certainly rise rapidly.”

She continued quietly, “Those high-ranking son-in-laws from outside—how could they help support your family? It would be good if they didn’t lord it over you. Only someone like Yu Qingwu, who has no family himself, could help support the Duke Zhenguo residence more in the future.”

Hearing this, Zhu Shi truly felt comforted in her heart. Listening and listening, tears came out again. “But I still feel uncomfortable in my heart.”

Old Madam Shou smiled. “I truly like this child, which is why I’m giving him to Shanjun as a son-in-law. After all, he’s not young anymore and is beginning to distinguish himself. If you miss this village, there won’t be this shop. As for Huihui—”

She said, “Huihui is still young, but somehow before I die, I must find her a good husband.”

Hearing this, Zhu Shi immediately felt grateful in her heart and rushed over. “Thank you. I was just worrying about her matter.”

This matter was settled. She no longer mentioned Yu Qingwu’s poor background, no longer mentioned Prince Qi’s residence, only saying, “After I ask Shanjun’s opinion today, if she’s willing, I’ll send you word.”

Though she knew that since Old Madam Shou could come propose, Shanjun certainly knew about it, the words still needed to be said. Otherwise if something went wrong later, Shanjun would blame her.

This was what she thought in her heart, so her words revealed a bit: “You don’t know—her ideas are very strong—”

Old Madam Shou sighed in her heart but smiled on her face. “This is as it should be.”

After she left, Zhu Shi said happily, “This is also good. Shanjun has Shanjun’s place to go, and Huihui also has Huihui’s place to go.”

The matter of Prince Qi and Marquis Boyuan interrogating Yu Qingwu hadn’t become widely known. She still didn’t know Yu Qingwu and Wu Qingchuan had fallen out, so the more she thought about Shanjun marrying Yu Qingwu, the better it seemed. She said to her personal nanny, “With that kind of past, if a high-ranking family knew about it, they’d certainly gossip. Now though Yu Qingwu’s background isn’t high, he’s Grand Secretary Wu’s disciple and has entered the Hanlin Academy—it’s acceptable enough.”

She smiled and said, “I heard Yu Qingwu also lives on Clear Water Street.”

Clear Water Street was where the powerful and noble lived—speaking of it wouldn’t be shameful.

The personal nanny said, “This marriage—you agreed to it for Old Madam Shou’s sake. Old Madam Shou seemed very appreciative. She’ll probably arrange a respectable marriage for our Seventh Miss.”

“Otherwise, how could she arrange marriages with not-so-good backgrounds for both sisters?”

Zhu Shi said, “That’s exactly right.”

Thus she felt at peace. She said, “I was afraid that Shanjun and I weren’t getting along, and she wouldn’t like the marriage I arranged. Now that she’s agreed herself, I can breathe easier too.”

She went to Lan Shanjun’s courtyard. Just entering the room, she saw the two sisters sitting on the bed talking. Seeing her come, both stopped talking.

Zhu Shi found it funny. “What, are you being distant with me now?”

She said, “Huihui, you go back first. I need to discuss something with your Sixth Sister.”

Huihui said, “I’m not going back. I’ll listen right here!”

Lan Shanjun said, “Mother, just speak here. Otherwise she’ll be too anxious to sleep tonight.”

With two good daughters, Zhu Shi was pleased. She walked over and said, “Just now Old Madam Shou came to discuss your marriage with Yu Qingwu. Did you know about this?”

Huihui was shocked. Huihui’s eyes went wide. “Ah!”

Lan Shanjun nodded and smiled. “I knew. Old Madam mentioned it to me.”

Zhu Shi asked, “What do you think?”

Lan Shanjun replied, “I think it’s very good.”

She said, “Lord Yu is good-looking, and his character is upright. When Old Madam mentioned it, I also felt it was suitable.”

Huihui didn’t understand. “How is it suitable?”

Lan Shanjun patted her head. “His looks are suitable, his eating is suitable, and his temperament is suitable.”

Huihui smiled and said, “Sixth Sister, you’re satisfied in your heart.”

Seeing her face full of smiles, Zhu Shi momentarily didn’t know what to say, but some things still needed to be said. “But his background is low—”

Lan Shanjun turned to look at her. “It doesn’t matter. My background isn’t high either.”

Hearing this, Zhu Shi smiled awkwardly and didn’t continue, only saying, “Since you have no dissatisfaction, I’ll go mention it to your grandmother, grandfather, and father. If they all agree, this matter will be settled, and I’ll have someone tell Old Madam Shou.”

Lan Shanjun nodded, stood up, and bowed. “In that case, thank you, Mother.”

Zhu Shi waved her hand and said stiffly, “That’s being too formal.”

After not seeing each other for several days, the two had become even more estranged. After finishing her business, she hurried off.

She went to see her mother-in-law. Old Madam of the Duke Zhenguo residence had long looked down on this granddaughter. She said, “If that’s the case, then marry her off early. Save her from causing trouble at home.”

Zhu Shi sighed and nodded. “All right.”

Old Madam of the Duke Zhenguo residence asked, “How much dowry do you plan to give?”

Zhu Shi said, “I previously only prepared for Huihui and didn’t have extra. Now that Shanjun has returned and is marrying before Huihui, I’ll give her Huihui’s portion, then prepare Huihui’s anew.”

Old Madam of the Duke Zhenguo residence was dissatisfied. “How much betrothal gift can the Yu family give?”

Zhu Shi replied, “Old Madam Shou is the matchmaker, and he’s Grand Secretary Wu’s disciple—it shouldn’t be little, right?”

Old Madam of the Duke Zhenguo residence said, “Only this way won’t it lose face. The family status is already not high—if even the betrothal gifts aren’t substantial, people will criticize and point fingers behind our backs.”

Zhu Shi nodded. “Your daughter-in-law understands. When meeting with Old Madam Shou to discuss, I’ll ask about it.”

Only then was Old Madam of the Duke Zhenguo residence satisfied. “In that case, just go ask the two Dao Masters.”

She wholeheartedly worshipped Daoist deities, so even her forms of address for her husband and son had become “Dao Master” to show her family’s sincerity.

Thinking of this made her uncomfortable again. “It’s good to settle on a wedding date and marry her off quickly—I’ve been feeling unwell lately. Who knows if it’s not because someone who believes in Buddhism has moved into the family?”

Hearing this, Zhu Shi also felt uncomfortable and said quietly, “Mother, perhaps you’re just getting old. Should we call a physician?”

Old Madam glanced at her, clicked her tongue, and shook her head. “No need. I’m not going to die yet.”

Zhu Shi said awkwardly, “What are you saying, Mother?”

Leaving the room, she walked quickly, still feeling upset. Since Shanjun returned, Mother had become increasingly strange.

She was about to go find Huihui to complain when she saw Third Young Master Lan rush in urgently. “Mother—Mother—”

Zhu Shi said, “I’m right here!”

She took out her handkerchief. “Look at you covered in sweat!”

Third Young Master Lan said, “Mother, tomorrow please prepare good wine and food for me! I want to host Song Zhiwei for a meal at our home!”

Zhu Shi was greatly shocked. “What? Why is he coming to our home?”

Third Young Master Lan replied, “Today at the Jixian Hall, someone said his poetry wasn’t good. Seeing he couldn’t defend himself well, I spoke up for him a few times. On the spot, he just clasped his hands at me without saying much. I thought this person was unfriendly, but when I was about to leave, he specifically stopped me to express thanks and wanted to invite me for drinks to thank me.”

Zhu Shi was delighted. “It shows that your good heart was finally seen by someone.”

Third Young Master Lan said, “Yes! We had drinks together. He talked about the crabapple flowers at the Song residence, I talked about the lotus flowers at our home. He invited me to visit their home, so I thought to invite him here too.”

He laughed heartily. “Who would have thought that this person who seems so cool and aloof is actually someone who knows warmth and cold? He said since we’re making plans to meet, he should first come pay respects to you, Grandmother, Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt—only then would it be proper for our families to associate.”

Zhu Shi clapped her hands. “He wants to become sworn brothers with you.”

She pressed her palms together. “Heaven and the Bodhisattva—this is truly ‘when the mountains and rivers seem to block the way, amid dark willows and bright flowers another village appears.'”

Lost one Prince Qi’s residence, gained one Duke Songguo residence. They hadn’t gotten any benefits from Prince Qi’s residence and had to make offerings every year—now it was better to have direct dealings with Duke Songguo’s residence.

She told Third Young Master Lan about Lan Shanjun’s matter. “Your younger sister is going to be betrothed.”

When this was mentioned, Third Young Master Lan frowned. “Mother, don’t be deceived by Old Madam Shou!”

He looked around. “Yu Qingwu… his reputation these past few days hasn’t been good.”

Zhu Shi’s heart skipped a beat. “How is it not good?”

Third Young Master Lan said, “He seems to have had a very bad falling out with Grand Secretary Wu—they say they’re going to sever ties.”

All sorts of things were being said anyway.

Zhu Shi didn’t pay much attention. “Outside they say wind is wind, rain is rain. Outside they also say your grandfather and grandfather are mediocrities.”

Third Young Master Lan took a deep breath. “Mother, you absolutely must not agree to this matter first. Otherwise in the future, we might end up at odds with Grand Secretary Wu and Prince Qi’s residence.”

Zhu Shi’s eyes widened. “What?”

Third Young Master Lan said, “Regarding the death of Marquis Boyuan’s eldest son Lin Ji, there are rumors that Yu Qingwu killed him.”

Zhu Shi exclaimed, “Wasn’t he killed fighting over a woman with Prince Wei’s heir apparent?”

Third Young Master Lan said, “You don’t know anything! Forget it, I won’t explain to you. I’ll go tell Sixth Sister.”

Zhu Shi hurriedly stopped him. “Don’t go over like that, or there’ll be another fight!”

Thinking about it, she said, “I’ll go inquire around. If he’s on bad terms with Grand Secretary Wu and is connected to Lin Ji’s death, then we’ll discuss it again.”

Third Young Master Lan nodded. “Just say Grandmother and Grandfather don’t agree!”

Zhu Shi’s mind was in chaos. “Ai, why didn’t you say so earlier!”

Third Young Master Lan said, “Just don’t agree to this matter—it’s nothing serious. Mother, tomorrow’s banquet—help me prepare it well and don’t make any mistakes.”

Zhu Shi truly felt overwhelmed and nodded repeatedly. “Fine, I know!”

She called the kitchen staff to get instructions. When Huihui came back, she revealed some of this in her words. “Tell me, what should we do about this?”

Huihui said, “Old Madam Shou was very right. This matter—she’ll petition His Majesty and the Empress. It’s a favor, so there’s no need to fear Prince Qi’s residence’s blame.”

She said, “Besides, what kind of prominent people are we? Could Prince Qi even remember us and interfere in our children’s marriages?”

Zhu Shi felt somewhat at peace and sighed. “Forget it. As long as your sister agrees, I have nothing more to say.”

She laughed self-deprecatingly. “Look at her—when she sees me, it’s like seeing a stranger.”

Mother and daughter—who knew for what reason they’d reached this state.