As the wedding date drew near, the Earl’s residence grew busy — there were preparations to be made for Ying Jie’er’s marriage, while also managing the household estates, deciding what to keep and what to sell, and making arrangements for Pei Bingyuan’s departure to take up his post in the south.

The Old Madam busied herself drafting the wedding guest list. With such a significant matter as forming ties with a Marquis household, she, as the Countess, could not avoid personally inviting several noblewomen to attend the ceremony.

Pei Bingyuan’s outgoing post was imminent, and he had many obligations to attend to — paying respects to his mentor, socializing with colleagues, receiving and returning calls.

Concubine Shen, attentive and meticulous by nature, followed at Lin Shi’s heels helping her manage all manner of small and trivial matters, directing the servants to decorate the Earl’s residence in festive splendor.

Pei Shaohuai had intended to help shoulder some of the burden for his mother, but Lin Shi firmly refused him. She said: “You are a scholar, a young man of letters — how could I have you bustling about with the affairs of the inner courtyard? If outsiders were to hear of it, they would not only mock you, but mock me as well, the mistress of the house, for being unable to manage even a wedding properly.”

Pei Shaohuai smiled awkwardly — he had only been thinking of his mother, and had entirely forgotten that consideration.

Lin Shi added: “You and Jin Ge’er need only do as you always do, study diligently and review your lessons… you also need to keep up your strength. On the day of the great wedding, you will carry your sister out the door and into the bridal sedan.”

“Your son understands.”

This was Pei Shaohuai’s third time seeing a sister off at her wedding. The first two times, he had been too young and had merely led his sister out by the hand. Now that he had grown, he would carry her out on his back.

For more than half a month running, Lian Jie’er returned to the Earl’s residence every morning at the crack of dawn to lend a hand, and did not go home until late into the night.

Lin Shi felt rather apologetic about it, and said: “It is hard on you, rushing back and forth here every day, busy between your own home and your family.”

“What hardship — this is what a daughter ought to do.” Lian Jie’er smiled and said, “Besides, my mother-in-law specially urged me to come.”

When Xu Zhan had taken Lian Jie’er as his bride, the Earl’s residence had seen her off in grand fashion, helping the newly arrived Xu Family establish a firm foothold in the capital. Now that Ying Jie’er was to be married, Madam Xu naturally had a few extra words of instruction for her daughter-in-law.

Lian Jie’er then asked: “On the day of the ceremony, Mother, who do you plan to invite to perform the facial threading and hair-trimming for Ying Jie’er?”

The facial threading referred to the removal of fine downy hairs on the forehead and chin; the hair-trimming referred to smoothing and tidying the bride’s sideburns, putting away the loose strands of girlhood.

It signified that a girl had grown into womanhood, and was today becoming a wife.

By custom, this rite was to be performed by a middle-aged woman of harmonious family life and venerable virtue.

Lin Shi had already discussed the matter with the Old Madam, and replied: “Your grandmother and I have already decided — we intend to trouble your mother-in-law with this, and let Ying Jie’er borrow some of your mother-in-law’s blessings.”

Some time ago, Lord Xu had performed supervisory duties at the Southern Metropolitan Area provincial examination and had distinguished himself by exposing misconduct. He had since been promoted from Vice Minister of Rites to Minister of Rites, ranked second grade, and Madam Xu had received an imperial commendation scroll, being conferred the title of second-grade Lady of Honor along with her husband.

What was more, every son and grandson in the Xu Family was a man of learning, and the family’s conduct and reputation were beyond reproach. The whole capital praised Madam Xu as a virtuous and capable wife and mother, skilled in managing the household.

“What a coincidence — I had the very same thought as Mother.” Lian Jie’er said happily.

“I have already prepared the gifts. In two days I shall go to invite your mother-in-law.”

The two of them then spoke of Lan Jie’er, and Lian Jie’er said: “The capital is only a day or two’s journey from Ji Prefecture, and with such important events as Father’s posting and a younger sister’s marriage, Lan Jie’er ought rightly to come back — but her condition makes it inconvenient at the moment, and she cannot risk such a long journey.”

Lin Shi lowered her voice and asked: “Has Lan Jie’er again…?”

Lian Jie’er also dropped her voice: “She did not say it plainly in her letter, but I estimate she has only just conceived and has not yet passed the first three months — she does not dare make it known… She only says she is feeling unwell and cannot endure the exhaustion of travel.”

Situ the Second had military duties and could not leave the barracks, and Lan Jie’er, carrying a child and tending to a pair of daughters, truly had no way to make the journey back.

Lin Shi said with quiet contentment: “Life at the frontier may be somewhat harder, but as long as the young couple can be together in harmony, supporting and understanding one another, that is worth more than anything.”

Lian Jie’er nodded her agreement.

Lin Shi then said with a note of amusement: “A few days ago, our second brother-in-law wrote to Huai Jie’er saying he intended to send some large turnips as a gift to congratulate Ying Jie’er and wish her and her husband a long life together. Huai Jie’er was puzzled for quite a while, thinking there must be some remarkable variety of turnip. Yesterday the gifts arrived — we opened them up, and turnips they most certainly were not. They were all the finest aged ginseng roots.” She smiled as she spoke.

Lian Jie’er laughed along with her and said: “North of Shanhai Pass, there are ranges of mountains stretching for miles — ginseng truly does grow abundantly there.”

Lian Jie’er had just returned home when Lin Shi’s eldest sister-in-law, Jiang Shi, arrived.

“Congratulations, Second Sister — you have found such a splendid match for Ying Jie’er.” Jiang Shi said with great delight.

She also chided Lin Shi for not having passed word to her family beforehand, so that the Lin Family might have prepared in advance. It was now early winter, with the northern winds blowing southward, and the merchant vessels from Songjiang Prefecture were readying to put out to sea. Lin Shiyun had taken his eldest son Lin Yao and second son Lin Yuan with him and sailed south to Songjiang Prefecture with several cargo-laden ships, intending to do business with the sea merchants. Jiang Shi said: “At Ying Jie’er’s coming-of-age ceremony last time, her eldest maternal uncle was not in the capital — and now at her wedding, her eldest maternal uncle still won’t be here. What sort of thing is this?”

“Sister-in-law, please calm yourself.” Lin Shi smiled and said, “Marriage and fate — the chance must come before it becomes fate. How could I have predicted it in advance?”

Jiang Shi produced a finely crafted jewel case and opened it, revealing an array of gemstones of every color and brilliance inside. She said these were to be used to adorn the hairpins and headdress that Ying Jie’er would wear on her wedding day, and added: “If it were summer, just when the merchant ships had returned from overseas, you could have had any color or luster you wanted, as much as you pleased. But time is short now, and this is all I was able to gather. Second Sister, take what suits your fancy.”

Lin Shi teased: “Sister-in-law grows more extravagant in her speech with each passing day — you speak of gemstones as if they were pebbles. With a whole case this large, can there still not be enough?” She did not demur or refuse, and accepted them gratefully.

“Lord Pei is taking up his new post now — you will be following him south, I suppose?”

Lin Shi nodded and said: “Once Ying Jie’er’s great occasion is properly seen to, we will set out once the Spring Festival has passed.”

Jiang Shi said happily: “From now on, your elder brother and your two nephews will have someone to look out for them when they go south to conduct their business.”

After seeing Jiang Shi off, Lin Shi discovered that beneath the jewel case there was a hidden compartment, inside of which lay a small sheaf of deed papers — at a glance, there were two manors and seven or eight shop fronts.

In Ying Jie’er’s quarters.

The wedding garments were complete — she only needed to adjust a few stitches here and there to make the fit more perfectly tailored to her figure.

“Young Miss, Young Master Jin has come.”

Ying Jie’er went out to greet him and met her younger brother in the main hall.

“It is not easy to send things out of the palace, so Zhu Jie’er could only entrust someone to bring out what is light and portable. She had me pack it properly in a box and deliver it to Fourth Sister.” Shao Jin said, handing Ying Jie’er a small sandalwood box.

Knowing it was a gift from Bamboo Elder Sister, Ying Jie’er opened it without a moment’s hesitation.

Inside the box were several neatly pressed handkerchiefs. On the topmost handkerchief was embroidered a cluster of hibiscus flowers in full and brilliant bloom — for Ying, the hibiscus flower it was.

Ying Jie’er gently stroked the embroidered thread, noting that the stitches were fine and dense, and said: “Bamboo Elder Sister’s needlework was already very accomplished before, and now it has grown even more refined.” Thinking of how their third sister in the palace had to juggle managing all manner of people and personalities while still finding time to refine her skills in music, chess, and feminine arts — it must have been genuinely trying. A note of sadness crept into her voice, and her eyes dropped.

“Fourth Sister’s great wedding is at hand — if you were to be saddened by the sight of these things, then Elder Sister’s intention in sending these handkerchiefs out would have been lost.” Shao Jin gently consoled his fourth sister: “Fourth Sister might think of it this way — the better you fare, the less anyone will dare look down upon the Earl’s residence, and when Elder Sister does leave the palace, she will have more to lean on as well.”

Shao Jin continued: “Elder Brother has won the title of Provincial First Scholar, and the Earl’s residence prospers in every direction. I often tell myself — if I too can achieve a licentiate’s degree as Elder Brother has, the Earl’s residence will advance yet another step forward.”

Fifteen-year-old Shao Jin’s face held a few more traces of youthful softness than Shao Huai’s, yet his gaze was firm and resolute.

Bamboo Elder Sister had always been one of Shao Jin’s driving forces in his studies.

Ying Jie’er nodded and carefully put the handkerchiefs away.

“When the six rites are fulfilled and the seven worthies assembled, the eight sounds play in concert, the nine harmonies are sung, and the ten completions are achieved — none other than a harmonious union without flaw.”

On the ninth day of the twelfth month, the day of the great wedding, as the Hour of the Monkey drew past its midpoint, the sun began to slant westward. The main boulevard resounded with the clamor of gongs and drums. Chen Xingchen, wearing a black official’s cap and a red festive robe, sat astride a fine horse, vigorous and full of spirit, radiant with joy.

Pairs of wild geese fly together — these birds that know the ways of yin and yang — and at the very front of the bridal procession came a pair of wild geese.

The procession arrived before the gates of the Earl’s residence. The matchmaker cried out loudly: “A fine young gentleman on a treasure steed arrives at the gate! May wealth and glory endure a hundred autumns! The bridegroom has come to receive his bride—!”

Chen Xingchen dismounted from his saddle and came respectfully to the main gate of the Earl’s residence, bowing deeply and calling out: “Chen Xingchen, third son of the Chen Family, acting under his father’s orders, humbly brings the white-haired pledge, written upon the goose-feather letter. Today, bearing fine ceremony gifts, he comes to receive in marriage the fourth daughter of the Jingchuan Earl’s household, and respectfully awaits your gracious command.”

Pei Bingyuan cried out from within the gate: “Granted.”

After that, Chen Xingchen inevitably had to run the gauntlet of the bridal party’s teasing, have his learning tested, and compose several poems on the spot, before the auspicious hour finally arrived and he was, with great effort, permitted to pass through the Pei family gates and proceed to the main hall to bow in salute and offer tea to his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

In the inner chambers, Ying Jie’er had already had her hair bound up and her headdress placed upon her, and wore a great crimson round-collar wedding robe and cape embroidered with rosy clouds. Her brows curved gently as the moon, her cheeks flushed a lovely crimson, as she waited to be received as a bride.

“Sister.” Pei Shaohuai drew aside the hanging curtain and stepped inside.

Ying Jie’er gave a nod. Madam Xu, standing to one side, cheerfully helped drape the embroidered veil over her head, and only then did Pei Shaohuai step forward to guide his sister into the main hall to bid farewell to their parents.

The officiant cried out: “Four bows.”

When Ying Jie’er had completed her bows, Pei Bingyuan’s eyes had grown somewhat red-rimmed, while Lin Shi was already weeping without restraint — even though their daughter was marrying into a household right here in the capital, into an excellent family, with a son-in-law who was industrious and kind, the reluctance of seeing a daughter married would not be diminished by even half.

Thinking back over the years — little Ying Jie’er, in her child’s soft voice, saying “Ying Jie’er is not a little muddy monkey” — it seemed as though it had happened just a few days ago. How was it that in the blink of an eye she was already to be married?

By now, Chen Xingchen had remounted his horse and was waiting before the main gate.

The officiant cried again: “Dusk has come — send off the bride.”

Pei Shaohuai crouched half-down before his sister and said: “Sister, come up — your younger brother will carry you out the door.”

Ying Jie’er draped herself over her brother’s shoulders and let him lift her onto his back.

Several hot tears fell into the collar of Pei Shaohuai’s robe. He felt their warmth. At his ear he heard his sister weeping softly, and a prickling welled in his own nose — the urge to cry came upon him as well. From the main hall to the gate was ninety-nine steps in all. Pei Shaohuai had measured the distance many times. He walked very slowly and very steadily, as if by walking a little slower, his sister might be able to stay home a little longer.

But he could not stop. To stop would be inauspicious.

He was not one to believe in such things ordinarily, but this time, he did not know why, he was so “scrupulously dutiful” — terrified of the slightest misstep. He absolutely could not halt his steps; he absolutely had to walk exactly the right ninety-nine steps; he absolutely had to carry his sister steadily and surely into the bridal sedan.

Out on the main boulevard, Chen Xingchen rode his horse at the very front, head held high, face radiant with bliss as if basking in a warm spring breeze, leading the procession forward. And behind the bridal sedan, Pei Shaohuai rode on horseback, his heart a tangle of emotions. It was the first time Pei Shaohuai had ever felt that Chen Xingchen also had a side to him that was rather insufferable — the man had simply gone and married his sister just like that. Far too easy on the fellow.

The townspeople watched the spectacle in the lingering glow of the setting sun, all praising how handsome the third young master of the Jincang Marquis Household was as a bridegroom — it had been many years since they had seen a groom so striking.

Then, catching sight of Pei Shaohuai riding behind as the brother seeing off the bride, they turned to exclaim: “That younger brother escorting the bride — what elegant bearing for such a young man, even more dashing than the groom by several degrees.” And he had yet to take a wife, at that.

Before sunset, the procession arrived before the gates of the Jincang Marquis Household. Inside, lanterns blazed brilliantly and red silk hung everywhere in a scene of pure festivity. The Chen Family were already waiting before the main gate, ready to welcome the new bride inside.

“You have worked hard, brother-in-law.” Chen Xingchen said.

“I trust that brother-in-law will bear in mind the pledge made over the red leaves.”

Chen Xingchen considered it for a moment, and dispensed with polished phrases altogether. He simply pledged outright: “More important to me than mathematics.”

Pei Shaohuai’s task was complete.

Watching his sister be guided by the two matchmakers into the Marquis Household, his heart grew several shades lighter. He would miss her, of course — but as long as his sister lived in happiness, that was what mattered.

That the Chen Family had waited and welcomed her said everything about their sincerity.