Those who came to pay respects included people who were genuinely sorrowful, as well as those who merely made an appearance before leaving. Zhao Hanzhang led Zhao Erlang in expressing sincere gratitude to them all.
Standing beside her was Fu Tinghan—such a large presence that guests could hardly pretend not to see him.
Even someone as fastidious as Wang Yan couldn’t help but remark to those around him: “Young Master Fu is supremely filial, keeps his promises faithfully—he is a true gentleman.”
He sighed with some regret. “What a pity.”
His attendants couldn’t help asking, “A pity about what?”
Wang Yan smiled but said nothing. What a pity that he was already betrothed—otherwise he could have proposed a match for his fourth daughter.
Though he didn’t elaborate, those around him guessed his meaning and also sighed. “The Marquis of Shangcai made the right move with this final chess piece—he found a reliable pillar of support for the orphans of the main branch.”
“Minister Fu is upright in character, and Young Master Fu is a gentleman. As long as the Fu clan doesn’t fall, the Zhao siblings can live peacefully for their entire lives.”
In these troubled times, peace was the greatest blessing.
Zhao Zhongyu perhaps also understood this point, or perhaps it was because of Zhao Changyu’s deathbed entrustment—his attitude toward Zhao Hanzhang had softened considerably.
His expression was gentle, and he even advised her several times to rest properly.
Fu Zhi arrived just before noon. After paying his respects, he pulled Fu Tinghan aside for a private word, then turned to find Zhao Zhongyu.
Zhao Zhongyu was extremely surprised. “Marry during the heavy mourning period?”
Fu Zhi sighed. “Indeed. Originally it was set for June, precisely to let Changyu depart this world with peace of mind—who could have known such a calamity would occur?”
“Even so, I still want the two children to marry as soon as possible. First, it fulfills Changyu’s wish. Second, Changyu is not young anymore—if she observes three years of mourning, she’ll be nineteen, which is too old. So we can only ask Sanniang to wear mourning garments when she enters the family.”
Zhao Zhongyu replied, “Brother Fu, what are you saying? It should be Changyu who is being imposed upon.”
He found it difficult to decide immediately. “Marriage is a major matter, and on such short notice…”
Fu Zhi reassured him: “There’s no need to worry. This is during heavy mourning, so everything will be simplified. The betrothal gifts and dowry were all prepared long ago, and we won’t need many musicians—just simple arrangements for the wedding.”
He continued: “I know Changyu’s final words. I’ve already decided that after they marry, I’ll have Changyu accompany Sanniang and Erlang in escorting the coffin home.”
Zhao Zhongyu was deeply moved. After pondering for a moment, he agreed. “Very well.”
Fu Zhi was slightly surprised in his heart—he hadn’t expected it to go so smoothly. Even Zhao Hanzhang hadn’t anticipated this.
But Zhao Zhongyu truly agreed, and even made a point of informing Wang Shi and Zhao Hanzhang, saying: “Wait until after the funeral rites. Taking advantage of the fresh mourning period for the wedding, I’ve already asked the Fu family to roughly calculate an auspicious date. Seven days from now, after your grandfather’s soul returns, you can depart. At that time we’ll pray to the departed spirits, which will also put your grandfather’s mind at ease.”
Zhao Hanzhang looked deeply moved. “Thank you, Grand-Uncle.”
Zhao Zhongyu said, “Don’t thank me yet—I agreed to this matter with conditions.”
Wang Shi became somewhat uneasy.
Zhao Zhongyu set out brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. “There are no outsiders here, so let’s speak plainly. I know your elder brother prepared such an extensive dowry for you because of Erlang—at least half of it is meant for Erlang, correct?”
Zhao Hanzhang raised her eyebrows slightly but didn’t hide it, nodding directly. “That’s correct. This dowry is split equally between Erlang and myself. I also promised Grandfather that when he comes of age and has children, I’ll return this half to him.”
“Then write down this promise,” Zhao Zhongyu pushed the paper and brush toward her. “Write down from the dowry list which portion should belong to him, sign and seal it—make two copies. You keep one, and our family will retain one. When he comes of age and has children, we’ll witness the division.”
Zhao Hanzhang stepped forward to accept the paper and brush, smiled faintly, then raised her eyes to look at Zhao Zhongyu. “Grand-Uncle is most righteous. Sanniang thanks you on behalf of Erlang.”
Zhao Zhongyu’s expression was stern. “As long as you don’t think I’m meddling unnecessarily. Naturally I trust you—I just don’t trust the Fu family.”
Fu Changyu was too attentive, and the Fu family too eager to marry Zhao Hanzhang. He was both moved and suspicious, so he could only seek this guarantee from Zhao Hanzhang.
Since those things were what elder brother left for the two children, they couldn’t simply fall into the Fu family’s pockets.
Zhao Hanzhang didn’t hesitate. She wrote the promise, but the specific dowry items were too numerous—she couldn’t possibly memorize them all, so she didn’t list them.
Zhao Hanzhang thought about how she would soon leave Luoyang. Though she felt somewhat reluctant, she still couldn’t help taking advantage of this grand-uncle. “Grand-Uncle, as you know, after the funeral Erlang and I must escort the coffin home. Once we return to our hometown, we’ll be away for at least one or two years, possibly three or four. The properties in Luoyang will be difficult to manage, and moreover…”
Zhao Hanzhang smiled bitterly. “You also know I’m a woman, and Erlang is in such a state—with these properties in our hands, forget about making money, we’ll be fortunate not to lose money. So I’d like to sell a portion to you.”
Zhao Zhongyu was startled, frowning. “You want to sell your dowry?”
Zhao Hanzhang sighed. “Gold and silver are easier to carry and can be preserved long-term. Erlang and I are neither of us skilled at management—having ready cash is better than managing shops and estates.”
“Or if Grand-Uncle is willing to exchange properties in our hometown, that would work too,” Zhao Hanzhang said. “This time when we return home, we’ll stay for several years. If we remain long enough, Erlang might find a suitable match in the countryside—having more assets at home would help with marriage negotiations. Besides, there are many clan members in the hometown, making management easier.”
Zhao Zhongyu pondered. He knew exactly what dowry Zhao Hanzhang possessed—those properties were diverse, including not only holdings in Luoyang but also in Chang’an and Runan, with assets in various locations.
The most valuable were those in Luoyang and Chang’an.
Although contact with Chang’an was currently weak, it was still a major city. Once stability was restored, properties in Chang’an and Luoyang would be far superior to those in Runan.
However, if word of this got out, it wouldn’t sound good. And this grand-niece…
Zhao Zhongyu looked at her somewhat suspiciously. Did she genuinely want to exchange, or was she setting a trap?
Zhao Hanzhang naturally genuinely wanted to exchange. She continued: “This matter needn’t be announced to others. We’ll draw up a private contract—I’ll hand over the deeds and property titles to Grand-Uncle, and if outsiders ask, we’ll simply say I entrusted Grand-Uncle and my uncle to help manage them.”
She said, “Erlang and I are young, so relying on clan relatives is perfectly reasonable.”
This meant it would be a private transaction, not reflected in the dowry list, avoiding any reputation risks.
But they would have a private contract, and currently Zhao Zhongyu was the Zhao clan’s patriarch while Zhao Ji had inherited Zhao Changyu’s title as Marquis of Shangcai—Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t possibly renege.
With favorable timing, geography, and support, after weighing everything, Zhao Zhongyu still nodded in agreement.
Zhao Hanzhang then said, “Then let Chengbo handle the transfer. I’m not familiar with these assets—having him manage it is most appropriate.”
Zhao Zhongyu was even more reassured and satisfied, nodding his head.
Zhao Hanzhang handed the written promise to Zhao Zhongyu, rose to take her leave, and departed with the somewhat dazed Wang Shi.
After leaving the study for quite a distance, Wang Shi finally came to her senses and hurriedly pulled Zhao Hanzhang aside to ask, “Sanniang, why did you sell off those properties so cheaply? Those were the finest things your grandfather carefully selected and left for you!”