Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Turning Phoenix

Gu Mansion in Huanghuafang.

Du Runqing only felt his heart beating like a drum.

"But, but is it really possible to marry in substitution under the imperial decree?" The little girl never thought of this possibility again.

But Madam Wan clapped her hands.

"Child, have you forgotten who your grandmother is?"

Du Runqing stared at it in a daze.

Her grandmother, Madam Wan, was known as the Matchmaker of Beijing.

At this moment, the "matchmaker" taught her granddaughter.

"The marriage between the rich and powerful is never based on love, but on the friendship between the two families. The imperial decree only mentions the surnames, unless it is for a princess or a prince. As for who the two people are to be married, it all depends on the will of the two families."

But Du Runqing asked again, "Then the Marquis also acquiesced to my sister and even met her."

Madam Wan smiled and shook her head, "Have you forgotten what the Marquis said to you? He said that the Du family is a family of poetry and etiquette, and the whole family is pure, so he gave way to you and was willing to help. A person like the Marquis would of course only care about family background. It's just that your eldest sister has just reached the age of marriage. But do you think the Marquis will like your eldest sister?"

She asked, "Does your elder sister have the reserved and gentle temperament of a noble lady, or is she devoted to the Marquis?"

Du Runqing shook her head and just listened to her grandmother.

"You are a hundred times better than your elder sister. After you marry the Marquis, as long as you often mention your uncle the Grand Chamberlain and help poor students among the scholars, people in the capital will only remember you as your uncle's niece and forget that she, Du Lingjing, is the Grand Chamberlain's daughter."

Replace it?

Du Runqing saw that his grandmother had already made an arrangement in mind. "There is also the Marquis' place. Although you like the Marquis, you cannot monopolize him. It is okay to take in a few more concubines of low birth for the Marquis. It will show your generosity."

Taking a concubine? The little girl felt an indescribable feeling in her heart.

Seeing that her granddaughter was a little confused, Mrs. Wan knew that she was too young and could not listen to too much at once.

She stopped talking and smiled as she held her in her arms, "Well, we can talk about other things later. Your priority right now is to take good care of your body, to reach the age of marriage, to get married, which one is not important? When you recover, you should be the wife of the marquis."

After saying this, Madam Wan told her to have a good rest and left the room.

Du Runqing was the only one left in the room, sitting in a daze beside the bed.

Is she really going to marry the Marquis? Really?

But will my sister agree?

... ...

No matter what Du Lingjing's attitude was, Madam Wan was not in a hurry. She first asked someone to invite her son-in-law Du Zhiqi over.

Du Zhiqi was reluctant to go out at first. The wedding was only a few days away on the sixth day of next month, and what he feared most was that his niece would give him a hard time if he was not careful.

He just wanted to keep a close eye on his niece at home and watch her get into the bridal sedan on the sixth day of the New Year.

But other people would beg for such a good marriage, and since he and his niece had fallen out to such an extent, he could not expect to get any benefit from it.

However, the Du family became the in-laws of the Marquis's Mansion. Once Prince Hui failed to accomplish his goal, the Du family would be the first to suffer.

After just a few days, a circle of bubbles appeared at the corners of his mouth. Now he thought about his previous experience as an official in a remote place. Although he was blocked from promotion, he spent his days drinking tea and writing poems in peace...

However, Gu Yangsi came to invite him in person on the orders of Madam Wan.

Du Zhiqi had no choice but to go.

When he arrived at the Gu family, his mother-in-law touched his heart directly, "Look at your mouth full of anger. I guess your situation will become even more difficult after the eldest daughter gets married, right?"

Du Zhiqi thought, what else can we do? "If the Marquis wants to marry her, can the Du family refuse?"

Who would have thought that the mother-in-law would say, "Since it is so difficult, why not find a new bride for the Marquis?"

Madam Wan told her intention to the son-in-law. After she finished speaking, Du Zhiqi was so shocked that he broke out in sweat.

Marrying in place of someone else?! He couldn't think of it even if he was beaten to death, but his mother-in-law said it as if it was a sure thing.

Putting aside the fact that the imperial edict did not mention anyone by name, and the fact that the Marquis might not look favorably upon his trouble-making niece, he only asked Madam Wan.

"What should we do with Jingniang? Should we tie her up and hide her? What if she makes trouble again?"

His eyes suddenly became alert for some reason. "After all, she is my brother's only bloodline. We can't, we can't..."

Madam Wan couldn't help but glance at the son-in-law.

"Is it necessary to go through so much trouble? Why don't you just call her over and ask her if she agrees?"

Madam Wan had to explain again to this confused son-in-law.

"She is reluctant to marry the new man because she is still thinking about her old lover. If she is so reluctant, will she not agree? We are just going with the flow. If she really doesn't agree, it will be a joke."

Du Zhiqi suddenly came to his senses.

It seems that the person who is most reluctant to get married is her niece.

Madam Wan let him think on his own and now picked up the teacup and slowly took two sips.

Du Lingjing didn't want to get married so much that she would definitely agree as long as Du Zhiqi asked.

But women in this world will still marry even if they are stupid or crazy. This time she refused to marry a top scholar or a marquis. As she got older, she could only find an old widower to marry her through Du Zhiqi.

I just hope that she will know how a woman should act when the time comes, but there is no medicine for regret in this world.

I wonder how much noble and aloof spirit was left in this elder cabinet's only daughter at that time?

*

The rain finally fell with muffled thunder in the evening, and the west courtyard of the Du Mansion suddenly became cool.

Qiu Lin wrung out her wet skirt and came into the room to talk to Du Lingjing, "Miss, isn't it strange that the Gu family took the second young lady away this morning, but instead of taking the second mistress away in the afternoon, they asked the second master to leave, and he hasn't come back yet. Could it be that they left the sick mistress on our shoulders for us to take care of?"

Qiulin said that he saw the girl smile slightly with the corners of her mouth raised, unlike two days ago when she learned that the marriage was imminent, when she pursed her lips into a line and wrote silently, but now she was leisurely turning over a page.

"I think the Gu family is discussing something important and can't take care of my aunt for the time being."

"What's the big deal?" Qiu Lin was surprised.

Before Du Lingjing could speak, Ruan Gong came with a message saying that the second master Du Zhiqi had returned.

"But the second master said that the second young lady is about to reach the age of marriage, and it is not appropriate for her to live in the Gu family. He asked the young lady to go with the second master tomorrow and bring the second young lady back home."

Qiu Lin opened his eyes wide, "The two neighborhoods are separated by Chongwenmenli Street. Do we need to mobilize so many people to pick up the second young lady?"

Her words actually made the girl chuckle, and her laughter attracted the sparrows that were taking shelter from the rain under the window, which tilted their heads and chirped at the girl twice.

The girl never dared to touch these little creatures for fear of startling them, but at this moment she could not help but tilt her head, take a closer look at the chirping bird, and softly called the wormwood under the corridor, "Catch a worm for it."

Ai Ye left as instructed. Qiu Lin saw that the girl was really free and continued to look at the bird.

"There is spring water all around the house, and I see flocks of gulls coming every day. [Note] I hope we can return to Qingzhou before the New Year, so that in the spring of next year, there will be birds, gulls and herons flying to our house every day."

As he was speaking, Ai Ye had already pinched a bug, and with a chirp, the bird tilted its head back and ate it.

Qiu Lin blinked and looked at the girl in surprise and confusion.

The girl actually thought that they could return to Qingzhou before the New Year? Then what was the important matter that the girl mentioned that the Gu family was discussing today?

Qiu Lin had some guesses, but wasn't quite sure.

The next day, when I followed my young lady to the Gu Mansion, Madam Wan and Master Gu were sitting at the top, and my second master was also sitting on the side. Everyone just looked at my young lady sitting at the bottom, and my second master asked.

"... ...Since you don't want to get married, I can only discuss with your sister's family and let her marry you. Jingniang, do you agree?"

Qiu Lin took a deep breath. The Gu family had been discussing this important matter for a whole day. It was really a big deal!

She quickly turned to look at her girl, and saw that she didn't hesitate at all.

She nodded, "I promise."

He nodded so straightforwardly that even though Du Zhiqi had expected it, he was still a little surprised at this moment.

Gu Yangsi was standing beside him, with a look of joy on his face. Now that Marquis Yongding had become his nephew's son-in-law, was he afraid that no one would ask him for help?

Liang frowned slightly and glanced at Du Lingjing.

And Madam Wan, who was sitting at the top, was not surprised at all.

Some people think they are smart and clear-headed, but in fact they are unknowingly making their path narrower and narrower.

She has seen too many people like this, especially women.

She said, "Since the eldest lady has agreed, this matter is settled and cannot be changed."

Not only did she have to get the eldest daughter of the Du family to agree, she also had to write a written document to make this matter a reality.

Unexpectedly, before she could say anything about signing the agreement, she heard the girl reply to her.

The girl was wearing a lake blue dress and had a calm face, but the words she said next suddenly caused a stir in the hall.

"I can marry my second sister, but I need my uncle to promise me something first."

She paused slightly, her eyes sweeping over everyone.

"Separation."

"From today on, the two branches of the Du family will be divided into two, and the two families will grow their own branches and not disturb each other. My sister will marry into a wealthy family, and I will send her a wedding gift. As for my marriage, you don't need to worry about it. I also ask my uncle to agree first. You and I will sign a written agreement, and I will bring it back to Qingzhou and give it to the elders of the Du family to witness this matter."

Just as she nodded without hesitation just now, she spoke straight to the point now.

Du Zhiqi stood there with his eyes wide open.

Gu Yangsi frowned, and Liang was also surprised but dared not speak.

At the top, Madam Wan’s hand holding the tea bowl trembled.

She no longer leaned sideways to glance over there as she did before, but straightened her body without even noticing it and looked at the only daughter of the cabinet elder.

She had guessed in advance that she would let Qing'er marry in her place! She had made preparations before coming and directly proposed to separate the family.

Once the family split, she could start her own business. In Qingzhou, she would naturally be looked after by the Du family clan and supported by the Jiang family. Old Madam Wan had originally thought of finding an old widower for her to marry, but once the two families split, Du Lingjing not only had nothing to do with her, but even Du Zhiqi could not say a word to her.

I didn’t expect it, I really didn’t expect it!

But Madam Wan's eyes fell straight on her.

"A girl in her early twenties actually dares to advocate for separation from her uncle? I have never heard of that."

She said yes, and seeing that Du Lingjing's expression did not change and she did not care at all, Madam Wan asked directly, "What if your uncle does not agree?"

Du Zhiqi couldn't help but look at his niece.

If he didn't agree, how could she possibly get a share and start a family?

However, Du Lingjing spoke up, "If my uncle is unwilling to share, then the matter of the replacement marriage will be abandoned."

She is neither anxious nor impatient.

Madam Wan had never seen a girl as patient as she was. "Your sister is helping you with the replacement marriage. What's the matter? Could it be that the eldest girl wants to marry herself? Don't you care about the third son of the Jiang family?"

She immediately grasped Du Lingjing's soft spot. Qiu Lin clenched his hands, wishing he could punch the old woman, but he was more anxious to look at his daughter.

Unexpectedly, the girl smiled faintly. She did not respond to this, but stood up.

"It's a bit stuffy in the room. Please excuse me, Du Lingjing, to go to the courtyard to get some fresh air. The elders, please continue to drink tea."

After she finished speaking, she led her group out the door.

As soon as she left, Gu Yangsi asked Du Zhiqi, "What does your niece mean by this?"

Du Zhiqi kept his head down and said nothing, but Liang saw that her mother-in-law, Madam Wan's expression changed.

Gu Yangsi didn't know what she meant, but Madam Wan knew.

As for the current substitute marriage, it is said that it is in line with Du Lingjing's wish of not wanting to get married, but in fact, the ones who want the marriage to be accomplished the most are the Gu family and the second branch of the Du family.

If they still want to make things happen, they have to agree to separate the two families, otherwise no one can expect it.

It seemed that they had found Du Lingjing's weak spot, but in fact, the girl had already seen through their thoughts.

Madam Wan hadn't felt this kind of restraint for many years, and she actually had her arm clamped by an orphan girl without a father or mother.

She became angry and irritated and asked Du Zhiqi.

"As an uncle, you can't even take care of your niece. It's really ridiculous!"

Du Zhiqi did not respond, but lowered his head and said, "She insisted on dividing the family..."

Gu Yangsi understood now, and he didn't hesitate at all.

"Then divide it quickly. Qing'er's family will live in the Marquis' Mansion in the future. There will be no wealth and glory. Why do you care about Qingzhou's wealth?"

Although she said that, Madam Wan felt even more stuffy in her chest, so stuffy that her vision began to dizzy.

But can they really continue to fight with Du Lingjing?

Once Du Lingjing becomes the wife of Marquis Lu, the Gu family will be in danger.

... ...

Du Lingjing knew without even thinking about the depressing atmosphere in the Gu family's living room.

But as autumn deepened, the wind outside became increasingly biting, making it difficult to stand.

Qiu Lin asked the girl, "What if they don't agree?"

Du Lingjing did not reply immediately, but just looked up at the vast autumn sky above her head.

Nanny Guan, who was beside Old Madam Wan, suddenly came up to her and said that it was Old Madam Wan who asked her to go back.

When Du Lingjing returned to the hall, she looked past her uncle and towards Old Madam Wan.

The moment their eyes met, the whole room seemed to come to a standstill. Du Lingjing's eyes were as calm as water, but Madam Wan gradually collapsed.

"Your uncle has agreed to...divide the family."

The moment the words fell, Qiu Lin almost jumped up, but he saw that the usually steady girl also silently clenched her hands under her sleeves.

Madam Wan asked someone to bring pen, ink, paper and inkstone. Du Lingjing had already drafted the documents for the division of the family property last night.

Madam Wan looked at the document she had prepared long ago, and her expression became increasingly grim.

Du Zhiqi lowered his head and looked at the division item in the document, his eyes shaking constantly.

After a while, he couldn't help but ask Du Lingjing a question.

"You... just want to take a walk?"

Du Ling nodded silently.

She did not want the old house, fields, shops, or even the mansion in Chengqingfang. She only kept the dowry her father prepared for her, her mother's previous dowry, and several servants who had followed her father and her for many years.

Liang looked at her in surprise. Gu Yangsi sighed softly and urged Du Zhiqi, "Then hurry up and sign it."

However, Madam Wan quietly mentioned Du Zhiqi.

"Mianlou is the Du family's most valuable possession. Even if you don't want the books, the publishing house should be under your name."

The reason why Mianlou can stand firm is not only because of the financial support of the Du family, but also because of the printing and publishing society, which continuously provides Mianlou with funds for purchasing and maintenance.

As soon as Madam Wan mentioned this, Qiu Lin couldn't help but start arguing with her.

The Du family seal society can be what it is today, 70% of which is due to the young lady's efforts, but Old Madam Wan actually wants to divide the seal society under the name of the second master.

Without the seal society, only Mianlou is left. How can the girl possibly keep it?

Du Lingjing couldn't help but frown. She could give up everything, but she had to follow the wishes of her grandfather and father and keep Mianlou going.

Madam Wan was about to make a move, but she finally felt relieved. She pointed at Du Zhiqi again, "You better think about it carefully."

Unexpectedly, Du Zhiqi shook his head.

"If we leave the Seal Society, the Mian Building will be disbanded."

He looked at Du Lingjing and whispered, "You can take it."

Du Lingjing was stunned.

Madam Wan couldn't catch her breath.

"Is the uncle confused?"

At this critical moment, he was confused again! No wonder he couldn't get promoted as an official!

But Du Zhiqi just shook his head, then silently picked up the pen and signed and put his fingerprints on the document of division of the family.

The same is true for Du Lingjing.

In a short while, the separation of the two branches of the Du family was settled.

It happened so calmly and quickly that even Du Lingjing herself did not expect it.

Du Zhiqi only said two sentences to her.

"When you return to Qingzhou, write another document and burn it for your grandfather and your father. This family is for you to divide, not me. Also," he glanced at Du Lingjing, "you take care of yourself."

Du Lingjing nodded in response and looked at the document regarding the separation of the family, feeling a little inexplicably dazed.

When her father was alive, he felt that he had not done his best to help his uncle become an official like his other brothers did, and he felt guilty about it. Whenever he bought a property, he would think of buying one for his uncle as well, and he would tell her about it.

"I hope your uncle won't be angry with me. When I retire and return home in my old age, I'll still be with him."

But now, six years after her father passed away, she divided the home with her uncle.

But now that the family was divided, her uncle could no longer take care of her affairs, and as for that old lady Wan, she slowly looked up and saw that the old lady's face was slightly blue, and she was certain in her heart.

There is no possibility of interfering in her marriage anymore!

When Du Lingjing walked out of Gu's house, she felt that the sky was high and the earth was vast.

Acorus jumped forward to congratulate her, "Congratulations, young lady, on starting your own business! And getting rid of an arranged marriage!"

He asked again, "Miss, you are in high spirits today. Do you want me to run errands for you and go to Qianxingfang to gamble? No, no, no, just take a chance/pick?"

Before Du Lingjing could respond, Ruan Gong kicked her to the side of the road.

"You're itching for a fight, aren't you? Do you want me to take you on and try my luck? See if there's any gentleman who likes someone like you!"

"Ah - no no, Master Gong, spare me!"

Du Lingjing, Qiulin and Ai Ye couldn't help laughing. Ai Ye even spat at her twin brother, "You deserve it!"

Du Lingjing's interest was indeed lifted. "Without other property, we have to tighten our belts for three years. I'm afraid we won't be able to take care of buying a Song edition for Sanlang in the next three years," she softened her voice, "Just don't make him unhappy."

Qiu Lin even asked how could the Third Master do that, "Miss, how many ways did you think of to go home? Now it's good enough."

But she added, "But the second young lady is getting married right after she reached the age of marriage. Are you really willing?"

Du Lingjing smiled and said, "I think my second sister is willing. If she wasn't willing, how could I let her marry that marquis on my behalf?"

But when she talked about that person at the end, the smile on her face suddenly paused.

She inexplicably felt as if her wrist was being held by someone's hot palm.

Her heart skipped a beat, and Qia Qiulin asked in a low voice.

"... ...where is the Marquis?"

Du Lingjing suppressed his smile and spoke in a cold tone.

"Powerful officials and nobles cannot be served."

*

[Note] This line of poetry comes from Du Fu's "A Guest Arrives".