Chapter 339 Water Show Extra Chapter - The Marquis's Marriage
In the third year of his travels to the Narcissus Palace.
In late spring, willow catkins fluttered like snow beneath the palace walls.
At three quarters past dusk, the vermilion gate of the Women Officials' Office slowly opened, and the female officials who were off duty walked out in twos and threes.
One of them was dressed in the indigo blue uniform of a fourth-rank female official, wearing an official hat, with an upright posture and a composed gait.
This person is none other than Shui Xiu.
Three years is enough time to polish a rough jade into a warm, lustrous finish.
The girl who used to be cautious and grow up under her sister's wing in the Yi family now has a maturity and competence honed through experience. Her eyes are bright and clear, yet she has a more insightful understanding of the world than other girls her age.
Today marks the completion of her three-year term as a lady-in-waiting.
According to the regulations for female officials personally revised by the Empress three years ago, any female official who has served for three years and passed the evaluation can choose to stay or leave. If she stays, she will be promoted; if she leaves, she can discuss marriage normally and is not restricted by the old rule that palace maids must leave the palace when they reach the age limit.
Shui Xiu stood on the bluestone square inside the palace gate and looked up at the setting sun.
The afterglow of the setting sun gilded the high palace walls with a layer of gold.
It's been three years, and my sister has been away from the palace for almost three years now.
Every month, she would receive a letter from her sister from different places, sometimes with a leaf she had never seen in the capital, and sometimes with a drawing of local architecture.
She knew her sister was doing well.
This gave her peace of mind and made her even more determined to follow her path.
Gathering her thoughts, she stepped onto the long street outside the palace.
As soon as Shui Xiu stepped out of the palace gate, her gaze fell on an old tree not far away.
There was a black, flat-topped carriage parked there; it was ordinary in style and inconspicuous.
Beside the car, a person leaned against it.
It's Yuan Chiyu.
Today he was not wearing the rank of a marquis, nor was he dressed in military uniform for ease of movement. Instead, he wore a moon-white scholar's robe with a matching crimson silk belt around his waist.
The trials of the frontier and military service in the capital had long since worn away the deliberately feigned frivolity of his youth, leaving him with an increasingly upright posture, broad shoulders, and a powerful presence.
His once beautiful features had been honed by the cold winds of the borderlands into a more masculine profile, but his eyes, which always seemed to fall on her, remained bright and were now filled with a gentle smile as he quietly watched her walk out of the palace gates.
Shui Xiu paused slightly, a warm feeling welling up in her heart.
For three years, he would "coincidentally" pass by the palace gate on a few days each month, or deliver some snacks or new books along the way.
Or, like today, wait quietly until she finishes her duties.
Throughout the court and among the common people, everyone knows that Young Marquis Yuan is deeply in love with the Empress's younger sister, Lady Shui Xiu, a fourth-rank female official, and has been waiting for her for three years.
During this time, many noble ladies made explicit and implicit advances, many colleagues tried to arrange a marriage, and even the emperor jokingly asked if he would grant a marriage, but he rejected them all on the grounds that he "dared not delay Lord Shuixiu's future."
His feelings were like still waters running deep.
As she approached, Yuan Chiyu straightened up, his smile deepening.
"Got your points? Are you tired?"
"fine."
Shui Xiu shook her head slightly, her gaze falling on his unusual scholar's robe. "Why are you dressed like this today?"
In my memory, he rarely wore such scholarly clothes.
Yuan Chiyu looked down at himself and smiled, "I was worried that dressing too formally today might make you feel uncomfortable. How is this outfit? Is it pleasing to the eye?"
His tone was relaxed, with a hint of inquiry, but his eyes were focused on her.
Shui Xiu felt a little uncomfortable under his gaze, looked away, and said softly, "...It's alright."
The moon-white color suits him well, making him less sharp as a military general and more refined and scholarly, giving him a unique charm.
"That's good."
Yuan Chiyu's smile deepened. "It's still early. Would you do me the honor of sitting in the Yaxu Pavilion? I heard they have a new chef who can make Jiangnan-style pastries."
Yaxuge is one of the most famous teahouses in Beijing, known for its elegant environment and exquisite tea and snacks, and is often a gathering place for literati.
Shui Xiu hesitated for a moment, and although she was a little tired after finishing her shift, she still nodded.
Having spent three years together, she knew Yuan Chiyu to be a man of integrity and upright character who had never overstepped his bounds. Today was also the day her term was coming to an end, and she should not refuse him, both morally and logically.
"good."
Upon seeing her agree, a glint seemed to suddenly appear in Yuan Chiyu's eyes.
He personally lifted the carriage curtain for her, and only after she was seated did he mount his horse and follow the carriage at a distance, heading towards the Yaxu Pavilion.
Yaxuge is located in a quiet street not far from the center of the imperial city.
The three-story wooden building features flying eaves and bracket sets, with a black plaque with gold characters hanging in front of the door, giving it a distinctly antique feel.
The carriage stopped in front of the pavilion, where Yuan Chiyu had already dismounted and was waiting.
To Shui Xiu's surprise, the usually bustling Yaxu Pavilion was quite deserted today, with only the manager and two waiters standing by with their hands at their sides.
"Young Master, you've arrived. The private room upstairs is ready."
The shopkeeper was a capable middle-aged man with a respectful attitude.
Yuan Chiyu nodded and gestured for Shui Xiu to proceed.
Shui Xiu's doubts began to grow, but she did not show it on her face. Following the shopkeeper's lead, she stepped onto the wooden stairs.
The stairs were polished smooth, and the sound of footsteps was clear.
She keenly sensed that the Yaxu Pavilion seemed unusually quiet today.
Even in a private room, one could usually faintly hear the storytelling or discussions in the main hall downstairs, but now there was only the sound of their footsteps.
They led him to the door of a private room at the far end of the third floor. The innkeeper opened the door, bowed, and withdrew.
The private room was indeed decorated in an extremely elegant manner.
A round rosewood table stands by the window, upon which a tea set in a clear blue hue, along with several plates of fresh seasonal fruits, is laid out.
The window was open, facing a crabapple tree in full bloom in the backyard, its pink and white blossoms a delightful sight.
Several ink paintings of landscapes with a profound artistic conception hang on the wall, and plain porcelain vases adorn the antique display shelves.
Yuan Chiyu invited Shui Xiu to sit by the window, then sat opposite her and personally poured her tea.
The tea was emerald green and had a delicate aroma, which soothed her tired nerves after she had just started her shift.
Shui Xiu picked up her teacup, and with the help of the rising steam, her gaze seemingly casually swept across the window.
There was another teahouse across the street, not far away, and behind several open windows on the second floor, there seemed to be shadowy figures moving about.
Downstairs at the street corner, there were a few people who seemed to be strolling around, their eyes glancing in this direction from time to time.
She understood that today's appointment was probably not so simple.
Sure enough, after one round of tea, before the snacks were even served, Yuan Chiyu put down his teacup.
He took out a flat sandalwood box from his pocket and pushed it in front of Shui Xiu.
On the velvet lining of the wooden box, a red gold bracelet inlaid with beads lay quietly.
The bracelet is exquisitely crafted, with gold wire coiled into auspicious cloud patterns and several evenly sized gemstones set in the center. Its style is simple and elegant, and it is clear at a glance that it is old and valuable.
"This is……"
Shui Xiu looked up unexpectedly.
"These are my mother's belongings."
Yuan Chiyu’s voice was steady, but his gaze was burning. “She often said that this bracelet should be left to the future daughter-in-law of the Yuan family.”
Shui Xiu's heart skipped a beat. She looked at the bracelet, then at Yuan Chiyu.
This is the first time he's mentioned it in three years.
She wasn't unaware of his feelings, but... the gaze of the court and the social standing of the Marquis's family... all sorts of thoughts lingered in her mind.
Compared to three years ago, she is no longer the simple and elegant Shui Xiu. Now, after serving as a fourth-rank female official for three years, she has many concerns.
Shui Xiu reached out, preparing to close the wooden box, her words of polite refusal already on her lips.
However, Yuan Chiyu's hand reached out first, gently pressing down on her fingers that were about to move.
His palms were warm, bearing the thin calluses left from years of practicing martial arts with a knife.
Shui Xiu was startled and looked up to meet his gaze.
“Shui Xiu,” Yuan Chiyu looked directly into her eyes, “Today, I, Yuan Chiyu, am not here as a Marquis to ask for the hand in marriage from the fourth-rank female official, Shui Xiu.”
With his other hand, he took out a scroll of documents that had been prepared beforehand from his pocket, slowly unfolded it, and laid it on the table between the two of them.
Shui Xiu's gaze fell on the document, and when she saw the contents, her breath caught in her throat for a moment!
That was no ordinary marriage certificate.
It's a marriage certificate!
The terms of the contract are clear, stating that the man voluntarily agrees to move into the woman's family home, all children born will take the mother's surname, and the man's property...
She glanced at it quickly and saw that most of Yuan Chiyu's land, shops, and even some of the wealth bestowed by the emperor were listed as "dowry"!
The man's signature, Yuan Chiyu, was written in a strong and vigorous style, and his bright red fingerprint was also clearly visible!
"This...you..."
Shui Xiu was so shocked that she could barely speak a complete sentence; her mind went completely blank.
Marquis-in-law? He's a marquis, no less!
Although the Yuan family is not large, it is a family of generals for generations. How could a marquis marry into the family?
"Three years ago, Her Majesty the Empress said that if you, Shuixiu, were to marry, you would only accept a son-in-law."
Yuan Chiyu's voice carried a serious tone, "I remember."
"In the past three years, I have reorganized the Marquis's mansion, arranged for an heir... everything I have done is for this purpose."
His gaze was piercing, as if he were looking into her soul.
"From this day forward, before the world, I, Yuan Chiyu, am no longer the Marquis of Yixin who needs you to marry into a noble family. I am merely your beautiful husband, residing in your residence, and my descendants will bear your surname."
"You will remain a fourth-rank female official in the imperial court. Your future will not change in the slightest. There will only be one more person behind you."
Every word deeply touched Narcissus's heart.
She then realized that during those three years, after his seemingly quiet waiting, he had actually done so much in silence!
By arranging for an heir, he meant that he voluntarily gave up the possibility of his biological son inheriting the title.
Just as Shui Xiu was stunned and speechless, there was a gentle knock on the door of the private room.
Yuan Chiyu seemed to have expected this, and called out, "Go in."
The door opened, and three officials from the previous dynasty walked in!
Shui Xiu recognized one of them as Zhou Langzhong, who was in charge of ceremonies at the Ministry of Rites, and the other two as Qingliu scholars from the Hanlin Academy.
Although these men were not Yuan Chiyu's close friends, they were all well-known upright men in the court.
As the group entered, they saw the marriage proposal document spread out on the table, and their faces showed undisguised shock. However, they quickly composed themselves and bowed to Yuan Chiyu and Shui Xiu.
"Young Master Yuan, Lord Jiang."
The leader spoke first, "We were enjoying tea in the private room next door when we heard... so we came to witness it. Young Master Yuan's actions... are truly, truly..."
He seemed unable to find the right words to describe it.
The person behind him chimed in, his tone filled with admiration.
"Shocking and unconventional, yet deeply affectionate and righteous. I admire you."
Over the course of three years, Shui Xiu had come to know Yuan Chiyu quite well.
Seeing the smile on Yuan Chiyu's thin lips, she knew that he had arranged for these people to spread the news of his impending marriage throughout the previous dynasty.
really.
For the next three days, Yuan Chiyu's actions became the hottest topic of conversation in the streets and alleys of the capital, and even in teahouses and taverns.
Ordinary people, scholars, and especially female officials mostly praised and admired it.
"Young Master Yuan's devotion is so profound that he willingly became a son-in-law, a truly unprecedented tale!"
"Lord Jiang Shuixiu is so fortunate to have found such a devoted person!"
"This is a true man, valuing loyalty over social status!"
However, the elite circles were in an uproar.
"Outrageous! A marquis of noble birth, to marry into the family? What kind of behavior is this!"
"It must be that although the Empress is 'recuperating' in the imperial palace, her influence is still strong, and she is using her power to coerce us! The Yuan family rose to power through military merit, and the whole family is loyal and brave. How could they really allow their descendants to change their surname? It's probably just a show for the Emperor to demonstrate their loyalty."
"Let's wait and see. Even if they really get married, do you think Yuan Chiyu will be content? He can take a few concubines later, and his descendants will bear the surname Yuan for three generations. Isn't that the same thing?"
These discussions naturally reached the ears of Yuan Chiyu and Shui Xiu.
Shui Xiu pretended not to hear and continued to go to the female official's office to handle official business every day.
Yuan Chiyu, however, continued to attend court as usual and train his troops as required.
Just four days after the news spread, a Vice Minister of War who had always wanted to win over Yuan Chiyu and had some influence in the army sent his steward with a "generous gift" to the Marquis of Yixin's residence.
It wasn't gold or silver, but a young woman who claimed to be a distant niece of a high-ranking official.
The woman was sixteen years old, and indeed had delicate features, with willow-leaf eyebrows and almond-shaped eyes, and was quite charming. It was also said that she was somewhat knowledgeable in poetry and literature.
The steward spoke eloquently: "I heard that the Marquis is about to marry into the family, and he will need someone to take care of him. My master, considering that there is no one to manage the Marquis's household, specially sent this girl to be his trusted companion."
"She comes from a good family, is well-behaved and sensible, and will certainly not disturb the relationship between the Marquis and his future wife."
The implication was that Yuan Chiyu's marriage into the family was merely a stopgap measure, and that he must be resentful. Sending him a beautiful concubine was a gesture of goodwill and a way to test the waters.
At that time, Yuan Chiyu was in his study when he heard the news. Instead of being angry, he smiled.
He summoned the woman and then spoke gently to the trembling woman: "Does the lady know that according to the laws of the Great Qi, if an official is forced to take a concubine and the official does not wish to do so, he can sue the official for forcing a woman into becoming his concubine. The person who instigated the incident will be exiled three thousand miles away, and the servants will also be punished with caning?"
The woman turned pale with fright, and looked at Yuan Chiyu's eerie, almost terrifying smile, feeling terrified.
"My lord, spare me! This humble woman...this humble woman didn't know, it was my uncle..."
Yuan Chiyu waved his hand to stop her, a smile still on his lips, but a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
"I won't make things difficult for you; I'll even give you two options."
"First, I will give you one hundred taels of silver. You can go and make a living on your own, or go home and remarry. From now on, you will have nothing to do with that vice minister. Second, I will sue him on your behalf. As a witness, you can be pardoned, but you will inevitably have to show your face in public, and your reputation will be damaged."
The woman kowtowed repeatedly without any hesitation, saying, "I choose one! I choose one! Thank you for your great kindness, Your Excellency!"
Yuan Chiyu immediately ordered someone to fetch a hundred taels of silver notes and dispatched two trusted guards to "escort" the woman away from the capital immediately, making sure to personally watch her return home safely.
He did not hide this matter.
That afternoon, he submitted a memorial, not to impeach the Vice Minister of War, but to Emperor Zhaoheng, stating that "I, Yuan Chiyu, only wish to grow old with Shui Xiu and will never take another woman as my wife."
"Heaven and earth bear witness to my heart. If I break this oath, I am willing to be stripped of my title and post as a warning to others."
Not long after the memorial was submitted, an imperial edict was issued from the palace.
Emperor Zhaoheng's imperial edict contained only eight characters.
"A harmonious marriage is a good omen for the nation."
This decree caused a stir throughout the court and the country.
The Emperor's attitude was clear: he was fully committed to supporting this marriage.
Those whispers and gossips immediately fell silent.
The Vice Minister of War was so frightened that he feigned illness and stayed home, not daring to attend court for many days.
That night, Shui Xiu overheard her colleagues discussing the matter at the Women's Court, and she was deeply shaken.
For the first time, before her shift ended, she found an excuse to leave early and went straight to the residence of Marquis Yixin.
The Marquis's residence seemed quieter than usual.
The steward led her to the outside of the ancestral hall and whispered, "The Marquis is inside."
Shui Xiu gently pushed open the door of the ancestral hall.
Inside, candles were lit and incense smoke curled upwards.
Yuan Chiyu stood alone in front of the ancestral tablets of the Yuan family, his back straight, yet exuding an indescribable loneliness.
He was solemnly inserting three sticks of new incense into the incense burner.
He turned around when he heard footsteps.
In the candlelight, Shui Xiu could clearly see the lingering redness in his eyes.
But when he saw her, his eyes instantly warmed. "Why are you here? Is everything alright at the yamen?"
Shui Xiu walked to his side and looked at the densely packed memorial tablets in the ancestral hall.
"You..." Shui Xiu asked softly, "Is it worth it?"
For her sake, he volunteered to marry into her family, giving up the possibility of his biological son inheriting the title...
The family pressure he faced was far greater than he had imagined.
Yuan Chiyu did not answer immediately.
He raised his hand and gently brushed away a speck of fluff that had somehow gotten stuck to her shoulder, his movements tender.
Then, he looked back at his father's memorial tablet, his voice low and somber.
“If my father were still alive, he would definitely chase after me with his cane and beat me, cursing me for being an unfilial descendant who has disgraced the ancestors of the Yuan family.”
He paused, turned his head to look at her, and smiled without a trace of gloom in his eyes.
"But my mother... she was the gentlest and most open-minded person. If she were still here, she would definitely like you very much."
Shui Xiu's tears rolled down her cheeks without warning.
Yuan Chiyu panicked, unsure of what to do but want to wipe away her tears. Afraid of being impolite, he could only awkwardly take out a handkerchief and hand it to her.
"I... I didn't mean to upset you..."
Shui Xiu shook her head, took the handkerchief, wiped away her tears, looked up at him with moist eyes, and asked again, "Yuan Chiyu, is it worth it?"
Yuan Chiyu looked into her tearful yet even brighter eyes, and nodded solemnly, each word like a vow.
"worth."
"I've been waiting for you for three years, and every single day, I've been thinking about this moment."
——
Shui Xiu's residence was a three-courtyard house bestowed upon her by her elder sister before she left the palace. It was located in the center of the capital, not far from the female officials' office.
The house wasn't large, but its layout was exquisite, with lush flowers and trees, and the water features were very pleasing to the eye.
Now that the wedding is settled, the household is bustling with activity. Although everything is kept simple, the necessary preparations still need to be made.
Five days before the wedding, late at night.
Shui Xiu was still in her study checking the final guest list and banquet arrangements.
The bright red candlelight illuminated her serene profile.
Suddenly, there was a very light knock on the window frame four times.
Shui Xiu's heart skipped a beat. She abruptly stood up, quickly walked to the window, and pushed it open.
A slender, dark figure strode in, bringing with her a cool night breeze and a faint scent of grass and trees.
The newcomer pulled down the black veil covering her face, revealing a smiling face.
Her eyebrows and eyes were still delicate, her skin was glowing with a healthy luster from the sunlight, and her eyes had become more open-minded than they had been three years ago.
The visitor was none other than Narcissus.
"elder sister!"
Shui Xiu was both surprised and delighted, and rushed over to hug her tightly, "You...how did you come back? That was too risky!"
Narcissus smiled and hugged her younger sister back, "Silly girl, how could I not come back to see you on your wedding day?"
The two sisters embraced for a moment, then Shui Xiu suddenly remembered something and quickly pulled Shui Xian into the inner room, lowering her voice: "Sister, you're back... Does the Emperor know? In the palace..."
"He doesn't know."
Narcissus shook her head. "I came back quietly, just to see you and then I'll leave. I won't stay long, and I won't let anyone find out."
She looked at her younger sister with satisfaction in her eyes. "Our Xiuer has grown up. She's even more beautiful and capable now. As for Yuan Chiyu, what he's been doing lately... he's someone we can rely on."
Shui Xiu blushed and nestled close to her sister, recounting in detail how Yuan Chiyu was preparing to marry into the family.
Narcissus listened quietly, and finally, she took her sister's hand: "He treats you with utmost sincerity, and you should treat him well too. Marriage is not easy, and its value lies in mutual understanding and commitment. Sister... is very happy for you."
The two sisters talked intimately for a long time until the sky outside the window began to lighten.
Narcissus stood up and covered her face with her veil again: "I should go now... Xiuer, take care."
"May you live a peaceful and joyful life, and grow old together with your loved one."
"elder sister……"
Shui Xiu's eyes were blurred with tears.
"Don't worry, I'm fine."
Narcissus wiped away her tears, her smile warm, "The world is vast and the journey is long, I love it."
"If you have free time after you get married, you can come out and travel around."
She paused, then whispered, "Give my regards to the children. Tell them that their mother misses them very much."
After saying that, she left without lingering, just as she had come, disappearing silently into the still-lingering morning mist.
Narcissus did not leave the city immediately.
She changed into a very ordinary gray cloth dress, wrapped her head with a cloth, and walked slowly towards the west of the city along a quiet alley, like an ordinary woman who got up early to make her way.
As I passed the entrance to a small alley, a simple wonton stall had just been set up on the street corner, with steam rising from a large pot.
Shui Xian paused for a moment, then walked over and sat down on a low stool in the corner, ordering the cheapest bowl of clear soup wontons.
The hot wontons dispelled the chill of the morning.
She lowered her head and ate slowly, savoring the everyday morning atmosphere of the city.
Just then, the sound of orderly footsteps and a deep shout came from the alley entrance: "Silence—Make way—!"
Looking back, a group of heavily armored guards came jogging towards them.
Following this was the bright yellow ceremonial procession, with the gilded imperial carriage moving slowly in the soft morning light.
Thick, bright yellow curtains hung around the imperial carriage, blocking the view from both inside and outside.
Shuixian sat in the dimly lit corner of the wonton stall, her spoon pausing slightly in her hand.
Through the rising steam, she watched the imperial carriage slowly pass by the main road at the alley entrance, about ten zhang away.
The curtains were drawn low, obscuring the people inside.
But Narcissus knew he was inside.
The imperial carriage continued its journey, rolling over the smooth bluestone pavement, and gradually disappeared at the end of the street.
At the wonton stall, Shui Xian finished the last sip of soup, put down a few copper coins, stood up, tightened her headscarf, turned around without hesitation, and walked into the depths of the alley in the opposite direction of the imperial carriage.
She walked calmly toward the city gate.
As dawn broke, it illuminated her path, leaving the majestic imperial city far behind...
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