Chapter 67 Can't you really see my feelings? ...
Yu Dan is in high school.
His name wasn't at the top of the list, nor was it at the bottom; it was somewhere in the middle to upper range, sandwiched between the names of many other candidates.
Such an unremarkable ranking, coupled with the fact that Yu Dan took the Mingfa exam rather than the Jinshi exam, should not have attracted much attention.
But this year's imperial examination lacked any prominent figures, and he happened to have a sister who was a top scholar.
On his way home from work in the evening, everyone who passed by Yu Mingshu would offer their congratulations.
After the person had passed by, He Zheng couldn't help but ask, "Do you know them?"
Yu Mingshu shrugged. "I don't know him."
He Zheng chuckled, "Last year when you passed the imperial examination, not so many people rushed to congratulate you."
Suddenly, a few very low voices drifted over from behind.
"He couldn't even get into the top three in the Mingfa exam. Yu Jiasanlang is indeed a fool."
“Yu Sheren was able to win the championship despite being a woman, while Yu Sanlang was just an ordinary person. I think the Yu family’s literary lineage has been passed down to the wrong person.”
Yu Mingshu and He Zheng, who was standing next to her, exchanged a glance.
Do I look deaf?
He Zheng couldn't help but laugh, and covered her ears with his sleeve, "Don't listen to their nonsense."
Yu Dan's passing the imperial examination was a great joy for the Yu family, and Yu Mingshu returned to Yongningfang.
Upon entering, I saw that Yu Dan looked rather sullen.
His mother and wife were discussing when to hold the banquet and which guests to invite, while he, the person in charge, sat under the eaves with a stern face and remained silent.
Yu Mingshu could roughly guess why he was unhappy, so she stepped forward and ruffled his hair. "Your ranking is a little lower than expected?"
Yu Dan neither denied nor admitted it. He simply stood up, covering his head, and said, "Sister, I'm not a child anymore. Stop touching my head all the time."
He's definitely not a child anymore; he's grown so fast in the last two years that Yu Mingshu can barely reach his head unless he sits or squats down.
"One minute you say I'm distant from you, the next you won't let me pat your head. You have quite a lot of demands."
After making a joke, Yu Mingshu noticed his absent-mindedness and then said seriously, "Rankings are important, but not that important. They can determine your starting point, but they can't limit your ultimate potential. So, look ahead."
The disappointment of a failed scientific expedition cannot be soothed by a few words.
His father was renowned for his talent when he was alive, and his elder sister, who entered the academy late in life, was able to excel. Yet he himself had wasted ten years of study, only managing to rank mediocre in the Mingfa examination. How could he possibly accept such a stark contrast?
Yu Dan forced a smile, "Sister, go inside. Mother is waiting for you to make the decision."
A figure in crimson entered the room, and Wu Qiuniang's gaze immediately shifted from her daughter-in-law. She then happily beckoned her daughter to come to her side.
“Ming Shu, what do you think of the tenth day of the fourth month? I had someone calculate it, and it’s an auspicious day. The imperial decree to appoint officials should be issued by then, and everything will be settled. It’s the perfect time to celebrate.”
Yu Mingshu smiled and said, "Mother must have chosen a good date. You can decide. Just set the time and the number of guests, and leave everything else to me. I'll go and discuss it with Manager Cui."
Knowing that her daughter wouldn't object, Wu Qiuniang felt much more at ease upon hearing this. She took out the list that Jiang Ruan was looking at and handed it to Yu Mingshu.
"This list was drafted by Ru'an and me. Please take a look and see if there are any omissions?"
Yu Mingshu took the order and frowned involuntarily.
The list was three pages long, and the Jiang family accounted for half of it.
The Jiang family is prosperous and the children have harmonious relationships. It's not wrong for them to come and share in the joy, but why did she have to invite the husbands' families of her three older sisters as well?
"Sister-in-law, there's limited space in Fengyang Tower..."
Before she could finish speaking, Jiang Ruan interrupted, "There's no need to go to a restaurant to entertain guests; you can have a banquet at home just as well."
Yu Mingshu was speechless.
After pondering the list for a moment, she said gently, "Here's what I'm thinking: we can just invite your uncle and aunt over on the day of the banquet. If your sister-in-law wants to share the joy with her family, why don't we choose another day to take Sanlang to her parents' home for a homecoming visit? It'll be more comfortable for you all to have a small family gathering, won't it?"
Jiang Ru'an remained silent.
Jiang Ru'an hurriedly returned to the east courtyard from the front hall, her emotions written all over her face. When she got back to the inner room, she grabbed a pillow from the bed and threw it on the ground.
Yu Dan followed her into the room, quickly picked it up, and looked at the woman sitting in the bed curtains with an angry face. He said helplessly, "Who has upset you again?"
“Do you know how many people were waiting to see me make a fool of myself when I married into this family? They all said that Yu Sanlang was a good-for-nothing, but I thought you were a good person and never said a bad word about you,” Jiang Ru’an said painfully.
"Now that my husband has finally made something of himself, I want to show everyone that I, the Fourth Miss Jiang, didn't marry the wrong person. Even with such a small wish, my elder sister won't grant it!"
Yu Dan felt a headache coming on. He sat down next to her and said, “My sister said that I will go back to my parents’ home with you another day. My sister and brother-in-law can look at me however they want. They can even let me recite a poem or play a drinking game in public.”
"Why can't we invite them to the banquet?" Jiang Ru'an insisted. "To put it bluntly, your Yu family treats me like an outsider."
“My dear young lady, please be reasonable!” Yu Dan said urgently. “That list is full of my father’s old friends, elders who hold important positions in the court! Why do you think Mother invited them? Is this victory celebration just for the sake of having more people and making it more lively?”
Jiang Ruan was stunned.
Seeing the change in her expression, Yu Dan's tone softened, "On such an occasion, you invited both your sister and brother-in-law. What would the other guests think?"
After a long silence, the other person said in a muffled voice, "I understand."
…
Before the Yu family's victory celebration banquet, He Zheng's birthday banquet was held.
After his birthday, he turned twenty. The coming-of-age ceremony for a man was more elaborate than ever before.
Tao and her daughter-in-law Chen discussed and finalized the procedures for the coming-of-age ceremony, arranged the seating for the banquet the following day, and sent someone to inquire about He Zheng's whereabouts.
But the servants said that Erlang was still in the house outside.
"This child is only a hundred steps from home, and I can't call him back no matter what I do! Is tomorrow's banquet for us?" Tao Shi said with a hint of annoyance.
As if she had thought of something, Madam Chen pursed her lips, hesitating to speak, and unconsciously tightened her grip on her mother-in-law's hand.
Noticing the strangeness in the person beside her, Tao looked down at her hand and said, "Why should we hide things from each other? Just say what you have to say."
“My daughter-in-law has been out these past few days and has overheard some gossip,” Chen said hesitantly.
"Erlang moved out before he was even married, and he became Miss Yu's neighbor. Many people know about this, and they all say that the two of them are having an affair..."
Tao smiled helplessly, "Erlang's thoughts are written all over his face. He follows other girls around all day, trying to curry favor. Anyone who isn't blind can see through him."
"That's why everyone outside is speculating why the two haven't gotten engaged yet. Is it because our Marquis of Anyuan's family looks down on Miss Yu's family background..."
“The Yu family is also a scholarly family. Yu Sheren herself is a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). Who would dare to look down on her?” Tao’s tone suddenly became stern.
But then again, Erlang is not young anymore, and Miss Yu is nineteen. Erlang is deeply in love with her, and she doesn't seem entirely indifferent to him either…
"I'll find an opportunity tomorrow to sound out Madam Wu's opinion."
"Mother, what are you trying to find out?"
The boy burst into the hall, startling the two men sitting there.
Tao smiled and waved to him, "Erlang is back."
He Zheng pressed further, "What did you mean by asking Madam Wu to find out?"
"It's all because of you!" Tao scolded him, glaring at him reproachfully. "You're always clinging to Miss Yu, yet you refuse to marry her and give her a proper status. Do you know how much gossip has been circulating outside?"
"When did I ever say I wouldn't marry her..." He Zheng instinctively retorted, but then realized his mistake as soon as the words left his mouth, "No, when did she ever say she wanted to marry me!"
Tao couldn't help but pat his head. He was usually a clever child, but when it came to marriage, he was like a brainless block of wood.
"What kind of talk is that! You haven't even proposed to the Yu family, yet you expect Miss Yu to beg to marry you?"
Madam Chen also said, "When feelings develop between a man and a woman, it's always the man who makes the first move. Erlang, you haven't confessed your feelings yet, have you?"
He Zheng remained silent for a long time.
I can't say it.
"What's so hard to say!"
What if she rejects me?
Both Tao and Chen were stumped by the question, and looked at each other in bewilderment, speechless for a moment.
He Zheng murmured softly, "I don't want to lose her forever."
Madam Chen said, "How will you know she'll refuse if you don't try? What if Miss Yu has been waiting for you to speak up?"
He Zheng remained silent.
That night, after Yu Mingshu finished brushing his teeth and splashed the salt water out of the yard, he looked up and saw a figure sitting on the roof, holding a jar of wine in his hand.
"Are you crazy? Climbing onto the roof to drink? Aren't you afraid of getting drunk and falling?"
The man sat there for a moment, then climbed down the ladder and skillfully entered her courtyard through the side gate.
"Want to have a drink with me?"
"I just brushed my teeth."
Yu Mingshu politely declined his offer, and then saw the other man's expression darken. He swayed as he sat down, enveloped by a sense of brokenness he had never seen before.
"Alright, alright, I'll drink with you." She reluctantly took the wine jar and took a big gulp.
The liquor today was so strong it burned his throat. Yu Mingshu thought he only drank fruit wine and was caught off guard, coughing for a while because of the spiciness.
Once he calmed down, seeing his distraught appearance, I couldn't bear to scold him.
What's wrong with you today?
“My mother is urging me to get married,” He Zheng said.
This is a traditional program.
"You're twenty already, it's no wonder you're being pressured." Yu Mingshu lowered his head, a bitter taste in his mouth for some reason. "What are you thinking? You don't plan to get married in this lifetime?"
"I plan to," He Zheng said.
Yu Mingshu smiled bitterly, remained silent for a moment, and then took another swig of strong liquor. "Then what's there to hesitate about? We'll have to get married sooner or later. Just obey our parents' wishes."
The person beside her suddenly fell silent. She turned her head to look and found that he was also staring at her intently, with bloodshot eyes that she didn't know had appeared.
"you……"
Before she could finish speaking, He Zheng suddenly reached out and pressed his hand against her lips.
"Can't you really see my feelings?"
His soft lips trembled slightly beneath his fingertips. He didn't use any force, but she didn't utter a word.
What does silence mean?
He Zheng was filled with unease and could only use drunkenness to cover up his panic.
Yu Mingshu sometimes feels like a scumbag woman.
She doesn't resist talking about relationships. Love can be sweet and sour, or it can be bitter. The subtle flavors blend together like the jar of wine in her hand, possessing an intoxicating magic.
But dating is dating, and marriage is marriage.
She wasn't ready to take responsibility for a hangover.
She opened her mouth, wanting to explain her thoughts to him, but saw He Zheng's hand fall down, his upper body slumped against the pillar, his eyes full of drunkenness.
Yu Mingshu sighed softly, swallowing her thoughts.
Unable to lift the drunkard, she paced back and forth in the yard before going inside to fetch a set of bedding. She laid the bedding on the ground and, with great effort, moved the man onto it, then gently covered him with the blanket.
When I woke up in the morning, He Zheng was already gone. He had taken the wine jar with him, and the bedding was neatly placed on the chair in the side room.
Today is He Zheng's birthday banquet. Looking at the invitation from the He family, Yu Mingshu hesitated whether she should go.
Does he remember what happened last night? Will it be awkward if they meet again?
He hesitated until the sun was high in the sky before Gongsun Hong sent his young apprentice to deliver the forged sword to his door.
"This knife is named Zhuofeng, meaning 'pure wind, supremely yang and strong,' and it is incredibly tough. Please inspect it, young lady."
Yu Mingshu drew his blade, its cold light dazzling, and then swung it several times in the air, the sound of it cutting through the air somewhat mournful.
She sheathed her knife, paid the remaining balance, and bowed, saying, "Please convey my gratitude to Master Gongsun."
The knife-delivery man had just left when Luo Yan arrived with freshly bought groceries. Ever since Yu Mingshu moved to Yongningfang without asking her to come along, she had been delivering fresh meat and vegetables every other day and helping to sweep the yard.
Yu Mingshu listened as she fiddled around in the kitchen for a while, then washed her hands, glanced at the sky, and said to herself:
"Girl, the sun is shining brightly today, why don't you bring your quilt out to air it?"
"Perfect timing, there's a set of bedding in the side room that's covered in dust."
Luo Yan peeked into the room and saw that there was indeed a set of bedding piled on the chair. However... it hadn't been cold these past few days, so why would a young lady living alone need two sets of bedding?
At this moment, Yu Mingshu wiped the Zhuofeng knife with a dry cloth, put it in a custom-made long box, and handed it to Luoyan.
"Go to the Marquis of Anyuan's residence today and tell him that I caught a cold last night and was not fit to go out, for fear of infecting the guests at the banquet. This is a birthday gift for He Erlang, please ask him to accept it."
Luo Yan immediately tensed up and understood why she wanted to add more blankets.
"Young lady, have you caught a cold? Have you seen a doctor? What medicine was prescribed?"
"No, I'm not sick," Yu Mingshu quickly said. "I'm having my period and it's inconvenient for me to go out. I can't very well tell the Earl's mansion the truth about this, can I?"
Luo Yan understood immediately and quickly hung up the bedding, muttering, "Isn't He Erlang living next door? Why don't you tell him yourself, Miss?"
“He…” Yu Mingshu was speechless. “He left early this morning, and I didn’t have a chance to tell him.”
Luo Yan seemed to believe this reason, dusted off the bedding with a duster, and agreed to run the errand.
Before leaving, she went into the kitchen, boiled a kettle of water, and made a bowl of brown sugar water, which she then brought to the study.
Luo Yan left with the Zhuofeng Blade in her pocket. Yu Mingshu sat at the table, staring at the books on the desk. After a long while, he couldn't concentrate on reading a single word.
Today is the most important birthday of He Zheng's life so far, his coming-of-age ceremony. Would it be too much to make an excuse to skip it?
A gust of wind blew through the room, and the study window was opened.
As if he had made up his mind, Yu Mingshu rode off in pursuit.
…
As noon approached, the Anyuan Earl's residence was filled with guests.
He Zheng anxiously looked at the sky, but the figure he longed for was still nowhere to be seen at the door.
Tao silently approached him. "When you went back yesterday, did you ask Miss Yu what she thought?"
He Zheng said in a muffled voice, "It would be better not to ask."
Tao glanced back at the empty gate. "She's still an unmarried girl, and she's easily embarrassed. How could she dare to agree to a marriage without the intervention of an elder?"
“No need to ask,” He Zheng said. “She said long ago that she didn’t want to get married.”
"Why would she say something like that to you out of the blue?" Tao sensed something was wrong and frowned as she asked, "Tell me clearly, what were her exact words?"
He Zheng recalled the events of a year ago, silently pursing his lips, and after a moment spoke: "She said she didn't want to be a stay-at-home wife who had to rely on others."
Tao frowned even more deeply, pondering those words over and over again.
"These words seem to indicate an unwillingness to be controlled by others... A woman's situation after marriage often depends on her husband's status. Is she saying this because she thinks you are not the eldest son and therefore cannot inherit the title?"
“She’s not that kind of person,” He Zheng retorted. “Besides, she wasn’t saying those things to me.”
"Who is that aimed at?"
He Zheng was speechless; he couldn't very well say that he had worried his cousin, the Crown Prince, might take a liking to her...
"It was the time the Xie family proposed marriage."
Tao breathed a sigh of relief. "No wonder. Given Xie Sanlang's situation, what ordinary woman would dare to marry him?"
He Ting entered from the courtyard, overheard a few words, and couldn't help but slap his younger brother on the shoulder.
"Why all the fuss! If you're determined to marry her, just do it. If you're worried she won't agree, have your father go to the palace and ask for an imperial decree to grant the marriage. Would Miss Yu dare to defy such an imperial decree?"
"How could I disregard her wishes..."
"You've gone stupid from reading too much!" He Ting cursed in a low voice. "Our He family is full of men of courage and integrity. We get what we want by taking it ourselves. If you don't shoot, do you think the prey will come to us on its own?"
"I……"
"What do you mean, 'you'? Are you He Erlang or He Ergu? If you keep acting all coy, don't blame me for slapping you."
He Zheng was about to say something when Jing Hong rushed in, excitedly exclaiming, "My lord! Miss Yu is here! She's here!"
Tao and He Ting both looked at He Zheng, who was standing there in a daze. He Ting then lightly kicked him.
"What are you standing there for? Go and get it!"
He Zheng suddenly realized what was happening, his heart pounding wildly.
Normally, if his older brother lays a hand on him, he would definitely find a chance to retaliate. But at this moment, he had no intention of fighting back. He took a deep breath and ran out the door.
Yu Mingshu, dressed in an understated yet elegant brocade robe, walked gracefully in, carrying a box about half the length of a person in her arms. Upon seeing him, she smiled gently.
"Ming Shu!"
There were many people at the mansion today, and He Zheng stopped in front of her, saying, "I thought you weren't coming."
“You’ve come of age today, how could I not come?” Yu Mingshu opened the box, revealing the Zhuofeng Blade inside.
"This was personally crafted by Gongsun Hong, a renowned craftsman of the Great Liang Dynasty, and named Zhuofeng. May you overcome all obstacles and forge ahead, with everything going smoothly and joy every day."
He Zheng was stunned for a moment, then took out his longsword and examined it closely. "This is... quenched gold meteorite iron?"
"That's right, the reason I initially took a liking to this lump of iron was because I felt it would suit you."
He Zheng sheathed his sword, looked up at her with burning eyes, and said, "I like it very much."
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