The eve of Chapter 83 was a good day.
The sixth day of the seventh lunar month is an auspicious day for marriage.
Inside the house, Yu's father paced back and forth in the courtyard, his clothes fluttering in the wind: "Yesterday I specifically asked someone else, and he said that according to etiquette, we should decline first before accepting, to appear dignified."
"What are you putting off?" Deng Sanniang glared at him. "Everything's been agreed upon; it's just a formality. Why are you acting all high and mighty?"
"Isn't this the rule...?"
As they were talking, a servant led Zheng Xiang and the others in.
As the two sides met, Prime Minister Zheng's voice carried a hint of amiability: "Master Yu, Madam Deng, there's no need for formalities. I'm here today at the request of Hanlin Pei to arrange this marriage. According to custom, an official matchmaker should be invited, but I am also considered a teacher in the Guanzhen court, so I'll arrange the marriage for you today."
Upon seeing the high-ranking official in purple robes for the first time, Yu's father's voice trembled slightly: "It is truly an honor for us humble people that the Prime Minister has personally come to our door..."
Prime Minister Zheng chimed in, “Pei Hanlin is young and promising, and is deeply trusted by His Majesty. There is a story behind this marriage: yesterday, when Pei Hanlin entered the palace to meet the Emperor, the Emperor asked him if he wanted the marriage to be granted. Pei Hanlin then quoted the story of the deep affection between the old sword and the new, saying that he had known her since childhood, his heart already belonged to someone else, and he only wished to marry the lady of the Yu family.”
After a moment of silence in the main room, Yu's father, who had not expected Pei Ji to be so frank, said in a noticeably more relaxed tone: "In that case... then this humble subject agrees."
"Very well!" Prime Minister Zheng clapped his hands. "Then let's follow the custom. Let's exchange our betrothal gifts today, and set the wedding date for the twelfth of the seventh month. How does that sound?"
"July 12th?" Deng Sanniang couldn't help but say, "Isn't that a bit too soon..."
“But it is an auspicious day,” a subordinate official beside Prime Minister Zheng said gently. “It is suitable for marriage. If it were another day, it would clash with the birth chart, which would be even more inappropriate.”
"Then let's choose July 12th!" Father Yu readily agreed, as it was difficult to pick an auspicious day.
The group then discussed the details of the betrothal and naming ceremonies. Prime Minister Zheng's words and actions gave the Yu family ample respect. Initially, Yu's father and Deng San Niang were filled with trepidation, but seeing the Prime Minister's gentle manner and adherence to propriety in all matters, their anxiety gradually subsided. Although they came from rural backgrounds, they knew they couldn't be careless in arranging a marriage for their parents. Following the customs of their hometown in Laizhou, they responded with neither arrogance nor servility, discussing the process methodically and ensuring it proceeded smoothly.
Zheng Xiang observed discreetly from the side, secretly nodding in approval. Pei Ji, his future father-in-law, though of humble origins, acted with propriety. He was neither blinded by sudden wealth nor excessively obsequious because of his status, and showed no signs of greed. Such a prospective in-law earned Zheng Xiang's respect; he felt Pei Ji indeed had excellent judgment.
He couldn't help but recall the scene in the palace yesterday. Pei Ji entered the palace to meet the emperor and frankly stated his desire to marry the eldest daughter of the Yu family, earnestly requesting the emperor's permission. At that time, the young emperor had asked him, "Have you thought this through, Pei Qing? With your current talent and status, countless noble families in the capital want you as their son-in-law. Marrying a commoner woman will probably not be of any help to your career."
Pei Ji stood in the hall, his posture as upright as bamboo, and calmly replied, "Your Majesty, I met Lady Yu when we were both humble and we became friends through thick and thin. Everything I have today is due to Your Majesty's appreciation and the grace of the court. I dare not use marriage as a bargaining chip to climb the social ladder. In the past, Emperor Xuan of Han was deeply devoted to his former wife and did not abandon her. Although I dare not compare myself to the sages of the past, I wish to emulate them in this heart and in mind. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission."
Upon hearing this, the young emperor remained silent for a moment, then suddenly clapped his hands and laughed, "What a fine example of deep affection for an old friend! I was right about you; you are a man of great loyalty and righteousness!" He had always regarded Pei Ji as a trusted confidant, and with the compilation of the national history nearing completion, he was considering how to bestow favors upon him to further solidify Pei Ji's loyalty. Now, Pei Ji's initiative to marry a commoner of humble origins suited his wishes perfectly—in this way, Pei Ji would not be too deeply entangled with certain powerful clans in the court through marriage, and would be more wholeheartedly devoted to his service. Therefore, the young emperor immediately agreed and enthusiastically expressed his intention to personally bestow the marriage upon him as a sign of honor.
Zheng Xiang was also present at the time, and unusually, he spoke up, expressing his willingness to act as matchmaker for Pei Ji. This was not only in accordance with the emperor's wishes, but also because Pei Ji reminded him of the decades of devoted love he had shared with his wife, and he couldn't help but feel a greater appreciation for this young man.
Thinking of this, Prime Minister Zheng suddenly said, "There is one more thing—His Majesty, out of consideration for Hanlin Pei's merit in compiling the national history, has specially granted him a marriage as a sign of his favor. The imperial edict is hereby issued."
Since I've already acted as matchmaker for someone else, I might as well say a few more words: "In principle, the imperial decree should be read aloud first. But yesterday, Hanlin Pei specifically requested me to say: 'My feelings for Lady Yu come from the bottom of my heart and began when I was young. I hope that we can prioritize our feelings and gain her and her family's sincere consent.' Your Majesty is wise and compassionate, so you have allowed them to carry out the betrothal ceremony first, and then announce the imperial decree of marriage."
Upon hearing this, Yu's father and Deng Sanniang finally understood. It turned out that the heavy imperial edict wasn't meant to intimidate them, but rather a gift Erlang had obtained after getting their approval. This thoughtfulness completely dispelled their last lingering worries.
After the marriage was arranged, Prime Minister Zheng returned to the palace to report. The young emperor was overjoyed to learn that the marriage proposal had gone smoothly. He paced back and forth in the imperial study, beaming with pride: "This is the first time in my life that I have bestowed a marriage upon someone. What do you think, Prime Minister Zheng?"
Zheng Xiang bowed and said, "Your Majesty's great kindness has moved the Pei and Yu families to tears."
The young emperor clapped his hands and laughed, "I was right about Pei Ji. He doesn't want a noblewoman, only a childhood sweetheart. He's loyal and righteous, and he won't get too deeply involved with those powerful, entrenched factions through marriage." He suddenly lowered his voice, "But... what about the Empress Dowager and Fu Ning?"
Zheng Xiang stroked his beard and said, “Your Majesty, please rest assured. Princess Pei Ji may indeed have some admiration for her, but the Empress Dowager is already looking for a suitable match for her. Pei Ji comes from a special background and is close to Your Majesty, so the Empress Dowager has her own considerations. Now that the status has been settled, it is actually a good thing.”
The young emperor deeply agreed.
When the news reached the Empress Dowager's palace, Empress Dowager Chu, upon hearing that the Emperor had bestowed a marriage upon Pei Ji and a commoner woman, simply nodded calmly and said, "Go and tell the Eldest Princess this news."
The palace maid accepted the order and left. About an incense stick later, she returned and reported: "After hearing this, Her Highness the Princess only said 'I understand' and continued reading her book, without any unusual reaction."
Empress Dowager Chu raised her hand, and the palace maid withdrew. Looking at her still dignified face in the mirror, she suddenly asked the eunuch Geng, who had served her for many years, "Do you think... that Pei Ji looks like the same person?"
Geng, the eunuch, lowered his head and thought carefully: "I have poor eyesight. I think Lord Pei is handsome and refined, but I don't think he looks like any old friend."
Empress Dowager Chu raised her hand to touch the corner of her eye, and after a long while, she said softly, "Yes... but why do I feel like she looks like... someone who has been dead for many years?" Her eyes in the mirror seemed somewhat unfocused.
As for Princess Fu Ning, things unfolded exactly as Prime Minister Zheng had predicted. When she first heard the news of the arranged marriage, her fingers tightened slightly around the book—Pei Ji actually intended to marry that woman—but she quickly loosened her grip. Royal children, after all, understood the art of weighing options. Since this path was blocked, she would consider the next.
"Someone come here," she summoned her personal attendant, her tone calm and even, "prepare a wedding gift, something substantial and appropriate, and send it to Editor Pei's residence to congratulate him on his marriage."
When the news reached her, Empress Dowager Chu rarely showed a smile: "She's not really stupid."
The eunuch Geng flattered, "The Empress Dowager personally raised His Highness from a young age, so naturally His Highness resembles you."
Empress Dowager Chu shook her head, her gaze distant: "When I was young, I wasn't like her..." Suddenly, she seemed to remember something, her brows furrowing slightly as she asked, "He still refuses to come to the capital?"
The eunuch Geng knew who the Empress Dowager was asking about, and immediately fell silent, not daring to answer.
Seeing the Empress Dowager's pained and helpless expression, Wu, the old nanny beside her, quickly stepped forward and carefully massaged her temples, whispering words of comfort.
...
According to custom, the newlyweds should not meet before the wedding after the engagement. However, Yu Man still had many questions to ask—the arrangement of the new house, the list of guests, the arrangements for the shop after the wedding… Just as she was pondering whether to send Shan Chun to deliver a message, she heard a very familiar, three long and two short light knocks on the window lattice.
A thought struck her, and she pushed open the window. Under the moonlight, Pei Ji, dressed in a blue robe, stood outside the window, looking at her with a smile in his eyes. For a moment, he even resembled her in her youth.
They really are on the same wavelength.
Yu Man stepped aside to let him in.
Pei Ji climbed in through the window, closed it, and turned around to find Yu Man had already lit a lamp. In the warm yellow light, she was wearing a nightgown, her hair loosely tied up, looking up at him with a rare hint of nervousness in her eyes.
She pulled him down to sit and began to chatter on and on, "Which house is the new bridal chamber in... I don't recognize some of the guests on the guest list... Do I have to embroider the wedding dress myself... Oh, and what's the story behind Prime Minister Zheng acting as matchmaker?"
Pei Ji listened patiently and answered her questions one by one after she finished speaking.
"The new house is temporarily in that house; we'll move back after the wedding."
"I have prepared the wedding attire, and it will be delivered tomorrow."
After saying all this, he took out a neatly folded piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her.
Yu Man took it with a puzzled look and unfolded it. By the light, she could see the words on it—it was a divorce agreement!
The document was formatted meticulously and concisely. It stated that if the couple were to separate in the future, all their property, including the house, restaurants, farmland, and savings, would belong to Yu Man. Pei Ji had no other possessions.
He left the family almost penniless.
At the end of the document, Pei Ji's name was already signed, his handwriting strong enough to penetrate the paper, while the date was left blank, awaiting Yu Man's signature.
Yu Man held the paper, her fingertips trembling slightly. She instantly understood—this was a promise he left for her, a promise unique to them.
“I always remember,” Pei Ji said, looking at her stunned profile, his voice deep and clear, “when we were little you said that the most important thing in life is to have a way out.”
He paused, his gaze softening: "This divorce agreement is your way out. If one day you wish to leave the capital, I will see you off; I will not stop you."
"I think this is what you would want as well."
Yu Man's eyes welled up with tears this time, "You..."
Only then did she realize that she was also a little scared. She believed in herself and in Pei Ji's sincerity, but the world is ever-changing and hard to control, and she became more timid as the moment approached.
Seeing her like this, Pei Ji felt his heart burn. He couldn't help but bend down and hug her, saying softly, as if making a promise or joking, "I am yours, so it doesn't matter whether you stay or leave."
His voice was gentle, but his eyes, though unseen, deepened slightly.
"But Xiaoman, I will never let you have a day when you need it."
After that night, Yu Man's heart was finally at peace. The days flew by in a flurry of activity, and before she knew it, it was the eve of her wedding.
Inside and outside Xilai Residence, lanterns and colorful decorations were hung, and red silk ribbons were draped high. As night deepened, Yu Man sat alone before her dressing table, gazing at the mirror in a daze. The woman in the mirror still had the same features, but she was about to become a bride, to marry Pei Ji.
There was a gentle knock on the door. Mr. Yu stood at the door, dressed in a clean and tidy indigo shirt, his hair neatly combed, but he hesitated at the door, unsure whether to go in or leave.
"Father?" Yu Man stood up.
Only then did Mr. Yu slowly walk in, but he didn't sit down. He stood a few steps away, scrutinizing her repeatedly by candlelight. As he looked, his eyes quickly reddened. He hurriedly wiped his face with his sleeve, his Adam's apple bobbing, his lips opening and closing repeatedly, finally managing to utter a single sentence:
"If..." He paused after saying only two words, remembering that tomorrow was a joyous occasion and he couldn't mention the unlucky word "if." He patted his mouth in annoyance, forced a smile, and his voice was hoarse:
"Come home then."
Yu Man's nose tingled with emotion, and she nodded vigorously, trying to reassure him: "Father, I know."
Yu's father gave her another deep look, then turned and walked out quickly, his back view hurried.
Before long, Xue Han and Shan Chun arrived together. Xue Han's eyes were red, and she held a pillowcase embroidered with mandarin ducks that she had spent a long time making. Shan Chun remained silent. The two of them looked at Yu Man, who was dressed in her wedding finery and ready to be married, and for a moment they forgot to speak.
Yu Man pulled them down to sit, laughing and joking, "Why are you all like this? I'll be back in a few days, and I'll need you to help me manage the shop these next few days!"
Xue Han laughed through her tears: "You're so good at talking! You'll be the editor's wife from now on, will you still be able to come to the shop every day?" The atmosphere relaxed. The three of them talked for a long time until late at night.
The last to enter was Deng Sanniang. She held a small booklet wrapped in blue cloth and stuffed it into Yu Man's hand: "This... take a look when you have time. A young lady... should always know a little about these things, so as not to suffer losses."
Yu Man was taken aback, then realized what was happening and replied in a low voice, "...Thank you, Mother."
Deng San Niang breathed a sigh of relief, then looked at Yu Man closely. Her eyes reddened, and she held Yu Man's hand, choking back tears, and said, "Aman... I believe in you. You have ideas and abilities. You will definitely be able to live the life you want from now on." She patted Yu Man's head, wiped away her tears, and went out.
When Deng San Niang returned to the room, Yu's father was gently pacing around, holding the sleeping Er'an in his arms. Seeing that Deng San Niang's eyes were red, he deliberately put on a stern face and lowered his voice: "You're a mother now, yet you're wiping away tears like a child."
Deng Sanniang rolled her eyes at him, lay down on the bed, and stared blankly at the top of the tent. After a long while, she said softly, "Speaking of which, the first time I became a mother... was right after I got married here."
Yu's father understood her words—for her, being a mother for the first time was being Aman's mother, but now she had to watch her daughter get married.
He silently put Er'an down, lay down beside her, and patted her shoulder reassuringly: "Go to sleep early. Tomorrow... we'll have a lot to do."
On July 12th, the weather was perfect, with clear skies and gentle breezes. Just after dawn, the Xi Lai Ju restaurant was already brightly lit and bustling with activity. The makeshift stoves in the courtyard were ablaze with fire, and the chefs were working hard, preparing the feast. Servants bustled about, checking the red ribbons with auspicious characters and packing auspicious dried fruits.
Yu Man was woken up early, bathed and changed her clothes, and sat in front of the dressing table to be dressed by Granny Quanfu. Granny Quanfu was quick and efficient, chanting: "First comb to the end, raise the tray to the eyebrows... second comb to the end, fly wing to wing..." Her long black hair was tied into a high bun, and she was put on a red gold and kingfisher feather phoenix crown, with pearl tassels swaying gently.
Next, she drew her eyebrows, applied lipstick, and put on powder and rouge. Her makeup was elegant and sophisticated. Finally, she changed into the bright red wedding dress that had been prepared beforehand.
The wedding gown was made of brocade woven with gold thread, its bright red background embroidered with phoenixes singing in harmony, twin lotus blossoms, and intertwined peonies, shimmering brilliantly in the morning light. Over it was a cloud-shaped shoulder piece embroidered with peacock feather threads and gold and silver threads, its edges adorned with tiny pearls, shimmering and sparkling as she moved, as if draped in clouds. A wide belt cinched her waist, allowing the skirt to drape down in a design embroidered with a hundred sons and a thousand grandsons, its ornaments tinkling with every step.
When Yu Man finished dressing and slowly stood up, the entire inner room fell silent for a moment. The person in the mirror had bright eyes and white teeth, and her elegant attire made her look graceful and noble, with an extraordinary air about her.
Xue Han stared in disbelief, and after a long while exclaimed, "So beautiful! Even a celestial being descended to earth couldn't compare!"
Granny Quanfu nodded repeatedly: "I've styled the hair of hundreds, if not thousands, of brides, but one like Lady Yu, with her looks, bearing, and ability to carry off such a magnificent wedding dress, is truly exceptional! Lord Pei is so fortunate!"
Yu Man felt embarrassed by the praise and smiled with her head down.
Amidst the room's gasps of amazement, a deafening cacophony of gongs, drums, and suonas suddenly erupted outside, mingled with children's cheers and the clamor of the crowd. The joyous music grew louder and louder as it approached.
The matchmaker standing guard at the door shouted:
"Here he comes! Here he comes! The groom has arrived at the door with the bridal sedan chair!"
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Author's Note: This isn't a very long novel, probably around 600,000 to 700,000 words. [Milk Tea emoji]
I'll try to write more tomorrow.
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