After waiting for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Fu Lanyin arrived as promised, but her face showed a hint of disappointment.
This was quite unexpected for You Tong.
After marrying into the Qin family, Fu Lanyin lived a very comfortable life. Qin Taoyu, needless to say, was a close friend of Fu Zhao, and they had been lovers since childhood. He treated Fu Lanyin very well. The Qin family matriarch was also a kind and generous person, unlike the strict and unruly matriarch of the Fu family. She was very kind to her children and grandchildren. Moreover, Fu Lanyin had Fu Deqing, a pillar of strength, behind her. Who would dare to wrong her? In her husband's family, the couple lived in harmony, and the sisters-in-law got along peacefully. It was no worse than when she was a young girl.
She was among the Qin family members on their outing today, and should have been happy, so why was she feeling down?
Did they have a quarrel?
You Tong, puzzled, smiled and invited her in. Before she could ask why, a figure flickered behind the curtain, revealing a delicate face. Dressed in brocade robes and adorned with jade hairpins and fine silks and pearls, she exuded an air of nobility. And those eyebrows and eyes… When You Tong saw them clearly, she was surprised and almost blurted out "Sister-in-law," but she stopped herself in time and only asked in surprise, "Young Madam?"
"Didn't expect me to come, did you?" The other person smiled, walked in, and took her hand.
—Han, Fu Hui's wife and Fu Yu's sister-in-law.
When You Tong was at the Fu family, she only met Madam Han twice. The first time was when she went to Jinzhao Temple to offer incense, and the second time was when Fu Yu took her to Jing'an Temple. Compared to her quiet and reserved demeanor when she lived in a Buddhist temple, Madam Han now seemed like a completely different person. Needless to say, her clothes and jewelry were exquisite. As the young mistress in charge of the Fu family, she naturally had to maintain a certain image. The most obvious change was her temperament. She was full of energy, her eyes were bright and sparkling, and she had a rather straightforward and capable air about her.
Facing You Tong, Madam Han showed no airs of a young mistress, and simply smiled and said, "I've often heard Lan Yin mention this place, but I rarely have the chance to go out. Today, I've finally met you."
You Tong smiled and invited her to sit down inside and exchange pleasantries.
Then he ordered people to set up a pot and add charcoal, to fulfill Fu Lanyin's wish to go out of the city to climb to a high place and then return to the city to have hot pot.
But to everyone's surprise, Fu Lanyin didn't smile as usual when faced with the delicious food. After the dishes were all laid out, You Tong told the others to leave for the time being, then tapped You Tong's arm lightly with her chopsticks and said, "You still have the leisure to ask these questions? Let me tell you, I brought my sister-in-law here today specifically because there's something I need to tell you!"
"What's the rush?"
"It's about my second brother!"
You Tong paused slightly, but since she wasn't very familiar with Han, she didn't show anything unusual and simply asked, "What's wrong?"
Fu Lanyin couldn't help but get up and move to sit next to her. "My sister-in-law said that the manor received a letter a while ago from the Jianchang military governor. He said his two children were coming to Qizhou to celebrate their great-aunt's birthday and to pay their respects to their grandmother. They also asked their grandmother and father to take care of them." Seeing that You Tong was still confused, she went straight to the point. "His daughter, Jiang Daijun, is a famous beauty in Jianchang. In this day and age, why would she travel all this way to celebrate her great-aunt's birthday?"
Han, standing nearby, couldn't help but chuckle at her sister-in-law's anxious, almost meek, expression.
She then added, "Before that, that Miss Jiang's great-aunt often came to talk to my grandmother and inquire about my second brother."
Upon hearing this, You Tong suddenly understood.
Having traveled a great distance, Jiang Daijun and Fu Yu had never met before, so it's unlikely she came solely out of admiration. It's probably because the Fu family's influence in the capital has grown significantly over the past six months, and this Jianchang military governor couldn't sit still any longer, starting to plan his escape route. Fu Lanyin is a straightforward and sentimental person; she had previously been talking about wanting her to return to the Fu family, so it's only natural that she couldn't sit still upon hearing this.
Unexpectedly, the Han family disregarded the risks and got involved.
You Tong felt a slight flush on her face as she looked at the two pairs of eyes that were fixed on her.
Chapter 103 Family Letter
The hot pot was bubbling and steaming. There was plenty of food to eat at this time. The round table was filled with thinly sliced meat, boneless fish slices, boneless chicken feet, duck intestines, lotus root, water bamboo, soft tofu, and shiitake mushrooms. Since Fu Lanyin had mentioned that she wanted to have hot pot, You Tong had also prepared extra shrimp paste and crab balls.
Because they were close friends, You Tong didn't leave any female staff to serve them, but took care of them personally.
Put the sliced meat into the pot and blanch it until it changes color slightly. Once cooked, take it out and serve one slice to each of the two people.
You Tong worked calmly and unhurriedly, her mind racing as she turned the chopsticks.
Regardless of Jiang Daijun's appearance and temperament, her family background is the most important factor. After Xu Chaozong ascended the throne, Fu Deming entered the capital as prime minister. Although he could intervene in politics sooner, it would also make Xu Chaozong wary. The Fu family could no longer live a life of seclusion in Yongning as before. Although the Xuanzhou area had already been brought under Fu Yu's control, the Fu family was still unable to touch the capital region, Chu region, and half of the western country for the time being.
Although Jiang Shao, the military governor of Jianchang, was not as powerful as the Fu and Wei families, he was still a military governor of a region bordering the frontier, and had a considerable number of troops under his command.
If the Fu family could form a marriage alliance with the Jiang family, they could easily seize Chu territory by attacking from both sides. At that time, they would be even more confident in planning to take over the capital region and Wei Jian.
Conversely, if the Fu family is unwilling to take the path of marriage, and the Jiang family is already seeking an alliance, without the Fu family, they are likely to lean towards Wei Jian. The two places are not far apart, and if they join forces to suppress the western mountains and rivers, the Fu family's ambition to seize the entire country will definitely face numerous obstacles.
Compared to the meager benefits the Wei family could offer, the Jiang family had a real army.
It is obvious that there are six parts benefit to gaining it and ten parts disadvantage to losing it.
You Tong wasn't entirely sure how the Fu family would weigh the options.
Despite the obvious pros and cons, Fu Lanyin was still willing to inform her, a truly rare sentiment. Han Shi, residing in the inner quarters and entirely dependent on the Fu family for her livelihood, knowing the old lady's attitude, still came with Lanyin, demonstrating her loyalty.
The slight embarrassment of having her secret discovered was quickly replaced by gratitude. You Tong smiled and glanced at Fu Lanyin, saying, "This Miss Jiang is quite someone important, probably a hot commodity. Traveling all the way north must have been quite painstaking. I understand." Then she turned to Madam Han, "Thank you for your advice, young mistress. Why don't you come to this shop for the first time and try the food?"
"Although I've never tasted it, I've heard of its reputation."
Han tasted it with the sauce and nodded, saying, "It's really fresh and hot. Eating it like this, piping hot, has a unique flavor."
Seeing that You Tong's face was still flushed, he smiled and said, "Although we haven't had much interaction, I've heard Lan Yin mention you often, so I should know you by now. To be selfish, if it weren't for your situation, I'd probably still be staying at Jing'an Temple. Lan Yin and my father both praise your character and temperament, so you must be a very good person. It may be a bit presumptuous of me to say this today, but I only did it because Lan Yin is in such a hurry. Please don't mind."
He's quite straightforward in not hiding his grudge against the Shen family.
You Tong smiled and helped her pick up some food. "Young Madam, you're too kind. This is a kind gesture, and I'm very grateful."
Seeing that Fu Lanyin's eyes were fixed on the shrimp paste, the guest followed the host's lead and went in first.
Fu Lanyin finished the meat slices in her bowl, her eyes darting around in the pot, and said, "Don't blame me for being anxious. Arranged marriages are common, especially since you and Second Brother have fallen out like this! If this matter goes wrong even slightly, and Father decides to take the plunge, then we'll be in trouble. How did you persuade me to come here back in your courtyard?"
You Tong certainly remembered the advice she had given Fu Lanyin: not to be too shy and hide her feelings, lest she miss out on a good man.
However, her social status and family background were completely different from Fu Lanyin, Qin Taoyu, and Fu Yu, and this matter couldn't be decided simply by her taking the initiative. So she put down her chopsticks and said seriously, "If the elders are interested, your second brother will agree. Tell me honestly, is this kind of man still worth entrusting your life to?"
Fu Lanyin was speechless, but still said in a low voice, "Are you just going to sit idly by and watch your second brother marry someone else?"
That's not it.
You Tong scooped out the cooked shrimp paste and placed it in the bowls of the two guests. "Don't worry, I won't keep him in the dark."
That's more like it! Fu Lanyin secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
She had felt deeply sorry for You Tong when she left the manor after the divorce. Later, when she saw her second brother secretly running to You Tong's residence and shamelessly causing trouble at Wumei Mountain, she knew that her second brother was serious and unwilling to part ways after the divorce. However, You Tong was determined to divorce, so how could she easily turn back? Moreover, her husband's brother, Qin Liangyu, was also keeping an eye on the hot pot restaurant and would run there whenever he had free time. Fu Lanyin was always worried that You Tong would be abducted, leaving her second brother all alone, miserable and desolate.
Judging from You Tong's attitude now, she clearly cares about Fu Yu. Fu Lanyin felt gratified, and the frustration between her brows finally disappeared.
The meal was a pleasure for both the host and guests.
Han relied heavily on the old lady in the inner quarters of the Fu family and strictly adhered to the rules. After finishing her meal, she returned home.
Fu Lanyin didn't hesitate, seeing that it was still early, and wasn't in a hurry to set off.
...
The autumn air was cool, and the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms wafted along the street. Fu Lanyin sat by the window, watching Madam Han get into the carriage and slowly drive away. She leaned against the window and smiled at You Tong, "Sister-in-law is straightforward and honest, not the kind of person who hides her cunning. I only realized what happened to Aunt after you left..." She paused, then sighed, a rare occurrence for her.
You Tong smiled and poured her a cup of tea.
Outside the window, willow branches swayed gently in the wind. Fu Lanyin reached out and casually broke off a tender twig, playing with it in her hand.
"Fortunately, this incident has awakened Father and Grandmother. Now that my sister-in-law is in charge of the household affairs, my aunt's arrogance has subsided considerably. I brought my sister-in-law here today specifically to tell you that Father, Zhao'er, and my sister-in-law all like you very much. My sister-in-law is clear about right and wrong and is not muddle-headed or narrow-minded. If you remarry into the Fu family, you will definitely not suffer the same grievances as before. My second brother has actually changed a lot because of you."
You Tong remembered clearly what things were like before.
At that time, in the entire Fu family, Fu Deqing was her father-in-law, and he was impartial and unbiased. Only Lan Yin was willing to treat her well and be understanding and comforting.
Even now, though they are no longer sisters-in-law, they remain close friends who can share intimate secrets.
You Tong nodded, took her hand, and whispered, "Lanyin, thank you."
"Actually, I'm very reluctant to leave," Fu Lanyin muttered. "Think about it, if I marry back into the Fu family, even though we're sisters-in-law, we won't be able to see each other all the time. If you..." She paused, a teasing glint in her eyes, "and are taken away by my husband's second brother, we'll become sisters-in-law, and I can visit you more often and get some free food and drinks. It's so hard to choose between the two."
She shook her head and sighed, looking very distressed.
You Tong almost spat out half a mouthful of tea before she could swallow it. "Fu Lanyin, what are you thinking about all day long!"
Fu Lanyin chuckled, picked up a crisp, tender slice of garlic and cucumber to chew on, her cheeks puffing out.
You Tong really wanted to pat her head. "If your second brother knew you were thinking this, he would beat you up."
"Who told him to be so arrogant before, not a gentleman in the slightest! If my husband dared to act like that, humph, I could kick him out the door in a heartbeat. The two of us can just eat, drink, and travel together, wouldn't that be like living the life of immortals?"
You Tong coughed repeatedly, choked by the fumes. "You...you really dare to think that way."
Fu Lanyin continued with a laugh, "But don't worry, when that Miss Jiang arrives, Grandmother will definitely have my sister-in-law and I accompany her. I'll keep an eye on her for you then. If she dares to make a move on Second Brother, hmph..."
“You are the host, she is the guest; both are daughters of the military governor, so you must treat each other with courtesy. Don’t get too cocky. This matter concerns politics; your father and brothers will handle the arrangements.”
"I know—" Fu Lanyin smiled and winked at her lecturing look, "Second Sister-in-law!"
You Tong had no choice but to bring up the matter in a letter to Fu Yu the next day.
The letter only mentioned that Jiang Daijun and her siblings would soon arrive in Qizhou to celebrate their great-aunt's birthday, without adding any further details. Just before sending it out, I couldn't help but pick up my pen and add two more strokes at the end of that paragraph.
...
The letter arrived at Dan Gui Garden in the capital late at night.
From the time Fu Deming entered the capital to become prime minister until now, more than half a year has passed, and Fu Yu has spent almost all of that time in the capital. The Tatars' pillar general has been killed and is unable to invade the south. Dongdan is also unable to cause any trouble for the time being. Fu Deqing has recovered from his injuries and is in charge of military affairs with ease. Fu Yu has just taken the opportunity to stay in the capital to arrange manpower.
Although Xu Chaozong was mediocre in talent, he was quite ambitious. After promoting Fu Deming to the position of prime minister, he selected officials from various places to come to the capital.
Although the imperial army no longer has a mighty cavalry and is now just an empty shell, the capital is still the seat of imperial power. There are many spies and a lot of information in the capital. Even if the military governors in other places are reluctant to give up their capable people, they will take the opportunity to place their own people there.
Fu Yu certainly wouldn't let it go unchecked; his uncle was in the open while he was in the shadows, with multiple layers of checks in place.
Xu Chaozong harbored resentment but dared not openly admit it. After enduring it for more than half a year, he finally made a move.
On the long, black lacquered table was a message just delivered from the palace. As he had expected, that person wanted to emulate the cunning of the former emperors, stirring up trouble and using Wei Jian's power to cause internal strife between the two sides. Given Wei Jian's actions, seeing the Fu family gain benefits but unable to get a share, and being instigated by Xu Chaozong, he might very well fall into a trap.
Fu Yu frowned, read the note, and then burned it to ashes over the candle.
Du He's voice came from outside. After receiving permission, he entered and presented a letter.
"General, this was sent from Qizhou."
There are three kinds of letters from Qizhou: family letters, military intelligence, and letters from You Tong.
These three items were all passed down by Du He's subordinates, each with a different cover.
Fu Yu reached out and took the stack of four or five letters. He first looked at the covers and took out the one printed on plain floral stationery. Peeling off the sealing wax, he saw that it was from You Tong, who sent it every half month as agreed. The contents were as usual, describing what she had been busy with that day, where she had gone, and what she found interesting while reading. Although they were trivial daily matters, Fu Yu still smiled as he imagined those scenes.
Near the end, she mentioned something: Jiang Daijun and her brother were going to Qizhou, and she specifically noted that Jiang Daijun was the daughter of the military governor of Jianchang.
That's strange.
You Tong was not one to gossip, and she would never mention irrelevant people in her letters.
Fu Yu wasn't stupid; considering the current situation, how could he not guess a bit of it?
Looking further down, the ink density and handwriting of that sentence are slightly different from the ones before and after, not like it was written in one go, but rather like it was added later.
"...The painstaking effort put into the arduous journey over a thousand miles is truly admirable."
Fu Yu read it twice, how could he not see the implication in her words? Thinking about what she was thinking when she added this sentence after writing the letter, the image of her secretly sulking floated into his mind, and his smile deepened.
It seems he must hurry back to Qizhou and marry her to put people at ease.