Liu Wensi laughed and said, "It is already a great fortune to be able to marry her. If I am successful, I will not rely on my wife's dowry to live. If I am not successful, even if I am with a mountain of gold, I will eventually run out of money. As for how much you can make from this little shop, if you ask me, the most generous dowry is the one you are willing to give Zhenyuan to me. You can save the rest for when my second and fourth sisters get married."
After saying a few words, Liu Wensi hurriedly got up to take her leave, saying, "Your eldest sister doesn't know how to take care of children. I'm afraid Xi'er will cry if she's away from me for two days. I need to hurry back to take care of them. The wedding date is set for the end of September. There's still a month and a half left. We can move in and tidy up, and the wedding will be on time. However, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble my second sister with the matter of inviting guests and preparing the banquet."
Zhenshu naturally agreed without hesitation. After seeing Liu Wensi off, she returned to ponder where Zhenyuan should be married off. Madam Su was currently ill and bedridden, with Zhenyi taking care of her. A mounting shop was too restrictive and not a suitable place for a wedding ceremony. After much deliberation, Zhenshu went to the Song residence again.
Now, the vast Song mansion is inhabited only by Song Angu's family. Apart from their Suiyi Residence, the Shanshu Academy where Zhenyu once lived, and Zhong's Suihe Residence, are all locked and gathering dust. Shen's sons, Changgui and Changcan, are both of school age and leave early and return late every day. Song Angu rarely comes home, and Shen has dismissed her servants. Rongrong is married, and she usually only has one and a half maids by her side. Seeing Zhenshu arrive, she hurriedly came out of the courtyard to greet her with a smile, "Third Miss, you are a rare guest."
Zhenshu entered the main room and went to the large kang (heated brick bed) in the west room. She saw Madam Shen sitting on the kang doing needlework. Although she was only wearing an ordinary set of clothes, she looked much more radiant than before. Zhenshu sat on the edge of the kang and said with a smile, "Fourth Aunt looks much younger than before."
Madam Shen glanced out the window as usual, then giggled playfully and said softly, "I'll say something that will surely bring retribution, but ever since the old ancestor died, I feel as if a dark cloud has been lifted from the sky, a shackle has been removed from my shoulders, and a heavy stone has been lifted from my head. Now I feel incredibly carefree every day. Although I'm not as strong as I used to be, and I'm short of money and have fewer servants, I feel completely relaxed and comfortable. Even my steps are much faster than before."
Zhenshu was surprised to see that her feet were not bound with cloth, and exclaimed, "Fourth Aunt has also unbound her feet?"
Shen stretched out her legs and said, "Now that no one cares about me or will even look at me, what use are those delicate feet? I should just do whatever makes me comfortable."
When the topic of Zhenyuan's upcoming marriage came up, Madam Shen said happily, "It's been a long time since there have been any happy events in our courtyard. Let her get married here, and I'll take care of the arrangements for her family. Now that I can walk again, there's no more dark cloud hanging over me, so I'll definitely make sure it's a grand and successful wedding for you."
If the spirit of the Zhong family, who is residing at Guangji Temple, heard these words, he would probably be so angry that he would crawl out of his coffin.
Since Madam Shen had agreed, Zhenshu made another trip to the west of the city, found the small courtyard that Yu Yichen had given to Liu Wensi, gave her name, and went inside to take a look. His touch was elegant; the courtyard, though only two sections, was decorated very warmly and uniquely. Moreover, since the land deed had been given, this courtyard would henceforth be Liu Wensi and Zhenyuan's proper home.
After looking around for a while, Zhenshu came out again. On her way back, she passed the back gate of the Yu residence and saw that it was deserted and no one was using it. She sighed and continued towards the east side of the city. Her daily walking distance was now comparable to that of Aunt Su.
That day, her period arrived much late, and she spent half the night with back pain. Fortunately, she recovered by the next day and woke up feeling perfectly normal. Zhenshu was busy hiring servants, sending out invitations, and preparing everything needed for the wedding banquet. She busied herself with the wedding arrangements for Zhenyuan, and although she was busy every day, even with a simple wedding, there seemed to be endless tasks. She shuttled between the Song residence, the small courtyard in the west of the city, and the mounting shop almost daily. Fortunately, Xiu'er was now practically a manager, known as the "Little Manager," so Zhenshu naturally became the manager.
The wedding was set for September 28th, a lucky day with the number nine and the number eight. Madam Shen had the Shanshu Academy renovated and furnished, and Zhenyuan moved in for the first two days. Since Xi'er was not yet legally married, she was taken to the small building of the mounting shop and looked after by Madam Su. The night before the wedding, Madam Lu arrived at the Song residence with Zhenyan and Zhenyao, along with Zhenshu and Zhenyi. Apart from Zhenyu and Zhenxiu, all the sisters were present. Zhenyao was a year older than Zhenyi and inherited Madam Lu's physique, with long, slender legs. She was rumored to be betrothed to a wealthy local man, but like Madam Lu, she was simple-minded and seemed completely unaware that she was about to be married.
Zhenyan is the youngest, and she doesn't like to say a word.
The group was sitting in the Shanshu Academy when they suddenly heard someone outside announce, "The Second Miss has arrived!"
Zhenshu frowned upon hearing this and said, "Zhenyu has come too?"
Before she finished speaking, Zhenyu entered the room carrying her exquisitely beautiful little daughter. The little girl was now over a year old, with her jet-black hair tied in two buns and her round eyes as black as jade. Zhenshu couldn't resist snatching her and holding her on her lap to play. Zhenyu looked around and said, "This place of mine has now become a good place for you to get married."
Zhenyuan remained silent, finding her words harsh. Moreover, seeing everyone cuddling and playing with Zhenyu's child while her own nestled in Su's arms upstairs, she felt deeply distressed. Seeing no one respond, Zhenyu pointed to the curtain and said, "These were all good things, but Zhenxiuquan ruined them all. Look, she even took all the pearls off them."
Seeing that no one responded, Zhenyu simply came over, picked up the child, and asked Zhenshu, "Have you seen Zhenxiu?"
Zhen Shu said, "I haven't seen it."
Zhenyu sneered, "Now that Prince Ping has a good relationship with the Emperor, I heard that he will be coming to the capital in a few days. The Dowager Consort has endured humiliation and mistreatment for the past two years all for Prince Ping. When he comes, she will definitely send someone to appease her. When he asks about the money, I'm afraid Zhenxiu will suffer the consequences."
It turns out that Prince Ping is coming, which has strengthened Zhenyu's backing.
Seeing that her sisters were all silent, she sat down and said, "Fine, you all have a lively time together, but you don't say a word when I come. It's clear that you don't respect me."
Zhenyuan said, "How could we look down on our second sister? When I was in the village, I heard that our second sister's family had suffered a great calamity. How are things now?"
Zhenyu said, "They are the ones who suffered. I have my dowry and my land, so I am still doing well. Speaking of which, I must thank my third sister. If it weren't for her getting Yu Yichen to release Nannan early, I'm afraid I wouldn't even know what land I have today."
Zhen Shu wanted to say that I hadn't moved Yu Yichen, but then she thought better of it. She had her own reasons, and there was no point in others saying anything.
While they were in silence, Zhenyu suddenly said, "Zhenshu, do you know that my aunt and Du Yu have broken off their marriage?"
Zhen Shu said, "I know."
Zhenyu smiled and said, "I heard it's all because of you?"
Zhen Shu said, "Don't say these useless things in front of the children."
Zhenyu refused, still smiling as she said, "I heard that you and he even bowed to heaven and earth back in the Wuling Mountains. All these years you've been able to pretend nothing happened, which shows how shrewd you are."
Zhenshu couldn't hold back any longer and stood up, saying, "You all sit down, I'll go and do something else for a while."
After saying that, she got up and walked out. Zhenyu hurriedly handed the child to Zhenyuan to hold and chased after her, saying, "If you want to break it off, then break it off completely this time. Dou Mingluan is currently in my residence, and she and that old hag are either cursing Du Yu or scolding you. That's fine, since she was able to marry Du Yu, the Du family didn't ask for much dowry. If she were to marry someone else, I'm afraid we wouldn't be able to afford that dowry."
Zhenshu said, "If you're annoyed by them, just kick them out immediately. Why bother dealing with them?"
Zhenyu knew that Zhenshu was trying to stab her, so she clasped her hands in front of her chest and sneered, "Because I still have some face to save."
Zhen Shu said, "If you still care about saving face, then you can only accept it."
After saying that, she went out. Zhenyu stomped her foot in anger. When she returned to the room, she saw that her other sisters were all happily chatting in a group. It had only been two years. She used to be the center of attention, sitting in the middle and listening to everyone's flattery. Now, none of her sisters paid any attention to her. She took the child from Zhenyuan's arms and said, "You all stay here. I'm busy at home. I have to go back first."
Zhenyuan saw Zhenyu off until they were alone at the door, then said, “Zhenshu is different from us. She has a chivalrous heart. When she heard that your family was detained, she stood outside the door all night and finally got the child out. Your family’s misfortune is a matter of gods fighting. We sisters are just mortals. It was already a great act of hers to get your child out. You shouldn’t blame her for this.”
Although Zhenyu had heard such words a few times, in her mind, it was wrong of Zhenshu to ignore the powerful Yu Yichen and refuse to protect her. Seeing that Zhenyuan was finally willing to talk to her, she shed two tears and said, "You have no idea how terrible the prison in Yingtian Prefecture is..."
That was a nightmare she could never shake off in her life, and she refused to even mention it. Seeing that Zhenyuan's face remained unmoved, it was clear that a woman like her, who had never suffered, could never imagine it.
Zhenyu could only suppress her bitterness and sorrow, picked up her child, and turned to leave.
The next morning, Zhenyuan was dressed up, her face as round as the moon, resembling Chang'e, and she was incredibly beautiful. Zhenshu personally covered her face with the bridal veil and waited. After a while, there was a commotion outside. Changgui, Changcan, and the others came in, calling for their brother-in-law and joking around with candy and coins. Liu Wensi, dressed in a traditional Chinese wedding robe, grinned. Although he looked a bit silly, he was still a handsome young groom. Zhenshu handed him embroidered shoes, and he personally knelt down to put them on Zhenyuan and carried her out.
☆、112| Sincere
As Zhenshu stepped into the bridal sedan chair, a sudden tremor ran through her heart. She thought to herself: They've finally made it to this day. If only Yu Yichen and I could make it to this day too.
The bridal sedan chair passed through the city and arrived at the small courtyard in the west of the city, which was decorated in a lively and festive manner. Although Liu Zhang had arrived, Madam Han refused to come because Madam Su had been stingy and unwilling to marry him. Therefore, when paying respects to the parents, only Liu Zhang was sitting in the hall.
After paying respects to heaven and earth and entering the bridal chamber, a grand banquet was held for the guests.
While Shen was in the kitchen taking care of things, Zhenshu was outside managing the guests, directing the servants to serve tea and snacks, and moving around the various rooms.
Zhenshu was busy with various tasks when Liu Zhang suddenly ran over and grabbed her arm, saying, "My godfather is here. He specifically wants to see the second young lady. Go and get dressed quickly."
Zhen Shu had not seen Yu Yichen for a long time, and the previous incident with Du Yu had made him leave in a huff, so he was afraid that Yu Yichen would not come for this matter. When he heard that Yu Yichen had come, he panicked and rushed into the house to wash his face and hands and put on a clean long robe before following Liu Zhang to the back.
The outer courtyard hall was filled with prominent guests whom Liu Zhang knew. Upon hearing that Yu Yichen had arrived, they all fell silent. That's how bad people are; though they hate him, they also fear him. When Zhenshu arrived at the main house in the back courtyard, Liu Zhang didn't dare to go in and gestured for her to lift the curtain herself. In the end, Mei Xun lifted the curtain for Zhenshu, but Yu Yichen wasn't in the main room. She went to the west room and saw Yu Yichen sitting cross-legged on the kang (a heated brick bed).
He was still wearing a royal blue round-necked robe, with the wooden hairpin in his hair. When he saw Zhenshu come in, he smiled gently and reached out his hand, saying, "Come sit on the kang."
Zhenshu took off her shoes and got onto the kang (heated brick bed). She felt it was warm and said softly with a smile, "You don't have a kang at home. I thought you didn't like kangs."
Yu Yichen said, "I don't usually like it, but it's too cold today, so I crave some warmth."
The two sat facing each other, with Du Yu's shadow still looming between them. Zhen Shu didn't know how to explain to him, and fearing that the more she explained, the more confusing it would become, so she just smiled and stared at him with a silly grin. Finally, Yu Yichen couldn't help but pinch Zhen Shu's cheek and whisper, "Silly girl."
Seeing Zhenshu approach, she added, "You should have told me sooner."
Seeing that there wasn't even a cup of tea, Zhenshu asked, "Why hasn't anyone prepared anything for you? Would you like some warm yellow wine?"
Yu Yichen shook his head and said, "I don't care about those things, but I came to see you."
Zhenshu chuckled and asked, "What did you see?"
Yu Yichen also laughed and said, "I saw my little manager running around like a housekeeper's wife, taking care of everything inside and outside..."
He deliberately sniffed and said, "You still smell like smoke."
Zhenshu also raised her sleeve and smelled it before saying, "I changed my clothes."
Yu Yichen said, "It's still in your hair, on your face, and on your nose. But on you, the smell becomes quite lovely."
Zhenshu covered her face and said, "Keep your voice down, your godson outside will hear us."
After a while, she hid in Yu Yichen's arms and laughed, "I've really lost all my shamelessness."
Finally, Yu Yichen brought it up again: "When did you meet him?"
Zhen Shu honestly replied, "I was tricked by the Imperial Censor on patrol into becoming someone's concubine. It just so happened that the Prefect of Yingtian Prefecture, Wang, was also there."
Yu Yichen said, "Your aunt is quite a character. I'm afraid she's the only one in the entire capital who would dare to take my woman to be someone's concubine."
Zhenshu recalled Aunt Su's thin legs and how she ran around all day without eating or drinking, and said with a wry smile, "She was a natural matchmaker. If she saw any unmarried men or women in the capital, she couldn't sleep well at night."
Yu Yichen asked again, "And then he chased you outside the city?"
Zhen Shu said, "Yes."
Yu Yichen asked again, "That day when we returned to the capital, I heard that he was the one who ordered the lifting of the curfew in the middle of the night and went to Yingtian Prefecture with you."
Zhenshu lowered her head and said, "Yes."
Yu Yichen hooked Zhenshu's head with his finger and lifted it up, staring into her eyes as he asked, word by word, "Why didn't you come to find me?"
Zhen Shu said, "I was furious at the time and wished I could kill that bad guy right away, but he happened to be there."
Yu Yichen said, "I always hoped that you could rely on me, but you are so stubborn that even I am a little afraid of you."
Zhenshu whispered, "I'm sorry!"
Yu Yichen pulled her into his arms and whispered, "If anything like this happens again, be sure to tell me. Even if I'm in the palace, Sun Yuan will definitely be at home. Just tell him, and I will definitely come to help you."
Zhenshu repeated, "I'm sorry!"
Yu Yichen let her lean against his chest, tilted his head back and said, "It wasn't your fault after all."
He wasn't afraid of bandits or farmhands; the only thing he feared was Du Yu's sincere heart.
Seeing that Zhenshu seemed a little distressed, Yu Yichen deliberately teased her, "If we leave the capital, where would you like to go?"
Zhenshu tilted her head back and thought for a while, then asked with a smile, "There's no one there who hates you so much that they're grinding their teeth, so let's go there."
Yu Yichen laughed loudly, "It's probably hard to find such a place in this world."
Zhenshu gradually noticed that one of his hands was restlessly reaching into her clothes, so she grabbed it and said, "I still have to go outside to take care of things. If you can wait, I'll come back after I'm done with my work."
Yu Yichen still didn't let go, and said thoughtfully, "Your swell up quite a bit here."
Zhenshu forcefully pried his hand out and said, "I really have to go."
She suddenly remembered the day she was tricked into going to Du Yu's house by Aunt Su and Madam Su. She wanted to speak several times, but seeing that Yu Yichen was in a very good mood, she suppressed her thoughts and thought that no one else would dare to tell her. What difference would it make if she kept it to herself and never told him?
Zhenshu arrived at the west room next to the bride's residence in the inner courtyard. Inside sat the sisters of the Lu family, along with Zhenyu and Tao Suyi. Tao Suyi was already married to Xu Yunfei and was now dressed in a married woman's attire. As soon as Zhenshu lifted the curtain, she heard Zhenyu say, "People say that rabbits don't get aroused, but they still have that thing. Eunuchs don't even have that thing. I don't know how they do it. Last time I heard someone say that my third young lady always stayed overnight at Yu Yichen's mansion, and she never wore the same clothes twice when she came back. It's obvious she's been with him."
She lowered the curtain again and quietly withdrew. Just as she was about to leave, she heard Nie Shiqiu say, "I have seen Yu Yichen before. With that appearance, let alone a rabbit, I would be willing to hug even a eunuch."
Zhenyu seemed to pat her on the shoulder and lowered her voice, saying, "I heard he's sitting in the main room right now. Do you want to go and give it a try?"
After saying that, the group burst into laughter.
Because this courtyard was close to the Yu residence, Yu Yichen hadn't brought many people with him. Seeing Zhenshu leave, he lost his desire to stay any longer and, taking only two attendants, went out to leave. Zhenshu was still standing under the eaves, and seeing him come out, she asked softly, "Are you leaving?"
Yu Yichen walked over with a smile, stretched out his arm for Sun Yuan to drape a robe over him, and tied his own belt before asking, "Are you going to stay here tonight?"
Zhenshu bit her lip and said, "No, I want to go back to the East Market."
Yu Yichen stared at her for a long time, and seeing her pretending to be serious, he leaned closer and asked softly, "Really don't want to?"
Zhenshu pointed into the room with her back to her hand and said, "Stand here a little longer, let them have their fill of the show before you leave."
Mei Xun and his two attendants, both castrated and utterly ignorant of feminine charm, swiftly pushed aside the curtain with their swords and rushed inside. Zhenyu, Dou Mingluan, and the others screamed in terror. Zhenshu, realizing she'd caused trouble, hurriedly pulled Yu Yichen aside, saying, "They're just my sisters, what's the panic?"