Madam Wei was a devout Buddhist, and her residence had a small Buddhist shrine, with sandalwood incense burning throughout the house to calm the mind. Unfortunately, she had a fiery temper that she never managed to change in her entire life. When she saw You Tong approaching, her face darkened, and she frowned as she held the hand warmer, scolding, "I told you to stay home and rest properly, why did you run off again?"
"It was my daughter-in-law who took Youyou there, Mother, please don't be angry," Madam Wei quickly explained.
Youyou is You Tong's nickname. The old lady used to dote on this granddaughter who was about to become the royal daughter-in-law, and she often called her that.
But times have changed. Her granddaughter, who could have brought honor to the family, has now disgraced it, causing the Wei family to suffer ridicule. All her affection for her has vanished. With a stern face, she instructed, "Go back to the courtyard and stay there. Don't go out and run around again. The suitors this time are excellent. If you don't repent and continue your arrogant ways, bringing shame upon yourself, you'll never find a good family again in this lifetime!"
You Tong stood in front of her, head drooping, "Granddaughter knows."
"From now on, you should be humble and cautious in your dealings with others, and you must not be arrogant and willful anymore! The rumors outside are so severe, you really need to change your temperament, so you don't act foolishly and become a laughing stock!"
The old lady then proceeded to scold and lecture her, looking as if she hated her for being so useless.
You Tong responded, secretly chuckling to herself.
Wei Youtong's arrogant and haughty nature was actually inseparable from the old lady's influence.
Xu Chaozong used to speak of deep affection, and the old lady thought the position of princess was within her grasp. She couldn't help but feel smug, unconsciously revealing her arrogant and conceited nature. Wei Youtong, being by her side, inevitably absorbed this influence, developing a proud heart. Occasionally, when she made mistakes, the old lady would protect her when her parents tried to discipline her. As time went on, Wei Youtong became increasingly arrogant and conceited, emboldened by her newfound confidence.
Now that they've stumbled, they're turning their backs on them.
However, pride is useless, and this lesson was ultimately correct. You Tong listened obediently to her nagging, standing there for the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, before the old lady finally said, "Go back and concentrate on copying the book. Your mother and I have something to discuss. You are not allowed to go out for the time being!"
You Tong was scolded for no reason, and when he left Qinghua Hall, he was still completely confused.
—It seems the old lady is quite satisfied with the family that proposed marriage. Who could it be?
However, it was obviously not possible to ask in detail at this moment, so he went out and headed towards her west pavilion.
Fearing reprimand, she initially walked very properly, her jade pendants and sashes pressed against her waist, her steps unhurried, not daring to lift the hem of her skirt. But after leaving Qinghua Hall, her steps gradually became lighter, and she even revealed a faint smile.
Chuncao followed closely behind, her confusion growing with each glance.
She was You Tong's personal maid, and had followed her into the room, clearly hearing the old lady's scolding and reprimand. In the past, the young lady, being sensitive and delicate, would surely have secretly cried after such a reprimand. Moreover, the young lady was deeply in love with Prince Rui, and would absolutely refuse to marry someone else upon hearing that she was to be married off.
Who knew she would be so indifferent now?
That's fine. Otherwise, if one's mind is too heavy, one will inevitably suffer and blame oneself, and may do foolish things because of this.
Chuncao smiled and rushed to open the door for Youtong, "What happy thing has come to mind, Miss?"
"My wild pheasant soup!" You Tong's eyes were already beaming with joy. "I could smell the aroma from afar, so it must be almost done simmering. Yanbo—go and ladle the soup over. And the chicken marrow and bamboo shoots I asked for this morning, are they ready?"
As soon as she entered the courtyard, she started looking for something to eat. When Grandma Xu heard this, she came out of the house.
Grandma Xu was initially worried that You Tong might overthink things if she heard gossip while out, but seeing that she looked radiant and in good spirits, she felt much more at ease. She then asked someone to bring over the two dishes that were still warming in the steamer from the kitchen, and also had Yanbo serve some pheasant soup, which she handed to You Tong.
"These pheasant chicks were found by the madam through her uncle. They're very nourishing. Miss, please drink a couple more bowls."
“Yes, Grandma, you can have some too.” You Tong took a bowl for her and then instructed Chun Cao, “There’s some left over, you can try some too.”
The room was filled with the aroma of meat broth mixed with red dates. Tender chunks of meat stewed until soft and mushy in the porcelain bowl, garnished with a few fragrant and sticky chestnuts, were incredibly tempting. You Tong slowly scooped up some to drink, paired with the salty, fresh, and crisp bamboo shoots on the plate. The delicious taste filled her stomach, and the aroma on her tongue swept away all the previous unpleasantness.
You Tong ate to her heart's content, putting aside the previous gossip and blame, and then, on a whim, went to roast chestnuts by the charcoal brazier.
—As long as there is delicious food and beautiful scenery in this world, what obstacle can't be overcome?
...
Because of her previous suicide by drowning, Madam Zhen, wife of Wei, has been keeping a close eye on the West Pavilion lately.
The commotion in the courtyard was relayed by the maids, and she heard that You Tong wasn't crying her eyes out like before, which relieved her somewhat. She spent the night there, asked her husband, Wei Sidao, about the details of the marriage proposal, and came to see her daughter early the next morning.
You Tong slept very well last night and is currently copying scriptures in her room—a task given by the old lady that she can't avoid.
Upon seeing Madam Zhen enter, she put down her pen, quickly went over, took her arm, and helped her to the table to serve tea.
Her well-behaved and sensible manner moved Madam Zhen deeply.
Although Lady Zhen came from a humble background, marrying into the Wei family was considered a step up for her. She was very obedient and docile in front of her mother-in-law. In her early years, You Tong was favored by Emperor Wenchang, and Old Madam Wei doted on her like a precious jewel, often visiting high-ranking households, where the grandmother and granddaughter got along exceptionally well. In contrast, Lady Zhen had neither family background nor wealth. Apart from taking care of her daily needs, she couldn't afford to buy her daughter anything valuable. She could only do her best to teach her, advising You Tong to restrain herself as she became increasingly willful and spoiled.
Wei Youtong was riding high at the time and thought that her grandmother's noble birth and words made sense, so she wouldn't listen to her nagging.
Gradually, they became irritable and distant.
Madam Zhen was secretly anxious, but unfortunately the old lady stood in the middle, leaving her helpless.
Until Xu Chaozong changed his mind, You Tong couldn't think straight and did something foolish. The old lady scolded You Tong for acting foolishly and bringing shame to the family. Only she felt sorry for her and stayed by her side day and night, comforting and reassuring her.
Now that her daughter has survived and become a completely different, sensible person, how could Madam Zhen not be overjoyed?
She then pulled You Tong into the inner room and said slowly, "Your grandmother spoke a bit harshly, don't take it to heart. As long as you live well, that's more important than anything else. Don't pay attention to the gossip outside. But be careful not to be arrogant, and be cautious in your actions. You must remember this advice, from now on..." She paused, looked at You Tong's thin face, and sighed.
You Tong guessed her intention, glanced at her, and smiled slightly, "What's next? Is it because of yesterday?"
Madam Zhen nodded.
You Tong then asked, "Who is it? Grandmother praised him so much."
Have you heard of Fu Yu from Qizhou?
Fu Yu? That name sounds familiar.
After a moment's thought, You Tong vaguely recalled the widespread legend in the capital that the military governor of Yongning had a nephew who was brave and skilled in battle. He had once repelled an enemy army of over ten thousand men with just over a thousand, and then launched a counterattack when the enemy was off guard, killing generals and capturing commanders, achieving numerous extraordinary feats. Now, at around twenty years old, he had been promoted to deputy military commissioner of Qizhou, commanding the most elite cavalry in Qizhou. He had been invincible in several battles, striking fear into the hearts of the enemy, and was an extremely formidable figure.
It is said that he was arrogant and unruly. After his two brothers died in battle, he became even more cold, ruthless, and inhuman. When people talked about him, they had mixed opinions.
That person seems to be named Fu Yu.
The military governor of Yongning was a powerful and well-equipped ruler who controlled a region. Although Fu Yu's status was not as noble as that of a prince, he still commanded a real army. For such a distinguished and valiant general, who had achieved fame at a young age, to propose marriage to her—a woman with a tarnished reputation, humble origins, and whom he was a complete stranger—seemed strange.
You Tong lowered her head and pondered. Zhen Shi assumed she was unwilling and advised, "I know what's on your mind. Although Prince Rui once..."
What does this have to do with anything?
Seeing Zhen's distressed expression, You Tong knew she had misunderstood and quickly said, "Mother, don't worry. If a man's heart has changed, not even nine oxen could pull him back. I understand this principle now. I will put away my infatuation from now on, so Mother doesn't need to worry." As she spoke, she gave a gentle smile as if to comfort her.
Madam Zhen didn't know if she had truly come to her senses or was just swallowing her pride and suffering in silence. She only felt extremely sorry for her and pulled her into her arms.
You Tong obediently let her hug him, and then asked, "Does Mother know why he... took a liking to me?"
"He said you saved his life back in the capital." Madam Zhen, perhaps also finding this strange, asked, "Do you remember?"
You Tong thought back carefully twice, but couldn't recall a single memory of Fu Yu. In the past ten years, Wei You Tong only had Xu Chaozong in her heart and mind. She risked her life several times to save him, all for him. She didn't pay any attention to other men, let alone save anyone else.
He then mumbled, "I can't remember."
After hearing this, Madam Zhen did not ask any further questions. She only said that the Fu family's attitude when they came to propose marriage was quite good, and told You Tong not to worry too much. She should just focus on taking care of her health and cultivating her mind and character. In the future, when she marries far away alone, she must not be as willful as before.
Later, Zhen was filled with worry and couldn't help but shed tears, which prompted You Tong to comfort her.
The Wei family wasn't exactly powerful or influential, and for You Tong, at the tender age of fourteen, to encounter such a situation and bear such a tarnished reputation meant she was unlikely to find a good marriage. Since the Fu family was willing to arrange the marriage, Wei Sidao quickly agreed after discussing it.
Afterwards, they asked for Naji's name and set the wedding date for the end of July next year.
You Tong also changed his former dejected state. In his spare time, he copied books, practiced calligraphy, and cooked delicious food. Occasionally, he would go out to banquets with Zhen Shi, and he was neither humble nor arrogant. Zhen Shi saw this and felt extremely gratified. After the 20th of the first lunar month, when spring was in full bloom, she went to Enyou Temple in the suburbs to burn incense and pray for blessings, and also to relax.
As fate would have it, the mother and daughter had just entered the Buddhist temple when they unexpectedly ran into an acquaintance—
Prince Rui, Xu Chaozong, and his recently married princess, Xu Shu.
Author's Note: Seeing familiar and new faces makes me super happy! ^o^
Chapter 3 Welcoming the Bride
The springtime at Enyou Temple is warm and inviting. In front of the main hall, a white plum tree blooms late, its blossoms scattered across the gnarled branches. Beside it, a cluster of early-blooming forsythia stands gracefully among the long, lush branches, its tender yellow buds not yet in full bloom, but bathed in the spring light, exuding a unique and vibrant life.
Incense smoke curled in front of the temple, and a squirrel suddenly darted over, shaking down withered leaves.
You Tong changed into light spring clothes, a delicate crimson blouse embroidered with butterflies, as beautiful as a crabapple blossom. A brocade belt was lightly tied at her waist, from which hung a ruyi-shaped sash. Below, she wore a long, soft white skirt with cranes, the hem embroidered with delicate plum blossoms. With each movement, the cranes fluttered gracefully, the brand-new silk shimmering with brilliance, reflecting the spring light.
After Xu Chaozong finished offering incense in the Buddhist hall, he immediately spotted a familiar figure not far away.
He had come to offer incense on the way and had not brought any entourage. The abbot, fearing that the chaotic crowd might offend the two distinguished guests, arranged for several senior monks to keep others several dozen paces away, waiting until Prince Rui arrived at the temple before allowing them to pass. You Tong stood in the crowd. Compared to the women, the girl was not particularly tall, but her beautiful face and graceful figure made her stand out like a pearl among rubble.
With her graceful figure and charming smile, Xu Chaozong's gaze was fixed on her, unable to look away.
He paused for a moment, then remembered the complicated past and subconsciously took half a step back.
Fortunately, with everyone watching, he didn't hide. He just pretended to straighten his clothes, lowered his eyes, and maintained a dignified posture.
Xu Shu, as if trying to avoid him, quickly looked away and retreated to Prince Rui's side, taking his arm.
A few dozen steps away, You Tong observed the subtle reactions of the two, a mocking smile playing on her lips.
If the original owner of this body had encountered this situation, being repeatedly avoided by Xu Chaozong, and seeing her former friend holding hands with her beloved, she would probably have been heartbroken. But at this moment, You Tong looked at the couple who were praised as a perfect match, and out of the corner of her eye, she saw the Buddha statues and prayer flags in the hall, and felt sorry for the original owner.
Upon calm reflection, she could understand why Xu Chaozong made that choice.
Xu Chaozong was once Emperor Wenchang's most beloved grandson, enjoying unparalleled favor. However, the current emperor favors someone else. If Xu Chaozong wants to seize the throne, the Xu family, with their high rank and considerable influence in the court, is clearly a better ally than the Wei family, which is known for its scholarly tradition but lacks political acumen. The Xu family, with their Grand Tutor titles and the emperor's favor, is a more reliable source of support.
The Emperor is currently suffering from a chronic illness, and his eagerness to marry is likely due to this reason.
Since Xu Chaozong has chosen power and values emotions insignificantly, it will be of no use for Wei Youtong to go hundreds of times.
But understanding doesn't mean accepting.
Even though the original owner was indeed somewhat spoiled, she had given him her burning heart and risked her life to save him several times. Whether Xu Chaozong fell in love with someone else or betrayed her for personal gain, it could be attributed to circumstances and their respective desires. But when those rumors pierced the original owner like sharp swords, driving her to despair and drowning in the icy, bone-chilling heart of a lake in the dead of winter, Xu Chaozong's indifference and stand idly by was chillingly callous.
You Tong looked at the splendid clothes opposite her, and the mockery in her eyes grew stronger.
Seeing that Prince Rui's gaze had turned to her again, she cupped her hands in front of her and bowed in that direction. Then, she took Zhen's arm and walked to the head monk, saying, "Little monk, my mother would like to go to the pagoda forest in the back mountain to pay her respects. Is that convenient?"
"This way, please, benefactor." The presiding monk clasped his hands in greeting and pointed in the direction.
You Tong thanked her and then left with Zhen Shi, surrounded by several servants.
Her white skirt, adorned with red plum blossoms, billowed like waves. Her gait was unhurried, her figure graceful and delicate. With her long neck and cloud-like hair, she appeared exceptionally beautiful and elegant from the side.
This unexpected attitude, so different from his previous tearful complaints during his frequent visits, surprised Prince Rui.
He had initially been avoiding You Tong, fearing she might cause trouble and make things unclear, but seeing her looking straight ahead, he felt somewhat less hesitant. Since the surrounding worshippers were frequently glancing over, secretly watching the spectacle, and considering his past ties with the Wei family, he felt awkward standing stiffly. So he took a small step and said, "Madam Wei."
Lady Zhen stopped in surprise, then bowed, "Does Your Highness have any further instructions?"
Prince Rui strolled over, seemingly without a word, and said, "I've been busy lately and haven't had a chance to visit your residence. How are your mother and Uncle Wei?"
"I am well, thank you for your concern, Your Highness."
His polite and respectful demeanor was no different from usual.
Prince Rui's gaze then shifted to You Tong. He wanted to speak, but feared that it would provoke her willful and persistent behavior, making things unpleasant. Hesitating for a moment, he saw You Tong raise her eyebrows slightly and say calmly, "I was ignorant before. Your Highness, I have no interest in you anymore, so you don't need to avoid me anymore. If there are no other instructions, then farewell."
The voice was extremely low, yet calm and collected.