After calming herself down, Aunt Zhou went to the small kitchen to fetch a food box, then led her maids and servants in, bowing respectfully.
"Greetings, Young Madam!" came the chorus of voices, a welcome sound after a long absence.
You Tong removed her phoenix crown and looked up, meeting Zhou Gu's eyes directly.
The familiar, somewhat loving gaze instantly evoked old memories. She smiled and stood up, going over to help Aunt Zhou up, saying, "Please get up quickly." Her gaze swept around; the maids and servants were all those who had served her before. Although their eyes weren't slightly red like Aunt Zhou's, they all wore smiles, some deep, some shallow.
Then Zhou Gu said, "I heard the young mistress was coming back, so I quickly tidied up the small kitchen. There are some pastries and soups here; they're not as good as Xia Sao's, but at least they'll fill your stomach." As she spoke, she placed the food box on the table, opened the lid, and inside were several small dishes—
Sweet taro sprouts, osmanthus rice cake, crispy pork ribs, crab roe tofu, braised bamboo shoots, plus a serving of old duck soup.
These are all foods that You Tong loves to eat.
Muxiang brought over the tea, and Yanbo helped set out the bowls and cups. Zhou Gu looked around and, not seeing Chuncao, asked, "Where is Miss Chuncao?"
"She's already married." Yanbo was quite happy to see an old acquaintance. Seeing Youtong eating happily, she answered for her, "She married our Steward Xu, who is Granny Xu's grandson. He's a reliable and capable man. She'll be able to meet him when she moves in with Granny Xu."
Aunt Zhou nodded with a smile, "Very good, very good."
The servants left, leaving Zhou Gu, Mu Xiang, and others who usually served in the room. They chatted about everyday things while You Tong ate.
The banquet outside was lively. After You Tong finished eating, she felt sleepy because she had gotten up early this morning, so she went to the couch to take a nap.
When she woke up, it was already dark. The dragon and phoenix wedding candles were burning brightly, and the room was quiet, with only Aunt Zhou and Yanbo by her side.
When I asked about the time, it turned out to be the second quarter of the Xu hour.
It was time for dinner, and although You Tong wasn't hungry, she still asked the two girls to go to the small kitchen to find some delicious pastries and prepare a small appetizer. With nothing to do in the room, she wandered around, from the side room to the inner room. The furnishings were all in their old-fashioned style. On the long table in the side room, there was a bunch of winter plum blossoms in a white porcelain vase, half of them still in bud and half in full bloom, emitting a faint fragrance.
However, the branches are rough and the flowers are plentiful but the branches are not well-shaped, lacking in unique charm and depth.
Hearing a noise outside the door, You Tong assumed it was Aunt Zhou and casually asked, "Were these winter plum blossoms cut today?"
"I cut it last night," came the deep male voice in response.
You Tong looked over at the sound and saw the door open, the candlelight flicker, and that familiar, tall figure walked in.
The door closed, and the candlelight in the room returned to its bright state. Fu Yu, dressed in auspicious red robes, walked towards her, his neck slightly open as if to avoid the heat. Among the guests today were many comrades-in-arms. He seemed to be in high spirits due to the joyous occasion, having drunk quite a bit. His usually stern face was flushed, and his eyes shone brightly. As soon as he entered, he clung tightly to her, his gaze deep and piercing.
That look wasn't unfamiliar; You Tong had seen it before that night when he sat in the bathtub, seductive and alluring.
She instinctively took a half step back, "Fu... my husband."
Fu Yu had already reached her, and as if finding her clothes cumbersome, he reached out and tugged at them again. A button on her shirt snapped open, the collar gaping even wider, revealing not only her collarbone and Adam's apple but also a bit of her chest. He reeked of alcohol, his breath hot against her face. His hand moved with practiced ease, hooking her waist and pulling her into his arms.
Even through her clothes, she could hear his heartbeat, strong yet slightly rapid.
Caught off guard, You Tong was suddenly enveloped by his presence, and her heartbeat immediately became erratic.
She glanced out the window and whispered a reminder, "Chuncao and Aunt Zhou will be here soon."
"No." Fu Yu lowered his head, capturing her gaze, a hint of smugness in his expression. "No one will come."
Only the husband and wife are alone, a lonely man and a lonely woman, in their wedding night.
Fu Yu's body reeked of alcohol, which turned into heat, making his breath and blood feel hot. He glanced at the plum blossoms and said, "I cut these."
"You... still have that leisure and inclination."
"Yeah, I couldn't sleep last night, so I went to Wangyunlou to fold them."
You Tong felt dizzy from the smell of alcohol on his breath. Her gaze fell on his Adam's apple and lips, and her chest pounded wildly. She mumbled, "Why?"
Fu Yu didn't answer, but when she looked up in confusion, he said in a deep voice, "I was thinking of you."
His voice trailed off at the end, slightly hoarse. His restraint and affectation seemed to have reached their limit. When he looked at her soft lips, his voice tightened, and he lowered his head to kiss her. It was like a parched person yearning for rain, like a traveler in the desert seeing dew—urgent and forceful.
Heaven knows how much he longed to rush to her side last night, unable to sleep, thinking about today's wedding. Heaven knows how much he regretted writing the letter of divorce every sleepless night after the divorce, how much he longed to hold her soft, fragrant body in his arms. Heaven knows how much excitement and joy he suppressed today, managing not to lose his composure in front of the guests. Just now, he maintained his usual dignified and composed demeanor while entertaining the guests, finally managing to pull himself away from the wine glass. Only he knows the emotions he carried all the way here.
And now, finally, only he and she were left alone.
Fu Yu no longer held back, no longer needing to restrain himself. He held her waist with one hand and supported the back of her head with the other, kissing her fiercely.
It was as if they wanted to reclaim all the debts they had accumulated from previous arrears.
His lips and tongue, almost violently, ravaged her, stealing her breath away, leaving only the lingering smell of alcohol and a burning heat. His body pressed down on her, forcing her to lean back slightly, his hand moving up her waist, caressing her earlobe with greedy abandon.
His elbow bumped into the porcelain vase, and it fell onto the table with a thud.
You Tong was slightly startled, let out a sob, and clutched the clothes around his waist tightly.
Fu Yu's rationality was slightly pulled back by the commotion. When he opened his eyes, a flame flickered in his usually cold gaze, and his breathing was rapid and unsteady, like a ravenous wolf that had been restraining itself for a long time. Before You Tong could react, he suddenly reached out and picked her up in his arms, striding into the inner room. His Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed clearly, obviously his soft tongue was still not satisfied.
The red silk curtains were lifted, and the exquisitely tailored wedding dress was easily removed and draped beside the bed.
Compared to Fu Yu's battle-hardened backing, You Tong's delicate hands and feet were almost powerless to resist.
Clothes were scattered, but the charcoal brazier filled the room with a warm, spring-like atmosphere.
The night wind outside was chilly. Aunt Zhou stood in the courtyard with her hands in her sleeves. When she saw Mu Xiang bringing over a cup of nuptial wine, she smiled and waved her hand.
"We've already had our drinks, no need to be so particular. Tell someone to boil some water and wait for instructions from inside."
Chapter 112: Heavy Gifts
As the old year draws to a close, the days are gradually warming up, but the nights are still bitterly cold.
The South Building hadn't been this lively in a long time. Red lanterns swayed under the eaves, burning all night long, while lanterns on both sides of the passageway shone brightly, filling the courtyard with a dim, yellow light. The maids and servants, exhausted from a long day's work, didn't feel tired at all. Since there were no immediate instructions from the main room, they gathered in the side rooms, chewing on dried fruit, chatting, and laughing in hushed tones.
Zhou Gu and Yanbo sat by the charcoal brazier under the eaves, each wrapped in a thick cloak, yet they did not feel cold.
For a year and a half, they were cut off from each other, but they talked about trivial matters inside and outside the mansion with great interest.
From 7:00 PM to 1:45 PM, the door remained tightly shut. Occasionally, a barely suppressed noise could be heard, but through the layers of doors, it became faint and indistinct, dissipating in the night breeze. The maidservant in the kitchen, who was tending to the warm water, peeked in and out many times. At first, Zhou Gu didn't think much of it, but later, listening carefully to the clapperboard, she realized with a start that it was past midnight. She couldn't help but click her tongue in surprise, feeling a little worried about the young mistress.
Fu Yu is a seasoned veteran, a vigorous and energetic man who can work tirelessly day and night. If they had consummated their marriage before the divorce, perhaps he could have restrained himself and cherished her. But now, after two years of pent-up longing, with both old and new grievances being settled at once, even a god couldn't resist. How could You Tong's physique withstand it?
After thinking for a moment, he silently went back to his room and got some ointment to prepare.
It wasn't until past midnight that some movement came from inside the house.
Fu Yu's hair was disheveled, and he casually wrapped an outer robe around his body. He walked barefoot into the side room, picked up a small object and waved it at the door. Hearing Zhou Gu's voice outside, he instructed, "Prepare water for a bath. There's no need to leave anyone to serve you." His voice was low and hoarse, hiding a satisfied joy.
You Tong slumped on the couch, struggling to lift her eyelids, her eyes red as she looked at that hateful back, before shrinking back under the quilt and covering her head.
The maids and servants carried the water in through a small side door and then discreetly withdrew.
Fu Yu knelt on the couch, leaned down, and asked her softly through the brocade quilt, "Can you still move?"
His response was two weak groans.
He tried to lift the quilt, but You Tong used all her strength in her hands, gripping it tightly and refusing to let go. Fu Yu chuckled, then wrapped her in the quilt and carried her to the inner room to wash away the sweat and grease from her body. When they came out, Aunt Zhou had already taken the opportunity to change the bedding on the bed to brand new and clean ones. You Tong crawled in and couldn't hold on any longer, falling into a deep sleep as if her body was about to fall apart.
When I woke up the next morning, the sun was already high in the sky.
Despite her exhaustion, her head was still foggy. She turned over, intending to continue sleeping, when suddenly a thought struck her, reminding her that it was the first day of her marriage and she should visit her elders instead of staying up too late.
The thought startled her, and most of her remaining sleepiness vanished. She opened her eyes, but the room was empty; Fu Yu was nowhere to be seen.
She forced herself to sit up and found herself hastily dressed in a nightgown, the buttons undone and the front half-open. Her gaze fell on the conspicuous hickeys on her chest and arms, and the initial pain and subsequent exhaustion of last night resurfaced in her mind. She gritted her teeth and wearily called Yanbo in.
Yanbo, who was waiting in the side room, strode in and said gently, "Young Madam, won't you sleep a little longer?"
"I can't sleep anymore. I have to go to Shou'an Hall."
“The general said there’s no need to rush.” Yanbo lifted the curtain and saw Youtong wrapped in a brocade quilt, sitting on the couch with his head half-lowered. She smiled and said, “He said he had something to do in the morning and had to go out of the city. He won’t be back until noon. He told the young mistress to wait for him to come back and then go to Shou’an Hall together. It’s still early. You can sleep a little longer. If you’re hungry, I’ll go get you a bowl of porridge.”
From this perspective, Fu Yu still has some conscience. With his official duties as an excuse, it's not unreasonable for him to visit his elders in the afternoon.
You Tong's tense nerves relaxed instantly. Without waiting for Yan Bo to say anything more, she closed her eyes, lay back on the couch, and covered her head to sleep again.
I slept very well and comfortably. After waking up, I soaked in warm water for a while, and the discomfort subsided by more than half.
The small kitchen was fully stocked with food, and at noon, Fu Yu indeed returned to the mansion for lunch.
Compared to You Tong's listless and lethargic walk in the morning, he was radiant. He wore a dignified and elegant pine-colored long robe, his black hair tied up with a black gold crown. He stood tall and imposing, with broad shoulders, a slender waist, and long legs. He strode forward with a powerful and vigorous stride. His eyes were deep and sharp, as resolute as ever. They passed over the servants and maids in the courtyard, and only softened slightly when he reached You Tong.
"Have you recovered?" He put down the brocade box in his hand and asked, glancing at her.
You Tong blushed slightly, turned her head away and ignored him, then went out to ask someone to set the table.
Fu Yu didn't take it to heart, and smiled to himself. After finishing his meal, he took her to Shou'an Hall.
...
With only three days left until Lunar New Year's Eve, and having held a grand wedding yesterday to entertain all the guests, the Fu family has been busy all day, and that busyness hasn't dissipated yet.
Shouan Hall was quite quiet.
Yesterday, during the banquet, the women were entertained by Madam Shen and her daughter-in-law, and Madam Han. Madam Fu sat with several important guests for a while before returning to Shou'an Hall to rest. Later, people came to pay their respects one after another, and it was not until the evening that things finally settled down. Madam Fu rested late and got up late, and had just eaten. She was watching the servants water the flowers in the courtyard.
Han was close to her and stayed by her side, while Shen and her daughters-in-law also joined in the fun.
However, compared to the harmonious relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law when Shen was trying to flatter and ingratiate herself, it was now clear that a new favorite had replaced the old. Han was close by, while Shen was relegated to the sidelines, a stark contrast to the previous situation where the family held absolute power. Fortunately, Han was not one to take advantage of favor. Although she pointed out many of Shen's mistakes without reservation when handling matters of the inner quarters, she treated her with the respect due to a junior in their daily interactions. After the commotion lasted for half a year, they were still able to maintain a semblance of peace.
—After all, Madam Shen is the Prime Minister's wife and an elder. Even though she is not favored by the Old Madam, her position is still unshakeable.
After the couple entered and paid their respects, the old lady led everyone into the hall. A short while later, Fu Deqing and Fu Zhao also arrived.
Shouan Hall was spacious, and even with a full house, it didn't feel crowded. Fu Yu and You Tong stood in the main hall. Fu Yu first bowed to the elders and said that he had an urgent matter that morning that required him to leave the city to deal with, and it was not appropriate for You Tong to come alone, which was why it was delayed until now. He asked the elders for their understanding.
Fu Deqing smiled without saying a word, but the old lady, unaware of the situation outside, believed him.
All the past grievances and disagreements are now history.
Seeing her grandson's smug newlywed appearance, she felt happy too. When the couple bowed, she said, "Since Xiuping values you so much, and insisted on marrying you even after all that trouble, he is a man. From now on, you should live in harmony and be considerate of each other. My Fu family is different from others. Our men fight on the frontier and are role models for the people of Qizhou. They must be even more careful and thorough in their actions. As for your hot pot restaurant, Xiuping said that since you are sincere in doing it, he will not restrict you in the future. But Wei, once you enter the Fu family, you must remember that the eyes of the thousands of people under Yongning's command may be watching you. Inside and outside the mansion, you must firmly remember your status as the young mistress of the Fu family, and your behavior must not be improper."
The elderly man, nearing seventy, spoke at length and with great seriousness.
You Tong knelt respectfully on the cushion and bowed, saying, "Grandmother's teachings have been remembered by your granddaughter-in-law."
"This jade bracelet was made by a skilled craftsman and blessed by a high monk when Xiuping was born—" The old lady raised her hand to indicate that a maidservant beside her was holding a brocade box with both hands. She took out a jade bracelet from the box and handed it to You Tong herself, "Now it belongs to you."
You Tong reached out and took it. She saw that the jade bracelet was translucent and exquisite, but it did not have the luster of someone who had cared for it.
The style and color were familiar—every time I saw Madam Han before, she always wore a jade bracelet like this on her wrist. Although she changed her other jewelry, she never added a bracelet. I suppose it was left to Fu Hui's daughter-in-law by Madam Tian. This jade bracelet was born with the Fu family's son, and was blessed and sealed by a high monk. It was given by the mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law as a gift, with profound meaning, and was naturally very precious.
The last time she entered the house, she didn't hear any instructions from her elders, nor did she see such a valuable gift.
Now that the old lady is willing to take it out, she has clearly resigned herself to her fate.
You Tong solemnly accepted the gift, and then bowed to Fu Deqing.
Fu Deqing didn't give any other instructions, only saying that since You Tong had entered the family, they would be a family from now on, and the couple should support each other along the way.