The old lady nodded. "I received a letter the other day. Xiuping has settled things outside and will be back in the next couple of days. Even Hui'er and the others have some free time and can come back to stay for a couple of days. The brothers will arrive one after the other. Zhang'er and his brother are guarding the border and couldn't come back for the New Year. They are enjoying some rare leisure time, so they should have some fun."
Shen was unaware of this news, and upon hearing it, her face lit up with joy. "Really?"
"How could this be fake?"
"Thank goodness, I'm finally able to come back!" Madam Shen patted her chest, overjoyed.
Although she assisted in managing the household affairs, due to her humble origins and limited abilities, she knew very little about external matters and dared not interfere. She had three sons. Her eldest son died in battle seven years ago, leaving behind only a posthumous son, Fu Sheng. Her second son, Fu Zhang, was often busy traveling after getting married, and had hardly had time to have sex with his wife or have a child unless he returned home for a short stay last year. Her third son was about the same age as Fu Yu, and his wife was Zhao. Because the couple lived quite far apart, they had no children.
Mrs. Shen lived with her daughter-in-law and grandson, and she didn't see her son all year round. How could she not miss him?
Now that they heard the two were coming back, they were so happy they didn't know what to do with their hands. When the old lady mentioned it, they immediately started discussing the 100-day celebration.
The Fu family's first great-grandson was Fu Sheng, but he was born posthumously. At that time, Fu Deming was injured and fell ill, his cousin Fu Hui died in battle, and Madam Tian was bedridden. The whole family was saddened and did not make many preparations. Now that a great-grandson has been added, making it four generations under one roof, this 100-year-old banquet should naturally be grand.
The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law discussed the matter, and the Mei family also helped to come up with ideas, sorting out the things that needed to be prepared and assigning them as soon as possible.
Having stayed at the Fu family for a long time, You Tong couldn't remain completely detached from this situation and would occasionally join in the discussion.
The old lady had previously been indifferent to her, but after Fu Deqing was injured and You Tong took good care of him, she developed a better impression of her. Seeing that Madam Shen repeatedly mentioned Shen Yueyi, she guessed her intention and did not show any favoritism. She simply shifted her gaze to You Tong and said, "Madam Wei has been married into the household for a year now. Although I have entrusted the affairs of the inner quarters to your aunt, there are still many things to do in the South and West Towers. When Lan Yin gets married, you will have to work hard. This time, help your aunt with the preparations for her 100th birthday banquet. Consider it learning from her."
Upon hearing this, both You Tong and Madam Shen were taken aback.
—Since the old lady got old, all the arrangements for banquets held in the mansion and those attended outside have been handled by Madam Shen. In the past, when something happened, You Tong would only go to help out in emergencies, and the arrangements were handled by Madam Shen and her daughters-in-law. Now, it is really strange that she is suddenly asked to assist in the arrangements and interfere in the eldest branch's 100th birthday banquet.
Compared to the previous prejudice and indifference, this attitude of great importance is like a change from rain to sunshine, which is quite strange.
As if lost in thought, Madam Shen turned her gaze to You Tong. Before she could reply, she suddenly heard a servant's voice outside the window greeting Fu Yu.
As if telepathically connected, You Tong turned to look out the window the moment the voice came.
A smile immediately appeared on his lips upon seeing the familiar figure.
...
After Fu Yu left, You Tong was truly conflicted for several days.
Previously, she felt that the Fu family was like a cage, a confinement. Apart from Lan Yin, there was nothing in the entire mansion she longed for. Her husband, in particular, was arrogant, cold, and fierce, someone she had to keep her distance from. Given this situation, she was unwilling to compromise and serve her elders obsequiously. She could only remain in a secluded corner, waiting to receive the divorce papers and leave the mansion to seek a peaceful life. At that time, Fu Yu could also marry another virtuous wife, achieving the best of both worlds.
Upon learning that the Fu family was plotting to seize power and vie for supremacy, they dared not get involved.
Therefore, when Fu Yu probed her at the inn that night, she refused to tell him without hesitation.
The situation is now slightly different. Fu Yu's change of attitude was unexpected, and the Fu family's situation is not as bad as it was initially.
The Fu family, renowned throughout Qizhou, while bound by rules and regulations, also possessed many warm and inviting aspects that she found captivating. For example, the charming and endearing Fu Lanyin, the stubborn yet kind-hearted Fu Zhao, and the generous and compassionate Fu Deqing. These days at Xieyangzhai, although she was constantly on the go, You Tong never felt tired or bothered. She even secretly longed to go there, even just to sit with Fu Lanyin and her brother, listening to Fu Deqing tell stories of the outside world—that would be wonderful.
She wanted to make a living by opening a hot pot restaurant, living freely and not being bound by the shackles of wealth and status.
If possible, she would also desire a warm and comfortable family, harmonious relatives and friends, and the ability to frequently gather and enjoy each other's company.
In the past, these two groups would have been completely incompatible. She never imagined she would have the good fortune to experience kinship in the prejudiced Fu family. Now, however, she was gradually feeling a little reluctant to let go. At least she didn't want to be too arbitrary, blind, or unclear in severing ties, which would put her in an awkward position and disappoint those who cared about her.
She was fully aware of the Fu family's flaws and had weighed them in her mind countless times. But what about the other side of the Fu family?
She seemed to be avoiding the issue and never thought about it deeply.
As for what to do next, only by figuring it out and trying it out can we follow our hearts and make choices.
As for Fu Yu's attitude, she should at least understand it thoroughly before making a conclusion.
After figuring this out, my heart finally settled down.
She was delighted when she heard the old lady say that Fu Yu was about to return. But as if sensing something, she turned around and saw him.
Beneath his black crown, his eyebrows were finely arched and his eyes handsome, his appearance stern and resolute, his bearing magnanimous. His eyes, as deep and cold as polished black jade, when slightly angry, none of the servants in the entire mansion dared to meet his gaze. But now, however, they held a hint of urgency. Upon entering, his gaze met You Tong's through the window. Beside the red-lacquered door, shaded by lush wisteria, he wore a lake-blue summer robe, its wide sleeves fluttering, his figure upright and elegant, his demeanor dashing.
The couple's eyes were locked on one another until Old Madam Fu asked who it was, at which point You Tong turned around and said, "It's my husband who's back."
"I really can't help but nag." Old Madam Fu nodded, noticing that Madam Shen seemed lost in thought, but ignored her and turned her head to say, "Yueyi, there's some refreshing cheese that Nanlou just sent over from inside. I've saved two bowls for you and your mother. Go and have your mother try it." Her voice was polite, but it carried the air of someone who had long been in a superior position and didn't allow for refusal. Then she smiled slightly at Madam Mei, "It tastes very sweet and refreshing. Your maternal uncle might like it."
This was to get the two of them away.
Although Shen Yueyi and her daughter were guests, in terms of status and ability, they were far inferior to the Fu family.
We usually keep each other company and joke around because of Madam Shen's face. Now that the old lady wants us to leave, how can we be negligent?
Although Madam Mei found this attitude strange, she didn't dare to delay. She simply stood up with a smile and said, "Thank you for your concern, Madam." As she spoke, she was accompanied by the head maid of Shou'an Hall and walked into the inner room. When Shen Yueyi heard that Fu Yu had returned, her heart was pounding. She hadn't even had time to tidy her appearance. Hearing this arrangement, she could only get up and walk inside.
As Fu Yu passed through the passageway and entered the house, the figures of the mother and daughter also turned behind the curtain in the inner room.
When he looked out the window, his gaze was fixed on You Tong. He didn't notice the Shen family mother and daughter. When he entered the house, he only greeted his grandmother and aunt. When he saw an empty armchair next to You Tong, he went over and sat down.
The maidservant hurriedly served tea, the steam rising gently.
Fu Yu was still hot from walking and had no interest in tea. Seeing the sliced fruits on the small round table, he took the bamboo skewer that You Tong had used and ate them.
He slightly raised his eyes and saw Shen looking at You Tong, scrutinizing her as if he were examining her closely.
His eyes darkened slightly, and he coughed lightly. Shen seemed to realize this and quickly looked away.
Cicadas chirped loudly in the old banyan tree outside, while the windmill inside hummed softly, sending in gusts of cool breeze.
Madam Shen snapped out of her reverie. Thinking of her son's imminent return to Qizhou, she temporarily set aside her other thoughts and simply smiled, saying, "Xiuping is back so quickly this time. I thought it would take two days. It's so hot outside, and he rushed back to see the old lady first. He's very thoughtful."
"It's the height of summer, and I was worried that my grandmother might be unwell, so I came over first."
Fu Yu seized the opportunity and asked the old lady how she was feeling.
After the old lady said that she had been treated by a doctor and was in good health, she noticed that Madam Shen kept glancing over in their direction, looking as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. She guessed what Madam Shen meant and said, "My two cousins set off around the same time as me, but I was in a hurry to take care of some business, so I was a step ahead. They should be able to return by tomorrow night. Aunt, you can also tell Uncle."
This truly delighted Madam Shen. Thinking that she should go back and prepare some things for her two sons' return, she couldn't sit still and made an excuse to leave.
Fu Yu didn't say much in front of his grandmother, sitting there listlessly and bored. After exchanging greetings, he also brought You Tong out.
...
The sun was blazing hot outside, with only occasional clouds drifting by, bringing a brief respite from the heat.
From Shou'an Hall to the South Building, there were shady corridors along the way. You Tong had brought an umbrella, which she left at the entrance of Shou'an Hall. With its bamboo frame and handle, and a painted black lid, it provided shade, making the journey less unbearable. The only problem was that Fu Yu was tall and had long legs, so she couldn't easily bump his head with the umbrella; she could only hold it as high as possible.
Her sleeve slipped down, revealing her slender, fair wrist. Her summer dress was thin, and beneath the light gauze, her skin was soft and delicate, as if it could be broken with a touch.
Fu Yu glanced at her, seeing that she was struggling to lift it, and casually took it from her to support her. "When I went there just now, were you discussing something?"
"You could even guess that?" You Tong was slightly surprised, her almond-shaped eyes looking over, clear as a spring.
Fu Yu pursed his lips and nodded, "Your aunt was paying attention to you just now."
That's really keen observation. You Tong thought he was too busy with military and political affairs to notice the undercurrents between the women and their mothers-in-law.
She then explained, “Grandmother was very happy to hear that my two cousins were coming back. It just so happens that Yuesheng’s 100th birthday is coming up soon, so she wanted to hold a big celebration. Because she was worried that my aunt would be too busy, she asked me to help with the arrangements. But my husband came back just as we were talking about it, and we didn’t mention it again.”
Shen was sizing her up, presumably to "help with the arrangements."
After all, after Madam Tian left, only Madam Shen, who was young and strong, was left in the Fu family to manage the affairs of the inner quarters. She had all the account books and keys in the mansion, many capable servants by her side, and three daughters-in-law to help. Even when it came to organizing the old lady's birthday banquet, there was no shortage of manpower. Why would she need to interfere with the children's 100-day celebrations?
You Tong couldn't figure out the old lady's intention in making such an arrangement, but she felt that Madam Shen might not be happy for her to get involved. Seeing that Fu Yu had brought it up specifically, she took the opportunity to say, "What does my husband think I should do?"
"Auntie can manage it; just let her arrange everything."
You Tong readily agreed, but after walking a few more steps, she felt a bit down again. "In the blink of an eye, it's already autumn."
"What?" Fu Yu asked, puzzled.
“All summer long, apart from attending two banquets with my aunt, I haven’t stepped out of the mansion, let alone left the city. I’m so bored and musty staying in the mansion all day. Husband—may I go out to offer incense in a couple of days?” She raised her eyes and eyebrows, making no attempt to hide her true intention of offering incense, her expression carrying a hint of cunning and probing, quite different from her previous reserved and composed demeanor.
Fu Yu noticed the expectation in her eyes, and his lips twitched slightly.
"Okay, I'll go with you."
Chapter 63 Playing
After several months, You Tong was finally able to leave the city to relax, and she was undoubtedly very happy.
Before dawn, she woke up excitedly. She lay there with her eyes open for a while, but she couldn't fall back asleep. So she got up to do her hair and makeup. After eating, she saw that it was still early, so she took a stroll around Wangyun Tower on the north slope to get some fresh air, and then went straight to Shou'an Hall.
As expected, Fu Yu strode over at the corner.
When You Tong caught sight of him across the corridor, her gaze involuntarily paused.
He clearly had no intention of going to the government office or the military camp today. He neatly tied his hair with a jade crown and wore a dark blue, cross-collared long robe of excellent quality, brand new and noble. Usually, a black sword or an elaborate and cumbersome robe would hang from his lean waist, giving him an awe-inspiring presence. But today, he only wore a brocade belt with a jade pendant. He already possessed handsome eyebrows and bright eyes, and a tall and slender figure. With his cold and stern aura slightly toned down, he had the refined and imposing air of a noble young master.
But his feet seemed to carry him on a whirlwind, and he walked briskly with his back straight, lacking the leisurely stroll he used to have.
You Tong smiled and stopped to wait for him.
When Fu Yu got closer, they went together to pay their respects.
After a few polite exchanges, Old Madam Fu noticed something amiss with Fu Yu's attire and asked, "Aren't you going out of the manor today?"
“We need to go out.” Fu Yu maintained his calm and dignified demeanor in front of his grandmother. “Lan Yin wants to go to Jing’an Temple.”
Jing'an Temple was where Fu Hui's wife, Han, lived. It was only about twenty li from Qizhou City, and the temple was not frequented by the common people, making it a very quiet and secluded place. After Fu Hui died in battle, Tian fell ill due to the loss of her son, and Han was also very sad. Despite her grief, she took care of her mother-in-law. After Tian passed away, Han, who had no children and missed her deceased husband, decided that staying in the mansion would only increase her sorrow. So she moved to the temple to live and pray for her late husband.
In recent years, apart from going to Jinzhao Temple to offer incense together every year, he only occasionally interacted with Fu Lanyin.
Fu Deqing had promised her that she could remarry, but Han refused and went with her.
Although the old lady did not like Han Shi leaving the mansion to live in seclusion, she felt that Han Shi had deep affection for her grandson, so she did not stop her. When she heard that Fu Zhao was also going, she asked the servants to fetch a few things for Fu Yu to take along the way.
Fu Yu agreed, and then casually added, "You Tong hasn't been there yet, I'll take her with me."
"She stayed at the manor; she had other matters to attend to."
This is exactly what Fu Yu wanted to say.
He slightly raised his eyes, glanced at the maid behind the old lady, and lightly moved past her without saying a word.
The old lady understood, dismissed the maids and servants, and said, "What, do you have something to say?"
"It's about the 100th birthday banquet." Fu Yu said seriously, lowering his voice. "Since my mother passed away, the household affairs have always been managed by my aunt. She has also put in a lot of effort for Lan Yin and Zhao'er's affairs and has never made a mistake. For such a banquet, my aunt has enough servants. If she is too busy, You Tong can help. But if we say that she is assisting in the preparations, I'm afraid it will make my aunt think too much."
He has never inquired about matters of the inner quarters, so there must be a reason for his solemn mention of them now.
The old lady subconsciously looked at You Tong and saw that she had lowered her eyes and tucked her sleeves, showing no sign of anything amiss.
The first thought that came to the old lady's mind was displeasure. She assumed that You Tong was being lazy and unwilling to put in the effort, which was why she had asked Fu Yu to intercede for her. But this thought was quickly suppressed. Although she was prone to being emotional as she got older, she was not senile. Her slightly cloudy eyes scrutinized Fu Yu, then looked at You Tong, before she said, "You mean, we shouldn't let her interfere in matters of the inner quarters for now?"
"You Tong is still young, so she can just take care of her grandson's daily life. There's no need for her to go to her aunt's place and cause trouble."
Fu Yu's tone was firm, almost leaving no room for doubt.
Seeing that he spoke earnestly, and with You Tong present, the old lady did not ask further questions, but simply nodded in agreement.