Chapter 140: Marriage Arrangements
Fu Tingyun had expected her words to provoke at least displeasure, if not outright fury, from her mother. To her surprise, Madam Fu merely sighed softly, smiled, and murmured, "Silly child," before instructing Xiuzhu's family to fetch the almanac. As she flipped through its pages, she mused, "The sixth day of the eighth month is an auspicious date..."
Zhao Ling's face lit up with joy. Before Madam Fu could even finish speaking, he knelt by the bed and declared, "I humbly request your permission to marry your daughter on the sixth day of the eighth month!"
His exuberance and quick-wittedness drew laughter not only from Madam Fu but even from Xiuzhu's family.
The previously stifling atmosphere in the room instantly brightened, filling with cheer.
Only Fu Tingyun remained stunned. One moment she had been earnestly expressing her thoughts to her mother, and the next, the conversation had veered abruptly toward her marriage. The sudden turn left her wide-eyed and bewildered.
Madam Fu, watching her daughter's expression, was reminded of Fu Tingyun's innocent childhood and found her utterly endearing, her smile widening.
Blushing furiously under her mother's gaze, Fu Tingyun clung to her arm and whined, "Mother!" Yet, uncertain of her mother's stance, her voice wavered with hesitation.
Madam Fu's smile faded slightly. "You're no longer a child. You've journeyed from Huayin to the capital and experienced much. Since you've made up your mind, I won't try to dissuade you." Her expression grew solemn as she continued, "However, no matter what your father has done, he is still your father. The bonds of ruler and subject, father and child, are fundamental to human ethics. You must never commit any act of filial impiety, lest it tarnish your reputation..."
Fu Tingyun's eyes widened in shock. "Why would you say that, Mother? Could Father have...?" The unspoken question hung in the air, laced with dread.
She stared at her mother anxiously, her emotions in turmoil.
A shadow of sorrow flickered in Madam Fu's eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared. "Regardless, your father failed to stand up for you—that was his failing."
For some reason, Fu Tingyun felt an immense wave of relief wash over her.
Madam Fu then glanced at Zhao Ling, who remained composed, eyes downcast as if oblivious to the conversation.
With an inward sigh, Madam Fu said, "But the Fu family gave you poison, severing all ties of life and kinship. Any debt of gratitude has been repaid—especially since you were disowned. If you ever encounter Fu family members again, seeking petty vengeance for past grievances would only reflect poorly on your character. Yet, clinging blindly to blood ties and groveling before them would be foolish. The wisest path is to live well—that is the way to prosper."
This was precisely what Fu Tingyun had believed.
Yet, deep down, she still held onto the bond she once shared with her father.
Her mother's words lifted a crushing weight from her heart, leaving her feeling light and unburdened.
"Mother..." she whispered gratefully, tears welling in her eyes.
Madam Fu smiled gently before turning to Zhao Ling. "The room is rather stifling. Lord Zhao, why not accompany Xiuzhu's family outside for some tea? There are a few private matters I'd like to discuss with Quan Hui."Zhao Ling promptly responded with a respectful "Yes" and withdrew with Xiuzhu's family.
Sounds from outside the door drifted in.
Madam Fu's expression turned slightly cold.
Fu Tingyun, her face burning with embarrassment and her heart in turmoil, failed to notice. She merely lowered her head shyly and called out, "Mother."
Madam Fu's expression grew stern. Instead of relaxing as one might when speaking privately with a daughter, she became even more serious than when Zhao Ling had been present. "Do you know that Yu Da Gongzi has been named the top scholar and is now serving as an editor in the Hanlin Academy?" she asked.
Speaking of this, Fu Tingyun replied candidly, "I’ve heard. I also heard that this year, there were no Scholarly candidate examinations—only the top three scholars remained in the Hanlin Academy."
She was somewhat puzzled. Logically, ever since the Fu family had announced her death and returned Yu Da Gongzi’s betrothal letter to the Yu Family, there should have been no further connection between her and Yu Da Gongzi. Why was her mother bringing this up now?
Madam Fu studied Fu Tingyun intently, only to find her daughter composed and open, her clear eyes like spring water, free of any hidden emotions. She couldn’t help but press a hand to her forehead and laugh ruefully. "It seems I was overthinking things."
Fu Tingyun didn’t understand.
Madam Fu explained, "I was worried that your marriage to Lord Zhao was merely a compromise, and that you still harbored feelings for Yu Da Gongzi. But I see now that you are far more clear-headed than I imagined." Still, she couldn’t resist adding, "Most men in this world would rather bend their principles for their careers than show weakness before a woman. Lord Zhao saved your life, stormed into the Fu family for you, and knelt to propose despite the damage to his reputation. He has shown you nothing but devotion and loyalty—you must cherish that. Never compare Yu Da Gongzi to Lord Zhao. No matter how outstanding Yu Da Gongzi may be, he is an outsider now. No matter how flawed Lord Zhao may seem, he is the one who will grow old with you and father your children. Remember this." Her earnest admonitions revealed her fear that her daughter might grow restless and dissatisfied.
This was the heart of a loving mother.
Fu Tingyun’s eyes reddened slightly, and she nodded repeatedly. "Mother, don’t worry. Zhao... Ling," she stammered, her face flushing at the mention of his name in front of her mother, "treats me very well." Afraid her mother wouldn’t believe her, she added, "Extremely well, extremely well." As if even that wasn’t enough, she murmured, "He... he promised me there would never be anyone else between us."
No one else between them!
For now, they were young, Zhao Ling was only just rising in influence, and her daughter was as beautiful as a flower. Naturally, there could be no one else between them.
But who could say what the future held?
Only a child as naive as her daughter, unaware of life’s harsh realities, would believe that "no one else between us" meant a blissful, carefree marriage forever.
Madam Fu exhaled softly.
Every woman had a few good years—let her daughter enjoy these happy years while they lasted. There was no need to dampen her spirits now.
With a smile, Madam Fu patted Fu Tingyun’s hand. "Then you must strive even harder to live well with Lord Zhao."Fu Tingyun's face flushed crimson as she nodded, her heart filled with embarrassment. Afraid her mother would continue the topic, she quickly changed the subject and voiced her lingering doubts: "Mother, do you know why Father refused to stand up for me back then? Could he have suspected that I... that Zuo Junjie and I...? And Uncle—why didn’t he settle the matter quickly after capturing Zuo Junjie? Instead, he kept him confined at home for two or three months, letting the situation spiral out of control. Who suggested forcing me to drink that medicine? And why did Grandmother agree to it...?"
Seeing her daughter’s agitation, Madam Fu pressed her lips together and interrupted, "Some matters have two sides to them. If there’s anyone to blame, it’s your uncle and father for chasing empty reputations and ruining your life..." Her voice was heavy, as though weighed down by countless unspoken emotions.
Fu Tingyun thought of the expensive jewelry and two thousand taels of silver her mother had secretly sent through Zhao Ling, of how her mother had frantically sent Xiuzhu’s family to search for her upon learning she was alive, of the careful tests and gentle reassurances her mother had given Zhao Ling... She fell silent.
If even her mother, who loved her so dearly, had been powerless to intervene during her confinement, the situation must have been far more complicated than she realized. And it involved both her uncle and father!
A flicker of disappointment crossed her heart, but remembering her mother’s support in uncovering the truth, she perked up again. Hesitantly, she asked, "Mother, why are you living here? I..." Realizing she was helpless to change her father’s hostility or her mother’s circumstances, she changed tack. "My sister-in-law seems kind. Perhaps I could speak to her—"
"No need," Madam Fu cut her off calmly. "I chose to live here. It’s peaceful." She added firmly, "Don’t trouble yourself with this. Though my health is frail, my mind is clear—I have my own plans."
Was her mother staying here out of defiance toward Father over what had happened to her?
As Fu Tingyun pondered this, Madam Fu asked, "Do you still have the two thousand taels I gave you?"
She had used it to buy the house. But fearing her mother might misunderstand and think Zhao Ling had taken the money, she quickly nodded. "Yes, it’s still there."
"Good." Madam Fu sighed. "Xiuzhu’s family told me Zhao Ling bought a house in Shi Family Alley, owns three shops in Xi’an, and over a thousand acres of fertile land. That’s very well." Her eyes dimmed with guilt. "With your uncle gone, those two thousand taels were all the savings I had left. For your marriage, I’ve nothing else to give you. Use that silver to prepare what you need. What belongs to the Zhao family is theirs—what’s yours remains yours."
At the mention of her uncle, Fu Tingyun’s nose stung with tears.
Back then, her uncle had pitied Father’s meager official salary and sent them thousands of taels yearly to ensure they lived comfortably. He had even promised to gift her ten thousand taels as dowry when she married...
Madam Fu’s eyes reddened as well.Fu Tingyun quickly comforted her mother, "Don't worry, I know what to do!" Then she spoke of her uncle, "...At that time, it wasn't proper for me to stay in Weinan without justification. I only observed nine months of mourning for uncle and arranged a Buddhist ritual for him at Daxingshan Temple. Once I'm settled, I'll return to Weinan to personally pay respects at his grave."
Madam Fu nodded and said, "I've spoken with your father about having Wu Laoye from the respected Xie family select an honest and dutiful child to carry on your uncle's lineage. When you return, you should meet the child. If they ever need help in the future, you can offer guidance."
Although her uncle's house had burned down, he still owned fertile farmland and shops, which likely attracted many covetous eyes from the Xie family. For her uncle's sake, she would certainly lend support.
"Don't worry, mother. I'll definitely visit the child."
Madam Fu relaxed slightly and said, "In a couple of days, I'll have Xiu Zhu's family come over to help you prepare." She then smiled.
Was this to help with her wedding preparations?
But if Xiu Zhu's family came, who would attend to her mother?
Judging by today's events, neither her father nor her sister-in-law could be relied upon.
Feigning a coquettish tone, she chided, "Don't worry about my affairs. I've inquired—there are shops that specialize in handling weddings and funerals. I'll hire someone to arrange everything when the time comes. But what about you? What did the doctor say? What medicine have you been taking lately? Is Xiu Zhu's family managing alone to attend to you?" She thought of how, back at the Fu family home in Huayin, her mother had four personal maids, not to mention all the other attendants. A pang of sadness struck her. "How about I buy a capable woman to serve you? If father asks, just say you bought her yourself. I'll cover the monthly allowance anyway!"
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Returned from a business trip to relay instructions, then spent the whole day in meetings... (>_
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