Chapter 211: Hints
Early the next morning, Fu Tingyun rose lazily from bed to find Zhao Ling had already left for the Five Armies Commandery.
She first summoned A Sen for a talk. "...Your Ninth Master said you should take all the properties I previously prepared for you with you."
This meant he had agreed to the matrilocal marriage.
Overjoyed, A Sen squatted before Fu Tingyun with a silly grin. "Sister-in-law, I don’t want them! Leave those properties for Youyou!"
"Nonsense," Fu Tingyun scolded lightly, sharing in his happiness. "Do you really plan to live off the Wang family’s wealth? Just follow the arrangements your Ninth Master and I have made!"
A Sen scratched his head and chuckled. "Alright then! I’ll just help Youyou prepare a dowry later!" His expression then turned earnest. "I refuse to believe that by the time Youyou grows up, I won’t have the means to do so!"
Fu Tingyun was surprised but pleased by his ambition. She teased, "Are you worried your Ninth Master can’t afford to marry off his daughter?"
A Sen straightened his expression and replied solemnly, "Even crows show filial piety by feeding their parents, and lambs kneel to nurse. I was raised by Ninth Master and you, Sister-in-law. If I can’t even manage this much, how could I call myself a man?"
The atmosphere grew serious.
Fu Tingyun was momentarily taken aback but deeply moved by his sincerity. Encouraging him, she said, "Very well. Our Youyou’s dowry will be in your hands."
"Don’t worry, Sister-in-law!" A Sen thumped his chest confidently.
Fu Tingyun added, "Then you must study harder. If the engagement with the Wang family is settled but you haven’t passed the imperial exams, people might think you’re unreliable."
A Sen nodded repeatedly. "I’ll head to school now."
With a smile, Fu Tingyun saw him off at the inner gate, offering him some parting advice.
As she turned back, she spotted Zhang Shi stepping out of the side room with her eldest son, Yi Ge'er, in her arms.
Noticing Fu Tingyun, Zhang Shi quickly explained with a smile, "This child has been spoiled by my mother. He insists on going out as soon as he wakes up, or he becomes restless..."
This was a good opportunity to discuss Zhao Ling’s plans.
Fu Tingyun approached and patted Yi Ge'er’s head affectionately. "All children are like that. Our Xi Ge'er is thrilled at the idea of going out, but if he’s stuck indoors, he fidgets like he’s sitting on pins and needles." She then continued, "Now that you’re a mother, you’re tied down too. Wherever I go, I have two little shadows following me. It’s been a while since we’ve had a proper chat. How is Uncle Yang doing at the Daxing Garrison?"
Coming from an official’s family and being sharp-witted, Zhang Shi was attuned to subtle cues. Considering Zhao Ling had just returned and Fu Tingyun was inquiring about Yang Yucheng’s well-being, she wondered if there was more to it.
She chose her words carefully. "My husband is straightforward and well-liked. Even if something bothers him, he brushes it off with a laugh. I haven’t noticed anything particularly troubling him."
Her response conveyed that Yang Yucheng was doing well at the Daxing Garrison while also hinting that not everything was smooth sailing.
Fu Tingyun nodded inwardly, impressed. Despite her youth and lack of hardships, Zhang Shi was astute. Compared to Yang Yucheng’s carefree nature, her thoughtfulness made them a perfect match."It's like this," she said softly. "Ninth Master's intention is that without military achievements, promotion in the army is difficult. He wanted to ask Uncle Yang about his plans—whether he'd be willing to follow Ninth Master to Xuanfu. Considering he's married now, this matter should be discussed with you first..."
Zhang Shi was delighted.
Following Zhao Ling—what more could one ask for?
For a moment, she nearly agreed immediately with Fu Tingyun, but then it occurred to her: since Fu Tingyun had thought to consult her on such an important matter, how could she make the decision without asking Yang Yucheng first?
"Sister-in-law, I'll go discuss this with my husband right away," she said, hastily bowing to Fu Tingyun before heading to the east wing where they rested.
Still young, she couldn't quite contain her eagerness.
Fu Tingyun watched her retreating, slightly flustered figure with a smile, then made her way to the southern study where Jin Yuanbao and his wife were staying.
Jin Yuanbao had lived there back when they were in Shi Family Alley.
By the time she arrived, the couple had already risen. One was sitting under the old locust tree in the courtyard with a book, while the other sat quietly nearby, stitching shoe soles as they waited for breakfast.
"Sister-in-law is here!" Shi Shi exclaimed upon noticing Fu Tingyun, immediately setting aside her needlework to offer her own bamboo stool. She personally poured a cup of cool tea for her guest.
Jin Yuanbao greeted Fu Tingyun with a smile. Seeing her take up Shi Shi's needlework to chat, he excused himself to put away his book and disappeared into the inner room for quite some time.
Fu Tingyun couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
With Jin Yuanbao's keen perception, it was truly a waste for him not to be an advisor!
What surprised her even more was Shi Shi.
Once Jin Yuanbao had gone inside, she asked Fu Tingyun with a smile, "Sister-in-law, did you need something from me?"
Fu Tingyun couldn't resist remarking, "Indeed, like attracts like. You both usually seem so quiet, yet your insight is remarkably sharp."
Shi Shi smiled modestly. "You flatter me, sister-in-law. It's just that since you're good friends with my cousin and my husband often speaks of how you and Ninth Master have looked after him, I naturally feel close to you. That's why I speak so frankly in your presence."
Fu Tingyun laughed.
Another capable one.
A virtuous wife is a treasure to the household.
This family was surely on the rise!
The thought made her smile even brighter.
She explained Zhao Ling's proposal to Shi Shi.
Shi Shi remained perfectly composed, simply saying with a smile, "I'll fetch my husband then!" and went straight to the inner room.
Yet another surprise.
Fu Tingyun touched her nose thoughtfully.
Clearly, not all women yearned for their husbands to seek fame and fortune.
Otherwise, why would there be that saying, "Regret teaching my husband to seek nobility"?
Amidst these wandering thoughts, Jin Yuanbao emerged briskly.
He bowed respectfully to Fu Tingyun and said cheerfully, "I'm willing to follow Ninth Master to Xuanfu. Please convey this to him, sister-in-law."
Fu Tingyun glanced at Shi Shi.
Shi Shi smiled. "The wife follows the husband's lead. Like you, sister-in-law, my first concern upon hearing about the frontier was for my husband's safety—I nearly forgot this was also an opportunity."
What a way to say "nearly forgot this was also an opportunity"!
Fu Tingyun nodded with a pleased smile.
When Zhao Ling returned, she recounted everything in detail: "...Just as I left Jin Yuanbao's place, I ran into Yang Yucheng—he was urgently looking for me, wanting to follow you to Xuanfu too."Zhao Ling sighed with emotion, "Thank goodness I listened to you and first sounded out Zhang Shi and Shi Shi's opinions!"
Fu Tingyun teased him playfully, "How else could I be your virtuous helpmate?"
"You? A virtuous helpmate?" Zhao Ling gazed at her with a meaningful smile, his eyes twinkling. "Hey, I'll be home all day tomorrow..."
Fu Tingyun let out a mock "Pah!" at him and left the inner chamber.
Zhao Ling burst into hearty laughter.
The next day, Fu Tingyun went to see Chen Shi.
Upon learning that Zhao Ling had also agreed to the marriage proposal, Chen Shi beamed and went to the Wang family.
Although arranging the marriage while Zhao Ling was in the capital seemed somewhat rushed, it would make the occasion more ceremonious.
The Wang couple immediately consented.
Both families busied themselves with hiring matchmakers, exchanging betrothal documents, and drafting the marriage contract. Fu Tingyun sent word to Master Lu, asking him to have the land deeds sent to the capital. She also found time to meet with Shopkeeper Ye San to finalize their joint venture in opening a restaurant. Seizing the opportunity, Shopkeeper Ye San introduced his eldest daughter-in-law, Peng Shi, to Fu Tingyun. Meanwhile, A Sen passed the Prefectural Examination and became a Tribute Student, bringing immense joy to the Wang family. Zhao Ling and Fu Tingyun were also overjoyed... Amidst all this hustle and bustle, July arrived in the blink of an eye. The Tatar Khan sent his eldest son, Emu'ne, to represent the Tatars in surrendering. The Emperor decided to accept the Tatar surrender documents at the Meridian Gate. As the Deputy Commander of Xuanfu who had once captured the leader of the Uliangha tribe and accompanied the Tatar envoy to the capital, Zhao Ling was discovered by officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites to be well-versed in ceremonial protocols. They promptly enlisted his help, and the Emperor issued an edict appointing Zhao Ling to oversee the surrender ceremony. He was tasked with arranging the ceremony according to regulations while mediating disputes between the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Rites, and even the Five Armies Commandery, leaving him swamped with work.
Fu Tingyun, however, noticed that her monthly cycle had not arrived as expected.
She dared not engage in any more intimate activities with Zhao Ling.
Zhao Ling quickly guessed the reason and, with a delighted expression, touched her belly, asking, "Are we really expecting?"
His elated demeanor inexplicably filled Fu Tingyun with joy.
"Perhaps!" she replied cautiously, not entirely certain. "We'll know for sure in a few days."
Zhao Ling held her tightly in his arms, remaining silent for a long while.
Fu Tingyun, feeling slightly breathless from his embrace, patted his shoulder and said, "Hey, it's not like this is your first time becoming a father. Besides, we don't even know for sure yet..."
Zhao Ling said nothing, simply continuing to hold her.
His unusual behavior made Fu Tingyun's heart tremble. She returned his embrace and asked softly, "What's wrong?"
"Nannan," Zhao Ling's voice was choked with emotion, "thank you..." He seemed at a loss for words, hesitating before continuing, "I've always wanted a wife like you, and then to have many children... Nannan... I'll be good to you for the rest of my life... We'll grow old together, surrounded by children and grandchildren..."
Tears suddenly welled up in Fu Tingyun's eyes.
"Yes!" she leaned against Zhao Ling's shoulder. "We'll have many children... and grow old together..."
A summer breeze blew past, rustling the pomegranate flowers outside the window.
Zhao Ling gently released Fu Tingyun, his deep gaze lingering on her forehead, temples, eyes, and lips.
"Nannan," he murmured, "the Emperor might issue an edict posthumously honoring my parents... I was thinking, when the time comes, we could move my father and mother's graves to Chang'an County. We could settle down there. What do you think?"
This had already been discussed and agreed upon earlier.Zhao Ling brought up the past again, unusually agitated today, likely recalling those unpleasant memories from before.
"Alright!" Fu Tingyun smiled gently, nestling into his arms once more. "When the time comes, we'll buy some land in Chang'an and move your father and mother's graves there. When we grow old, we'll be buried there too..."
But Zhao Ling said, "I'm worried it might attract the Zhao family... and put you in an awkward position..."
Fu Tingyun blinked at him playfully, "Do you want to rejoin the Zhao family?"
Zhao Ling was taken aback.
Fu Tingyun had already laughed, "Since we don't share the same ancestral hall with the Songjiang Zhaos, what's there to be awkward about?"
Zhao Ling paused, then began to laugh.
Seeing this, Fu Tingyun laughed too.
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O(∩_∩)O~
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(End of Chapter)
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