Chapter 226: Establishing a Shrine
The adults hadn't noticed the children's unusual behavior.
Sixth Sister, Tenth Sister, and Eleventh Sister decided to stay at Fu Tingyun's home for two more days to wait for Eighth Sister.
On the third day of the tenth month, Eighth Sister arrived as promised.
The sisters reunited, naturally filling the air with laughter and chatter once again.
Yet no feast in this world lasts forever, especially since they were all wives with influence in their marital homes—some even managed household affairs. The last to arrive, Eighth Sister, was the first to bid farewell:
"...My sister-in-law has given birth three times in a row, and only now has she finally had a son. I already missed the three-day bath ceremony—if I don’t attend the full month ceremony, she might misunderstand and think I’m displeased."
Eighth Sister had given birth to two sons in quick succession after her marriage.
Fu Tingyun understood completely.
She instructed Zheng San to help load the return gifts for Eighth Sister onto the hired carriage and saw her off at the front gate.
Soon after, Eleventh Sister also prepared to leave:
"...My mother-in-law is currently locked in a battle of wits with my eldest sister-in-law. When I left, she repeatedly urged me to return early—she’s counting on me to lend her a hand!" As she spoke, she couldn’t help but smile bitterly.
Eleventh Sister’s husband’s birth mother was a stepmother, while his eldest brother was the child of the first wife. Though her mother-in-law doted on Eleventh Sister as her own daughter-in-law, she constantly found fault with the eldest sister-in-law.
Fifth Sister couldn’t help but advise Eleventh Sister:
"In matters like these, it’s best to stay out of it. The younger generation is watching closely—be careful, or they might follow your example later."
Third Sister interjected:
"Every family has its own difficulties. Eleventh Sister isn’t a child anymore—she knows her own mind. Those who don’t drink the tea shouldn’t comment on whether it’s hot or cold. Don’t give advice where it isn’t needed."
Eleventh Sister listened and cast a grateful glance at Third Sister.
Sixth Sister and Tenth Sister had arrived in Eleventh Sister’s carriage, so naturally, they left together as well.
Madam Fu, seeing this, also took her leave.
Fu Tingyun, along with Third Sister, Fifth Sister, and Seventh Sister, escorted the three of them to their carriage.
The next morning, after breakfast, Seventh Sister bid Fu Tingyun farewell.
Knowing that Seventh Sister still had to return home to prepare for her newborn son San San’s hundred-day celebration, Fu Tingyun didn’t press her to stay. She packed all the prepared return gifts, presents for the children, and congratulatory gifts for San San’s hundred-day ceremony into trunks and had Zheng San load them onto the carriage.
"I hope your brother-in-law earns a first-class graduate rank or is selected as a scholarly candidate. If so, I’ll bring the children to the capital to visit you," Seventh Sister said, reluctant to part.
Both sisters knew that even if this happened, they likely wouldn’t see each other for another three years. Tears welled up in Fu Tingyun’s eyes:
"Seventh Sister, I’ll be waiting for you in the capital."
Seventh Sister nodded tearfully and boarded the carriage.
Fu Tingyun stood at the front gate until the carriage disappeared at the end of the alley. Only then did the three sisters return to the main house.
Zhenzhu hurried in:
"Madam, there’s a gentleman outside who claims his surname is Yao—he’s here to see Fifth Madam."
Fu Tingyun froze.
Fifth Sister’s face flushed crimson as she scoffed:
"Didn’t I say I’d return by mid-October? Why is he rushing over like this? None of the other brothers-in-law are like this." She looked thoroughly embarrassed.
Third Sister covered her mouth and laughed.
Only then did Fu Tingyun realize—
So Fifth Brother-in-law, missing his wife, had come looking for her.She couldn't help smiling as she instructed Zhenzhu, "That's my fifth sister's husband. Quickly invite him to sit in the outer hall, then ask Master Lu to accompany him with Second Master."
Since brother-in-laws were outsiders by surname and Zhao Ling wasn't home, it wouldn't be proper for her to receive guests. A Sen was Zhao Ling's younger brother, while Shopkeeper Lu was ostensibly her uncle—having both accompany the guest would be quite an honorable reception.
Zhenzhu acknowledged and withdrew.
But Fifth Sister stopped her.
Blushing, she said to Fu Tingyun, "I should go see him first. Then you can meet properly."
Fu Tingyun naturally agreed.
Still, she instructed Zhenzhu to inform Shopkeeper Lu and A Sen.
Soon after, A Sen entered accompanied by a tall, handsome young man with a somewhat shy demeanor—Fifth Sister's husband—along with Fifth Sister herself.
Fu Tingyun realized this must be Fifth Sister's husband.
She hurried forward with the children to greet him properly.
Fifth Sister made the introductions.
Third Sister also stepped forward to exchange pleasantries.
Fifth Sister's husband flushed before even speaking, somewhat bashfully returning the greetings to Fu Tingyun and Third Sister. In a gentle voice, he greeted the children, presenting Xi Ge'er with a small wooden arhat with movable joints as a meeting gift, and giving Youyou a palm-sized Western doll. As for Chunbing and Yuanxiao, one received a wooden frog that jumped when its tail was pressed, while the other got a wooden acrobat that could somersault.
All four children's eyes immediately lit up with delight, calling out "Fifth Uncle!" loudly and instantly warming to him.
Fifth Sister watched with a soft smile, her gaze resting on her husband with a tenderness brighter than March sunlight.
Fu Tingyun felt quietly happy for Fifth Sister.
Given how exquisite and valuable these gifts were, she curtsied politely to express her thanks.
Fifth Sister's husband clearly wasn't accustomed to such social situations, growing even more flustered as he murmured, "...I thought since you're unfamiliar here and have to relocate graves and establish ancestral halls, I came ahead without our children to see if there's anything I could help with." Glancing at Fifth Sister, he added, "I also brought two capable stewards from home."
He was explaining his sudden appearance to Fu Tingyun and Fifth Sister.
"I see!" Fifth Sister responded gently to her husband, asking with concern, "Have you had breakfast yet?"
Fifth Sister's husband hesitated before answering, "Y-yes, I have."
His manner clearly indicated he'd rushed over to see Fifth Sister without eating.
Fu Tingyun barely suppressed her laughter.
First expressing gratitude for his assistance, she then said cheerfully, "Since you're our guest, we must add something more." Raising her voice, she instructed Zhenzhu to serve breakfast.
Fifth Sister, evidently familiar with her husband's nature, didn't decline but instead said, "Then I'll join you for some breakfast."
Fifth Sister's husband blushed and murmured agreement, accompanying Fifth Sister to the outer hall.
Meanwhile, Third Sister remarked, "I also considered you being newcomers—how could the grave relocation proceed without enough people? So I discussed it with your brother-in-law beforehand to stay until after the ceremonies before returning."
"Third Sister is so thoughtful!" Fu Tingyun said gratefully.Zhao Ling had already fallen out with the Zhao family, and she had no contact with the Fu family either. Although there were officials who came to show their support, it was merely adding flowers to brocade—how could it compare to the mutual exchanges between relatives?
"Our family is still in mourning and won't hold the removal-of-mourning ceremony until next February," Third Sister explained when Fifth Sister's husband arrived, feeling the need to defend her own husband. "Otherwise, Third Older Cousin's Husband would have come with me."
"Though Third Older Cousin's Husband couldn't come in person, he sent the two children," Fu Tingyun said, appreciating the kindness of Third Sister's family. "Youyou now has cousins—Third Sister, you don’t know how happy I am!" As she spoke, her nose tingled, and she nearly shed tears.
"Things will get better," Third Sister comforted Fu Tingyun. "You're about to become a mother again, Ninth Master has won another battle, and he has the Merit from Supporting the Emperor. Your days will only improve." She added, "Let those in the Fu family who blindly follow others regret their actions."
Fu Tingyun couldn’t help but smile.
Fifth Sister came in to bid her farewell: "...Your brother-in-law has arrived, and it wouldn’t be proper for him to stay here too. I’ve already instructed the steward to rent a small courtyard at the nearest inn for us to settle temporarily." Then, fearing Fu Tingyun might worry, she added, "Our Yao family has been doing well in business these past few years, and we know a few prominent merchants in Xi’an Prefecture. Such a small matter won’t trouble us."
Since Third Sister was staying here, it would indeed be inconvenient for Fifth Sister's husband to reside as well. Moreover, Fifth Sister had already made her arrangements, so Fu Tingyun didn’t interfere much. She simply said a few words like, "If anything comes up, just let Master Lu know—he’s a long-time resident here." She then called Yu Wei to help Fifth Sister pack her belongings and arranged for someone to inform the Yao family’s maidservants staying with the Tengji Guard. After lunch, Fu Tingyun and Third Sister saw the couple off.
That night, Fu Tingyun and Third Sister shared a bed, whispering heartfelt words to each other.
Within two days, Anxin arrived, covered in dust: "Madam, Ninth Master will arrive early tomorrow morning."
Fu Tingyun hurriedly took out the prepared mourning clothes, and the red decorations in Willow Lane were removed. Upon hearing the news, Fifth Sister and her husband also rushed over.
Fifth Sister's husband asked, "Is the stone tablet ready? Does the tortoise pedestal meet the required dimensions?"
Zhao Ling’s father had been posthumously honored as a third-rank Grand Master of Excellent Counsel, and his mother had been granted the title of third-rank Worthy Person. The scale of the tomb had to be constructed according to the third-rank specifications: a burial ground of seventy paces, a mound twelve feet high, a stone tablet three feet six inches tall, and a tortoise pedestal three feet two inches high. In front of the tomb, a pair of stone tigers, stone sheep, stone horses, and stone pillars could be erected. The court would also provide two hundred taels for materials and a hundred laborers for the construction. As a scholar, Fifth Sister's husband was familiar with these details, hence his question.
Master Lu quickly replied, "Everything is prepared. We’re only waiting for the coffins of the late master and mistress."
After discussing some details, they agreed to meet at Willow Lane at the beginning of the hour of Chen the next morning and then proceed together to the main eastern gate of Xi’an Prefecture to await the coffins of the elderly couple.
The next day, they arrived at the eastern gate by the third quarter of the hour of Chen, but it wasn’t until the beginning of the hour of Wu that they saw a procession of horse-drawn carriages, all clad in white mourning attire, slowly approaching.
Fu Tingyun and the others hurried forward to meet them.
Her eyes immediately fell on Zhao Ling, who was walking at the front of the procession.
Dressed in hemp mourning clothes, he looked dispirited and noticeably thinner.
Fu Tingyun’s heart skipped a beat.
Had the trip to Songjiang not gone well?
In that fleeting moment, Zhao Ling’s gaze met hers.A warm smile curled at the corners of his lips as he strode forward.
"A-Jun!" Zhao Ling's gaze was focused and earnest, as if no one else around them existed in his eyes. "Are you well?" He glanced at her belly. "Is the child behaving?"
Such a moment ought to be solemn, yet bright, cheerful laughter spilled uncontrollably from Fu Tingyun's eyes. "I'm fine! You've lost so much weight..." The words slipped out before she realized some questions weren't suitable to ask in front of others, so she tactfully added, "How was your journey?"
Zhao Ling seemed to snap back to attention, replying with a smile, "Quite smooth," while glancing behind her. "Where are Youyou and Xi Ge'er?"
Hearing her father mention her, Youyou, who was being held by Housekeeper Tong, wriggled to get down and ran to cling to Zhao Ling's leg. "Daddy!"
Zhao Ling laughed heartily and scooped Youyou up in his arms.
Held aloft by her tall father, she could see farther and more.
Youyou giggled with pure delight.
Xi Ge'er also called out "Daddy," squirming in Yu Wei's arms.
Zhao Ling walked over and picked up Xi Ge'er as well.
With one arm holding his daughter and the other his son, the weight of both little ones was no small matter.
Fu Tingyun, concerned for Zhao Ling after his long journey, chided gently with a smile, "Alright, come down now. Daddy still has important matters to attend to!"
Youyou obediently slid to the ground, while Yu Wei took Xi Ge'er back.
Fu Tingyun then introduced Fifth Sister and her husband to Zhao Ling: "...the eldest son of the Yao family from Lintong."
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Sisters, brothers, the monthly votes are looking dismal... but there's no time for extra updates, and I'm worried about the end-of-month vote doubling. Truly vexing... (>_
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