Wish You All the Best - Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Jiafu let out a long, slow breath. She figured he would not take the initiative to mention to the Old Madam that she had been to Ci’en Temple. Thinking that her mother had gone there that morning and should be returning by now, she was anxious to know the outcome. She turned and hurried toward the front hall.

Zhen Yaoting was pacing back and forth, looking around. When he saw Jiafu returning with Tanxiang, his eyes lit up and he went to meet her: "Well? Did you see the Old Madam? Did you ask to let me go and pay my respects?"

Jiafu shook her head: "The Old Madam is sleeping; it would be inconvenient to disturb her, so I didn't see her either. Mother must be returning soon, let’s go back quickly."

Zhen Yaoting was greatly disappointed and really didn't want to leave just like that. He said: "Sister, you must be hungry. I’ll tell the monks to prepare some vegetarian food. It won’t be too late to leave after we eat..."

Jiafu was already heading out: "Eat by yourself, Brother. I’m heading back first."

Zhen Yaoting watched his sister’s back as she headed toward the mountain gate. He looked back over his shoulder, stomped his foot, and helplessly followed her. When the siblings entered the city and returned home, they found that Madam Meng had indeed returned long ago and was currently in her room. Jiafu didn't even care to change her clothes and hurried over. Before she reached the room, she happened to see Nanny Liu coming from the veranda. Her expression did not look good, so Jiafu stopped.

Nanny Liu looked up, saw the siblings had returned, and hurried over.

"Nanny, how did the marriage talks go? When will they be betrothed, and when will she be married off?"

Nanny Liu had gone with Madam Meng that morning, so Zhen Yaoting asked immediately.

Nanny Liu hesitated, wanting to speak but holding back, and finally sighed.

Jiafu guessed what had happened. Suppressing the surge of agitation in her heart, she hurriedly pulled Nanny Liu into her room to question her, and soon learned the whole story.

It turned out that this morning, when Madam Meng arrived at the Duke’s mansion, she found Madam Song there as well. The conversation did not turn to marriage; instead, Madam Song used the coincidence that Quan Ge fell ill after Jiafu arrived to stir up trouble, implying that Jiafu had a "hard fate" and would likely bring calamity to the children of the family. Since her own daughter was already gone, leaving only this bit of flesh and blood, how could she be at ease? No matter how good-tempered Madam Meng was and how willing she was to compromise, hearing Madam Song say such things to her face, how could she still endure it? She retorted that her daughter’s birth date had already been taken by the Pei family and was a perfect match, so where was this talk of a "hard fate" coming from? Madam Song had then said indifferently that she had heard of some families who, in order to marry into high-status households, would provide fake birth dates—such things were not unheard of.

While she was speaking, Madam Xin sat at the side, completely silent.

Madam Meng bit back her anger and asked Madam Xin what exactly she meant and to give her an answer. Madam Xin said she was in a difficult position because Quan Ge’s illness had indeed come on without rhyme or reason, whereas he had always been fine before. She told Madam Meng not to worry and to return home first, saying she would have an expert take a closer look at Jiafu’s birth date, and that anything else could be discussed later. Madam Meng rose on the spot and left the Duke’s mansion.

After Nanny Liu finished recounting the events, she said indignantly: "It’s too bullying! Whose child doesn’t have a headache or fever? Because their family’s child is precious, they actually blame it on you, Young Lady! I saw Madam’s face turn white with anger. She went straight to her room when she got back and hasn't eaten a single bite since noon."

Jiafu walked over and pushed the door open. She saw her mother sitting in front of the dressing table, still wearing the clothes she had carefully chosen that morning. One hand was clutching a handkerchief, while the other supported her forehead, her back motionless. Thinking of her mother’s usually gentle nature, who had gone there full of hope only to return like this, Jiafu felt a complex mix of emotions. She walked over, hugged her mother’s shoulders from behind, and said: "Mother, it’s all my fault for implicating you and making you suffer."

When Madam Meng first returned from the Duke’s mansion, her hands were still trembling with anger. She had only just calmed down now. Wiping the corners of her eyes, she turned around. Seeing her daughter’s beautiful eyes looking at her, filled with guilt, she felt a lump in her throat. She hugged Jiafu and said: "It doesn't matter if I suffer. It’s just that hearing them slander you like that and having no way to stop it... as your mother, I really..."

Her eyes turned red again.

Jiafu raised a hand to wipe them for her.

"Mother, I’m not sad at all, and you shouldn't be either. I didn't realize it before, but the more I interact with them, the less I want to marry into their family. Let them say whatever they want; I don't care. Just don't get sick from the anger."

Madam Meng felt even more saddened by her daughter’s maturity and consideration, saying: "Forget it. It’s just that our luck is bad—we arrived just in time for Quan Ge to fall ill. It’s one thing that the marriage discussion failed, but they also threw mud on you for no reason. I’ll have someone send a letter to your grandmother; in a couple of days, we will pack up and prepare to return to Quanzhou..."

"Madam! The Pei family’s Heir is here! He says he requests an audience with you."

Nanny Liu’s voice suddenly came from outside the door.

Madam Meng was stunned. She exchanged a look with her daughter and muttered: "What is he doing here now?" She wiped her eyes quickly, told Nanny Liu to show him in, and went to the mirror to apply some powder so her face wouldn't show any signs of distress. She turned and said: "Afu, go back to your room. Mother will go see what he wants." With that, she left.

One wave had not yet settled before another arose. Having just dealt with Pei You’an, and barely home to comfort her mother, Pei Xiuzhi had arrived again.

Jiafu’s heart, which had just settled, rose again. How could she truly wait in her room? A moment later, she quietly went to the guest hall and hid outside the window to look inside. She saw Pei Xiuzhi sitting in a chair diagonally across from her mother, saying: "Auntie, as soon as I heard about this, I rushed over. I know you were angered today, Auntie; please, I beg you not to take it to heart. How could Quan Ge’s little incident have anything to do with Sister Fu? My mother doesn't really have such thoughts, as you know; she is very fond of Sister Fu and hopes she can be married into the family soon. It was all that old woman from the Song family stirring up trouble in the middle. She wishes I would never marry again, which is why she is interfering. If you just harden your heart now, wouldn't you be playing right into her hands?"

Because of what happened today, Madam Meng was even dissatisfied with Pei Xiuzhi. She said with difficulty: "Heir, it is not that I want to harden my heart, but that you are the ones who caused the trouble. A marriage is based on the matching of statuses and mutual consent. Our two families were not a good match from the start; it was my Zhen family reaching above its station. Now that such words have been said, how can this marriage still go on? Although our Zhen family is of low standing, I only have this one daughter, and I have treasured her like the apple of my eye since she was a child. With your mother’s attitude, no matter what you say to me here, it is useless."

Ever since he had seen Jiafu that day, Pei Xiuzhi had been thinking of her day and night, deeply in love. Seeing the Song family interfering, his mother believing it, and now seeing Madam Meng having second thoughts, he grew anxious. He rose from his chair, reached Madam Meng in a few steps, and knelt on one knee: "Auntie, I beg you to look at me and wait a little longer! My feelings for Sister Fu are true, witnessed by the sun and moon! As long as I marry her, I will treat her well for the rest of my life! Auntie, please understand me and give me a few days. Let me go back and talk to my mother properly; she will definitely listen to me. If you just harden your heart and leave like this, what do you want me to do?"

Madam Meng was startled that Pei Xiuzhi would kneel and plead with her. She hurriedly tried to help him up, but Pei Xiuzhi refused, kneeling there and saying: "Auntie, if you do not pity me, I will not rise."

Jiafu gripped her hands tightly, seeing her mother waver and appear moved by his words. She was on the verge of rushing in to refuse him on the spot. Just as she was getting anxious, a loud roar was heard: "Too much is too much! Do you think everyone in the Zhen family is dead?" Before the words died away, with a loud "bang," the door was kicked open. Jiafu looked and saw her brother, Zhen Yaoting, barge in. He stomped over to Pei Xiuzhi and said angrily: "My sister is not marrying! If no one wants her, I will raise her for the rest of her life; she doesn't need to go to your house to suffer such indignity! Get out!"

Madam Meng saw her son’s eyes wide with rage, the veins on his forehead throbbing, and she scolded: "What are you doing here? Get out! This is none of your business!"

Pei Xiuzhi rose from the ground. He was annoyed by his rudeness, but for Jiafu’s sake, he managed to restrain himself, maintaining his usual demeanor, and smiled: "It’s the second brother. Calm down, second brother. It was indeed wrong on our side; I came over specifically to apologize to Auntie."

The Zhen family was one of the wealthiest in Quanzhou, with well-managed relations with the local government. Zhen Yaoting was a young master wherever he went, accustomed to being flattered. Having just learned what happened when his mother went to the Duke’s mansion to discuss the marriage, his anger was burning, and he could not hold back. He barged straight in. Seeing Pei Xiuzhi’s smile, he didn't buy it at all, scowling and shouting: "My sister is a respectable young lady, and she has been slandered and smeared with filth by you people. Why don't you give her an explanation?"

Pei Xiuzhi’s expression gradually turned ugly, and he stopped speaking. Madam Meng loudly called for Zhang Da to enter and forcibly drag her unruly son away. After the chaos, she suppressed the turmoil in her heart and turned to Pei Xiuzhi: "My mind is in a mess today. I know your intentions. Please go back first; let me think about it."

Pei Xiuzhi knew there was no use staying. Before leaving, he promised Madam Meng repeatedly that he would convince his mother. After he was sent out of the Zhen family’s gate, he returned to the Duke’s mansion with a furrowed brow. Once he entered, he learned that his grandmother had returned from Ci’en Temple. After pacing around his room a few times, he headed to the north wing.

……

Pei You’an sent his grandmother back and, after settling her in, returned to the old residence where he was staying during this trip. A moment later, a maid came and said the Old Madam invited him over. Pei You’an went again and saw Pei Xiuzhi was also there. He called out "Eldest Brother," nodded to the person who called him "Second Brother," and turned to the Old Madam: "You called for me, Grandmother. Is there something?"

The Old Madam said: "Your nephew’s illness these past two times has come on without rhyme or reason. Fortunately, it’s nothing serious; he’s already bouncing around again today. But the Song family side blamed it on the Zhen girl, saying their destinies clash and that whenever she comes, Quan Ge has no peace. Your mother is muddled and actually believed it, which has made things very unpleasant. Although I am not a physiognomist, looking at that girl, she is healthy and refined, and doesn't look like someone who would jinx others. That nonsense from the Song family is likely an excuse to stir up trouble and break off her engagement with your second brother. Since you examined Quan Ge, do you know what caused the illness? How can it be cured?"

Pei You’an looked at Pei Xiuzhi, seeing the ardent gaze cast upon him, and hesitated for a moment.

Since childhood, his talent had won him the favor of his uncle, Emperor Tianxi. Unfortunately, he had been weak from birth, so besides martial arts and fitness, he had also studied medicine. He had once chanced upon a medical classic from the Western Regions, which detailed many ancient prescriptions, including the effects and contraindications of various medicinal materials. One of them was frozen dragon brain, which was classified as a spice. At the time, he was very interested and specially found frozen dragon brain to verify it, so he not only understood its color, scent, and taste, but also knew its properties—it was unsuitable for a very small number of people. Contact could cause symptoms like swelling of the eyes and mouth, and rashes all over the body. If ingested by mistake, it could cause palpitations and fainting, or in severe cases, asphyxiation and death.

When Heaven takes something away, it bestows something else. Although he was sickly, which led his father to abandon the "Xiu" generation character and give him the name "You’an" (meaning "blessed by peace"), he was not only naturally gifted with a prodigious memory but also possessed an unusually sharp sense of smell and observation. On the night of the Old Madam’s birthday, he had rushed back overnight. After entering the room, he smelled the frozen dragon brain incense on the Zhen cousin as he passed her. He didn't think much of it at the time, but after Quan Ge fell ill and he saw his symptoms, then smelled the residual scent on Quan Ge’s clothes, he immediately knew the cause.

The reason he didn't state the cause of the illness directly at the time was that as he passed the Zhen cousin, he had been stopped by that sudden "Eldest Cousin" greeting. The moment he turned and had a brief look at her, she had left a deep impression on him.

At first, he really didn't recognize her. Once he saw her blushing face, clearly embarrassed by his coldness, he remembered. This young girl was the niece of Madam Meng, his aunt of the second branch, who had visited the Duke’s mansion several times many years ago.

Back then, he was already a youth of refinement and fame in the capital, while his entire impression of her was that of a round child who had not yet lost her baby fat, with milk-white skin, round and large eyes, pupils like crystal grapes in water—all watery—and neat bangs with dark hair split over her two small shoulders. She would hide far away whenever she saw him, and that was all. He had not expected that years later, meeting her again, she would have grown into a delicate young maiden. Her looks were naturally quite fine, but what impressed him was not her face looking up at him, but her eyes.

At the time, she was staring at him wide-eyed, her pupils filled with gratitude, trust, and joy. This feeling...

It was as if he and she had had a deep friendship in the past, and now it was just a long-delayed reunion.

Her unusual warmth made him feel a bit uncomfortable, though he wasn't exactly repulsed; it just left a deep impression. After concluding that Quan Ge’s illness was related to the incense on her, out of his habitual caution, he did not point it out on the spot but concealed it.

Clearly, the Old Madam calling him now to ask about Quan Ge’s illness must be because Pei Xiuzhi had begged her to intervene.

Originally, he would naturally explain the truth. But thinking of the scene at Ci’en Temple, he pondered for a moment and finally said: "I do not yet know the cause of Quan Ge’s illness."

Pei Xiuzhi looked disappointed, and the Old Madam frowned slightly. Suddenly, a commotion of footsteps came from the courtyard, along with faint sounds of arguing, as if someone was forcing their way in but being blocked by a nanny.

Yuzhu, outside the Old Madam’s bedroom, heard the clamor at the courtyard entrance and went out: "What is happening? Why all the noise? The Old Madam is inside speaking!"

A nanny ran over and said: "Young Lady, that young master from the Zhen family is here, shouting that he wants to see the Old Madam. He’s being very fierce; you go take a look."

Yuzhu was startled and hurried to the courtyard gate. Indeed, she saw Zhen Yaoting being blocked by several nannies, his face full of anger. She went up and said: "Young Master Zhen, what are you doing? Are you trying to flip the heavens? The Old Madam’s place is not the Hall of Supreme Harmony!"

Zhen Yaoting looked up, recognized the maid he had seen that day, and shouted: "My sister has been subjected to a false accusation; I want to see the Old Madam!"

Yuzhu had heard about some of what happened after Madam Meng came over that morning. Because she had always had a good relationship with Madam Meng, she felt a secret sense of indignation. Originally annoyed by his reckless behavior, she had spoken with a hint of sarcasm. But hearing his tone, which seemed to be about standing up for his sister, she hurriedly said: "Wait a moment, don't make a scene; I will go send a message for you first." After saying this, she hurried inside, returning a moment later: "Follow me."

Zhen Yaoting immediately followed Yuzhu in. Reaching the door, Yuzhu glanced at him and whispered: "When you see the Old Madam, speak properly. She is not an unreasonable person, so don't be rude or confrontational." After the warning, she stepped forward: "Old Madam, the young master of the Zhen family is here."

Zhen Yaoting entered and saw the Old Madam sitting there, with Pei Xiuzhi and the Pei family’s eldest master on the side.

Just now at home, although he had been driven out by Madam Meng, he couldn't swallow his pride. The more he thought, the more indignant he became, and in a fit of rage, he came over. The Pei family’s gatekeeper didn't know his purpose and, being a familiar relative, naturally let him in. He had marched straight there only to be stopped by the nannies. He had been boiling with rage, but now that he was truly in front of the Old Madam, he didn't dare act recklessly. He first knelt down and kowtowed properly. Hearing the Old Madam tell him to get up and ask him about the matter, he scrambled up and said: "Answering the Old Madam, my mother came here today, and we all know how she was treated, so I won’t repeat it. Whether my sister’s marriage works out is one thing, but she was a perfectly fine person who had only been here a few days, and she has been smeared with such a false accusation in such a confused way—I simply cannot take it! Since things have reached this point, I am not afraid of offending anyone! Didn't your family say my sister’s birth date is bad and jinxed Quan Ge? Do you dare to bring your young master before my sister one more time? This time I will watch with my eyes wide open. If he falls ill again like the first two times, you don't even need to speak; we of the Zhen family will roll back to Quanzhou tonight, and we will never have the face to enter your Duke’s mansion again! If the young master is fine, we won’t dare to think of anything else, but you must retract those words and never be allowed to say a single bad word about my sister again!"

The room was silent. Only Zhen Yaoting remained standing there, panting heavily.

"Yaoting! I think you’ve gone mad, running to the Old Madam’s place to act wild! What kind of nonsense are you spouting?"

Accompanied by a rush of footsteps, the door curtain was lifted. Zhen Yaoting turned his head and saw his mother and Madam Xin enter together.

Madam Xin’s face was dark, and Madam Meng’s face was also very ugly. She went up and hit her son hard on the head, immediately dragging him to kneel down with her before the Old Madam, saying with tears: "It really is my fault for not teaching my son well. He hid it from me and actually ran over here on his own, spouting nonsense." While saying this, she wanted him to kowtow and admit his fault.

Zhen Yaoting’s face turned red: "What did I say wrong? I just can’t bear to see my sister being framed!"

"You shut your mouth!"

Madam Meng pressed his head down, but Zhen Yaoting kept his neck stiff and motionless.

"Enough!" the Old Madam suddenly said. "It is nothing. The child is acting out of care for his sister and is just a bit impatient. Get up."

Madam Meng let go of her son, but Zhen Yaoting didn't get up; he kowtowed to the Old Madam himself and said: "I beg the Old Madam to make the decision! Let my sister and Quan Ge spend time together one more time! Whether it goes well or ill, I will accept it!"

Madam Xin finally couldn't hold back and said unhappily: "Child, what kind of talk is this? Why would you curse my Quan Ge for no reason?"

"Enough, all of you!"

The Old Madam put a stop to it. After pondering for a moment, she said slowly: "What the Zhen child says sounds preposterous, but if you think about it carefully, it may not be without reason. Just do as he says. Let them both come and spend time together before me; then the truth will be clear!"

Everyone was shocked at these words. Madam Xin hurriedly said: "Mother, this is inappropriate! What if Quan Ge falls ill again? Wouldn't he suffer?"

The Old Madam said: "Quan Ge is my great-grandson, so naturally, I care for him. He is important, but if the Zhen girl is wronged because of this, I would also find it hard to bear. Let it be so; go bring Quan Ge here!"

The room became quiet again. Madam Meng’s heart pounded. Sometimes she felt happy, thinking her daughter’s innocence would finally be cleared; sometimes she felt extremely nervous, and sweat wouldn't stop pouring from her palms. She finally steadied herself and said to Zhen Yaoting in a trembling voice: "Did you hear the Old Madam? Go quickly and bring your sister!"

Zhen Yaoting grunted, jumped up from the ground, and ran out. Less than half an hour later, Yuzhu came in from outside and whispered: "Old Madam, the Zhen young lady has arrived."

The Old Madam nodded and ordered all the unnecessary people in the room to leave. Pei Xiuzhi wanted to stay, but he was also asked to leave.

"You’an, you stay."

The Old Madam gave the order.

Jiafu stood outside the door, still not quite in the right state of mind. She had never dreamed that things would take such a twist and turn. Seeing the people inside coming out one by one, she just lowered her head and waited for Yuzhu to call her. She slowly walked in and looked up to see Madam Xin sitting there, holding Quan Ge tightly on her lap, staring at her with wary and hateful eyes. Pei You’an stood by the window, swept a glance at her, and then turned his back to look out the window.

"Sit down. No need to be afraid."

The Old Madam gave her a faint smile.

Jiafu thanked her in a low voice and sat on a stool.

……

This afternoon finally dragged to an end.

For Madam Meng, in all her life, there would never be another afternoon as long and grueling as this one.

The sky gradually darkened, and the Duke’s mansion began to light lamps. Yuzhu walked over quickly, all smiles, leaned into her ear, and whispered: "Auntie, Quan Ge is completely fine! He has already fallen asleep! The Old Madam says, let the young lady stay the night here in her room, and tomorrow, you can come pick her up."

Madam Meng’s tears streamed down. She clutched Yuzhu’s hand and wouldn't let go. She was slowly escorted by Yuzhu to the gate of the Duke’s mansion and returned home, sleepless all night. The next morning, she arrived early, seeing her daughter had already risen and was waiting for her at the entrance of the side chamber. The rising morning sun shone on her; she stood there gracefully, as delicate as a budding willow branch in spring.

Madam Meng took Jiafu to leave. When they reached the second gate of the Duke’s mansion, a trusted servant of Madam Xin hurried over, smiling apologetically: "Madam, our Mistress invites you to return and discuss the previous matter with you. Mistress says there is no need to worry about the Song family side; this is a matter between our two families."

Madam Meng paused, looked at her daughter, who was looking at her with wide eyes, and reached out to stroke her hair lovingly. She slowly turned her head and said: "Please convey a message for me. My Afu is not yet of age, and I have suddenly realized these past two days that I am reluctant to marry her off so early. There was originally no formal engagement with the Heir, so I dare not hold the Heir back. Please ask the Mistress to find another favorable match for the Heir; I am taking my daughter and returning to Quanzhou first.”