Wish You All the Best - Chapter 6
Chapter 6
The pier was teeming with people. Seeing a large vessel dock, with the silhouettes of maids moving about behind the cabin doors and nannies bustling to and fro, the onlookers knew a prominent family’s female relatives had arrived in the capital by water. They stopped their own journeys to watch.
Madam Meng took a purple gauze veil from Nanny Liu and draped it over her daughter’s head. The purple fabric reached her shoulders, obscuring Jiafu’s face. Accompanied by Madam Meng and Zhen Yaoting, she stepped out of the cabin. Through the veil fluttering in the wind, she immediately spotted a magnificent horse waiting on the shore. A handsome young man sat atop it, dressed like a young master of status, his hair tied with a gold hairpin and draped in a brocade robe. Against the backdrop of the dusty, unkempt travelers, he looked exceptionally wealthy and striking.
He was peering intently in their direction. Upon seeing Jiafu and her party appear at the cabin door, his eyes lit up, and he quickly dismounted to meet them.
...
Pei Xiuzhi climbed onto the deck with quick strides and greeted Madam Meng, his face wreathed in smiles. "I calculated you should arrive in these past few days, and I’ve been looking forward to it every day. You’ve finally arrived. Was the journey smooth?"
The last time Madam Meng visited the capital was three years ago, before her husband’s unfortunate passing. She hadn't traveled north since, but she had met Pei Xiuzhi in the interim. The year before last, he and Pei Xiuluo—a nephew from her own maternal branch—had visited Quanzhou and stayed in her home.
"Thanks to your blessing, Second Young Master, everything was fine," Madam Meng replied with a pleased smile.
Zhen Yaoting addressed him as "Second Brother-in-law," and the Zhen family’s stewards, led by Zhang Da, all bowed to him in unison. Pei Xiuzhi nodded and cast his gaze toward Jiafu.
When he last visited Quanzhou, she was only fourteen, yet already exceptionally beautiful. He had never forgotten her since. Recalling how her veil had been stirred by the wind as she emerged from the cabin, even that fleeting glimpse revealed a transcendent beauty that was only more stunning.
"Cousin."
He looked toward Jiafu and called out to her, his voice exceptionally gentle.
Jiafu offered only a slight bow before brushing past him, surrounded by maids and nannies as she went ashore and boarded their waiting family carriage.
Pei Xiuzhi turned his head, watching her silhouette until it disappeared into the carriage. Only then did he snap out of it. He hurried to help Madam Meng ashore and took the lead, shouting at passersby to clear the way, escorting the Zhen mother and daughter all the way back to the Zhen residence.
...
The Zhen residence was located in the western part of the city, not far from the Duke’s mansion—only two streets away. It had originally been the private home of an official in the capital, but due to a transfer and tight finances, he had sold it. The Zhen family bought it to prepare for the upcoming wedding. A steward had been sent ahead months ago, and everything, inside and out, was perfectly arranged.
After Madam Meng’s party entered, they rested briefly, changed clothes, and then, leading her children and accompanied by servants carrying gifts, they boarded the carriage again to visit the Duke of Wei’s mansion.
The Old Duke of Wei was a founding hero of the Great Wei, having followed the Taizu Emperor through countless battles to secure this hereditary legacy for his descendants. The Duke’s mansion’s perimeter wall occupied half the street. Its main gate, facing southeast, was grand and imposing. Two stone lions sat on either side of the steps, and the eaves were adorned with vermilion lacquer and intricate paintings. Above, symbols representing noble status stood tall and dignified, a stark contrast to the homes of ordinary officials, marking the mansion’s transcendent status.
The main gate was usually kept closed, and it remained so now. They used a smaller side gate intended for daily entry. A few gatekeepers stood with their hands tucked away. From afar, they saw the Second Master leading guests, so they scurried over to welcome them. Bowing to Madam Meng as she stepped down, they shouted, "Mistress has finally arrived! Our Madam already sent someone to ask just moments ago. Please, come in!"
Jiafu had already removed her veil and, supported by her maids, stepped down from the carriage. Following her mother and brother, she passed through the side gate and entered. After walking through halls and corridors, they finally arrived in front of a large courtyard in the southeast. A black, oil-varnished door stood half-open; this was the residence of the eldest branch of the Duke’s mansion.
Madam Xin, the Eldest Madam, was dressed in casual home attire with an oily-purple overcoat draped over her. Hearing the chaotic noise of maids and nannies outside the courtyard, she knew they had arrived. She smoothed her temples but did not stand up until she heard the footsteps approaching and Madam Meng’s laughter ringing out: "Is our esteemed Mistress inside?" Only then did she rise and walk out. Followed by six or seven maids, she saw Madam Meng and smiled. "Indeed, here I am!" She stepped forward briskly, warmly taking Madam Meng’s hands and sighing, "You are something else. The journey was so long and tiring, yet you didn't even bring the children to rest first. What would a few days’ delay have mattered? Surely I wouldn't have eaten you?" She then scolded her son: "How did I instruct you? Rushing them so, not even letting them catch their breath."
The maids and nannies nearby all laughed, adding, "Our Mistress has the heart of a Bodhisattva. She was just fretting over the fatigue of your journey, Mistress. It’s out of concern; she was even scolding the Second Young Master just now."
Madam Meng laughed quickly. "I am not tired. We haven't seen each other in so long, and I missed you terribly. Once I arrived today, I felt as if I could have grown wings to fly here sooner." She then let her children step forward to pay their respects.
Zhen Yaoting bowed, and Jiafu also offered a bow of respect to Madam Xin. Madam Xin examined Jiafu, stepped forward, and took her hand lovingly, sighing to Madam Meng, "Such a delicate and beautiful daughter. I don't know how you raised her. I always say that I lack that blessing; if only I had such a daughter by my side, I’d have someone to speak heart-to-heart with."
When her daughter was praised, Madam Meng was always happy, yet she demurred, "A-Fu is clumsy and ignorant. I only hope she won't be a nuisance in the future; that would be enough of a blessing for me."
The nanny beside Madam Xin added, "Our Mistress loves her too much, how could she ever be?"
After a warm exchange of greetings, Madam Meng was invited to sit. Madam Xin furrowed her brow slightly and asked the nanny, "Has the person from over there not come yet?"
No sooner had she spoken than a maid’s voice came from outside: "The Second Madam has arrived!"
Madam Meng hurriedly stood up to welcome her.
Jiafu raised her eyes and saw her aunt, Madam Meng (the Second Madam), enter with her entourage. Behind her followed her fourth cousin, Pei Xiuhong. She entered with a smile, saying, "I meant to come earlier, but I wanted to wait for the third one. He sent a servant back, saying his essay was praised by the instructor at the Imperial Academy and he was tied up, asking me to apologize to my sister on his behalf. He will pay his respects once he returns."
She was all smiles, looking just as warm and close as she had in the past.
In truth, initially, the Second Madam had intended to propose Jiafu to her own son, Pei Xiuluo, but she had been wary of the Zhen family’s status. Her idea was that Jiafu should be her son’s concubine, and she had hinted as much to Madam Meng. She had indicated that once the girl married in, she would treat her as her own and never let her suffer. Madam Meng had played dumb at the time and didn't take the bait, so the Second Madam knew the Zhen family refused to let their daughter be a concubine, and she dropped the matter. Unexpectedly, not long after, the eldest branch had arranged the marriage.
Madam Meng only had one daughter and was determined not to let her be a concubine, even if it were for a grandson of the Duke’s mansion. However, after Madam Xin sent people to discuss the matter, the Old Madam, who held the family reins, immediately agreed. Madam Meng had weighed it carefully; although her daughter would be a successor wife, she would be the legitimate wife of the Heir to the Duke’s mansion upon marriage, and her son would be legitimate. Moreover, the second son of the eldest branch was one-in-a-hundred in both character and appearance. With no reason to object, the marriage was settled.
Because of the previous incident, Madam Meng had been worried about the awkwardness of the sisters meeting. Seeing her attitude was exactly as before, she assumed her sister bore no grudge and finally felt relieved, praising her nephew’s diligence. Jiafu and her brother paid their respects, and Pei Xiuhong also greeted his cousin with a grin. After the relatives finished reminiscing, Madam Meng asked, "Is the Old Madam well? If she is free, I would like to take the children to pay our respects."
Madam Xin sent someone to inquire. A moment later, the nanny returned, saying, "The Old Madam has been unwell these past few days and is in the Buddha hall; she has yet to finish chanting the sutras. She says the Madam has had a hard journey and needn't come to kowtow specially. She asks the Mistress and the Second Madam to host the guests well and not show them any slight."
Although the marriage between Jiafu and Pei Xiuzhi was settled and known to everyone in both houses, because Jiafu was still in a mourning period, the arrangements were only verbal and had not been officially sanctified with gifts. That the Old Madam now referred to the Zhen family as "relatives" was not considered distancing.
For the past few years, the Old Pei Madam had been in poor health and rarely appeared to host guests, which everyone was used to. Furthermore, the Zhen family was not exactly an honored guest to the Duke’s mansion. That the Old Madam sent such a reply was expected; sending the nanny to ask was merely a formality.
Madam Meng rose quickly. "Then I shall not disturb the Old Madam. I will wait until the day of her birthday to bring the children to kowtow."
The birthday was in three days, quite soon. Madam Xin nodded in agreement. Madam Meng looked left and right, but not seeing Quan-ge'er, she asked about him.
Madam Xin smiled slightly. "That family said they missed Quan-ge'er. My back has been aching these past two days, and I couldn't handle his fussing, so I sent him over."
Her words were merely a cover. Quan-ge'er had been taken away yesterday by someone sent by Madam Song, who claimed she had a rare treasure and wanted her grandson to see it. Madam Xin hadn't wanted to let him go, but Quan-ge'er had cried and thrown a tantrum on the floor, insisting on going. Madam Xin had no choice but to let them take him, and he hadn't returned yet.
A mocking smile appeared on the Second Madam’s lips. Madam Xin caught it and felt annoyed, though her face remained smiling. After a few more exchanges, she looked at the Second Madam: "You sisters haven't seen each other for years. Since you’ve finally met, if you have things to say, do so without concern for me." Her tone was very sincere.
The Second Madam laughed, "We’ve already said quite a bit, and that’s enough. I see the niece and nephew are exhausted, so we can save the rest for next time."
Madam Meng offered to leave. Madam Xin tried to persuade them to stay for a meal, but Madam Meng politely declined. Madam Xin said, "Very well, your journey was hard; go back and rest early. I won't keep you." She stood up to see them off.
Since entering, Jiafu had stood by her mother’s side. Though she kept her head half-lowered, she felt the two gazes Pei Xiuzhi periodically cast at her. Seeing him, she couldn't help but remember the final scene of their life as husband and wife in her previous life—pitiful, pathetic, laughable, and hateful. Even being looked at by him like this felt deeply uncomfortable. She was well aware of the inner-chamber secrets of Madam Xin and her aunt, and she didn't want to stay for even another moment, wishing she could leave this gate immediately. As for Zhen Yaoting, he had just arrived in the capital after years away and was full of energy. He was already impatient to be confined here listening to women’s idle gossip. Hearing they could leave, he breathed a sigh of relief and followed them out.
Ignoring Madam Meng’s repeated refusals, Pei Xiuzhi not only saw them to the main gate but personally escorted them back to the Zhen residence. Madam Meng was deeply touched. After dismounting, she invited him in for tea. Pei Xiuzhi glanced at Jiafu with a smile. Jiafu suddenly said, "Mother, we just arrived today, and the house is in chaos. The luggage isn't unpacked, and the stove has no fire. Inviting the Second Cousin in like this would be a breach of etiquette. Perhaps another time?"
Madam Meng was slightly startled. She looked at her daughter, and seeing her serious expression and grave tone, she was momentarily confused.
Before Madam Meng could speak, Jiafu turned to Pei Xiuzhi and smiled slightly: "Thank you for your effort today, Second Cousin. I thank you on my mother’s behalf. You wouldn't mind our cold tea, but Mother has been on the road all this time and just arrived today. You have seen it yourself, Cousin; she hasn't even caught her breath and has already visited the relatives, so she is truly exhausted. It is quite inconvenient today; I hope you will forgive us."
Pei Xiuzhi had intended to follow them in, but after Jiafu said this, his steps halted. He had no choice but to say, "Cousin is right. Then I shall take my leave first. Do get some good rest."
Madam Meng asked him to go safely. Once he was out of sight, she took her daughter’s arm and walked inside. Only then did she relax, laughing, "You were right just now; Mother is indeed a bit tired. It’s just that he was so attentive, escorting us all the way to our doorstep, that it felt a bit impolite not to offer him a cup of tea. Besides, you are no longer outsiders, so after the Old Madam’s birthday..."
"Mother! Second Cousin and I are not yet officially betrothed, and even if we were, it wouldn't be appropriate for our home to keep him too long. He stayed by our side all day today; if you keep him any longer, I fear there will be idle talk from over there."
Madam Meng suddenly realized and sighed, "It is you who are thoughtful; Mother had momentarily forgotten."
In Madam Meng’s impression, her daughter had always been delicate and obedient. With her about to marry into the Duke’s mansion, she had always been worried. She hadn't expected her to be so thoughtful—even noting things she had overlooked. Although surprised, she felt deeply comforted that her daughter had grown up and was now sensible.
Jiafu leaned against her mother and walked slowly inside, saying, "Mother, you should go rest first and recover your spirit. I will send someone to the Song residence to deliver a calling card. If Madam Song is free, let us visit the Song residence after the afternoon. Since she is my godmother, I wish to visit her early to show our sincerity."
Madam Meng was both pained and relieved. "I was afraid you were tired and wanted to wait until tomorrow. Since you want this, that is fine. If they reply, we will go early; we had to go eventually."
After sending her mother to her room to rest, Jiafu felt no fatigue at all. She watched Tanxiang and the little maids organize their belongings, waiting for a reply from the Song residence.
Before noon, the messenger sent with the calling card returned with the news: Madam Song had invited the Zhen family to visit at the hour of the Monkey (3:00 PM).
Jiafu had long expected such a reply.
In her previous life, she had dealt with Madam Song. This "godmother" was arrogant and quick-tempered. On this journey north, she had already provoked Nanny Ye’s extreme dissatisfaction. After disembarking and returning to the Song residence, the nanny must have reported her every word and action. With Madam Song’s temperament, how could she have endured it? Even if she hadn't planned to meet them today, she would have summoned her mother and herself.
The so-called fertility talisman was merely the lure.
She had been considering the matter of her fate ever since she awoke. Whether she could achieve her wish depended on what came next.
Today was indeed an excellent opportunity; she had to seize it.
Jiafu suddenly felt a surge of excitement, followed by a wave of nervousness. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Once she had calmed herself, she called for Tanxiang and said, "I wish to bathe and change.”