BMN : Chapter 23

From summer to autumn, the seasons changed.

Lady Wang had been out of favor in the household for months. Despite her cautious attempts to please, both the Old Lady and Jin Yi remained indifferent to her. This left her sleepless and constantly pondering how to regain her status. During the Qixi Festival, as the women in the household prayed for skills and fortune, Lady Wang noticed Renlan had grown into a graceful young woman, adept at threading needles. Suddenly, an idea struck her.

The Wang family of Hedong, with no real connection to the Jin family, had been loosely linked through a distant relative by Lady Wang two years prior. The Wang family had a legitimate grandson named Wang Pu, who had reached adulthood last year. She heard his parents were seeking a wife for him. Lady Wang thought that if she could arrange this marriage, it would earn her respect from both families. As Wang Pu’s nominal distant aunt and a concubine in Renlan’s brother’s household, she could reclaim some standing in the household.

Lady Wang first sent a letter to Hedong and, upon receiving a favorable reply, couldn’t contain her excitement. She carefully rehearsed her words and went to see the Old Lady.

Though the Old Lady had been displeased with Lady Wang recently, she allowed her to sit and asked her business with patience.

With an air of shame and sincerity, Lady Wang said, “I have been reflecting quietly in my room, as you instructed. I haven’t left the house and have been copying scriptures to pray for blessings for you, Master Jin, and Yan’er. With the weather cooling, I became concerned and came to check on you. Please, don’t be angry; it’s not worth it for someone like me.”

“If you’ve seen me and know I’m well, you can go back.”

Lady Wang continued, “If it were only about my personal concerns, I would leave now. But I am here on behalf of someone else with an important matter to discuss with you.”

Seeing Lady Wang’s expression, the Old Lady dismissed the maids and attendants.

“Alright, what do you have to say?”

Lady Wang approached the Old Lady and explained that the Wang family in Hedong was interested in forming a marital alliance. She asked for the Old Lady’s thoughts.

The Old Lady was silent for a long time before finally saying, “I understand. Don’t spread this news. I’ll discuss it with Renlan’s father and brother and then give you an answer.”

Lady Wang, sensing the Old Lady’s slight interest, left satisfied.

The next day, the Old Lady visited her eldest son’s room.

“Mother? Why have you come personally?” Jin Xingyuan, bedridden, struggled to sit up upon seeing the Old Lady.

The Old Lady gently pushed him back down, speaking softly, “We’re family. No need for formalities. I came to discuss Renlan’s marriage. She’s grown up and will soon be of age. It’s time to consider her future.”

Jin Xingyuan responded, “I’ve been bedridden and know nothing of the outside world. Please, you and Longjie should handle it.”

The Old Lady said, “Yesterday, Lady Wang came to me, suggesting that the Wang family of Hedong is interested in Renlan. They are a prominent family, and Wang Pu passed the imperial examination last year. The family background is compatible. What do you think?”

Jin Xingyuan, breathing heavily, asked repeatedly, “What about Wang Pu’s parents? Does he have siblings? Are they harmonious? And Wang Pu himself, what is he like?”

The Old Lady replied, “I’ve heard good things about the Wang family in Hedong. When Wang Pu came to the capital for the exams last year, he visited me. He seemed well-mannered and knowledgeable. But we shouldn’t make decisions based on others’ words or a single meeting. We need to investigate thoroughly.”

Jin Xingyuan said, “As long as Mother is looking out for her, I have no worries. I’m ashamed that I can’t personally see to Renlan’s marriage.”

The Old Lady patted his hand, shaking her head, “Don’t say that! You’re my son, and she’s my granddaughter. Who else would I look after if not you? The Wang family is large, and if Renlan marries into it, she might find it lively. She’s been alone in our household for over ten years; maybe a bustling environment would be good for her. But we need to thoroughly understand the Wang family first.”

Jin Xingyuan smiled weakly, “As long as Renlan marries well, I’ll be at peace.” He had clung to life despite his illness, primarily to avoid causing the Old Lady the grief of outliving him and because he couldn’t bear to leave his only child unprotected.

Understanding his concerns, the Old Lady reassured him, “Take care of yourself. Renlan is a good girl, and as her grandmother, I will ensure she marries well. Be well and wait for the day she and her husband come to kneel before you in gratitude!”

That day, Jin Yi returned from his duties and was called to see the Old Lady. They discussed Renlan’s marriage, and the Old Lady asked him to gather information discreetly. She hoped to get a comprehensive and accurate picture from different perspectives. Jin Yi understood and promised to pay attention.

After conversing a while longer, Jin Yi went to Fangmanting.

Before bed, Fu Ming asked Jin Yi, “Were you at the Old Lady’s today because of Renlan?”

Jin Yi was surprised, “How did you know?”

Fu Ming smiled, “Don’t be startled. It’s just an educated guess based on the recent movements in the household.”

Jin Yi recalled Fu Ming’s uncanny foresight in the past and praised, “You are truly perceptive, Yexin.”

Fu Ming smiled, “Let me guess further: is it the person from the Hedong Wang family who passed the imperial exam last year?”

Jin Yi touched the corner of Fu Ming’s smiling lips and confirmed, “That’s correct.”

“What do you think?”

“The Old Lady asked me to look into it. If the family and the person himself are good, we might consider this match.”

Fu Ming was silent for a moment, then he said, “Marriage has always been a matter of parental orders and matchmaking. But in the end, it’s Renlan who will be getting married. Doesn’t the elderly lady or Master Jin plan to ask her opinion on the matter?”

Jin Yi countered, “How should we ask? And if we do, how would Renlan respond?”

Fu Ming fell silent for a few moments, clearly struggling internally, before finally speaking up, “Do you still remember last year’s Mid-Autumn Festival night?”

Jin Yi paused before replying, “I remember.”

Fu Ming continued, “At that time, I took Renlan out for a trip and we encountered a friend of mine. To be honest, this friend has deep feelings for Renlan and recently entrusted me to speak with you about it. I didn’t mention it earlier because I thought Renlan was still young, and that her family wouldn’t arrange her marriage so soon.”

Jin Yi asked, “Your friend? Tao Yang? From the Tao family, the imperial merchants?”

Fu Ming replied, “Yes, him. In terms of status, he can’t quite compare to Wang Pu. But Brother Le Xu has been a close friend of mine for many years, and I completely trust his character. Master Tao and Madam Tao are both upright and kind people. Though they are merchants, they haven’t lost their integrity. Brother Le Xu is sincere about Renlan. I think if Renlan also has a favorable impression of him, it could result in a perfect match and a happy union.”

After hearing this, Jin Yi thought for a long while before saying, “If that’s the case, find an opportunity to subtly ask Renlan about her feelings. As for the elderly lady, I’ll look for a chance to talk to her. Ultimately, it’s their feelings that matter. Even though I’m her elder brother, there’s still a bit of distance, and it’s not my place to decide for her.”

Fu Ming smiled and said, “I understand. It’s more than enough that you’re not upset with me for meddling and are willing to help.”

Jin Yi embraced Fu Ming and said, “Why would I be upset with you over this? If you trust someone, they’re likely to be a good person. We both just want Renlan to have a good life, so it’s only right to be more mindful.”

Fu Ming raised his hand, gently touching Jin Yi’s face, which appeared even softer in the dim evening light. In his heart, he thought, once he had believed this person to be cold and as hard as stone, yet beneath it all, he was as warm and gentle as jade.

Seeing the joy and affection in Fu Ming’s eyes, Jin Yi felt his heart flutter, a warmth spreading through his chest, and he couldn’t help but kiss the person in his arms.

Without further delay, Fu Ming chose a time to invite Renlan to Fangmanting to enjoy the autumn scenery.

After having a cup of autumn dew tea, Renlan asked Fu Ming, “Brother Ming, did you call me here for something?”

Fu Ming smiled and said, “Sister, you come from a military family, and you’re a straightforward person. I won’t be reserved and will speak plainly.”

Renlan responded, “What’s the matter? Brother Ming, feel free to speak.”

Fu Ming then asked her, “Regarding the clothes you’ve worn these past few seasons, do you like them?”

Renlan replied, “The ones Brother Ming had someone send to me, I like them all very much.”

Fu Ming said, “Those weren’t specially prepared by me for you; they were actually gifts from someone with good intentions. Of course, I know you’re the type who doesn’t like to accept things without earning them, and the payment was made for them. However, money has its limits and can’t fully measure the person’s genuine goodwill.”

Hearing this, Renlan immediately understood Fu Ming’s meaning. She lowered her head slightly, and her voice dropped a bit as she asked, “Is the person you’re referring to the one I met last year?”

Fu Ming answered, “Exactly. Over the past few months, I imagine you’ve sensed that, in many ways, this friend of mine has been more attentive than I have as your older brother. If you feel it’s acceptable, then we can openly accept this favor from him. But if you feel it’s inappropriate, I can go and make things clear to him, and we won’t continue like this anymore.”

After Fu Ming finished speaking, Renlan knew in her heart what he truly wanted to ask. Thinking back to a year ago, memories of that person were still as vivid as if they had happened yesterday—his smile, the way he stared blankly at her, and how he lit the way with a lantern for her. As time passed, all the thoughtful gestures that came her way, although under the guise of Fu Ming’s friend, gradually made her realize that she wasn’t just benefiting from someone else’s reputation. In truth, someone was silently caring for her.

Thinking of this, Renlan kept her head down, avoiding Fu Ming’s gaze so he wouldn’t see the blush on her face or the shyness in her eyes. After a long pause, she finally smiled faintly, slowly raised her head, and said, “If Brother Ming thinks he’s good, then let’s remember this favor. In the future, there will surely be a time to repay it.”

Fu Ming nodded with a smile. “I understand. Don’t worry, sister. I only asked to know your thoughts. You should carry on as usual, without feeling uncomfortable or overthinking it.”

Renlan nodded, “Yes. I know how well you’ve treated me, Brother Ming.”

Fu Ming poured her another cup of tea and said, “As your elder brother, it’s my duty, both emotionally and morally, to care for you. It’s just that, having never had close siblings before, I’ve always felt somewhat lacking in brotherly affection.”

Renlan took the tea, sipping it slowly before saying with a smile, “Brother Ming is truly kind and considerate. Since you arrived, this residence has become so much more lively. Without speaking for others, I know that my eldest brother, Yan’er, and I are the happiest about it.”

Hearing this, Fu Ming’s heart warmed, and his expression softened even more. Seeing this, Renlan added, “Elder brother is truly blessed.”

Fu Ming laughed, “Every time we meet, you always praise me a few times. I wonder how many more words you have yet to say!”

Renlan smiled as well, “Well then, Brother Ming, just wait and see. We’re family, so we’ll be seeing each other for a lifetime. I’ll make sure to praise you until there’s nothing left to say!”

The two of them shared more laughter. Renlan enjoyed the fine tea, savored the delicious pastries, and even exchanged the latest fashion patterns with Wan Lan before finally bidding farewell.

After confirming Renlan’s feelings, Fu Ming conveyed them to Jin Yi.

Jin Yi, in turn, had someone inquire about matters related to Tao Yang. Half a month later, he slowly relayed the information he had gathered about Wang Pu and Tao Yang’s fondness for Renlan to the elderly lady.

The elderly lady listened carefully to what Jin Yi had to say, but only responded, “I understand what you mean. Let me think about it.”

Jin Yi knew that this was not something that could be rushed, so he didn’t press the matter further.

The elderly lady set the matter aside without discussing it further and instead brought up something else: “Cheng Yan is almost twenty. I’ve already received an invitation from the Zhou family for the birthday banquet on the 10th of next month. Since you and Brother Ming are close to him, you should handle preparing the gift.”

Jin Yi agreed and then took his leave, heading toward Fangmanting.

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