BMN : Chapter 24

On Zhou Chengyan’s birthday, nearly all the main members of the Jin family, except the Old Lady, went to offer their congratulations.

Jin Yi and Fu Ming rode together on horseback, while Renlan took a carriage with Zhao Yan, accompanied by their attendants. 

Zhou Chengyan and his cousins stood at the gate to greet their guests. Seeing Jin Yi and Fu Ming arrive, Zhou Chengyan quickly approached, took the reins, and personally assisted Fu Ming off the horse. He warmly received their congratulations. Renlan and Zhao Yan entered the inner courtyard through the side gate.

The Zhou family, currently thriving, hosted many guests, including high-ranking officials and nobility. The front hall was filled with the clinking of cups and lively conversation, while the rear courtyard was fragrant with fruits, filled with the sounds of women and children.

Among the many young women, children, and young wives present, Zhou Wanqing was particularly attentive to Renlan and Zhao Yan, perhaps due to their past family connections. Though not particularly close, there was a warmth between them. Zhou Wanqing inquired about the current state of the Jin household, and Renlan, taking her questions as genuine concern, patiently filled her in. Zhou Wanqing’s face, however, remained somewhat indifferent, which Renlan found odd but did not question.

When most guests had arrived, Zhou Chengyan’s coming-of-age ceremony officially began.

For the son of a noble family, the ceremony was grand, detailed, and solemn.

Jin Yi and Fu Ming were seated near the main stage, observing the entire ceremony closely.

During a brief pause after the Master of Ceremonies recited a round of blessings, Fu Ming leaned slightly toward Jin Yi and asked, “Did your coming-of-age ceremony have hundreds witnessing and thousands celebrating like this?”

Fu Ming’s question was casual, but it stirred a twinge of pain in Jin Yi’s heart, reminding him of the time Fu Ming mentioned his courtesy name, “Yexin.” He took Fu Ming’s hand under the table, gently caressing it. Fu Ming, initially puzzled, soon understood Jin Yi’s comforting gesture and smiled, saying, “I’ve also had a coming-of-age ceremony. Though not as grand as this, it was enough for me. No need to feel sorry for me.”

“You’ve had one? When? Who presided?” Jin Yi asked, surprised.

Fu Ming replied, “I’ll tell you more about it when we return home. The Zhou family elder is about to announce Chengyan’s courtesy name.”

When the elder announced the pre-decided courtesy name, everyone applauded. Elders and peers alike began addressing Zhou Chengyan by his new name, “Xifu,” to which he responded joyfully. Fu Ming, smiling along with the others, called out “Xifu,” to which Zhou Chengyan replied with a bright smile and a hearty drink. Jin Yi patted his shoulder and said, “Si Rou always hoped you would grow up and help your parents. Now that you’ve become such a fine young man, she must be proud of you from above.”

Zhou Chengyan nodded, “I understand, brother-in-law. In a few days, I’ll visit your home to pay my respects to my sister and tell her about this in person.”

“Good,” Jin Yi replied with a smile.

After the banquet, Zhou Chengyan came to fetch Renlan and Zhao Yan from the inner courtyard, where they had been conversing. With most guests leaving, Fu Ming noticed a few other male spouses with their husbands, some displaying affection, others appearing distant, and even a few who seemed to openly dislike each other.

As one couple left, the male spouse glanced back at Fu Ming, eyes filled with what seemed like envy. Fu Ming nodded back with a polite smile.

On the way back, Zhao Yan noticed Renlan staring blankly at the unopened window curtains and asked, “Aunt, why are you upset? Did someone bully you while I was playing? Tell me, and I’ll ask father to seek justice for you.”

Renlan snapped out of her thoughts, gently stroking Zhao Yan’s soft hair, and shook her head, “No one bullied me.”

“Then why are you unhappy, Aunt?”

Renlan smiled, though it was a shallow one, enough to reassure the innocent child, “I’m just a little tired. I’ll be fine after resting.”

“Oh, as long as you’re okay, Aunt.”

Looking at Zhao Yan’s serious little face, Renlan couldn’t help but laugh, “You!” But as her smile faded, worry creased her brows again.

After the banquet, Zhou Wanqing had pulled Renlan aside and spoken at length. What she heard shocked Renlan, leaving her unsure how to respond or whether Zhou Wanqing’s intentions would come true. If they did, what would the future hold?

She hoped Zhou Wanqing was merely venting and didn’t truly mean it.

As autumn deepened, the fragrance of osmanthus filled Fangmanting. Remembering the Old Lady’s recent inquiry about the blooming osmanthus, Fu Ming rose early and personally cut the best branch, placing it in a vase to present to her.

The Old Lady, an early riser, had already finished breakfast and was reading on her bed when Fu Ming arrived.

He placed the branch, still dewy, on her bed table. The Old Lady set aside her book, sniffed the flowers, admired them, and smiled, “Indeed, Fangmanting has good soil, and you’re managing it well.”

Noticing the book, Fu Ming asked with a smile, “The Old Lady is in high spirits today. What book are you reading?”

She replied, “Just some essays I read as a child, brought out again for another look. But my old eyes struggle with the words. Since you’re here, why don’t you read it to me?”

“Of course.” Fu Ming picked up the book, not sitting, and began reading aloud.

The essay she had been reading was the “‘Chen Qing Biao (Petition to the Emperor).” Fu Ming read from the beginning:

“Chen Mi speaks: Subject to calamity and disaster from an early age, I have encountered many misfortunes. At six months old, I lost my kind father; at four years old, my uncle took away my mother’s will. My grandmother Liu pitied my orphanhood and personally cared for me… Subject to die for the emperor, alive or dead, to repay loyalty. In the utmost fear and humility, I respectfully submit this petition.”

After finishing, he asked, “Shall I continue?”

The Old Lady shook her head, “No need.” Then, she asked, “What do you think of this essay?”

Fu Ming replied, “The ‘Chen Qing Biao’ expresses genuine human emotions, making it relatable.”

The Old Lady continued, “Do you think Changjie is similar to the writer of this essay?”

Fu Ming answered, “Though there are similarities, they are ultimately different.”

She shook her head, “You’re still young and don’t understand. Our household may seem grand, but if you count the number of true family members, isn’t it quite similar to the essay’s description of ‘no close relatives outside, no servants inside’? Our family is also in decline. Changjie bears the weight of this entire household, facing hardships far beyond what the essay describes.”

Fu Ming set the book down, “Please, speak plainly.”

The Old Lady sighed, “You’re smart, and you’ve probably guessed my intentions. My husband and I were deeply in love, and after marrying into the Jin family, I gave birth to Changjie’s uncle and father. My mother-in-law wanted to take a concubine for my husband, but he respected my wishes and deferred, especially since I had already borne two sons. However, after my mother-in-law passed and we mourned her, no more children were born in the Jin family. Shortly after the mourning period ended, my husband fell ill and passed away. I buried my mother-in-law, then my husband. Later, my eldest son became bedridden, and my youngest son… Two daughters-in-law—one entered a nunnery, the other died of depression. Looking back now, seeing the Jin family in this state, I feel I’ve let down both the family and my husband, and it torments me daily.”

Feeling her sorrow, Fu Ming gently patted her back, speaking softly, “You’ve managed the family through great difficulties. Don’t blame yourself too much.”

She shook her head, “You don’t understand, dear. For a family, having many members means there are more people to support and look out for each other. If our family had more members, we wouldn’t be in this situation, and Changjie’s burdens would be lighter.”

After a moment of silence, Fu Ming asked, “I think I understand. Are you suggesting taking a concubine for Jin Yi?”

The Old Lady replied, “You’ve only been in the family for a short time, and now that you and Changjie are close, I understand your reluctance to see him take a concubine. But we can’t delay on this matter. Lady Wang has fallen out of favor, and Changjie doesn’t seem to like her anymore. Xinyue is a good choice, but Changjie can’t get over his feelings. The reason I haven’t mentioned this before is that I haven’t found the right person. But now, someone from a respectable family is willing to lower her status to be a concubine. Perhaps it’s fate.”

Fu Ming was shocked, then asked calmly, “Are you referring to Lady Wanqing, sister of the late mistress?”

The Old Lady nodded, “Yes. You may not know some past events. Before the emperor granted your marriage to Changjie, the Jin and Zhou families were considering another alliance. But with the emperor’s favor, Changjiemarried you, and it’s been good; you’re a great match for him. However, Wanqing is stubborn and refuses to marry anyone else. Her family has even accommodated her wishes. They’ve already sent people to discuss the matter. Given the circumstances, it’s inappropriate to refuse. It would be a good match, except it might seem unfair to Wanqing. I’ve thought about it for two days and decided we should accept. If you agree, Changjie will too.”

Fu Ming’s emotions surged. After a long pause, he said, “Are you asking for my opinion or…”

She cut him off, “I know it’s hard to accept at first, but this is common. If not this year, then next. If not her, then someone else. Moreover, Changjie told me about Renlan’s situation. I favored the Wang family in Hedong, as an alliance with them would benefit our family. However, it’s not right to sacrifice a girl’s happiness for the family’s sake. My husband always criticized the court for sending noble daughters to the borders for political alliances. I won’t do the same. But Changjie is different. As a man and the only one who can bear the family’s responsibilities, he must carry on the family line and restore the family’s fortunes. As his spouse, this is your duty.”

Moved by her emotional appeal and logical reasoning, Fu Ming understood the matter was already decided. His feelings couldn’t change the outcome.

He finally replied softly, “I understand. Don’t worry.”

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