BMN : Chapter 3

Birds unafraid of the lingering chill of spring chirped joyfully in the early morning sunlight, busy building their nests. Fu Ming, still groggy from sleep, stared blankly at the room filled with red decorations, only then recalling where he was.

By tradition, he was supposed to offer tea to his elders with his husband today. Like him, Jin Yi’s parents had passed away, leaving only his grandmother and bedridden uncle. The Jin family, despite bearing the title of the Duke of Sui, had dwindled in power and influence with the passing of the previous Duke and the decline of his descendants. It was likely because of this decline that Jin Yi couldn’t resist when the crown prince’s faction paired them together after Jin Yi’s mourning period ended. With this understanding, Fu Ming could somewhat grasp why Jin Yi treated him so coldly.

A loveless marriage between two indifferent parties likely bodes ill for their future together. As he washed up, Fu Ming sighed inwardly, contemplating how uncertain the days ahead were, even as spring thawed the snow and ice.

After washing, Wanlan brought Fu Ming a plain outfit that he usually wore at home, but Lu Fei shook her head, saying, “That won’t do. Young Master just got married; you need to wear something more splendid to avoid giving people something to talk about.”

Fu Ming agreed, “Listen to Lu Fei. Bring a different one.”

Though Fu Ming rarely wore bright colors, his fair complexion and handsome features carried them well without looking vulgar. After Wanlan and Lu Fei dressed him, they smiled, “No matter what you wear, Young Master looks great.”

Fu Ming looked at himself in the mirror, dressed in a luxurious outfit and wearing a jade crown. Something seemed to come to his mind, and he gave a slight smile. He then asked, “Has anyone come with a message?”

Wanlan replied, “No one has come to this courtyard yet.”

“Then let’s have breakfast first,” Fu Ming said.

Lu Fei instructed the young maids waiting outside to bring in the porridge and dishes. As Fu Ming ate, he noticed that the food provided was more exquisite and plentiful than what he had at the Fu family, indicating that the Jin family hadn’t skimped on his meals.

While eating, a message came that Jin Yi would arrive later, asking Fu Ming to wait after breakfast.

After the meal, Fu Ming rinsed his mouth and sipped tea. A short while later, Jin Yi arrived. In contrast to Fu Ming’s bright attire, Jin Yi wore a dark blue outer garment, creating an incongruous pair. Jin Yi made no attempt to change his outfit or ask Fu Ming to do so, simply saying, “Let’s go pay respects to Grandmother.” With that, he led the way out.

With no choice, Fu Ming followed, walking a few steps behind Jin Yi in silence. As they arrived at the elderly lady’s quarters, Fu Ming, who hadn’t had the chance to thoroughly observe the Duke’s mansion amidst the wedding chaos, now noted the various priceless antiques and paintings by renowned artists decorating the room. Despite the decline, the Jin family still bore the marks of a prestigious noble lineage, unlike the lesser officials like the Fu family.

After a quick survey, Fu Ming, alongside Jin Yi, bowed to the elderly lady, then knelt as a maid brought tea. He presented the tea with both hands, respectfully serving the old lady.

The elderly lady took a sip and then placed the cup back, speaking in a neutral tone, “Rise, sit.”

A chair was brought and placed beside Jin Yi, and Fu Ming sat down.

At this point, a young girl and a boy, who had been sitting beside the elderly lady, stood up and approached. The girl, Jin Renlan, was Jin Yi’s cousin, dressed in a yellow blouse and blue skirt, exuding a fresh and charming aura. She bowed to Jin Yi and Fu Ming, addressing Jin Yi as “Brother” and Fu Ming as “Brother Ming.”

Lu Fei quickly brought over a greeting gift. Fu Ming received it with both hands, offering it to Renlan, saying, “A small token, not as fine as what you usually wear, but a little something for you.”

Renlan accepted with a slight smile, “Thank you, Brother Ming, for the generous gift,” and handed it to her maid, Cairui.

The boy, Jin Zhaoyan, was Jin Yi’s son from his late wife, Lady Zhou, who passed away shortly after giving birth. Jin Yi had mourned her for three years, longer than customary, which was widely praised. Besides a maid, Wang Ningxue, promoted to concubine, and Lady Zhou’s maid, Xinyue, Jin Yi had taken no other women during these years. This demonstrated the depth of his feelings for his late wife.

Jin Zhaoyan, not yet four, was an adorable child. Unlike Renlan, he was less restrained and threw himself at Jin Yi, hugging his leg and exclaiming, “Daddy, Daddy, I ate two bowls of minced meat porridge this morning!”

Jin Yi gently pushed him away, mildly scolding, “You’re too old to act like this without manners.”

Zhaoyan was unafraid but obediently released his grip and stood straight, bowing to Jin Yi and respectfully calling him “Father.” He then looked at Fu Ming, frowning slightly, unsure of how to address him.

“From now on, Zhaoyan should call him ‘Uncle Ming’,” the elderly lady instructed.

While this form of address was somewhat unconventional, given Fu Ming’s new status as Jin Yi’s spouse, it was a formality everyone had to accept with the elderly lady’s directive. Zhaoyan bowed to Fu Ming, “Uncle Ming.”

Fu Ming acknowledged with a nod, and Lu Fei presented a gift: a set of finely crafted toys popular among children, more exquisite than those sold in the market, including various figurines and a miniature set of silver and gold weapons. Zhaoyan was delighted and thanked Fu Ming before taking the box of toys to play with his maid, Liuxing.

Noticing Fu Ming’s thoughtfulness, the elderly lady seemed to remember she should also give him a gift for the tea ceremony. She signaled her maid, Qingfeng, who retrieved a small sandalwood box from the inner room.

The elderly lady said to Fu Ming, “This is an antique inkstone carved by a scholar named Xu from the previous dynasty. I don’t know much about it, but it’s said to be valuable. We’ve had it for many years, unused. I heard you’re good at poetry and painting, so this might be of use to you.”

Touched, Fu Ming stepped forward, slightly bowed, and accepted the gift, saying, “Thank you, Grandmother, for your kindness.”

“That’s all. I’m tired now; you may all go,” the elderly lady dismissed them with a wave of her hand.

As they left the courtyard, Renlan nodded and greeted her two brothers(JY,FM) and Zhaoyan before heading to her room.

Zhaoyan tugged at Jin Yi’s clothes, asking, “Daddy, will you tell me a story tonight?”

Jin Yi nodded, “I’ll come in the evening. If you eat well, I’ll tell you more stories.”

Zhaoyan beamed, “Alright, alright, I’ll eat well, and Daddy should spend more time with me.” He then turned to Fu Ming, “Can Uncle Ming tell stories too?”

“What kind of stories?” Fu Ming asked.

“Stories about ancient heroes, gods, filial children, loyal ministers, and great generals who fought enemies. Do you know these stories, Uncle Ming?”

Fu Ming smiled, “I know some.”

“Then, if Daddy is busy, can Uncle Ming tell me stories?” Zhaoyan asked.

Fu Ming glanced at Jin Yi, who didn’t respond, seemingly leaving the decision to him. Fu Ming smiled and replied, “Sure, Uncle Ming can tell you stories when he has time.”

Zhaoyan clapped happily, “Then I’ll come find Uncle Ming every afternoon after my nap, okay?”

Fu Ming nodded, half-jokingly, “I’ll be waiting.”

“Alright, you should go do your morning lessons now,” Jin Yi said, signaling the nursemaid, who promptly took Zhaoyan’s hand and led him away.

Zhaoyan turned back and called, “Daddy, Uncle Ming, don’t forget what you promised!”

Fu Ming smiled, watching Zhaoyan disappear around the corner of the corridor. He heard footsteps behind him but didn’t turn around. When he finally looked back, Jin Yi had already walked far away.

Without even a word of farewell, Jin Yi displayed less courtesy than Renlan and Zhaoyan, the two children. Not that he was unaware of proper manners, but it seemed he either didn’t care or deliberately ignored them.

Fu Ming shook his head and, with Lu Fei, returned to his residence, “Fangmanting,” a name he had temporarily chosen. This morning, he noticed a stone in the courtyard with no inscription and learned from the servants that many of the mansions’ courtyards had been rebuilt. Due to subsequent misfortunes, they had remained unnamed. Deciding it was appropriate to name the courtyard where he lived, Fu Ming, imagining the scene in full bloom, named it “Fangmanting” (Full Bloom Courtyard).

As soon as the three entered Fangmanting, a young maid approached, saying, “Young Master Ming, Lady Wang and Miss Xinyue have come to pay their respects.”