BMN : Chapter 35

The matter of the divorce was settled, and the Jin household no longer deliberately kept the news from spreading. Eventually, the matter became widely known.

Several days later, Mrs. Zhou came to visit the Jin household with her daughter, Zhou Wanqing.

While Mrs. Zhou discussed matters with the matriarch, Zhou Wanqing went to see Renlan.

Dressed in a goose-yellow blouse and a deep red skirt, Zhou Wanqing’s fair complexion and vibrant appearance contrasted with Renlan, who seemed troubled, her dark brows furrowed.

Zhou Wanqing took her hand and asked, “Renlan, are you not happy to see me?”

Renlan shook her head. “I’m not unhappy to see you.”

“Then why don’t you smile? You’re about to get married, yet you don’t look happy at all!”

Renlan let out an almost imperceptible sigh. “You probably know what’s happened with my family. How can I be happy?”

Zhou Wanqing scoffed. “I thought it was something serious that had you so worried. Isn’t it just that brother-in-law divorced that Fu gentleman? When they first…” Zhou Wanqing stopped herself. No matter how much she looked down on the situation, it wasn’t her place to comment. She changed her tone and continued, “Since he left willingly, it’s a good thing for brother-in-law, don’t you think?”

Renlan shook her head. “I don’t know. I feel like maybe Brother Ming… must have had his reasons.”

Zhou Wanqing chuckled awkwardly. “Come on, don’t waste your thoughts on him. You’re about to get married; you shouldn’t be worrying about irrelevant men.”

Renlan widened her eyes in disbelief. “How can you say that? I call him Brother Ming; he’s like a brother to me.”

Zhou Wanqing smiled sheepishly. “Alright, alright, I misspoke. But he’s no longer part of the Jin household. It’s not appropriate for you to keep thinking about him. Besides, brother-in-law agreed to the divorce; since he let go, why shouldn’t you?”

Renlan turned her head away. “Maybe I’m overthinking it.” But she couldn’t shake her feelings of confusion, reluctance, and concern for Fu Ming. She didn’t believe he could be so decisively detached without some hidden reason, yet her doubts and worries were futile.

Seeing that she couldn’t convince Renlan, Zhou Wanqing changed the subject, chatting about light-hearted matters. However, Renlan remained unenthusiastic, so Zhou Wanqing soon left, taking her maid back to join her mother and the matriarch.

After finishing their discussion, Mrs. Zhou and the matriarch exchanged pleasantries, and the Zhou family departed.

In the carriage, Mrs. Zhou smiled at her daughter. “It’s done. The matriarch agreed.”

Zhou Wanqing’s lips curled into a smile. “Really? She was a bit hesitant before, but now she’s agreed?”

“With the divorce settled and your brother-in-law single, how could the Jin family refuse a girl like you from a respectable family?”

Zhou Wanqing blushed slightly. “But what about brother-in-law… will he be willing?”

Mrs. Zhou noticed the anxiety and anticipation in her daughter’s voice. She was uncertain herself but reassured her daughter with a smile. “Your brother-in-law will be willing. After your sister passed, our families discussed this, and he tacitly agreed. Now, with the Jin family needing support and a good wife to manage the household, it’s the perfect time.” Mrs. Zhou’s smile faded as she gently stroked her daughter’s hair, sighing softly. “But Qing’er, are we doing the right thing?”

Zhou Wanqing’s expression grew resolute. “Mother, the Jin household is a good family, and brother-in-law… he is worth it. Don’t worry, I’ll be happy.”

Mrs. Zhou looked at her daughter with love and concern. “I hope so, my dear.”

After the Zhou family’s visit, the matriarch soon summoned Jin Yi and informed him of the family’s decision, her tone more of a notification than a discussion.

Jin Yi’s expression remained cold, his tone flat. “This is the third time I’m getting married, and it’s always decided by someone else.”

The matriarch felt a pang of guilt and annoyance. But before she could say anything, Jin Yi smiled and said, “Alright, whatever you say, I’ll go along with it.”

The matriarch sensed a touch of hopelessness and resignation in his forced smile. She softened her tone, saying, “I know you’ve been through a lot, and it’s hard for you, but you’re sensible. You know what’s best for the family. Don’t worry, Wanqing is a good girl—pretty, understanding, capable. She’ll take good care of you, and things will only get better.”

Jin Yi remained indifferent but did not argue. He simply said, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”

After Jin Yi left, the matriarch turned to Xingyue, who had just returned with her medicine. “Do you think what I’m doing is for the best?”

Xingyue smiled reassuringly. “There’s no such thing as the best choice, only what’s suitable, liked, and willing. If you don’t try, how will you know if it’s right? You’ve made your decision; let’s let things take their course. After the storm comes the calm, and it’s time for the Jin household to have some good fortune.”

The matriarch nodded. “You’re right. After the storm comes the calm.”

The Jin household had endured dark times, and now, with the cold season moving from Minor Cold to Major Cold, the worst seemed over.

In the countryside farmhouse, it was much colder than in the city. Wanlan kept the fires burning, while Fu Ming sat by the stove, often dozing off or staring blankly. When the small blanket on his lap slipped off, Lu Fei would silently cover him again. With his lack of energy, Fu Ming rarely read, and the zither Jin Yi had sent lay untouched, gathering dust. The only times he seemed animated were during chats with Dr. Fang Shiyue. Though Dr. Fang had other responsibilities, he spent much time with Fu Ming, ensuring his health improved despite the cold and Fu Ming’s low spirits.

One day, Dr. Fang was away, and the gate unexpectedly knocked.

Lu Fei opened the door to a familiar face—one of the men who had come to take Fu Ming’s nurse south, her nephew.

The man had arrived in the capital long ago but had struggled to find Fu Ming. After several setbacks, he finally found the right place.

Lu Fei led him to Fu Ming, who looked noticeably ill. The man, knowing recent events, felt a pang of pity and began with a few polite inquiries.

Fu Ming apologized. “I’ve been unwell and busy with recent events, so I couldn’t send word to you. I’m sorry you had such a hard time finding me.”

The man replied, “I understand. It’s been a difficult time for you. I’ve just been running around; it’s no trouble.”

Fu Ming asked, “What brings you here?”

The man hesitated, feeling like he was adding to Fu Ming’s burdens but had to deliver the message. “I must tell you, my aunt’s old illness has worsened since winter began. Her condition is declining daily. She wishes to see you but can’t travel, so…”

Fu Ming leaned forward, alarmed. “You’re saying…” It must be true; no one would joke about this.

Worried, Lu Fei asked for more details. Fu Ming wanted to leave immediately, but in his condition, he couldn’t travel south. Not only did the maids, but even the nurse’s nephew, advised against it. “You’re in no condition to travel, and my aunt would only worry more if something happened to you on the way.”

Fu Ming insisted, but Dr. Fang, returning just then, firmly forbade the journey. His tone was more of an order than advice.

Dr. Fang left a few prescriptions, instructing Fu Ming to rest and take care, and gave Lu Fei and Wanlan strict orders. He then accompanied the nephew south.

Before leaving, Dr. Fang warned Fu Ming, “You know I’m more useful than you right now. Stay put. If you’re still like this when I get back, you can expect a harsh lesson!”

After they left, Fu Ming sat holding his wrist, speaking as if to himself, “I know he’s more useful than me. But I…” He left the thought unfinished. But Lu Fei seemed to understand; perhaps he was thinking:

If I don’t go, I may regret it forever.

A few days after Major Cold, it was New Year’s Eve.

This was the loneliest New Year’s Eve Lu Fei and Wanlan had experienced since serving Fu Ming. Still, they prepared many things, and Fu Ming mustered the energy to write a couplet, which they put up outside. That night, under the glow of candles and firelight, the three shared a quiet meal, feeling a sense of mutual dependence despite the solitude.

Fu Ming intended to stay up all night, listening to the wind outside, the occasional dog bark, and the sounds of the maids playing dice inside. Lost in mixed emotions, he drifted into sleep.

On New Year’s Day, the quiet farmhouse received a few visitors.

The first was Yan Le, who, short on time, didn’t stay long. He repeatedly urged Fu Ming, “You still don’t look well. Listen to Dr. Fang and take care of yourself.”

Fu Ming, good-natured, agreed again and again, and Yan Le left, somewhat reassured.

Around midday, a few neighboring farmers came by, bringing cured meat and rice wine as gifts. These were former tenants of Fu Ming’s estate, offering thanks. Fu Ming accepted with a smile and had Lu Fei and Wanlan give them some goods in return. The farmers initially hesitated but couldn’t refuse the gracious maids and took the gifts home.

For lunch, Wanlan cooked a dish with the cured meat and heated some rice wine, allowing Fu Ming a small bowl. The simple drink, after a long time without alcohol, tasted particularly delicious.

In the afternoon, Sun Cangyong visited. He had planned to bring wine but, knowing Fu Ming couldn’t drink, brought only food. Seeing Fu Ming still unwell, he didn’t stay long, sharing some cheerful news before leaving.

After the Hour of the Monkey (3-5 p.m.), Zhou Chengyan arrived.

It was his first time seeing Fu Ming since he left the Jin household. Zhou Chengyan had been unaware of Fu Ming’s situation until he heard about the divorce. He had needed time to process everything, including his parents’ announcement of his sister’s marriage. Once he accepted it, he found Fu Ming’s new residence.

Though he felt sorry for Fu Ming, he knew that Fu Ming was a proud man who didn’t need pity, only respect. So, despite everything, he maintained a calm demeanor, treating Fu Ming as a true friend. Their friendship transcended social status; whether Fu Ming was a noble son-in-law or a fallen scholar in a farmhouse, he was still Zhou Chengyan’s dear friend.

The two chatted by the stove while snow fell outside. Zhou Chengyan stayed for dinner, enjoying simple yet tasty dishes. After the meal, he waited for the snow to stop before leaving.

Fu Ming, wrapped in a thick cloak, went to see him off at the door but was stopped by Zhou Chengyan.

Fu Ming smiled. “Xi Fu, I’m glad you came today.”

Zhou Chengyan didn’t say much, only, “I’ll come often.”

“Good. When I get better, I’ll make tea for you.”

Zhou Chengyan also smiled. “When you get better, I’ll gather Yuan Shu and Qing Sun. You not only have to make tea but also play the zither for us.”

“Alright. Let’s meet again in the deep spring; by then, I’ll be well, and we can gather again.”

Zhou Chengyan reached out, hesitated, then patted Fu Ming’s shoulder. “I’ll head back now. See you later.”

“See you.” Fu Ming’s voice was carried away by the night wind, drifting into the sky.

As Zhou Chengyan left the courtyard, he looked back at the low walls and rooftops in the dim light, feeling tears well up in his eyes. He didn’t understand why he felt this way; he wasn’t particularly sad, and Fu Ming, despite his situation, was still the same gentle and kind person he had always known. So why was there this uncontrollable sadness in his heart?

R : ……….well..

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