Upon arriving at Fu Xiang’s residence, Yuwen Chu realized that Mingzhu wasn’t angry with him and wanting to return to her parents’ home. She actually had important matters to attend to. Wenwen’s marriage was already being scheduled, and there were many things to be done. Since Fu Mingzhao was no longer in charge, every detail had to be handled with extra care to avoid any gossip and to ensure the child’s dignity.
Lady Su was very pleased to hear that it was Qi Wangfei who had brought up the matter and felt much better despite her illness. She struggled to get up and brought out Wenwen’s dowry list to show Mingzhu. “Sister, please take a look and see if this is appropriate, or if we need to add anything.”
Mingzhu carefully reviewed the list. Privately, she thought that if her second brother had not encountered trouble, this dowry would be sufficient. However, given his current predicament, it seemed a bit lacking. Considering that her second brother might never return and that there were still younger siblings who would need support, and without any extra income, relying solely on the family’s funds wouldn’t be enough, she didn’t express her concerns openly. Instead, she smiled and said, “It’s more than enough. The family will contribute, and parents will give personal gifts. I will also add to her dowry. It will be plenty.”
Lady Su didn’t notice anything amiss and joyfully said, “This was planned by your second brother and me earlier. He always handled things most properly.” Saying this, she felt a wave of sorrow, but fearing Mingzhu might take it to heart, she lowered her head to wipe her tears. “In the blink of an eye, the child is getting married. I truly can’t bear to let her go.”
Wenwen, understanding her mother’s feelings, quickly stepped forward to comfort her. “Mother, don’t cry. I will still take care of the family. As long as I’m here, you don’t need to worry about my younger siblings. Besides, we have grandparents, uncles, aunts, and everyone else.”
“Yes, this is a joyous occasion, Second Sister-in-law. Don’t cry and make the child sad,” Mingzhu added, appreciating Wenwen’s straightforwardness. Wenwen didn’t say anything melodramatic like “I won’t marry; I’ll stay and take care of you and my siblings,” but instead confidently stated that she would continue to manage family affairs. This was because she knew that with her father’s trouble, despite the strong support from her grandparents and uncles, the second household needed someone to uphold its dignity and manage its affairs. As the eldest grandson’s wife-to-be in Qi Wang’s household, that responsibility fell on her.
Lady Su quickly wiped away her tears. “You’re right. This is a happy event; I shouldn’t be sad.” She then took Wenwen’s hand and started giving detailed instructions, while Mingzhu, understandingly, found an excuse to leave, giving the mother and daughter some private time.
She first went to find Lady Qian and tactfully inquired about Wenwen’s dowry. Lady Qian didn’t think it was inappropriate for her married sister-in-law to get involved in family matters and openly explained, “Originally, our family has a custom of giving 5,000 taels for a son’s wedding and 4,000 taels for a daughter’s dowry. Since you were the only girl of your generation and married a prince, and with Mother and Father adding extra to your dowry, your case was special. Now that your second brother is in trouble and your second sister-in-law is ill, Wenwen’s marriage to the Qi Wang’s household cannot have a light dowry; it must be handled differently from others. I’ve discussed with your eldest brother, and we’ve decided to add another 2,000 taels to her dowry. If that still isn’t enough, we’ll add more ourselves.”
Mingzhu smiled and said, “That’s more than enough. Eldest Sister-in-law handles things impeccably.”
Lady Qian sighed and said, “What’s the point in saying this? There’s strength in numbers. Our family’s unity has kept us from misfortune.” This remark was directed at Lady Long, Fu Lin’s wife, who had recently had a daughter and was learning household management from Lady Qian. Lady Long smiled and curtsied, “Mother’s teachings are remembered. Harmony in the family brings prosperity.”
Lady Qian, pleased with her sensible daughter-in-law, nodded solemnly. “Go check the kitchen. Your uncle and aunt are staying for dinner, and everything must be perfect. Now that your fourth aunt is heavily pregnant and Jia Jia is at her most mischievous age, you need to support her.”
Lady Long obediently went to manage affairs.
Seeing everything in the household in perfect order, with the younger generation growing up sensible and knowledgeable, Mingzhu felt a sense of peace. Although her parents would eventually pass, she was prepared. She felt confident in her ability to handle everything and to do her best.
Yuwen Chu had a long private discussion with Fu Cong and only emerged when it was almost time to eat. He thoughtfully accompanied Madam Cui, humorously telling her a couple of amusing anecdotes, which made her laugh heartily and praise him continuously. Afterward, she would often admonish Mingzhu, telling her to be more restrained and to be a dutiful wife.
Mingzhu didn’t take it to heart and agreed with everything Madam Cui said, knowing that Madam Cui’s scoldings were mostly for show and she never really meant any harm.
Yuwen Chu then went off to drink with Fu Mingda and Fu Mingzheng, plotting something, while the women took care of Madam Cui and the children at dinner, joking with Wenwen and finalizing the wedding arrangements.
Qi Wang’s household had the newly appointed Imperial Observatory official select three auspicious dates, one in September, one in October, and one in December. Lady Su unhesitatingly chose the September date. Madam Cui and Fu Cong were pleased and asked Mingzhu to inform Qi Wang’s family the next day to start preparations.
Wenwen insisted on toasting Mingzhu three times. The first was to wish her and Yuwen Chu a long and happy life together, the second was to thank her for all her efforts, and the third, Wenwen wouldn’t reveal, blushing and insisting Mingzhu drink.
Mingzhu didn’t make things difficult for her and simply drank. Then she quietly went to ask Lady Ai. Lady Ai whispered, “Second sister-in-law’s nephew, the one named Jingxuan who was initially arranged to be married to Wenwen, suddenly fell seriously ill and is not expected to recover. A few days ago, Jiang Zhouzi came to check on our parents, and second sister-in-law asked him to look at Jingxuan. Jiang Zhouzi prescribed some medicine, and while there was some improvement, he privately told our eldest brother that the child’s illness was merely temporarily suppressed. When it recurs, it will be fatal, and he won’t live long. Since second sister-in-law is ill, we haven’t told her about this, but Wenwen knows. She is grateful that her aunt saved her marriage and her future.”
Mingzhu silently offered a prayer. Little Stone, curious, hugged her arm and asked innocently, “What is Aunt doing?”
Mingzhu smiled and replied, “Thanking heaven.”
Little Stone didn’t understand, “Why thank heaven?”
Lady Ai pulled him away, “Because heaven gives us food! Meat to eat! A house to live in! Understand?”
But Little Stone was at the age of endless questions and persistently asked Lady Ai, “Why does heaven give us food? Why do we have meat? Why…”
Everyone shared a knowing smile and said to Mingzhu, “The next ‘why’ will come from Zhuangzhuang.”
