FYM - 59

...That night was like a dream.

Song Shuyan couldn’t recall how she left Shihuan and returned to the Qiao residence. She remained dazed, only snapping out of it upon entering her room, where Zhui’er eagerly awaited her. Seeing her, Zhui’er hopped over on one leg, urgently asking, “How did it go? Did Lord Fang say anything to you?”

Still in a haze, Song Shuyan gradually regained composure at the mention of him. Her eyes welled up as she replied, “He said… he wants to marry me.”

Zhui’er had long sensed her mistress’s deep connection with the new marquis but hadn’t expected him to propose marriage outright. The Fang family’s prominence meant even marrying a princess would be fitting, let alone their current lord. This…

She was momentarily stunned, then burst into tears, tightly gripping her mistress’s arm, alternating between crying and laughing. “Wonderful… wonderful… My young miss’s hardships are finally ending…”

Having grown up alongside Song Shuyan, Zhui’er had witnessed her mistreatment by the Song family. Now, marrying into the Fang family meant vindication. No one, not even Lady Wan or her haughty daughter, dare disrespect the bride of the Fang household.

“Let’s tell the old lady quickly! She’s been worrying about your marriage; she mentioned it all day!”

Zhui’er wiped her tears, still hopping despite her injured foot. Song Shuyan gently wiped her own eyes, smiling and shaking her head. “Let’s wait a few days… Third Brother said he and Lady Fang will personally visit Grandmother…”

This…

Zhui’er’s eyes widened. The Fang family visiting was unexpected—the Qiao family, though her benefactors, were merely maternal relatives with no officials among them. Such an honor for a merchant family was unimaginable. She pondered, feeling as if dreaming, yet hoping it was real. Her mistress truly gained the Fang family’s favor, ensuring a future of respect and security.

“Yes, yes…” she nodded repeatedly, tears falling harder. Still uneasy, she pressed Song Shuyan, “Did Lord Fang say when they’d come? How long must we wait? Will… will he change his mind?”

She shook her head, reassuring herself, “No, no… Lord Fang is noble; he wouldn’t do that…”

Initially flustered, Song Shuyan now calmed, amused by Zhui’er’s panic. “They’ll come after my cousin’s wedding… With the household busy, it’s inconvenient for them to visit now.”

Zhui’er understood, nodding, “Of course.” Yet tears continued, joyfully embracing her mistress. After crying her fill, she pestered for details, “Tell me everything, miss! Leave nothing out!”

…How could she forget?

Every word he said was etched in her mind. The lingering passion didn’t fade with separation but intensified in solitude.

She tossed and turned in bed, experiencing such joy for the first time. Remembering he promised to fetch her the next day to meet his mother, she watched the sky, waiting impatiently. Though it felt like days, it was only the third watch.

Covering her eyes, she recalled his almost-kiss, her heart brimming with sweetness, silently complaining—

Why haven’t you come for me yet?

In truth, Fang Xianting arrived early.

After escorting her home, he too remained sleepless. Closing his eyes, visions of her gazing at him under the plum tree replayed, intoxicating him. Her touch lingered, stirring thoughts hard to restrain. Rising to review neglected letters, he waited until dawn, concerned about arriving too early. Finally, at the morning hour, he headed to the Qiao residence.

Song Shuyan, already prepared, rushed out upon hearing the servants’ report. Never had anyone made her so eager, nor any event so anxiously anticipated as real.

He stood outside, awaiting her. His familiar dark brocade today seemed especially handsome. Her heartstrings resonated with pleasure, tightening as he approached.

“…Am I too early?”

His low voice carried a hint of apology and a trace of helpless sigh.

Last night’s emotions surged anew. Her admiration for him became overwhelming. Shaking her head slightly, she looked up, whispering, “…No.”

Two words, laden with emotion, though they stood apart, felt like a tight embrace. He coughed, masking his discomfort. The warmth of Qiantang in February heightened their feelings.

“Let’s go…”

He stepped closer, his voice soft as water.

“…I’ll take you to see Mother.”

The Fang residence wasn’t far from the Qiao house. Within two incense sticks’ time, they glimpsed its eaves. Due to the earlier incident with the Wang family in Jinling, officials across Jiangnan knew of Marquis Fang’s arrival. The Qiantang governor, astute, promptly arranged their lodging—a serene, elegant abode, perfectly comfortable.

Lady Jiang, informed of her son’s departure to the Qiao residence, awaited them. By the time Song Shuyan arrived, she had enjoyed two cups of tea. Smiling warmly, she reached out, saying, “Finally, you’ve come. My trip to Qiantang wasn’t in vain.”

Song Shuyan, blushing like blooming peach blossoms, sat shyly beside the elder. Fang Xianting intervened, addressing his mother, “Mother…”

Seeing their affection, unlike days prior, Lady Jiang smiled broadly, holding Song Shuyan’s hand while glancing at her son. Teasingly, she chided, “Just a word, and you’re already interrupting? Men intruding on women’s conversations are most annoying. Go attend to your matters.”

Her words were intimate, not just for Fang Xianting but also for Song Shuyan, who couldn’t help but smile secretly. Fang Xianting sighed, rising while stealing a glance at Song Shuyan, “Then I’ll take my leave, returning later.”

Lady Jiang waved him off. Once he left, she turned to Song Shuyan, smiling, “Well? Did he tell you everything?”

Song Shuyan, still captivated by Fang Xianting’s parting glance, responded slowly, nodding bashfully, endearing herself further to the elder. Lady Jiang patted her cheek, her expression full of affection.

“Yes, yes…”

She nodded repeatedly, both joyful and reflective.

“A resolution is good. However, these two years may still bring some hardship—but rest assured. Soon, I’ll visit your grandmother and arrange matters in Jinling. Though your engagement with Yizhi isn’t yet public, within our families, it will be clear. All proper rites will be observed. Once the mourning period ends, we’ll conduct the formal betrothal…”

Her words were earnest, fearing Song Shuyan might feel wronged. Yet, Song Shuyan deeply appreciated her kindness, recognizing her as one of the kindest elders besides her grandmother.

“Lady, please don’t say such things…” she felt humble, always reciprocating kindness with sincerity. “Shuyan is unworthy, daring not aspire to the Fang family. Fortunately, you and Third Brother favor me, I…”

Before finishing her gratitude, Lady Jiang interrupted, gently scolding, “Silly child,” her eyes growing somber.

“Speak not of high or low matches… Marriage should concern only two hearts. Alas, worldly affairs are fraught with complications, leading to many inevitabilities.”

“Two families unrelated become one through marriage. Life is long; spending it with someone indifferent would be hell… Yizhi loves you, and you care for him—this is best.”

“I am also a Fang family daughter-in-law, knowing their men’s virtues unmatched, yet their flaws equally profound, beyond anyone’s aid… But you won’t regret marrying them. Sometimes, walking part of life’s journey with them is enough…”

Here, her eyes reddened, recalling her late husband. She never forgot him, merely pretending to live after his departure.

“Too many ill events have occurred these years. Now, finally, you’ve come…”

Lady Jiang shook her head, reproaching herself for spoiling the mood with tears. Looking at Song Shuyan, her eyes softened infinitely, filled with boundless compassion and blessings.

“You will surely be happy… From now on, only good things remain.”