Chapter 107: Coming of Age (2)

Afterward, Madam Yao held her hand and led her to examine each tray one by one. The maids and servants unfolded the dresses for her to inspect closely. Afterward, she encouraged Shen Xiling to try them on one by one. Once she finished trying them on and came out, Madam Yao gazed at her with delight and continuously praised her beauty. The maids joined in, making her blush.

The entire household spent the day joyfully. They shared lunch and dinner together, and under Madam Yao’s insistence, Shen Xiling ate more than usual—more even than when Qi Yin was present—which made the maids like Shuipei quite happy.

By the time Madam Yao prepared to leave in the evening, Shen Xiling’s spirits had noticeably improved.

She reluctantly saw Madam Yao off down the mountain, still reluctant to part even as Madam Yao climbed into the carriage. Noticing this, Madam Yao smiled through the carriage window and said, “What is there to be reluctant about? It won’t be long before your hair-pinning ceremony, and we will see each other then. You must eat well and not lose any more weight; otherwise, you won’t be able to carry the clothes properly, and I won’t have time to alter them.”

Shen Xiling smiled and replied, “I understand, Madam.”

Madam Yao smiled, bid her farewell, and the coachman whipped the horses, causing the carriage to slowly depart.

After Madam Yao left, Shen Xiling’s mood improved significantly. Although the maids could tell she still felt melancholy about Master Qi, at least she was eating again, which was a relief.

A few days later, Manager Feng from the previously vandalized cloth shop suddenly arrived at Fenghe Garden, wishing to see Shen Xiling. He was stopped by Shuipei.

It wasn’t for any other reason but because he appeared extremely agitated and seemed ready to cause a scene. Shuipei thought it would be unfortunate if her young mistress, who had just started to feel better, were upset again. His small cloth shop was merely a minor issue, and coming to the young mistress likely meant seeking sympathy and assistance. What was the urgency?

After much deliberation, Shuipei decided not to let him enter Fenghe Garden, instructing him to resolve matters with Song Haotang instead.

This manager was quite persistent and visited several more times. Eventually, not only Shuipei but also Liu Zi, Fengchang, and Zijun felt he was unsuitable to see the young mistress. They believed his erratic behavior made him unfit to enter. During his last attempt, when he seemed determined to force his way in, Liu Zi became angry and called upon some of Fenghe Garden’s servants, warning that if he persisted, they would remove him. Finally, they managed to drive him away.

Days passed smoothly, and finally, the day of Shen Xiling’s hair-pinning ceremony arrived.

On the twenty-somethingth day of February, the weather was clear and beautiful, and Jiankang City was in full bloom. The cherry blossoms behind Qingji Mountain were nearing their peak, blooming exceptionally vibrant and lovely.

It was a perfect spring day.

Madam Yao had meticulously arranged everything for Shen Xiling’s ceremony—from decorating the main hall to preparing all items required for the auspicious rites. Additionally, she invited a few guests to witness the event: the two young masters of the Qi family, Mr. and Mrs. Song Haotang, and two or three close business acquaintances of Shen Xiling. No one else attended.

For such an important occasion, the young lady naturally needed careful grooming and dressing. Shuipei and Zijun, who were assigned as the master of ceremonies and attendant respectively, were busy with preparations alongside Madam Yao in the main hall and thus unavailable to attend to Shen Xiling. Therefore, only Fengchang remained in Woyu Courtyard to help her dress.

Fengchang excelled in grooming among the maids and was especially motivated to showcase her skills today. She carefully helped Shen Xiling change into colorful attire and meticulously styled her hair.

Shen Xiling, however, paid no attention to these details and kept asking if Qi Yin had returned.

Liu Zi stood outside her door, running back and forth to check the main hall every time she asked, doing so over a dozen times. On his last trip, which took unusually long, Shen Xiling sat inside anxiously waiting. Finally, she heard Liu Zi return, his voice filled with excitement as he panted and reported through the door, “Young Mistress, Master has returned and is already in the main hall!”

Hearing this, Shen Xiling sighed in relief, finally revealing the first genuine smile in three months.

He had returned.

Finally, he had returned.

From behind, Fengchang noticed the breathtaking smile reflected in the copper mirror, akin to all the flowers in Jiankang blooming simultaneously. Her heart settled, thinking how fortunate it was that the master had returned; otherwise, how could their young mistress go through this ceremony?

She too felt joyful and redoubled her efforts to make her young mistress look heavenly, hoping that the master would take one look and never want to leave again. However, their young mistress was uncooperative, becoming restless upon hearing of the master’s return, frequently craning her neck to look outside, and constantly asking when she would be ready. This made Fengchang both amused and exasperated, so she hastened her pace while consoling her, swiftly completing the preparations.

Meanwhile, the main hall was bustling with activity.

Servants scurried about setting up, and Madam Yao meticulously checked for any oversights. Among the guests, Young Master Qi Si lounged around bored, glancing around aimlessly.

To his surprise, he noticed something unusual about his third brother, Qi Ning, today.

Qi Ning seemed particularly agitated, unable to sit still. He had already changed his tea several times since arriving, and beads of sweat dotted his forehead, leaving Qi Le quite astonished.

After observing for a while, Qi Le grew somewhat concerned and approached to ask, “Third Brother, what’s wrong with you? Sweating so much, are you ill?”

Qi Ning glanced sidelong at his younger brother, thinking, “You fool, what do you know?” He wasn’t sick; he was simply nervous.

Today was Wenwen’s hair-pinning ceremony, and he planned to confess his feelings to her and propose. Although Second Brother had already given tacit approval, meaning the marriage was half-settled, he worried about unforeseen complications. What if Wenwen herself didn’t agree? Naturally, he felt anxious, finding it almost as nerve-wracking as taking the imperial examination.

Lost in thoughts of how to speak to his Wenwen sister, Qi Ning had little patience for his younger brother, waving him off impatiently, saying, “Go away and mind your own business. Don’t bother me.”

Seeing his Third Brother’s irritable tone, Qi Le decided against pursuing further annoyance and turned away, choosing not to engage him anymore.

A short while later, Qi Le heard the servants greeting someone at the entrance. Turning his head, he saw his Second Brother walk in past the screen, still wearing his court robes, seemingly having rushed back. Their mother noticed him and quickly approached, slightly reproachful, saying, “You’ve finally returned. Wenwen’s side has sent people to inquire several times. If you delayed any longer, I wouldn’t know how to pacify them.”

Their Second Brother’s expression momentarily froze but soon returned to normal as he replied, “Just finished court duties, hence the delay.”

Mother sighed, refraining from further comments. She inquired about the timing from the servants and then instructed a maid, “Quickly go to Miss Fang’s courtyard to check if she’s ready. The auspicious hour approaches.”

The maid obeyed and went. Second Brother joined them, sitting down. Qi Le then noticed Third Brother leaning close to whisper a few words to Second Brother. After listening, Second Brother’s expression turned... peculiar. He glanced at Third Brother and nodded after a moment.

Third Brother appeared greatly pleased, whispering a few more words before returning to his seat, looking quite self-satisfied.

Qi Le pondered inwardly, unsure why his Third Brother was so elated. To him, the look Second Brother gave Third Brother earlier hadn’t boded well.

Before Qi Le could question Qi Ning further, the auspicious hour arrived, and the hair-pinning ceremony began.

When Shen Xiling entered the main hall, her eyes immediately found Qi Yin.

Though many people were present, and his seat wasn’t prominent, she spotted him instantly upon entering from behind the screen.

Everyone watched her, admiring her beauty, but her eyes saw only him.

Seeing him calmed her heart, yet stirred another layer of emotions—both sorrowful and joyful. Perhaps it was due to the long absence; she nearly shed tears publicly. Realizing how absurd it was, she thought crying now would ruin half the ceremony and disrespected Madam Yao’s efforts. Thus, she quickly averted her gaze, focusing instead on the hall.

The main seats should have been occupied by her parents, but they had passed away, leaving those spots empty except for the memorial tablets of Mr. and Mrs. Fang Yukai. Madam Yao personally acted as the principal guest, presiding over the hair-pinning ceremony, including combing her hair and adding the hairpin. Zijun, acting as the attendant, carried the tray for Madam Yao. Shuipei, serving as the master of ceremonies, beamed at her. Though few guests attended, it was livelier than she expected.

All present were people who cared for her.

Three years ago, she arrived here alone, possessing nothing but a battered body. Now, she seemed to have gained much and was no longer so lonely.

Her heart overflowed with gratitude and reflection.

Amidst the music, Shen Xiling stepped forward, facing south to bow to the guests, then sat facing west at the hair-pinning seat. Shuipei gently combed her hair, placing the comb to the south of the seat.

Madam Yao performed the ceremonial washing, cleansing her hands below the eastern steps, exchanging bows with the memorial tablets before beginning the initial hair-pinning.

The hair-pinning ceremony involved three additions and three bows. The principal guest added the hairpin, inserted the hair ornament, and placed the crown. The initiate changed clothes three times: donning a blouse for the first bow, a deep robe for the second, and formal wide-sleeved attire for the third. Subsequent rituals included offering wine, receiving blessings, listening to instructions, and expressing gratitude, culminating in the completion of the ceremony.

“On this auspicious month and day, the primary hairpin is added. Cast off your youthful ways and follow the path of virtue. May longevity and peace be yours, bestowing great fortune.

On this auspicious day and hour, your attire is renewed. Respect your dignity and cultivate virtuous behavior. May your brows bear witness to countless years, forever blessed.

In this proper year and month, all adornments are bestowed. With siblings present, may your virtues be fulfilled. May venerable age be endless, receiving heaven’s celebration.”

Under the watchful eyes of the guests and Madam Yao’s gentle blessings, Shen Xiling performed the rituals step by step. Each bow evoked profound reflections, conjuring a sense of past lives and present existence.

She recalled the small courtyard where she was born, with the sparse bamboo plants her father planted and her mother’s perennial sickbed, accompanied by the kitchen stove.

She remembered the harsh winter when she parted from them, recalling her father’s apology, “Wenwen, I’m sorry,” and her mother’s plea, “Wenwen, sleep a bit more,” along with the thanks and farewells she never had the chance to say.

She remembered the snowy night of her first encounter with Qi Yin, the deep forest outside Jiankang, the deep wheel tracks, the strength with which he lifted her onto the carriage, and the scent of sweet pine and warmth from his cloak.

She remembered the cold relatives in Langya, the shock and pain upon hearing of her parents’ deaths, the weight of her mother’s coffin, the scrutinizing gazes in the pawnshop, and Bai Song’s silhouette on the carriage.

She remembered the perpetual lamplight in the study, the aroma of perch slices prepared by Zijun, Madam Yao’s concerned glance during the Rongrui Hall incident, and Mr. Wang’s earnest teachings.

She remembered the seasonal flora of Fenghe Garden, the tranquil lotus pond in Wangyuan, Snowflake’s soft belly as she slept, and the lush grapevines in Woyu Courtyard during harvest season.

These memories gradually faded, and ultimately, she thought of him.

Only him.

She remembered the dampness on his coat the night he returned from Nanling three years ago, the grasshoppers and rabbits he handcrafted, the coolness of his fingertips applying ointment, his stern furrowed brows while teaching her to ride and urging her to eat, and the sound of him peeling crabs in Wangyuan.

She remembered everything about him, in minute detail.

…So much time had passed, and she had traversed so many experiences.

And now, she had finally come of age.

After the three bows, it was time to listen to the instructions.

This task should have been performed by her parents, with her kneeling to receive their guidance. But her parents were long gone, and the principal guest couldn’t replace them.

Madam Yao glanced at her, then at Qi Yin, delegating this responsibility to him.

Though this move seemed abrupt, upon closer consideration, it was reasonable. Shen Xiling had been raised by Qi Yin himself, and among everyone present, no one was closer to her than him.

All eyes were on Qi Yin, and Shen Xiling looked at him too. She was kneeling, but he beckoned her, saying, “Come.”

Though they hadn’t seen each other in a long time, Shen Xiling understood him well. She knew he wanted her to stand because he disliked seeing her kneel.

Feeling serene and grounded, she obediently stood and walked to his side. Still seated, he gave her a complex glance as she approached.

What was he thinking? Perhaps, like her, he reminisced about the past three years?

She heard him say, “Life is long, and encounters grow complicated. Unsatisfactory events comprise eight or nine out of ten. I hope everything goes smoothly and according to your wishes. Should troubles arise, remember you don’t have to look back.”

This ritual should have contained admonishments, but his words were entirely blessings. Though brief and understated, his gaze was profound, brimming with tenderness and sincerity understood only by Shen Xiling.

There were meanings she didn’t fully grasp at that moment.

Unbeknownst to her, tears welled up once more.