FYM - 64

… He did not return.

There was no news all day on the fourth, and by the fifth, it was time for her cousin’s wedding. Song Shuyan was confined to the Qiao residence, unable to leave, and suddenly, it felt as though she were growing further and further apart from him.

The house was aglow with lanterns, brimming with joyous celebration. Large red characters of “double happiness” adorned every corner. The entire household had already accompanied the groom outside to oversee the bridal procession and ceremony, leaving her alone in a daze, feeling utterly lost. When the bride arrived, she joined the others to welcome her. From afar, she saw her new sister-in-law resplendent in a phoenix crown and crimson robes, glowing like fire. Her cousin’s face radiated pure joy, and even her usually stern aunt smiled broadly. The children swarmed around, scattering candies and red dates everywhere, making the atmosphere even livelier than during the New Year.

She watched, somewhat entranced, but inexplicably, Fang Xianting’s image appeared before her eyes. That woman in bridal attire, hiding behind a fan, became herself. He would gently guide her as she stepped over the threshold, perhaps even carefully shielding her from falling due to her cumbersome skirts. His steady, warm hands would hover protectively at her lower back, only briefly withdrawing when they knelt together to pay respects to heaven and earth, their parents.

—Where would they hold their wedding?

In Yingchuan? Or Chang’an?

The Central Plains were vast and grand, and the Fang family stood at the pinnacle of illustrious clans. She wondered if their ceremonies were elaborate and solemn. Would they follow the customs of Jiangnan, erecting a green tent for the occasion? With such an eminent household… surely there would be a lavish display of dowry and gifts?

And afterward?

She would become his wife, spending her days and nights by his side. They would dine together, sleep together, admire flowers and take spring outings, and in winter, watch snowfall while sharing drinks. Even if he were preoccupied with official duties, it wouldn’t matter; she would patiently wait for him, lighting lamps with him late into the night and lazily waking up in his arms each morning.

The more she thought about it, the farther and finer her imaginings grew, and her longing for that man burned ever more fiercely. Love, it seemed, was such a tumultuous and consuming force. When things went well, it felt like ascending to paradise; but when something remained unfulfilled, it was like plummeting into an abyss.

When will you come to see me?

I have already secretly… spent a lifetime with you in my heart.

The night of the fifth day was the hardest to endure.

According to their agreement, he was supposed to visit her grandmother the next day. Although he had promised her he wouldn’t break his word, she couldn’t help but worry that something might go wrong. After a sleepless night, she finally waited until dawn. It wasn’t until mid-morning that a servant came to announce that a guest had arrived bearing gifts. She rushed out eagerly, only to find that it was Lady Jiang.

“Madam—”

She was overjoyed, feeling an inexplicable sense of relief after enduring what felt like a trial. Lady Jiang, upon seeing her, smiled warmly and gently patted her cheek as they entered the Qiao residence together. Concerned, she asked, “Your complexion seems a little off. Are you feeling unwell?”

Embarrassed, she couldn’t very well explain how she had tossed and turned all night. After thanking Lady Jiang for her concern, her eyes darted left and right behind her, searching. Lady Jiang knew exactly whom she was looking for and wore an apologetic expression. She then said, “Yi Zhi’s official duties are not yet complete, and he likely won’t make it back today. But this matter of proposing shouldn’t fall solely to him. Let me handle everything on his behalf, alright?”

Of course, it was perfectly fine, and Song Shuyan had no complaints. Yet the ache of longing still lingered, unrelenting. Fortunately, she was adept at concealing her emotions. Upon hearing Lady Jiang’s words, she offered her a sweet smile and carefully escorted her toward her grandmother’s quarters, drawing astonished stares from the servants they passed along the way.

Even the worldly and composed Grandmother Qiao couldn’t help but feel flustered at the personal visit from the matriarch of the Fang family of Yingchuan.

Though the Qiao family was wealthy in Qiantang, they were not a family of officials. When her daughter married into the Song family of Jinling, people already whispered about it being a stroke of luck or a sign of ancestral blessings. Now, facing the Fang family of Yingchuan, they felt even more inadequate. Grandmother Qiao was well-informed; she had heard rumors of several distinguished guests from the Central Plains who had recently arrived in the city. She also knew that her granddaughter had been frequently going out, accompanied not only by her second brother from Jinling but also by a gentleman of remarkable appearance. However, she never imagined that this man was none other than the illustrious Marquis of Yingchuan, and that his mother would personally visit to propose marriage for her beloved granddaughter.

“To be honest, I’m quite embarrassed,” Lady Jiang said graciously, her words as warm as a spring breeze. “I had intended to visit earlier, but I heard your household was busy preparing for another happy occasion. I feared intruding and causing any trouble, so I delayed until now.”

Her politeness was almost unsettling. As a commoner, Grandmother Qiao should have bowed deeply to someone of Lady Jiang’s rank, who held an imperial title. Yet Lady Jiang declined to accept the bow, saying earnestly, “I am but a junior in front of Elder Madam. How could I presumptuously accept such a great courtesy? Moreover, this visit is to formally request Shuyan’s hand in marriage for my son. If you agree, our families will be united henceforth.”

Her sincerity was disarming, and Grandmother Qiao, listening to her words, was utterly astonished. “Request her hand in marriage…” Could it be…

“This…” Even the usually composed Grandmother Qiao found herself at a loss for words. “Madam means…”

Lady Jiang glanced at Song Shuyan, her expression softening. “Shuyan is virtuous, graceful, and wise, qualities that have long captivated my only son. I sincerely hope, Elder Madam, that you will pity his sincere affection and allow Shuyan to marry into the Fang family as Yi Zhi’s wife.”

The word “wife” sent shockwaves through the room. Not only Grandmother Qiao but also the maidservants and attendants present were left wide-eyed and speechless. Only Zhuier, standing tall with pride, seemed to wear an invisible medal of honor on her chest. Grandmother Qiao glanced at her granddaughter seated beside her, noting her flushed cheeks and evasive demeanor, and realized that she had already privately pledged herself to the Marquis. Her heart churned with conflicting emotions, and she didn’t know what to say.

“Since this visit is made in earnest, many matters must be discussed thoroughly,” Lady Jiang continued, her tone slightly heavier. “Elder Madam has likely heard about the chaos in Chang’an last year. My son is still in mourning and, according to propriety, cannot yet proceed with marriage arrangements. Therefore, I have come to formalize the engagement between the two children today, with the intention of holding the full wedding ceremony in two years’ time, inviting esteemed guests to welcome Shuyan into our family.”

By this point, Lady Jiang seemed to carry a hint of guilt, her expression tinged with difficulty. She nodded for the maids behind her to bring forward several ornate boxes wrapped in silk, then added, “I know that Shuyan is refined, educated, and treasured beyond measure, nurtured lovingly by both Elder Madam and Master Song. To treat her thus may seem inadequate… but since ancient times, while marriages may be easily arranged, true unions are rare. Seeing that Shuyan and Yi Zhi share mutual affection, it would be regrettable if circumstances prevented them from uniting. Our family does not make promises lightly. Though we cannot formally present betrothal gifts at this time, these modest tokens are offered in earnest. I humbly ask Elder Madam to accept them, so that this union may be blessed.”

One by one, the boxes were opened, revealing precious jade and silk treasures. The weight of Lady Jiang’s words and humility overwhelmed Grandmother Qiao. Turning to look at her granddaughter, she saw her beautiful eyes fixed intently on her, betraying no trace of reluctance.

Sighing deeply, Grandmother Qiao struggled to find any grounds for refusal. After much deliberation, she first expressed her gratitude with appropriate formalities, then said, “For Shuyan to receive such favor from you, Madam, is indeed her good fortune. However, the Qiao family is merely her maternal relatives. Matters of marriage should still be…”

Lady Jiang understood immediately, realizing that Grandmother Qiao genuinely cherished her granddaughter and feared bypassing the Song family, which might render the engagement improper. She quickly added, “Elder Madam has raised Shuyan with great care and is undoubtedly her most respected elder. I thought it proper to seek your approval first before discussing further details with Master Song. Rest assured, the Fang family will not overlook any formalities. Please set your mind at ease.”

These words were impeccably tactful, not only preserving dignity but also acknowledging the deep bond between grandmother and granddaughter. Grandmother Qiao felt her throat tighten and her eyes grow moist. Looking at Lady Jiang again, she found herself unable to utter another word of refusal.

“In that case…”

Her eyes brimmed with tears, perhaps finally feeling a measure of relief, as though she could give some account to her late daughter.

“… From now on, Shuyan will rely on your guidance and care, Madam.”

The unexpected visit of the Fang family matriarch brought immense joy to the Qiao household. Song Shuyan’s uncle and aunt hastily arranged a banquet to invite Lady Jiang to dine with them. While they busied themselves, they quietly schemed, thinking that raising the Song family’s daughter all these years had not been in vain. Once she became the Marquise, wouldn’t that elevate their family overnight? Their siblings and relatives would all benefit, simply by petitioning the illustrious Lord Fang for official positions. Overnight, they could transform into members of the gentry, riding the coattails of success.

Grandmother Qiao was unaware of her son and daughter-in-law’s selfish aspirations. At that moment, she basked in the joy of the occasion, conversing happily with Lady Jiang. During dinner, she was unusually cheerful, even indulging in a few extra cups of fruit wine. By the time she personally escorted Lady Jiang out of the residence, she was unsteady on her feet. Song Shuyan, both worried and exasperated, helped her back to the main hall. Along the way, Grandmother Qiao playfully flicked her finger against Shuyan’s forehead, causing her to cry out softly in pain.

The maidservants nearby giggled uncontrollably, and Nurse Sun remarked, “It’s been years since Elder Madam has been this happy. All thanks to Miss Shuyan’s blessing.”

Grandmother Qiao refused to admit it, waving her hand dismissively and scolding Nurse Sun for “nonsense.” Turning to her granddaughter, her eyes softened with affection. Lovingly patting her cheek, she teased childishly, “I’m feeling tired tonight. Tomorrow, I’ll deal with this little rascal who acted without permission.”

With that, she allowed the maids to help her into bed. Before Nurse Sun could wipe her face with a warm towel, she had already fallen into a deep sleep—a truly amusing sight. Song Shuyan shook her head with a smile, ensuring her grandmother was comfortably settled before leaving with Zhuier. The spring night breeze was cool, yet nothing could extinguish the fervent excitement burning within her heart.

—What was she restless for?

Was it because Lady Jiang had finally come, signaling that the matter was settled?

Or was it simply because… her longing for him had grown even stronger?

She wanted to see him.

To be embraced by him.

To…

Confusion and anticipation roared in tandem, overwhelming her. An inexplicable heat surged through her, making her heart race and leaving her feeling irrational. Zhuier’s leg still hindered her movement, so she sent her back to the room and wandered alone in the garden. After nearly an hour, her heart still refused to settle. Instead, her emotions tangled into knots, tightening further with each passing moment.

As she wandered aimlessly, she suddenly saw Zhuier hopping back toward her from a distance. Upon reaching her, Zhuier grabbed her hand tightly and exclaimed breathlessly, “Miss, Lord Fang is here—he’s waiting outside the residence!”