Chapter 14: Meeting Again

“You child, what are you saying! If I wanted to drive you out, why would I have supported you in the first place?” Chu Changbin was so angry his beard bristled.

“It was your grandniece measuring the heart of a gentleman with the yardstick of a petty person. Don’t be angry, Grand Uncle. Since you and Grand Aunt are so concerned about me, you must have made arrangements. Why not just tell me directly?”

“Hmm. Now that’s more like it,” Chu Changbin nodded, looking utterly self-assured. “The Imperial Medicine Hall has been under your management all along. Grand Uncle can see you are a natural at it. The second branch and your uncle’s sixth branch both have their eyes on this family fortune. But as long as us old fellows are here, none of them dare to tear their faces off over it.”

Chu Mingxi smoothed a hemmed edge on her sleeve, still silent. Grand Uncle had laid all this groundwork just to remind her that he had done her a favor, and she must therefore listen to his words.

“As people say, set up the family business before establishing a career. Although you are a girl, regarding the family business, your elders supported you in establishing it. The family—”he pronounced the word with deliberate slowness—”naturally, we will help you establish that too. This marriage of yours has dragged on from the Li family to the Marquis Mansion, and now from the Marquis Mansion to the present…”

“Grand Uncle presumably has a suitable candidate in mind, then?” Chu Mingxi raised her eyebrows, interrupting him.

Chu Changbin was taken aback, and somewhat put out.

Chu Mingxi looked at him steadily, a hint of the sharpness she wielded in the Bright Reading Hall entering her eyes.

Slightly embarrassed, Chu Changbin had to continue: “Your Grand Aunt has been fretting over this. After much thought, she finally hit upon a proper solution. Hearing it, I thought it was quite feasible. Your Grand Aunt says, we could arrange a matrilocal marriage for you. First, it would ensure a Chu family heir. Second, you and your husband could combine your strengths and make the Imperial Medicine Hall even greater.”

Chu Mingxi smiled coolly. “So, Grand Aunt really is looking out for me. I suppose you have already decided on the candidate for this matrilocal marriage? And has that person consented himself?”

Chu Changbin quickly said: “He consents. He is your Grand Aunt’s own nephew—the fourth son of the Liao family. He’s two years older than you, so we know his background well. The Liao family said, this is a private family matter. Outwardly, there’s no need to even mention ‘matrilocal marriage’. In the future, just pick one of your children to take the Chu surname.” Stroking his beard, he added, “Such a good arrangement like this is truly rare. How many decent families these days would allow a man to marry in as a son-in-law? For this matter, your Grand Aunt had to lower herself and almost talk her lips raw.”

“And the Liao family didn’t say what they want from this marriage?”

“You…!”

“Don’t be offended, Grand Uncle. I’ve been running the Imperial Medicine Hall for several years now. I am used to speaking purely in business terms. Since the Liao family offers up a son, naturally, they expect to gain some benefits from our Chu family—or, more precisely, from the Imperial Medicine Hall.”

Chu Changbin opened his mouth to rebuke her for her lack of womanly virtue, but didn’t dare truly provoke her at this moment. He tossed his sleeve and said: “The Liao family hopes your dowry will include the Imperial Medicine Hall’s branch stores in the Secondary Capital and two nearby cities. I know the Secondary Capital branch was built single-handedly by you, so it absolutely cannot be given. As for the other two cities, there might be room for discussion.”

Chu Mingxi gave a scoff.

Chu Changbin grew irritated, and blustered, “I’m just thinking that later, when you have a son, all this family wealth will be his anyway. Even if it goes into a dowry, sooner or later it will return to the Chu family. Besides, the Liao family wouldn’t be taking them for nothing—they are offering a Capital City residence and two shops as betrothal gifts for Old Four. In the ‘business’ terms you mention, you wouldn’t be losing out.”

“So the Li family sold their son, and Grand Uncle wants to sell me, is that it?” Chu Mingxi laughed and nodded as she spoke.

Chu Changbin was so furious he couldn’t speak. Just then, a young maidservant arrived with a kettle to refill the tea.

“Don’t be angry, Grand Uncle. I have a quick temper and speak bluntly. I hope you can overlook it. This matter you’ve mentioned… I still need to discuss it with my mother,” Chu Mingxi said as she picked up her own cup and slowly took a sip.

Seeing her tone soften, Chu Changbin puffed out his beard and provided his own face-saving exit: “That sounds a little more reasonable. Marriage is decided by one’s parents and the matchmaker’s word. I’ll have your Grand Aunt go speak with your mother.”

Chu Mingxi smiled faintly and placed her teacup neither heavily nor lightly onto the corner table.

The young maid stepped forward, curtsied, and respectfully supported Chu Changbin out the door.

As soon as the footsteps faded, Chu Mingxi picked up the teacup from the table’s edge, turned it over a few times in her hand, but finally could not contain her fury. She flung her arm and viciously smashed it onto the green stone floor.

The porcelain crashed with a splintering sound. Qingdai, who had been waiting just outside, hurriedly pushed open the door, just in time to see tea and broken shards scattered all over the floor at the Eldest Young Miss’s feet.

The Eldest Young Miss was clearly enraged, her face ashen, her chest heaving.

“Miss!” Qingdai panicked and rushed over, supporting her. “What happened?”

Yining also entered shortly after. Seeing the shattered teacup on the floor, she merely paused for a brief moment before turning and going out. She returned a moment later with a broom and dustpan, silently tidying the tea room.

Chu Mingxi took several deep breaths and asked: “Has Mother retired for the night?”

“Most likely she’s resting at this hour,” Yining replied, having noted the time.

“No matter. I reek of wine. I’ll go back to my room, wash up, and rise early tomorrow to pay my respects to Mother.”

In front of these two close maids, Chu Mingxi no longer suppressed her anger. Back in her room, while bathing, she recounted the earlier events. The two maids were so angry they shrieked, one cursing him to step in dog shit the moment he went out, the other hoping he would wet the bed that very night!

“Alright, alright. Grand Uncle is still an elder. Don’t repeat such words outside. If overheard, people will say our household has no discipline,” Chu Mingxi said. Though she let their wild talk pass, knowing they were just trying to cheer her up, she still gave a verbal reproof.

Seeing the lack of genuine anger on the Eldest Young Miss’s face, Yining knew their mistress was indulgent of them. She relaxed and exchanged a playful grimace with Qingdai.

The annual Opening Ceremony of the Imperial Medicine Hall was always a grand event. After the ceremony, they would often provide free consultations and medicine for the common people, so the anticipation was always high. The ceremony was always personally hosted by the owner, and this year was naturally no exception.

Thus it was obvious that the Chu Family Eldest Miss was currently in the Capital City. The Little Heir of the Jingyuan Marquis Mansion certainly knew this as well.

Since returning from the Northern Pacification Camp, Wei Qingchen had once again been pestering her parents to go to the Chu family to propose marriage. She claimed she had talked things through with the Chu family and this time it was certain to succeed.

Grand Princess understood deeply that her persistent fixation stemmed from both their past bond and the matter of identity.

But Wei Huaishu didn’t know that.

The Grand General was so furious he pointed towards the main gate and roared: “For my, Wei Huaishu’s, family threshold, nobles seeking marriage bonds could line up from the General’s Mansion all the way to the Northern Pacification Camp! Why must you insist on that…”

“Marquis!” The Grand Princess quickly cut him off, pushing him toward the inner rooms. “Your son just happens to like this one. What can we do?”

“There are so many women in the world…”

“There are also many men in the world. But I only like you.”

“Hmm… well… alright then.”

Wei Qingchen, listening to her parents’ display of affection from behind the half-closed door, silently covered her eyes.

The next morning, the Grand General entered the palace for the morning court assembly. The Grand Princess called her daughter over and asked her if she had truly gone to explain things clearly.

Wei Qingchen nodded like a chick pecking at grain.

The Grand Princess said she had known her child wouldn’t drop the matter, and a date had already been selected— just three days hence.

“After court adjourns today, your father will go and ask Prince Heng to act as the matchmaker. Prince Heng is your direct maternal cousin. He has always been on good terms with our family and will certainly agree. There will be no need for you to go then,” the Grand Princess said, gently tucking a stray lock of hair behind her daughter’s ear. Looking at her child, already as tall and upright as a new bamboo stalk, her heart felt both gratified and a little melancholic.

“You also know Mingxi’s birth date. She turns nineteen by the end of the month—real years. If you want to marry her, sooner is better than later. At the very least, we must quickly settle the betrothal to stop wagging tongues.”

Although her mother said she need not personally go for the proposal, Wei Qingchen still felt deeply uneasy. Had Chu Mingxi received the message she’d asked the Chu Family’s Second Miss to convey? Could she deduce that the ‘old acquaintance from the Northern Region’ was her?

She hadn’t wanted to rush so much, but some days earlier, while visiting a friend’s residence, she had overheard that the Chu clan chief was looking for a husband for Chu Mingxi. This was simply preposterous!!

Wei Qingchen tossed and turned in her bed. No, she would have to visit the Chu residence again tomorrow. Whatever it took, she had to see her in person!

At daybreak, sure enough, Wei Qingchen took two pageboys and set out lightly equipped.

The Chu family’s main gates were tightly shut. The pageboys knocked on the door and presented the visiting card. After a long while, a steward-like figure emerged, saying the masters of the house were out, so it was inconvenient to receive guests.

Wei Qingchen quickly asked where they had gone. Chu Zhong shook his head, claiming ignorance. Wei Qingchen knew a loyal servant would not easily betray his master’s whereabouts. She could only nod and depart with her people.

Even then, she couldn’t tell whether the Chu mother and daughters were truly absent, or simply unwilling to see her.

In restless anxiety, she endured two more days. It was precisely the day of the Opening Ceremony. Only then did Wei Qingchen realize it was indeed an auspicious day. No wonder her mother had chosen the very same day for the marriage proposal! At least the Chu family’s Madam would definitely be at home. The problem was—how could she communicate with Chu Mingxi to ensure everything went smoothly.

Prince Heng arrived early in the morning. He scrutinized Wei Qingchen up and down. He had seen this child since she was in swaddling clothes, and now, unawares, she had grown to the age of marrying and starting a family.

Wei Qingchen was anxious to leave. Only after waiting impatiently for her father and cousin uncle to leave together did she dash towards the stables. Halfway there, she ran into her third younger brother, Wei Jiewu. Hearing she was headed to the Opening Ceremony, Wei Jiewu hurriedly stopped her.

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call the Imperial Medicine Hall’s Opening Ceremony a sea of people,” he said, pulling her towards the East Gate. “Don’t even think about riding a horse. We’ll get there faster on foot.” As he ran, he added, “I know what I’m talking about. I’ve been there to watch twice before.”

They didn’t even take pageboys, making their way entirely through small alleys. Fortunately, both brothers had grown up training in the Northern Pacification Camp, so their legs were strong and their skills sharp. Before long, they had covered nearly half the city.

The Opening Ceremony had already begun. Wei Jiewu stood on tiptoe, trying to look over the countless figures, but when he turned his head, his second elder brother had already vanished without a trace.

Wei Qingchen recognized at a single glance the delicate and slender figure on the high platform. She looked left and right, then circled around the crowd, walking all the way to the Head Office of the Imperial Medicine Hall.

Outside, voices surged and clamor filled the air. Wei Qingchen counted the passing moments of morning light, and waited quietly.

Nearly a full hour later, the crowd gradually dispersed. A group of household servants escorted a remarkably elegant young woman into the Head Office. Chu Kang came forward and announced, “Eldest Young Miss, the Heir from the Grand General’s Mansion has been waiting here for quite some time. Would you like to see… him?”

Chu Mingxi showed no trace of surprise. She merely followed the angle of Uncle Kang’s gesture and looked across. The girl whom she had once met in the deep winter of the Northern Region now faced her across half the Bright Hall, and also across several years of time.

Wei Qingchen’s clear, refined features curved into a soft smile. Then, with perfect formality, she offered Chu Mingxi a deep, respectful bow.