Madam Ji remained silent. Her thoughts turned to Ji Yong.
Recently, Old Master Ji had arranged a marriage for Ji Yong. Before the two families could even meet, the bride’s side changed their minds. They sent a message to Old Master Ji, saying their daughter wasn’t so desperate to marry that she needed to throw herself at the Ji family. No matter how the Ji family inquired or explained, the other side ignored them. When pressed, they finally snapped, “If you have any questions, go ask your Ji Tanhua!” Not only did the marriage fall through, but they had made enemies in the process.
Old Master Ji was furious. He summoned Ji Yong for questioning.
Ji Yong admitted everything without hesitation. He declared, “I want to find a wife who suits me. If you keep trying to force matches on me, I have ways to deal with it. Don’t be surprised if all your friends turn into enemies!”
His words infuriated Old Master Ji so much that he nearly fainted.
Ji Yong’s father tried to reason with him at length but to no avail.
Ji Yong remained resolute.
At a loss, Ji Yong’s mother pulled Madam Ji aside during her New Year’s visit home. She complained to Madam Ji and asked her to talk some sense into Ji Yong.
Ji Yong was somewhat more restrained in front of Madam Ji, but his words still made her jump: “No one should interfere in this matter. I’ll marry when I’m ready. Great-grandfather once promised that if I passed the imperial examinations, he wouldn’t meddle in my affairs. Now that I’ve not only passed but am also dutifully working at the Hanlin Academy if he wants to go back on his word, I won’t keep my promise either. Since Mother asked Aunt to intervene, please relay my words to Old Master exactly as I’ve said them.”
Old Master Ji was crestfallen upon hearing this.
He confided in Madam Ji, “Do you think Jianming still has feelings for your family’s Fourth Miss?”
Caught between her husband’s family and her maiden family, how could Madam Ji respond?
“Surely not!” she hedged. “You know Jianming’s personality. If he still had feelings for Shou’gu, he would have already tried to break up her marriage. How could he be so calm?”
Old Master Ji pondered this and sighed, “You have a point. That is indeed his nature.”
Madam Ji advised, “Some men mature early, others late. Jianming is now a two-time imperial scholar. You needn’t worry about him finding a good wife. I think you can set your mind at ease about this matter. Perhaps after the New Year, his love star will align!”
Old Master Ji nodded, “He’s stubborn as a mule. It’s best to let this matter rest for now.” With that, he stopped meddling in Ji Yong’s marriage affairs.
However, there was something Madam Ji didn’t dare tell anyone.
When she was leaving, Ji Yong had come to see her off and asked, “How does Song Mo treat Shou’gu?”
Madam Ji felt her soul leave her body at that moment. She hurriedly covered Ji Yong’s mouth and hastily said, “They’re doing very well. Shou’gu is about to become a mother. If you don’t believe me, feel free to inquire.” Then she quickly got into her carriage.
Could it be that Ji Yong truly still harbored feelings for Shou’gu?
If so, this would be a difficult situation indeed!
Should she mention something to Dou Zhao?
But if she did, would Dou Zhao feel burdened?
Madam Ji felt stuck between a rock and a hard place. She spent the entire evening in a daze, barely remembering what lanterns she saw or what snacks she ate. However, when she returned home, she saw Han Shi take out a small oiled package from her sleeve, open it, and feed some food to her eldest son. The young couple looked so sweet together, making others envious.
Her thoughts turned to her younger son.
Ji Lingze now refused to accept anything sent by his son… She hoped her younger son would come to his senses soon.
Come to think of it, her younger son also had half of the Ji family’s blood.
How was it that the Ji family had been law-abiding for generations, yet this generation produced not only Ji Yong but also Dou Dechang?
Madam Ji shook her head helplessly.
On the eighteenth day of the first lunar month, she went to see Madam Zhao and her daughter. After the seventeenth, when the lantern festival ended, the New Year celebrations were considered over. Her aunt and Zhao Zhangru were moving to Yuqiao Hutong. Madam Ji had always been on good terms with Madam Zhao, so it was only right for her to see them off. Moreover, since the Ji family lived in Yuqiao Hutong, she could introduce Madam Zhao to her sister-in-law. Distant relatives weren’t as valuable as close neighbors, so with the Zhao mother and daughter living there, the Ji family could lend a hand if needed.
To her surprise, others had arrived even earlier.
When she arrived, the Fifth Madam and her daughter-in-law, as well as Dou Zhao, were already there.
Madam Ji saw Dou Zhao wearing a bright red fur-lined jacket trimmed with dark sable, which accentuated her snow-white skin and made her look elegant and radiant. She couldn’t help but take Dou Zhao’s hand and smile, “Your pregnancy has made you even more beautiful.”
Dou Zhao laughed and said to Zhao Zhangru, “Elders always like to see women with full, round faces. It shows prosperity and good fortune. Sixth Aunt is saying I’ve gained weight.”
Everyone laughed.
Madam Ji said, “What’s wrong with gaining weight? A relaxed mind leads to a healthy body. Only when everything is going smoothly can one gain weight.” She then pinched Dou Zhao’s cheek playfully and chided, “You dare to tease your Sixth Aunt!”
Dou Zhao hid behind Zhao Zhangru, hugging her shoulders and laughing.
Her laughter was open and cheerful, bright and infectious, like a beautiful day in May.
Madam Ji had never seen Dou Zhao so carefree before.
Her feelings were somewhat complicated.
She decided to introduce her sister-in-law to Madam Zhao another day.
Although Song Mo’s residence in Yuqiao Hutong wasn’t large, it was exquisite.
A century-old camphor tree stood in front of the gate. Inside, there was a bluish-green “Fu” character screen wall. In the corner, a clump of bamboo grew taller than the eaves. The furniture was uniformly black lacquered, gleaming with the patina of age. Hanging in the main hall was a priceless ink painting, “Traveler Returning on a Snowy Night” by the great master Zhao Yan from the previous dynasty.
Even the Sixth Aunt, known for her discerning taste, couldn’t help but praise it.
Aunt felt a bit uneasy and said, “I never expected this residence to be so well-appointed. I’m afraid we might spoil it when we hold the banquet here.”
Zhao Zhangru was to hold her wedding here.
Dou Zhao smiled and said, “No matter how fine a house is, if no one appreciates it, it’s like wearing brocade in the dark. Please feel free to use it as you wish. It’s a good opportunity to air out the house and infuse it with joy.”
Everyone laughed again at her words.
The housekeeper and maids who looked after the residence came forward to pay their respects.
Seeing that Song Mo had even arranged for night watchmen, Aunt felt deeply grateful.