Chapter Sixty-Seven: The Betrothal Gifts

The matter concerning Madam Du and her son spread to every corner, and naturally, Xu Yaohui would hear of it as well. However, he did not inquire further; he simply summoned Xu Zilin, gave him a scolding, and treated the incident as though it had never occurred.

Zhang Zhongheng, upon hearing the servants' report, let out a mocking, contemptuous laugh. In his eyes, this was nothing more than the Xu family’s attempt to rid themselves of their foul reputation. How could such a thing possibly be sincere? Did they really think that dealing with two lowly servants would change the world’s view of the Xu family? It was as absurd as an old monk marrying a wife—a complete fantasy!

Yet, hearing from his page that the maid in question had once served beside Xu Ruojin, Zhang Zhongheng frowned. “Has any word leaked from the Xu residence?”

“None at all.”

“Find an opportunity to ask around. I want to know if that girl had anything to do with this!”

“Yes, sir!”

Days passed, and Xu Ruojin did not once leave her own small courtyard. Whenever Madam Fang visited, she applied herself diligently to her studies. When Doctor Cen came, she sought advice on prescriptions. In the evenings, she would chat idly with Hemiao, listening to her reminisce about the past, thus gaining a deeper understanding of the people and affairs within the Xu household.

Madam Yang was working with all haste to find Hemiao a new husband. Hemiao, knowing her days here were numbered, began to help Hongxing teach Yangtao, Baimei, and Xiaoke the necessary skills. At first, the three girls resented her, with Xiaoke even daring to argue back. Hemiao was not one to let things slide; she raised her hand and slapped Xiaoke several times, so thoroughly that Xiaoke was left too shocked even to cry.

Baimei dared not complain directly to Xu Ruojin. Instead, she took a circuitous route, mentioning in passing that Xiaoke had been beaten. Xu Ruojin, busy drafting a prescription and inspecting medicinal herbs, listened and simply instructed, “Give her some medicine to put on her face. If she’s to continue serving in the Xu household, it wouldn’t do to leave a mark.”

Baimei was left dumbfounded. She slunk away, no longer daring to show the slightest disrespect to Hemiao, realizing that Hemiao’s standing in the young lady’s eyes surpassed even that of Chuncao.

Chuncao, for her part, felt no jealousy at all. In fact, with Hemiao now present, she could finally breathe easy.

Hongxing watched from a distance as Hemiao took the three newcomers in hand. Originally, this had been the task given to her by the young lady, but now that Hemiao had disciplined them so thoroughly, it would be all the easier for her to manage things once Hemiao left.

Other than Yangtao, Baimei, and Xiaoke, who lived in constant trepidation, the rest of the courtyard was filled with a newfound harmony and laughter, far more cheerful than before.

More than ten days passed in peace and quiet. Yet Hemiao’s heart grew increasingly restless, and she often found herself lying awake at night.

The next morning, a matron arrived early to summon Hemiao. Xu Ruojin, engrossed in her lessons with Madam Fang, remained unaware that Hemiao had been called away. When Hemiao returned and saw that the young lady was still at her studies, she went to her room to pack her belongings, waiting only to bid her mistress farewell.

After Madam Fang had left, Xu Ruojin noticed Hemiao was missing. Chuncao immediately stepped forward, biting her lip as she reported, “Hemiao was called away by Madam earlier. When she came back, she started packing her things.”

A pang went through Xu Ruojin’s heart. She took several deep breaths to compose herself. Though she had always known this day would come, and even though she was certain Hemiao would not sever their connection, the moment of parting still stung.

“Come, let’s go see her,” Xu Ruojin said, heading toward Hemiao’s small room in the side wing. Chuncao did not follow closely, knowing it would be best for the young lady to speak with Hemiao alone.

Inside the room, Hemiao looked up and, seeing Xu Ruojin, forced the tears in her eyes back with a smile. She did not dare speak, fearing she would lose control of her emotions.

“This is the prescription Doctor Cen wrote for you. When you return home, you must take care of your health. Though you have suffered a miscarriage once, with proper care, you can still bear children again. Leave the past behind you—the days ahead will only get better. Don’t let sorrow linger in your heart; it wouldn’t be fair to your future.” Xu Ruojin handed her the prescription. Hemiao took it with trembling hands and stowed it carefully away. “I will do as you say, miss.”

“Have you met the man you’re to marry?” Xu Ruojin sat on a stool and asked, “What does he do? Tell me about him.”

Hemiao nodded. “I have met him. He is a craftsman who does repairs for the household. He is thirty-five. His wife died of illness, and he has a young daughter. He may not be young, but he seems honest enough, and there are no other family members in his home.”

Having married once before, Hemiao’s remarriage would, of course, be as a second wife.

Xu Ruojin looked at her. “Are you truly willing?”

“To be able to marry again is more than I could have hoped for,” Hemiao replied, seeing the young lady still watching her. She nodded firmly. “I am willing. Truly.”

“That’s good, then!”

Seeing the hint of hope in Hemiao’s eyes, Xu Ruojin felt certain she was not deceiving her. Since the match was settled, she began to consider what trousseau to prepare. Rising, Xu Ruojin called Chuncao to bring her jewelry box.

Seeing her young lady open the box and select a few scattered items, Hemiao quickly waved her hands, refusing. “You don’t have much as it is—you mustn’t give me anything more!”

“That won’t do. Last time you married, I didn’t give you anything as your mistress. If I give nothing this time either, people will talk!” Xu Ruojin chose a gilded butterfly hairpin. “This one!”

“But that’s your best—”

“No refusing!” Xu Ruojin laughed. “You must listen to me!”

Hemiao hesitated a long moment before finally accepting, biting her lip and nodding.

Xu Ruojin smiled and patted her, then called Chuncao, Hongxing, and the others in to add to Hemiao’s dowry.

Chuncao had little to give, so she offered a pair of embroidered pillowcases she’d made herself. Hongxing, having come from Madam’s side and being the wealthiest in the courtyard, picked out a silver bracelet and fastened it onto Hemiao’s wrist.

Baimei, Yangtao, and Xiaoke didn’t want to seem stingy, though they hadn’t been in service long and owned nothing of value. Each contributed what they could—handkerchiefs or embroidered pouches—just as tokens for the dowry.

Since this was her second marriage, there would be no grand ceremony. Early the next morning, the man would come to fetch Hemiao, and after she kowtowed to Madam Yang, the marriage would be complete.

That night, Hemiao found it impossible to sleep.

At dawn, Xu Ruojin sent Chuncao to accompany Hemiao to Madam Yang’s rooms, while she herself remained at her desk, diligently practicing her calligraphy. Hongxing, watching from the side, couldn’t help laughing.

Xu Ruojin glared at her. “Still daring to laugh at me? You ought to be spanked!”

“Miss, have you even looked at your handwriting? How can you blame me for laughing? You’re worried about Hemiao, so why not use this as an excuse to see her off? Madam won’t mind—why put yourself through this?”

Xu Ruojin looked at her crooked, awkward characters and sighed. “I won’t go. Mother will not treat her poorly this time, and when we next meet, I must show her that I am living well!”

Hongxing was taken aback, unsure what to say. The young lady’s thoughts were not always easy to fathom, but her determination was truly admirable.

Just then, Chuncao hurried in. Seeing her flustered state, Hongxing teased, “What is it? Are you so anxious to see Hemiao married off that you’re all flustered?”

“Don’t talk nonsense,” Chuncao said, turning to Xu Ruojin. “Hemiao has already been taken away. Madam gave her a generous gift of silver—she lacks nothing. But as soon as Hemiao was sent off, the Zhang family arrived.”

“The Zhang family?” Xu Ruojin was stunned. “What are they doing here?”

“Have you forgotten?” Chuncao reminded her, “They’ve come to deliver the betrothal gifts…”

“Betrothal gifts!”

Xu Ruojin felt her vision blur, and the face of Zhang Zhongheng flashed through her mind like a demon. The wedding day was drawing ever closer…