Chapter Twenty-Three: The Rites of Marriage, An Aunt's Guidance

“Son-in-law, once you’ve finished your breakfast, the master should be returning from court soon. You and the young lady must go to the master and mistress to offer tea and pay your respects.”

“Yesterday, with so many guests from outside, the entire household was busy with entertaining. According to custom, at midday today, the whole family will gather for a family meal.”

Ping’er brought out Han Fu’s breakfast tray and set it neatly on the table, all the while reminding him of the day’s important matters.

Yet, because of Bai Li Mingda’s loose tongue earlier, Ping’er had grown bashful again, a faint blush lingering on her oval face, and she dared not lift her eyes to Han Fu.

“Yes, I understand,” Han Fu nodded, picking up his chopsticks.

The young maid had a shy nature and could not withstand Bai Li Mingda’s wild remarks. To avoid embarrassing Ping’er further, Han Fu said nothing more, allowing her time to forget the incident in a day or two.

The breakfast was ample and well-balanced. There were two dishes and a bowl of porridge, along with two eggs, symbolizing the wish for many sons.

By rights, now that he and Bai Li Mingsu were married, they ought to have dined together. But in this, they were in silent agreement—she did not invite him, and he did not suggest it; each took their meal alone in their chambers.

After breakfast, with Ping’er’s assistance, Han Fu changed into a fresh, clean set of clothes. The new garments were of fine material, the style luxurious yet understated. Once dressed, Han Fu’s bearing improved markedly, making Ping’er, the little maid, unable to meet his gaze directly.

Of course, the wedding robes yesterday had had a similar effect, but the bright red was too flamboyant for Han Fu’s taste. Today’s sky-blue long robe, however, suited him perfectly.

The young master in his new attire was even more handsome than in his wedding clothes... Ping’er found herself thinking, but quickly halted her thoughts, scolding herself for her lack of propriety, and busied herself smoothing the folds of Han Fu’s robe with extra care.

“All done, young master.”

“Mm.”

Han Fu stepped out of the room, with Ping’er following, hands folded at her waist. Crossing the arched gate of the courtyard, Han Fu saw Bai Li Mingsu waiting for him.

Beside her stood Lian’er, who had returned yesterday. Lian’er was a round-faced girl of the same age as Ping’er, her large eyes sparkling with life like two jet-black grapes.

Seeing Han Fu emerge, Bai Li Mingsu approached unhurriedly, greeting him with an elegant and composed salute. She formed loose fists with both hands, moved them gently at chest height to her right, and bowed slightly at the waist, saying, “Husband.”

She was indeed the celebrated daughter of Dingxing—there was no trace of girlish shyness, her movements as fluid as flowing water. Even the slight unease of yesterday had vanished overnight.

This formality between husband and wife amused Han Fu, and he responded with a bow of his own: “Wife.”

“Young master.”

“Young lady.”

The two maids each gave their greetings.

Bai Li Mingsu stepped forward, naturally taking Han Fu’s arm. “Did you sleep well last night, husband?”

To an outsider, such a scene would seem the picture of marital harmony, husband and wife respectful and affectionate. None would imagine that even on their wedding night, the couple had not shared a chamber.

The touch on his right arm, the faint fragrance that drifted to his nose—Han Fu remained unmoved, his expression calm as ever. “I slept soundly until morning, refreshed in mind and body.”

“That’s good. About last night—do you blame me?”

“It’s understandable, wife, that you could not accept things so quickly. It was your brother who was overly insistent.”

Arm in arm, they walked along the path connecting the courtyards, their conversation appearing casual and domestic, yet there was still a distance between them.

Bai Li Mingsu had long accepted reality and was doing her best to adapt to a husband so far removed from her plans. Besides, Han Fu’s conduct had thus far been entirely satisfactory. When the time was right, consummation would come naturally—she did not resist the idea.

For now, playing the part of a newly-wedded couple was a deliberate show for others to see.

Han Fu, for his part, played along with little thought, unwilling to expend energy on matters of no real importance. As for how their relationship might eventually develop, he gave it little consideration, nor did he intend to exert himself to draw closer to Bai Li Mingsu and kindle her affections. He preferred to spend his time reading, writing, practicing martial arts.

A beauty at his side, his nominal wife, yet Han Fu remained clear-headed.

He knew full well what Bai Li Mingda was after—he merely wished the newlyweds would share a bed, perform their marital duties, and produce a little prince for him as soon as possible.

Utter nonsense. Last night, Bai Li Mingsu had scolded her brother for the first time in her life.

“He’s always been irresponsible. Pay him no mind,” Bai Li Mingsu said, though the memory of her brother’s importunate expression still vexed her. She hoped her rebuke would have some effect.

“As for our marriage, don’t concern yourself with Uncle. It’s Aunt we should be wary of; she will not be so easily placated.”

The Duke of Peiguo’s household was not so large that secrets such as newlyweds sleeping apart could be kept for long. Bai Li Mingsu was certain that, while the entire household might not know, her uncle and aunt, as heads of the family, surely did by now.

“Worrying serves no purpose. Let things take their course,” Han Fu replied with a smile.

This was not his concern. Such troubles were for his new wife to bear.

“Mm,” Bai Li Mingsu agreed, saying no more.

When they reached the main hall, the couple was not there. Zhou Xinyi had just returned from court and was breakfasting in his study. Madam Zhou was at the Buddhist garden reciting scriptures, as she did every morning without fail.

The two waited quietly at the hall for a while. When the master and mistress arrived, they entered with them.

The two took their places at the head of the hall—Zhou Xinyi to the left, seated upright with lowered gaze, stern and unsmiling; Madam Zhou to the right, fingers rolling her prayer beads, her face gentle and kind.

Ping’er and Lian’er brought fragrant tea. Han Fu and Bai Li Mingsu each took a cup and respectfully presented it.

According to custom, they should now kneel and offer their formal greetings.

“Mm…” Zhou Xinyi accepted without fuss, then offered his counsel: “You are a man of rare learning, and by the rules of the contest, you were to marry Mingsu. But the emperor’s command cannot be defied, and what’s done is done. I only hope you will not stir up trouble or wrong Mingsu in the future. If you do…”

There was a note of warning in his words, revealing just how much Zhou Xinyi cherished Bai Li Mingsu—no less than if she were his own daughter. At the same time, he was signaling his approval of Han Fu.

“Speak kindly; don’t frighten the children,” Madam Zhou chided gently.

Zhou Xinyi straightened, saying no more.

Madam Zhou smiled warmly, looking from niece to son-in-law, nodding with satisfaction and sighing with emotion as she offered her advice.

“Time passes so quickly, like a white horse galloping past a crack. In the blink of an eye, Mingsu is married.”

“How swiftly it has come.”

“I remember when Mingsu first came to live with us, she was only five years old…”

“Mingsu, I see Han Fu is a match well-suited to you—far better than that second son of the Qin family.”

“All those schemes and plans for the marriage contest, I paid them no mind. Wagering your future on such things… that is folly.”

“I don’t know what possessed your head, child, but no matter how flawless the plan, it cannot stand against fate.”

“Han Fu is your true match. Besides, you two are now married…”

“Don’t look down on Han Fu just because he has married into our family. He is your husband, your closest companion in all your days to come…”

“Between husband and wife, there must be mutual respect and care. Your little temper must be reined in when the time calls for it…”

Madam Zhou’s voice was heavy with feeling as she looked at Bai Li Mingsu, who was already in tears, recalling her childhood and all that had come since.

Mutual respect and harmony?

Zhou Xinyi, who had been quietly sipping his tea, paused and glanced at his wife, opening his mouth as if to speak, but thought better of it.

“I will remember your teachings, Aunt. I understand,” Bai Li Mingsu replied respectfully when Madam Zhou finished.

“That is well, that is well…” Madam Zhou nodded with a smile. “Since you understand, then tonight you two should share a chamber. I long to hold a grandchild again. Newlyweds sleeping apart—it is not proper.”