Chapter 3

She kept vigil in anxious silence for an hour; the hour of the Dog was already halfway past, the time to sleep. She thought perhaps she should wait a little longer—if not to wait, at least she shouldn’t simply go to sleep on her own, as if she ought to keep watch until he awoke. Yet she was afraid—she knew she would have to face it eventually, but truly lacked the courage.

In the end, after another quarter of an hour, she mustered her courage and lay down to sleep, deciding to escape tonight and deal with it later.

She did not know how much time had passed. In the middle of the night, she woke in a daze and saw the lamp alight in the side chamber, and Wei Qi sitting at the table by the window, pen in hand, writing something.

After a while, her thoughts cleared: he had awoken long ago and had not come to wake her for the unfinished marriage rites.

Since he hadn’t woken her earlier, he wouldn’t come to wake her now. She breathed a sigh of relief. Yet soon she realized there was nothing to be glad about. For two nights after the wedding, her husband had not touched her. This could only mean one thing: he did not like her, nor the marriage.

To think kindly, perhaps he was simply not interested in women, or perhaps he was too busy to even consider such matters.

Song Yan made not a sound, pretending she had never awoken, closing her eyes again. Until she fell asleep once more, he remained at the window, engrossed in his official duties.

When she woke at dawn, Wei Qi had already gone to bathe. Song Yan too needed to wash and dress to pay respects to her mother-in-law. Just as she finished her hair, Wei Qi returned, beginning to put on his official robes—a peacock-embroidered crimson round-collar gown, with a gold-carved belt, the attire of a third-rank official, imposing to behold.

All around was quiet. She wished for quiet as well, but remembered something from last night and felt compelled to ask.

Seeing Wei Qi about to leave, she said, “Yesterday morning, the aunts and uncles gave some gifts when I served tea. I’ve kept them—what should I do with these things?”

“Keep them. Make a record, so we can return the favor in the future.”

“Yes.”

With those words, Wei Qi departed.

Song Yan now felt like she was serving the master of the house, always on edge, but since he came to the back courtyard only briefly, it was not too hard to endure.

As she was about to go to her mother-in-law, she remembered another matter she had forgotten to tell Wei Qi: tomorrow they should return to her parents’ home.

But he was so busy she felt embarrassed to bring it up.

With this thought, she went to Yi'an Courtyard, just in time to see Sixth Young Master Wei Feng hopping out from inside.

Song Yan quickly stepped aside; only then did Wei Feng notice her, immediately becoming proper, a bit embarrassed, and said seriously, “Elder… Sister-in-law, forgive me, I nearly ran into you.”

Wei Feng was Wei Qi’s legitimate younger brother, close in age to Fifth Young Master Wei Xiu, and often played together with him, so he was familiar with Song Yan, though he used to call her Fifth Sister-in-law; now she was the eldest.

Song Yan did not speak much, only nodded, addressing him as “Sixth Brother.”

Wei Feng bowed and retreated, while Song Yan entered to see her mother-in-law, and found Madam Feng there as well.

She hurriedly greeted, “Greetings, Third Aunt.”

“Ah.” Madam Feng responded with a dry laugh.

Song Yan then paid respects to her mother-in-law, Madam Zhang, and waited quietly to the side.

Madam Feng and Madam Zhang continued their conversation.

“The powder was ordered from ‘Li’s Shop,’ it’s a pair. The floral coronet is still being rushed; they say it will be ready by the twenty-fifth. The mirror, hairpins—all are prepared. When the time comes, let Fourth Uncle and Third Brother bring people to carry them over. That shouldn’t be lacking, right?”

Madam Zhang replied, “No, those are the main items. Besides, they likely use their own mirrors and powder boxes anyway; carrying these is just for show. Later, everything will be brought back again—it’s no trouble.”

Madam Feng sighed, “If you say it’s no trouble, that’s good. After all, it’s the Princess’s residence; one wrong step and we might offend the imperial family.”

Song Yan understood—Madam Feng was seeking advice from her mother-in-law on how to prepare the bridal gifts.

Both families arranged the marriages in haste, because Princess Funing had not only lost her virtue but was with child.

So, the marriage was decided in February, and the wedding held in March. Wei Xiu was younger than Wei Qi, and since there was urgency on his side, Song Yan’s marriage to Wei Qi was brought forward as well.

First, to maintain the order of seniority; second, to cover up and prevent others from speculating about Princess Funing.

The day before the wedding, the groom’s family must deliver the bridal gifts. Their wedding was on the twenty-eighth, so there were just over ten days left.

Madam Zhang said, “Don’t act so pitiable; it’s your Fifth Young Master who is truly fortunate—he’s to become the Princess’s consort.”

Madam Feng laughed dryly, and Song Yan kept silent.

Madam Feng could see Madam Zhang’s displeasure towards Song Yan. With prior affection, she felt some sympathy, so she changed the topic: “This headband is really something new, the embroidery is exquisite. The pattern is new too—I’ve never seen it before.”

Madam Zhang smiled, “It was embroidered by Hui from the Guo family. That girl is clever and skilled, learns quickly, and picked up new designs from Suzhou embroiderers.”

Madam Feng glanced at Song Yan, her expression even more awkward, and replied, “No wonder—Hui is truly thoughtful.”

From Madam Feng’s look, Song Yan sensed this “Hui” had something to do with herself.

Madam Feng sat a while longer, then took her leave. Madam Zhang also said to Song Yan, “You needn’t stay here; you may go.”

Song Yan withdrew.

Though Madam Zhang didn’t like her, she also disliked making trouble purposely and wouldn’t keep her waiting around.

She left Yi'an Courtyard and, under the magnolia tree outside, saw Madam Feng only a few steps ahead.

After thinking a moment, she caught up and called, “Third Aunt,” then asked in a soft, curious tone, “Mother mentioned Hui—who is she?”

She added, “That headband is indeed beautiful. If I have time, I wonder if I might learn from her.”

Madam Feng smiled, “Hui is the second daughter of the Guo family. She used to be the legitimate sister of the eldest mistress. Her mother and your mother were neighbors and close friends. Your mother… was very fond of her.”

With that, Madam Feng went on ahead, and Song Yan finally understood from her words.

“The eldest mistress,” meaning Wei Qi’s late first wife; Hui was her own sister.

Madam Feng’s last words were not mere pleasantry—she meant that Hui was the daughter-in-law Wei Qi’s mother had truly favored.

Indeed, among noble families, such arrangements were common: if the elder sister died young, the younger sister would marry in—first, to care for the elder’s children, second, to maintain ties between the families.

So Wei Qi was originally meant to marry his late wife’s sister, but when the matter with Fifth Young Master happened, the patriarch intervened, and though his mother disapproved, she had no choice but to acquiesce.

Even Wei Qi had to sacrifice his own marriage for the sake of the family.

Song Yan could not describe how she felt—she glanced at the morning light in the sky and returned silently to her own courtyard.

Soon, Madam Jiang arrived to pay respects, but did not bring Xi.

Madam Jiang said Xi was feeling unwell in the morning and did not come.

Song Yan said nothing, replying to Madam Jiang’s greetings with indifference before dismissing her.

Qiu Yue and Chun Hong were indignant. It was clear Xi was raised by Madam Jiang, who acted as if she were Xi’s real mother. Now, on the second day, Xi did not come to pay respects to her mother, and Madam Jiang behaved as if, “She’s the legitimate daughter—I can’t help it.”

Was it that Xi refused to come, or Madam Jiang told her not to?

“Perhaps Mistress should mention it to Madam or the Master?” Qiu Yue suggested.

Song Yan sighed and shook her head, “There’s nothing worth saying.”

Her mother-in-law disliked her and would not stand up for her; as for Wei Qi—Xi was his late wife’s child, his only daughter. How could he blame her for such a small matter?

Song Yan wanted nothing to do with it. She used to love poetry and books, but now found no heart for them, and instead sat properly in her room, embroidering.

That day, Wei Qi again did not return until nightfall.

She did not go to bed early, but sat by the bedside waiting—not daring to sleep on her own, and wanting to speak about returning to her parents’ home.

It was only after the second watch neared its end that Wei Qi returned. Song Yan quickly rose from her bed, taking his official robe from him, and asked if he had eaten or wanted food.

Wei Qi shook his head, “No need.” He asked, “Why are you still up? No need to wait for me in future.”

Song Yan felt a faint warmth in her heart, suddenly gaining courage. She answered, “Yes,” then said, “Tomorrow is the day to return home. Will you have time, Master?”

Wei Qi turned to look at her, as if remembering: “Thank you for reminding me; I nearly forgot. Then tomorrow morning, we’ll go. But…”

He thought for a moment and said, “There’s been great trouble at court; His Majesty is furious. Tomorrow afternoon there’s a cabinet meeting—can’t be missed. I’ll spend half the day at your family’s, then go to the cabinet. Will your father and grandfather mind?”

Song Yan quickly replied, “Of course not. You are busy with official duties; half a day is already rare.”

Wei Qi said gently, “No, it’s truly a lapse on my part.”

Song Yan was delighted; she realized Wei Qi was not as intimidating as she’d thought. At least he explained his obligations, apologized for any slight, and showed no airs of a high official.

Thinking this, Song Yan hurried to fetch his sleeping clothes.

Wei Qi took the clothes and said, “You may sleep now. I still have things to do—no need to wait.”

At the mention of “sleep,” Song Yan recalled that matter. Hearing this, she nodded quickly, retreated to the side, and when he entered the bath, she went to bed with peace of mind.

Though she knew he did not wish to touch her, she was honestly relieved, even glad.

She fell asleep quickly, and had no idea when Wei Qi went to bed himself. All she knew was that, upon waking the next morning, no one lay beside her—clearly, Wei Qi still slept in the side chamber.

When the maids came in to serve them, both were already up.

Wei Qi dressed in an ink-blue, gold-cloud patterned court robe, and she was beautifully and festively attired. They rode in the ox-drawn carriage to the Song household.

Wei Qi was in the carriage as well; the carriage from the Duke’s residence was spacious, but with only the two of them inside, the enclosed space felt constricting.

Feeling stifled, Song Yan could not help but find something to say: “Master, are you always so busy? Out before dawn, back deep into the night.”

Wei Qi allowed a faint smile, “Not always. This is an unusual time—an incident occurred at the palace on the day of the wedding.”

“Oh, I see,” Song Yan said softly. Seeing him smile surprised her, and she relaxed a little; he was indeed more approachable than she had thought.

Wei Qi asked, “Have you grown accustomed to the residence these past days? Any discomfort?”

Song Yan nodded, “I am accustomed.”

She was not so foolish as to think that a friendly smile meant she could complain about his daughter’s disrespect, the concubine’s schemes, or his mother’s coldness.

After a pause, Wei Qi himself said, “Mother is naturally reserved, and her health is poor, so she rarely smiles or talks. If she makes you uncomfortable, don’t take it too much to heart.”

Song Yan murmured assent.

She thought, he must also know his mother would not like her.

The rest of the journey passed in silence. The ox carriage arrived at the Song family’s gate.