Four Seasons Brocade – CH 102

Chapter 102 ☆、

After Rong Yin’s marriage was settled, Lady Cui busied herself arranging marriages for Rong Jie and Ah Wu. Although Rong Jie was the elder brother and should have been engaged first, Rong Yin and Tang Yin’s marriage had its reasons and could not be delayed any longer. After the two families exchanged betrothal gifts, Rong Jie’s marriage could no longer be postponed.

But no one was optimistic about the Rong family’s current situation. Which family would be willing to marry a daughter of a prominent family, someone that Lady Cui considered worthy of being a matriarch? Even those who dared to try to marry into the Rong family through the Master Rong were looked down upon by Lady Cui because they were far inferior to Tang Yin in terms of talent, beauty, and family background; she felt it would be too unfair to Rong Jie.

Master Rong and Lady Cui had worried a great deal about this matter. However, Rong Jie’s tutor, Great Confucian Dong, sent a letter saying he intended to arrange a marriage for Rong Jie with his granddaughter, Dong Cangyue. Dong Cangyue lost her father at a young age, and her mother also passed away when she was ten. She had been raised by Dong Mi and his wife, so her character was predictable.

Lady Cui breathed a sigh of relief, repeatedly chanting “Amitabha,” for there was truly no one more suitable than the Dong family’s young lady. In the capital city today, finding someone with a family background comparable to Tang Yin would only be possible within the imperial clan, which was far too ambitious. However, it would not be right for the eldest son’s future wife, who would be in charge of the household, to be so inferior to Tang Yin.

This Young Lady Dong, though of humble origins and seemingly unfortunate, was of exceptionally high status and influence, making Dong Cangyue incomparable to Tang Yin. They were simply from different backgrounds.

Master Rong and Lady Cui, out of respect for Great Confucian Dong, not only sent a matchmaker to propose marriage but also personally visited Great Confucian Dong at Baihe Courtyard. Ah Wu, having not seen Rong Jie for many days and knowing she would finally see her future sister-in-law, insisted on going along.

At Baihe Courtyard, Great Confucian Dong personally received Master Rong and Lady Cui. Even upon seeing Ah Wu, he paused for a moment, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. The old gentleman was not a rigid scholar; he always found great pleasure in appreciating beautiful people and things. Dong Mi had a very deep impression of this Sixth Young Lady Rong. As a child, she was not only exquisitely beautiful but also exceptionally intelligent and decisive, not to be underestimated even then. However, he never expected her to grow up to be so beautiful, unmatched by anyone else, perhaps only comparable to the young Ah Wei.

Thinking of this, a trace of sadness appeared in Dong Mi’s eyes.

Rong Jie, upon hearing the news of his parents’ arrival, naturally came to pay his respects. His entrance was striking.

Rong Jie wore a blue robe, the hem and cuffs trimmed with embroidered green bamboo. His hair was held up with a wooden hairpin, exuding an air of otherworldly elegance and refinement. His own gentle and handsome features perfectly complemented his appearance, making him unforgettable at first sight.

Ah Wu paused, sensing a familiar air about Rong Jie. This vague resemblance, so easily perceived, must have come from someone she’d seen recently. Ah Wu pondered for a moment before realizing—Rong Jie bore a striking resemblance to the Fourth Prince, Chu Mao.

However, upon closer inspection, Ah Wu realized he was indeed her elder brother, and the previous sense of similarity vanished.

Rong Jie paid his respects to Master Rong and Lady Cui. Lady Cui scrutinized him closely, inquiring about every detail of his life. Only then did he have a moment to smile at Ah Wu. “Ah Wu has grown taller.”

Ah Wu smiled back. “Brother, you will not call me ‘little pumpkin’ anymore, right?” Actually, Rong Jie and Rong Yin had intended to call Ah Wu short and stocky, but that would have been too hurtful. After all, she was their most beloved younger sister, and they simply enjoyed teasing her by calling her “little pumpkin.”

Although the two siblings had not seen each other for many days, they still missed each other dearly. No words were needed; the close bond between blood relatives was evident.

Great Confucian Dong and Master Rong had many common topics, but none of them were things a woman would like to hear. Then Dong Mi smiled and said, “My wife lives in Meihe Courtyard, not far away. Please, Lady Cui, come and see her.”

Ah Wu naturally accompanied Lady Cui. With a young servant leading the way, they quickly arrived at Meihe Courtyard. Ah Wu had initially wondered why Madam Dong, despite Great Confucian Dong’s high status, would not be so arrogant as to not personally greet her guests. After all, when guests came to a house, the madam should come out to greet the ladies.

When Ah Wu saw Madam Dong, she noticed her empty eyes and realized she was blind. No wonder she had not come out to greet guests; she had underestimated her. Dong Cangyue helped Madam Dong out, and Lady Cui went to greet her.

Madam Dong was a generation older than Lady Cui. Lady Cui led Ah Wu in greeting her with the proper etiquette of a junior. However, Madam Dong was gentle and kind, without any airs of an elder, and Ah Wu had a very good impression of her.

Ah Wu and Dong Cangyue locked eyes, both proud and self-possessed girls, secretly marveling at each other.

Dong Cangyue was amazed that such a beautiful person could exist in the world. Even that celestial being, purely in terms of beauty, probably could not compare to the girl before her.

While Dong Cangyue was observing Ah Wu, Ah Wu was also observing her.

Ah Wu had known Dong Cangyue in her past life. Although Dong Cangyue lived up to her name, being unassuming and reserved, Ah Wu had read her poetry collection. She possessed a broad perspective and extraordinary talent, no less than any man. In this respect, even Ah Wu was willing to admit defeat.

However, Ah Wu had never met Dong Cangyue before, and now that she had met her, she could not help but scrutinize her closely. Dong Cangyue was dressed simply in a plain cloth dress, yet it did nothing to conceal her elegance. Her features were merely pretty, but her dignified grace and refined demeanor were undeniable. Ah Wu thought that even the daughters of those self-proclaimed noble families might not possess Dong Cangyue’s poise.

Ah Wu thought that if Zi-Shan saw Dong Cangyue, she would probably understand the truth behind the words “inner beauty shines through”.

Aside from Ah Wu, who was paying close attention to Dong Cangyue, Lady Cui was the most interested. She held Dong Cangyue’s hand and asked her many questions, which Dong Cangyue answered patiently and respectfully, without fawning over Lady Cui, who was to become her future mother-in-law.

Lady Cui found Dong Cangyue dignified, generous, elegant, and knowledgeable, and was very satisfied.

Madam Dong noticed Lady Cui’s satisfaction. After Lady Cui had observed her future daughter-in-law carefully, she smiled and said, “Yue’er, why not take Young Lady Rong to your room to play for a while? You do not need to stay with us; it will make you, younger generation, feel awkward.”

“Indeed, indeed,” Lady Cui replied. She had always relied on Ah Wu and wanted her to get to know Dong Cangyue better, to see what kind of person she was.

Dong Cangyue’s boudoir, like her, was simple, elegant, and understated. She sat down with Ah Wu and spoke softly, starting with needlework, a skill most young women possessed, thus building rapport.

Ah Wu nodded inwardly. Other talented women, when talking to someone, would practically revolve around their own abilities, like Fifth Young Lady Rong, but Dong Cangyue was different; she considered the other person first.

Ah Wu had learned Cui Embroidery from Lady Cui. Although she had not done much needlework, it was far from bad. After chatting for a while, the conversation naturally transitioned to poetry and literature.

Dong Cangyue was known for her poetry, and Ah Wu, catering to her interests, figured she was her future sister-in-law, someone she would rely on in the future.

Their discussion of poetry surprised Dong Cangyue. There was a common misconception that beautiful women were often lacking in intelligence, and Dong Cangyue herself held this belief to some extent.

If Ah Wu was not only exceptionally beautiful but also remarkably talented, what chance would other girls have?

However, after their conversation, Dong Cangyue’s opinion of Ah Wu changed drastically. She found Ah Wu’s words insightful, her arguments well-founded, and her spirit captivating, revealing exceptional talent.

Dong Cangyue was not petty or jealous; instead, she considered Ah Wu a kindred spirit, developing a mutual appreciation.

That evening, when Madam Dong asked Dong Cangyue about her opinion of Ah Wu, Dong Cangyue made no attempt to hide her admiration.

“Judging from this, the marriage your grandfather arranged for you is quite good. Not only is Jie’er’s talent and character a perfect match for you, but your future mother-in-law is also a gentle and reasonable person. I was originally worried that your sister-in-law would be difficult to deal with, but after hearing what you say, I am relieved.” Madam Dong gently patted Dong Cangyue’s hand.

Dong Cangyue smiled and said, “Grandmother is never one to make judgments easily; how could you think Ah Wu would be difficult to get along with?”

Madam Dong thought for a moment before saying, “This Young Lady Rong must be exceptionally beautiful, right?”

Dong Cangyue thought her grandmother was simply a genius. “Grandmother, how did you know?” Madam Dong was blind; to judge a person’s appearance, she had to feel them to get a general idea, but she had not had that opportunity today.

“Do not underestimate my grandmother just because she’s blind. My nose and ears are far more sensitive than yours. Every woman possesses a unique fragrance, so even though I am blind, I can easily distinguish one from another, more accurately than your eyes. The moment this Young Lady Rong entered, I smelled her fragrance. It’s invigorating, a scent that soothes the soul, like the fragrance of plum blossoms in winter or lotus in summer—the most proud and elegant of all flowers.” Any woman with such a fragrance must be exceptionally beautiful. Years ago, Madam Dong had smelled a similar fragrance on another stunning beauty. Though the scents differed, both exuded an air of pride.

“But does that not indicate her difficulties?” Dong Cangyue asked again. In public, she was dignified and composed, but in private with Madam Dong, she possessed a delicate, girlish charm.

“This Young Lady Rong has impeccable manners; I’ve never seen anyone like her before. Although I cannot see her, I can tell from the sound of her footsteps and the rustling of her clothes as she enters.”

Madam Dong listened to Ah Wu’s steps. Each step was almost perfectly synchronized, a feat achieved only through precise and consistent footsteps—clearly the result of long-term training. Moreover, her footsteps were fluid and rhythmic, not deliberate; such grace must have been ingrained in her very being.

The subtle and rhythmic rustling of her clothes further demonstrated Young Lady Rong’s exceptional upbringing and demeanor.

“Think about it,” said Madam Dong, “a woman of such exceptional beauty and grace must naturally possess an air of arrogance. But let me tell you, I doubt that the Old Lady of the Duke of Anguo could raise a granddaughter with any magnanimity. While Lady Cui is gentle and kind, she lacks certain qualities. And you, too, are arrogant. Although you try to appear approachable, you cannot hide your pride, and you certainly have the talent for it.”

Madam Dong was very proud of Dong Cangyue, feeling that any girl would have to admit defeat in her presence. “Therefore, Grandmother judges that this Young Lady Rong may not be able to tolerate you.”

Dong Cangyue laughed. “Grandmother, you’ve misjudged this time. You think your granddaughter is the best in the world, but Grandfather always says there are people beyond people and heavens beyond heavens. After meeting Ah Wu today, I finally understand that saying.”

The two, grandmother and granddaughter, chatted and laughed for a few more moments, both extremely happy about the marriage.

Since returning from Baihe Courtyard, Lady Cui had been busy arranging marriages for her two sons. Although neither marriage was urgent, she was simply a busybody. As for Ah Wu’s marriage, things were looking up; Master Rong had personally sent a letter to the Xue family, and they were awaiting a reply.

However, the Rong family was not the only ones concerned about Ah Wu’s marriage; her other brother was also extremely interested. Within a few days, Ah Wu received a letter from Zi-Yan; Gu Tingyi had arranged to meet her at Cui Ji.