Spring Message in the Snow – CH 029

Chapter 29

Grand Tutor Hang looked at everyone, who all seemed somewhat hesitant, and asked, “Are you worried that it’s too rushed, and three months is not enough time to prepare?” Then he added, “Actually, the matter of the wedding is mostly handled by the Prince’s residence. Although your family also needs to make preparations, the main focus is on hosting a banquet for relatives and friends. We can ask the Four Departments and Six Bureaus to help with the arrangements. In fact, if you think about it carefully, there’s enough time. My family arranged it this way when my daughter got married last year.”

Helian Song, seated at the table, smiled, thinking to himself that having an experienced matchmaker come to mediate would indeed save a lot of trouble. Seeing the unease on the Zhang family’s faces, he stepped in to explain, saying gently, “A few days ago, we did indeed have someone from the Imperial Observatory calculate the auspicious dates. The first good day was the sixth day of the ninth month, so I noted it down. Because of the busy military affairs in the second half of the year, I am afraid I will be frequently traveling between Youzhou and the capital. If the wedding ceremony is delayed too long, it might attract criticism. Therefore, we’ve decided on the sixth day of the ninth month; I think it’s quite suitable.” He then smiled, “Of course, this is just my humble opinion. The final date will depend on the elders’ and the Second Young Lady’s wishes. Perhaps Grandmother can have someone calculate it again, and you can inform us then.”

So, to make the performance convincing, since the betrothal ceremony was being held today, setting a wedding date was an essential step.

He had thought things through thoroughly. Although he did not say it explicitly, the phrase “provoking criticism” clearly implied whose criticism it was. Now that the play had progressed this far, only the final touch remained, so naturally, they wanted to make it look complete. As for the rest, they could deal with it later.

Grand Madam Zhang composed herself and thought for a moment, then said, “The date Your Highness mentioned is not actually difficult for our family. My concern is that since my in-laws are not in the capital, Your Highness will have to handle everything yourself. The details are numerous and complicated, and Your Highness is busy with official duties. I am afraid three short months will not be enough time.”

This time, Helian Song did not need to handle it. Grand Tutor Hang spoke first, smiling, “That’s not difficult. My wife has always valued Jie Ran highly, and if there’s anything he cannot handle, she will help. Besides, regarding the marriage of a prince, the Imperial Household Department will assign personnel. With both sides working together, the matter will be settled.”

He then sighed deeply, patting his knee, and said, “To be honest, Madam, I’ve been looking forward to this marriage of Jie Ran for a long time. In the capital, what noble family has not married by the age of twenty-four? It’s just that the Prince of Wukang and his wife are in Longyou, and no one is there to arrange things for him, which is why he’s been delayed. Now, this marriage is truly perfect. Your second young lady only left the palace this year. I thought that since both of them are of marriageable age, we should hurry up and make preparations. Madam will also have one less thing to worry about, and you can look forward to holding your great-grandchild in the future.”

Indeed, matchmaking was like negotiating a business deal; many details needed to be negotiated, and it took a lot of back and forth to reach the desired result.

The Grand Madam Zhang pursed her lips, pondering for a moment. Since things had come to this point, further delays due to the wedding date would seem incredibly unreasonable. After all, the Zhang family had been the ones seeking his help from beginning to end; now that they were coming to his aid, to make excuses would be far too pretentious.

“Since that’s the case…” the Grand Madam Zhang said, “Let’s proceed according to Lord Hang’s wishes. It will be on the sixth day of the ninth month.”

Grand Tutor Hang was finally satisfied, slapping his thigh and saying, “Grand Madam Zhang is wise. For the Prince’s Mansion, holding a wedding is no difficult task. I understand Grand Madam Zhang’s thoughts; she’s reluctant to part with her granddaughter and wants her to stay a few more days. Actually, there’s no need to worry. The Prince’s Mansion is not far from your residence. Whenever she wants to see the child, she can simply send someone to deliver a message, and she will be back in the time it takes to drink two cups of tea.”

Grand Madam Zhang agreed, “Lord Hang saw right through me.”

Zhang Zhi chimed in, smiling at Helian Song. “When you get married, you must properly thank Lord Hang, the matchmaker. He practically wore his lips out trying to arrange your wedding.”

Outside, the atmosphere was lively with laughter and chatter; everyone seemed quite happy. Inside, Mianmian quietly tugged at Qingrou and whispered in her ear, “If Second Sister really marries the Heir Apparent, a marriage like that, where the wife gains status through her husband, surely she will be granted the title of First-Rank Imperial Lady?”

Qingrou had not thought of that yet. Hearing Mianmian’s question, she paused, then suddenly realized, “It seems so.”

Goodness, this was incredible! There’s actually a possibility that one of the sisters could become a princess! This made Mianmian feel a little uneasy. After all her efforts, she only managed to get an Earl’s family to propose marriage. Now, titles are no longer inherited; with the old Earl’s death, his descendants would at most inherit the title of Huanwei Guan. Unlike the Prince of Wukang, whose title was passed down through generations, his father was a first-rank official, and his eldest son was a second-rank official, not even needing to take the imperial examinations—he was born a prince! Truly, comparison was the thief of joy!

And look at Surou; this second sister did not seem happy at all!? Even if it was fake, she could at least be happy for now! But this heir apparent was truly loyal; he helped with such a big matter without hesitation. If things turn out to be real later, as long as Surou could overcome her inner turmoil, it would actually be a good thing.

While pondering this, the Grand Madam Zhang outside spoke, ordering that the second young lady be invited out to meet the Crown Prince and thank the matchmaker.

The sisters immediately surrounded her, busily helping her adjust her hairpins and dress. Once everything was in place, they escorted her to the partition.

Surou stepped out of the inner chamber, her eyes fixed straight ahead, and went directly to the Grand Tutor. She accepted the tea brought by a maid and respectfully offered it to him.

Grand Tutor Hang accepted the tea and smiled. “I saw you, Second Young Lady, at your father’s temple enshrinement ceremony that day. Indeed, your demeanor is dignified and composed, possessing the same upright character as your father in his prime.”

Surou curtsied to the Grand Tutor and then stepped aside.

With Grand Tutor Hang present, the Grand Madam naturally wanted to show some goodwill in matchmaking, so she instructed Surou, “Now that you are betrothed, there’s no need to be so reserved. Feel free to have a good chat with the Crown Prince.”

Surou agreed, glancing at Helian Song. He was dressed in the everyday robes of a prince, the collar and sleeves intricately decorated, giving him a dignified and refined air. He maintained a genuine smile, and Surou thought to herself that he’d been a bachelor for so long that even this feigned joy seemed genuine. However, she was also grateful for his help; he must have his reasons, knowing that the more triumphant he appeared, the more likely the Emperor would give up when the news reached the palace.

So, she put on a smile, and the two looked at each other, creating the illusion of mutual affection.

Grand Tutor Hang, being an experienced man, tried his best to create an opportunity for them, saying, “From today onwards, we are family. There’s nothing to be shy about. Let’s sit here and talk for a while; you should go for a stroll in the garden.”

The Zhang family members all looked over, and Zhang Ju also spoke up, “It’s cool in the garden; Second Young Lady, please show the Crown Prince around.”

Surou had no choice but to gesture to Helian Song, “Your Highness, please follow me.”

Helian Song rose, bowed slightly to everyone present, and followed Surou out of the main room.

Wandering aimlessly through the garden, which was usually quite interesting, he found it strangely dull. Surou led him along the veranda by the pond, saying as they walked, “Thank you so much, Your Highness, for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us in this silliness.”

Helian Song said, “I’ve told you many times that I feel indebted to my father-in-law. If there’s anything I can do to help, I will go through fire and water to repay the Zhang family’s kindness.”

These words sounded normal at first glance, but upon closer inspection, a mistake became apparent. Surou quickly said, “We understand Your Highness’s intentions, but Your Highness must not address my father like that. If my family hears it, it might cause misunderstandings.”

Upon hearing this, Helian Song’s brows relaxed, and he smiled. “Young lady, you are a meticulous person. Why are you only worried about misunderstandings within your family but not about being caught out by outsiders? We are already engaged; it would be too formal for me to address your father as the Chancellor. However, I have absolutely no intention of offending you. I am merely fulfilling my duties, and I hope you will not take offense.”

Surou, hearing his explanation, could only reluctantly comply but still muttered, “It’s fine to address him like that in public, but there’s no need to do it in private.”

“But what if I accidentally let it slip one day?” he asked, his hands casually behind his back. He strolled along the water’s edge, saying as he walked, “Young lady, you overthink things and do not let things take their natural course. That’s not good. Since you’ve been planning to get married for so long, why are you fussing over even the form of address? Is that not just making things difficult for yourself? In any case, our engagement is settled, and you must learn to accept it. What’s done is done. For example, my manor has always been lacking a person to manage it. Years ago, when I left my hometown to come to the capital, I brought a governess with me. Now, she manages all the household affairs, but it’s still a bit lacking. What I mean is, if you’d like, young lady, you should visit the manor more often. Even if it’s just to appear as if you’re taking over the household, it will shut others up.”

A seasoned military commander, skilled in strategic deployment, knew how to use smoke signals to confuse the public. These ideas were not without merit, but the marriage was ultimately a pretense; one could not overstep their bounds.

Surou said, “I’ve been very busy lately because I’ve been tutoring the county princess. Several families in the city have sent people to invite me to teach their daughters the rules of the palace. There’s another selection early next spring, is there not? Those families who want to send their daughters to the palace should prepare early so they will not panic if they are actually selected. My grandmother and I have discussed it; it’s impossible to go to each family one by one. It would be more convenient to open a girls’ school somewhere, so I will be busy managing that from now on and will not be able to concern myself with the affairs of the Prince’s residence.”

Helian Song stopped, seemingly somewhat disappointed, but quickly nodded again. “It’s good that you have your own things to attend to, young lady. However, the County Princess is, after all, the beloved daughter of the Imperial Princess and different from ordinary noble ladies in the capital. Instructing her still requires your personal visits to the Duke of Wen’s residence. Why not take advantage of that free time to come and show your face at my residence? Is that not allowed?”

He turned to look at her, his deep eyes shimmering with a captivating power. He was adept at using this ability, gazing at her hopefully, making it impossible for her to refuse.

She glanced at him, her tone unwavering. “No. Who in this world dares to barge into someone else’s household and take charge? The Prince’s Mansion has the experienced Governess Wu to handle things. I am an outsider; it would be inconvenient.”

A clear-headed person would never allow themself to be in a passive position. She knew perfectly well what she could and could not do.

Helian Song knew that it was still because of past grievances; she disliked him. If she did not need his help, she probably would never want to see him again!

He sighed, then smiled and said, “Since you are busy, then forget it… You mentioned wanting to set up a girls’ school? I happen to own a small garden near Genyue Garden. It’s a beautiful, secluded place, perfect for a girls’ school. How about tomorrow? I will come pick you up after work and take a look. I am sure you will like it.”

But Surou said it was not necessary. “I’ve already asked around, and they say there’s a very nice courtyard near the residence of the Grand Chancellor that we can rent.”

Helian Song nodded, saying nothing more, “That’s fine then. You can take a look first, young lady. If you do not like it, I have other places available, and I will not charge you any rent.”

That was even less necessary. If the money was not settled, she’d owe favors. She already owed enough; if she continued to take advantage and then held a grudge because of her father’s death, it would seem like she was being unreasonable.

Still obliged, Surou said, “Thank you, Your Highness. We’ve been out for a while; let’s go back! Your Highness can stay for a simple meal today; Grandmother had it prepared early this morning. My eldest and third uncles are both here; they can keep you company with a drink.”

The two slowly walked back, their figures, one tall and one short, stretched long by the sunlight filtering through the treetops. Helian Song looked down at the silhouette before him—slender, graceful, and beautiful; in every way, she was the perfect wife.

He subtly twitched the corner of his lips and said calmly, “We will see if Grand Tutor Hang has anything to attend to.”

Unfortunately, the Grand Tutor was indeed busy. He had just taken on the task of compiling the Travel Notes on Ancient Sites, and his work as a matchmaker today had been a special trip; he simply did not have time to stay at the Zhang residence for a meal.

After some polite refusals, he left the Zhang family’s house. On the way back, the Grand Tutor was still lecturing him: “To win a girl’s heart, you need thick skin. You went out with her earlier, but why did you come back so quickly without even visiting her courtyard? Such a good opportunity, and you missed it! It’s truly regrettable. You…” The Grand Tutor looked at him and shook his head, “You are just too thin-skinned. You do not know how to seize the opportunity. Do not think that just because you are engaged, she cannot run away. You still need to carefully cultivate the relationship. There’s a saying, ‘Even a virtuous woman can be won over by persistent suitors.’ Do not be arrogant and put on airs; after all, you will be living together in the future.”

Helian Song bowed his head sheepishly. “Teacher is right. It seems that this is how you married your wife, hence your expertise?”

Grand Tutor Hang choked for a moment but quickly recovered. “Since you are going to be husband and wife, who are you trying to impress with your aloofness? I am teaching you the method; do not just talk nonsense.”

Helian Song repeatedly agreed, “Teacher, you saw right through me. I just could not bring myself to pester her. She dismissed me with just a few words.”

Grand Tutor Hang clicked his tongue, “How can that be? If you cannot win her heart, how can you endure a lifetime of marriage without mutual affection? To be honest, I also have a story with your teacher’s wife. She was the eldest daughter of the Marchioness’s family, and countless suitors came to propose. My family background was ordinary, and I was not particularly good-looking, so she never even gave me a second glance. Later, I used all my charm and flattery to win her over and finally managed to persuade her to marry me… Ah, winning such a beautiful woman is no easy feat! So you have to put in a lot of effort and be willing to swallow your pride, especially since she’s the young lady of the Zhang family.” He then patted him hard on the shoulder, “Put in more effort, do not be shy. With your pure heart, when will you ever win the heart of a beauty?”

The Grand Tutor gave him a brief instruction and then returned in his carriage. Helian Song stood at the crossroads watching him go, then turned to Zhu Bai and instructed, “There’s an empty courtyard near the Grand Chancellor’s residence that’s looking for tenants. Go find out which family it is and make sure it does not go through.”

Zhu Bai was a clever man and immediately understood his meaning. He smiled obsequiously. “My lord, is it the Second Young Lady who wants to rent a house? I understand. Not only will this place be unsuitable, but the next one and the one after that… will also be unsuitable.”

Helian Song smiled. Having a sensible servant certainly saved him a lot of trouble. In the eyes of his teachers and colleagues, he seemed to have always been a dull and honest man, but often the things he encountered were simply harmless and did not require much attention. Now that he was finally engaged, an engagement was no child’s play; naturally, he had to plan carefully and give himself a respectable explanation.

***

In the Zhang residence, over a dozen loads of gifts adorned with bright red silk filled the room. Everyone stood bewildered amidst the gifts. Lady Ling remarked, “This heir apparent truly feels indebted to Second Brother; even for a mere formality, he’s going to such lengths.”

Lady Yuan sighed, murmuring, “If it were not for those entanglements, Second Young Lady marrying such a man would be a blessing from her past life…”

Lady Pan, watching from the side, coldly said, “A hostage—who knows what tomorrow holds? Marrying such a man, what kind of blessing is that?!”

These words extinguished everyone’s excitement. The Grand Madam called to Nanny Feng, “Summon a few people to carry these things into the storeroom. Do not touch a single thing, and lock them carefully.”

Nanny Feng responded with a “Yes” and beckoned from the porch. Immediately, a group of maids and servants entered, carrying all the gifts away in pairs.

After everyone returned to their seats in the main room, Grand Madam Zhang explained to Zhang Zhi and his wife the matter of the wife of the Imperial Attendant visiting their home. She said that the young master of that family had just passed the imperial examination this spring, and his father was serving as the Vice Magistrate of Liangzhou.

“Since the father has been sent to a post outside the capital, the son should remain in the capital as an official. The Third Young Lady is usually gentle and mild-mannered, and I would not feel at ease if she went to a distant place. Fortunately, there is such a family, and both families hold similar official positions, so it’s a good match. You should consider it carefully, and if you think it’s suitable, have someone inquire about it. Once the marriage is settled, we can start preparing around the end of the year.”

Qingrou, who was listening in, blushed instantly upon hearing someone propose marriage to her. Her younger sisters teased her, saying, “Congratulations, Third Young Lady! Good news comes so quickly!” Her delicate face grew even more embarrassed, as if she were sitting on pins and needles.

As for Lady Ling, since Qingrou was born to a concubine, she was not particularly concerned. She also had Chengzhi’s marriage to worry about, so she simply wanted to find a suitable family and send this illegitimate daughter away. Then, looking at Zhang Zhi, she said, “The Vice Magistrate of Liangzhou is at least a fourth-rank official. Although he’s not a capital official, as long as the young man is in the capital, that’s fine. In my opinion, it’s a good choice.”

Zhang Zhi, who was usually a hands-off husband at home, turned to his mother, saying, “Mother, as long as you think it’s good, that’s fine. Please make the decision.”

His mother said, “My decision is just a matter of one sentence. The important thing is that you all go and find out. See what kind of person the young man is and what his hobbies are. Anyone who gambles or frequents brothels is out of the question. With Qingrou’s personality, if she were to fill such a hole, I am afraid she would not be able to survive a single day.”

Zhang Zhi accepted the order and promised to send someone to find out the next day.

Just then, a maidservant came in with a smile and reported, “The eldest young lady heard that the second young lady is engaged and has returned to offer her congratulations. Her carriage has already entered the east alley and is heading towards the garden.”

Translator’s Note:
Huanwei Guan – lit. Sanitation Officer, a military honorary title granted to members of the imperial family, just a rank with no power to command troops.