Spring Message in the Snow – CH 050

Chapter 50

Seeing her mistress crying like this, Quelan quickly rolled up her handkerchief and wiped away her tears, softly saying, “Do not cry, Young Lady. Crying too much will only hurt your spirit.”

Surou shook her head. No one else could understand her feelings. Before, she could righteously resent Helian Song, giving herself an outlet for her emotions. Now, she did not even know who to hate. She felt lost, her father’s death increasingly meaningless, and no one could be held responsible for this life.

Helian Song waited until she had cried her heart out before gently comforting her, “I know your father’s death has deeply hurt you. Do not worry; when I return to Longyou, I will avenge this blood feud and ensure that he did not die in vain. I told you all this today not to absolve myself in front of you. If hating me makes you feel better, then continue to hate me.”

But what good would continuing to hate him do? Emotionally, his escape had indeed led to her father’s death, but morally, there were reasons for it. She no longer knew how to manage these emotions.

On the way home, she did not say a word. She did not want to speak and needed to think things through. When they reached the door, and she got out of the carriage, he waited for her, extending his hand. She hesitated slightly, then took his help and got out, saying softly, “I will not invite you in.”

Her face, still pale from crying, was as white as jade. He sighed, “In this political climate, we are all ants. Some want you alive, some want you dead. I told you before, it has not been easy for me to live to this day.”

The power in Longyou was not limited to Longyou. The capital opened its doors, welcoming envoys from all directions, but who knew how many turbulent currents lurked beneath the bright lights and bustling activity? His parents longed for his return, a small group thought it was better if he did not, and the Emperor worried that his absence would lead to dissent. Everyone had their own agenda. A hostage exiled amidst luxury was far from the carefree life everyone perceived him to have.

Perhaps everything suddenly felt heavy for her, but this heaviness was something she had to face sooner or later. Now she knew that marrying him, though it might bring some storms, was at least better than being trapped in the palace forever. As for the secrets that could not be told to outsiders, he would tell her slowly in the future when the opportunity arose.

She slightly raised her eyes, then quickly averted her gaze. He knew she could not face him yet.

He said, “It’s getting dark, Young Lady; please go inside. I will see you this far.”

Surou nodded, and Quelan stepped forward to help her. She then curtsied to Helian Song, and the two of them entered the house together.

After walking a short distance, Surou glanced back. He was still standing on the steps, watching her go. Her heart was in turmoil, and she dared not linger any longer, hurrying up the corridor to the back courtyard. Upon entering Suihua Garden, she found it bustling with activity. Even before reaching the main house, she could hear the laughter and chatter of her sisters.

Cichun stood at the courtyard entrance to greet her, smiling. “Second Young Lady, why are you only just returning? The Grand Madam and the young ladies have been waiting for quite some time.”

Surou quickly put aside her earlier frustration and looked ahead. Under the half-rolled bamboo curtain of the moon-shaped window, Yingrou was laughing heartily. Surou could not help but smile as well, turning to Cichun and asking, “What good news is there today? Why are you so happy?”

Cichun said, “Second Young Lady, you do not know, but the husbands of Third Young Lady and Fifth Young Lady both came to ask for the wedding dates today. The two families arrived one after the other, making the garden lively all day.”

Surou said, “Oh, I see.” She lifted her robe and stepped over the threshold.

They were probably all making fun of Jirou. Jirou blushed and stomped her feet. “Just you wait, I will see what your men look like, whether they stutter, and whether they are a good match!” Turning her head, she saw Surou return and immediately found her savior. She hurriedly pulled her second sister away. “Look at them; they’ve been laughing at me for half a day! Earlier, when Young Master Jin was saying ‘little…little lady,’ I could not help but ask if he stuttered. They heard me and have been bringing it up endlessly ever since.”

Surou was also curious, “What did Young Master Jin say to you?”

Jirou chuckled awkwardly, “When I asked, he was fine. He speaks fluently; only the words ‘little lady’ are hard to pronounce.”

Lady Yuan chimed in, trying to smooth things over, “I told you he does not stutter! You kept asking him, even silencing the matchmaker! What a silly child!”

The Grand Madam just laughed. “It’s nothing. Our children are all straightforward. They ask what’s on their minds. Now that we’ve confirmed whether he stutters or not, it’s better than discovering it after the wedding—there’s no going back.”

Everyone continued to tease Jirou until she exclaimed, “It’s not like I am the only one asking for a wedding today! Third Sister’s fiancé was here too. Why do you all not laugh at her?”

Qingrou blushed upon hearing this, stammering, “What’s there to laugh at? I did not ask him if he stutters.”

Speaking of Qingrou’s fiancé, everyone praised him highly. Zhirou said, “That young master from the Li family is truly a refined and cultured man, very polite and virtuous. He’s also very handsome; he’s clearly destined for high office.”

Even Grand Madam Zhang clicked her tongue, “I only knew that the young master from the Li family was a scholar, very learned, but I never imagined he was so talented. I’ve always said that Third Young Lady is too gentle, and I was worried that her husband would be too domineering, making her life difficult in her husband’s family. But today, seeing Young Master Li’s demeanor, I realize he’s truly a gentle and insightful person. Anyone who knows her would agree that such a temperament is a perfect match for Qingrou.”

Lady Ling chimed in, covering her mouth and laughing, “Who would have thought that our Third Young Lady, so quiet and unassuming, would find such a good match?”

Mianmian, joining in the fun, suddenly blurted out, “Third Sister’s husband’s name is also very nice, Li Shu’an.” Then, grinning at Jirou, she added, “Fifth Sister’s husband is named Jin Wohu.”

Everyone who had not intended to laugh was now doubled over with laughter, provoked by Mianmian’s words. Jirou, cheeks puffed out, huffed, “I do not understand either! Why such a name? Even the most common ‘Jin Yu’ ^{(金玉, ‘Golden Jade’)} would be better than ‘Jin Wohu’ ^{(金卧虎, ‘Golden Crouching Tiger’)}.” She laughed, then loudly complained to her mother, “Why did you not tell me sooner, Mother? If I had known his name was like this, I would not have agreed to this marriage!”

Lady Yuan looked bewildered. “What’s wrong with Jin Wohu? Wo Hu Cang Long ^{(Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon)}—one cannot be named Cang Long ^(藏龙). But can people not be named ‘Wohu’?”

In the eyes of the elders, as long as the family background, social standing, and character were good, the name did not matter. The Grand Madam Zhang also instructed Jirou, “You must not mention this in front of others. Your names were given by your parents; do not let them think we are impolite.” Then she turned to Surou and said, “Qingrou’s wedding is set for the 28th day of the eleventh month, and Jirou’s for the 2nd day of the second month next year. This staggered timing will make preparations less rushed and allow for careful planning.”

Surou was very happy that her sisters had all found good matches, especially Qingrou. As a concubine’s daughter, Lady Ling had not been very attentive when choosing a husband for her, and her uncle always listened to his wife. Qingrou finding such a good husband was truly a blessing. That Young Master Li had been engaged before, but his fiancée died unexpectedly, so he then betrothed Qingrou. So, fate was truly unpredictable; two people who seemed completely unrelated were suddenly about to become husband and wife.

But Qingrou was not so happy; her smile was faint. She whispered to Surou, “Second Sister, I feel he seems quite cold towards me. I wonder if it’s because of his previous engagement or if he dislikes that I am born of a concubine and is unhappy with me.”

Surou thought Qingrou was overthinking it and comforted her, “Perhaps the young man is just naturally shy. He will be nicer once you get to know him. As for disliking your background, their family knew about your situation before they came to propose; it would be too absurd to say they dislike you after setting the date.”

Qingrou felt slightly relieved and smiled, saying, “I was just being insecure. I kept thinking that someone like me is not good enough for someone like him.”

Surou chuckled. “What kind of person are you? Are you missing an arm or a leg? You are our sibling, just like us, in Grandmother’s eyes. Grandmother has worried a lot about your marriage. If the Li family really valued the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children, Grandmother would not have agreed to this marriage.”

Qingrou sighed. “That’s true; I was confused.”

Surou patted her hand. “Do not think so much for now. Since the date has been set, you should visit each other more often. We will see what that Young Master Li is like then. If he’s really not good, then tell Grandmother, and Grandmother will naturally decide for you.”

Qingrou felt reassured and cheered again.

The banquet was soon ready, and everyone gathered together for a lively meal. After the meal, everyone returned to their courtyards, except for Surou, who stayed behind. The Grand Madam knew she had something to say and beckoned her over. The grandmother and granddaughter sat down on the couch, and the Grand Madam inquired about the reason. Surou then told her grandmother what she had heard from Helian. As she spoke, her eyes reddened, and she choked out, “Father was still thinking of me while he was away. It hurts me so much just thinking about him.”

The Grand Madam, seeing her cry, felt a pang of sadness herself. She stroked her cheek and said, “You are your father’s eldest daughter, and you lost your mother at a young age. How could he not love you? What the Heir Apparent said today should at least ease your mind. I used to resent him for his youthful impetuosity that harmed your father, but now it seems there was a reason for it. With a knife to your throat, if you do not run, are you just going to wait to be slaughtered? Forget it, many years have passed, and your father is long gone. We’ve weathered the most difficult times; try to open your heart and look forward!”

Surou gradually calmed down and sighed, saying, “He promised to avenge Father in the future. Those who killed Father originally intended to take his life.”

The Grand Madam agreed, “It’s easier to feel at ease now that it’s clear. Actually, your father was ordered to escort him to the capital, which was quite risky. At that time, your father was the Shumifu ^{(Deputy Manager of the Bureau of Military Affairs)}, garrisoning Wuwei County. If it were not for a crucial military matter, there would have been no need for your father to personally go. But since he was gone, we had to find someone to blame, as if that’s how we could be fair to your father. The Heir Apparent just happened to be the perfect target, and since he did not defend himself, the blame naturally fell on him.” She sighed deeply, “We were rash in not asking the full story…”

The Grand Madam’s feelings were the same as Surou’s earlier; she did not know who to hate. Suddenly, she realized that even the person she resented had their own difficulties. Filled with both regret and resentment, a thousand words escaped her lips, ultimately culminating in a sigh.

After a pause, the Grand Madam asked her again, “When you go to your father’s grave to have the divination done, will he come along?”

Surou said yes, “Whether it’s good or bad, we will find out on the spot. If Father does not agree, we will find a way to break off the engagement.”

The Grand Madam nodded slowly, pondering for a moment before saying, “Divination should only be used as evidence; it should not be taken as absolute truth.”

Surou understood the Grand Madam’s meaning. Compared to her uncertain future, it was better for her to accept this marriage.

After leaving Suihua Garden, Surou tossed and turned all night, having many dreams. The next day, forcing herself to get up, she went to the garden. Upon entering, an old woman approached with an umbrella, softly asking, “Second Young Lady, is this umbrella the Emperor left behind yesterday?”

Surou, seeing the imperial silk cover, knew it undoubtedly belonged to the Emperor. She took it and put it in the cabinet in her inner room. Turning around, she saw the noble ladies had arrived, and she continued teaching as usual. After class, she told them she had business the next day, and they did not need to come. They all agreed; it was a rare day of relaxation, and they were all quite happy.

That evening, she returned home to find that Jiao Yue had prepared candles and paper money. She checked everything carefully to make sure everything was in order before going to bed.

The next day, she went to report to the Grand Madam, and after everything was ready, she went out. Thinking she would have to wait a while, she was about to send someone to the Prince’s Mansion to deliver a message when she walked out of the side alley and found him already waiting at the gate with his horse.

He did not send anyone to announce his arrival at the gate but simply stood by the roadside waiting. Perhaps bored from waiting so long, he idly rubbed pebbles on the ground with his toes, looking more like a young man waiting for a friend to go for a spring outing than a proper prince.

Surou called out, “Your Highness,” and he finally looked up, smiling upon seeing her. “I just arrived, and you’ve already come out.”

But looking at the small hole beside his feet, it was at least two inches deep. He’d dug such a deep hole so soon; if he waited for two cups of tea, a person could have crawled into it.

Surou pretended not to notice and asked, “Has Your Highness eaten this morning?”

He nodded, then hesitated and shook his head. Lately, he’d become accustomed to using this tactic; the more pitiful he acted, the softer her heart became, and only when she was soft-hearted would she speak to him and show her tender side.

Helpless, Surou took a paper package from her basket and handed it to him. Inside were milk cakes and honey-fried snacks. She simply said, “Your Highness, have some.” She then turned and climbed into the carriage.

He held the package for a moment, then suddenly said, “It’s so hot outside. I do not want to ride anymore. Let’s ride in the carriage together.”

Surou thought for a moment and then instructed Nanny Fu, “Prepare another carriage for Your Highness.”

His wish to hitch a ride was not fulfilled, as the oblivious maidservant beside Surou had already taken her seat. He could not help but feel a little disappointed. But if he could not get a ride there, he could try again on the way back, so he was not discouraged and obediently got into the carriage behind.

Her father’s grave was near Ruishi Mountain. The court had built the Loyalty and Righteousness Garden for meritorious officials, less than a hundred paces from the late Emperor’s mausoleum—a kind of imperial favor of being buried there. Surou sat in the carriage, looking ahead. The distant mountains and waters were shrouded in mist. The sun was not harsh today; it had been gloomy since morning, and heavy rain might come in the afternoon.

The carriage moved slowly, taking about half an hour to reach Zhongyi Garden. The group disembarked and walked a short distance deeper into the garden before arriving at her father’s tomb. Her family had come to pay their respects during the Qingming Festival earlier this year, but only a few months later, weeds had grown again in the cracks between the blue bricks of the grave. Surou went to pull them out, and Helian Song joined her. The two of them personally cleared the weeds, a gesture of filial piety towards the deceased.

Nanny Fu and Quelan finished arranging everything for the ceremony. Surou dismissed them, then knelt and kowtowed, piously saying, “Father, your daughter has come to see you. Many things have happened recently, which you must have seen from Heaven. I have come today to seek your advice. My marriage is to be arranged by my parents; please grant my request and decide whether to allow my marriage to the Heir Apparent.”

She took out a pair of divination blocks, two crescent-shaped wooden pieces that fit together. After offering a prayer, she observed their orientation to determine good or bad fortune.

She clasped her hands in a prayer-like gesture, holding her breath, and released the two wooden divination blocks to the ground. Upon closer inspection, both were facing upwards. Helian Song, not understanding the significance, immediately asked anxiously, “Does this mean yes or no?”

Surou’s face was ashen. She lowered her eyes and said, “Two yangs indicate an unclear omen; two yins mean no; one yin and one yang signify great fortune.”

Even in the court, Helian Song had never been so nervous. Although he did not understand yin and yang, he knew that alternating directions on the divination blocks meant yes or no. So he stared intently at the second falling block. Strangely, it too was two yangs facing upwards.

A wind picked up outside, and the sky darkened. Surou felt a pang of sorrow, imagining her father struggling with whether or not to agree to the marriage.

She clasped the divination blocks in her palms again. “This is the last time. Everything is up to Father.”

If there was still no decision, it would not be good for Helian Song. He called to her, “Let me do it this time. I am here to ask the Shizhong’s opinion before I marry this young lady. If it’s just the young lady casting the divination, the Shizhong will not see my sincerity. Let me say a few words, and whether the Shizhong agrees or not, I will accept it.”

Upon hearing this, Surou handed him the divination blocks. He clasped them in his palms and bowed upwards, saying solemnly, “You saved my life years ago, and I’ve never known how to repay your kindness. Now I am grown up, and this young lady is of marriageable age. I beg you to grant us marriage, and let me take care of her for the rest of my life.”

Holding his breath, he raised his hands above his head. When he released them, the divination blocks fell to the ground with a “snap,” revealing one yin and one yang.

He jumped up abruptly. “Father-in-law, you’ve seen my sincerity!”

Surou let out a long sigh. She could not quite describe her feelings. Her father had given his approval, betrothing her to him. Perhaps this was the best arrangement.

The two kowtowed again side by side, and only then did Quelan and Nanny Fu step forward to collect the offerings. As they left the garden, the weather grew increasingly gloomy, but Helian Song’s smile was brighter than the sun. He gazed at her tenderly and gestured, “I will see you to your carriage, Young Lady.”

Quelan was pushed aside, watching her young lady board the carriage. Soon, the Heir Apparent also unceremoniously took her place, gently instructing her, “You sit in the back carriage; I have something to say to your young lady.”

Quelan looked at Surou, who nodded helplessly. She had no choice but to turn and go to the back.

As the carriage began to move, Helian Song was still feeling relieved. “My father-in-law truly knows my character and trusts me enough to entrust you to me. Young Lady, I will treat you well from now on and will never let you suffer any more injustice.”

Before he finished speaking, lightning flashed, thunder roared outside, and a torrential downpour began in the blink of an eye. Peering ahead, he saw dark clouds rising abruptly, forming a towering wall. Half the sky was inky black, the other half bright and clear, like a brush dipped in thick ink, its strokes staining half the pool.

Suddenly, a thunderclap shook the carriage roof. Helian Song, embarrassed, opened his arms wide. “If you are scared, little lady, come hide in my arms!”