Spring Message in the Snow – CH 063

Chapter 63

Separated by a screen, Shangrou smiled bitterly. There was no point in hiding anything from her closest relatives; this was the kind of man she had married. She blamed her bad luck; what else could she do?

Grand Madam Zhang, knowing her displeasure, gestured to a maid to pour wine, and everyone raised their cups, smiling as she said, “It’s rare to have such a complete family. In another six months, once you sisters are all married, the house will probably feel quite empty.”

Madam Shen replied, “Mother, do not worry about that. Most of the children are married and living in the capital. If they want to see you, they can just send a message and come back. Is it worth worrying about?”

Mianmian, standing nearby, glanced at her mother and said longingly, “If Father and Mother could also live in the capital, that would be wonderful. I miss you both, and I can see you anytime. Grandmother also misses you, and you can see her, too. Come see my maternal grandmother.”

Madam Shen said, “With so many properties in Jiangling, if we are going to bring them back, we need to deal with them first. This time, when I go back, I will make arrangements to sell off what we can and consolidate some of our businesses outside, gradually bringing them back to Youzhou. We are getting older every year, and I’ve been thinking about returning to our roots. It will only take another three to five years, then the whole family can move back to the capital, and we can all enjoy family life together.”

Everyone agreed. After all, Jiangling was just where they made their fortune through business; the Shen family’s roots were still in Youzhou. No matter how large their fortune, they would eventually return.

During the conversation, the topic turned to Suizhi’s wife, Lady Bai. Lady Bai had been married for three years without any good news, and Lady Yuan was so anxious she did not know what to do. She was already planning to arrange a concubine for Suizhi. Unexpectedly, Lady Bai was diagnosed with pregnancy last month, and now her belly was growing like an inflating balloon. She was only five months pregnant, and getting up and lying down was already difficult. She had been resting in her own courtyard lately.

The Grand Madam said gently, “You should still move around more; it will make childbirth less strenuous.”

Lady Bai replied shyly, “Yes, I’ve been strolling around the garden a lot lately, and I do not seem as sleepy as before.”

“You had morning sickness for the first few months, but it’s over now,” said Lady Ling, glancing at her. “Your belly looks quite big; could it be twins?”

In these times, giving birth to twins carried many risks. The Grand Madam did not say it aloud, but she was vaguely worried. She only said, “When I gave birth to my eldest and second sons, it was Nanny Cui from Nanjiang Hall Lane who delivered them. It’s much better in the capital… Many families have asked her to oversee things, and she’s never made a mistake. Although she’s retired now, she will definitely come if we ask, so there’s nothing to worry about. Even if it’s a double birth, she has ways to ensure the safety of both mother and child.” Thinking of Zhang Zhi’s concubine, she said to Lady Ling, “Is the one in your courtyard about to give birth? Make sure to prepare in advance, in case she suddenly goes into labor, and we cannot find a midwife.”

Lady Ling awkwardly agreed. Of course, it was not something to be happy about when her husband’s concubine was pregnant. Zhang Zhi was thirty-eight this year; having a child at such an age—what was there to be proud of? Sometimes when she visited the concubine’s courtyard, she liked to say a few sarcastic things, either implying that the woman was an old clam giving birth or nitpicking her appearance, making a big fuss about how many more wrinkles had appeared: “She’s really getting old and still carrying the burden; it’s exhausting.”

Of course, these things were not for discussion with outsiders; there was no need to delve into such trivial matters at the dinner table. Everyone continued their lively toasting and serving of food. Although the autumn sun was not as harsh as before, it still bathed the courtyard in a cascade of light. The chrysanthemums in the flowerbeds were in full bloom, their yellows and purples blending together, making the festive occasion even more vibrant.

After the meal, everyone rose and moved around. The screen in the flower hall was removed, and the grooms who had come specifically to see their fiancées finally sat down with them to drink tea and chat. Surou glanced at Zhirou’s fiancé, the son of the Duke of Fufeng, whose gentle name was Su Runqing. He truly lived up to his name, displaying an unhurried, composed, and unpretentious demeanor. Sitting there quietly smiling, he occasionally exchanged glances with Zhirou while others engaged in lively conversation, his eyes filled with tenderness.

Surou felt at ease, thinking to herself that Heaven had taken pity on the sisters, who had grown up without a father, and had bestowed upon them the greatest blessing in marriage; Zhirou had found a good husband. As for herself, she and Helian Song had gone from mutual dislike to bickering and making up until today. Although he was like an inescapable tinderbox, she had gradually grown accustomed to his overwhelming enthusiasm. Sometimes, not seeing him made her inexplicably anxious.

At this moment, Mianmian, who had been staring at her for a while, finally spoke: “Second Sister’s hairpin is so beautiful. I’ve never seen you wear it before. Is it new?”

Helian Song, standing beside her, slightly straightened his back and took a sophisticated sip of his tea.

Surou, not wanting to show off in front of her sisters, simply replied vaguely, “I only wore it today for the festival…”

Mianmian immediately understood, “It must have been bought by Brother-in-law, right?”

This made a comparison. Why were they both grooms, while those two came empty-handed, not even knowing how to please their fiancées?

Song Mingchi and Su Runqing looked at Helian Song in alarm. Helian Song immediately offered a suggestion: “There’s a Tang family gold and silver shop near Empress Zhaoxian’s residence. They have many styles, all the most fashionable ones right now.”

The two nodded repeatedly, trying to appease their companions. “Tomorrow…tomorrow we will buy one too.”

Buying one now would be just copying what others have already bought. The sisters envied Surou, not really for the hairpin itself, but for the Heir Apparent’s affection for her. Surou was quite embarrassed by the commotion and could only instruct Jiao Yue to bring the cold water from the well so everyone could have another cup with some snacks.

Those with grooms were very happy; those without grooms inevitably felt a little lonely.

Jirou was alright, though. Her birth chart had just been matched with Fourth Young Master Wang’s, and she was just waiting for Wang Pan to return from Quanzhou to arrange the engagement.

As for Qingrou, though she smiled, a cloud of sorrow lingered between her brows. She said she did not want her groom to be too enthusiastic, but on such a festive day, all her brothers-in-law and even Chen Ang were there, except for Li Shu’an. Compared to them, she felt something was missing.

Jirou wanted to comfort her but could not find the words. Finally, she said, “Grandmother allowed us to go out to see the lanterns tonight. Luckily, my third sister is with me; otherwise, I would be so lonely.”

Qingrou forced a smile upon hearing this, then turned back to listen to her sisters’ laughter and conversation.

The whole day’s joyous gathering culminated in the evening’s lantern viewing. Everyone whiled away the time in the garden. Yesterday’s mahjong game had been enjoyable, but looking back today, they realized that because there were many grooms, including Helian Song, they had neglected the other two. So they spent half the day playing pitch-pot and ball games.

When evening came, the long table was moved to the garden for dinner. A full moon hung overhead, surrounded by strings of lit lanterns. Drinking under the moon, raising a toast from afar, was nothing special for the usual festive gatherings. But for Helian Song, who had been alone for many years, it was a rare and precious feast of belonging.

The youngest, Yingrou, still had the heart of a child. After finishing her meal, she left her seat first, carrying a cane puppet. Pulling the spring on its mouth, the puppet immediately began to open and close its cheeks with a “clattering” sound. She stopped in front of An’er, playing with it, and giggled, “Little nephew, look!”

An’er was immediately captivated. He stretched out his arm from his mother’s arms to reach for the puppet.

Shangrou handed the child to the wet nurse, letting her hold An’er and let him play. At this moment, the Grand Madam, seeing that everyone had almost finished eating, spoke up, saying, “I know you are all restless. Hurry up and take advantage of the good time to go out and admire the lanterns.”

The young men obeyed and left their seats, standing aside waiting for their fiancées. Madam Shen glanced at Chen Ang, who was still seated, and said intentionally, “It’s a rare festival like this. Young Master Chen, why not accompany Shangrou to admire the lanterns? Let the wet nurse take An’er back first.”

Chen Ang hesitated, then uttered an “Ah,” and said, “The lanterns are about the same every year…”

Before he could finish, Shangrou said to her aunt, “I do not like watching lanterns. Ze’an needs me to coax him to sleep at night, so let’s go back.”

Those listening could not help but feel a pang of sadness. Back in their youth, when did the sisters not go out to see the lanterns together every year? Now that she was married and had children, she had lost her interest in watching the lanterns. If her husband truly loved her, would she still “lack interest”?

Chen Ang, however, found her words most agreeable. Indeed, what was the point of those little girl toys? It was better to go back to sleep. With Shangrou agreeing, he found a way out and excitedly said, “Then I will have the carriage prepared right away.”

Shangrou ignored him, bid farewell to everyone as usual, and told them to enjoy themselves. She and her wet nurse took An’ge’er out of the garden.

The Grand Madam said nothing, only sighed deeply, then put on a smile again and said to the remaining young couples, “Hurry up, you all go and have fun!”

Everyone agreed and left the garden together. Because the Zhang Mansion was very close to the Imperial Street, they initially stayed together, but as the crowd grew and the lanterns became dazzling, they gradually separated.

Surou had only seen lanterns lining the roads during the day, never one lit up, and now she truly appreciated the splendor of this sea of ​​lights—a spectacle far surpassing even the hundred or so lanterns placed together in the Forbidden City. Indeed, the lights were like stars, a dazzling display of light everywhere, as if dragons and fish danced in the night. If viewed from above, the ribbons of light crisscrossing every street and alley would surely fill the entire capital. Beside her, elegantly dressed young women, waving round fans, their laughter and chatter flowing gracefully, their robes releasing a faint, sweet fragrance, creating an even more surreal, dreamlike atmosphere.

Surou looked around with a sigh. “When I was little, I used to come out to see the lanterns with my elder sister. Back then, there were none of these new styles. There were only lotus lanterns, octagonal lanterns, and things like that. It’s nothing like what we have now.”

Helian Song chuckled. “Chen Ang should come see them, but the lanterns are the same every year.”

Surou understood his dissatisfaction with Chen Ang and could not help but sigh. “My elder sister was unlucky to have met such a man.”

Helian Song, however, saw things clearly. “It’s because he did not cherish what he had. If there were a fresh woman in front of him, would he still find these lanterns uninteresting?” He took her hand and said seriously, “I am ashamed to be associated with a man who does not cherish his wife. Do not worry, my wife; after we are married, I will accompany you to see the lanterns every year, from our youth to our old age. I will never be like Chen Ang.”

Surou smiled, deciding to take it as it was. She was not an optimistic person. Feelings would change. Which unhappy couple did not make such vows at the beginning? She had grown accustomed to walking hand-in-hand with him through the crowds, heavily made-up actresses in colorful costumes passing by, their gold-leaf scales gleaming in the lamplight. He carefully held her close, saying, “I forgot to tell you, the bed-changing is scheduled for the second day of the ninth month. I will see if I can spare some time then, in case there’s anything I can do to help.”

Surou said there was no need. “I know you have a lot of official business to attend to before the wedding. Just focus on your work; we have enough people at home, you do not need to help.” She paused, suddenly remembering the Emperor’s appearance last night, feeling uneasy. She had not wanted to tell him, but thinking it over, keeping it a secret was not a solution, so she said, “The Emperor sent over a lamp a couple of days ago…”

His brow furrowed slightly upon hearing this. “He’s still thinking about it now.”

Surou nodded, hesitated for a moment, then said, “He came to Old Caomen Street last night. I saw him after I saw you off. But he did not greet me; he just stood there briefly and left. I do not know what he meant.”

His face appeared cold and hard under the colorful lanterns. After a moment’s thought, he said half-jokingly, “It seems I will have to find time to go to the palace to express my gratitude. The Emperor is so busy with affairs of state, yet he still thought to send you a lantern during the festival… He’s more thoughtful than I, a mere servant.”

Surou, however, felt this was inappropriate. “I only told you… You now know, that’s all. I did not send you to the palace. The Emperor is the Emperor. We, as his subjects, should just be grateful. If you went to express your gratitude, would that not be openly provoking the Emperor?”

He frowned. “He’s sent my fiancée gifts time and time again—incense burners one day, lanterns the next. Has he never considered how I feel?” He then grinned, looking up at the bright moon high in the sky, and murmured, “What a good friend, what a good brother!”

So, the spark he started that day eventually burned him. He knew that if he brought it up, he would probably only get a smiling “You were the one who asked me to do this in the first place.” He had misunderstood the whole thing from the beginning. He thought the Emperor was being lenient, and the Emperor overestimated his own self-control. So everything spiraled out of control. Fortunately, Surou was on his side, and he felt confident in his position.

He shook the hand he held tightly. “If you had to choose again, the Emperor or me, who would you choose?”

She stopped, gazing at him in the bright lamplight.

His heart pounded, a slight smile playing on his lips, ready for her to say she chose him.

But then her almond-shaped eyes narrowed, and amidst his expectant gaze, she uttered a cold, indifferent sentence: “I will not choose either.”

He was devastated, asking in surprise, “Why? Have we not spent enough time together for my wife to like me enough? Have I done something wrong?”

Surou rolled her eyes at him, muttering, “Who wants to talk to you? All that sweet talk, you are not a decent person…”

But he sensed in her gentle resentment a helpless indulgence; she clearly enjoyed being pestered by him like this.

His heart leaped with joy. Forgetting they were in public, he grabbed her hand and pulled her back into his arms, holding her tightly as if his life depended on it. He whispered in her ear, “My wife, you’ve already fallen for me; you just do not know it.”

On such a passionate night, everything seemed permissible. The faces of the passing crowd were filled with knowing smiles. Surou blushed and tried to push him away, but could not.

Annoyed, she said, “Nonsense… Let go! Someone will see us…”

He stubbornly refused, “Who does not have a loved one? Who does not have moments of uncontrollable passion… There are so many people here; nobody knows us.”

But just as he finished speaking, two young men with flowers in their hats stood nearby, grinning, and said jokingly, “Your Highness, what a coincidence!”

Helian Song paused, awkwardly turning to look at them. He inwardly despised their lack of tact, but his demeanor remained composed. He subtly shielded Surou behind him and smiled. “Indeed, what a coincidence. I brought my wife to see the lanterns today, and we unexpectedly ran into you two.”

To those who had only met him once, the sight of the woman-averse Helian Song embracing a girl in public was a spectacle more unusual than a stone blooming. Rumors circulating in the brothels that he was impotent seemed to have some basis, so his sudden display of affection was quite surprising.

“So it’s your wife…” They exchanged glances, then exclaimed in surprise, “Could we be mistaken? The Heir Apparent is not married yet!”

Helian Song smiled gently. “The wedding is on the sixth of next month. We welcome many guests. You two must grace us with your presence. I will instruct them to reserve a private seat for you at the Pan Tower banquet.”

The two men sheepishly agreed. Since he had specifically requested a seat, they could not be stingy with their wedding gifts. So, after several attempts to politely decline, their purses emptied, and they dared not exchange any more pleasantries, fearing he might even book them for their child’s one-month celebration. They quickly bowed and headed towards the other end of the Imperial Street.

Surou, her face still flushed, playfully punched him. “How dare you be so insolent!”

He gasped, then laughed, “How was I supposed to know I’d run into these two crooks? I cannot even remember who they are.”

Surou ignored his explanation, feeling increasingly embarrassed. Sullen, she walked past him towards the lantern market. He followed, pleading, “My wife…we are almost married.”

But they were not married yet! Besides, even if they were, public displays of affection would be incredibly awkward.

Surou was shy and had never done anything out of line in her life. Perhaps everyone handled relationships differently; while she was still trying to hide it, Helian Song was practically begging to announce it to the whole world.

He followed closely behind, but she turned and pushed him. “Stay away from me; I do not want to walk beside you.”

He would not listen, grabbing her sleeve and saying, “Are you not afraid I will get lost?”

His behavior only made things more awkward; such a tall, strong man acting like a child…

Looking around, the girls watching covered their mouths with their fans and laughed. These days, society was very open; several even gave him flirtatious glances—though he was shameless, he was undeniably handsome.

A betrothed man still seducing young women was utterly immoral. To reduce such immorality, she angrily grabbed his hand, her face stern, and said harshly, “Follow me!”

Helian Song cheerfully agreed, following her to a stall selling river lanterns. He picked out two red lotus lanterns from the shelf, and then they went to the Bian River.

The Bian River was long, and the docks along its banks were already crowded with girls releasing lanterns. Luckily, someone left, making room for two. Helian Song pulled her to the water’s edge, helped her gather her skirt, and then, one lantern each, carefully placed them into the shimmering river.

The water reflected the lanterns, creating clusters of shimmering light. Surou clasped her hands together, watching the two lanterns slowly merge into the stream of light. Because they were flanked by other lanterns, even as they drifted far away, they remained inseparable.

He turned to look at her, seeing the starlight in her eyes, and softly asked, “What did you wish for?”

Surou did not answer, only asking, “And you?”

He gazed at the water, smiling gently. “I wish that when there are crowds of people, you will hold my hand tightly, never to be separated, and that we will be together forever.”

Surou’s eyes softened, looking at him, and she said, “I wish you would not have to work so hard, traveling hundreds of miles between the capital and Youzhou; I wish your heart will remain unchanged for me, not letting me be trapped in a cage; and I also wish that everything will go smoothly before our marriage, without any further changes…” She smiled shyly. “Do you think this small lotus lantern can carry so many of my wishes?”