Chapter 8: The Awakened Insects (4)

Chapter 8: The Awakened Insects (4)

The sky was clear, and the willow trees had sprouted new shoots, their long, delicate branches tinged with a subtle emerald hue that brushed gently against the edge of her umbrella. She remained silent, her eyes curved in a warm smile as she gazed at him. Lost in her gaze, he felt a pleasant dizziness.

Two people betrothed but not yet well-acquainted found comfort in their engagement, filling their hearts with satisfaction and assurance. Their meetings were particularly soothing. There seemed to be no need to rush to express their affection and longing; a single, wordless smile conveyed all they wished to say.

In such glorious spring sunshine, loud voices would disturb the heavens. Yet, silence between them felt awkward. He felt at a loss, softly saying, "I was tasked with preparing the imperial palace for the late Empress, and only returned to the capital yesterday. Originally, I wanted to see you, but there were too many pending matters at the office, all requiring immediate attention. I couldn't spare the time. Today, things finally settled down, and I planned to change clothes before visiting your residence to request an audience. I didn't expect you to come first..."

Yingming explained, "Since the news about the Empress, every department in the palace has been busy. I understand you're occupied. I saw the beautiful weather today and decided to bring my maid out for a spring outing. It just so happened we strolled by here, so I thought I'd meet you."

A rosy flush tinged Hai Yintai's cheeks, and the words "I want to see you" warmed his heart.

He was a man who wandered through valleys and mountains, spending most of his time outside, measuring and calculating in the wilderness. He hadn't encountered many ladies, so he tended to blush easily. Efficiency was his guiding principle; he had never imagined meticulously selecting a suitable partner for marriage. Meeting Yingming seemed more than good enough, and he devoted all his thoughts to winning her favor, eagerly awaiting the day he could marry her.

The fact that the girl he admired had taken the initiative to visit him left him both thrilled and puzzled. It didn't seem to be just a simple meeting. After much deliberation, he decided not to inquire further and instead pointed ahead with a smile. "This long embankment leads to the Jade Mansion Garden, which used to be a private residence of a scholar from the previous dynasty. Later, when the family declined, they couldn't bear to part with the garden, so they opened the walls for public enjoyment. Have you ever been there, Sister?"

Yingming replied, "No, I don't often venture out. I've heard of the Jade Mansion Garden but have never had the chance to visit."

Hai Yintai smiled softly, a bashful touch always present in his grin, something unseen on the faces of the worldlier gentlemen of their time. "Then it's perfect. I'll accompany you for a stroll."

Yingming nodded and turned to instruct Lu Ge, "Go fetch my cloak from the carriage."

Lu Ge understood her intention and quickly bowed, acknowledging the order. In reality, Yingming didn't genuinely need the cloak; she just wanted an excuse to send Lu Ge away so she could have a private conversation with Hai San Ye.

Walking side by side along the lengthy embankment, they noticed the new buds on the branches and the gradually greening grass. The vitality of spring, with its blooming flowers and singing birds, always evoked a sense of renewal.

Yingming slightly tilted her head, catching a glimpse of him walking with his hands behind his back, dressed in a casual indigo robe that accentuated his steadfast presence like a pine tree.

Finding it difficult to express her thoughts, she hesitated. At that moment, he reached out to take her umbrella. A lady's umbrella was much more delicate, both in its canopy and frame. As he held the spot where she had just held, feeling the subtle warmth still lingering on the intricately carved hibiscus handle, he said, "Next time, I'll make you a new one, lighter and easier to handle."

Yingming smiled, finding no need for formalities and simply agreed. Lowering her head, she could count every pebble on the path. Now, she regretted approaching him directly to discuss their marriage. It was indeed awkward to personally discuss such matters with him.

It was he who eased the tension, speaking softly, "The Empress' passing must have saddened you deeply. In life, we constantly encounter meetings and partings. Not being overly joyous at reunions or weeping at separations is a form of self-protection."

Yingming was surprised by his words, which echoed her own philosophy. However, while self-preservation was important, it lacked the courage to disregard all else. Gazing at the distant willows veiled in mist, she said, "Easier said than done. If one can manage it, perhaps their feelings aren't deep enough."

He fell silent, lowering his eyes to agree, "Soon, we'll part ways too. Just thinking about it makes me uneasy."

Yingming felt a flutter of panic, as this was the first time she'd heard such tender words from a man. Although she felt embarrassed, secretly, she was delighted.

He, too, was taken aback by his own words and fell silent for a long while. He merely held the umbrella tightly, instinctively slowing his pace to follow her step by step.

The garden was just ahead, and the blossoming trees of the Great Yan Dynasty had stood there for over a century. The pear and wax trees were tall and robust. While the pear flowers had withered, the wax trees would soon be in bloom. Delicate, young leaves stretched out like tentacles, bearing clusters of unassuming yet resilient flowers, awaiting the impending fiery spectacle across the branches.

"Empress Xiao Hui was once my closest friend, and the Qi and Xue families have been friends for generations. You're aware of this, aren't you?" Yingming paused, turning around to face him.

Hai Yintai acknowledged, responding calmly and confidently.

Yingming realized that continuing to beat around the bush might not achieve her goal today. She braced herself and said straightforwardly, "My eldest brother is stationed in Jilin Wula City and hasn't returned to the capital for years. Last year, he submitted a letter expressing his wishes to return home for an official report in April this year, which the Emperor has approved..."

"The appointment review will keep him here no more than four or five days; to return to the capital afterwards would mean waiting at least three years." He continued her thought seamlessly, "Let us take advantage of his presence in the capital to attend to our own affairs."

This person's perceptiveness left Yingming taken aback. She had anticipated needing to expend considerable effort, at the very least dropping him a hint, for him to grasp her intentions. Instead, he spared her any exertion and, without letting a hint of awkwardness befall her, took upon himself the entirety of this pressing urge to marry.

A man must take the initiative, not wait for the lady to initiate conversation. He gazed at her intently and said earnestly, "It's rare for our family to be all together. Marriage is a significant event, and it would be complete with everyone present as witnesses. However, I wonder if my boldness might cause inconvenience for your family. With the Empress having recently passed, there can be no music or festive drums for three months. If you were to join our family now, I fear you might endure hardships."

Yingming's face flushed. She had come prepared, yet she was at a loss on how to respond to his sincere words. She twisted her handkerchief into a tight knot, circling her fingertips, and lowered her head as she spoke softly, "There's no need to feel wronged or not. I've never been fond of overly lively gatherings... Do you think you'll have time to make preparations in a month's time?"

Hai Yintai assured, "It's not too late, even if I have to forgo food and sleep." Upon saying this, his thoughts became chaotic as he suddenly realized there were still so many tasks left undone. The tighter the time, the more meticulous the etiquette needed to be. He paused in his steps, contemplating carefully. He couldn't continue strolling through the garden, instead muttering to himself, "Then I should immediately return to inform my parents and start preparing today... Yes, first, we must choose an auspicious date, complete the betrothal ceremony... Only then can we proceed with further discussions... And the house, it needs some renovation too..."

Seeing Yingming in a state of disarray, she laughed delightfully while feeling a sense of comfort in her heart.

In truth, he was aware of everything—the intricate machinations within the court, the queen's death having cracked open a fissure where some sought to escape and others to infiltrate. Marrying her now was an act to rescue her from the ravages of this turmoil, to extricate her completely from this quagmire. This union did not pose as defiance against the emperor; on the contrary, it alleviated his pressing concern, sparing him the dilemma between imperial authority and marital obligation. From a broader perspective, it was an act tantamount to rendering significant aid to the throne.

Yet, this refined gentleman could be wildly disoriented when in chaos. He cast her a glance and smiled like a youthful lad, "I'm truly overjoyed..."

Yingming also felt very pleased. The social circle among the mansions in the capital seemed vast but was, in reality, quite small. There were only so many eligible young men and women of marriageable age, and finding the right person who would not disappoint was incredibly challenging. They were both fortunate in that they were at the right age, their families were well-matched, and their temperaments aligned. With these factors in place, there was no need for further hesitation. After the formalities of the betrothal were completed, it would save them much worry and trouble.

Hai Yintai accompanied her back, riding alongside her carriage. He dismounted at the entrance, lifted the curtain for her, and held out an arm for her to lean on. That hand was right before her, beneath the stone-blue arrow sleeve, revealing slender yet strong fingers. She gently placed her hand on his, and if all went well, this tender moment would continue, wouldn't it?

Yingming invited him to enter her residence for a visit, but he declined, "I wasn't prepared today; it would be improper to come empty-handed. I'll present my formal visitation card another time and make a proper entrance so as not to dishonor you."

She tucked her hands in her sleeves and nodded with a smile, "Then you should go back." Her gaze, filled with affection, seemed to imply that even a thousand pearls couldn't compare to the depth of her feelings.

He stood mesmerized for a moment before uttering an "oh" but didn't move. "I'll watch you go in."

Parting so sentimentally on the main street might invite ridicule, so Lu Ge came forward to assist her. She averted her eyes, lifted her skirt, and stepped over the threshold.

It was the first time she had advocated for herself with such determination. Back in the courtyard, her heart still pounded. Servant girls bustled about, attending to her as she washed her hands and changed clothes. Despite their presence, she remained composed. Once they dispersed, memories of Hai Yintai's expression earlier made her burst into laughter.

Lu Ge, of course, was well aware of the situation and approached her, asking, "My lady, what delightful news do you have in mind?"

Yingming ignored her, "There's no such thing as good news."

Smiling, Lu Ge teased, "My lady's words are hard to believe. A fine husband like that is hard to come by, even with a lantern. Yet you claim there's nothing good going on?"

Yingming only smiled. Good news should not be spoken out loud; once it was, it might lose its power.

Observing the incense smoke gradually thinning in the censer, she realized the incense was almost burned out. Rising from her seat, she moved to the desk and asked Songe to fetch an incense stamp. Lifting the lid, she used a round ash press to flatten the ashes. Recently, she had acquired a premium-grade agarwood, and today, feeling particularly interested, she decided to light a round of incense.

When the secondary consort entered, Yingming was absorbed in filling the double-ear stamp with incense powder. This indicated that the conversation must have gone smoothly.

"Thank Buddha," the secondary consort said, sitting in a hat chair and clasping her hands together in a prayer, "Fortunately, the young master is reasonable. As long as he doesn't take advantage of our difficulties, this marriage will be a good match."

Yingming maintained her composed demeanor, lifting the copper stamp with steady hands. Her eyes fixed on the excess powder, she carefully swept it back into the jar with a delicate brush. She commented, "Mr. Hai is very straightforward. He didn't even need me to voice those concerns; he understood them himself. I trust him, but I can't guarantee how General and Lady Hai will perceive things. During Empress Dowager's funeral, Lady Hai also visited the palace to mourn. It's highly likely that she heard about my audience with the Grand Empress Dowager. The Hai family has always been cautious, given their connection to the imperial court. They might be reluctant to take such a risk. If that's truly the case, then there's nothing I can do. I've done my part, and the rest is up to fate."

As she spoke, she couldn't help feeling disheartened. Life's connections were unpredictable, and who knew what tomorrow would bring?

Sometimes, she despised her own tendency to jinx things; good predictions never came true while bad ones did. Barely two days after her comment, before the Hai family had a chance to visit, a message from the palace already arrived.