Chapter 3

Chapter 3

The next morning, the Meng residence bustled with activity once more. In the front courtyard, they were receiving the betrothal gifts from the Li family, while in her quarters, the Five Blessings Women were attending to Meng Die's facial grooming and makeup, preparing her for her wedding.

Her wedding dress was not embroidered by her own hands; it was personally chosen by Shen from a renowned tailor shop in the capital. It was a necessary compromise due to the tight schedule; there simply wasn't enough time for her to sew her own gown.

Dressed and ready, Meng Die sat before the dressing table, gazing at her reflection adorned in vibrant red. For a fleeting moment, she felt disoriented. She hadn't expected to marry so soon. The world where Meng Die of her dreams lived seemed better, where everyone enjoyed greater freedom.

"Miss," Mama Fan entered with a smile on her face. Approaching Meng Die, she whispered confidentially, "I just managed to slip to the front yard. The Li family has sent ninety-nine sedan chairs loaded with gifts, all in large, grand trunks."

Ninety-nine, symbolizing eternity, was a preferred number for the sedan chairs carrying dowries in reputable families within the capital. While the number of sedan chairs remained fixed, some affluent families would focus on the intricacy of the boxes they carried.

Over time, three sizes of chests emerged in the capital: small, medium, and large. The largest chests were the most prestigious, as their use not only showcased the groom's status but also demonstrated his profound regard for the bride.

Meng Die exhaled deeply, a smile blooming on her face. "With the Li family placing such high value on this, I'm sure Grandfather, Grandmother, and my parents will be delighted."

"Yes, I've heard that when the dowry arrived, the old Master and Mistress couldn't help but smile. Father and Mother were also very pleased with the gift registry," the responder confirmed.

In the afternoon, the formal proposal ceremony took place, followed by the presentation of the dowry from the Meng family.

The Meng family had merely been demoted and not stripped of their assets. As an established beneficiary, Grandfather Meng Tingyi felt deeply guilty towards his granddaughter and thus provided her with a generous dowry. The other branches of the family, aware of the marriage's purpose, naturally had no objections. Hence, even though the Li family offered a substantial betrothal gift, the Meng family's dowry was equally impressive.

Dowry after dowry was delivered to the Marquis Yongyi's residence. Those who had initially come to witness the "spectacle" found it inappropriate to comment. They had initially assumed that the Meng family, in decline, was seeking refuge through this marriage, and that Meng Die was merely a bride for good luck. Now, it was clear that the two families were genuinely forging a union, not just a superficial alliance for fortune or luck.

It wasn't until Meng Die was about to step into the bridal sedan chair that Madam Shen managed to find time to visit. The people in the room tactfully withdrew at her arrival.

"Mother," Meng Die tried to rise, but Madam Shen gently pressed her back down.

"You mustn't move now," Madam Shen said, her eyes rimmed with red as she sat beside Meng Die and held her hand, stroking it softly. "There's no time for you to personally inspect your dowry. Everything is listed on a manifest. When you've settled into the Marquis' residence, take your time to go through it later."

"Um."

Madam Shen: "Mama Fan's family, Lu Wei, Xing Huang, and Xue Qing will all follow you."

Meng Die was surprised: "Mama Fan didn't ask to leave?"

A look of relief appeared on Madam Shen's face: "No. I told her that if she wished to leave, not only would I not ask for their redemption money, but I would also allow them to take the savings they've accumulated over the years. With that money, they would have no trouble starting anew as an honest, well-off family outside."

"She said that since she has served you for a while, she would naturally stay with you for life. Although her family members might be a bit slow-witted, at least they are loyal, and they are more capable than others when it comes to serving," Madam Shen said, moved. "They have all shown their sincerity!"

"Hmm."

Shen: "Let's talk about the Marquis household. The current Marquis Yongyi is Li Erlang's grandfather. Li Erlang's father is the eldest legitimate son, making him the rightful heir. You're aware of this, right?"

Meng Die nodded in agreement.

Shen continued, "Aside from Li Erlang's father, Marquis Yongyi has four more sons. The second and fourth sons are legitimate, while the third and fifth are from concubines. The second son passed the literary examination during the Dingchou year and is now serving as an official outside the marquisate. The other three brothers, all martial graduates, are also pursuing their careers in the capital and reside within the marquis household. So, you'll not only be dealing with your great-grandmother and grandmother but also three aunties. You must be mindful of this."

In truth, Meng Die was already well-informed about these details when discussing her marriage with Li Mao. However, to reassure Shen, she acknowledged her words once more.

Madam Shen was still somewhat uneasy. "Erlang has an elder legitimate brother, whom you're aware of. Now that he has married Wen Shi, she's not only your eldest sister-in-law but also the future matriarch of the Li family. After you enter their household, you must observe how she conducts herself and avoid trying to outshine her."

"Mother, I understand."

Madam Shen nodded. "The one sent by the Li family to fetch you is the fourth branch's barely-ten-year-old legitimate eldest son. The fourth branch is already legitimate, and they've dispatched their eldest son to fetch you, giving our Meng family great respect. After you marry in, you must show filial piety to your in-laws. The Li family has shown us extraordinary kindness."

Meng Die replied, "I've heard about it all. From the betrothal gifts to the matchmaker they engaged, the Li family has done everything properly. I understand their intentions, and this will silence those who like to gossip."

Madam Shen dabbed at the corners of her eyes with a handkerchief. "It's good that you understand. You're right—such a family might truly be a better option than hoping for fortune in Ganzhou…"

The sound of firecrackers exploded, interrupting Shen's words. People from outside rushed in, and despite her reluctance, Shen personally veiled her daughter.

As the eldest brother, Meng Yuan carried his sister Meng Die out on his back.

Supporting his sister securely, Meng Yuan stepped steadily and slowly towards the door and the wedding sedan chair. It was as if he could walk forever if not for the fear of delaying the auspicious moment.

The instant Meng Die sat in the sedan, she heard Meng Yuan's choked voice, "Sis, don't worry. I'll study diligently and strive to have my name on the golden list as soon as possible."

The sorrow of parting finally pierced through Meng Die's usual optimism, enveloping her. Her eyes reddened, and she realized that no matter how rational her arguments were, her family, born and raised in the Great Yi Dynasty, would always feel they had wronged her.

Amidst the deafening sound of gongs and drums, firecrackers crackled as the bridal palanquin was lifted into motion.

The grand palanquin circled around the capital before finally being ceremoniously carried into the Marquis Yongyi's residence. The fireworks intensified to the point where human voices were drowned out.

The palanquin was carried straight to the main hall of the courtyard, where it was now filled with the Li family members. Unfortunately, Meng Die, with her veil covering her face, could see nothing. She listened intently to the sounds around her, feeling the palanquin come to a halt.

The wedding concubine led Meng Die out of the palanquin and guided her into the main hall for the traditional ceremony of paying respects to heaven and earth. Without a groom, there would be no wedding night festivities.

In the joyous chamber, only Nanny Fan, Lu Wei, Xue Qing, and Xing Huang remained. Apart from a few servants outside in the courtyard, the Marquis Yongyi's residence had not arranged any attendants within the inner chambers of the new couple's quarters, presumably to make Meng Die more comfortable in her unfamiliar surroundings. They likely feared that additional strangers would make her even more uneasy.

Nanny Fan was cautious by nature. Before returning to the bedroom, she checked the outer room first. "Miss, there's no one else here. You can remove your veil now."

Meng Die, sitting upright on the wedding bed and still wide awake, relied purely on willpower to keep herself going. At Nanny Fan's words, her tensed muscles relaxed abruptly. She quickly lifted the veil. Receiving Lu Wei's teacup, she took a hurried sip. "Take off these hair ornaments first. They're hurting my neck."

Nanny Fan and Lu Wei promptly set to work, removing all the jewelry from Meng Die's head.

With several pounds lighter on her head, Meng Die breathed a sigh of relief and felt much more refreshed. She stood up to stretch a bit before promptly sitting down at the table to eat with her chopsticks. Having gone an entire day without food or drink, she was ravenously hungry.

After eating until she was half full, Meng Die slowed her pace with the chopsticks. Considering that she would soon be sleeping, she picked a few light and refreshing dishes before putting down her utensils. "You two should have something to tide you over as well, then go and rest."

"Miss, Ama Fan and Xue Qing have prepared your bathing items. Xing Huang and I will attend to you first, and then we'll all have our meal."

The prospect of being able to rest after freshening up was too enticing. Without hesitation, Meng Die nodded in agreement.

By the time Meng Die had finished her ablutions, Ama Fan and Xue Qing had completed their meal. Lu Wei and Xing Huang went to eat, while Ama Fan and Xue Qing started making the bed.

As the wedding quilt was lifted, the four auspicious items for the bridal bed—red dates, peanuts, longan, and lotus seeds—gleamed prominently, asserting their presence.

Meng Die froze, feeling a sudden bout of awkwardness. It dawned on her why Ama Fan and Xue Qing were making her bed when she had been managing on her own since she turned ten.

Xing Huang brought a clean tray, and Nurse Fan carefully placed all the collected dried fruits onto it. After tidying up the bedding, she surveyed the entire bedroom.

The room faced south with its entrance to the north. The elaborate thousand-craft bed was positioned against the northern wall. A small rectangular table with two chairs stood beneath the southern window, where their meal was arranged. To the southeast, there was a dressing table where she had just placed the jewelry. On the eastern side, a screen adorned with paintings of flowers, birds, fish, and insects divided the space, while behind it were the toiletries.

On the western side of the southern wall, a grand wardrobe adorned with intricate pavilions and towers displayed its opulence. Next to it, in the corner, stood an ornamental shelf. At the top, a water lily was in full bloom, and below it was a large pink and white porcelain vase with a swan-like neck.

Nurse Fan walked over to the shelf and picked up the pink and white vase. Meng Die was astonished. What was she doing?

Nanny Fan approached Meng Die with the vase in her arms. "Miss, let's place the Early Birth of an Honorable Son inside."

"Mmm?" Meng Die's eyes widened. "Nanny, what do you mean? Put it inside?"

"Yes, indeed." Nanny Fan's face was filled with amusement. "Look at this vase now. What do you think it is?"

Meng Die observed it. "What is it? Isn't it just an empty vase? It's painted in pastel colors, and the glaze seems to resemble that of an official kiln's work..."

"Miss!" Nanny Fan was exasperated yet amused, drawing out her words. "This is an empty bottle, a wide-bellied vase. If we put something inside, wouldn't it no longer be empty?"

Meng Die blinked. An empty bottle? A large belly vase? Large belly! Empty stomach! Meng Die slowly lowered her head, gazing at her flat abdomen.

Nanny Fan heaved a sigh of relief. "Miss, quickly put it inside. It's a tradition to place the 'Early Birth of Noble Offspring' in the bedroom's large flower vase during weddings."

"Oh." Meng Die didn't know what to say. Since it was a custom, she naturally had to abide by it. But with Li Erlang not around, she wasn't the Virgin Mary; this vase filled with 'Early Birth of Noble Offspring' wouldn't make her conceive a child any sooner.

After placing the 'Early Birth of Noble Offspring' in the vase, Meng Die could finally climb into bed and sleep.

Nanny Fan, accompanied by the three maidservants, tidied up briefly before also retiring to bed quietly.

Perhaps due to exhaustion, or because everything was unfolding as Meng Die had hoped, the change in environment didn't affect her sleep. On the contrary, she slept more soundly than usual.

When she opened her eyes again, it was still dark behind the canopy. Meng Die listened carefully and could hear faint footsteps. Apparently, Lu Wei had already woken up. "Lu Wei, what time is it?"

"It's just past dawn," replied Lu Wei as she lifted the bed curtains, allowing the candlelight to illuminate the room. "It's not quite light outside yet, but I thought you'd want to rise early since you're going to pay your respects to the elders today."

"Indeed, that's what I was thinking," Meng Die said as she donned the warmed clothes and shoes that Lu Wei had prepared, before beginning her morning ablutions.

Seated in front of the dressing mirror, Meng Die noticed the distress on Lu Wei's face. "Lu Wei, what outer garment should I wear today? Which accessories should I choose?" Traditionally, a newlywed would dress in the most festive and dazzling attire. Unfortunately, such customs were not suitable for their current circumstances.

Meng Die understood this principle as well. One couldn't be too dazzling, nor too plain—it wasn't as if she was in mourning for Li Erlang. After a moment of contemplation, she made her decision. "Let's choose a low-key, yet subtle base color for the clothing and skirt, with intricate patterns on top. For the jewelry, opt for red agate or pieces set with red gems—just three or four items will do."

Dressed this way, she wouldn't appear overly flamboyant while still emphasizing her status as a newlywed.

Auntie Fan, Xing Huang, and Xue Qing eventually got up, tidying the room once more. By then, Meng Die had finished getting ready.

Xing Huang, who had been keeping watch outside, hurried in. "Miss, I heard footsteps heading our way."

Meng Die replied, "Auntie, please go greet them."

"Yes," Nurse Fan led Xing Huang out of the bedroom.

As they reached the courtyard, they saw a woman in her forties accompanied by two young maids entering. Upon spotting Nurse Fan, the woman immediately greeted with a smile, "Good day, Elder Sister Fan. Lady has instructed me to guide Second Madam; my husband's family name is Zheng."

"Likewise, Sister Zheng. Please come in," replied Nurse Fan with a warm smile. "My husband's family name is Fan."

Nurse Zheng followed Nurse Fan into the bedroom and immediately noticed Meng Die seated elegantly in a chair. She hurriedly took two steps forward to pay her respects. "Greetings to Second Madam, and congratulations."

Meng Die smiled. "Please rise, Nurse Zheng."

Nanny Zheng rose with a smile on her face, gracefully accepting the red envelope from Lu Wei. The two young maidservants following her also received their own envelopes.

Meng Die inquired, "Nanny Zheng, should we head over now?"

Nanny Zheng subtly assessed Meng Die. "There are many matters to attend to today, so breakfast might be delayed. Would Second Lady like to have a few pastries first? These were prepared by Madam early this morning."

"Mother is thoughtful." Meng Die's eyes curved with a gentle smile. "In that case, I'll have a small bite."

"Yes," Nanny Zheng took the food box from the young maidservant and arranged the various pastries inside on a plate.

Meng Die accepted the gesture and indulged in a piece of mung bean cake, followed by a bite of the Ding Sheng cake. After sipping a small amount of tea, she rinsed her mouth and washed her hands once more. "Shall we go?"

"Indeed," replied Mama Zheng, assisting Meng Die to rise from her seat.

Meng Die rested her hand gently on Mama Zheng's arm and strolled out with her, listening attentively as she was enlightened about various matters along the way.