Chapter 51: Why now of all times…

Chapter 51: Why now of all times...

Cheng Yiqiao always followed her instincts, and in that moment, she decided to marry into the Meng family.

The next day, the two families exchanged their horoscopes (birth dates). Since the Governor of Sichuan was returning in half a month, the betrothal gifts were scheduled for the 14th day of the first lunar month, and the wedding date was set for August, in the latter half of the year.

On the 14th, both Cheng Yian and Cheng Yixin went back to their parents' home for a meal. He Qingyun and Meng Ruchuan also met formally. Cheng Yiyan looked towards Cheng Yian's side and regretfully said, "It's a shame the third brother-in-law isn't here."

He had hoped that all three brothers-in-law would gather at the Cheng family. The eldest and second brothers-in-law were very obedient in front of their sisters, but the third brother-in-law was a bit of a rebel.

It wasn't that Lu Xusheng was being disrespectful; he was set to head south the day after tomorrow. At this critical moment, two generals from the Governor's office were in a dispute, one was an old general of Governor Qin, and the other was Shi Heng's man. The emperor had to have him, the Governor's assistant, step in to mediate.

On this day, Cheng Yian didn't even see him. Only in the middle of the night did she feel someone slip into bed, hugging her, and then leaving before dawn.

Cheng Yian was comfortably sleeping in his embrace when the warmth suddenly disappeared, causing her to frown in her sleep.

Today is the 15th, the day of the Lantern Festival.

Cheng Yian set aside funds from the public account to buy about a hundred beautiful lanterns and instructed the servants to hang them up. She sat in the flower hall with her maids, watching everyone busy in the courtyard. The big red lanterns from New Year's Eve were replaced with new colorful silk lanterns, quickly refreshing the courtyard.

The maid Dan'er held two big red lanterns and asked her, "Madam, what should we do with these used lanterns?"

Cheng Yian asked the steward beside her, "How were they handled in the past?"

The steward smiled and replied, "They were sent to the back street for the poor to use."

Cheng Yian didn't believe it. While they said it was for the poor, she suspected the stewards were secretly selling them.

Cheng Yian knew that stewards in wealthy families often engaged in such practices, selling unused items. Some even stole to sell. At the beginning of the year, Cheng Yian had given the stewards red envelopes (monetary gifts). This year, with public funds available and it being her first year managing the household, she was quite generous. The stewards were very pleased and, seeing that she had no grudges and even let Liu Shi and Bai Shi help manage the household, privately referred to her as a bodhisattva.

Once labeled as a bodhisattva, if she ever did anything slightly against their wishes, they would turn against her.

Moreover, they would think she was easy to bully.

Balancing strictness and leniency is the key to longevity.

So Cheng Yian called over another second-tier maid named Ding Xiang. Since Ru Hui was sent to the silver vault and Ru Lan was to be married off, Cheng Yian intended to train new senior maids, and Ding Xiang and Dan'er were her chosen candidates.

These two were neither brought from the Cheng family nor born into the Lu family. They were bought by Ming Saozi last year when they were planning to live separately, intended to be placed in the villa.

Dan'er and Ding Xiang had no support in the Lu family and only recognized her.

"Ding Xiang, personally count all the lanterns removed from the mansion, have the maids clean them, and have Ming's family take them to sell at an outside shop. I will set a time for you; they must be delivered to the shop on Lower Street by 3 PM sharp, understood?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Ding Xiang called over several rough maids and matrons, assigning each to a courtyard to count and arrange.

The stewards beside her couldn't help but feel regret.

This meant a significant loss of income.

They somewhat resented Cheng Yian's strictness.

Cheng Yian noticed their expressions and suddenly called Ding Xiang back,

"By the way, go to the accounting room and check the purchase list from the beginning of the year. If any are missing, have the corresponding steward reimburse the cost."

At this, the stewards were in a frenzy.

Since in the past all these lanterns were sold by the stewards, without waiting for Cheng Yian to speak, they had already privately claimed their shares, hoarding the best and most beautiful ones. Now that Cheng Yian was about to catch them in the act, they had to rush back to tell their trusted aides to lay low.

Thus, they all excused themselves, claiming they had unfinished business, and hurriedly left.

Managing a household and earning everyone's genuine respect isn't easy for an eighteen-year-old girl. At the beginning of the year, Cheng Yian was preoccupied with the affairs of the Cheng family, leaving the Lu family matters to Liu Shi and Bai Shi. Everyone thought she was naive and easily deceived. But after today's incident, everyone realized that this young mistress was quite savvy.

Cheng Yian was true to her word and decisive in her actions, finally catching two and docking their monthly pay, mixing mercy with discipline.

By mid-afternoon, the lanterns were cleaned and neatly loaded onto carts to be sold on Lower Street.

At the same time, two visitors showed up at the Lu residence's front gate.

Cheng Yiqiao brought Cheng Yike along to hang out with Cheng Yian.

Cheng Yian first led them to the backyard to meet the elders. The old lady was still unwell and refused to see guests, so they went to the second mistress's courtyard to greet her. The second mistress, remembering how Cheng Yian had handled everything smoothly at the beginning of the year, was particularly gracious this time and gave Cheng Yiqiao and Cheng Yike a substantial gift.

Afterwards, Cheng Yian took them back to Ningji Hall and was about to order the maids to serve tea and snacks.

Cheng Yiqiao stopped her,

"Hey, we're not here just for tea. Come on, get ready to join us for the lantern festival at Liang Garden."

Cheng Yian was caught off guard, glancing at her,

"What day is it today? You're accompanying me to see lanterns? What about your fiancé?"

Cheng Yiqiao, embarrassed by her words, insisted on pulling her up,

"I can't just ignore my sister because I'm engaged."

Cheng Yian, yanked off her feet, laughed helplessly,

"I can manage on my own, and besides, I have Yike..."

Cheng Yike also said, "Sister Qiao, you should go play with Mr. Meng. I'll accompany An An. An An said she'd take me shopping today."

Cheng Yiqiao pouted, saying, "Are you ditching me?"

Cheng Yian sighed, "Fine, fine, we'll all go together."

Liang Garden is located southeast of Zhengyangmen Street near the Sanshan River. This area, with its lakes and mountains, spans a huge expanse. The Sanshan River is one of the canals entering the city, with the largest water body in the capital, Liang Garden, to the south and Tongluo Street to the north, making it one of the liveliest spots in the capital.

Liu Shi wasn't keen on going out for fun, as there were still a few young ladies at home. The second mistress instructed Cheng Yian and Bai Shi to take them out.

Thus, a few carriages from the Lu family and a couple from the Cheng family headed towards Tongluo Street.

Liang Garden is also a property of the Imperial City Department. On both sides of the lake, two buildings were constructed: one named Star Picking Tower and the other Moon Embracing Pavilion. In the past, the Imperial City Department would set up lantern towers here to celebrate with the people, and this year was no exception. All the mansions received invitations from the Imperial City Department. Cheng Yiqiao originally planned to play here, but near Tongluo Street, the crowd was too thick, forcing the carriages to split. The fifth young lady Lu Shuzhi, the third young lady Lu Shuyin, and the fourth young lady Lu Shuling were led by Bai Shi towards Liang Garden, while Cheng Yian and her two sisters were blocked under a stone bridge on Tongluo Street.

The three sisters got out of the carriage, looking at the bustling crowd, bewildered.

By now, it was already dark.

The restaurants and shops on both sides of Tongluo Street were hung with all kinds of lanterns, even the willow trees by the river were adorned, making the entire street shine like a river of shimmering lights.

The three sisters, protected by matrons and maids, followed the crowd towards the center of the street.

As they walked, Cheng Yian asked Cheng Yiqiao, "Did you ever go to the lantern market with our big sister?"

Cheng Yiqiao shook her head, "Not at all, she's always been swamped. Before marriage, she was busy helping our grandmother manage household affairs. After she got married, she had children and had to navigate conflicts with her mother-in-law, all while managing household chores. She's even busier now—how could she possibly find time to spare?"

Cheng Yian was also concerned about Cheng Yixin.

Yesterday, Cheng Yixin privately told her that she and her husband had decided to go to Taihang Mountain to find Old Mr. Ba after the Lunar New Year celebrations. Cheng Yian hoped their journey would go smoothly.

In her past life with Fan Yulin, she didn’t notice it, but now with Lu Xusheng, being so well cared for at night, she’d feel off if it didn’t happen.

If intimacy isn’t harmonious, over time, the couple’s bond can easily weaken.

Cheng Yian owned five shops on Copper Street, two of which were added to her dowry by the main branch when she got married, and the other three were secretly given to her by her father after the family formally acknowledged her. These five shops were in different lines of business and were among the most profitable on Copper Street.

Moreover, these five shops were managed by Cheng family managers. All she had to do was collect the earnings. The Cheng family's businesses were spread across the region, and they had a unique way of training their managers. Rather than trying to manage things herself, it was better to use experienced hands. These managers regularly attended training at the Cheng family’s main office, learning the latest business strategies, but their contracts were all transferred to Cheng Yian, making them her direct employees.

This shop was a two-story restaurant with a spacious dining area downstairs and private rooms upstairs.

Cheng Yike pondered and finally decided to go into the food business, so Cheng Yian handed her over to the manager.

Cheng Yian, afraid that Cheng Yiqiao would feel bored, planned to accompany her shopping. Cheng Yiqiao quickly figured out these were the dowry shops her father had given to Cheng Yian, "I just realized there’s a perk to getting married."

"What perk?"

"Having a dowry that can grow your wealth."

Cheng Yiqiao couldn't just sit and eat away her fortune.

The Cheng family wouldn't cut corners on the betrothal gifts and would also prepare a dowry, meaning both the betrothal gifts and the dowry belonged to the girl.

As Cheng Yiqiao walked out with Cheng Yian, she sighed,

"An An, I’ve realized I’ve become so wealthy just by getting married once."

Cheng Yian laughed and chatted with her, "Tell me, how did you get rich?"

Cheng Yiqiao started counting, "The Governor's house gave a hundred betrothal gifts and an additional thirty thousand silver taels as a dowry."

Cheng Yian was surprised, "That's really generous."

"My father and grandmother are already working on my dowry. Besides the five thousand silver taels I have left to spend, they will also give me shops, estates, ornaments, paintings, and calligraphy. I'll have money coming in just by sitting around, no need to stress myself out to get my father to sign off at the government office."

"But my father is also tight-fisted. He knows I spend a lot, but he won't give me more dowry money, saying whatever my eldest sister and third sister got, I get the same, not a penny more."

Cheng Yian burst out laughing, "Then I'll just go with you to ask Dad for more money. If everyone asks, he'll have to give it."

"Good idea!" Cheng Yiqiao was all for it.

Cheng Yian patted her forehead.

After walking for less than a quarter of an hour, they came to a wide street that connected to a long bridge. The ground was so wide it resembled a square, and a group of people were performing a circus act there.

Coincidentally, one of the monkeys jumped through a hoop of fire and, startled by the crowd, leaped towards the willow trees by the bank. The Cheng sisters happened to be standing there, and as the people in front stepped back, they were forced to retreat as well. With so many people, a stampede was inevitable. Cheng Yiqiao, being the elder sister, instinctively protected her sister, reaching out to hold Cheng Yian's waist and leaning back herself.

At that moment, a dark figure leaped from a row of willow trees behind them, holding a bamboo pole that seemed to appear out of nowhere. He thrust it forward to block the crowd that was about to trample them, preventing everyone from falling. Then, with a long arm, he steadied Cheng Yiqiao, letting her stand firm before immediately letting go and stepping back to bow to her,

"On holidays like this, it's better not to come to crowded places—something’s bound to go wrong," the young man said seriously.

Seeing Cheng Yiqiao's brows furrow, he quickly added, "If you must come, call me to follow you, it's safer." He then smiled at Cheng Yiqiao, revealing a set of white teeth.

Cheng Yiqiao couldn't help but chuckle, "Thanks for arriving in time..." slightly more...

She felt a bit shy.

The monkey ahead had already darted to the riverbank. After this incident, the crowd began to thin out. Meng Ruchuan noticed a shop selling Sichuan-style chicken across the street with a signboard, and his eyes lit up.

"Qiao Qiao, there's a Sichuan-style chicken shop over there. Do you want to try it?"

Cheng Yiqiao could tell he really wanted to eat. "Do you like spicy food?"

"I can't get enough of it," the young man said, scratching the back of his head.

Since he had stayed in the capital with her, she couldn't refuse to try some authentic Sichuan cuisine with him.

"Alright, I'll go with you."

She was about to call Cheng Yian, but saw that Cheng Yian had already walked to the bridge pier, smiling and waving at her, gesturing for her to go on.

Cheng Yiqiao no longer insisted, giving her a few apologetic looks, and accompanied Meng Ruchuan, along with the matron and maids, to the opposite street.

Cheng Yian remembered that Lu Xusheng was heading south tomorrow and needed her to check his luggage, so she decided to return home.

Since there were fewer people on the other side, she decided to cross the bridge and told Qiu Qing to bring the carriage to the other side.

As she reached the top of the bridge, she saw fireworks rising from the direction of Liang Garden, bursting like peonies. She couldn't help but stop to admire them, amidst cheers from all around.

At that moment, a couple across the bridge spotted her. The woman let go of her husband's hand and looked at Cheng Yian.

"Wait here, I'll be back in a sec."

Cheng Yiqing, carrying a lantern her husband had gotten her, crossed the bridge and approached Cheng Yian.

"An An..."

Cheng Yian, who had been facing the river, turned at the sound of her voice, surprised to see her cousin smiling at her.

After all, since her engagement to Lu Xusheng, her cousin had never given her a friendly look.

"Cousin, are you here to see the lanterns too?" Cheng Yian greeted her in her usual manner.

Cheng Yiqing responded with a greeting, pointing to her husband across the bridge.

"My husband came with me."

Cheng Yian followed her gaze and saw a scholarly man standing there, of average height, with a gentle and kind appearance, clearly kind and considerate.

He was the son of Minister Chu from the Ministry of Justice.

Earlier in the year, when Cheng Yiqing got married, their grandmother had taken her to the wedding banquet, and she had seen Master Chu during the ceremony.

She nodded, and he bowed back.

Cheng Yiqing looked around.

"Where's your husband?"

Her tone seemed to brush aside the past unpleasantness.

Cheng Yian smiled, "He's tied up with work."

Cheng Yiqing studied her expression quietly and softly said, "Ah, I used to envy you for marrying a high-ranking and powerful husband. But after marriage, I realized that what's inside matters more than appearances. My husband may not have great achievements, but he's always by my side, and I'm very content."

Cheng Yian looked at her affected expression and immediately understood that she was bragging.

The more discontent one feels, the more they hope to soothe their own insecurities by finding others' misfortunes.

Cheng Yian replied gently, "Cousin, I'm truly glad you're doing well."

Seeing that Cheng Yian showed no sign of annoyance, Cheng Yiqing felt powerless, like punching a pillow.

"Lu Xusheng is so busy. Do you regret marrying him?"

Cheng Yian smiled softly and shook her head, "Why would I regret it? He's a good man. Expecting a husband to be both powerful and always by my side is contradictory, don't you think? No achievements, no power. Without going out to build a career, where would the achievements come from? When I ask things of him, I should also consider what I bring to the table."

Indeed, she also wishes to have someone by her side.

But Lu Xusheng is going south because of her. At this moment, she's more worried about him than upset he's not with her.

"Cousin, if your husband is good to you, you should appreciate him, not compare him with other men."

Cheng Yiqing, having her thoughts seen through, felt uncomfortable,

"Cheng Yian, how are you so patient? I thought you would taunt me and show off."

Cheng Yian smiled, "No need... we're family, after all."

Having experienced a past life, she deeply understands that nothing is more important than living well and having a good life.

No need to dwell on trivial matters every day.

Cheng Yiqing suddenly lost her spirit, looked at her husband across the way, and said to Cheng Yian,

"The Chu family has been good to me since I married in. I really should be content. Constantly comparing only makes me unhappy."

As she spoke, seeing Cheng Yian alone, she offered her own lantern,

"Although Lu Xusheng is busy, that's no excuse. Today is the Lantern Festival; he should've gotten you a lantern. Here, I'll give this one to you, thanks for your wise words today."

Cheng Yian would not accept someone else's lantern, smiling and shaking her head,

"You shouldn't give away your husband's gift. Besides, it's not that my general didn't give me one; he knows bright lights bother my eyes, so he didn't prepare one today..."

Cheng Yiqing no longer insisted, "I guess I misjudged him..."

As her words fell, suddenly a commanding figure walked up from the front of the bridge. Dressed in a black robe, tall and majestic, he stood out in the bustling crowd, holding a delicate, multi-colored glass palace lantern, its light dazzlingly bright.

Cheng Yiqing cast a deep glance at Cheng Yian.

Cheng Yian looked at the man with deep-set eyes, her smile more like a grimace.

He didn't come early, didn't come late, but had to show up now and make things awkward.