Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Gu Residence, Huanghua Lane.

Du Runqing felt her heart pound like a war drum.

"But... but can a bride substitution under imperial decree truly work?" The young girl had never considered such a possibility.

Madam Wan patted her hand.

"Child, have you forgotten who your grandmother is?"

Du Runqing stared blankly.

Her grandmother, Madam Wan, was renowned in the capital as a matchmaker.

Now, this "matchmaker" instructed her granddaughter:

"Marriages between noble houses are never about mutual affection, but about alliances between families. Unless the imperial decree is for a princess or a prince, it only specifies surnames, not names. As for who exactly marries whom, that depends entirely on the families’ intentions."

Yet Du Runqing asked again, "But the Marquis has already acknowledged Elder Sister and even met her."

Madam Wan shook her head with a smile. "Have you forgotten what the Marquis said to you? He praised the Du family for its scholarly rites and untainted bureaucratic lineage, which is why he yielded to you and was willing to help. A man like the Marquis values lineage above all. It’s just that your elder sister happened to be of marriageable age. But do you think the Marquis would truly favor her?"

She pressed further, "Does your elder sister possess the demure grace and gentle refinement of a noble lady? Or is she devoted to the Marquis?"

Du Runqing shook her head. Her grandmother continued,

"You are a hundred times more suitable than your elder sister. Once you marry the Marquis, just frequently mention your uncle, the Grand Secretary, and support impoverished scholars in scholarly circles. In time, the capital will remember you as the Grand Secretary’s niece and forget that Du Lingjing is his daughter."

Replace her?

Seeing that her grandmother had already made arrangements, Du Runqing listened as she added, "As for the Marquis, though you admire him, you must not monopolize him. It’s fine to arrange a few low-born concubines for him—it will only highlight your generosity."

Concubines? The young girl felt an indescribable unease.

Madam Wan noticed her granddaughter’s bewildered expression and realized she was too young to absorb too much at once.

She stopped there and pulled her into an embrace. "Enough, other matters can wait. Your priority now is to focus on regaining your health. Coming of age, marriage—which of these isn't important? Once you’re well, you’ll be the Marchioness."

With that, Madam Wan urged her to rest and left the room.

Alone, Du Runqing sat in a daze on the edge of the bed.

Was she really going to marry the Marquis? Truly?

But would her elder sister agree?

...

Madam Wan was in no hurry to gauge Du Lingjing’s stance. First, she summoned her son-in-law, Du Zhiqi.

Du Zhiqi had been reluctant to leave home. With the wedding on the sixth of next month approaching, his greatest fear was that his niece might cause some unforeseen disaster in the blink of an eye.

He wanted only to keep a close watch on her until she boarded the bridal sedan.

Yet this match was one others would kill for. Now that he and his niece were at odds, he could hardly expect to reap any rewards from it.

Moreover, with the Du family becoming in-laws of the Marquis’ household, if Prince Hui failed in his ambitions, the Du family would be the first to suffer.

In just a few days, blisters had erupted around his lips. Reflecting on his past post in a provincial backwater—though his promotions had been blocked, at least his days had been leisurely, filled with sipping tea and composing poetry...

But Gu Yangsi, bearing Madam Wan’s orders, came personally to fetch him.

With no choice, Du Zhiqi went.

Upon arriving at the Gu residence, his mother-in-law cut straight to the heart of it. "Look at those blisters—I suppose things will only get harder for you once the eldest daughter is married off?"

Du Zhiqi thought, what else could he do? "If the Marquis’ household demands a bride, can the Du family refuse?"

To his surprise, his mother-in-law said, "If it’s so troublesome, why not change the bride for the Marquis?"

Madam Wan explained her plan. By the time she finished, Du Zhiqi was drenched in sweat.

A substitution?! He would never have dreamed of it, yet his mother-in-law spoke with absolute certainty.

Setting aside that the imperial decree hadn’t specified names, and that the Marquis might not even favor his troublesome niece, he asked Madam Wan,

"What about Jing? Should we tie her up and lock her away? What if she causes another uproar?"

His expression grew wary. "After all, she’s my elder brother’s sole surviving heir. We can’t... we can’t just..."

Madam Wan gave this obtuse son-in-law a sidelong glance.

"Why make it so complicated? Simply summon her and ask if she agrees. Wouldn’t that suffice?"

She added patiently, "She clings to memories of her past love and refuses to marry anew. Given her reluctance, wouldn’t she agree? We’re merely going with the flow. If she refuses, it would be laughable."

Du Zhiqi suddenly understood.

The one most unwilling to marry was, in fact, his niece.

Madam Wan let him ponder this while she sipped her tea leisurely.

If Du Lingjing was so averse to marriage, she would surely consent once Du Zhiqi broached the subject.

But in this world, women married regardless—even if they were foolish or mad. If she refused to marry the Tanhua or the Marquis now, as the years passed, Du Zhiqi would have no choice but to wed her off to some old widower.

She would only then learn how a woman ought to behave—but by then, regret would be futile.

How much of her haughty pride and aloof manner would remain by that time?

That evening, the long-awaited rain finally fell amidst oppressive thunder, bringing cool relief to the western courtyard of the Du residence.

*

Qiu Lin wrung out her rain-dampened skirt and entered to speak with Du Lingjing. "Isn’t it strange, Miss? The Gu family fetched Second Miss this morning, yet instead of summoning Second Madam in the late afternoon, they called for Second Master, and he still hasn’t returned. Are they leaving the ailing Second Madam for us to tend to?"

As she spoke, she noticed her mistress’s lips curling slightly—unlike the past two days, when she had pressed them into a tight line upon learning of the impending wedding, silently copying classical texts. Now, she turned a page idly.

"Likely, the Gu family is discussing important matters and has no time to spare for Second Madam."

"What matters?" Qiu Lin wondered.

Before Du Lingjing could answer, Ruan Gong delivered a message: Second Master Du Zhiqi had returned.

"However, Second Master says that since Second Miss is nearing her coming-of-age ceremony, it’s improper for her to stay at the Gu residence. He asks that you accompany him tomorrow to fetch her home."

Qiu Lin widened her eyes. "The two residences are just across Chongwenmen Inner Street. Does fetching Second Miss really require such a grand procession?"

Her words actually elicited a soft laugh from the young lady, whose laughter in turn caught the attention of a sparrow sheltering from the rain beneath the window. The little bird tilted its head and chirped twice at her.

The young lady had never dared to approach such small creatures, afraid of startling them, but now she couldn’t help but tilt her own head slightly, studying the chirping sparrow. Softly, she called to Ai Ye under the eaves, "Get it a worm, would you?"

Ai Ye went at once, while Qiu Lin, noting her mistress's leisure, continued watching the sparrow.

"Beyond our cottage walls, spring waters flow; / Daily the gulls come and go. [Note] If only we could return to Qingzhou before the New Year, then by next spring, birds and gulls might visit Mian Pavilion every day too."

As she spoke, Ai Ye returned with a worm pinched between her fingers. The sparrow gave another chirp and snatched it up eagerly.

Qiu Lin blinked up at her mistress with surprise and confusion.

Could her mistress truly think they could return to Qingzhou before the year’s end? Then what about that "important matter" the Gu family was discussing today?

Qiu Lin had her guesses but couldn’t be certain.

The next day, when she followed her young lady to the Gu residence, Madam Wan and Master Gu sat in formal positions at the head of the hall, with their own Second Uncle Du seated to the side. All eyes turned to the young lady as Second Uncle Du spoke.

"...Since you are so unwilling to marry, I have no choice but to discuss with your sister’s maternal family and have her take your place. Jing, do you consent?"

Qiu Lin drew a sharp breath—so this was the "important matter" the Gu family had deliberated on all day...what an affair!

She quickly turned to her young lady, who didn't hesitate for a breath.

She nodded. "I agree."

Such an immediate, decisive answer, even Du Zhiqi had expected it, yet he couldn’t help but feel slightly taken aback.

Beside him, Gu Yangsi’s joy lit the corners of his eyes—this was perfect! With the Marquis of Yongding now his nephew by marriage, who'd dare turn him down?

Liang Shi, however, frowned slightly as she glanced at Du Lingjing.

As for Madam Wan at the head of the room, she betrayed no surprise.

Some people thought themselves clever and clear-headed, yet unwittingly boxed themselves in with every step.

Such individuals—especially women—she had seen far too many of.

She said, "Since First Miss has agreed, this matter is decided and cannot be changed."

Not only did she need Du Lingjing’s consent, but she also intended to have it in writing to make it irrevocable.

Yet before she could even mention the written agreement, the young lady spoke again.

Dressed in a lake-blue gown, her face as calm as a still pond, her next words sent waves through the hall.

"My sister may take my place in marriage, but first, Uncle must promise me one thing."

She paused briefly, her gaze sweeping over those present.

"A family division."

"From this day forth, the Du family shall split into two branches, each going their separate ways, mutually undisturbed. My sister may marry into that noble house, and I shall send my blessings, but my marriage prospects shall no longer concern Uncle. I ask that you agree to this now, and we shall draw up a contract to be witnessed by the Du clan elders upon my return to Qingzhou."

Just as she had nodded without hesitation earlier, now she laid out her terms plainly.

Du Zhiqi gaped in shock.

Gu Yangsi’s brows furrowed deeply, while Liang Shi stared in surprise, not daring to speak.

At the head of the room, Madam Wan’s teacup rattled slightly.

No longer did she observe the young lady from the corner of her eye—now she sat upright, her full attention fixed on the only child of the late Cabinet Minister.

She'd seen through their scheme! And before even arriving, she had prepared her countermove—calling for the split.

Once the family split, she would be independent, with the Du clan in Qingzhou to support her and the Jiang Shi by her side. Madam Wan had originally planned to marry her off to some old widower, but with the household divided, Du Lingjing would not only be free of her control—even Du Zhiqi would have no say in her affairs.

Incredible! Absolutely incredible!

Yet Madam Wan’s gaze drilled into her.

"A young lady in her early twenties, bold enough to demand a division from her uncle? I’ve never heard of such a thing."

As she spoke, she saw no change in Du Lingjing’s expression—not a flicker of unease. Madam Wan pressed on, "And what if your uncle refuses?"

Du Zhiqi, too, fixed his eyes on his niece.

If he refused, how could she possibly force the division?

Yet Du Lingjing replied, "If Uncle refuses, then the substitution shall be off the table."

Her tone was calm, unhurried.

Madam Wan had seldom met a young lady with such composure. "The substitution is your sister’s kindness to save you the trouble. Or do you mean to marry the Marquis yourself and abandon Jiang Sanlang?"

She had hit Du Lingjing where it hurt. Qiu Lin clenched her fists, itching to slap the old woman, but her greater worry was for her young lady.

Yet the young lady only smiled faintly. She did not respond to the provocation. Instead, she rose.

"It's stuffy in here. Forgive me, but I shall step outside for some air. Please, enjoy your tea."

With that, she left with her attendants.

Once she was gone, Gu Yangsi turned to Du Zhiqi. "What does your niece mean by this?"

Du Zhiqi remained silent, head lowered, but Liang Shi noticed Madam Wan’s face change.

Gu Yangsi might not understand, but Madam Wan did.

The substitution, though framed as accommodating Du Lingjing’s refusal to marry, was in truth really what they wanted—the Gu family and the Du family’s second branch.

If they still wished to proceed, they had no choice but to agree to the division—otherwise, no one would benefit.

It seemed they had grasped Du Lingjing’s weakness, but in truth, she had long seen through their intentions.

Madam Wan hadn’t felt so cornered in years—and now, a parentless girl had checkmated her.

Rage and irritation boiled up as she snapped at Du Zhiqi, "What kind of uncle are you, unable to control your own niece!"

Du Zhiqi did not reply, only muttering under his breath, "She insists on dividing the household..."

Gu Yangsi, now comprehending the situation, showed no hesitation.

"Then divide it quickly! Once Qing’er marries into the Marquis’s household, what need is there for Qingzhou’s meager assets?"

Though he spoke so, Madam Wan only felt her chest tighten further, her vision blurring with pent-up rage.

But could they really outlast Du Lingjing?

Once Du Lingjing became the Marchioness Lu, the Gu family would be in grave danger.

...

Du Lingjing didn’t need to imagine the stifling atmosphere in the Gu family’s hall.

But as autumn deepened, the wind outside grew bitingly cold, making it unbearable to stay outside.

Qiu Lin asked her mistress, "What if they refuse?"

Du Lingjing didn’t answer immediately, only gazing up at the vast autumn sky.

Suddenly, Nanny Guan from Old Madam Wan’s side approached, saying Old Madam Wan had summoned her back.

When Du Lingjing returned to the hall, her gaze swept past her uncle and settled on Old Madam Wan.

The moment their eyes met, the hall seemed to freeze. Du Lingjing’s expression remained calm as water, while Old Madam Wan gradually faltered.

"Your uncle has agreed... to split the household."

The moment the words fell, Qiu Lin nearly leapt up, but even the usually composed mistress silently clenched her hands beneath her sleeves.

Old Madam Wan ordered ink and paper to be brought forth. Yet Du Lingjing had already prepared the separation contract the night before.

Old Madam Wan’s face darkened further as she examined the prepared document.

Du Zhiqi, meanwhile, stared at the division terms, his gaze unsteady.

After a long pause, he couldn’t help but ask Du Lingjing, "You... only want the Mianlou?"

Du Lingjing nodded silently.

She had relinquished the ancestral home, farmland, shops, and even the residence in Chengqing Quarter—keeping only the dowry her father had prepared for her, her mother’s former dowry, and a few longtime family servants.

Madam Liang gave her a surprised glance, while Gu Yangsi tutted and urged Du Zhiqi, "Hurry and sign the document."

Old Madam Wan, however, remarked pointedly to Du Zhiqi, "The Mianlou is the most valuable asset of the Du family. Even if you don’t take the books, the printing press should still fall under your name."

The Mianlou’s enduring strength relied not just on the Du family’s wealth but also on the printing press that continuously funded its maintenance and acquisitions.

At these words, Qiu Lin was ready to argue.

Seven-tenths of the Du printing press’s success was due to her mistress’s efforts—yet Old Madam Wan wanted it given to Second Uncle.

Without the printing press, how could her mistress possibly sustain the Mianlou alone?

Even Du Lingjing tightened her brow. She could give up everything else, but she was determined to honor her ancestors' wishes—keeping the Mianlou intact.

Only by seizing this crucial point did Old Madam Wan feel some relief. She pressed Du Zhiqi again, "Think carefully."

To everyone’s surprise, Du Zhiqi shook his head.

"If the printing press is taken, the Mianlou will collapse."

He looked at Du Lingjing and said softly, "Take it."

Du Lingjing froze.

Old Madam Wan nearly had an apoplexy.

"Has my son-in-law lost his mind?"

At such a critical moment, he was wavering again—no wonder his official career never advanced!

But Du Zhiqi only shook his head silently, picked up the brush, and signed the separation contract, applying his seal.

Du Lingjing did the same.

In mere moments, the Du family division was settled—swiftly and calmly, to even Du Lingjing’s surprise.

Du Zhiqi said only two things to her.

"After you return to Qingzhou, write another copy of this document and burn it for your grandfather and father. This division was your choice, not mine." He glanced at her. "Take care of yourself."

Du Lingjing nodded in acknowledgment, gazing at the document with a strange sense of disbelief.

Her father had always felt guilty for not supporting his younger brother’s official career as others did. Whenever he acquired property, he made sure to provide a share for his brother, even telling her:

"I hope your uncle won’t hold it against me. In my old age, after retiring, I still wish to live alongside him."

Yet now, six years after his death, she had separated from her uncle.

But with this division, her uncle could no longer interfere in her affairs. As for Old Madam Wan—Du Lingjing slowly turned her gaze upward, noting the ashen complexion on the old madam's face—she knew with certainty.

She, too, would never meddle in her marriage again!

Stepping out of the Gu household, Du Lingjing felt the world opening before her.

Chang Pu bounced forward to congratulate her. "Congratulations, mistress, on gaining independence—and escaping that arranged marriage!"

Then he asked eagerly, "With such luck today, should I run to Qianxing Quarter and try my hand at—no, no—just a flutter?"

Before Du Lingjing could reply, Ruan Gong kicked him aside.

"Asking for trouble, brat? Should I wager you instead and see if any lord takes a liking to you?"

"Ah—no, no! Mercy, Master Gong!"

Du Lingjing, Qiu Lin, and Ai Ye couldn’t help but laugh. Ai Ye even scolded her twin brother, "Serves you right!"

Du Lingjing’s spirits had indeed lifted. "Without the other assets, we’ll live frugally for three years. I’m afraid acquiring the Song edition for Third Young Master will have to wait." Her voice softened. "I hope he won’t mind."

Qiu Lin assured her Third Young Master wouldn’t. "You’ve worked so hard to return home—this is wonderful!"

But she added, "Still, Second Young Mistress has just come of age. Is she truly willing to marry so young?"

Du Lingjing smiled. "I believe Second Sister is willing. If she weren’t, I’d never have let her marry that marquis in my stead."

Yet as she mentioned that person at the end, her smile suddenly stiffened.

Her wrist suddenly burned as though gripped by a searing palm.

Her heart gave a quiet flutter just as Qiu Lin leaned in to whisper a question.

"...What about the Marquis?"

Du Lingjing's smile faded, and her tone turned cold.

"I'm not suited for serving nobility."

*

[Note] This line is from Du Fu's poem "A Guest Arrives."