Fu Xinghe was annoyed for a moment when she suddenly heard a voice above her: “Little sister.”
Fu Yunqi, unsurprised, returned to his usual calm demeanor and asked, “Do you want me to come in?”
Fu Xinghe felt that her eldest brother never scolded her unlike her impetuous second brother, Fu Yunxiao, who would retort sharply. Perhaps it was because Fu Yunqi was too indifferent or disappointed to care about what she had done; otherwise, he would have known about the original heroine tearing books at the Hanlin banquet.
“Yes, please, Big Brother.” Fu Xinghe smiled at Fu Yunqi. The original heroine had her flaws, but Fu Yunqi was a righteous man. He did not indulge his little sister excessively; being a decent elder brother was enough.
Fu Yunxiao and Fu Xinghe were closer in age. They had played together as children and grew frustrated with their wayward younger sister.
But it had to be said: both brothers were good brothers, at least not cutting ties over Fu Xinghe’s embarrassments.
Fu Yunqi was momentarily distracted by her smile and forgot to hide his injured right hand. He reached out and lifted Fu Xinghe over the wall.
Fu Xinghe exclaimed, pretending to have just noticed, and held his wrist, concerned. “Ming Xu, quickly get ointment and gauze.”
“It’s nothing.”
Fu Xinghe teased, “The Emperor’s daughter has state affairs every day and no time for martial training. Big Brother trains diligently, and with time, you will surely excel. But more than your future, your health is what I, Mother, and Father care about most.”
“Do not flatter the Emperor,” Fu Yunqi scolded, face stern, though his eyes held a trace of amusement.
Fu Xinghe realized her eldest brother was loyal and patriotic; not appointing him was the tyrant Emperor’s loss. Tilting her head, she thought: she owed Big Brother for this and needed a way to repay him.
While pondering, Ming Xu brought the ointment. Fu Xinghe, having studied first aid, skillfully bandaged the wound, adjusting the gauze just right. “Done.”
Fu Yunqi suddenly thought that having a sister at home was quite pleasant. No wonder when he was fifteen, training with Li Xiaozheng, Li Xiaozheng always bought roasted chestnuts for his sister before leaving.
Fu Xinghe soon had to set aside concern for her eldest brother’s future, as Mi Dinglan urgently informed her of a marriage arrangement.
Though Mi Dinglan pampered her children, she valued “parents’ orders and matchmakers’ words.” After both families agreed, she informed Fu Xinghe, catching her completely off guard.
Mi Dinglan enthusiastically promoted the merits of the Wang family’s son.
“Master Wang holds a fifth-rank official post, with generals in his ancestry, but he respects scholars. Wang Xiao is virtuous. Marrying him will not be a loss. Mother has inquired: Lady Wang treats servants kindly, prays, and maintains good relations very pleased with this match…”
Fu Xinghe listened calmly. This marriage had long been arranged for two reasons: one, her mother wanted her married before the palace selection to prevent foolish ambitions; two, the Wang family wanted to associate with the Fu family.
Though a weak camel still surpasses a horse, the Emperor and Fu Han had conflicts. At this crucial moment, a marriage alliance with the Fu family was tactless.
Fu Xinghe wracked her brains to reject the marriage. She could not prove her disinterest in the tyrant Emperor’s emotional evidence was intangible. She summoned Ming Feng: “Check the reputation of Wang Xiao and his mother. Look carefully.”
Ming Feng worked quickly. Two days later, he brought a “Wang Family Record,” which Ming Xu read aloud.
“Lady Wang overheard the matron say that marrying into the Fu family would bring prosperity and protect descendants…”
Fu Xinghe smirked monks meddling in marriage.
Ming Xu continued, “Lady Wang told her maid that the bride must bear at least three sons, surpass the eldest sister-in-law, and if the firstborn is a daughter, take a concubine proactively.”
Fu Xinghe bit into an orange segment, puckering at the sourness.
Ming Xu added, “Lady Wang said Miss Xinghe is wild and must be disciplined. Daily routines, serving elders if she cannot manage, Lady Wang will personally instruct… She hasn’t even married yet, yet she already flaunts matronly authority, entirely different from the ‘good mother-in-law’ everyone praises. Matchmaker Madam Liu must have been bribed by the Wang family.”
Before Fu Xinghe could respond, a servant girl from the outer courtyard knocked. “Miss, the Wang family sent a housekeeper to discuss matters for your wedding.”
With the fast pace of both families, the marriage might occur within a month. Fu Xinghe’s eyes hardened. “Mother is not home. Refuse them.”
The servant said, “I did, but they insisted on seeing you and brought generous gifts.” Ming Xu, having insight into Lady Wang’s mind, muttered, “A weasel paying New Year’s respects to a chicken.”
Fu Xinghe laughed. “Let them in.” She wanted to use this housekeeper to deliver her objections to Lady Wang.
Seated, she soon saw a formidable group enter. Leading them was a fifty-year-old female housekeeper with a rigid hairstyle, exuding the stifling aura of feudal dogma. Fu Xinghe, smiling as usual, asked Ming Xu to serve tea.
Housekeeper Li scrutinized Fu Xinghe from head to toe. Observing her slender waist, straight posture, and composed demeanor, she nodded slightly. Fine, but that smile was too radiant.
Fu Xinghe noticed the unexpectedly large entourage clearly, they were here to intimidate. She could usually handle unreasonable guests with a smile. She made small talk with Li before Li moved to the main issue.
“My mistress is very pleased with Miss Fu, but regrets that the marriage rituals are numerous, so immediate marriage is impossible. Some ancestral rules must be followed. Let’s choose a date today and complete them quickly.”
Fu Xinghe remained unmoved. “What do you want?” Li signaled female attendants to surround her, bearing clothes and basins.
Fu Xinghe was puzzled until Li gestured for her to remove her undergarments in front of everyone. Then she realized they wanted to inspect her body.
Ming Xu’s face turned red with shock; unmarried girls never experienced this. She froze.
Fu Xinghe set down her tea cup lightly, brushed off the corner touched by Li, and said sharply: “Ming Feng, throw them out.” Li protested, “Miss Fu, I am only acting on Lady Wang’s orders. The innocent have nothing to fear…”
Trying to pressure her with Lady Wang’s authority is absurd. Fu Xinghe scoffed, “Obeying Lady Wang? Why don’t you just be her good daughter-in-law?”
Li, older than Lady Wang, turned pale and sputtered, “Miss Fu’s reputation Lady Wang is giving you a chance to prove your chastity! Daughters must follow the Three Obediences and Four Virtues! What grievances do you have?!”
Any other young lady would have endured this humiliation, proving herself and fulfilling Lady Wang’s demands. Many women could not resist such oppression, and with Li’s entourage, it was hard to seek help.
Fu Xinghe would not yield. She sneered, “Reputation? Your young master is in a brothel! Does he deserve it?!”
She emphasized the last three words. Ming Xu saw the statement as a slap to Li’s face satisfying and audacious.
Li, used to authority and inspecting girls, had never encountered such defiance and nonsense. Her pride shattered, and before she could speak, Ming Feng silently grabbed her and tossed her out.
“I-I’ll report to Lady Wang ” She never finished. Ming Feng pressed her throat. Li fell silent, and the others followed her out. Once the filthy voices subsided, Fu Xinghe asked, “Ming Feng, Wang Xiao is in the brothel now, right?”
Fu Xinghe had planned to deal with this marriage smoothly, but the Wang family’s shameless intrusion made her realize politeness was useless.
She also understood: this was a different era. Even if Mi Dinglan spoiled her, not everything went her way, especially matters of gender and marriage, where dignity was fragile. The original heroine was decisive and bold; her modern self would not be inferior.
At Huale Tower, Fu Han looked at the three gilded characters before him, eyes wide in disbelief. He took several deep breaths and retreated.
That morning’s court session had led to conflict with the Emperor over official appointments. The Emperor criticized the civil exams, claiming they selected mediocrities who only recited poetry, hinting at dismissing some of Fu Han’s officials.
Fu Han defended the principle that learning leads to office and also advised on the vacant harem, suggesting the Emperor select a consort. This only irritated the Emperor more, leaving Fu Han on the hall’s edge.
At home, his daughter unmarried and the Emperor refusing to take a wife, Fu Han felt his blood pressure rise.
The Late Emperor had entrusted Fu Han to support Meng Dongting, believing he lacked formal education and might err in governance. Fu Han had no idea why the Late Emperor suddenly favored Meng Dongting so much; perhaps Meng was simply the opposite of the deposed Crown Prince. Despite conflicts with the Emperor, Fu Han still strived to fulfill the Late Emperor’s wishes. Children’s marriages were a parental obligation.
After court, Fu Han walked the streets instead of taking a carriage, pondering the root of his conflicts with the Emperor and whether the candidates were truly mediocrities.
Before analyzing further, his eyes sharpened, and he quickened his pace.
Ahead, someone resembled the Emperor, though Fu Han had left first. The Emperor had changed into regular clothes he must have left in haste.
Historically, scholars supervising students had to watch all directions attentively. After his lesson with the deposed Crown Prince, Fu Han was even more cautious in observing the Emperor.
Seeing Meng Dongting rushing into Huale Tower, Fu Han felt his insides burn, guilty before Heaven and the Late Emperor. His fingers trembled as he concealed his unease, immediately resuming his stern demeanor. The Emperor was repeating the deposed Crown Prince’s mistakes!
Fu Han stood like a pine opposite Huale Tower, out of place, resembling a strict tutor awaiting errant students to trap themselves.
With the Emperor’s sharp senses, he would surely notice Fu Han there.
Inside Huale Tower, in a quiet, elegant room, Meng Dongting and a lazy man had just exchanged intelligence. Li Xiaozheng approached to whisper in his ear. Meng Dongting winced and hurt his ears.
Fu Han was perhaps the least tactful minister, always lecturing on virtue and loyalty.
Li Xiaozheng boldly suggested, “Why not exit through the window?” The old Grand Preceptor could not guard the main door. How could they escape via eaves and walls?
Meng Dongting, standing on the corridor, saw Fu Han’s position and calmly said, “I will use the main door only.” Li Xiaozheng: “…isn’t this asking for trouble? The old man will just catch you.”
Li realized Fu Han did not block Huale Tower, only stood at the main door. Thus, the Emperor had to use the main door.
A gentleman’s trust, silently understood. Indeed, the Emperor in principle would not break trust.
Li Xiaozheng: “Then we should tell Lord Fu that His Majesty has not ” Solicited pleasure?
Meng Dongting calmly descended, ignoring him. Li fell silent. The Emperor preferred to be scolded than to over-explain. He also could not afford to reveal plans, given their conflict with the Grand Preceptor.
Li subtly expressed concern for the Emperor, looking anxious. Meng Dongting’s gaze met his, and Li understood he would take the blame. The Emperor visited a brothel. Li was the one dragged along.
Meng Dongting did not want to waste time listening to Fu Han’s nagging. The Late Emperor never scolded him; he had no interest in the deposed Crown Prince’s tutors. He brought along Li Xiaozheng, ready to bear the blame, when suddenly a commotion arose below.
At Huale Tower’s entrance, three masked women, faces covered with white veils, charged in, clearly seeking a faithless man.Meng Dongting recognized the leader’s features, halted, and grabbed Li Xiaozheng an even more useful scapegoat had arrived.
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