Chapter 6

Lady Yu grew angry as soon as she heard Luoyang mentioned, harboring a deep resentment toward that selfish little sister-in-law. Her expression hardened as she said, “We agreed to meet at the Fengle Pavilion three days from now. This arrangement cannot be changed. Opportunities like this to meet a prospective spouse are rare. You must be cautious; once there, behave yourself—be gentle and composed, and don’t act willfully.”

Yu Ying, standing nearby, stuck out her tongue and rolled her eyes disdainfully.

“Also, let me explain the customs of this matchmaking. If he finds you pleasing, he will give you a hairpin to insert—this is called ‘inserting the hairpin,’ meaning he consents to the marriage. If he is dissatisfied, he will present you with two feet of brocade, signifying ‘calming the shock,’ which means rejection. No matter what you receive, you must remain calm and not lose your temper.”

“What?” Yu Ying immediately turned away from the bed, “I have to be chosen by him? What if I’m not satisfied?”

She felt that was the real point she needed to understand.

Lady Yu replied, “If you’re not satisfied, just tell me when you return. I will handle it with the matchmaker.”

“Don’t I get to give anything? Like sending him a piece of linen to say ‘no’?”

Lady Yu sighed, “Don’t think of nonsense. If you dare to act recklessly, I’ll tell your grandfather, and you’ll have no good outcome.”

Yu Ying turned her face away, pounding the bed in silent frustration.

“You’re so cruel! I just came back home, and you’re already trying to drive me away to be chosen for some old man!”

Moreover, how could matchmaking be so unfair? Others could directly send back the brocade to show dissatisfaction, but why did she have to return and tell the family so politely?

The key was that the man was known to Cheng Xianzhang. If he turned out old and ugly, wouldn’t that just be a joke?

Yu Ying was on the verge of tears.

Lady Yu tried to comfort her, “Stop talking nonsense. The matchmaker is Madame Zhou, an official matchmaker and a very straightforward woman. She wouldn’t say false things—if she says he’s handsome, then he is. You’ll see for yourself.”

“You were always clamoring to go out recently. This matchmaking meeting is a perfect chance for you to get out.”

Indeed, Lady Yu struck at the heart of the matter—she knew what Yu Ying cared about.

Yu Ying did not want to attend the matchmaking, but she wanted to go out; she did not want to be locked inside all the time.

Originally, Lady Yu intended to accompany her, but upon learning that Madam Zheng would not attend and only the matchmaker would bring Zheng Erlang, Lady Yu stayed behind, contemplating deeply. Although she was truly concerned, she forced herself to appear indifferent, thinking it was best not to show too much interest.

Therefore, she did not go, sending Madam Feng to accompany Yu Ying instead.

Another reason was that neither of them was entering their first marriage—one already had two children, and the other, still young, was entering a second marriage. Such formality was unnecessary.

The Fengle Pavilion was one of the most luxurious restaurants in the capital, famed for its splendid decorations and expensive dishes. Though renowned, it was not overcrowded, making it ideal for young men and women to meet.

After being confined for several days, Yu Ying dressed up and was allowed out. She took a carriage to the Fengle Pavilion.

Upon arriving at the reserved private room, she found that Zheng Erlang was still not there!

Heavens! Yu Ying was furious. What kind of man was this? Old, yes, but to dare keep her waiting!

She immediately wanted to turn back, but Madam Feng coaxed her to wait a little longer.

Just as she was persuaded, the matchmaker and Zheng Erlang arrived.

The matchmaker smiled upon arrival. “Is this Miss Yu? My goodness, in twenty years of matchmaking, I’ve never seen such a striking beauty. Saying Miss Yu is pretty would be an understatement—she’s like a celestial being descended to earth!”

She quickly added, “I apologize for making Miss Yu wait so long at our first meeting. The carriage broke down on the road, and I had to summon another, which caused the delay.”

Though Yu Ying was still displeased, Madame Zhou’s flattering words eased some of her annoyance. She turned to look at the man who had come with the matchmaker.

He stood beside Madame Zhou, in his thirties, but did not seem overly aged. Clean-shaven, with a fair, tall face, dressed in a refined yellow robe. Though he carried the dignified aura of a high-ranking official, his expression was gentle and scholarly—a man of pleasant temperament.

At first glance, compared to Cheng Xianzhang, he did not seem inferior. He was neither short nor stout nor lecherous, and his appearance was handsome and dignified. Yet age showed in the fine lines at his eyes; he was less vigorous and more composed.

Zheng Bo Ru was also observing Yu Ying.

He had not wanted to come to this meeting. He had heard of the Yu family’s third miss before—she had married Cheng Zhongcheng, a censor, but after just over a year, due to family disputes, she sought a divorce and fled to Luoyang, where she remarried quickly. After her husband’s death, she returned to Chang’an. Now, only three months later, another marriage was being arranged.

It was true, as Madame Zhou said, that her second husband was her cousin. However, her aunt kept her cousin’s brain illness a secret, causing Miss Yu to be widowed. This had caused some friction between the two families, which explained the rapid remarriage.

But regardless, a man should marry a virtuous woman. He wished not to wed someone like Miss Yu.

Heartless and unfaithful, fickle and shallow—she bore no resemblance to a virtuous wife and good mother.

Yet...

Though he had long known she was beautiful, seeing her in person struck him more profoundly than he had imagined.

She possessed a bright and bold beauty: a round face, thick brows, almond eyes, fair skin, red lips, delicate features, and well-defined contours. She was not gentle or demure, but stunningly captivating.

And this was while she wore plain clothes and silver adornments. He could hardly imagine how magnificent she would appear dressed in finery.

For the first time, Zheng Bo Ru understood those who were obsessed with beauty—it was truly irresistible.

Madame Zhou introduced the two sides and led them to their seats. Zheng Bo Ru, Madame Zhou, and Yu Ying sat opposite each other, with Madam Feng standing beside Yu Ying.

Zheng Bo Ru remained silent, while Yu Ying fanned herself with a round fan, pouting slightly in displeasure, as if blaming Zheng Bo Ru for being late. Yet even in anger, her beauty was as striking as a begonia flower standing proudly on its branch, extraordinarily alluring.

Neither spoke a word. Fortunately, Madame Zhou was a matchmaker who relied on her words. She poured tea for Yu Ying and said, “Even just fanning, Miss Yu does it more gracefully than others. With a goddess like her, only a young and talented man like Erlang could be a suitable match. Anyone else would truly be unworthy of her.”

Hearing this, Yu Ying glanced at Zheng Bo Ru again, thinking the matchmaker was indeed good at praising people. Thirty-something and still ‘young,’ she mused.

Zheng Bo Ru still said nothing.

Madame Zhou continued, “Miss Yu has spent five years in Luoyang? Has she never returned to Chang’an?”

Yu Ying shook her head and replied softly, “No.”

Madame Zhou asked, “The two places aren’t far, and it’s her aunt’s home. Why hasn’t she gone back?”

Yu Ying had been repeatedly told before leaving to behave well. Hearing the gentle question from Madame Zhou, she answered honestly, “At first, I thought Chang’an was a place of sorrow and didn’t want to return. Later, my cousin’s health deteriorated, so it was inconvenient to come back.”

This was true. For over two years, her cousin suffered headaches two or three times daily, causing both Wen Xu and her aunt to weep endlessly. She felt awkward about going back just to visit and was worried about her cousin, so she stayed in Luoyang.

Hearing this, Madame Zhou said, “I heard that the Gu family cousin was bedridden and entirely cared for by Miss Yu. That must have been difficult for her.”

As she spoke, she glanced subtly at Zheng Bo Ru.

Yu Ying wanted to say she hadn’t really taken care of him much—at most, she accompanied their daughter Nian Nian to play—but Madam Feng gently tugged at her sleeve, prompting her to remain silent.

Madame Zhou then spoke of Zheng Bo Ru, “Erlang’s wife passed away from illness. Their families have been close friends since childhood, and their marriage was harmonious. They now have a fourteen-year-old daughter and a seven-year-old son, both in their hometown of Luzhou. The poor children lost their mother early, and Erlang has not remarried. This time, Madam Zheng, out of pity for the children, came all the way from Xingyang to urge Erlang to remarry.”

Yu Ying had no desire to marry again, much less to this man, so she tuned out these words, fanning herself incessantly, seeking more cooling air in the room.

But then Madam Feng tugged her sleeve again from behind.

Yu Ying was confused—what did this mean? Just now she was told not to speak, now she was being urged to speak?

What was she supposed to say? That Nian Nian was four years old? Or that she, too, was forced by her mother because if she didn’t come to this matchmaking, she wouldn’t be allowed out?

Before she could understand, Madam Feng, smiling, asked the matchmaker, “May I ask, Madame, after Lord Zheng remarried, will the new wife stay in the family home in Xingyang?”

Madame Zhou quickly replied, “That depends on the new wife’s wishes. Erlang has a residence in the capital. Madam Zheng is kind. If the new wife prefers Xingyang, she will go there and be well treated. If she prefers to stay in the capital, she will live there with Erlang. But in that case, Madam Zheng wishes to bring the boys to the capital, believing the sons should live with and be guided by their father; otherwise, they won’t succeed.”

Madam Feng was pleased with this answer and politely said, “Our lady understands. Thank you, Madame.”

Madame Zhou added, “Erlang’s sons were first cared for by the late young madam, now by Madam Zheng. They are well-behaved and won’t trouble a stepmother.”

Madam Feng replied, “That’s not a problem. Our lady raised the daughter in Luoyang, nicknamed Nian Nian. She is clever and obedient. Our lady is very patient with children.”

Both Madame Zhou and Madam Feng laughed together.

Outwardly, Nian Nian was regarded as legitimate, but she was not Yu Ying’s biological child. Both the Gu and Yu families knew this, but Madam Feng was cautious and did not mention it. If she did, the Zheng family would ask why Yu Ying had no children in five years at the Gu household—could there be some hidden ailment?

This was difficult to explain. She could not speak of the absurdity of a sham marriage and could only vaguely acknowledge it, planning to elaborate later.

The two women conversed warmly, Madame Zhou, a well-known official matchmaker in the capital, was attentive and thoughtful; Madam Feng, a humble and steady servant of the Yu family, was tactful. All seemed well, and the marriage might be settled then and there.

Yet Zheng Bo Ru said nothing. He still did not believe the third Miss Yu was a suitable match. A man should marry a virtuous woman; mistresses were for beauty.

Yu Ying was utterly bored, longing for the meeting to end quickly. Seeing Madame Zhou and Madam Feng growing increasingly congenial, nearly ready to finalize the marriage, she could not help but say, “I wish to speak with Lord Zheng alone. You may leave.”

Both Madame Zhou and Madam Feng were taken aback. Madam Feng hurriedly said, “Lady, if you have anything to say, both Madame Zhou and I are on your side. You can stay here.”

She worried Yu Ying might act rashly.

Yu Ying frowned in displeasure, turning to glare at Madam Feng with a look both reproachful and angry.

At that moment, Zheng Bo Ru said, “Ladies, please wait outside. I will speak with Miss Yu alone.”

Since even Zheng Bo Ru had spoken, there was no turning back. Madam Feng, anxious and helpless, glanced at Madame Zhou and had no choice but to leave.

Madame Zhou felt uneasy but reminded herself she was only the matchmaker. If this marriage failed, it was just a loss of some fee. Still, she sincerely thought the match was quite good.

After the two departed, Zheng Bo Ru looked at Yu Ying. She sighed deeply and produced a piece of brocade from her sleeve, placing it on the table.

Then she said frankly, “To be honest, I do not wish to marry. It was wrong of me to come to this matchmaking, but I had no choice. My mother said if I didn’t come, I wouldn’t be allowed out.”

Zheng Bo Ru asked, “So, Miss Yu, is this your ‘calming the shock’ gift?”

Yu Ying nodded.

“This is not your concern, and you need not worry. You are indeed somewhat older, but your official rank is respectable, and you are not unattractive. Surely many would find you suitable. If you want someone more handsome, you can certainly find one,” he added. Of course, it would be difficult to find someone as beautiful as her.

Yu Ying thought that since Madam Feng had spoken so kindly earlier, Lord Zheng must have assumed she was willing. Being rejected now must be painful, so she offered some consolation.