Chapter 137

Chapter 137: Sleep Together

Hearing this, Yu Zhu’s heart jumped so hard she almost dropped the bowl. Luckily her back was to him, so he could not see her face. She said, “No.”

She made her voice as steady as she could and kept feeding Nian’er. The little girl was not picky at all and ate the rice porridge happily, waving her hands and feet.

Gu Yuan Jia watched them for a long time, then said, “Yu Zhu, we were together for four years. Even if we are apart now, we do not have to be strangers. If you need help, come to me.” He paused, then added, “Why hide from me?”

She answered softly, “I’m not.”

Hearing that, he did not press her. He spoke gently to the child instead: “Little Nian’er, I’ll go now. I will come see you next time.”

Yu Zhu was just about to let out a breath of relief, but when she heard there would be a next time, her brows drew together. Gu Yuan Jia turned and left. She kept feeding Nian’er.

She did not understand what he wanted. She was married and even had a child. A noble young master like him could have any sweetheart he wished. Why was he holding on to her? [I really do not understand.]

Fortunately, Sister Chun Zhi would soon become the Princess Consort of Chang’an, and Gu Yuan Jia worked for Prince Chang’an. He could not truly do anything to her. As she fed Nian’er, Yu Zhu decided she would go to the Mu residence in a few days and tell Sister Chun Zhi that Gu Yuan Jia had found where she lived.

Chun Zhi’s wedding day was close, and everyone grew busier. Song Wan’er was almost living at the Mu residence. Mu Qing Shan handled affairs of the Imperial Court every day. Madam Mu and Mu Kai Ji were busy adding to Chun Zhi’s dowry.

The Mu family’s property and manor had been restored to them, but after so many years, much had been lost. When the Mus returned to the capital, there were not many days left before Chun Zhi and Huo Zheng’s wedding.

The dowry that the Song Clan had prepared for Chun Zhi before, once Mu Qing Shan learned of it, he bought what he could with silver and returned what he could not. Official Mu was upright and clean and refused to accept so many valuables from the Song Clan. Even though Song An Lan explained again and again, Official Mu only said he accepted the kindness, but not the items. Because of this, Song Wan’er begged Madam Mu for several days, but Madam Mu could not move Mu Qing Shan. On this point, he would not bend. The Song brother and sister could only continue preparing in secret.

On the night before the wedding, while Chun Zhi was coaxing the child to sleep, Madam Mu came in. Chun Zhi asked with a smile, “Mother, why are you here?” She started to get up to greet her, but Madam Mu motioned for her to stay put and, afraid of waking the child, sat lightly on the edge of the bed.

Since Chun Zhi had moved back to the Mu residence, mother and daughter had much more time together. Yet after eleven years apart, a little more than a month was far from enough to fill the gap. Madam Mu sat by the bed, looking at her daughter and little grandson, and her whole heart turned soft: “Zhi’er, tomorrow you will marry into the Prince of Chang’an Manor. Mother really cannot bear to let you go.”

During the years in the Northern Frontier, Madam Mu often dreamed of her daughter, worried she was not living well, and would sometimes wake up in tears. When she saw Chun Zhi again in the capital, her joy at that first glance could not be put into words. When she learned Chun Zhi had already set a marriage with Prince Chang’an, Madam Mu felt both joy and worry.

She said, “Marrying into the Imperial House is not like ordinary life. Prince Chang’an loves you deeply now, and that is good. But if one day a new love replaces the old, you must not sink into sorrow.”

Chun Zhi said, “Mother, I understand.”

Madam Mu did not want to speak ill of Prince Chang’an. It was just that under heaven, there are men who are passionate, but few who are truly steadfast. A life is long; no one knows what will happen later. If the Mu family had not been exiled, Madam Mu would have found Chun Zhi a well-matched young gentleman from an upright family. Among the Imperial Clan, lasting devotion is rare. Three wives and four concubines are common, and for an emperor there are three palaces and six courts and many ranked consorts, all ladies of great families.

Madam Mu stroked Chun Zhi’s hair and said, “No matter what, taking care of yourself matters most, even if in the future…” Chun Zhi gently cut in, “I know, Mother.”

Madam Mu’s eyes were full of her daughter: “Mother hopes our Zhi’er marries a good man and lives smoothly all her life.”

Chun Zhi said, “A smooth life is hard. It is enough if I can handle whatever comes.”

Madam Mu looked at her with pity. She felt that over these years the child must have suffered a great deal. Chun Zhi took her hand and said, “Mother, stay tonight and sleep with us.”

Madam Mu rarely saw Chun Zhi act spoiled. She could not resist. She smiled and said yes, took off her shoes and stockings, and climbed into bed.

Outside the door, Song Wan’er was peeking in. Chun Zhi saw her and called with a laugh, “Wan’er, come in.”

Song Wan’er came in holding Yu Zhu’s hand and asked, “Sister, how did you know it was me?” Chun Zhi smiled and said, “Who else would be peeking at my door so late at night?”

Song Wan’er tugged Yu Zhu forward and said, “It’s not just me tonight. Yu Zhu is here too.” Yu Zhu, who had clearly been dragged along, said, “Wan’er says the night before a new bride’s wedding she should sleep with her good sisters to warm the bed, so the marriage will be happy.”

Chun Zhi laughed: “I’ve never heard of that custom. Where did you learn it?” Song Wan’er said, “From a storybook.” Chun Zhi said, “You always read the strangest storybooks.”

Song Wan’er added, “It’s even better with Mother here.” She pulled Yu Zhu up onto the bed and squeezed in next to Chun Zhi. Luckily the bed was big; four people and one child were not crowded. They chatted for a while and soon drifted off to sleep.

Before dawn the next day, the Mu residence was already busy. As Chun Zhi sat before the bronze mirror to be dressed, a maid hurried in and said, “Young Master Song has brought more dowry for Miss.”

Song Wan’er said, “What is so surprising about that? My elder brother is Sister’s elder brother too. Of course he should add to the dowry.”

Since Official Mu would not let the Song Clan spend too much on Chun Zhi’s dowry, Song An Lan had to prepare in secret and send it on the wedding day. Even if Official Mu refused, he could have the items follow the bridal sedan straight into the Prince of Chang’an Manor.

The maid still looked stunned as she said, “B-but Young Master Song prepared a full sixty-six dowry chests!”

The Mu father and son had emptied their household to prepare thirty-three chests for Chun Zhi, while Song An Lan sent sixty-six at once. How could people not be shocked?

Chun Zhi froze, then stood and went to the window to look at the courtyard filled with dowry. Song An Lan was standing outside. When he saw her come to the window, he walked over. She called softly, “Elder Brother.” Standing in the yard, he smiled and said, “These were once meant to be my betrothal gifts to marry you. Now they are perfect to use as your dowry.”