The betrothal list was extremely long, itemizing wild geese, the three sacrificial animals of pig, ox, and sheep, whole pelts of various fierce beasts... such as tigers, wolves, and bears, as well as items like nine-boy cattail and yang-sui drills, totaling twenty-eight types of objects.
Furthermore, there were several thousand taels of pure gold, and an extensive list of various jewelry and large decorative pieces. For the jewelry alone, Pei Ying flipped through several pages and still hadn't reached the end.
Turning many more pages later, Pei Ying also saw on the list quantities of wine and rice, quantities of jade bi discs, and crates of seafood like abalone and sea cucumber.
For an ordinary family's betrothal gifts, it was customary to send a pair of wild geese, along with a small amount of cloth and melons and fruits.
For wealthier families, the cloth would include expensive silks and satins along with gold and silver jewelry, and then they would add some exquisite decorative pieces.
Pei Ying didn't know how much betrothal gifts a provincial governor would give for a marriage, but she instinctively felt it shouldn't be a list so lavish it could be burned as firewood.
"Huo Tingshan, you..."
Pei Ying looked up, only to see that Huo Tingshan had already opened the lid of the small bamboo tube.
After opening it, Huo Tingshan saw a faint crimson spark inside. Following Pei Ying's instructions, he blew a gentle breath into the side. Instantly, the crimson spark flared up into a small flame.
A look of surprise flashed in the man's eyes. "This fire starter is quite remarkable."
After examining it, Huo Tingshan replaced the small bamboo lid.
The flame went out.
Huo Tingshan opened it again; this time, even without blowing, the flame reignited.
After trying this several times, Huo Tingshan asked Pei Ying, "Madam, how long can one of these fire starters last?"
"The fire starter contains tinder inside, like a lamp wick. Once it burns out, it needs to be refilled to be used again," Pei Ying said.
Huo Tingshan smiled. "This item is indeed much more convenient than a flint stone, very clever. Madam, the two jun of reed flowers and paper mulberry bark you bought from the old man before, how many such fire starters can they make?"
"Thirty," Pei Ying replied.
Huo Tingshan twirled the fire starter in his hand. "That's a decent output. Madam, can these fire starters be sold?"
Pei Ying paused, looking at him, then down at the betrothal list on the table.
He even wants to sell something as small as a fire starter? Is he that desperate for money? But if he were poor, it doesn't seem like it...
Could he be putting on a brave front?
Pei Ying felt complicated. "Huo Tingshan, maybe we should reduce this list a bit."
Don't end up drinking the northwest wind later just to keep up appearances.
"Why reduce it?" Huo Tingshan frowned. "I asked you here precisely to see if you are satisfied with this list and if there's anything you'd like to add."
Pei Ying: "..."
He actually wanted to add more.
Pei Ying chose her words carefully, speaking tactfully, "Huo Tingshan, the list is somewhat too heavy. Nowadays, everything follows established norms; actions that don't conform will draw criticism."
Huo Tingshan scoffed. "Criticism? What do I care about criticism? Besides, if they criticize, it's purely out of jealousy."
As he spoke, he turned the list around to face Pei Ying and flipped through the booklet again. "And this isn't even that much."
Pei Ying got straight to the point. "After giving all this away, how much will you have left?"
Huo Tingshan stopped flipping through the booklet. Understanding her implication, he chuckled. "Naturally, there will still be money left. We won't want for food or drink. I won't let you suffer a hard life with me."
The Dream Fulfillment Master, leader of the Blue Turban bandits, had amassed quite a treasure trove. Neither Yuan Ding nor Shi Lianhu were poor either. Aside from converting those acquired treasures into silver to supply military needs, reward soldiers, and support Youzhou's finances, some remained.
Those went into his private treasury, and were just suitable for the betrothal gifts.
Pei Ying fell silent. As long as he wasn't just putting on a brave front, it was fine. If he himself didn't feel the pinch, she had no reason to stop him.
Huo Tingshan said, "On this trip to the Pei family in Yuanshan Commandery to present the betrothal gifts to your family, we will stay in Jizhou for over a month. When the auspicious day arrives, you will return to Youzhou with me."
Presenting betrothal gifts, also called 'setting the great betrothal,' usually takes place about two months before the wedding, with the groom's party visiting the bride's family. Along with the gifts, the exact auspicious wedding date is formally announced to the bride's family.
Pei Ying murmured, "Staying in Jizhou for just over a month... that's so soon..."
Huo Tingshan glanced at her sideways.
Over a month and she thinks it's long? She still doesn't want to marry him? But it doesn't matter if she doesn't want to.
Yuanshan Commandery.
The Pei family had moved to Yuanshan Commandery several months ago. As the core commandery of Jizhou, its prosperity was beyond question.
Today, after the Pei family finished their meal, they immediately became busy. In fact, they had been living like this for several days already.
Upon receiving the news that Huo Tingshan was coming to present betrothal gifts, the Pei family swiftly entered a state of preparing for their daughter's marriage.
Well, even though the one getting married wasn't currently at home, it didn't dampen the Pei family's enthusiasm for preparing Pei Ying's dowry.
Great Chu law stipulated that a woman's dowry was protected. After her death, her dowry was to be inherited by her children; the husband's family could not seize it.
Perhaps because of this, any family with some means would prepare a substantial dowry for their daughter.
The Pei family were merchants and had accumulated considerable wealth over the years. Their youngest daughter was remarrying, and to the Governor of Youzhou no less, so they spared no effort in adding to her dowry.
These days, crate after crate of items were transported into the Pei residence. Pei's Father looked at the courtyard filled with dowry items and stroked his long beard with satisfaction.
Excellent. In a few more days, that person should...
"Master, the Youzhou army has arrived in the commandery city, but they went to the Governor's mansion first. That lord sent word that he will come tomorrow at noon to present the betrothal gifts," a servant reported excitedly.
Pei's Father was shocked. "They've arrived? Why so quickly? Weren't they expected in a few more days?"
The servant naturally couldn't answer.
Pei Shide didn't expect an answer either and hurried towards the main hall.
Presenting gifts tomorrow? He started arranging the betrothal gifts as soon as he arrived in Yuanshan.
Pei Shide felt both joy and worry. Joy because the union of the two families was one step closer; worry because it was so fast, even rushed, and he wondered if there were undisclosed reasons behind it.
He must meet with his daughter.
On the other side.
Pei Ying had already arrived with Huo Tingshan at the Governor's mansion in Yuanshan Commandery. She knew about Huo Tingshan's visit to the Pei family tomorrow.
Tomorrow, during the betrothal gift presentation, according to Great Chu custom, the bride does not show herself. Therefore, Pei Ying was quite at leisure. She thought that after the gifts were presented, she should visit the Pei family.
But she didn't expect a message from the Pei family to arrive first.
Her father wanted her to come home.
After a moment's thought, Pei Ying had a guard relay a message to Huo Tingshan, then set out with her daughter.
Sitting in the carriage, listening to her daughter's happy chatter, Pei Ying felt somewhat dazed.
Going home.
But her home wasn't here...
Her gaze fell on the little girl sitting across from her, and Pei Ying slowly smiled.
No, her home could be here too.
The carriage wheels rolled over the bluestone pavement. The sounds of hustle and bustle drifted in through the window—hawkers' cries, laughter, conversations. Yet Pei Ying felt troubled, unsure how to handle the upcoming meeting.
She didn't have Madam Pei's memories. Last time she met Pei Huizhou, he had spoken first.
Before Pei Ying could figure it out, the carriage stopped.
Chen Yuan outside said, "The Pei residence is here. Madam Pei, Young Miss Meng, please alight."
Pei Ying snapped back to attention.
Meng Ling'er hopped down from the carriage with a spring in her step.
At the entrance of the Pei residence, Pei Shide was waiting with his family. When they saw Meng Ling'er emerge from the carriage, both Pei's Father and Pei's Mother were momentarily taken aback, then their smiles deepened, the creases on their faces becoming more pronounced.
Five years ago, the Pei family had moved their entire household to Bingzhou. At that time, Meng Ling'er was already ten years old. Because she had frequently visited the Pei family, she was very close to her maternal relatives. Now, seeing everyone, Meng Ling'er greeted each person in turn and offered some auspicious well-wishes.
Pei's Mother laughed so hard her eyes were nearly reduced to slits. "In the blink of an eye, Ling'er has grown into such a graceful young lady. Wonderful, wonderful, truly wonderful."
Pei Ying then stepped down from the carriage.
A hush fell over the surroundings.
Pei Ying lifted her gaze to look at the Pei family members standing not far away.
Through previous correspondence, she wasn't completely unaware of the Pei family's situation. Pei's Father and Pei's Mother had two sons and one daughter. The eldest brother was Pei Huizhou, the second brother was Pei Zhile.
Pei Huizhou had only one wife, Lady Jiang, with whom he had one son and two daughters. The second brother, Pei Zhile, had one wife and two concubines. Besides the legitimate son born to his wife, Lady Chen, he also had two sons and two daughters.
The Pei household wasn't excessively large. Moreover, having met Pei Huizhou before, it was now easier for her to distinguish everyone.
In the center stood a couple in their fifties. On either side stood Pei Huizhou and an unfamiliar man. Next to them were women of similar age, beside whom stood young boys and girls.
"Yingying," Pei's Mother's lips trembled.
Pei Ying sighed inwardly. "Father, Mother, I have returned."
Pei's Mother, who had been beaming with joy upon seeing Meng Ling'er moments before, now had tears welling up in her eyes. "It's good that you're back. It's good that you're back."
"Father, Mother, let's first have our sister and Ling'er come inside," Pei Huizhou spoke up.
Pei Shide quickly agreed, "Right, we shouldn't stand at the gate. Come in, come in quickly."
From the moment they met, one of Pei Ying's hands had been held by Pei's Mother. Now, as they entered the house, she was still being led by the hand. The other woman's hand was somewhat rough but very warm, and Pei Ying's slight nervousness gradually faded away.
The Pei residence was a four-courtyard compound. The group proceeded to the main hall.
The young masters and young ladies of the Pei brothers came forward one by one to pay their respects to Pei Ying. For this return to the Pei family, Pei Ying had prepared gifts, enough for everyone.
"You really shouldn't have. Coming home is enough, why bring gifts?" Pei's Mother patted Pei Ying's hand.
Pei Ying smiled and said, "It's rare for me to return. It wouldn't be proper to come empty-handed."
As soon as Pei Ying finished speaking, a small gasp of surprise came from the other side. Pei's Mother and several others looked over to see that the youngest granddaughter had secretly opened her brocade box.
Under their gazes, ten-year-old Pei Chichi flushed crimson and finally managed to blurt out, "Thank you, Aunt."
This piqued the curiosity of the others, who all wanted to see what was inside the boxes.
Seeing this, Pei Ying said, "We are all family here, no need for such formality. You may look if you wish."
With her permission, the younger generation who had been holding their boxes began to move.
At this moment, Pei Ying discerned a pattern. Two young masters and young ladies immediately began unwrapping their gift boxes upon hearing her words. The remaining four hesitated, stealing glances towards Madam Chen sitting beside her second brother. Only after receiving her slight nod did they dare to act.
The distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children was starkly clear at this moment.
Pei Ying lowered her eyes.
"Aunt, what a beautiful jade pendant!"
"This gold and jade hairpin is so lovely. Thank you, Aunt!"
...
Exclamations of thanks and delight rose one after another, the younger ones exclaiming in admiration.
Lady Chen and Lady Jiang did not open their own boxes, but seeing the gifts revealed by the younger generation, their gazes towards Pei Ying grew even more earnest.
After chatting in the main hall for a while, Pei's Mother suggested that Pei Ying accompany her to her room for some private conversation.
Pei Ying followed her out of the main hall to a side chamber.
The room was furnished with care, but lacked a lived-in feel, likely used for receiving distinguished guests.
Once the door was closed, Pei's Mother led Pei Ying to sit on a soft couch. "Since your return this time, I feel there is a certain distance between us."
Pei Ying's hand holding the silk handkerchief tightened slightly. "That's not the case."
"Between mother and daughter, let's not stand on ceremony. Yingying, are you with child?" Pei's Mother asked.
Pei Ying was startled. "Mother, why do you ask that?"
Observing her expression, Pei's Mother said with confusion, "You're not?"
"Of course not," Pei Ying replied.
Pei's Mother was puzzled. "If you are not with child, then why is Huo Tingshan in such a hurry?"
Not only had they arrived in Yuanshan County much earlier than planned, but he intended to send the betrothal gifts the very next day after arrival. It all seemed rather rushed. If Pei Ying wasn't pregnant, why such haste?
Pei Ying knew a little of the real reason, but it was too embarrassing to speak of.
Her daughter's silence did not strike Pei's Mother as odd. It was quite normal not to know. Although it concerned taking a wife, important matters were rarely discussed with womenfolk.
"Yingying, after you marry that man, you should have a child," Pei's Mother said, holding her daughter's hand.
Pei Ying's delicate brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. "I don't want a child. Having Ling'er is enough for me."
"How can you not have a child?" Pei's Mother was aghast and hurriedly said, "Your ages are not far apart. Beauty fades easily, while a man's power and influence only grow. Young maidens sprout up like tender buds in spring, one batch after another. In a few years, when your looks fade, a man's heart is bound to change. Having a child to rely on ensures a life of prosperity in the future."
Pei Ying still insisted, "I am already of this age. Why would I want a child?"
"Why are you so stubborn, child? This wouldn't be your first birth; a woman who has given birth before has more experience." Pei's Mother grew anxious and even resorted to saying, "Don't think your father is so honest now. In his youth, his mind also wandered. But I was his principal wife, and later I bore him you three siblings. Now that we're old, he has settled down to live peacefully with me."
Pei Ying slowly smoothed out the wrinkles in the handkerchief in her hand and did not respond to her mother's words.
Seeing this, Pei's Mother remembered that her daughter had only borne Meng Ling'er during her many years of marriage to the Meng family's gentleman. A thought struck her. "Yingying, tell me truthfully, did your last childbirth damage your health?"
Pei Ying didn't know about this, though she felt perfectly healthy, usually free from illness or pain, with regular menstruation that often passed almost unnoticed.
Thinking of Pei's Mother's urging for a child, Pei Ying simply nodded. "Yes, it was damaged then."
Pei's Mother's face filled with heartache. "Why didn't you mention it before? When we lived in Beichuan County, I heard of a marvelous physician who specialized in treating female infertility. They said a few doses of medicine and some holy talisman water, and soon you could be holding two children in three years."
Pei Ying: "..."
Seeing Pei Ying fall silent again, Pei's Mother gritted her teeth and whispered, "Yingying, if you cannot bear a child, have you considered bringing a girl from a collateral branch of the Pei family to live with you? Let her bear a child, preferably a son, and then have him recorded under your name."
Pei Ying was shocked. "How could you have such an idea?"
Pei's Mother grasped her hand tightly. "Don't blame your mother for speaking of this so soon after your return, but men in this world are often fickle. You and he are a couple who came together later in life. Without an heir, it will be disadvantageous for you in the future."
Pei Ying sighed. "Mother, let's not speak of this again."
...
The sun gradually sank westward. Pei Ying, taking Meng Ling'er with her, bid farewell to the Pei family and others and returned to the Governor's mansion by carriage.
On the journey back, Meng Ling'er glanced at Pei Ying several times before finally saying, "Mother, are you unhappy?"
Pei Ying snapped out of her thoughts and smiled at her daughter. "Not at all."
Meng Ling'er's brow furrowed slightly.
Was that so?
But she felt her mother had indeed been somewhat unhappy just a moment ago.
Seeing the doubt in her daughter's eyes, Pei Ying found a casual excuse. "I was just thinking about how the Pei family's fine wine is selling in Chang'an. There were some troubles midway with the soap business before; some people grew envious of our profits and targeted merchants from Youzhou behind the scenes. I was worrying whether we might encounter such vexing matters again this time."
Meng Ling'er understood. "Mother, don't worry. After the last incident, the General surely has strategies to deal with it."
Pei Ying nodded with a smile.
...
Huo Tingshan, hearing that Pei Ying had returned, came from his study to the main courtyard.
As long as she hadn't retired for the night, Pei Ying had a habit of not closing her door. Huo Tingshan stepped directly inside now.
The beautiful woman sat on the soft couch by the window, her head turned to look outside. The setting sun fell on her profile, casting a faint golden light on the soft clouds of her hair. Enveloped in the glow, she seemed as if she might vanish at any moment along with the brilliant afterglow.
Huo Tingshan's steps paused briefly; when he moved forward again, his pace was slightly quicker than before.
Pei Ying was thinking about the events of the afternoon. The more she thought, the more a sense of powerlessness washed over her.
Indeed, she still couldn't fully adapt to this place, couldn't accept many concepts so completely different from the modern world...
Her hair ribbon was suddenly tugged gently. Pei Ying instinctively turned her head and realized Huo Tingshan was now standing beside her.
"Did someone in the Pei family cause you embarrassment today?" He looked down, his dark eyes reflecting the sunset, appearing brighter than usual.
Pei Ying was momentarily taken aback, then shook her head. "Nothing of the sort. Everyone at home was very welcoming."
Huo Tingshan's fingers wound around the dark blue hair ribbon. "My lady is deceiving me with lies again."
"I'm not deceiving you." Pei Ying didn't know how this man's eyes were so sharp. She wasn't exactly lying; her words were at least eighty percent true, yet he could see through it at a glance.
"If you're not lying, why do you wear such an expression? The word 'melancholy' is practically written on your face," Huo Tingshan said calmly.
Logically, the Pei family should be overjoyed to welcome her and wouldn't dare put on airs. But she left in good spirits and returned listless. If it wasn't some setback at the Pei residence, what else could it be?
Pei Ying offered another excuse: "It's not melancholy. It's just that after not seeing my parents for so long, I was overwhelmed with mixed feelings."
Huo Tingshan saw her earnest expression as she said this; an uninformed person could easily be fooled.
Well, getting a truthful word from her was truly difficult.
However, after this, he did understand why her mood was low. "In another month, we will leave here and return to Youzhou."
The man paused, then amended, "If my lady wishes, we could indeed set off for Youzhou after just a fortnight. We can travel slowly; by the time we return, it will still be an auspicious date."
Since she didn't get along with the Pei family, then there was no need to force it.
Pei Ying, hearing him say a fortnight, shook her head. "A fortnight is too short. Since there's nothing else pressing, leaving so quickly isn't proper."
"There is something else," Huo Tingshan said.
Pei Ying asked, "What else?"
Huo Tingshan: "I need to take my lady to a place."
Pei Ying pressed for details, but Huo Tingshan only said, "You'll know when the time comes."
Night fell, darkness enveloped the land. As time passed, the moon reached its zenith, then slowly descended below the horizon. The night passed in the blink of an eye.
The sun rose as promised, bringing a new day.
For many people in the commandery, today was a special day.
In the past, a betrothal gift presentation was just that. No matter how high-ranking the official, what did it have to do with commoners like them?
But now, the implementation of the New Land Policy and the daily public readings of the government gazette had earned Huo Tingshan a great deal of popular goodwill. Therefore, when news spread that he was presenting betrothal gifts to the Pei residence, it attracted a large crowd of onlookers.
At noon, Huo Tingshan arrived at the Pei residence. He rode his black steed with four snow-white socks, followed by a long procession of carriages.
The horses pulling the carriages were sleek and glossy, clearly fine steeds at a glance. The carriage beds used for transporting the goods had no rear panel, allowing a view of six large rosewood chests tied with red silk ribbons loaded in each carriage.
A commoner made a point of counting. "One, two, three, four... There are actually twelve carriages. Such large chests, seventy-two in total."
"I remember decades ago when Yuan Jizhou took a wife, I think he only presented thirty-six loads of betrothal gifts."
"Old Master Pei has good fortune indeed, to have raised a golden phoenix."
"And Lady Pei is remarrying too, yet this is handled with far more grandeur than a first marriage."
Generally, when the groom's side comes to present betrothal gifts, the bride's father, Pei Shide, wouldn't need to personally come to the gate. But now, how dare he delay? He was waiting at the main gate early on.
This was his first time meeting Huo Tingshan. Looking at the man who stood over eight feet tall, robust and imposing, Pei Shide stiffened, his presence weakening by another half. He hurriedly bowed with clasped hands. "Greetings, Great General."
After some pleasantries, Huo Tingshan directly ordered his men to carry the betrothal gifts into the Pei residence.
The watching commoners saw the guards moving back and forth, unloading the wooden chests from the carriages. Though it was spring, not midsummer, after several trips, beads of sweat appeared on the foreheads of these tall, sturdy guards.
"My, just the rosewood for these chests alone could fetch a pretty penny."
"Look at you with your short-sightedness, only eyeing the chests. Compared to the treasures inside, what is a mere chest? I wonder what exactly is in those chests."
"If only I were a member of the Pei family, then I could go and take a look."
Pei Shide had previously cleared out a courtyard specifically for the betrothal gifts, but seventy-two large chests couldn't fit in one courtyard. Half had to be carried to another.
The gift list was a thick stack. Pei's Mother held it in her hand; it felt heavy. A single glance made her dizzy.
There were too many, and they were too valuable. The dowry they had prepared for their daughter paled in comparison, completely insignificant.
If their daughter only took their dowry back, it would be far too light and would allow those concubines in Huo Tingshan's Youzhou mansion to secretly laugh at Yingying. That would not do.
Pei's Mother made a decision in her heart.
Huo Tingshan and Pei Shide were in the main hall. Pei Shide had a servant serve tea. He didn't dare sit in the host's seat, only taking a seat alongside Huo Tingshan below it.
"The auspicious wedding date is set for the eighth day of the sixth month," Huo Tingshan said.
Pei Shide calculated mentally.
It is now mid-April, less than two months from the eighth day of the sixth month. The journey from Yuanshan County back to Youzhou takes a month. By that calculation, doesn't it mean they won't be staying in Yuanshan County for long before having to leave?
Pei Shide was actually quite reluctant, but facing those dark eyes that held authority even without anger, his words were forcibly changed to "Excellent."
Once the auspicious wedding date was set, there was another auspicious day to choose: the date for sending off the bride.
Marrying from Jizhou to Youzhou was a distant marriage. Even for a distant marriage, there was a send-off ceremony, though not all the way to the groom's home. Typically, the bride's party would meet the groom's party who came to fetch the bride halfway, each covering half the journey.
Huo Tingshan said, "The twenty-seventh of this month is an auspicious day. Let that be the day for sending off the bride. Does Father-in-law Pei have any objections?"
Pei Shide was initially unwilling, but upon hearing the address "Father-in-law Pei," he was overjoyed and agreed on the spot.
Huo Tingshan left the Pei residence at noon. He didn't stay long, returning by the hour of Shen (around 3-5 PM).
When he returned to the main courtyard, he happened to see Pei Ying put down her needlework, pick up a piece of grey cloth from her lap to examine it, and then reveal a satisfied smile.
"Has my lady finished the work?" Huo Tingshan raised an eyebrow.
Pei Ying turned her head to look at the man who had walked up to her. First, she said it was finished, then asked him, "How did it go?"
"Extremely smoothly, of course." Huo Tingshan took the pair of shorts from her hand and found them exceedingly short. "I don't recall restricting your household allowance. Why is my lady being so stingy with the fabric?"
Pei Ying said, "It's not about being stingy. This garment is supposed to be like this. Why don't you go and try it on?"
Huo Tingshan went. A short while later, he returned.
He came back frowning. "My lady, only the waist of these trousers fits. The lower part is much too tight."
Pei Ying was taken aback. "How can that be?"
"You only took one measurement. Naturally, this situation can occur," Huo Tingshan said.
Pei Ying frowned, feeling something was amiss.
"Perhaps tonight I must trouble my lady to take my measurements again."
