When there entourage stopped at the Du family’s door an accomapning servannt announced from the outside. “Master ,we’ve arrived,” this shout pierced Du Jingyi’s light slumber, stirring her awake. There imperial carriage truly lived up to its reputation; its smooth ride had allowed her to drift off even while seated.
As her eyes fluttered open to find Shang Ji, her husband, towering over her. He seemed almost too large for the spacious carriage, a fleeting thought suggesting a horse might suit him better. As if reading her mind, his low voice broke the silence, “Madam, let me help you out.”
Du Jingyi paused, then nodded. This was their first public appearance as a couple, and even if it was a pretense, they needed to project an image of marital bliss. She offered her slender, pale hand, which in result nestled in Shang Ji’s broad, calloused palm obidently. A blush crept onto her cheeks as his rough skin brushed hers – a novel sensation for someone who had never experienced such a touch in her eighteen years. A strange, undefinable feeling washed over her. Shang Ji, however, remained outwardly calm, his gaze serene.
Stepping out of the carriage, Du Jingyi barely had time to register her surroundings before her gaze landed on her parents, standing at the Du family’s entrance. A wave of emotion swelled, and her nose prickled. She swiftly withdrew her hand from Shang Ji’s, gathered her skirts, and rushed forward, dropping to her knees before her mother and father. Her eyes welled with tears, and her voice choked with a sob. “This daughter is unfilial and has not been home for a long time. Please forgive me, Father and Mother.”
Seeing this scene all sense of decorum vanished from the Du family elders. They rushed to their daughter’s side, helping her up. Their eyes, too, were moist, but the public setting at the door restrained their tears. They took a few shaky breaths, suppressing the overwhelming joy and longing of their long-awaited reunion. Mr. Du, who cherished his daughters above all else, was particularly moved. His eldest daughter had married far away and rarely visited, and though his younger daughter, Du Jingyi, had married close by, the Duke’s mansion’s strict rules meant he saw very little of her. The vast Du residence, with just him and his wife, often felt empty. Seeing Du Jingyi now, he choked out, “Tangtang, it’s good that you come back, it’s good to come back.”
“Father …” Du Jingyi sobbed.
Tangtang, could it be the ‘tang’ from Begonia flower? No wonder she loves them so much; it has such an origin, Shang Ji mused from where he stood when he heard her nickname.
As the father and daughter poured out their hearts, Mrs. Du’s keen eyes spotted Shang Ji. Dabbing her tears with a handkerchief, she composed herself and offered a polite smile to Shang Ji, who stood tall and still as a pine. “We must look quite the sight to you, crying like this. Please don’t take it to heart—come in and make yourself at home.”
The Du family were merchants for generations, their standing incomparable to the powerful Duke’s mansion. In a formal setting, they would have to bow and kneel before their daughter and son-in-law. But today, having already fulfilled the three-year return etiquette, they could treat him with familial courtesy. Shang Ji, not one to demand formality, clasped his fists and responded in a deep voice, “Thank you, father-in-law and mother-in-law, please let’s all head inside .”
With smiles replacing their tears, the family of three finally stepped into the Du household hand in hand . Shang Ji surveyed his surroundings when he entered the main door
, and a realization dawned on him. He finally understood why the back garden of Xitang Courtyard was so meticulously maintained. The Du family estate was also a masterpiece of design. Pavilions and halls of varying heights intertwined with winding corridors that revealed new vistas at every turn. In front of the main courtyard’s great hall lay a shimmering pond, adorned with rugged rockeries and yellow stones, its meandering waters brimming with life. Towering ancient trees and fragrant blossoms perfumed the air. Mingseyuan, the residence of Du Jingyi’s parents, seemed to be nestled perfectly amidst this serene landscape.
They walked through halls and around corridors until they reached Zhuixin Hall, the main room of Mingse Courtyard. There, servants stood in neat rows, waiting to greet them. As the family entered, they bowed in unison, “It gladdens the household to see Young Miss and her husband return safely.”
Within the Du family’s domain, their rules naturally applied. Shang Ji, seemingly unbothered by such titles, even smiled when the servants addressed him as “Du jingyi’s husband.” rather than General . Madam. Du, ever observant, caught this subtle detail and felt a wave of relief wash over her.
When her daughter first married in Duke’s mansion, she had felt helpless and desperate. She had even hoped for a turn of events, but fate intervened. On their wedding night, Shang Ji had departed for Cezhou, remaining absent for three long years. Her precious daughter had inexplicably guarded an empty household, a plight that deeply distressed any parent. They had considered approaching the Duke’s house to dissolve the marriage, but with no valid grounds or fault, they were at a disadvantage. They couldn’t allow outsiders to exploit the situation and ruin their daughter’s reputation, as it would cause more harm than good. Thus, they had endured the wait until now.
Fortunately, her son-in-law had returned safely, and Madam Du had keenly observed his quiet care for her daughter. The heavy stone in her heart finally lifted. Her smile also widened, even more enthusiastic than before. “A few months ago, I heard that my son-in-law had won the battle and was preparing to return to the court. I was thinking that we would come to congratulate you when we had time, but I never thought that you would send me the news and say that you are coming back. So we became so excited the moment the your letter rech us that the whole house has been well cleaned, and even today’s dishes were cooked by a chef specially brought from Jinling City. You will try it later to see if you like it.”
Madam. Du’s own history was remarkable. She had grown up following her father through the bustling streets, engaging in trade. After marrying Mr. Du, she didn’t settle into a domestic life but actively accompanied her husband, securing one successful venture after another through changing dynasties, propelling the Du family’s business to ever greater prosperity. Consequently, every member of the Du family held her in immense respect, including Mr. Du himself. It was this respect that led him to defy societal expectations of having male heirs, choosing instead to dote on his two daughters like precious jewels, never taking concubines or seeking to inherit children.
Du Jingyi hadn’t even had a chance to speak, but Shang Ji was quick to respond. “My mother-in-law is very polite. My maternal grandfather’s family is also from Jinling City, so I also like to eat the dishes of Jinling City.”
His words brought a collective sigh of relief to the Du family and his wife.
“That’s good, that’s good.”