Chapter 138: The Day of Family Reunion

Having lost his father at a young age, Zhang Fu had always been a calm person who spoke little. Thus, he had never laughed so heartily as he had these past days. Although a serious illness before the New Year had caused him great suffering, he was still full of energy after recovering, and his appetite had gradually returned to its normal level. Now that his aunt’s family had come to Beijing, he often spent time chatting with the elders after attending court, experiencing a long-lost sense of family affection.

Zhang Fu had two younger brothers and many nieces and nephews. However, since most of his brothers, nieces, and nephews only caused trouble rather than brought joy, and he had no own children, his household in the British Duke’s residence was usually quiet. It was only after Zhang Yue and his two brothers arrived that the house truly came to life. At this moment, seeing Grandmother Gu’s smiling face, Zhang Fu was glad he had persuaded her to move the family to Beijing.

As everyone in the room was chatting and laughing, someone pulled back the curtain and entered—Xi Yu. She bowed with a smile and said, “Master and madam, Grandmother and all the ladies, Uncle and Young Master Yue have returned! It was raining heavily outside, so they got soaked on the way back. Third Madam is accompanying them to their rooms to change clothes; they should be here soon.”

Zhang Fu nodded slightly before turning to Mrs. Gu beside him and explaining, “Aunt, it rains rarely in Beijing. Who would have thought they would encounter rain right after the imperial examinations ended? If it had rained a few days earlier, it would have been troublesome. It’s quite fortunate that the rain came precisely when they left the examination hall—it’s indeed a good omen.”

“I agree it’s a good omen!” Since her son’s marriage proposal was rejected, Dong Fang was no longer as sharp-tongued as before. She smiled and added, “In this dry climate in the north, rain is truly precious. If Grandmother thinks it’s a good sign, good news will surely come when the results are announced!”

Feng also behaved much more properly than before. Seeing Mrs. Gu’s happy expression, she chimed in jokingly, “Second sister-in-law is right. After studying hard for so many years, it’s time for Second Brother to feel proud. As for Young Master Yue, the emperor himself praised him—naturally, he should make it onto the list of successful candidates. With good luck, he might even win first place.”

Though she knew her daughters-in-law said such things only to make her happy, Lady Gu still smiled. The son born of her own womb was after all different from others’, and it was impossible for her to treat them equally. Yet seeing her usually unremarkable illegitimate younger son gradually achieving success, and her grandson having extraordinary qualities, she naturally felt pleased. Glancing at Zhang Chao, who sat upright on the chair to her left, she examined the faint scar on his face, filled with deeper emotions.

Back when her eldest grandson’s marriage was broken off, who would have thought he would have such a bright future and end up in an even better marriage? She turned her head to look at Zhang Fu, deeply grateful to this nephew who had done her so much good.

After chatting and laughing for a while, a maid lifted the curtain loudly, and soon the sound of removing rainwear could be heard. Shortly after, Zhang Zhuo entered first, already dressed in a light blue patterned front-buttoned shirt. Soon after, Zhang Yue followed in, wearing a similar dark blue round-necked shirt to Zhang Zhuo’s. Though the water droplets on their hair had dried, it still looked a bit fluffy. They stepped forward and bowed to Lady Gu together. Behind them, Lady Sun bowed with a smile and then sat down at the lower end next to Lady Dong.

As it had been a long time since they last saw their family, the usual greeting of just one bow was replaced today with four bows. Lady Gu sat upright and accepted them, then ordered them to come closer after the sons and grandson stood up. She glanced at Zhang Zhuo and nodded slightly, but pulled Zhang Yue over and examined him carefully for a while before smiling in satisfaction.

“I used to think you were steady and far-sighted, but now I see you’ve truly succeeded and faced great challenges. It’s great that you could remain calm in front of the emperor and the crown prince, but what makes me happiest is that you left the Henan provincial exams to come to Beijing when your eldest uncle fell ill. Although the title of scholar was granted by the emperor, and some scholars might have objections, it’s still better than earning it through your own efforts! Passing the provincial exams only proves your talent, but for a man to live a proper life, virtue is what truly matters most!”

Lady Wang saw Zhang Yue nod in agreement and remembered how he had immediately followed her to Beijing without hesitation, and later even used the emperor’s power to drive Zhang Fu and his son back. Zhang Fu, who used to be arrogant, came to see her right away after returning to Nanjing and even apologized respectfully. She finally got her revenge. What was most remarkable was that Zhang Yue, at such a young age, could manage such a large family—she had been worrying for nothing before.

“Your words are truly instructive, Auntie. There’s nothing wrong with Brother Yue’s virtue—indeed, I should thank you!” As she spoke, Lady Wang stood up and bowed deeply before Lady Gu. Lady Gu wasn’t quick enough to support her, and when she finally stood, she scolded, “What are you doing? We’re all one family—there’s no need for thanks. If that’s the case, shouldn’t I thank you both for taking care of the younger ones? Not to mention Brother Yue, even the third son has troubled you for days. It’s rare to have everyone together—let’s talk about pleasant things, like how to arrange Brother Chao’s marriage.”

Zhang Yue was forced by Lady Gu to sit beside her on the kang. Seeing Zhang Chao smiling somewhat reluctantly, he felt moved. He had hidden the earlier incident from Zhang Qing, but after Meng Jun and Zhang Qing returned, he told Zhang Fu everything about Feng Lan and Jin Su’s visit. To avoid angering his uncle, he omitted Feng Lan’s words and only repeated Jin Su’s words. Sure enough, though Zhang Fu despised the Jin family for their betrayal, he was moved by Jin Su’s words and said he would no longer interfere in their affairs.

After some chaos in the main room, Bi Luo and Xi Yu came in to say that the meal was ready. Since everyone was gathered together, Lady Wang suggested cheerfully that they eat together in the main room for a lively atmosphere. Lady Gu had no objections. Soon after the meal, seeing Lady Gu look tired, Lady Feng and Lady Dong Fang quickly helped her up, intending to escort her back to her room for a nap. When Lady Gu saw Lady Sun following as well, she shook her head at her.

“You haven’t seen them father and son in a long time—there’s no need to rush to set rules now. You can come later in the evening. I have my eldest and second daughters-in-law there; you all should spend some time catching up this afternoon. They’ve also been struggling in the examination hall—let them rest properly too.”

Lady Sun still escorted her to the door. Seeing several maids leading her mother-in-law and her two sisters-in-law away, with Zhang Chao, Zhang Qi, and Zhang Jiu following closely behind, and Zhang Yi and Concubine Luo following humbly, she turned around—only to find Lady Wang standing right behind her. She quickly stepped back to make room. At that moment, she saw Zhang Fu giving instructions to her husband and son, while Lady Wang, who wasn’t about to leave, suddenly grabbed her hand.

“Sister-in-law, the thanks I expressed to your aunt earlier were not pretentious. If it weren’t for Zhuo and Yue, I would have been utterly overwhelmed and unable to take care of everything. Now that you’ve come to live in Beijing, feel free to tell me if there’s anything you need. It’s the same whether we stay here or move out later. There’s another matter as well—regardless of whether Yue succeeds this time or not, we should consider the marriage. I’ve already looked at several families with Qing’er; if you have any preferences, just tell me directly.”

Sun Shi was actually just the wife of a scholar, and people addressed her as “madam” only because the Zhang family was a prominent family. Thus, in front of a proper duchess like Lady Wang, she always felt a bit awkward. Hearing these words, her heart was filled with mixed emotions—years of careful behavior and flattery seemed to pay off, and she almost cried.

When the family of three returned to their three rooms and pulled down the curtains, Sun Shi saw her husband and son sitting on the chairs, stretching lazily without any concern. Despite her sorrow, she couldn’t show it and scolded them, “If you’re tired, go and get some good sleep. The maids are watching—what a sight!”

Seeing his mother’s gaze often directed at his father, Zhang Yue chuckled and stood up immediately. “Mother is right. I really do need to sleep now. I’ll go back to my room! You two have some time to talk. I’m leaving first!”

“That slick little rascal!”

Seeing Zhang Yue rush out of the room, Zhang Zhuo couldn’t help but laugh and scold him. After the maids—Zhenzhu and Shaoyao—along with a few others quietly left, he gazed at his wife, whose face was flushed with embarrassment, filled with tenderness. He took a deep breath, and all his words turned into a soft call.

“Yingru.”

Zhang Yue rushed into his room through the corridor. As soon as he entered, he saw Qiuhen and Hupo holding something and comparing it, seemingly a piece of clothing in a shade resembling Yuanqing blue. When the two maids turned to look at him, he asked with a smile, “What are you looking at so intently? Is it a newly made garment?”

Hupo had thought that since Sun Shi and Zhang Yue had reunited, they would have a long conversation, but Zhang Yue returned so quickly. Seeing his curious gaze fixed on the object in her hands, she knew she couldn’t hide it any longer. She gave Hupo a signal, took the garment, and tried it on Zhang Yue. When it seemed to fit perfectly in terms of length and size, she burst into laughter.

“These are new clothes, but not newly made. Last year, Amber and I thought the young master would take the provincial exams, so we prepared them for him to wear when he passed. Who would have thought that he wouldn’t take those exams, but would still become a scholar? That’s why they’ve remained until now. There are all kinds of auspicious patterns on those satins outside, but none compare to those embroidered by hand. Look at these three long halberds in the vase—the pronunciation of their names implies rising three ranks at once, similar to achieving success in all three levels of exams, which fits perfectly for the provincial, metropolitan, and imperial exams. Once you pass and become a candidate for higher ranks, wearing them will bring good luck as well. It’s a token of our love and care from Amber and me!”
Zhang Yue glanced at Amber beside him before carefully examining the intricate embroidery on the clothes. After touching them gently for a while, he felt even more grateful for their thoughtfulness.
“If I really pass, I owe you both a great deal.”