Chapter 157: The Responsibilities of a Family Head

The night of their wedding, a time of joy and celebration; the moment of achieving success in life.
Although neither Zhang Chao nor Zhang Yue could have both of these things, they still became objects of admiration for countless young people. One married the sister of the Marquis of Xiangcheng, while the other passed the imperial examinations and had a bright future—things that many people might never achieve in their entire lives. Yet the two brothers enjoyed each one of these achievements. Who wouldn’t wish to be in their shoes?
On Zhang Chao’s wedding night, he was in a dazed state, while Zhang Yue tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep. Images of Jin Su’s resolute expression and tone from that time flashed through his mind, as well as Zhang Chao’s melancholic look when facing the empty room. Even Meng Min’s smiles and Du Wan’s charming grins came to mind unexpectedly.
Early the next morning, everyone arrived at the Gu family’s main house early. By tradition, the new bride was supposed to pay respects to the elders right after arriving—this was an essential ritual. Lady Dongfang, being extremely conscientious, feared that her son and daughter-in-law might not be able to get up for some reason, so she had her trusted maid Linglong along with a few maids stand by the door. Waiting inside, she couldn’t help but daydream, thinking about what Linglong had said earlier—that the young couple was getting ready.
After much anticipation and many twists and turns, the eldest son finally got married. Her greatest wish now was that the new bride would give birth to a grandson soon, bringing true fulfillment to her life. However, Li Yun came from a count’s family. Though she was an illegitimate child, she seemed kind at first glance. But could this be an illusion? If the new bride had a jealous and domineering nature, marrying her might only bring trouble…
Zhang Yue, with dark circles under his eyes, stood behind his mother, trying hard to suppress the urge to yawn. Just as he felt his eyelids fighting against each other, a maid’s announcement came from outside.
“The eldest young master and his wife have arrived!”
Zhang Yue raised his head and saw a maid lift the curtain high. Soon after, Zhang Chao and a woman around fourteen or fifteen years old stepped through the threshold—presumably his wife, Li Yun.

Li Yun still had a hint of a bride’s blush on her face. She wore a golden hairpin adorned with eight precious gems, a band inlaid with pearls from the South Sea across her forehead, several pearl hairpins and combs in her hair. She was dressed in a bright red jacket embroidered with patterns of hundred children, along with a long red dress made of gold-threaded crepe. A white jade pendant decorated with rose-colored ribbons was tied around her waist, and a colorful tassel collar glowed at her chest. Though her attire was luxurious, her shy demeanor made it seem entirely appropriate.

Mrs. Gu and Mrs. Feng, who had also gone through the experience of becoming brides themselves, saw her bow respectfully to Zhang Chao, speak in a moderate tone, serve tea with courtesy and gentleness, and respond without any lack of propriety. Yet she lacked the nervousness typical of a new bride, and they all felt relieved that Zhang Chao had married such a good wife this time.

Mrs. Sun even began to consider Zhang Yue’s marriage prospects. Zhang Qing had mentioned that the Meng family had been demoted, so that marriage was likely impossible. In that case, it would be the Du family. Although a bride from a noble family sounded good on paper, this niece-in-law didn’t seem like the type who would be domineering. Who knew what would happen in the future? It was safer to marry someone from a scholarly family.

Mrs. Dongfang also wore a joyful expression. Now that the bride was dressed up, she looked even more attractive than in her everyday clothes. But appearance was just one thing; what was truly rare was her seemingly gentle temperament, without being overly soft. At this moment, she was deeply grateful to Lady Wang and Zhang Qing for facilitating this marriage.

After Li Yun had served tea to the elders, it was the turn of her three brothers-in-law. Though each of the three brothers had his own thoughts, they didn’t dare to be casual in such matters. After receiving the tea, they all returned it with solemnity. Zhang Chao remained silent, only offering a slight support when Li Yun stumbled slightly as she turned around. No one paid attention to such minor mistakes. Seeing the affection between the young couple, Mrs. Gu simply smiled.

Although Li Yun wasn’t the eldest daughter-in-law, she was still the first bride to enter the family. Naturally, Mrs. Gu wouldn’t be stingy. After serving the tea, she gave Lingxi a subtle signal. When Lingxi brought over a small, exquisitely carved lacquer box, Mrs. Gu pulled out a gold hairpin from her hair to open it and took out a pair of emerald bracelets. At the sight of their pure, clear green color, Mrs. Feng and the others took a soft breath, thinking that the gifts they had received when they first entered the family were not as generous as this one, and they couldn’t help but feel a bit puzzled.

“You will soon be the eldest sister-in-law to the three brothers. Although there are your mother-in-law and aunts in this household, with such a large family, there are many tasks to handle. You might as well learn them now, as you’ll need to help them in the future.” Gu Shi paid no attention to the expressions on the three daughters-in-law’s faces as she spoke, and continued cheerfully, “I suppose you’ve learned these things at the earl’s manor, so it should be easy for you. Your two younger sisters-in-law are either quiet and reticent or still young; as the eldest sister-in-law, you should take better care of them.”

Seeing Li Yun nod in agreement, she turned to Zhang Chao, her tone turning slightly stern: “Brother Chao, since you’re married now, you need to think more carefully before acting, and not always go your own way. Even if you forget about me, your old wife, you still need to think of your parents and younger brother, as well as your wife! Since we’re part of a large family and have lived in comfort since birth, we must remember our responsibilities and not act arbitrarily! Some mistakes can be fixed, but there are things where even one mistake is unacceptable!”

On their wedding day, Gu Shi gave such a lecture. Not only was Dong Fang Shi shocked, but everyone else in the room was also confused. Zhang Yue, however, knew the situation and guessed something, feeling uneasy. Seeing Zhang Chao’s face turn pale, he realized that the previous incident was likely related to his grandmother.

After being stunned for a while, Zhang Chao’s face gradually regained some color. He knelt down and bowed three times solemnly to Gu Shi: “I’ve remembered grandmother’s teachings. I will never make the same mistake again.”

“That’s good. With all the troubles the family has faced, you and your brothers have been united and hardworking, knowing how to fight and earn merits on the battlefield. There’s no reason you can’t think clearly about such matters.”

Gu Shi’s expression softened slightly, and she gestured for Zhang Chao to stand up. When he stepped forward again, she took a few items from the box and stuffed them into his hands without hesitation: “A true man must take responsibility. Since your father is not here, you are your mother’s protector and also your wife’s protector. As for your younger brother, remember that the eldest brother acts like a father, and the eldest sister-in-law acts like a mother. You don’t need me to tell you what to do in the future. Since you’re newly married, these are my gifts for you.”

Zhang Chao glanced down at the thin pieces of paper in his hands and realized what they were. His face turned red instantly. After a long while, he finally managed to say, “I will not disappoint grandmother’s expectations.”

Seeing Li Yun’s surprised expression, Dongfang Shi didn’t know what the old lady’s reminder was aimed at, which made her somewhat unhappy. But when she saw Zhang Chao kneeling down and saying those words, she grew uneasy. When Gu Shi gave something to Zhang Chao, she paid extra attention. After Zhang Chao stepped back, she quietly glanced at what he was holding and was overjoyed at once.

It should be noted that although the government provided 5,000 taels of silver for Zhang Chao’s marriage arrangements, since the other party was from an earl’s household, the betrothal gifts and other expenses couldn’t be taken lightly. She had also contributed a considerable amount herself, so she had already been dissatisfied. Now, with those few thin pieces of paper in Zhang Chao’s hand—though it was unclear how much property they represented—given how generous the old lady was, it was likely a significant sum. With this, her son wouldn’t be outshone by his wife’s substantial dowry in the future.

At this moment, Zhang Yue, looking at the carved jewelry box, couldn’t help but think of the large manor he had received last time, and he secretly admired his grandmother’s fairness. After discussing it with his father, he had already entrusted the item to his mother for safekeeping. After all, though the manor was valuable, it was immovable property that couldn’t be easily sold, and since he had no one to manage it, it was safer to leave it in his parents’ care.

“Old lady, Lady Zhong from the British Duke’s household has arrived!”

Hearing this voice outside, Gu Shi smiled and said to invite her in promptly. The others also understood what was going on. Having lived in the British Duke’s household for some time, everyone knew that Xi Yu was now practically a housewife. Although Zhang Fu had also come to offer congratulations at yesterday’s wedding banquet, Xi Yu’s early arrival this morning was most likely to deliver gifts for the bride on behalf of Lady Wang. As expected, Xi Yu, dressed in pink, first bowed deeply upon entering, then two maids presented a lacquered box and a pair of Ru ware celadon vases—gifts from Lady Wang for the bride, different from the previous congratulatory gifts. Gu Shi smiled and asked Li Yun to accept them, then asked Xi Yu to sit, but she refused repeatedly and eventually stood close to Gu Shi, glancing at Zhang Yue’s face again.

“Lord and Lady sent me here today because there’s another matter. The Ministry of Personnel had previously selected officials from the newly graduated scholars, and now that process is finally over. Before going to court this early, Lord received word that Brother Yue has been appointed as the magistrate of Anqiu in Shandong, so he asked me to bring you the news. Lord said that although Shandong isn’t as prosperous as the Jiangnan region, it’s extremely important in the north. Moreover, Brother Yue’s teacher, Lord Du, is currently serving as the governor there, which provides some support. Lord has already made arrangements with the Military Command, and they will surely offer assistance wherever possible in the future.”

Since this was Xi Yu relaying Zhang Fu’s words, everyone from Lady Gu down listened carefully, and Zhang Yue was no exception. But as Xi Yu spoke, she paused briefly before showing a slight smile again.
“I don’t know how the Emperor learned that our family is discussing a marriage for Young Master Yue. So, Concubine Wang sent someone to inform my wife that there’s no rush—Young Master Yue may not stay in Shandong for three years. It would be more proper to wait until he returns with achievements before arranging the marriage. My husband and wife agreed with this idea, so they asked me and the old lady to convey the message.”
Hearing this, Zhang Yue frowned deeply, wondering what mischief Emperor Yongle, Zhu Di, had in mind this time. However, Lady Gu and Lady Zhang Zuosun were overjoyed. A mere scholar-graduate could earn the Emperor’s attention to such details; it was fine to delay the marriage for a year or two, even three. If he had a promising future, why worry about marriage and offspring? For the moment, everyone forgot to care about what was happening in Shandong. In their eyes, with the Emperor’s favor, he would be invincible wherever he went.