Chapter Sixty-Eight: Feng Da's Wedding

The matriarch sat at the head seat, her face dark with anger, gazing down at Zhen-jie's father and Feng Da, who knelt before her in silence. She said nothing for a long while. The saying "a dog cannot change its nature" was made for people like Feng Da. Now, the matriarch regretted sending him to the estate in the first place; she had only done so out of respect for Madam Liu, who had served her faithfully for years, and out of pity for her lonely circumstances. She had wanted to help, but who could have known that not only would Feng Da fail to mend his ways, he’d commit such disgraceful acts, ruining her own reputation, dragging down the estate and the Liu family.

"Please, Matriarch, give justice to us humble folk. Please, Matriarch, decide for us." Zhen-jie's father kept knocking his head to the floor, urging the matriarch to make her ruling.

The matriarch’s expression softened a little. She signaled to Zou Mancheng, who hurried over to help Zhen-jie's father up. Only then did she speak: "Do not worry. Sit down, have some tea. Rest assured, I will see justice done for your family."

Zou Mancheng led Zhen-jie's father to a chair. A maid brought fragrant tea, and Zhen-jie's father, flustered by the unexpected honor, wiped his hands before carefully taking the cup. He merely held it, not daring to drink. Though he sat, he did not settle fully, half his body perched on the edge of the seat.

Once inside this room, he felt unable to lift his head, overwhelmed by the matriarch’s authority, the disciplined maids moving about, even the lavish décor—all oppressive, stifling his words and quelling the bravado he’d shown when he first stormed onto the estate, cursing and yelling.

The matriarch continued, "I see you are an honest man, so I will not conceal my intentions. Since Feng Da has committed such a deed, he must take responsibility. If your family has no objection, let the two children marry. Once wed, they will be one family; there will be no cause for claims of mistreatment, and others will not be able to use this incident against them. It will also preserve the children’s reputations."

Zhen-jie's father recognized the truth in her words, but accepting Feng Da still rankled him. He spat at Feng Da with resentment and replied, "I leave everything to the Matriarch’s judgment."

Feng Da knelt, his face full of reluctance. He wished to refuse, but before the matriarch, he dared not act out, and she gave him no chance to speak.

The matriarch smiled, "Since that is so, there’s no need to delay. Let them wed tonight. Though the arrangements are rushed, the estate has everything prepared. I will ask your village head to officiate, set a few tables, and hold a lively wedding. Your child will not be wronged."

Hearing this, Zhen-jie's father was finally satisfied. Without the matriarch’s intervention, the village head would never have agreed to officiate, and a grand celebration would silence the gossips.

The matriarch turned to Feng Da, "Feng Da, you are to marry now. Let the past be the past. I hope you live well with your wife. Your mother raised you with difficulty; you and your wife must honor her."

Feng Da felt resentment, but could not object, and so he swallowed his anger and agreed, bowing his head before rising.

Madam Liu wiped her tears beside him. She had been distraught since Feng Da’s trouble began. Now, seeing things resolved, and Feng Da about to marry, she was torn between joy and shame. Remembering her late husband, emotions overwhelmed her, and her tears flowed even more.

The matriarch, annoyed by Madam Liu’s display, resisted the urge to frown and said, "You are a mother-in-law now, yet you weep endlessly—how will that appear to others? There’s much to prepare. Discuss with Mancheng what is needed; ask for anything. It’s rare for the Liu estate to host a joyful event, so it must be both festive and grand."

With the matriarch’s command, everyone moved to their tasks. The whole Liu estate bustled; every maid, steward, and servant was assigned a duty. With the estate’s own people and those brought from the Liu manor, many hands made light work. Within half a day, the wedding chamber was ready, musicians invited, invitations sent, dishes nearly prepared, waiting only for the auspicious hour.

That night, Liu Qin witnessed an authentic ancient wedding scene—a simplified version, much like what she’d seen on television. The bride wore red, her face covered by a veil, brought to the estate in a carriage. The groom and bride were joined by a red cord, and, led by the wedding matron, bowed to heaven and earth and their parents, then to each other as husband and wife, before being sent into the bridal chamber.

Liu Qin had wanted to join the bridal chamber games, but was watched by Cui Liu, who had been instructed not to let her near the wedding room. So she led the children about, setting off firecrackers.

As for Feng Da, after lifting the bride’s veil, he ran out to drink, returning utterly drunk, supported by two people, and collapsed on the bed, seemingly unconscious. Zhen-jie could only wipe his face with a handkerchief, then lie beside him fully clothed, sleeping in grievance.

In truth, Feng Da was quite sober. Though he had drunk much, he was not drunk, feigning unconsciousness. Hearing the soft breathing beside him, Feng Da seethed.

He hated Zhen-jie for her shamelessness in seducing him, hated his mother for her weakness and uselessness—unable to help him, not even daring to speak in his favor, always blaming him at the slightest trouble. In the end, he even hated the Liu family and the matriarch. Had she not wronged him and sent him to suffer at the estate, how would he have met Zhen-jie, and how could this unhappy marriage have happened?

Since the Liu family had shown him no kindness, Feng Da would show no loyalty. We shall see how things unfold.

The matriarch knew nothing of this. Her good intentions had unwittingly sown the seeds of disaster for the Liu family, though that was a story for another time.

Feng Da’s disgrace and wedding became the talk of the estate for several days, then gradually faded, and life returned to normal. The estate regained its former peace. It was now the slack season for farming, and few came to the estate for agricultural work. The residents were quite idle, and under the blazing summer sun, the whole estate had a lazy, languid air.

By late June, Liu Qin’s long-awaited father finally arrived at the estate, bringing Master Liu Cheng with him. It was almost dusk when Master Liu arrived; the sky ablaze with sunset. The estate had been prepared ahead of time, so there was no last-minute rush.

Liu Qin threw herself into her father’s arms as he stepped from the carriage. Truth be told, aside from her shop matters, she missed her father dearly.

Master Liu cheerfully picked Liu Qin up, repeating his usual greeting, "Our girl has grown plumper," making Liu Qin roll her eyes in annoyance.

She hugged her father’s neck, then sweetly called "Big Brother," greeting her elder brother. Liu Cheng wanted to hug Liu Qin, but his father was quicker; feeling wistful, he wondered if he should have a daughter of his own. Thankfully, Chao-ge followed suit, leaping into his arms, giving him some comfort.

At dinner, Liu Qin brought out her treasured fine wine, presenting it to Master Liu like a prize. He was both surprised and delighted—pleased with his daughter’s filial thoughtfulness, and curious as to the origin of the wine.

He broke the seal, pouring a cup for himself and Liu Cheng. As soon as the seal was opened, a rich fragrance wafted out, intoxicating and refreshing. He examined the color, sniffed the aroma, and before even tasting it, praised, "Excellent wine!"

Liu Qin exchanged a knowing, pleased glance with Steward Cheng, who stood by. Their eyes shone with joy.