Zhang Dezhi stood at the end of the bridge, gazing silently at the shimmering waves of the lake below. His expression was cold and aloof. Li Langyue dismissed her maids and servants behind the screen, and walked softly to stand behind him.
As the footsteps stopped near his ear, Zhang Dezhi glanced back at her, then shifted his gaze to the distance. "You went too far today. Father was there, and you threw cups and bottles. What did that mean?"
"I..." Li Langyue wanted to say something but could find no excuse. She had indeed lost her composure today, all because of that girl Mingwei, who was truly infuriating.
"Mingwei was being willful this time, and it's only fair that you scolded or punished her. But have you noticed Father's expression? He has never liked it when you discipline Mingwei. Today, in front of him, did you consider the things you said?"
"As soon as that teacup left your hand, Father's face darkened. Yet you still threw that bottle. If you had missed and hurt Mingwei, have you thought about how Father would have reacted?"
Li Langyue gripped her sleeves tightly, recalling her father's angry face. He was getting old and couldn't handle such anger; if this continued, they might have to call the imperial physician again.
She lowered her eyes, admitting she hadn't considered the consequences of her actions today.
"Mingwei has been punished enough for this incident. Let's not mention it again. If you still harbor resentment, speak to her privately another day, but do not punish her further."
"Then..." Li Langyue hesitated. "Are you really going to let her marry that Liu scholar from the Hanlin Academy?"
"Liu Yizhu," Zhang Dezhi supplied the name.
Li Langyue suddenly recalled that although she had only met Liu Yizhu a few times at poetry gatherings, she could see the child's resemblance to him. Her husband must have noticed long ago, yet said nothing.
"You knew about this already, didn't you?"
Zhang Dezhi shook his head. "I merely suspected it when I saw the child's appearance at the doorway. Since she didn't bring him home, she probably didn't want us to know. So I didn't ask."
Li Langyue snapped angrily, "Mingwei has been terribly spoiled by all of you."
"Why does Father dote on Mingwei so? Can I not ask you that?"
When Mingwei was just a little girl, Li Langyue insisted on starting her education in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. If Mingwei didn't learn well or was lazy, she would be punished. But she was just a young child who couldn't endure such harsh treatment.
Unable to bear it, Mingwei would run to her Maternal Grandfather with her big eyes brimming with tears, looking at him mournfully. Li Yi only had this one little granddaughter, so he doted on her endlessly for over twenty years.
Zhang Dezhi sighed, rubbing his temples. "It was my fault too."
"What did you do wrong? It had nothing to do with you."
"I failed in my duties as a father."
Back then, he was working away from the capital and could only return once every year or two. Li Yi didn't want to let Mingwei go, so Zhang Dezhi missed out on a significant part of her upbringing.
Later, when he was promoted and transferred back to the capital city, he realized his father and wife had developed a major conflict over Mingwei's education. He often wondered if he had been present to mediate between them, could things have been better?
Langyue was too headstrong. As the daughter, she had heard countless suggestions that Li Yi should remarry and have a son to carry on the family line. From a young age, she felt she had to prove herself better than any son, to justify her father's choice. Whatever she did, she strove to be the best.
She pushed herself harshly, but then applied the same approach to her daughter. Unfortunately, Mingwei was tenderhearted and couldn't withstand such pressure. Li Langyue deemed her incapable and became increasingly strict, determined to mold her into an accomplished woman.
To Zhang Dezhi and Li Yi, their child's happiness and well-being were paramount. If Mingwei was unwilling, they didn't want to force her. This caused conflicts within the family.
"Enough, enough. Just remember not to scold her in front of Father again. Her leaving home - Father blames half on Mu Rongyu, and half on you. Haven't you noticed these past few years, Father has never smiled at you? The only reason he summoned you today was because Ah Xiu pleaded for you."
Li Langyue sighed deeply, her posture slumping.
Zhang Dezhi turned and gently patted her back. "Try to improve your temper. Mingwei has finally returned; can't you let Father be happy for a few days?"
Li Langyue clutched Zhang Dezhi's sleeve, leaning into his embrace as she sighed quietly.
Li Yi sat on the terrace, with Mingwei leaning against his feet. She picked up a stray tea leaf from her clothes and angrily tossed it away, muttering, "Mother's temper is getting worse and worse."
"It's because you provoked her," Li Yi chuckled.
"Well, I was gone for over three years. No wonder she bottled it all up and exploded at me," Mingwei retorted.
"You brat," Li Yi patted her head affectionately. "But you forgot about Ah Xiu."
"Hmph!" Mingwei snorted. Poor Ah Xiu would have to take her back this afternoon.
Ah Xiu rushed in. "Miss, I found you some clothes. Would you like to try them on?"
Meeting Mingwei's sympathetic gaze, Ah Xiu scratched her head in confusion. "What's wrong?"
Mingwei stood up and eyed the clothes, turning around. "Do you really think I can still fit into those?"
Ah Xiu held up the clothes against Mingwei's frame, realizing they wouldn't fit. "Miss, how did you get so plump?"
Li Yi laughed. "It's fine, she looks healthier this way."
Mingwei had been too thin before, frail as a flower.
Ah Xiu felt the fabric, asking sincerely, "Miss, have you run out of money?"
Mingwei faltered. Was her poverty that obvious? This was one of her nicer outfits.
She cleared her throat. "Ah Xiu..."
"Yes?"
"Do we still have money?"
"Of course!" Ah Xiu nodded confidently. They still had plenty of money - their shops were doing well, and several vacant properties were still rented out. She patted Mingwei's shoulder reassuringly. "Don't worry, Miss. Even if you never work a day in your life, you won't starve."
Mingwei breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good then. Go pack some things. Tonight..."
Ah Xiu immediately understood her mistress's intentions and went to gather money from the compound.
"Hey!" Mingwei sat back down next to Li Yi. "That girl is too quick. I didn't even ask if she was married yet."
"She's not. She's waiting for you to return and preside over her wedding ceremony."
"With who?"
Li Yi glanced at the steward waiting outside. "Ah Cai."
"Ah, Li Babu's grandson?" Mingwei recalled.
The steward bowed. "Yes."
"Well then, Uncle Li should start making preparations. They're not getting any younger, no need to delay further."
The steward looked to Li Yi, who waved his hand dismissively. The steward bowed and withdrew.
"And what about you two?" Li Yi asked.
Mingwei seemed confused. "What do you mean?"
Given Liu Yizhu's prestigious family, their wedding probably wasn't very grand. Li Yi explained, "Would you like to hold another ceremony?"
"No need," Mingwei grasped Li Yi's hand. "Our wedding in Qingshi Town was quite nice actually. Even the county magistrate's son, Tang Jue, attended to watch Liu Yizhu."
"Tang Jue, was it?"
"Yes, Tang Jue..." Mingwei began recounting the events from Qingshi Town to her Maternal Grandfather, though he was already familiar with most of it. But he was still happy to listen to her tell the stories again.
