The three of them were chatting and laughing when Bo’er came in to report, “Miss Gu, Miss Six, Miss Sima, the First Madam has returned to the estate.”
Lin Cuie had already married, but the servants in the household still referred to her as “Miss Gu” rather than “Madam Gu,” as the title had never changed.
As the wife of the town magistrate, Li Cuimei, though holding no official position, was never idle. Some disputes among women were inconvenient for the magistrate, a man, to handle, so he entrusted his wife to mediate.
Early that morning, a newly arrived family had clashed with a long-standing resident of Lin Town over their daughters accusing and attacking each other, leading to a physical fight between the mothers. The matter was brought to the town office, where both women became unruly, spewing vulgar words. The magistrate sent someone to fetch his wife from the estate, believing her presence would be more effective than his own.
By the time Lin Cuie returned to the Lin estate, the magistrate had just left. She learned from the servants that, apart from Miss Six and Miss Sima, all the masters were out on business. Without asking the servants to summon Lin Fang, Lin Cuie went straight to the garden. Upon hearing that her sister-in-law had returned, she picked up the sleeping Xixian and hurried out of the garden.
Knowing her mother had just returned and would likely need rest, Lin Fang and Sima Rusu didn’t follow. They began chatting idly until the heat prompted them to consider returning to Caixing Courtyard. Just then, the housekeeper, Xiao Geng’s wife, arrived to relay a message: “Miss Six, Miss Sima, the First Madam requests your presence at Diecui Courtyard.”
Xiao Geng’s wife was the second granddaughter-in-law of Granny Liu. After Granny Liu retired to care solely for Lin Fang, Xiao Geng’s wife took over as the household steward. Originally the sole stewardess, the growing estate and the magistrate’s duties necessitated the appointment of Xian’er’s husband, Lan Yu, as the external steward to assist the magistrate.
“Xiao Geng’s wife, why is Mother summoning us so urgently?” Lin Fang asked, calculating that her mother hadn’t had time to rest yet.
“Oh, Miss Six, you’ll know once you go,” Xiao Geng’s wife replied casually, having once served Lin Fang closely and thus being more familiar with her than other servants.
“Playing coy,” Lin Fang muttered, realizing she wouldn’t get answers from Xiao Geng’s wife. She and Sima Rusu headed to Diecui Courtyard.
Li Cuimei had summoned them to discuss attending Guo Mian’s birthday celebration. Though Lin Fang was reluctant, Li Cuimei was adamant—she had to go. This wasn’t about consequences but about pulling Lin Fang out of her shell. Li Cuimei wanted her daughter to learn to face challenges, as family protection wouldn’t always be there, especially after marriage.
Understanding her mother’s intent but struggling to accept it, Lin Fang sat silently, ignoring even Lin Cuie’s attempts to console her. Li Cuimei let her brood before turning to Sima Rusu. “Rusu, did you receive an invitation from Magistrate Guo?”
As a state-appointed breeding official, Sima Rusu’s presence would honor Guo Mian, even if her rank was below a county magistrate’s. Similarly, Li Cuilan and Zhang Tieshuan’s attendance would be a significant gesture.
“Yes, Auntie,” Sima Rusu replied.
“Will you attend?” Li Cuimei pressed.
“I haven’t decided yet. The banquet is in two days, and I’m unsure if the breeding farm will be busy,” Sima Rusu answered, adding, “If I don’t go, I’d appreciate it if you could deliver my gift.”
Li Cuimei nodded. “Regardless, there’s something that must be settled before the banquet.”
“What is it?” Sima Rusu asked, sensing something amiss from Li Cuimei’s unusually stern tone.
To everyone’s surprise, Li Cuimei declared, “Your marriage to Wu’er.”
Sima Rusu was stunned. “Auntie?”
With a sigh, Li Cuimei asked, “Do you know what case I adjudicated today?”
Silence fell as everyone looked at her curiously.
Li Cuimei recounted the story of two feuding families—the Fangs, newcomers, and the Huangs, long-time residents—whose daughters had clashed over a man named Liang. The tragic tale ended with Liang becoming a monk to escape the impossible choice between his childhood sweetheart and his new love.
“Rusu,” Li Cuimei said firmly, “I’ve watched you grow up. Your relationship with Wu’er is no secret. While we care about heirs, your happiness matters more. Today, whether you call me overbearing or a matchmaker, I won’t let you two suffer. Your marriage will be settled today.”
Sima Rusu tried to protest, but Li Cuimei cut her off. “Your grandmother has already proposed to your father on our behalf. The betrothal date will be set before the banquet.”
Her tone then lightened. “I’ll boast that the sought-after breeding official is now a Lin! Let others give up their hopes.”
Though the betrothal would be early, the wedding would wait until Sima Rusu turned eighteen, following Lin family tradition.
Lin Fang teased, “Keeping the prize in the family, eh, Fifth Sister-in-law?”
Sima Rusu, flushed, ignored her, but her red ears betrayed her true feelings—she wasn’t opposed, just hesitant.
Li Cuimei, now cheerful, asked Sima Rusu about her preferences for wedding jewelry, prompting the usually composed woman to flee in embarrassment.
Lin Fang laughed heartily, amused by the rare sight of the fierce Sima Rusu acting shy. She imagined her brother’s reaction—likely jubilant rather than bashful, given his thick-skinned business demeanor.
“Don’t laugh yet,” Li Cuimei said, turning to Lin Fang. “What will you wear to the banquet? Speak now so we can prepare.”
Lin Fang’s laughter died abruptly, replaced by Lin Cuie’s gleeful chuckles at her sister’s predicament.
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