The father-in-law smiled kindly, the thick green liquid in the bowl on the tray in his hands shimmered beautifully. The son-in-law’s mood was melancholy, his round, plump face scrunching up his otherwise well-proportioned features.
His fists clenched and unclenched repeatedly as he took deep breaths. Suddenly, a pair of large, meaty hands swiftly picked up the bowl from the tray, only to bring it to his lips slowly. Another deep breath, and with the determination of a warrior marching to his death, he tilted his head back, closed his eyes, opened his mouth, held his breath, and poured the green liquid down his throat like water. His Adam’s apple bobbed rapidly until the bowl was empty. His breathing hitched briefly before he exhaled heavily. Before he could finish exhaling, he covered his mouth with both hands, bent over as if about to vomit, but managed to hold it in, his body nearly curling into a ball.
“Good, now the candy!” A witness called out, and a fair, delicate hand extended toward Lin Wu, palm open with a few candies resting on it.
“Bitter first, sweet after—misfortune turns to fortune, great luck and prosperity, all wishes fulfilled—eat the candy!” The witness chanted the eighteen-character blessing, but to Lin Wu, time seemed to drag unbearably. Before the word “candy” had even fully left the witness’s lips, the sweets in Sima Rusu’s hand were already in Lin Wu’s mouth, being chewed vigorously, drawing laughter from the onlookers.
Someone teased, “Hey, that’s not how it’s done! The candy is supposed to be savored slowly, melting in your mouth. This doesn’t count—do it again!”
Others immediately chimed in, “Exactly! The ritual must be repeated.”
Hearing this, Lin Wu’s brows, which had just relaxed, furrowed again. But he didn’t dare argue—what if his future father-in-law or fiancée agreed? If he protested, he might upset them, and if his future father-in-law took offense, he might refuse to let his daughter marry him. That would be even worse.
“Pfft, you look so silly.” Seeing Lin Wu’s expression of helpless despair, Sima Rusu, who had been somewhat shy earlier, couldn’t help but laugh, playfully scolding him.
“Hahaha, so silly!” The bystanders echoed, laughing along.
“Hehehe,” Lin Wu, usually so quick-witted, could only manage an awkward chuckle, his heart as sweet as the candy still melting in his mouth.
“The ceremony is complete—please, everyone, take your seats.”
As Sima Xin finished speaking, the gathered relatives and friends burst into laughter. A man around Sima Xin’s age joked, “Master Sima, you really dote on your son-in-law! We witnesses haven’t even had our say, and you’re already rushing to declare the ceremony over. Afraid we’ll bully him?”
“Hahaha, you got that right! A son-in-law is half a son. If I don’t dote on him, who will?”
“Hah, I wouldn’t mind doting on him myself, but alas, my house is full of sons—nothing but envy for me!”
The small betrothal ceremony was held at the bride’s family home, with only the groom-to-be in attendance. Drinking the bitter “flesh juice” required witnesses, but the exchange of tokens was a private matter. The witnesses were simply there to eat and drink well. Lin Fang had once asked Lin Wu what token he would give Sima Rusu, but he had only grinned without answering. And since Sima Rusu left yesterday, Lin Fang hadn’t seen her, so she had no idea what token she would give her fifth brother.
Given the relationship between the Lin and Sima families, the Lins weren’t worried that Sima would make things difficult for Lin Wu. Even if someone else tried to stir up trouble, Sima Rusu’s fiery temperament would ensure Lin Wu didn’t suffer. The family carried on as usual, unaffected. Tomorrow was Guo Mianniang’s birthday, and Li Cuimei reviewed the gift list to ensure everything was appropriate before personally selecting Lin Fang’s outfit for the banquet. Only then did she prepare to attend to her own affairs.
Lin Fang clung to her mother. “Mother, I’m not a child anymore. Why won’t you let me share the household duties? Look at Sima Rusu—she’s a year younger than me, yet she manages her family’s affairs at home and oversees the entire ear field outside. I’m not stupid—I could handle some responsibilities too.”
Her mother was already fifty. Though she had followed her grandmother-in-law’s advice in recent years, maintaining her health with various regimens, age was still catching up. Meanwhile, Lin Fang felt like a useless parasite, eating without contributing. Her family refused to let her take on any responsibilities, and she couldn’t understand why.
Patting her daughter’s back, Li Cuimei coaxed, “Fang’er, don’t rush. Once you’re fully recovered, I’ll definitely assign you tasks. But not now. If you’re bored, go visit the school. You’re the headmistress, after all—hiding at home all day doesn’t suit your title.”
Lin Fang protested, “Mother, look at me—I’m lively and energetic every day. How am I not well?”
“Fang’er, be good. Once Physician Shen returns and confirms you’re fully recovered, I’ll arrange for you to help.”
Qi Biao’s poisoned blood had counteracted Lin Fang’s own poison, curing her. But Physician Shen remained deeply concerned. Though the poison was gone, her organs had suffered damage. Full recovery would require long-term medicinal care, and overexertion could undo all progress. He hadn’t told Lin Fang this, fearing she’d push herself and relapse. Instead, he instructed the rest of the Lin family not to let her strain herself.
Thinking of Physician Shen’s warning, Li Cuimei was reminded of Lin Fang’s marriage prospects. Other girls her age were already preoccupied with their engagements by thirteen or fourteen, but Lin Fang, now fifteen, seemed indifferent—even avoidant—despite the flood of suitors. This both pleased and worried Li Cuimei.
She was glad because delaying marriage meant less stress for Lin Fang, aiding her recovery. But she also feared her daughter would become an old maid, like Lin Cuiping in her youth, missing her prime and struggling to find a good match later.
Truthfully, Li Cuimei and her husband were conflicted. If Lin Fang married into a kind family, all would be well. But if her in-laws mistreated her, her fragile health might not endure it. And once married, she’d be like “water spilled on the ground”—beyond their protection. In that case, perhaps it was better she didn’t marry at all.
After Lin Fang’s pleading, Li Cuimei began to waver. Was forcing her to attend the banquet a mistake? With so many people and potential conflicts, any mishap could harm her daughter. The risk might outweigh the benefits.
But Lin Fang was still a child. Having already decided to let her go, backing out now might hinder her growth. Fine—as long as she brought extra attendants and ensured Liu Ma and the maids never left her side, it should be safe. Lin Fang was clever, and with a bit more coaching on social graces, she’d manage. With that settled, Li Cuimei set aside her hesitation and began instructing Lin Fang in detail.
That afternoon, Lin Wu returned from the Sima household and handed Lin Fang a small object. “Little sister, what is this? When Rusu gave it to me, I asked, but she wouldn’t say—just called it her treasure. You spend so much time with her—have you seen it before?”
Taking the tiny object—no larger than half the tip of her pinky finger—Lin Fang examined it closely. It looked familiar yet different from what she’d seen before. Had Sima Rusu made it herself? When had she become so skilled? Then again, Sima Rusu had moved out to live with Sima Xin and was busy managing the ear field. She rarely had time to visit, let alone craft things in front of Lin Fang. Perhaps she’d made this to ease her loneliness.
Watching her sister study the object thoughtfully, Lin Wu asked cautiously, “Little sister, is there something special about this?”
Lin Fang grinned. “Congratulations, Fifth Brother. You’ve won yourself a wife as clever-handed as you. Once you’re married, you’ll make a perfect pair—heaven’s match, earth’s design. Others will envy you to death!”
“Hehe,” Lin Wu scratched his head, grinning foolishly.
“Haha, so silly!” Ever since learning he could marry Sima Rusu two days ago, Lin Wu had been grinning like an idiot. Now, he looked especially adorable, making it impossible not to laugh.
At eighteen, Lin Wu stood 1.8 meters tall. Though plump, his proportions were even, making him far from unattractive. Still, compared to Sima Rusu’s petite frame, the contrast was striking. Poking his round belly, Lin Fang teased, “Fifth Brother, you should lose weight. If you stay like this, Sima Rusu might change her mind and refuse to marry you.”
His large hand rubbed the back of his head. “Hehe, Mother and Second Grandmother said the same—that if I don’t slim down, Rusu won’t be able to handle me on our wedding night. For my future wife’s sake, I’ll give up sweets. By the wedding, I’ll be as dashing as Second Brother.”
“Hahaha! You always said giving up sweets would kill you. What, for Fifth Sister-in-Law, you’d sacrifice your life?” Lin Wen was exceptionally handsome, and on his wedding day, he’d dazzled everyone. “Dashing” was the word Lin Fang had used to boast about him—she hadn’t expected Lin Wu to remember.
“Hehe, of course I’ll live—I still have to marry your sister-in-law!”
As Lin Fang teased him, she fiddled with the object, making Lin Wu nervous. Snatching it back, he changed the subject. “Little imp, don’t distract me. You still haven’t told me what this is.”
Dropping the playful act, Lin Fang answered seriously, “This is a tongue whistle, a musical instrument held in the mouth. Sima Rusu plays it when she’s sad. It’s her most private possession—she’s never shown it to anyone. By giving it to you, she’s entrusted you with her heart. Don’t let her down.”
In their past life, Sima Rusu had never hidden her tongue whistle from Lin Fang—she was the only one who’d heard her play. That she’d give such a treasure to Lin Wu as a token moved Lin Fang deeply. It seemed Sima Rusu truly loved him.
Tucking the whistle close to his heart, Lin Wu bowed to Lin Fang. “Thank you for telling me, little sister. I know what to do.”
As he bent over, Lin Fang patted his shoulder and ruined the moment with a dramatic sigh. “Ah, so it’s true—a wife steals a brother’s heart. Soon, there’ll be no trace of me left in yours.” Her exaggerated tone made Lin Wu burst into laughter before he could straighten up.
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage